bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The memory of thin polymer films generated by spin coating
Authors: Reiter Günter , Ramezani Farzad , Baschnagel Jörg 
Published: May 2022

AbstractWe present results from isothermal and temperature-sweep creep experiments adapted to filaments which were derived from spin coated and subsequently crumpled thin polystyrene films. Due to the existence of residual stresses induced by preparation, the filaments showed significant shrinkage which we followed as a function of time at various temperatures. In addition, the influence of preparation conditions and subsequent annealing of supported thin polymer films on shrinkage and relaxation behavior was investigated. The temporal evolution of shrinkage revealed a sequence of relaxation regimes. We explored the temperature dependence of this relaxation and compared our observations with published results on drawn melt-spun fibers. This comparison revealed intriguing similarities between both systems prepared along different pathways. For instance, the magnitudes of shrinkage of melt-spun fibers and of filaments from crumpled spin coated polymer films are similar. Thus, our results suggest the existence of generic mechanisms of “forgetting”, i.e., how non-equilibrated polymers lose their memory of past processing events.Graphical abstract
Targeting the Ezrin Adaptor Protein Sensitizes Metastatic Breast Cancer Cells to Chemotherapy and Reduces Neoadjuvant Therapy–induced Metastasis
Authors: Hoskin Victoria , Ghaffari Abdi , Laight Brian J. , SenGupta Sandip , Madarnas Yolanda , Nicol Christopher J.B. , Elliott Bruce E. , Varma Sonal , Greer Peter A. 
Published: May 2022

The main cause of cancer-associated deaths is the spread of cancer cells to distant organs. Despite its success in the primary tumor setting, modern chemotherapeutic strategies are rendered ineffective at treating metastatic disease, largely due to the development of resistance. The adaptor protein ezrin has been shown to promote cancer metastasis in multiple preclinical models and is associated with poor prognosis in several cancer types, including breast cancer. Ezrin promotes pro-survival signaling, particularly in disseminated cancer cells, to facilitate metastatic outgrowth. However, the role of ezrin in breast cancer chemoresistance is not fully known. In this study, we show that upregulating or downregulating ezrin expression modifies the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to doxorubicin and docetaxel treatment in vitro and is associated with changes in PI3K/Akt and NFκB pathway activation. In addition, we tested the effects of systemic treatment with a small-molecule ezrin inhibitor, NSC668394, on lung metastatic burden in vivo as a monotherapy, or in combination with anthracycline- or taxane-based chemotherapy treatment. We show that anti-ezrin treatment alone reduces metastatic burden and markedly sensitizes metastases to doxorubicin or docetaxel in neoadjuvant as well as neoadjuvant plus adjuvant treatment models. Taken together, our findings demonstrate the impact of anti-ezrin treatment in modulating response to chemotherapy in breast cancer cells as well as the efficacy of anti-ezrin treatment in combination with chemotherapy at reducing metastatic burden.Significance:This work provides preclinical evidence for combining anti-ezrin treatment with chemotherapy as a novel strategy for effectively targeting metastasis, particularly in a neoadjuvant treatment setting.
miR-223 Exerts Translational Control of Proatherogenic Genes in Macrophages
Authors: Nguyen My-Anh , Hoang Huy-Dung , Rasheed Adil , Duchez Anne-Claire , Wyatt Hailey , Cottee Mary Lynn , Graber Tyson E. , Susser Leah , Robichaud Sabrina , Berber İbrahim , Geoffrion Michele , Ouimet Mireille , Kazan Hilal , Maegdefessel Lars , Mulvihill Erin E. , Alain Tommy , Rayner Katey J. 
Published: May 2022

Background:

A significant burden of atherosclerotic disease is driven by inflammation. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as important factors driving and protecting from atherosclerosis. miR-223 regulates cholesterol metabolism and inflammation via targeting both cholesterol biosynthesis pathway and NF
k
B signaling pathways; however, its role in atherosclerosis has not been investigated. We hypothesize that miR-223 globally regulates core inflammatory pathways in macrophages in response to inflammatory and atherogenic stimuli thus limiting the progression of atherosclerosis.

