bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermoelastic pulsed laser ablation of silver thin films with organic metal–SiO2 adhesion layer in water: application to the sustainable regeneration of glass microfluidic reactors for silver nanoparticles
Authors: Tahir  , Ginoble Pandoli Omar , Zaman Quaid , Concas Guilherme C , Gisbert Mariana , Cremona Marco , Freire Fernando Lazaro , Carvalho Isabel C S , Bevilaqua Pedro H C , Santos de Sá Druval , Canellas Alexandre Pinto , Mattoso Vinicius , Del Rosso Tommaso 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The synthesis of metal nanoparticles (NPs) using microfluidic reactors has become a major method for limiting reagent consumption and achieve a precise control of the morphological properties. Failure in realizing the reproducibility of the results is mostly associated with the accumulation of metallic nanostructures on the walls of the microfluidic devices, periodically removed by acid treatment. In this study, we show that ns-pulsed laser ablation (PLA) in water can be a safe, effective, and green method for the regeneration of clogged microfluidic reactors. The effect of the laser-pulse fluence on the removal of metallic nanostructures was studied for the first time on silver (Ag) thin films with a thickness of 50 nm deposited over SiO2 substrates, using 3-mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane as a chemical adhesion layer. As point of novelty, the experimental results show that at low fluence (F < 0.1 J cm−2), ablation is principally caused by delamination of the thin film associated with the thermoelastic force while thermal processes inducing phase conversion of the metal dominate at higher fluence. Low-fluence regimes are better suited for the single-pulse removal of the nanomaterial, whereas in high F regimes, we observed melting and recondensation of the metal on the SiO2 surface so that multiple pulse interactions were necessary for complete ablation of the thin film. For the delamination and the phase transformation processes, the threshold fluences were 3.7 × 10−2 and 7.0 × 10−2 J cm−2, respectively. The experimental setup in the thermoelastic PLA regime was applied to unclog glass microfluidic devices used for synthesizing citrate-stabilized AgNPs. Using this simple and easily achievable laser-scanning experimental configuration, we demonstrated that PLA in water is a reliable and efficient technique, with results comparable to acidic treatment in terms of efficiency and time necessary for the complete removal of the Ag nanomaterial.
A switched-capacitor and floating-capacitor (SCFC) based multilevel boost inverter with a single DC power supply and sensor-less voltage balancing method
Authors: Maurya Avinash , Mishra Ambarisha 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
This paper introduces a nine-level (9L) boost inverter with reduced number of components. The proposed 9L topology comprises a single DC source, eight switches, and two capacitors, namely a switched-capacitor (SC) and a floating capacitor (FC). The topology consists of two converter units: the SC unit and the FC unit. Both units are cascaded to achieve nine voltage levels with a voltage gain of 2. The inherent voltage boosting capability of the proposed topology makes it suitable for low-scale voltage applications like photovoltaics (PV) and electric vehicles (EVs). A sensorless method is introduced to stabilize the requisite voltage across the FC for any undesirable changes in input voltage. The performance reveals that the voltage across the FC does not deviate with changes in the modulation index, power factor of load, pulse width modulation (PWM) methods, or the operating frequency. And, when the input voltage fluctuates, the voltage across the FC is naturally adjusted to the new desired value within 0.6 s. The topology operates over a wide range of modulation indices (0 to 1) and different types of loads. A generalized topology is also developed to get a high output voltage along with a higher number of intermediate voltage levels. A comprehensive analysis is presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed topology over the recent topologies.
An Initial Psychometric Analysis of the Brain Gauge Tactile-Based Test Battery and Its Potential for Clinical Use Assessing Patients With Acute Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Ivins Brian J , Arrieux Jacques P , Cole Wesley R 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Objective
A new brief computerized test battery that uses tactile stimulation, Brain Gauge (BG), has been proposed as a cognitive assessment aid and its developers have reported an almost perfect ability to distinguish acute mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) patients from healthy controls. This investigation attempted to replicate those results and serve as an initial psychometrically and clinically focused analysis of BG.

