bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Drosophila homologue of CTIP1 (Bcl11a) and CTIP2 (Bcl11b) regulates neural stem cell temporal patterning
Authors: Fox Paul M. , Tang Jocelyn L. Y. , Brand Andrea H.
Published: September 2022

In the developing nervous system, neural stem cells (NSCs) use temporal patterning to generate a wide variety of different neuronal subtypes. In Drosophila, the temporal transcription factors, Hunchback, Kruppel, Pdm and Castor, are sequentially expressed by NSCs to regulate temporal identity during neurogenesis. Here, we identify a new temporal transcription factor that regulates the transition from the Pdm to Castor temporal windows. This factor, which we call Chronophage (or ‘time-eater’), is homologous to mammalian CTIP1 (Bcl11a) and CTIP2 (Bcl11b). We show that Chronophage binds upstream of the castor gene and regulates its expression. Consistent with Chronophage promoting a temporal switch, chronophage mutants generate an excess of Pdm-specified neurons and are delayed in generating neurons associated with the Castor temporal window. In addition to promoting the Pdm to Castor transition, Chronophage also represses the production of neurons generated during the earlier Hunchback and Kruppel temporal windows. Genetic interactions with Hunchback and Kruppel indicate that Chronophage regulates NSC competence to generate Hunchback- and Kruppel-specified neurons. Taken together, our results suggest that Chronophage has a conserved role in temporal patterning and neuronal subtype specification.
Validation, Recalibration, and Predictive Accuracy of Published V̇O2max Prediction Equations for Adults Ages 50–96 Yr
Authors: SCHUMACHER BENJAMIN T. , DI CHONGZHI , BELLETTIERE JOHN , LAMONTE MICHAEL J. , SIMONSICK ELEANOR M. , PARADA HUMBERTO , HOOKER STEVEN P. , LACROIX ANDREA Z.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Maximal oxygen uptake (

) is the criterion measure of cardiorespiratory fitness. Lower cardiorespiratory fitness is a strong predictor of poor health outcomes, including all-cause mortality. Because

testing is resource intensive, several non–exercise-based V˙O2max prediction equations have been published. We assess these equations’ ability to predict measured V˙O2max, recalibrate these equations, and quantify the association of measured and predicted V˙O2max with all-cause mortality.

Methods

Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging participants with valid V˙O2max tests were included (n = 1080). Using published V˙O2max prediction equations, we calculated predicted V˙O2max and present performance metrics before and after recalibration (deriving new regression estimates by regressing measured V˙O2max on Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging covariates). Cox proportional hazards models were fit to quantify associations of measured, predicted, and recalibration-predicted values of V˙O2max with mortality.

Results

Mean age and V˙O2max were 69.0 ± 10.4 yr and 21.6 ± 5.9 mL·kg−1·min−1, respectively. The prediction equations yielded root mean square error values ranging from 4.2 to 20.4 mL·kg−1·min−1. After recalibration, these values decreased to 3.9–4.2 mL·kg−1·min−1. Adjusting for all covariates, all-cause mortality risk was 66% lower for the highest quartile of measured V˙O2max relative to the lowest. Predicted V˙O2max variables yielded similar estimates in unadjusted models but were not robust to adjustment.

Conclusions

Measured V˙O2max is an extremely strong predictor of all-cause mortality. Several published V˙O2max prediction equations yielded the following: 1) reasonable performance metrics relative to measured V˙O2max especially when recalibrated, and 2) all-cause mortality hazard ratios similar to those of measured V˙O2max, especially when recalibrated, yet 3) were not robust to adjustment for basic demographic covariates likely because these were used in the equation for predicted V˙O2max.
The potential utility of an augmented data collection approach in understanding the journey to care of pregnant women for maternal and perinatal death surveillance and response
Authors: Banke-Thomas Aduragbemi
Published: September 2022

Background: The Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) proposed by the World Health Organization recognises the importance for health systems to understand the reasons underpinning the death of a pregnant woman or her newborn as an essential first step in preventing future similar deaths. Data for the surveillance component of the MPDSR process are typically collected from health facility sources and post-mortem interviews with affected families, though it may be traumatising to them. This brief report aimed to assess the potential utility of an augmented data collection method for mapping journeys of maternal and perinatal deaths, which does not require sourcing additional information from grieving family members.

Methods: A descriptive analysis of maternal and perinatal deaths that occurred across all 24 public hospitals in Lagos State, Nigeria, between 1st November 2018 and 30th October 2019 was conducted. Data on their demographic, obstetric history and complication at presentation, travel to the hospital, and mode of birth were extracted from their hospital records. The extracted travel data was exported to Google Maps, where driving distance and travel time to the hospital for the period of the day of travel were also extracted.

Results: Of the 182 maternal deaths, most presented during the week (80.8%), travelled 5-10 km (30.6%) and 10-29 minutes (46.9%), and travelled to the nearest hospital to their places of residence (70.9%). Of the 442 pregnant women who had perinatal deaths, most presented during the week (78.5%), travelled <5 km (26.9%) and 10-29 minutes (38.0%). For both, the least reported travel data was the mode of travel used to care (>90.0%) and the period of the day they travelled (approximately 30.0%).

