bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Situ Monitoring the Potassium-Ion Storage Enhancement in Iron Selenide with Ether-Based Electrolyte
Authors: Li Xiaodan , Li Jinliang , Zhuo Wenchen , Li Zhibin , Ma Liang , Ji Zhong , Pan Likun , Mai Wenjie
Published: August 2021

As one of the promising anode materials, iron selenide has received much attention for potassium-ion batteries (KIBs). Nevertheless, volume expansion and sluggish kinetics of iron selenide result in the poor reversibility and stability during potassiation–depotassiation process. In this work, we develop iron selenide composite matching ether-based electrolyte for KIBs, which presents a reversible specific capacity of 356 mAh g−1 at 200 mA g−1 after 75 cycles. According to the measurement of mechanical properties, it is found that iron selenide composite also exhibits robust and elastic solid electrolyte interphase layer in ether-based electrolyte, contributing to the improvement in reversibility and stability for KIBs. To further investigate the electrochemical enhancement mechanism of ether-based electrolyte in KIBs, we also utilize in situ visualization technique to monitor the potassiation–depotassiation process. For comparison, iron selenide composite matching carbonate-based electrolyte presents vast morphology change during potassiation–depotassiation process. When changing to ether-based electrolyte, a few minor morphology changes can be observed. This phenomenon indicates an occurrence of homogeneous electrochemical reaction in ether-based electrolyte, which results in a stable performance for potassium-ion (K-ion) storage. We believe that our work will provide a new perspective to visually monitor the potassium-ion storage process and guide the improvement in electrode material performance.
Comparative evaluation of four hydrogen peroxide-based systems to decontaminate N95 respirators
Authors: Clark Shawn , Ng Herman , Wu Ge , Jain Devika , Bassi Garry , Kandel Rita , Mazzulli Tony
Published: August 2021

Objective:

Protocols designed to facilitate N95 filtering facepiece respirator (FFR) decontamination by commercial sterilization devices do not recommend that operators verify the device’s performance against pathogens deposited on FFRs. Here, we compared the treatment efficacy of 4 hydrogen peroxide-based systems that were authorized for N95 decontamination during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

Suspensions prepared from S. aureus ATCC 29213 and 44300, B. subtilis ATCC 6633, a vancomycin-resistant E. faecium isolate (VRE), E. coli ATCC 25922, and P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 colonies were inoculated onto nine 1-cm2 areas on a 3M 1805, 1860, 1860S, 1870+, 8210, 8110S, or 9105S FFR. Contaminated respirators were treated according to protocols recommended by the STERRAD 100NX, Bioquell Z-2, Sterizone VP4, or Clēan Works Mini systems. Decontamination efficacy was determined by comparing colony counts cultured from excised segments of treated and untreated FFR.

Results:

All devices achieved a 6-log reduction in bacterial burden and met FDA sterilization criteria. The Bioquell Z-2 device demonstrated 100% efficacy against both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms with all FFRs tested. Colonies of S. aureus ATCC 29213 and 44300 and VRE were cultivable from up to 9 (100%) of 9 STERRAD 100NX– and Sterizone VP4–treated segments. Viable B. subtilis ATCC 6633 organisms were recovered from 76.0% of STERRAD 100NX–treated FFR segments.

Conclusions:

Variability in decontamination efficacy was noted across devices and FFR types. gram-positive organisms were more difficult to completely eliminate than were gram-negative organisms. Prior to initiating FFR decontamination practices, institutions should verify the effectiveness of their devices and the safety of treated FFR.
Bigger than Bitcoin: A Theoretical Typology and Research Agenda for Digital Currencies
Authors: Marple Tim
Published: August 2021

Currency is the fundamental economic technology that makes promises credible among actors within and across societies. From shells, to metals, to paper, the technology of money has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of human society. The twenty-first century is witnessing yet another evolution in the technology of money: digital currencies. Although political economy scholarship has begun to focus on digital currencies, this research has largely focused on single early examples like Bitcoin. I argue that this generally narrow focus has obscured important degrees of variation among digital currencies and, by extension, has omitted important lines of research on digital currencies as a familiar evolution in the technology of money. In this article, I revisit the history of digital currencies with explicit attention to not only economic inefficiencies but also political power structures and offer a new typology for theoretically organizing digital currencies along dimensions relevant to practitioners of political economy. I illustrate that variation along these typological dimensions produces important differences among different digital currencies and, relatedly, I explore the implications this has for digital currencies’ externalities and governance demands. Drawing on this typology, I conclude with a proposed research agenda for the political economy of digital currencies.
Algorithmic Vulnerability in Deploying Vaccination Certificates in the European Union and China
Authors: XUE Janet Hui
Published: August 2021

This article further develops the concept of algorithmic vulnerability. The analysis is built on empirical evidence of the Chinese Health Code System (HCS), compared to similar plans for the “COVID-19 Certificate” in the European Union (EU). Implementing the HCS has shown two-sided regulatory implications: improving social protection (a national strategy, a common mutual-recognition standard, scaled-up public–private cooperation) and increasing risks of social exclusion (non-digital and digital forms of vulnerability). This article argues that algorithmic vulnerability is caused by mismatches between biased databases, unfairly pre-designed algorithms and dynamically changed risk groups in reality in the context of COVID-19 vaccination. It contributes a framework for deploying plans for digital certificates in the EU concerning minimising the social risks associated with algorithmic vulnerability. The framework consists of (1) reinforcing existing vulnerability inherited from non-digital society (eg caused by intersectional factors of race/ethnicity, gender, age and health) and (2) introducing new forms of vulnerability generated by algorithm design and implementation (eg excluding the risk groups of individuals who are un/mis/overrepresented in the databases, such as those defined by nationality plus COVID-19 status).
Promoting Vaccination from a Human Rights and Equity Perspective: Lessons from the Israeli “Green Pass”
Authors: LUSTER Tamar , ALBIN Einat , GROSS Aeyal , TABENKIN Miriam , DAVIDOVITCH Nadav ,   The COVID-19 and Human Rights Working Group
Published: August 2021