Methods
BG scores from 73 military service members (SM) assessed within 7 days after having a clinically diagnosed mTBI were compared to 100 healthy SMs. Mean scores were compared, score distributions were examined, and univariate and multivariate base rate analyses of low scores were performed.

Results
SMs with mTBI had statistically significantly worse performance on both BG Reaction Time (RT) tests and the Sequential Amplitude Discrimination test as reflected by higher mean RT and RT variability and higher minimum detectable amplitude difference. SMs with mTBI also had a significantly lower whole-battery composite (i.e., Cortical Metric Symptom Score). Larger proportions of SMs with mTBI had lower overall performance than controls. However, at most only 26.9% of those with mTBI performed at potentially clinically meaningful cutoffs that were defined as various numbers of low scores that were prevalent in no more than 10% of the control group, which is equivalent to specificity ≥90% and sensitivity ≤26.9% for mTBI.

Conclusion
Our analysis did not replicate the high level of classification accuracy reported by BG’s developers. Pending further psychometric development, BG may have limited clinical utility for assessing mTBI patients.
The blooming of an old story on the bouquet
Authors: Wang Lina , Wu Bingbing , Ma Yanjie , Ren Zhengxing , Li Wei 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
As an evolutionarily conserved process, the bouquet stage during meiosis was discovered over a century ago, and active research on this important stage continues. Since the discovery of the first bouquet-related protein Taz1p in 1998, several bouquet formation-related proteins have been identified in various eukaryotes. These proteins are involved in the interaction between telomeres and the inner nuclear membrane (INM), and once these interactions are disrupted, meiotic progression is arrested, leading to infertility. Recent studies have provided significant insights into the relationships and interactions among bouquet formation-related proteins. In this review, we summarize the components involved in telomere-INM interactions and focus on their roles in bouquet formation and telomere homeostasis maintenance. In addition, we examined bouquet-related proteins in different species from an evolutionary viewpoint, highlighting the potential interactions among them.
In Their Own Words: Daniel Simberloff
Authors: Verdier James M 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIn Their Own Words chronicles the stories of scientists who have made great contributions to their fields. These short histories provide our readers a way to learn from and share their experiences. We will publish the results of these conversations in the pages of BioScience and on our podcast, BioScience Talks (https://bioscience-talks.aibs.org) This history is with Daniel Simberloff, who is the Gore-Hunger Professor of Environmental Studies in Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, at the University of Tennessee, in Knoxville, in the United States.
A convergent mechanism of high risk factors ADNP and POGZ in neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Conrow-Graham Megan , Williams Jamal B , Martin Jennifer , Zhong Ping , Cao Qing , Rein Benjamin , Yan Zhen 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
ADNP and POGZ are two top-ranking risk factors for autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability, but how they are linked to these neurodevelopmental disorders is largely unknown. Both ADNP and POGZ are chromatin regulators, which could profoundly affect gene transcription and cellular function in the brain. Using post-mortem tissue from patients with autism spectrum disorder, we found diminished expression of ADNP and POGZ in the prefrontal cortex, a region highly implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders. To understand the functional role of these neurodevelopmental disorder risk factors, we used viral-based gene transfer to investigate how Adnp or Pogz deficiency in mouse prefrontal cortex affects behavioural, transcriptomic and synaptic function. Mice with prefrontal cortex deficiency of Adnp or Pogz exhibited specific impairment of cognitive task performance. RNA-sequencing revealed that Adnp or Pogz deficiency induced prominent upregulation of overlapping genes enriched in neuroinflammation, similar to the elevation of pro-inflammatory genes in humans with neurodevelopmental disorders. Concomitantly, Adnp or Pogz deficiency led to the significant increase of pro-phagocytic microglial activation in prefrontal cortex, as well as the significant decrease of glutamatergic transmission and postsynaptic protein expression. These findings have uncovered the convergent functions of two top risk factors for autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability in prefrontal cortex, providing a mechanism linking chromatin, transcriptional and synaptic dysregulation to cognitive deficits associated with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Mutations inTAF8cause a neurodegenerative disorder
Authors: Wong Keit Men , Jepsen Wayne M , Efthymiou Stephanie , Salpietro Vincenzo , Sanchez-Castillo Meredith , Yip Janice , Kriouile Yamna , Diegmann Susann , Dreha-Kulaczewski Steffi , Altmüller Janine , Thiele Holger , Nürnberg Peter , Toosi Mehran Beiraghi , Akhondian Javad , Ghayoor Karimiani Ehsan , Hummel-Abmeier Hannah , Huppke Brenda , Houlden Henry , Gärtner Jutta , Maroofian Reza , Huppke Peter 
Published: April 2022

