bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular‐Level Control of the Intersheet Distance and Electronic Coupling between 2D Semiconducting and Metallic Nanosheets: Establishing Design Rules for High‐Performance Hybrid Photocatalysts
Authors: Gu Tae‐Ha , Jin Xiaoyan , Park So‐Jung , Kim Min Gyu , Hwang Seong‐Ju
Published: February 2021

Hybridization with conductive nanospecies has attracted intense research interest as a general effective means to improve the photocatalytic functionalities of nanostructured materials. To establish universal design rules for high‐performance hybrid photocatalysts, correlations between versatile roles of conductive species and interfacial interaction between hybridized species are systematically investigated through fine‐control of intersheet distance between photocatalytically active TiO2 and metallic reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/RuO2 nanosheets. Molecular‐level tailoring of intersheet distance and electronic coupling between 2D nanosheets can be successfully achieved by restacking of colloidal nanosheet mixture with variable‐sized organic intercalants. While the shortest intersheet distance between restacked TiO2 and rGO nanosheets leads to the highest visible‐light‐driven photocatalytic activity, the best UV–vis photocatalyst performance occurs for moderate intersheet spacing. These results highlight the greater sensitivity of photoinduced electronic excitation to the intersheet distance than that of interfacial charge transfer. The rGO nanosheet can function as effective charge transport pathway and cocatalyst within ≈1.7 nm distance from the semiconducting nanosheet, and as efficient stabilizer for hybridized photocatalyst within ≈1.8 nm. The present study underscores that the intercalative restacking of colloidal nanosheet mixture with intercalants enables molecular‐level control of distance between 2D inorganic/graphene nanosheets, which provides a rational design strategy for high‐performance hybrid photocatalysts.
Maternal health and pregnancy outcome in diagnosed and undiagnosed Marfan syndrome: A registry‐based study
Authors: Groth Kristian A. , Nielsen Birgitte B. , Sheyanth Inger N. , Gravholt Claus H. , Andersen Niels H. , Stochholm Kirstine
Published: February 2021

In Marfan syndrome (MFS), pregnancy is considered as high risk due to the deficiency of fibrillin in the connective tissue and increased risk of aortic dissection. The objective was to demonstrate the consequences on maternal health, in women with diagnosed and undiagnosed MFS at the time of pregnancy and childbirth. By using national health care registries, we identified all pregnancy related outcomes, from women with MFS (n = 183) and an age‐matched background population (n = 18,300). We found 91 pregnancies during follow‐up. Significantly fewer women with MFS gave birth, compared to the background population. No women with known MFS had a pregnancy related aortic dissection but complications related to the cervix were increased (HR:19.8 [95% CI:2.2–177.5]). Fifty women with MFS were undiagnosed at the time of their first pregnancy and/or childbirth. Among these, there were more birth canal related complications HR:27.2 (95% CI: 2.3–315.0), preeclampsia (HR:2.25 [95% CI: 1.11–4.60]), fetal deaths (HR:12.3 [95% CI: 1.51–99.8]), and all delivery‐related dissections came from this subgroup. In conclusion, undiagnosed women with MFS experienced more pregnancy and childbirth related complications including fetal death, birth canal issues, preeclampsia, and aortic disease, which emphasizes the need for an early MFS diagnosis and special care during pregnancy and childbirth.
Aufbau anorganischer Kronenether durch s‐Block‐Metall‐templatgesteuerte Si‐O‐Bindungsaktivierung
Authors: Dankert Fabian , Richter Roman‐Malte , Weigend Florian , Xie Xiulan , Balmer Markus , von Hänisch Carsten
Published: February 2021

Wir berichten über die Synthese, Strukturen, Koordinationseigenschaften und den Reaktionsmechanismus der Bildung von Siliciumanalogen der Kronenether. Durch Reaktion von 2D2 (I; 2Dn=(Me4Si2O)n) mit GaI3 und MIx (M=Li, Na, Mg, Ca, Sr) kann eine Oligomerisierung dieser Spezies beobachtet werden. In diesen Reaktionen dienen die Metallkationen als Template, und die Anionen (I−/[GaI4]−) sind erforderlich als nukleophile Reaktionspartner. Im Falle von MIx=LiI wird der Komplex [Li(2D3)GaI4] (1) erhalten. Im Falle von MIx=NaI, MgI2, CaI2 und SrI2, entstehen Komplexe der allgemeinen Formel [M(2D4)(GaI4)x] (M=Mg2+ (3), Ca2+ (4), Sr2+ (5)). Des Weiteren wurde die protonierte Verbindung [H(2D3)][Ga2I7] (6) isoliert und charakterisiert. Alle Komplexe wurden mittels Multikern‐NMR‐Spektroskopie, DOSY‐Experimenten und (außer für 3) per Einkristallstrukturanalyse charakterisiert. Quantenchemische Rechnungen wurden durchgeführt, um die Koordinationsfähigkeiten dieser Liganden näher zu beleuchten und den Mechanismus der Oligomerisierungsreaktionen zu untersuchen.
Magnetic‐Field‐Induced Modulation of Charge‐Recombination Dynamics in a Rosarin‐Fullerene Complex
Authors: Kim Taeyeon , Kim Juno , Ke Xian‐Sheng , Brewster James T. , Oh Juwon , Sessler Jonathan L. , Kim Dongho
Published: February 2021

