bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RACK1 mediates the advanced glycation end product‐induced degradation of HIF‐1α in nucleus pulposus cells via competing with HSP90 for HIF‐1α binding
Authors: Xu Yi‐Chang , Gu Yong , Yang Jia‐Ying , Xi Kun , Tang Jin‐Cheng , Bian Jiang , Cai Feng , Chen Liang
Published: February 2021

Hyperglycemia can drive advanced glycation end product (AGE) accumulation and associated nucleus pulposus cell (NPC) dysfunction, but the basis for this activity has not been elucidated. Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) is subject to cell‐type‐specific AGE‐mediated regulation. In the current study, we assessed the mechanistic relationship between AGE accumulation and HIF‐1α degradation in NPCs. Immunohistochemical staining of degenerated nucleus pulposus (NP) samples was used to assess AGE levels. AGE impact on NPC survival and glycolysis‐related gene expression was assessed via 3‐(4,5)‐dimethylthiazol(‐z‐y1)‐3,5‐di‐phenyltetrazolium bromide assay and quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), while HIF‐1α expression in NPCs following AGE treatment was monitored via Western blot analysis and qRT‐PCR. Additionally, a luciferase reporter assay was used to monitor HIF‐1α transcriptional activity. The importance of the receptor for activated C‐kinase 1 (RACK1) as a mediator of HIF‐1α degradation was evaluated through gain‐ and loss‐of‐function experiments. Competitive binding of RACK1 and HSP90 to HIF‐1α was evaluated via immunoprecipitation. Increased AGE accumulation was evident in NP samples from diabetic patients, and AGE treatment resulted in reduced HIF‐1α protein levels in NPCs that coincided with reduced HIF‐1α transcriptional activity. AGE treatment impaired the stability of HIF‐1α, leading to its RACK1‐mediated proteasomal degradation in a manner independent of the canonical PHD‐mediated degradation pathway. Additionally, RACK1 competed with HSP90 for HIF‐1α binding following AGE treatment. AGE treatment of NPCs leads to HIF‐1α protein degradation. RACK1 competes with HSP90 for HIF‐1α binding following AGE treatment, resulting in posttranslational HIF‐1α degradation. These results suggest that AGE is an intervertebral disc degeneration risk factor, and highlight potential avenues for the treatment or prevention of this disease.
Tumor suppressive microRNA‐485‐5p targets PRRX1 in human skin melanoma cells, regulating epithelial–mesenchymal transition and apoptosis
Authors: Wu Xiaolin , Bao Haiying
Published: February 2021

Melanoma is one of the most aggressive skin cancers. Existing evidence has reported the aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) in melanoma, but their putative targets and underlying downstream effects remain to be further understood. Herein, we explored the suppressive role of miR‐485‐5p in melanoma progression. Initial bioinformatics analyses showed that the PRRX1 gene was differentially expressed in melanoma, while miR‐485‐5p was predicted to be a potential regulatory miRNA binding to PRRX1 mRNA. We confirmed that PRRX1 was upregulated, while miR‐485‐5p was downregulated in human melanoma samples compared with adjacent normal skin tissues. We then showed that PRRX1 was a target gene of miR‐485‐5p by dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay. Moreover, a reduction in the expression of PRRX1 and downregulation of important proteins of the transforming growth factor‐beta (TGFβ) signaling pathway was observed after miR‐485‐5p overexpression. Furthermore, miR‐485‐5p overexpression or PRRX1 knockdown suppressed epithelial–mesenchymal transition, cell viability, migration, and invasion, and promoted cell apoptosis in melanoma cells. Our study demonstrates the tumor‐suppressive functions of miR‐485‐5p in the development of human melanoma, providing a potential target for therapy.
Recurrent coronavirus diseases 19 (COVID‐19): A different presentation from the first episode
Authors: Shoar Saeed , Khavandi Siamak , Tabibzadeh Elsa , Khavandi Soheila , Naderan Mohammad , Shoar Nasrin
Published: February 2021

A 31‐year‐old Caucasian male developed reinfection with

SARS‐CoV‐2, 2 ½ months after an initial episode of ICU admission for

respiratory support due to COVID‐19. The second episode was in the form of malaise,

aphthous gingival ulcer, and desquamating palmar lesion.
Direct Amination of Biomass‐based Furfuryl Alcohol and 5‐(Aminomethyl)‐2‐furanmethanol with NH3 over Hydrotalcite‐derived Nickel Catalysts via the Hydrogen‐borrowing Strategy
Authors: Zhou Kuo , Xie Ruihong , Xiao Meiting , Guo Darun , Cai Zhuodi , Kang Shimin , Xu Yongjun , Wei Jinjia
Published: February 2021

A series of hydrotalcite‐derived nickel catalysts were synthesized and employed for the direct amination of biomass‐based furfuryl alcohol with NH3 via the hydrogen borrowing strategy. The effects of the Ni/Al molar ratio and calcination temperature of the NiAl hydrotalcite‐like precursors on the performance of the NixAl‐CT catalyst were investigated. The systematic characterization showed that the synergistic catalysis of the metal and acid‐base sites was of vital importance for the amination of alcohols. In particular, the Ni2Al‐600 catalyst with high amount of Ni0 sites (1.26 mmol g−1) and suitable density of acid‐base sites (0.71 mmol g−1 and 1.10 mmol g−1, respectively) exhibited the best dehydrogenation capability and therefore excellent catalytic activity. An 84.1 % yield of furfurylamine with complete conversion of furfuryl alcohol was obtained under the reaction conditions of 180 °C and 0.4 MPa NH3 in 36 h. The presence of Ni3N in the spent catalyst, confirmed by XRD, TEM and XPS characterizations, was demonstrated to be responsible for the deactivation of the NixAl‐CT catalyst. In addition, the Ni2Al‐600 catalyst exhibited satisfactory performance toward another important biomass‐related transformation of 5‐(aminomethyl)‐2‐furanmethanol to 2,5‐bis(aminomethyl)furan, with a yield of 70.5 %.
Pore Formation Mechanism and Sorption Studies Using Activated Carbon from Gleditsia triacanthos
Authors: Mathangi J. B. , Kalavathy M. Helen , Miranda Lima Rose
Published: February 2021

