bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparison of ECG-based home monitoring devices in adults with CHD
Authors: Pengel Lindsay K.D. , Robbers-Visser Daniëlle , Groenink Maarten , Winter Michiel M. , Schuuring Mark J. , Bouma Berto J. , Bokma Jouke P.
Published: July 2022

Background:

Various electrocardiogram (ECG)-based devices are available for home monitoring, but the reliability in adults with CHD is unknown. Therefore, we determined the accuracy of different ECG-based devices compared to the standard 12-lead ECG in adult CHD.

Methods and results:

This is a single-centre, prospective, cross-sectional study in 176 consecutive adults with CHD (54% male, age 40 ± 16.6 years, 24% severe CHD, 84% previous surgery, 3% atrial fibrillation (AF), 24% right bundle branch block). Diagnostic accuracy of the Withings Scanwatch (lead I), Eko DUO (precordial lead), and Kardia 6L (six leads) was determined in comparison to the standard 12-lead ECG on several tasks: 1) AF classification (percentage correct), 2) QRS-morphology classification (percentage correct), and 3) ECG intervals calculation (QTc time ≤ 40 ms difference). Both tested AF algorithms had high accuracy (Withings: 100%, Kardia 6L: 97%) in ECGs that were classified. However, the Withings algorithm classified fewer ECGs as inconclusive (5%) compared to 31% of Kardia (p < 0.001). Physician evaluation of Kardia correctly classified QRS morphology more frequently (90% accuracy) compared to Eko DUO (84% accuracy) (p = 0.03). QTc was underestimated on all ECG-based devices (p < 0.01). QTc duration accuracy was acceptable in only 51% of Withings versus 70% Eko and 74% Kardia (p < 0.001 for both comparisons).

Conclusions:

Although all devices demonstrated high accuracy in AF detection, the Withings automatic algorithm had fewest uninterpretable results. Kardia 6L was most accurate in overall evaluation such as QRS morphology and QTc duration. These findings can inform both patients and caregivers for optimal choice of home monitoring.
New Evidence on the Relative Scholarly Productivity of Male versus Female Political Scientists
Authors: Hill Kim Quaile , Hurley Patricia A.
Published: July 2022

Considerable research finds that male political scientists publish more research on average than do female political scientists. Yet the reasons for this difference are not entirely clear. Those findings may also overestimate the relative productivity of men because they do not account for the longer time that more men have been in the profession and thus have been publishing longer than women. For a prominent survey dataset of political scientists, we demonstrate notable cohort differences in the research productivity of both men and women across time. Our results also indicate that the overall greater productivity of men results in part from senior women scholars not generally enjoying the same benefits of long tenure on their research output as men do.
The question of definition: Armed banditry in Nigeria's North-West in the context of international humanitarian law
Authors: Osasona Tosin
Published: July 2022

In terms of its disruptive impact and intensity of violence, banditry is the gravest security threat that Nigeria currently faces, and it is driving her worst national humanitarian crisis in decades. There are contests about the origin, nature and the drivers of banditry and how well bandits by their modus operandi fit into the various definitional frameworks of an organized criminal group. The article examines what is known about bandits and banditry in light of existing definitional and conceptual paradigms of organized crime and criminal groups, and interrogates the applicability of international humanitarian law to this security crisis that characterizes the current face of conflict in the West African Sahel.
Anthropometric proxies for child neurodevelopment in low-resource settings: length- or height-for-age, head circumference or both?
Authors: Lamb Molly M. , Connery Amy K. , Colbert Alison M. , Bauer Desirée , Olson Daniel , Paniagua-Avila Alejandra , Calvimontes Diva M. , Bolaños Guillermo Antonio , Sahly Hana M. El , Muñoz Flor M. , Asturias Edwin J.
Published: July 2022

Stunting (<−2 SD of length- or height-for-age on WHO growth curves) is the most used predictor of child neurodevelopmental (ND) risk. Occipitofrontal head circumference (OFC) may be an equally feasible, but more direct and robust predictor. We explored association of the two measurements with ND outcome, separately and combined, and examined if cutoffs are more efficacious than continuous measures in predicting ND risk. Infants and young children in rural Guatemala (n = 642; age range = 0.1–35.9 months) were enrolled in a prospective natural history study, and their ND was tested using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL) longitudinally. Length- or height-for-age and OFC-for-age were calculated. We performed age-adjusted multivariable regression analyses to explore the association between 1) length or height and ND, 2) OFC and ND, and 3) both length or height and OFC combined, with ND; concurrently, predictively, and longitudinally, as continuous variables and using WHO z-score cutoffs. Continuous length- or height-for-age and OFC z-scores were more strongly associated with MSEL than the traditional -2 SD WHO cutoff. The combination of height-for-age z-score and OFC z-score was consistently, strongly associated with the MSEL Early Learning Composite concurrently (p-values 0.0004–0.11), predictively (p-value 0.001–0.07), with the exception of the 18–24 months age group which had very few records, and in the longitudinal model (p-value <0.0001–0.004). The combination of continuous length- or height-for-age and OFC shows additional utility in estimating ND risk in infants and young children. Measurement of OFC may improve precision of prediction of ND risk in infants and young children.
Vascular education through e-Learning
Authors: Trenner Matthias , Patelis Nikolaos , Bartos Oana ,   EL-COVID collaborators
Published: July 2022

