bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SOX17 is a Critical Factor in Maintaining Endothelial Function in Pulmonary Hypertension by an Exosome‐Mediated Autocrine Manner
Authors: Zou Xiaozhou , Liu Ting , Huang Zhongjie , Zhou Wei , Yuan Mengnan , Zhao Hongying , Pan Zongfu , Chen Pengcheng , Shao Yanfei , Hu Xiaoping , Zhang Su , Zheng Shuilian , Zhang Yiwen , Huang Ping
Published: March 2023

Endothelial dysfunction is considered a predominant driver for pulmonary vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension (PH). SOX17, a key regulator of vascular homoeostasis, has been found to harbor mutations in PH patients, which are associated with PH susceptibility. Here, this study explores whether SOX17 mediates the autocrine activity of pulmonary artery ECs to maintain endothelial function and vascular homeostasis in PH and its underlying mechanism. It is found that SOX17 expression is downregulated in the endothelium of remodeled pulmonary arteries in IPH patients and SU5416/hypoxia (Su/hypo)‐induced PH mice as well as dysfunctional HPAECs. Endothelial knockdown of SOX17 accelerates the progression of Su/hypo‐induced PH in mice. SOX17 overexpression in the pulmonary endothelium of mice attenuates Su/hypo‐induced PH. SOX17‐associated exosomes block the proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation of HPAECs, preventing pulmonary arterial remodeling and Su/hypo‐induced PH. Mechanistic analyses demonstrates that overexpressing SOX17 promotes the exosome‐mediated release of miR‐224‐5p and miR‐361‐3p, which are internalized by injured HPAECs in an autocrine manner, ultimately repressing the upregulation of NR4A3 and PCSK9 genes and improving endothelial function. These results suggest that SOX17 is a key gene in maintaining endothelial function and vascular homeostasis in PH through regulating exosomal miRNAs in an autocrine manner.
Cycling Performance and Mechanistic Insights of Ferricyanide Electrolytes in Alkaline Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Hu Maowei , Wang Abigail P. , Luo Jian , Wei Qianshun , Liu T. Leo
Published: March 2023

Ferrocyanide, such as K4[Fe(CN)6], is one of the most popular cathode electrolyte (catholyte) materials in redox flow batteries. However, its chemical stability in alkaline redox flow batteries is debated. Mechanistic understandings at the molecular level are necessary to elucidate the cycling stability of K4[Fe(CN)6] and its oxidized state (K3[Fe(CN)6]) based electrolytes and guide their proper use in flow batteries for energy storage. Herein, a suite of battery tests and spectroscopic studies are presented to understand the chemical stability of K4[Fe(CN)6] and its charged state, K3[Fe(CN)6], at a variety of conditions. In a strong alkaline solution (pH 14), it is found that the balanced K4[Fe(CN)6]/K3[Fe(CN)6] half‐cell experiences a fast capacity decay under dark conditions. The studies reveal that the chemical reduction of K3[Fe(CN)6] by a graphite electrode leads to the charge imbalance in the half‐cell cycling and is the major cause of the observed capacity decay. In addition, at pH 14, K3[Fe(CN)6] undergoes a slow CN‐/OH‐ exchange reaction. The dissociated CN‐ ligand can chemically reduce K3[Fe(CN)6] to K4[Fe(CN)6] and it is converted to cyanate (OCN‐) and further, decomposes into CO32‐ and NH3. Ultimately, the irreversible chemical conversion of CN‐ to OCN‐ leads to the irreversible decomposition of K4/K3[Fe(CN)6] at pH 14.
Prevalence and descriptive epidemiology of Turner syndrome in the United States, 2000–2017: A report from the National Birth Defects Prevention Network
Authors: Martin‐Giacalone Bailey A. , Lin Angela E. , Rasmussen Sonja A. , Kirby Russell S. , Nestoridi Eirini , Liberman Rebecca F. , Agopian A. J. , Carey John C. , Cragan Janet D. , Forestieri Nina , Leedom Vinita , Boyce Aubree , Nembhard Wendy N. , Piccardi Monika , Sandidge Theresa , Shan Xiaoyi , Shumate Charles J. , Stallings Erin B. , Stevenson Roger , Lupo Philip J.
Published: March 2023

The lack of United States population‐based data on Turner syndrome limits assessments of prevalence and associated characteristics for this sex chromosome abnormality. Therefore, we collated 2000–2017 data from seven birth defects surveillance programs within the National Birth Defects Prevention Network. We estimated the prevalence of karyotype‐confirmed Turner syndrome diagnosed within the first year of life. We also calculated the proportion of cases with commonly ascertained birth defects, assessed associations with maternal and infant characteristics using prevalence ratios (PR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and estimated survival probability. The prevalence of Turner syndrome of any pregnancy outcome was 3.2 per 10,000 female live births (95% CI = 3.0–3.3, program range: 1.0–10.4), and 1.9 for live birth and stillbirth (≥20 weeks gestation) cases (95% CI = 1.8–2.1, program range: 0.2–3.9). Prevalence was lowest among cases born to non‐Hispanic Black women compared to non‐Hispanic White women (PR = 0.5, 95% CI = 0.4–0.6). Coarctation of the aorta was the most common defect (11.6% of cases), and across the cohort, individuals without hypoplastic left heart had a five‐year survival probability of 94.6%. The findings from this population‐based study may inform surveillance practices, prenatal counseling, and diagnosis. We also identified racial and ethnic disparities in prevalence, an observation that warrants further investigation.
Golden‐bellied mangabeys (Cercocebus chrysogaster) exhibit a larger home range and longer travel distances than those of bonobos (Pan paniscus) at LuiKotale, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: McLester Edward , Fruth Barbara
Published: March 2023

