bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting skeletal stature using ancient DNA
Authors: Cox Samantha L. , Moots Hannah M. , Stock Jay T. , Shbat Andrej , Bitarello Bárbara D. , Nicklisch Nicole , Alt Kurt W. , Haak Wolfgang , Rosenstock Eva , Ruff Christopher B. , Mathieson Iain
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Ancient DNA provides an opportunity to separate the genetic and environmental bases of complex traits by allowing direct estimation of genetic values in ancient individuals. Here, we test whether genetic scores for height in ancient individuals are predictive of their actual height, as inferred from skeletal remains. We estimate the contributions of genetic and environmental variables to observed phenotypic variation as a first step towards quantifying individual sources of morphological variation.

Materials and methods

We collected stature estimates and femur lengths from West Eurasian skeletal remains with published genome‐wide ancient DNA data (n = 182, dating from 33,000–850 BP). We also recorded genetic sex, genetic ancestry, date and paleoclimate data for each individual, and δ13C and δ15N stable isotope values where available (n = 69). We tested different methods of calculating polygenic scores, using summary statistics from four different genome wide association studies (GWAS) for height, and three methods for imputing missing genotypes.

Results

A polygenic score for height predicts 6.3% of the variance in femur length in our data (n = 132, SD = 0.0069%, p = 0.001), controlling for sex, ancestry, and date. This is consistent with the predictive power of height PRS in present‐day populations and the low coverage of ancient samples. Comparatively, sex explains about 17% of the variance in femur length in our sample. Environmental effects also likely play a role in variation, independent of genetics, though with considerable uncertainty (longitude: R2 = 0.033, SD = 0.008, p = 0.011). Genotype imputation did not improve polygenic prediction, and results varied based on the GWAS summary statistics we used.

Discussion

Polygenic scores explain a small but significant proportion of the variance in height in ancient individuals, though not enough to make useful predictions of individual phenotypes. However, environmental variables also contribute to phenotypic outcomes and understanding their interaction with direct genetic predictions will provide a framework with which to model how plasticity and genetic changes ultimately combine to drive adaptation and evolution.
Bio‐based polydimethylsiloxane porous sponge materials with programmable hydrophobicity and porosity for efficient separation of hydrophobic liquids from water
Authors: Pandey Niharika , Ojha Umaprasana
Published: November 2021

In this report, the fabrication of a bio‐based PDMS sponge possessing programmable hydrophobicity to effectively separate oil and organic constituents from water, using Adenium fibers available from plant sources (Adenium obesum) as the fillers is reported. A green fabrication procedure devoid of organic solvents is utilized to fabricate the sponge samples. The hydrophobicity increased with the amount of Adenium fibers in the samples and the contact angle value increased from 107 to 139° with 20 wt% fiber loading. The presence of fibers also helped to enhance the pore volume from 4.6 to 13.5 cc/g and compressive strength from 0.8 to ~10 MPa of the samples, which are two important parameters for further practical applications. The samples exhibited sorption capacity value up to 60 g/g with chloroform as the absorbate. Importantly, desorption of the organic solvent was also swift from these sponge samples and mild squeezing released most of the absorbed solvent. The samples exhibited no loss in separation activity up to 20 cycles studied. Overall, a sustainable bio‐based hydrophobic sponge is fabricated for effective handling of oil spills and separation of organic components from aqueous emulsions and mixtures.
Birth Outcomes in Women Who Have Taken Hydroxycholoroquine During Pregnancy: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Chambers Christina D. , Johnson Diana L. , Xu Ronghui , Luo Yunjun , Felix Robert , Fine Minh , Lessard Chloe , Adam Margaret P. , Braddock Stephen R. , Robinson Luther K. , Burke Leah , Jones Kenneth Lyons ,   OTIS Collaborative Research Group
Published: November 2021

Objective

Findings from previous small studies have been reassuring regarding the safety of treatment with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) during pregnancy. In one recent study, it was demonstrated that the frequency of major birth defects was increased in women who had received HCQ at a dose of ≥400 mg/day during pregnancy. This study was undertaken to examine pregnancy outcomes among women following the use of HCQ.

Methods

The study cohort comprised pregnant women who were prospectively enrolled in the MotherToBaby/Organization of Teratology Information Specialists Autoimmune Diseases in Pregnancy Study and were receiving treatment with HCQ. For the control groups, disease‐matched women without HCQ exposure and healthy women were randomly selected from the same source, with subject matching using a 1:1 ratio. Data were collected through interviews, medical records, and dysmorphology examinations. Pregnancy outcome measures included the presence or absence of major and minor birth defects, rates of spontaneous abortion, rates of preterm delivery, and infant growth measures.

Results

Between 2004 and 2018, 837 pregnant women met the criteria for study inclusion, including 279 women exposed to HCQ during pregnancy and 279 women in each unexposed control group. Sixty pregnant women (7.2%) were lost to follow‐up. Among the women with live births, major birth defects occurred as a pregnancy outcome in 20 (8.6%) of 232 women with HCQ exposure in the first trimester, compared to 19 (7.4%) of 256 disease‐matched unexposed controls (odds ratio [OR] 1.18, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.61–2.26) and 13 (5.4%) of 239 healthy controls (adjusted OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.28–2.05). Risks did not differ in women who were receiving an HCQ dose of ≥400 mg/day. No pattern of birth defects was identified. There were no differences in the rates of spontaneous abortion or preterm delivery between groups. Occurrence of infant growth deficiencies did not differ in the HCQ‐exposed group compared to the disease‐matched unexposed control group, except in the infant's head circumference at birth (adjusted OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.07–3.20).

