bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LSD, madness and healing: Mystical experiences as possible link between psychosis model and therapy model
Authors: Wießner Isabel , Falchi Marcelo , Palhano-Fontes Fernanda , Feilding Amanda , Ribeiro Sidarta , Tófoli Luís Fernando
Published: July 2021

Background

For a century, psychedelics have been investigated as models of psychosis for demonstrating phenomenological similarities with psychotic experiences and as therapeutic models for treating depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. This study sought to explore this paradoxical relationship connecting key parameters of the psychotic experience, psychotherapy, and psychedelic experience.

Methods

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, 24 healthy volunteers received 50 μg d-lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) or inactive placebo. Psychotic experience was assessed by aberrant salience (Aberrant Salience Inventory, ASI), therapeutic potential by suggestibility (Creative Imagination Scale, CIS) and mindfulness (Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, FFMQ; Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, MAAS; Experiences Questionnaire, EQ), and psychedelic experience by four questionnaires (Altered State of Consciousness Questionnaire, ASC; Mystical Experiences Questionnaire, MEQ; Challenging Experiences Questionnaire, CEQ; Ego-Dissolution Inventory, EDI). Relationships between LSD-induced effects were examined.

Results

LSD induced psychedelic experiences, including alteration of consciousness, mystical experiences, ego-dissolution, and mildly challenging experiences, increased aberrant salience and suggestibility, but not mindfulness. LSD-induced aberrant salience correlated highly with complex imagery, mystical experiences, and ego-dissolution. LSD-induced suggestibility correlated with no other effects. Individual mindfulness changes correlated with aspects of aberrant salience and psychedelic experience.

Conclusions

The LSD state resembles a psychotic experience and offers a tool for healing. The link between psychosis model and therapeutic model seems to lie in mystical experiences. The results point to the importance of meaning attribution for the LSD psychosis model and indicate that psychedelic-assisted therapy might benefit from therapeutic suggestions fostering mystical experiences.
Interface Delay
Authors: GRINSTEAD John
Published: July 2021

Interface Delay is a theory of syntactic development, which attempts to explain an array of constructions that are slow to develop, which are characterized by being sensitive to discourse-pragmatic considerations of the type associated with the natural semantic class of definites. The theory claims that neither syntax itself, nor the discourse-pragmatic abilities related to executive function and theory of mind themselves are slow to develop. Rather, the claim is that the nexus or interface between the two cognitive domains is slow to develop. We review the development of subjects in child Spanish as an example of this delayed growth trajectory. Further, we review evidence that a delay in the development of tense causes concomitant delays in the seemingly unrelated phenomena of non-nominative case subject pronoun use and un-inverted wh- questions.
Aspirin and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid use and their interaction in cardiovascular diseases and colorectal adenomas
Authors: Wang Ivan E. , Yi Shana , Block Robert C. , Mousa Shaker A.
Published: July 2021

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA) is inexpensive and is established in preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD) and colorectal adenomas. Omega-3 (n3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have also shown benefit in preventing CVD. The combination could be an effective preventative measure in patients with such diseases. ASA and n3 PUFA reduced the risk of CVD in ASA-resistant or diabetic patients. EPA- and DHA-deficient patients also benefited the most from n3 PUFA supplementation. Synergistic effects between ASA and EPA and DHA are ‘V-shaped’ such that optimal ASA efficacy is dependent on EPA and DHA concentrations in blood. In colorectal adenomas, ASA (300 mg/d) and EPA reduced adenoma burden in a location- and subtype-specific manner. Low doses of ASA (75–100 mg/d) were used in CVD prevention; however, ultra-low doses (30 mg/d) can also reduce thrombosis. EPA-to-DHA ratio is also important with regard to efficacy. DHA is more effective in reducing blood pressure and modulating systemic inflammation; however, high-dose EPA can lower CVD events in high-risk individuals. Although current literature has yet to examine ASA and DHA in preventing CVD, such combination warrants further investigation. To increase adherence to ASA and n3 PUFA supplementation, combination dosage form may be required to improve outcomes.
Pediatric Prehospital Advanced Airway Management by Anesthesiologist and Nurse Anesthetist Staffed Critical Care Teams
Authors: Renberg Mattias , Hertzberg Daniel , Kornhall Daniel , Günther Mattias , Gellerfors Mikael
Published: July 2021

Introduction:

Prehospital pediatric tracheal intubation (TI) is a possible life-saving intervention that requires adequate experience to mitigate associated complications. The pediatric airway and respiratory physiology present challenges in addition to a relatively rare incidence of prehospital pediatric TI.

Study Objective:

The aim of this study was to describe characteristics and outcomes of prehospital TI in pediatric patients treated by critical care teams.

Methods:

This is a sub-group analysis of all pediatric (<16 years old) patients from a prospective, observational, multi-center study on prehospital advanced airway management in the Nordic countries from May 2015 through November 2016. The TIs were performed by anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists staffing six helicopter and six Rapid Response Car (RRC) prehospital critical care teams.

Results:

In the study, 74 children were tracheal intubated, which corresponds to 3.7% (74/2,027) of the total number of patients. The pediatric patients were intubated by very experienced providers, of which 80% had performed ≥2,500 TIs. The overall TI success rate, first pass success rate, and airway complication rate were in all children (<16 years) 98%, 82%, and 12%. The corresponding rates among infants (<2 years) were 94%, 67%, and 11%. The median time on scene was 30 minutes.

