bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strong influence of north Pacific Ocean variability on Indian summer heatwaves
Authors: Hari Vittal , Ghosh Subimal , Zhang Wei , Kumar Rohini
Published: September 2022

Increased occurrence of heatwaves across different parts of the world is one of the characteristic signatures of anthropogenic warming. With a 1.3 billion population, India is one of the hot spots that experience deadly heatwaves during May-June – yet the large-scale physical mechanism and teleconnection patterns driving such events remain poorly understood. Here using observations and controlled climate model experiments, we demonstrate a significant footprint of the far-reaching Pacific Meridional Mode (PMM) on the heatwave intensity (and duration) across North Central India (NCI) – the high risk region prone to heatwaves. A strong positive phase of PMM leads to a significant increase in heatwave intensity and duration over NCI (0.8-2 °C and 3–6 days;p < 0.05) and vice-versa. The current generation (CMIP6) climate models that adequately capture the PMM and their responses to NCI heatwaves, project significantly higher intensities of future heatwaves (0.5-1 °C;p < 0.05) compared to all model ensembles. These differences in the intensities of heatwaves could significantly increase the mortality (by ≈150%) and therefore can have substantial implications on designing the mitigation and adaptation strategies.
GCAF(TMEM251) regulates lysosome biogenesis by activating the mannose-6-phosphate pathway
Authors: Zhang Weichao , Yang Xi , Li Yingxiang , Yu Linchen , Zhang Bokai , Zhang Jianchao , Cho Woo Jung , Venkatarangan Varsha , Chen Liang , Burugula Bala Bharathi , Bui Sarah , Wang Yanzhuang , Duan Cunming , Kitzman Jacob O. , Li Ming
Published: September 2022

The mannose-6-phosphate (M6P) biosynthetic pathway for lysosome biogenesis has been studied for decades and is considered a well-understood topic. However, whether this pathway is regulated remains an open question. In a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screen, we discover TMEM251 as the first regulator of the M6P modification. Deleting TMEM251 causes mistargeting of most lysosomal enzymes due to their loss of M6P modification and accumulation of numerous undigested materials. We further demonstrate that TMEM251 localizes to the Golgi and is required for the cleavage and activity of GNPT, the enzyme that catalyzes M6P modification. In zebrafish, TMEM251 deletion leads to severe developmental defects including heart edema and skeletal dysplasia, which phenocopies Mucolipidosis Type II. Our discovery provides a mechanism for the newly discovered human disease caused by TMEM251 mutations. We name TMEM251 as GNPTAB cleavage and activity factor (GCAF) and its related disease as Mucolipidosis Type V.
Microgel reinforced zwitterionic hydrogel coating for blood-contacting biomedical devices
Authors: Yao Mengmeng , Wei Zhijian , Li Junjin , Guo Zhicheng , Yan Zhuojun , Sun Xia , Yu Qingyu , Wu Xiaojun , Yu Chaojie , Yao Fanglian , Feng Shiqing , Zhang Hong , Li Junjie
Published: September 2022

Zwitterionic hydrogels exhibit eminent nonfouling and hemocompatibility. Several key challenges hinder their application as coating materials for blood-contacting biomedical devices, including weak mechanical strength and low adhesion to the substrate. Here, we report a poly(carboxybetaine) microgel reinforced poly(sulfobetaine) (pCBM/pSB) pure zwitterionic hydrogel with excellent mechanical robustness and anti-swelling properties. The pCBM/pSB hydrogel coating was bonded to the PVC substrate via the entanglement network between the pSB and PVC chain. Moreover, the pCBM/pSB hydrogel coating can maintain favorable stability even after 21 d PBS shearing, 0.5 h strong water flushing, 1000 underwater bends, and 100 sandpaper abrasions. Notably, the pCBM/pSB hydrogel coated PVC tubing can not only mitigate the foreign body response but also prevent thrombus formation ex vivo in rats and rabbits blood circulation without anticoagulants. This work provides new insights to guide the design of pure zwitterionic hydrogel coatings for biomedical devices.
Salivary orosomucoid 1 as a biomarker of hepatitis B associated hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: He Jiaoxia , Zheng Zhongling , Liu Tingting , Ao Yupei , Yang Yixuan , Hu Huaidong
Published: September 2022

Saliva is rich in proteins, DNA, RNA and microorganisms, and can be regarded as a biomarker library. In order to explore a noninvasive and simple means of early screening for liver cancer, proteomics was used to screen salivary markers of hepatitis B associated liver cancer. We used mass spectrometry coupled isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-technology to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Western blot, immunohistochemistry and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay were used to detect marker expression of in tissues and saliva. Statistical analysis was used to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of the markers was analyzed through statistical analyses. By comparing the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) group with non-HCC groups, we screened out 152 salivary DEPs. We found orosomucoid 1(ORM1) had significantly higher expression in saliva of HCC patients compared with non-HCC groups (p < 0.001) and the expression of ORM1 in liver cancer tissues was significantly higher than that in adjacent normal tissues (p < 0.001). The combination of salivary ORM1 and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) showed reasonable specificities and sensitivities for detecting HCC. In a word, salivary ORM1 as a new biomarker of hepatitis B associated hepatocellular carcinoma, combination of salivary ORM1 and AFP as an improved diagnostic tool for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Brain-correlates of processing local dependencies within a statistical learning paradigm
Authors: Tsogli Vera , Skouras Stavros , Koelsch Stefan
Published: September 2022