Charge‐recombination processes are critical for photovoltaic applications and should be suppressed for efficient charge transport. Here, we report that an applied magnetic field (0–1 T) can be used control the charge‐recombination dynamics in an expanded rosarin‐C60 complex. In the low magnetic field regime (<100 mT), the charge‐recombination rate slows down due to hyperfine coupling, as inferred from transient absorption spectroscopic analyses. In contrast, in the high field regime, i.e., over 500 mT, the charge‐recombination rate recovers and increases because the Δg mechanism facilitates spin conversion to a triplet charge‐separated state (S to T0) that undergoes rapid charge‐recombination to a localized rosarin triplet state. Therefore, we highlight the charge‐recombination rate and the localized triplet state population can be modulated by the magnetic field in charge donor/acceptor non‐covalent complexes.
The shadow of the Balbina dam: A synthesis of over 35 years of downstream impacts on floodplain forests in Central Amazonia
Authors: Schöngart Jochen , Wittmann Florian , Faria de Resende Angélica , Assahira Cyro , de Sousa Lobo Guilherme , Rocha Duarte Neves Juliana , da Rocha Maíra , Biem Mori Gisele , Costa Quaresma Adriano , Oreste Demarchi Layon , Weiss Albuquerque Bianca , Oliveira Feitosa Yuri , da Silva Costa Gilvan , Vieira Feitoza Gildo , Machado Durgante Flávia , Lopes Aline , Trumbore Susan E. , Sanna Freire Silva Thiago , ter Steege Hans , Val Adalberto Luis , Junk Wolfgang J. , Piedade Maria Teresa Fernandez
Published: February 2021

The Balbina hydropower dam in the Central Amazon basin, established in the Uatumã River in the 1980s, is emblematic for its socio‐environmental disaster. Its environmental impacts go far beyond the reservoir and dam, however, affecting the floodplain forests (igapó) in the downstream area (dam shadow), which have been assessed using a transdisciplinary research approach, synthesized in this review.

Floodplain tree species are adapted to a regular and predictable flood pulse, with high‐ and low‐water periods occurring during the year. This was severely affected by the operation of the Balbina dam, which caused the suppression of both the aquatic phase at higher floodplain elevations and the terrestrial phase at lower floodplain elevations (termed the ‘sandwich effect’).

During the period of construction and reservoir fill, large‐scale mortality already occurred in the floodplains of the dam shadow as a result of reduced stream flow, in synergy with severe drought conditions induced by El Niño events, causing hydraulic failure and making floodplains vulnerable to wildfires.

During the operational period of the dam, permanent flooding conditions at low topographical elevations resulted in massive tree mortality. So far, 12% of the igapó forests have died along a downstream river stretch of more than 125 km. As a result of flood suppression at the highest elevations, an encroachment of secondary tree species from upland (terra firme) forests occurred.

More than 35 years after the implementation of the Balbina dam, the downstream impacts caused massive losses of macrohabitats, ecosystem services, and diversity of flood‐adapted tree species, probably cascading down to the entire food web, which must be considered in conservation management.

These findings are discussed critically, emphasizing the urgent need for the Brazilian environmental regulatory agencies to incorporate downstream impacts in the environmental assessments of several dam projects planned for the Amazon region.
A sensitive and high‐throughput quantitative liquid chromatography high‐resolution mass spectrometry method for therapeutic drug monitoring of 10 β‐lactam antibiotics, linezolid and two β‐lactamase inhibitors in human plasma
Authors: Van Vooren Sarah , Verstraete Alain G.
Published: February 2021

An ultra‐high pressure liquid chromatography high‐resolution mass spectrometric (UHPLC–HRMS) method was developed for the simultaneous and sensitive quantification of 10 β‐lactam antibiotics (cefepime, meropenem, amoxicillin, cefazolin, benzylpenicillin, ceftazidime, piperacillin, flucloxacillin, cefuroxime and aztreonam), linezolid and β‐lactamase inhibitors tazobactam and clavulanic acid in human plasma. Validation according to the EMA guidelines showed excellent within‐ and between‐run accuracy and precision (i.e. between 1.1 and 8.5%) and high sensitivity (i.e. lower limit of quantification between 0.25 and 1 mg/L). The UHPLC–HRMS method enables a short turnaround time and high sensitivity and needs only a small amount of plasma, allowing appropriate routine therapeutic drug monitoring. The short turnaround time is obtained by speeding up the protocol on multiple levels, i.e. fast and workload‐efficient sample preparation (i.e. protein precipitation and dilution), short (4 min) instrument run time, simultaneous measurement of all relevant β‐lactam antibiotics used in the intensive care unit and the use of the same instrument, column and mobile phases as for the other routine methods in our laboratory.
Coronary angiography‐derived contrast fractional flow reserve
Authors: Gong Yanjun , Zheng Bo , Yi Tieci , Yang Fan , Hong Tao , Liu Zhaoping , Huo Yunlong , Li Jianping , Huo Yong
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Based on coronary angiography and mean aortic pressure, a specially designed computational flow dynamics (CFD) method is proposed to determine contrast fractional flow reserve (cFFR) without using invasive pressure wire. This substudy assessed diagnostic performance of coronary angiography‐derived cFFR in catheterization laboratory, based on a previous multicenter trial for online assessment of coronary angiography‐derived FFR (caFFR).

METHODS

Patients with diagnosis of stable angina pectoris or unstable angina pectoris were enrolled in six centers. Wire‐based FFR was measured in coronary arteries with 30–90% diameter stenosis. Offline angiography‐derived cFFR was computed in blinded fashion against the wire‐based FFR and caFFR at an independent core laboratory.

