bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High current density electroreduction of CO2 into formate with tin oxide nanospheres
Authors: Nguyen-Phan Thuy-Duong , Hu Leiming , Howard Bret H. , Xu Wenqian , Stavitski Eli , Leshchev Denis , Rothenberger August , Neyerlin Kenneth C. , Kauffman Douglas R.
Published: May 2022

In this study, we demonstrate three-dimensional (3D) hollow nanosphere electrocatalysts for CO2 conversion into formate with excellent H-Cell performance and industrially-relevant current density in a 25 cm2 membrane electrode assembly electrolyzer device. Varying calcination temperature maximized formate production via optimizing the crystallinity and particle size of the constituent SnO2 nanoparticles. The best performing SnO2 nanosphere catalysts contained ~ 7.5 nm nanocrystals and produced 71–81% formate Faradaic efficiency (FE) between −0.9 V and −1.3 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) at a maximum formate partial current density of 73 ± 2 mA cmgeo−2 at −1.3 V vs. RHE. The higher performance of nanosphere catalysts over SnO2 nanoparticles and commercially-available catalyst could be ascribed to their initial structure providing higher electrochemical surface area and preventing extensive nanocrystal growth during CO2 reduction. Our results are among the highest performance reported for SnO2 electrocatalysts in aqueous H-cells. We observed an average 68 ± 8% FE over 35 h of operation with multiple on/off cycles. In situ Raman and time-dependent X-ray diffraction measurements identified metallic Sn as electrocatalytic active sites during long-term operation. Further evaluation in a 25 cm2 electrolyzer cell demonstrated impressive performance with a sustained current density of 500 mA cmgeo−2 and an average 75 ± 6% formate FE over 24 h of operation. Our results provide additional design concepts for boosting the performance of formate-producing catalysts.
Black carbon aerosol number and mass concentration measurements by picosecond short-range elastic backscatter lidar
Authors: Ceolato Romain , Bedoya-Velásquez Andrés E. , Fossard Frédéric , Mouysset Vincent , Paulien Lucas , Lefebvre Sidonie , Mazzoleni Claudio , Sorensen Christopher , Berg Matthew J. , Yon Jérôme
Published: May 2022

Black carbon aerosol emissions are recognized as contributors to global warming and air pollution. There remains, however, a lack of techniques to remotely measure black carbon aerosol particles with high range and time resolution. This article presents a direct and contact-free remote technique to estimate the black carbon aerosol number and mass concentration at a few meters from the emission source. This is done using the Colibri instrument based on a novel technique, referred to here as Picosecond Short-Range Elastic Backscatter Lidar (PSR-EBL). To address the complexity of retrieving lidar products at short measurement ranges, we apply a forward inversion method featuring radiometric lidar calibration. Our method is based on an extension of a well-established light-scattering model, the Rayleigh–Debye–Gans for Fractal-Aggregates (RDG-FA) theory, which computes an analytical expression of lidar parameters. These parameters are the backscattering cross-sections and the lidar ratio for black carbon fractal aggregates. Using a small-scale Jet A-1 kerosene pool fire, we demonstrate the ability of the technique to quantify the aerosol number and mass concentration with centimetre range-resolution and millisecond time-resolution.
3D porosity structure of the earliest solar system material
Authors: Hanna Romy D. , Ketcham Richard A. , Edey David R. , O’Connell Josh
Published: May 2022

Carbonaceous chondrites (CCs) contain the earliest preserved Solar System material, and objects containing this material are targets of numerous sample return missions. Both laboratory and remote sensing data have shown that this material can be highly porous, but the origin and nature of this porosity is currently not well understood. Because the majority of porosity within CCs is submicron to micron in size, previous lab efforts have been restricted by the limited observational scale required to examine this porosity with currently available techniques. Here we present results from a newly developed technique that allows submicron porosity to be examined in 3D within a 12 mm3 volume of CM Murchison. We use X-ray computed tomography combined with the highly attenuating noble gas xenon to characterize porosity well below the spatial resolution of the data (3.01 µm/voxel). This method not only allows examination of submicron porosity within a significantly larger volume than previously possible but also reveals the full three-dimensional porosity structure and pore connectivity. Our data reveal that some fine-grained rims (FGRs) surrounding chondrules have a complex 3D porosity structure, suggesting formation of the FGRs via dust aggregates or variable secondary processing around the rim after accretion.
Age distribution of Antarctic Bottom Water off Cape Darnley, East Antarctica, estimated using chlorofluorocarbon and sulfur hexafluoride
Authors: Ohashi Yoshihiko , Yamamoto-Kawai Michiyo , Kusahara Kazuya , Sasaki Ken’ichi , Ohshima Kay I.
Published: May 2022

Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) were used to investigate the timescale of Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW) that spreads off Cape Darnley (CD) in East Antarctica. The age of the AABW was estimated based on the observed SF6/CFC-12 ratio while taking into account tracer dilution by Lower Circumpolar Deep Water. Along the western canyons off CD and the ~ 3000 to 3500 m isobaths, the bottom water age was < 5 years, reflecting the spread of newly formed CD Bottom Water. Higher ages of ~ 8 years obtained for areas east of CD and > 20 years in the northwestern offshore region indicate inflows of AABW through the Princess Elizabeth Trough and Weddell Sea Deep Water, respectively. This study determined the age distribution in the region off CD, where three different types of AABW spread.
Laser coagulation and hemostasis of large diameter blood vessels: effect of shear stress and flow velocity
Authors: Katta Nitesh , Santos Daniel , McElroy Austin B. , Estrada Arnold D. , Das Glori , Mohsin Mohammad , Donovan Moses , Milner Thomas E.
Published: May 2022

Photocoagulation of blood vessels offers unambiguous advantages to current radiofrequency approaches considering the high specificity of blood absorption at available laser wavelengths (e.g., 532 nm and 1.064 µm). Successful treatment of pediatric vascular lesions, such as port-wine stains requiring microvascular hemostasis, has been documented. Although laser treatments have been successful in smaller diameter blood vessels, photocoagulation of larger sized vessels is less effective. The hypothesis for this study is that a primary limitation in laser coagulation of large diameter blood vessels (500–1000 µm) originates from shear stress gradients associated with higher flow velocities along with temperature-dependent viscosity changes. Laser (1.07 µm) coagulation of blood vessels was tested in the chicken chorio-allantoic membrane (CAM). A finite element model is developed that includes hypothetical limitations in laser coagulation during irradiation. A protocol to specify laser dosimetry is derived from OCT imaging and angiography observations as well as finite element model results. Laser dosimetry is applied in the CAM model to test the experimental hypothesis that blood shear stress and flow velocity are important parameters for laser coagulation and hemostasis of large diameter blood vessels (500–1000 µm). Our experimental results suggest that shear stress and flow velocity are fundamental in the coagulation of large diameter blood vessels (500–1000 µm). Laser dosimetry is proposed and demonstrated for successful coagulation and hemostasis of large diameter CAM blood vessels.
Effects of interleukin 1β on long noncoding RNA and mRNA expression profiles of human synovial fluid derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Sun Yang-peng , Lu Yun-yang , Chen Jianyu , Bao Jia-hao , Zhang Hong , Sun Jia-dong , Liao Wen-ting
Published: May 2022

Synovial fluid-derived mesenchymal stem cells (SFMSCs) play important regulatory roles in the physiological balance of the temporomandibular joint. Interleukin (IL)-1β regulates the biological behavior of SFMSCs; however, the effects of IL-1β on long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and mRNA expression in SFMSCs in the temporomandibular joint are unclear. Here, we evaluated the lncRNA and mRNA expression profiles of IL-1β-stimulated SFMSCs. Using microarrays, we identified 264 lncRNAs (203 upregulated, 61 downregulated) and 258 mRNAs (201 upregulated, 57 downregulated) that were differentially expressed after treatment with IL-1β (fold changes ≥ 2, P < 0.05). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis found that one of the most significantly enriched pathways was the NF-κB pathway. Five paired antisense lncRNAs and mRNAs, eight paired enhancer lncRNAs and mRNAs, and nine paired long intergenic noncoding RNAs and mRNAs were predicted to be co-expressed. A network constructed by the top 30 K-score genes was visualized and evaluated. We found a co-expression relationship between RP3-467K16.4 and IL8 and between LOC541472 and IL6, which are related to NF-κB pathway activation. Overall, our results provide important insights into changes in lncRNA and mRNA expression in IL-1β-stimulated SFMSCs, which can facilitate the identification of potential therapeutic targets.
Cannabis consumption and prosociality
Authors: Vigil Jacob Miguel , Stith Sarah S. , Chanel Tiphanie
Published: May 2022