Conclusion: An augmented data collection approach that includes accurate and complete travel data and closer-to-reality estimates of travel time and distance can be beneficial for MPDSR purposes.
A methylbenzimidazole derivative regulates mammalian circadian rhythms by targeting Cryptochrome proteins
Authors: Yagi Moeri , Miller Simon , Nagai Yoshiko , Inuki Shinsuke , Sato Ayato , Hirota Tsuyoshi
Published: September 2022

Background: Impairment of the circadian clock has been associated with numerous diseases, including sleep disorders and metabolic disease. Although small-molecules that modulate clock function may form the basis of drug discovery of clock-related diseases, only a few compounds that selectively target core clock proteins have been identified. Three scaffolds were previously discovered as small-molecule activators of the clock protein Cryptochrome (CRY), and they have been providing powerful tools to understand and control the circadian clock system. Identifying new scaffolds will expand the possibilities of drug discovery.

Methods: A methylbenzimidazole derivative TH401 identified from cell-based circadian screens was characterized. Effects of TH401 on circadian rhythms were evaluated in cellular assays. Functional assays and X-ray crystallography were used to elucidate the effects of the compound on CRY1 and CRY2 isoforms.

Results: TH401 lengthened the period of circadian rhythms and stabilized both CRY1 and CRY2. The compound repressed Per2 reporter activity, which was reduced by Cry1 or Cry2 knockout and abolished by Cry1/Cry2 double knockout, indicating the dependence on CRY isoforms. Thermal shift assays showed slightly higher interaction of TH401 with CRY2 over CRY1. The crystal structure of CRY1 in complex with TH401 revealed a conformational change of the gatekeeper W399, which is involved in isoform-selectivity determination.

Conclusions: The present study identified a new small-molecule TH401 that targets both CRY isoforms. This compound has expanded the chemical diversity of CRY activators, and will ultimately aid in the development of therapeutics against circadian clock-related disorders.
Hyperuricemia and its clinical significance
Authors: Karabaeva F.
Published: September 2022

The issues of the pathogenesis of hyperuricemia currently remain relevant due to the steady increase in the frequency of hyperuricemia and gout in polymorbid pathologies. Currently, a sufficient number of scientific papers have been accumulated on the association of hyperuricemia with cardiovascular diseases and their consequences (stroke and myocardial infarction), metabolic syndrome, arterial hypertension, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, lipid metabolism disorders, atrial fibrillation, with the risk of mortality.
Insidious enemy - phaeochromocytoma. Can diabetes be cured?
Authors: Szafrańska Małgorzata , Główczewska-Siedlecka Emilia , Siedlecki Zygmunt
Published: September 2022

We present the case of a 54-year-old patient with long-term type 2 diabetes, treated with intensive insulin therapy, who was considered to be ordinary diabetes. In a random imaging examination it turned out to be a phaeochromocytoma. The patient underwent surgical treatment. It turned out that after the surgery, the diabetes resolved. It is a casuistic curiosity that the patient was "cured" of the disease after diagnosis and treatment for pheochromocytoma, and on the second day after the surgery. It is also a valuable guide when looking for all possible causes of "secondary" diabetes.
The Three-stage High Solid Anaerobic Digestion (TSHS- AD) under Ambient Temperature for Enhanced Biogas Production from Cow Manure
Authors:   Energy Technology Program, Faculty of Engineering, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand, Sripitak Burachat ,   Bio-Mass Conversion to Energy and Chemicals (Bio-MEC) Research Unit, Faculty of Science and Technology, Prince of Songkla University, Pattani 94000, Thailand, Jariyaboon Rattana ,   Department of Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Prince of Songkla University, Pattani 94000, Thailand,   Bio-Mass Conversion to Energy and Chemicals (Bio-MEC) Research Unit, Faculty of Science and Technology, Prince of Songkla University, Pattani 94000, Thailand, Raketh Marisa ,   Energy Technology Program, Faculty of Engineering, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand,   Bio-Mass Conversion to Energy and Chemicals (Bio-MEC) Research Unit, Faculty of Science and Technology, Prince of Songkla University, Pattani 94000, Thailand, Reungsang Alissara ,   Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Technology, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand,   Research Group for Development of Microbial Hydrogen Production Process from Biomass, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand,   Academy of Science, Royal Society of Thailand, Bangkok, 10300, Thailand, Mamimin Chonticha ,   Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Technology, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand,   Research Group for Development of Microbial Hydrogen Production Process from Biomass, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand, O-Thong Sompong ,   International College, Thaksin University, Songkhla 90000, Thailand, Kongjan Prawit ,   Department of Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Prince of Songkla University, Pattani 94000, Thailand,   Bio-Mass Conversion to Energy and Chemicals (Bio-MEC) Research Unit, Faculty of Science and Technology, Prince of Songkla University, Pattani 94000, Thailand
Published: September 2022