RESULTS

A total of 330 patients were enrolled to fulfill inclusion/exclusion criteria from June 26 to December 18, 2018. Offline angiography‐derived cFFR and wire‐based FFR results were compared in 328 interrogated vessels. The statistical analysis showed the highest diagnostic accuracy of 89.0 and 86.6% for angiography‐derived cFFR with a cutoff value of 0.94 and 0.93 against the wire‐based FFR with a cutoff value of 0.80 and 0.75, respectively. The corresponding sensitivity and specificity were 92.2 and 87.3% for the cutoff value of 0.94 and 80.0 and 88.4% for the cutoff value of 0.93, which are similar to those against the caFFR. The receiver‐operating curve has area under the curve of 0.951 and 0.972 for the wire‐based FFR with the cutoff value of 0.80 and 0.75, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Coronary angiography‐derived cFFR showed higher accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity against wired‐based FFR and caFFR. Hence, angiography‐derived cFFR could enhance the hemodynamic assessment of coronary lesions.
Unilateral Pyoderma gangrenosum of the external ear in a resource‐limited setting: Case report and literature review
Authors: Abraham Zephania Saitabau , Thomas Edwin Peter , Kahinga Aveline Aloyce
Published: February 2021

Involvement of the external ear by PG is a rare encounter, and steroids remain to be the main stay in its treatment.
Olefin Ring‐closing Metathesis under Spatial Confinement and Continuous Flow
Authors: Ziegler Felix , Roider Thomas , Pyschik Markus , Haas Christian P. , Wang Dongren , Tallarek Ulrich , Buchmeiser Michael R.
Published: February 2021

We report on the use of a 2nd‐generation Hoveyda–Grubbs‐type catalyst immobilized inside mesoporous silica for the application in selective macro(mono)cyclization (MMC) of an α,ω‐diene under spatially confined and continuous‐flow conditions. Reactions carried out with different flow rates allow for variations in residence time; conversion and MMC selectivity can be determined for well‐defined reaction times. Analysis of the reaction mixtures obtained for different reaction times and temperatures in a single flow experiment by NMR and MALDI‐TOF‐MS allows to address confinement effects and to determine olefin metathesis pathways. These investigations revealed that ring‐chain equilibria are quickly established but substantially affected by residence time and flow, allowing for the determination of conditions under which MMC selectivity reaches a maximum. In contrast to reactions carried out in solution, in which oligomers up to the hexamer were observed, MMC under confinement predominantly proceeds via ring‐closing metathesis of the monomer and backbiting from the dimer and trimer, but not from higher oligomers as their formation is suppressed. This leads to the observed high MMC selectivity, reaching 60 % at a 25 mM substrate concentration.
Construction of Dual‐tight Contact Interface in Z‐scheme System of In2O3/OV/In2S3 for Enhancing Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Wang Linlin , Zhang Lulu , Zhang Hongwen , Li Na , Zhu Shuao , Li Wenjuan , Ran Weiguang , Jing Zhihong , Yan Tingjiang
Published: February 2021

The novel Z‐scheme photocatalytic system of In2O3/OV/In2S3 has been obtained by a facile two‐step in situ deposition method, where oxygen vacancies and In2S3 are in situ located on the surface of In2O3 in sequence. In such a photocatalytic system, oxygen vacancy anchored tightly on the surface of In2O3 serves as an electron mediator, efficiently extracting electrons from In2O3 and modulating the electron transfer paths to facilize constructing a Z‐scheme system. Due to the presence of another tight contact interface between the In2O3 and In2S3, the transfer rate of electrons from In2O3 to In2S3 can be further accelerated. Therefore, the synergistic effect of the above‐mentioned dual‐tight contact interface over In2O3/OV/In2S3 Z‐scheme system simultaneously enhances the charge separation and transfer, resulting in the high performance of photocatalytic H2 evolution.
Towards Size‐Controlled Deposition of Palladium Nanoparticles from Polyoxometalate Precursors: An Electrochemical Scanning Tunneling Microscopy Study
Authors: Bock Nicolas , De Clercq Astrid , Seidl Lukas , Kratky Tim , Ma Tian , Günther Sebastian , Kortz Ulrich , Heiz Ueli , Esch Friedrich
Published: February 2021

We present a novel in situ electrochemical approach to deposit small size‐controlled palladium(0) clusters from 12‐PdII‐oxo‐metalate precursors. These clusters are formed through the reductive surface polarization of a Au(111) support. Electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy (EC‐STM) reveals that the electrochemical reduction occurs at much lower potentials than that for simple Pd salt solutions. The resulting particles are one atomic layer high and show a narrow size distribution. Precursor mass transport limitations and preconditioning of the solid‐liquid interface at low potentials influence the obtained morphology. In particular, a concomitant reduction mechanism via formation of molecular hydrogen is discussed. The deposited clusters show the typical behavior of small metallic Pd islands in EC‐STM: The apparent cluster height increases reversibly when lowering the potential close to the onset of hydrogen evolution, which is attributed to hydrogen adsorption.
The characteristics and efficacy of catheter ablation of focal atrial tachycardia arising from an epicardial site
Authors: Yamamoto Teppei , Iwasaki Yu‐ki , Fujimoto Yuhi , Oka Eiichiro , Hayashi Hiroshi , Murata Hiroshige , Yodogawa Kenji , Hayashi Meiso , Igawa Osamu , Shimizu Wataru
Published: February 2021

Background

Although epicardial structures around the atrium such as adipose tissue possess arrhythmogenicity, little is known about atrial tachycardias (ATs) originating from epicardial sites (Epi‐ATs). This study aimed to elucidate the prevalence, characteristics, and outcome after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of Epi‐ATs and to reveal the association between Epi‐ATs and the epicardial structures.

