bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of irradiation on the mechanisms controlling the residual rate of an alumino-borosilicate glass
Authors: Gin S. , Jegou C. , Sessegolo L. , Bisbrouck N. , Jan A. , Tribet M. , Delaye J. M. , Angeli F.
Published: July 2022

The alteration of a four-oxide alumino-borosilicate glass close to International Simple Glass (ISG) was studied in Si saturation conditions at pH 3, pH 7, and pH 9 using solution and post mortem solid analyses. In particular, the study examined the impact of structural disorder on the glass alteration generated by swift heavy ion irradiation. It is shown that the pre-irradiated glass altered three to four times more than the non-irradiated glass, depending on the pH. This increased alteration can be attributed to two factors: an increased hydrolysis speed of the Si–O–B bonds, which control the glass dissolution under these Si saturation conditions, and a less passivating alteration layer. The latter effect suggests that the glass structural disorder is retained by the first gel formed, which means very low Si atom mobility during alteration. However, gel maturation tends to mitigate the detrimental effect of radiation damages. These results will contribute to the development of a predictive residual rate model.
Meta-analytic evidence that mindfulness training alters resting state default mode network connectivity
Authors: Rahrig Hadley , Vago David R. , Passarelli Matthew A. , Auten Allison , Lynn Nicholas A. , Brown Kirk Warren
Published: July 2022

This meta-analysis sought to expand upon neurobiological models of mindfulness through investigation of inherent brain network connectivity outcomes, indexed via resting state functional connectivity (rsFC). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of rsFC as an outcome of mindfulness training (MT) relative to control, with the hypothesis that MT would increase cross-network connectivity between nodes of the Default Mode Network (DMN), Salience Network (SN), and Frontoparietal Control Network (FPCN) as a mechanism of internally-oriented attentional control. Texts were identified from the databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, ERIC, PSYCINFO, ProQuest, Scopus, and Web of Sciences; and were screened for inclusion based on experimental/quasi-experimental trial design and use of mindfulness-based training interventions. RsFC effects were extracted from twelve studies (mindfulness n = 226; control n = 204). Voxel-based meta-analysis revealed significantly greater rsFC (MT > control) between the left middle cingulate (Hedge’s g = .234, p = 0.0288, I2 = 15.87), located within the SN, and the posterior cingulate cortex, a focal hub of the DMN. Egger’s test for publication bias was nonsignificant, bias = 2.17, p = 0.162. In support of our hypothesis, results suggest that MT targets internetwork (SN-DMN) connectivity implicated in the flexible control of internally-oriented attention.
Effectiveness of management zones for recovering parrotfish species within the largest coastal marine protected area in Brazil
Authors: Pereira Pedro H. C. , Araujo Julia Caon , Lima Gislaine V. , Côrtes Luís G. F. , Gomes Erandy , Magris Rafael A.
Published: July 2022

The establishment of multiple zones offering different protection levels within a Marine Protected Area (MPA) can minimize social conflicts while maintaining associated biodiversity benefits such as fish population replenishment. Parrotfishes are among one of the most ecologically important reef fishes; yet extremely overexploited worldwide. In this context, well-designed priority management areas allowing no fishing activity (no-take zones) could help recover fish species, such as parrotfishes, through a MPA zoning process. Here, we tested this hypothesis by identifying the spatial configuration of zones that maximize the recovery of endangered parrotfish species (Scarus trispinosus; Scarus zelindae; Sparisoma amplum; Sparisoma axillare; Sparisoma frondosum) at the largest MPA in Brazil protecting nearshore coral reefs (MPA Costa dos Corais). We used parrotfish distribution data to produce species distribution models (SDMs) and combined them with conservation planning tools to delineate priority zones following a systematic approach. Then, we contrasted priority zones against non-systematic, newly designed no-take zones based on managers’ and stakeholders’ perspectives. After mapping the predicted abundance of each species within both zones based upon field surveys, we found that priority zones were more effective than non-systematic ones for the protection of two out of the five species: Scarus trispinosus and Sparisoma amplum. Thus, we considered that designing systematic zones was particularly relevant for increased protection of the two parrotfish species facing the largest decline. The prioritization analyses also showed that priority areas for parrotfish conservation following a systematic approach were mostly located surrounding and within no-take zones delineated by local stakeholders. The spatial overlap between systematic and non-systematic zones was of 38%. Hence, our study reinforces the importance of considering scientific information and methods (e.g., spatial distribution data and prioritization analyses) as a complementary strategy along with local stakeholders’ knowledge, for delineating and refining management zones within MPAs.
Titania nanospikes activate macrophage phagocytosis by ligand-independent contact stimulation
Authors: Kartikasari Nadia , Yamada Masahiro , Watanabe Jun , Tiskratok Watcharaphol , He Xindie , Egusa Hiroshi
Published: July 2022

