bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of the landscape changes in the low streamflows of Pantanal headwaters—Brazil
Authors: Marques Mayara Cristina Santos , Rodriguez Daniel Andrés
Published: May 2022

The Upper Paraguay Basin Plateau (UPRB) concentrates the headwaters and the largest volume of rain that supply the Pantanal biome and is essential for maintaining its water regime. Given the region's changes in land use and cover, this research sought to identify their influence on headwater flows. The use of conceptual models and time series analysis showed that the replacement of natural vegetation with pasture and the more recent activity of irrigated agriculture have produced changes in the hydrological response of the headwaters. There was a decreasing tendency of low flows during dry periods, which was correlated with anthropic changes in the use and cover of the land in the region. The research results point out changes in land use and cover as the cause of a significant decrease in streamflows during drier periods. Such behaviour at the headwaters of the Pantanal can have consequences for this biome, reducing the resilience of the system against droughts and damaging the biodiversity of the biome.
The oxidized‐LDL/LOX‐1 axis in tumor endothelial cells enhances metastasis by recruiting neutrophils and cancer cells
Authors: Tsumita Takuya , Maishi Nako , Annan Dorcas Akuba‐Muhyia , Towfik Mohammad Alam , Matsuda Aya , Onodera Yasuhito , Nam Jin‐Min , Hida Yasuhiro , Hida Kyoko
Published: May 2022

Epidemiological relationships between cancer and cardiovascular diseases have been reported, but a molecular basis remains unclear. Some proteoglycans that strongly bind low‐density‐lipoprotein (LDL) are abundant both in atherosclerotic regions and in high metastatic‐tumor tissue. LDL retention is crucial for the initiation of atherosclerosis, although its contribution to malignancy of cancer is not known. In our study, we show the importance of the accumulation of LDL in tumor metastasis. We demonstrated that high metastatic‐tumor tissue contains high amounts of LDL and forms more oxidized LDL (ox‐LDL). Interestingly, lectin‐like ox‐LDL receptor 1 (LOX‐1), a receptor for ox‐LDL and a recognized key molecule for cardiovascular diseases, was highly expressed in tumor endothelial cells (TECs). Neutrophils are important for ox‐LDL formation. Since we observed the accumulation and activation of neutrophils in HM‐tumors, we evaluated the involvement of LOX‐1 in neutrophil migration and activation. LOX‐1 induced neutrophil migration via CCL2 secretion from TECs, which was enhanced by ox‐LDL. Finally, we show genetic manipulation of LOX‐1 expression in TECs or tumor stroma tended to reduce lung metastasis. Thus, the LOX‐1/ox‐LDL axis in TECs may lead to the formation of a high metastatic‐tumor microenvironment via attracting neutrophils.
Geraniol enhances peroxiredoxin‐1, and prevents isoproterenol‐induced oxidative stress and inflammation associated with myocardial infarction in experimental animal models
Authors: Zou Gangqiang , Wan Jia , Balupillai Agilan , David Ernest , Ranganathan Babujanarthanam , Saravanan Kalaimani
Published: May 2022

This study has explored the fact that geraniol prevents isoproterenol (ISO)‐induced oxidative stress and inflammation‐mediated myocardial infarction (MI) through enhanced expression of peroxiredoxin‐1 (Prdx‐1) in experimental animal models. The experimental strategies of MI were stimulated through the subcutaneous direction of ISO (85 mg/kg body weight) for 14 days. ISO‐directed models showed elevated heart rate levels and cardiac markers (serum creatine kinase [CK], serum CK‐myocardial band, serum C‐reactive proteins, and plasma homocysteine); increased cardiac‐troponins‐T, and troponin‐I levels in both serum and myocardium. Moreover, we perceived that a higher level of lipid peroxidation molecules (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and lipid hydroperoxides) reduced the antioxidant enzyme levels in plasma and heart tissue of ISO‐directed rats. However, geraniol treatment prevents ISO‐directed enhancement of the heart rate, cardiac and lipid peroxidative genes; reverted the blood pressure, and antioxidant status in ISO‐directed rats. Furthermore, gene expression results revealed that geraniol treatment inhibited the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) proteins, inflammatory responder (tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin 6, nuclear factor‐κB), and cardiac fibrotic proteins (matrix metalloproteinase‐2[MMP‐2], MMP‐9) in ISO directed rats. Prdx‐1 is an antioxidant response element, and it can regulate all the antioxidant proteins and it scavenges harmful radicals. Therefore, enhanced Prdx‐1 expression is considered to have a pivotal role in preventing cardiac infarction. In this study, an elevated expression of Prdx1 was noticed in geraniol treated with ISO‐directed rats. Hence, we concluded that geraniol is considered a potential phytodrug, and it prevents ISO‐directed MAPKs, inflammation, and cardiac markers by enhancing the expression of Prdx1.
Declines in muscle protein synthesis account for short‐term muscle disuse atrophy in humans in the absence of increased muscle protein breakdown
Authors: Brook Matthew S. , Stokes Tanner , Gorissen Stefan H.M. , Bass Joseph J. , McGlory Chris , Cegielski Jessica , Wilkinson Daniel J. , Phillips Bethan E. , Smith Ken , Phillips Stuart M. , Atherton Philip J.
Published: May 2022

Background

We determined the short‐term (i.e. 4 days) impacts of disuse atrophy in relation to muscle protein turnover [acute fasted‐fed muscle protein synthesis (MPS)/muscle protein breakdown (MPB) and integrated MPS/estimated MPB].