Methods

The electrocardiographic, electrophysiologic, and anatomical properties and results of RFCA were analyzed in 42 patients with a total of 49 ectopic ATs.

Results

Six Epi‐ATs (12%) were observed in six patients (14%). Four of six were respiratory cycle‐dependent ATs and one was a swallowing‐induced AT. The Epi‐AT origins were adjacent to a pulmonary vein (five cases) and vein of Marshall (one case). A Valsalva maneuver or atropine infusion to define the arrhythmia mechanism affected the appearance of the Epi‐ATs. The congruity rate between epicardial adipose tissue and the AT origin was significantly higher (100% vs. 44%, p = .045), and the epicardial adipose tissue volume of the atrium was significantly larger (104.1 vs. 64.6 ml, p = .04) in the Epi‐AT group. Endocardial RFCA targeting the AT foci resulted in acute success in five of five cases. However, electrical isolation including of the AT foci resulted in acute failures (two of three cases) or a recurrence (one of one case).

Conclusions

Six Epi‐ATs were associated with thoracic veins and epicardial arrhythmogenic structures. The main cause provoking the Epi‐ATs was associated with autonomic nerve activity.
Synthesis and Assessment of Fused β‐Carboline Derivatives as Kappa Opioid Receptor Agonists
Authors: Yadav Veena D. , Kumar Lalan , Kumari Poonam , Kumar Sakesh , Singh Maninder , Siddiqi Mohammad I. , Yadav Prem N. , Batra Sanjay
Published: February 2021

The synthesis of 5‐formyl‐6‐aryl‐6H‐indolo[3,2,1‐de][1,5] naphthyridine‐2‐carboxylates by reaction between 1‐formyl‐9H‐β‐carbolines and cinnamaldehydes in the presence of pyrrolidine in water with microwave irradiation is described. Pharmacophoric modification of the formyl group offered several new fused β‐carboline derivatives, which were investigated for their κ‐opioid receptor (KOR) agonistic activity. Two compounds 4 a and 4 c produced appreciable agonist activity on KOR with EC50 values of 46±19 and 134±9 nM, respectively. Moreover, compound‐induced KOR signaling studies suggested both compounds to be extremely G‐protein‐biased agonists. The analgesic effect of 4 a was validated by the increase in tail flick latency in mice in a time‐dependent manner, which was completely blocked by the KOR‐selective antagonist norBNI. Moreover, unlike U50488, an unbiased full KOR agonist, 4 a did not induce sedation. The docking of 4 a with the human KOR was studied to rationalize the result.
A Comparative Review of Metal‐Based Charge Carriers in Nonaqueous Flow Batteries
Authors: Palmer Travis C. , Beamer Andrew , Pitt Tristan , Popov Ivan A. , Cammack Claudina X. , Pratt Harry D. , Anderson Travis M. , Batista Enrique R. , Yang Ping , Davis Benjamin L.
Published: February 2021

Invited for this month's cover is the joint redox flow battery team from Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories. The cover image shows the stylized components of a redox flow battery (RFB) in the foreground, with renewable sources of energy generation in the background. The Review itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.202002354.
High levels of soluble CD25 in COVID‐19 severity suggest a divergence between anti‐viral and pro‐inflammatory T‐cell responses
Authors: Xie Min , Yunis Joseph , Yao Yin , Shi Jing , Yang Yang , Zhou Pengcheng , Liang Kaili , Wan Yanmin , Mehdi Ahmed , Chen Zhian , Wang Naiqi , Xu Shuyun , Zhou Min , Yu Muqing , Wang Ke , Tao Yu , Zhou Ying , Li Xiaochen , Liu Xiansheng , Yu Xiao , Wei Yunbo , Liu Zheng , Sprent Jonathan , Yu Di
Published: February 2021

Objectives

We aimed to gain an understanding of the paradox of the immunity in COVID‐19 patients with T cells showing both functional defects and hyperactivation and enhanced proliferation.

Methods

A total of 280 hospitalised patients with COVID‐19 were evaluated for cytokine profiles and clinical features including viral shedding. A mouse model of acute infection by lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) was applied to dissect the relationship between immunological, virological and pathological features. The results from the mouse model were validated by published data set of single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) of immune cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of COVID‐19 patients.

Results

The levels of soluble CD25 (sCD25), IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10 and TNF‐α were higher in severe COVID‐19 patients than non‐severe cases, but only sCD25 was identified as an independent risk factor for disease severity by multivariable binary logistic regression analysis and showed a positive association with the duration of viral shedding. In agreement with the clinical observation, LCMV‐infected mice with high levels of sCD25 demonstrated insufficient anti‐viral response and delayed viral clearance. The elevation of sCD25 in mice was mainly contributed by the expansion of CD25+CD8+ T cells that also expressed the highest level of PD‐1 with pro‐inflammatory potential. The counterpart human CD25+PD‐1+ T cells were expanded in BALF of COVID‐19 patients with severe disease compared to those with modest disease.

