bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numb-PRRL promotes TGF-β1- and EGF-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Sheng Weiwei , Tang Jingtong , Cao Rongxian , Shi Xiaoyang , Ma Yuteng , Dong Ming
Published: February 2022

Isoform-specific functions of Numb in the development of cancers, especially in the initiation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) remains controversial. We study the specific function of Numb-PRRL isoform in activated EMT of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PC), which is distinguished from our previous studies that only focused on the total Numb protein. Numb-PRRL isoform was specifically overexpressed and silenced in PC cells combining with TGF-β1 and EGF stimulus. We systematically explored the potential effect of Numb-PRRL in the activated EMT of PC in vitro and in vivo. The total Numb protein was overexpressed in the normal pancreatic duct and well-differentiated PC by IHC. However, Numb-PRRS isoform but not Numb-PRRL showed dominant expression in PC tissues. Numb-PRRL overexpression promoted TGF-β1-induced EMT in PANC-1 and Miapaca-2 cells. TGF-β1-induced EMT-like cell morphology, cell invasion, and migration were enhanced in Numb-PRRL overexpressing groups following the increase of N-cadherin, Vimentin, Smad2/3, Snail1, Snail2, and cleaved-Notch1 and the decrease of E-cadherin. Numb-PRRL overexpression activated TGFβ1-Smad2/3-Snail1 signaling was significantly reversed by the Notch1 inhibitor RO4929097. Conversely, Numb-PRRL silencing inhibited EGF-induced EMT in AsPC-1 and BxPC-3 cells following the activation of EGFR-ERK/MAPK signaling via phosphorylating EGFR at tyrosine 1045. In vivo, Numb-PRRL overexpression or silencing promoted or inhibited subcutaneous tumor size and distant liver metastases via regulating EMT and Snail signaling, respectively. Numb-PRRL promotes TGF-β1- and EGF-induced EMT in PC by regulating TGF-β1-Smad2/3-Snail and EGF-induced EGFR-ERK/MAPK signaling.
Mild-to-wild plastic transition is governed by athermal screw dislocation slip in bcc Nb
Authors: Rizzardi Q. , McElfresh C. , Sparks G. , Stauffer D. D. , Marian J. , Maaß R.
Published: February 2022

Plastic deformation in crystals is mediated by the motion of line defects known as dislocations. For decades, dislocation activity has been treated as a homogeneous, smooth continuous process. However, it is now recognized that plasticity can be determined by long-range correlated and intermittent collective dislocation processes, known as avalanches. Here we demonstrate in body-centered cubic Nb how the long-range and scale-free dynamics at room temperature are progressively quenched out with decreasing temperature, eventually revealing intermittency with a characteristic length scale that approaches the Burgers vector itself. Plasticity is shown to be bimodal across the studied temperature regime, with conventional thermally-activated smooth plastic flow (‘mild’) coexisting with sporadic bursts (‘wild’) controlled by athermal screw dislocation activity, thereby violating the classical notion of temperature-dependent screw dislocation motion at low temperatures. An abrupt increase of the athermal avalanche component is identified at the critical temperature of the material. Our results indicate that plasticity at any scale can be understood in terms of the coexistence of these mild and wild modes of deformation, which could help design better alloys by suppressing one of the two modes in desired temperature windows.
Embodied neuromorphic intelligence
Authors: Bartolozzi Chiara , Indiveri Giacomo , Donati Elisa
Published: February 2022

The design of robots that interact autonomously with the environment and exhibit complex behaviours is an open challenge that can benefit from understanding what makes living beings fit to act in the world. Neuromorphic engineering studies neural computational principles to develop technologies that can provide a computing substrate for building compact and low-power processing systems. We discuss why endowing robots with neuromorphic technologies – from perception to motor control – represents a promising approach for the creation of robots which can seamlessly integrate in society. We present initial attempts in this direction, highlight open challenges, and propose actions required to overcome current limitations.
Protective immune trajectories in early viral containment of non-pneumonic SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Pekayvaz Kami , Leunig Alexander , Kaiser Rainer , Joppich Markus , Brambs Sophia , Janjic Aleksandar , Popp Oliver , Nixdorf Daniel , Fumagalli Valeria , Schmidt Nora , Polewka Vivien , Anjum Afra , Knottenberg Viktoria , Eivers Luke , Wange Lucas E. , Gold Christoph , Kirchner Marieluise , Muenchhoff Maximilian , Hellmuth Johannes C. , Scherer Clemens , Rubio-Acero Raquel , Eser Tabea , Deák Flora , Puchinger Kerstin , Kuhl Niklas , Linder Andreas , Saar Kathrin , Tomas Lukas , Schulz Christian , Wieser Andreas , Enard Wolfgang , Kroidl Inge , Geldmacher Christof , von Bergwelt-Baildon Michael , Keppler Oliver T. , Munschauer Mathias , Iannacone Matteo , Zimmer Ralf , Mertins Philipp , Hubner Norbert , Hoelscher Michael , Massberg Steffen , Stark Konstantin , Nicolai Leo
Published: February 2022