Methods

Healthy men (N = 9, 22 ± 2 years, body mass index 24 ± 3 kg m−2) underwent 4 day unilateral leg immobilization. Vastus lateralis (VL) muscle thickness (MT) and extensor strength and thigh lean mass (TLM) were measured. Bilateral VL muscle biopsies were collected on Day 4 at t = −120, 0, 90, and 180 min to determine integrated MPS, estimated MPB, acute fasted‐fed MPS (l‐[ring‐13C6]‐phe), and acute fasted tracer decay rate representative of MPB (l‐[15N]‐phe and l‐[2H8]‐phe). Protein turnover cell signalling was measured by immunoblotting.

Results

Immobilization decreased TLM [pre: 7477 ± 1196 g, post: 7352 ± 1209 g (P < 0.01)], MT [pre: 2.67 ± 0.50 cm, post: 2.55 ± 0.51 cm (P < 0.05)], and strength [pre: 260 ± 43 N m, post: 229 ± 37 N m (P < 0.05)] with no change in control legs. Integrated MPS decreased in immob vs. control legs [control: 1.55 ± 0.21% day−1, immob: 1.29 ± 0.17% day−1 (P < 0.01)], while tracer decay rate (i.e. MPB) (control: 0.02 ± 0.006, immob: 0.015 ± 0.015) and fractional breakdown rate (FBR) remained unchanged [control: 1.44 ± 0.51% day−1, immob: 1.73 ± 0.35% day−1 (P = 0.21)]. Changes in MT correlated with those in MPS but not FBR. MPS increased in the control leg following feeding [fasted: 0.043 ± 0.012% h−1, fed: 0.065 ± 0.017% h−1 (P < 0.05)] but not in immob [fasted: 0.034 ± 0.014% h−1, fed: 0.049 ± 0.023% h−1 (P = 0.09)]. There were no changes in markers of MPB with immob (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Human skeletal muscle disuse atrophy is driven by declines in MPS, not increases in MPB. Pro‐anabolic therapies to mitigate disuse atrophy would likely be more effective than therapies aimed at attenuating protein degradation.
A behavioral economic demand analysis of mothers' decision to exclusively breastfeed in the workplace
Authors: Hayashi Yusuke , Fisher Nicole M. , Hantula Donald A. , Furman Lydia , Washio Yukiko
Published: May 2022

The present study determined whether behavioral economic demand analysis could characterize mothers' decision to exclusively breastfeed in the workplace. Females, aged between 18 and 50 who have given birth in the past three years, completed a novel demand task with hypothetical scenarios, in which they returned to work with a 2‐month‐old baby. Participants rated their likelihood of breastfeeding their baby at a workplace lactation room versus formula‐feeding their baby at their desk. The distance to the lactation room ranged from 10 s to 60 min. This assessment was conducted with and without hypothetical financial incentives for 6‐month exclusive breastfeeding. Primary dependent measures were demand intensity and change in demand elasticity, which could conceptually represent initiation and continuation of breastfeeding, respectively. Demand for breastfeeding was more intense and less elastic (i.e., more likely to initiate and continue breastfeeding) among mothers with an experience of 6‐month exclusive breastfeeding and under the condition with the financial incentives. The novel demand task can potentially provide a useful behavioral marker for quantifying mothers' decision to initiate and continue exclusive breastfeeding in the workplace, informing workplace policy regarding lactation rooms, identifying risk for early cessation, and developing and individualizing an intervention to assist mothers to exclusively breastfeed in the workplace.
The 17‐gene stemness score associates with relapse risk and long‐term outcomes following allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation in acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Kim Dennis D. H. , Novitzky Basso Igor , Kim Taehyung Simon , Yi Seong Yoon , Kim Kyoung Ha , Murphy Tracy , Chan Steven , Minden Mark , Pasic Ivan , Lam Wilson , Law Arjun , Michelis Fotios V. , Gerbitz Armin , Viswabandya Auro , Lipton Jeffrey , Kumar Rajat , Ng Stanley W. K. , Stockley Tracy , Zhang Tong , King Ian , Mattsson Jonas , Wang Jean C. Y.
Published: May 2022

A 17‐gene stemness (LSC17) score determines risk in acute myeloid leukaemia patients treated with standard chemotherapy regimens. The present study further analysed the impact of the LSC17 score at diagnosis on outcomes following allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Out of 452 patients with available LSC17 score, 123 patients received allogeneic HCT. Transplant outcomes, including overall (OS), leukaemia‐free survival (LFS), relapse incidence (RI) and non‐relapse mortality (NRM), were compared according to the LSC17 scored group. The patients with a low LSC17 score had higher OS (56.2%) and LFS (54.4%) at 2 years compared to patients with high LSC17 score (47.2%, p = 0.0237 for OS and 46.0%, p = 0.0181 for LFS). The low LSC17 score group also had a lower relapse rate at 2 years (12.7%) compared to 25.3% in the high LSC17 score group (p = 0.017), but no difference in NRM (p = 0.674). Worse outcomes in the high LSC17 score group for OS, LFS and relapse were consistently observed across all stratified sub‐groups. The use of more intensive conditioning did not improve outcomes for either group. In contrast, chronic graft‐versus‐host‐disease was associated with more favourable outcomes in both groups. The 17‐gene stemness score is highly prognostic for survival and relapse risk following allogeneic HCT.
Probing luminescence of rare earth ions in natural pink fluorites using Raman microscopes
Authors: Hagemann Hans , Ayoubipour Sareh , Delgado Teresa , Schnyder Cédric , Gnos Edwin
Published: May 2022