Israel’s vaccination percentage was among the highest recorded worldwide. The Israeli government opted for a model using a proof-of-vaccine document (“Green Pass”). However, the “Green Pass” policy raises practical, legal and ethical concerns. While immunisation passports could be utilised to protect one’s health, significant legal difficulties arise from their usage as a vaccination encouragement scheme. Protecting health is a proper purpose, particularly as minimising the pandemic ameliorates the human rights violations that stem from the COVID-19 response, enables individuals to return to their daily lives and enhances economic activity. However, any privileges or restrictions guided by one’s COVID-19 immunisation status must be designed with the utmost attention to prevent a disproportionate violation of the human rights of the non-vaccinated and the public at large. Furthermore, as “Green Pass” policies might entrench existing discriminatory structures, ensuring equality is vital in moving forward. By exploring two case studies – labour rights and the right to privacy – we demonstrate the legal and public implications of the “Green Pass” regime. Despite the removal of the “Green Pass” in Israel, discussions continue regarding its modified reimplementation. The wider implications of the model might extend beyond its specific legal arrangements and limited temporal phase, requiring us to bring long-term public health into consideration.
Age- and sex-matched comparison of diet quality in patients with heart failure to similarly aged healthy older adults
Authors: Kang JungHee , Moser Debra K. , Biddle Martha J. , Oh GYeon , Lennie Terry A.
Published: August 2021

The aims of this study were to (1) compare diet quality between patients with heart failure (HF) and age- and sex-matched community-dwelling healthy older adults and (2) determine whether having HF was associated with a lower Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) score and risk of micronutrient deficiency. The HEI-2015 and macro- and micronutrient intakes of patients with HF were compared with healthy older adults (N102; 55–92 years old; 53 % female). A pairedt-test or Wilcoxon singed-rank test, McNemar's test, and conditional logistic regression were used to assess the association between diet quality and HF status. Median values for HEI-2015 and the number of micronutrient deficiency were used to dichotomise into groups in the conditional logistic regression. There was no significant between-group difference in the HEI-2015 total score (P0⋅059), whereas the whole grain component was lower in patients with HF than in healthy older adults (3⋅1 ± 3⋅5v.4⋅5 ± 3⋅1,P0⋅037; respectively). Total caloric intake was lower in patients with HF than in healthy older adults (1683 ± 595v.2104 ± 670 kcal;P< 0⋅001). Patients with HF had a higher average number of micronutrient deficiencies than healthy older adults (4[2, 6]v.1[0, 4], respectively,P< 0⋅001). Patients with HF had four times higher odds of being in a high micronutrient deficiency group than healthy older adults, controlling for socio-demographics and body mass index (adjusted odds ratio [95 % confidence interval]: 4⋅04[1⋅06, 15⋅41]). Our findings demonstrate that diet quality measured by nutritional intake identifies patients with HF with lower caloric intake and higher micronutrient deficiencies compared with age- and sex-matched healthy older adults.
On sectoriality of degenerate elliptic operators
Authors: Do Tan Duc
Published: August 2021

Let $c_{kl} \in W^{1,\infty }(\Omega , \mathbb{C})$ for all $k,l \in \{1, \ldots , d\};$ and $\Omega \subset \mathbb{R}^{d}$ be open with uniformly $C^{2}$ boundary. We consider the divergence form operator $A_p = - \sum \nolimits _{k,l=1}^{d} \partial _l (c_{kl} \partial _k)$ in $L_p(\Omega )$ when the coefficient matrix satisfies $(C(x) \xi , \xi ) \in \Sigma _\theta$ for all $x \in \Omega$ and $\xi \in \mathbb{C}^{d}$, where $\Sigma _\theta$ be the sector with vertex 0 and semi-angle $\theta$ in the complex plane. We show that a sectorial estimate holds for $A_p$ for all $p$ in a suitable range. We then apply these estimates to prove that the closure of $-A_p$ generates a holomorphic semigroup under further assumptions on the coefficients. The contractivity and consistency properties of these holomorphic semigroups are also considered.
Comparative study of four known species of the genus Acrobeles von Linstow, 1877 (Nematoda, Cephalobidae) with ‘single’ and ‘double’ cuticle from coastal dunes in Spain
Authors: Ruiz-Cuenca A.N. , Abolafia J.
Published: August 2021

The nematode genus Acrobeles is composed of two morphological groups distinguished by the presence (‘double’ cuticle) or absence (‘single’ cuticle) of the refringent inner layer of the cuticle. In the present study, four species of this genus, two with ‘single’ cuticle (Acrobeles ciliatus and Acrobeles cylindricus) and two with ‘double’ (Acrobeles aenigmaticus and Acrobeles complexus) are studied from coastal dunes in Spain. This study provides detailed morphological and morphometrical analyses for the four species, while molecular analysis, based on 18S and 28S ribosomal DNA, is provided for A. complexus. The four species are studied with scanning electron microscopy, which is obtained for the first time for A. cylindricus. These analyses revealed morphological and molecular differentiations between both groups, appearing as two related monophyletic entities. The subgenera Acrobeles and Seleborca, formerly considered as separate genera, are proposed to accommodate both groups.
Impact on patients of the coronovirus disease 2019 pandemic and postponement of cochlear implant surgery: a qualitative study
Authors: Abrar R , Bruce I A , O'Driscoll M , Freeman S , de Estibariz U Martinez , Stapleton E
Published: August 2021

Objective

This study aimed to explore the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and postponement of elective surgical procedures for profoundly deaf patients awaiting cochlear implantation.