Statistical learning refers to the implicit mechanism of extracting regularities in our environment. Numerous studies have investigated the neural basis of statistical learning. However, how the brain responds to violations of auditory regularities based on prior (implicit) learning requires further investigation. Here, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate the neural correlates of processing events that are irregular based on learned local dependencies. A stream of consecutive sound triplets was presented. Unbeknown to the subjects, triplets were either (a) standard, namely triplets ending with a high probability sound or, (b) statistical deviants, namely triplets ending with a low probability sound. Participants (n = 33) underwent a learning phase outside the scanner followed by an fMRI session. Processing of statistical deviants activated a set of regions encompassing the superior temporal gyrus bilaterally, the right deep frontal operculum including lateral orbitofrontal cortex, and the right premotor cortex. Our results demonstrate that the violation of local dependencies within a statistical learning paradigm does not only engage sensory processes, but is instead reminiscent of the activation pattern during the processing of local syntactic structures in music and language, reflecting the online adaptations required for predictive coding in the context of statistical learning.
The impact of long-term memory on the climate response to greenhouse gas emissions
Authors: Yuan Naiming , Franzke Christian L. E. , Xiong Feilin , Fu Zuntao , Dong Wenjie
Published: September 2022

Global warming exerts a strong impact on the Earth system. Despite recent progress, Earth System Models still project a large range of possible warming levels. Here we employ a generalized stochastic climate model to derive a response operator which computes the global mean surface temperature given specific forcing scenarios to quantify the impact of past emissions on current warming. This approach enables us to systematically separate between the “forcing-induced direct” and the “memory-induced indirect” trends. Based on historical records, we find that the direct-forcing-response is weak, while we attribute the major portion of the observed global warming trend to the indirect-memory responses that are accumulated from past emissions. Compared to CMIP6 simulations, our data-driven approach projects lower global warming levels over the next few decades. Our results suggest that CMIP6 models may have a higher transient climate sensitivity than warranted from the observational record, due to them having larger long-term memory than observed.
The choanoflagellate pore-forming lectin SaroL-1 punches holes in cancer cells by targeting the tumor-related glycosphingolipid Gb3
Authors: Notova Simona , Bonnardel François , Rosato Francesca , Siukstaite Lina , Schwaiger Jessica , Lim Jia Hui , Bovin Nicolai , Varrot Annabelle , Ogawa Yu , Römer Winfried , Lisacek Frédérique , Imberty Anne
Published: September 2022

Choanoflagellates are primitive protozoa used as models for animal evolution. They express a large variety of multi-domain proteins contributing to adhesion and cell communication, thereby providing a rich repertoire of molecules for biotechnology. Adhesion often involves proteins adopting a β-trefoil fold with carbohydrate-binding properties therefore classified as lectins. Sequence database screening with a dedicated method resulted in TrefLec, a database of 44714 β-trefoil candidate lectins across 4497 species. TrefLec was searched for original domain combinations, which led to single out SaroL-1 in the choanoflagellate Salpingoeca rosetta, that contains both β-trefoil and aerolysin-like pore-forming domains. Recombinant SaroL-1 is shown to bind galactose and derivatives, with a stronger affinity for cancer-related α-galactosylated epitopes such as the glycosphingolipid Gb3, when embedded in giant unilamellar vesicles or cell membranes. Crystal structures of complexes with Gb3 trisaccharide and GalNAc provided the basis for building a model of the oligomeric pore. Finally, recognition of the αGal epitope on glycolipids required for hemolysis of rabbit erythrocytes suggests that toxicity on cancer cells is achieved through carbohydrate-dependent pore-formation.
Structure of cyanobacterial photosystem I complexed with ferredoxin at 1.97 Å resolution
Authors: Li Jiannan , Hamaoka Noriyuki , Makino Fumiaki , Kawamoto Akihiro , Lin Yuxi , Rögner Matthias , Nowaczyk Marc M. , Lee Young-Ho , Namba Keiichi , Gerle Christoph , Kurisu Genji
Published: September 2022

Photosystem I (PSI) is a light driven electron pump transferring electrons from Cytochrome c6 (Cyt c6) to Ferredoxin (Fd). An understanding of this electron transfer process is hampered by a paucity of structural detail concerning PSI:Fd interface and the possible binding sites of Cyt c6. Here we describe the high resolution cryo-EM structure of Thermosynechococcus elongatus BP-1 PSI in complex with Fd and a loosely bound Cyt c6. Side chain interactions at the PSI:Fd interface including bridging water molecules are visualized in detail. The structure explains the properties of mutants of PsaE and PsaC that affect kinetics of Fd binding and suggests a molecular switch for the dissociation of Fd upon reduction. Calorimetry-based thermodynamic analyses confirms a single binding site for Fd and demonstrates that PSI:Fd complexation is purely driven by entropy. A possible reaction cycle for the efficient transfer of electrons from Cyt c6 to Fd via PSI is proposed.
Decadal Sea Ice Prediction in the West Antarctic Seas with Ocean and Sea Ice Initializations
Authors: Morioka Yushi , Iovino Doroteaciro , Cipollone Andrea , Masina Simona , Behera Swadhin K.
Published: September 2022

