bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nanoscale Antiferromagnetic Domain Imaging using Full‐Field Resonant X‐ray Magnetic Diffraction Microscopy
Authors: Choi Taeyang , Zhang Zhan , Kim Hoon , Park Sunwook , Kim Jong‐Woo , Lee Kyeong Jun , Islam Zahir , Welp Ulrich , Chang Seo Hyoung , Kim B. J.
Published: May 2022

The physical properties of magnetic materials frequently depend not only on the microscopic spin and electronic structures, but also on the structures of mesoscopic length scales that emerge, for instance, from domain formations, or chemical and/or electronic phase separations. However, experimental access to such mesoscopic structures is currently limited, especially for antiferromagnets with net zero magnetization. Here, full‐field microscopy and resonant magnetic X‐ray diffraction are combined to visualize antiferromagnetic (AF) domains of the spin–orbit Mott insulator Sr2IrO4 with area over ≈0.1 mm2 and with spatial resolution as high as ≈150 nm. With the unprecedented wide field of views and high spatial resolution, an intertwining of two AF domains on a length comparable to the measured average AF domain wall width of 545 nm is revealed. This mesoscopic structure comprises a substantial portion of the sample surface, and thus can result in a macroscopic response unexpected from its microscopic magnetic structure. In particular, the symmetry analysis presented in this work shows that the inversion symmetry, which is preserved by the microscopic AF order, becomes ill‐defined at the mesoscopic length scale. This result underscores the importance of this novel technique for a thorough understanding of the physical properties of antiferromagnets.
Temperature‐Dependent Phase Transitions in HfxZr1‐xO2 Mixed Oxides: Indications of a Proper Ferroelectric Material
Authors: Schroeder Uwe , Mittmann Terence , Materano Monica , Lomenzo Patrick D. , Edgington Patrick , Lee Young H. , Alotaibi Meshari , West Anthony R. , Mikolajick Thomas , Kersch Alfred , Jones Jacob L.
Published: May 2022

Knowledge about phase transitions in doped HfO2 and ZrO2‐based films is crucial for developing future ferroelectric devices. These devices should perform in ambient temperature ranges with no degradation of device performance. Here, the phase transition from the polar orthorhombic to the nonpolar tetragonal phase in thin films is of significant interest. Detailed electrical and structural characterization is performed on 10 nm mixed HfxZr1‐xO2 binary oxides with different ZrO2 in HfO2 and small changes in oxygen content. Both dopant and oxygen content directly impact the phase transition temperature between the polar and nonpolar phase. A first‐order phase transition with thermal hysteresis is observed from the nonpolar to the polar phase with a maximum in the dielectric constant. The observed phase transition temperatures confirm trends as obtained by DFT calculations. Based on the outcome of the measurements, the classification of the ferroelectric material is discussed.
Räumliche und zeitliche Kartierung effizienter chiraler Induktion durch helikale Additive in dünnen Copolymerfilmen
Authors: Morgenroth Marius , Scholz Mirko , Guy Laure , Oum Kawon , Lenzer Thomas
Published: May 2022

Wir beobachteten eine effiziente Induktion von Chiralität in dünnen Polyfluoren‐Copolymer‐Dünnschichten durch Mischen mit chiralen Additiven vom Helicen‐Typ basierend auf dem Dibenzo[c,h]acridin‐Motiv. Bilder, die mittels Circulardichroismus (CD)‐ und zirkular polarisierter Lumineszenz (CPL)‐Mikroskopie erhalten wurden, liefern Informationen zu den chiralen Anordnungen in den dünnen Schichten mit beugungsbegrenzter Auflösung. Das CD‐Signal zeigt eine charakteristische Abhängigkeit von der Filmdicke, was für einen supramolekularen Ursprung der starken chiralen Antwort des Copolymers spricht. Insbesondere demonstrieren wir die Unterscheidung zwischen Filmen mit entgegengesetzter Chiralität auf Basis ihrer ultraschnellen transienten chiralen Antwort mit Hilfe von Femtosekunden‐Breitband‐CD‐Spektroskopie und einem neu entwickelten Aufbau für die transiente CPL‐Spektroskopie mit 28 ps Zeitauflösung. Eine systematische Variation des Enantiomeren‐Überschusses des chiralen Additivs zeigt, dass das “Feldwebel und Soldaten”‐Konzept und die “Mehrheitsregeln” nicht eingehalten werden.
Three copper(II) complexes derived from 2‐methylquinoline and cyclic secondary amines: Synthesis and catalytic application in C—N bond forming reactions
Authors: Jia Xuefeng , He Jieting
Published: May 2022

Three copper(II) complexes (I–III) bearing N,O‐bidentate ligands (L1–L3), derived from 2‐methylquinoline and cyclic secondary amines (including pyrrolidine, morpholine, and 4‐methylpiperidine), were successfully prepared and successively employed in construction of CN bonds via the Chan–Lam coupling of 1H‐imidazole derivatives with arylboronic acids. X‐ray diffraction analysis demonstrated that the central copper(II) atom of II adopted the distorted tetrahedral geometry, which was four coordinated by one nitrogen atom and one oxygen atom from L2 as well as two chloride atoms. Catalytic studies indicated that complex II displayed higher activity in Chan–Lam reaction than complex I or III. The present protocol for N,O‐coordinated‐copper complex‐catalyzed CN coupling reaction exhibited some advantages such as wide scope of substrates, good yields, and mild conditions.
Advances in exosome biomarkers for cervical cancer
Authors: Ran Zihan , Wu Shaobo , Ma Zijng , Chen Xiuwen , Liu Jing , Yang Jingcheng
Published: May 2022