The antiviral immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection can limit viral spread and prevent development of pneumonic COVID-19. However, the protective immunological response associated with successful viral containment in the upper airways remains unclear. Here, we combine a multi-omics approach with longitudinal sampling to reveal temporally resolved protective immune signatures in non-pneumonic and ambulatory SARS-CoV-2 infected patients and associate specific immune trajectories with upper airway viral containment. We see a distinct systemic rather than local immune state associated with viral containment, characterized by interferon stimulated gene (ISG) upregulation across circulating immune cell subsets in non-pneumonic SARS-CoV2 infection. We report reduced cytotoxic potential of Natural Killer (NK) and T cells, and an immune-modulatory monocyte phenotype associated with protective immunity in COVID-19. Together, we show protective immune trajectories in SARS-CoV2 infection, which have important implications for patient prognosis and the development of immunomodulatory therapies.
Photo-induced enhancement of lattice fluctuations in metal-halide perovskites
Authors: Wang Mingcong , Gao Yajun , Wang Kai , Liu Jiang , De Wolf Stefaan , Laquai Frédéric
Published: February 2022

The optoelectronic properties of metal-halide perovskites (MHPs) are affected by lattice fluctuations. Using ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy, we demonstrate that in state-of-the-art mixed-cation MHPs ultrafast photo-induced bandgap narrowing occurs with a linear to super-linear dependence on the excited carrier density ranging from 1017 cm−3 to above 1018 cm−3. Time-domain terahertz spectroscopy reveals carrier localization increases with carrier density. Both observations, the anomalous dependence of the bandgap narrowing and the increased carrier localization can be rationalized by photo-induced lattice fluctuations. The magnitude of the photo-induced lattice fluctuations depends on the intrinsic instability of the MHP lattice. Our findings provide insight into ultrafast processes in MHPs following photoexcitation and thus help to develop a concise picture of the ultrafast photophysics of this important class of emerging semiconductors.
Uncovering interpretable potential confounders in electronic medical records
Authors: Zeng Jiaming , Gensheimer Michael F. , Rubin Daniel L. , Athey Susan , Shachter Ross D.
Published: February 2022

Randomized clinical trials (RCT) are the gold standard for informing treatment decisions. Observational studies are often plagued by selection bias, and expert-selected covariates may insufficiently adjust for confounding. We explore how unstructured clinical text can be used to reduce selection bias and improve medical practice. We develop a framework based on natural language processing to uncover interpretable potential confounders from text. We validate our method by comparing the estimated hazard ratio (HR) with and without the confounders against established RCTs. We apply our method to four cohorts built from localized prostate and lung cancer datasets from the Stanford Cancer Institute and show that our method shifts the HR estimate towards the RCT results. The uncovered terms can also be interpreted by oncologists for clinical insights. We present this proof-of-concept study to enable more credible causal inference using observational data, uncover meaningful insights from clinical text, and inform high-stakes medical decisions.
Forecasting the outcome of spintronic experiments with Neural Ordinary Differential Equations
Authors: Chen Xing , Araujo Flavio Abreu , Riou Mathieu , Torrejon Jacob , Ravelosona Dafiné , Kang Wang , Zhao Weisheng , Grollier Julie , Querlioz Damien
Published: February 2022

Deep learning has an increasing impact to assist research, allowing, for example, the discovery of novel materials. Until now, however, these artificial intelligence techniques have fallen short of discovering the full differential equation of an experimental physical system. Here we show that a dynamical neural network, trained on a minimal amount of data, can predict the behavior of spintronic devices with high accuracy and an extremely efficient simulation time, compared to the micromagnetic simulations that are usually employed to model them. For this purpose, we re-frame the formalism of Neural Ordinary Differential Equations to the constraints of spintronics: few measured outputs, multiple inputs and internal parameters. We demonstrate with Neural Ordinary Differential Equations an acceleration factor over 200 compared to micromagnetic simulations for a complex problem – the simulation of a reservoir computer made of magnetic skyrmions (20 minutes compared to three days). In a second realization, we show that we can predict the noisy response of experimental spintronic nano-oscillators to varying inputs after training Neural Ordinary Differential Equations on five milliseconds of their measured response to a different set of inputs. Neural Ordinary Differential Equations can therefore constitute a disruptive tool for developing spintronic applications in complement to micromagnetic simulations, which are time-consuming and cannot fit experiments when noise or imperfections are present. Our approach can also be generalized to other electronic devices involving dynamics.
Small Cajal body-associated RNA 2 (scaRNA2) regulates DNA repair pathway choice by inhibiting DNA-PK
Authors: Bergstrand Sofie , O’Brien Eleanor M. , Coucoravas Christos , Hrossova Dominika , Peirasmaki Dimitra , Schmidli Sandro , Dhanjal Soniya , Pederiva Chiara , Siggens Lee , Mortusewicz Oliver , O’Rourke Julienne J. , Farnebo Marianne
Published: February 2022

Evidence that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in DNA repair is accumulating, however, whether they can control DNA repair pathway choice is unknown. Here we show that the small Cajal body-specific RNA 2 (scaRNA2) can promote HR by inhibiting DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) and, thereby, NHEJ. By binding to the catalytic subunit of DNA-PK (DNA-PKcs), scaRNA2 weakens its interaction with the Ku70/80 subunits, as well as with the LINP1 lncRNA, thereby preventing catalytic activation of the enzyme. Inhibition of DNA-PK by scaRNA2 stimulates DNA end resection by the MRN/CtIP complex, activation of ATM at DNA lesions and subsequent repair by HR. ScaRNA2 is regulated in turn by WRAP53β, which binds this RNA, sequestering it away from DNA-PKcs and allowing NHEJ to proceed. These findings reveal that RNA-dependent control of DNA-PK catalytic activity is involved in regulating whether the cell utilizes NHEJ or HR.
Kindlin-2 haploinsufficiency protects against fatty liver by targeting Foxo1 in mice
Authors: Gao Huanqing , Zhou Liang , Zhong Yiming , Ding Zhen , Lin Sixiong , Hou Xiaoting , Zhou Xiaoqian , Shao Jie , Yang Fan , Zou Xuenong , Cao Huiling , Xiao Guozhi
Published: February 2022

