bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Albite Microanalytical Reference Material from Piz Beverin for Na, Al and Si Determination, and the Potential for New K‐Feldspar Reference Materials
Authors: Allaz Julien M. , Guillong Marcel , Tavazzani Lorenzo , Spiekermann Georg , Zehnder Lydia , Bullock Emma , DesOrmeau Joel , Jercinovic Michael J. , Krause Joachim , Marxer Felix , Nachlas William O. , Spratt John
Published: June 2023

Determination of alkali elements is important to Earth scientists, yet suitable and reliable microanalytical reference materials are lacking. This paper proposes a new albite reference material and evaluates the potential for future K‐feldspar reference materials. The proposed Piz Beverin albite reference material from Switzerland yields a homogeneous composition at the centimetre‐ to micrometre‐scale for Si, Al and Na with < 2000 μg g‐1 total trace elements (mostly heterogeneously distributed Ca, K and Sr). EPMA and LA‐ICP‐MS measurements confirm a composition of 99.5(2)% albite component, which is supported further by bulk XRF measurements. A round robin evaluation involving nine independent EPMA laboratories confirms its composition and homogeneity for Si, Al and Na. In addition, a set of five distinct clear K‐feldspar samples was evaluated as possible reference materials. The first two crystals of adular and orthoclase yield unacceptable inhomogeneities with > 2% relative local variations of Na, K and Ba contents. The three other investigated sets of K‐feldspar crystals are yellow sanidine crystals from Itrongay (Madagascar). Despite distinct compositions, EPMA confirms they are each homogeneous at the centimetre to micrometre scale for Si, Al and K and have no apparent inclusions; further investigation to find larger amounts of these materials is therefore justified.
Serial increase and high alpha‐fetoprotein levels predict the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in 6 months
Authors: Su Tung‐Hung , Chang Shan‐Han , Chen Chi‐Ling , Liao Sih‐Han , Tseng Tai‐Chung , Hsu Shih‐Jer , Hong Chun‐Ming , Liu Chen‐Hua , Yang Hung‐Chih , Liu Chun‐Jen , Chen Pei‐Jer , Kao Jia‐Horng
Published: June 2023

Aim

Alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) checkup with abdominal ultrasonography for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance remains controversial. We evaluated a serial AFP‐increase and high AFP levels in the prediction of HCC.

Methods

At‐risk patients with chronic liver disease underwent HCC surveillance with trimonthly AFP measurement were included and categorized into HCC and non‐HCC groups. Their AFP levels at 12, 9, and 6 months (−6M) before the outcome date were evaluated. Group‐based trajectory analysis and multivariable regression analysis were performed to identify AFP trajectories as risk predictors for HCC.

Results

Overall, 2776 patients were included in the HCC (n = 326) and non‐HCC (n = 2450) groups. Serial AFP levels were significantly higher in the HCC than the non‐HCC groups. Trajectory analysis identified AFP‐increase group (11%) increased 24‐fold risks of HCC compared with the AFP‐stable (89%) group. Compared with patients without the AFP‐increase, a serial 3‐month AFP‐increase ≥10% elevated HCC risk by 12.1‐fold (95% CI: 6.5–22.4) in 6 months, and the HCC risks increased 13–60 fold in patients with cirrhosis, hepatitis B, or C receiving antiviral therapy, or AFP levels <20 ng/ml. Combining serial AFP‐increase ≥10% and AFP ≥20 ng/ml at −6M significantly increased 41.7‐fold (95% CI: 13.8–126.2) HCC risks. In patients who underwent biannual AFP checkups, those with both 6‐month AFP‐increase ≥10% and AFP ≥20 ng/ml increased 22.1‐fold (95% CI: 12.52–39.16) HCC risks in 6 months. Most HCCs were detected at an early stage.

Conclusions

Serial 3–6‐month AFP‐increase of ≥10% previously and AFP level of ≥20 ng/ml significantly increased HCC risks in 6 months.
Composition and implications of foreign‐language anxiety among American study‐abroad students in Morocco
Authors: Bensalem Elias , Trevethan Robert
Published: June 2023

In this study, the foreign‐language anxiety (FLA) of American students of Arabic on three study‐abroad programs in Morocco was examined. Exploratory factor analyses (EFAs) of the students’ data based on items from the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale yielded four distinct factors, or domains, of FLA: Somatic Distress, Self‐Doubt, Nonengagement, and Apprehension. Although the students had a moderate level of self‐doubt concerning their studies as well as a moderate level of apprehension about being with Arabic L1 users, they tended to report engagement and absence of somatic distress in relation to Arabic. Scores among all four factors differed significantly from each other, apart from the comparison between Self‐Doubt and Apprehension. In addition to having implications for pedagogical practice and study‐abroad programs, this research is an attempt to demonstrate best practice in EFA.
Comparison of culture media reveals that non‐essential amino acids strongly affect the phenotype of human monocyte‐derived macrophages
Authors: Antonsen Kristian W. , Friis Henriette N. , Sorensen Boe S. , Etzerodt Anders , Moestrup Søren K. , Møller Holger J.
Published: June 2023