Summary: Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has changed everyday life and work in many ways. As travelling to meetings and conferences was almost completely suppressed for most of healthcare professionals, e-Learning became increasingly prominent. The overall utility of e-Learning during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as its shortcomings in the international community of vascular surgery were assessed through the EL-COVID study. Regional variability was observed amongst participating nations, which is currently being addressed through several ongoing subgroup analyses. Our study completes the aforementioned efforts and aims to investigate the adherence and adoption of vascular e-Learning in Germany. Methods and participants: Using an online survey, EL-COVID gathered answers from 856 vascular surgeons, of whom 70 were located in Germany. We analyzed the answers of 62 German responders that attended at least one e-Learning activity and compared them with the remaining worldwide data. Results: Out of all European countries, Germany was best represented and ranked second worldwide after Mainland China (n=109). 30.6 percent of the German responders were female (vs. 20% worldwide; p=0.048) and 56.4% were vascular surgeons with >5 years of practice (vs. 56.3; p=0.975). The international cohort generally engaged in more e-Learning. Most German participants attended less than 4 online activities, while only 24.2% took part in more than 4 such events (vs. 56.3; p<0.0001). While the overall impression of e-Learning activities during the COVID-19 pandemic was positive, German employers were less supportive of participation during working hours (30.6% vs. 44%; p=0.042). The main reason for not attending was lack of time due to increased workload (56.5% vs. 50%; p=0.328). National and international societies played a lesser role in promoting such activities in Germany (22.6% vs. 39.2%; p=0.010), the same accounts for social media (16.1 vs. 30.3; p=0.017). Conclusions: E-Learning complements the classical training methods and has been embraced as a relevant alternative in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of this survey appeal to German employers and national societies to improve support and dissemination of e-Learning activities in the vascular medicine community.
Identifying Dominant Processes in Time and Space: Time‐Varying Spatial Sensitivity Analysis for a Grid‐Based Nitrate Model
Authors: Wu Songjun , Tetzlaff Doerthe , Yang Xiaoqiang , Soulsby Chris
Published: July 2022

Distributed models have been increasingly applied at finer spatiotemporal resolution. However, most diagnostic analyses aggregate performance measures in space or time, which might bias subsequent inferences. Accordingly, this study explores an approach for quantifying the parameter sensitivity in a spatiotemporally explicit way. We applied the Morris method to screen key parameters within four different sampling spaces in a grid‐based model (mHM‐Nitrate) for NO3‐N simulation in a mixed landuse catchment using a 1‐year moving window for each grid. The results showed that an overly wide range of aquatic denitrification rates could mask the sensitivity of the other parameters, leading to their spatial patterns only related to the proximity to outlet. With adjusted parameter space, spatial sensitivity patterns were determined by NO3‐N inputs and hydrological transport capacity, while temporal dynamics were regulated by annual wetness conditions. The relative proportion of parameter sensitivity further indicated the shifts in dominant hydrological/NO3‐N processes between wet and dry years. By identifying not only which parameter(s) is(are) influential, but where and when such influences occur, spatial sensitivity analysis can help evaluate current model parameterization. Given the marked sensitivity in agricultural areas, we suggest that the current NO3‐N parameterization scheme (land use‐dependent) could be further disentangled in these regions (e.g., into croplands with different rotation strategies) but aggregated in non‐agricultural areas; while hydrological parameterization could be resolved into a finer level (from spatially constant to land use‐dependent especially in nutrient‐rich regions). The spatiotemporal sensitivity pattern also highlights NO3‐N transport within soil layers as a focus for future model development.
Global Pattern of Ecosystem Respiration Tendencies and Its Implications on Terrestrial Carbon Sink Potential
Authors: Yu Peixin , Zhou Tao , Luo Hui , Liu Xia , Shi Peijun , Zhang Yajie , Zhang Jingzhou , Zhou Peifang , Xu Yixin
Published: July 2022

As the largest component of carbon export from terrestrial ecosystems, ecosystem respiration (RECO), together with vegetation productivity, determines the carbon stock changes in terrestrial ecosystems, so it is crucial to reveal the response of RECO to climate change. However, the simulation of RECO is usually inaccurate due to the neglect of the lagged response of respiration to changes in water conditions. In this study, we integrated meteorological data, remote sensing data, and soil data, and introduced the indicators of the previous water conditions into the deep learning model to simulate RECO. The conclusions are as follows: (a) There is a 1–2 years' lagged response of RECO to changes in water conditions. (b) It is necessary to consider the influence of previous water conditions when simulate RECO. It not only improved the simulation accuracy of RECO, but also reflected its inter‐annual fluctuations and change trends more accurately, avoiding the underestimation of RECO inter‐annual fluctuations. (c) There is an inconsistency in carbon input and carbon output change trends which impacts the carbon sink pattern and potential of terrestrial ecosystems. The growth trend of Gross Primary Production (GPP) in global terrestrial ecosystems is greater than that of RECO, with a trend of increasing carbon sinks, especially in the northern extra‐tropics; while the carbon sink capacity of tropical regions has gradually saturated, showing that the change trend of RECO is close to that of GPP, which poses a potential risk to the sustainable carbon sink capacity of global ecosystems in the future.
Greigite (Fe3S4) Formation in Artificial Sediments via Solid‐State Transformation of Lepidocrocite
Authors: Roud Sophie C. , Gilder Stuart A. , Park SoHyun
Published: July 2022