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects a large population with incompletely defined mechanism(s). Here we report that Kindlin-2 is dramatically up-regulated in livers in obese mice and patients with NAFLD. Kindlin-2 haploinsufficiency in hepatocytes ameliorates high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD and glucose intolerance without affecting energy metabolism in mice. In contrast, Kindlin-2 overexpression in liver exacerbates NAFLD and promotes lipid metabolism disorder and inflammation in hepatocytes. A C-terminal region (aa 570-680) of Kindlin-2 binds to and stabilizes Foxo1 by inhibiting its ubiquitination and degradation through the Skp2 E3 ligase. Kindlin-2 deficiency increases Foxo1 phosphorylation at Ser256, which favors its ubiquitination by Skp2. Thus, Kindllin-2 loss down-regulates Foxo1 protein in hepatocytes. Foxo1 overexpression in liver abrogates the ameliorating effect of Kindlin-2 haploinsufficiency on NAFLD in mice. Finally, AAV8-mediated shRNA knockdown of Kindlin-2 in liver alleviates NAFLD in obese mice. Collectively, we demonstrate that Kindlin-2 insufficiency protects against fatty liver by promoting Foxo1 degradation.
The association between the dynamics of COVID-19, related measures, and daytime population in Tokyo
Authors: Yamauchi Takenori , Takeuchi Shouhei , Uchida Mitsuo , Saito Masaya , Kokaze Akatsuki
Published: February 2022

In Japan, a novel coronavirus has been prevalent since January 2020. The Japanese and local governments have implemented various measures, including declaring a state of emergency, according to the epidemic situation in each region. This study estimated the effective reproduction number (Rt) using the number of confirmed positive cases and positivity rates in Tokyo and examined the association between Rt and the rate of increase/decrease in the number of people across 12 sites. In Tokyo, there were five waves in which Rt was persistently estimated as approximately 1.0. The fourth and fifth waves started under the declaration of the state of emergency and coincided with an increase in the number of people. However, the contribution of the number of people to Rt was inconsistent, even when the number of people was of the same magnitude. A possible reason for this is difference in the countermeasures content, as the impact of vaccination was considered to be minor at the time. Where vaccination is insufficient, the wave is terminated by controlling the number of people leaving their homes. It is suggested that infection could be controlled more efficiently, depending on the content of the countermeasures.
Role of endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) in determining ECFCs functionality in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients
Authors: Sen Atanu , Singh Archna , Roy Ambuj , Mohanty Sujata , Naik Nitish , Kalaivani Mani , Ramakrishnan Lakshmy
Published: February 2022

Nitric oxide (NO.) is critical for functionality of endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs). Dimerization of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is must to produce NO. and tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) plays a crucial role in stabilizing this state. We investigated BH4 level in ECFCs and its effect on ECFCs functionality in CAD patients. Intracellular biopterin levels and ECFCs functionality in terms of cell viability, adhesion, proliferation, in vitro wound healing and angiogenesis were assessed. Guanosine Triphosphate Cyclohydrolase-1 (GTPCH-1) expression was studied in ECFCs. Serum total reactive oxygen/nitrogen species was measured and effect of nitrosative stress on ECFC’s biopterins level and functionality were evaluated by treating with 3-morpholino sydnonimine (SIN-1). BH4 level was significantly lower in ECFCs from CAD patients. Cell proliferation, wound closure reflecting cellular migration as well as in vitro angiogenesis were impaired in ECFCs from CAD patients. Wound healing capacity and angiogenesis were positively correlated with ECFC’s BH4. A negative effect of nitrosative stress on biopterins level and cell functionality was observed in SIN-1 treated ECFCs. ECFCs from CAD exhibited impaired functionality and lower BH4 level. Association of BH4 with wound healing capacity and angiogenesis suggest its role in maintaining ECFC’s functionality. Oxidative stress may be a determinant of intracellular biopterin levels.
Machine Learning analysis of high-grade serous ovarian cancer proteomic dataset reveals novel candidate biomarkers
Authors: Farinella Federica , Merone Mario , Bacco Luca , Capirchio Adriano , Ciccozzi Massimo , Caligiore Daniele
Published: February 2022