Antarctic sea ice plays an important role in the formation of Antarctic Bottom Water that travels over global oceans and affects global climate. Here we demonstrate that decadal sea ice variability in the west Antarctic seas can be predicted with significant skills using a coupled general circulation model. We present three decadal reforecast experiments where only sea surface temperature, sea surface temperature and sea ice concentration, or sea surface temperature, sea ice concentration and subsurface ocean temperature and salinity are initialized with observations. We find that initializing all three components leads to the highest prediction skills of the sea ice concentration in the Amundsen-Bellingshausen Sea. This experiment captures decadal sea ice increase after the late 2000s, which is linked to anomalous sea ice advection from the Ross Sea and anomalous subsurface ocean cooling by the strengthened Antarctic Circumpolar Current. Skillful prediction of decadal sea ice variability benefits from combined ocean and sea ice initializations.
Mapping global acceptance and uptake of COVID-19 vaccination: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Qian , Hu Simeng , Du Fanxing , Zang Shujie , Xing Yuting , Qu Zhiqiang , Zhang Xu , Lin Leesa , Hou Zhiyuan
Published: September 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic exit strategies depend on widespread acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines. We aim to estimate the global acceptance and uptake of COVID-19 vaccination, and their variations across populations, countries, time, and sociodemographic subgroups.

Methods

We searched four peer-reviewed databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and EBSCO) for papers published in English from December 1, 2019 to February 27, 2022. This review included original survey studies which investigated acceptance or uptake of COVID-19 vaccination, and study quality was assessed using the Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies. We reported the pooled acceptance or uptake rates and 95% confidence interval (CI) using meta-analysis with a random-effects model.

Results

Among 15690 identified studies, 519 articles with 7,990,117 participants are eligible for meta-analysis. The global acceptance and uptake rate of COVID-19 vaccination are 67.8% (95% CI: 67.1–68.6) and 42.3% (95% CI: 38.2–46.5), respectively. Among all population groups, pregnant/breastfeeding women have the lowest acceptance (54.0%, 46.3–61.7) and uptake rates (7.3%, 1.7–12.8). The acceptance rate varies across countries, ranging from 35.9% (34.3–37.5) to 86.9% (81.4–92.5) for adults, and the lowest acceptance is found in Russia, Ghana, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria (below 50%). The acceptance rate declines globally in 2020, then recovers from December 2020 to June 2021, and further drops in late 2021. Females, those aged < 60 years old, Black individuals, those with lower education or income have the lower acceptance than their counterparts. There are large gaps (around 20%) between acceptance and uptake rates for populations with low education or income.

Conclusion

COVID-19 vaccine acceptance needs to be improved globally. Continuous vaccine acceptance monitoring is necessary to inform public health decision making.
Night-time oxidation at the air–water interface: co-surfactant effects in binary mixtures
Authors: Sebastiani Federica , Campbell Richard A. , Pfrang Christian
Published: September 2022

The ageing of organic-coated aqueous aerosols at night is investigated by reacting NO3with binary surfactant mixtures floating on water.
Photo-piezocatalysis in electrospun PVDF + WS2membrane
Authors: Verma Sahil , Sharma Moolchand , Vaish Rahul
Published: September 2022

PVDF + WS2fibers were fabricatedviaan electrospinning method and utilised as sample materials to explore the effect of structure on catalytic activity.
Lipid-lowering activity of metformin-soluble soybean polysaccharide nanoparticles
Authors: He Haiyan , Liu Mengting , He Rong , Zhao Wei
Published: September 2022

Soybean dregs are one of the most important albeit underutilized byproducts in soybean processing.
An integrated network pharmacology and metabolomics approach to reveal the immunomodulatory mechanism of Brassica rapa L. (Tibetan Turnip) in fatigue mice
Authors: Zhu Hongkang , Yang Yan , Li Zilin , Wang Xiaoyan , Qian He
Published: September 2022

Network pharmacology and metabolomics are powerful tools for evaluating pharmacological effects of phyto-pharmaceuticals, which can be emplyed to reveal the action mechanisms of Brassica rapa L. in the management of fatigue.
Dark peptide discs for the investigation of membrane proteins in supported lipid bilayers: the case of synaptobrevin 2 (VAMP2)
Authors: Luchini Alessandra , Tidemand Frederik Grønbæk , Johansen Nicolai Tidemand , Sebastiani Federica , Corucci Giacomo , Fragneto Giovanna , Cárdenas Marité , Arleth Lise
Published: September 2022

Dark peptide discs enable the quantification of membrane protein concentration loaded in the discs. They can also be used to form supported lipid bilayers with oriented membrane proteins, which are advanced model systems mimicking biological membranes.
Assembly of surface-independent polyphenol/liquid gallium composite nanocoatings
Authors: Centurion Franco , Hassan Md. Musfizur , Tang Jianbo , Allioux Francois-Marie , Chakraborty Sudip , Chen Renxun , Mao Guangzhao , Kumar Naresh , Kalantar-Zadeh Kourosh , Rahim Md. Arifur
Published: September 2022

A versatile strategy to fabricate surface-independent nanocoatings with entrapped liquid metal nanoparticles has been demonstrated, leveraging from the self-assembly and chelation ability of natural polyphenols.
Recombinase amplified CRISPR enhanced chain reaction (RACECAR) for viral genome detection
Authors: Kachwala Mahera J. , Smith Christopher W. , Nandu Nidhi , Yigit Mehmet V.
Published: September 2022