Macrophage phagocytosis is an important research target to combat various inflammatory or autoimmune diseases; however, the phenomenon has never been controlled by artificial means. Titania nanospikes created by alkaline etching treatment can tune macrophage polarization toward a M1-like type and might regulate macrophage phagocytosis. This in vitro study aimed to determine whether the two-dimensional titania nanosurfaces created by alkaline etching treatment activated the macrophage phagocytosis by nanospike-mediated contact stimulation. On two-dimensional pure titanium sheets, alkaline etching treatments with different protocols created superhydrophilic nanosurfaces with hydroxyl function groups and moderate or dense nanospikes. Both types of titania nanosurfaces promoted the phagocytic activity of the mouse macrophage-like cell line, J774A.1, through upregulation of M1 polarization markers and phagocytosis-related receptors, such as toll-like receptors (TLR2 and 4). In contrast, the hydrophobic smooth or micro-roughened titanium surfaces did not activate macrophage phagocytosis or the expression of related receptors. These phenomena remained unchanged even under the antibody blockade of macrophage TLR2 but were either suppressed or augmented for each surface excited by ultraviolet irradiation. Titania nanospikes induced paxillin expression and provided physical stimuli to macrophages, the extent of which was positively correlated with TLR expression levels. Ligand stimulation with lipopolysaccharide did not upregulate macrophage TLR expression but further enhanced M1 marker expression by titania nanosurfaces. These results showed that the two-dimensional titania nanosurfaces activated macrophage phagocytosis by enhancing expression of phagocytosis-related receptors through nanospike-mediated contact stimulation, in assistance with physical surface properties, in a ligand-independent manner.
Timescale mediates the effects of environmental controls on water temperature in mid- to low-order streams
Authors: García Molinos Jorge , Nobuo Ishiyama , Sueyoshi Masanao , Nakamura Futoshi
Published: July 2022

Adequate management and conservation of instream thermal habitats requires an understanding of the control that different landscape features exert on water temperatures. Previous studies have extensively explored the influence of spatial scale on these relationships. However, the effect of temporal scale remains poorly understood. Here, we use paired air–water mean daily and monthly summer temperatures collected over four years from 130 monitoring stations in Japanese mid- to low-order streams to investigate whether perceived effects of different environmental controls on water temperature are dependent on the timescale of the temperature data, and whether those dependencies are related to the spatial scale at which these controls operate. We found a clear pattern for the significant cooling effect, high relative importance and strong dominance exerted by the riparian forest cover on daily temperatures at the reach scale becoming dampened by concomitant increases associated to the proportion of volcanic geology on monthly temperatures at the catchment scale. These results highlight the importance of contextualizing the effects of environmental controls on water temperatures to the timescale of the analysis. Such dependencies are particularly important for the management and conservation of instream thermal habitats in a rapidly warming world.
A field-deployable diagnostic assay for the visual detection of misfolded prions
Authors: Christenson Peter R. , Li Manci , Rowden Gage , Schwabenlander Marc D. , Wolf Tiffany M. , Oh Sang-Hyun , Larsen Peter A.
Published: July 2022

Diagnostic tools for the detection of protein-misfolding diseases (i.e., proteopathies) are limited. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) facilitate sensitive diagnostic techniques via visual color change for the identification of a variety of targets. In parallel, recently developed quaking-induced conversion (QuIC) assays leverage protein-amplification and fluorescent signaling for the accurate detection of misfolded proteins. Here, we combine AuNP and QuIC technologies for the visual detection of amplified misfolded prion proteins from tissues of wild white-tailed deer infected with chronic wasting disease (CWD), a prion disease of cervids. Our newly developed assay, MN-QuIC, enables both naked-eye and light-absorbance measurements for detection of misfolded prions. MN-QuIC leverages basic laboratory equipment that is cost-effective and portable, thus facilitating real-time prion diagnostics across a variety of settings. In addition to laboratory-based tests, we deployed to a rural field-station in southeastern Minnesota and tested for CWD on site. We successfully demonstrated that MN-QuIC is functional in a non-traditional laboratory setting by performing a blinded analysis in the field and correctly identifying all CWD positive and CWD not-detected deer at the field site in 24 h, thus documenting the portability of the assay. White-tailed deer tissues used to validate MN-QuIC included medial retropharyngeal lymph nodes, parotid lymph nodes, and palatine tonsils. Importantly, all of the white-tailed deer (n = 63) were independently tested using ELISA, IHC, and/or RT-QuIC technologies and results secured with MN-QuIC were 95.7% and 100% consistent with these tests for positive and non-detected animals, respectively. We hypothesize that electrostatic forces help govern the AuNP/prion interactions and conclude that MN-QuIC has great potential for sensitive, field-deployable diagnostics for CWD, with future potential diagnostic applications for a variety of proteopathies.
A retrospective cohort study of factors associated with severity of falls in hospital patients
Authors: Ghosh Manonita , O’Connell Beverly , Afrifa-Yamoah Ebenezer , Kitchen Sue , Coventry Linda
Published: July 2022