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common gynecological malignancies, ranking third after cervical and uterine cancer. High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is one of the most aggressive subtype, and the late onset of its symptoms leads in most cases to an unfavourable prognosis. Current predictive algorithms used to estimate the risk of having Ovarian Cancer fail to provide sufficient sensitivity and specificity to be used widely in clinical practice. The use of additional biomarkers or parameters such as age or menopausal status to overcome these issues showed only weak improvements. It is necessary to identify novel molecular signatures and the development of new predictive algorithms able to support the diagnosis of HGSOC, and at the same time, deepen the understanding of this elusive disease, with the final goal of improving patient survival. Here, we apply a Machine Learning-based pipeline to an open-source HGSOC Proteomic dataset to develop a decision support system (DSS) that displayed high discerning ability on a dataset of HGSOC biopsies. The proposed DSS consists of a double-step feature selection and a decision tree, with the resulting output consisting of a combination of three highly discriminating proteins: TOP1, PDIA4, and OGN, that could be of interest for further clinical and experimental validation. Furthermore, we took advantage of the ranked list of proteins generated during the feature selection steps to perform a pathway analysis to provide a snapshot of the main deregulated pathways of HGSOC. The datasets used for this study are available in the Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC) data portal (https://cptac-data-portal.georgetown.edu/).
Neuroprotective effect of Mulmina Mango against chemotherapy-induced cognitive decline in mouse model of mammary carcinoma
Authors: John Jeena , Kinra Manas , Ranadive Niraja , Keni Raghuvir , Nayak Pawan Ganesh , Jagdale Rajesh N. , Ahmed Syed M. , Raghavendra Kaggundi V. , Mudgal Jayesh , Nandakumar K.
Published: February 2022

The post-treatment status of breast cancer survivors has become a concern because of the toxicity induced by chemotherapeutic agents in the brain tissues resulting in cognitive deficits, which is generally referred as chemobrain. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a proprietary ayurvedic formulation Mulmina Mango against chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment (CICI). Mammary carcinoma was induced by subcutaneously inoculating 4T1 cells into the mammary fat pad of the animals. Intraperitoneal administration of Cyclophosphamide, Methotrexate, 5-Fluorouracil (CMF) regimen was carried out once a week for three weeks. Treatment of Mulmina began one week before chemotherapy and continued till the end of the chemotherapy cycle. After three cycles of chemotherapy, cognitive decline was assessed by Morris water maze task followed by assessment of locomotor activity by open-field test. Tumor progression was evaluated by measurement of tumor volume. Oxidative and neuroinflammatory markers were also evaluated from the isolated brain samples. CMF treatment resulted in a considerable reduction in tumour volume. We found chemotherapy negatively affected behavioral and biochemical parameters in animals and Mulmina treatment ameliorated these cognitive impairments by restoring antioxidant and maintaining cytokine levels. The combination of phytochemicals in Mulmina proved its possible ability to alleviate CICI without affecting chemotherapeutic efficiency and could pave the way for identifying treatment strategies to combat chemobrain.
Diagnosing pleural effusions using mass spectrometry-based multiplexed targeted proteomics quantitating mid- to high-abundance markers of cancer, infection/inflammation and tuberculosis
Authors: Robak Aleksandra , Kistowski Michał , Wojtas Grzegorz , Perzanowska Anna , Targowski Tomasz , Michalak Agata , Krasowski Grzegorz , Dadlez Michał , Domański Dominik
Published: February 2022

Pleural effusion (PE) is excess fluid in the pleural cavity that stems from lung cancer, other diseases like extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and pneumonia, or from a variety of benign conditions. Diagnosing its cause is often a clinical challenge and we have applied targeted proteomic methods with the aim of aiding the determination of PE etiology. We developed a mass spectrometry (MS)-based multiple reaction monitoring (MRM)-protein-panel assay to precisely quantitate 53 established cancer-markers, TB-markers, and infection/inflammation-markers currently assessed individually in the clinic, as well as potential biomarkers suggested in the literature for PE classification. Since MS-based proteomic assays are on the cusp of entering clinical use, we assessed the merits of such an approach and this marker panel based on a single-center 209 patient cohort with established etiology. We observed groups of infection/inflammation markers (ADA2, WARS, CXCL10, S100A9, VIM, APCS, LGALS1, CRP, MMP9, and LDHA) that specifically discriminate TB-PEs and other-infectious-PEs, and a number of cancer markers (CDH1, MUC1/CA-15-3, THBS4, MSLN, HPX, SVEP1, SPINT1, CK-18, and CK-8) that discriminate cancerous-PEs. Some previously suggested potential biomarkers did not show any significant difference. Using a Decision Tree/Multiclass classification method, we show a very good discrimination ability for classifying PEs into one of four types: cancerous-PEs (AUC: 0.863), tuberculous-PEs (AUC of 0.859), other-infectious-PEs (AUC of 0.863), and benign-PEs (AUC: 0.842). This type of approach and the indicated markers have the potential to assist in clinical diagnosis in the future, and help with the difficult decision on therapy guidance.
Estimating the potential for global dissemination of pandemic pathogens using the global airline network and healthcare development indices
Authors: Meslé Margaux M. I. , Vivancos Roberto , Hall Ian M. , Christley Robert M. , Leach Steve , Read Jonathan M.
Published: February 2022

Pandemics have the potential to incur significant health and economic impacts, and can reach a large number of countries from their origin within weeks. Early identification and containment of a newly emerged pandemic within the source country is key for minimising global impact. To identify a country’s potential to control and contain a pathogen with pandemic potential, we compared the quality of a country’s healthcare system against its global airline connectivity. Healthcare development was determined using three multi-factorial indices, while detailed airline passenger data was used to identify the global connectivity of all countries. Proximities of countries to a putative ‘Worst Case Scenario’ (extreme high-connectivity and low-healthcare development) were calculated. We found a positive relationship between a country’s connectivity and healthcare metrics. We also identified countries that potentially pose the greatest risk for pandemic dissemination, notably Dominican Republic, India and Pakistan. China and Mexico, both sources of recent influenza and coronavirus pandemics were also identified as among the highest risk countries. Collectively, lower-middle and upper-middle income countries represented the greatest risk, while high income countries represented the lowest risk. Our analysis represents an alternative approach to identify countries where increased within-country disease surveillance and pandemic preparedness may benefit global health.
Seed quantity affects the fungal community composition detected using metabarcoding
Authors: Oskay Funda , Vettraino Anna Maria , Doğmuş H. Tuğba , Lehtijärvi Asko , Woodward Stephen , Cleary Michelle
Published: February 2022