This research aimed to investigate the three-stage high solid anaerobic digestion (TSHS-AD) at ambient temperature. BMP was conducted at the various substrate to inoculum (S: I) ratios of 2:1, 4:1, and 6:1 on a volatile solid (VS) basis, each of which was conducted at different total solid concentrations (15%, 20%, and 30%). The highest methane yield of 343.97 mL-CH4·gVS-1 was achieved at 2:1-S: I ratio and 15 %TS. Meanwhile, TSHS-AD operated at S: I 2:1 and 15 %TS (20g-TS/L-R1) provide a maximum methane yield of 316.09 mL-CH4·gVS-1. The stage separation of TSHS-AD reduces inhibitors in the methanogenesis step. Moreover, it could create a full microbial function in each stage. Accumulation of VFA and semi-continuous feeding have considerable influence in enhancing anaerobic microbes involved in the biogas system. The annual income from biogas has the greatest impact on the investment attractiveness of TSHS-AD, according to the computation of IRR, NPV, and PB. The results obtained in this research could be potentially helpful to scale up the TSHS-AD system.
Third-type of Strain Aging of GH4720Li Over a Wide Range of Temperatures and Strain Rates
Authors:   School of Mechatronic Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China, Chen Jie ,   Anyang Institute of Technology, Anyang 455000, China, Wang Zhijun ,   School of Mechatronic Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, China, Zhang Haifen ,   Anyang Institute of Technology, Anyang 455000, China, Yang Qingxiang ,   Anyang Institute of Technology, Anyang 455000, China, Zhang Hongtao ,   Anyang Institute of Technology, Anyang 455000, China, Zhai Ruodai ,   Anyang Institute of Technology, Anyang 455000, China
Published: September 2022

In this study, the working environment of the GH4720Li alloy was simulated using a dynamic compression test with a strain rate range of 0.01–4000 s-1 and a temperature range of 20–1000 °C, and its dynamic mechanical properties under operating conditions were studied. Based on the signifi cant volume of the test data, it was observed that there was an abnormal stress peak in the GH4720Li alloy owing to third strain aging. The third strain aging behavior is an irregular bell-shaped stress curve. In addition, the effects of the temperature and strain rate on the bell-shaped stress curve were studied. With an increase in the strain rate, the bell-shaped stress curve shifted to the high-temperature zone, and the stress peak and temperature width of the bell-shaped curve gradually decreased. Finally, the change mechanism of the strain rate effect on the bell-shaped stress curve is explained from a microscopic point of view.
Cement Immobilization of Hazardous and Radioactive Electric Arc Furnace Dust
Authors:   Radioactive Waste Management Center, Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Public Organization), Nakhon Nayok 26120, Thailand, Issarapanacheewin Sudarat , Yubonmhat Klitsadee ,   Radioactive Waste Management Center, Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Public Organization), Nakhon Nayok 26120, Thailand, Akharawutchayanon Thunyaras ,   Radioactive Waste Management Center, Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Public Organization), Nakhon Nayok 26120, Thailand, Lamdab Umaporn ,   Radioactive Waste Management Center, Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Public Organization), Nakhon Nayok 26120, Thailand, Silpradit Wipawe ,   Radioactive Waste Management Center, Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Public Organization), Nakhon Nayok 26120, Thailand, Kingkam Wilasinee ,   Nuclear Technology Research and Development Center, Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Public Organization), Nakhon Nayok 26120, Thailand, Katekaew Witsanu ,   Radioactive Waste Management Center, Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Public Organization), Nakhon Nayok 26120, Thailand, Prasertchiewchan Nikom ,   Radioactive Waste Management Center, Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology (Public Organization), Nakhon Nayok 26120, Thailand
Published: September 2022

This paper reveals an appropriate ingredient to operating the hazardous and radioactive electric arc furnace dust (EAFD) from the steel production factory using the cement immobilization technique. The cement specimens were prepared by mixing tap water with the binders (i.e., ordinary Portland cement: OPC, and the EAFD) at the different EAFD replacement of 0%, 15%, 25%, 35%, 40%, 45%, and 50% by weight. The water-to-binders ratio was fi xed at 0.40. The compressive strength test on the fabricated samples was performed at two different curing times of 14 and 28 days. It was found that the highest compressive strength of the samples can be obtained when the EAFD loading was 25%. However, the compressive strength criteria for the cement waste form, the use of the ingredient with the higher EAFD loading (35% EAFD with 28-day curing time) for the immobilization is favorable while meets the criteria. The phase composition and microstructure morphology of all samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fl uorescence (XRF) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS).
Risk-Sensitive Portfolio Management by Using C51 Algorithm
Authors:   Computer Engineering Department, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Pracha Uthit, Thung Khru, Bangkok 10140, Thailand, Harnpadungkij Thammasorn , Chaisangmongkon Warasinee ,   Institute of Field Robotics, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Pracha Uthit, Thung Khru, Bangkok 10140,Thailand, Phunchongharn Phond ,   Computer Engineering Department, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Pracha Uthit, Thung Khru, Bangkok 10140, Thailand
Published: September 2022