Macrophages are important innate immune cells with the ability to adapt their phenotype to environmental cues. Research on human macrophages often uses monocyte‐derived macrophages cultured in vitro, but it is unclear if culture medium affects macrophage phenotype. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of culture medium composition on monocyte‐derived macrophage phenotype. Monocyte‐derived macrophages were generated in different formulations of culture media (RPMI 1640, DMEM, MEM, McCoy's 5a and IMDM). Viability, yield and cell size were monitored, and RT‐qPCR, flow cytometry or ELISA was used to compare levels of phenotype markers (CD163, CD206, CD80, TNFα, IL‐10, SIRPα, LILRB1 and Siglec‐10). Yield, cell size, gene expression, membrane protein levels and release of soluble proteins were all affected by changes in culture medium composition. The most pronounced effects were observed after culture in DMEM, which lacks the non‐essential amino acids asparagine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid and proline. Supplementation of DMEM with non‐essential amino acids either fully or partly reversed most effects of DMEM on macrophage phenotype. The results suggest culture medium composition and amino acid availability affect the phenotype of human monocyte‐derived macrophages cultured in vitro.
Prevalence and incidence of venous leg ulcers—A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Probst Sebastian , Saini Camille , Gschwind Géraldine , Stefanelli Alessio , Bobbink Paul , Pugliese Marie‐Thérèse , Cekic Sezen , Pastor Damien , Gethin Georgina
Published: June 2023

Venous leg ulcers (VLU) represent a major public health challenge. Little is known about the prevalence and incidence of VLU internationally. Published studies are usually reporting different estimates because of disparities in study designs and measurement methods. Therefore, we conducted a systematic literature review and meta‐analysis to identify the prevalence and incidence of VLU internationally and to characterise the population as reported in these studies. Studies were identified from searches in Medline (PubMed), CINAHL Complete (EBSCOhost), Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, LiSSa (Littérature Scientifique en Santé), Google Scholar and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews up to November 2022. Studies were included if their primary outcomes were reported as a period prevalence or point prevalence or cumulative incidence or incidence VLU rate. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria, 10 reporting estimates of prevalence, three reporting both prevalence and incidence estimates and one incidence. All were included in meta‐analyses. The results show a pooled prevalence of 0.32% and a pooled incidence of 0.17%. Our results highlighted an extreme heterogeneity across effect sizes for both prevalence and incidence, which prevent a meaningful interpretation of pooled indexes and argue for further studies with specific prevalence‐type reported and target population under study.
Improving diagnostic accuracy of 3 Screen ICA ELISA kit in the identification of Japanese type 1 diabetes
Authors: Kawasaki Eiji , Jinnouchi Hideaki , Maeda Yasutaka , Okada Akira , Ito Yoshihisa , Kawai Koichi
Published: June 2023

Aim/Introduction

This study aimed to investigate the clinical utility of 3 Screen ICA ELISA in identifying immune‐mediated type 1 diabetes in Japanese subjects.

Methods

We compared the positivity of 3 Screen ICA were compared with autoantibodies against GAD, IA‐2, and ZnT8 in 638 patients with type 1 diabetes and 159 healthy control subjects.

Results

With a cut‐off value of 20.0 index, 67.4% of acute‐onset type 1 diabetic patients, 71.8% of slowly progressive type 1 diabetic (SPIDDM) patients, and none of the fulminant type 1 diabetic patients showed 3 Screen ICA levels above this threshold. The prevalence of 3 Screen ICA was 14.2% higher in acute‐onset type 1 diabetes and 1.6% higher in SPIDDM than in GADA. 3 Screen ICA‐positive cases were found in 4.8% of cases of individual autoantibody‐negative acute‐onset type 1 diabetes and 3.8% of SPIDDM, indicating improved diagnostic sensitivity with the 3 Screen ICA. Among individual autoantibody‐negative patients, the sum of each autoantibody level was significantly lower in fulminant type 1 diabetes than in acute onset type 1 diabetes and in SPIDDM (P < 0.0001). Additionally, 84.2% of patients negative for individual autoantibodies but positive for 3 Screen ICA had a sum of individual autoantibody levels of ≥4.7 U/mL. Furthermore, 3 Screen ICA levels were significantly higher in patients with type 1 diabetes with other autoimmune diseases than in those without (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the 3 Screen ICA ELISA may be a valuable screening tool for Japanese patients with type 1 diabetes, potentially increasing the diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy beyond the existing GADA, IA‐2A, and ZnT8A tests.
Structure of rosettes in the zona glomerulosa of human adrenal cortex
Authors: Zhu Yumin , Zhang Xuefeng , Hu Changlong
Published: June 2023

Recent studies in mouse models have demonstrated that the multi‐cellular rosette structure of the adrenal zona glomerulosa (ZG) is crucial for aldosterone production by ZG cells. However, the rosette structure of human ZG has remained unclear. The human adrenal cortex undergoes remodeling during aging, and one surprising change is the occurrence of aldosterone‐producing cell clusters (APCCs). It is intriguing to know whether APCCs form a rosette structure like normal ZG cells. In this study, we investigated the rosette structure of ZG in human adrenal with and without APCCs, as well as the structure of APCCs. We found that glomeruli in human adrenal are enclosed by a laminin subunit β1 (lamb1)‐rich basement membrane. In slices without APCCs, each glomerulus contains an average of 11 ± 1 cells. In slices with APCCs, each glomerulus in normal ZG contains around 10 ± 1 cells, while each glomerulus in APCCs has significantly more cells (average of 22 ± 1). Similar to what was observed in mice, cells in normal ZG or in APCCs of human adrenal formed rosettes through β‐catenin‐ and F‐actin‐rich adherens junctions. The cells in APCCs form larger rosettes through enhanced adherens junctions. This study provides, for the first time, a detailed characterization of the rosette structure of human adrenal ZG and shows that APCCs are not an unstructured cluster of ZG cells. This suggests that the multi‐cellular rosette structure may also be necessary for aldosterone production in APCCs.
Advanced MRI to assess hippocampal injury after incomplete cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion in rats
Authors: Fu Lan , Zhang Li‐Min , Guan Lin‐Na , Song Yan‐Cheng , Zhang Dong‐Xue , Kang Li‐Qing , Liu Feng‐Hai
Published: June 2023

Background and Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate advanced MRI findings in the bilateral hippocampus CA1 region of rats with hemorrhagic shock reperfusion (HSR) and their correlation with histopathological results. Additionally, this study aimed to identify effective MRI examination methods and detection indexes for assessing HSR.