Method

Open-ended questionnaires were sent to all adult patients awaiting cochlear implantation surgery. Qualitative analysis was performed using a grounded theory approach.

Results

Participants described a primarily negative impact on wellbeing from the surgery delay, expressing feelings of isolation or loneliness. Low mood, depression or hopelessness were commonly expressed by elderly participants; frustration and anxiety were described by young adults. Participants described a negative impact on their general daily life, describing difficulties communicating with facemasks and struggles with reliance on telephone communication because of social distancing. Despite these significant psychosocial challenges, only a minority described adaptive coping strategies.

Discussion

Profoundly deaf patients may be at greater psychosocial risk because of unique challenges from their hearing disability. Our findings can be used to develop evidence-driven strategies to improve communication, wellbeing and quality of life.
Ear fullness characteristics and prognosis in patients with all-frequency sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Zhou E , Xiao X-P , Liu B , Tan Z-Q , Miao G-Y , Liu X-B , Bu M-X , Cao X , Zhong J-Y
Published: August 2021

Objective

This study investigated the characteristics and prognosis of the feeling of ear fullness in patients with unilateral all-frequency sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

Methods

Our study included 56 patients with a diagnosis of unilateral all-frequency sudden sensorineural hearing loss accompanied by a feeling of ear fullness and 48 patients without a feeling of ear fullness. The condition of these patients was prospectively observed.

Results

Positive correlations were observed between grading of feeling of ear fullness and hearing loss in patients with a feeling of ear fullness (r = 0.599, p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in the total effective rate of hearing recovery between patients with and without a feeling of ear fullness after one month of treatment (Z = −0.641, p = 0.521). Eighty-six per cent of patients (48 out of 56) showed complete recovery from the feeling of ear fullness. There was no correlation between feeling of ear fullness recovery and hearing recovery (r = 0.040, p = 0.769).

Conclusion

The prognosis of feeling of ear fullness is good. There was no correlation between feeling of ear fullness recovery and hearing recovery for all-frequency sudden sensorineural hearing loss patients.
‘100 metres to the liquor store and 300 meters to the cemetery’ – individual, social, environmental and organisational facilitators and barriers to thriving in Swedish sheltered housing models
Authors: Corneliusson Laura , Sköldunger Anders , Sjögren Karin , Edvardsson David
Published: August 2021

In Sweden, sheltered housing is a housing model that provides accessible apartments with elevated social possibilities for older people. The environment within sheltered housing is expected to support resident health and reduce the need for care services. A previous study has shown that with increasing levels of depressive mood and decreasing levels of self-rated health and functional status, those residing in sheltered housing report higher levels of thriving compared to those ageing in place. Therefore, the aim of this study was to illuminate aspects of sheltered housing that are facilitators and/or barriers to thriving. Seven semi-structured group interviews in five different sheltered housing accommodations in Sweden were conducted between April 2019 and January 2020 (N = 38). The results, analysed using qualitative content analysis and presented in a model developed by Grol and Wensing, illuminate the four main categories of facilitators and barriers to thriving: individual factors, social context, environmental factors and organisational context. The results of this study show that the factors that influence experiences of thriving in sheltered housing are multifaceted and interconnected. Although the supportive environment provided in sheltered housing seems to contribute to thriving, the limited consideration towards the shifting health of residents is a barrier to thriving. The results of this study may assist in implementing tailored interventions to help support thriving on various levels.
The influence of floral traits on insect foraging behaviour on medicinal plants in an urban garden of eastern India
Authors: Chakraborty Pushan , Mukherjee Poulami Adhikary , Laha Supratim , Gupta Salil Kumar
Published: August 2021

Understanding the pollination biology of medicinal plants and their important insect pollinators is necessary for their conservation. The present study explored the complex interactions between pollinator visitation and effect of floral traits on pollinator behaviour on seven medicinal plant species grown in an urban garden in West Bengal, an eastern Indian state. The observations revealed 30 morphospecies of insect flower visitors (Diptera, Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera) that touched floral reproductive parts on the selected plants during visitation. Additionally, it was observed that floral traits (e.g., corolla length and corolla opening diameter) were important predictors of the behaviour of insects when visiting the flowers. Plant–pollinator interactions were analysed using a bipartite network approach which explored the important links between insect and plants in the network revealing the key interactions, and species which are crucial to system maintenance. This piece of work contributes to our ability to understand and maintain a stable medicinal plant–pollinator network which will support efforts to conserve native flora and insects.
Contrasting effects of the Toll-like receptor 4 in determining ovarian follicle endowment and fertility in female adult mice
Authors: Gonçalves Júlio Panzera , Magalhães Breno Augusto , Campos-Junior Paulo Henrique Almeida
Published: August 2021