Greigite (Fe3S4) is a ferrimagnetic iron‐sulfide mineral that forms in sediments during diagenesis. Greigite growth can occur diachronously within a stratigraphic profile, complicating or overprinting environmental and paleomagnetic records. An important objective for paleo‐ and rock‐magnetic studies is to identify the presence of greigite and to discern its formation conditions. Greigite detection remains, however, challenging and its magnetic properties obscure due to the lack of pure, stable material of well‐defined grain size. To overcome these limitations, we report a new method to selectively transform lepidocrocite to greigite via the intermediate phase mackinawite (FeS). In‐situ magnetic characterization was performed on discrete samples with different sediment substrates. Susceptibility and chemical remanent magnetization increased proportionally over time, defining two distinct greigite growth regimes. Temperature dependent and constant initial growth rates indicate a solid‐state FeS to greigite transformation with an activation energy of 78–90 kJ/mol. Low and room temperature magnetic remanence and coercivity ratios match with calculated mixing curves for superparamagnetic (SP) and single domain (SD) greigite and suggest ∼25% and ∼50% SD proportions at 300 and 100 K, respectively. The mixing trend coincides with empirical data reported for natural greigite‐bearing sediments, suggesting a common SP endmember size of 5–10 nm that is likely inherited from mackinawite crystallites. The average particle size of 20–50 nm determined by X‐ray powder diffraction and electron microscopy accords with theoretical predictions of the SP/SD threshold size in greigite. The method constitutes a novel approach to synthesize greigite and to investigate its formation in sediments.
Dust Storms, Valley Fever, and Public Awareness
Authors: Tong Daniel Q. , Gorris Morgan E. , Gill Thomas E. , Ardon‐Dryer Karin , Wang Julian , Ren Ling
Published: July 2022

We discuss several issues raised by Comrie (2021, https://doi.org/10.1029/2021GH000504), which uses a crowdsourced data set to study dust storms and coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever). There is inconsistency in the term “dust storm” used by science communities. The dust data from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Storm Events Database are from diverse sources, unsuitable for assessing dust‐coccidioidomycosis relationships. Population exposure to dust or Coccidioides needs to consider the frequency, magnitude, and duration of dust events. Given abundant evidence that dust storms are a viable driver to transport pathogens, it is in best public interest to advocate dust storms may put people at risk for contracting Valley fever.
Characteristics and Formation of the Luzon Undercurrent in the Western North Pacific: Observational Study
Authors: Li Junlu , Gan Jianping
Published: July 2022

The subsurface circulation system in the western North Pacific is dominated by the convergence of the Luzon Undercurrent (LUC) and the Mindanao Undercurrent, which forms the basin‐scale eastward North Equatorial Undercurrent jets. The southward LUC, situated to the east of Luzon Island, plays a significant role in transporting subsurface waters equatorward in the western boundary of the subtropical North Pacific. Despite its crucial contributions to the water, heat, and energy distributions in the subsurface layer, its characteristics and formation mechanism remain unclear. In this study, we utilize monthly climatological temperature and salinity data and the derived geostrophic velocity to investigate the spatiotemporal variability of the LUC and its formation dynamics. The LUC transport exhibits weak seasonality and strong intra‐seasonal variation, peaking in May/June and October. The origin of the LUC is closely connected with the southward veering of the Deep North Equatorial Current (DNEC) off the Ryukyu Islands and the Luzon Strait middle‐layer outflow (LSMO). The DNEC dominates transport in the LUC, and the LSMO of the South China Sea (SCS) Intermediate Water contributes to the water mixing in the LUC. Locally, the appearance of the LUC is dynamically linked with the barotropic effect associated with the sea surface height gradient and the baroclinic effect raised from the downward tilting of the zonal isopycnal off the Philippine coast. Spatially, the core of the LUC shifts from in‐shore to off‐shore waters from May/June to October. This study reveals the spatiotemporal characteristics of the LUC and identifies its separate origins from the interior North Pacific and the SCS middle layer.
Observations and Implications of Diurnal Climatology and Trends in Direct and Diffuse Solar Radiation Over China
Authors: Wang Yawen , Zhang Jiahua , Trentmann Jörg , Fiedler Stephanie , Yang Su , Sanchez‐Lorenzo Arturo , Tanaka Katsumasa , Yuan Wenping , Wild Martin
Published: July 2022

Solar radiation received at the Earth's surface (Rs) is comprised of two components, the direct radiation (Rd) and the diffuse radiation (Rf). Rd, the direct beam from the sun, is essential for concentrated solar power generation. Rf, scattered by atmospheric molecules, aerosols, or cloud droplets, has a fertilization effect on plant photosynthesis. But how Rd and Rf change diurnally is largely unknown owing to the lack of long‐term measurements. Taking advantage of 22 years of homogeneous hourly surface observations over China, this study documents the climatological means and evolutions in the diurnal cycles of Rd and Rf since 1993, with an emphasis on their implications for solar power and agricultural production. Over the solar energy resource region, we observe a loss of Rd which is relatively large near sunrise and sunset at low solar elevation angles when the sunrays pass through the atmosphere on a longer pathway. However, the concentrated Rd energy covering an average 10‐hr period around noon during a day is relatively unaffected. Over the agricultural crop resource region, the large amounts of clouds and aerosols scattering more of the incoming light result in Rf taking the main proportion of Rs during the whole day. Rf resources and their fertilization effect in the main crop region of China further enhances since 1993 over almost all hours of the day.
Upskilling Low‐Fidelity Hydrodynamic Models of Flood Inundation Through Spatial Analysis and Gaussian Process Learning
Authors: Fraehr Niels , Wang Quan J. , Wu Wenyan , Nathan Rory
Published: July 2022