Financial trading is one of the most popular problems for reinforcement learning in recent years. One of the important challenges is that investment is a multi-objective problem. That is, professional investors do not act solely on expected profi t but also carefully consider the potential risk of a given investment. To handle such a challenge, previous studies have explored various kinds of risk-sensitive rewards, for example, the Sharpe ratio as computed by a fi xed length of previous returns. This work proposes a new approach to deal with the profi t-to-risk tradeoff by applying distributional reinforcement learning to build a risk awareness policy instead of a simple risk-based reward function. Our new policy, termed C51-Sharpe, is to select the action based on the Sharpe ratio computed from the probability mass function of the return. This produces a signifi cantly higher Sharpe ratio and lower maximum drawdown without sacrifi cing profi t compared to the C51algorithm utilizing a purely profi t-based policy. Moreover, it can outperform other benchmarks, such as a Deep Q-Network (DQN) with a Sharpe ratio reward function. Besides the policy, we also studied the effect of using double networks and the choice of exploration strategies with our approach to identify the optimal training confi guration. We fi nd that the epsilon-greedy policy is the most suitable exploration for C51-Sharpe and that the use of double network has no signifi cant impact on performance. Our study provides statistical evidence of the effi ciency in risk-sensitive policy implemented by using distributional reinforcement algorithms along with an optimized training process.
Transfer matrix optimization of a one-dimensional photonic crystal cavity for enhanced absorption of monolayer graphene
Authors: Sarkar Sambit , Padhy Abhishek , Nayak Chittaranjan
Published: September 2022

The optical absorption enhancement of graphene is of significant interest due to its remarkable applications in optical devices. One of the most useful methods is placing graphene in an asymmetric Fabry–Perot cavity made of one-dimensional dielectric multilayers forming two mirrors. In that regard, using the transfer matrix method, we have explicitly calculated the required periodicity of the front photonic multilayer mirror to maximize the absorption in the graphene for any given combination of material types and number of layers. Then we studied the equivalence between these structural configurations and those with arbitrary periodicity but with defects, where the equivalence holds when

ω
=
ξ

ω
0

,
ξ
∈

Z

≥
0

. These defects are introduced via layer position alterations, based on which we propose an optimization algorithm to maximize absorption in structures having a cavity with an arbitrary periodicity. Numerical calculations are given for dielectric material combinations of

Ti

O

2

/

Si

O

2

and

T

a

2

O

5

/

Si

O

2

, and to understand the behavior of these optimized structures for any general combination of material types, the mapping of their calculated front mirror periodicity for a range of refractive indices of the two material types has been studied.
Generation of different mode-locked states in a Yb-doped fiber laser based on nonlinear multimode interference
Authors: Cheng Peiyun , Han Mengmeng , Li Qianying , Shu Xuewen
Published: September 2022

We demonstrated an ultrafast Yb-doped fiber laser with a single mode fiber-graded index multimode fiber-single mode fiber (SMF-GIMF-SMF) structure based saturable absorber. The GIMF was placed in the groove of an in-line fiber polarization controller to adjust its birefringence, enabling the SMF-GIMF-SMF structure to realize efficient saturable absorption based on nonlinear multimode interference without strict length restriction. By adjusting two intra-cavity polarization controllers, stable dissipation solitons and noise-like pulses were achieved in the 1030 nm waveband with pulse durations of 10.67 ps and 276 fs, respectively. We also realized Q-switched mode-locked pulses in the same fiber laser cavity. By the dispersive Fourier transform method, the real-time spectral evolution in the buildup process of the Q-switched mode-locked state was captured, which showed that the continuous-wave in this laser could gradually evolved into the stable Q-switched mode-locked pulses through unstable self-pulsation, relaxation oscillation and rogue Q-switching stage. To the best of our knowledge, our work reveals the buildup dynamics of the Q-switched mode-locked operation in a fiber laser for the first time. And we also studied the real-time spectral evolution of the stable Q-switched mode-locked pulses, which exhibited periodic breathing property.
Beam combining of a broadly and continuously tunable quantum cascade laser
Authors: Sun Fangyuan , Li Jinghao , Tan Kian Hua , Wicaksono Satrio , Chua Yun Da , Wang Chongwu , Dai Mingjin , Gui Roth Voo Qin , Yoon Soon Fatt , Wang Qi Jie
Published: September 2022

We report a cost-efficient method to demonstrate the beam combining of five laser elements in an array of tunable slot waveguide quantum cascade lasers in the mid-infrared region at around 10 µm. An aspherical lens with five fine-tuned mini mirrors was employed to collimate the individual beams from the laser array. To verify the feasibility of this beam combining approach, the combined beams were coupled into a hollow-core fiber gas cell with a low numerical aperture (N.A.) of 0.03 and a coupling efficiency >= 0.82, for gas sensing of binary compound gases of ammonia and ethylene simultaneously.
Two-step orthogonalization phase demodulation method based on a single differential interferogram
Authors: Li Jiaosheng , Zhang Qinnan
Published: September 2022