It is well‐known that many natural fluorite crystals contain rare earth ions. In this work, a series of pink fluorites is studied to demonstrate that the use of Raman microscopes allows to obtain high resolution emission spectra of trivalent rare earth ions. These emission spectra allow in principle to distinguish differences of the local environment related to the charge compensation necessary when the divalent Ca ion is replaced by a trivalent rare earth ion. The pink fluorites from the Alps have grown under hydrothermal conditions, which results in the incorporation of oxygen into the fluorite. In one sample from Juchlistock (Bern, Switzerland), a trigonal Eu3+‐oxygen center is clearly identified. Interestingly, a pink fluorite from China (Huanggang Mine, Inner Mongolia, China) shows a quite different emission spectrum from those of the Alps. In this sample, the emission bands have much lower relative intensity compared with the intensity of the CaF2 Raman peak, indicating a much lower content of Er3+ and Ho3+ which emit around 520–560 nm. Literature examples show that Raman measurements of differently colored fluorite crystals can also present sharp rare earth spectra. By extension, it is thus possible to observe and identify emission spectra of rare earth ions in other mineral crystals using Raman microspectroscopy and avoid misassignments of the corresponding observed Raman spectra.
Using helicopter counts to estimate the abundance of Himalayan tahr in New Zealand's Southern Alps
Authors: Ramsey David S. L. , Forsyth David M. , Perry Mike , Thomas Pete , McKay Meredith , Wright Elaine F.
Published: May 2022

Estimating the abundance and density of mountain ungulates is difficult because of rugged and remote terrain, high elevations, and rapidly changing weather. Helicopter surveys could overcome these problems, but researchers have seldom applied helicopter‐based survey methods at large spatial scales in mountain terrain. We used helicopters to count introduced Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus) at 117 plots, each of 4 km2, in New Zealand's Southern Alps during 2016–2019. The sampling frame was 7,844 km2and we located the plots at the vertices of an 8‐km grid superimposed over the sampling frame (i.e., a systematic random sampling design). We conducted 3 repeat counts at each plot during summer–autumn. We used the repeat counts to estimate tahr abundance and density, corrected for imperfect detection, using a dynamic N‐mixture model for open populations. We estimated the population of tahr in the sampling frame using design‐based, finite sampling methods and model‐based inference procedures. The mean estimated density of tahr on each plot varied from zero to 31.7 tahr/km2. The mean densities of tahr varied among management units, ranging from 0.3 to 10.7 tahr/km2, and exceeded specified intervention densities in 6 of the 7 management units. The total design‐based estimate of tahr abundance in the sampling frame was 34,500 (95% CI = 27,750–42,900), with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 0.11. The corresponding model‐based estimate of total abundance was similar (34,550, 95% CI = 30,250–38,700) but was substantially more precise (CV = 0.06) than the design‐based estimate. The precision of the estimates for the individual management units was also better than that of the design‐based estimates, with CVs of <0.20 for all but 1 management unit. Our study provides a repeatable method for sampling mountain ungulates. More generally, robust estimation of abundance and density of mountain ungulates is possible by combining aerial surveys and open population models with an objective, probabilistic sampling design.
Reverse Engineering of Chemically Similar Bimodal High Density Polyethylenes: A Comprehensive Study Using Advanced Chromatographic Techniques
Authors: Ndiripo Anthony , Lamola Helen , Ndlovu Petronella Zabesuthu , Lederer Albena , Pasch Harald , van Reenen Albert Johannes
Published: May 2022

Bimodal high‐density polyethylene (bHDPE) is a complex, multicomponent polyethylene (PE) material whose synthesis in a multistage process can be challenging. Three bHDPEs with good and bad end‐use properties are reverse engineered using advanced analytical techniques. Average chemical composition is determined using 13C NMR and 1‐butene is identified as the comonomer for the good resin (bHDPE 1) while 1‐hexene is the comonomer in bHDPE 2 and 3. The presence of comonomer in the high molar mass fractions of the samples is shown using high‐temperature triple‐detection size exclusion chromatography (HT‐SEC‐d3). Chemical composition separation using high‐temperature interaction chromatography (HT‐IC) is achieved using porous graphitic carbon (PGC) and silica stationary phases. Some problems in temperature gradient interaction chromatography (TGIC) on PGC are overcome by using a non‐adsorptive stationary phase, enabling better separation and visualization of homopolymer and copolymer components. Coupling HT‐SEC in 2D liquid chromatography (2D‐LC) analyses at high temperatures reveals the presence of a larger copolymer component in bHDPE 1 at high elution volume. In contrast, bHDPE 2 and bHDPE 3 have copolymer components at low elution volumes, indicating poor comonomer distribution in the copolymer component which ultimately explains the poor mechanical properties at similar comonomer contents.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mimics
Authors: Kwan Justin , Vullaganti Mithila
Published: May 2022