Methods

Rats were randomized into the HSR and the Sham groups with 24 rats in each group. MRI examination included diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) and 3‐dimensional arterial spin labeling (3D‐ASL). Apoptosis and pyroptosis were evaluated directly from tissue.

Results

In the HSR group, cerebral blood flow (CBF) was significantly lower than that of the Sham group, while radial kurtosis (Kr), axial kurtosis (Ka), and mean kurtosis (MK) were all higher. In the HSR group, fractional anisotropy (FA) at 12 and 24 hours and radial diffusivity, axial diffusivity (Da), and mean diffusivity (MD) at 3 and 6 hours were lower than in the Sham group. MD and Da at 24 hours in the HSR group were significantly higher. The apoptosis rate and pyroptosis rate were also enhanced in the HSR group. CBF, FA, MK, Ka, and Kr values in the early stage were strongly correlated with apoptosis rate and pyroptosis rate. The metrics were obtained from DKI and 3D‐ASL.

Conclusions

Advanced MRI metrics from DKI and 3D‐ASL, including CBF, FA, Ka, Kr, and MK values, are useful to evaluate abnormal blood perfusion and microstructural changes in the hippocampus CA1 area in the setting of incomplete cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion in rats induced by HSR.
The impact of low socioeconomic status and primary health care access on emergency department presentations in young children in regional Queensland
Authors: McCosker Catherine , Beccaria Gavin , Beccaria Lisa , Machin Tanya
Published: June 2023

Aim

The purpose of this study was to empirically evaluate if children from low socio‐economic status (SES) families in regional southeast Queensland utilise acute care services for low acuity health care rather than utilising primary health services.

Methods

A retrospective audit of children under the age of 5 years presented at a regional hospital emergency department (ED) over a 12‐month period. Medical records were examined for presenting problem, Australasian triage category, care outcomes, whether the child's parent/guardian held an Australian concession/health care card (AC/HCC) and accessed child health services or a general medical practitioner (GP).

Results

Eight hundred and eighty‐eight children who had not reached their fifth birthday presented to ED between 1 June 2019 and 31 May 2020, with a total of 1691 presentations. Most children were bought to the ED by their parents with semi‐urgent health concerns and were discharged home following medical review. Holding an AC/HCC was a significant predictor for hospital presentation. Holding an AC/HCC was not associated with access to child health services. However, accessing child health services resulted in a small but significant increase in hospital presentations.

Conclusions

The AC/HCC may be an important proxy to identify low SES individuals. These card holders tended to use acute services more frequently than those who did not qualify for an AC/HCC. Furthermore, families that engage with primary care services such as child health also accessed acute care services more frequently. The results indicate accessing primary health‐care services does not ameliorate the use of acute care services.
The periodontal ligament, temperature‐sensitive ion channels TRPV1–4, and the mechanosensitive ion channels Piezo1 and 2: A Nobel connection
Authors: Lukacs Linda , Rennekampff Isabelle , Tenenhaus Mayer , Rennekampff Hans‐Oliver
Published: June 2023

Teeth are subject to a variety of mechanical forces and vectors. The periodontal ligament (PDL), fibrous tissue that connects the cementum of the tooth to the bony socket, plays a decisive role in transmitting force to alveolar bone via Sharpey fibers, transforming and converting these forces into biological signals. This interaction effects significant osteoblastic and osteoclastic responses via autocrine proliferative and paracrine responses. Recent discoveries of receptors for temperature and touch by the Nobel laureates David Julius and Ardem Patapoutian, respectively have a profound impact on orthodontics. Transient receptor vanilloid channel 1 (TRPV1), initially described as a receptor for temperature, has been proposed to participate in the sensing of force. TRPV4, another ion channel receptor, perceives tensile forces as well as thermal and chemical stimuli. Piezo1 and 2, the classic receptors for touch, in addition to the aforementioned receptors, have similarly been described on PDL‐derived cells. In this text, we review the role of the temperature‐sensitive ion channels and mechanosensitive ion channels on their biological function and influence in orthodontic treatment.
Leucoagaricus swaticusfrom Himalayan temperate forests of Pakistan
Authors: Naseer Arooj , Ali Muhammad , Rehman Niazi Abdul , Khalid Abdul Nasir
Published: June 2023

A novel mushroom species occurring on humus‐rich soil was collected from Himalayas of Swat and Khanspur, Pakistan. Phylogenetic analyses based on the nrDNA ITS region revealed that it belongs in Leucoagaricus sect. Leucoagaricus. Further morphological analyses confirmed its uniqueness, and here it is described as a new species under the name Leucoagaricus swaticus. The distinguishing characters of this novel taxon are a relatively large pileus with distinct, brownish red umbo, larger, smooth stipe and oblong to amygdaliform basidiospores (6.7–9.0 × 3.0–4.7 µm) with apical papilla. A detailed description of this taxon is provided.
Identification of a Prunus MAX1 homolog as a unique strigol synthase
Authors: Wu Sheng , Zhou Anqi , Hiugano Kozue , Yoda Akiyoshi , Xie Xiaonan , Yamane Kenji , Miura Kenji , Nomura Takahito , Li Yanran
Published: June 2023

Strigol is the first identified and one of the most important strigolactones (SLs), but the biosynthetic pathway remains elusive. We functionally identified a strigol synthase (cytochrome P450 711A enzyme) in the Prunus genus through rapid gene screening in a set of SL‐producing microbial consortia, and confirmed its unique catalytic activity (catalyzing multistep oxidation) through substrate feeding experiments and mutant analysis.