To reduce the acquisition time of interferogram and provide a dynamic phase retrieval method with arbitrary phase shift using a dual-channel simultaneous polarization phase-shifting system, a two-step orthogonalization phase demodulation method (TOPD) based on a single differential interferogram is proposed in this paper. In this method, the differential interferogram obtained by subtracting two phase-shifting interferograms and one of the Gaussian filtered based-interferograms are used to normalize and orthogonalize, and then the phase related parameters are solved by the Lissajous ellipse fitting method. Finally, the measured phase is obtained with high accuracy. The proposed method further reduces the deviation caused by the filtering operation performed in the two-step phase demodulation method. At the same time, combined it with the Lissajou ellipse fitting method reduces the limitation associated with the approximation conditions of the orthogonalization and normalization method. The experimental and simulation results demonstrate that this method provides a solution with high accuracy, high stability, strong practicability, and few restrictions for phase extraction in quantitative phase imaging.
Centimeter-level spatial resolution Brillouin optical time domain analyzer using mono-pulse self-difference
Authors: Zhang Qian , Wang Tao , Li Jian , Wang Yahui , Liu Jingyang , Zhang Mingjiang
Published: September 2022

To break through the limitation of pulse width on spatial resolution in the Brillouin optical time-domain analysis system (BOTDA), a novel, to the best of our knowledge, scheme based on mono-pulse self-difference (MPSD) is proposed for centimeter-level spatial resolution. It is performed by the self-difference of the temporal trace generated by a single-shot long pulse in the conventional BOTDA. The concept-proof of the proposed approach is demonstrated, and experimental results are presented where distributed temperature sensing with a 5-cm spatial resolution is realized based on a 40-ns pulse along a 2-km sensing fiber.
Highly efficient green emission Cs4PbBr6 quantum dots with stable water endurance
Authors: Guan Mingshuang , Li Panpan , Wu Yixi , Liu Xiaoqing , Xu Shiqing , Zhang Junjie
Published: September 2022

To date, quantum dots (QDs) based on perovskite materials with high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) and stability have rarely been reported. In this work, Cs4PbBr6 QDs glass ceramic with high PLQY and water stability is obtained, and the research results confirm that the strong green emission originates from the trapping of free excitons by internal Br vacancies. The rise of Br vacancies and the spontaneous growth of multi-morphology Cs4PbBr6 QDs under the influence of air humidity increase the PLQY to 89.62%. Compared with pure QDs, the Cs4PbBr6 QDs maintain high-intensity luminescence after being immersed in water for up to 150 days. In short, this paper puts forward a new, to the best of our knowledge, and valuable perspective for investigating the luminescence of Cs4PbBr6 QDs glass ceramic derived from related work.
Full-duplex wireless deep ultraviolet light communication
Authors: Wang Linning , Bai Mingming , Qi Ziqian , Liu Pengzhan , Hu Fangren , Wang Yongjin
Published: September 2022

With recent advancements in deep ultraviolet (DUV) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and solar-blind photodetectors, wireless DUV light communication is emerging as a novel technique, which can extend transmission ranges and avoid solar interference. Herein, a full-duplex, real-time wireless light communication system using 275 nm DUV LEDs is proposed. We adopted high-power DUV LEDs and designed a high-speed transmitter, a high-sensitivity receiver, and a main processing unit for the system. Furthermore, the DUV communication system, using a Reed–Solomon (RS) encoder and an on–off keying (OOK) modem with frequency control, achieves a 10 Mbit/s bidirectional data transmission rate within 5 m in free space, while a full-duplex video communication link is formed. The encapsulated DUV communication system described in this Letter provides a feasible scheme for confidential and anti-electromagnetic interference communication in Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
A multi-label learning model for predicting drug-induced pathology in multi-organ based on toxicogenomics data
Authors: Su Ran , Yang Haitang , Wei Leyi , Chen Siqi , Zou Quan
Published: September 2022

Drug-induced toxicity damages the health and is one of the key factors causing drug withdrawal from the market. It is of great significance to identify drug-induced target-organ toxicity, especially the detailed pathological findings, which are crucial for toxicity assessment, in the early stage of drug development process. A large variety of studies have devoted to identify drug toxicity. However, most of them are limited to single organ or only binary toxicity. Here we proposed a novel multi-label learning model named Att-RethinkNet, for predicting drug-induced pathological findings targeted on liver and kidney based on toxicogenomics data. The Att-RethinkNet is equipped with a memory structure and can effectively use the label association information. Besides, attention mechanism is embedded to focus on the important features and obtain better feature presentation. Our Att-RethinkNet is applicable in multiple organs and takes account the compound type, dose, and administration time, so it is more comprehensive and generalized. And more importantly, it predicts multiple pathological findings at the same time, instead of predicting each pathology separately as the previous model did. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model, we compared the proposed method with a series of state-of-the-arts methods. Our model shows competitive performance and can predict potential hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in a more accurate and reliable way. The implementation of the proposed method is available athttps://github.com/RanSuLab/Drug-Toxicity-Prediction-MultiLabel.
Localized variation in ancestral admixture identifies pilocytic astrocytoma risk loci among Latino children
Authors: Li Shaobo , Chiang Charleston W. K. , Myint Swe Swe , Arroyo Katti , Chan Tsz Fung , Morimoto Libby , Metayer Catherine , de Smith Adam J. , Walsh Kyle M. , Wiemels Joseph L.
Published: September 2022

Background

Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) is the most common pediatric brain tumor. PA has at least a 50% higher incidence in populations of European ancestry compared to other ancestral groups, which may be due in part to genetic differences.

