bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trachymyrmex septentrionalis ant microbiome assembly is unique to individual colonies and castes
Authors: Green Emily A. , Klassen Jonathan L.
Published: November 2021

Within social insect colonies, microbiomes often differ between castes due to their different functional roles, and between colony locations. Trachymyrmex septentrionalis fungus-growing ants form colonies throughout the eastern USA and Northern Mexico that include workers, female and male alates (unmated reproductive castes), larvae, and pupae. How T. septentrionalis microbiomes vary across this geographic range and between castes is unknown. Our sampling of individual ants from colonies across the Eastern USA revealed a conserved T. septentrionalis worker ant microbiome, and that worker ant microbiomes are more conserved within colonies than between them. A deeper sampling of individual ants from two colonies that included all available castes (pupae, larvae, workers, female and male alates), from both before and after adaptation to controlled laboratory conditions, revealed that ant microbiomes from each colony, caste, and rearing condition were typically conserved within but not between each sampling category. Tenericute bacterial symbionts were especially abundant in these ant microbiomes and varied widely in abundance between sampling categories. This study demonstrates how individual insect colonies primarily drive the composition of their microbiomes, and that these microbiomes are further modified by developmental differences between insect castes and the different environmental conditions experienced by each colony.

IMPORTANCE

This study investigates microbiome assembly in the fungus-growing ant Trachymyrmex septentrionalis, showing how colony, caste, and lab adaptation influences the microbiome and revealing unique patterns of Mollicute symbiont abundance. We find that ant microbiomes differ strongly between colonies but less so within colonies. Microbiomes of different castes and following lab adaptation also differ in a colony-specific manner. This study advances understanding of the nature of individuality in social insect microbiomes, and cautions against the common practice of only sampling a limited number of populations to understand microbiome diversity and function.
Characteristics analysis of behavioural portfolio theory in the Markowitz portfolio theory framework
Authors: Mittal Saksham , Bhattacharya Sujoy , Mandal Satrajit
Published: November 2021

Purpose

In recent times, behavioural models for asset allocation have been getting more attention due to their probabilistic modelling for scenario consideration. Many investors are thinking about the trade-offs and benefits of using behavioural models over conventional mean-variance models. In this study, the authors compare asset allocations generated by the behavioural portfolio theory (BPT) developed by Shefrin and Statman (2000) against the Markowitz (1952) mean-variance theory (MVT).

Design/methodology/approach

The data used have been culled from BRICS countries' major index constituents from 2009 to 2019. The authors consider a single period economy and generate future probable outcomes based on historical data in order to determine BPT optimal portfolios.

Findings

This study shows that a fair number of portfolios satisfy the first entry constraint of the BPT model. BPT optimal portfolio exhibits high risk and higher returns as compared to typical Markowitz optimal portfolio.

Originality/value

The BRICS countries' data were used because the dynamics of the emerging markets are significantly different from the developed markets, and many investors have been considering emerging markets as their new investment avenues.
Stable Isotopes and Halogen Geochemistry of the Huayuan Carbonate‐hosted Pb‐Zn Ore District, South China: Implications for the Salt Source of Ore‐forming Fluids
Authors: YANG Zhen , JIANG Mengjie , ZHAO Shaorui , DING Zhenju , HE Mouchun
Published: November 2021

The Huayuan Pb‐Zn ore district in China, located in western Hunan Province, is a giant carbonate‐hosted Pb‐Zn ore district. The source of ore‐forming brines in this ore district remains poorly constrained. Whether the highly saline brines are derived from evaporated seawater or dissolved evaporates continues to be intensely debated. Carbonate minerals associated with Pb‐Zn mineralization have δ13CV‐PDB and δ18OV‐SMOW values ranging from −5.55‰ to +1.35‰ (mean value of −0.69‰; n = 14) and +16.28‰ to +25.05‰ (mean value of +20.22‰; n = 14), respectively. This indicates that carbonate minerals are dominantly formed from dissolved ore‐hosted carbonate rocks. The δ34S values of sulfides range from +20.2‰ to +36.8‰, with an average value of +30.0‰ (n = 27). These results suggest that sulfur is predominantly derived from the thermochemical sulfate reduction of marine sulfate. The crush‐leach analyzed solute data of fluid inclusions in sphalerite show the ore‐forming fluids have Cl/Br molar ratios range from 118 to 384, and Na/Br molar ratios from 39 to 160 (n = 8). These Cl/Br ratios of hydrothermal fluid are much lower than those of seawater (657 to 564), but are consistent with bittern brines through early halite precipitation. We propose that ore‐forming fluids are mainly derived from evaporitic basin brines, which leached base metals from the basement and/or country rocks. The brine then migrated to the basin margins through clastic rocks of basement and then precipitated sulfides by thermochemical sulfate reduction.
Formation, contents, functions of exosomes and their potential in lung cancer diagnostics and therapeutics
Authors: Xia Zhenkun , Qing Bei , Wang Wei , Gu Linguo , Chen Hongzuo , Yuan Yunchang
Published: November 2021