Severity of falls in hospital patients are threat to patient safety which can result in a financial burden on the patient’s family and health care services. Both patient specific and environmental and organisational factors are associated with severity of falls in hospital. It is important to continuously analyse the factors associated with severity of fall which can inform the implementation of any fall preventive strategies. This study aims to identify factors associated with the severity of falls in hospitalised adult patients in Western Australia. This study involved a retrospective cohort analysis of inpatient falls records extracted from the hospital’s Clinical Incident Database from May 2014 to April 2019. Severity of falls were classified as three Severity Assessment Code (SAC): SAC 1 was “high” causing serious harm or death; SAC 2 was “medium” causing moderate or minor harm; and SAC 3 was “low” indicating no harm. Univariable and multivariable generalised ordinal logistic regression models were used to quantify the magnitude of effects of the potential risk factors on severity of falls at 5% level of significance and reported the crude odds and adjusted odds ratio of falling at a higher severity level. There were 3705 complete reported cases of falls with the average age of the patients was 68.5 ± 17.0 years, with 40.2% identified as female. The risk of falling at a higher level of severity increased by patient age over 50 years. Females were 15.1% more likely to fall at higher severity level compared to females. Fall incidents occurred during toileting and showering activities and incidents in a communal area were 14.5% and 26% more likely to occur at a higher severity respectively. Similarly, depression (167%), influence of alcohol or illicit drugs (more than 300%), use of medications (86%) and fragile skin (75%) significantly increased the odds of falling at higher level of severity. Identification of underlying risk factors associated with fall severity provides information which can guide nurses and clinicians to design and implement effective interventional strategies that mitigate the risk of serious fall injuries. The results suggest that fall prevention strategies should target patients with these risk factors to avoid severity of falls.
Exploring urban growth–climate change–flood risk nexus in fast growing cities
Authors: Ajjur Salah Basem , Al-Ghamdi Sami G.
Published: July 2022

This study looks at the nexus between urban growth, climate change, and flood risk in Doha, Qatar, a hot-spot, climate change region that has experienced unprecedented urban growth during the last four decades. To this end, this study overviews the main stages of Doha’s urban growth and influencing climatic factors during this period. A physically-based hydrological model was then built to simulate surface runoff and quantify flood risk. Finally, the Pearson correlation was used to verify the potential nexus between flood risk, climate change, and urban growth. Surveying showed that, between 1984 and 2020, urban areas grew by 777%, and bare lands decreased by 54.7%. In addition, Doha witnessed various climatic changes with a notable increase in air temperature (+ 8.7%), a decrease in surface wind speed (− 19.5%), and a decrease in potential evapotranspiration losses (− 33.5%). Growth in urban areas and the perturbation of climatic parameters caused runoff to increase by 422%, suggesting that urban growth contributed more than climatic parameters. Pearson correlation coefficient between flood risk and urban growth was strong (0.83) and significant at p < 0.05. Flood risk has a strong significant positive (negative) correlation with air temperature (wind speed) and a moderate positive (negative) correlation with precipitation (potential evapotranspiration). These results pave the way to integrate flood risk reduction measures in local urban development and climate change adaptation plans.
Dynamic prediction of mortality after traumatic brain injury using a machine learning algorithm
Authors: Raj Rahul , Wennervirta Jenni M. , Tjerkaski Jonathan , Luoto Teemu M. , Posti Jussi P. , Nelson David W. , Takala Riikka , Bendel Stepani , Thelin Eric P. , Luostarinen Teemu , Korja Miikka
Published: July 2022

Intensive care for patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) aims to optimize intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP). The transformation of ICP and CPP time-series data into a dynamic prediction model could aid clinicians to make more data-driven treatment decisions. We retrained and externally validated a machine learning model to dynamically predict the risk of mortality in patients with TBI. Retraining was done in 686 patients with 62,000 h of data and validation was done in two international cohorts including 638 patients with 60,000 h of data. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve increased with time to 0.79 and 0.73 and the precision recall curve increased with time to 0.57 and 0.64 in the Swedish and American validation cohorts, respectively. The rate of false positives decreased to ≤2.5%. The algorithm provides dynamic mortality predictions during intensive care that improved with increasing data and may have a role as a clinical decision support tool.
Longitudinal phenotypic aging metrics in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
Authors: Kuo Pei-Lun , Schrack Jennifer A. , Levine Morgan E. , Shardell Michelle D. , Simonsick Eleanor M. , Chia Chee W. , Moore Ann Zenobia , Tanaka Toshiko , An Yang , Karikkineth Ajoy , AlGhatrif Majd , Elango Palchamy , Zukley Linda M. , Egan Josephine M. , de Cabo Rafael , Resnick Susan M. , Ferrucci Luigi
Published: July 2022

To define metrics of phenotypic aging, it is essential to identify biological and environmental factors that influence the pace of aging. Previous attempts to develop aging metrics were hampered by cross-sectional designs and/or focused on younger populations. In the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA), we collected longitudinally across the adult age range a comprehensive list of phenotypes within four domains (body composition, energetics, homeostatic mechanisms and neurodegeneration/neuroplasticity) and functional outcomes. We integrated individual deviations from population trajectories into a global longitudinal phenotypic metric of aging and demonstrate that accelerated longitudinal phenotypic aging is associated with faster physical and cognitive decline, faster accumulation of multimorbidity and shorter survival. These associations are more robust compared with the use of phenotypic and epigenetic measurements at a single time point. Estimation of these metrics required repeated measures of multiple phenotypes over time but may uniquely facilitate the identification of mechanisms driving phenotypic aging and subsequent age-related functional decline.
Construction of adsorbents with graphene and its derivatives for wastewater treatment: a review
Authors: Hu Huawen , Wen Wu , Ou Jian Zhen
Published: July 2022

A comprehensive and critical overview of graphene-based adsorbents in capturing various water contaminants within the recent five years is presented to drive the rational development of high-performance adsorbents with graphene and its derivatives.
Efficient preadsorption–degradation of PFOA in water by a NaClO-assisted electrocoagulation technique using an Fe/Ni foam electrode
Authors: Zhang Dan , Li Yiming , Chen Xiuping , Song Jinlei , Kang Hu , Bao Mutai , Wang Zhining
Published: July 2022