Methods

We first compared the global proportions of European, African, and Amerindian ancestries in 301 PA cases and 1185 controls of self-identified Latino ethnicity from the California Biobank. We then conducted admixture mapping analysis to assess PA risk with local ancestry.

Results

We found PA cases had a significantly higher proportion of global European ancestry than controls (case median = 0.55, control median = 0.51, P value = 3.5x10-3). Admixture mapping identified 13 SNPs in the 6q14.3 region (SNX14) contributing to risk, as well as three other peaks approaching significance on chromosomes 7, 10 and 13. Downstream fine mapping in these regions revealed several SNPs potentially contributing to childhood PA risk.

Conclusions

There is a significant difference in genomic ancestry associated with Latino PA risk and several genomic loci potentially mediating this risk.
Influence of drone carriage material on maintenance of storage temperature and quality of blood samples during transportation in an equatorial climate
Authors: Zailani Mohamed Afiq Hidayat , Raja Sabudin Raja Zahratul Azma , Ismail Aniza , Abd Rahman Rahana , Mohd Saiboon Ismail , Sabri Shahnaz Irwani , Seong Chan Kok , Mail Jamaludin , Md Jamal Shamsuriani , Beng Gan Kok , Mahdy Zaleha Abdullah
Published: September 2022

The disruptive potentials of drones are rapidly growing including for the delivery of blood samples in healthcare. Maintenance of the quality of blood samples is important to ascertain that the drone is a safe mode of transportation, particularly during emergencies and in critical cases. The influence of the drone carriage material on blood samples transportation was investigated in this study. Two phases of drone simulation flights were conducted in Cyberjaya, Malaysia. In Phase 1, the effect of drone carriage material on the internal storage temperature during blood samples transportation was determined. Three types of carriage materials were compared: aluminium, expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam, and polypropylene (PP) plastic. In Phase 2, the quality of drone-transported blood samples was assessed, using the best material from Phase 1 as the drone carriage material. Biochemical and hematological analyses of 60 blood samples were conducted using five parameters. In Phase 1, EPS foam was found to be the best material to maintain a stable and favorable internal storage temperature at mean kinetic temperature ±SD of 4.70 ±1.14°C. Much higher and unfavorable mean kinetic temperatures were recorded for aluminium (11.46 ±0.35°C) and plastic (14.17 ±0.05°C). In Phase 2, laboratory tests show that the quality of blood samples was well maintained, and the mean biochemical and hematological parameters of drone-transported blood samples showed no significant alteration compared to ground controls. Drone carriage material is an important determinant of the quality of blood samples transported by drone, particularly in hot equatorial climates as in Malaysia. The blood storage temperature was best maintained using EPS foam, as evidenced by the favorable average temperature and preservation of hematological and biochemical parameters of the blood samples.
The association of COVID-19 nexus on China’s economy: A financial crisis or a health crisis?
Authors: Hu Cheng , Pan Wei , Pan Wulin , Dai Wan-qiang , Huang Ge
Published: September 2022

This paper analyses the interaction between the novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), unemployment rate, stock market, consumer confidence index (CCI), and economic policy uncertainty (EPU) index in China within a time-frequency framework. We compare the changes in economic indicators during the global financial crisis (GFC) and study the different impacts of the two events on China’s economy. An unprecedented impact of COVID-19 shocks on the unemployment rate, CCI, EPU index, and stock market volatility over the low frequency bands is uncovered by applying the coherence wavelet method to China monthly data. The COVID-19 effect on the stock market volatility and the EPU index is substantially higher than on the unemployment rate and the CCI. On the contrary, the GFC’s impact on the unemployment rate is much greater than that on the EPU index and CCI. Additionally, the impact of the GFC on the economy is more cyclical in the long-term, while the COVID-19 pandemic is a short-term shock with a relatively short oscillation cycle. This study concludes that the economic impact of COVID-19 will not spread into a financial crisis for China and believe that the COVID-19 pandemic is more of a health event than an economic crisis for Chinese economy.
Association between contact with mental health and substance use services and reincarceration after release from prison
Authors: Thomas Emma G. , Spittal Matthew J. , Taxman Faye S. , Puljević Cheneal , Heffernan Edward B. , Kinner Stuart A.
Published: September 2022

Objective

People released from prison who experience mental health and substance use problems are at high risk of reincarceration. This study aimed to examine the association between contact with mental health and substance use treatment services, and reincarceration, among adults released from prison.

Methods

Pre-release survey data from 1,115 adults released from prisons in Queensland, Australia were linked with administrative health and correctional records covering a median of 787 days post-release. We constructed marginal structural Cox proportional hazards models, adjusting for pre-release variables and time-varying indicators of emergent mental health and substance use problems, to examine the association between contact with mental health and substance use treatment services, and reincarceration.

