bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increasing Undergraduate Student Knowledge about Journal Peer Review Using Outside Reading and In-Class Discussion
Authors: Barry Rachael M.
Published: March 2023

Peer review is an important part of the scientific publishing process that serves as a key quality control step. Learning that scientific publications go through peer review builds scientific literacy and may increase trust in published findings.
Identification of the Coding-Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Cytorhabdovirus in Tilia cordata Showing Extensive Leaf Chloroses
Authors: Köpke Kira , Rumbou Artemis , von Bargen Susanne , Büttner Carmen
Published: March 2023

Here, we report the coding-complete sequence (14,152 nucleotides [nt]) of a novel cytorhabdovirus detected in
Tilia cordata
and tentatively named cytorhabdovirus tiliae. The assumed genome organization is 3′-N-P-P3-M-G-p6-p6’-L-5′.
Development and Validation of Two Optimized Multiplexed Serologic Assays for the 9-Valent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Types
Authors: Nolan Katrina M. , Seaton Brent , Antonello Joseph , Zhang Yuhua , Cook Lauren , Delfino Krystyn , Rubinstein Leonard J. , Cheon Kyeongmi , Group Thomas , Luxembourg Alain , Dubey Sheri
Published: March 2023

Assay modernization is a key aspect of vaccine life cycle management. Thus, new, reoptimized versions of two 9vHPV immunoassays have been developed and validated for use in ongoing and future HPV vaccine clinical trials.
High-magnesium igneous associations record final-stage geodynamic process of the southeastern segment of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt
Authors: Jing Yan , Ge Wen-chun , Yang Hao , Dong Yu , Ji Zheng , Bi Jun-hui , Zhou Hong-ying , Xing De-he
Published: March 2023

Much controversy exists regarding the evolution and termination of accretionary orogens where typical continent-continent collision features are lacking. The Central Asian Orogenic Belt provides a key opportunity to explore the genetic relationships between the formation of high-Mg igneous associations and the evolution of accretionary orogens. In this study, two-stage Triassic magmatic events were identified in the southeastern segment of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (including ca. 247 Ma andesites and ca. 222 Ma diorites), through precise secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and laser ablation−inductively coupled plasma−mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) zircon dating. The Olenekian andesites show typical sanukitoid affinities with high TiO2, MgO, Ni, and Cr contents, and enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs; K, Ba, and Sr). They yield depleted Hf isotopic compositions and high δ18O values, which along with Hf-O isotope modeling results indicate that they originated from the partial melting of mantle wedge peridotites with input of 20% terrigenous sediments. The Norian diorites have moderate SiO2, relatively high MgO, Cr, and Ni contents, Mg# values of 63−65, high Sr, low Y and Yb contents, relevant high La/Yb ratios, and negligible Eu anomalies, which makes them comparable to high-Mg andesites with adakitic affinity. Their depleted isotopic compositions are similar to coeval A-type granites that resulted from lithospheric delamination after the final collision. In addition, with high K2O/Na2O ratios and incompatible element ratios similar to those of the continental crust (e.g., Nb/U, Ce/Pb, and Nd/Sm), they conform to an origin in which partial melting of delaminated mafic lower crust subsequently interacted with mantle materials. These two-stage abnormal Triassic high-Mg rocks archive a hot slab window triggered by the break-off of the Paleo-Asian oceanic slab and lower crustal delamination related to collapse of the southeastern segment of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. These findings provide beneficial information for the reconstruction of the East Asian blocks in Pangea.
Late Miocene or older canyon incision in the northern U.S. Cordillera shown by erosion rates, incision models, and basalt flow ages
Authors: Mitchell Nate , Yanites Brian , Duvall Alison , Humphreys Eugene , Perry-Houts Jonathan , Schoettle-Greene Philip , Williams Seth
Published: March 2023

Deep canyons along the Salmon, Snake, and Clearwater rivers in central Idaho, USA suggest long-lasting transient incision, but the timing and drivers of this incision are not well understood. The perturbation of the Yellowstone hotspot, eruption of flood basalts, and drainage of Lake Idaho all occurred within or near to this region, but the relationship among these events and incision is unclear. Here, we utilized in situ 10Be cosmogenic radionuclide concentrations for 46 samples (17 new) of fluvial sediment across the region to quantify erosion rates, calibrate stream power models, and estimate incision timing. We estimate that transient incision along the Salmon River began prior to ca. 10 Ma. However, canyon age decreases to ca. 5 Ma or earlier farther to the north. For a group of tributaries underlain by basalt, we use the age of the basalt to estimate that local transient incision began between ca. 11.5 and 5 Ma. Based on these timing constraints, the canyons along the Salmon and Clearwater rivers predate the drainage of Lake Idaho. We argue that canyon incision was triggered by events related to the Yellowstone hotspot (e.g., basalt lava damming, subsidence of the Columbia Basin, reactivation of faults, and/or lower crustal flow). Furthermore, our models suggest basalt may be more erodible than the other rock types we study. We show that lithology has a significant influence on fluvial erosion and assumptions regarding river incision model parameters significantly influence results. Finally, this study highlights how geodynamic processes can exert a significant influence on landscape evolution.
Cardiac output monitoring in children: a review
Authors: Cave Daniel GW , Bautista Melissa J , Mustafa Khurram , Bentham James R
Published: March 2023