A highly modular, 4 h-long ‘recombinase amplified CRISPR enhanced chain reaction’ (RACECAR) assay that can detect as little as 40 copies of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome has been developed.
A 2D heavy fermion CePb3 kagome material on silicon: emergence of unique spin polarized states for spintronics
Authors: Mihalyuk Alexey N. , Gruznev Dimitry V. , Bondarenko Leonid V. , Tupchaya Alexandra Y. , Vekovshinin Yuriy E. , Eremeev Sergey V. , Zotov Andrey V. , Saranin Alexander A.
Published: September 2022

We report on the successful synthesis of a 2D atomically thin heavy-fermion CePb3 kagome compound on a Si(111) surface, which holds intriguing spin-polarized states relevant for spintronic applications.
Vacancy-modified g-C3N4and its photocatalytic applications
Authors: Xu Xuejun , Xu Yisheng , Liang Yaoheng , Long Hangyu , Chen Dongchu , Hu Huawen , Ou Jian Zhen
Published: September 2022

As an emerging semiconductor-based catalyst, g-C3N4has attracted significant attention for visible light-driven photocatalytic energy conversion, synthesis of chemicals, and environmental remediation.
Photocatalytic synthesis of 10-phenanthrenolsviaintramolecular cycloaromatization under oxidant-free conditions
Authors: Li Jun-Li , Niu Xiaoying , Song Yi-Fan , Du Jian-Long , Shen Shigang , Yang Xiu-Long
Published: September 2022

A novel tandem photocycloaddition/dehydrogenative aromatization with hydrogen evolution oforthobiaryl-appended 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds for the synthesis of 10-phenanthrenolviacobaloxime catalysis is disclosed.
Communicative Fluency and the Experience of Stuttering: A Viewpoint
Authors: Usler Evan
Published: September 2022

Purpose:

Despite ambiguity in meaning and usage, “fluency” has played a central role in the understanding and treatment of developmental stuttering. The appropriateness of the term
fluency
in association with so-called
fluency disorders
, such as stuttering, has recently been questioned. The purpose of this article is to propose that fluency is best conceptualized as the efficiency of goal-directed action through cybernetic function. Spoken utterances are examples of sequences of action for the fulfillment of a hierarchy of nested and increasingly abstract social goals, including behaviors (e.g., introducing oneself) and values (e.g., being a sociable person). In contrast, some moments of speech disfluency, such as stuttering disfluencies, are inefficiencies in goal-directed action that may or may not hinder the fulfillment of higher level communicative behaviors and values, described here as
communicative fluency
.

Conclusions:

The concept of communicative fluency refers to the continual, reliable, and upward fulfillment of increasingly abstract social goals in the form of communicative actions, behaviors, and values. This expanded conceptualization of fluency beyond simply speech production has the potential to be a useful indicator of psychosocial well-being for individuals who stutter.
When a molecular motor does the quantum leap
Authors: Gröning Oliver , Stolz Samuel , Prinz Jan , Brune Harrald , Widmer Roland
Published: September 2022

In his seminal 1959 lecture “There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom” Richard Feynman has put forward two challenges [1] .The first was to shrink letters to a size, which allowed writing the whole Encyclopedia Britannica on the head of a pin - which was achieved in 1985 [2].The second challenge read: “It is my intention to offer a prize of $1,000 to the first guy who makes a rotating electric motor which can be controlled from the outside and, not counting the lead-in wires, is only 1/64th inch cubed” [1].
Pseudo-hypoparathyroïdie et ses variants
Authors: Kottler Marie-Laure
Published: September 2022

Les pseudohypoparathyroïdies (PHP) sont des maladies rares, caractérisées par une résistance à l’action rénale de la parathormone. Le défaut génétique est localisé au locus GNAS, qui code la sous-unité alpha stimulatrice des protéines G (Gαs). Ce locus est le siège de régulations complexes, épissage alternatif et empreinte parentale éteigant de façon tissu-spécifique l’expression de l’allèle paternel. Des mutations hétérozygotes perte de fonction, des épimutations responsables d’une perte d’expression sont associées à un large spectre pathologique : PHP1A, PHP1B, ossification hétérotopique, ostéodystophie, obésité, retard de croissance in utero, etc., dont les mécanismes restent encore incomplètement connus.
Le Double Cursus Santé Sciences à l’UFR Santé de Rouen
Authors: Dabaj Ivana , Lahmar Imran , Gomez Anaëlle , Barbey Léo , Verdier Antonin , Delage Colombe , Galateau Eva , Aubert Raphaël , Gehanno Alexandre , Schaal Pauline , Feldmann Lea , Tebani Abdellah , Estour François , Bekri Soumeya
Published: September 2022

Le Double Cursus Santé Sciences (DCSS) permet de former précocement les futurs acteurs de santé à la recherche. La profonde transformation du système de santé et l’avènement de nouvelles techniques analytiques et numériques ont conduit à reconsidérer la place de la recherche dans la pratique clinique. L’expérience internationale de ce type de programme de formation, notamment aux États-Unis, a révélé le rôle prépondérant que jouent les acteurs de santé ayant acquis une double compétence, médicale et scientifique. En France, un DCSS précoce, pendant les études médicales, a été mis en place dans les années 2000. Cette formation reste cependant disparate et hétérogène, et ne concerne pas toutes les universités. En 2016, l’UFR Santé de Rouen a constaté que le nombre d’étudiants engagés dans ce double cursus était très faible, voire nul selon les années. Aussi, en 2017, un accompagnement institutionnel a été introduit. Celui-ci a abouti à la création d’un tutorat étudiant dédié à cette formation. Il a permis une augmentation du nombre de candidats intéressés et la reconnaissance institutionnelle de ce double parcours. Nous présentons ici les contours de cette formation impliquant étudiants et institution.
Transition de la médecine pédiatrique à la médecine pour adultes dans les maladies autoimmunes et autoinflammatoires rares
Authors: Herasse Muriel , Romier Mélanie , Hentgen Véronique , Duquesne Agnès , Larbre Jean-Paul , Maillard Hélène , Pha Micheline , Pillet Pascal , Reumaux Héloïse , Truchetet Marie-Elise , Georgin-Lavialle Sophie , Belot Alexandre
Published: September 2022