Conclusion:

This study observed a high overall prehospital TI success rate in children with relatively few associated complications and short time on scene, despite the challenges presented by the pediatric prehospital TI.
‘How We Were Never Posthuman’: Technologies of the Embodied Voice in Pamela Z'sVoci
Authors: BARRETT G. DOUGLAS
Published: July 2021

This article analyses composer Pamela Z's work in light of critiques of posthumanism from Black studies and sound/music studies. Z's large-scale multimedia workVoci(2003), which the artist describes as a ‘polyphonic mono-opera’, consists of a series of eighteen scenes that combine vocal performance with digital video and audio processing. Z manipulates these sources using the BodySynth, an alternate controller interface that converts bodily gestures into expressive control signals. Z's work has been considered through cyborgian, Afrofuturist, and posthumanist discourses. But rather than affirm her practice as fully consonant with technological visions of the posthuman, I argue that she challenges the very liberal humanism upon which the posthuman is built. For a key tenet of liberal humanism, as Alexander G. Weheliye observes, was the racial and gendered apportionment of humanity into full humans, not-quite-humans, and non-humans. We have never been completely human, he suggests, let alone posthuman.

Z uses technologies of the embodied voice to confront both the posthuman imaginary and the continued effects of its ideological preconditions in racio-colonial liberal humanism. In aVociscene entitled ‘Voice Studies’, for instance, Z engages the problem of ‘linguistic profiling’ as it applies to housing discrimination, citing the work of Stanford linguistics researcher John Baugh. Against a backdrop of percussive vocalizations, Z explains, ‘Studies reveal that people can often infer the race of an individual based on the sound of their voice’, subsequently playing back recordings of housing applicants containing vocal signifiers of racial difference. The article then contrasts this kind of ‘aural dimension of race’ found in Jennifer Lynn Stoever's notion of the ‘sonic color line’ with Pierre Schaeffer's attempt to separate sound from the social – as well as from bodies and identities – in his practice of acousmatic reduction. With this in mind, I show how Z construes the voice as an acous(ma)tic technology of embodiment while reframing opera's humanist legacy throughVoci's allegorical narration of the ‘prehuman’, ‘human’, and ‘posthuman’. Moving with and against a posthuman imaginary, Z suggests that although we have never quite been human or posthuman, we may nevertheless narrate new versions of each.
Socioeconomic factors and the onset of peripheral artery disease in	older adults
Authors: Rudolf Henrik , Kreutzer Julia , Klaassen-Mielke Renate , Timmesfeld Nina , Trampisch Hans-Joachim , Krause Dietmar M. J.
Published: July 2021

Summary: Background: As evidence concerning the impact of socioeconomic factors on the risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD) is sparse, we assessed the association of education and area-level factors (population density, type of municipality and local unemployment rate) on the onset of PAD in older adults. Patients and methods: The analysis used data of the getABI study, a prospective cohort study with seven years of follow-up. Onset of PAD was determined by ankle brachial index (<0.9) or PAD symptoms. Cox regression analysis was employed. Results: Out of 5,444 primary care attendees without PAD at baseline, there were 1,381 participants with PAD onset (cumulative observation time 31,739 years), yielding an event rate of 43.5 (0.95 confidence interval [0.95 CI] 41.2–45.8) per 1,000 person-years. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed an association of PAD onset with low education (hazard ratio 1.29; 0.95 CI 1.14–1.46; P<0.001), high population density (0.93; 0.89–0.98; P=0.002), small cities (compared to large cities) (0.71; 0.53–0.96; P=0.027) and high local unemployment rate (1.04; 1.00–1.07; P=0.032). The impact of low education on PAD onset was higher for men (2.11; 1.64–2.72) than for women (1.22; 1.07–1.40) (interaction term P=0.013). Conclusions: Socioeconomic factors, education as well as area-level socioeconomic indicators, make independent contributions to PAD onset in older adults.
An Integrative Model for Soil Biogeochemistry and Methane Processes: I. Model Structure and Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Ricciuto Daniel M. , Xu Xiaofeng , Shi Xiaoying , Wang Yihui , Song Xia , Schadt Christopher W. , Griffiths Natalie A. , Mao Jiafu , Warren Jeffrey M. , Thornton Peter E. , Chanton Jeff , Keller Jason K. , Bridgham Scott D. , Gutknecht Jessica , Sebestyen Stephen D. , Finzi Adrien , Kolka Randall , Hanson Paul J.
Published: July 2021