Cardiac output monitoring enables physiology-directed management of critically ill children and aids in the early detection of clinical deterioration. Multiple invasive techniques have been developed and have demonstrated ability to improve clinical outcomes. However, all require invasive arterial or venous catheters, with associated risks of infection, thrombosis and vascular injury. Non-invasive monitoring of cardiac output and fluid responsiveness in infants and children is an active area of interest and several proven techniques are available. Novel non-invasive cardiac output monitors offer a promising alternative to echocardiography and have proven their ability to influence clinical practice. Assessment of perfusion remains a challenge; however, technologies such as near-infrared spectroscopy and photoplethysmography may prove valuable clinical adjuncts in the future.
The VISA-A (sedentary) should be used for sedentary patients with Achilles tendinopathy: a modified version of the VISA-A developed and evaluated in accordance with the COSMIN checklist
Authors: Norris Richard , Cook Jill L , Gaida Jamie E , Maddox Thomas , Raju Jaya , O'Neill Seth
Published: March 2023

Objective

To develop and evaluate a modified version of the Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire, for use in sedentary patients with Achilles tendinopathy, using the Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments recommendations.

Methods

Twenty-two sedentary patients with Achilles tendinopathy completed the VISA-A and provided feedback regarding the relevance, comprehensiveness and comprehensibility of each item, response options and instructions. Patient and professional feedback was used to develop the VISA-A (sedentary) questionnaire. Reliability, validity and responsiveness of the VISA-A (sedentary) was evaluated in 51 sedentary patients with Achilles tendinopathy: 47.1% women, mean age 64.8 (SD 11.24).

Results

Factor analysis identified two dimensions (symptoms and activity) for the VISA-A (sedentary). Test–retest reliability was excellent for symptoms (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC=0.991) and activity (ICC=0.999). Repeatability was 1.647 for symptoms and 0.549 for activity. There was a significant difference between the VISA-A and VISA-A (sedentary) scores both pretreatment and post-treatment. There was stronger correlation between the pretreatment to post-treatment change in the VISA-A (sedentary) scores (r=0.420 for symptoms, r=0.407 for activity) and the global rating of change than the VISA-A scores (r=0.253 for symptoms, r=0.186 for activity).

Conclusion

The VISA-A (sedentary) demonstrates adequate reliability, validity and responsiveness in sedentary patients with Achilles tendinopathy. The VISA-A (sedentary) is a more appropriate measure than the VISA-A for this cohort and is recommended for clinical and research purposes.
Computerised clinical decision support system for the diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism: a preclinical pilot study
Authors: Altabbaa Ghazwan , Carpendale Sheelagh , Flemons Ward , Hemmelgarn Brenda , McLaughlin Kevin , Zuk Torre , Ghali William A
Published: March 2023

Background

Recommendations for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism are available for healthcare providers. Yet, real practice data show existing gaps in the translation of evidence-based recommendations. This is a study to assess the effect of a computerised decision support system (CDSS) with an enhanced design based on best practices in content and reasoning representation for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism.

Design

Randomised preclinical pilot study of paper-based clinical scenarios in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. Participants were clinicians (n=30) from three levels of experience: medical students, residents and physicians. Participants were randomised to two interventions for the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism: a didactic lecture versus a decision tree via a CDSS. The primary outcome of diagnostic pathway concordance (derived as a ratio of the number of correct diagnostic decision steps divided by the ideal number of diagnostic decision steps in diagnostic algorithms) was measured at baseline (five clinical scenarios) and after either intervention for a total of 10 clinical scenarios.

Results

The mean of diagnostic pathway concordance improved in both study groups: baseline mean=0.73, post mean for the CDSS group=0.90 (p<0.001, 95% CI 0.10–0.24); baseline mean=0.71, post mean for didactic lecture group=0.85 (p<0.001, 95% CI 0.07–0.2). There was no statistically significant difference between the two study groups or between the three levels of participants.

Interpretation

A computerised decision support system designed for both content and reasoning visualisation can improve clinicians’ diagnostic decision-making.
Heterogeneity of tumor immune microenvironment of EGFR/ALK-positive tumors versus EGFR/ALK-negative tumors in resected brain metastases from lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Xiao Gang , Li Lifeng , Tanzhu Guilong , Liu Zhiyuan , Gao Xuan , Wan Xin , Xiao Desheng , Chen Liu , Xia Xuefeng , Zhou Rongrong
Published: March 2023

Background

Previous studies found that lung adenocarcinomas (LUAD) with EGFR-positive and ALK-positive were less responsive to immunotherapy, which may be associated with a suppressive tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Given the discordance in the TIME between primary lung cancer and brain metastasis, it is urgent to explore the TIME in patients with EGFR/ALK-positive LUAD with brain metastases (BMs).

Methods

The transcriptome feature of formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded samples of BMs and paired primary LUAD from 70 patients with LUAD BMs was illustrated by RNA-sequencing. Six of them were available for paired sample analysis. Then, after excluding 3 co-occurring patients, we divided 67 BMs patients into 41 EGFR/ALK-positive and 26 EGFR/ALK-negative patients. The differences in immune profiling between the two groups were analyzed from three dimensions: TIME, T-cell receptor repertoire, and immunohistochemistry. Finally, the survival data of 55 patients were collected.

