bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abnormal infant neurobehavior and later neurodevelopmental delays in children with critical CHD
Authors: Campbell Kathleen , Malik Lauren , Jones Courtney , Ou Zhining , Presson Angela , Miller Thomas A. , Winter Sarah , Glotzbach Kristi
Published: July 2022

Infants with critical CHD have abnormal neurobehavior assessed by the Neonatal ICU Network Neurobehavioral Scales. This retrospective cohort study hypothesized associations between abnormal infant neurobehavior in the first month of life and later neurodevelopmental outcomes at 1−2 years of age. Associations between abnormal infant attention (orienting to and tracking stimuli) on the Neonatal ICU Network Neurobehavioral Scales and later motor, cognitive, and language neurodevelopmental outcomes on the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-III at follow-up were examined with descriptive statistics and univariable and multivariable regression. Multiple imputation was used to account for missing outcome data. 189 infants with critical CHD were included, and 69% had abnormal neurobehavioral attention scores. 58 (31%) returned as toddlers for neurodevelopmental follow-up, of which 23% had motor delay. Abnormal infant attention had high sensitivity (92%, 95% CI 60−100%) but low specificity (36%, 95% CI 23−52%) for later motor delay. Higher infant attention scores were associated with higher later motor scores in univariable analysis (coefficient 3.49, 95% CI 0.52,6.46, p = 0.025), but not in multivariable analyses. Neither cognitive nor language scores were associated with infant attention scores. Lower birth weight and male sex were significantly associated with lower motor scores in multivariable analysis (p = 0.048, 0.007). Although impaired infant attention is interdependent with other clinical and demographic risk factors, it may be a sensitive clinical marker of risk for later motor delay. In children with critical CHD, impaired infant attention may be capturing early signs of abnormal visual-motor neurodevelopment.
US Trade Preference and Export Performance of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA): Evidence from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)
Authors: Seyoum Belay , Abraham Rebecca
Published: July 2022

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) was signed into law in May 2000 to encourage increased trade and investment between the United States and Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It provides eligible countries with duty free access to the US market for over 1800 products in addition to those available under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). The benefits extend through 2025. This study explores the link between US trade preferences under AGOA and beneficiary country exports. Using a large US import database, the study examines the extent to which AGOA influences export performance. It also examines the moderating roles of rule of law and foreign direct investment. The results largely indicate that AGOA has a positive and significant effect on beneficiary country exports. It also shows that rule of law moderates the relationship between AGOA and export performance. We believe that AGOA will target foreign direct investment (FDI) to SSA from other advanced regions such as the EU to take advantage of the US market. However, the role of FDI appears to be weak in moderating the relationship between trade preferences (tariff concessions) and exports from beneficiary countries to the US market.
Bureaucracies under authoritarian pressure: legal destabilisation, politicisation and bureaucratic subjectivities in contemporary Turkey
Authors: Saglam Erol
Published: July 2022

Drawing on ethnographic research across two street-level bureaucratic institutions in Istanbul, Turkey in the late 2010s, this paper traces the causes and implications of the politicisation of bureaucrats in the context of authoritarianisation. It argues that politicisation of bureaucrats cannot solely be taken as a reflection of the erosion of bureaucratic autonomy and capacity but must be explored further to reveal how bureaucrats cope with authoritarian pressure as well socio-legal destabilisations to preserve their institutional ethos. To this aim, I demonstrate how bureaucrats get politicised in response to authoritarian policies and, in turn, labour to uphold the rule of law despite politico-legal risks. The paper particularly focuses on how bureaucrats weave political solidarity and circulate anti-government discourses and how they use their knowledge of the legal-regulatory repertoire and archives to deter and ‘correct’ unlawful practices through their everyday work. The paper generates insights into the fashionings of political subjectivities and agency by bureaucrats through their labouring in the face of authoritarian interventions, legal disruptions and the increasing interactions with the citizenry. In doing this, my objective is to shed light on the everyday workings of authoritarian state and to get a better picture of the way the law is ‘made real’ (Latour, 2002) across mundane encounters between bureaucrats and the citizenry.
Smooth scouringrush (Equisetum laevigatum) control with glyphosate in eastern Washington
Authors: Lyon Drew J. , Thorne Mark E.
Published: July 2022

Smooth scouringrush has invaded no-till production fields across the US Pacific Northwest. The ability of Equisetum species to take up and accumulate silica on the epidermis and in cell walls may affect herbicide uptake. The objectives of this study were to measure the silica concentration in smooth scouringrush stems over time, and to determine how time of application affects the efficacy of glyphosate for smooth scouringrush control, with and without the addition of an organosilicone surfactant (OSS). Field studies were conducted at three sites in eastern Washington from 2019 to 2021. Three herbicide treatments (no herbicide, glyphosate, and glyphosate + OSS) were applied at four application times (May, June, July, and August) in 2019 fallow. The silica content of smooth scouringrush stems increased over the course of the 2019 growing season at all three sites. In 2020, smooth scouringrush stem densities were reduced when the 2019 herbicide treatments were applied in late June (12% of no herbicide density) compared to late July (24%) or August (30%). Smooth scouringrush stem densities at all three sites, in both 2020 and 2021, were reduced in the glyphosate + OSS treatment compared to glyphosate alone. In 2021, 2 yr after herbicide application, there was no effect of application timing for the glyphosate treatment without OSS, but stem densities were reduced when glyphosate + OSS was applied in late June (1%) compared with applications in late July (26%) or late August (21%). It is not clear if the cause of reduced glyphosate efficacy with late July and late August applications is the result of increased silica content in smooth scouringrush stems over time. Maximum glyphosate efficacy on smooth scouringrush was achieved with an application in late June and with the addition of an OSS. Control of smooth scouringrush with glyphosate + OSS can be sustained for at least 2 yr after application.
Validierung der deutschen Übersetzung der Centrality of Event Scale (CES-G)
Authors: Conen Lisa , Johanßen Helen , Ülsmann Dominik , Ertle Andrea , Schulte Sarah , Fydrich Thomas , Schulte-Herbrüggen Olaf
Published: July 2022