AbstractTAF8 is part of the transcription factor II D complex, composed of the TATA-binding protein and 13 TATA-binding protein–associated factors (TAFs). Transcription factor II D is the first general transcription factor recruited at promoters to assemble the RNA polymerase II preinitiation complex. So far disorders related to variants in 5 of the 13 subunits of human transcription factor II D have been described. Recently, a child with a homozygous c.781-1G&gt;A mutation in TAF8 has been reported. Here we describe seven further patients with mutations in TAF8 and thereby confirm the TAF8 related disorder.In two sibling patients, we identified two novel compound heterozygous TAF8 splice site mutations, c.45+4A &gt; G and c.489G&gt;A, which cause aberrant splicing as well as reduced expression and mislocalization of TAF8. In five further patients, the previously described c.781-1G &gt; A mutation was present on both alleles. The clinical phenotype associated with the different TAF8 mutations is characterized by severe psychomotor retardation with almost absent development, feeding problems, microcephaly, growth retardation, spasticity and epilepsy. Cerebral imaging showed hypomyelination, a thin corpus callosum and brain atrophy. Moreover, repeated imaging in the sibling pair demonstrated progressive cerebral and cerebellar atrophy. Consistently, reduced N-acetylaspartate, a marker of neuronal viability, was observed on magnetic resonance spectroscopy.Further review of the literature shows that mutations causing a reduced expression of transcription factor II D subunits have an overlapping phenotype of microcephaly, developmental delay and intellectual disability. Although transcription factor II D plays an important role in RNA polymerase II transcription in all cells and tissues, the symptoms associated with such defects are almost exclusively neurological. This might indicate a specific vulnerability of neuronal tissue to widespread deregulation of gene expression as also seen in Rett syndrome or Cornelia de Lange syndrome.
The prodromal phase of hereditary spastic paraplegia type 4: the preSPG4 cohort study
Authors: Rattay Tim W , Völker Maximilian , Rautenberg Maren , Kessler Christoph , Wurster Isabel , Winter Natalie , Haack Tobias B , Lindig Tobias , Hengel Holger , Synofzik Matthis , Schüle Rebecca , Martus Peter , Schöls Ludger 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis cohort study aimed to characterize the prodromal phase of hereditary spastic paraplegia type 4 (SPG4) using biomarkers and clinical signs and symptoms that develop before manifest gait abnormalities.Fifty-six first-degree relatives at risk of developing SPG4 underwent blinded genotyping and standardized phenotyping, including the Spastic Paraplegia Rating Scale (SPRS), complicating symptoms, non-motor affection, Three-Minute Walk, and neurophysiological assessment. Automated MR image analysis was used to compare volumetric properties. CSF of 33 probands was analysed for neurofilament light chain (NfL), tau, and amyloid-β (Aβ).Thirty participants turned out to be SPAST mutation carriers, whereas 26 did not inherit a SPAST mutation. Increased reflexes, ankle clonus, and hip abduction weakness were more frequent in prodromal mutation carriers but were also observed in non-mutation carriers. Only Babinski's sign differentiated reliably between the two groups. Timed walk and non-motor symptoms did not differ between groups. Whereas most mutation carriers had total SPRS scores of 2 points or more, only two non-mutation carriers reached more than 1 point. Motor evoked potentials revealed no differences between mutation and non-mutation carriers. We found NfL but not tau or Aβ to rise in CSF of mutation carriers when approaching the time point of predicted disease manifestation. Serum NfL did not differ between groups. Volumetric MRI analyses did not reveal group differences apart from a smaller cingulate gyrus in mutation carriers.This study depicts subtle clinical signs which develop before gait abnormalities in SPG4. Long-term follow-up is needed to study the evolution of SPG4 in the prodromal stage and conversion into manifest disease. NfL in CSF is a promising fluid biomarker that may indicate disease activity in prodromal SPG4 but needs further evaluation in longitudinal studies.
Longitudinal EEG model detects antisense oligonucleotide treatment effect and increased UBE3A in Angelman syndrome
Authors: Spencer Elizabeth R. , Shi Wen , Komorowski Robert W. , Gilbert James P. , Ostrowski Lauren M. , Bird Lynne M. , Thibert Ronald , Bao Channa , Molloy Fiona , Calhoun Michael , Koirala Samir , Jafar-nejad Paymaan , Rigo Frank , Kramer Mark A. , Chu Catherine J. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Angelman syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by deficiency of the maternally inherited UBE3A gene in neurons. Antisense oligonucleotide therapies are under development to reinstate UBE3A protein production. Non-invasive biomarkers to detect target engagement and treatment response are needed to support clinical trials. Delta power measured in the scalp EEG is a reliable biomarker for Angelman syndrome but varies widely across individuals and throughout development, making detection of a treatment effect using single measurements challenging.
We utilized a longitudinal dataset of 204 EEG recordings from 56 subjects with Angelman syndrome to develop a natural history model of delta (2–4 Hz) power, with predictors of age, elapsed time, and relative delta power at an initial recording. Using this model, we computed the sample and effect sizes needed to detect a treatment effect in a human clinical trial with 80% power. We applied the same model structure to a mouse model of Angelman syndrome (n = 41) to detect antisense oligonucleotide-mediated treatment effects on absolute delta activity and Ube3a expression. In humans, delta power at a second time point can be reliably predicted using the natural history model. In mice, a treatment effect can be detected after antisense oligonucleotide treatment targeting the Ube3a-antisense transcript through at least 8 weeks post-treatment (P &lt; 1e-15). Deviations in delta power from the expected natural history correlated with Ube3a expression in the mouse model (P &lt; 0.001). Deviations in delta power from a human natural history model in Angelman syndrome can detect antisense oligonucleotide-mediated improvement in Ube3a expression in Angelman syndrome mice and may be relevant for human clinical trials.
Struggling in im/mobility: lived experience of Macao’s mainland Chinese migrant laborers via WeChat Moments during COVID-19
Authors: Ju Bei , Dai Hai Min , Sandel Todd L 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The coronavirus epidemic (COVID-19) has led to drastic changes in social life. Focusing on a group of essential workers, this study examines how mainland Chinese low-skilled labor migrants discursively manifest their everyday lives via WeChat Moments. From analyzing social media posts and interview data, this study demonstrates that these labor migrants’ stay in Macao was a period of unsought and undesired time of waiting, impacted by socio-structural constraints of class, age, gender, and outsider identity. Participants experienced positive (happiness with newfound opportunities) and negative emotions (anxiety and entrapment) during forced immobility due to border closures. This study contributes to understandings of border-crossing as interpreted and experienced via social media discourse.
Neonatal exposure to sevoflurane induces adolescent neurobehavioral dysfunction by interfering with hippocampal glycerophoslipid metabolism in rats
Authors: Wang Yonghai , Li Hongchun , Zhao Ying , Qin Feng , Wang Liang , Jiang Linhong , Wang Xiaojie , Chen Rong , He Yuman , Wei Qinfan , Li Shu , Chen Yuanyuan , Xiao Yuzhou , Dai Yanping , Bu Qian , Zhao Yinglan , Tian Jingwei , Wang Hongbo , Cen Xiaobo 
Published: April 2022