Cervical cancer (CC) ranks as the fourth most frequently diagnosed malignancy in females worldwide. Exosomes are a subclass of extracellular vesicles released by nearly all types of cells that act as cargo transport vehicles, carrying proteins, and genetic material (such as miRNAs, long noncoding RNAs, and mRNAs) derived from their parent cells may affect receiving cells and thus have emerged as key players in several biological processes, including inflammatory pathways. In this review, we concentrated on the findings of exosome investigations in CC, particularly their components. They direct the actions of CC cells by inducing surface molecules associated with various biological pathways. We summarized the current knowledge of exosomal RNAs and proteins from CC cells and discussed the feasibility of exosomes as potential biomarkers for CC. We suggest that cancer‐derived exosomes promote metastasis in CC by supporting EMT, controlling the proliferation, invasion, or migration of cancer cells, as well as influencing immune escape and aiding angiogenesis. Overall, cancer‐derived exosomes are critical in the progression of CC, and further studies are necessary to advance our understanding of the clinical value of exosomes in CC.
Genetic improvement in grain yield and quality of Australian durum wheat over six decades of breeding
Authors: Kadkol Gururaj , Sissons Mike , Lambert Nicholas , Lisle Chris
Published: May 2022

Background and Objectives

Durum wheat breeding commenced in Australia in the 1930s by the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI), Australia. Dural was developed in 1956 from a cross between North African landraces. Since then, another 20 varieties have been released in the following six decades by NSW DPI and the University of Adelaide. These were evaluated for agronomic and detailed quality traits including pasta‐making quality over three seasons. This study aimed to quantify progress achieved in Australian durum breeding for yield, quality, and some agronomic traits since the release of Dural.

Findings

A demonstrated grain yield improvement at the rate of 27.8 kg ha−1 year−1 up to 2017 has been achieved when generally maintaining low screenings and high thousand grain weight. The recent varieties are medium early in their maturity relative to Dural and possess improved lodging tolerance which has resulted in better adaptation to seasonal conditions under dryland cultivation, and also, adaptation to high input irrigated cropping. Breeding has also resulted in higher technological quality, specifically, improved semolina yellow color, higher dough strength, improved pasta brightness and yellowness but with slightly declining grain protein content. Strong genetic gain was observed in semolina color traits, namely, reduction in a* and increase in b*.

Conclusion

The progress in Australian durum breeding over the last six decades compares well to the progress achieved in other countries for yield, agronomic, and quality traits. The improvements in yield and quality are expected to continue with future developments focussing on adaptation to meet the changing climate and improving tolerance to a major disease, crown rot, while maintaining high technological quality.

Significance and Novelty

This is the first study quantifying the progress made in Australian durum breeding efforts and the first study that includes pasta‐making quality traits from an historical breeding perspective.
Classification of tablet formulations by desorption electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry and transmission Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Taylor Adam J. , Tsikritsis Dimitrios , Dexter Alex , Burton Amy , Bunch Josephine , Belsey Natalie A.
Published: May 2022

Discrepancies or defects in active ingredients, excipients and coatings that form solid oral dosage forms can both impact product quality and provide hallmarks of off‐brand or counterfeit products. There is therefore a need for rapid and continuous analytical techniques that can assess and classify product differences of intact samples at or near the production line, or in analytical labs, ideally without resorting to product dissolution. Here we test the ability of two rapid ambient chemical characterisation methods to discriminate between solid dosage forms: Desorption electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (DESI MS) and transmission Raman spectroscopy. These two techniques are highly complementary, offering greater sensitivity to the analysis of the surface and the tablet bulk, respectively. The data sets generated were then used to test a variety of classification algorithms including linear discriminate analysis (LDA), tree‐based methods, a simple neural network, and support vector machines (SVM). The highest performing algorithms for DESI MS were the SVM, with an additional performance boost when used with a polynomial kernel. For transmission Raman data, an LDA model was found to be the most effective.
Understanding drivers of the Black:White breast cancer mortality gap: A call for more robust definitions
Authors: Jones Veronica C. , Kruper Laura , Mortimer Joanne , Ashing Kimlin T. , Seewaldt Victoria L.
Published: May 2022

Kim et al completed a pooled analysis of 8 National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project trials and highlight that, when compared with White patients, Black patients with estrogen receptor–positive (ER+) breast cancer have worse distant recurrence‐free survival, especially in the setting of neoadjuvant chemotherapy when pathologic complete response is not achieved. This editorial highlights that, to comprehend the drivers of this disparity, we must have more robust definitions of ER+ breast cancer and race.
Psychosocial consequences of surviving cancer diagnosed and treated in childhood versus in adolescence/young adulthood: A call for clearer delineation between groups
Authors: Darlington Anne‐Sophie E. , Wakefield Claire E. , van Erp Loes M. E. , van der Graaf Winette T. A. , Cohn Richard J. , Grootenhuis Martha A.
Published: May 2022