Environmental changes are anticipated to generate substantial impacts on carbon cycling in peatlands, affecting terrestrial‐climate feedbacks. Understanding how peatland methane (CH4) fluxes respond to these changing environments is critical for predicting the magnitude of feedbacks from peatlands to global climate change. To improve predictions of CH4 fluxes in response to changes such as elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations and warming, it is essential for Earth system models to include increased realism to simulate CH4 processes in a more mechanistic way. To address this need, we incorporated a new microbial‐functional group‐based CH4 module into the Energy Exascale Earth System land model (ELM) and tested it with multiple observational data sets at an ombrotrophic peatland bog in northern Minnesota. The model is able to simulate observed land surface CH4 fluxes and fundamental mechanisms contributing to these throughout the soil profile. The model reproduced the observed vertical distributions of dissolved organic carbon and acetate concentrations. The seasonality of acetoclastic and hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis—two key processes for CH4 production—and CH4 concentration along the soil profile were accurately simulated. Meanwhile, the model estimated that plant‐mediated transport, diffusion, and ebullition contributed to ∼23.5%, 15.0%, and 61.5% of CH4 transport, respectively. A parameter sensitivity analysis showed that CH4 substrate and CH4 production were the most critical mechanisms regulating temporal patterns of surface CH4 fluxes both under ambient conditions and warming treatments. This knowledge will be used to improve Earth system model predictions of these high‐carbon ecosystems from plot to regional scales.
Continental and Ecoregion‐Specific Drivers of Atmospheric NO2 and NH3 Seasonality Over Africa Revealed by Satellite Observations
Authors: Hickman Jonathan E. , Andela Niels , Tsigaridis Kostas , Galy‐Lacaux Corinne , Ossohou Money , Dammers Enrico , Van Damme Martin , Clarisse Lieven , Bauer Susanne E.
Published: July 2021

Ammonia (NH3) and nitrogen oxides (NOx: nitrogen dioxide [NO2] + nitric oxide [NO]) play important roles in atmospheric chemistry. Throughout most of Africa, emissions of these gases are predominantly from soils and biomass burning. Here we use observations of tropospheric NO2 vertical column densities (VCDs) from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument from 2005 through 2017 and atmospheric NH3 VCDs from the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer from 2008 through 2017 to evaluate seasonal variation of NO2 and NH3 VCDs across Africa and in seven African ecoregions. In regions where mean annual precipitation (MAP) is under 500 mm yr−1, we find that NO2 and NH3 VCDs are positively related to monthly precipitation, and where MAP is between 500 and 1,750 mm yr−1 or higher, NO2 VCDs are negatively related to monthly precipitation. In dry ecoregions, temperature and precipitation were important predictors of NH3 and NO2 VCDs, likely related to variation in soil emissions. In mesic ecoregions, monthly NO2 VCDs were strongly related to burned area, suggesting that biomass burning drives seasonality. NH3 VCDs in mesic ecoregions were positively related to both monthly temperature and monthly carbon monoxide (CO) VCDs, suggesting that a mixture of soil and biomass burning emissions influenced NH3 seasonality. In northern mesic ecoregions, monthly temperature explained most of the variance in monthly NH3 VCDs, suggesting that soil sources, including animal excreta, determined NH3 seasonality. In southern mesic ecoregions, monthly CO VCDs explained more variation in NH3 VCDs than temperature, suggesting that biomass burning may have greater influence over NH3 seasonality.
Scaling Analysis of the China France Oceanography Satellite Along‐Track Wind and Wave Data
Authors: Gao Yang , Schmitt François G. , Hu Jianyu , Huang Yongxiang
Published: July 2021

Turbulence or turbulence‐like phenomena are ubiquitous in nature, often showing a power‐law behavior of the fluctuations in either spatial or temporal domains. This power‐law behavior is due to interactions among different scales of motion, and to the absence of characteristic scale. In this work, we consider the multiscale dynamics of China France Oceanography SATellite (CFOSAT) data as atmospheric and oceanic quantities influenced by turbulence. Fourier power spectra were estimated for the data provided by the CFOSAT via the Wiener‐Khinchine theorem to extract multiscale information for both wind speed (WS) and significant wave height (Hs). The WS data were collected from December 18, 2018 to August 31, 2020, and the Hs data from July 29, 2019 to August 31, 2020. Fourier power spectra for both WS and Hs exhibit power‐law features in the ranges of 100–3,000 km with a scaling exponent varying from 5/3 to 3. The global distributions and seasonal variations of for both WS and Hs have also been considered. The results show that due to the energetic convective activities in the low‐latitude zones, the scaling exponents in these regions are closer to the value of 5/3. Concerning the seasonal variations, for most regions, the scaling exponents in winter are larger than those in summer for WS. The seasonal variations of in low‐latitudes are stronger than those in the mid‐latitudes. Our preliminary results enrich the fundamental knowledge of ocean surface processes and also provide a benchmark for either oceanic or atmospheric models.
Widespread Race and Class Disparities in Surface Urban Heat Extremes Across the United States
Authors: Benz Susanne Amelie , Burney Jennifer Anne
Published: July 2021

Here we use remotely sensed land surface temperature measurements to explore the distribution of the United States’ urban heating burden, both at high resolution (within cities or counties) and at scale (across the whole contiguous United States). While a rich literature has documented neighborhood‐level disparities in urban heat exposures in individual cities, data constraints have precluded comparisons across locations. Here, drawing on urban temperature anomalies during extreme summer surface temperature events from all 1,056 US counties with more than 10 developed census tracts, we find that the poorest tracts (and those with lowest average education levels) within a county are significantly hotter than the richest (and more educated) neighborhoods for 76% of these counties (54% for education); we also find that neighborhoods with higher Black, Hispanic, and Asian population shares are hotter than the more White, non‐Hispanic areas in each county. This holds in counties with both large and small spreads in these population shares, and for 71% of all counties the significant racial urban heat disparities persist even when adjusting for income. Although individual locations have different histories that have contributed to race‐ and class‐based geographies, we find that the physical features of the urban environments driving these surface heat exposure gradients are fairly uniform across the country. Systematically, the disproportionate heat surface exposures faced by minority communities are due to more built‐up neighborhoods, less vegetation, and—to a lesser extent—higher population density.
U.S. Data Centers Rely on Water from Stressed Basins
Authors: Chapman Andrew
Published: July 2021