Conclusion

In this study, there was no evidence of an increased risk of structural birth defects or other adverse outcomes among women receiving HCQ during pregnancy, with the exception of infant head circumference at birth. For pregnant women being treated with HCQ, these findings are reassuring.
Evaluating the separate and combined effects of enriched environment and punishment for self‐injury in school
Authors: Vascelli Luca , Iacomini Silvia , Artoni Vanessa , Berardo Federica
Published: November 2021

We conducted a systematic replication of Thompson et al. (1999) for decreasing the emission of hand‐mouthing for a boy with severe intellectual disability in a school setting. We evaluated the separate and combined effects of enriched environment and punishment in a multi‐element comparison design. We also evaluated the effects of punishment on object manipulation and the number of interactions with peers. Results showed that the highest SIB suppression level occurred under the combined effects of the enriched environment and punishment. Punisher delivery did not reduce object manipulation. The number of interactions increased throughout the phases of the study.
Toxicokinetic and bioavailability studies on retrorsine in mice, and ketoconazole‐induced alteration in toxicokinetic properties
Authors: Li Jing , Zhou Mengyue , Lai Xiaoqiong , Wang Yang , Zou Ying , Li Kunna , Li Weiwei , Zheng Jiang
Published: November 2021

Retrorsine (RTS) is a toxic retronecine‐type pyrrolizidine alkaloid, which is widely distributed. The purpose of this study was to develop a high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometric (LC–MS/MS) method for serum RTS determination in mice. Serum samples were deproteinated by acetonitrile, separated on a C18‐PFP column and delivered at 0.8 ml/min with an eluting system composed of water containing 0.1% (v/v) formic acid and acetonitrile containing 0.1% (v/v) formic acid as mobile phases. RTS and the internal standard S‐hexylglutathione (H‐GSH) were quantitatively monitored with precursor‐to‐product transitions of m/z 352.1 → 120.1 and m/z 392.2 → 246.3, respectively. The method showed excellent linearity over the concentration range 0.05–50 μg/ml, with correlation coefficient r2 = 0.9992. The extraction recovery was >86.34%, and the matrix effect was not significant. Inter‐ and intra‐day precisions (RSD) were <4.99%. The validated LC–MS/MS method was successfully applied to study the toxicokinetic profiles of serum RTS in mice after intravenous, oral administration and co‐treated with ketoconazole, which showed that RTS displayed a long half‐life (~11.05 h) and good bioavailability (81.80%). Co‐administration of ketoconazole (KTZ) increased the peak serum concentration and area under the concentration–time curve and decreased the clearance and mean residence time. Summing up, a new standardized method was established for quantitative determination of RTS in sera.
Mixed‐Up Sugars: Glycosyltransferase Cross‐Reactivity in Cancerous Tissues and Their Therapeutic Targeting
Authors: Cid Emili , Yamamoto Miyako , Yamamoto Fumiichiro
Published: November 2021

The main categories of glycan changes in cancer are: (1) decreased expression of histo‐blood group A and/or B antigens and increased Lewis‐related antigens, (2) appearance of cryptic antigens, such as Tn and T, (3) emergence of genetically incompatible glycans, such as A antigen expressed in tumors of individuals of group B or O and heterophilic expression of Forssman antigen (FORS1), and (4) appearance of neoglycans. This review focuses on the expression of genetically incompatible A/B/FORS1 antigens in cancer. Several possible molecular mechanisms are exemplified, including missense mutations that alter the sugar specificity of A and B glycosyltransferases (AT and BT, respectively), restoration of the correct codon reading frame of O alleles, and modification of acceptor specificity of AT to synthesize the FORS1 antigen by missense mutations and/or altered splicing. Taking advantage of pre‐existing natural immunity, the potential uses of these glycans for immunotherapeutic targeting will also be discussed.
The mental health trajectories of male prisoners and their female (ex‐)partners from pre‐ to post‐release
Authors: Souza Karen , Lanskey Caroline , Ellis Sophie , Lösel Friedrich , Markson Lucy , Barton‐Crosby Jenni
Published: November 2021

Background

There are high rates of mental disorders among prisoners. Prisoners are also likely to have difficulties with intimate relationships, perhaps related to the imprisonment, but their mental health may be relevant. There is a dearth of research on intimate relationship qualities and mental health of offenders and their partners over time.

Aims

To explore mental health and relationship trajectories among men in prison, and their partners, before the men's release, through a time 6 months post‐release, and then again 8 years later, and to test associations between relationship quality and mental health.

Method

Data stem from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)‐funded longitudinal ‘Families and Imprisonment Research’ (FAIR) project on paternal imprisonment and family resilience. Inclusion criteria for the study were men serving a short‐ to medium‐term prison sentence who were within 4 months of release; with a current or ex‐partner with whom they have at least one child; and for whom there were data on mental health and relationship factors during imprisonment, and at 6 months and 8 years post‐release. Similar data were also obtained for their (ex‐)partners.

Results

The main sample comprised 39 men and 39 women who were in the same ‘family set’ for the first two waves, and after 8 years, 26 men and 30 women were retained. Just over 40% of the men and their (ex‐)partners each disclosed that they had a mental health problem preceding his release. Proportions fluctuated slightly over time, with some dissonance between self‐perceived disorder and self‐ratings on a symptoms rating scale. Twenty‐nine couples sustained their relationship during the transition between prison and release, but after 8 years, only four remained together. There was little evidence of association between measures of mental health and relationship quality among either the men or their partners.