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide due to diagnosis in the advanced stage and drug resistance in the subsequent treatments. Development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic methods is urged to improve the disease outcome. Exosomes are nano‐sized vehicles which transport different types of biomolecules intercellularly, including DNA, RNA and proteins, and are implicated in cross‐talk between cells and their surrounding microenvironment. Tumor‐derived exosomes (TEXs) have been revealed to strongly influence the tumor microenvironment, antitumor immunoregulatory activities, tumor progression and metastasis. Potential of TEXs as biomarkers for lung cancer diagnosis, prognosis and treatment prediction is supported by numerous studies. Moreover, exosomes have been proposed to be promising drug carriers. Here, we review the mechanisms of exosomal formation and uptake, the functions of exosomes in carcinogenesis, and potential clinical utility of exosomes as biomarkers, tumor vaccine and drug delivery vehicles in the diagnosis and therapeutics of lung cancer.
Novel small molecule inhibition of IKK/NF‐κB activation reduces markers of senescence and improves healthspan in mouse models of aging
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhao Jing , Mu Xiaodong , McGowan Sara J. , Angelini Luise , O'Kelly Ryan D. , Yousefzadeh Matthew J. , Sakamoto Ayumi , Aversa Zaira , LeBrasseur Nathan K. , Suh Yousin , Huard Johnny , Kamenecka Theodore M. , Niedernhofer Laura J. , Robbins Paul D.
Published: November 2021

Constitutive NF‐κB activation is associated with cellular senescence and stem cell dysfunction and rare variants in NF‐κB family members are enriched in centenarians. We recently identified a novel small molecule (SR12343) that inhibits IKK/NF‐κB activation by disrupting the association between IKKβ and NEMO. Here we investigated the therapeutic effects of SR12343 on senescence and aging in three different mouse models. SR12343 reduced senescence‐associated beta‐galactosidase (SA‐β‐gal) activity in oxidative stress‐induced senescent mouse embryonic fibroblasts as well as in etoposide‐induced senescent human IMR90 cells. Chronic administration of SR12343 to the Ercc1−/∆ and Zmpste24−/− mouse models of accelerated aging reduced markers of cellular senescence and SASP and improved multiple parameters of aging. SR12343 also reduced markers of senescence and increased muscle fiber size in 2‐year‐old WT mice. Taken together, these results demonstrate that IKK/NF‐κB signaling pathway represents a promising target for reducing markers of cellular senescence, extending healthspan and treating age‐related diseases.
University students' adherence and vaccination attitudes during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Focusing on costs and benefits
Authors: Kulcar Vanessa , Straganz Christoph , Kreh Alexander , Siller Heidi , File Norbert , Canazei Markus , Bork‐Hüffer Tabea , Juen Barbara
Published: November 2021

Numerous measures were implemented to contain the COVID‐19 pandemic. Adhering to these measures as well as getting vaccinated is associated with subjective costs and benefits. Since young people like university students largely feel less vulnerable to the virus, other costs and benefits than health might be more decisive for them. This article combines the results of a qualitative and a quantitative longitudinal study conducted with university students mainly living in Tyrol, Austria. The studies focused on the second wave of infections of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Health concerns, altruistic concerns, worrying about the economic consequences of the measures and reactance played an important role for students in deciding what measures to follow and their vaccination attitudes. The effects were partially mediated by understanding the measures' necessity. Qualitative results enabled further insights into thought processes during these decisions and revealed additional aspects, such as concerns about mental health consequences. This research suggests that students make their decisions about adherence and vaccinations based on a variety of aspects that they weigh against each other. Understanding the individual assessments of costs and benefits is crucial to promote both adherence to the measures against the COVID‐19 pandemic and vaccination readiness.
Rapid morphological change in a small mammal species after habitat fragmentation over the past half‐century
Authors: Li Jiaqi , Dirzo Rodolfo , Wang Yanping , Zeng Di , Liu Juan , Ren Peng , Zhong Lei , Ding Ping
Published: November 2021

Aim

To compare the rapid shifts in body size of mainland and island populations of a native rodent and examine the mechanisms underlying these changes.

Location

Thousand Island Lake, China, which was created in 1959 when the Xin'anjiang Dam was constructed for generating hydroelectricity.

Taxon

The Chinese white‐bellied rat,Niviventer confucianus.

Methods

Field surveys were conducted from 2015 to 2018 to collect data on body size of the rodents from a set of islands and nearby mainland sites. We constructed multiple linear models to examine the relationships between body size (length and mass) of rodents and biological variables (predators, competitors and food availability). We also conducted structural equation modelling (SEM) by constructing models via confirmatory path analysis.

Results

All island populations ofN.confucianushad significantly larger body size (both body mass and body length) than their mainland counterparts. Moreover, populations on small and more isolated islands had larger body size than their relatives on big islands. The relative absence of predators (large‐bodied mammals, snakes and raptors) on islands was most strongly associated with shifts in the body size of rodents. The documented changes occurred after only a half‐century of fragmentation.