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common adult‐onset motor neuron disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of cortical, bulbar, and spinal motor neurons. When a patient presents with a progressive upper and/or lower motor syndrome, clinicians must pay particular attention to any atypical features in the history and/or clinical examination suggesting an alternate diagnosis, as up to 10% percent of patients initially diagnosed with ALS have a mimic of ALS. ALS is a clinical diagnosis and requires the exclusion of other disorders that may have similar presentations but a more favorable prognosis or an effective therapy. Because there is currently no specific diagnostic biomarker that is sensitive or specific for ALS, understanding the spectrum of clinical presentations of ALS and its mimics is paramount. While true mimics of ALS are rare, the clinician must correctly identify these disorders to avoid the misdiagnosis of ALS and to initiate effective treatment where available.
Improving nutrition practices for postoperative high‐risk heart transplant and ventricular assist device implant patients in circulatory compromise: A quality improvement pre– and post–protocol intervention outcome study
Authors: Modir Ranna , Hadhazy Eric , Teuteberg Jeffrey , Hiesinger William , Tulu Zeynep , Hill Charles
Published: May 2022

Background

Patients undergoing heart transplant (HT) and ventricular assist device (VAD) implant may experience intra‐ and postoperative complications requiring high‐dose vasopressor agents and/or mechanical circulatory support. These complications increase the risk of nonocclusive bowel ischemia (NOBI) and inadequate enteral nutrition (EN) delivery, and guidance for this high‐risk patient population is limited. To optimize nutrition support practices in this patient population at our institution, we created the High‐Risk Nutrition Support Protocol (HRNSP) to improve nutrient delivery and promote safer EN practices in the setting of NOBI risk factors after HT and VAD implant.

Methods

We developed and implemented a nutrition support protocol as a quality improvement (QI) initiative. Data were obtained before (n = 62) and after (n = 52) protocol initiation. We compared nutrition and clinical outcomes between the pre‐ and post‐intervention groups.

Results

Fewer calorie deficits (P < 0.001), fewer protein deficits (P < 0.001), a greater proportion of calorie/protein needs met (P < 0.001), zero NOBI cases (0%), and decreased intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS) (P = 0.005) were observed with 100% (n = 52 of 54) HRNSP implementation success. Increased use of parenteral nutrition did not increase central line–associated bloodstream infections (P = 0.46). There was no difference in hospital LOS (P = 0.44) or 90‐day and 1‐year mortality (P = 0.56, P = 0.35).

Conclusion

This single‐center, QI pre‐ and post‐protocol intervention outcome study suggests that implementing and adhering to a nutrition support protocol for VAD implant/HT patients with hemodynamic complications increases nutrient delivery and is associated with reduced ICU LOS and NOBI.
Single‐Molecule Force Spectroscopy Reveals Stability of mitoNEET and its [2Fe2Se] Cluster in Weakly Acidic and Basic Solutions
Authors: Nie Jing‐Yuan , Song Guo‐Bin , Deng Yi‐Bing , Zheng Peng
Published: May 2022

The outer mitochondrial membrane protein mitoNEET (mNT) is a recently identified iron‐sulfur protein containing a unique Fe2S2(His)1(Cys)3 metal cluster with a single Fe−N(His87) coordinating bond. This labile Fe−N bond led to multiple unfolding/rupture pathways of mNT and its cluster by atomic force microscopy‐based single‐molecule force spectroscopy (AFM‐SMFS), one of most common tools for characterizing the molecular mechanics. Although previous ensemble studies showed that this labile Fe−N(His) bond is essential for protein function, they also indicated that the protein and its [2Fe2S] cluster are stable under acidic conditions. Thus, we applied AFM‐SMFS to measure the stability of mNT and its cluster at pH values of 6, 7, and 8. Indeed, all previous multiple unfolding pathways of mNT were still observed. Moreover, single‐molecule measurements revealed that the stabilities of the protein and the [2Fe2S] cluster are consistent at these pH values with only ≈20 pN force differences. Thus, we found that the behavior of the protein is consistent in both weakly acidic and basic solutions despite a labile Fe−N bond.
Swelling poly(ionic liquid)s for demulsifying oil‐in‐water emulsion by anion exchange
Authors: Cheng Guiren , Yuan Huixia , Deng Xi , Wang Binshen , Zhang Guirong , Zhao Yun , Gao Guohua
Published: May 2022

In this work, poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) with swelling ability were prepared via the free radical copolymerization of N‐vinyl imidazolium ionic liquids and divinylbenzene. Nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier‐transform infrared analyses confirmed the successful synthesis of PILs. The PILs were evaluated as demulsifiers for a model oil‐in‐water emulsion, where sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was used as a surfactant. The demulsification efficiencies of PILs increased from 18%, 34%, 92% to 99% with the alkyl chain of three‐substituents on imidazolium varied from n‐octyl, n‐hex1yl, n‐butyl to n‐ethyl, which positively related with the swelling ratios of PILs in the emulsion. The amounts of dodecyl sulfate and Br− in the aqueous phase after demulsification were analyzed by high‐pressure liquid chromatography and ion chromatography, respectively. The decreased amount of dodecyl sulfate coincided with the increased amount of Br−, indicating that the anion exchange between surfactant SDS and PILs was occurred. The PILs could be recycled by ion exchange with NaBr solution and the demulsification efficiencies did not show significant decline during five times of recycling. Meanwhile, P[VEIm]Br@4 Å zeolite prepared by loading poly(1‐vinyl‐3‐ethylimidazolium bromide) on 4 Å zeolite was used for continuous demulsification in the T type device. The T type device had stable fluxes (1083 L ·m−2 h−1) for various oil‐in‐water emulsions with excellent demulsification efficiencies (above 99%).
Insights gained in the pathology of lung disease through single‐cell transcriptomics
Authors: Carraro Gianni , Stripp Barry R
Published: May 2022