Conclusions

The findings challenge assumptions about the extent to which partners can play fully supportive roles in a former prisoner's transition from institutional life back into the community, as partners are also likely to be experiencing difficulties during this time. Thus, former prisoners and their families should be afforded equal access to support and assistance during offender rehabilitation.
Effects of Surface Finish of Nonwoven Fabric Bag Filters on Filter Efficiency
Authors: Fukasawa Tomonori , Kanaoka Chikao , Ishigami Toru , Fukui Kunihiro
Published: November 2021

The effects of the surface finish of the bag filter for industrial use on the spatial distributions of the fiber mass, air permeability, and thickness were examined using a nonwoven fabric filter made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) with no surface finish and two nonwoven fabric filters made of PTFE with different surface finishes, i.e., resin finish and membrane finish. The surface finish had no impact on the non‐uniformity in air permeability distribution. However, the air permeability of the filters was reduced with the use of a surface finish. In addition, the specific filtration resistance of the filter media increased by approximately 1.2 times in the case of the resin finish and 4.2 times for the membrane finish. Hence, the influence of the membrane finish on the filter efficiency is extremely strong.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of a Novel Spiral Micromixer with Sinusoidal Channel Walls
Authors: Bahrami Dariush , Bayareh Morteza
Published: November 2021

A novel spiral micromixer with sinusoidal channel walls was designed to enhance the mixing index in the low to intermediate Reynolds number range (1 < Re < 100). To analyze the fluid flow, a set of numerical simulations were performed using the finite‐difference method. The microchip was fabricated from polydimethylsiloxane, employing the soft‐lithography technique. The degree of mixing was increased by 99.11 % when using the proposed micromixer, compared to 59.44 % for a simple spiral micromixer. The introduced microchannel drastically reduced the mixing length, increasing the mixing index of a 0.5‐loop spiral‐sinusoidal microchannel compared to that of the simple spiral microchannel with 1.5 loops. The mixing index of the 3‐loop mixer was higher than that of the microchannel with 1.5 loops, and its pressure drop was increased.
Shorter Alkyl Chains Enhance Molecular Diffusion and Electron Transfer Kinetics between Photosensitisers and Catalysts in CO2‐Reducing Photocatalytic Liposomes
Authors: Klein David M. , Rodríguez‐Jiménez Santiago , Hoefnagel Marlene E. , Pannwitz Andrea , Prabhakaran Amrutha , Siegler Maxime A. , Keyes Tia E. , Reisner Erwin , Brouwer Albert M. , Bonnet Sylvestre
Published: November 2021

Covalent functionalisation with alkyl tails is a common method for supporting molecular catalysts and photosensitisers onto lipid bilayers, but the influence of the alkyl chain length on the photocatalytic performances of the resulting liposomes is not well understood. In this work, we first prepared a series of rhenium‐based CO2‐reduction catalysts [Re(4,4’‐(CnH2n+1)2‐bpy)(CO)3Cl] (ReCn; 4,4’‐(CnH2n+1)2‐bpy=4,4’‐dialkyl‐2,2’‐bipyridine) and ruthenium‐based photosensitisers [Ru(bpy)2(4,4’‐(CnH2n+1)2‐bpy)](PF6)2 (RuCn) with different alkyl chain lengths (n=0, 9, 12, 15, 17, and 19). We then prepared a series of PEGylated DPPC liposomes containing RuCn and ReCn, hereafter noted Cn, to perform photocatalytic CO2 reduction in the presence of sodium ascorbate. The photocatalytic performance of the Cn liposomes was found to depend on the alkyl tail length, as the turnover number for CO (TON) was inversely correlated to the alkyl chain length, with a more than fivefold higher CO production (TON=14.5) for the C9 liposomes, compared to C19 (TON=2.8). Based on immobilisation efficiency quantification, diffusion kinetics, and time‐resolved spectroscopy, we identified the main reason for this trend: two types of membrane‐bound RuCn species can be found in the membrane, either deeply buried in the bilayer and diffusing slowly, or less buried with much faster diffusion kinetics. Our data suggest that the higher photocatalytic performance of the C9 system is due to the higher fraction of the more mobile and less buried molecular species, which leads to enhanced electron transfer kinetics between RuC9 and ReC9.
Photo‐stability and Photo‐damage of SPASER Nanoparticles under Nanosecond Pulsed‐laser
Authors: Wang Jian‐Hua , Wang Shao‐Peng , Melentiev Pavel N. , Kang Bin , Xu Jing‐Juan , Chen Hong‐Yuan
Published: November 2021