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is best known for its role in bacteria-produced lipopolysaccharide recognition. Regarding female reproduction, TLR4 is expressed by murine cumulus cells and participates in ovulation and in cumulus–oocyte complex (COC) expansion, maternal–fetal interaction and preterm labour. Despite these facts, the role of TLR4 in ovarian physiology is not fully understood. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of TLR4 genetic ablation on mice folliculogenesis and female fertility, through analysis of reproductive crosses, ovarian responsiveness and follicular quantification in TLR4−/−(n =94) and C57BL/6 mice [wild type (WT),n =102]. TLR4-deficient pairs showed a reduced number of pups per litter (P =0.037) compared with WT. TLR4−/−mice presented more primordial, primary, secondary and antral follicles (P <0.001), however there was no difference in estrous cyclicity (P >0.05). A lower (P =0.006) number of COC was recovered from TLR4−/−mice oviducts after superovulation, and in heterozygous pairs, TLR4−/−females also showed a reduction in the pregnancy rate and in the number of fetuses per uterus (P =0.007) when compared with WT. Altogether, these data suggest that TLR4 plays a role in the regulation of murine folliculogenesis and in determining ovarian endowment. TLR4 deficiency may affect ovulation and pregnancy rates, potentially decreasing fertility, therefore the potential side effects of its blockade have to be carefully investigated.
Modulation of lipid metabolism through multiple pathways during oocyte maturation and embryo culture in bovine
Authors: Oliveira Clara Slade , Feuchard Viviane Luzia da Silva , Marques Sheila Costa de Souza , Saraiva Naiara Zoccal
Published: August 2021

Lipid accumulation occurs in cultured embryos and is associated with reduced cryotolerance. Here we report the use of a multiple pathway lipid modulator cocktail (l-carnitine, linoleic acid and forskolin) to improve cryosurvival. First, we stained oocytes and embryos with Oil Red to examine the time course of lipid accumulation duringin vitrofertilization (IVF) and embryo culture. Then we evaluated the effects of the lipid modulators cocktail on lipid content, developmental rates and survival after vitrification. In our conditions, lipid accumulation was detected (P <0.05) at the end ofin vitromaturation (IVM) and after 4 days of embryo culture (D4-D5). In experiment 1, we used lipid modulator cocktail during IVM. Reduced (P <0.05) lipid accumulation was detected in oocytes (Control: 49.9 ± 1.6, Lip. Mod. IVM: 45.0 ± 1.8) but no changes were present at blastocyst stage (Control: 62.4 ± 2.6, Lip. Mod. IVM: 66.8 ± 2.7). Treated oocytes presented decreased (P <0.05) blastocyst rates and lower (P <0.05) re-expansion after vitrification. In experiment 2, lipid modulators cocktail was used during embryo culture (from D4–D7 or D6–D7). Treatment had an effect on lipid metabolism, as lipid content was increased (P <0.05) in D7 blastocysts in treated groups (Control: 52.7 ± 3.1a, D4: 65.9 ± 2.6b, D6: 78.1 ± 2.7b). However, no effect was present for cleavage, blastocyst and cryosurvival rates. No difference was detected in mean cell number comparing the three groups (Control: 78.9 ± 9.6, D4: 82.6 ± 16.5, D6: 68.3 ± 7.8), but apoptosis rate was increased (P <0.05) in vitrified-warmed blastocysts from treated groups (Control: 14.77*, D4: 22.28, D6: 22.22). We concluded that the combined use of lipid modulators was efficient to promote changes in lipid content of oocytes and embryos in bovine, but those changes did not reflect positively on embryo development or cryosurvival.
Unmet mental health needs in patients with advanced B-cell lymphomas
Authors: Marte Chrystal , George Login S. , Rutherford Sarah C. , Ouyang Daniel Jie , Martin Peter , Leonard John P. , Trevino Kelly M.
Published: August 2021

Context

Existing research on psychological distress and mental health service utilization has focused on common types of solid tumor cancers, leaving significant gaps in our understanding of patients experiencing rare forms of hematologic cancers.

Objective

To examine distress, quality of life, and mental health service utilization among patients with aggressive, refractory B-cell lymphomas.

Method

Patients (n = 26) with B-cell lymphomas that relapsed after first- or second-line treatment completed self-report measures of distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and quality of life (Short-Form Health Survey, SF-12). Patients also reported whether they had utilized mental health treatment since their cancer diagnosis.

Results

Approximately 42% (n = 11) of patients reported elevated levels of psychological distress. Of patients with elevated distress, only one quarter (27.2%; n = 3) received mental health treatment, while more than half did not receive mental health treatment (54.5%; n = 6), and 18.1% (n = 2) did not want treatment. Patients with elevated distress reported lower mental quality of life than patients without elevated distress [F (1, 25) = 15.32, p = 0.001].

Significance of the results

A significant proportion of patients with advanced, progressive, B-cell lymphomas may experience elevated levels of distress. Yet, few of these distressed patients receive mental health treatment. Findings highlight the need to better identify and address barriers to mental health service utilization among patients with B-cell lymphoma, including among distressed patients who decline treatment.
Breaking the silence about illness and death: Potential effects of a pilot study of the family talk intervention when a parent with dependent children receives specialized palliative home care
Authors: Weber Falk Megan , Eklund Rakel , Kreicbergs Ulrika , Alvariza Anette , Lövgren Malin
Published: August 2021

Objective

The entire family is affected when a parent is severely ill. Parents often need and appreciate professional support when talking to children about illness and death. The family talk intervention (FTI) is family-centered and intends to promote communication about the illness and its consequences, support parenting to enhance family coping and help family members share experiences with each other to create a shared family history. This study aimed to explore potential effects of FTI in specialized palliative home care, as reported by parents.