Primate ranging behavior is associated with numerous social and ecological correlates. Interspecific comparisons of ranging behavior can therefore provide insight into the socio‐ecological conditions that characterize a species' niche within its community. We provide the first description of ranging behavior in golden‐bellied mangabeys (Cercocebus chrysogaster), using sympatric bonobos (Pan paniscus) as a comparison. Over 6 months, we recorded GPS tracks at 1‐ and 5‐min intervals from one habituated golden‐bellied mangabey group and two habituated bonobo communities at LuiKotale, central Democratic Republic of the Congo. We compared estimates of home range size, time spent at different elevations, and hourly travel distances between species. We modeled daily travel distances against total monthly rainfall to investigate seasonal variation in daily ranging. The golden‐bellied mangabey home range was similarly sized or larger than each of the two bonobo communities at LuiKotale across estimation methods. Mangabeys visited more of their range per day and spent more time in terra firma forest and less time in swamps than bonobos. Mangabeys traveled significantly farther per day and during midday hours than bonobos, but travel distances did not relate to monthly rainfall in either species. Golden‐bellied mangabeys exhibited wide daily ranging behavior that more closely resembled that of sympatric bonobos than other Cercocebus species. Large homes ranges in mangabeys are likely influenced by food availability in terra firma forest, especially as groups appear to travel long distances between fruit trees and terrestrial food patches. Maximizing daytime activity may help mangabeys avoid competition from heterospecifics and indicates temporal niche partitioning in this primate community.
Expert elicitation of risk factors for progression to dementia in individuals with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Wang Meng , Sajobi Tolulope T. , Hogan David B. , Ganesh Aravind , Seitz Dallas P. , Chekouo Thierry , Forkert Nils D. , Borrie Michael J. , Camicioli Richard , Hsiung Ging‐Yuek Robin , Masellis Mario , Moorhouse Paige , Tartaglia Maria Carmela , Ismail Zahinoor , Smith Eric E.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

This study assesses experts’ beliefs about important predictors of developing dementia in persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods

Structured expert elicitation, a methodology to quantify expert knowledge, was used to elicit the most important risk factors for developing dementia. We recruited 11 experts (6 neurologists, 3 geriatricians, and 2 psychiatrists). Ten experts fully participated in introductory meetings, two rounds of surveys, and discussion meetings. The data from these ten experts were utilized for this study.

Results

The expert elicitation identified age, CSF analysis, fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) findings, hippocampal atrophy, MoCA (or MMSE) score, parkinsonism, apathy, psychosis, informant report of cognitive symptoms, and global atrophy as the ten most important predictors of progressing to dementia in persons with MCI.

Discussion

Several dementia predictors are not routinely collected in existing registries, observational studies, or usual care. This might partially explain the low uptake of existing published dementia risk scores in clinical practice.
Demand–supply balance of disaster medical care in Osaka City based on damage estimation for a Nankai Trough megathrust earthquake: A geographic information system‐based analysis
Authors: Yamamoto Hiromasa , Kimura Yoshinari , Uchida Kenichiro , Nishimura Tetsuro , Mizobata Yasumitsu
Published: March 2023

Aim

Studies have not fully examined whether the medical care system would be able to manage the high number of casualties due to a Nankai Trough earthquake, whose probability of recurrence in the next 30 years is ~70%. This study assessed the demand–supply balance of the disaster medical care system in Osaka city by integrating the data on damage estimation and disaster coping hospitals using a geographic information system.

Methods

We obtained data on the distribution of casualties in two cases, high and low rates of evacuation from the tsunami, and available beds in Osaka city calculated from operating data of each disaster coping hospital. We expanded these data on a geographic information system and investigated the balance of medical care.

Results

The total number of available beds in the disaster medical care facilities was 5,559, and the shortage with evacuation rates being either low or high, would be 47,631 and 1,487, respectively. With a low evacuation rate, bed shortage is a common occurrence in coastal areas. With a high evacuation rate, bed shortage decreases, and problems with medical care arise in the eastern area of Osaka city.

Discussion

In the case of a low evacuation rate, greater bed shortage was found along the coast of Osaka Bay where the probabilities of flooding are high. In the case of a high evacuation rate, however, the number of casualties was much lower. A shortage of medical care did not occur along the coast, but in the eastern part of Osaka city.
Successfully treated case of severe hypothermia secondary to myxedema coma
Authors: Yamamoto Hirotsugu , Hongo Takashi , Nojima Tsuyoshi , Obara Takafumi , Kosaki Yoshinori , Ageta Kohei , Tsukahara Kohei , Yumoto Tetsuya , Nakao Atsunori , Naito Hiromichi
Published: March 2023

Background

Myxedema coma is an extremely rare but fatal endocrine emergency that requires urgent recognition and treatment. We describe a case of severe hypothermia that rapidly deteriorated to cardiac arrest that was attributed to myxedema coma.