The human lung is a relatively quiescent organ in the normal healthy state but contains stem/progenitor cells that contribute to normal tissue maintenance and either repair or remodeling in response to injury and disease. Maintenance or repair lead to proper restoration of functional lung tissue and maintenance of physiological functions, with remodeling resulting in altered structure and function that is typically associated with disease. Knowledge of cell types contributing to lung tissue maintenance and repair/remodeling have largely relied on mouse models of injury‐repair and lineage tracing of local progenitors. Therefore, many of the functional alterations underlying remodeling in human lung disease have remained poorly defined. However, the advent of advanced genomics approaches to define the molecular phenotype of lung cells at single‐cell resolution has paved the way for rapid advances in our understanding of cell types present within the normal human lung and changes that accompany disease. Here we summarize recent advances in our understanding of disease‐related changes in the molecular phenotype of human lung epithelium that have emerged from single‐cell transcriptomic studies. We focus attention on emerging concepts of epithelial transitional states that characterize the pathological remodeling that accompanies chronic lung diseases, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, and asthma. Concepts arising from these studies are actively evolving and require corroborative studies to improve our understanding of disease mechanisms. Whenever possible, we highlight opportunities for providing a unified nomenclature in this rapidly advancing field of research. © 2022 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Temperature sensitivity maps of silicon wafers from photoluminescence imaging: The effect of gettering and hydrogenation
Authors: Nie Shuai , Chin Robert Lee , Soufiani Arman Mahboubi , Mehl Torbjørn , Theska Felix , Haghdadi Nima , Primig Sophie , Chan Catherine , Trupke Thorsten , Hameiri Ziv
Published: May 2022

The operating temperature has a critical impact on the electrical performance of solar cells. It has been shown that the temperature coefficient is not uniform across devices and often varies between different regions due to the inhomogeneous distributions of defects. In this study, temperature‐dependent photoluminescence imaging measurements are used to assess the influence of different processes such as gettering, firing and advanced hydrogenation on the temperature‐dependent electrical performance of cast‐mono silicon wafers. It is found that the height of the wafer within the ingot impacts the response of the temperature coefficient to different fabrication processes. Advanced hydrogenation is found to reduce the temperature sensitivity, more than expected solely from the improvement in implied open‐circuit voltage. Crystallographic defects are found to be the least temperature sensitive regions, indicating that their detrimental impact is reduced at higher operating temperatures. The interesting low temperature sensitivity in the defective regions is further investigated using hyperspectral photoluminescence imaging measurements and atom probe tomography. It is suggested that the reduced sensitivity is due to impurities decorating crystallographic defects.
A positive effect of a short period stay in Alpine environment on lung function in asthmatic children
Authors: Cogo Annalisa , Piazza Michele , Costella Silvia , Appodia Massimiliano , Aralla Raffaele , Zanconato Stefania , Carraro Silvia , Piacentini Giorgio ,   Istituto Pio XII Scientific Group
Published: May 2022

Lung function is a central issue in diagnosis and determination of asthma severity and asthma control has been previously reported to improve after a stay in mountain environment for at least 2 weeks. No data are available for shorter periods of stay, in particular for small airways during a stay at altitude. The aim of this study is to focus on changes in respiratory function, regarding both the central airways and the peripheral airways in the first 2 weeks of stay in a mountain environment in asthmatic children. In this study, 66 asthmatic children (age: 14 ± 2.8 years) were evaluated through spirometric and oscillometric tests at the time of arrival at the Istituto Pio XII, Misurina (BL), Italy, 1756 m above sea level (T0), after 24 h (T1), and 168 h (T2) of stay. FEV1%, FEF25%–75%, and FEV1/FVC increased significantly from T0 value both at T1 and T2 (respectively, p = 0.0002, p < 0.0001, p = 0.0002). Oscillometry showed a significant improvement in R5, R20, and R5–20 at both T1 and T2 as compared to T0 (respectively, p = 0.0001, p = 0.0002, and p = 0.049). Reactance at 5 Hz (X5) improved significantly at T2 versus T0, p = 0.0022. The area under reactance curve between Fres and 5 Hz (AX) was significantly reduced (p = 0.0001) both at T1 and T2 as compared to T0. This study shows an improvement in respiratory indices as soon as after 24 h of stay at altitude, persisting in the following week.
Change‐point analysis of lambda‐cyhalothrin efficacy against soybean aphid (Aphis glycines Matsumura): identifying practical resistance from field efficacy trials
Authors: Menger James P. , Ribeiro Arthur V. , Potter Bruce D. , Koch Robert L.
Published: May 2022

Background

Soybean aphid (Aphis glycines Matsumura) remains the most economically important arthropod pest of soybean in the Upper Midwest Region of the USA. Soybean aphid resistance to the pyrethroid insecticides emerged in 2015; however, the reduction in the efficacy of field applications of pyrethroid insecticides has not been quantified. Based on time‐series data from insecticide efficacy trials at two locations, a novel approach of continuous two‐phase change point‐regression models was used to indicate whether a change in percent control had occurred, and to provide an indication of when and to what degree the percent control had changed.

Results

At both locations examined in this study, a significant change point for percent control of λ‐cyhalothrin was detected in 2014, thus marking the onset of practical resistance in the soybean aphid. Percent control decreased at a rate of 4.30% and 19.90% per year at these locations. By contrast, percent control for chlorpyrifos remained high over time with no significant change point.