Conclusion

These results suggest that high levels of sCD25 in COVID‐19 patients probably result from insufficient anti‐viral immunity and indicate an expansion of pro‐inflammatory T cells that contribute to disease severity.
Pulmonary wedge aspiration cytology for the rapid diagnosis of pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy: A case report
Authors: Takada Nami , Nishida Haruto , Kondo Yoshihiko , Oyama Yuzo , Kusaba Takahiro , Kadowaki Hiroko , Hirakawa Koji , Iwao Satomi , Kiyooka Seiji , Daa Tsutomu
Published: February 2021

Pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy (PTTM) is a cancer‐related pulmonary complication characterized by rapid progression of dyspnea and pulmonary hypertension, occasionally causing sudden death. Given the condition of patients with dyspnea, lung biopsies are limited because of their invasiveness. A 72‐year‐old man presented with chronic atrial fibrillation and a high right heart load, as determined using ultrasonography. He had previously undergone resection of the left axillary skin secondary to extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD). Clinically, PTTM was suspected and pulmonary wedge aspiration cytology, collected from the pulmonary artery during catherization, was performed. Cytologically, the tumor demonstrated three‐dimensional cell clusters with good cohesion and molding by the blood vessel lumen. Additionally, endothelial‐like cells were observed at the periphery of the tumor clusters; fibrin was evident in the clusters. The tumor cells were large, round, and had high nuclear/cytoplasmic ratios. The nuclei demonstrated a variety of sizes and were irregularly shaped, with prominent nucleoli; cells undergoing mitosis were evident. The tumor cells were suspected of being poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma cells, consistent with PTTM. Two days after the aspiration cytology, the patient died and a pathological autopsy was performed. Histologically, the PTTM was determined to have caused the pulmonary hypertension and the primary PTTM site was apparently derived from the EMPD. For rapid diagnoses, an understanding of the tumor's cytological features is important and should contribute to early treatment intervention. Aspiration cytology, using pulmonary artery blood samples, during catherization is a useful tool for diagnosing PTTM.
Child‐parent cardiac transference is decreased following disrupted/absent early care
Authors: Callaghan Bridget , Pini Nicolò , Silvers Jennifer A. , Van Tieghem Michelle , Choy Tricia , O’Sullivan Kaitlin , Fifer William P. , Tottenham Nim
Published: February 2021

Parental input shapes youth self‐regulation development, and a lack of sensitive caregiving is a risk factor for youth mental health problems. Parents may shape youth regulation through their influence over biological (including neural) and behavioral development during childhood at both micro (moment‐to‐moment) and macro (global) levels. Prior studies have shown that micro‐level parent‐child interactions shape youth's biology contributing to youth mental health. However, it remains unclear whether prior disrupted/absent care affects those moment‐to‐moment parent‐youth interactions in ways that increase risk for youth psychopathology. In the current study, we calculated transfer entropy on cardiac data from parent‐youth dyads where the youth had either been exposed to disrupted care prior to adoption or not. Transfer Entropy (TE) tracks information flow between two signals, enhancing quantification of directional coupling, allowing for the examination of parent‐child and child‐parent influences. Using this novel approach, we identified lower cardiac information transfer from youth‐to‐parents in dyads where the youth had been exposed to disrupted/absent early care. Moreover we showed that the degree to which the parent's physiology changed in response to youth's physiology was negatively related to the youth's mental health, representing a potential pathway for elevated mental health risk in populations exposed to disrupted/absent early care.
Heterochromatin protein 1 beta regulates neural and neural crest development by repressing pluripotency‐associated gene pou5f3.2/oct25 in Xenopus
Authors: Tien Chih‐Liang , Mohammadparast Saeid , Chang Chenbei
Published: February 2021

Background

Heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) is associated with and plays a role in compact chromatin conformation, but the function of HP1 in vertebrate embryogenesis is not understood completely.

Results

Here, we explore the activity of HP1 in early neural development in the frog Xenopus laevis. We show that the three isoforms of HP1, HP1α, β, and γ, are expressed in similar patterns in the neural and neural crest derivatives in early embryos. Despite this, knockdown of HP1β and HP1γ, but not HP1α, in presumptive neural tissues leads to head defects. Late pan‐neural markers and neural crest specifier genes are reduced, but early neural and neural plate border genes are less affected in the morphant embryos. Further investigation reveals that neuronal differentiation is impaired and a pluripotency‐associated gene, pou5f3.2/oct25, is expanded in HP1β morphants. Ectopic expression of pou5f3.2/oct25 mimics the effect of HP1β knockdown on marker expression, whereas simultaneous knockdown of HP1β and pou5f3.2/oct25 partially rescues expression of these genes.

Conclusion

Taken together, the data suggest that HP1β regulates transition from precursor to more differentiated cell types during neural and neural crest development in Xenopus, and it does so at least partially via repression of the pluripotency‐associated transcription regulator pou5f3.2/oct25.
Late Quaternary drainage reorganization assisted by surface faulting: The example of the Katrol Hill Fault zone, Kachchh, western India
Authors: Maurya Deepak M. , Tiwari Prabhuti , Shaikh Mohamedharoon , Patidar Atul K. , Vanik Naimisha , Padmalal Akash , Chamyal Laxman S.
Published: February 2021