Lignocellulosic biomass (LB) is a good choice to be utilized as a substitute for activated carbon (AC) production. The main objective is to increase pore volume, porosity, and specific surface area (SSA) of activated Gleditsia triacanthos (AGT) and determine the relevant mechanism behind pore formation. Morphological, physical, and chemical characteristics were studied to evaluate the potential of AGT for Ni2+ removal. Ni2+ removal was carried out for different operating conditions such as contact time, pH, and initial Ni2+ concentration. Kinetics and equilibrium studies demonstrated that the mechanism for Ni2+ removal is chemical sorption.
Spatially Resolved Electron Transport through Anode‐Respiring Geobacter sulfurreducens Biofilms: Controls and Constraints
Authors: He Xiaojia , Chadwick Grayson , Jiménez Otero Fernanda , Orphan Victoria , Meile Christof
Published: February 2021

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) with Geobacter sulfurreducens have been shown to produce high current densities; however, electron transport in G. sulfurreducens biofilms is not fully understood. Here, we utilize a spatially resolved numerical model describing this electron transfer to constrain mechanisms and controls on metabolic activity. Our model reproduces the metabolic activity profile obtained using nanoSIMS under positive (+0.24 V SHE) and negative (−0.1 V SHE) anode potentials. The simulations indicate that the distribution of the electric potential and pH both control cellular metabolism. Model simulations reproducing the experimentally determined activity patterns also support the presence of two activity modes in G. sulfurreducens biofilms, with a shift from a redox mid‐potential of −0.07 V SHE to −0.15 V SHE. Our model provides valuable insights into the fundamental mechanisms of electron transfer at Micron‐scale in conductive biofilms which can inform MFCs designs that maximize current production by minimizing the impact of inhibitory factors.
Generation of circular dichroism from superposed porphyrin films
Authors: Takechi Hideaki , Watarai Hitoshi
Published: February 2021

Circular dichroism (CD) was observed from the superposed porphyrin deposited glass plates, which were prepared by the vapor deposition of achiral porphyrin molecules and oriented to one direction by rubbing parallel to the surface of plate. The CD spectra depended on the twisted angle between the plates and the number of plates superposed. The observed CD spectra agreed with the simulated ones by the Mueller matrices superposition calculation using the observed linear dichroism spectra and linear birefringence spectra of each plate.
Joint direct and transposed sparse matrix‐vector multiplication for multithreaded CPUs
Authors: Kozický Claudio , Šimeček Ivan
Published: February 2021

Repeatedly performing sparse matrix‐vector multiplication (SpMV) followed by transposed sparse matrix‐vector multiplication (SpMTV) with the same matrix is a part of several algorithms, for example, the Lanczos biorthogonalization algorithm and the biconjugate gradient method. Such algorithms can benefit from combining parallel SpMV and SpMTV into a single operation we call joint direct and transposed sparse matrix‐vector multiplication (SpMMTV). In this article, we present a parallel SpMMTV algorithm for shared‐memory CPUs. The algorithm uses a sparse matrix format that divides the stored matrix into sparse matrix blocks and compresses the row and column indices of the matrix. This sparse matrix format can be also used for SpMV, SpMTV, and similar sparse matrix‐vector operations. We expand upon existing research by suggesting new variants of the parallel SpMMTV algorithm and by extending the algorithm to efficiently support symmetric matrices. We compare the performance of the presented parallel SpMMTV algorithm with alternative approaches, which use state‐of‐the‐art sparse matrix formats and libraries, using sparse matrices from real‐world applications. The performance results indicate that the median performance of our proposed parallel SpMMTV algorithm is up to 45% higher than of the alternative approaches.
General practitioners’ attitude toward early and pre‐dementia diagnosis of AD in five European countries—A MOPEAD project survey
Authors: Sannemann Lena , Müller Theresa , Waterink Lisa , Zwan Marissa , Wimo Anders , Stomrud Erik , Pinó Susana , Arrufat Jordi , Rodríguez‐Gomez Octavio , Benaque Alba , Bon Jaka , Ferreira Daniel , Johansson Gunilla , Dron Amanda , Dumas Annette , Georges Jean , Kramberger Milica G , Visser Pieter Jelle , Winblad Bengt , Campo Laura , Boada Mercè , Jessen Frank ,   MOPEAD consortium
Published: February 2021

Introduction

General practitioners (GPs) play a key role in early identification of dementia, yet diagnosis is often missed or delayed in primary care. As part of the multinational Models of Patient Engagement for Alzheimer's Disease project, we assess GPs’ attitude toward early and pre‐dementia diagnosis of AD and explore barriers to early diagnosis.

Methods

Our survey covered general attitude toward early diagnosis, diagnostic procedures, resources, and opinion on present and future treatment options across five European countries.