La commission « Transition » de la filière de santé des maladies auto-immunes et auto-inflammatoires rares a développé des outils et émis des recommandations pour la prise en charge des adolescents et jeunes adultes atteints de ces maladies chroniques évoluant souvent par poussées, durant la période de transition de la médecine pédiatrique vers la médecine pour adultes. L’enjeu de l’adhésion du jeune patient à la poursuite de son parcours de soin dans le système de santé des adultes rend particulièrement importante l’alliance thérapeutique avec son médecin pédiatre puis son médecin pour adultes. Le groupe de travail issu de cette commission a ainsi mené une enquête sur la façon dont les médecins et les jeunes patients perçoivent leur relation durant la période de la transition du suivi médical.
D’un protocole de soin au succès d’un essai clinique
Authors: Petit Caroline
Published: September 2022

Les innovations pour traiter l’infection par le virus de l’immunodéficience humaine (VIH) n’ont pas cessé depuis les premières monothérapies et, en 1996, les premières trithérapies. L’une d’elles vient d’être validée par l’essai ANRS QUATUOR. Elle consiste à prendre deux fois moins de médicaments, en rendant le traitement intermittent. À la demande des patients non adhérents à sa prescription standard, Jacques Leibowitch a encadré cette pratique dès 2002, en s’appuyant sur une étude transgressant le dogme de l’adhésion stricte au traitement quotidien. Ce concept de traitement à temps partiel provenait des travaux du groupe d’Anthony Fauci, mais il le revisitera pour le pousser à son apogée avec la cohorte Iccarre. Son intention strictement thérapeutique s’inscrivit initialement dans le cadre du protocole de soin Iccarre qui, en 2020, comptait 96 patients, majoritairement en réduction médicamenteuse de 70 % grâce à l’ultra-intermittence thérapeutique. Il a posé les bases de l’essai contrôlé QUATUOR dont le résultat, récemment publié, montre la non infériorité des traitements intermittents à 4 jours/7 de médicaments par rapport au traitement standard.
Study on formation of dual-phase MnO–SiO2-based inclusions in tire cord steel
Authors: Song Guodong , Deng Zhiyin , Chen Lei , Zhu Miaoyong
Published: September 2022

In order to understand the formation of dual-phase MnO–SiO2-based inclusions in tire cord steel, laboratory and industrial experiments are carried out to investigate the formation and evolution of inclusions during Si–Mn deoxidation, and thermodynamic calculations are conducted to check the stability of inclusions after deoxidation. The results show that (Fe, Mn)O inclusions and CaO–SiO2–FeO based inclusions are mainly found in BOF as-tapped crude steel. During Si–Mn deoxidation, the (Fe, Mn)O inclusions will transform into MnO–SiO2 system inclusions, including liquid MnO–SiO2 inclusions and SiO2 + MnO–SiO2 dual-phase inclusions; while CaO–SiO2–MnO inclusions will be generated from CaO–SiO2–FeO based inclusions. In Si–Mn-killed tire cord steel, SiO2 is proved to be saturated in the MnO–SiO2 system inclusions, thus the dual-phase inclusions of SiO2 + MnO–SiO2 can stably stay in liquid steel after deoxidation, and probably change into dual-phase MnO–SiO2–Al2O3 system inclusions during refining process. The effect of alloy addition sequence on deoxidation is not evident, while the effect of slag is more profound. Proper addition of slag formers should be considered to promote deoxidation result.
Covid-19: Auswirkungen auf den Gastrointestinaltrakt
Authors: Sperrer Martin , Buchholz Hendrik , Rettig Gudrun , Faiss Siegbert
Published: September 2022

Im Zeitalter der Omikronwellen hat sich das Pandemiegeschehen noch einmal
gewandelt. Die größte Hürde waren im Gegensatz zu den
ersten Wellen nicht die vielen schwerstkranken Patienten, sondern die
Personalausfälle durch die Infektionen. Die schweren Verläufe
sind trotz der hohen Infektionszahlen im Januar bis März weitestgehend
von den Intensivstationen ferngeblieben. Unter den niedrigen Infektionszahlen
ist ein Durchatmen, ein persönlicher Austausch bei Kongressen und fast
vorpandemisches Arbeiten wieder möglich. In Hinblick auf erneute Wellen
besteht die Herausforderung darin ein Umfeld zu schaffen, dass
gastroenterologische Behandlung und Diagnostik im benötigten Umfang
gewährleisten kann ohne dabei Personal oder Patient:innen zu
gefährden. Dazu ist eine konsequente Strategie aus Testung, gesteigerten
Hygieneschutzmaßnahmen und nicht zuletzt Immunisierung notwendig.
Die Bedeutung des Darm-Mikrobioms für die Alzheimer-Demenz
Authors: Adler Georg
Published: September 2022

Hintergrund Unter dem Darm-Mikrobiom versteht man die Summe der Genome der Mikrobiota des menschlichen Darms. Die Bedeutung des Darm-Mikrobiota für Entwicklung, Verlauf und Behandlung der Alzheimer-Demenz hat in den vergangenen Jahren zunehmendes Interesse gefunden, sodass mittlerweile zahlreiche Untersuchungen zu diesem Thema publiziert wurden.