Conclusion

This research demonstrates that retrospective time‐series analysis of insecticide efficacy data can identify the onset and magnitude of practical resistance in the field. This further validates and compliments the other lines of evidence related to pyrethroid resistance in soybean aphid. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Temporal Spinodal Decomposition of the Fe1+yTe1−xSex Crystals and its Impact on Superconducting Properties
Authors: Gimazov Ilnur , Kiiamov Airat , Sadakov Andrey , Lyadov Nikolai , Chareev Dmitriy , Vasiliev Aleksander , Talanov Yurii
Published: May 2022

Precipitated phases, formed by spinodal decomposition during long‐term storage in a desiccator in dry atmosphere, are found with the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) study of Fe1+y
Te1−x
Se
x
crystals. Their compositions are deduced from the position of satellite Bragg reflections in the XRD pattern. In particular, in the Fe1.19Te0.58Se0.42 crystal, traces of phases with significantly higher tellurium content, namely Fe1+y
Te0.9Se0.1 and FeTe, are found. The detection and analysis of side bands in the diffraction pattern of an aged crystal indicate spinodal decay. It leads to the formation of a modulated structure in the entire volume of the sample and to strain in the crystal structure. In turn, this results in a significant improvement in the superconducting characteristics. Specifically, the resistive transition narrows to 2 K at the onset temperature 14.5 K, and the superconducting volume fraction increases up to about 100%.
Biocoating—A Critical Step Governing the Oral Delivery of Polymeric Nanoparticles
Authors: Azagury Aharon , Baptista Cameron , Milovanovic Kosta , Shin Hyeseon , Morello Peter , Perez‐Rogers James , Goldenshtein Victoria , Nguyen Travis , Markel Arianna , Rege Soham , Hojsak Stephanie , Perl Alexander , Jones Carder , Fife Megan , Furtado Stacia , Mathiowitz Edith
Published: May 2022

Decades of research into the topic of oral nanoparticle (NP) delivery has still not provided a clear consensus regarding which properties produce an effective oral drug delivery system. The surface properties—charge and bioadhesiveness—as well as in vitro and in vivo correlation seem to generate the greatest number of disagreements within the field. Herein, a mechanism underlying the in vivo behavior of NPs is proposed, which bridges the gaps between these disagreements. The mechanism relies on the idea of biocoating—the coating of NPs with mucus—which alters their surface properties, and ultimately their systemic uptake. Utilizing this mechanism, several coated NPs are tested in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo, and biocoating is found to affect NPs size, zeta‐potential, mucosal diffusion coefficient, the extent of aggregation, and in vivo/in vitro/ex vivo correlation. Based on these results, low molecular weight polylactic acid exhibits a 21‐fold increase in mucosal diffusion coefficient after precoating as compared to uncoated particles, as well as 20% less aggregation, and about 30% uptake to the blood in vivo. These discoveries suggest that biocoating reduces negative NP charge which results in an enhanced mucosal diffusion rate, increased gastrointestinal retention time, and high systemic uptake.
A Biodegradable Magnetic Microrobot Based on Gelatin Methacrylate for Precise Delivery of Stem Cells with Mass Production Capability
Authors: Noh Seungmin , Jeon Sungwoong , Kim Eunhee , Oh Untaek , Park Danbi , Park Sun Hwa , Kim Sung Won , Pané Salvador , Nelson Bradley J. , Kim Jin‐young , Choi Hongsoo
Published: May 2022

A great deal of research has focused on small‐scale robots for biomedical applications and minimally invasive delivery of therapeutics (e.g., cells, drugs, and genes) to a target area. Conventional fabrication methods, such as two‐photon polymerization, can be used to build sophisticated micro‐ and nanorobots, but the long fabrication cycle for a single microrobot has limited its practical use. This study proposes a biodegradable spherical gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) microrobot for mass production in a microfluidic channel. The proposed microrobot is fabricated in a flow‐focusing droplet generator by shearing a mixture of GelMA, photoinitiator, and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) with a mixture of oil and surfactant. Human nasal turbinate stem cells (hNTSCs) are loaded on the GelMA microrobot, and the hNTSC‐loaded microrobot shows precise rolling motion in response to an external rotating magnetic field. The microrobot is enzymatically degraded by collagenase, and released hNTSCs are proliferated and differentiated into neuronal cells. In addition, the feasibility of the GelMA microrobot as a cell therapeutic delivery system is investigated by measuring electrophysiological activity on a multielectrode array. Such a versatile and fully biodegradable microrobot has the potential for targeted stem cell delivery, proliferation, and differentiation for stem cell‐based therapy.
Structural Origin of Suppressed Voltage Decay in Single‐Crystalline Li‐Rich Layered Li[Li0.2Ni0.2Mn0.6]O2 Cathodes
Authors: Yang Xiaoxia , Wang Suning , Han Duzhao , Wang Kai , Tayal Akhil , Baran Volodymyr , Missyul Alexander , Fu Qiang , Song Jiangxuan , Ehrenberg Helmut , Indris Sylvio , Hua Weibo
Published: May 2022