Method

This pre-post test intervention pilot was conducted in specialized palliative home care. A convergent mixed-method design was used to analyze interview and questionnaire data. Twenty families with dependent children were recruited from two specialized palliative home care units in Stockholm, Sweden.

Results

Parents reported that family communication improved after participation in FTI as family members learned communication strategies that facilitated open sharing of thoughts and feelings. Increased open communication helped family members gain a better understanding of each other's perspectives. Parents reported that relationships with their partner and children had improved as they now shared several strategies for maintaining family relationships. Parents were also less worried following participation in FTI. The ill parents stated that they gained a sense of security and were less worried about the future.

Significance of results

This study adds to the evidence that FTI may be a useful intervention for families with dependent children and an ill parent in a palliative care setting. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03119545.
The Role of Bystanders in the Prevention of Railway Suicides in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Ngo Nguyen Viet , Gregor Shirley D. , Beavan Gary , Riley Bianca
Published: August 2021

Abstract. Background: Bystanders can play a key role in preventing railway suicides by taking direct action or by raising an alarm. Aims: The study investigated in this context: (1) the prevalence of preventative actions by bystanders; (2) the relationship, if any, between first-hand preventions by bystanders and the degree of ambiguity around the imminence of danger; and (3) the nature of first-hand preventions by bystanders. Method: Data were obtained from a security reporting database at Sydney Trains for 2011–2019 for accident and suicide-related incidents ( N = 1,278). Results: In 635 cases of suicide prevention, bystanders were identified as first responders in 11% of cases and as raising the alarm in 11% of cases. Bystanders as first responders intervened proportionally more where the ambiguity of danger is low (jumping) compared with high (sitting, standing, wandering). Of the 69 cases of bystander preventions, 77% involved physical interaction (e.g., holding back) and 49% involved more than one bystander. Limitations: The data source could be biased because of incompleteness or nonstandard reporting. Conclusion: Rail policy-makers should consider education and support for bystanders and staff: for example, by making known the prevalence of helping, the importance of intervening, and what types of intervention are most helpful.
Satellite Sensor EPIC Detects Aerosols in Earth’s Atmosphere
Authors: Stanley Sarah
Published: August 2021

Aerosol observations from EPIC—a sensor aboard a satellite—align well with ground- and aircraft-based data, including measurements of smoke plumes produced by recent megafires.
Revealing High‐Manganese Material on Mars at Microscale
Authors: Zeng Xiaojia , Wu Yanxue , Zhao Yuyan S. , Pang Runlian , Mo Bing , Wen Yuanyun , Li Xiongyao , Liu Jianzhong
Published: August 2021

High‐manganese materials would provide valuable information about the history of a water‐rich and oxidizing environment on early Mars. However, the detailed texture and components of these high‐manganese materials are unknown. In martian breccia meteorite NWA 11220, one unique lithic clast enriched in high‐manganese material (~5 vol%) has been recognized. Here, we report the morphological, micro‐textural, mineralogical, and geochemical features of the martian high‐manganese material at the microscale for the first time. Our results show that (a) high‐manganese materials are characterized by micron‐sized grain (<50 μm), complex associated‐phase (i.e., apatite, enstatite, magnetite, ilmenite, and amorphous matrix), and chemical heterogeneity; (b) nano‐sized (<500 nm) amorphous manganese‐oxide veins or grains are the only manganese‐bearing phases in the high‐manganese materials. These new observations provide new evidence for revealing the geological processes related to the high‐manganese materials on Mars and provide important information for future in‐situ exploration and data interpretation of high‐manganese materials on Mars.
Grain Fabric Heterogeneity in Strained Shales: Insights From XCT Measurements
Authors: Saur H. , Moonen P. , Aubourg C.
Published: August 2021

Understanding the fabric of rigid grains in strained shales is essential for predicting transport or mechanical properties. Fabric analysis of rigid grains is also key to infer deformation mechanisms in fine‐grained materials. In this study, we investigate the quartz shape fabric of two millimeter‐sized drill cores of tectonically deformed shales by means of X‐ray microtomography. The samples originate from the Jaca basin (Spain) and present a slaty cleavage perpendicular to the bedding. The representativeness of fabric data and heterogeneities are characterized at the microscale and compared with published magnetic fabric data. We extract both the individual grain data and the bulk data in sub‐volumes of increasing dimensions, and focus on identifiers, such as feature size, anisotropy, and shape. In the second step, the spatial heterogeneity of the matrix is assessed. We show that the bulk quartz fabric of a single millimeter‐sized sample is consistent with the magnetic fabric obtained based on a large number of centimeter‐sized samples. Yet, the individual grain analysis demonstrates that this bulk fabric hides a competition between two planar fabrics (bedding and cleavage), where both act differently depending on the grain size and morphology. Inter‐sample comparison reveals the existence of a petrofabric with a characteristic length that exceeds the sample size. These insights are directly applicable to the study of the bulk fabric at a larger scale. In this way, X‐ray microtomography complements petrophysical measurements in shales and helps to avoid misinterpretation of the rock fabric based on bulk measurements.
LINC00319 promotes cancer stem cell-like properties in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma via E2F1-mediated upregulation of HMGB3
Authors: Yuan Linlin , Tian Xiufen , Zhang Yanfei , Huang Xinhui , Li Qing , Li Wencai , Li Shenglei
Published: August 2021