The existing literature largely focuses on health risks and other pharmacodynamics of using cannabis, with fewer investigations of other normative psychological effects from consumption among otherwise healthy people. We measured several basic constructs of social psychology corresponding to the concept of prosociality among 146 healthy young adults between 18 and 25 years (M = 18.9, SD = 1.4) with varying detectable levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in their urine, controlling for participant’s sex, age, ethnicity, and childhood socio-economic status. Compared to THC-free individuals, cannabis users scored higher than non-users on validated measures of Prosocial Behaviors (d = .34, p = .04), the Empathy Quotient (d = .36, p < .01), Moral Harmlessness (d = .76, p < .01) and Moral Fairness (d = .49, p < .01), but exhibited a lower sense of Ingroup Loyalty (d = .33, p = .04). Relative to THC-free, same-sex individuals, female cannabis users scored significantly higher on measurements of Aggression (ds = .65 and .57, ps < .05) and male users scored higher on the Agreeableness dimension of personality (d = .91, p < .01).. Linear associations were found between the recency of last cannabis usage and the Prosocial Behaviors, Empathy Quotient, Moral Harmlessness, Moral Fairness and Agreeableness personality scores (rs from − .24 to .38, ps < .05). The findings suggest cannabis usage is associated with an increased sense of prosociality and prioritization of humanitarian behaviors that declines with time following cannabis consumption. Further research should focus on heterogeneity in the effects of cannabis consumption across users.
Climate mediates color morph turnover in a species exhibiting alternative reproductive strategies
Authors: Lattanzio Matthew S.
Published: May 2022

Sexual selection is considered the primary driver of morph turnover in many color polymorphic taxa, yet the potential for other factors (like climate) to contribute to polymorphism maintenance and evolution remains unclear. Appreciation for a role of environmental conditions in the maintenance and evolution of color polymorphisms has grown in recent years, generating evidence suggesting that color morphs linked to sexual selection may also diverge in climate sensitivity. Focusing on the three color components contributing to the male tree lizard (Urosaurus ornatus) color morphs, I reveal a marked concordance between patterns of turnover over space and time, with a general affinity of orange- and yellow-colored males to hotter, more variable conditions, and blue colored males to wetter, cooler conditions. An assessment of long-term turnover in the blue color component in response to recent climate change over the past 60 years reinforces these findings. Overall, behavioral asymmetries attributed to sexual selection likely expose competing morphs to divergent environmental conditions in heterogeneous habitats, creating opportunity for natural selection to shape climate sensitivities that also drive turnover in morph color composition. Ultimately, these processes may favor stark asymmetries in morph persistence over the coming decades.
Magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging is useful in differentiating gastric cancer from matched adenoma in white light imaging
Authors: Tamura Naoki , Sakaguchi Yoshiki , Furutani Wakiko , Matsui Maki , Nagao Sayaka , Sakuma Nobuyuki , Fukagawa Kazushi , Miura Yuko , Mizutani Hiroya , Ohki Daisuke , Kataoka Yosuke , Saito Itaru , Ono Masayoshi , Minatsuki Chihiro , Tsuji Yosuke , Ono Satoshi , Kodashima Shinya , Abe Hiroyuki , Ushiku Tetsuo , Yamamichi Nobutake , Koike Kazuhiko , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro
Published: May 2022