We also reconstructed the biosynthetic pathway of strigol in Nicotiana benthamiana and reported the total biosynthesis of strigol in the Escherichia coli‐yeast consortium, from the simple sugar xylose, which paves the way for large‐scale production of strigol.

As proof of concept, strigol and orobanchol were detected in Prunus persica root extrudes. This demonstrated a successful prediction of metabolites produced in plants through gene function identification, highlighting the importance of deciphering the sequence–function correlation of plant biosynthetic enzymes to more accurately predicate plant metabolites without metabolic analysis.

This finding revealed the evolutionary and functional diversity of CYP711A (MAX1) in SL biosynthesis, which can synthesize different stereo‐configurations of SLs (strigol‐ or orobanchol‐type). This work again emphasizes the importance of microbial bioproduction platform as an efficient and handy tool to functionally identify plant metabolism.
Above‐ and belowground traits along a stress gradient: trade‐off or not?
Authors: Bricca Alessandro , Sperandii Marta G. , Acosta Alicia T. R. , Montagnoli Antonio , La Bella Greta , Terzaghi Mattia , Carboni Marta
Published: June 2023

The role of plant traits in shaping community assembly along environmental gradients is a topic of ongoing research. It is well accepted that plant traits of aboveground organs tend to be conservative in stressful conditions. However, there is limited understanding of how belowground traits respond. Plants may have similar strategies above and belowground, but an intriguing possibility is that there is a tradeoff between above and belowground traits of communities to both ensure efficient resource‐use and limit niche overlap along the gradient. To test this, we asked whether the response of above and belowground traits of communities is coordinated or not along a stress gradient in Mediterranean sand dune communities. We analyzed 80 vegetation plots in central Italy to test for coordinated vs independent patterns in above vs belowground plant traits using community weighted mean and standardized effect size of functional richness. Our results show that plant communities close to the sea, which experience higher stress, were characterized by higher convergence towards aboveground resource conservation and conservative water‐use strategies but belowground resource acquisition, consistent with a strong effect of habitat filtering and an above–belowground tradeoff favoring adaptation to harsh and dry conditions. At the opposite end of the gradient with lower stress, plants exhibited higher trait diversity for both above and belowground traits, but overall a dominance of aboveground fast resource acquisition and generally acquisitive water‐use strategies, combined with conservative belowground strategies. This suggests that fast growth rate aboveground was compensated by more conservative fine‐root strategies, but processes such as competition limited niche overlap overall. Our findings provide new insights into the relationship between functional traits and environmental gradients in plant communities, shedding light on the tradeoffs between the above and belowground dimensions.
Strategies for managing group caregiving following hip‐fracture surgery among family members: A grounded theory study
Authors: Teng Hui‐Chin , Shyu Yea‐Ing L. , Liang Jieying , Teppo Kröger
Published: June 2023

Background

Family members in many countries often share caregiving responsibilities for an older relative recovering from an injury. However, few studies have examined strategies employed when multiple family members provide care for an older relative recovering from hip‐fracture surgery.

Objective

This study aimed to understand family group caregiving strategies when two or more family members provide caregiving for an older relative recovering from hip‐fracture surgery.

Methods

This study used a grounded theory design. Semistructured interviews were conducted over 1 year with 13 Taiwanese family caregivers from five families. Caregivers shared caregiving responsibilities for an older relative (62–92 years of age) recovering from hip‐fracture surgery. Transcribed interviews were analysed using open, axial and selective coding.

Results

The core category describing caregiving among family members was ‘Preventive Group Management: strategies for family group caregiving’. Three strategies were employed: explicit division of labour (two stem/patriarchal families and one older two‐generation/democratic family); disconnected caregiving (one nuclear/noncommunicative family) and patriarchal caregiving (one extended/traditional Chinese family). Strategies reflected family type, structure, cultural values, communication patterns and available outside support. Components of family group caregiving involved family type's division of labour, approaches to caregiving and implementation challenges and allowed family caregivers to maximise safety and stability and prevent harmful events during their relative's recovery from surgery.

Conclusions

There was no one‐size‐fits‐all approach for the strategies of family group caregiving. Components of Preventive Group Management varied with family type, cultural values, communication patterns and available outside support. Healthcare professionals should be sensitive to the dynamics of family caregivers.