A novel strategy of “preadsorption–degradation” for efficient PFOA removal based on the EC-NaClO system with an Fe/Ni foam electrode has been successfully achieved.
Photoconductivity of PbS/perovskite quantum dots in gold nanogaps
Authors: Grimaldi Dario , Kelderer Emil , Dirin Dmitry N. , Kovalenko Maksym V. , Hohenau Andreas , Ditlbacher Harald , Krenn Joachim R.
Published: July 2022

We demonstrate that the photoconductance of colloidal PbS/MAPbI3 quantum dots in nanoscale gold electrode gaps shows a consistent power law dependence of the photocurrent on the light intensity with an exponent slightly below 0.7.
Tuning the immune system by nanoparticle–biomolecular corona
Authors: Palmieri Valentina , Caracciolo Giulio
Published: July 2022

Nanotechnology has a great potential to revolutionize the landscape of medicine, but an inadequate understanding of the nanomaterial–biological (nano–bio) interface hampers its ultimate clinical translation.
Construction of a novel two-dimensional AgBiO3/BiOBr step-scheme heterojunction for enhanced broad-spectrum photocatalytic performance
Authors: Lu Jianhong , Bie Junhong , Fu Shuai , Wu Jiaqi , Huang Qiang , He Pengli , Yang Zhe , Zhang Xiuji , Zhu Huijie , Deng Peiyuan
Published: July 2022

Efficient S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts were prepared through in situ growth of AgBiO3 on BiOBr.
Single-molecule photosensitizers for NIR-II fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging guided precise anticancer phototherapy
Authors: Gu Hua , Liu Weijian , Sun Wen , Du Jianjun , Fan Jiangli , Peng Xiaojun
Published: July 2022

An D–π–A-type single-molecule photosensitizer with structure-inherent cancer cell targeting ability was developed for NIR-II fluorescence imaging and photoacoustic imaging guided phototherapy to effectively eliminate tumors in mice.
Conductive Co-based metal organic framework nanostructures for excellent potassium- and lithium-ion storage: kinetics and mechanism studies
Authors: Mao Pengcheng , Fan Huilin , Liu Chang , Lan Gongxu , Huang Wei , Li Zhipeng , Mahmoud Hitham , Zheng Runguo , Wang Zhiyuan , Sun Hongyu , Liu Yanguo
Published: July 2022

Nanostructured Co-CAT metal–organic frameworks show excellent potassium storage performance in terms of high specific capacity, fast charge/discharge and long term storage stability.
“Sabatier principle” of d electron number for describing the nitrogen reduction reaction performance of single-atom alloy catalysts
Authors: Dai Tianyi , Wang Zhili , Lang Xingyou , Jiang Qing
Published: July 2022

A comprehensive theoretical study on Cu-based single-atom alloys reveals their inherent structure–activity relationship relevant to performance in NRR.
Facile fabrication of copper-incorporating poly(ε-caprolactone)/keratin mats for tissue-engineered vascular grafts with the potential of catalytic nitric oxide generation
Authors: Miao Cuie , Du Jun , Dou Jie , Wang Chenshu , Wang Lijuan , Yuan Jiang , Shen Jian , Yin Meng
Published: July 2022

Copper-incorporating PCL/keratin grafts could generate NO catalytically, resulting in the accelerated growth of HUVECs and the inhibited proliferation of HUASMCs. These grafts could inhibit thrombus formation and retain patency for 3 months in vivo.
Nitric oxide-containing supramolecular polypeptide nanomedicine based on [2]biphenyl-extended-pillar[6]arenes for drug resistance reversal
Authors: Ding Yue , Ma Yuxuan , Zhu Lvming , Xu Yue , Wang Chenwei , Lu Bing , Wang Yang , Du Chang , Yao Yong
Published: July 2022

An anionic water-soluble [2]biphenyl-extended-pillar[6]arene was synthesized to construct supramolecular polypeptide nanomedicine for multimodal synergistic therapies of photothermal therapy, NO generation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Tissue-like organic electrochemical transistors
Authors: Bai Jing , Liu Dingyao , Tian Xinyu , Zhang Shiming
Published: July 2022

Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) are the perfect link between biology and microelectronics. This highlight backtracks the development of tissue-like OECTs (stretchable and healable) for applications at soft bioelectronic interfaces.
Study of electrical properties of Al/Si3N4/n-GaAs MIS capacitors deposited at low and high frequency PECVD
Authors: Zibar Wafaa , Richard Olivier , Drighil Asmaa , Lachhab Touria , Mziouek Hasna , Aimez Vincent , Jaouad Abdelatif , Adhiri Rhma
Published: July 2022