Accurate flood inundation modeling using a complex high‐resolution hydrodynamic (high‐fidelity) model can be very computationally demanding. To address this issue, efficient approximation methods (surrogate models) have been developed. Despite recent developments, there remain significant challenges in using surrogate methods for modeling the dynamical behavior of flood inundation in an efficient manner. Most methods focus on estimating the maximum flood extent due to the high spatial‐temporal dimensionality of the data. This study presents a hybrid surrogate model, consisting of a low‐resolution hydrodynamic (low‐fidelity) and a Sparse Gaussian Process (Sparse GP) model, to capture the dynamic evolution of the flood extent. The low‐fidelity model is computationally efficient but has reduced accuracy compared to a high‐fidelity model. To account for the reduced accuracy, a Sparse GP model is used to correct the low‐fidelity modeling results. To address the challenges posed by the high dimensionality of the data from the low‐ and high‐fidelity models, Empirical Orthogonal Functions analysis is applied to reduce the spatial‐temporal data into a few key features. This enables training of the Sparse GP model to predict high‐fidelity flood data from low‐fidelity flood data, so that the hybrid surrogate model can accurately simulate the dynamic flood extent without using a high‐fidelity model. The hybrid surrogate model is validated on the flat and complex Chowilla floodplain in Australia. The hybrid model was found to improve the results significantly compared to just using the low‐fidelity model and incurred only 39% of the computational cost of a high‐fidelity model.
Therapeutic potential of PIMSR, a novel CB1 receptor neutral antagonist, for cocaine use disorder: evidence from preclinical research
Authors: Galaj Ewa , Hempel Briana , Moore Allamar , Klein Benjamin , Bi Guo-Hua , Gardner Eliot L. , Seltzman Herbert H. , Xi Zheng-Xiong
Published: July 2022

Cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1Rs) have been major targets in medication development for the treatment of substance use disorders. However, clinical trials with rimonabant, a CB1R antagonist/inverse agonist, failed due to severe side effects. Here, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of PIMSR, a neutral CB1R antagonist lacking an inverse agonist profile, against cocaine’s behavioral effects in experimental animals. We found that systemic administration of PIMSR dose-dependently inhibited cocaine self-administration under fixed-ratio (FR5), but not FR1, reinforcement, shifted the cocaine self-administration dose-response curve downward, decreased incentive motivation to seek cocaine under progressive-ratio reinforcement, and reduced cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking. PIMSR also inhibited oral sucrose self-administration. Importantly, PIMSR alone is neither rewarding nor aversive as assessed by place conditioning. We then used intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) to explore the possible involvement of the mesolimbic dopamine system in PIMSR’s action. We found that PIMSR dose-dependently attenuated cocaine-enhanced ICSS maintained by electrical stimulation of the medial forebrain bundle in rats. PIMSR itself failed to alter electrical ICSS, but dose-dependently inhibited ICSS maintained by optical stimulation of midbrain dopamine neurons in transgenic DAT-Cre mice, suggesting the involvement of dopamine-dependent mechanisms. Lastly, we examined the CB1R mechanisms underlying PIMSR’s action. We found that PIMSR pretreatment attenuated Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC)- or ACEA (a selective CB1R agonist)-induced reduction in optical ICSS. Together, our findings suggest that the neutral CB1R antagonist PIMSR deserves further research as a promising pharmacotherapeutic for cocaine use disorder.
Demonstration of long-range correlations via susceptibility measurements in a one-dimensional superconducting Josephson spin chain
Authors: Tennant D. M. , Dai X. , Martinez A. J. , Trappen R. , Melanson D. , Yurtalan M. A. , Tang Y. , Bedkihal S. , Yang R. , Novikov S. , Grover J. A. , Disseler S. M. , Basham J. I. , Das R. , Kim D. K. , Melville A. J. , Niedzielski B. M. , Weber S. J. , Yoder J. L. , Kerman A. J. , Mozgunov E. , Lidar D. A. , Lupascu A.
Published: July 2022

Spin chains have long been considered an effective medium for long-range interactions, entanglement generation, and quantum state transfer. In this work, we explore the properties of a spin chain implemented with superconducting flux circuits, designed to act as a connectivity medium between two superconducting qubits. The susceptibility of the chain is probed and shown to support long-range, cross-chain correlations. In addition, interactions between the two end qubits, mediated by the coupler chain, are demonstrated. This work has direct applicability in near term quantum annealing processors as a means of generating long-range, coherent coupling between qubits.
Engineering circular RNA for enhanced protein production
Authors: Chen Robert , Wang Sean K. , Belk Julia A. , Amaya Laura , Li Zhijian , Cardenas Angel , Abe Brian T. , Chen Chun-Kan , Wender Paul A. , Chang Howard Y.
Published: July 2022

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are stable and prevalent RNAs in eukaryotic cells that arise from back-splicing. Synthetic circRNAs and some endogenous circRNAs can encode proteins, raising the promise of circRNA as a platform for gene expression. In this study, we developed a systematic approach for rapid assembly and testing of features that affect protein production from synthetic circRNAs. To maximize circRNA translation, we optimized five elements: vector topology, 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions, internal ribosome entry sites and synthetic aptamers recruiting translation initiation machinery. Together, these design principles improve circRNA protein yields by several hundred-fold, provide increased translation over messenger RNA in vitro, provide more durable translation in vivo and are generalizable across multiple transgenes.
An annotated image dataset for training mosquito species recognition system on human skin
Authors: Ong Song-Quan , Ahmad Hamdan
Published: July 2022