Surviving childhood cancer and surviving cancer in adolescence or young adulthood may present with psychosocial similarities and differences. A clearer delineation for these 2 groups is warranted.
Improved meta‐heuristic algorithm for selecting optimal features: A big data classification model
Authors: Senthamil Selvi Ramar , Valarmathi Muniyappan Lakshapalam , Devadas Prathima
Published: May 2022

Many fields function with large databases constitute a high number of features. Feature selection strategies seek to exclude the features that are distracting, repetitive, or unnecessary, as they can degrade the classification results. Existing approaches lack the scalability needed to handle the datasets with millions of instances and they do not obtain favorable results in a timely manner. This study uses a unique feature selection approach based on an upgraded optimization model and deep machine learning‐based data classification. “(a) Feature extraction, (b) optimal feature selection, and (c) classification” are the three stages of the proposed model. Initially, the extracted big‐datasets are efficiently handled by the parallel pool map‐reduce architecture. Several features from the input big‐data are extracted using feature extraction (FE) approaches such as the suggested Tri‐Kernel principal component analysis (TK‐PCA), linear discriminant analysis, and linear square regression. Furthermore, the data obtained characteristics may contain data that is irrelevant, out‐of‐date, or noisy. The computing cost rises due to the larger feature space. As a result, the best features are selected using a new optimization technique known as Levy Adapted SLnO (LA‐SLnO), which is a superior variant of the original SLnO algorithm. This selection of appropriate features improves the classification accuracy. For classification, Convolutional Neural Network is used in this work. Finally, a comparative evaluation is undergone to validate the efficiency of the proposed model.
A computer‐aided design tool for RF filters design automation
Authors: Othman Ali , Barrak Rim , Mabrouk Mohamed , Idir Abib Ghalid , Muller Muriel
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we propose a computer‐aided design (CAD) tool in the electronic design automation (EDA) domain. This tool is dedicated for the design and simulation of Radiofrequency (RF) filters that are integrated into Advanced Design System (ADS) software. It includes a graphical user interface (GUI) developed using the design kit feature available under ADS and “Application Extension Language (AEL)” as a programming language. This will extend the existing smart filter design tool under ADS by adding more types of RF filters. The proposed feature will provide to users a rapid and an accurate tool to design and simulate RF filters by presenting interactive menus facilitating the process. As a proof of concept, an application of this tool is presented for the design of a Dual‐Behavior Resonators filter. The tool can be upgraded by adding other RF components and even entire front‐end circuits. In a future step, this tool will be enhanced by adding tuning capabilities to RF filters using ideal capacitors and varactors, which will make it the first one of its kind in the literature.
Antigen receptor‐engineered Tregs inhibit CNS autoimmunity in cell therapy using nonredundant immune mechanisms in mice
Authors: Pohar Jelka , O'Connor Richard , Manfroi Benoît , El‐Behi Mohamed , Jouneau Luc , Boudinot Pierre , Bunse Mario , Uckert Wolfgang , Luka Marine , Ménager Mickael , Liblau Roland , Anderton Stephen M. , Fillatreau Simon
Published: May 2022

CD4+FOXP3+ Tregs are currently explored to develop cell therapies against immune‐mediated disorders, with an increasing focus on antigen receptor‐engineered Tregs. Deciphering their mode of action is necessary to identify the strengths and limits of this approach. Here, we addressed this issue in an autoimmune disease of the CNS, EAE. Following disease induction, autoreactive Tregs upregulated LAG‐3 and CTLA‐4 in LNs, while IL‐10 and amphiregulin (AREG) were increased in CNS Tregs. Using genetic approaches, we demonstrated that IL‐10, CTLA‐4, and LAG‐3 were nonredundantly required for the protective function of antigen receptor‐engineered Tregs against EAE in cell therapy whereas AREG was dispensable. Treg‐derived IL‐10 and CTLA‐4 were both required to suppress acute autoreactive CD4+ T‐cell activation, which correlated with disease control. These molecules also affected the accumulation in the recipients of engineered Tregs themselves, underlying complex roles for these molecules. Noteworthy, despite the persistence of the transferred Tregs and their protective effect, autoreactive T cells eventually accumulated in the spleen of treated mice. In conclusion, this study highlights the remarkable power of antigen receptor‐engineered Tregs to appropriately provide multiple suppressive factors nonredundantly necessary to prevent autoimmune attacks.
Preparation of 3‐Alkylidenephthalides: Recent Advances
Authors: Petrignet Julien , Thibonnet Jérôme , Commeiras Laurent , Gueyrard David
Published: May 2022

3‐Alkylidenephthalides represent an important class of natural compounds which are also valuable synthetic precursors for the preparation of phthalides. While recent reviews reported the great interest of the phthalides in the field of medicinal chemistry, few reports are mentioning the recent progress for the synthesis of their unsaturated homologous in the position 3. So, the aim of this report is to present the latest progresses (since 2010 and until 2021) in the synthesis of 3‐alkylidenephtalides.
A New Comparative Potentiometric Method for Analysis of Omarigliptin Using Three Different Sensors
Authors: Kelani Khadiga M. , Hegazy Maha A. , Hassan Amal M. , Tantawy Mahmoud A.
Published: May 2022