Drainage reorganization on restricted temporal and spatial scales is poorly‐documented. We attempt to decode the relatively complicated mechanism of drainage realignment involving two small rivers that show structurally controlled, highly anomalous channel networks. We provide geomorphic and shallow subsurface evidence using ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) for the presence of a buried paleo‐valley flowing northward through the wind gap and surface faulting along the range bounding Katrol Hill Fault (KHF) which correlates with the previously known three surface faulting events in last ~30 ka bp. Most of the present river channels and the KHF zone are occupied by aeolian miliolite (local name) which is stratigraphic and lithologic equivalent of the Late Quaternary carbonate rich aeolianite deposits occurring in several parts of the globe. The history of drainage evolution in the study area comprises pre‐miliolite, syn‐miliolite and post‐miliolite phases. Geomorphic evidences show that the paleo‐Gangeshwar River flowed north through the wind gap and paleo‐valley, while the short paleo‐Gunawari occupied the saddle zone to the east of Ler dome prior to and during the phase of miliolite deposition which ended by ~40 ka bp. Southward tilting of the Katrol Hill Range (KHR) due to surface faulting cut off the catchment of the paleo‐Gangeshwar River. The abandoned catchment stream extended its channel eastward along the strike through top‐down process while the paleo‐Gunawari River extended its course westward by headward erosion (bottom‐up process). As the channels advanced towards each other they joined to produce the “S”‐shaped bend which formed the capture point. We conclude that multiple surface faulting events along the KHF in the last ~30 ka bp, resulted in uplift and tilting of the KHR which caused drainage realignment by river diversion, beheading and river capture. Our study shows that the complexity of drainage reorganization processes is more explicit on shorter rather than longer timescales.
Repeated high flows drive morphological change in rivers in recently deglaciated catchments
Authors: Eagle Lawrence J. B. , Carrivick Jonathan L. , Milner Alexander M. , Brown Lee E. , Klaar Megan J.
Published: February 2021

Climate change is decreasing glacier cover and increasing the frequency and magnitude of precipitation‐driven high flows and floods in many regions of the world. Precipitation may become the dominant water source for river systems in recently deglaciated catchments, with major rainfall events driving significant changes in river channel morphology. Few studies, however, have examined river channel response to repeated precipitation‐driven high flows. In this study, we measured the geomorphological condition of four low‐order rivers in recently deglaciated catchments (70–210 years ice free) before and after a series of repeated precipitation‐driven high flows during summer 2014. High flows drove substantial initial morphological change, with up to 75% change in baseflow channel planform position and active channel form change from pre‐ to post‐high flow. Post‐high flow years were associated with increased instream wood and geomorphological complexity at all but the youngest river. Channel changes were part of an active relaxation stage at all rivers, where channels continued to migrate, and complexity varied through time. Overall, these measurements permit us to propose a conceptual model of the role of geomorphologically effective high flows in the context of paraglacial adjustment theory. Specifically, we suggest that older rivers in recently deglaciated catchments can undergo a short‐term (<10 years) increase in the rate of geomorphological development as a result of the recruitment of instream wood and channel migration during and following repeated precipitation‐driven high flows. Enhancing our knowledge of these geomorphological and paraglacial processes in response to high flows is important for the effective management of riverine water and ecosystem resources in rapidly changing environments.
Susceptibility of Folsomia candida to Agrochemicals after Multigenerational Exposure to Human Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Cardoso Diogo N. , Oliveira Miguel , Soares Amadeu M.V.M. , Loureiro Susana
Published: February 2021

In realistic environmental scenarios, soil organisms can be exposed to a combination of pharmaceuticals and agriproducts or within different time frames. Therefore, it is necessary to increase knowledge on soil organism susceptibility under a complex mixture exposure scenario. The present study aimed to assess the susceptibility of the collembolan Folsomia candida to copper and dimethoate on a pre-exposure for 3 generations to human pharmaceuticals (fluoxetine and carbamazepine). Carryover effects on reproductive output and survival were observed after a multigenerational pre-exposure to carbamazepine or fluoxetine, considerably increasing the sensitivity of collembolans to both copper and dimethoate. This was more evident for collembolans pre-exposed to the highest concentrations of both pharmaceuticals (40 mg/kg soil), as demonstrated by a significant reduction in the number of juveniles and increased mortality. In addition, pre-exposure to carbamazepine and fluoxetine induced varying effects on subsequent exposure to the same chemical. Although pre-exposure to carbamazepine led to a decrease in collembolan reproduction, even when transferred to a clean medium, fluoxetine induced severe effects but only when collembolans were exposed to other contaminants (i.e., not when transferred to clean soil). The present study highlighted the need to consider carryover effects and possible interactions between pharmaceuticals and other contaminants under simultaneous exposure. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:592–600. © 2021 SETAC
Application of the Closure Principle Computational Approach Test to Assess Ecotoxicological Field Studies: Comparative Analysis Using Earthworm Field Test Abundance Data
Authors: Daniels Benjamin , Roß-Nickoll Martina , Jänsch Stephan , Pieper Silvia , Römbke Jörg , Scholz-Starke Björn , Ottermanns Richard
Published: February 2021

Field studies to determine the effects of chemicals on earthworm communities are generally conducted according to International Organization for Standardization standard 11268-3 (and later comments). However, statistical test procedures suggested in the guideline are frequently criticized, mainly for 2 reasons: 1) Earthworm abundances are count data and often do not fulfill requirements for multiple t tests (normal distribution and homogeneity of variance), and 2) the resulting toxicity metrics of multiple testing procedures (no/lowest-observed-effect concentrations [NOEC/LOEC]) fail to adequately detect the actual level of effects. Recently, a new method to overcome these shortcomings was presented by the introduction of the closure principle computational approach test (CPCAT). We applied this statistical method to assess chemical effects on abundance in a large dataset of 26 earthworm field studies (with up to 3 test chemical application rates) and an additional extended study with 6 application rates. A comparative analysis was provided considering results of well-established multiple testing approaches (Dunnett's test) with particular consideration of the degree of overdispersion found in these data. It was shown that the CPCAT detects substantially more effects in earthworm field tests as statistically significant than standard t test approaches. This lowered the LOEC/NOEC for many chemical treatments to control comparisons. As a consequence, the statistically detected NOECs/LOECs were often set at lower percentage deviations between control and chemical treatment. This is the first time the performance of the CPCAT has been assessed within a comprehensive analysis of earthworm field study data. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1750–1760. © 2021 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Verwitterungsabhängige Zerfalls‐ und Entfestigungsvorgänge veränderlich fester Ton‐ und Schlufftonsteine am Beispiel des Keupers
Authors: Knopp Julia , Moormann Christian
Published: February 2021