Comprehensive Summary

SPASER nanoparticle (NP), with small size, ultranarrow spectral‐line and good biocompatibility, is a potential biomedical nanoprobe. However, owning to the striking light absorption capacity of Au‐resonator, huge energy could accumulate under strong pumping‐laser, which would lead to poor photo‐stability and unexpected photo‐damage to SPASER NP, and is harmful to its future practical application but hasn't been systematically studied in experiment. In this paper, our experimental and theoretical researches revealed that the photo‐stability of SPASER NP is largely determined by its structure parameters: smaller Au‐core diameter, thicker silica‐shell will contribute to better photo‐stability. And the possibility and extent of photo‐damage of SPASER NP depend on not only its intrinsic stability but also the external pumping‐laser. Notably, the strong pumping condition for two‐level SPASER system could lead to heating‐melting‐evaporation or even phase‐explosion of SPASER NP, resulting in obvious photo‐damage, while, the weak pumping condition for three‐level SPASER system is quite friendly. This study provides reliable bases for the structural‐properties optimization of SPASER NPs, which is of great significance for its future application as a novel luminescence probe.
An Antifouling Photoelectrochemical Ultramicrosensor for Unbiased Single‐Cell Analysis
Authors: Zhu Linlin , Zhong Lin , Wang Juan , Tang Ying , Liu Zhihong
Published: November 2021

Comprehensive Summary

The nanoelectrode‐based electrochemical method has been widely used for single‐cell analysis because of the advantages of high spatiotemporal resolution and in‐situ detection capability. As an evolutional generation of the electrochemical analysis, photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensors not only inherit the above‐mentioned merits, but also possess a lower background and higher sensitivity, because they can operate under unbiased conditions. Moreover, electrodes are often impaired by nonspecific binding in complex biological environments. Thus, an antifouling PEC ultramicrosensor is developed for unbiased single‐cell analysis in this report. The ultramicrosensor is fabricated by self‐assembling of photoactive material ZnCaInS nanosheets onto the carbon fiber ultramicroelectrode surface and further dip‐coating of a porous antifouling layer of cross‐linked bovine serum albumin supported by carbon nanotubes. Benefiting from the minimal influence of the ultrathin nanosheet on the ultramicroelectrode morphology and the smooth protective interface formed by the antifouling film, the obtained photoelectrode can be readily inserted into a single cell with negligible impact on cell viability and shows excellent antifouling performance. The PEC ultramicrosensor achieves selective detection of dopamine (DA) with a low detection limit (3.97 nmol/L) and exhibits good sensing capability for cytosolic DA in single PC12 cells. This exploration provides new opportunities for single‐cell analysis.
(±)‐Atrachinenins A—C, Three Pairs of Caged C27 Meroterpenoids from the Rhizomes of Atractylodes chinensis
Authors: Chen Fei‐Long , Liu Dong‐Li , Fu Jing , Yang Ji , Bai Li‐Ping , Zhang Wei , Jiang Zhi‐Hong , Zhu Guo‐Yuan
Published: November 2021

Comprehensive Summary

(±)‐Atrachinenins A—C (1—3), three meroterpenoids possessing novel C27 skeletons, were isolated from the rhizomes of Atractylodes chinensis. (±)‐Atrachinenin A (1) possesses an unprecedented cage‐like skeleton with a fused 6/6/5/5 tetracyclic system (decahy‐dro‐1,5:4a,7‐dimethanobenzo[7]annulene), which may be formed by the intermolecular cyclization of (±)‐atrachinenin C (3). Compared to 1, (±)‐atrachinenin B (2) features an additional unique five‐membered peroxyl bridge ring to form a complex 6/6/5/5/5 cyclic ring system. Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated by HRESIMS, NMR spectroscopic data, ECD calculation, and X‐ray diffraction. A plausible biogenetic pathway was proposed. Compound 1 exhibited potential TGF‐β inhibitory activity at 25 μmol/L.
Modified selective mapping based on squaring construction
Authors: Liang Hsin‐Ying
Published: November 2021

This study proposed a novel technology, squaring construction with selective mapping (SC‐SLM), aimed at reducing the peak‐to‐average power ratio (PAPR); the technology integrates squaring construction codes and selective mapping (SLM). SLM is a frequently adopted technology for reducing the PAPR of signals, and much SLM research has focused on designing a systematic structure for SLM's phase generation mechanisms. SLM involves a high overall system complexity because its phase generation mechanism does not incorporate a systematic structural design. Squaring construction codes were employed in this study to establish a phase generation mechanism with a systematic structure for SLM; additionally, the generator matrix of the squaring construction codes was used to encode the transmitted data to enable transmitted signals to correct errors. Using squaring construction is conducive to the design of codes with varying code lengths to correct errors and protect the transmission system. To ensure that SC‐SLM performs comparably with conventional SLM in terms of PAPR reduction, we established (1) two‐phase generation mechanisms in SC‐SLM and (2) a selection rule to determine the more suitable mechanism for generating scrambling phases under different circumstances. According to the simulation results, the performance of SC‐SLM in PAPR reduction was comparable with that of the conventional SLM, had systematically structured phase generation mechanisms, and was capable of error correction.
Compact wideband five‐port reflectometer based on symmetrical waveguide ring junction for synthetic microwave imaging applications
Authors: Al‐Bawri Samir Salem , Islam Mohammad Tariqul , Jit Singh Mandeep , Islam Md. Tarikul
Published: November 2021

A compact and symmetrical five‐port reflectometer (FPR) for microwave imaging application is introduced in this paper. The proposed FPR shows a wide operational impedance matching bandwidth in the frequency span of 1.55–5.31 GHz (about 109.6%). It consists of three layers with a compact size of 42.4 × 42.4 × 3.2 mm3 and comprises five symmetric branch lines which were designed and optimized as a star junction topology and placed at the middle layer to realize an equivalent value of 70 dB for reflection coefficients at a center operating frequency of 2 GHz. Moreover, the measured results indicate that the FPR prototype has realized accuracies of approximately ± 120° in phase, 0.04 and 0.5 magnitudes of reflections and transmission coefficients, respectively, which are relative in parallel to the simulated and theoretical results. The proposed FPR proves higher efficacious capabilities to be used in microwave imaging for biomedical application systems.
Mitochondrial DNA D‐loop sequence analysis reveals high variation and multiple maternal origins of indigenous Tanzanian goat populations
Authors: Nguluma Athumani , Kyallo Martina , Tarekegn Getinet Mekuriaw , Loina Rose , Nziku Zabron , Chenyambuga Sebastian , Pelle Roger
Published: November 2021