Results

Compared with primary LUAD, BMs present an immunosuppressed TIME, manifested as: inhibition of immune-related pathways; low expression of immune checkpoint; decreased infiltration of CD8+T cells and cytotoxic lymphocyte; increased proportion of suppressive M2 macrophages. In different subgroups based on EGFR/ALK gene variation status, both EGFR-positive and ALK-positive tumors present a relatively immunosuppressive microenvironment, but the heterogeneity of tumor microenvironment may undergo different mechanisms. EGFR-positive BMs showed decreased CD8+T cells and increased regulatory T cells (Treg) cells, while ALK-positive BMs showed decreased CD8+T cells and increased M2 macrophages. Moreover, in the TCGA-LUAD cohort, EGFR-positive tumors showed reduced CD8+T cell infiltrations (p<0.001) and borderline significantly higher Tregs than EGFR/ALK-negative (p=0.072). In parallel, ALK-positive tumors had higher median M2 macrophages infiltrations than EGFR/ALK-negative (p=0.175), although there was no statistical significance. Collectively, there was a similar immunosuppressive milieu between EGFR/ALK-positive primary LUAD and BMs. Moreover, survival analysis uncovered higher CD8A expression, cytotoxic lymphocyte infiltration, and immune scores were significantly associated with better prognosis in both EGFR/ALK-positive and EGFR/ALK-negative groups.

Conclusion

This study found that LUAD-derived BMs exhibited an immunosuppressive TIME and revealed that EGFR-positive and ALK-positive BMs exhibited different immunosuppressive characteristics. Meanwhile, EGFR-negative BMs showed a potential benefit to immunotherapy. These findings boost molecular and clinical understanding of LUAD BMs.
Sport-related concussion research agenda beyond medical science: culture, ethics, science, policy
Authors: McNamee Mike , Anderson Lynley C , Borry Pascal , Camporesi Silvia , Derman Wayne , Holm Soren , Knox Taryn Rebecca , Leuridan Bert , Loland Sigmund , Lopez Frias Francisco Javier , Lorusso Ludovica , Malcolm Dominic , McArdle David , Partridge Brad , Schramme Thomas , Weed Mike
Published: March 2023

The Concussion in Sport Group guidelines have successfully brought the attention of brain injuries to the global medical and sport research communities, and has significantly impacted brain injury-related practices and rules of international sport. Despite being the global repository of state-of-the-art science, diagnostic tools and guides to clinical practice, the ensuing consensus statements remain the object of ethical and sociocultural criticism. The purpose of this paper is to bring to bear a broad range of multidisciplinary challenges to the processes and products of sport-related concussion movement. We identify lacunae in scientific research and clinical guidance in relation to age, disability, gender and race. We also identify, through multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary analysis, a range of ethical problems resulting from conflicts of interest, processes of attributing expertise in sport-related concussion, unjustifiably narrow methodological control and insufficient athlete engagement in research and policy development. We argue that the sport and exercise medicine community need to augment the existing research and practice foci to understand these problems more holistically and, in turn, provide guidance and recommendations that help sport clinicians better care for brain-injured athletes.
Should authorship on scientific publications be treated as a right?
Authors: Resnik David B , Smith Elise
Published: March 2023

Sometimes researchers explicitly or implicitly conceive of authorship in terms of moral or ethical rights to authorship when they are dealing with authorship issues. Because treating authorship as a right can encourage unethical behaviours, such as honorary and ghost authorship, buying and selling authorship, and unfair treatment of researchers, we recommend that researchers not conceive of authorship in this way but view it as a description about contributions to research. However, we acknowledge that the arguments we have given for this position are largely speculative and that more empirical research is needed to better ascertain the benefits and risks of treating authorship on scientific publications as a right.
Role of N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide as a predictor of poor outcomes in patients with HFrEF receiving primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy: a systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis
Authors: Prameswari Hawani Sasmaya , Putra Iwan Cahyo Santosa , Kamarullah William , Pranata Raymond , Iqbal Mohammad , Karwiky Giky , Pramudyo Miftah , Kusumawardhani Nuraini Yasmin , Achmad Chaerul , Martha Januar Wibawa , Akbar Mohammad Rizki
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Several studies have demonstrated that combining left ventricular ejection fraction and New York Heart Association functional class is insufficient for predicting risk of appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) shock in primary prevention candidates. Hence, our aim was to assess the relationship between N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) along with appropriate ICD shock and all-cause mortality in order to improve the stratification process of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) being considered for primary preventive ICD therapy.

Methods

A systematic literature search from several databases was conducted up until 9 June 2022. Studies were eligible if they investigated the relationship of NT-pro BNP with all-cause mortality and appropriate ICD shock.

Results

This meta-analysis comprised nine studies with a total of 5117 participants. Our study revealed that high levels of NT-pro BNP were associated with all-cause mortality (HR=2.12 (95% CI=1.53 to 2.93); p<0.001, I2=78.1%, p<0.001 for heterogeneity) and appropriate ICD shock (HR=1.71 (95% CI=1.18 to 2.49); p<0.001, I2=43.4%, p=0.102 for heterogeneity). The adjusted HR for all-cause mortality and appropriate ICD shock increased by approximately 3% and 5%, respectively per 100 pg/mL increment pursuant to concentration–response model (Pnon-linearity<0.001). The curves became steeper after NT-pro BNP reached its inflection point (3000 pg/mL).