This work represents first attempt for potentiometric determination of the most recent antidiabetic; omarigliptin. Three sensors, employing potassium tetrakis (p‐chlorophenyl) borate as a lipophilic cation exchanger, were developed and compared. One liquid contact ion‐selective electrode and two carbon paste‐based solid contact ones, plain one and another one modified with polyaniline nanoparticles, were employed. Performances of fabricated sensors were assessed as per IUPAC recommendations. Incorporation of hydrophobic polyaniline nanoparticles as ion‐to‐electron transducer layer at solid contact/ion‐sensitive membrane interface enhanced sensitivity and stability of the third sensor showing LOD of 2.5×10−7 mol L−1 and slope of 58.57 mV decade−1. The three sensors were applied for omarigliptin determination in presence of its degradation products, in dosage form and spiked human plasma.
Fabrication of Au/Fe3O4/RGO based aptasensor for measurement of miRNA‐128, a biomarker for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
Authors: Dinani Homayoon Soleimani , Pourmadadi Mehrab , Yazdian Fatemeh , Rashedi Hamid , Ebrahimi Seyed Ali Seyed , Shayeh Javad Shabani , Ghorbani Mehdi
Published: May 2022

Due to their high sensitivity, simplicity, portability, self‐contained, and low cost, the development of electrochemical biosensors is a beneficial way to diagnose and anticipate many types of cancers. An electrochemical nanocomposite‐based aptasensor is fabricated for the determination of miRNA‐128 concentration as the acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) biomarker for the first time. The aptamer chains were immobilized on the surface of the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) through gold nanoparticles/magnetite/reduced graphene oxide (AuNPs/Fe3O4/RGO). Fast Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize synthesized nanomaterials. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), square wave voltammetry (SWV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to characterize the modified GCE in both label‐free and labeled methods. The results indicate that the modified working electrode has high selectivity and for miRNA‐128 over other biomolecules. The hexacyanoferrate redox system typically operated at around 0.3 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), and the methylene blue redox system ran at about 0 V, were used as an electrochemical probe. The detection limit and linear detection range for hexacyanoferrate and methylene blue are 0.05346 fM, 0.1–0.9 fM, and 0.005483 fM, 0.01–0.09 fM, respectively. The stability and diffusion control analyses were performed as well. In both label‐free and labeled methods, the modified electron showed high selectivity for miRNA‐128. The use of methylene blue as a safer redox mediator caused miRNA‐128 to be detected with greater accuracy at low potentials in PBS media. The findings also show the substantial improvement in detection limit and linearity by using reduced graphene oxide‐magnetite‐gold nanoparticles that can be verified by comparing with previous studies on the detection of other miRNAs.
Performance analysis of a parabolic trough collector using a heat pipe exchanger
Authors: Boukhalfa Mohammed , Merzouk Mustapha , Kasbadji Merzouk Nachida , Feidt Michel , Blet Nicolas
Published: May 2022

In this article, a detailed performance analysis of a capillary heat pipe coupled with a parabolic trough collector is performed. The influence of different parameters on the overall system's performance was studied namely; beam radiation and the inclination of the PTC. Results showed that using a heat pipe as an absorber improves the performance of the PTC. At Tmax, the coupling of the heat pipe with PTC leads to a 33% increase in the system's global efficiency and a significant reduction in the heat losses by 46.55%. The inclined arrangement configuration improved the global efficiency of the system by 13%. The obtained results were compared with the experimental data provided by the literature and reasonable agreement was observed, thus confirming the model's validity.
An insight into hybrid membrane‐based air conditioning system performance using gray relational analysis methods: Structural versus operational parameters
Authors: Hashemifard Seyed Abdollatif , Abdollahi Farideh , Khosravi Arash , Matsuura Takeshi
Published: May 2022

Various parameters have an impact on the fresh air temperature and input power of a hybrid membrane‐based air conditioning (HMBAC) system, such as pressure ratio, membrane selectivity, membrane permeance, membrane area, air flowrate of the dehumidification unit, and module length, number of fibers, and fiber outer diameter of the humidification unit, which comprise both operational and structural parameters. Therefore, in this study, the effects of these parameters on the system performance are examined separately based on a statistical approach. The importance order of each parameter and its contribution ratio are determined by using Taguchi method and ANOVA analysis. The optimum level for each input parameter is determined using statistical analysis for the fresh air temperature and input power. Then, for the simultaneous minimization of fresh air temperature and input power Taguchi‐gray relational grade (GRG) is used. GRG revealed that membrane selectivity, pressure ratio, and membrane permeance with the contribution ratio of 37.87%, 32.51%, and 10.55%, respectively, are the most critical parameters of the multiperformance of an HMBAC system. Interestingly dehumidification from a humid airflow can be more effective when membranes with low selectivity and high permeability are used. In conclusion, the optimization outputs disclosed that both structural and operational parameters have significant effects on the performance of the HMBAC system and this optimization can be a helpful tool for designing a HMBAC systems to cover the optimal conditions to develop a sustainable membrane‐based air conditioning system.
Figures, landscapes and landsystems: Digital locations, connectivity and communications
Authors: Whalley W. Brian
Published: May 2022

Current geomorphological research tends to give preference to landforms rather than landscapes. This commentary brings these notions closer together and incorporates varied views of ‘landscape’ (such as landscapes in art and poetry) as well as showing the difficulties of communicating them to audiences wider than geomorphology. The paper promotes the use of decimal Latitude Longitude (dLL) values to assist better location of samples, analyses and especially landforms, to produce ‘information surfaces’ within landscape and landsystem approaches to geomorphology. This will also help the development of geomorphic visual literacy.
ORYX‐MRSI: A fully‐automated open‐source software for proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging data analysis
Authors: Cengiz Sevim , Yildirim Muhammed , Bas Abdullah , Ozturk‐Isik Esin
Published: May 2022