This paper introduces a new mosquito images dataset that is suitable for training and evaluating a recognition system on mosquitoes in normal or smashed conditions. The images dataset served mainly for the development a machine learning model that can recognize the mosquito in the public community, which commonly found in the smashed/damaged form by human. Especially the images of mosquito in hashed condition, which to the best of our knowledge, a dataset that fulfilled such condition is not available. There are three mosquito species in the dataset, which are Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus, and the images were annotated until species level due to the specimen was purely bred in a WHO accredited breeding laboratory. The dataset consists of seven root files, six root files that composed of six classes (each species with either normal landing, or random damaged conditions) with a total of 1500 images, and one pre-processed file which consists of a train, test and prediction set, respectively for model construction.
Investigation of 3D flow of magnetized hybrid nanofluid with heat source/sink over a stretching sheet
Authors: Farooq Umar , Tahir Madeeha , Waqas Hassan , Muhammad Taseer , Alshehri Ahmad , Imran Muhammad
Published: July 2022

The thermal processes with inclusion of nanomaterials provide a wide range of applications pertaining to heat exchangers and cooling of compact heat density devices. The current research investigates the three-dimension flow of hybrid nanofluid comprising TC4(Ti-6A-14V) and Nichrome 80% Ni and 20% Cr nanoparticles mixed within engine oil as the base fluid for the enhancement of heat and mass transfer rate. The effects of homogeneous-heterogeneous processes and thermal radiation are incorporated. The heat transfer occurs due to a rotating inclined stretched sheet is discussed against prominent factors such as thermal radiation, inclined angle parameter, rotation parameter, and heat source/sink. The leading mathematical formulation consists of a set of PDEs, which are then transmuted into ordinary differential equations using suitable similarity transformation. The numerical solutions are obtained by using MATLAB's built-in function bvp4c. The results for velocity profile, temperature profile and concentration distribution are evaluated for suitable ranges of the controlling parameters. The graphical result shows that when the angle of inclination, magnetic parameter, and the volumetric concentration of hybrid nanomaterials increase the axial flow profile of the hybrid nanofluid is reduced. However, the rotation parameter reveals the opposite response. The temperature is intensified with an increment of heat source/sink, shape factors, and magnetic field parameter. For enhanced nanoparticle volumetric concentration, the temperature of the fluid rises up. The graphical validation is also illustrated using streamlines and statistical plots for hybrid nanofluid.
Combined endoscopic-percutaneous treatment of upper gastrointestinal enterocutaneous fistula using vacuum therapy and resorbable plug insertion (Vac-Plug)
Authors: Kantowski Marcus , Karstens Karl , Scognamiglio Pasquale , Melling Nathaniel , Reeh Matthias , Izbicki Jakob , Rösch Thomas , Tachezy Michael
Published: July 2022

After gastrointestinal resections, leakages can occur, persist despite conventional therapy and result in enterocutaneous fistulae. We developed a combination method using flexible endoscopic techniques to seal the enteric orifice with an absorbable plug in addition to a percutaneously and fistuloscopically guided open-pore film drainage (Vac-Plug method). We retrospectively searched our endoscopy database to identify patients treated with the outlined technique. The clinical and pathological data were assessed, the method analyzed and characterized and the technical and clinical success determined. We identified 14 patients that were treated with the Vac-Plug method (4 females, 10 males with a mean age of 56 years, range 50–74). The patients were treated over a time period of 23 days (range 4–119) in between one to thirteen interventions (mean n = 5). One patient had to be excluded due to short follow-up after successful closure. Seventy-seven percent (10/13) were successfully treated with a median follow-up of 453 days (range 35–1246) thereafter. No treatment related complications occurred during the therapy. The data of the analysis showed that the Vac-Plug therapy is safe and successful in a relevant proportion of the patients. It is easy to learn and to apply and is well tolerated. In our opinion, it is a promising addition to the armamentarium of interventional methods of these difficult to treat patients. Of course, its usefulness must be further validated in larger prospective studies.
Structural basis for the simultaneous recognition of NEMO and acceptor ubiquitin by the HOIP NZF1 domain
Authors: Rahighi Simin , Iyer Mamta , Oveisi Hamid , Nasser Sammy , Duong Vincent
Published: July 2022

Ubiquitination of NEMO by the linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex (LUBAC) is essential for activating the canonical NF-κB signaling pathway. While the NZF1 domain of the HOIP subunit of LUBAC recognizes the NEMO substrate, it is unclear how it cooperates with the catalytic domains in the ubiquitination process. Here, we report a crystal structure of NEMO in complex with HOIP NZF1 and linear diubiquitin chains, in which the two proteins bind to distinct sites on NEMO. Moreover, the NZF1 domain simultaneously interacts with NEMO and Ile44 surface of a proximal ubiquitin from a linear diubiquitin chain, where the C-term tail of the ubiquitin is in the proximity of the NEMO ubiquitination site (Lys285). We further propose a model for the linear ubiquitination of NEMO by HOIP. In the model, NZF1 binds the monoubiquitinated NEMO and recruits the catalytic domains to the ubiquitination site, thereby ensuring site-specific ubiquitination of NEMO.
Halophytes play important role in phytoremediation of salt-affected soils in the bed of Urmia Lake, Iran
Authors: Ahmadi Fatemeh , Mohammadkhani Nayer , Servati Moslem
Published: July 2022