Main conclusions

The observed rapid body enlargement of rodents after habitat fragmentation is consistent with a release from predation pressure. SEM indicated that island area, rather than island isolation, had positive effects on the abundance of predators, interspecific competitors and food resources, which then had an indirect impact on body size of the rodents. In this study, we report a remarkably rapid case of mammal morphological shifts in a small mammal in response to habitat fragmentation. Given the omnipresence of dams and other anthropogenic disturbances, our findings suggest that a wave of rapid phenotypic shifts in terrestrial vertebrates is taking place in the Anthropocene.
Generalization of sustained neurophysiological effects of short‐term auditory 13‐Hz stimulation to neighbouring frequency representation in humans
Authors: Kleeva Daria F. , Rebreikina Anna B. , Soghoyan Gurgen A. , Kostanian Daria G. , Neklyudova Anastacia N. , Sysoeva Olga V.
Published: November 2021

A fuller understanding of the effects of auditory tetanization in humans would inform better language and sensory learning paradigms; however, there are still unanswered questions. Here, we probe sustained changes in the event‐related potentials (ERPs) to 1020‐ and 980‐Hz tones following a rapid presentation of 1020‐Hz tone (every 75 ms, 13.3 Hz, tetanization). Consistent with some previous studies, we revealed the increase in the P2 ERP component after tetanization. Contrary to some other studies, we did not observe the expected N1 increase after tetanization even in the identical experimental sequence. We detected a significant N1 decrease after tetanization. Expanding previous research, we showed that P2 increase and N1 decrease are not specific to the stimulus type (tetanized 1020 Hz and non‐tetanized 980 Hz), suggesting the generalizability of tetanization effect to the not‐stimulated auditory tones, at least to those of the neighbouring frequency. The ERPs' tetanization effects were observed for at least 30 min—the most prolonged interval examined, consistent with the duration of long‐term potentiation, LTP. In addition, the tetanization effects were detectable in the blocks where the participants watched muted videos, an experimental setting that can be easily used in children and other challenging groups. Thus, auditory 13‐Hz stimulation affects brain processing of tones including those of neighbouring frequencies.
Sitagliptin's renoprotective effect in a diabetic nephropathy model in rats: The potential role of PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Mohamed Reham Hussein , Sedky Amina Ahmed , Hamam Ghada Galal , Elkhateb Lobna , Kamar Sherif A. , Adel Seham , Tawfik Sherin Shafik
Published: November 2021

Management of diabetic nephropathy (DN) is far from satisfactory. There is a rising role of the involvement of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway in the pathogenesis of DN. This study aimed at investigating the renoprotective effects of PI3K/AKT pathway via sitagliptin in a rat model of DN. Thirty‐two male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (eight rats each): (I) control, (II) sitagliptin, (III) DN, and (IV) DN + sitagliptin. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), kidney index, and kidney function tests in both blood and urine were measured. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), and transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β) and gene expressions of PI3K, pPI3K, AKT, and pAKT in renal tissue were detected. Renal histopathological and immunohistochemical studies were evaluated. DN + sitagliptin group showed significant decrease in FBG and kidney index, improvement in kidney function tests, and a decrease in levels of TNF‐α and TGF‐β in renal tissues compared with DN group. This was associated with significant increase in SOD and gene expressions of PI3K and AKT and their phosphorylated active forms in renal tissue in DN + sitagliptin group compared with DN group. Moreover, DN + sitagliptin group showed apparent decrease in amount of collagen fibers and expression of alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) compared with DN group. This work shows that sitagliptin improved renal functions and histopathological changes, impeded inflammation, and oxidative stress and upregulated PI3K/AKT pathway which highlights its renoprotective effects in a rat model of DN.
Land as a Global Commons?
Authors: Blomfield Megan
Published: November 2021

Land is becoming increasingly scarce relative to the demands of the global economy; a problem significantly exacerbated by climate change. In response, some have suggested that land should be conceptualised as a global commons. This framing might seem like an appealing way to promote sustainable and equitable land use. However, it is a poor fit for the worldʼs land because global commons are generally understood as resources located beyond state borders. I argue that land can be seen to fit the definition of a global commons, if viewed in a particular way; namely, as a biogeochemical resource system that sequesters carbon emissions. The question then arises whether land should be conceptualised as a global commons. I consider this question by reference to three contemporary problems of land justice (land grabbing, forced displacement, and unfairness in land‐based climate mitigation); arguing that the global‐commons framing will not be conducive to understanding or responding to these problems. I leave the question of how the global community should conceptualise land in the context of climate change open, claiming that any answer must include the voices and perspectives of those whose livelihoods and identities are closely connected to the land.
The impact of augmented reality on cognitive load and performance: A systematic review
Authors: Buchner Josef , Buntins Katja , Kerres Michael
Published: November 2021

Background

Previous studies on augmented reality‐enriched learning and training indicated conflicting results regarding the cognitive load involved: some authors report that AR can reduce cognitive load, others have shown that AR is perceived as cognitively demanding and can lead to poorer performance.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to systematically analyse previous research on AR and cognitive load, including performance, and thus to be able to contribute to answering the question of the impact of AR on cognitive load when used in learning environments.

Methods

This study applied the systematic review method. A total of 58 studies were identified and analysed using rigorously defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results are now reported as a synthesis.