Ziel Darstellung des aktuellen Stands der Forschung zur Bedeutung des Darm-Mikrobioms für Entwicklung, Verlauf und Behandlung der Alzheimer-Demenz.

Ergebnisse und Diskussion Bei Patienten mit Alzheimer-Demenz wurden Veränderungen des Mikrobioms beschrieben, insbesondere eine Abnahme der Diversität sowie eine Zunahme bzw. Abnahme bestimmter Stämme und Klassen von Bakterien. Ähnliche Veränderungen fanden sich bei Diabetes mellitus und Übergewicht, bekannten Risikofaktoren für die Alzheimer-Demenz, sowie mit zunehmendem Lebensalter. Schließlich sind auch entzündliche Darmerkrankungen mit einem erhöhten Risiko für die Entwicklung einer Alzheimer-Demenz verbunden. Es gibt verschiedene Mechanismen, über die das Darm-Mikrobiom die Krankheitsprozesse, die der Alzheimer-Demenz zugrunde liegen, beeinflussen kann. Am besten belegt erscheint die Verstärkung von Entzündungsprozessen durch eine vermehrte Durchlässigkeit der Darmbarriere für entzündungsfördernde Bakterienmetabolite und -bestandteile. Diese Zusammenhänge haben schon Therapieversuche ausgelöst, die insbesondere mit Pro- und Präbiotika auf eine Modifikation des Darm-Mikrobioms abzielen.
Zinc Acetate Catalyzed Stereoselective 1,2-trans-Glycosylation Using Glycosyl Chlorides
Authors: Babu Tatina Madhu , Ali Mohammad Saif , Ramesh P. I. , Ghosh Subhash
Published: September 2022

We report a strategy for the stereoselective synthesis of 1,2-trans-glycosides in the absence of neighboring group participation. The present protocol for the selective glycosylation mainly relies on catalyst control rather than protecting group selection. By using this protocol, several glycosides were prepared. Zinc acetate was found to be the optimal catalyst, providing the desired 1,2-trans-glycosides from glucose- and mannose-derived glycosyl halides at room temperature instead of low-temperature conditions.
Vascular Abnormalities in a Pelvic Ectopic Kidney: How a Dissection-Based Program Improves the Knowledge of Clinical Anatomy
Authors: Dawalibi Ahmad , Mazhar Muhammad Atif , Qazi Sadia , Ganguly Paul , Behiery Ayman
Published: September 2022

Anatomy is a vital basic science for safe and effective medical practice and its significance increases several folds when it is taught in a clinically relevant manner. In today's time-compressed modern medical curricula, the importance of dissection-based anatomy programs is integral to teaching–learning outcome. Sound anatomical knowledge is critical to safe clinical and surgical practice as it is fundamental to the career of future doctors. In this pictorial essay, we present a case of a left ectopic pelvic kidney during one of the faculty-guided dissection sessions at the Alfaisal University. Such an anomaly motivated students to perform further meticulous dissection and to engage in detailed discussions after identifying associated abnormal findings. It is believed that these practices at the very start of the medical journey of students will effectively enhance their clinical reasoning skills by integrating basic and clinical anatomy.
Convergence effect of the Belt and Road Initiative on income disparity: evidence from China
Authors: Qin Bo , Zeng Dongmei , Gao Angang
Published: September 2022

The international economic effects of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) have received much attention, but few studies have focused on the impact of the BRI on domestic regional income disparities. Here, a theoretical framework is proposed based on the logic of public policy analysis in economic geography aiming at studying the impact of the BRI on the convergence of inter-city income disparities in China. Specifically, taking the BRI as a quasi-natural experiment, the impact of the BRI on the convergence of inter-city income disparities in 26 provinces of China is studied empirically using the difference-in-differences method. We find that the BRI has indeed contributed to the convergence of regional income disparities, and this convergence effect is continuously dynamic in its nature. The effects of trade opening and industrial structure transformation are the paths through which the BRI contributes to the convergence of income disparities. Furthermore, we find that there is significant heterogeneity in the effects of the BRI on the convergence of income disparities among cities in different provinces in China. The convergence effect of the BRI on the income disparities among cities in East China is small and insignificant, whereas it can significantly reduce the income disparities among cities in Central and West China. The research in this article has important application value for exploration of the regional income distribution effect of the BRI.
Al back-gated graphene field-effect transistors for capacitive sensing applications based on quantum capacitance effect
Authors: Ju Wonbin , Lee Sungbae
Published: September 2022