Soil salinity is a major threat in agriculture even in semi-arid regions of the world which can accelerate land degradation and desertification and decrease agricultural productivity and consequently jeopardize environmental and food security. Halophytes play important role in phytoremediation. This study is assessed the potential of Halocnemum strobilaceous, Atriplex verruciferae, Salsola crassae, and Salicornia europaeae in phytoremediation of saline soils occurred after water level desiccation of Urmia Lake. Three distances from the water body (500, 1000, and 1500 m) was selected for evaluating. Soils and plants were analyzed using standard methods. The mean values of salinity indices of the saline-sodic soil samples were identified as pH 8.6 and electrical conductivity (ECe) 65.34 dS m−1, also sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) were higher than 13 and 15%, respectively. The maximum soil exchangeable Na+, K+, and Ca2+ concentrations (7200, 1900, and 1400 mg kg−1, respectively), also the concentrations of Mn2+ (12.5 mg kg−1), Fe2+ (5.5 mg kg−1), and Cu2+ (1.5 mg kg−1), were significantly different at various distances. However, the highest amounts were obtained at 500 m. In addition the concentration of Fe2+ (511.85 mg kg−1), Zn2+ (99.97 mg kg−1), and Na+ (25.65 mg kg−1) was the highest, especially in shoots. Furthermore, Salicornia and Halocnemum were more effective in salinity-remediation in comparison to other halophytes. The maximum dry matter (38%), protein (16%), and oil percentage (3.5%) were found in Salicornia, followed by Halocnemum. The findings indicated that salt-accumulating halophytes could be considered as the suggestions for phytoremediation saline soils and desalinating soil in arid and semi-arid regions.
Local retention efficacy of steroid-loaded PLGA microspheres in epidural injection
Authors: Jang Sowon , Cho Jungheum , Lee Eugene , Kang Yusuhn , Kang Myung Joo , Choi Young Wook , Lee Joon Woo
Published: July 2022

Long-term effects of epidural steroid injections for pain management require novel drug formulations that increase tissue retention time. Present study aimed to investigate the local retention of steroid-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres in epidural injection using a rabbit model. Twenty rabbits were randomly assigned to a PLGA group (n = 10) and a triamcinolone acetonide (TA) group (n = 10). Each animal was injected with either TA-loaded PLGA microspheres or conventional TA suspension into the lumbar epidural space. The lumbar segments were then harvested from the sacrificed rabbits on day 1, week 1, 2, and 4 after the injection. On day 1, the residual steroid concentration (RSC) was lower in the PLGA group than in the TA group (5.03 ppm vs. 13.01 ppm). However, after a week, more steroids remained in the PLGA group (3.29 ppm vs. 0.58 ppm). After 2 weeks, fewer steroids remained in the PLGA group than in the TA group, although both contained less than 10% of the initial retention dose. This study shows that steroid-loaded PLGA tended to have higher steroid retention in tissue than the steroid itself at the first week after epidural injection. However, most of the steroids disappeared after 2 weeks in both groups.
Cerebral small vessel disease as imaging biomarker predicting ocular cranial nerve palsy of presumed ischemic origin at admission
Authors: Kang Dong-Wan , Ha Sue Young , Sung Jung-Joon , Nam Hyunwoo
Published: July 2022

Ocular cranial nerve palsy of presumed ischemic origin (OCNPi) is the most common type of ocular cranial nerve palsy (OCNP) in patients aged ≥ 50 years; however, no definite diagnostic test exists. As diagnostic criteria include clinical improvement, diagnoses are often delayed. Diagnostic biomarkers for OCNPi are required; we hypothesized that cerebral small vessel disease is associated with OCNPi. We analyzed 646 consecutive patients aged ≥ 50 years with isolated unilateral OCNP who underwent work-ups at two referral hospitals. White matter hyperintensities (WMHs), silent infarctions, and cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) were assessed. In multivariate analyses, mild (grades 1–3) and moderate to severe (grades 4–6) WMHs were significantly associated with OCNPi compared to OCNP of other origins (odds ratio [OR] 3.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.91–6.43, P < 0.001; OR 3.47, 95% CI 1.42–8.48, P = 0.006, respectively). Silent infarction and CMBs did not remain associated (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.54–1.70, P = 0.870; OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.28–1.08, P = 0.080, respectively). Associations between WMH and OCNPi remained after excluding patients with vascular risk factors. In conclusion, the presence of WMH could independently predict ischemic origin in patients with isolated unilateral OCNP at early stage of admission.
Ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal esterase L1 is not elevated in the serum of concussed rugby players: an observational cross-sectional study
Authors: Harrell Jazmin O. , Morgan Jessica E. , Beck Steven D. , Scobercea Iustin C. , Baker Julien S. , Knox Allan , Serrador Jorge M. , Rogatzki Matthew J.
Published: July 2022

Concussion diagnosis is complicated by a lack of objective measures. Ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal esterase L1 (UCHL1) is a biomarker that has been shown to increase following traumatic brain injury but has not been investigated in concussed athletes on the sideline of athletic events. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine if UCHL1 can be used to aid in sideline concussion diagnosis. Blood was taken via standard venipuncture from a recreationally active control group, a group of rugby players prior to match play (pre-match), rugby players following match-play (match-control), and rugby players after suffering a sport-related concussion (SRC). UCHL1 was not significantly different among groups (p > 0.05) and was unable to distinguish between SRC and controls (AUROC < 0.400, p > 0.05). However, when sex-matched data were used, it was found that the female match-control group had a significantly higher serum UCHL1 concentration than the pre-match group (p = 0.041). Differences were also found in serum UCHL1 concentrations between male and female athletes in the match-control group (p = 0.007). This study does not provide evidence supporting the use of UCHL1 in sideline concussion diagnosis when blood is collected soon after concussion but does show differences in serum UCHL1 accumulation between males and females.
A large-scale genome-wide cross-trait analysis reveals shared genetic architecture between Alzheimer’s disease and gastrointestinal tract disorders
Authors: Adewuyi Emmanuel O. , O’Brien Eleanor K. , Nyholt Dale R. , Porter Tenielle , Laws Simon M.
Published: July 2022