The Small East African (SEA) goat are widely distributed in different agro‐ecological zones of Tanzania. We report the genetic diversity, maternal origin, and phylogenetic relationship among the 12 Tanzanian indigenous goat populations, namely Fipa, Songwe, Tanga, Pwani, Iringa, Newala, Lindi, Gogo, Pare, Maasai, Sukuma, and Ujiji, based on the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D‐loop. High haplotype (Hd = 0.9619–0.9945) and nucleotide (π = 0.0120–0.0162) diversities were observed from a total of 389 haplotypes. The majority of the haplotypes (n = 334) belonged to Haplogroup A which was consistent with the global scenario on the genetic pattern of maternal origin of all goat breeds in the world. Haplogroup G comprised of 45 haplotypes drawn from all populations except the Ujiji goat population while Haplogroup B with 10 haplotypes was dominated by Ujiji goats (41%). Tanzanian goats shared four haplotypes with the Kenyan goats and two with goats from South Africa, Namibia, and Mozambique. There was no sharing of haplotypes observed between individuals from Tanzanian goat populations with individuals from North or West Africa. The indigenous goats in Tanzania have high genetic diversity defined by 389 haplotypes and multiple maternal origins of haplogroup A, B, and G. There is a lot of intermixing and high genetic variation within populations which represent an abundant resource for selective breeding in the different agro‐ecological regions of the country.
Comparison of haemodynamic response to muscle reflex in heart failure with reduced vs. preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Moriwaki Keishi , Fujimoto Naoki , Omori Taku , Miyahara So , Kameda Issei , Ishiyama Masaki , Sugiura Emiyo , Nakamori Shiro , Dohi Kaoru
Published: November 2021

Aims

Isometric handgrip (IHG) training reduces the blood pressure in patients with hypertension. It is unclear how IHG exercise affects the haemodynamics and cardiovascular function through the muscle reflex in patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced (HFrEF) and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Methods and results

Twenty patients (HFrEF: n = 10, HFpEF: n = 10) underwent left ventricular (LV) pressure–volume assessments using a conductance catheter and microtip manometer to evaluate haemodynamics, LV and arterial function, and LV‐arterial coupling during 3 min of IHG at 30% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), followed by 3 min of post‐exercise circulatory arrest (PECA). Three minutes of IHG exercise produced significant and modest increases in the heart rate (HR) and LV end‐systolic pressure (LVESP), respectively, in both HFpEF and HFrEF groups. In HFrEF, the increase in LVESP was caused by the variable increase in effective arterial elastance (Ea), which was counterbalanced by the increase in LV end‐systolic elastance (Ees), resulting in a maintained Ees/Ea. In HFpEF, the increase in LVESP was not accompanied by changes in Ea, Ees, Ees/Ea, or LV end‐diastolic pressure. LVESP during PECA was not maintained in HFpEF, suggesting smaller metabo‐reflex activity in HFpEF.

Conclusions

The IHG exercise used in this study may increase the LVESP and LVEDP without detrimental effects on cardiac function or ventricular‐arterial coupling, especially in HFpEF patients. The effects of IHG exercise on haemodynamics and ventricular‐arterial coupling may be affected by the patient background and the type and intensity of the exercise.
Novel post‐tensioned rocking piles for enhancing the seismic resilience of bridges
Authors: El‐Hawat Omar , Fatahi Behzad , Taciroglu Ertugrul
Published: November 2021

The rocking pile foundation system is a relatively new design concept that can be implemented in bridges to improve their seismic performance. This type of foundation prevents plastic damage at the bridge piers and the foundation system, which are difficult to repair and can lead to collapse. However, lack of adequate energy dissipation in this type of foundation can result in large deck displacements and subsequent catastrophic failures of the bridge. The present study proposes a novel foundation system that integrates post‐tensioned piles with the rocking foundation to simultaneously prevent plastic hinging at the piers and reduce the deck displacements during severe earthquakes. The effectiveness of the proposed foundation system is investigated and compared against the rocking pile and conventional fixed‐base foundation systems using identical bridge configurations. Three‐dimensional finite element models of these bridges were developed to capture possible nonlinear behavior of the bridge as well as soil‐structure interaction effects. Six strong earthquakes with both horizontal components were selected and scaled to the appropriate seismic hazard level with a return period of 2475 years. Static pushover and nonlinear time‐history analyses were then performed to compare the dynamic response of the bridges, including deck displacements, pier and pile inertial forces, and other nonlinear behavior experienced by the structure. The results reveal that by integrating the post‐tensioned piles with the rocking foundation, the deck displacements were reduced to an acceptable limit without subjecting the bridge to any damage. In contrast, the bridge with the fixed base foundation experienced extensive damage at the piers, and the bridge with the rocking foundation experienced substantial deck displacements that ultimately led to unseating, resulting in the collapse of both bridges. It was therefore concluded that the proposed rocking foundation system with post‐tensioned piles is the superior alternative and can be implemented in practice as an attractive solution due to the seismic protection it offers.
Changes in fast food intake in Iranian households during the lockdown period caused by COVID‐19 virus emergency, National Food and Nutrition Surveillance
Authors: Rabiei Samira , Ghodsi Delaram , Amini Maryam , Nikooyeh Bahareh , Rasekhi Hamid , Doustmohammadian Azam , Abdollahi Zahra , Minaie Mina , Sadeghi Ghotbabadi Farzaneh , Neyestani Tirang R.
Published: November 2021

Background

Fast foods, though very popular, are commonly known as unhealthy foods. However, coronavirus pandemic may have influenced on food choices of the general population. This study investigated the changes in fast food consumption during epidemic lockdown 2020.