Case Presentation

A 52‐year‐old man without a history of hypothyroidism was transferred to our emergency department due to coma and profound hypothermia. The patient developed cardiac arrest immediately after hospital arrival but return of spontaneous circulation was achieved shortly after resuscitation. The patient was noted to have generalized, nonpitting edema, dry skin, severe respiratory acidosis, hyponatremia, and elevated creatinine kinase, which was indicative of hypothyroidism. Myxedema coma was confirmed by a thyroid profile. The patient was successfully treated with intravenous levothyroxine and glucocorticoid.

Conclusion

Although myxedema coma is a rare cause of severe hypothermia, emergency physicians should be familiar with its clinical features and management.
Toward Complete Transformation of Sodium Polysulfides by Regulating the Second‐Shell Coordinating Environment of Atomically Dispersed Fe
Authors: Bai Ruilin , Lin Qiaosong , Li Xinyu , Ling Fangxin , Wang Huijuan , Tan Sha , Hu Lingxiang , Ma Mingze , Wu Xiaojun , Shao Yu , Rui Xianhong , Hu Enyuan , Yao Yu , Yu Yan
Published: March 2023

Room temperature sodium‐sulfur (RT Na‐S) batteries are highly competitive as potential energy storage devices. Nevertheless, their actually achieved reversible capacities are far below the theoretical value due to incomplete transformation of polysulfides. Herein, atomically dispersed Fe‐N/S active center by regulating the second‐shell coordinating environment of Fe single atom is proposed. The Fe−N4S2 coordination structure with enhanced local electronic concentration around the Fermi level is revealed via synchrotron radiation X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and theoretical calculations, which can not only significantly promote the transformation kinetics of polysulfides, but induce uniform Na deposition for dendrite‐free Na anode. As a result, the obtained S cathode delivers a high initial reversible capacity of 1590 mAh g−1, nearly the theoretical value. This work opens up a new avenue to facilitate the complete transformation of polysulfides for RT Na‐S batteries.
Bimodal high solids content latices using RAFT‐mediated polymerization‐induced self‐assembly and semi‐batch emulsion polymerization
Authors: Neves Juliete S. , Assis Paulo H. C. , Machado Fabricio , D'Agosto Franck , Lansalot Muriel , McKenna Timothy F. L.
Published: March 2023

This work focuses on increasing the solids content of water‐based coating materials such as paints, other coatings or adhesives while attempting to reduce the amount of surfactant in the final latex. The synthesis of a latex with a bimodal particle size distribution was carried out by combining RAFT and classical emulsion polymerization processes. By employing the RAFT polymerization, the population of small particles was created by self‐ordering the block copolymer chains, consisting of a hydrophilic block based on methacrylic acid or sodium 4‐styrenesulfonate and another hydrophobic block based on styrene. The final latex was made by adding a pre‐emulsion prepared from the latex of small particles and a mixture of monomers and surfactants to the latex of large particles made via conventional emulsion polymerization. The final bimodal latex thus obtained had a solids content of 65% mass with a viscosity value of around 2.0 Pa.s at a shear rate of 20 s−1.
Biocatalytic synthesis of 2′‐deoxynucleotide 5′‐triphosphates from bacterial genomic DNA: Proof of principle
Authors: Bird Anna R. , Molloy Jennifer C. , Hall Elizabeth A. H.
Published: March 2023

2′‐deoxynucleoside 5′‐triphosphates (dNTPs) are the building blocks of DNA and are key reagents which are incorporated by polymerase enzymes during nucleic acid amplification techniques, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR). These techniques are of high importance, not only in molecular biology research, but also in molecular diagnostics. dNTPs are generally produced by a bottom‐up technique which relies on synthesis or isolation of purified small molecules like deoxynucleosides. However, the disproportionately high cost of dNTPs in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) and the requirement for cold chain storage during international shipping makes an adequate supply of these molecules challenging. To reduce supply chain dependency and promote domestic manufacturing in LMICs, a unique top‐down biocatalytic synthesis method is described to produce dNTPs. Readily available bacterial genomic DNA provides a crude source material to generate dNTPs and is extracted directly from Escherichia coli (step 1). Nuclease enzymes are then used to digest the genomic DNA creating monophosphorylated deoxynucleotides (dNMPs) (step 2). Design and recombinant production and characterization of E. coli nucleotide kinases is presented to further phosphorylate the monophosphorylated products to generate dNTPs (step 3). Direct use of the in‐house produced dNTPs in nucleic acid amplification is shown (step 4) and their successful use as reagents in the application of PCR, thereby providing proof of principle for the future development of recombinant nucleases and design of a recombinant solid‐state bioreactor for on‐demand dNTP production.
A case report of insulinoma presenting with seizures and localized on endoscopic ultrasound
Authors: Umer Waseem , Mohammed Ahmed Salah , Khan Adeel Ahmad , Saddique Muhammad Umar , Zahid Muhammad
Published: March 2023