Results and Conclusions

Compared to other technologies, AR seems to be less cognitively demanding and also leads to higher performance. However, these results are based on media comparison studies that have been criticized for years. The spatial AR type is better compared to see‐through AR. However, the latter can be improved by visual cues and the addition of learning activities, such as value‐added studies have revealed.

Major takeaways

The essential findings of this study are that the technology used, for example, AR glasses, can unnecessarily increase cognitive load and that still many studies focus on the comparison of AR with more traditional media. Less studies applied alternative research designs, for example, value‐added comparisons. However, such designs are better suited to investigate design principles for AR‐enriched learning environments, which can then in turn reduce cognitive load as well as positively affect performance.
Rad50 promotes ovarian cancer progression through NF‐κB activation
Authors: Li Yinuo , Wang Shourong , Li Peng , Li Yingwei , Liu Yao , Fang Haiya , Zhang Xiyu , Liu Zhaojian , Kong Beihua
Published: November 2021

Rad50 is a component of MRN (Mre11‐Rad50‐Nbs1), which participates in DNA double‐strand break repair and DNA‐damage checkpoint activation. Here, we sought to investigate the clinical and functional significance of Rad50 in high‐grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). We found that Rad50 was frequently upregulated in HGSOCs and enhanced Rad50 expression inversely correlated with patient survival. In addition, ectopic expression of Rad50 promoted proliferation/invasion and induced EMT of ovarian cancer cells, whereas knockdown of Rad50 led to decreased aggressive behaviors. Mechanistic investigations revealed that Rad50 induced aggressiveness in HGSOC via activation of NF‐κB signaling pathway. Moreover, we identified CARD9 as an interacting protein of Rad50 in ovarian cancer cells and the activation of NF‐κB pathway by Rad50 is CARD9 dependent. Our findings provide evidence that Rad50 exhibits oncogenic property via NF‐κB activation in HGSOC.
Going home for tea and medals: How members of the flood risk management authorities in England construct flooding and flood risk management
Authors: Mehring Phiala , Geoghegan Hilary , Cloke Hannah L. , Clark Joanna M.
Published: November 2021

The construction of flooding and flood risk management are complex and there is potential for dissonance between individual and institutional understanding and experience of both. In this article, we start by investigating how flooding is managed and the change in paradigm from flood defence to more adaptive approaches, which embed resilience into flood risk management. Using analysis of semi‐structured interviews with members of the flood authorities in England, we explore how flood management authorities construct ‘flooding’ and establish that it is often defined by in‐the‐moment impacts. Whilst these in‐the‐moment impacts are understood to be devastating, there is less appreciation of long‐term human impacts of living at risk of flooding. We uncover how the construction of ‘flood risk management’ by the flood authorities is complicated by factors, such as the construction of resilience, availability of funding, technical expertise and responsibility fragmentation that the Floods and Water Management Act (2010) has created. We conclude that the differing constructions of flooding and flood risk management between flood management authorities in England hinder how flooding is managed. Therefore, we propose that a more nuanced understanding of flooding and flood risk management is essential for effective partnership working between flood risk management authorities and communities.
An update on fecal microbiota transplantation for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases
Authors: Waller Karen M. J. , Leong Rupert W. , Paramsothy Sudarshan
Published: November 2021

Our understanding of the microbiome and its implications for human health and disease continues to develop. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is now an established treatment for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. There is also increasing evidence for the efficacy of FMT in inducing remission for mild–moderate ulcerative colitis. However, for other indications, data for FMT are limited, with randomized controlled trials rare, typically small and often conflicting. Studies are continuing to explore the role of FMT for many other conditions, including Crohn's disease, functional gut disorders, metabolic syndrome, modulating responses to chemotherapy, eradication of multidrug resistant organisms, and the gut–brain axis. In light of safety, logistical, and regulatory challenges, there is a move to standardized products including narrow spectrum consortia. However, the mechanisms underpinning FMT remain incompletely understood, including the role of non‐bacterial components, which may limit success of novel microbial approaches.
Advancing nutrition measurement: Developing quantitative measures of nutrition service quality for pregnant women and children in low‐ and middle‐income country health systems
Authors: King Shannon E. , Sheffel Ashley , Heidkamp Rebecca , Xu Yvonne Yiru , Walton Shelley , Munos Melinda K.
Published: November 2021

The health sector plays an important role in the delivery of high‐quality nutrition interventions to women and children in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). However, there are no standardized approaches to defining and measuring nutrition service quality in these contexts. This study aims to systematically develop quality of care indices for direct health systems nutrition interventions using a five‐step process: (1) identify recommended interventions for inclusion in indices, (2) extract service readiness, provision of care, and experience of care items from intervention‐specific clinical guidelines, (3) map items to data available in global health facility surveys, (4) conduct an expert survey to prioritize interventions and items, and (5) use findings from previous steps to propose quality of care metrics. Thirty‐two recommended interventions were identified, for which the guidelines review yielded 763 unique items that were reviewed by experts. The proposed nutrition quality of care indices for pregnant women reflects eight interventions and the indices for children under 5 reflects six interventions. The indices provide a standardized measure for nutrition intervention quality and can be operationalized using existing health facility assessment data, facilitating their use by LMIC decision makers for planning and resource allocation.
Island communities and disaster resilience: Applying the EnRiCH community resilience framework
Authors: Snyder Audrey , Matthew Stephanie , Leahy Nancy , Gaul Raiden , Hood Tiffany Lee , Hijmans Kyler , Milbrath Gwyneth
Published: November 2021

Objective

To explore the beliefs, attitudes, and perspectives of community resilience in St. Kitts and Nevis.