Zusammenfassung. Theoretischer Hintergrund: Eine wachsende Zahl von Forschungsarbeiten weist auf die Bedeutung der wahrgenommenen Zentralität eines traumatischen Ereignisses in der eigenen Lebensgeschichte für das Verständnis von Symptomen der Posttraumatischen Belastungsstörung (PTBS) hin. Zur Untersuchung dieser Beziehung exisitert bislang noch kein Messinstrument, das die Ereigniszentralität auf Deutsch erfasst. Fragestellung: Um die Forschung auf diesem Gebiet im deutschsprachigen Raum zu ermöglichen, wird die Centrality of Event Scale (CES; Berntsen & Rubin, 2006 ) in einer deutschen Übersetzung (CES-G) vorgestellt und hinsichtlich ihrer psychometrischen Eigenschaften untersucht. Methode: Zur psychometrischen Auswertung wurde die CES-G 322 Student_innen sowie 115 ambulanten Patient_innen mit ausgeprägter PTBS-Symptomatik vorgelegt. Ergebnisse: Die CES-G zeigt eine hervorragende interne Konsistenz, substanzielle Korrelationen mit Maßen von PTBS Symptomen, allgemeiner Psychopathologie, Depressivität und maladaptiven kognitiven Prozessen sowie eine kriterienbezogene Validität bezüglich PTBS Symptomen in einer klinischen Stichprobe. Schlussfolgerungen: Die deutsche Übersetzung der CES ist ein verlässliches und valides Messinstrument für Ereigniszentralität.
Factor Structure, Gender Invariance, Measurement Properties, and Short Forms of the Spanish Adaptation of the Big Five Inventory-2
Authors: Gallardo-Pujol David , Rouco Víctor , Cortijos-Bernabeu Anna , Oceja Luís , Soto Christopher J. , John Oliver P.
Published: July 2022

Abstract. After the publication of the Big Five Inventory-2 (BFI-2) and its short versions, many validations in other languages have been published. Three studies (total N = 1,673) were conducted to validate a Spanish version of the BFI-2, BFI-2-S and BFI-2-XS). Study 1 first tested the structural validity at both the domain and facet levels of 60 BFI-2 item translations and tested measurement invariance across gender. Study 2 established the temporal stability of the BFI-2 using two data collection waves. Study 3 evaluated in a new sample the generalizability of the measurement properties of the Spanish BFI-2 obtained in Study 1 and the measurement properties of its abbreviated versions. The findings of these studies show that the Spanish BFI-2 is a valid and reliable measure of personality with psychometric properties corresponding to the original in English. The preliminary results of the short forms' measurement properties are promising and should encourage further replication.
For Western Wildfires, the Immediate Past Is Prologue
Authors: Abolafia-Rosenzweig Ronnie , He Cenlin , Chen Fei
Published: July 2022

A new machine learning approach trained on winter and spring climate conditions offers improved forecasts of summer fire activity across the western United States.
Disturbance Neutral Winds Effects on the Ionospheric Strip‐Like Bulge at Lower‐Middle Latitudes
Authors: Wan Xin , Zhong Jiahao , Zhang Shun‐Rong , Xiong Chao , Wang Hui , Liu Yiwen , Huang Fuqing , Li Qiaoling , Kuai Jiawei , Chen Jiawen , Hao Yongqiang
Published: July 2022

During the geomagnetic storm on 3–6 November 2021, the in‐situ plasma density and the gridded total electron content (TEC) maps registered a persistent presence of the strip‐like bulges (electron density enhancement, also known as the shoulders in previous literatures) at lower‐middle latitudes. The observed strip‐like bulge resided in the Pacific‐America‐Atlantic sector and lasted from 07:00 UT on 4 November to 20:00 UT on 6 November. For the first time, the temporal evolution of the 2‐D strip‐like bulge was recorded by gridded TEC maps, though observations were limited over the North American continents. The TEC maps showed a continuous shrinking of the nightside midlatitude plasma band structure right before the presence of the narrow strip‐like bulge. Simultaneous measurements from the Ionospheric Connection Explorer satellite (ICON) revealed an equatorward turning of the field‐aligned ion transportation driven by the disturbance equatorward neutral winds. However, the enhanced fountain effect at low latitudes was not observed during the entire formation phase of the strip‐like bulge. We propose that the storm‐induced enhanced equatorward thermospheric neutral winds push the plasma equatorward along the field lines, and the plasma band structure was developed into the strip‐like bulge. In addition, the ion composition of both the plasma band structure and the strip‐like bulges are dominated by H+, and the maintenance of the strip‐like bulge could be due to the compensation of the downward plasmaspheric content flux.
Spatial Patterns and Quantification of Lacustrine Groundwater Discharge Determined Based on 222Rn
Authors: Sun Xiaoliang , Du Yao , Deng Yamin , Fan Hongchen , Zhou Zihao , Gan Yiqun , Ma Teng , Wang Yanxin
Published: July 2022