Insulinomas are rare functioning neuroendocrine (NEN) tumors. Up to 10% of insulinomas are associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia 1 (MEN1). Most of the tumors present with symptomatic hypoglycemia. Several non‐invasive and invasive techniques are used to localize the lesion. We present a case of insulinoma presenting with seizure episodes with negative results on non‐invasive imaging diagnosed and localized with endoscopic ultrasound. A 36‐year‐old male was brought by ambulance to the emergency department with an episode of generalized tonic–clonic seizures. He had been previously healthy and did not have family history of neuro‐endocrine tumors. At the time of the attack, the patient's blood glucose checked via point‐of‐care testing was 28.8 (70–99 mg/dL). He was given IV dextrose. Physical examination after the patient regained consciousness was completely unremarkable. Hypoglycemia workup revealed a normal morning cortisol level of 281 (138–689 nmol/L). Insulin level was 62.4 mcunit/ml (2.36–24.9), and c‐peptide was 8.13 (1.1–4.4 ng/mL) consistent with hyperinsulinemia. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), fluorine‐18‐l‐dihydroxyphenylalanine whole‐body positron emission tomography scan (NM 18F‐DOPA whole‐body PET scan), and gallium Ga 68 dodecanetetraacetic acid (Ga‐68 DOTATATE) scan were normal and did not reveal any pancreatic lesion consistent with insulinoma. Due to high suspicion of insulinoma and negative non‐invasive imaging, an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) was performed, which showed a hypoechoic homogenous mass lesion sized 13 × 9 mm in the proximal body/neck of the pancreas. A fine needle biopsy (FNA) via EUS was performed. Histopathology showed a well‐differentiated neuroendocrine tumor, consistent with Grade 1 insulinoma (T1N0M0). The patient underwent a distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy. In cases of high clinical and biochemical suspicion of insulinoma but negative non‐invasive imaging, invasive modalities should be used to localize the culprit lesion.
Periodontal repair for advanced bone loss caused by orthodontic elastic bands: A case report with 7‐year follow‐up and literature review
Authors: Xie Chengjie , Liu Xiaohao , Mei Jie , Liu Yeungyeung , Yu Huimin
Published: March 2023

A 16‐year‐old girl developed severe acute periodontitis involving the maxillary central incisor and lateral incisor caused by elastic bands. Periodontal surgical interventions and orthodontic adjustment achieved good outcomes which were maintained for 7 years. This report demonstrates the criticality of correct diagnosis, early periodontal surgery, and interdisciplinary approach.
Bioactivities of Triazolium‐Based N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Salts
Authors: Song Jia , Zou Juan , Jin Jiamiao , Lv Jie , Mou Chengli , Chi Yonggui Robin
Published: March 2023

1,2,4‐Triazolium salts are precursors of N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs), which have been extensively used as effective catalysts and ligands for both asymmetric and non‐enantioselective reactions. Nevertheless, they are also a kind of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) that possess amphipathic properties. The unique chemical and physical properties of 1,2,4‐triazolium salts have received significant attention from scientists focusing on the development of novel bioactive molecules as pesticides and medicines. It is timely and meaningful to summarize the bioactivities of 1,2,4‐triazolium salt derivatives against various bacteria, fungi, cancer cells, and other pathogens in the past 30 years. Meanwhile, the structure‐activity relationship (SAR) of 1,2,4‐triazolium salts was also summarized. Finally, our perspective on the future development and applications of triazolium salts as agrichemicals or human drugs is presented.
Nanoscale Probing of the Supramolecular Assembly in a Two‐Component Gel by Near‐Field Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Chevigny Romain , Sitsanidis Efstratios D. , Schirmer Johanna , Hulkko Eero , Myllyperkiö Pasi , Nissinen Maija , Pettersson Mika
Published: March 2023

The design of soft biomaterials requires a deep understanding of molecular self‐assembly. Here a nanoscale infrared (IR) spectroscopy study of a two‐component supramolecular gel is introduced to assess the system's heterogeneity and supramolecular assembly. In contrast to far‐field IR spectroscopy, near‐field IR spectroscopy revealed differences in the secondary structures of the gelator molecules and non‐covalent interactions at three distinct nano‐locations of the gel network. A β‐sheet arrangement is dominant in single and parallel fibres with a small proportion of an α‐helix present, while the molecular assembly derives from strong hydrogen bonding. However, at the crossing point of two fibres, only the β‐sheet motif is observed, with an intense π–π stacking contribution. Near‐field nanospectroscopy can become a powerful tool for the nanoscale distinction of non‐covalent interactions, while it is expected to advance the existing spectroscopic assessments of supramolecular gels.
A Late‐Stage Aryl C−H Olefination Strategy and Its Application Towards Global Proteome Profiling of Δ8‐Tetrahydrocannabinol
Authors: Lim Ying‐Jie , Tang Guanghui , Ye Zi , Zhang Chong‐Jing , Wu Jie , Yao Shao Q.
Published: March 2023

Drugs and bioactive natural products exert their pharmacological effects by engaging numerous cellular targets in our body. Identification of these protein targets is essential for understanding the mechanism‐of‐action of these compounds, thus contributing to improved drug design in drug discovery programs. Termed “in situ drug profiling”, a common strategy for studying these bioactive compounds centralized on the covalent capture of protein targets along with a reporter tag to facilitate downstream proteomic analyses. Though highly successful, such reliance on innate electrophilic traps to facilitate covalent capture restricted its applications to covalent acting compounds. Late‐stage C−H functionalization (LSF) may resolve this by substituting biologically inert C−H bonds with desired electrophilic groups. Herein, we demonstrated this concept by arming a diverse range of electron‐rich aromatic drugs and natural products with α,β‐unsaturated esters, via late‐stage C−H olefination with an arylthio‐based carboxylic acid ligand developed by Ibanez and co‐workers. We also showed that covalent probes generated from this LSF approach could be applied for “in situ drug profiling” of Δ8‐THC, as exemplified by the successful target engagement of α‐4 db, a Δ8‐THC‐based probe, to its native target hCB2R. In combination with AfBP 7, a photoaffinity‐based derivative of Δ8‐THC, we identified several novel putative targets that could account for some of the effects in THC consumption. We anticipate our C−H LSF strategy to be widely adopted for future studies of non‐covalent drugs.
Acetaminophen Metabolites on Presentation Following an Acute Acetaminophen Overdose (ATOM‐7)
Authors: Chiew Angela L. , Isbister Geoffrey K. , Stathakis Paul , Isoardi Katherine Z. , Page Colin , Ress Kirsty , Chan Betty S.H. , Buckley Nicholas A.
Published: March 2023