Implications for Practice

Enhance group management for family caregivers by developing interventions to optimize collaboration, thereby better addressing the needs of older adults recovering from hip fracture surgery.
Laser Powder Bed Fusion Additive Manufacturing of Maraging Steel: A Review
Authors: Kizhakkinan Umesh , Seetharaman Sankaranarayanan , Raghavan Nagarajan , Rosen David W.
Published: June 2023

Laser powder bed fusion (PBF/L) is a popular metal additive manufacturing (AM) process used to manufacture complex metallic 3D components. Maraging steel is one of the metals used in AM and it belongs to the class of ultra-high-strength steels used in aerospace and tooling industries. In the PBF/L process, a laser beam is used to melt and fuse the metal powder particles. This creates a high thermal gradient and rapid cooling of the melt pool results in columnar grains. The microstructure of AM part is entirely different from the conventionally manufactured case and this necessitates post-AM heat treatments. The current paper reviews the effects of printing parameters and heat treatment on microstructure and mechanical properties of PBF/L produced maraging steel 300 alloy. Tensile, impact, fracture, and fatigue properties of as-built and heat-treated PBF/L parts are discussed in detail.
Epitaxial growth of Bi, Sb, and Sn
Authors: Liu Shuyu , Li Ji , Peng Xianglin , Dong Xu , Li Yongkai , Xiao Peiyao , Wang Zhiwei , Xiao Wende
Published: June 2023

Graphene analogs composed of Bi, Sb, and Sn, respectively, are predicted to be great candidates to realize the quantum spin Hall effect at high temperatures and have attracted intensive research interest in recent years. However, their structural and electronic properties are greatly affected by substrates. Here, we epitaxially grow Bi, Sb, and Sn overlayers on various substrates. We observed the formation of Au–Bi alloy on Au(111) substrates, while α-Bi was formed on the TaIrTe4, TiSe2and Cr2Ge2Te6 substrates. Large-scale thin films of α-Bi, α-Sb and β-Sn can be prepared on the TiSe2 substrates due to the high quality of the substrates with very few defects. The lattice of the Sb films is slightly compressed on the TiSe2 substrates, due to the interfacial interaction. α-Sn transitions to β-Sn on the TiSe2 substrates with increasing Sn coverages. Our work is very helpful for tuning the structural and electronic properties of epitaxial Bi, Sb, and Sn films via proper substrates.
Postactivation Potentiation and the Asynchronous Action of Muscular and Neural Responses
Authors: Xenofondos Anthi , Papavasileiou Anastasia , Bassa Eleni , Vrabas Ioannis S. , Patikas Dimitrios A.
Published: June 2023

Purpose: This study examined the underlying mechanisms of postactivation potentiation and the time course of muscular- and neural-related variables. Methods: Fourteen trained males executed 4 sets of six 6-second maximum isometric conditioning plantar flexions, with 15 seconds and 2 minutes of interval between the contractions and sets, respectively. Peak twitch torque (TT), rate of torque development, time to peak torque, half relaxation time, and the neural-related variables of H-reflex and electromyogram, normalized to the maximum M-wave (H/M and RMS/M, respectively), were evaluated, as well as the level of the voluntary activation, assessed by the twitch interpolation technique. All neural-related variables were analyzed for the trial within each set when TT was maximal and for the trial within each set when the neural-related variable itself was maximal. Results: Compared with the baseline measures, TT and rate of torque development significantly increased in all sets (P < .001), whereas time to peak torque and half relaxation time significantly decreased in sets 1 to 4 and 2 to 4, respectively (P < .001). However, H/M and the RMS/M did not change for the repetition of each set for which the TT was maximal (P > .05). Interestingly, the within-set maximum H/M ratio of the lateral gastrocnemius muscle revealed a significant increase in all sets (P < .05), compared with the baseline measures. Conclusion: One set of 4 contractions with 6-second duration is sufficient to cause postactivation potentiation for most participants, whereas peak TT augmentation does not coincide with changes in the examined neural-related variables. Further experiments should consider the time lag on their maximal values and their inherent between-participants variability.
Sequence variants affecting voice pitch in humans
Authors: Gisladottir Rosa S. , Helgason Agnar , Halldorsson Bjarni V. , Helgason Hannes , Borsky Michal , Chien Yu-Ren , Gudnason Jon , Gudjonsson Sigurjon A. , Moisik Scott , Dediu Dan , Thorleifsson Gudmar , Tragante Vinicius , Bustamante Mariana , Jonsdottir Gudrun A. , Stefansdottir Lilja , Rutsdottir Gudrun , Magnusson Sigurdur H. , Hardarson Marteinn , Ferkingstad Egil , Halldorsson Gisli H. , Rognvaldsson Solvi , Skuladottir Astros , Ivarsdottir Erna V. , Norddahl Gudmundur , Thorgeirsson Gudmundur , Jonsdottir Ingileif , Ulfarsson Magnus O. , Holm Hilma , Stefansson Hreinn , Thorsteinsdottir Unnur , Gudbjartsson Daniel F. , Sulem Patrick , Stefansson Kari
Published: June 2023

The genetic basis of the human vocal system is largely unknown, as are the sequence variants that give rise to individual differences in voice and speech. Here, we couple data on diversity in the sequence of the genome with voice and vowel acoustics in speech recordings from 12,901 Icelanders. We show how voice pitch and vowel acoustics vary across the life span and correlate with anthropometric, physiological, and cognitive traits. We found that voice pitch and vowel acoustics have a heritable component and discovered correlated common variants in
ABCC9
that associate with voice pitch. The
ABCC9
variants also associate with adrenal gene expression and cardiovascular traits. By showing that voice and vowel acoustics are influenced by genetics, we have taken important steps toward understanding the genetics and evolution of the human vocal system.
Episodic intraplate magmatism fed by a long-lived melt channel of distal plume origin
Authors: Naif Samer , Miller Nathaniel C. , Shillington Donna J. , Bécel Anne , Lizarralde Daniel , Bassett Dan , Hemming Sidney R.
Published: June 2023