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (1H‐MRSI) provides a noninvasive, spatially resolved evaluation of brain metabolism. However, there are some limitations of 1H‐MRSI preventing its wider use in the clinics, including the spectral quality issues, partial volume effect and chemical shift artifact. Additionally, it is necessary to create metabolite maps for analyzing spectral data along with other MRI modalities. In this study, a MATLAB‐based open‐source data analysis software for three‐dimensional 1H‐MRSI, called Oryx‐MRSI, which includes modules for visualization of raw 1H‐MRSI data and LCModel outputs, chemical shift correction, tissue fraction calculation, metabolite map production, and registration onto standard MNI152 brain atlas while providing automatic spectral quality control, is presented. Oryx‐MRSI implements region of interest analysis at brain parcellations defined on MNI152 brain atlas. All generated metabolite maps are stored in NIfTI format. Oryx‐MRSI is publicly available at https://github.com/Computational-Imaging-LAB/Oryx-MRSI along with six example datasets.
Modelling the relationships between the yield and evapotranspiration of maize under salinity stress and nitrogen deficiency
Authors: Saeidi Reza , Sotoodehnia Abbas , Ramezani Etedali Hadi
Published: May 2022

Understanding the intraseasonal sensitivity of crop evapotranspiration (ET) to stresses allows for accurate modelling of crop yield. In this research, the effects of water salinity stress and soil nitrogen deficiency on evapotranspiration (in the growth stages) and maize yield in 2017 and 2018 were investigated. Four treatments of saline water levels of 0.5 (S0), 2.1 (S1), 3.5 (S2) and 5.7 (S3) dS m−1 were combined with four nitrogen fertilization levels of 100% (N0), 75% (N1), 50% (N2) and 25% (N3). The maize ET amounts from the S0N0 to S3N3 treatments decreased from 80 to 55 mm (in the initial stage), 202 to 129 mm (in development), 127 to 80 mm (in the mid) and 14.5 to 10.5 mm (in the late). The dry biomass yield of maize from the S0N0 to S3N3 treatments was equal to 15.3 to 9.23 t.ha−1. The relative yield of maize was modelled by the additive models of Blank, Stewart and Singh and the multipliable models of Jensen, Rao and Minhas. The results showed that the Stewart and Jensen models were selected as the optimal models. By using the optimal models, the relative yield of maize can be modelled based on the evapotranspiration rate (in the growth stages) under salinity stress and nitrogen deficiency.
A unified auto‐encoder method for gait recognition under different sensor locations
Authors: Chang Ying , Wang Lan , Lin Lingjie , Liu Ming
Published: May 2022

Sensor‐based gait recognition has recently been one of the most challenging task in personal identity verification. But the variations of sensor location would affect the quality of collected data, which results in the instability of recognition performance. To tackle with this, this paper proposes a unified discriminative Auto‐Encoder (AE) framework to directly extract discriminative features under different sensor locations, and simplifies the AE‐based framework at the same time. Firstly, we change traditional mean square error of AE into spectral angle distance to keep the geometry of data; Secondly, similar identity code is introduce to extract discriminative features; Moreover, a scatterness regularization is added to ensure the dispersion of the same class. The experimental results show the superiority of the proposed method over other state‐of‐the‐art methods. This paper proposes a unified autoencoder framework for gait recognition based on similarity identity code, which not only reduces the impact of different sensor location, but also simplifies the original progressive autoencoder scheme. The framework includes four steps: sensor‐based data collection, preprocessing, unified autoencoder algorithm and SVM recognition.
The psychometric properties of a self‐report inventory of autistic symptoms in individuals with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Harris Lani L. , Coolidge Frederick L.
Published: May 2022

Introduction and Methods: This study examined 85 parental‐reports with 85 self‐reports of autistic symptoms with the 84‐item Coolidge Autistic Symptom Survey (CASS). The CASS covers all of the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‐5), as no studies to date have compared the self‐reports of individuals with autism with parent‐ or significant‐other‐reports of those individuals using the complete DSM‐5. Results: The CASS‐Parental‐Report and CASS‐Self‐Report exhibited excellent internal reliability (α = 0.97 and 0.96, respectively). There was support for the hypothesis that parental‐reports and self‐reports would be similar (r = 0.66, p < 0.001). Discussion: In conclusion, the CASS should be considered a promising tool for assessing autistic symptoms from both parent‐ and self‐perspectives.
Neddylation inactivation affects cell cycle and apoptosis in sheep follicular granulosa cells
Authors: Qin Xiaowei , Dang Wenqing , Yang Xiaofeng , Wang Kai , Kebreab Ermias , Lyu Lihua
Published: May 2022