Researchers mapped the environmental footprint of data centers, shedding light on how and where the industry can improve.
Hazard Assessment for Typhoon‐Induced Coastal Flooding and Inundation in Shanghai, China
Authors: Yin Jie , Lin Ning , Yang Yuhan , Pringle William J. , Tan Jinkai , Westerink Joannes J. , Yu Dapeng
Published: July 2021

This paper describes an integrated climatological‐hydrodynamic method that couples probabilistic hurricane model, storm surge model, inundation model, coastal protection data, and sea level rise projections to estimate tropical cyclone‐induced coastal flood inundation hazard in a coastal megacity‐Shanghai, China. We identify three “worst‐case” scenarios (extracted from over 5,000 synthetic storms) that generate unprecedentedly high flood levels in Shanghai. Nevertheless, we find that the mainland Shanghai is relatively safe from coastal flooding under the current climate, thanks to its high‐standard seawall protection. However, the city is expected to be increasingly at risk due to future sea level rise, with inundation two times and 20 times more likely to occur by mid‐ and late‐21st century, respectively, and inundation depth and area to greatly increase (e.g., 60%–1,360% increase in the inundation area for the “worst cases” by 2,100). The low‐lying and poorly protected area (e.g., Chongming Island) is likely to be moderately affected by flood events with long return periods at the current state but could be largely inundated in future sea‐level‐rise situations.
Efficacy of an occluding toothpaste on dentinal hypersensitivity over 14 days
Authors: Creeth Jonathan E. , Goyal Chhaju , Qaqish Jimmy , Maclure Robert , Holt Jonathan S.
Published: July 2021

Objectives:

To evaluate a 0.454% stannous fluoride/5% sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) toothpaste’s ability to provide relief from dentinal hypersensitivity (DH) applied using ‘focused brushing.’

Materials and methods:

In two randomised, examiner-blind, parallel-group studies, a SnF2/STP toothpaste was applied by brushing two selected sensitive teeth before 1 min whole-mouth brushing, compared to 1 min whole-mouth brushing only, with a negative control toothpaste. DH was assessed via evaporative (air) (Schiff scale) and tactile (Yeaple probe) stimuli after 7 and 14 d of twice-daily brushing.

Results:

In total, 141 (Study 1)/142 (Study 2) participants were randomised. In Study 1, the test treatment significantly reduced DH at 7/14 d versus baseline (7/14 d Schiff difference: −0.74 [−0.84,−0.65]/−1.39 [−1.54,−1.23]; tactile: 6.00 [4.88,7.13]/15.30 [13.34,17.26]); whereas the Control treatment did not (7/14 d Schiff difference −0.03 [−0.13,0.06]/−0.10 [−0.25,0.06]; tactile: 0.77 [−0.36,1.90]/0.77 [−1.20,2.74]). Differences between Test and Control were statistically significant (p < 0.0001 all cases). In Study 2, both treatments reduced DH compared to baseline by both measures, but there were no significant between-treatment differences. Toothpastes were generally well-tolerated.

Discussion and conclusions:

Previous studies and Study 1 support SnF2/5% STP toothpaste efficacy; Study 2 results may have been influenced by placebo/Hawthorne effects. DH study design needs to, where possible, negate such effects.
In utero adenine base editing corrects multi-organ pathology in a lethal lysosomal storage disease
Authors: Bose Sourav K. , White Brandon M. , Kashyap Meghana V. , Dave Apeksha , De Bie Felix R. , Li Haiying , Singh Kshitiz , Menon Pallavi , Wang Tiankun , Teerdhala Shiva , Swaminathan Vishal , Hartman Heather A. , Jayachandran Sowmya , Chandrasekaran Prashant , Musunuru Kiran , Jain Rajan , Frank David B. , Zoltick Philip , Peranteau William H.
Published: July 2021

In utero base editing has the potential to correct disease-causing mutations before the onset of pathology. Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS-IH, Hurler syndrome) is a lysosomal storage disease (LSD) affecting multiple organs, often leading to early postnatal cardiopulmonary demise. We assessed in utero adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9) delivery of an adenine base editor (ABE) targeting the Idua G→A (W392X) mutation in the MPS-IH mouse, corresponding to the common IDUA G→A (W402X) mutation in MPS-IH patients. Here we show efficient long-term W392X correction in hepatocytes and cardiomyocytes and low-level editing in the brain. In utero editing was associated with improved survival and amelioration of metabolic, musculoskeletal, and cardiac disease. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates the possibility of efficiently performing therapeutic base editing in multiple organs before birth via a clinically relevant delivery mechanism, highlighting the potential of this approach for MPS-IH and other genetic diseases.
Data storage using peptide sequences
Authors: Ng Cheuk Chi A. , Tam Wai Man , Yin Haidi , Wu Qian , So Pui-Kin , Wong Melody Yee-Man , Lau Francis C. M. , Yao Zhong-Ping
Published: July 2021