In the past decade, marine geophysical observations have led to the discovery of thin channels at the base of oceanic plates with anomalous physical properties that indicate the presence of low-degree partial melts. However, mantle melts are buoyant and should migrate toward the surface. We show abundant observations of widespread intraplate magmatism on the Cocos Plate where a thin partial melt channel was imaged at the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary. We combine existing geophysical, geochemical, and seafloor drilling results with seismic reflection data and radiometric dating of drill cores to constrain the origin, distribution, and timing of this magmatism. Our synthesis indicates that the sublithospheric channel is a regionally extensive (>100,000 km
2
) and long-lived feature that originated from the Galápagos Plume more than 20 Ma ago, supplying melt for multiple magmatic events and persisting today. Plume-fed melt channels may be widespread and long-lived sources for intraplate magmatism and mantle metasomatism.
Alternative epidemic indicators for COVID-19 in three settings with incomplete death registration systems
Authors: McCabe Ruth , Whittaker Charles , Sheppard Richard J. , Abdelmagid Nada , Ahmed Aljaile , Alabdeen Israa Zain , Brazeau Nicholas F. , Ahmed Abd Elhameed Abd Elhameed , Bin-Ghouth Abdulla Salem , Hamlet Arran , AbuKoura Rahaf , Barnsley Gregory , Hay James A. , Alhaffar Mervat , Koum Besson Emilie , Saje Semira Mitiku , Sisay Binyam Girma , Gebreyesus Seifu Hagos , Sikamo Adane Petros , Worku Aschalew , Ahmed Yakob Seman , Mariam Damen Haile , Sisay Mitike Molla , Checchi Francesco , Dahab Maysoon , Endris Bilal Shikur , Ghani Azra C. , Walker Patrick G. T. , Donnelly Christl A. , Watson Oliver J.
Published: June 2023

Not all COVID-19 deaths are officially reported, and particularly in low-income and humanitarian settings, the magnitude of reporting gaps remains sparsely characterized. Alternative data sources, including burial site worker reports, satellite imagery of cemeteries, and social media–conducted surveys of infection may offer solutions. By merging these data with independently conducted, representative serological studies within a mathematical modeling framework, we aim to better understand the range of underreporting using examples from three major cities: Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), Aden (Yemen), and Khartoum (Sudan) during 2020. We estimate that 69 to 100%, 0.8 to 8.0%, and 3.0 to 6.0% of COVID-19 deaths were reported in each setting, respectively. In future epidemics, and in settings where vital registration systems are limited, using multiple alternative data sources could provide critically needed, improved estimates of epidemic impact. However, ultimately, these systems are needed to ensure that, in contrast to COVID-19, the impact of future pandemics or other drivers of mortality is reported and understood worldwide.
Mild SARS-CoV-2 infection results in long-lasting microbiota instability
Authors: Upadhyay Vaibhav , Suryawanshi Rahul K. , Tasoff Preston , McCavitt-Malvido Maria , Kumar Renuka G. , Murray Victoria Wong , Noecker Cecilia , Bisanz Jordan E. , Hswen Yulin , Ha Connie W. Y. , Sreekumar Bharath , Chen Irene P. , Lynch Susan V. , Ott Melanie , Lee Sulggi , Turnbaugh Peter J.
Published: June 2023

Viruses targeting mammalian cells can indirectly alter the gut microbiota, potentially compounding their phenotypic effects. Multiple studies have observed a disrupted gut microbiota in severe cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection that require hospitalization. Yet, despite demographic shifts in disease severity resulting in a large and continuing burden of non-hospitalized infections, we still know very little about the impact of mild SARS-CoV-2 infection on the gut microbiota in the outpatient setting. To address this knowledge gap, we longitudinally sampled 14 SARS-CoV-2-positive subjects who remained outpatient and 4 household controls. SARS-CoV-2 cases exhibited a significantly less stable gut microbiota relative to controls. These results were confirmed and extended in the K18-humanized angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 mouse model, which is susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. All of the tested SARS-CoV-2 variants significantly disrupted the mouse gut microbiota, including USA-WA1/2020 (the original variant detected in the USA), Delta, and Omicron. Surprisingly, despite the fact that the Omicron variant caused the least severe symptoms in mice, it destabilized the gut microbiota and led to a significant depletion inAkkermansia muciniphila. Furthermore, exposure of wild-type C57BL/6J mice to SARS-CoV-2 disrupted the gut microbiota in the absence of severe lung pathology.

IMPORTANCE

Taken together, our results demonstrate that even mild cases of SARS-CoV-2 can disrupt gut microbial ecology. Our findings in non-hospitalized individuals are consistent with studies of hospitalized patients, in that reproducible shifts in gut microbial taxonomic abundance in response to SARS-CoV-2 have been difficult to identify. Instead, we report a long-lasting instability in the gut microbiota. Surprisingly, our mouse experiments revealed an impact of the Omicron variant, despite producing the least severe symptoms in genetically susceptible mice, suggesting that despite the continued evolution of SARS-CoV-2, it has retained its ability to perturb the intestinal mucosa. These results will hopefully renew efforts to study the mechanisms through which Omicron and future SARS-CoV-2 variants alter gastrointestinal physiology, while also considering the potentially broad consequences of SARS-CoV-2-induced microbiota instability for host health and disease.
Supplemental Material: Late Mesozoic magmatism and gold metallogeny of the Jiaodong Peninsula, China: A response to the destruction of the North China Craton
Authors: Wang Bin , Zhou Jian-Bo , et al.
Published: June 2023

Table S1 Zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb Data; Table S2 Hf isotope data; Table S3 Geochemistry data; Table S4 Sr-Nd-Pb Isotope data ; Table S5 Published ages of the granites in the Jiaodong area, and Text S1 analytical methods.
Relationship between left-behind status and cognitive function in older Chinese adults: a prospective 3-year cohort study
Authors: Zhang Hong-Guang , Fan Fang , Zhong Bao-Liang , Chiu Helen Fung-Kum
Published: June 2023

Background

Due to the inaccuracy of the traditional geographical distance-based definition of left-behind status, data on the negative effect of left-behind status on cognitive function among older adults are controversial.