Acetaminophen (APAP) is commonly taken in overdose and can cause acute liver injury via the toxic metabolite NAPQI formed by cytochrome (CYP) P450 pathway. We aimed to evaluate the concentrations of APAP metabolites on presentation following an acute APAP poisoning and whether these predicted the subsequent onset of hepatotoxicity (peak alanine aminotransferase > 1,000 U/L). The Australian Toxicology Monitoring (ATOM) study is a prospective observational study, recruiting via two poison information centers and four toxicology units. Patients following an acute APAP ingestion presenting < 24 hours post‐ingestion were recruited. Initial samples were analyzed for APAP metabolites, those measured were the nontoxic glucuronide (APAP‐Glu) and sulfate (APAP‐Sul) conjugates and NAPQI (toxic metabolite) conjugates APAP‐cysteine (APAP‐Cys) and APAP‐mercapturate (APAP‐Mer). The primary outcome was hepatotoxicity. In this study, 200 patients were included, with a median ingested dose of 20 g, 191 received acetylcysteine at median time of 5.8 hours post‐ingestion. Twenty‐six patients developed hepatotoxicity, one had hepatotoxicity on arrival (excluded from analysis). Those who developed hepatotoxicity had significantly higher total CYP metabolite concentrations: (36.8 μmol/L interquartile range (IQR): 27.8–51.7 vs. 10.8 μmol/L IQR: 6.9–19.5) and these were a greater proportion of total metabolites (5.4%, IQR: 3.8–7.7) vs. 1.7%, IQR: 1.3–2.6, P < 0.001)]. Furthermore, those who developed hepatotoxicity had lower APAP‐Sul concentrations (49.1 μmol/L, IQR: 24.7–72.2 vs. 78.7 μmol/L, IQR: 53.6–116.4) and lower percentage of APAP‐Sul (6.3%, IQR: 4.6–10.9 vs. 13.1%, IQR, 9.1–20.8, P < 0.001)]. This study found that those who developed hepatotoxicity had higher APAP metabolites derived from CYP pathway and lower sulfation metabolite on presentation. APAP metabolites may be utilized in the future to identify patients who could benefit from increased acetylcysteine or newer adjunct or research therapies.
Research on characteristics of decoupled electroaerodynamic thruster with auxiliary electrode
Authors: Zhou Desheng , Liu Qiang , Tang Jingfeng , Zhang Haoran , Zhou Liwei , Wei Liqiu , He Yongfeng
Published: March 2023

Previous research has demonstrated that the decoupled method improves the performance of the electroaerodynamic (EAD) thruster and that the overall characteristics of the EAD thruster are influenced by the ionization and acceleration processes. In this study, a decoupled EAD thruster structure is proposed, and the influence of the auxiliary electrode is experimentally explored. The characteristics of electrical discharge imaging and thrust performance are studied in detail to demonstrate the performance of the decoupled EAD thruster. The experimental results demonstrate that the auxiliary electrode significantly influences the characteristics of the ionization and acceleration processes, and the condition of L1 = 5 mm is the best position of the auxiliary electrode for this experiment. There is an optimal auxiliary electrode arrangement that can improve the performance of the EAD thruster.
Crossing the threshold: Invasive grasses inhibit forest restoration on Hawaiian islands
Authors: Rehm Evan M. , D'Antonio Carla , Yelenik Stephanie
Published: March 2023

Forest removal for livestock grazing is a striking example of human‐caused state change leading to a stable, undesirable invasive grass system that is resistant to restoration efforts. Understanding which factors lead to resilience to the alternative grass state can greatly benefit managers when planning forest restoration. We address how thresholds of grass cover and seed rain might influence forest recovery in a restoration project on Hawaiʻi Island, USA. Since the 1980s, over 400,000 Acacia koa (koa) trees have been planted across degraded pasture, and invasive grasses still dominate the understory with no native woody‐plant recruitment. Between this koa/grass matrix are remnant native Metrosideros polymorpha (ʻōhiʻa) trees beneath which native woody plants naturally recruit. We tested whether there were threshold levels of native woody understory that accelerate recruitment under both tree species by monitoring seed rain at 40 trees (20 koa and ʻōhiʻa) with a range of native woody understory basal area (BA). We found a positive relationship between total seed rain (but not bird‐dispersed seed rain) and native woody BA and a negative relationship between native woody BA and grass cover, with no indication of threshold dynamics. We also experimentally combined grass removal levels with seed rain density (six levels) of two common understory species in plots under koa (n = 9) and remnant ʻōhiʻa (n = 9). Few seedlings emerged when no grass was removed despite adding seeds at densities two to 75 times higher than naturally occurring. However, seedling recruitment increased two to three times once at least 50% of grass was removed. Existing survey data of naturally occurring seedlings also supported a threshold of grass cover below which seedlings were able to establish. Thus, removal of all grasses is not necessary to achieve system responses: Even moderate reductions (~50%) can increase rates of native woody recruitment. The nonlinear thresholds found here highlight how incremental changes to an inhibitory factor lead to limited restoration success until a threshold is crossed. The resources needed to fully eradicate an invasive species may be unwarranted for state change, making understanding where thresholds lie of the utmost importance to prioritize resources.
Predation of endangered Arctic foxes by Golden eagles: What do we know?
Authors: Jackson Craig R. , Rød‐Eriksen Lars , Mattisson Jenny , Flagstad Øystein , Landa Arild , Miller Andrea L. , Eide Nina E. , Ulvund Kristine Roaldsnes
Published: March 2023