Materials and Methods

This study was part of a nationwide survey having been conducted using a web‐based electronic self‐administered questionnaire. The questionnaire link was extensively distributed among the whole population both through popular social media platforms and by nutrition and health workers of health offices and medical universities of all provinces. The questionnaire included questions about socio‐demographic characteristics, changes in frequency of fast food consumption as compared with before pandemic, and the reasons for these changes.

Results

A total of 21,290 households took part in the study of whom 89.8% were male‐headed, and almost 74% were from urban areas. Decrease in fast food consumption was reported by 74.8%, while increase in fast food consumption was reported by 2% of the households during the COVID‐19 quarantine. Among those who decreased their fast food consumption, about 82% had completely omitted them from their food baskets. Fear of contamination of fast foods by coronavirus and increase in the number of people at home were the most and the least frequent reasons for decreasing fast food consumption, respectively.

Conclusion

Fast food consumption has dramatically decreased during the lockdown period in Iranian households. Though it may be considered a pleasant offshoot of disastrous COVID‐19 epidemic, the foods replaced fast foods in Iranian households and the overall health consequences warrant further studies.
The two‐handed template for planning fibular free flap reconstruction of the head and neck
Authors: Wood C. Burton , Ha Austin Y. , Puram Sidharth V. , Jackson Ryan S. , Pipkorn Patrik
Published: November 2021

Fibular free flap reconstruction of head and neck defects is complex, and the anatomic relationships among components of the fibular flap pose challenges to reconstructive surgeons. Various techniques have been employed in planning for fibular free flap procedures, but these are often cumbersome and difficult to implement in clinically. We devised a simplistic tool for pre‐operative leg selection, wherein the surgeon uses two hands to represent the various components of the fibular flap. The senior author has used this method to aid in leg selection for fibular free flaps. In all cases, utilization of this technique allowed for appropriate leg selection relative to the location of the vascular pedicle and posterior crural septum. The two‐handed template for fibular free flap reconstruction is a simple, reproducible, and affordable tool that can aid reconstructive surgeons when they are planning to use a fibular flap.
High‐performance electronics and optoelectronics of monolayer tungsten diselenide full film from pre‐seeding strategy
Authors: Zhang Shu , Pang Jinbo , Cheng Qilin , Yang Feng , Chen Yu , Liu Yu , Li Yufen , Gemming Thomas , Liu Xiaoyan , Ibarlucea Bergoi , Yang Jiali , Liu Hong , Zhou Weijia , Cuniberti Gianaurelio , Rümmeli Mark H.
Published: November 2021

Tungsten diselenide (WSe2) possesses extraordinary electronic properties for applications in electronics, optoelectronics, and emerging exciton physics. The synthesis of monolayer WSe2 film is of topmost for device arrays and integrated circuits. The monolayer WSe2 film has yet been reported by thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) approach, and the nucleation mechanism remains unclear. Here, we report a pre‐seeding strategy for finely regulating the nuclei density at an early stage and achieving a fully covered film after chemical vapor deposition growth. The underlying mechanism is heterogeneous nucleation from the pre‐seeding tungsten oxide nanoparticles. At first, we optimized the precursor concentration for pre‐seeding. Besides, we confirmed the superiority of the pre‐seeding method, compared with three types of substrate pretreatments, including nontreatment, sonication in an organic solvent, and oxygen plasma. Eventually, the high‐quality synthetic WSe2 monolayer film exhibits excellent device performance in field‐effect transistors and photodetectors. We extracted thermodynamic activation energy from the nucleation and growth data. Our results may shed light on the wafer‐scale production of homogeneous monolayer films of WSe2, other 2D materials, and their van der Waals heterostructures.

image
Metformin induces muscle atrophy by transcriptional regulation of myostatin via HDAC6 and FoxO3a
Authors: Kang Min Ju , Moon Ji Wook , Lee Jung Ok , Kim Ji Hae , Jung Eun Jeong , Kim Su Jin , Oh Joo Yeon , Wu Sang Woo , Lee Pu Reum , Park Sun Hwa , Kim Hyeon Soo
Published: November 2021

Background

Skeletal muscle atrophy is a severe condition that involves loss of muscle mass and quality. Drug intake can also cause muscle atrophy. Biguanide metformin is the first‐line and most widely prescribed anti‐diabetic drug for patients with type 2 diabetes. The molecular mechanism of metformin in muscle is unclear.

Methods

Myostatin expression was investigated at the protein and transcript levels after metformin administration. To investigate the pathways associated with myostatin signalling, we used real‐time polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting, luciferase assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, co‐immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, primary culture, and confocal microscopy. Serum analysis, physical performance, and immunohistochemistry were performed using our in vivo model.