Protein neddylation inactivation is a novel topic in cancer research. However, there are few studies on the mechanism of neddylation underlying the development of sheep follicular granulosa cells (GCs). In this study, the development of follicular GCs in sheep was inactivated by MLN4924, a neddylation‐specific inhibitor, which significantly attenuated the proliferation and cell index of sheep follicular GCs. Further, the inactivation of neddylation by MLN4924 caused the accumulation of the cullin ring ligase (CRLs) substrates Wee1 and c‐Myc, which could upregulate NOXA protein expression. Meanwhile, the B‐cell lymphoma/leukemia 2 (BCL2) family members Bcl‐2 and MCL‐1 were downregulated, subsequently inducing apoptosis in follicular GCs of sheep. Increasing Wee1 levels caused G2/M‐phase arrest. The effects of neddylation inactivation on Akt, the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, and Forkhead box class O(FOXO) family members were evaluated. Neddylation inactivation by MLN4924 increased the levels of phospho‐Akt, JAK2, phospho‐STAT3, and FOXO1 (p < 0.05) and decreased the levels of phospho‐FOXO3a and STAT3 (p < 0.05). In addition, MLN4924 could alter the mitochondrial morphology of GCs, increase cellular glucose utilization and lactate production, increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and promote sheep follicular GCs glycolysis, thus causing changes in mitochondrial functions. Together, these findings point to an unrecognized role of neddylation in regulating follicular GCs proliferation in sheep.
Age‐stratified adeno‐associated virus serotype 3 neutralizing and total antibody prevalence in hemophilia A patients from India
Authors: Daniel Hubert D.‐J , Kumar Sanjay , Kannangai Rajesh , J. Farzana , Joel Joseph N. , Abraham Aby , Lakshmi Kavitha M. , Agbandje‐McKenna Mavis , Coleman Kirsten E. , Srivastava Arun , Srivastava Alok , Abraham Asha M.
Published: May 2022

Gene therapy using an adeno‐associated virus (AAV) vector offers a new treatment option for individuals with monogenetic disorders. The major bottleneck is the presence of pre‐existing anti‐AAV antibodies, which impacts its use. Even very low titers of neutralizing antibodies (NAb) to capsids from natural AAV infections have been reported to inhibit the transduction of intravenously administered AAV in animal models and are associated with limited efficacy in human trials. Assessing the level of pre‐existing NAb is important for determining the primary eligibility of patients for AAV vector‐based gene therapy clinical trials. Techniques used to screen AAV‐antibodies include AAV capsid enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and transduction inhibition assay (TIA) for detecting total capsid‐binding (TAb) and Nab, respectively. In this study, we screened 521 individuals with hemophilia A from India for TAb and NAb using ELISA and TIA, respectively. The prevalence of TAb and NAb in hemophilia A patients from India were 96% and 77.5%, respectively. There was a significant increase in anti‐AAV3 NAb prevalence with age in the hemophilia A patient group from India. There was a trend in anti‐AAV3 TAb positivity between the pediatric age group (94.4%) and the adult age group (97.4%).
Comparative assessment of a near‐global view of individual cloud types from space‐borne active and passive sensors and ground‐based observations
Authors: Sarkar Thumree , Dey Sagnik , Ganguly Dilip , Di Girolamo Larry , Hong Yulan
Published: May 2022

The World Meteorological Organizations' International Cloud Atlas recognizes 10 basic cloud genera for classifying clouds. Many of these have been used for over 200 years and are based on cloud appearance and base altitude as seen from surface. Over the satellite era, several missions and programs provide public products that classify clouds into these cloud genera. Here, we provide the first comparison of three such satellite climatologies of cloud genera with surface observations. Specifically, we analyse 10 years (2007–2016) of CloudSat, 4 years (2007–2010) of joint CloudSat‐CALIPSO, 13 years (2000–2012) of ISCCP‐H, and 11 years (1998–2008) of the EECRA data between 50°N and 50°S for eight cloud genera. Averaged over this latitude range, the total cloud amounts for these datasets range from 0.56 to 0.65, with Cumulus (Cu) ranging from 0.06 to 0.14; Stratus (St) from 0.14 to 0.38; Altostratus (As) from 0.05 to 0.13; Altocumulus (Ac) from 0.07 to 0.17; Nimbostratus (Ns) from 0.03 to 0.06; Cirrus (Ci) from 0.1 to 0.19; and Deep‐convective (Dc) from 0.01 to 0.04. The largest disagreement among the sensors is observed for Dc cloud with the coefficient of variation of 44%. On the other hand, the cloud datasets show the best agreement for Ci cloud with the coefficient of variation of 24.1%. Regionally, however, the level of agreement and disagreement can vary drastically. For example, in Indian summer monsoon region (ISM 60°–90°E, 10°–30°N) Ci cloud shows a variation of 28%, whereas the Dc cloud shows 16% variation, which is the opposite of their near‐global feature. The observed discrepancies in cloud genera are discussed in terms of observing characteristics, including instrument, methods, and sampling. Greater effort is still required to reduce discrepancies among these datasets, and the assessment provided here can act as a guide for their use in climate studies.
Age‐ and sex‐specific normative values of bone mineral density in the adult glenoid
Authors: Eghbali Pezhman , Becce Fabio , Goetti Patrick , Vauclair Frederic , Farron Alain , Büchler Philippe , Pioletti Dominique , Terrier Alexandre
Published: May 2022