Lacustrine groundwater discharge (LGD) is of great importance to the hydrological cycle and the eco‐environment of lakes. LGD is often characterized by large spatial variability, but the spatial patterns of LGD have rarely been quantified, particularly at large whole‐lake scales. This study presents quantitative estimation of the spatial patterns of LGD in an oxbow lake in the central Yangtze River Basins by a segmented application of 222Rn mass balance model. The results show that the LGD rates in all points ranged from 10.05 to 197.25 mm/d, with an average of 61.23 mm/d. Larger LGD rates were not only occurring in the lakeshore area, but also in the lake center. The high LGD rate in the lake center area here was likely a result of a direct connection between the water‐rich confined aquifer and the lake. Sensitivity analysis of the 222Rn mass balance show that lake water 222Rn concentration, groundwater concentration, wind speed and water depth were sensitive parameters, which were important parameters in controlling the quantitative results of LGD. The average LGD rate uncertainty and percentage were 28.45 mm/d and 49.20%. This study thus provides a solution in quantifying the spatial patterns of LGD lakes.
Engineered sTRAIL-armed MSCs overcome STING deficiency to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of radiotherapy for immune checkpoint blockade
Authors: Huang Kevin Chih-Yang , Chiang Shu-Fen , Chang Hsin-Yu , Chen William Tzu-Liang , Yang Pei-Chen , Chen Tsung-Wei , Liang Ji-An , Shiau An‑Cheng , Ke Tao-Wei , Clifford Chao K. S.
Published: July 2022

Radiotherapy (RT) mainly elicits antitumor immunity via the cGAS/STING axis for type I interferon (IFN) production. However, dysregulation of cGAS/STING constrains radiotherapy-induced antitumor immunity and type I IFN-dependent cell death and is associated with shorter survival of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Due to their tumor tropism, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown the potential to deliver therapeutic genes for cancer therapy. Here, we showed that MSCs enhance the sensitivity to RT by inducing TRAIL-dependent cell death and remodel the tumor microenvironment by recruiting CD8+ immune cells to upregulate PD-L1 in the tumor. By engineering MSCs to express CRC-specific soluble TRAIL via adenovirus-associated virus 2 (AAV2), we found that the therapeutic activity of MSC-sTRAIL was superior to that of MSCs alone when combined with RT. Combined treatment with MSC-sTRAIL and RT significantly reduced cell viability and increased apoptosis by inducing TRAIL-dependent cell death in STING-deficient colorectal cancer cells. MSC-sTRAIL directly triggered TRAIL-dependent cell death to overcome the deficiency of the cGAS/STING axis. Moreover, these combination treatments of MSC-sTRAIL and RT significantly remodeled the tumor microenvironment, which was more suitable for anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy. Taken together, this therapeutic strategy represents a novel targeted treatment option for patients with colorectal cancer, especially cGAS/STING-deficient patients.
Transcriptome analysis and phenotyping of walnut seedling roots under nitrogen stresses
Authors: Song Yan , Zhang Rui , Gao Shan , Pan Zhiyong , Guo Zhongzhong , Yu Shangqi , Wang Yu , Jin Qiang , Chen Xiaofei , Zhang Lei
Published: July 2022

Nitrogen is an essential core element in walnut seedling growth and development. However, nitrogen starvation and excessive nitrogen stress can cause stunted growth and development of walnut seedlings, and environmental pollution is also of concern. Therefore, it is necessary to study the mechanism of walnut seedling resistance to nitrogen stress. In this study, morphological and physiological observations and transcriptome sequencing of walnut seedlings under nitrogen starvation and excess nitrogen stress were performed. The results showed that walnut seedlings under nitrogen starvation and excess stress could adapt to the changes in the nitrogen environment by changing the coordination of their root morphology and physiological indexes. Based on an analysis of transcriptome data, 4911 differential genes (DEGs) were obtained (2180 were upregulated and 2731 were downregulated) in a comparison of nitrogen starvation and control groups. A total of 9497 DEGs (5091 upregulated and 4406 downregulated) were obtained in the comparison between the nitrogen overdose and control groups. When these DEGs were analysed, the differential genes in both groups were found to be significantly enriched in the plant’s circadian pathway. Therefore, we selected the circadian rhythm as the focus for further analysis. We made some discoveries by analysing the gene co-expression network of nitrogen metabolism, circadian rhythm, and hormone signal transduction. (a) Nitrite nitrogen (NO2−) or Glu may act as a nitrogen signal to the circadian clock. (b) Nitrogen signalling may be input into the circadian clock by regulating changes in the abundance of the CRY1 gene. (c) After the nitrogen signal enters the circadian clock, the expression of the LHY gene is upregulated, which causes a phase shift in the circadian clock. (d) The RVE protein may send information about the circadian clock’s response to nitrogen stress back to the nitrogen metabolic pathway via the hormone transduction pathway. In conclusion, various metabolic pathways in the roots of walnut seedlings coordinated with one another to resist the ill effects of nitrogen stress on the root cells, and these coordination relationships were regulated by the circadian clock. This study is expected to provide valuable information on the circadian clock regulation of plant resistance to nitrogen stress.
Sensory processing sensitivity and somatosensory brain activation when feeling touch
Authors: Schaefer Michael , Kühnel Anja , Gärtner Matti
Published: July 2022