AbstractSevoflurane exposure in the neonatal period causes long-term developmental neuropsychological dysfunction, including memory impairment and anxiety-like behaviors. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying such effects have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the effect of neonatal exposure to sevoflurane on neurobehavioral profiles in adolescent rats, and applied an integrated approach of lipidomics and proteomics to investigate the molecular network implicated in neurobehavioral dysfunction. We found that neonatal exposure to sevoflurane caused cognitive impairment and social behavior deficits in adolescent rats. Lipidomics analyses revealed that sevoflurane significantly remodeled hippocampal lipid metabolism, including lysophatidylcholine (LPC) metabolism, phospholipid carbon chain length and carbon chain saturation. Through a combined proteomics analysis, we found that neonatal exposure to sevoflurane significantly downregulated the expression of lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 1 (LPCAT1), a key enzyme in the regulation of phospholipid metabolism, in the hippocampus of adolescent rats. Importantly, hippocampal LPCAT1 overexpression restored the dysregulated glycerophospholipid (GP) metabolism and alleviated the learning and memory deficits caused by sevoflurane. Collectively, our evidence that neonatal exposure to sevoflurane downregulates LPCAT1 expression and dysregulates GP metabolism in the hippocampus, which may contribute to the neurobehavioral dysfunction in the adolescent rats.
Concomitant presentation of spontaneous coronary artery dissection with Takotsubo syndrome: a case report
Authors: Fitouchi Simon , Di Marco Paola , Motreff Pascal , Lhoest Nicolas 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Background
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is still an underdiagnosed condition that requires a detailed assessment of angiographic signs. It also shares similar clinical presentations with Takotsubo syndrome (TTS). The concomitant presentation of SCAD with TTS is a possible occurrence, making it difficult for clinicians to treat and manage.