Results

In total 343 GPs completed the survey; 74% of GPs indicated that an early diagnosis is valuable. There were country‐specific differences in GPs’ perceptions of reimbursement and time available for the patient. If a drug were available to slow down the progression of AD, 59% of the GPs would change their implementation of early diagnosis.

Discussion

Our findings provide insight into GPs’ attitudes by exploring differences in perception and management of early diagnosis.
Reconciling the ecological and engineering definitions of resilience
Authors: Zampieri Matteo
Published: February 2021

Assessing and managing the human influence on the natural and anthropic ecosystems strongly demands for robust measures of their resilience, especially in a world facing global changes as it is the Earth now. Many definitions of resilience have been proposed in order to cover different contexts. However, they are mostly derived either from the ecological or the engineering definitions of resilience, which substantially differ between each other. Here, following the strategy for measuring the system perturbations by the return period of their impacts on production (or equivalently by the inverse frequency), I demonstrate the mathematical equivalence of the ecological and engineering definitions of resilience for a special class of production systems. These finding provides additional robustness to resilience assessments based on the recently proposed annual production resilience indicator.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Iron Deficiency in Heart Failure: OFICSel study by the French Heart Failure Working Group
Authors: Pezel Theo , Audureau Etienne , Mansourati Jacques , Baudry Guillaume , Ben Driss Ahmed , Durup Florence , Fertin Marie , Godreuil Christian , Jeanneteau Julien , Kloeckner Martin , Koukoui François , Kesri‐Tartière Lamia , Laperche Thierry , Roubille François , Cohen‐Solal Alain , Damy Thibaud
Published: February 2021

Aims

Iron deficiency (ID) occurs in about 50% of patients with heart failure (HF). The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) recommends ID diagnostic testing in newly diagnosed patients with HF and during follow‐up, with intravenous iron supplementation (IS) only recommended in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). This study aimed to assess prevalence, clinical characteristics, and application of ESC guidelines for ID and IS in patients with HF in the real‐life clinical setting.

Methods and results

The French transversal multicentre OFICSel registry (300 cardiologists) conducted in 2017 included patients hospitalized for HF at least once in the previous 5 years. Diverse adult patients were eligible including inpatients and outpatients and those with acute and chronic HF. Data were collected from cardiologists and patients using study‐specific surveys. Data included demographic and clinical data, as well as HF and ID management data. Overall, 2822 patients, mainly male (69.3%) with a median age of 69 years (interquartile range 58–78), were included. A total of 1075 patients (38.1%) were tested for ID, with 364 (33.9%) diagnosed. Of these, 168 (46.2%) received IS: 128 (76.2%) intravenous IS and 40 (23.8%) oral. Among the 201 patients with HFrEF diagnosed with ID, 99 (49.3%) received IS: 79 (79.8%) intravenous IS and 20 (20.2%) oral.

Conclusions

In clinical practice, only one‐third of patients with HF had a diagnostic test for ID. In patients with ID with HFrEF, only 39.3% received intravenous IS as recommended. Thus, in general, cardiologists should be encouraged to follow the ESC guidelines to ensure optimal treatment for patients with HF.
Multiparameter diagnostic sensor measurements during clinically stable periods and worsening heart failure in ambulatory patients
Authors: Gardner Roy S. , Thakur Pramodsingh , Hammill Eric F. , Nair Devi G. , Eldadah Zayd , Stančák Branislav , Ferrick Kevin , Sriratanasathavorn Charn , Duray Gábor Zoltán , Wariar Ramesh , Zhang Yi , An Qi , Averina Viktoria , Boehmer John P.
Published: February 2021

Aims

This study aims to characterize the range of implantable device‐based sensor values including heart sounds, markers of ventilation, thoracic impedance, activity, and heart rate for patients with heart failure (HF) when patients were deemed to be in clinically stable periods against the time course of acute decompensation and recovery from HF events.

Methods and results

The MultiSENSE trial followed 900 patients implanted with a COGNIS CRT‐D for up to 1 year. Chronic, ambulatory diagnostic sensor data were collected and evaluated during clinically stable periods (CSP: unchanged NYHA classification, no adverse events, and weight change ≤2.27 kg), and in the timeframe leading up to and following HF events (HF admissions or unscheduled visits with intravenous HF treatment). Physiologic sensor data from 1667 CSPs occurring in 676 patients were compared with those data leading up to and following 192 HF events in 106 patients. Overall, the mean age was 66.6 years, and the population were predominantly male (73%). Patients were primarily in NYHA II (67%), with a mean LVEF of 29.6% and median NT‐proBNP of 754.5 pg/mL. Sensor values during CSP were poorer in patients who had HF events during the study period than those without HF events, including first heart sound (S1: 2.18 ± 0.84 mG vs. 2.62 ± 0.95 mG, P = 0.002), third heart sound (S3: 1.13 ± 0.36 mG vs. 0.91 ± 0.30 mG, P < 0.001), thoracic impedance (45.66 ± 8.78 Ohm vs. 50.33 ± 8.43 Ohm, P < 0.001), respiratory rate (19.09 ± 3.10 br/min vs. 17.66 ± 2.39 br/min, P = 0.002), night time heart rate (73.39 ± 8.36 b.p.m. vs. 69.56 ± 8.09 b.p.m., P = 0.001), patient activity (1.69 ± 1.84 h vs. 2.56 ± 2.20 h, P = 0.006), and HeartLogic index (11.07 ± 12.14 vs. 5.31 ± 5.13, P = 0.001). Sensor parameters measured worsening status leading up to HF events with recovery of values following treatment.