Aims

This study examined the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of left-behind status with cognitive function in older Chinese adults. The left-behind status definition was based on the frequency of face-to-face parent–child meetings.

Methods

Data from a nationally representative sample of 8 682 older adults (60+ years) in 2015 (5 658 left behind and 3 024 non-left behind), of which 6 933 completed the follow-up in 2018, were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Left-behind older adults were broadly defined as those aged 60+ years who had living adult children and saw their children less than once per month. The cognitive function was assessed with a composite cognitive test with higher total scores indicating better cognitive function.

Results

Left-behind older adults had significantly lower cognitive test scores than non-left-behind older adults in both 2015 (11.1 (6.0) vs 13.2 (5.9), t=15.863, p<0.001) and 2018 (10.0 (6.6) vs 12.4 (6.7), t=14.177, p<0.001). After adjusting for demographic factors, lifestyle factors, chronic medical conditions and the baseline cognitive test score (in the longitudinal analysis only), on average, the cognitive test score of left-behind older adults was 0.628 lower than their non-left-behind counterparts in 2015 (t=5.689, p<0.001). This difference in cognitive test scores attenuated to 0.322 but remained significant in 2018 (t=2.733, p=0.006).

Conclusions

Left-behind older Chinese adults have a higher risk of poor cognitive function and cognitive decline than their non-left-behind counterparts. Specific efforts targeting left-behind older adults, such as encouraging adult children to visit their parents more regularly, are warranted to maintain or delay the progression of cognitive decline.
Historical shift in pathological type of progressive massive fibrosis among coal miners in the USA
Authors: Go Leonard H T , Rose Cecile S , Zell-Baran Lauren M , Almberg Kirsten S , Iwaniuk Cayla , Clingerman Sidney , Richardson Diana L , Abraham Jerrold L , Cool Carlyne D , Franko Angela D , Green Francis H Y , Hubbs Ann F , Murray Jill , Orandle Marlene S , Sanyal Soma , Vorajee Naseema I , Sarver Emily A , Petsonk Edward L , Cohen Robert A
Published: June 2023

Background

Pneumoconiosis among coal miners in the USA has been resurgent over the past two decades, despite modern dust controls and regulatory standards. Previously published studies have suggested that respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is a contributor to this disease resurgence. However, evidence has been primarily indirect, in the form of radiographic features.

Methods

We obtained lung tissue specimens and data from the National Coal Workers’ Autopsy Study. We evaluated specimens for the presence of progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and used histopathological classifications to type these specimens into coal-type, mixed-type and silica-type PMF. Rates of each were compared by birth cohort. Logistic regression was used to assess demographic and mining characteristics associated with silica-type PMF.

Results

Of 322 cases found to have PMF, study pathologists characterised 138 (43%) as coal-type, 129 (40%) as mixed-type and 55 (17%) as silica-type PMF. Among earlier birth cohorts, coal-type and mixed-type PMF were more common than silica-type PMF, but their rates declined in later birth cohorts. In contrast, the rate of silica-type PMF did not decline in cases from more recent birth cohorts. More recent year of birth was significantly associated with silica-type PMF.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate a shift in PMF types among US coal miners, from a predominance of coal- and mixed-type PMF to a more commonly encountered silica-type PMF. These results are further evidence of the prominent role of RCS in the pathogenesis of pneumoconiosis among contemporary US coal miners.
Cytogenetic, molecular, and morphological characterization of Odocoileus pandora (Merriam, 1901) (Artiodactyla, Cervidae)
Authors: Sandoval Eluzai Dinai Pinto , Bernegossi Agda Maria , Gallina Sonia , Reyna-Hurtado Rafael , Duarte José Maurício Barbanti
Published: June 2023

The Yucatan brown brocket deer was initially described as Mazama pandora Merriam, 1901. Phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA recovered the species as sister group of the genus Odocoileus and subsequently the species was repositioned to this genus naming Odocoileus pandora (Merriam, 1901). However, there is still a lack of taxonomic consensus that could assist in nomenclature definition of the species. We aim to clarify the taxonomy of O. pandora through an integrative assessment using morphological, cytogenetic, and molecular data from recently collected specimens. Morphological characterizations identified O. pandora as a medium-sized brocket deer. The skull shows an inflated auditory bulla and a narrow zygomatic arch. Males present long, broad, spike-like antlers converging inward, marked with deep longitudinal grooves. Odocoileus pandora shows a karyotype with 2 n = 60 FN = 74. Bacterial artificial chromosome clone hybridization showed that centric and tandem fusions, and inversions are involved in karyotypical divergences between O. pandora, S. gouazoubira, M. americana, and O. virginianus. Our phylogeny based on Bayesian Inference of mitogenome recovered O. pandora as monophyletic within the subtribe Odocoileina, with Odocoileus as sister taxa. Morphological and genetic characteristics of O. pandora agrees in differencing the Yucatan brown brocket from Mazama and Odocoileus genera. Therefore, a new generic name should be indicated for this taxon.
Linear analysis of the gravitational beam–plasma instability
Authors: Moretti Fabio , Prete Matteo Del , Montani Giovanni
Published: June 2023