The objective of this study was to determine the normative bone mineral density (BMD) of cortical and trabecular bone regions in the adult glenoid and its dependence on the subject's age and sex. We analyzed computed tomography (CT) scans of 441 shoulders (310 males, 18–69 years) without any signs of glenohumeral joint pathology. Glenoid BMD was automatically quantified in six volumes of interest (VOIs): cortical bone (CO), subchondral cortical plate (SC), subchondral trabecular bone (ST), and three adjacent layers of trabecular bone (T1, T2, and T3). BMD was measured in Hounsfield unit (HU). We evaluated the association between glenoid BMD and sex and age with the Student's t test and Pearson's correlation coefficient (r), respectively. The lambda‐mu‐sigma method was used to determine age‐ and sex‐specific normative values of glenoid BMD in cortical (CO and SC) and trabecular (ST, T1, T2, and T3) bone. Glenoid BMD was higher in males than females, in most age groups and most VOIs. Before 40 years old, the effect of age on BMD was very weak in both males and females. After 40 years old, BMD declined over time in all VOIs. This BMD decline with age was greater in females (cortical: r = −0.45, trabecular: r = −0.41) than in males (cortical: r = −0.30; trabecular: r = −0.32). These normative glenoid BMD values could prove clinically relevant in the diagnosis and management of patients with various shoulder disorders, in particular glenohumeral osteoarthritis and shoulder arthroplasty or shoulder instability, as well as in related research.
Articular geometry can affect joint kinematics, contact mechanics, and implant‐bone micromotion in total ankle arthroplasty
Authors: Zhang Yanwei , Chen Zhenxian , Zhao Dahang , Yu Jian , Ma Xin , Jin Zhongmin
Published: May 2022

Implant loosening and bearing surface wear remain the most common failure problems of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). One of the main factors leading to these problems is the nonphysiologic design of articular surfaces. The goals of this study were to reveal the effects of the anatomical medial‐lateral borders height differences, coronal and sagittal radii on the joint kinematics, contact mechanics, and implant‐bone micromotion in TAA. A previously developed and validated musculoskeletal (MSK) multibody dynamics (MBD) modeling method of TAA based on AnyBody generic MSK MBD model (five simulations for each implant) was used by combining with a finite element analysis. Five ankle implant models with different articular surface morphologies were created according to the anatomic characteristics of Chinese measurement data, marked as Implant A to E. The total ankle forces and motions during walking simulation were predicted by MSK MBD models and the contact mechanics of the bearing surface and the micromotion of the implant‐bone interface of TAA were predicted by FE models. Compared with Implant A, the internal‐external rotation in Implant E increased by 12.14%, the maximum of anterior‐posterior translation in Implant E increased by 5.62%, the maximum reduction of tibial micromotion in Implant E was 59.98%, and for talar, micromotion was 15.36%. The ankle implant with similar anatomic articular surface has the potential to allow patients to recover better motions and reduce the risk of early loosening. This study would provide design guidance for the development of new ankle implants and further advance the development of TAA. Clinical Significance: This study promoted the improvement of ankle implant design and made contributions to improve the service life of ankle implant and patient satisfaction.
Synthesis of Poly(thioester sulfonamide)s via the Ring‐Opening Copolymerization of Cyclic Thioanhydride with N‐Sulfonyl Aziridine Using Mild Phosphazene Base
Authors: Song Peng‐Duo , Xia Lei , Nie Xuan , Chen Guang , Wang Fei , Zhang Ze , Hong Chun‐Yan , You Ye‐Zi
Published: May 2022

Providing access to diverse polymer structures is highly desirable, which helps to explore new polymer materials. Poly(thioester sulfonamide)s, combining both the advantages of thioesters and amides, however, are rarely available in polymer chemistry. Here, the ring‐opening copolymerization (ROCOP) of cyclic thioanhydride with N‐sulfonyl aziridine using mild phosphazene base, resulting in well‐defined poly(thioester sulfonamide)s with highly alternative structures, high yields, and controlled molecular weights, is reported. Additionally, benefiting from the mild catalytic process, this ROCOP can be combined with ROCOP of N‐sulfonyl aziridines with cyclic anhydrides to produce novel block copolymers.
Solvent‐Free Templated Synthesis of Core‐Crosslinked Star‐Shaped Polymers in Supramolecular Body‐Centered Cubic Phase
Authors: Liu Xiaobo , Tang Lei , Chen Yutong , Fu Mi , Guo Zi‐Hao , Tang Wen , Yue Kan
Published: May 2022

This study reports the exploration of a solvent‐free supramolecular templated synthesis strategy toward highly core‐cross‐linked star‐shaped polymers (CSPs). To achieve this, a kind of cross‐linkable giant surfactant, based on a functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) head tethered with a diblock copolymer tail containing reactive benzocyclobutene groups, is designed and prepared. By varying the volume fraction of linear block copolymer tail, these giant surfactants can self‐assemble into a body‐centered cubic (BCC) structure in bulk, in which the supramolecular spheres are composed of a core of POSS cages, a middle shell of crosslinkable poly(4‐vinylbenzocyclobutene) (PBCB) blocks, and a corona of inert polystyrene (PS) blocks. The solvent‐free thermally induced cross‐linking reaction of the benzocyclobutene groups can be finished in 5 min upon heating, resulting in well‐defined polymeric spheres with over 90 linear chains surrounding the cross‐linked cores. The outer PS blocks serve as the protection corona to ensure that cross‐linking of giant surfactants occurs in each supramolecular spherical domain. Given the modular design and diversity of the POSS‐based giant surfactants, it is believed that the strategy may enable access to a wide range of CSPs.
Can We Treat Neurodegenerative Proteinopathies by Enhancing Protein Degradation?
Authors: Engelender Simone , Stefanis Leonidas , Oddo Salvatore , Bellucci Arianna
Published: May 2022