Conclusions

Device‐based physiologic sensors not only revealed progressive worsening leading up to HF events but also differentiated patients at increased risk of HF events when presumed to be clinically stable.
Phase‐Controlled Synthesis of Zeolites from Sodium Aluminosilicate under OSDA/Solvent‐Free Conditions
Authors: Mizuno Yoshitaka , Miyake Koji , Tanaka Shunsuke , Nishiyama Norikazu , Fukuhara Choji , Kong Chang Yi
Published: February 2021

OSDA/solvent‐free synthesis of zeolites is suitable for practical commercialization due to low environmental damage and low cost. However, only a few types of zeolites have been successfully synthesized by this method. In this study, ANA, CAN, GIS, SOD, FAU and LTA type zeolites were synthesized by the OSDA/solvent‐free synthesis method by changing the Si/Al ratio and crystallization temperature in detail. At higher Si/Al ratios, FAU, GIS and ANA type zeolites were obtained with an increase of crystallization temperature. Meanwhile, at lower Si/Al ratios, LTA, SOD and CAN type zeolites were obtained with an increase of crystallization temperature. It was found that zeolites with high T atom density were synthesized with an increase of the crystallization temperature; zeolite with a high T atomic density is more stable. This work reveals the correlation between the Si / Al ratio and the crystallization temperature in OSDA/solvent‐free synthesis of zeolites, which provides a clear guideline for the OSDA/solvent‐free synthesis of zeolites.
Spiro‐2‐oxindoles via 1,3‐dipolar cycloadditions. A decade update
Authors: Molteni Giorgio , Silvani Alessandra
Published: February 2021

The great variety of spirooxindole three‐dimensional scaffolds encompasses relevant bioactive natural alkaloids as well as useful therapeutic agents. In view of the challenging features of the spirooxindole skeletons and their desirable properties, several synthetic routes have been devoted to their preparation. Because of the variety of both 1,3‐dipolar species and 2‐oxindoles bearing a C=X double bond (X=C<, N−, O) in the 3‐position, a prominent role relies upon a 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition as the key step of the whole synthetic sequence. The present paper aims to discuss the developments in the field of spirooxindole synthesis via a 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition occurred in the 2011–2020 decade. The literature data on this subject are reviewed in a systematic way according to the type of the 1,3‐dipole and the oxindole dipolarophile.
4‐Aryl‐2‐Imino‐1,3‐Dithiolanes from the Room Temperature Coupling of Sodium Dithiocarbamates with Sulfonium Salts
Authors: Bresciani Giulio , Marchetti Fabio , Ciancaleoni Gianluca , Pampaloni Guido
Published: February 2021

A series of 4‐aryl‐2‐imino‐1,3‐dithiolanes was synthesized by means of a straightforward strategy starting from readily available precursors: reactions of dithiocarbamates and arylsulfonium salts, at room temperature in water/CH2Cl2 as biphasic medium, afforded the five‐membered cyclic products in good yields. The reaction mechanism was investigated by DFT calculations.
Role of the endocannabinoid system in a mouse model of Fragile X undergoing neuropathic pain
Authors: Ramírez‐López Angela , Pastor Antoni , de la Torre Rafael , La Porta Carmen , Ozaita Andrés , Cabañero David , Maldonado Rafael
Published: February 2021

Background

Neuropathic pain is a complex condition characterized by sensory, cognitive and affective symptoms that magnify the perception of pain. The underlying pathogenic mechanisms are largely unknown and there is an urgent need for the development of novel medications. The endocannabinoid system modulates pain perception and drugs targeting the cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) devoid of psychoactive side effects could emerge as novel analgesics. An interesting model to evaluate the mechanisms underlying resistance to pain is the fragile X mental retardation protein knockout mouse (Fmr1KO), a model of fragile X syndrome that exhibits nociceptive deficits and fails to develop neuropathic pain.

Methods

A partial sciatic nerve ligation was performed to wild‐type (WT) and Fmr1KO mice having (HzCB2 and Fmr1KO‐HzCB2, respectively) or not (WT and Fmr1KO mice) a partial deletion of CB2 to investigate the participation of the endocannabinoid system on the pain‐resistant phenotype of Fmr1KO mice.

Results

Nerve injury induced canonical hypersensitivity in WT and HzCB2 mice, whereas this increased pain sensitivity was absent in Fmr1KO mice. Interestingly, Fmr1KO mice partially lacking CB2 lost this protection against neuropathic pain. Similarly, pain‐induced depressive‐like behaviour was observed in WT, HzCB2 and Fmr1KO‐HzCB2 mice, but not in Fmr1KO littermates. Nerve injury evoked different alterations in WT and Fmr1KO mice at spinal and supra‐spinal levels that correlated with these nociceptive and emotional alterations.

Conclusions

This work shows that CB2 is necessary for the protection against neuropathic pain observed in Fmr1KO mice, raising the interest in targeting this receptor for the treatment of neuropathic pain.