Pest introductions via trade in tree seed may result from a lack of adequate survey and validation protocols. Developing better diagnostic protocols to identify potentially harmful pests and pathogens in forest tree seed is of critical importance. High-throughput sequencing-based barcoding and metabarcoding provide effective tools for screening potentially harmful organisms in various plant materials, including seeds. However, the sample size needed to detect the total microorganism diversity of a community is a major challenge in microbiome studies. In this work, we examined how increasing sample size (ranging between 100 and 1000 seeds) influences diversity of fungal communities detected by high throughput sequencing inPinus sylvestrisseeds. Our results showed that as sample size increased, fungal alpha diversity also increased. Beta-diversity estimators detected significant differences between the mycobiota from different samples. However, taxonomic and functional diversity were not correlated with sample size. In addition, we found that increasing the number of PCR replicates resulted in a higher abundance of plant pathogens. We concluded that for the purpose of screening for potentially harmful pathogens using HTS, greater efforts should be made to increase the sample size and replicates when testing tree seed.
Host microbiome responses to the Snake Fungal Disease pathogen (Ophidiomyces ophidiicola) are driven by changes in microbial richness
Authors: Romer Alexander S. , Grinath Joshua B. , Moe Kylie C. , Walker Donald M.
Published: February 2022

Dermatophytic pathogens are a source of disturbance to the host microbiome, but the temporal progression of these disturbances is unclear. Here, we determined how Snake Fungal Disease, caused by Ophidiomyces ophidiicola, resulted in disturbance to the host microbiome. To assess disease effects on the microbiome, 22 Common Watersnakes (Nerodia sipedon) were collected and half were inoculated with O. ophidiicola. Epidermal swabs were collected weekly for use in microbiome and pathogen load characterization. For the inoculated treatment only, we found a significant effect of disease progression on microbial richness and Shannon diversity consistent with the intermediate disturbance hypothesis. When explicitly accounting for differences in assemblage richness, we found that β-diversity among snakes was significantly affected by the interaction of time and treatment group, with assemblages becoming more dissimilar across time in the inoculated, but not the control group. Also, differences between treatments in average microbiome composition became greater with time, but this interactive effect was not evident when accounting for assemblage richness. These results suggest that changes in composition of the host microbiome associated with disease largely occur due to changes in microbial richness related to disease progression.
Open quantum dynamics for plant motions
Authors: Brody Dorje C.
Published: February 2022

Stochastic Schrödinger equations that govern the dynamics of open quantum systems are given by the equations for signal processing. In particular, the Brownian motion that drives the wave function of the system does not represent noise, but provides purely the arrival of new information. Thus the wave function is guided by the optimal signal detection about the conditions of the environments under noisy observations. This behaviour is similar to biological systems that detect environmental cues, process this information, and adapt to them optimally by minimising uncertainties about the conditions of their environments. It is postulated that information-processing capability is a fundamental law of nature, and hence that models describing open quantum systems can equally be applied to biological systems to model their dynamics. For illustration, simple stochastic models are considered to capture heliotropic and gravitropic motions of plants. The advantage of such dynamical models is that they allow for the quantification of information processed by the plants. By considering the consequence of information erasure, it is argued that biological systems can process environmental signals relatively close to the Landauer limit of computation, and that loss of information must lie at the heart of ageing in biological systems.
A simulated comparison of behavioural observation sampling methods
Authors: Brereton James Edward , Tuke Jonathan , Fernandez Eduardo J.
Published: February 2022

Behavioural research requires the use of sampling methods to document the occurrence of responses observed. Sampling/recording methods include ad libitum, continuous, pinpoint (instantaneous), and one-zero (interval) sampling. Researchers have questioned the utility of each sampling method under different contexts. Our study compared computerized simulations of both pinpoint and one-zero sampling to continuous recordings. Two separate computer simulations were generated, one for response frequency and one for response duration, with three different response frequencies (high, medium, or low) and response durations (short, medium, and long) in each simulation, respectively. Similarly, three different observation intervals (5, 50, and 500 s) were used to record responses as both pinpoint and one-zero sampling methods in the simulations. Under both simulations, pinpoint sampling outperformed one-zero sampling, with pinpoint sampling producing less statistical bias in error rates under all frequencies, durations, and observation intervals. As observation intervals increased, both mean error rates and variability in error rates increased for one-zero sampling, while only variability in error rate increased for pinpoint sampling. The results suggest that pinpoint sampling techniques are effective for measuring both frequency (event) and duration (state) behaviours, and that pinpoint sampling is a less statistically biased behavioural observation method than one-zero sampling.
A soft thumb-sized vision-based sensor with accurate all-round force perception
Authors: Sun Huanbo , Kuchenbecker Katherine J. , Martius Georg
Published: February 2022