As for silicon, surface passivation of GaAs and III-V semiconductors using silicon nitride (Si3N4) deposited by plasma enhanced chemical deposition (PECVD) is widely used to improve devices and circuits stability, reliability and for encapsulation. In this work, the effect of plasma excitation frequency in the PECVD reactor on the surface passivation efficiency of GaAs during Si3N4 deposition was investigated. Metal-Insulator-Semiconductor (Al/Si3N4/n-GaAs) capacitors are fabricated and characterized using capacitance–voltage (C–V), and conductance–voltage (G–V) to compare electronic properties of GaAs/Si3N4 interfaces depending on the use of a high frequency PECVD (HF-PECVD) or low frequency (LF-PECVD) process. The drastic advantage of using the LF-PECVD technique for the passivation of GaAs is clearly demonstrated on the characteristic C–V at 1 MHz where a good surface potential was observed, while a quasi-pinned surface Fermi level was found when HF-PECVD was used. To unpin Fermi level, a sulfur pre-treatment prior before HF-PECVD deposition and post-metallisation annealing were necessary. A lower frequency dispersion and a lower hysteresis indicating low densities of slow traps were observed for MIS devices fabricated by LF-PECVD. The advantage of having an efficient passivation without sulfur treatment is important since ammonium sulfide used for this purpose is corrosive and difficult to adapt in industrial environment. The better electronic properties of GaAs/Si3N4 interface were found for silicon nitride layers using LF-PECVD deposition. This can probably be associated with the high-level injection of H+ ions on the semiconductor surface reducing thus the native oxides during the initial steps of dielectric deposition.
Wirtschaftliche Auswirkungen der SARS-CoV-2-Pandemie im Jahr 2020
Authors: Boehmer Patricia , Wirtz Dieter Christian , Burger Christof , Schildberg Frank Alexander , Kabir Koroush , Scheidt Sebastian
Published: July 2022

Einführung Im Jahr 2020 erforderte die SARS-CoV-2-Pandemie eine Anpassung der Versorgungsstruktur in allen medizinischen Einrichtungen in Deutschland. Diese Studie analysierte die
Auswirkungen der SARS-CoV-2-Pandemie im Fachbereich Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie anhand der Jahresbilanz einer Universitätsklinik.

Methoden Es wurde eine Datenanalyse der Leistungsparameter der Klinik aus den Jahren 2019 und 2020 durchgeführt. Analysiert wurden 52943 ambulante und 7980 stationäre Fallzahlen, der
Case Mix Index (CMI) sowie die Kosten und Erlöse.

Ergebnisse Infolge der Reduktion geplanter Operationen sank die mittlere Zahl stationärer Patienten im März und April 2020 um 10,4% (p = 0,004). Aufgrund der Fokussierung auf
komplexe Fälle stieg der CMI in diesem Zeitraum um 29,5% (p = 0,007) an. Die Zahl ambulanter Operationen nahm im Gesamtjahresvergleich um 16,9% (n = 84) zu. Steigende Kosten für
Verbrauchsmaterialien durch den Kauf von Schutzausrüstungen wurden durch einen geringeren Bedarf an orthopädischen Implantaten kompensiert.

Fazit Durch die Reduktion elektiver stationärer chirurgischer Behandlungen erfolgte eine Fokussierung auf komplexe Krankheitsbilder, was sich in einem erhöhten CMI widerspiegelt.
Durch interne Kompensationsmechanismen konnte die Klinik einerseits Intensivkapazitäten einsparen und andererseits eine Umsatzsteigerung erzielen.
Mode of Delivery in Antepartum Singleton Stillbirths and Associated Risk Factors
Authors: Underwood Katherine , Reddy Uma M. , Hosier Hillary , Sweeney Lena , Campbell Katherine H. , Xu Xiao
Published: July 2022

Objective This study was aimed to investigate delivery management of patients with antepartum stillbirth.

Study Design Using data from fetal death certificates and linked maternal hospital discharge records, we identified a population-based sample of patients with singleton antepartum stillbirth at 20 to 42 weeks of gestation in California in 2007 to 2011. Primary outcomes were intended mode of delivery and actual mode of delivery. We used multivariable regressions to examine the association between patient demographic, clinical, and hospital characteristics and their mode of delivery. Separate analysis was performed for patients who had prior cesarean delivery versus those who did not.

Results Of 7,813 patients with singleton antepartum stillbirth, 1,356 had prior cesarean, while 6,457 had no prior cesarean. Labor was attempted in 51.8% of patients with prior cesarean and 93.7% of patients without prior cesarean, with 76.2 and 95.8% of these patients, respectively, delivered vaginally. Overall, 18.9% of patients underwent a cesarean delivery (60.5% among those with prior cesarean and 10.2% among those without prior cesarean). Multivariable regression analysis identified several factors associated with the risk of cesarean delivery that were not medically indicated. For instance, among patients without prior cesarean, malpresentation (of which the vast majority was breech presentation) was associated with an increased likelihood of planned cesarean (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 3.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.53–4.22) and cesarean delivery after attempting labor (adjusted OR = 3.09, 95% CI: 2.25–4.25). For both patients with and without prior cesarean, delivery at an urban teaching hospital was associated with a lower likelihood of planned cesarean and a lower likelihood of cesarean delivery after attempting labor (adjusted ORs ranged from 0.28 to 0.56, p < 0.001 for all).

Conclusion Over one in six patients with antepartum stillbirth underwent cesarean delivery. Among patients who attempted labor, rate of vaginal delivery was generally high, suggesting a potential opportunity to increase vaginal delivery in this population.