Results

Metformin induced the expression of myostatin, a key molecule that regulates muscle volume and triggers the phosphorylation of AMPK. AMPK alpha2 knockdown in the background of metformin treatment reduced the myostatin expression of C2C12 myotubes (−49.86 ± 12.03%, P < 0.01) and resulted in increased myotube diameter compared with metformin (+46.62 ± 0.88%, P < 0.001). Metformin induced the interaction between AMPK and FoxO3a, a key transcription factor of myostatin. Metformin also altered the histone deacetylase activity in muscle cells (>3.12‐fold ± 0.13, P < 0.001). The interaction between HDAC6 and FoxO3a induced after metformin treatment. Confocal microscopy revealed that metformin increased the nuclear localization of FoxO3a (>3.3‐fold, P < 0.001). Chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed that metformin induced the binding of FoxO3a to the myostatin promoter. The transcript‐level expression of myostatin was higher in the gastrocnemius (GC) muscles of metformin‐treated wild‐type (WT) (+68.9 ± 10.01%, P < 0.001) and db/db mice (+55.84 ± 6.62%, P < 0.001) than that in the GC of controls (n = 4 per group). Average fibre cross‐sectional area data also showed that the metformin‐treated C57BL/6J (WT) (−31.74 ± 0.75%, P < 0.001) and C57BLKS/J‐db/db (−18.11 ± 0.94%, P < 0.001) mice had decreased fibre size of GC compared to the controls. The serum myoglobin level was significantly decreased in metformin‐treated WT mice (−66.6 ± 9.03%, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that metformin treatment impairs muscle function through the regulation of myostatin in skeletal muscle cells via AMPK‐FoxO3a‐HDAC6 axis. The muscle‐wasting effect of metformin is more evident in WT than in db/db mice, indicating that more complicated mechanisms may be involved in metformin‐mediated muscular dysfunction.
Does geopolitical risk mitigate inbound tourism? Evidence from panel quantile regression
Authors: Syed Qasim Raza , Bouri Elie , Zafar Raja Fawad , Adekoya Oluwasegun B.
Published: November 2021

The authors of this study examine the impact of geopolitical risk on inbound tourism in the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) countries. To this end, they employ second‐generation panel data methods, augmented mean group estimators, and panel quantile regressions. The results of the augmented mean group estimators show that geopolitical risk negatively impacts inbound tourism. However, the results of the panel quantile regressions reveal that the impact is heterogeneous across the distribution. At low quantiles, the impact of geopolitical risk on inbound tourism is marginal, whereas the impact is strong at high quantiles. The study has some policy implications for tourism development.
Facile preparation of novel antioxidant fibrous material based on natural plant extract from Portulaca oleracea and polylactide by electrospinning for biomedical applications
Authors: Spasova Mariya , Stoyanova Nikoleta , Manolova Nevena , Rashkov Iliya , Taneva Sabina , Momchilova Svetlana , Georgieva Ani
Published: November 2021

For the first time, fibrous polylactide (PLA) materials containing plant extract of Portulaca oleracea obtained using supercritical carbon dioxide were successfully prepared by electrospinning. The effect of the extract concentration on the morphology and properties of the obtained materials was studied. P. oleracea extracts of 0–7.5 wt% in 10 wt% PLA solutions were electrospun. The optimal process conditions for the preparation of defect‐free fibers were found. The newly obtained fibrous materials were fully characterized using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X‐ray diffraction analysis and water contact angle measurements. It was found that the incorporation of the crude extract had a significant effect on the average fiber diameter, thermal characteristics and structure of the obtained materials. Moreover, it was found that the electrospun PLA/P. oleracea materials showed high antioxidant activity. The cytocompatibility of fibrous mats was assessed and it was found that the materials loaded with P. oleracea enhanced the cell viability of mouse BALB/c‐3T3 fibroblasts. Thus the obtained novel materials could be a potential candidate for tissue regeneration and wound healing applications. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Quanten‐mechanisch im Wortsinne
Authors: Schliesser Albert , Gröblacher Simon
Published: November 2021

Quanteneffekte in mechanischen Systemen, die man oft schon mit bloßem Auge sehen kann, wurden dank enormer Fortschritte der letzten Jahre Realität in vielen Forschungslaboren weltweit. Die routinemäßig erzeugten Quanteneffekte reichen von gequetschten Zuständen über die Erzeugung von Verschränkung bis zur Verletzung von Bell‐Ungleichungen. Dabei geht es nicht mehr nur um fundamentale Fragestellungen, wie die Existenz einer Schrödingerschen Katze, sondern auch um echte Anwendungen als Quantentechnologie. Mechanische Systeme verheißen hier eine spannende Zukunft für die Grundlagenforschung bis hin zu neuartigen Anwendungen.
QUIC: Opportunities and threats in SATCOM
Authors: Kuhn Nicolas , Michel François , Thomas Ludovic , Dubois Emmanuel , Lochin Emmanuel , Simo Francklin , Pradas David
Published: November 2021