Sensory processing sensitivity is described as a personality trait associated with a high sensitivity to environmental and social stimuli. It has been assumed that about 15–20% of the total population can be described as highly sensitive. The concept states that those individuals represent a higher sensitivity to subtle stimuli, thereby exhibiting a different somatic sensation. Here we aim to test the assumption that the brain’s sensory perception is different in individuals with high sensory processing sensitivity. We used a German version of the Highly Sensitive Person scale to measure sensory processing sensitivity. Furthermore, we assessed the Big Five personality dimensions and trait empathy (using IRI). To test the hypothesis that the brain’s handling of sensory information is different in individuals with high sensory-processing sensitivity, we scanned participant’s brain activity with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while they were touched by an experimenter’s hand. Results showed positive correlations of sensory processing sensitivity with neuroticism, openness, and empathy. Introversion was not a significant predictor. Neuroimaging data demonstrated that sensory processing sensitivity (controlled for associated personality dimensions) was not related to primary or secondary somatosensory BOLD responses, but positively associated with BOLD activity in left posterior insular cortex. Based on these results we conclude that sensory processing sensitivity seems to represent insula-mediated affective touch. We discuss these results with previous studies reporting an engagement of the insula in individuals with high sensory processing sensitivity.
Longitudinal surveillance of influenza in Japan, 2006–2016
Authors: Inaida Shinako , Matsuno Shigeo , Okumura Jiro
Published: July 2022

We analysed 2006–2016 national influenza surveillance data in Japan with regards to age-, sex-, and predominant virus-related epidemic patterns and the prevalence of serum influenza virus antibodies. We found a significant increase in influenza prevalence in both children (≤ 19 years old) and adults (≥ 20 years old) over time. The influenza prevalence was higher in children (0.33 [95% CI 0.26–0.40]) than in adults (0.09 [95% CI 0.07–0.11]). Additionally, the mean prevalence of antibodies for A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) was significantly higher in children than in adults, whereas the mean prevalence of antibodies for B lineages was relatively low in both children and adults. There was a biennial cycle of the epidemic peak in children, which was associated with a relatively higher prevalence of B lineages. The female-to-male ratios of the influenza prevalence were significantly different in children (≤ 19 years old; 1.10 [95% CI:1.08–1.13]), adults (20–59 years old; 0.79 [95% CI 0.75–0.82]), and older adults (≥ 60 years old; 1.01 [95% CI 0.97–1.04]). The significant increase in influenza prevalence throughout the study period suggests a change of immunity to influenza infection. Long-term surveillance is important for developing a strategy to monitor, prevent and control for influenza epidemics.
Evaluating the temporal and spatio-temporal niche partitioning between carnivores by different analytical method in northeastern Japan
Authors: Watabe Ryoga , Tsunoda Hiroshi , Saito Masayuki U.
Published: July 2022

Temporal and spatio-temporal niche partitioning is an important strategy for carnivore coexistence. Camera-trap data has been analyzed through several methods to assess the temporal and spatio-temporal niche partitioning. However, different analytical approaches used to may evaluate niche partitioning detect different results. In this study, we evaluated the temporal or spatio-temporal partitioning among sympatric medium-sized carnivores, red foxes, raccoon dogs, and Japanese martens, based on three analytical methods—the temporal overlap, temporal co-occurrence, and time-to-encounter analysis—to evaluate. From May to October 2019 and 2020, we obtained the activity of the target species using camera-traps in northeastern Japan. We analyzed the data with the coefficient of temporal overlap, probabilistic co-occurrence analysis, checkerboard score, and multi-response permutation procedures. The results of the assessment of the niche partitioning differed depending on the analytical methods based on temporal and spatio-temporal partitioning. Therefore, we conclude that the choice of analytical approach is important for evaluating the temporal and spatio-temporal niche partitioning.
Comparative efficacy of phosphorous supplements with phosphate solubilizing bacteria for optimizing wheat yield in calcareous soils
Authors: Adnan Muhammad , Fahad Shah , Saleem Muhammad Hamzah , Ali Baber , Mussart Maria , Ullah Rafi , Amanullah Jr  , Arif Muhammad , Ahmad Manzoor , Shah Wajid Ali , Romman Muhammad , Wahid Fazli , Wang Depeng , Saud Shah , Liu Ke , Harrison Matthew Tom , Wu Chao , Danish Subhan , Datta Rahul , Muresan Crina Carmen , Marc Romina Alina
Published: July 2022

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is the main hurdle in achieving sustainable crop production ps especially in calcareous soils. Using bio-fertilizers like phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) could be a useful approach for sustainable P management as they improve P availability in soil via dissolution, desorption and mineralization reactions. In addition, application of organic amendments with PSB could further ameliorate soil conditions for sustainable management of immobilized nutrients in calcarious soils. Therefore, we performed pot experiment to study the role of PSB in nullifying antagonistic effects of liming (4.78, 10, 15 and 20%) on P availability from poultry manure (PM), farm yard manure (FYM), single super phosphate (SSP) and rock phosphate (RP) in alkaline soils. PSB inoculation improved wheat growth, P availability and stimulated soil acidification over control regardless of P sources and lime levels. Soil calcification adversely affected plant growth, P nutrition, induced soil salinity and alkalinity, however, PSB and manures application potentially nullified such harmful effects over mentioned traits. Individually, organic sources were superior than mineral sources however, the performance of mineral fertilizers with PSB was at par to sole application of manures. Furthermore, application of RP with PSB proved as effective as sole SSP. Therefore, using PSB as bio-fertilizer has huge potential for improving P availability in calcareous soils.
Residue level, occurrence characteristics and ecological risk of pesticides in typical farmland-river interlaced area of Baiyang Lake upstream, China
Authors: Sun Xiaoli , Liu Miao , Meng Jianwei , Wang Liping , Chen Xiaoxin , Peng Shan , Rong Xin , Wang Lei
Published: July 2022