Humankind is generating digital data at an exponential rate. These data are typically stored using electronic, magnetic or optical devices, which require large physical spaces and cannot last for a very long time. Here we report the use of peptide sequences for data storage, which can be durable and of high storage density. With the selection of suitable constitutive amino acids, designs of address codes and error-correction schemes to protect the order and integrity of the stored data, optimization of the analytical protocol and development of a software to effectively recover peptide sequences from the tandem mass spectra, we demonstrated the feasibility of this method by successfully storing and retrieving a text file and the music file Silent Night with 40 and 511 18-mer peptides respectively. This method for the first time links data storage with the peptide synthesis industry and proteomics techniques, and is expected to stimulate the development of relevant fields.
Epigenetic memories and the evolution of infectious diseases
Authors: McLeod David V. , Wild Geoff , Úbeda Francisco
Published: July 2021

Genes with identical DNA sequence may show differential expression because of epigenetic marks. Where epigenetic marks respond to past conditions, they represent a form of “memory”. Despite their medical relevance, the impact of memories on the evolution of infectious diseases has rarely been considered. Here we explore the evolution of virulence in pathogens that carry memories of the sex of their previous host. We show that this form of memory provides information about the sex of present and future hosts when the sexes differ in their pathogen’s transmission pattern. Memories of past hosts enable the evolution of greater virulence in infections originating from one sex and infections transmitted across sexes. Thus, our results account for patterns of virulence that have, to date, defied medical explanation. In particular, it has been observed that girls infected by boys (or boys infected by girls) are more likely to die from measles, chickenpox and polio than girls infected by girls (or boys infected by boys). We also evaluate epigenetic therapies that tamper with the memories of infecting pathogens. More broadly, our findings imply that pathogens can be selected to carry memories of past environments other than sex. This identifies new directions in personalised medicine.
Signatures of mitonuclear coevolution in a warbler species complex
Authors: Wang Silu , Ore Madelyn J. , Mikkelsen Else K. , Lee-Yaw Julie , Toews David P. L. , Rohwer Sievert , Irwin Darren
Published: July 2021

Divergent mitonuclear coadaptation could facilitate speciation. We investigate this possibility in two hybridizing species of warblers, Setophaga occidentalis and S. townsendi, in western North America. Inland S. townsendi harbor distinct mitochondrial DNA haplotypes from those of S. occidentalis. These populations also differ in several nuclear DNA regions. Coastal S. townsendi demonstrate mixed mitonuclear ancestry from S. occidentalis and inland S. townsendi. Of the few highly-differentiated chromosomal regions between inland S. townsendi and S. occidentalis, a 1.2 Mb gene block on chromosome 5 is also differentiated between coastal and inland S. townsendi. Genes in this block are associated with fatty acid oxidation and energy-related signaling transduction, thus linked to mitochondrial functions. Genetic variation within this candidate gene block covaries with mitochondrial DNA and shows signatures of divergent selection. Spatial variation in mitonuclear ancestries is correlated with climatic conditions. Together, these observations suggest divergent mitonuclear coadaptation underpins cryptic differentiation in this species complex.
Nanoscale cooperative adsorption for materials control
Authors: Ye Rong , Zhao Ming , Mao Xianwen , Wang Zhaohong , Garzón Diego A. , Pu Heting , Zhao Zhiheng , Chen Peng
Published: July 2021

Adsorption plays vital roles in many processes including catalysis, sensing, and nanomaterials design. However, quantifying molecular adsorption, especially at the nanoscale, is challenging, hindering the exploration of its utilization on nanomaterials that possess heterogeneity across different length scales. Here we map the adsorption of nonfluorescent small molecule/ion and polymer ligands on gold nanoparticles of various morphologies in situ under ambient solution conditions, in which these ligands are critical for the particles’ physiochemical properties. We differentiate at nanometer resolution their adsorption affinities among different sites on the same nanoparticle and uncover positive/negative adsorption cooperativity, both essential for understanding adsorbate-surface interactions. Considering the surface density of adsorbed ligands, we further discover crossover behaviors of ligand adsorption between different particle facets, leading to a strategy and its implementation in facet-controlled synthesis of colloidal metal nanoparticles by merely tuning the concentration of a single ligand.
Triadic embeddedness structure in family networks predicts mobile communication response to a sudden natural disaster
Authors: Jia Jayson S. , Li Yiwei , Lu Xin , Ning Yijian , Christakis Nicholas A. , Jia Jianmin
Published: July 2021

Kinship networks are a fundamental social unit in human societies, and like social networks in general, provide social support in times of need. Here, we investigate the impact of sudden environmental shock, the Ms 7.0 2013 Ya’an earthquake, on the mobile communications patterns of local families, which we operationalize using anonymized individual-level mobile telecommunications metadata from family plan subscribers of a major carrier (N = 35,565 people). We demonstrate that families’ communications dynamics after the earthquake depended on their triadic embeddedness structure, a structural metric we propose that reflects the number of dyads in a family triad that share social ties. We find that individuals in more embedded family structures were more likely to first call other family plan members and slower in calling non-family ties immediately after the earthquake; these tendencies were stronger at higher earthquake intensity. In the weeks after the event, individuals in more embedded family structures had more reciprocal communications and contacted more social ties in their broader social network. Overall, families that are structurally more embedded displayed higher levels of intra-family coordination and mobilization of non-family social connections.
Prediction of quality of life in early breast cancer upon completion of adjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Carmona-Bayonas Alberto , Calderón Caterina , Hernández Raquel , Fernández Montes Ana , Castelo Beatriz , Ciria-Suarez Laura , Antoñanzas Mónica , Rogado Jacobo , Pacheco-Barcia Vilma , Asensio Martínez Elena , Ivars Alejandra , Ayala de la Peña Francisco , Jimenez-Fonseca Paula
Published: July 2021