Vision-based haptic sensors have emerged as a promising approach to robotic touch due to affordable high-resolution cameras and successful computer vision techniques; however, their physical design and the information they provide do not yet meet the requirements of real applications. We present a robust, soft, low-cost, vision-based, thumb-sized three-dimensional haptic sensor named Insight, which continually provides a directional force-distribution map over its entire conical sensing surface. Constructed around an internal monocular camera, the sensor has only a single layer of elastomer over-moulded on a stiff frame to guarantee sensitivity, robustness and soft contact. Furthermore, Insight uniquely combines photometric stereo and structured light using a collimator to detect the three-dimensional deformation of its easily replaceable flexible outer shell. The force information is inferred by a deep neural network that maps images to the spatial distribution of three-dimensional contact force (normal and shear). Insight has an overall spatial resolution of 0.4 mm, a force magnitude accuracy of around 0.03 N and a force direction accuracy of around five degrees over a range of 0.03–2 N for numerous distinct contacts with varying contact area. The presented hardware and software design concepts can be transferred to a wide variety of robot parts.
A simple epoxy resin screen-printed paper-based analytical device for detection of phosphate in soil
Authors: Thongkam Thinikan , Hemavibool Khuanjit
Published: February 2022

A paper-based analytical device fabricated using screen-printing of epoxy resin as a new hydrophobic material in a one-step process for phosphate determination.
Consideration of predicted small-molecule metabolites in computational toxicology
Authors: Garcia de Lomana Marina , Svensson Fredrik , Volkamer Andrea , Mathea Miriam , Kirchmair Johannes
Published: February 2022

Exploration of computational approaches for including metabolism information in machine learning models for toxicity prediction.
Light-induced reversible self-assembly of multi-compartment patchy micelles
Authors: Sun Yao , Xu Binbin , Tao Xinfeng , Li Xinxin , Lin Shaoliang
Published: February 2022

The diblock copolymer P4VP-b-PAzoMA self-assembles into a hierarchical structure through a two-step process. Intriguingly, hierarchical structure could reversibly self-assemble under UV and visible light due to the existence of azobenzene moieties.
Solvent-free synthesis of 3,5-isoxazoles via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of terminal alkynes and hydroxyimidoyl chlorides over Cu/Al2O3 surface under ball-milling conditions
Authors: Hernandez R. Rafael A. , Burchell-Reyes Kelly , Braga Arthur P. C. A. , Lopez Jennifer Keough , Forgione Pat
Published: February 2022

A practical and scalable mechanochemical 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition between hydroxyimidoyl chlorides and terminal alkynes catalyzed by Cu/Al2O3 allows a quick access to 3,5-isoxazole derivatives.
Antiurease screening of alkyl chain-linked thiourea derivatives: in vitro biological activities, molecular docking, and dynamic simulations studies
Authors: Yaqoob Sana , Hameed Abdul , Ahmed Mahmood , Imran Muhammad , Qadir Muhammad Abdul , Ramzan Mahwish , Yousaf Numan , Iqbal Jamshed , Muddassar Muhammad
Published: February 2022

Urease has become an important therapeutic target because it stimulates the pathogenesis of many human health conditions, such as pyelonephritis, the development of urolithiasis, hepatic encephalopathy, peptic ulcers, gastritis and gastric cancer.
Preparation of Ag3PO4/α-Fe2O3 hybrid powders and their visible light catalytic performances
Authors: Gao Ya , Ma Haodong , Han Chengliang , Gui Chengmei , Deng Chonghai
Published: February 2022

We construct a highly efficient photocatalyst consisting of Ag3PO4 and α-Fe2O3 hybrid powders for the treatment of rhodamine B. The catalytic degradation efficiency reached 95% after 10 min.
New types of hyperbranched 1,2,3-triazole-alkoxysiloxane functional polymers for metal embedded nanocomposite surface coatings
Authors: Migulin Dmitry A. , Rozanova Julia V. , Migulin Vasily A. , Cherkaev Georgy V. , Meshkov Ivan B. , Zezin Alexey A. , Muzafarov Aziz M.
Published: February 2022

New types of amine- and pyridine-functional hyperbranched 1,2,3-triazoleorganoethoxysiloxane polymers efficient for silver nanoparticles stabilization, chemical surface modification and preparation of nanocomposite materials were developed.
A chitosan-based multifunctional hydrogel containing in situ rapidly bioreduced silver nanoparticles for accelerating infected wound healing
Authors: Zhao Fengxin , Liu Yifan , Song Tao , Zhang Bin , Li Dongxiao , Xiao Yumei , Zhang Xingdong
Published: February 2022

A double-crosslinked hydrogel with injectability, self-healing capability, stability, and antibiosis was developed. Silver ions were in situ bioreduced to AgNPs rapidly and uniformly at the same time as the formation of hydrogels.
6,8-(1,3-Diaminoguanidine) luteolin and its Cr complex show hypoglycemic activities and alter intestinal microbiota composition in type 2 diabetes mice
Authors: Ge Xiaodong , He Xiaoyu , Lin Zhenshan , Zhu Yuxian , Jiang Xiaoqin , Zhao Liyuan , Zeng Feng , Chen Ligen , Xu Wei , Liu Tingting , Chen Zhigang , Zhao Chao , Huang Ying , Liu Bin
Published: February 2022

DAGL and DAGL·Cr regulate glycometabolism signaling pathways and alter intestinal microbiota composition in T2DM mice.
Ultra-small-sized multi-element metal oxide nanofibers: an efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution
Authors: Liu Peng , Sun Changchun , Liu Guiju , Jiang Zhan , Zhao Haiguang
Published: February 2022