Significance

Neuropathic pain is a complex chronic pain condition and current treatments are limited by the lack of efficacy and the incidence of important side effects. Our findings show that the pain‐resistant phenotype of Fmr1KO mice against nociceptive and emotional manifestations triggered by persistent nerve damage requires the participation of the cannabinoid receptor CB2, raising the interest in targeting this receptor for neuropathic pain treatment. Additional multidisciplinary studies more closely related to human pain experience should be conducted to explore the potential use of cannabinoids as adequate analgesic tools.
Prevalence and characteristics of new‐onset pain in COVID‐19 survivours, a controlled study
Authors: Soares Felipe Henriques Carvalho , Kubota Gabriel Taricani , Fernandes Ana Mércia , Hojo Bruno , Couras Catarina , Costa Bárbara Venturoti , Lapa Jorge Dornellys da Silva , Braga Luíza Mansur , Almeida Matheus Merula de , Cunha Pedro Henrique Martins da , Pereira Vítor Hugo Honorato , Morais Adriano Donizeth Silva de , Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen , Ciampi de Andrade Daniel ,   “Pain in the Pandemic Initiative Collaborators”
Published: February 2021

Background

We assessed whether COVID‐19 is associated with de novo pain and de novo chronic pain (CP).

Methods

This controlled cross‐sectional study was based on phone interviews of patients discharged from hospital after COVID‐19 compared to the control group composed of individuals hospitalized during the same period due to non‐COVID‐19 causes. Patients were classified as having previous CP based on the ICD‐11/IASP criteria, de novo pain (i.e. any new type of pain, irrespective of the pain status before hospital stay), and de novo CP (i.e. persistent or recurring de novo pain, lasting more than 3 months) after COVID‐19. We assessed pain prevalence and its characteristics, including headache profile, pain location, intensity, interference, and its relationship with fatigue, and persistent anosmia. Forty‐six COVID‐19 and 73 control patients were included. Both groups had similar sociodemographic characteristics and past medical history.

Results

Length of in‐hospital‐stay and ICU admission rates were significantly higher amongst COVID‐19 survivours, while mechanical ventilation requirement was similar between groups. Pre‐hospitalisation pain was lower in COVID‐19 compared to control group (10.9% vs. 42.5%; p = 0.001). However, the COVID‐19 group had a significantly higher prevalence of de novo pain (65.2% vs. 11.0%, p = 0.001), as well as more de novo headache (39.1%) compared to controls (2.7%, p = 0.001). New‐onset CP was 19.6% in COVID‐19 patients and 1.4% (p = 0.002) in controls. These differences remained significant (p = 0.001) even after analysing exclusively (COVID: n = 40; controls: n = 34) patients who did not report previous pain before the hospital stay. No statistically significant differences were found for mean new‐onset pain intensity and interference with daily activities between both groups. COVID‐19 pain was more frequently located in the head/neck and lower limbs (p < 0.05). New‐onset fatigue was more common in COVID‐19 survivours necessitating inpatient hospital care (66.8%) compared to controls (2.5%, p = 0.001). COVID‐19 patients who reported anosmia had more new‐onset pain (83.3%) compared to those who did not (48.0%, p = 0.024).

Conclusion

COVID‐19 was associated with a significantly higher prevalence of de novo CP, chronic daily headache, and new‐onset pain in general, which was associated with persistent anosmia.

Significance

There exists de novo pain in a substantial number of COVID‐19 survivours, and some develop chronic pain. New‐onset pain after the infection was more common in patients who reported anosmia after hospital discharge.
N,S‐Codoped hollow carbon dodecahedron/sulfides composites enabling high‐performance lithium‐ion intercalation
Authors: Chen Lu , Chen Zhi , Liu Xudong , Ye Zhibin , Wang Xiaolei
Published: February 2021

Lithium‐ion batteries are the predominant energy storage devices for portable electronic devices and hold great promise for renewable energies and sustainability. High capacity and long‐life anode materials are highly desired for the next‐generation Li‐ion battery with high energy density. Herein, a high‐performance anode electrode constructed with cobalt and zinc sulfides nanocrystals embedded within a nitrogen and sulfur co‐doped porous carbon is successfully designed bimetal‐organic frameworks as the precursor. Benefiting from synergistic effects of bimetal sulfides, the unique rhombohedral dodecahedral nanostructure with rough surface area and N,S‐codoped carbon matrix, such an anode material presents superior initial reversible capacity of 938.2 mA h g−1 with a high‐capacity retention of 65.6% after 100 cycles at 150 mA/g. The effective nanostructure design is expected to open a venue to construct high‐performance materials for energy and environment applications.
A Brief Review of Solar Indoor Lighting System Integrated with Optofluidic Technologies
Authors: Chen Qian , Burhan Muhammad , Oh Seung Jin
Published: February 2021

Indoor lighting system incorporating daylighting effectively provides potential energy savings as well as meaningful spatial and temporal variation in illuminance beneficial to human well‐being and performance. Integration of the tunable liquid prisms driven by optofluidic technologies further improves the solar indoor lighting systems to achieve better illumination performance and higher solar energy utilization efficiency. Herein, an overview of the state‐of‐the‐art investigations over different aspects of the solar indoor lighting system enhanced by optofluidic liquid prisms, including 1) theoretical background, design, fabrication, and operation of liquid prisms; 2) advances in solar collectors and solar trackers; and 3) major tools for indoor lighting simulation and ray‐tracing simulation, is provided. These studies form a solid foundation for the future solar indoor lighting systems integrated with optofluidic technologies. The prospective study focuses on laboratory and on‐site testing of the integrated system.
Prediction of methane emission from landfills using machine learning models
Authors: Mehrdad Seyed Mostafa , Abbasi Maryam , Yeganeh Bijan , Kamalan Hamidreza
Published: February 2021