Quality of life (QoL) is a complex, ordinal endpoint with multiple conditioning factors. A predictive model of QoL after adjuvant chemotherapy can support decision making or the communication of information about the range of treatment options available. Patients with localized breast cancer (n = 219) were prospectively recruited at 17 centers. Participants completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. The primary aim was to predict health status upon completion of adjuvant chemotherapy adjusted for multiple covariates. We developed a Bayesian model with six covariates (chemotherapy regimen, TNM stage, axillary lymph node dissection, perceived risk of recurrence, age, type of surgery, and baseline EORTC scores). This model allows both prediction and causal inference. The patients with mastectomy reported a discrete decline on all QoL scores. The effect of surgery depended on the interaction with age. Women with ages on either end of the range displayed worse scores, especially with mastectomy. The perceived risk of recurrence had a striking effect on health status. In conclusion, we have developed a predictive model of health status in patients with early breast cancer based on the individual’s profile.
Sequential electrodeposition of Cu–Pt bimetallic nanocatalysts on boron-doped diamond electrodes for the simple and rapid detection of methanol
Authors: Traipop Surinya , Yakoh Abdulhadee , Jampasa Sakda , Chaiyo Sudkate , Boonyongmaneerat Yuttanant , Panpranot Joongjai , Praserthdam Piyasan , Chailapakul Orawon
Published: July 2021

In this work, a novel electrochemical sensor for methanol determination was established by developing a bimetallic catalyst with superiority to a monometallic catalyst. A Cu–Pt nanocatalyst was proposed and easily synthesized by sequential electrodeposition onto a boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode. The successful deposition of this nanocatalyst was then verified by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The electrodeposition technique and sequence of metal deposition significantly affected the surface morphology and electrocatalytic properties of the Cu–Pt nanocatalyst. The presence of Cu atoms reduced the adsorption of other species on the Pt surface, consequently enhancing the long-term stability and poisoning tolerance of Pt nanocatalysts during the methanol oxidation process. This advanced sensor was also integrated with sequential injection analysis to achieve automated and high-throughput analysis. This combination can significantly improve the detection limit of the developed sensor by approximately 100 times compared with that of the cyclic voltammetric technique. The limit of detection of this sensor was 83 µM (S/N = 3), and wide linearity of the standard curve for methanol concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 1000 mM was achieved. Finally, this proposed sensor was successfully applied to detect methanol in fruit and vegetable beverage samples.
Expression profiling of the Dof gene family under abiotic stresses in spinach
Authors: Yu Hongying , Ma Yaying , Lu Yijing , Yue Jingjing , Ming Ray
Published: July 2021

DNA-binding with one finger (Dof) are plant-specific transcription factors involved in numerous pathways of plant development, such as abiotic stresses responses. Although genome-wide analysis of Dof genes has been performed in many species, but these genes in spinach have not been analyzed yet. We performed a genome-wide analysis and characterization of Dof gene family in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.). Twenty-two Dof genes were identified and classified into four groups with nine subgroups, which was further corroborated by gene structure and motif analyses. Ka/Ks analysis revealed that SoDofs were subjected to purifying selection. Using cis-acting elements analysis, SoDofs were involved in plant growth and development, plant hormones, and stress responses. Expression profiling demonstrated that SoDofs expressed in leaf and inflorescence, and responded to cold, heat, and drought stresses. SoDof22 expressed the highest level in male flowers and under cold stress. These results provided a genome-wide analysis of SoDof genes, their gender- and tissue-specific expression, and response to abiotic stresses. The knowledge and resources gained from these analyses will benefit spinach improvement.
Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, the use of statins and of aspirin in Takayasu Arteritis
Authors: Laurent Charlotte , Prieto-González Sergio , Belnou Pierre , Carrat Fabrice , Fain Olivier , Dellal Azeddine , Cid Maria C. , Hernández-Rodríguez José , Mekinian Arsène
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in TAK, to describe the use of aspirin and statins and the risk factors associated with vascular ischemic complications and relapses. We conducted a retrospective study on TAK patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2018. Demographic, clinical, laboratory data and treatments were evaluated at diagnosis and during the follow-up. We included fifty-two TAK patients with median age 37.5 years [range 16–53] and 43 (83%) women. At diagnosis, cardiovascular risk factors were present in 32 (62%) patients: hypertension (n = 20, 38%), hyperlipidemia (n = 8, 15%), tobacco use (n = 16, 31%). During the median 4-year follow-up [range 0.1–17 years], 17 (33%) patients had at least one ischemic event and 15 (29%) patients needed endovascular procedure. Whereas TAK patients with cardiovascular risk factors were more frequently on statins and anti-hypertensive drugs, they have higher rates of cumulative ischemic complications (5 (24%) versus 21 (67%); p = 0.004), but similar rates of aspirin-treated patients. Patients who have developed vascular ischemic events were more frequently smokers (53% versus 20%; p = 0.03). The vascular complication-free survival was not significantly different in TAK patients with or without statins or aspirin at diagnosis. During the follow-up, 27 (52%) patients had at least one relapse, and the relapse-free survival was not significantly different in patients treated with statins or aspirin. Cardiovascular risk factors in TAK have to be strictly controlled since these risk factors could be associated with increased risk of ischemic complications.
Dumbbell configuration of silicon adatom defects on silicene nanoribbons
Authors: Huy Huynh Anh , Ho Quoc Duy , Tuan Truong Quoc , Le Ong Kim , Le Hoai Phuong Nguyen
Published: July 2021