Results

The adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) for reincarceration associated with mental health service contact was 1.76 (95%CI 1.23,2.51). Among those not on parole following release, the AHR for reincarceration associated with substance use treatment service contact was 3.16 (95%CI 2.09,4.77); we found no evidence for an association among those who were released on parole (AHR = 1.07; 95%CI 0.80,1.43).

Conclusions

Although we cannot eliminate the possibility of residual confounding, our findings suggest that infrequent or unsustained contact with community-based mental health and substance use treatment services is not protective against reincarceration, and may even be iatrogenic. Increased investment in high-quality and timely behavioural health services for people released from prison may simultaneously improve health outcomes, and reduce reincarceration.
From harassment to disappearance: Young women’s feelings of insecurity in public spaces
Authors: Almanza Avendaño Ariagor Manuel , Romero-Mendoza Martha , Gómez San Luis Anel Hortensia
Published: September 2022

Background

There are processes of gender socialization that increase the vulnerability of young women against a continuum of threats in the public space. This study explored the feeling of insecurity in public spaces among young women in a city located near the northern border of Mexico.

Methods and findings

This study was based on the tradition of grounded theory. Purposive sampling was used, and 24 group interviews were conducted with junior high school, high school and university students to understand the conditions that favour the emergence of the feeling of insecurity, its psychosocial consequences and management strategies. A computer-assisted qualitative analysis was performed using MAXQDA 18 software. The study showed that street harassment was manifested mainly as sexual harassment but generated a continuous threat of feminicide and disappearance. Young women experienced discomfort and restrictions on mobility, and they had to assume individual responsibility for their safety in the absence of support from the state.

Conclusions

The interaction between gender and age determines the vulnerability to crime in urban spaces. Future studies could analyse the chronic impact of this continuum of threats and develop psychosocial interventions that promote the empowerment of young women.
Electrophysiological responses to conspecific odorants in Xenopus laevis show potential for chemical signaling
Authors: Rhodes Heather J. , Amo Melanie
Published: September 2022

The fully aquatic African clawed frog,Xenopus laevis, has an unusual and highly adapted nose that allows it to separately sample both airborne and waterborne stimuli. The function of the adult water nose has received little study, despite the fact that it is quite likely to receive information about conspecifics through secretions released into the water and could aid the frog in making decisions about social and reproductive behaviors. To assess the potential for chemical communication in this species, we developed anin situelectroolfactogram preparation and tested the olfactory responses of adult males to cloacal fluids and skin secretions from male and female conspecifics. We found robust olfactory responses to all conspecific stimuli, with greatest sensitivity to female cloacal fluids. These results open the door to further testing to identify compounds within cloacal fluids and skin secretions that are driving these responses and examine behavioral responses to those compounds. Understanding the role of chemical communication in social and reproductive behaviors may add to our rich understanding of vocal communication to create a more complete picture of social behavior in this species.
Morality in the echo chamber: The relationship between belief in COVID-19 conspiracy theories and public health support and the mediating role of moral identity and morality-as-cooperation across 67 countries
Authors: Gkinopoulos Theofilos , Truelsen Elbæk Christian , Mitkidis Panagiotis
Published: September 2022

Believing in conspiracy theories is a major problem, especially in the face of a pandemic, as these constitute a significant obstacle to public health policies, like the use of masks and vaccination. Indeed, during the COVID-19 pandemic, several ungrounded explanations regarding the origin of the virus or the effects of vaccinations have been rising, leading to vaccination hesitancy or refusal which poses as a threat to public health. Recent studies have shown that in the core of conspiracy theories lies a moral evaluation component; one that triggers a moral reasoning which reinforces the conspiracy itself. To gain a better understanding of how conspiracy beliefs about COVID-19 affect public health containment behaviors and policy support via morality-relevant variables, we analysed comprehensive data from the International Collaboration on the Social & Moral Psychology (ICSMP) of COVID-19, consisting of 49.965 participants across 67 countries. We particularly explored the mediating role of two levels of morality: individual and group-based morality. Results show that believing in conspiracy theories reduces adoption of containment health-related behaviors and policy support of public health measures, but moral identity and morality-as-cooperation significantly mediate this relationship. This means that beliefs in conspiracy theories do not simply constitute antecedents of cognitive biases or failures, nor maladaptive behaviors based on personality traits, but are morally infused and should be dealt as such. Based on our findings, we further discuss the psychological, moral, and political implications of endorsement of conspiracy theories in the era of the pandemic.
Dialysate calcium, alfacalcidol, and clinical outcomes: A post-hoc analysis of the J-DAVID trial
Authors: Iseki Kunitoshi , Kabata Daijiro , Shoji Tetsuo , Inaba Masaaki , Emoto Masanori , Mori Katsuhito , Morioka Tomoaki , Nakatani Shinya , Shintani Ayumi
Published: September 2022