Consistent with the concept of the gut-brain phenomenon, observational studies suggest a relationship between Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) disorders; however, their underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we analyse several genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary statistics (N = 34,652–456,327), to assess the relationship of AD with GIT disorders. Findings reveal a positive significant genetic overlap and correlation between AD and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease (PUD), gastritis-duodenitis, irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulosis, but not inflammatory bowel disease. Cross-trait meta-analysis identifies several loci (Pmeta-analysis < 5 × 10−8) shared by AD and GIT disorders (GERD and PUD) includingPDE4B,BRINP3,ATG16L1,SEMA3F,HLA-DRA,SCARA3,MTSS2,PHB, andTOMM40. Colocalization and gene-based analyses reinforce these loci. Pathway-based analyses demonstrate significant enrichment of lipid metabolism, autoimmunity, lipase inhibitors, PD-1 signalling, and statin mechanisms, among others, for AD and GIT traits. Our findings provide genetic insights into the gut-brain relationship, implicating shared but non-causal genetic susceptibility of GIT disorders with AD’s risk. Genes and biological pathways identified are potential targets for further investigation in AD, GIT disorders, and their comorbidity.
Cytoplasmic sequestration of p53 by lncRNA-CIRPILalleviates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Jiang Yuan , Yang Ying , Zhang Yang , Yang Jiqin , Zhang Man-man , Li Shangxuan , Xue Genlong , Li Xingda , Zhang Xiaofang , Yang Jiming , Huang Xiang , Huang Qihe , Shan Hongli , Lu Yanjie , Yang Baofeng , Pan Zhenwei
Published: July 2022

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury is a pathological process that seriously affects the health of patients with coronary artery disease. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) represents a new class of regulators of diverse biological processes and disease conditions, the study aims to discover the pivotal lncRNA in MI/R injury. The microarray screening identifies a down-regulated heart-enriched lncRNA-CIRPIL (Cardiac ischemia reperfusion associated p53 interacting lncRNA, lncCIRPIL) from the hearts of I/R mice. LncCIRPIL inhibits apoptosis of cultured cardiomyocytes exposed to anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R). Cardiac-specific transgenic overexpression of lncCIRPIL alleviates I/R injury in mice, while knockout of lncCIRPIL exacerbates cardiac I/R injury. LncCIRPIL locates in the cytoplasm and physically interacts with p53, which leads to the cytoplasmic sequestration and the acceleration of ubiquitin-mediated degradation of p53 triggered by E3 ligases CHIP, COP1 and MDM2. p53 overexpression abrogates the protective effects of lncCIRPIL. Notably, the human fragment of conserved lncCIRPIL mimics the protective effects of the full-length lncCIRPIL on cultured human AC16 cells. Collectively, lncCIRPIL exerts its cardioprotective action via sequestering p53 in the cytoplasm and facilitating its ubiquitin-mediated degradation. The study highlights a unique mechanism in p53 signal pathway and broadens our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of MI/R injury.
Terrestrial carbon cycle: tipping edge of climate change between the atmosphere and biosphere ecosystems
Authors: Hari Manoj , Tyagi Bhishma
Published: July 2022

Being a climate change nexus, the study on the carbon cycle depicts the existence of its mechanistic link with the atmospheric and biospheric environment.
In vitro toxicity screening of amorphous silica nanoparticles using mitochondrial fraction exposure followed by MS-based proteomic analysis
Authors: Kumarathasan Premkumari , Nazemof Nazila , Breznan Dalibor , Blais Erica , Aoki Hiroyuki , Gomes James , Vincent Renaud , Phanse Sadhna , Babu Mohan
Published: July 2022

Application of mitochondrial proteomic analysis in toxicity screening of amorphous silica nanoforms. Concordance between SiNP exposure-related perturbations in mitochondrial proteins and cellular ATP responses.
Infrared micro-spectroscopy coupled with multivariate and machine learning techniques for cancer classification in tissue: a comparison of classification method, performance, and pre-processing technique
Authors: Ferguson Dougal , Henderson Alex , McInnes Elizabeth F. , Lind Rob , Wildenhain Jan , Gardner Peter
Published: July 2022

A meta-analysis of various multivariate/Machine Learning (ML) classifiers trained on IR Micro-spectroscopy tissue datasets for cancer classification are directly compared using a calculated F1-Score metric alongside study pre-processing techniques.
A nanosecond pulsed laser-ablated MWCNT-Au heterostructure: an innovative ultra-sensitive electrochemical sensing prototype for the identification of glutathione
Authors: Kaimal Reshma , Senthilkumar Periyathambi , Aljafari Belqasem , Anandan Sambandam
Published: July 2022

Here, a scheme that aptly describes the reduction of gold nanoparticles’ crystalline size on the surface of MWCNTs in an aqueous phase to generate a LAMWCNT-Au heterostructure, employing an Nd:YAG laser (energy = 505 mJ andλ= 1064 nm) is developed.
Diastereoselective hydrogenation of arenes and pyridines using supported ruthenium nanoparticles under mild conditions
Authors: Bourriquen Florian , Hervochon Julien , Qu Ruiyang , Bartling Stephan , Rockstroh Nils , Junge Kathrin , Fischmeister Cédric , Beller Matthias
Published: July 2022