Dedicated conservation efforts spanning the past two decades have saved the Fennoscandian Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) population from local extinction, and extensive resources continue to be invested in the species' conservation and management. Although increasing, populations remain isolated, small and are not yet viable in the longer term. An understanding of causes of mortality are consequently important to optimize ongoing conservation actions. Golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) are a predator of Arctic foxes, yet little information on this interaction is available in the literature. We document and detail six confirmed cases of Golden eagle depredation of Arctic foxes at the Norwegian captive breeding facility (2019–2022), where foxes are housed in large open‐air enclosures in the species' natural habitat. Here, timely detection of missing/dead foxes was challenging, and new insights have been gained following recently improved enclosure monitoring. Golden eagle predation peaked during the winter months, with no cases reported from June to November. This finding contrasts with that which is reported from the field, both for Arctic and other fox species, where eagle depredation peaked at dens with young (summer). While the seasonality of depredation may be ecosystem specific, documented cases from the field may be biased by higher survey efforts associated with the monitoring of reproductive success during the summer. Both white and blue color morphs were housed at the breeding station, yet only white foxes were preyed upon, and mortality was male biased. Mitigation measures and their effectiveness implemented at the facility are presented. Findings are discussed in the broader Arctic fox population ecology and conservation context.
A DNA barcode reference library for CITES listed Malagasy Dalbergia species
Authors: Rakotonirina Tahinarizaka Jenny , Viljoen Erika , Rakotonirina Antso Harimanantsoa , Leong Pock Tsy Jean Michel , Radanielina Tendro
Published: March 2023

On Madagascar, the illegal and unsustainable exploitation and illegal international trade of Dalbergia (rosewood) precious woods remain a serious conservation problem. Members of this genus are at high risk of extinction as a consequence of logging, mining, and slash and burn agriculture. Morphological identification of these Malagasy species is difficult in the absence of flowers and fruits, especially in the case of cut trees, sawn wood, and finished product. In this study, we use molecular barcoding to identify the Dalbergia species with the intent to contribute to the control of their illegal trade. Thirty‐six Dalbergia samples representing 12 Malagasy species of which 11 have high commercial value, were collected to test the efficacy of a region of the plastid genome (rbcL) and a nuclear‐transcribed ITS for barcoding. These widely used markers, as well as DNA barcoding gaps, “best match” and “best close match” approaches, and the neighbor‐joining method were employed. All samples were amplified and sequenced using the two markers. Using a single locus, the “best match” and “best close match” approaches revealed that ITS has high discriminatory power within the tested Malagasy species. The combination of rbcL + ITS revealed 100% species discrimination. This study confirms that ITS alone and in combination with chloroplast barcode rbcL allow non‐ambiguous identification for the 12 species studied. The results contribute to the development of DNA barcoding as a useful tool to identify Malagasy Dalbergia and suggest that the approach developed should be expanded to all 56 potentially exploited species in reference to international CITES requirements and the sustainable management of valuable resources.
Distinct microbial communities across a climatically versatile summit in the Lesotho highlands
Authors: Patel Jasmin , Grab Stefan , De Maayer Pieter
Published: March 2023

Most studies investigating the effects of climatological factors on microbial community composition and diversity focus on comparisons of geographically distinct environments (e.g., cold vs hot deserts) or across various temporal scales. Mountain regions provide unique environments to explore relationships between various environmental factors and soil microorganisms given their range of microclimatic conditions and vegetation types. This study investigated micro‐topographically (i.e., north‐/south‐facing slope aspects and flat plateau between them) controlled microbial diversity and community structures across a Lesotho mountain summit. Amplicon sequence analysis revealed that the north‐ and south‐facing slopes were dominated by more Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes, while the plateau was dominated by more Acidobacteria. Fungi from the phylum Chytridiomycota more strongly dominated the plateau and the north‐facing slope than the south‐facing slope. Slope aspect, through its direct influence on air and soil micro‐climatology and plant diversity, significantly affects bacterial and fungal community structures at this location. These results provide original insight into soil microbial diversity in the Lesotho highlands and offer an opportunity to project the likely response of soil microorganisms to future climate warming in highly variable mountain environments such as the Lesotho highlands.
Differential genotype response to increased resource abundance helps explain parallel evolution of Daphnia populations in the wild
Authors: Lyberger Kelsey , Schoener Thomas W.
Published: March 2023