The selection of dialysate calcium concentration (D-Ca) is still controversial among chronic hemodialysis (HD) regimens. We examined the trajectories of CKD MBD parameters among the J-DAVID trial participants to see the effect of D-Ca and alfacalcidol. The trial was an open-label randomized clinical trial including 976 HD patients with intact PTH of 180 pg/mL or lower which compared the users of vitamin D receptor activator (oral alfacalcidol) and non-users over a median of 4 years. The main D-Ca used at baseline were 3.0 mEq/L in 70% and 2.5 mEq/L in 25%, respectively. The primary endpoint was the composite of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events and the secondary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analyses in which D-Ca was included as a possible effect modifier and serum laboratory data as time-varying covariates showed no significant effect modification for composite cardiovascular events or all-cause mortality. This post hoc analysis showed that the effects of alfacalcidol on cardiovascular outcomes were not significantly modified by D-Ca.
Generation of full-length circular RNA libraries for Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing
Authors: Fuchs Steffen , Babin Loélia , Andraos Elissa , Bessiere Chloé , Willier Semjon , Schulte Johannes H. , Gaspin Christine , Meggetto Fabienne
Published: September 2022

Circular RNA (circRNA) is a noncoding RNA class with important implications for gene expression regulation, mostly by interaction with other RNA species or RNA-binding proteins. While the commonly applied short-read Illumina RNA-sequencing techniques can be used to detect circRNAs, their full sequence is not revealed. However, the complete sequence information is needed to analyze potential interactions and thus the mechanism of action of circRNAs. Here, we present an improved protocol to enrich and sequence full-length circRNAs by using the Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing platform. The protocol involves an enrichment of lowly abundant circRNAs by exonuclease treatment and negative selection of linear RNAs. Then, a cDNA library is created and amplified by PCR. This protocol provides enough material for several sequencing runs. The library is used as input for ligation-based sequencing together with native barcoding. Stringent quality control of the libraries is ensured by a combination of Qubit, Fragment Analyzer and qRT-PCR. Multiplexing of up to 4 libraries yields in total more than 1–2 Million reads per library, of which 1–2% are circRNA-specific reads with >99% of them full-length. The protocol works well with human cancer cell lines. We further provide suggestions for the bioinformatic analysis of the created data, as well as the limitations of our approach together with recommendations for troubleshooting and interpretation. Taken together, this protocol enables reliable full-length analysis of circRNAs, a noncoding RNA type involved in a growing number of physiologic and pathologic conditions.

Metadata

Associated content. https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.rm7vzy8r4lx1/v2.
Effects of aging on neural processing during an active listening task
Authors: Kuruvilla-Mathew Abin , Thorne Peter R. , Purdy Suzanne C.
Published: September 2022

Factors affecting successful listening in older adults and the corresponding electrophysiological signatures are not well understood. The present study investigated age-related differences in attention and temporal processing, as well as differences in the neural activity related to signal degradation during a number comparison task. Participants listened to digits presented in background babble and were tested at two levels of signal clarity, clear and degraded. Behavioral and electrophysiological measures were examined in 30 older and 20 younger neurologically-healthy adults. Relationships between performance on the number comparison task, behavioral measures, and neural activity were used to determine correlates of listening deficits associated with aging. While older participants showed poorer performance overall on all behavioral measures, their scores on the number comparison task were largely predicted (based on regression analyses) by their sensitivity to temporal fine structure cues. Compared to younger participants, older participants required higher signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) to achieve equivalent performance on the number comparison task. With increasing listening demands, age-related changes were observed in neural processing represented by the early-N1 and later-P3 time windows. Source localization analyses revealed age differences in source activity for the degraded listening condition that was located in the left prefrontal cortex. In addition, this source activity negatively correlated with task performance in the older group. Together, these results suggest that older adults exhibit reallocation of processing resources to complete a demanding listening task. However, this effect was evident only for poorer performing older adults who showed greater posterior to anterior shift in P3 response amplitudes than older adults who were good performers and younger adults. These findings might reflect less efficient recruitment of neural resources that is associated with aging during effortful listening performance.
Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in higher education: A data driven analysis for the knowledge acquisition process
Authors: Velásquez-Rojas Fátima , Fajardo Jesus E. , Zacharías Daniela , Laguna María Fabiana
Published: September 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic abruptly changed the classroom context and presented enormous challenges for all actors in the educational process, who had to overcome multiple difficulties and incorporate new strategies and tools to construct new knowledge. In this work we analyze how student performance was affected, for a particular case of higher education in La Plata, Argentina. We developed an analytical model for the knowledge acquisition process, based on a series of surveys and information on academic performance in both contexts: face-to-face (before the onset of the pandemic) and virtual (during confinement) with 173 students during 2019 and 2020. The information collected allowed us to construct an adequate representation of the process that takes into account the main contributions common to all individuals. We analyzed the significance of the model by means of Artificial Neural Networks and a Multiple Linear Regression Method. We found that the virtual context produced a decrease in motivation to learn. Moreover, the emerging network of contacts built from the interaction between peers reveals different structures in both contexts. In all cases, interaction with teachers turned out to be of the utmost importance in the process of acquiring knowledge. Our results indicate that this process was also strongly influenced by the availability of resources of each student. This reflects the reality of a developing country, which experienced prolonged isolation, giving way to a particular learning context in which we were able to identify key factors that could guide the design of strategies in similar scenarios.