This article proposes a discussion on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to the deployment of QUIC end‐to‐end from a satellite‐operator point‐of‐view. The deployment of QUIC is an opportunity for improving the quality of experience when exploiting satellite broadband accesses. Indeed, the fast establishment of secured connections reduces the transmission time of short files. Moreover, removing transport‐layer performance‐enhancing proxies reduces the cost of network infrastructures and improves the integration of satellite systems. However, the congestion and flow controls at end points are not always suitable for satellite communications due to the intrinsic high bandwidth‐delay product. Further acceptance of QUIC in satellite systems would be guaranteed if its performance in specific use cases were increased. Based on an emulated platform and on open‐source software, this paper proposes values of performance metrics as one piece of the puzzle. The final performance objective requires consensus among the different actors. The objective should at least provide acceptable performance for satellite operators to allow QUIC traffic but reasonable enough to keep QUIC deployable on the Internet.
Sensitization Mechanism of Alumina Aerogels: Introducing Gd3+ as a Sensitizing Ion to Enhance the Luminescence Intensity of Tb3+
Authors: Cao Jinyao , Mao Linqiang , Gao Bingying
Published: November 2021

To enhance the luminous intensity of phosphors containing Tb3+, Gd3+ was used as a sensitizing ion to recombine with Tb3+. Gd3+ and Tb3+ ions were loaded on the Al2O3 aerogel matrix with nano porous structure via a simple and facile sol‐gel method. After vacuum drying and calcination, Al2O3: Tb3+, Gd3+ composite aerogel materials were obtained. Al2O3 aerogel matrix has three‐dimensional nanostructure and good chemical stability, which can provide stable crystal field and emission site for the rare earth activated ions. The results indicated that the introduction of Gd3+ can effectively enhance the luminescence intensity of Al2O3: Tb3+ at 543 nm under 260 nm UV excitation. The optimal ratio of Gd3+ and Tb3+ was determined to be 1: 1. The mechanism of Gd3+ sensitization to Tb3+ can be considered as electric multipole resonance transmission. We expected that this work could provide guidance for the development of enhancing the luminous intensity of green phosphors for lamp.
Ruthenium‐catalyzed Chemical Recycling of Poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) via Hydrogenative Depolymerization and Dehydrogenative Polymerization
Authors: Alberti Christoph , Enthaler Stephan
Published: November 2021

The chemical recycling of end‐of‐life polymers can be a beneficial part for a future circular chemistry/economy. In this regard, the chemical recycling of poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL) was studied. In more detail, end‐of‐life PCL was depolymerized by hydrogenation with the aid of catalytic amounts of the commercially available Ru‐MACHO‐BH complex to generate 1,6‐hexanediol. The 1,6‐hexanediol was used as starting material to synthesize polyesters based on poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) and/or poly(1,6‐hexanediol‐adipate) in a dehydrogenative polymerization enabled by catalytic amounts of the Ru‐MACHO‐BH complex. Overall a recycling is feasible.
Gold(II) Trichloride Complex from Diclofenac‐Gold(III) Precursor
Authors: Frański Rafał , Kuś Anna , Jankowski Wojciech , Hoffmann Marcin
Published: November 2021

In the conditions of electrospray ionization, a diclofenac‐gold complex, namely the ion [DIC−H+AuCl3]− (DIC stands for diclofenac), was generated. According to the calculations, the most stable is the O−Au bond‐containing structure. By subjecting the anion [DIC−H+AuCl3]− to the collision‐induced dissociation, the loss of [DIC]. radical occurred and the open shell anion [AuCl3]− was formed with the unprecedentedly high efficiency. The observed gas‐phase behavior of the Au(III)‐diclofenac complex was analogical to that of the diclofenac complexes with metals (Fe(III) and Cu(II)), which are easily reduced in the gas phase, although the process Au(III)→Au(II) is rather unusual.
Replacing current nomenclature with pre‐existing indigenous names in algae, fungi and plants
Authors: Wright Shane Donald , Gillman Len Norman
Published: November 2021

We recently proposed restoration of indigenous names within scientific nomenclature and briefly outlined how the taxonomic codes could be amended to accommodate this within the Linnaean classification system. Our proposal included a process whereby Indigenous Peoples could submit long‐established indigenous names to replace current names under a modified International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN). Here we expand on this proposal with specific recommendations for changes to the ICN.
Institutional and Faculty Readiness for Teaching Linguistically Diverse International Students in Educator Preparation Programs in U.S. Universities
Authors: Mahalingappa Laura , Kayi‐Aydar Hayriye , Polat Nihat
Published: November 2021

Despite the steadily increasing number of linguistically diverse international students (LDISs) in higher education in the U.S, many universities still mostly use curriculum and instruction that are based on monolingual norms (Ginther & Yan, 2018). Thus, the current system fails to accommodate the particular needs of LDISs, which, in addition to further developing their academic language proficiency, includes navigating multicultural perspectives and potentially unfamiliar instructional practices. To understand the current situation in this regard in order to provide evidence‐based practical recommendations, a need for exploration of instructors’ and institutions’ readiness is warranted. To attend to this critical need, this study asks: What are the professional knowledge base and dispositions of faculty in educator preparation programs about linguistic and academic matters to meet the needs of LDISs? What pedagogical choices by faculty in educator preparation programs particularly address the linguistic and academic needs of LDISs? What institutional readiness‐related affordances exist to support LDISs and faculty in participants’ experiences? Data sources include interviews and institutional documents. The findings indicate that faculty members acknowledge a lack of a) personal/professional knowledge and skills about linguistically and culturally responsive education, b) institutional readiness, and c) to some degree, ability to correctly identify instructional remedies (e.g., strategies) in addressing the needs of linguistically diverse students. Based on these findings, we offer recommendations for faculty in education programs as well as universities that serve international students.