Key Points
Clear evidence against superconductivity in hydrides under high pressure
Authors: Hirsch J. E. , Marsiglio F.
Published: July 2022

The Meissner effect, magnetic field expulsion, is a hallmark of superconductivity. Associated with it, superconductors exclude applied magnetic fields. Recently, Minkov et al. [Nat. Commun. 13, 3194 (2022)] presented experimental results reportedly showing “definitive evidence of the Meissner effect” in sulfur hydride and lanthanum hydride under high pressure, and Eremets et al. [J. Supercond. Nov. Magn. 35, 965 (2022)] argued that “the arguments against superconductivity (in hydrides) can be either refuted or explained.” Instead, we show here that the evidence presented in those papers does not support the case for superconductivity in these materials. Together with experimental evidence discussed in earlier papers, we argue that this strongly suggests that hydrides under pressure are not high-temperature superconductors.
Repeatability and random regression models to estimate genetic parameters for oocyte and embryo production in the Gir breed
Authors: Rocha Renata de Fátima Bretanha , Otto Pamela Itajara , da Silva Marcos Vinicius Gualberto Barbosa , Martins Marta Fonseca , Machado Marco Antonio , Veroneze Renata , Leandro Felipe Damasceno , Pereira Stela Naetzold , Guimarães Simone Eliza Facioni , Panetto João Cláudio do Carmo
Published: July 2022

Context Greater production of oocytes and embryos from Gir donors contributes to greater fertility and genetic progress. Aims This study aimed to obtain genetic parameters for oocyte and embryo production in the Gir breed. Methods Repeatability and random regression models were applied to data consisting of 17 526 Ovum Pick Up observations from 1641 Gir donors from five different herds. Single and multi-trait analyses were carried out with the application of both models for the traits: number of viable oocytes, number of total oocytes and number of embryos, using the BLUPF90 family programs. Legendre polynomials of second order were used in the random regression model. Key results Considering the repeatability model, additive genetic variance ranged from 0.06 to 0.13 and permanent environment variance ranged from 0.05 to 0.08 for all evaluated traits. Residual variance ranged from 0.30 to 0.45. Heritability estimates were 0.10 for number of embryos, 0.24 for total oocytes, and 0.25 for viable oocytes. Repeatability estimates were moderate, ranging from 0.20 to 0.40, and genetic correlation estimates were always above 0.80. Phenotypic correlation was high only between viable and total oocytes (0.95), and moderate in the other cases. Random regression model results were consistent with those from the repeatability model. The heritability values remained similar throughout the donors’ ages, with moderate values for viable and total oocytes, and low values for number of embryos. Genetic correlations among ages for each trait were moderate to high. Also, the genetic correlations between traits within each age were high, with values always above 0.7. Conclusions Selection of Gir donors for total oocyte production at any time, between 1 and 16 years of age, might lead to an increase in the number of viable oocytes and embryos obtained, but it’s preferable at younger ages to hasten genetic progress. Repeatability models could be the best method, as they require less computational effort when compared to the random regression models and the parameter estimates do not vary substantially throughout different ages of the donor. Implications The use of repeatability models to estimate genetic parameters of oocytes and embryos resulted in similar results compared to random regression models.
An objective prioritisation method for agriculture RD&E
Authors: Fordyce Geoffry , Smith Dave R. , Perkins Nigel R. , McGowan Michael R.
Published: July 2022

We aimed to develop and test a relatively objective method for rapidly and accurately assessing the priority for research of interventions tendered as potential solutions to a prevailing problem in agriculture. In this test, our method aimed to direct research of evidenced-based strategies to ameliorate consistently high rates of foetal and calf loss experienced in northern Australia’s beef herd. Detailed reviews of factors affecting foetal and calf loss and potential solutions were conducted. A simple economic analysis, based on rating management interventions for their impact on earnings before interest and tax, was then developed to enable rapid simultaneous business-impact comparison of multiple options. If the outcome value for an option is negative, it suggests that the option is less profitable than is prevailing practice, if approximately zero, it suggests that the option is very marginal, and more positive values suggest a higher potential benefit. The values obtained were further analysed by rating for incidence and researchability to derive research priority. This sequence of activities was conducted by peers representing a broad spectrum of beef business (managing an estimated 0.4 million cattle), science and agribusiness representatives from across northern Australia. A sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the method was robust in ranking both business impact and research priority. Ten foetal and calf-loss minimisation interventions were rated by producer and agribusiness representatives and the project team as a high priority for business. Four of these were excluded because of low incidence or low researchability, leaving six rated as having highest priority for research. Informal feedback from many participants indicated high satisfaction with the proposed method. The conclusion was that this method, with suggested variations, successfully discriminated priority for a large range of potential interventions for calf loss research, development and extension (RD&E). The method described could readily supplant commonly used more subjective methods and be used to assess priority for RD&E of other issues for multiple agricultural commodities, as well as simply for rapid assessment of management options within a production enterprise.
Demographic estimates to assess the translocation of a threatened New Zealand amphibian
Authors: Cisternas Javiera , Easton Luke J. , Germano Jennifer M. , Bishop Phillip J.
Published: July 2022