Veränderlich feste Gesteine sind sehr zerfallsempfindlich, da sie innerhalb kurzer Zeit u. a. durch Austrocknungs‐ und Wiederbefeuchtungs‐Wechsel ihren Zusammenhalt verlieren können. In einer umfangreichen Laborstudie wurde ein neues Verfahren zur Klassifikation der Veränderlichkeit entwickelt, mit dem eine eindeutige Erfassung des Zerfallspotenzials möglich ist. In der hier vorliegenden Studie wurde näher untersucht, welche Gesteinseigenschaften die Zerfallsneigung der Gesteine beeinflussen. Festgestellt wurde dabei, dass der natürliche Verwitterungszustand die Veränderlichkeit stark beeinflusst. Ursache hierfür ist ein mit der Verwitterung abnehmender Sulfatgehalt und ansteigender Interaggregatporenanteil.
The link between exceptional fossil preservation and palaeo‐redox conditions in the Middle Triassic Luoping Biota from South China
Authors: Ma Zhixin , Hu Shixue , Liu Xiting , Zhou Changyong , Wen Wen , Zhang Qiyue , Huang Jinyuan , Min Xiao
Published: February 2021

The Luoping Biota represents of the recovery of marine ecosystems after the Permian–Triassic Mass Extinction. To better understand the palaeoenvironmental background of the Luoping Biota, sedimentary analysis and multi‐geochemical proxies (Mo, U, V, V/Cr, MoEF, UEF, and VEF) were assessed in Member II of the Middle Triassic Guanling Formation of the Xiangdongpo section in Luoping County, Yunnan Province. According to the facies characteristics and redox‐sensitive elemental proxies, in combination with macrofossil and bioturbation evidence, five intervals (I, II, III, IV, and V) were recognized. The exceptional preservation of the fossils is related to two anoxic intervals (II and IV) sandwiched by three suboxic intervals (I, III, and V). Based on this study and regional correlation, it is concluded that anoxia in the water‐column increased the preservation potential of macrofauna fossils and inhibited the survival of trace‐making organisms. In addition, microbial mats could produce local anoxic and restricted micro‐environments, preventing the disarticulation of the carcasses by water turbulence. Therefore, we demonstrate that anoxic conditions played a key role in the exceptional fossil preservation of the Luoping Biota.
Risk of second primary malignancy after minor salivary gland cancer: A Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database analysis
Authors: Yang Jingyi , Wei Ruoyan , Song Xiaole , Sun Xicai , Wang Huan , Liu Quan , Hu Li , Yu Hongmeng , Wang Dehui
Published: February 2021

Background

Minor salivary gland cancer (MiSGC) is a group of tumors with varied disease course in the head and neck. We evaluated the risk of a second primary malignancy (SPM) in MiSGC patients and identified possible prognostic factors for survival using a large population database.

Methods

We used the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data to evaluate the risk and prognosis of SPM in patients diagnosed with MiSGC.

Results

The risk of SPM increased in MiSGC patients compared with the endemic rate. The risk of SPM was slightly greater in female patients and who underwent radiotherapy. Age at primary diagnosis, sex, race, year of diagnosis, SEER stage, radiotherapy, SPM, histology, and tumor site were significant survival prognostic indicators of MiSGC patients.

Conclusion

Radiotherapy and female sex were risk factors for SPM after MiSGC. Long‐term surveillance for SPM was important in MiSGC patients.
Time‐frequency dynamics between fear connectedness of stocks and alternative assets
Authors: Naeem Muhammad Abubakr , Hasan Mudassar , Agyemang Abraham , Chowdhury Md Iftekhar Hasan , Balli Faruk
Published: February 2021

We examine linkages between the time‐frequency dynamics of fear (VIX) connectedness across global stock markets and alternative asset markets. To this end, we utilize Diebold and Yilmaz, International Journal of Forecasting, 2012, 28, 57–66; Diebold and Yilmaz, Journal of Econometrics, 2014, 182, 119–134; and Baruník and Křehlík, Journal of Financial Econometrics, 2018, 16, 271–296 connectedness methods to measure the total, short‐, medium‐ and long‐term connectedness. We subsequently use the rolling‐window wavelet correlation framework of Polanco‐Martínez et al. Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and Its Applications, 2018, 490, 1211–1227 to investigate the dynamic relationship structure among global equity market fear and fear in alternative asset markets, namely oil (OVX), gold (GVZ), currency (EVZ), and bond (TYNVI). We find that OVX drives the underlying VIX connectedness of the global equity markets during stress periods. The results also suggest the prospects of a reverse hedge that is driven by GVZ when the demand for gold intensifies. Furthermore, there are structural shifts in EVZ following Brexit, highlighting a negative relationship with the VIX connectedness. Finally, we find that the VIX connectedness typically moves in the opposite direction to the TYNVI. These results are insightful in realizing vulnerable stock markets' behaviour and explaining investors' sentiments and their shifts over time in asset allocations.
A Neuroskeletal Atlas: Spatial Mapping and Contextualization of Axon Subtypes Innervating the Long Bones of C3H and B6 Mice
Authors: Lorenz Madelyn R , Brazill Jennifer M , Beeve Alec T , Shen Ivana , Scheller Erica L
Published: February 2021