Baiyang Lake is the largest freshwater lake in North China, playing an important role in aquatic products production and eco-environment improvement. Traditional organochlorine pesticides were not enough to reflect ecological risk. We performed the high-throughput and non-targeted screening to identify the high-residue and wide-distribution pesticides at farmland-river interlaced area. We firstly reported the residue level and spatio-temporal distribution of typical pesticides in soils and waters (SP1–SP13) near Fuhe river in 2020–2021. The mean recoveries of eight pesticides ranged from 79.4 to 129%. The residues were 0.250–3530 ng/L (water) and 2.79 × 10−3–647 μg/kg dw (soil), respectively. Thiamethoxam was dominant with the high-residue proportion (HRP) of 53–95% (water, HRP > 50%) and 63–97% (soil, HRP > 60%), respectively. Most of pesticides almost have no significant season-change. The risk quotient (RQ) model results showed that although most pesticides have no aquatic risk (RQ < 0.01), carbendazim and propionazole deserved attention. The individual thiamethoxam at nearly half of the sites exhibited high terrestrial risk (RQ, 1.070–1.682), while propiconazole was at medium risk (SP1, SP2, SP8, and SP9) and high risk (SP12). The RQall were in the range of 0.4541–3.327 (earthworm), 0.0239–0.4552 (algae), 0.1094–1.103 (aquatic invertabrates), and 0.1657–1.923 (fish), respectively, so co-residue caused joint toxic effect to aquatic invertebrates.
Persistence of immunity and impact of third dose of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine against emerging variants
Authors: Vadrevu Krishna Mohan , Ganneru Brunda , Reddy Siddharth , Jogdand Harsh , Raju Dugyala , Sapkal Gajanan , Yadav Pragya , Reddy Prabhakar , Verma Savita , Singh Chandramani , Redkar Sagar Vivek , Gillurkar Chandra Sekhar , Kushwaha Jitendra Singh , Mohapatra Satyajit , Bhate Amit , Rai Sanjay Kumar , Ella Raches , Abraham Priya , Prasad Sai , Ella Krishna
Published: July 2022

This is a comprehensive report on immunogenicity of COVAXIN® booster dose against ancestral and Variants of Concern (VOCs) up to 12 months. It is well known that neutralizing antibodies induced by COVID-19 vaccines wane within 6 months of vaccination leading to questions on the effectiveness of two-dose vaccination against breakthrough infections. Therefore, we assessed the persistence of immunogenicity up to 6 months after a two or three-dose with BBV152 and the safety of a booster dose in an ongoing phase 2, double-blind, randomized controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04471519). We report persistence of humoral and cell mediated immunity up to 12 months of vaccination, despite decline in the magnitude of antibody titers. Administration of a third dose of BBV152 increased neutralization titers against both homologous (D614G) and heterologous strains (Alpha, Beta, Delta, Delta Plus and Omicron) with a slight increase in B cell memory responses. Thus, seronversion rate remain high in boosted recipients compared to non-booster, even after 6 months, post third dose against variants. No serious adverse events observed, except pain at the injection site, itching and redness. Hence, these results indicate that a booster dose of BBV152 is safe and necessary to ensure persistent immunity to minimize breakthrough infections of COVID-19, due to newly emerging variants.

Trial registration: Registered with the Clinical Trials Registry (India) No. CTRI/2021/04/032942, dated 19/04/2021 and on Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04471519.
Mouse oocytes carrying metacentric Robertsonian chromosomes have fewer crossover sites and higher aneuploidy rates than oocytes carrying acrocentric chromosomes alone
Authors: Kazemi Parinaz , Taketo Teruko
Published: July 2022

Meiotic homologous recombination during fetal development dictates proper chromosome segregation in adult mammalian oocytes. Successful homologous synapsis and recombination during Meiotic Prophase I (MPI) depends on telomere-led chromosome movement along the nuclear envelope. In mice, all chromosomes are acrocentric, while other mammalian species carry a mixture of acrocentric and metacentric chromosomes. Such differences in telomeric structures may explain the exceptionally low aneuploidy rates in mice. Here, we tested whether the presence of metacentric chromosomes carrying Robertsonian translocations (RbT) affects the rate of homologous recombination or aneuploidy. We found a delay in MPI progression in RbT-carrier vs. wild-type (WT) fetal ovaries. Furthermore, resolution of distal telomere clusters, associated with synapsis initiation, was delayed and centromeric telomere clusters persisted until later MPI substages in RbT-carrier oocytes compared to WT oocytes. When chromosomes fully synapsed, higher percentages of RbT-carrier oocytes harbored at least one chromosome pair lacking MLH1 foci, which indicate crossover sites, compared to WT oocytes. Aneuploidy rates in ovulated eggs were also higher in RbT-carrier females than in WT females. In conclusion, the presence of metacentric chromosomes among acrocentric chromosomes in mouse oocytes delays MPI progression and reduces the efficiency of homologous crossover, resulting in a higher frequency of aneuploidy.
Alterations in the ocular surface and tear film following keratoplasty
Authors: Meyer Jay J. , Gokul Akilesh , Wang Michael T. M. , Sung Justin , Craig Jennifer P.
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this study was to evaluate any alterations in the tear film and ocular surface beyond the early postoperative period following penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK). This cross-sectional, contralateral-eye study compared ocular surface and tear film parameters of eyes with a previous PK or DALK in one eye and no prior surgery in the contralateral eye. Overall, 14 (87.5%) participants underwent PK, and 2 (12.5%) underwent DALK using a mechanical dissection. The median time from surgery was 3.4 years (range 1.5 to 38.7 years). The indication for unilateral keratoplasty was keratoconus in 15 (94%) participants, and corneal scarring in 1 (6%) eye, secondary to microbial keratitis. Operated eyes exhibited poorer non-invasive tear film breakup time, lower corneal sensitivity, lower sub-basal nerve density and more severe fluorescein staining scores than unoperated fellow eyes (all Q < 0.05). There were no significant differences in tear film lipid layer quality, tear meniscus height, conjunctival hyperaemia, lissamine green staining score, or meibography grade between operated and fellow eyes (all Q ≥ 0.20). Higher corneal esthesiometry threshold (lower corneal sensitivity) was correlated with shorter non-invasive tear film breakup time (Spearman’s rho =  − 0.361, p = 0.04) and increased fluorescein staining score (Spearman’s rho = 0.417, p = 0.02). Keratoplasty can induce persistent changes in the ocular surface and tear film, including: increased fluorescein staining, decreased tear film breakup time, decreased corneal sub-basal nerve plexus density, and reduced corneal sensitivity.
A randomised pilot trial of virtual reality-based relaxation for enhancement of perioperative well-being, mood and quality of life
Authors: Schrempf Matthias C. , Petzold Julian , Petersen Morten Aa. , Arndt Tim Tobias , Schiele Stefan , Vachon Hugo , Vlasenko Dmytro , Wolf Sebastian , Anthuber Matthias , Müller Gernot , Sommer Florian
Published: July 2022

A cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment can trigger distress, negatively impact coping resources, and affect well-being as well as quality of life. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate feasibility and clinical effects of a VR intervention on quality of life, well-being and mood in cancer patients undergoing surgery compared to a non-VR intervention and a control group. 54 patients with colorectal cancer or liver metastases from colorectal cancer undergoing elective curatively intended surgery were recruited and randomised to one of two intervention groups or a control group receiving standard treatment. Participants assigned to one of the intervention groups either received a VR-based intervention twice daily or listened to music twice daily. Adherence to the intervention was 64.6% in the music group and 81.6% in the VR group. The VR intervention significantly reduced heart rate (− 1.2 bpm; 95% CI − 2.24 to − 0.22; p = 0.02) and respiratory rate (− 0.7 brpm; 95% CI − 1.08 to − 0.25; p = 0.01). Self-reported overall mood improved in both groups (VR: + 0.79 pts; 95% CI 0.37–1.21; p = 0.001; music: + 0.59 pts; 95% CI 0.22–0.97; p = 0.004). There was no difference in quality of life between the three groups. Both interventions groups reported changes in feelings. Adherence rates favoured the VR intervention over the music group. Observed clinical outcomes showed stronger intragroup effects on mood, feelings, and vital signs in the VR group. The study demonstrated feasibility of a VR intervention in cancer patients undergoing surgery and should encourage further research investigating the potential of VR interventions to positively influence well-being and mood in cancer patients.
Differential gene screening and bioinformatics analysis of epidermal stem cells and dermal fibroblasts during skin aging
Authors: Hu Weisheng , Jing Yuan , Yu Qingqian , Huang Ning
Published: July 2022

To explore the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and potential therapeutic targets of skin aging in GEO database by bioinformatics methods. Dermal fibroblasts and skin aging related data sets GSE110978 and GSE117763 were downloaded from GEO database, and epidermal stem cells and skin aging related data sets GSE137176 were downloaded. GEO2R was used to screen DEGs of candidate samples from the three microarrays, GO function analysis and KEGG pathway analysis were performed. Protein interaction network was constructed using String database, and hub gene was obtained by Cytoscape. NetworkAnalys was used to analyze the coregulatory network of DEGs and MicroRNA (miRNA), interaction with TF, and protein-chemical interactions of DEGs. Finally, DSigDB was used to determine candidate drugs for DEGs. Six DEGs were obtained. It mainly involves the cytological processes such as response to metal ion, and is enriched in mineral absorption and other signal pathways. Ten genes were screened by PPI analysis. Gene-miRNA coregulatory network found that Peg3 and mmu-miR-1931 in DEGs were related to each other, and Cybrd1 was related to mmu-miR-290a-5p and mmu-miR-3082-5p. TF-gene interactions found that the transcription factor UBTF co-regulated two genes, Arhgap24 and Mpzl1. Protein-chemical Interactions analysis and identification of candidate drugs show results for candidate drugs. Try to explore the mechanism of hub gene action in skin aging progression, and to discover the key signaling pathways leading to skin aging, which may be a high risk of skin aging.
Association of voltage-gated sodium channel mutations with field-evolved pyrethroid resistant phenotypes in soybean aphid and genetic markers for their detection
Authors: Valmorbida Ivair , Hohenstein Jessica D. , Coates Brad S. , Bevilaqua Júlia G. , Menger James , Hodgson Erin W. , Koch Robert L. , O’Neal Matthew E.
Published: July 2022

The frequent use of insecticides to manage soybean aphids, Aphis glycines (Hemiptera: Aphididae), in the United States has contributed to field-evolved resistance. Pyrethroid-resistant aphids have nonsynonymous mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel (vgsc). We identified a leucine to phenylalanine mutation at position 1014 (L1014F) and a methionine to isoleucine mutation (M918I) of the A. glycines vgsc, both suspected of conferring knockdown resistance (kdr) to lambda-cyhalothrin. We developed molecular markers to identify these mutations in insecticide-resistant aphids. We determined that A. glycines which survived exposure to a diagnostic concentration of lambda-cyhalothrin and bifenthrin via glass-vial bioassays had these mutations, and showed significant changes in the resistance allele frequency between samples collected before and after field application of lambda-cyhalothrin. Thus, a strong association was revealed between aphids with L1014F and M918I vgsc mutations and survival following exposure to pyrethroids. Specifically, the highest survival was observed for aphids with the kdr (L1014F) and heterozygote super-kdr (L1014F + M918I) genotypes following laboratory bioassays and in-field application of lambda-cyhalothrin. These genetic markers could be used as a diagnostic tool for detecting insecticide-resistant A. glycines and monitoring the geographic distribution of pyrethroid resistance. We discuss how generating these types of data could improve our efforts to mitigate the effects of pyrethroid resistance on crop production.
Capsaicin induces ferroptosis of NSCLC by regulating SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling in vitro
Authors: Liu Xiao-Yan , Wei Dong-Guang , Li Rong-Shan
Published: July 2022