We have successfully constructed a binary electrode (FeCoO-NF) and ternary electrode (NiFeCoO-NF), which achieved a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at low overpotential.
Recent advances in fluorescence anisotropy/polarization signal amplification
Authors: Xiao Xue , Zhen Shujun
Published: February 2022

We discuss how the potential of fluorescence anisotropy/polarization signal approach expanded through mass amplification, fluorescence lifetime amplification, segmental motion amplification, and provide perspectives at future applications.
AIE-active luminogens as highly efficient free-radical ROS photogenerator for image-guided photodynamic therapy
Authors: Liu Zhenxing , Wang Qi , Qiu Wanshan , Lyu Yanting , Zhu Zhirong , Zhao Xiaolei , Zhu Wei-Hong
Published: February 2022

The AIE-based type I photosensitizer TCM-CPS exhibits high free radical generation and light-up fluorescence characteristics, giving it great potential in the image-guided PDT modality for the treatment of cancer and bacterial infections.
Photo-modulation of supramolecular polymorphism in the self-assembly of a scissor-shaped azobenzene dyad into nanotoroids and fibers
Authors: Suda Natsuki , Saito Takuho , Arima Hironari , Yagai Shiki
Published: February 2022

Introduction of the bulky yet strongly aggregating cholesterol units to an azobenzene dyad lead to a supramolecular polymorphism not only in its temperature-controlled but also in photo-triggered self-assembly, leading to toroids and helical fibers.
Late Gadolinium Enhancement Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging: From Basic Concepts to Emerging Methods
Authors: Holtackers Robert J. , Emrich Tilman , Botnar René M. , Kooi M. Eline , Wildberger Joachim E. , Kreitner K.-F.
Published: February 2022

Background Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) is a widely used cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique to diagnose a broad range of ischemic and non-ischemic cardiomyopathies. Since its development and validation against histology already more than two decades ago, the clinical utility of LGE and its span of applications have increased considerably.

Methods In this review we will present the basic concepts of LGE imaging and its diagnostic and prognostic value, elaborate on recent developments and emerging methods, and finally discuss future prospects.

Results Continuous developments in 3 D imaging methods, motion correction techniques, water/fat-separated imaging, dark-blood methods, and scar quantification improved the performance and further expanded the clinical utility of LGE imaging.

Conclusion LGE imaging is the current noninvasive reference standard for the assessment of myocardial viability. Improvements in spatial resolution, scar-to-blood contrast, and water/fat-separated imaging further strengthened its position.

Key Points: 

Citation Format
Psychometric Evaluation of the Hyperacusis Impact Questionnaire (HIQ) and Sound Sensitivity Symptoms Questionnaire (SSSQ) Using a Clinical Population of Adult Patients with Tinnitus Alone or Combined with Hyperacusis
Authors: Aazh Hashir , Hayes Chloe , Moore Brian C.J. , Danesh Ali A. , Vitoratou Silia
Published: February 2022

Abstract Background Hyperacusis can be defined as an intolerance of certain everyday sounds, which are perceived as too loud or uncomfortable and which cause significant distress and impairment in the individual's day-to-day activities. It is important to assess
symptoms of sound intolerance and their impact on the patient's life, so as to evaluate the need for treatment and to assess the effectiveness of treatments. Purpose The aim was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Hyperacusis Impact Questionnaire (HIQ), and the Sound
Sensitivity Symptoms Questionnaire (SSSQ). The 8-item HIQ focuses on assessing the impact of hyperacusis on the patient, while the 5-item SSSQ is designed to assess the type and severity of sound intolerance symptoms. Research Design This was a retrospective cross-sectional
study. Study Sample In total, 266 consecutive patients who attended a Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Therapy Clinic in the United Kingdom within a 6-month period. Fifty-five percent were female. The average age was 54 years (standard deviation = 16 years). Data
Collection and Analysis Data were collected retrospectively from the records of patients held at the audiology department. Audiological measures were pure-tone audiometry and Uncomfortable Loudness Levels (ULLs). Questionnaires administered in addition to the HIQ and SSSQ were: Tinnitus
Handicap Inventory, Hyperacusis Questionnaire (HQ), and Screening for Anxiety and Depression in Tinnitus. Results Exploratory factor analysis suggested one-factor solutions for both the HIQ and SSSQ. Multiple-causes multiple-indicators (MIMIC) models showed some small influences
of gender but negligible effects of age for both the HIQ and SSSQ. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis showed no significant effects of covariates on the ROC curves. Cronbach's α was 0.93 for the HIQ, and 0.87 for the SSSQ, indicating high internal consistency. Convergent
validity was supported by moderate correlations between HQ and HIQ scores and between SSSQ scores and ULLs. Conclusion The HIQ and SSSQ are internally consistent questionnaires that can be used in clinical and research settings.
Clinical Evaluation of CAD/CAM Ceramic Endocrown Versus Prefabricated Zirconia Crown in the Restoration of Pulpotomized Primary Molars: A Two-Year Spilt-Mouth Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Khattab Nagwa Mohmmad Ali , Makawi Yasmine Mohamed Farouk El , Elheeny Ahmad Abdel Hamid
Published: February 2022

Objectives The current trial aimed to compare lithium disilicate (LS2) endocrowns' clinical performance, gingival health, and parental satisfaction to those of prefabricated zirconia crowns (ZCs) over a 24-month of follow-up.