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is one of the most common subtypes of head and neck malignancies worldwide. Long intervening/intergenic noncoding RNAs (LINCRNAs) have been recently implicated in various biological processes that take place in the setting of laryngeal cancer, but the regulatory role of LINC00319 in LSCC remains largely unknown. The current study aimed to elucidate the regulatory effect of LINC00319 on the development and progression of LSCC via high-mobility group box 3 (HMGB3). Microarray-based analysis was initially conducted to identify differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs, after which the expression of LINC00319 and HMGB3 in LSCC tissues and cells was determined accordingly. CD133+CD144+ TU177 cells were subsequently isolated and transfected with LINC00319 overexpression vector (oe-LINC00319), short hairpin RNA (sh)-LINC00319, sh-HMGB3, sh-E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1), and oe-E2F1, as well as their corresponding controls. The proliferative, invasion, self-renewal, and tumorigenic abilities of CD133+CD144+ TU177 cells were then evaluated. Our in vitro findings were further confirmed following subcutaneous injection of cells expressing the corresponding plasmids into nude mice. LINC00319 and HMGB3 expressions were elevated in LSCC cells and tissues. LINC00319 increased HMGB3 expression by recruiting E2F1. Furthermore, the stimulatory role of LINC00319 on the proliferation, invasion, self-renewal ability, and tumorigenicity of CD133+CD144+ TU177 cells was achieved by upregulating HMGB3 via recruitment of E2F1. The in vitro findings were also confirmed by in vivo experiments. Taken together, these data show that downregulating LINC00319 in CD133+CD144+ TU177 cells may serve as a potential anticancer regimen by inhibiting the proliferation and invasion of cancer stem cells in LSCC.
Quantum verification of NP problems with single photons and linear optics
Authors: Zhang Aonan , Zhan Hao , Liao Junjie , Zheng Kaimin , Jiang Tao , Mi Minghao , Yao Penghui , Zhang Lijian
Published: August 2021

Quantum computing is seeking to realize hardware-optimized algorithms for application-related computational tasks. NP (nondeterministic-polynomial-time) is a complexity class containing many important but intractable problems like the satisfiability of potentially conflict constraints (SAT). According to the well-founded exponential time hypothesis, verifying an SAT instance of size n requires generally the complete solution in an O(n)-bit proof. In contrast, quantum verification algorithms, which encode the solution into quantum bits rather than classical bit strings, can perform the verification task with quadratically reduced information about the solution in $$\tilde O(\sqrt n )$$

O

̃

(

n

)

qubits. Here we realize the quantum verification machine of SAT with single photons and linear optics. By using tunable optical setups, we efficiently verify satisfiable and unsatisfiable SAT instances and achieve a clear completeness-soundness gap even in the presence of experimental imperfections. The protocol requires only unentangled photons, linear operations on multiple modes and at most two-photon joint measurements. These features make the protocol suitable for photonic realization and scalable to large problem sizes with the advances in high-dimensional quantum information manipulation and large scale linear-optical systems. Our results open an essentially new route toward quantum advantages and extend the computational capability of optical quantum computing.
Long-term risk of subsequent ipsilateral lesions after surgery with or without radiotherapy for ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast
Authors: van Seijen Maartje , Lips Esther H. , Fu Liping , Giardiello Daniele , van Duijnhoven Frederieke , de Munck Linda , Elshof Lotte E. , Thompson Alastair , Sawyer Elinor , Ryser Marc D. , Hwang E. Shelley , Schmidt Marjanka K. , Elkhuizen Paula H. M. ,   Grand Challenge PRECISION Consortium, Wesseling Jelle , Schaapveld Michael
Published: August 2021

Background

Radiotherapy (RT) following breast-conserving surgery (BCS) for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) reduces ipsilateral breast event rates in clinical trials. This study assessed the impact of DCIS treatment on a 20-year risk of ipsilateral DCIS (iDCIS) and ipsilateral invasive breast cancer (iIBC) in a population-based cohort.

Methods

The cohort comprised all women diagnosed with DCIS in the Netherlands during 1989–2004 with follow-up until 2017. Cumulative incidence of iDCIS and iIBC following BCS and BCS + RT were assessed. Associations of DCIS treatment with iDCIS and iIBC risk were estimated in multivariable Cox models.

Results

The 20-year cumulative incidence of any ipsilateral breast event was 30.6% (95% confidence interval (CI): 28.9–32.6) after BCS compared to 18.2% (95% CI 16.3–20.3) following BCS  +  RT. Women treated with BCS compared to BCS + RT had higher risk of developing iDCIS and iIBC within 5 years after DCIS diagnosis (for iDCIS: hazard ratio (HR)age < 50 3.2 (95% CI 1.6–6.6); HRage ≥ 50 3.6 (95% CI 2.6–4.8) and for iIBC: HRage<50 2.1 (95% CI 1.4–3.2); HRage ≥ 50 4.3 (95% CI 3.0–6.0)). After 10 years, the risk of iDCIS and iIBC no longer differed for BCS versus BCS + RT (for iDCIS: HRage < 50 0.7 (95% CI 0.3–1.5); HRage ≥ 50 0.7 (95% CI 0.4–1.3) and for iIBC: HRage < 50 0.6 (95% CI 0.4–0.9); HRage ≥ 50 1.2 (95% CI 0.9–1.6)).