Lithium‐ and manganese‐rich layered oxides (LMLOs, ≥ 250 mAh g−1) with polycrystalline morphology always suffer from severe voltage decay upon cycling because of the anisotropic lattice strain and oxygen release induced chemo‐mechanical breakdown. Herein, a Co‐free single‐crystalline LMLO, that is, Li[Li0.2Ni0.2Mn0.6]O2 (LLNMO‐SC), is prepared via a Li+/Na+ ion‐exchange reaction. In situ synchrotron‐based X‐ray diffraction (sXRD) results demonstrate that relatively small changes in lattice parameters and reduced average micro‐strain are observed in LLNMO‐SC compared to its polycrystalline counterpart (LLNMO‐PC) during the charge–discharge process. Specifically, the as‐synthesized LLNMO‐SC exhibits a unit cell volume change as low as 1.1% during electrochemical cycling. Such low strain characteristics ensure a stable framework for Li‐ion insertion/extraction, which considerably enhances the structural stability of LLNMO during long‐term cycling. Due to these peculiar benefits, the average discharge voltage of LLNMO‐SC decreases by only ≈0.2 V after 100 cycles at 28 mA g‐1 between 2.0 and 4.8 V, which is much lower than that of LLNMO‐PC (≈0.5 V). Such a single‐crystalline strategy offers a promising solution to constructing stable high‐energy lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs).
The role of fluorescent carbon dots in crops: Mechanism and applications
Authors: Guo Baoyan , Liu Guo , Wei Haopeng , Qiu Jiemin , Zhuang Jianle , Zhang Xuejie , Zheng Mingtao , Li Wei , Zhang Haoran , Hu Chaofan , Lei Bingfu , Liu Yingliang
Published: May 2022

Fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) have been widely studied in biosensing, imaging, information encryption, and optoelectronic devices due to excellent optical properties, such as photostability, tunable luminescence range, and resistance to photobleaching. In recent years, CDs have been explored for use in agriculture. Based on their light harvest and light conversion capacity, as well as their characteristics of easy synthesis and low toxicity, CDs show great potential in improving crop photosynthesis. In addition, CDs can also be used for smart and anticounterfeiting packing, food safety detection, and preservation of crops after harvest. In this study, the application of CDs with excellent optical properties in crops has been summarized, including preharvest processes (photosynthesis and plant imaging), and postharvest processes (crop preservation and food safety). Then the toxicity of CDs to crops is introduced. Finally, the present challenges and future prospects are discussed.
Effects of Mn Segregations on Intergranular Fracture in a Medium‐Mn Low‐Density Steel
Authors: Jung Heechan , Lee Gunjick , Koo Minseo , Song Hyejin , Ko Won-Seok , Sohn Seok Su
Published: May 2022

Al‐bearing medium‐Mn low‐density steels possess great potential in the automotive industry because of their excellent mechanical properties based on transformation‐induced plasticity and low specific weight. Reducing the austenite stability against deformation‐induced martensitic transformation enables a high strain‐hardening capacity to be obtained; however, undesirably low stability often results in considerably reduced tensile ductility and brittle fracture. Herein, the brittle fracture that occurs with increasing annealing temperature for a Fe−0.3C–9Mn−5Al (wt%) steel is investigated in relation to Mn segregation at the phase boundaries between ferrite and austenite. The results demonstrate that annealing at 850 and 900 °C leads to ductile fractures with 72% and 95% tensile elongation, respectively, whereas only 25% elongation is achieved for the specimen annealed at 950 °C, exhibiting predominant intergranular facets. 3D atom probe tomography reveals that annealing at 950 °C promotes considerable Mn segregation at the ferrite/austenite phase boundaries with a peak composition of ≈19 at%, which is sufficient to reduce the boundary cohesion for intergranular fracture. Thermodynamic moving boundary simulation reveals that intercritical annealing is not a prerequisite for segregations; however, low‐temperature and prolonged holding should be accompanied, such as the coiling procedures.
Position Estimation of Fault‐Tolerant Permanent Magnet Motor in Electric Power Propulsion Ship System
Authors: Bai Hongfen , Yu Bo
Published: May 2022

The electric power propulsion is becoming the important development direction of ship propulsion technology recent years, as it is conducive to the realization of automation, intelligence, reduced noise, enhanced propulsion efficiency, high power density, flexible arrangement, and energy saving. The good fault‐tolerant capacity and robustness of the fault‐tolerant permanent magnet motor (FTPMM) make it a potentially highly effective and economical propulsion motor in the electric power propulsion ship than other alternatives. In this paper, the structure and mathematical model of FTPMM are analyzed and the improved sliding mode observer (SMO) is constructed according to the deviation between the observed currents and actual currents. Combined with model reference adaptive control (MRAC) method and the phase‐lock loop (PLL), the switch function is replaced by the continuous Sigmoid function to reduce the chattering and finally the rotor position estimated accuracy is improved. When the motor winding open‐circuit and short‐circuit fault occur, the current vector fault‐tolerant control strategy is introduced into the improved SMO algorithm, and the rotor position is estimated accurately under faulty conditions. Finally, the proposed improved SMO position estimation algorithm under healthy and faulty conditions is verified in Matlab/Simulink. The FTPMM position sensorless technology would play a critical role in the electric power propulsion ship, and may have a profound impact on the high‐performance advanced ships and green shipping industry as well. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Handwashing stations in Nepal: Role of wealth status in establishing handwashing stations at home
Authors: Sharma Mohan Kumar , Adhikari Ramesh , van Teijlingen Edwin
Published: May 2022