Neurodegenerative proteinopathies are defined as a class of neurodegenerative disorders, with either genetic or sporadic age‐related onset, characterized by the pathological accumulation of aggregated protein deposits. These mainly include Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's disease (HD) as well as frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). The deposition of abnormal protein aggregates in the brain of patients affected by these disorders is thought to play a causative role in neuronal loss and disease progression. On that account, the idea of improving the clearance of pathological protein aggregates has taken hold as a potential therapeutic strategy. Among the possible approaches to pursue for reducing disease protein accumulation, there is the stimulation of the main protein degradation machineries of eukaryotic cells: the ubiquitin proteasomal system (UPS) and autophagy lysosomal pathway (ALP). Of note, several clinical trials testing the efficacy of either UPS‐ or ALP‐active compounds are currently ongoing. Here, we discuss the main gaps and controversies emerging from experimental studies and clinical trials assessing the therapeutic efficacy of modulators of either the UPS or ALP in neurodegenerative proteinopathies, to gather whether they may constitute a real gateway from these disorders. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Caregiver's perspective on psychosocial issues of paediatric cancer patients during COVID 19 pandemic lockdown
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Vidhya , Veeraiah Surendran , Chidambaram Sundaramoorthy , Sudhakar Revathy , Radhakrishnan Venkatraman
Published: May 2022

Key points

The unprecedented pandemic crisis has caused serious changes in the medical care for cancer patients, thereby mandating research studies to focus and understand the psychosocial issues faced by paediatric cancer patients during the pandemic lockdown in India.

Paediatric cancer patients irrespective of diagnosis and treatment status were assessed for psychosocial issues (N = 103) and distress (n = 74).

Caregivers were chosen as the primary respondents except for distress score in order to obtain data with better clarity and comprehension.

The data was summarized using descriptive statistics; chi square analysis was adopted to find the association between psychosocial issues and outcome variables; multivariate logistic regression was used to find the predictors of treatment status and distress.

Paediatric cancer patients experienced significant physical and psychological issues pertaining to the unprecedented pandemic lockdown and its associated changes with the cancer treatment and interruptions.
Asthma risk after a pediatric intensive care unit admission for respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis
Authors: Be'er Moria , Bushmitz Shai , Cahal Michal , Sadot Efraim , Yochpaz Sivan , Besor Omri , Amirav Israel , Lavie Moran
Published: May 2022

Background

Admission to a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) has been associated with respiratory consequences in children with asthma and carries major implications for management control. Whereas respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis has been associated with increasing intensity of wheezing, the relationship between RSV‐bronchiolitis PICU admission and future asthma is unclear. This retrospective case‐control study evaluated whether hospitalization in the PICU due to RSV bronchiolitis is more likely to be associated with future asthma in early life compared with hospitalization in a general pediatric ward.

Methods

Children hospitalized due to RSV bronchiolitis between 2007 and 2019 in the PICU (study group) were compared to those hospitalized in a general pediatric ward (controls). Asthma prevalence was assessed by a follow‐up questionnaire based on The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire.

Results

Sixty‐three PICU patients and 66 controls were included. The PICU patients presented with more severe disease during RSV hospitalization. At follow‐up, significantly more PICU patients aged 3–6 years had physician‐diagnosed asthma, respiratory symptoms during the previous 12 months, and underwent respiratory treatment since hospital discharge compared to controls (14 [60.9%] vs. 4 [18.2%] patients; 15 [65.2%] vs. 6 [27.3%]; and 16 [69.6%] vs. 8 [36.4%]; respectively). These differences were no longer observed after 6 years of age.

Conclusions

Children admitted to the PICU for RSV bronchiolitis are at higher risk for asthma in subsequent pre‐school years and will require close respiratory follow‐up than those admitted to general pediatric wards. Admission venue should be queried when asthma is suspected.
Proteomics reveals unique plasma signatures in constitutional thinness
Authors: Cominetti Ornella , Núñez Galindo Antonio , Corthésy John , Carayol Jérôme , Germain Natacha , Galusca Bogdan , Estour Bruno , Hager Jörg , Gheldof Nele , Dayon Loïc
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Studying the plasma proteome of control versus constitutionally thin (CT) individuals, exposed to overfeeding, may give insights into weight‐gain management, providing relevant information to the clinical entity of weight‐gain resistant CT, and discovering new markers for the condition.

Experimental Design

Untargeted protein relative quantification of 63 CT and normal‐weight individuals was obtained in blood plasma at baseline, during and after an overfeeding challenge using mass spectrometry‐based proteomics.

Results

The plasma proteome of CT subjects presented limited specificity with respect to controls at baseline. Yet, CT showed lower levels of inflammatory C‐reactive protein and larger levels of protective insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 2. Differences were more marked during and after overfeeding. CT plasma proteome showed larger magnitude and significance in response, suggesting enhanced “resilience” and more rapid adaptation to changes. Four proteins behaved similarly between CT and controls, while five were regulated in opposite fashion. Ten proteins were differential during overfeeding in CT only (including increased fatty acid‐binding protein and glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase, and decreased apolipoprotein C‐II and transferrin receptor protein 1).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

This first proteomic profiling of a CT cohort reveals different plasma proteomes between CT subjects and controls in a longitudinal clinical trial. Our molecular observations further support that the resistance to weight gain in CT subjects appears predominantly biological.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02004821