Conclusion

RT is associated with lower iDCIS and iIBC risk up to 10 years after BCS, but this effect wanes thereafter.
Human MLH1/3 variants causing aneuploidy, pregnancy loss, and premature reproductive aging
Authors: Singh Priti , Fragoza Robert , Blengini Cecilia S. , Tran Tina N. , Pannafino Gianno , Al-Sweel Najla , Schimenti Kerry J. , Schindler Karen , Alani Eric A. , Yu Haiyuan , Schimenti John C.
Published: August 2021

Embryonic aneuploidy from mis-segregation of chromosomes during meiosis causes pregnancy loss. Proper disjunction of homologous chromosomes requires the mismatch repair (MMR) genes MLH1 and MLH3, essential in mice for fertility. Variants in these genes can increase colorectal cancer risk, yet the reproductive impacts are unclear. To determine if MLH1/3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in human populations could cause reproductive abnormalities, we use computational predictions, yeast two-hybrid assays, and MMR and recombination assays in yeast, selecting nine MLH1 and MLH3 variants to model in mice via genome editing. We identify seven alleles causing reproductive defects in mice including female subfertility and male infertility. Remarkably, in females these alleles cause age-dependent decreases in litter size and increased embryo resorption, likely a consequence of fewer chiasmata that increase univalents at meiotic metaphase I. Our data suggest that hypomorphic alleles of meiotic recombination genes can predispose females to increased incidence of pregnancy loss from gamete aneuploidy.
X-ray transient absorption reveals the 1Au (nπ*) state of pyrazine in electronic relaxation
Authors: Scutelnic Valeriu , Tsuru Shota , Pápai Mátyás , Yang Zheyue , Epshtein Michael , Xue Tian , Haugen Eric , Kobayashi Yuki , Krylov Anna I. , Møller Klaus B. , Coriani Sonia , Leone Stephen R.
Published: August 2021

Electronic relaxation in organic chromophores often proceeds via states not directly accessible by photoexcitation. We report on the photoinduced dynamics of pyrazine that involves such states, excited by a 267 nm laser and probed with X-ray transient absorption spectroscopy in a table-top setup. In addition to the previously characterized1B2u(ππ*) (S2) and1B3u(nπ*) (S1) states, the participation of the optically dark1Au(nπ*) state is assigned by a combination of experimental X-ray core-to-valence spectroscopy, electronic structure calculations, nonadiabatic dynamics simulations, and X-ray spectral computations. Despite1Au(nπ*) and1B3u(nπ*) states having similar energies at relaxed geometry, their X-ray absorption spectra differ largely in transition energy and oscillator strength. The1Au(nπ*) state is populated in 200 ± 50 femtoseconds after electronic excitation and plays a key role in the relaxation of pyrazine to the ground state.
Etiological and epidemiological features of acute respiratory infections in China
Authors: Li Zhong-Jie , Zhang Hai-Yang , Ren Li-Li , Lu Qing-Bin , Ren Xiang , Zhang Cui-Hong , Wang Yi-Fei , Lin Sheng-Hong , Zhang Xiao-Ai , Li Jun , Zhao Shi-Wen , Yi Zhi-Gang , Chen Xiao , Yang Zuo-Sen , Meng Lei , Wang Xin-Hua , Liu Ying-Le , Wang Xin , Cui Ai-Li , Lai Sheng-Jie , Jiang Tao , Yuan Yang , Shi Lu-Sha , Liu Meng-Yang , Zhu Yu-Liang , Zhang An-Ran , Zhang Zhi-Jie , Yang Yang , Ward Michael P. , Feng Lu-Zhao , Jing Huai-Qi , Huang Liu-Yu , Xu Wen-Bo , Chen Yu , Wu Jian-Guo , Yuan Zheng-Hong , Li Meng-Feng , Wang Yu , Wang Li-Ping , Fang Li-Qun , Liu Wei , Hay Simon I. , Gao George F. , Yang Wei-Zhong ,   The Chinese Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Etiology of Respiratory Infection Surveillance Study Team, Yang Wei-Zhong , Gao George F. , Li Zhong-Jie , Wang Li-Ping , Ren Xiang , Wang Yi-Fei , Lin Sheng-Hong , Zhang Cui-Hong , Geng Meng-Jie , Wang Xin , Jing Huai-Qi , Xu Wen-Bo , Cui Ai-Li , Shen Yu-Juan , Jiang Yan-Yan , Sun Qiao , Hao Li-Peng , Ye Chu-Chu , Liu Wei , Zhang Xiao-Ai , Huang Liu-Yu , Wang Yong , Zhang Wen-Yi , Zhang Qi , Liu Wei-Yong , Sun Zi-Yong , Zhan Fa-Xian , Xiong Ying , Yu De-Shan , Wang Chun-Xiang , Zhao Sheng-Cang , Wang Wen-Rui , Lei Xia , Li Juan-Sheng , Wang Yu-Hong , Zhang Yan , Yang Jun-Peng , Wang Yan-Bo , Quan Fu-Cai , Xiong Zhi-Jun , Liang Li-Ping , Chang Quan-E , Wang Yun , Wang Ping , Mao Ling-Ling , Li Jia-Meng , Lv Li-Kun , Xu Jun , Shu Chang , Chen Xiao , Chen Yu , Zhang Yan-Jun , Cui Lun-Biao , Zheng Kui-Cheng , Zhang Xing-Guo , Zhang Xi , Tu Li-Hong , Wang Wei , Zhou Xiao-Fang , Pei Xiao-Fang , Zheng Tian-Li , Zhong Xiao-Ni , Li Qin , Ling Hua , Wang Ding-Ming , Li Shi-Jun , He Shu-Sen , Zhu Xun , Ke Chang-Wen , Xiao Hong , Di Biao , Zhang Ying , Zhou Hong-Wei , Yu Nan , Li Hong-Jian , Yang Fang , Wang Fu-Xiang , Wang Jun
Published: August 2021