Conclusion

A positive concentration-dependent association between elevated NT-pro BNP levels along with the risk of all-cause mortality and appropriate ICD shock was found in patients with HFrEF with ICD.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022339285.
Type I interferon pathway assays in studies of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases: a systematic literature review informing EULAR points to consider
Authors: Burska Agata , Rodríguez-Carrio Javier , Biesen Robert , Dik Willem A , Eloranta Maija-Leena , Cavalli Giulio , Visser Marianne , Boumpas Dimitrios T , Bertsias George , Wahren-Herlenius Marie , Rehwinkel Jan , Frémond Marie-Louise , Crow Mary K , Ronnblom Lars , Conaghan PG , Versnel Marjan , Vital Ed
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To systematically review the literature for assay methods that aim to evaluate type I interferon (IFN-I) pathway activation and to harmonise-related terminology.

Methods

Three databases were searched for reports of IFN-I and rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases. Information about the performance metrics of assays measuring IFN-I and measures of truth were extracted and summarised. A EULAR task force panel assessed feasibility and developed consensus terminology.

Results

Of 10 037 abstracts, 276 fulfilled eligibility criteria for data extraction. Some reported more than one technique to measure IFN-I pathway activation. Hence, 276 papers generated data on 412 methods. IFN-I pathway activation was measured using: qPCR (n=121), immunoassays (n=101), microarray (n=69), reporter cell assay (n=38), DNA methylation (n=14), flow cytometry (n=14), cytopathic effect assay (n=11), RNA sequencing (n=9), plaque reduction assay (n=8), Nanostring (n=5), bisulphite sequencing (n=3). Principles of each assay are summarised for content validity. Concurrent validity (correlation with other IFN assays) was presented for n=150/412 assays. Reliability data were variable and provided for 13 assays. Gene expression and immunoassays were considered most feasible. Consensus terminology to define different aspects of IFN-I research and practice was produced.

Conclusions

Diverse methods have been reported as IFN-I assays and these differ in what elements or aspects of IFN-I pathway activation they measure and how. No ‘gold standard’ represents the entirety of the IFN pathway, some may not be specific for IFN-I. Data on reliability or comparing assays were limited, and feasibility is a challenge for many assays. Consensus terminology should improve consistency of reporting.
Patterns of clinical joint inflammation in juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Heckert Sascha L , Hissink-Muller Petra C E , van den Berg J Merlijn , Schonenberg-Meinema Dieneke , van Suijlekom-Smit Lisette W A , van Rossum Marion A J , Koopman Yvonne , ten Cate Rebecca , Brinkman Danielle M C , Huizinga Tom W J , Allaart Cornelia F , Bergstra Sytske Anne
Published: March 2023

Objectives

We studied patterns of joint inflammation in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) to assess whether joint activity recurs locally in the same joints.

Methods

Joints of 91 patients of the BeSt for Kids study, a treat-to-target trial for children with recent-onset oligoarticular, rheumatoid factor-negative polyarticular and psoriatic JIA, were clinically assessed during 2 years (10 study visits). The association between joint inflammation at baseline and later inflammation in the same joint was assessed using a multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model at joint level. With a Poisson model, the association between baseline joint inflammation and the number of study visits at which the same joint was recurrently inflamed was tested.

Results

Of the 6097 joints studied, 15% (897) was clinically inflamed at baseline. In 42% (377/897) of those joints, inflammation recurred during follow-up. Joint inflammation at baseline was statistically significantly associated with joint inflammation during follow-up in the same joint (OR 3.9, 95% CI 3.5 to 4.4) and specifically with the number of episodes of recurrent joint inflammation (IRR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.1).

Conclusion

In JIA, joint inflammation has the tendency to recur multiple times in joints that are clinically inflamed at disease onset. This indicates that local factors might play a role in the processes contributing to the occurrence of JIA flares.
Regulatory challenges in conducting human subjects research in emergency settings: the National Trauma Research Action Plan (NTRAP) scoping review
Authors: Villarreal Cynthia Lizette , Price Michelle A , Moreno Ashley N , Zenteno Alfonso , Saenz Christine , Toppo Alexander , Herrera-Escobar Juan Pablo , Sims Carrie A , Bulger Eileen M
Published: March 2023

The complexity of the care environment, the emergent nature, and the severity of patient injury make conducting clinical trauma research challenging. These challenges hamper the ability to investigate potentially life-saving research that aims to deliver pharmacotherapeutics, test medical devices, and develop technologies that may improve patient survival and recovery. Regulations intended to protect research subjects impede scientific advancements needed to treat the critically ill and injured and balancing these regulatory priorities is challenging in the acute setting. This scoping review attempted to systematically identify what regulations are challenging in conducting trauma and emergency research. A systematic search of PubMed was performed to identify studies published between 2007 and 2020, from which 289 articles that address regulatory challenges in conducting research in emergency settings were included. Data were extracted and summarized using descriptive statistics and a narrative synthesis of the results. The review is reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Most articles identified were editorial/commentary (31%) and published in the USA (49%). Regulatory factors addressed in the papers were categorized under 15 regulatory challenge areas: informed consent (78%), research ethics (65%), institutional review board (55%), human subjects protection (54%), enrollment (53%), exception from informed consent (51%), legally authorized representative (50%), patient safety (41%), community consultation (40%), waiver of informed consent (40%), recruitment challenges (39%), patient perception (30%), liability (15%), participant incentives (13%), and common rule (11%). We identified several regulatory barriers to conducting trauma and emergency research. This summary will support the development of best practices for investigators and funding agencies.
Probing the non-standard neutrino interactions using quantum statistics
Authors: Kim C. S. , Rosiek Janusz , Sahoo Dibyakrupa
Published: March 2023