Using density functional theory (DFT), we performed theoretical investigation on structural, energetic, electronic, and magnetic properties of pure armchair silicene nanoribbons with edges terminated with hydrogen atoms (ASiNRs:H), and the absorptions of silicon (Si) atom(s) on the top of ASiNRs:H. The calculated results show that Si atoms prefer to adsorb on the top site of ASiNRs:H and form the single- and/or di-adatom defects depending on the numbers. Si absorption defect(s) change electronic and magnetic properties of ASiNRs:H. Depending on the adsorption site the band gap of ASiNRs:H can be larger or smaller. The largest band gap of 1 Si atom adsorption is 0.64 eV at site 3, the adsorption of 2 Si atoms has the largest band gap of 0.44 eV at site 1-D, while the adsorption at sites5 and 1-E turn into metallic. The formation energies of Si adsorption show that adatom defects in ASiNRs:H are more preferable than pure ASiNRs:H with silicon atom(s). 1 Si adsorption prefers to be added on the top site of a Si atom and form a single-adatom defect, while Si di-adatom defect has lower formation energy than the single-adatom and the most energetically favorable adsorption is at site 1-F. Si adsorption atoms break spin-degeneracy of ASiNRs:H lead to di-adatom defect at site 1-G has the highest spin moment. Our results suggest new ways to engineer the band gap and magnetic properties silicene materials.
Endoplasmic reticulum phospholipid scramblase activity revealed after protein reconstitution into giant unilamellar vesicles containing a photostable lipid reporter
Authors: Mathiassen Patricia P. M. , Menon Anant K. , Pomorski Thomas Günther
Published: July 2021

Transbilayer movement of phospholipids in biological membranes is mediated by a diverse set of lipid transporters. Among them are scramblases that facilitate a rapid bi-directional movement of lipids without metabolic energy input. Here, we established a new fluorescence microscopy-based assay for detecting phospholipid scramblase activity of membrane proteins upon their reconstitution into giant unilamellar vesicles formed from proteoliposomes by electroformation. The assay is based on chemical bleaching of fluorescence of a photostable ATTO-dye labeled phospholipid with the membrane-impermeant reductant sodium dithionite. We demonstrate that this new methodology is suitable for the study of the scramblase activity of the yeast endoplasmic reticulum at single vesicle level.
Difference in light use strategy in red alga between Griffithsia pacifica and Porphyridium purpureum
Authors: Xie Mingyuan , Li Wenjun , Lin Hanzhi , Wang Xiaoxiao , Dong Jianwen , Qin Song , Zhao Fuli
Published: July 2021

Phycobilisomes (PBSs) are the largest light-harvesting antenna in red algae, and feature high efficiency and rate of energy transfer even in a dim environment. To understand the influence of light on the energy transfer in PBSs, two red algae Griffithsia pacifica and Porphyridium purpureum living in different light environment were selected for this research. The energy transfer dynamics in PBSs of the two red algae were studied in time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy in sub-picosecond resolution. The energy transfer pathways and the related transfer rates were uncovered by deconvolution of the fluorescence decay curve. Four time-components, i.e., 8 ps, 94 ps, 970 ps, and 2288 ps were recognized in the energy transfer in PBSs of G. pacifica, and 10 ps, 74 ps, 817 ps and 1292 ps in P. purpureum. In addition, comparison in energy transfer dynamics between the two red algae revealed that the energy transfer was clearly affected by lighting environment. The findings help us to understand the energy transfer mechanisms of red algae for adaptation to a natural low light environment.
Unpalatable plants induce a species-specific associational effect on neighboring communities
Authors: Erfanian Mohammad Bagher , Memariani Farshid , Atashgahi Zohreh , Mesdaghi Mansour , Saeedi Maliheh , Darrudi Mojtaba , Hamedian Maliheh , Hosseini Saeede , Ejtehadi Hamid
Published: July 2021