We report a new device design of a graphene field-effect transistor (G-FET) for capacitive sensing application. A channel area exposed to ambient conditions in G-FET is known to be a promising candidate for molecular level sensing applications because graphene can attract certain molecules with its freely hanging sigma bonds. In addition, molecules that adhere to graphene act as impurities that affect the electron transport within graphene. Two of the most common ways to evaluate such a change are measuring the changes in resistance and in quantum capacitance. Previous research studies have been largely focused on using resistive measurement due to restrictions from device design even though capacitive measurement can be cost-effective. To overcome the obstacles, we developed G-FET with high capacitance and a large exposed channel area by incorporating Al back-gate electrodes with naturally oxidized AlOx surface as an insulating layer. The measured capacitance was well-modulated in vacuum by the gate voltage due to the quantum capacitance effect. Also, the capacitance curve was shifted up to the right in the 100 ppm NO2 environment. The capacitance at zero gate bias was increased by 56.6% from the vacuum to the 100 ppm NO2 environment. These results indicate that the proposed device can be used for capacitive sensing applications.
Chronic hepatitis B management in six South Australian Aboriginal community controlled health services
Authors: Larkin Michael , Mahmood Mohammad , Ward James , Hummerston Beth , Johnson David , Laurence Caroline
Published: September 2022

Background Chronic hepatitis B is a significant public health issue; however, there is limited understanding of the engagement in primary health care of Aboriginal people living with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Methods To better understand the management of CHB, diagnostic reports and case note audits were conducted in six South Australian Aboriginal community controlled health services. The audits covered the initial assessment, CHB monitoring, and hepatocellular carcinoma screening. The initial assessment was reviewed by auditing client clinical records for the first 12 months from the date of diagnosis, whereas CHB monitoring and hepatocellular carcinoma screening were determined by auditing a 12-month sample period (January to December 2019). Associations with CHB monitoring were determined using a Chi-squared test and Fisher’s exact test P-values, as appropriate. Results There were 50 current clients with a diagnosis of CHB at the time of the audit (January 2020). Testing was incomplete for the initial assessment, CHB monitoring and hepatocellular carcinoma screening. There were significant associations between the increased likelihood of accessing monitoring and the number of times a person attended an Aboriginal community controlled health service, accessing care in a more remote region, having a documented recall and having a GP management plan containing CHB. Conclusion Through providing evidence of significant associations between having a recall set and GP management plans with increased uptake of disease monitoring, this study has highlighted areas for improvement in clinical management.
Strong isoprene emission response to temperature in tundra vegetation
Authors: Seco Roger , Holst Thomas , Davie-Martin Cleo L. , Simin Tihomir , Guenther Alex , Pirk Norbert , Rinne Janne , Rinnan Riikka
Published: September 2022

Emissions of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) are a crucial component of biosphere–atmosphere interactions. In northern latitudes, climate change is amplified by feedback processes in which BVOCs have a recognized, yet poorly quantified role, mainly due to a lack of measurements and concomitant modeling gaps. Hence, current Earth system models mostly rely on temperature responses measured on vegetation from lower latitudes, rendering their predictions highly uncertain. Here, we show how tundra isoprene emissions respond vigorously to temperature increases, compared to model results. Our unique dataset of direct eddy covariance ecosystem-level isoprene measurements in two contrasting ecosystems exhibited
Q
10
(the factor by which the emission rate increases with a 10 °C rise in temperature) temperature coefficients of up to 20.8, that is, 3.5 times the
Q
10
of 5.9 derived from the equivalent model calculations. Crude estimates using the observed temperature responses indicate that tundra vegetation could enhance their isoprene emissions by up to 41% (87%)—that is, 46% (55%) more than estimated by models—with a 2 °C (4 °C) warming. Our results demonstrate that tundra vegetation possesses the potential to substantially boost its isoprene emissions in response to future rising temperatures, at rates that exceed the current Earth system model predictions.
Anelasticity in thin-shell nanolattices
Authors: Chen I-Te , Poblete Felipe Robles , Bagal Abhijeet , Zhu Yong , Chang Chih-Hao
Published: September 2022

In this work, we investigate the anelastic deformation behavior of periodic three-dimensional (3D) nanolattices with extremely thin shell thicknesses using nanoindentation. The results show that the nanolattice continues to deform with time under a constant load. In the case of 30-nm-thick aluminum oxide nanolattices, the anelastic deformation accounts for up to 18.1% of the elastic deformation for a constant load of 500 μN. The nanolattices also exhibit up to 15.7% recovery after unloading. Finite element analysis (FEA) coupled with diffusion of point defects is conducted, which is in qualitative agreement with the experimental results. The anelastic behavior can be attributed to the diffusion of point defects in the presence of a stress gradient and is reversible when the deformation is removed. The FEA model quantifies the evolution of the stress gradient and defect concentration and demonstrates the important role of a wavy tube profile in the diffusion of point defects. The reported anelastic deformation behavior can shed light on time-dependent response of nanolattice materials with implication for energy dissipation applications.
Tissue-restricted inhibition of mTOR using chemical genetics
Authors: Wassarman Douglas R. , Bankapalli Kondalarao , Pallanck Leo J. , Shokat Kevan M.
Published: September 2022