Using the well established principles of Lorentz invariance, CP and CPT symmetry, and quantum statistics we do a model-independent study of effects of possible non-standard couplings of (Dirac and Majorana) neutrinos. The study is sensitive to the different quantum statistical properties of the Dirac and Majorana neutrinos which, contrary to neutrino-mediated processes of lepton number violation, could lead to observable effects not suppressed by the small ratios of neutrino and heavier particle masses. For processes with a neutrino-antineutrino pair of the same flavor in the final state, we formulate the “Dirac Majorana confusion theorem (DMCT)” showing why it is normally very difficult to observe the different behaviour of both kinds of neutrinos in experiments if they have only the standard model (SM)-like left-handed vector couplings to gauge bosons. We discuss deviations from the confusion theorem in the presence of non-standard neutrino interactions, allowing to discover or constrain such novel couplings. We illustrate the general results with two chosen examples of neutral current processes, $$Z \rightarrow \nu \, {\overline{\nu }}$$

Z
→
ν

ν
¯

and $${\mathcal {P}}_i \rightarrow {\mathcal {P}}_f \, \nu \, {\overline{\nu }}$$

P
i

→

P
f

ν

ν
¯

(with $${\mathcal {P}}_{i,f}$$

P

i
,
f

denoting pseudoscalar mesons, such as $$B,K,\pi $$

B
,
K
,
π

). Our analysis shows that using 3-body decays the presence of non-standard interactions can not only be constrained but one can also distinguish between Dirac and Majorana neutrino possibilities.
New variety diverse solitary wave solutions to the DNA Peyrard–Bishop model
Authors: Zahran Emad H. M. , Bekir Ahmet
Published: March 2023

In this study, we will derive many new diverse performances for the solitary wave solutions to the DNA Peyrard–Bishop Model with Beta-Derivative (DNAPBM) via three distinctive techniques. The first one has profile name: The ([Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text]-expansion method, while the second one has the profile name: the extended direct algebraic method (EDAM) and the third one has the profile name: the Paul-Painlevé approach method (PPAM). The three techniques are implemented in the same vein and are parallel. The agreement between the achieved solitary wave solutions by these suggested three techniques has been shown. The novelty of our results will appear when the comparison is implemented between our obtained solutions and that achieved previously by other authors who applied another technique.
Decomposition of Ethane as a Hydrogen Rich Molecule on the Aluminum-Doped Boron Nitride Nanotube: A DFT Approach
Authors: Jalili-Manesh Sahar , Afshari Sadegh
Published: March 2023

It is predictable that hydrogen gas will be used as the common main energy supply instead of fossil fuels in the near future. Studying hydrogen-production by using hydrogen-rich materials as a source of hydrogen on metal-free catalysts may be worthwhile. We studied the adsorption of ethane, as a hydrogen-rich molecule, on the one, two and three aluminum-doped boron nitride nanotubes using density functional theory. The interactions between any possible sides of ethane and any possible sites on [Formula: see text]-doped BNNT were studied. The only adsorption has occurred from the carbon atom side of the ethane molecule on the doped aluminum atom site of the BNNT. After the adsorption process, the possible configurations of the intermediates and transition states to receive the decomposition reaction pathway of the ethane molecule were surveyed. The results showed that the ethane molecule was decomposed only on the two aluminum-doped BNNT to four hydrogen atoms.
Toward Understanding Deep Learning Framework Bugs
Authors: Chen Junjie , Liang Yihua , Shen Qingchao , Jiang Jiajun , Li Shuochuan
Published: March 2023

DL frameworks are the basis of constructing all DL programs and models, and thus their bugs could lead to the unexpected behaviors of any DL program or model relying on them. Such a wide effect demonstrates the necessity and importance of guaranteeing DL frameworks’ quality. Understanding the characteristics of DL framework bugs is a fundamental step for this quality assurance task, facilitating designing effective bug detection and debugging approaches. Hence, in this work, we conduct the most large-scale study on 1,000 bugs from four popular and diverse DL frameworks (i.e., TensorFlow, PyTorch, MXNet, and DL4J). By analyzing the root causes and symptoms of DL framework bugs associated with five components decomposed from DL frameworks, as well as measuring test coverage achieved by three state-of-the-art testing techniques, we obtain 12 major findings for the comprehensive understanding of DL framework bugs and the current status of existing DL framework testing practice, and then provide a series of actionable guidelines for better DL framework bug detection and debugging. Finally, based on the guidelines, we design and implement a prototype DL-framework testing tool, called
TenFuzz
, which is evaluated to be effective and finds three unknown bugs on the latest TensorFlow framework in a preliminary study, indicating the significance of our guidelines.
Partial Replacement of Fishmeal with Duckweed (Spirodela polyrhiza) in Feed for Two Carnivorous Fish Species, Eurasian Perch (Perca fluviatilis) and Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Stadtlander T. , Tschudi F. , Seitz A. , Sigrist M. , Refardt D. , Leiber F.
Published: March 2023