Case summary
This study included a 49-year-old woman with retrosternal chest pain who was admitted to the emergency department. Coronary angiography indicated Type 2A SCAD involving the middle part of the left anterior descending artery, while the left ventriculography indicated a typical left ventricular apical ballooning compatible with TTS. A conservative approach to the management of SCAD was observed. After a 3-month follow-up, the control coronary angiography showed a complete angiographic resolution. The results of the transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) and cardiac magnetic resonance revealed a complete normalization of the pathological features. The patient remained asymptomatic and showed no recurrence of chest pain.

Discussion
Although TTS and SCAD are commonly observed in patients who share certain characteristics (women, without atheromatous terrain, stress-related factors), it is difficult to establish a pathophysiological link between them. This observation confirms the non-random association of two rare entities of myocardial infarction with no obstructive coronary arteries. Although TTS can be easily diagnosed via non-invasive imaging, the diagnosis of SCAD is more difficult. The findings of this study suggest a concomitant presentation between SCAD and TTS. Although the treatment approach to SCAD is usually conservative, severe forms of this disease require early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Usefulness of transpedal intervention for inferior epigastric artery bleeding following catheter ablation: a case report
Authors: Kusumoto Hirofumi , Ishibuchi Kasumi , Takiuchi Shin , Otsuji Satoru 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Background
Cardiovascular interventions may result in access-site complication, including inferior epigastric artery (IEA) bleeding. The IEA injury is generally treated through surgery and transcatheter embolization; however, additional complications should be avoided in the bailout procedure. Here, we present a case of catheter ablation complicated by IEA haemorrhage that we managed by transcatheter embolization using a transpedal intervention (TPI).

Case summary
A 58-year-old man underwent catheter ablation for symptomatic paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Pulmonary vein isolation was performed uneventfully via catheterization of the right femoral artery and vein access. After the procedure, he complained of persistent abdominal pain and had a palpable mass in the lower right abdomen. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) revealed a haematoma in the right rectus abdominis with signs of active bleeding from a branch of the right IEA. We performed transcatheter arterial embolization through a TPI to stop bleeding and avoid further complication. No leakage of contrast media was detected after embolization using a microcoil and the abdominal pain improved. We did not observe any serious intraprocedural complications.

Discussion
Catheter ablation procedures may be complicated by access-site complications such as active bleeding. Arterial embolization is a feasible treatment approach to control the resulting haemorrhage. Embolization through the transpedal route (TPI) could be an effective bailout technique in the setting of emergent transcatheter arterial embolization to achieve haemostasis and avoid further complication.