Nerves in bone play well-established roles in pain and vasoregulation and have been associated with progression of skeletal disorders, including osteoporosis, fracture, arthritis, and tumor metastasis. However, isolation of the region-specific mechanisms underlying these relationships is limited by our lack of quantitative methods for neuroskeletal analysis and precise maps of skeletal innervation. To overcome these limitations, we developed an optimized workflow for imaging and quantitative analysis of axons in and around the bone, including validation of Baf53b-Cre in concert with R26R-tdTomato (Ai9) as a robust pan-neuronal reporter system for use in musculoskeletal tissues. In addition, we created comprehensive maps of sympathetic adrenergic and sensory peptidergic axons within and around the full length of the femur and tibia in two strains of mice (B6 and C3H). In the periosteum, these maps were related to the surrounding musculature, including entheses and myotendinous attachments to bone. Three distinct patterns of periosteal innervation (termed type I, II, III) were defined at sites that are important for bone pain, bone repair, and skeletal homeostasis. For the first time, our results establish a gradient of bone marrow axon density that increases from proximal to distal along the length of the tibia and define key regions of interest for neuroskeletal studies. Lastly, this information was related to major nerve branches and local maps of specialized mechanoreceptors. This detailed mapping and contextualization of the axonal subtypes innervating the skeleton is intended to serve as a guide during the design, implementation, and interpretation of future neuroskeletal studies and was compiled as a resource for the field as part of the NIH SPARC consortium. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR)..
Mutations in Profilin 1 Cause Early-Onset Paget's Disease of Bone With Giant Cell Tumors
Authors: Wei Zhe , Li Shanshan , Tao Xiaohui , Zhu Guoying , Sun Zhenkui , Wei Zhanying , Jiao Qiong , Zhang Huizhen , Chen Lin , Li Baojie , Zhang Zhenlin , Yue Hua
Published: February 2021

Paget's disease of bone (PDB) is a late-onset chronic progressive bone disease characterized by abnormal activation of osteoclasts that results in bone pain, deformities, and fractures. PDB is very rare in Asia. A subset of PDB patients have early onset and can develop malignant giant cell tumors (GCTs) of the bone (PDB/GCTs), which arise within Paget bone lesions; the result is a significantly higher mortality rate. SQSTM1, TNFRSF11A, OPG, VCP, and HNRNPA2B1 have been identified as pathogenic genes of PDB, and ZNF687 is the only confirmed gene to date known to cause PDB/GCT. However, the molecular mechanism underlying PDB/GCT has not been fully elucidated. Here, we investigate an extended Chinese pedigree with eight individuals affected by early-onset and polyostotic PDB, two of whom developed GCTs. We identified a heterozygous 4-bp deletion in the Profilin 1 (PFN1) gene (c.318_321delTGAC) by genetic linkage analysis and exome sequencing for the family. Sanger sequencing revealed another heterozygous 1-bp deletion in PFN1 (c.324_324delG) in a sporadic early-onset PDB/GCT patient, further proving its causative role. Interestingly, a heterozygous missense mutation of PFN1 (c.335 T > C) was identified in another PDB/GCT family, revealing that not only deletion but also missense mutations in PFN1 can cause PDB/GCT. Furthermore, we established a Pfn1-mutated mouse model (C57BL/6J mice) and successfully obtained Pagetic phenotypes in heterozygous mice, verifying loss of function of PFN1 as the cause of PDB/GCT development. In conclusion, our findings reveal mutations in PFN1 as the pathological mechanism in PDB/GCT, and we successfully established Pfn1-mutated mice as a suitable animal model for studying PDB-associated pathological mechanisms. The identification of PFN1 mutations has great diagnostic value for identifying PDB individuals predisposed toward developing GCTs. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Compound Heterozygous Frameshift Mutations in MESD Cause a Lethal Syndrome Suggestive of Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type XX
Authors: Stürznickel Julian , Jähn-Rickert Katharina , Zustin Jozef , Hennig Floriane , Delsmann Maximilian M. , Schoner Katharina , Rehder Helga , Kreczy Alfons , Schinke Thorsten , Amling Michael , Kornak Uwe , Oheim Ralf
Published: February 2021

Multiple genes are known to be associated with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), a phenotypically and genetically heterogenous bone disorder, marked predominantly by low bone mineral density and increased risk of fractures. Recently, mutations affecting MESD, which encodes for a chaperone required for trafficking of the low-density lipoprotein receptors LRP5 and LRP6 in the endoplasmic reticulum, were described to cause autosomal-recessive OI XX in homozygous children. In the present study, whole-exome sequencing of three stillbirths in one family was performed to evaluate the presence of a hereditary disorder. To further characterize the skeletal phenotype, fetal autopsy, bone histology, and quantitative backscattered electron imaging (qBEI) were performed, and the results were compared with those from an age-matched control with regular skeletal phenotype. In each of the affected individuals, compound heterozygous mutations in MESD exon 2 and exon 3 were detected. Based on the skeletal phenotype, which was characterized by multiple intrauterine fractures and severe skeletal deformity, OI XX was diagnosed in these individuals. Histological evaluation of MESD specimens revealed an impaired osseous development with an altered osteocyte morphology and reduced canalicular connectivity. Moreover, analysis of bone mineral density distribution by qBEI indicated an impaired and more heterogeneous matrix mineralization in individuals with MESD mutations than in controls. In contrast to the previously reported phenotypes of individuals with OI XX, the more severe phenotype in the present study is likely explained by a mutation in exon 2, located within the chaperone domain of MESD, that leads to a complete loss of function, which indicates the relevance of MESD in early skeletal development. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR)..