Modeling the methane emission is challenging due to the heterogeneity of solid waste characteristics and different chemical and physical reactions leading to methane generation. This study focused on monitoring the methane generation from landfills and modeling methane emission using machine learning techniques. Hence, two pilot landfills were constructed with a total capacity of 9327 tons of municipal solid waste. The temperature, methane, and leachate generation from the pilot landfills were measured for 3 years. The effect of leachate recirculation system on methane emission from landfill was evaluated, and the results showed that the methane emission was 35% lower when leachate recirculation system was not utilized in the landfilling process. Three machine learning models, including artificial neural networks, adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system, and support vector machine, were used for the first time to predict methane generation. Results demonstrated that the support vector machine model was superior to both the adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system and artificial neural network models for predicting methane generation. The support vector machine model was able to capture 90% and 82% of the variation in methane emission from landfills with and without leachate recirculation, respectively. In general, machine learning models showed considerable potential for forecasting methane generation.
Relation between palm and finger cortical representations in primary somatosensory cortex: A 7T fMRI study
Authors: Akselrod Michel , Martuzzi Roberto , van der Zwaag Wietske , Blanke Olaf , Serino Andrea
Published: February 2021

Many studies focused on the cortical representations of fingers, while the palm is relatively neglected despite its importance for hand function. Here, we investigated palm representation (PR) and its relationship with finger representations (FRs) in primary somatosensory cortex (S1). Few studies in humans suggested that PR is located medially with respect to FRs in S1, yet to date, no study directly quantified the somatotopic organization of PR and the five FRs. Importantly, the link between the somatotopic organization of PR and FRs and their activation properties remains largely unexplored. Using 7T fMRI, we mapped PR and the five FRs at the single subject level. First, we analyzed the cortical distance between PR and FRs to determine their somatotopic organization. Results show that PR was located medially with respect to D5. Second, we tested whether the observed cortical distances would predict the relationship between PR and FRs activations. Using three complementary measures (cross‐activations, pattern similarity and resting‐state connectivity), we show that the relationship between PR and FRs activations were not determined by their somatotopic organization, that is, there was no gradient moving from D5 to D1, except for resting‐state connectivity, which was predicted by the somatotopy. Instead, we show that the representational geometry of PR and FRs activations reflected the physical structure of the hand. Collectively, our findings suggest that the spatial proximity between topographically organized neuronal populations do not necessarily predicts their functional properties, rather the structure of the sensory space (e.g., the hand shape) better describes the observed results.
Profile of calories and nutrients intake in a Brazilian multicenter study of nulliparous women
Authors: Miele Maria J. O. , Souza Renato T. , Calderon Iracema M. , Feitosa Francisco E. , Leite Débora F. , Rocha Filho Edilberto A. , Vettorazzi Janete , Mayrink Jussara , Vieira Matias C. , Pacagnella Rodolfo C. , Cecatti José G. ,   for the Preterm SAMBA study group
Published: February 2021

Objective

To assess the calorie intake and nutritional content of the maternal diet in regions with different culinary traditions and typical foods, and to understand the nutritional profile so as to provide information about the consumption of this population and promote maternal and perinatal health.

Methods

From a cohort of 1145 pregnant women with diverse socio‐backgrounds we analyzed the dietary characteristics profile according to three guidelines and compared the differences between regions of Brazil.

Results

Women from the northeast had the lowest level of income, occupation, education, and age (P < 0.001). Intakes of unprocessed/minimally processed foods and processed foods were more prevalent in women from the northeast than in southern/southeastern women (P < 0.001). The consumption of dairy products and vegetables was less than the recommended intake, with lower intake in southern/southeastern women (P < 0.001). This study showed a lower consumption of dairy and vegetables, with a shortfall of vitamins K and D, iron, calcium, folate, magnesium, and chromium from natural and fortified foods. We observed a greater consumption of unprocessed or minimally processed food in women from the northeast of Brazil.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate the importance of differentiating the source of calorie intake between regional nutritional guidance and the diversity of local cuisine.
Effects of telehealth‐mediated behavioral assessments and interventions on client outcomes: A quality review
Authors: Neely Leslie , MacNaul Hannah , Gregori Emily , Cantrell Katherine
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this review was to evaluate the quality of research focused on the effects of telehealth‐mediated behavior‐analytic assessments and interventions on client outcomes. The majority of studies utilized a single‐case methodology (n = 44; 81%), while 10 studies (19%) used a group design. Of the 246 single‐case designs, 99 (40%) met design standards with or without reservation. For the 10 group design studies, 7 (70%) met the design standards. When evaluating the evidence offered according to the prime independent variable (e.g., behavior assessment, intervention designed for behavior reduction, and intervention designed to establish or strengthen behavior), the literature supports the use of telehealth to conduct behavior assessments and provide interventions designed to establish or strengthen behavior. Additional research is necessary to establish the use of telehealth to conduct interventions designed for behavior reduction. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Hexagonal flakes as fused parallelograms: A determinantal formula for Zhang‐Zhang polynomials of the O(2, m, n) benzenoids
Authors: He Bing‐Hau , Langner Johanna , Witek Henryk A.
Published: February 2021