Context Leiopelma archeyi is a threatened New Zealand amphibian species translocated for conservation purposes. A disease outbreak triggered the translocation of 70 frogs to Pureora Forest in 2006 to establish a new wild population of L. archeyi. Ten years after, 60 more frogs were translocated to this site to enhance the genetic and demographic profile of L. archeyi in Pureora Forest. Here, we analysed 14 years of capture–recapture monitoring data collected for this translocated population. Aims Our aim was to estimate population demographic parameters that allow us to assess the demographic performance of this translocated population. Methods We used spatially explicit capture–recapture (SECR; also called spatial capture–recapture) multi strata/session models to estimate population density and derive its rate of change over time. Key results Here we show that the density of translocated Leiopelma archeyi in Pureora (central North Island, New Zealand) remains stable for most of the study period. After the release of 70 frogs in 2006, density varied from 0.02 frogs/m2 in April 2007 to 0.06 frogs/m2 in December 2014. After the second release of 60 frogs in 2016, density in Pureora of L. archeyi varied from 0.21 frogs/m2 in November 2016 to 0.63 frogs/m2 in November 2018. Conclusions The study species is a long-lived k-selected species, therefore long-term monitoring (>20 years) is required to corroborate demographic indicators. Nevertheless, as the current density estimates are higher than the density estimated for this population after each release (April 2007 and November 2016), we suggest progress towards the establishment of a new wild population of L. archeyi in Pureora Forest. Implications Translocations are a useful conservation tool for many threatened species and post-release monitoring data are the main source of information needed to empirically prove their success.
Development and characterization of human fetal female reproductive tract organoids to understand Müllerian duct anomalies
Authors: Venkata Varshini D. , Jamaluddin M. Fairuz B. , Goad Jyoti , Drury Hannah R. , Tadros Melissa A. , Lim Rebecca , Karakoti Ajay , O’Sullivan Rachel , Ius Yvette , Jaaback Kenneth , Nahar Pravin , Tanwar Pradeep S.
Published: July 2022

Müllerian ducts are paired tubular structures that give rise to most of the female reproductive organs. Any abnormalities in the development and differentiation of these ducts lead to anatomical defects in the female reproductive tract organs categorized as Müllerian duct anomalies. Due to the limited access to fetal tissues, little is understood of human reproductive tract development and the associated anomalies. Although organoids represent a powerful model to decipher human development and disease, such organoids from fetal reproductive organs are not available. Here, we developed organoids from human fetal fallopian tubes and uteri and compared them with their adult counterparts. Our results demonstrate that human fetal reproductive tract epithelia do not express some of the typical markers of adult reproductive tract epithelia. Furthermore, fetal organoids are grossly, histologically, and proteomically different from adult organoids. While external supplementation of WNT ligands or activators in culture medium is an absolute requirement for the adult reproductive tract organoids, fetal organoids are able to grow in WNT-deficient conditions. We also developed decellularized tissue scaffolds from adult human fallopian tubes and uteri. Transplantation of fetal organoids onto these scaffolds led to the regeneration of the adult fallopian tube and uterine epithelia. Importantly, suppression of Wnt signaling, which is altered in patients with Müllerian duct anomalies, inhibits the regenerative ability of human fetal organoids and causes severe anatomical defects in the mouse reproductive tract. Thus, our fetal organoids represent an important platform to study the underlying basis of human female reproductive tract development and diseases.
Three problems in the genetics of speciation by selection
Authors: Schluter Dolph , Rieseberg Loren H.
Published: July 2022

Speciation is the process by which barriers to gene flow evolve between populations. Although we now know that speciation is largely driven by natural selection, knowledge of the agents of selection and the genetic and genomic mechanisms that facilitate divergence is required for a satisfactory theory of speciation. In this essay, we highlight three advances/problems in our understanding of speciation that have arisen from studies of the genes and genomic regions that underlie the evolution of reproductive isolation. First, we describe how the identification of “speciation” genes makes it possible to identify the agents of selection causing the evolution of reproductive isolation, while also noting that the link between the genetics of phenotypic divergence and intrinsic postzygotic reproductive barriers remains tenuous. Second, we discuss the important role of recombination suppressors in facilitating speciation with gene flow, but point out that the means and timing by which reproductive barriers become associated with recombination cold spots remains uncertain. Third, we establish the importance of ancient genetic variation in speciation, although we argue that the focus of speciation studies on evolutionarily young groups may bias conclusions in favor of ancient variation relative to new mutations.
Competition between growth and shear stress drives intermittency in preferential flow paths in porous medium biofilms
Authors: Kurz Dorothee L. , Secchi Eleonora , Carrillo Francisco J. , Bourg Ian C. , Stocker Roman , Jimenez-Martinez Joaquin
Published: July 2022

Bacteria in porous media, such as soils, aquifers, and filters, often form surface-attached communities known as biofilms. Biofilms are affected by fluid flow through the porous medium, for example, for nutrient supply, and they, in turn, affect the flow. A striking example of this interplay is the strong intermittency in flow that can occur when biofilms nearly clog the porous medium. Intermittency manifests itself as the rapid opening and slow closing of individual preferential flow paths (PFPs) through the biofilm–porous medium structure, leading to continual spatiotemporal rearrangement. The drastic changes to the flow and mass transport induced by intermittency can affect the functioning and efficiency of natural and industrial systems. Yet, the mechanistic origin of intermittency remains unexplained. Here, we show that the mechanism driving PFP intermittency is the competition between microbial growth and shear stress. We combined microfluidic experiments quantifyingBacillus subtilisbiofilm formation and behavior in synthetic porous media for different pore sizes and flow rates with a mathematical model accounting for flow through the biofilm and biofilm poroelasticity to reveal the underlying mechanisms. We show that the closing of PFPs is driven by microbial growth, controlled by nutrient mass flow. Opposing this, we find that the opening of PFPs is driven by flow-induced shear stress, which increases as a PFP becomes narrower due to microbial growth, causing biofilm compression and rupture. Our results demonstrate that microbial growth and its competition with shear stresses can lead to strong temporal variability in flow and transport conditions in bioclogged porous media.
Splice factor polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 (Ptbp1) primes endothelial inflammation in atherogenic disturbed flow conditions
Authors: Hensel Jessica A. , Nicholas Sarah-Anne E. , Kimble Amy L. , Nagpal Arjun S. , Omar Omar M. F. , Tyburski Jordan D. , Jellison Evan R. , Ménoret Antoine , Ozawa Manabu , Rodriguez-Oquendo Annabelle , Vella Anthony T. , Murphy Patrick A.
Published: July 2022