Methods and Results:

Loss of miR-223 in macrophages decreases
Abca1
gene and protein expression as well as cholesterol efflux to apoA1 (Apolipoprotein A1) and enhances proinflammatory gene expression. In contrast, overexpression of miR-223 promotes the efflux of cholesterol and macrophage polarization toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype. These beneficial effects of miR-223 are dependent on its target gene, the transcription factor
Sp3
. Consistent with the antiatherogenic effects of miR-223 in vitro, mice receiving

miR223
−/−

bone marrow exhibit increased plaque size, lipid content, and circulating inflammatory cytokines (ie, IL-1β). Deficiency of miR-223 in bone marrow–derived cells also results in an increase in circulating pro-atherogenic cells (total monocytes and neutrophils) compared with control mice. Furthermore, the expression of miR-223 target gene (
Sp3
) and pro-inflammatory marker (
Il-6
) are enhanced whereas the expression of
Abca1
and anti-inflammatory marker (
Retnla
) are reduced in aortic arches from mice lacking miR-223 in bone marrow–derived cells. In mice fed a high-cholesterol diet and in humans with unstable carotid atherosclerosis, the expression of miR-223 is increased. To further understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of miR-223 on atherosclerosis in vivo, we characterized global RNA translation profile of macrophages isolated from mice receiving wild-type or

miR223
−/−

bone marrow. Using ribosome profiling, we reveal a notable upregulation of inflammatory signaling and lipid metabolism at the translation level but less significant at the transcription level. Analysis of upregulated genes at the translation level reveal an enrichment of miR-223-binding sites, confirming that miR-223 exerts significant changes in target genes in atherogenic macrophages via altering their translation.

Conclusions:
Our study demonstrates that miR-223 can protect against atherosclerosis by acting as a global regulator of RNA translation of cholesterol efflux and inflammation pathways.
Targeting Adiponectin Receptor 1 Phosphorylation Against Ischemic Heart Failure
Authors: Zhu Di , Zhang Zhen , Zhao Jianli , Liu Demin , Gan Lu , Lau Wayne Bond , Xie Dina , Meng Zhijun , Yao Peng , Tsukuda Jumpei , Christopher Theodore A. , Lopez Bernard L. , Gao Erhe , Koch Walter J. , Wang Yajing , Ma Xin-Liang 
Published: May 2022

Background:
Despite significantly reduced acute myocardial infarction (MI) mortality in recent years, ischemic heart failure continues to escalate. Therapeutic interventions effectively reversing pathological remodeling are an urgent unmet medical need. We recently demonstrated that AdipoR1 (APN [adiponectin] receptor 1) phosphorylation by GRK2 (G-protein–coupled receptor kinase 2) contributes to maladaptive remodeling in the ischemic heart. The current study clarified the underlying mechanisms leading to AdipoR1 phosphorylative desensitization and investigated whether blocking AdipoR1 phosphorylation may restore its protective signaling, reversing post-MI remodeling.

Methods:
Specific sites and underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for AdipoR1 phosphorylative desensitization were investigated in vitro (neonatal and adult cardiomyocytes). The effects of AdipoR1 phosphorylation inhibition upon APN post-MI remodeling and heart failure progression were investigated in vivo.

Results:

Among 4 previously identified sites sensitive to GRK2 phosphorylation, alanine substitution of Ser
205
(AdipoR1
S205A
), but not other 3 sites, rescued GRK2-suppressed AdipoR1 functions, restoring APN-induced cell salvage kinase activation and reducing oxidative cell death. The molecular investigation followed by functional determination demonstrated that AdipoR1 phosphorylation promoted clathrin-dependent (not caveolae) endocytosis and lysosomal-mediated (not proteasome) degradation, reducing AdipoR1 protein level and suppressing AdipoR1-mediated cytoprotective action. GRK2-induced AdipoR1 endocytosis and degradation were blocked by AdipoR1
S205A
overexpression. Moreover, AdipoR1
S205E
(pseudophosphorylation) phenocopied GRK2 effects, promoted AdipoR1 endocytosis and degradation, and inhibited AdipoR1 biological function. Most importantly, AdipoR1 function was preserved during heart failure development in AdipoR1-KO (AdipoR1 knockout) mice reexpressing hAdipoR1
S205A
. APN administration in the failing heart reversed post-MI remodeling and improved cardiac function. However, reexpressing hAdipoR1
WT
in AdipoR1-KO mice failed to restore APN cardioprotection.