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a highly conserved eukaryotic protein kinase that coordinates cell growth and metabolism, and plays a critical role in cancer, immunity, and aging. It remains unclear how mTOR signaling in individual tissues contributes to whole-organism processes because mTOR inhibitors, like the natural product rapamycin, are administered systemically and target multiple tissues simultaneously. We developed a chemical-genetic system, termed selecTOR, that restricts the activity of a rapamycin analog to specific cell populations through targeted expression of a mutant FKBP12 protein. This analog has reduced affinity for its obligate binding partner FKBP12, which reduces its ability to inhibit mTOR in wild-type cells and tissues. Expression of the mutant FKBP12, which contains an expanded binding pocket, rescues the activity of this rapamycin analog. Using this system, we show that selective mTOR inhibition can be achieved in
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
and human cells, and we validate the utility of our system in an intact metazoan model organism by identifying the tissues responsible for a rapamycin-induced developmental delay in
Drosophila
.
Implanted synthetic cells trigger tissue angiogenesis through de novo production of recombinant growth factors
Authors: Chen Gal , Levin Rotem , Landau Shira , Kaduri Maya , Adir Omer , Ianovici Iris , Krinsky Nitzan , Doppelt-Flikshtain Ofri , Shklover Jeny , Shainsky-Roitman Janna , Levenberg Shulamit , Schroeder Avi
Published: September 2022

Progress in bottom-up synthetic biology has stimulated the development of synthetic cells (SCs), autonomous protein-manufacturing particles, as dynamic biomimetics for replacing diseased natural cells and addressing medical needs. Here, we report that SCs genetically encoded to produce proangiogenic factors triggered the physiological process of neovascularization in mice. The SCs were constructed of giant lipid vesicles and were optimized to facilitate enhanced protein production. When introduced with the appropriate genetic code, the SCs synthesized a recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), reaching expression levels of up to 9⋅106protein copies per SC. In culture, the SCs induced endothelial cell proliferation, migration, tube formation, and angiogenesis-related intracellular signaling, confirming their proangiogenic activity. Integrating the SCs with bioengineered constructs bearing endothelial cells promoted the remodeling of mature vascular networks, supported by a collagen-IV basement membrane–like matrix. In vivo, prolonged local administration of the SCs in mice triggered the infiltration of blood vessels into implanted Matrigel plugs without recorded systemic immunogenicity. These findings emphasize the potential of SCs as therapeutic platforms for activating physiological processes by autonomously producing biological drugs inside the body.
Computational Thinking and Mental Models: Promoting Digital Culture in the Youth and Adult Education
Authors: Ortiz Julia S B , Moreira Carolina , Menezes Krissia , Ferrari Bernardo , Silva Junior Deógenes , Pereira Roberto
Published: September 2022

Computational thinking is an ability that has been considered essential for people living in a society mediated by technology. This ability can also be helpful to people with little or no experience with technology, for practicing basic Computational Thinking skills may help understanding how a technological device works and can be used. However, to the best of our knowledge, little research has addressed Computational Thinking and its relation with Digital Culture, especially for reducing the digital divide. In this article, we draw on the notion of Mental Models to relate Computational Thinking and Digital Culture. We claim that practicing basic Computational Thinking skills when exploring simple prototypes favors building Mental Models that are useful to understand and progress in the usage of technologies, contributing to developing a Digital Culture. To situate our discussion, we present a case study that engaged adults, in their initial stages of literacy, in activities that grew from basic ones, with a low-fidelity ATM prototype, to more complex ones with a functional ATM prototype. Evaluation methods used were voting, feedback, structured observation and unstructured interviews. Results suggested our approach is promising as participants gained confidence and increased autonomy as the activities progressed, using the experience and knowledge they obtained from previous activities to perform the next ones.
Neuropathology and Ophthalmological Pathology of Fatal Central Nervous System Injuries in Young Children: Forensic Neuropathology of Deaths of Children Under Age 2, 2008–2016, in Central Missouri
Authors: Miller Douglas C , Stacy C Christopher , Duff Deiter J , Guo Shunhua , Morse Patrick
Published: September 2022

Nonaccidental head injuries are significant causes of morbidity and mortality among young children. Despite broad agreement among medical experts, controversies remain over diagnostic criteria, including from autopsies, because of opinions expressed by a small group of expert witnesses who testify for defendants in suspected child homicide cases. We reviewed 249 autopsies in children 2 years old and younger from the files of our Medical Examiner office in the University of Missouri School of Medicine done between January 1, 2008 and December, 31, 2016. Because of gradually instituted mandatory examination of spinal cords and retinas, we had 127 autopsies with brain examinations by a neuropathologist plus retinal examinations of which 67 also had spinal cord examinations. Results were correlated with clinical records, police and EMS reports, and imaging. We found that subdural hematomas, cerebral edema, and retinal hemorrhages were mostly limited to autopsy findings in children who suffered from fatal head trauma, whether accidental (3 cases) or inflicted (14); they were not encountered in cases of homicide by other mechanisms or from natural diseases including infections, brain tumors, SIDS/SUID, or SUDC. Two cases with no other evidence of head trauma had focal retinal hemorrhages. We advocate for examination of retinas and spinal cords in all autopsies of children in this age group.
Risk of Long COVID in People Infected With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 After 2 Doses of a Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccine: Community-Based, Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Ayoubkhani Daniel , Bosworth Matthew L , King Sasha , Pouwels Koen B , Glickman Myer , Nafilyan Vahé , Zaccardi Francesco , Khunti Kamlesh , Alwan Nisreen A , Walker A Sarah
Published: September 2022

We investigated long COVID incidence by vaccination status in a random sample of UK adults from April 2020 to November 2021. Persistent symptoms were reported by 9.5% of 3090 breakthrough severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections and 14.6% of unvaccinated controls (adjusted odds ratio, 0.59 [95% confidence interval, .50–.69]), emphasizing the need for public health initiatives to increase population-level vaccine uptake.