We report a determinantal formula for the Zhang‐Zhang polynomial of the hexagonal flake O(2, m, n) applicable to arbitrary values of the structural parameters m and n. The reported equation has been discovered by extensive numerical experimentation and is given here without a proof. Our combinatorial analysis performed on a large collection of isostructural O(2, m, n) benzenoids yielded a ZZ polynomial formula corresponding to the determinant of a certain 2 × 2 matrix referred to by us as the generalized John–Sachs path matrix, because of the striking structural similarity with the original path matrices introduced by the John–Sachs theory of Kekulé structures. The presented conjecture hints at the existence of a generalization of the John–Sachs theory applicable to characterization and enumeration of Clar covers.
High rates of long‐term progression in HIV‐1‐positive elite controllers
Authors: Borrell Maria , Fernández Irene , Etcheverrry Flor , Ugarte Ainoa , Plana Montserrat , Leal Lorna , García Felipe
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Elite controllers (EC) are a rare group of HIV‐1‐positive individuals who suppress viral loads (VL) to undetectable levels with elevated CD4 T‐cell counts in the absence of ART. While rates of short‐ and mid‐term progression have been described in these patients, few studies have focused on their long‐term outcome This study aims to describe the virological and immunological behaviour in a cohort of elite controllers followed up for a median of 17 years in the University Hospital, and to identify factors that may be related to disease progression.

Methods

We conducted a descriptive, prospective and single‐centre study of all HIV‐positive adults recorded in the University Hospital database who met the definition criteria for EC. EC were defined as patients having two consecutive undetectable VL without ART for at least one year. Patients were followed from baseline up to December 2019, to the development of a progression event (loss of VL control, CD4+ T cell decline, AIDS or death) or to the censoring date (lost to follow‐up or initiation of ART). Predictive models of progression were calculated.

Results

Fifty‐nine EC were identified with a median follow‐up of 17 years contributing 1033 PYFU. The median (95% CI) time duration from HIV‐1 diagnosis to disease progression was four (1.7 to 6.3) years. Forty‐nine (83%) presented progression to the composite end‐point, 44 (74.6%) lost viral control, 39 (66.1%) lost immunological control, two developed AIDS and two died. Only 10 patients (16.9%) did not show progression of any kind. Independent predictors of virological progression were sexual risk of HIV‐1 acquisition and VL blips during the first year of follow‐up (baseline). The only independent predictor detected for progression to a composite end‐point was VL blips during the first year of follow‐up (baseline).

Conclusions

The rate of long‐term progression in EC was very high. Only a minority of patients did not show clinical progression after a median of 17 years of follow‐up. These results should be taken in account when considering EC as a model of HIV‐1 remission.
Impact of improved rice varieties on household food security in Northern Ghana: A doubly robust analysis
Authors: Lu Wencong , Addai Kwabena Nyarko , Ng'ombe John N.
Published: February 2021

This study determines the impact of the adoption of improved rice varieties on household food security using farm‐level data from 900 households in Northern Ghana. We employed the doubly robust inverse probability weighted regression adjustment procedure complementary with a propensity score matching approach on two indicators of food security (household dietary diversity score and subjective food security). Across all the various estimation procedures, we observed consistent positive effects of the adoption of improved rice varieties on household food security. Policies that enhance diffusion and adoption of improved rice varieties should be encouraged to improve food security among farm households.
Reducing Contrast Agent Dose in Cardiovascular MR Angiography with Deep Learning
Authors: Montalt‐Tordera Javier , Quail Michael , Steeden Jennifer A , Muthurangu Vivek
Published: February 2021

Background

Contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is used to assess various cardiovascular conditions. However, gadolinium‐based contrast agents (GBCAs) carry a risk of dose‐related adverse effects.

Purpose

To develop a deep learning method to reduce GBCA dose by 80%.

Study Type

Retrospective and prospective.

Population

A total of 1157 retrospective and 40 prospective congenital heart disease patients for training/validation and testing, respectively.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 1.5 T, T1‐weighted three‐dimensional (3D) gradient echo.

Assessment

A neural network was trained to enhance low‐dose (LD) 3D MRA using retrospective synthetic data and tested with prospective LD data. Image quality for LD (LD‐MRA), enhanced LD (ELD‐MRA), and high‐dose (HD‐MRA) was assessed in terms of signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR), and a quantitative measure of edge sharpness and scored for perceptual sharpness and contrast on a 1–5 scale. Diagnostic confidence was assessed on a 1–3 scale. LD‐ and ELD‐MRA were assessed against HD‐MRA for sensitivity/specificity and agreement of vessel diameter measurements (aorta and pulmonary arteries).

Statistical Tests

SNR, CNR, edge sharpness, and vessel diameters were compared between LD‐, ELD‐, and HD‐MRA using one‐way repeated measures analysis of variance with post‐hoc t‐tests. Perceptual quality and diagnostic confidence were compared using Friedman's test with post‐hoc Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests. Sensitivity/specificity was compared using McNemar's test. Agreement of vessel diameters was assessed using Bland–Altman analysis.

Results

SNR, CNR, edge sharpness, perceptual sharpness, and perceptual contrast were lower (P < 0.05) for LD‐MRA compared to ELD‐MRA and HD‐MRA. SNR, CNR, edge sharpness, and perceptual contrast were comparable between ELD and HD‐MRA, but perceptual sharpness was significantly lower. Sensitivity/specificity was 0.824/0.921 for LD‐MRA and 0.882/0.960 for ELD‐MRA. Diagnostic confidence was 2.72, 2.85, and 2.92 for LD, ELD, and HD‐MRA, respectively (PLD‐ELD, PLD‐HD < 0.05). Vessel diameter measurements were comparable, with biases of 0.238 (LD‐MRA) and 0.278 mm (ELD‐MRA).

Data Conclusion

Deep learning can improve contrast in LD cardiovascular MRA.