We investigate the well-known phenomenon of the beam–plasma instability in the gravitational sector when a fast population of particles interacts with the massive scalar mode of a Horndeski theory of gravity, resulting in linear growth of the latter amplitude. Following the approach used in the standard electromagnetic case, we start from the dielectric representation of the gravitational plasma, as introduced in a previous analysis of the Landau damping for the scalar Horndeski mode. We then set up the modified Vlasov–Einstein equation, using a Dirac delta function to describe the fast beam distribution. We thus provide an analytical expression for the dispersion relation, and we demonstrate the existence of a nonzero growth rate for the linear evolution of the Horndeski scalar mode. A numerical investigation is then performed with a trapezoidal beam distribution function, which confirms the analytical results and allows us to demonstrate how the growth rate decreases as the beam spread increases.
Dirac equation in relativistic density functional theory and mapped Fourier grid method
Authors: Aghaei Sohrab , Chenaghlou Alireza , Azadi Niloofar
Published: June 2023

For studying the electronic structure of solids consisting of heavy atoms, the Dirac–Kohn–Sham equation is considered in the presence of the Mathieu potential. The two-component spinors and the potential function are expanded in terms of spherical harmonics. Also, a numerical approach is presented to study the Dirac–Kohn–Sham equation in the presence of the noncentral Mathieu potential. Then, the energy eigenvalues and eigenvectors are obtained in the case of spherically expanded potential in the Brillouin zoon by using the mapped Fourier grid method.
Soil gases in mineral exploration: a review and the potential for future developments
Authors: Plet Chloe , Noble Ryan R. P.
Published: June 2023

To meet the increasing demand for metals to assist in a successful and rapid energy transition, it is crucial to discover more first-class mineral deposits. With most of the world's major deposits occurring near the surface, improved methods for detection at deeper levels are required. This paper summarizes the soil gas studies that have been published in English discussing the use of soil gas as a sample medium for mineral exploration. The potential and reliability of various methods and gas species (O
2
–CO
2
, sulfur gases, polymetallic studies, gaseous hydrocarbons, radiogenic daughters (He, Rn), hydrogen and other gases) are reviewed and the challenges for the broad-scale adoption of soil gas measurement as an exploration tool are discussed. Soil gas composition has promising potential for mineral exploration, but much remains to be understood about the origins and processes affecting it. There has been a great deal of variation among the studies in sampling and analytical techniques, targeted gas(es), targeted commodities and mineralization type, climatic conditions and environmental settings. Improvement is needed in technical consistency, systematic monitoring of the environmental factors shortly before and after sampling, and the impact of microbes on the composition of the gases. In addition, further study is needed into the impact of climate, the cover composition and structure as well as the biological impact of microbes and plant roots before soil gas composition is a reliable exploration method.

Supplementary material:
Spatial data kmz file of gas study site locations and references presented in Figure 8 are available at
https://doi.org/10.25919/5eww-8f16

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Reviews in exploration geochemistry collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/reviews-in-exploration-geochemistry
Attentional Composition Networks for Long-Tailed Human Action Recognition
Authors: Wang Haoran , Wang Yajie , Yu Baosheng , Zhan Yibing , Yuan Chunfeng , Yang Wankou
Published: June 2023

The problem of long-tailed visual recognition has been receiving increasing research attention. However, the long-tailed distribution problem remains underexplored for video-based visual recognition. To address this issue, in this article we propose a compositional learning based solution for video-based human action recognition. Our method, named Attentional Composition Networks (ACN), first learns verb-like and preposition-like components, then shuffles these components to generate samples for the tail classes in the feature space to augment the data for the tail classes. Specifically, during training, we represent each action video by a graph that captures the spatial-temporal relations (edges) among detected human/object instances (nodes). Then, ACN utilizes the position information to decompose each action into a set of verb and preposition representations using the edge features in the graph. After that, the verb and preposition features from different videos are combined via an attention structure to synthesize feature representations for tail classes. This way, we can enrich the data for the tail classes and consequently improve the action recognition for these classes. To evaluate the compositional human action recognition, we further contribute a new human action recognition dataset, namely NEU-Interaction (NEU-I). Experimental results on both Something-Something V2 and the proposed NEU-I demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method for long-tailed, few-shot, and zero-shot problems in human action recognition. Source code and the NEU-I dataset are available at
https://github.com/YajieW99/ACN
.
Divergent effects of myostatin inhibition on cardiac and skeletal muscles in a mouse model of pressure overload
Authors: Shi Canxia , Zijlstra Sietske N. , de Wit Sanne , Meijers Wouter C. , Aboumsallem Joseph Pierre , Silljé Herman H. W. , de Boer Rudolf A.
Published: June 2023

Recent research has highlighted the importance of inhibiting TGF-β signaling in mitigating cardiac dysfunction and remodeling. As myostatin belongs to the TGF-β family, we evaluated the impact of myostatin inhibition using mRK35 in TAC-operated mice. Our data demonstrate that mRK35 significantly increased body weight, muscle mass, and muscle strength but did not attenuate cardiac hypertrophy or fibrosis. Pharmacological inhibition of myostatin may provide therapeutic benefits for the management of muscle wasting in cardiovascular diseases.