A convenient and practical diastereoselective cis-hydrogenation of multi-substituted pyridines and arenes is reported.
Electrolyte design for inorganic-rich solid-electrolyte interfaces to enable low-temperature Li metal batteries
Authors: Yu Rui , Li Zhuo , Zhang Xinxin , Guo Xin
Published: July 2022

Rationally-designed electrolyte promotes robust SEIs with favorable interfacial conduction and accommodation, thus decreasing operation temperatures of Li-metal batteries to −40 °C.
Cation structure-dependence of the Pockels effect in aprotic ionic liquids
Authors: Wang Yufeng , Adhikari Laxmi , Baker Gary A. , Blanchard G. J.
Published: July 2022

The magnitude of the Pockels effect in room temperature ionic liquids is sensitive to cation aliphatic chain length.
Structure–property investigations in urea tethered iodinated triphenylamines
Authors: Hossain Muhammad Saddam , Ahmed Fiaz , Karakalos Stavros G. , Smith Mark D. , Pant Namrata , Garashchuk Sophya , Greytak Andrew B. , Docampo Pablo , Shimizu Linda S.
Published: July 2022

A methylene urea bridged di-iodo triphenylamine dimer and its corresponding methylene di-iodo triphenylamine monomer are crystallized to correlate their structures with properties. In addition, their conductivity is compared against Spiro-OMeTAD.
Rational design of small molecule hole-transporting materials with a linear π-bridge for highly efficient perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zhu Wenjing , Zhou Keyu , Fo Yumeng , Li Yi , Guo Bin , Zhang Xinyu , Zhou Xin
Published: July 2022

A total of 18 linear organic molecules are designed and evaluated to be potential candidates of hole-transporting materials in perovskite solar cells.
Atomic mechanism of lithium intercalation induced phase transition in layered MoS2
Authors: Liu Bingmei , Xu Wangping , Long Xia , Cao Juexian
Published: July 2022

We show the phase transition process in bilayer MoS2 is induced by S atom transition one by one instead of a collective behavior of the S atoms. It consists of formation, diffusion & recombination of S vacancies, & originates from interlayer lithium defects.
Pore size effects on surface charges and interfacial electrostatics of mesoporous silicas
Authors: Murota Kento , Saito Takumi
Published: July 2022

With the overlap of EDL and the structural change of interfacial water, the surface charge density of the nanopore decreases.
Phosphorus radicals and radical ions
Authors: Das Bindusagar , Makol Abhishek , Kundu Subrata
Published: July 2022

This review presents the so far isolated and structurally characterized phosphorus-centered radicals and radical ions. Their reactivity, structure, and bonding are described.
Chemical and structural evolutions of Li–Mn-rich layered electrodes at different current densities
Authors: He Xin , Wu Jue , Zhu Zhuoying , Liu Haodong , Li Ning , Zhou Dong , Hou Xu , Wang Jun , Zhang Haowei , Bresser Dominic , Fu Yanbao , Crafton Matthew J. , McCloskey Bryan D. , Chen Yan , An Ke , Liu Ping , Jain Anubhav , Li Jie , Yang Wanli , Yang Yong , Winter Martin , Kostecki Robert
Published: July 2022

The oxidation process of lattice oxygen in Li-rich cathodes is dynamically compatible with that of TMs. Fast delithiation at high current densities can lead to local structural transformation and limited Li+ diffusion rates.
The fate of inhaled uranium-containing particles upon clearance to gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Hettiarachchi Eshani , Das Milton , Cadol Daniel , Frey Bonnie A. , Rubasinghege Gayan
Published: July 2022

Uranium mine dust that enters the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can dissolve to yield uranyl cation, U(vi). The type of uranium mineral and the overall mineral composition of the dust plays a vital role in the extent of toxicity.
Fully biomass-derived vitrimeric material with water-mediated recyclability and monomer recovery
Authors: Png Zhuang Mao , Zheng Jie , Kamarulzaman Sirin , Wang Sheng , Li Zibiao , Goh Shermin S.
Published: July 2022

Fully bio-based monomers are used in the green synthesis of a vitrimeric poly(acetal) which can undergo both closed-loop mechanical and chemical recycling, fulfilling 11 out of the 12 green chemistry principles.
Colour tunable cool pigments based on TiZn2O4 inverse spinels
Authors: Joshy Deepak , Jijil Chamundi P. , Jose Sheethu , Ismail Yahya A. , Periyat Pradeepan
Published: July 2022

Eco-friendly and cost-effective colour tunable TiZn2O4 inverse spinel based NIR reflecting pigments.
Recent advances in mechanical force-responsive drug delivery systems
Authors: Ma Panqin , Lai Xiyu , Luo Zheng , Chen Ying , Loh Xian Jun , Ye Enyi , Li Zibiao , Wu Caisheng , Wu Yun-Long
Published: July 2022

Recent advances in mechanical force responsive DDS have been summarized, based on source of mechanical stimulus (endogenous mechanical force (compression, tension, and shear force) or exogenous mechanical force (ultrasound and magnetism)).
Synthesis and biological evaluation of benzimidazoles/1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine hybrid compounds: a new class of multifunctional alzheimer targeting agents
Authors: Karimian Somaye , Shekouhy Mohsen , Pirhadi Somayeh , Iraji Aida , Attarroshan Mahshid , Edraki Najmeh , Khoshneviszadeh Mehdi
Published: July 2022

Twelve novel benzimidazole/1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine hybrids were synthesized and biologically studied as multifunctional Alzheimer-controlling agents.