Design

Qualitative Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis using the EnRiCH Community Resilience Framework for High‐Risk Populations (EnRiCH Framework) to identify factors that enhance or create barriers to community resilience to disasters in St. Kitts and Nevis.

Sample

Twenty‐one key informants and 23 community informants provided insight into the history of disasters.

Results

Unique strengths and barriers that significantly influenced this high‐risk population's adaptive capacity were identified. A discrepancy between the way disaster preparedness was perceived by government officials and the local population was noted. Cultural factors promoted connectedness and communication and created barriers to empowerment and collaboration. Innovative strategies were suggested that could enhance upstream leadership, downstream management, and resource management during disasters.

Conclusions

Island communities represent a unique opportunity to examine risk reduction and vulnerability within the context of community and societal characteristics. This research addresses a significant gap in the literature on interventions that utilize a strengths‐based approach to building adaptive capacity and resilience to disasters among at‐risk populations. The EnRiCH Framework can be used to develop an approach to strengthen adaptive capacity and improve resilience to disasters.
Historical and recent tomato black ring virus and beet ringspot virus isolate genomes reveal interspecies recombination and plant health regulation inconsistencies
Authors: Fowkes Aimee , Adams Ian P. , Jones Roger A. C. , Fox Adrian , McGreig Sam , Boonham Neil
Published: November 2021

Tomato black ring virus (TBRV) and beet ringspot virus (BRSV) are closely related but distinct members of subgroup B of the genus Nepovirus. Both viruses have broad host ranges and are transmitted by seed, pollen, and ectoparasitic nematodes. Although 13 TBRV and 3 BRSV genome sequences were already available, no attempt has been made to link sequence data from these recent sequences with those of historical isolates studied in the pre‐sequencing era. High‐throughput sequencing was used to generate eight new TBRV and BRSV genome sequences from three historical >60‐year‐old and two >30‐year‐old isolates, and three more recent isolates. These eight isolates were from the Czech Republic, Germany, and the UK. We compared these with all genomes sequenced previously. Intraspecies recombination (three of four TBRV and two of four BRSV isolates) was frequent amongst the eight new genomes. Interspecies recombination was also present within the RNA1 of TBRV isolates BRSV‐3393 SG GB and BRSV‐9888 ST GB. No satellite RNAs were associated with the eight new genomes. Two commercial enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits used to detect TBRV during routine testing differed in that one detected only TBRV and the other only BRSV, so they are likely to provide incorrect but potentially complementary virus occurrence information. We suggest both ELISA kits, or appropriate molecular tests, be used by biosecurity authorities to avoid this problem. This study illustrates the value of sequencing historical isolates preserved from the pre‐sequencing era.
Carbon content and allometric models to estimate aboveground biomass for forest areas under restoration
Authors: Zanini Anani M. , Mayrinck Rafaella C. , Vieira Simone A. , Rodrigues Ricardo R.
Published: November 2021

Maximizing carbon sequestration is crucial to mitigate climate change and indicates that the restoration technique used was effective. To quantify carbon stock over time on areas being restored, suitable allometric equations are needed. These equations are lacking for the Atlantic forest, lacking even more for restoration sites, and rare for restoration areas implemented with the active method, technique often used to restore Atlantic forest areas. Thus, the objective of this study was 3‐fold. First, to provide an equation to estimate aboveground biomass for 5‐year‐old Atlantic forest under restoration implemented with the active method. Second, to determine carbon content for the branch, stem, and foliage pools for those areas. Third, to present biomass, carbon content, and carbon stock benchmarks for 5‐year‐old areas under restoration implemented with the active method. Three sites were sampled with nine plots each, measuring tree height and diameter. One subplot was established in each plot, and all trees within it were harvested and had fresh weight measured and samples were taken to the laboratory to dry weight and carbon content determination. Ten models estimating biomass were fitted and tested. Mean carbon content in foliage, branch, stem, and the weighted average were 44.8, 44.5, 45.8, and 45.3%, respectively. Mean biomass and carbon stock were 20.19 ± 0.146 Mg/ha and 9.73 Mg C/ha. We concluded that the equation that we provide is precise, and very necessary to estimate biomass for young restoration areas at the Atlantic forest.
Fanconi anemia and hematopoietic stem cell transplant as risk factors for oral squamous cell carcinoma: A case report with a 12‐year follow‐up
Authors: Macedo Larissa Fernanda dos Santos Lima , Domaneschi Carina , Miguita Luiz Lucyene , Peres Maria Paula Siqueira de Melo , Franco Juliana Bertoldi
Published: November 2021