Under controlled laboratory conditions, previous studies have shown that selection can produce repeatable evolutionary trajectories. Yet, the question remains for many of these studies if, given identical starting populations, evolution in the wild proceeds in a non‐random direction. In the present study, we investigated the extent to which rapid evolution in the wild is parallel by monitoring the genetic composition of replicate populations of Daphnia in field mesocosms containing two clonal genotypes. We found parallel changes across all nine mesocosms, in which the same genotype increased in frequency. To probe whether genotype‐specific response to resource abundance could have led to this frequency change, we conducted a life‐history assay under high‐resource abundance and low‐resource abundance. We found that resource exploitation differed by genotype, in that, while one genotype (the winner in the field mesocosms) was more fit than the other genotype at high resources, the other genotype performed slightly better at low resources. We suspect that levels of resource abundance found in the summer field mesocosms had values in which the genotype better with abundant resources had the advantage. These findings suggest that variation in certain traits associated with resource acquisition can drive genotype frequency change.
Fire‐produced coarse woody debris and its role in sediment storage on hillslopes
Authors: Adams Kailey V. , Dixon Jean L. , Wilcox Andrew C. , McWethy Dave
Published: March 2023

Interactions between vegetation and sediment in post‐fire landscapes play a critical role in sediment connectivity. Prior research has focused on the effects of vegetation removal from hillslopes, but little attention has been paid to the effects of coarse woody debris (CWD) added to the forest floor following fires. We investigate the impacts of CWD on hillslope sediment storage in post‐fire environments. First, we present a new conceptual model, identifying “active” storage scenarios where sediment is trapped upslope of fire‐produced debris such as logs, and additional “passive” storage scenarios including the reduced effectiveness of tree‐throw due to burnt roots and snapped stems. Second, we use tilt table experiments to test controls on sediment storage capacity. Physical modeling suggests storage varies nonlinearly with log orientation and hillslope gradient, and the maximum storage capacity of log barriers in systems with high sediment fluxes likely exceeds estimates that assume simple sediment pile geometries. Last, we calculate hillslope sediment storage capacity in a burned catchment in southwest Montana by combining high‐resolution topographic data and digitization of over 5000 downed logs from aerial imagery. We estimate that from 3500–14 000 m3of sediment was potentially stored upslope of logs. These estimates assume that all downed logs store sediment, a process that is likely temporally dynamic as storage capacity evolves with CWD decay. Our results highlight the role that CWD plays in limiting rapid sediment movement in recently burned systems. Using a range of potential soil production rates (50–100 mm/ky), CWD would buffer the downslope transport of ~35–280 years of soil produced across the landscape, indicating that fire‐produced CWD may serve as an important source of sediment disconnectivity in catchments. These results suggest that disturbance events have previously unaccounted‐for mechanisms of increasing hillslope sediment storage that should be incorporated into models of sediment connectivity.
Serum Raman spectroscopy: Prognostic applications in oral cancers
Authors: Saha Panchali , Sawant Sharada , Deshmukh Atul , Hole Arti , Murali Krishna C.
Published: March 2023

Background

Loco‐regional recurrences attributable to field cancerization and minimal residual cancer, remain prime causes of mortality in oral cancer (OC) subjects. The current study evaluates potential of serum Raman spectroscopy (SRS) to identify recurrence‐prone OC subjects.

Methods

Raman spectra of serum from eight healthy subjects (H) and 57 OC subjects (with‐recurrence [R], without‐recurrence [NR], and with suspicious‐lesions [S]), before (BS) and after (AS) surgical excision of tumor were recorded. OC subjects were followed‐up for 7‐years.

Results

DNA and protein alterations were observed in AS sera of all groups. 4‐, 3‐, and 2‐model multivariate analyses were used to stratify BS and AS groups. H spectra were 100% distinguishable from all other groups. AS, R and NR were distinguished with high accuracy (84%) in all models. No stratification (~50%) was observed BS.

Conclusion

SRS shows potential to identify recurrence prone subjects, post‐surgery, using serum collected as early as 1 week after surgery.
Appraising war's impacts on neurosurgical delivery in Ukraine
Authors: Wireko Andrew Awuah , Adebusoye Favour Tope , Wellington Jack , Bel‐Nono Katerina Namaal , Abdul‐Rahman Toufik , Ovechkin Denys , Mykolayivna Nikitina Iryna , Sikora Vladyslav
Published: March 2023

The conflict in Ukraine, which started when Russia invaded and violated its sovereignty, has led to the country's worst war since the annexation of Crimea in 2014. The war has resulted in a significant number of casualties, displaced millions of people, and damaged the healthcare system, which was already struggling before the conflict. The neurosurgical field, in particular, has been severely affected, with infrastructure and healthcare systems routinely demolished or interrupted in conflict zones, making fundamental medical operations unavailable to victims of armed conflict. As a result, neurosurgeons have been compelled to conduct surgeries outside of their areas of competence, in makeshift settings or under challenging conditions, with limited access to materials and equipment. The war has also severely damaged specialised neurosurgery facilities, causing a severe shortage of crucial supplies and equipment. To address the challenges facing neurosurgery care in Ukraine, it is essential to rebuild and repair the damaged neurosurgical centres and provide them with the necessary equipment and supplies to successfully administer neurosurgical treatments. Training programs for neurosurgeons and other medical specialists must also be organised to manage complex neurosurgical problems under difficult conditions.
High Li+ coordinated solvation sheaths enable high‐quality Li metal anode
Authors: Huang Shizhi , Huang Yu‐Peng , Xia Yijie , Ding Jingyi , Peng Chengyuan , Wang Lulu , Luo Junrong , Zhang Xin‐Xiang , Zheng Junrong , Gao Yi Qin , Chen Jitao
Published: March 2023