NSCLC is the first cause of cancer-related deaths in China and threatens life expectancy of the people. Novel drugs and treatment strategies are urgently required. Capsaicin is noticed as a potential new drug for lots of tumors due to its anti-proliferative effect on cancer cells. Our study evaluated the roles of capsaicin in NSCLC cells (A549 and NCI-H23) and further explored its underlying mechanisms. Effect of capsaicin treatment on cell viability was determined by MTT assay and IC50 values for A549 and NCI-H23 cells were ascertained. The iron kit detected the total iron levels and the ferric divalent ions levels in A549 and NCI-H23 cells. GSH kit was used to detect the expression of GSH in A549 and NCI-H23 cells. Additionally, mRNA and protein levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4 were analyzed by real-time PCR and western blot analysis. Through MTT assay, we found that 200 μM capsaicin in cultured A549 cells for 48 h could reach the IC50 value, and the condition was 100 μM and 48 h for NCI-H23 cells. Capsaicin increased total iron levels and ferrous ion levels in A549 and NCI-H23 cells in contrast with the control group, whereas the levels of GSH was reduced in contrast with the control group. Besides, mRNA and protein levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4 were decreased significantly in A549 and NCI-H23 cells treated with capsaicin in contrast with the control group. Our study indicated that capsaicin inhibited the proliferation of A549 and NCI-H23 cells and induced ferroptosis by inactivating SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling. Capsaicin could be used as a potential anticancer agent in the treatment of NSCLC.
Embodiment modifies attention allotment for the benefit of dual task performance
Authors: Iwasaki Yukiko , Navarro Benjamin , Iwata Hiroyasu , Ganesh Gowrishankar
Published: July 2022

Many everyday tasks, like walking down a street, require us to dual task to also avoid collisions of our swinging arms with other pedestrians. The collision avoidance is possible with ease because humans attend to all our (embodied) limbs. But how does the level of embodiment affect attention distribution, and consequently task performance in dual tasks? Here we examined this question with a dual task that required participants to perform a cued button-press (main task) with their right hand, while reacting to possible collisions by a moving object with a left ‘robot’ hand (secondary task). We observed that participants consistently improve main task performance when they perceived the robot hand to be embodied, compared to when they don’t. The secondary task performance could be maintained in both cases. Our results suggest that embodiment of a limb modifies attention allotment for the benefit of dual motor task performance using limbs.
Conformational changes in the catalytic region are responsible for heat-induced activation of hyperthermophilic homoserine dehydrogenase
Authors: Kubota Tatsuya , Kurihara Erika , Watanabe Kazuya , Ogata Kohei , Kaneko Ryosuke , Goto Masaru , Ohshima Toshihisa , Yoshimune Kazuaki
Published: July 2022

When overexpressed as an immature enzyme in the mesophilic bacterium Escherichia coli, recombinant homoserine dehydrogenase from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Sulfurisphaera tokodaii (StHSD) was markedly activated by heat treatment. Both the apo- and holo-forms of the immature enzyme were successively crystallized, and the two structures were determined. Comparison among the structures of the immature enzyme and previously reported structures of mature enzymes revealed that a conformational change in a flexible part (residues 160–190) of the enzyme, which encloses substrates within the substrate-binding pocket, is smaller in the immature enzyme. The immature enzyme, but not the mature enzyme, formed a complex that included NADP+, despite its absence during crystallization. This indicates that the opening to the substrate-binding pocket in the immature enzyme is not sufficient for substrate-binding, efficient catalytic turnover or release of NADP+. Thus, specific conformational changes within the catalytic region appear to be responsible for heat-induced activation.
Doped semiconducting polymer nanoantennas for tunable organic plasmonics
Authors: Karki Akchheta , Yamashita Yu , Chen Shangzhi , Kurosawa Tadanori , Takeya Jun , Stanishev Vallery , Darakchieva Vanya , Watanabe Shun , Jonsson Magnus P.
Published: July 2022

Optical nanoantennas are often based on plasmonic resonances in metal nanostructures, but their dynamic tunability is limited due to the fixed permittivity of conventional metals. Recently, we introduced PEDOT-based conducting polymers as an alternative materials platform for dynamic plasmonics and metasurfaces. Here, we expand dynamic organic plasmonic systems to a wider class of doped polythiophene-based semiconducting polymers. We present nanodisks of PBTTT semiconducting polymer doped with a dicationic salt, enabling a high doping level of around 0.8 charges per monomer, and demonstrate that they can be used as nanooptical antennas via redox-tunable plasmonic resonances. The resonances arise from the polymer being optically metallic in its doped state and dielectric in its non-conducting undoped state. The plasmonic resonances are controllable over a 1000 nm wavelength range by changing the dimensions of the nanodisks. Furthermore, the optical response of the nanoantennas can be reversibly tuned by modulating the doping level of the polymer. Simulations corroborate the experimental results and reveal the possibility to also modulate the optical nearfield response of the nanoantennas.
Spectroscopic study of D1–A–D2–A terpolymer films for optoelectronic applications
Authors: Correa Roger S. , Santos Bianca P. S. , Ribeiro Arthur C. , da Silva Luiz Alberto F. , Péan Emmanuel V. , Davies Matthew L. , Marques Maria de Fátima V. , Rocco Maria Luiza M.
Published: July 2022