Conclusions:

Ser
205
is responsible for AdipoR1 phosphorylative desensitization in the failing heart. Blockade of AdipoR1 phosphorylation followed by pharmacological APN administration is a novel therapy effective in reversing post-MI remodeling and mitigating heart failure progression.
Fibroblasts Drive Metabolic Reprogramming in Pacemaker Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Chou Pei-Chun , Liu Chih-Min , Weng Ching-Hui , Yang Kai-Chien , Cheng Mei-Ling , Lin Yuh-Charn , Yang Ruey-Bing , Shyu Bai-Chuang , Shyue Song-Kun , Liu Jin-Dian , Chen Shih-Pin , Hsiao Michael , Hu Yu-Feng 
Published: May 2022

Background:
The sino
atrial node (SAN) is characterized by the microenvironment of pacemaker cardiomyocytes (PCs) encased with fibroblasts. An altered microenvironment leads to rhythm failure. Operable cell or tissue models are either generally lacking or difficult to handle. The biological process behind the milieu of SANs to evoke pacemaker rhythm is unknown. We explored how fibroblasts interact with PCs and regulate metabolic reprogramming and rhythmic activity in the SAN.

Methods:
Tbx18 (T-box transcription factor 18)-induced PCs and fibroblasts were used for cocultures and engineered tissues, which were used as the in vitro models to explore how fibroblasts regulate the functional integrity of SANs. RNA-sequencing, metabolomics, and cellular and molecular techniques were applied to characterize the molecular signals underlying metabolic reprogramming and identify its critical regulators. These pathways were further validated in vivo in rodents and induced human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes.

Results:
We observed that rhythmicity in Tbx18-induced PCs was regulated by aerobic glycolysis. Fibroblasts critically activated metabolic reprogramming and aerobic glycolysis within PCs, and, therefore, regulated pacemaker activity in PCs. The metabolic reprogramming was attributed to the exclusive induction of Aldoc (aldolase c) within PCs after fibroblast-PC integration. Fibroblasts activated the integrin-dependent mitogen-activated protein kinase-E2F1 signal through cell-cell contact and turned on Aldoc expression in PCs. Interruption of fibroblast-PC interaction or Aldoc knockdown nullified electrical activity. Engineered Tbx18-PC tissue sheets were generated to recapitulate the microenvironment within SANs. Aldoc-driven rhythmic machinery could be replicated within tissue sheets. Similar machinery was faithfully validated in de novo PCs of adult mice and rats, and in human PCs derived from induced pluripotent stem cells.

Conclusions:
Fibroblasts drive Aldoc-mediated metabolic reprogramming and rhythmic regulation in SANs. This work details the cellular machinery behind the complex milieu of vertebrate SANs and opens a new direction for future therapy.
The Colony: An Evo Devo Art Performance on Social Life
Authors: Lindemann Anna 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
The Colony is an opera-theater performance about the evolution of social life in ants and humans. As part of a genre called Evo Devo Art, The Colony takes inspiration from evolutionary and developmental biology (i.e., Evo Devo) in both its subject matter and creation process. The work features projected animations and video, spoken performance, and music for soprano, keyboard, and electronics, composed using algorithms modeled on biological processes. The Colony combines art and science with the two-fold purpose of inspiring appreciation for our diverse biological world and using the ant colony to reflect on the challenges of human connection.
Parameterized Tropical Cyclone Precipitation Model for Catastrophe Risk Assessment in China
Authors: Yi Lu , Peiyan Chen , Hui Yu , Pingzhi Fang , Ting Gong , Xiaodong Wang , Shengnan Song 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Inland flooding and mudslides from tropical cyclone (TC) rainstorms are among the most destructive natural hazards in China, resulting in considerable direct economic losses and large numbers of fatalities. In this paper, a TC precipitation model (TCPM) is improved by incorporating the effects of complex terrain through a set of new parameters (e.g., slope, roughness, and attenuation distance) for a more accurate assessment of TC rainfall hazards in China. Moreover, by introducing parameterized spiral rainbands, the model could more accurately capture the intensity of extreme precipitation. The model comprehensively considers dynamic and thermodynamic precipitation factors and is adept at capturing the climate characteristics of TC precipitation and the probability distribution of extreme TC precipitation in China. The model is verified by providing two comparisons. One is analysis including detailed results of three typical TC cases, and the other uses empirical cumulative distribution functions for extreme observations and simulations of historical landfalling TCs in China during the period 1960–2018. The comparisons reveal that the TCPM shows impressive performance for strong TCs with heavy precipitation within 200–300 km of the TC center. Moreover, both the modeled extreme hourly and total TC precipitation probability distributions are consistent with the observations. However, the model needs to be further improved for TCs with dispersive or long-distance precipitation.