Fanconi anemia is a rare disorder resulting from defects in genes responsible for DNA damage responses. It is characterized by congenital anomalies, aplastic anemia, and a predisposition to cancer. Currently, hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is the only curative treatment available for bone marrow failure; however, HSCT increases oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) risk. Here we report the case of a patient diagnosed with Fanconi anemia in childhood who was treated with HSCT and later diagnosed with multiple OSCCs during a 12‐year follow‐up. Despite multiple surgical interventions and radiotherapy regimens, the patient`s health deteriorated. Management of individuals with Fanconi anemia is challenging and must be provided by a multidisciplinary healthcare team to ensure better staging, treatment planning, and coordination.
Hemodiafiltration improves red blood cell lifespan in patients with end‐stage renal disease
Authors: Jiang Ying , Li Jiu‐Hong , Luo Jun‐Feng , Han Quan‐Sheng , Zhu Sheng‐Lang , Ma Yong‐Jian , Zhang Hou‐De
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Uremic toxin‐induced shortening of red blood cell (RBC) lifespan is an important mechanism of anemia in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). Conventional hemodialysis does not improve RBC lifespan; the efficacy of hemodiafiltration (HDF) for alleviating RBC lifespan has not yet been evaluated in patients with ESRD.

Methods

Twenty‐three patients with ESRD in maintenance hemodialysis were enrolled. Baseline data for sex, age, dialysis vintage, pre‐dialysis hemoglobin (Hb), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), single pool Kt/V (spKt/V), and plasma indophenol sulfate (IS) were collected. RBC lifespans before and after one session of HDF were compared. The resultant differences were subjected to correlational analyses with baseline data.

Results

RBC lifespan increased from 73 (66, 89) days at baseline to 77 (71, 102) days after a single HDF treatment (p = 0.034). Meanwhile, plasma IS concentration decreased from 113.05 (80.67, 133.05) mg/L to 83.87 (62.98, 96.78) mg/L (p < 0.001). RBC lifespan increases correlated negatively with Hb levels.

Conclusions

A single HDF treatment improved RBC lifespan in ESRD patients on maintenance hemodialysis, with more severe pre‐HDF anemia at baseline being associated with greater increases in RBC lifespan.
Fabrication of Cd-free ZnCuInS/ZnS based inverted quantum dot light-emitting diode: Considering substrate temperature effect on sputtered ZnO layer
Authors: Biswas Mohammad Mostafizur Rahman , Hossain Md. Faruk , Morimoto Masahiro , Naka Shigeki , Okada Hiroyuki
Published: November 2021

Cd-free ZnCuInS/ZnS quantum dot-based light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) were fabricated using metallic sputtered ZnO. The undoped and metallic ZnO film was prepared with substrate heating to enhance the electronics properties of the oxide layer. The semiconductor properties of the ZnO layer were examined by using Hall effect measurements. The structural and morphological properties were observed using x-ray diffraction analysis and field emission scanning electron microscopy. After fabricating the QLED devices, its performances were investigated under DC electrical measurement system and compared with the preparation conditions of the ZnO films. The power efficiency of 11.6 lm/W, current efficiency of 14.1 cd/A, and external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 7.5% were achieved, where the ZnO film was prepared at the substrate temperature of 150 °C, and the Hall mobility of 23.4 cm2/Vs, carrier density of 4.1 × 1020 cm−3 was observed accordingly.
Radiocarbon: A key tracer for studying Earth’s dynamo, climate system, carbon cycle, and Sun
Authors: Heaton T. J. , Bard E. , Bronk Ramsey C. , Butzin M. , Köhler P. , Muscheler R. , Reimer P. J. , Wacker L.
Published: November 2021

Using carbon-14

Carbon-14 or radiocarbon, a radioactive isotope produced in the upper atmosphere by cosmic rays, is rapidly incorporated into the terrestrial carbon cycle and provides a way to calculate the age of carbon-bearing materials as old as 55,000 years. Heaton
et al
. review recent progress that has allowed the construction of better radiocarbon age calibration curves and discuss the new insights into climate processes, the Sun, Earth’s geodynamo, and the carbon cycle that have emerged from these efforts. —HJS
Mapping the catalytic conformations of an assembly-line polyketide synthase module
Authors: Cogan Dillon P. , Zhang Kaiming , Li Xiuyuan , Li Shanshan , Pintilie Grigore D. , Roh Soung-Hun , Craik Charles S. , Chiu Wah , Khosla Chaitan
Published: November 2021

Big molecules build small

Actinomycete bacteria are prolific producers of bioactive small molecules such as polyketide antibiotics. These molecules are built by the addition of short carbon units to a growing, protein-tethered chain, either iteratively as in fatty acid synthesis or in a modular fashion by a hand-off from one distinct enzyme complex to the next. Bagde
et al
. and Cogan
et al
. report structures of polyketide synthase modules in action, taking advantage of antibody stabilization of one of the domains. Both groups visualized multiple conformational states and an asymmetric arrangement of domains, providing insight into how these molecular assembly machines transfer substrates from one active site to another. —MAF
Sabatier principle of metal-support interaction for design of ultrastable metal nanocatalysts
Authors: Hu Sulei , Li Wei-Xue
Published: November 2021