Level of Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Estimation of undetected symptomatic and asymptomatic cases of COVID‐19 infection and prediction of its spread in the USA
Authors: Mahajan Ashutosh , Solanki Ravi , Sivadas Namitha
Published: February 2021

The reported COVID‐19 cases in the United States of America have crossed over 10 million and a large number of infected cases are undetected whose estimation can be done if country‐wide antibody testing is performed. In this study, we estimate this undetected fraction of the population by a modeling and simulation approach. We employ an epidemic model SIPHERD in which three categories of infection carriers, symptomatic, purely asymptomatic, and exposed are considered with different transmission rates that are taken dependent on the social distancing conditions, and the detection rate of the infected carriers is taken dependent on the tests done per day. The model is first validated for Germany and South Korea and then applied for prediction of the total number of confirmed, active and dead, and daily new positive cases in the United States. Our study predicts the possible outcomes of the infection if social distancing conditions are relaxed or kept stringent. We estimate that around 30.1 million people are already infected, and in the absence of any vaccine, 66.2 million (range: 64.3–68.0) people, or 20% (range: 19.4–20.5) of the population will be infected by mid‐February 21 if social distancing conditions are not made stringent. We find the infection‐to‐fatality ratio to be 0.65% (range: 0.63–0.67).
Entering a new era of quantifying glutamate clearance in health and disease
Authors: Brymer Kyle J. , Barnes Jocelyn R. , Parsons Matthew P.
Published: February 2021

Glutamate transporter proteins, expressed on both neurons and glia, serve as the main gatekeepers that dictate the spatial and temporal actions of extracellular glutamate. Glutamate is essential to the function of the healthy brain yet paradoxically contributes to the toxicity associated with many neurodegenerative diseases. Rapid transporter‐mediated glutamate uptake, primarily occurring at astrocytic processes, tightens the efficiency of excitatory network activity and prevents toxic glutamate build‐up in the extracellular space. Glutamate transporter dysfunction is thought to underlie myriad central nervous system (CNS) diseases including Alzheimer and Huntington disease. Over the past few decades, techniques such as biochemical uptake assays and electrophysiological recordings of transporter currents from individual astrocytes have revealed the remarkable ability of the CNS to efficiently clear extracellular glutamate. In more recent years, the rapidly evolving glutamate‐sensing “sniffers” now allow researchers to visualize real‐time glutamate transients on a millisecond time scale with single synapse spatial resolution in defined cell populations. As we transition to an increased reliance on optical‐based methods of glutamate visualization and quantification, it is of utmost importance to understand not only the advantages that glutamate biosensors bring to the table but also the associated caveats and their implications for data interpretation. In this review, we summarize the strengths and limitations of the commonly used methods to quantify glutamate uptake. We then discuss what these techniques, when viewed as a complementary whole, have told us about the brain's ability to regulate glutamate levels, in both health and in the context of neurodegenerative disease.
A potential lattice damage scale in swift heavy ion irradiated InP
Authors: Hu Peipei , Zeng Jian , Zhang Shengxia , Zhai Pengfei , Xu Lijun , Ai Wensi , Maaz Khan , Xue Haizhou , Li Zongzhen , Sun Youmei , Liu Jie , He Yuan
Published: February 2021

This article reports a comprehensive study on the damage evolution in InP crystal irradiated by swift heavy ions (SHIs, 129Xe and 209Bi). The damage effects were investigated by means of Raman spectroscopy. An analysis of the TO and LO phonon intensities ratio (ITO/ILO) for a given geometry will yield insights into the lattice quality. A direct comparison of the experimental and theoretical results of ITO/ILO has been discussed in detail. The experimental results show that the intensity ratio ITO/ILO increases with the increased ion fluences and electron energy loss (dE/dx)e. In addition, significant red‐shifts of the LO peak were observed that indicates tensile strain was induced during the energy deposition process. Theoretical analysis suggests that defects and disorders generated in the crystals strongly contribute to the intensity ratio ITO/ILO. By TEM observation, we obtained direct evidence that the proportion of disorders and amorphization is proportional to the (dE/dx)e of incident ions, which further confirms that the ITO/ILO ratio measured by Raman spectroscopy is function of irradiation‐induced damages. Therefore, the variation in the intensity ratio ITO/ILO can be used as a nondestructive tool to evaluate the lattice damages in zincblende‐type crystals.
Predicting post‐discharge cancer surgery complications via telemonitoring of patient‐reported outcomes and patient‐generated health data
Authors: Rossi Lorenzo A. , Melstrom Laleh G. , Fong Yuman , Sun Virginia
Published: February 2021

Background and Objectives

Post‐discharge oncologic surgical complications are costly for patients, families, and healthcare systems. The capacity to predict complications and early intervention can improve postoperative outcomes. In this proof‐of‐concept study, we used a machine learning approach to explore the potential added value of patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) and patient‐generated health data (PGHD) in predicting post‐discharge complications for gastrointestinal (GI) and lung cancer surgery patients.

Methods

We formulated post‐discharge complication prediction as a binary classification task. Features were extracted from clinical variables, PROs (MD Anderson Symptom Inventory [MDASI]), and PGHD (VivoFit) from a cohort of 52 patients with 134 temporal observation points pre‐ and post‐discharge that were collected from two pilot studies. We trained and evaluated supervised learning classifiers via nested cross‐validation.

Results

A logistic regression model with L2 regularization trained with clinical data, PROs and PGHD from wearable pedometers achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic of 0.74.

Conclusions

PROs and PGHDs captured through remote patient telemonitoring approaches have the potential to improve prediction performance for postoperative complications.