An advance Li‐sphere possessing a definitely regular morphology in Li deposition enables a well‐defined more robust structure and superior solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) to achieve high‐efficiency long‐term cycles in Li metal anode. Here, a new sight of high Li+ cluster‐like solvation sheaths coordinated in a localized high‐concentration (LH‐LiNO3) electrolyte fully clarifies for depositing advanced Li spheres. Moreover, we elucidate a critical amorphous‐crystalline phase transition in the nanostructure evolution of Li‐sphere deposits during the nucleation and growth. Li‐sphere anode exhibits ultra‐stable structural engineering for suppressing Li dendrite growths and rendering ultralong life of 4000 cycles in symmetrical cells at 2 mA cm−2. The as‐constructed Li spheres/3DCM|LiFePO4 (LFP) full cell delivers a high capacity retention of 90.5% at 1 C after 1000 cycles, and a robust dendrite‐free structure also stably exists in Li‐sphere anode. Combined with high‐loading LFP cathodes (6.6 and 10.9 mg cm−2), superb capacity retentions are up to 96.5% and 92.5% after 800 cycles at 1 C, respectively. Cluster‐like solvation sheaths with high Li+ coordination exert significant influence on depositing a high‐quality Li‐sphere anode.

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A Conceptual Approach for Examining Effects of the Adolescent Bone Marrow Milieu on MSC Phenotype
Authors: Kannikeswaran Sanjana , Whitney Daniel G , Devlin Maureen J , Li Ying , Caird Michelle S , Alford Andrea I
Published: March 2023

Children with bone fragility often exhibit elevated bone marrow lipid levels, which may affect mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation potential and ultimately bone strength via cell‐autonomous and/or non‐cell‐autonomous factors. Here, we use standard co‐culture techniques to study biological effects of bone marrow cell‐derived secretome on MSC. Bone marrow was collected during routine orthopedic surgery, and the entire marrow cell preparation, with or without red blood cell (RBC) reduction, was plated at three different densities. Conditioned medium (secretome) was collected after 1, 3, and 7 days. ST2 cells, a murine MSC line, were then cultured in the secretomes. Exposure to the secretomes was associated with reductions of up to 62% in MSC MTT outcomes that depended on the duration of secretome development, as well as marrow cell plating density. Reduced MTT values were not associated with diminished cell number and viability assessed using Trypan Blue exclusion. Expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 was modestly elevated, and β‐actin levels were transiently reduced in ST2 cells exposed to secretome formulations that had elicited maximal reductions in MTT outcomes. The findings from this study can inform the design of future experimental studies to examine contributions of cell‐autonomous and non‐cell‐autonomous factors in the bone marrow to MSC differentiation potential, bone formation, and skeletal growth. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Association between GPC2 polymorphisms and neuroblastoma risk in Chinese children
Authors: Li Meng , Zhang Xinxin , Liu Jiabin , Zhou Chunlei , Miao Lei , He Jing , Wu Haiyan , Zhang Ruizhong
Published: March 2023

Background

The cell surface glycoprotein glypican 2 (GPC2) has been shown to increase susceptibility to neuroblastoma, which is the most common malignancy in children. However, associations between single nucleotide polymorphism(s) of GPC2 and neuroblastoma risk remain unclarified.

Methods

We conducted a case–control study to investigate two GPC2 polymorphisms (rs1918353 G>A and rs7799441 C>T) in 473 healthy controls and 402 pediatric patients with neuroblastoma. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping was conducted on the samples by the TaqMan technique, and the data were subsequently analyzed by the t test, chi‐squared test, and logistic regression model. In addition, we further performed stratification analysis by age, sex, tumor site of origin, or clinical stage to control confounding factors.

Results

According to the data of dominant models (GA/AA vs. GG: adjusted OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.76–1.29, p = 0.943; CT/TT vs. CC: adjusted OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.70–1.19, p = 0.498) or other comparisons, as well as the conjoint analysis (adjusted OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 0.93–1.59, p = 0.152), we unfortunately proved that the analysis of single or multiple loci did not support any significant association of GPC2 polymorphisms with susceptibility to neuroblastoma.

Conclusion

GPC2 polymorphisms (rs1918353 G>A and rs7799441 C>T) are unable to statistically affect neuroblastoma risk in Chinese children. Therefore, more samples, especially from patients of various ethnic backgrounds, are required to increase the sample size and verify the effect of GPC2 polymorphisms on neuroblastoma risk in the presence of ethnic factor.
Structure and histochemistry of the stem of Dracaena cambodiana Pierre ex Gagnep
Authors: Zhang Yuxiu , Liu Yang , Wang Bocheng , Fu Meilong , Liu Peiwei , Wei Jian‐he
Published: March 2023

Dracaena cambodiana Pierre ex Gagnep is an important plant resource for producing dragon's blood and one of most popular ornamental trees in China. For a better understanding of the physiological function of the stem, the structural characteristics and main substance histological location of the stems of D. cambodiana were studied. The structural characteristics of the different developmental stages of stems of D. cambodiana were observed and described detailly. And then a schematic diagram of the mature stem was created. Histochemical staining showed that two kinds of polysaccharides distributed in parenchymal cells. Saponins distributed mainly in ground tissue and phenolic compounds distributed mainly in the thick cell walls. An abundant of calcium oxalate raphide bundles were identified in cortex and primary tissue. Finally, the role of the above results in the taxonomy of Dracaena species and in their strong adaptability was discussed.