Rational design of stable nanocatalysts

Sintering of nanoparticles is one of the main causes of their catalytic deactivation. Rational design of nanocatalysts that are stable against sintering is a grand challenge in heterogenous catalysis. Hu
et al
. present kinetic theories for two competing sintering mechanisms, Ostwald ripening and particle migration, which relate the rates of both processes to fundamental interaction energies in metal nanoparticle-support combinations. Using kinetic simulations for hundreds of such pairs, the authors show a universal volcano dependence of the sintering kinetics on the metal-support binding energy that can serve as a single descriptor to predict nanoparticle growth rates. The revealed scaling relations are a good start in the development of high-throughput screening computational approaches to drive discovery of sintering-resistant nanocatalysts. —YS
A radical shift in air pollution
Authors: Heald Colette L. , Kroll Jesse H.
Published: November 2021

Fifty years ago, Levy identified hydroxyl radicals as the driver of chemistry in the troposphere
Carbonyl 1,2-transposition through triflate-mediated α-amination
Authors: Wu Zhao , Xu Xiaolong , Wang Jianchun , Dong Guangbin
Published: November 2021

Careful choreography for a ketone shift

Chemists devote tremendous effort to the precise placement of oxygens in molecular frameworks. Wu
et al
. report a convenient method to shift the oxygen in a carbonyl group to an adjacent carbon center. After activation of the oxygen to an alkenyl triflate, cooperative catalysis by palladium and norbornene adds nitrogen to the neighboring carbon while displacing the triflate with hydride. Hydrolysis then produces the desired shifted ketone. The protocol is well suited to late-stage variation of complex molecules during drug optimization. —JSY
A helminth-induced antimicrobial protein
Authors: Harris Nicola , Wickramasinghe Lakshanie
Published: November 2021

Small proline-rich protein 2A regulates the intestinal microbiota
Embodying consciousness
Feeling and Knowing: Making Minds Conscious
Antonio Damasio
Pantheon, 2021. 256 pp.
Authors: Gomez-Marin Alex
Published: November 2021

Bodies and feelings are foundational to conscious experience, argues a neuroscientist
RNA drugs custommade for rare diseases face wider test
Authors: Kaiser Jocelyn
Published: November 2021

With tempered expectations, more scientists try to accelerate “n-of-1” approach
China Initiative spawns distrust—and activism
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: November 2021

Two surveys reveal fallout from U.S. investigations as Chinese faculty form campus groups
Draft Genome Sequence of
Schaalia odontolytica
Strain ORNL0103, a Basibiont of “
Candidatus
Saccharibacteria” HMT352
Authors: Podar Nicholas A. , Klingeman Dawn , Miranda-Sanchez Fabiola , Dewhirst Floyd E. , Podar Mircea
Published: November 2021

Here, we report the draft, nearly complete genome sequence of the human oral actinobacterium
Schaalia odontolytica
strain ORNL0103, which was isolated in association with “
Candidatus
Saccharibacteria” HMT352 strain ORNL0105. The genome was sequenced using a combination of Pacific Biosciences and Illumina platforms and encodes 1,948 proteins and 60 RNAs.
Mapping conflict of interests: scoping review
Authors: Chimonas Susan , Mamoor Maha , Zimbalist Sophia A , Barrow Brooke , Bach Peter B , Korenstein Deborah
Published: November 2021

Objective

To identify all known ties between the medical product industry and the healthcare ecosystem.

Design

Scoping review.

Methods

From initial literature searches and expert input, a map was created to show the network of medical product industry ties across parties and activities in the healthcare ecosystem. Through a scoping review, the ties were then verified, cataloged, and characterized, with data abstracted on types of industry ties (financial, non-financial), applicable policies for conflict of interests, and publicly available data sources.

Main outcome measures

Presence and types of medical product industry ties to activities and parties, presence of policies for conflict of interests, and publicly available data.

Results

A map derived through synthesis of 538 articles from 37 countries shows an extensive network of medical product industry ties to activities and parties in the healthcare ecosystem. Key activities include research, healthcare education, guideline development, formulary selection, and clinical care. Parties include non-profit entities, the healthcare profession, the market supply chain, and government. The medical product industry has direct ties to all parties and some activities through multiple pathways; direct ties extend through interrelationships among parties and activities. The most frequently identified parties were within the healthcare profession, with individual professionals described in 422 (78%) of the included studies. More than half (303, 56%) of the publications documented medical product industry ties to research, with clinical care (156, 29%), health professional education (145, 27%), guideline development (33, 6%), and formulary selection (8, 1%) appearing less often. Policies for conflict of interests exist for some financial and a few non-financial ties; publicly available data sources seldom describe or quantify these ties.