Handwashing has been proven to be effective at preventing several infectious diseases. This study aims to find out the role of wealth status in establishing handwashing stations in the households of Nepal. This study used secondary data from Nepal Demographic Health Survey in 2016 to assess the association between households' wealth status and handwashing stations. The findings displayed a significant association between the age of the household head, residence place, ecological zone, province, wealth status, having a mosquito net, having a radio and TV in the respondent's household, and fixed handwashing stations at their households at p < 0.001 level. Wealth status has significant effect on fixed handwashing stations (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 12.699; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 10.120–15.935; p < 0.001) in the households. The households with the poorest wealth status (aOR = 9.718; 95% CI = 7.387–12.785; p < 0.001), mountain ecological zone (aOR = 1.325; 95% CI = 1.098–1.599; p < 0.01), Madhesh province (aOR = 2.967; 95% CI = 2.405–3.658; p < 0.001) were significant predictors for not having fixed handwashing stations even after inclusion of socio‐covariates. Correspondingly, the presence of mosquito net (aOR = 0.795; 95% CI = 0.692–0.913; p < 0.01), presence of a radio (aOR = 0.758; 95% CI = 0.671–0.857; p < 0.001), and presence of a TV (aOR = 0.762; 95% CI = 0.667–0.871; p < 0.001) had a significant effect on fixed handwashing stations at their households even after inclusion of socio‐covariates. The study found households with the poorest wealth quintiles, mountain ecological zone, and Madhesh and Karnali provinces had low fixed handwashing stations. The study suggests more leading interventions to improve public health in this region.
Mexico – U.S. Migration: Economic, Labor and Development Issues
Authors: Arroyo Jesús , Berumen Salvador , Martin Philip , Orrenius Pia
Published: May 2022

This chapter explores the labor dynamics behind the recent downward trend in Mexico – U.S. migration and explores likely future employment scenarios in each country and their consequences for present and future international migration trends. The chapter examines the labor market roles of Mexican-born workers in the United States and return migrants in Mexico, emphasizing changes between 2000 and 2010 in the number and characteristics of Mexican-born workers in the United States, projections to 2022, and the impacts of returned workers on the Mexican labor market. The authors draw on projections, analyses of economic, labor market, and development micro data, as well as case studies.
Educating Across Borders: The Well-Being of Students from Mexican Immigrant Families in the United States and in Mexico
Authors: Giorguli Silvia , Jensen Bryant , Bean Frank , Brown Susan , Sawyer Adam , Zúñiga Víctor
Published: May 2022

Often lost in the deluge of policy opinions regarding international migration management is the development and well-being of children and youth who in one way or another are affected by their parents’ decisions to leave communities of origin in Mexico for opportunities in the United States. The experiences of these students are diverse. Some migrate at an early age with their parents, others take on solitary migratory journeys during adolescence, and yet others cross the border over and again, leading truly transnational lives. Most, however, are affected by migration less directly, through the international migration experiences of their parents and/or other relatives (resulting, among other things, in stresses associated with family separation).
Migrant Health Vulnerability Through the Migration Process: Implications for Health Policy in Mexico and the United States
Authors: de Snyder V. Nelly Salgado , Riosmena Fernando , González-Block Miguel Ángel , Wong Rebeca
Published: May 2022

Social vulnerability refers to the relative lack of protection of a group of people when they face potential damage to their health, threats to the satisfaction of their basic needs, and violation of their human rights due to their lesser financial, personal, social and legal resources. Individuals and societies cope with these adverse conditions by mitigating or adapting to hazards in different ways. For instance, people migrate (oftentimes temporarily) seeking better circumstances that allow them to alleviate the worst effects of social vulnerability in the short term or remedy them in the medium-to-long run by allowing them to live in more secure, stable, and salubrious environments.
Living in Fear and Insecurity: Growing Risks in Mexican Migration Environments
Authors: Rodríguez Néstor
Published: May 2022

Living and working conditions in Mexican migration environments in the United States and Mexico have become increasingly insecure for migrants and their families and communities since the mid-1990s. The enactment of national, state, and local policies in the United States to restrict unauthorized migrants and the emergence of organized criminal violence in Mexico have contributed to this development. After large-scale unauthorized immigration from Mexico surged in the 1970s, the biggest threats Mexican migrants faced until the mid-1990s were mainly apprehensions for illegal entry followed by “voluntary departures” back to the Mexican side of the border or an occasional workplace raid, which interrupted a migrant’s employment for several days. Large-scale Border Patrol operations between the mid-1940s and 1954 repatriated large numbers of Mexican migrants, but more than two decades later, in the 1970s and 1980s, studies of Mexican migrants in the United States did not depict deportations, or the fear of deportations, as having major or broad effects in Mexican migration environments.
‘This Is a Punishment to America’ Framing the COVID-19 Pandemic in Zimbabwe’s Mainstream Media
Authors: Munoriyarwa Allen , Chibuwe Albert
Published: May 2022

Drawing on framing, at both methodological and theoretical levels, this chapter examines the framing of the COVID-19 pandemic in two mainstream Zimbabwean weekly newspapers. The chapter answers two questions: In what ways did the mainstream media in Zimbabwe frame the COVID-19 pandemic? To what extent did the coverage sync with the public sphere model of biocommunicability? We note that the private mainstream press largely adopted a thematic framing approach of the ruling regime’s COVID-19 plan, by highlighting corruption, mismanagement, and overt politicisation of the pandemic. The state-controlled public press broadly adopted a episodic framing approach that focused on the state’s COVID-19 intervention over time, mostly presenting these interventions as a success story. We argue that the episodic framing approach of the private press attempted to hold the state to account. The thematic framing approach of the state-controlled public press backgrounded the regime’s failure to stem the pandemic tide and presented the intervention in ‘sunshine journalism’. Both framing approaches violated established health reporting practices, as outlined in the biocommunicability model. We conclude that ‘the hear, speak and see no evil news framing approach’ of the public media and the anti-regime frames prevalent in the private press reflect prevalent media polarisation.