NF-κB–mediated endothelial activation drives leukocyte recruitment and atherosclerosis, in part through adhesion molecules Icam1 and Vcam1. The endothelium is primed for cytokine activation of NF-κB by exposure to low and disturbed blood flow (LDF)but the molecular underpinnings are not fully understood. In an experimental in vivo model of LDF, platelets were required for the increased expression of several RNA-binding splice factors, including polypyrimidine tract binding protein (Ptbp1). This was coordinated with changes in RNA splicing in the NF-κB pathway in primed cells, leading us to examine splice factors as mediators of priming. Using Icam1 and Vcam1 induction by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α stimulation as a readout, we performed a CRISPR Cas9 knockout screen and identified a requirement for Ptbp1 in priming. Deletion of Ptbp1 had no effect on cell growth or response to apoptotic stimuli, but reversed LDF splicing patterns and inhibited NF-κB nuclear translocation and transcriptional activation of downstream targets, including Icam1 and Vcam1. In human coronary arteries, elevated PTBP1 correlates with expression of TNF pathway genes and plaque. In vivo, endothelial-specific deletion of Ptbp1 reduced Icam1 expression and myeloid cell infiltration at regions of LDF in atherosclerotic mice, limiting atherosclerosis. This may be mediated, in part, by allowing inclusion of a conserved alternative exon in Ripk1 leading to a reduction in Ripk1 protein. Our data show that Ptbp1, which is induced in a subset of the endothelium by platelet recruitment at regions of LDF, is required for priming of the endothelium for subsequent NF-κB activation, myeloid cell recruitment and atherosclerosis.
Ethylene inhibits rice root elongation in compacted soil via ABA- and auxin-mediated mechanisms
Authors: Huang Guoqiang , Kilic Azad , Karady Michal , Zhang Jiao , Mehra Poonam , Song Xiaoyun , Sturrock Craig J. , Zhu Wanwan , Qin Hua , Hartman Sjon , Schneider Hannah M. , Bhosale Rahul , Dodd Ian C. , Sharp Robert E. , Huang Rongfeng , Mooney Sacha J. , Liang Wanqi , Bennett Malcolm J. , Zhang Dabing , Pandey Bipin K.
Published: July 2022

Soil compaction represents a major agronomic challenge, inhibiting root elongation and impacting crop yields. Roots use ethylene to sense soil compaction as the restricted air space causes this gaseous signal to accumulate around root tips. Ethylene inhibits root elongation and promotes radial expansion in compacted soil, but its mechanistic basis remains unclear. Here, we report that ethylene promotes abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis and cortical cell radial expansion. Rice mutants of ABA biosynthetic genes had attenuated cortical cell radial expansion in compacted soil, leading to better penetration. Soil compaction-induced ethylene also up-regulates the auxin biosynthesis gene
OsYUC8
. Mutants lacking OsYUC8 are better able to penetrate compacted soil. The auxin influx transporter OsAUX1 is also required to mobilize auxin from the root tip to the elongation zone during a root compaction response. Moreover,
osaux1
mutants penetrate compacted soil better than the wild-type roots and do not exhibit cortical cell radial expansion. We conclude that ethylene uses auxin and ABA as downstream signals to modify rice root cell elongation and radial expansion, causing root tips to swell and reducing their ability to penetrate compacted soil.
Fabrication of high-performance microfluidic SERS substrates by metal-assisted chemical etching of silicon scratches
Authors: Peng Yong , Cui Licong , Gao Jian , Jiang Shulan , Wang Hongbo , Yu Bingjun , Qian Linmao
Published: July 2022

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate-based microfluidic systems are applied extensively in diverse fields. For affordable detection and diagnosis, we propose a novel strategy for flexible, low-cost, and rapid fabrication of microfluidic SERS substrates by metal-assisted chemical etching of scratches on a silicon surface. A silicon substrate was spin-coated with polyketone resin (PK), and patterned by scratching with a diamond tip. Notably, defects created by diamond tip scratching on silicon substrate promoted subsequent metal deposition. A micro/nano nested structure was prepared by metal-assisted chemical etching process based on combined effect of scratching and metal catalysis. The PK layer served as a stable mask during metal deposition and etching. The prepared SERS-active detection sites with micro/nano nested structures exhibited substantial enhancement effects and good stability. Taking rhodamine 6G as a probe molecule, the microfluidic SERS substrate exhibited a high detection capability, with nanomolar detection limits (10−9 M) and high long-term stability (at least 120 days). The micro/nano nested structure exhibited an enhancement factor of 2.725 × 105 compared to a gold film deposited on a flat silicon surface. The proposed method is promising for chemical and biological detection applications.