Significance Statement
In this paper, an optimized and physics-based model for the simulation of tropical cyclone precipitation is described and used to estimate the risk of TC rainfall hazards in China. The work is innovative in that it considers the effect of complex terrain from three perspectives, including slope, roughness, and attenuation distance. The simulations demonstrated that the model is adept at capturing the main climate characteristics of TC precipitation and the probability distribution of extreme TC precipitation in China, which is simple to run several hundred thousand times, with bright application prospects in catastrophe risk assessment.
A New K–ε Turbulence Parameterization for Mesoscale Meteorological Models
Authors: Zonato Andrea , Martilli Alberto , Jimenez Pedro A. , Dudhia Jimy , Zardi Dino , Giovannini Lorenzo 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
A new one-dimensional 1.5-order planetary boundary layer (PBL) scheme, based on the K–ε turbulence closure applied to the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations, is developed and implemented within the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model. The new scheme includes an analytic solution of the coupled equations for turbulent kinetic energy and dissipation rate. Different versions of the PBL scheme are proposed, with increasing levels of complexity, including a model for the calculation of the Prandtl number, a correction to the dissipation rate equation, and a prognostic equation for the temperature variance. Five different idealized cases are tested: four of them explore convective conditions, and they differ in initial thermal stratification and terrain complexity, while one simulates the very stable boundary layer case known as GABLS. For each case study, an ensemble of different large-eddy simulations (LES) is taken as reference for the comparison with the novel PBL schemes and other state-of-the-art 1- and 1.5-order turbulence closures. Results show that the new PBL K–ε scheme brings improvements in all the cases tested in this study. Specifically, the more significant are obtained with the turbulence closure including a prognostic equation for the temperature variance. Moreover, the largest benefits are obtained for the idealized cases simulating a typical thermal circulation within a two-dimensional valley. This suggests that the use of prognostic equations for dissipation rate and temperature variance, which take into account their transport and history, is particularly important with the increasing complexity of PBL dynamics.
Nonanatomic All-Inside Arthroscopic Anterior Talofibular Ligament Repair With a High-Position Anchor versus Anatomic Repair: An Analysis Based on 3D CT
Authors: Lee Sung Hyun , Yang Je Heon , Kim Isac 
Published: May 2022