Two four-week feeding trials were conducted with fingerlings of Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis, 3.52 ± 0.08 g) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, 1.49 ± 0.05 g) fed with graded levels of dried (DWD) and fermented (DWF) duckweed meal (Spirodela polyrhiza). The purpose of these two trials was to evaluate DWD and DWF as replacements for fishmeal. Fishmeal protein was substituted by 12%, 24%, and 35% of duckweed protein and compared to control diets containing 40% (for perch) and 35% (for rainbow trout) fishmeal and no duckweed. The performance of the fish (growth, feed conversion, and protein and lipid utilization) and their whole-body composition were evaluated and compared with the control. While even the lowest inclusion level, regardless of its form (dried or fermented), resulted in significantly reduced performance in Eurasian perch, rainbow trout were able to utilize feed containing duckweed meal considerably well. Compared to the control, at a 12% inclusion level, rainbow trout showed an equal or comparable percent weight gain (PWG; DWD: 377%, DWF: 373%), specific growth rate (SGR; DWD: 4.37%/day, DWF: 4.33%/day), feed conversion ratio (FCR; DWD: 1.11, DWF: 1.12), and protein productive value (PPV; DWD: 21.5%, DWF: 21.2%). Increasing the inclusion levels above 12% of both DWD and DWF resulted in reduced performance in rainbow trout, with the most pronounced effects observed in the DWD35 group. All experimental diets, including control, affected the whole body composition of perch, most notably reducing the lipid content compared to initial fish. Compared to initial, control and DWD rainbow trout increased whole-body protein, lipid, and ash contents. In conclusion, for rainbow trout, fermented and dried S. polyrhiza duckweed meal appears to be a promising feed ingredient when used at a maximum inclusion level of 12%, while for Eurasian perch, it should not be considered as a feed ingredient.
Postictal Psychosis: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Regala Joana , Lourenço João , Moniz-Pereira Francisco , Bento António
Published: March 2023

Postictal psychosis (PIP) is one of the most common types of psychosis in epileptic patients. By virtue of the paucity of research on PIP, its pathophysiology remains not completely understood. Our case report describes a clinical picture of PIP, characterized by pleomorphic features, with neither Schneider’s first-rank symptoms nor negative symptoms of schizophrenia, in a longstanding epileptic female patient with a history of nonadherence to antiepileptic treatment and poorly controlled seizures. Additionally, she had previous cognitive impairment and encephalomalacia in the right parietooccipital region as a sequela of a moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury known to precede the emergence of the epilepsy. In light of our findings, we critically reviewed the current literature on postictal psychoses providing insight into its neurobiological underpinnings.
Spindle Cell Variant of Ameloblastic Carcinoma: Another Example in a Japanese Male
Authors: Harada Hiroshi , Tanaka Akio , Kimura Masatomo , Ieda Shinsuke , Wada Takeshi , Matsumura Tatsushi , Kurose Akira
Published: March 2023

Spindle cell variant of ameloblastic carcinoma (SpCAC) is a rare subtype of ameloblastic carcinoma. Herein, we describe an additional case of SpCAC of the mandible of a 76-year-old Japanese male. We discuss diagnostic problems we encountered in this case, focusing on unusual expression of myogenic/myoepithelial markers, such as smooth muscle actin and calponin.
Diagnostic Utility of TUNEL Staining for Degenerative Keratoacanthoma Requiring Pathologic Differentiation from Seborrheic Keratosis
Authors: Nakanishi Mari , Kondo Makoto , Habe Koji , Hayashi Akinobu , Yamanaka Keiichi
Published: March 2023

Tumors developed in 2 old women presented with pathological findings similar to seborrheic keratosis, although the clinical feature of tumor showed typical keratoacanthoma. In addition to these two cases, we compared the pathological findings of a total of four cases, one case each of keratoacanthoma and seborrheic keratosis, which were clinically and histopathological typical. These two cases and the typical keratoacanthoma showed cell apoptosis by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining and infiltration of cytotoxic T cells. The keratoacanthoma in the decompensated stage may be histologically similar to seborrheic keratosis. TUNEL staining can help in the diagnosis of fading keratoacanthoma.
The Epidermal Environment’s Influence on the Dermal Environment in Response to External Stress
Authors: Yoshida Masaki , Shin Kyong-Oh , Muraoka Sora , Choi Yerim , Park Jae-Ho , Park Soo-Hyun , Hwang Jin-Taek , Park Kyungho , Uchida Yoshikazu
Published: March 2023