In grazing conditions, unpalatable species may induce either associational defense or neighbor contrast susceptibility in neighboring communities. Using surveys from eight grasslands, we tested whether various unpalatable species have the same impacts on neighboring communities in response to grazing. The studied unpalatable species were: Phlomis cancellata (an unpalatable nonpoisonous plant), Euphorbia boissieriana, E.microsciadia (poisonous plants), and Seseli transcaucasicum (a highly poisonous plant). Our results showed that, in the ungrazed grasslands, communities containing P. cancellata had lower biodiversity than communities without it. In the moderately- and heavily grazed grasslands, P. cancellata induced associational defense in the neighboring communities. In heavily grazed grasslands, both Euphorbia species promoted neighbor contrast susceptibility in the neighboring communities. Similarly, S. transcaucasicum in a heavily grazed grassland, induced neighbor contrast susceptibility. Different responses of plant community vulnerability among the studied unpalatable plants might be due to herbivore different foraging decisions. Accordingly, grazers selectively choose from other patches when facing P. cancellata and other plant individuals when there is a poisonous plant in a patch. Our results suggested that grazing intensity may not substantially affect the foraging decisions of sheep and goats in response to unpalatable species. We recommend monitoring the abundance of poisonous species to maintain the sustainable use of grasslands.
CAD systems for colorectal cancer from WSI are still not ready for clinical acceptance
Authors: Oliveira Sara P. , Neto Pedro C. , Fraga João , Montezuma Diana , Monteiro Ana , Monteiro João , Ribeiro Liliana , Gonçalves Sofia , Pinto Isabel M. , Cardoso Jaime S.
Published: July 2021

Most oncological cases can be detected by imaging techniques, but diagnosis is based on pathological assessment of tissue samples. In recent years, the pathology field has evolved to a digital era where tissue samples are digitised and evaluated on screen. As a result, digital pathology opened up many research opportunities, allowing the development of more advanced image processing techniques, as well as artificial intelligence (AI) methodologies. Nevertheless, despite colorectal cancer (CRC) being the second deadliest cancer type worldwide, with increasing incidence rates, the application of AI for CRC diagnosis, particularly on whole-slide images (WSI), is still a young field. In this review, we analyse some relevant works published on this particular task and highlight the limitations that hinder the application of these works in clinical practice. We also empirically investigate the feasibility of using weakly annotated datasets to support the development of computer-aided diagnosis systems for CRC from WSI. Our study underscores the need for large datasets in this field and the use of an appropriate learning methodology to gain the most benefit from partially annotated datasets. The CRC WSI dataset used in this study, containing 1,133 colorectal biopsy and polypectomy samples, is available upon reasonable request.
Effects of intracorneal ring segments implementation technique and design on corneal biomechanics and keratometry in a personalized computational analysis
Authors: Bagheri Niksa Mohammadi , Kadkhodaei Mahmoud , Pirhadi Shiva , Mosaddegh Peiman
Published: July 2021

The implementation of intracorneal ring segments (ICRS) is one of the successfully applied refractive operations for the treatment of keratoconus (kc) progression. The different selection of ICRS types along with the surgical implementation techniques can significantly affect surgical outcomes. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the influence of ICRS implementation techniques and design on the postoperative biomechanical state and keratometry results. The clinical data of three patients with different stages and patterns of keratoconus were assessed to develop a three-dimensional (3D) patient-specific finite-element model (FEM) of the keratoconic cornea. For each patient, the exact surgery procedure definitions were interpreted in the step-by-step FEM. Then, seven surgical scenarios, including different ICRS designs (complete and incomplete segment), with two surgical implementation methods (tunnel incision and lamellar pocket cut), were simulated. The pre- and postoperative predicted results of FEM were validated with the corresponding clinical data. For the pre- and postoperative results, the average error of 0.4% and 3.7% for the mean keratometry value ($$\text {K}_{\text{mean}}$$

K
mean

) were predicted. Furthermore, the difference in induced flattening effects was negligible for three ICRS types (KeraRing segment with arc-length of 355, 320, and two separate 160) of equal thickness. In contrast, the single and double progressive thickness of KeraRing 160 caused a significantly lower flattening effect compared to the same type with constant thickness. The observations indicated that the greater the segment thickness and arc-length, the lower the induced mean keratometry values. While the application of the tunnel incision method resulted in a lower $$\text {K}_{\text{mean}}$$

K
mean

value for moderate and advanced KC, the induced maximum Von Mises stress on the postoperative cornea exceeded the induced maximum stress on the cornea more than two to five times compared to the pocket incision and the preoperative state of the cornea. In particular, an asymmetric regional Von Mises stress on the corneal surface was generated with a progressive ICRS thickness. These findings could be an early biomechanical sign for a later corneal instability and ICRS migration. The developed methodology provided a platform to personalize ICRS refractive surgery with regard to the patient’s keratoconus stage in order to facilitate the efficiency and biomechanical stability of the surgery.
Life experience rather than domestication accounts for dogs’ increased oxytocin release during social contact with humans
Authors: Wirobski Gwendolyn , Range Friederike , Schaebs Franka S. , Palme Rupert , Deschner Tobias , Marshall-Pescini Sarah
Published: July 2021

Dogs’ increased human-directed sociability compared to wolves may be the result of increased oxytocin system activity and decreased stress responses, but comparative studies accounting for life experience are lacking. We compared hand-raised, pack-living wolves’ and dogs’ behavior and hormone concentrations after interacting with a closely bonded and a familiar human. Both preferred the bonded partner, but dogs showed less variability in human-directed sociability than wolves. Physical contact was not associated with oxytocin but correlated positively with glucocorticoids in the pack-living animals when the human was not bonded. To clarify the role of life experience, we tested pet dogs and found that oxytocin concentrations correlated positively with physical contact with their owners, while glucocorticoids remained unaffected. Results show that, given similar experiences, wolf-dog differences in human-directed sociability and associated hormones are subtle and indicate that factors related to life as a pet dog rather than domestication account for oxytocin release during human–dog interactions.