Conclusions

An extensive network of medical product industry ties to activities and parties exists in the healthcare ecosystem. Policies for conflict of interests and publicly available data are lacking, suggesting that enhanced oversight and transparency are needed to protect patient care from commercial influence and to ensure public trust.
The effects of physical activity on arterial stiffness during pregnancy: an observational study
Authors: Matenchuk Brittany A. , Fujii Katelyn , Skow Rachel J. , Sobierajski Frances , MacKay Christina , Steinback Craig D. , Davenport Margie H.
Published: November 2021

The objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and arterial stiffness in pregnancy. Thirty-nine women participated in this study, resulting in 68 measurements in non-pregnant (NP; n = 21), first (TM1; n = 8), second (TM2; n = 20), and third trimesters (TM3; n = 19). Compliance, distensibility, elasticity, β-stiffness, and carotid to femoral (central) and carotid to finger (peripheral) pulse wave velocity (PWV) were assessed. MVPA was measured using accelerometry. Multilevel linear regressions adjusted for multiple tests per participant using random effects to generate β coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were performed. Distensibility, elasticity, β-stiffness, and central- and peripheral-PWV did not differ between pregnant and non-pregnant assessments. Carotid artery compliance was higher in TM2 compared with NP. Central PWV (β coefficient: –0.14, 95% CI: –0.27, –0.02) decreased from early to mid-pregnancy and increased in late pregnancy. Meeting the MVPA guidelines was significantly associated with central-PWV (adjusted β coefficient: –0.34, 95% CI: –0.62, −0.06, p = 0.016), peripheral-PWV (adjusted β coefficient: –0.54, 95% CI: –0.91, –0.16, p = 0.005), and distensibility (adjusted β coefficient: –0.001, 95% CI: –0.002, –0.0001, p = 0.018), in pregnancy. These results suggest that MVPA may be associated with improved (i.e., reduced) arterial stiffness in pregnancy.

Novelty: Central PWV, distensibility, compliance, elasticity, and β-stiffness, but not peripheral PWV, exhibited curvilinear relationships with gestational age Central and peripheral PWV were lower in pregnant women who met the physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week
Topological Magnets: Functions Based on Berry Phase and Multipoles
Authors: Nakatsuji Satoru , Arita Ryotaro
Published: November 2021

Macroscopic responses of magnets are often governed by magnetization and, thus, have been restricted to ferromagnets. However, such responses are strikingly large in the newly developed topological magnets, breaking the conventional scaling with magnetization. Taking the recently discovered antiferromagnetic (AF) Weyl semimetals as a prime example, we highlight the two central ingredients driving the significant macroscopic responses: the Berry curvature enhanced because of nontrivial band topology in momentum space, and the cluster magnetic multipoles in real space. The combination of large Berry curvature and multipoles enables large macroscopic responses such as the anomalous Hall and Nernst effects, the magneto-optical effect, and the novel magnetic spin Hall effect in antiferromagnets with negligible net magnetization, but also allows us to manipulate these effects by electrical means. Furthermore, nodal-point and nodal-line semimetallic states in ferromagnets may provide the strongly enhanced Berry curvature near the Fermi energy, leading to large responses beyond the conventional magnetization scaling. These significant properties and functions of the topological magnets lay the foundation for future technological development such as spintronics and thermoelectric technology.
Active Turbulence
Authors: Alert Ricard , Casademunt Jaume , Joanny Jean-François
Published: November 2021

Active fluids exhibit spontaneous flows with complex spatiotemporal structure, which have been observed in bacterial suspensions, sperm cells, cytoskeletal suspensions, self-propelled colloids, and cell tissues. Despite occurring in the absence of inertia, chaotic active flows are reminiscent of inertial turbulence, and hence they are known as active turbulence. Here, we survey the field, providing a unified perspective over different classes of active turbulence. To this end, we divide our review into sections for systems with either polar or nematic order, and with or without momentum conservation (wet or dry). Comparing to inertial turbulence, we highlight the emergence of power-law scaling with either universal or nonuniversal exponents. We also contrast scenarios for the transition from steady to chaotic flows, and we discuss the absence of energy cascades. We link this feature to both the existence of intrinsic length scales and the self-organized nature of energy injection in active turbulence, which are fundamental differences from inertial turbulence. We close by outlining the emerging picture, remaining challenges, and future directions.
Student preference for course approach to pedagogically different methodologies in anatomy and physiology
Authors: Adams Jessica A. , Dewsbury Bryan M.
Published: November 2021

Introductory anatomy and physiology courses are either taught as discipline-specific courses (human anatomy and human physiology) or integrated sequences [combined human anatomy and physiology (A&P I and A&P II)]. This variation suggests there is no agreed upon pedagogical standard for teaching introductory anatomy and physiology. We surveyed undergraduate students enrolled in human anatomy, human physiology, A&P I, and A&P II to determine their course approach preference, either discipline-specific or an integrated A&P sequence, and the underlying reasons for their preferences. The literature suggests that understanding students’ preferred learning environment influences learner satisfaction, level of achievement, and socioemotional adjustment in the classroom. Our qualitative analysis revealed students prefer an integrated A&P course approach to a discipline-specific sequence with “building on prior knowledge,” “easier,” and “increased understanding” emerging as the top reasons for their preferences. Our findings have implications for course design and curricular reforms.