Nationwide prospective surveillance of all-age patients with acute respiratory infections was conducted in China between 2009‒2019. Here we report the etiological and epidemiological features of the 231,107 eligible patients enrolled in this analysis. Children <5 years old and school-age children have the highest viral positivity rate (46.9%) and bacterial positivity rate (30.9%). Influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus and human rhinovirus are the three leading viral pathogens with proportions of 28.5%, 16.8% and 16.7%, and Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Klebsiella pneumoniae are the three leading bacterial pathogens (29.9%, 18.6% and 15.8%). Negative interactions between viruses and positive interactions between viral and bacterial pathogens are common. A Join-Point analysis reveals the age-specific positivity rate and how this varied for individual pathogens. These data indicate that differential priorities for diagnosis, prevention and control should be highlighted in terms of acute respiratory tract infection patients’ demography, geographic locations and season of illness in China.
Grafting of iPS cell-derived tenocytes promotes motor function recovery after Achilles tendon rupture
Authors: Nakajima Taiki , Nakahata Akihiro , Yamada Naoki , Yoshizawa Keiko , Kato Tomoaki M. , Iwasaki Mio , Zhao Chengzhu , Kuroki Hiroshi , Ikeya Makoto
Published: August 2021

Tendon self-renewal is a rare occurrence because of the poor vascularization of this tissue; therefore, reconstructive surgery using autologous tendon is often performed in severe injury cases. However, the post-surgery re-injury rate is relatively high, and the collection of autologous tendons leads to muscle weakness, resulting in prolonged rehabilitation. Here, we introduce an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based technology to develop a therapeutic option for tendon injury. First, we derived tenocytes from human iPSCs by recapitulating the normal progression of step-wise narrowing fate decisions in vertebrate embryos. We used single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze the developmental trajectory of iPSC-derived tenocytes. We demonstrated that iPSC-tenocyte grafting contributed to motor function recovery after Achilles tendon injury in rats via engraftment and paracrine effects. The biomechanical strength of regenerated tendons was comparable to that of healthy tendons. We suggest that iPSC-tenocytes will provide a therapeutic option for tendon injury.
Lipidomic profile of human nasal mucosa and associations with circulating fatty acids and olfactory deficiency
Authors: Khoury Spiro , Gudziol Volker , Grégoire Stéphane , Cabaret Stéphanie , Menzel Susanne , Martine Lucy , Mézière Esther , Soubeyre Vanessa , Thomas-Danguin Thierry , Grosmaitre Xavier , Bretillon Lionel , Berdeaux Olivier , Acar Niyazi , Hummel Thomas , Le Bon Anne Marie
Published: August 2021

The nasal mucosa (NM) contains olfactory mucosa which contributes to the detection of odorant molecules and the transmission of olfactory information to the brain. To date, the lipid composition of the human NM has not been adequately characterized. Using gas chromatography, liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and thin layer chromatography, we analyzed the fatty acids and the phospholipid and ceramide molecular species in adult human nasal and blood biopsies. Saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) accounted for 45% and 29% of the nasal total fatty acids, respectively. Fatty acids of the n-6 family were predominant in the PUFA subgroup. Linoleic acid and arachidonic acid (AA) were incorporated in the main nasal phospholipid classes. Correlation analysis revealed that the nasal AA level might be positively associated with olfactory deficiency. In addition, a strong positive association between the AA levels in the NM and in plasma cholesteryl esters suggested that this blood fraction might be used as an indicator of the nasal AA level. The most abundant species of ceramides and their glycosylated derivatives detected in NM contained palmitic acid and long-chain fatty acids. Overall, this study provides new insight into lipid species that potentially contribute to the maintenance of NM homeostasis and demonstrates that circulating biomarkers might be used to predict nasal fatty acid content.
Neighbors-based prediction of physical function after total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Kim Chong , Colborn Kathryn L. , van Buuren Stef , Loar Timothy , Stevens-Lapsley Jennifer E. , Kittelson Andrew J.
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this study was to develop and test personalized predictions for functional recovery after Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) surgery, using a novel neighbors-based prediction approach. We used data from 397 patients with TKA to develop the prediction methodology and then tested the predictions in a temporally distinct sample of 202 patients. The Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test was used to assess physical function. Neighbors-based predictions were generated by estimating an index patient’s prognosis from the observed recovery data of previous similar patients (a.k.a., the index patient’s “matches”). Matches were determined by an adaptation of predictive mean matching. Matching characteristics included preoperative TUG time, age, sex and Body Mass Index. The optimal number of matches was determined to be m = 35, based on low bias (− 0.005 standard deviations), accurate coverage (50% of the realized observations within the 50% prediction interval), and acceptable precision (the average width of the 50% prediction interval was 2.33 s). Predictions were well-calibrated in out-of-sample testing. These predictions have the potential to inform care decisions both prior to and following TKA surgery.