Introduction: The outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis, is directly exposed to external stress (e.g., irradiation, allergens, and chemicals). Changes in epidermal conditions/environment in response to this stress could also influence conditions of the dermis, located directly beneath the epidermis. Yet, whether/how any epidermal environment changes in response to external stress affect dermal functions has not been completely clarified. Methods: We employed ultraviolet irradiation B (UVB) (which hardly reaches the dermis) as a model of external stress. Human keratinocytes and human dermal fibroblasts were treated with UVB and conditioned medium of keratinocytes exposed to UVB (UVB-keratinocyte-M), respectively. We assessed (1) inflammatory cytokines and lipid mediators in keratinocytes; (2) matrix metalloprotease (MMP) levels and collagen degradation in fibroblasts; (3) ex vivo organ-cultured human skin was treated with UVB. MMP levels and collagen degradation were examined; (4) test whether the mixture of agent (agent cocktail) consisting of dihydroceramide, niacin amide, resveratrol, glucosyl hesperidin, and phytosterol ester that has been shown to improve skin barrier integrity can mitigate influence of UVB in skin; and (5) a pilot one-arm human clinical test to assess efficacy of formulation containing agent cocktail on stratum corneum hydration, skin elasticity, and wrinkle index. Results: Inflammatory-cytokine and -lipid mediator production were increased in cultured keratinocytes treated with UVB, while matrix MMP-1, -3, and -9 production and collagen degradation were increased in fibroblasts incubated with UVB-keratinocyte-M. mRNA expression of COL1A1 (that codes type 1 collagen) levels was decreased in fibroblasts incubated with UVB-keratinocyte-M. The study using ex vivo organ-cultured human skin showed both MMP-1 and MMP-9 expression were increased in both epidermis and dermis and increased dermal collagen degradation following UVB irradiation. Increased MMP production and collagen degradation were attenuated by application of an agent cocktail. Finally, a pilot clinical study demonstrated that the formulation containing our agent cocktail likely has the ability to improve skin hydration, increase skin elasticity, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Conclusion: Epidermal changes in epidermal environment and conditions in response to external stress affect dermal conditions, and these negative effects of external stress on various skin layers can be pharmacologically mitigated.
Characterization of Viscum album L. Effect on Immune Escape Proteins PD-L1, PD-L2, and MHC-I in the Prostate, Colon, Lung, and Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Devi Seema , Gründemann Carsten , Huber Roman , Kowarschik Stefanie
Published: March 2023

Background: Viscum album L. (VA) preparations possess immunomodulatory properties and are used in complementary medicine to support cancer therapy. It is unclear if there is an impact of VA on the expression of immune checkpoint proteins on the surface of cancer cells. This study was designed to investigate the role of commercially available VA preparations on checkpoint programmed death ligand 1, 2 (PD-L1, PD-L2) and on major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I). Methods: Four human cancer cell lines (prostate, colon, lung, and breast) were assayed for their PD-L1, PD-L2, and MHC-I level after stimulation with interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). The toxicity of mistletoe preparations for the cells was analysed. Afterwards, the effect of mistletoe preparations on the PD ligands and MHC-I was investigated. Results: Surface protein analysis demonstrated that all tested tumour cell lines increased the PD-L1, PD-L2, and MHC-I-expression, but to different extents, after IFN-γ stimulation. Treatment with VA extracts did not influence the viability of the cells. The expression of PD ligands and MHC-I was not affected by incubation with the VA preparations. Conclusion: Our investigation concludes that VA treatment does not interfere with the expression of PD ligands or MHC-I among selected cancer cells.
Endothelial DLL4 Is an Adipose Depot–Specific Fasting Sensor Regulating Fatty Acid Fluxes
Authors: Aupetit Alex , Decaunes Pauline , Belles Chloé , Riant Elodie , Galitzky Jean , Chapouly Candice , Laisné Margaux , Flores-Flores Rémy , Chaput Benoit , Vié Katell , Arnal Jean-François , Bouloumié Anne , Briot Anaïs
Published: March 2023

Background:

Adaptation of fat depots to change in fuel availability is critical for metabolic flexibility and cardiometabolic health. The mechanisms responsible for fat depot-specific lipid sensing and shuttling remain elusive. Adipose tissue microvascular endothelial cells (AT-EC) regulates bidirectional fatty acid fluxes depending on fed or fasted state. How AT-EC sense and adapt to metabolic changes according to AT location remains to be established.

Methods:

We combined transcriptional analysis of native human AT-EC together with in vitro approaches in primary human AT-EC and in vivo and ex vivo studies of mice under fed and fasted conditions.

Results:

Transcriptional large-scale analysis of human AT-EC isolated from gluteofemoral and abdominal subcutaneous AT revealed that the endothelium exhibits a fat depot–specific signature associated with lipid handling and Notch signaling enrichment. We uncovered a functional link between metabolic status and endothelial DLL4 (delta-like canonical notch ligand 4), which decreases with fasting. DLL4 regulates fatty acid uptake through nontranscriptional modulation of macropinocytosis-dependent long chain fatty acid uptake. Importantly, the changes in DLL4 expression, in response to energy transition state, is impaired under obesogenic conditions, an early alteration coinciding with a defect in systemic fatty acid fluxes adaptation and a resistance to weight loss.