Materials and Methods This study designed as a spilt-mouth randomized controlled trial. A total of 88 pulpotomized mandibular second primary molars of 44 children were assigned into two equal groups. Forty-four molars were restored with prefabricated primary ZCs (control group) and the same number were restored with LS2 endocrown (intervention group). Clinical performance and gingival status were evaluated using a modified United States Public Health Service criterion, and plaque and gingival indices. Parental satisfaction was assessed using a 5-point Likert-scale questionnaire.

Statistical Analysis Paired data were analyzed using McNemar's test, a statistical test used on paired nominal data, and paired t-tests. The significance level was set to 5% at 95% confidence interval.

Results Both restorations showed comparable gingival health status over the follow-ups. Marginal adaptation of the endocrowns and ZCs at the end of follow-up was 95.5 and 90.9%, respectively (p = 0.68). For marginal integrity and discoloration, both restorations showed similar results at the follow-ups. The overall parental satisfaction of both groups was statistically insignificant (p = 0.07). However, parents were more satisfied with the endocrown color over that of the ZC (p < 0.05).

Conclusion Endocrowns' clinical performance and gingival health were comparable to those of ZCs. For both restorations, parental satisfaction was nearly similar except for the color that showed an advantage in favor of the endocrowns.
Is Orthodontic Treatment a Risk Factor of Cervical Root Resorption? A Systematic Review
Authors: Khalaf Khaled , Mustafa Shahd , Maarouf Tamara
Published: February 2022

Cervical root resorption is an uncommon, aggressive form of external resorption that occurs on the root surface of a permanent tooth and presents clinically as a characteristic pinkish discoloration of the tooth. The cause of cervical root resorption is poorly understood, and it has been suggested that orthodontic treatment may play a role in causing this pathological condition. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate whether orthodontic treatment could be considered as a risk factor of cervical root resorption in patients who had undergone fixed appliances therapy. A comprehensive electronic and manual search was conducted in four databases and six journals without any limitations on year of publication. A customized data extraction form was used to retrieve relevant information from each eligible study. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool (RoB 2) and the risk of bias in nonrandomized studies of interventions tool (ROBINS-I). The quality of evidence was assessed using the grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluation (GRADE) approach. Two randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and one cohort study were included in the review. Risk of bias was assessed as high for both RCTs and critical for the cohort study. Conflicting results were reported by the studies included in this review. Both RCTs reported significant differences between orthodontically moved teeth and teeth that were not moved, while the cohort study reported a lack of association between fixed orthodontic treatment and cervical root resorption. Quality of evidence provided by this review was judged to be of very low quality. Orthodontic treatment may have potential in inducing cervical root resorption; however, due to the high risk of bias of the included studies and their conflicting findings, better-quality studies are needed to make definitive conclusions.
Prospective Evaluation of Push-up Performance and Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Open Dorsal Wrist Ganglion Excision in the Active-Duty Military Population
Authors: Clark DesRaj , Dingle Marvin , Saxena Sameer , Dworak Theodora , Nappo Kyle , Balazs George Christian , Nanos George , Tintle Scott
Published: February 2022

Background Dorsal wrist ganglia (DWG) are a common wrist pathology that affects the military population. This study prospectively evaluates push-up performance, functional measures, and patient-reported outcomes 6 months after open DWG excision in active-duty patients.

Methods Twenty-seven active-duty patients were enrolled and 18 had complete follow-up. Included patients had DWG diagnosis, unilateral involvement, and no previous surgery. The number of push-ups performed within 2 minutes was measured preoperatively and at 6 months. Range of motion (ROM), grip strength, Pain Catastrophization Scale (PCS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, Mayo Wrist Score, and visual analog scale (VAS) pain score were measured preoperatively and at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months.

Results Push-up performance did not significantly change overall. Wrist flexion, extension, and radial deviation returned to preoperative ranges. Wrist ulnar deviation significantly increased from preoperative range. Grip strength deficit between operative and unaffected extremities significantly improved to 0.7 kg at 6 months from preoperative deficit of 2.7 kg. Mean scores significantly improved for the validated outcome measures—PCS from 6.3 to 0.67, VAS pain scores from 1.37 to 0.18, DASH scores from 12.8 to 4.3, and Mayo Wrist Scores from 80.3 to 89.4. No surgical complications or recurrences were reported.

Conclusions Findings suggest that almost half of active patients may improve push-up performance after DWG excision at 6 months. Significant improvements were seen in wrist pain, ROM, grip strength, and all patient-reported outcomes, which is useful when counseling patients undergoing excision.
Developing a conversion rate optimization framework for digital retailers—case study
Authors: Zimmermann Robert , Auinger Andreas
Published: February 2022

To stay competitive against e-commerce, many retailers started to adopt a digital retail strategy, leveraging a myriad of online and offline touchpoints to increase their customer experience and, as a result, their sales. However, currently, no guidelines exist on how digital retailers can identify, evaluate, and influence sales impacting touchpoints along the customer journey. Hence, this study derives key elements of a conversion rate optimization framework, which can be used to increase sales of a digital retailer. Additionally, the derived framework is tested with the Austrian subsidiary of an international sports appeal and equipment retailer giving insights into its practical applicability. Results indicate that the developed framework can indeed be used to identify sales influencing touchpoints, which can be altered by specific marketing actions to increase sales of a digital retailer.