Background: In patients with chronic ankle instability, it is important to repair the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) at the anatomic origin site. However, there are limited reports on the clinical outcomes according to anatomic ATFL repair. Purpose: To compare the clinical outcomes after arthroscopic ATFL repair according to whether the anchor is fixed at an anatomic position. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic ATFL repair for chronic ankle instability and were available for a minimum 2-year follow-up. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the anchor position at the distal fibula on 3-dimensional computed tomography: anatomic arthroscopic ATFL repair (anatomic group), subanatomic arthroscopic ATFL repair (subanatomic group), and nonanatomic arthroscopic ATFL repair (nonanatomic group). The visual analog scale for pain, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), and Karlsson ankle functional score were measured as subjective outcomes. Posturographic analysis and radiologic evaluation using stress radiographs and axial view magnetic resonance imaging were performed as objective outcomes. Results: Of 96 patients, 16 were excluded per the exclusion criteria, and 80 were evaluated (anatomic group, n = 24; subanatomic group, n = 42; nonanatomic group, n = 14). The mean age of the patients was 34.5 years, and the mean follow-up period was 27.4 months. A between-group comparison revealed significant differences in FAOS, Karlsson score, and fall risk evaluated by posturography at the final follow-up. Post hoc analysis revealed that the anatomic group had better clinical scores on the FAOS than did the nonanatomic group in all 5 domains (all P < .017). Patients in the anatomic and subanatomic groups had better Karlsson scores and fall risk than those in the nonanatomic group ( P = .004 and P = .013, respectively). In terms of objective outcomes, patients in the anatomic and subanatomic groups had better outcomes in fall risk than did those in the nonanatomic group (both P = .001). There were no differences in clinical scores and objective outcomes between the anatomic and subanatomic groups. Conclusion: Nonanatomic ATFL repair showed inferior outcomes when compared with anatomic ATFL repair. When arthroscopic ATFL repair is performed, the anchor should be fixed in the anatomic position to improve prognosis.
Food Insecurity Among the Adult Population of Colombia Between 2016 and 2019: The Post Peace Agreement Situation
Authors: Sinclair Kate , Thompson-Colón Theresa , Matamoros Sara Eloísa Del Castillo , Olaya Eucaris , Melgar-Quiñonez Hugo 
Published: May 2022

Background: In 2016, a Peace Agreement, explicitly addressing the right to food, was signed, marking the end of more than 50 years of armed conflict and the longest war in the Americas. The expectation was that the years to follow would be marked by rapid social and political change, with the potential to improve food security. Objectives: (i) Ascertain changes in the prevalence of food insecurity in Colombia between 2016 and 2019; (ii) examine which population subgroups (eg, urban women, rural women, urban men, and rural men) were most vulnerable; and (iii) determine significant individual-level factors predicting food insecurity in these 2 years. Methods: This study used the Gallup World Poll 2016 and 2019 nationally representative samples of Colombian adults aged 15 and older for the analyses (n ≈ 1000 per year). Food insecurity was measured using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS Complex Samples (version 26). Results: Food insecurity in Colombia increased by 7 percentage points between 2016 and 2019 (from 33% to 40%); women living in rural areas in 2019 reported the highest prevalence (50%). Results from logistic analysis confirm low income, unemployment, and lack of social support were significant predictors of food insecurity in both years. In 2019, gender, low education, and lack of autonomy were also significant predictors. Further research on the determinants of food insecurity is necessary to inform Colombian policies and programs that address food insecurity. The urgency to act is more apparent than ever, given the country’s worsening food security profile.
Evaluation of an Interactive Computer-Enabled Tabletop Learning Tool for Children with Special Needs
Authors: Hasan Nazmul , Islam Muhammad Nazrul , Choudhury Nazim 
Published: May 2022

The research on computer mediated interventions and technologies (e.g., digital tabletop tool) that have seminal relevance to the intervention strategies designed for the children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) mostly remain confined within the developed nation. The objective of this study is threefold: firstly, to reveal the design principles to be followed in developing an interactive and affordable computer-enabled table-top tool for the children with special needs; secondly, to develop a physical prototype following the revealed principles; and finally, to evaluate the usability performance of this tool. This study presents a mixed method research while the data collection process includes both ethnographic study and semi-structured interviews of both the teachers and students of a special school dedicated for teaching the children with ASD. As outcomes, along with a list of design principles, and a prototype of a computer-enabled, single touch, single user, and affordable educational intervention tool targeting the children diagnosed with ASD, the results of the empirical evaluation of the prototype demonstrated high effectiveness (72% average success rate for the students vs. 92% for the teachers), efficiency (1.20 minutes average task completion time for the students vs. 0.48 minutes for the teachers) and satisfaction rate (4.46 for the students vs. 4.66 for the teachers out of 5) for the developed tool. Both types of the participants were found satisfied with the usability of the tabletop prototype and positively endorsed its effectiveness in improving the learning environment of the children with special needs.