The preferential molecular orientation and charge transfer dynamics of four D1–A–D2–A terpolymers (three random and one block copolymer) with possible application in organic photovoltaic cells were investigated by spectroscopic techniques.
In silico binding affinity prediction for metabotropic glutamate receptors using both endpoint free energy methods and a machine learning-based scoring function
Authors: Zhai Jingchen , He Xibing , Sun Yuchen , Wan Zhuoya , Ji Beihong , Liu Shuhan , Li Song , Wang Junmei
Published: July 2022

Development of mGLUR4/mGLUR8 target-specific scoring functions for drug lead identification through virtual screenings.
Non-heme oxoiron complexes as active intermediates in the water oxidation process with hydrogen/oxygen atom transfer reactions
Authors: Gorantla Koteswara Rao , Mallik Bhabani S.
Published: July 2022

In this study, we explore the water oxidation process with the help of density functional theory.
NUV-pumped red-emitting Ca9MnK(PO4)7 phosphor: energy transfer and charge compensation
Authors: Xie Guangyong , Wu Ming , Tang Wanjun , Li Tingcheng , You Qingliang , Xiao Biao
Published: July 2022

The Ca9MnK(PO4)7 phosphor exhibits a strong red-light emission via energy transfer between Eu2+ and Mn2+ and charge compensation greatly assists in the enhancement of the red emission.
Effect of vanadium doping on the electrochemical performances of sodium titanate anode for sodium ion battery application
Authors: Chandel Sakshee , Zulkifli  , Kim Jaekook , Rai Alok Kumar
Published: July 2022

This study shows the effect of vanadium doping on sodium titatane as an anode material for sodium ion battery application.
Single-atom palladium anchored N-doped carbon towards oxygen electrocatalysis for rechargeable Zn–air batteries
Authors: Han Chunxiao , Yi Wenwen , Feng Sisi , Li Zhongping , Song Haiou
Published: July 2022

Herein, an atomically dispersed palladium catalyst on a hierarchical porous structure of N-doped carbon (Pd1/N–C) is prepared using a facile freeze-drying-assisted strategy.
Spontaneous N2-diboranylation of [W(N2)2(dppe)2] with B2Br4(SMe2)2
Authors: Haufe Lisa C. , Arrowsmith Merle , Dietz Maximilian , Gärtner Annalena , Bertermann Rüdiger , Braunschweig Holger
Published: July 2022

The spontaneous 1,3-bromoboration of a tungsten dinitrogen complex with B2Br2(SMe2)2yields diazenidodiborane complexes.
A stable single-atom Zn catalyst synthesized by a ligand-stabilized pyrolysis strategy for selective oxidation of C–H bonds
Authors: Wang Wenhui , Shang Ningzhao , Wang Junmin , Nie Xinhao , Du Congcong , Zhou Xin , Cheng Xiang , Gao Wei , Liu Xue , Huang Jianyu , Qiao Yuqing , Gao Shutao , Wang Chun
Published: July 2022

A ligand-stabilized pyrolysis strategy was developed to fabricate single atom dispersed Zn–N–C catalyst. The fabricated Zn–N–C-900 catalyst showed excellent photocatalytic activity and outstanding stability for ethylbenzene selective oxidation.
Enzyme-based digital bioassay technology – key strategies and future perspectives
Authors: Noji Hiroyuki , Minagawa Yoshihiro , Ueno Hiroshi
Published: July 2022

This tutorial review focuses on the design principles of digital bioassays based on single-molecule enzyme reactions and further introduces their expanded applications from the perspective of next-generation digital bioassays.
Development of optical chemosensors based on photochromic polymer nanocarriers
Authors: Babazadeh-Mamaqani Milad , Roghani-Mamaqani Hossein , Abdollahi Amin , Salami-Kalajahi Mehdi
Published: July 2022

Spiropyran-containing photochromic polymer nanoparticles with hydroxyl or amine functional groups and particle size of below 100 nm were used to design chemosensors for sensing pH of aqueous media.
Hotspots in action: near-infrared light mediated photoelectrochemical oxygen evolution on high index faceted plasmonic gold nanoarchitectures
Authors: Rajagopal Sanjeevan , Thangudu Suresh , Feng June-Yen , Sriram Pavithra , Yen Ta-Jen , Hwang Kuo Chu
Published: July 2022

Near infrared light mediated photoelectrochemical oxygen evolution is demonstrated on novel Au 12 tip nanostructures for the first time.
Computational insights into the inverse electron-demand Diels–Alder reaction of norbornenes with 1,2,4,5-tetrazines: norbornene substituents’ effects on the reaction rate
Authors: García-Aznar Pablo , Escorihuela Jorge
Published: July 2022

The IEDDA reaction of 3,6-dipyridin-2-yl-1,2,4,5-tetrazine with norbornenes was studied by DFT calculations. The theoretical predictions were confirmed with published experimental data and analyzed with the use of the distortion/interaction model.
Silicon-bridged (1→1)-disaccharides: an umpoled glycomimetic scaffold
Authors: Choutka Jan , Kratochvíl Michal , Císařová Ivana , Pohl Radek , Kaminský Jakub , Parkan Kamil
Published: July 2022

Lithiation of 2-oxyglycals enabled the synthesis of silicon-bridged (1→1)-disaccharide analogs. The properties of this group of unusual novel compounds were investigated by a combination of spectroscopy and in silico modelling.