Conclusions:

DLL4 is a major actor in the adaptive mechanisms of AT-EC to regulate lipid fluxes. It likely contributes to fat depot-dependent metabolism in response to energy transition states. AT-EC alteration with obesity may favor metabolic inflexibility and the development of cardiometabolic disorders.
Erythrocyte-Derived microRNAs: Emerging Players in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease
Authors: Kontidou Eftychia , Collado Aida , Pernow John , Zhou Zhichao
Published: March 2023

Recent studies have demonstrated a novel function of red blood cells (RBCs) beyond their classical role as gas transporters, that is, RBCs undergo functional alterations in cardiovascular and metabolic disease, and RBC dysfunction is associated with hypertension and the development of cardiovascular injury in type 2 diabetes, heart failure, preeclampsia, familial hypercholesterolemia/dyslipidemia, and COVID-19. The underlying mechanisms include decreased nitric oxide bioavailability, increased arginase activity, and reactive oxygen species formation. Of interest, RBCs contain diverse and abundant micro (mi)RNAs. miRNA expression pattern in RBCs reflects the expression in the whole blood, serum, and plasma. miRNA levels in RBCs have been found to be altered in various cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, which contributes to the development of cardiovascular complications. Evidence has shown that RBC-derived miRNAs interact with the cardiovascular system via extracellular vesicles and argonaute RISC catalytic component 2 as carriers. Alteration of RBC-to-vascular communication via miRNAs may serve as potential disease mechanism for vascular complications. The present review summarizes RBCs and their released miRNAs as potential mediators of cardiovascular injury. We further focus on the possible mechanisms by which RBC-derived miRNAs regulate cardiovascular function. A better understanding of the function of RBC-derived miRNAs will increase insights into the disease mechanism and potential targets for the treatment of cardiovascular complications.
Evaluation and Management of Pulmonary Hypertension in Noncardiac Surgery: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Authors: Rajagopal Sudarshan , Ruetzler Kurt , Ghadimi Kamrouz , Horn Evelyn M. , Kelava Marta , Kudelko Kristina T. , Moreno-Duarte Ingrid , Preston Ioana , Rose Bovino Leonie L. , Smilowitz Nathaniel R. , Vaidya Anjali ,   on behalf of the American Heart Association Council on Cardiopulmonary, Critical Care, Perioperative and Resuscitation, and the Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing
Published: March 2023

Pulmonary hypertension, defined as an elevation in blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, is associated with an increased risk of death. The prevalence of pulmonary hypertension is increasing, with an aging population, a rising prevalence of heart and lung disease, and improved pulmonary hypertension survival with targeted therapies. Patients with pulmonary hypertension frequently require noncardiac surgery, although pulmonary hypertension is associated with excess perioperative morbidity and death. This scientific statement provides guidance on the evaluation and management of pulmonary hypertension in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. We advocate for a multistep process focused on (1) classification of pulmonary hypertension group to define the underlying pathology; (2) preoperative risk assessment that will guide surgical decision-making; (3) pulmonary hypertension optimization before surgery to reduce perioperative risk; (4) intraoperative management of pulmonary hypertension to avoid right ventricular dysfunction and to maintain cardiac output; and (5) postoperative management of pulmonary hypertension to ensure recovery from surgery. Last, this scientific statement highlights the paucity of evidence to support perioperative pulmonary hypertension management and identifies areas of uncertainty and opportunities for future investigation.
FeelingBlue: A Corpus for Understanding the Emotional Connotation of Color in Context
Authors: Ananthram Amith , Winn Olivia , Muresan Smaranda
Published: March 2023

While the link between color and emotion has been widely studied, how context-based changes in color impact the intensity of perceived emotions is not well understood. In this work, we present a new multimodal dataset for exploring the emotional connotation of color as mediated by line, stroke, texture, shape, and language. Our dataset, FeelingBlue, is a collection of 19,788 4-tuples of abstract art ranked by annotators according to their evoked emotions and paired with rationales for those annotations. Using this corpus, we present a baseline for a new task: Justified Affect Transformation. Given an image I, the task is to 1) recolor I to enhance a specified emotion e and 2) provide a textual justification for the change in e. Our model is an ensemble of deep neural networks which takes I, generates an emotionally transformed color palette p conditioned on I, applies p to I, and then justifies the color transformation in text via a visual-linguistic model. Experimental results shed light on the emotional connotation of color in context, demonstrating both the promise of our approach on this challenging task and the considerable potential for future investigations enabled by our corpus.1
Hybrid Regionalism in Africa
Authors: Krösche Niklas
Published: March 2023

Since its establishment, the African Union (AU) takes on an active role in regional security matters through different types of interventions. These interventions, however, remain undertheorized. This paper argues that African hybrid regionalism, which combines problem-solving and regime-serving logics of cooperation, shapes the AU’s intervention practice in specific ways. To this end, I first theorize how the parallel presence of these logics shapes AU interventions before probing the empirical validity by studying coercive interventions undertaken by the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) between 2005 and 2021. For this purpose, I employ methods of content analysis to systematically code all publicly available meeting documents issued by the PSC. The results demonstrate that the AU strives to prevent and manage crises through interventions but does so in ways that protect or promote incumbent regimes, either by producing direct benefits for them or, when their actions contribute to the crisis, by avoiding head-on confrontations. This suggests careful balancing of the two main impetuses in African security regionalism, namely solving transnational problems and serving the interests of incumbents.
Huns in the East: The Polychrome Style
Authors: Kazakov Aleksandr , Kazakova Olga
Published: March 2023

The Great Migration period is closely connected with the culture of ancient multi- ethnic society known as the Huns. Although the Hunnic archaeology is well developed, there are still many issues to be solved. One of them is where was the eastern border of the Hunnic culture marking the areas of their influence. The article tries to answer the question and presents materials, which at present are the most eastern finds of polychrome style objects that became markers for the Huns’ burials. They were found on the Eras’ka River burial in the Kalmanskii District of the Altai Territory, Russia. The authors consider technological methods used by craftsmen in the Great Migration period for making polychrome style jewelry.