This study assessed the effect of magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging (M-NBI) on the endoscopic differential diagnosis between intramucosal gastric carcinomas and adenomas with matched characteristics. Associations between magnified endoscopic findings and pathological high-grade cellular and architectural atypia were also investigated. In total, the records of 50 adenomas and 50 intramucosal well-differentiated adenocarcinomas matched by tumor size (≥ 20 mm or < 20 mm), shape (depression or non-depression), and color (red or non-red) were extracted. Fourteen endoscopists diagnosed adenoma or cancer in the 100 cases with conventional white light imaging (C-WLI), then did the same with C-WLI + M-NBI.The cancer diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were assessed. The sensitivity of C-WLI + M-NBI for cancer diagnosis was 79.9% compared to 71.6% with C-WLI (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in specificity (40.1% vs. 36.3%, p = 0.296) and accuracy (55.9% vs. 58.1%, p = 0.163). High-grade cytological or architectural atypia was diagnosed more often with irregular microvascular pattern (IMVP) or microsurface pattern (IMSP), respectively, than the low-grade forms. In conclusion, IMVP and IMSP correlate with high-grade cytological and architectural atypia. M-NBI is useful in differentiating intramucosal carcinoma from adenoma and can reduce underdiagnosis of cancer.
The folds and faults kinematic association in Zagros
Authors: Ghanbarian Mohammad Ali , Derakhshani Reza
Published: May 2022

The Zagros orogenic belt, one of the most prominent and famous collisional belts in the central part of the Alpine-Himalayan orogenic chain, is located between the southern margin of the Central Iranian microcontinent and the northern margin of the Arabian plate. The structural architecture and folds and faults relationships of a significant segment of the south-central part of the Zagros’ hinterland are investigated in this study through stereoscopy of aerial photographs, interpretations of satellite images, consideration of the major ground topographic variations, and field research. This research found that there must have been at least two major deformation events: (1) a ductile phase, which is older than the Eocene, and (2) a semi-brittle deformation stage, which is younger than the early Miocene and is represented by thrusting, folding, and strike-slip faulting. The presence of numerous fault-related folds and fold-accommodation faults in this area demonstrates the close kinematic relationship between folding and faulting. Based on the topographic changes, a major hidden tear fault and a basement hidden back thrust, which play important roles in the architecture of the area, have been suggested.
Optimization of the method of measuring left ventricular end-diastolic diameter in cardiac magnetic resonance as a predictor of left ventricular enlargement
Authors: Gać Paweł , Waszczuk Łukasz , Kurcz Jacek , Poręba Rafał
Published: May 2022

The objective of the study was to optimize the method of measuring left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) in cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) as a predictor of left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV). The study group consisted of 78 patients (age 55.28 ± 17.18) who underwent 1.5 T CMR examination. LVEDD measurements in the short axis, in the long axis in the 2-chamber, 3-chamber and 4-chamber views were made by 2 radiologists. The repeatability of LVEDD measurements was assessed. The sensitivity and specificity of various methods of measuring LVEDD as a predictor of left ventricular enlargement (diagnosed based on LVEDV) were assessed. The correlation coefficients between LVEDD measurements made by researcher A and B were 0.98 for the long axis measurements in the 2-chamber and 3-chamber view, and 0.99 for measurements made in the short axis and in the long axis in the 4-chamber view. The lowest LVEDD measurements variability was recorded for the short axis measurements (RD 0.02, CV 1.38%), and the highest for the long axis measurements in the 3-chamber view (RD 0.04, CV 2.53%). In the male subgroup, the highest accuracy in predicting left ventricular enlargement was characterized by the criterion “LVEDD measured in the long axis in the 2-chamber view > 68.0 mm” (accuracy 94.1%). In the female subgroup, the highest accuracy in predicting left ventricular enlargement was achieved by the criterion “LVEDD measured in the short axis > 63.5 mm” (96.3%). In summary, the measurement made in the short axis should be considered the optimal method to LVEDD measure in CMR, considering the repeatability of measurements and the accuracy of left ventricular enlargement prediction.
Submarine metalliferous carbonate mounds in the Cambrian of the Baltoscandian Basin induced by vent networks and water column stratification
Authors: Álvaro J. Javier , Holmer Lars E. , Shen Yanan , Popov Leonid E. , Ghobadi Pour Mansoureh , Zhang Zhifei , Zhang Zhiliang , Ahlberg Per , Bauert Heikki , González-Acebrón Laura
Published: May 2022

Two massive precipitation events of polymetallic ore deposits, encrusted by a mixture of authigenic carbonates, are documented from the Cambrian of the semi-enclosed Baltoscandian Basin. δ34S (‒9.33 to ‒2.08‰) and δ33S (‒4.75 to ‒1.06‰) values from the basal sulphide breccias, sourced from contemporaneous Pb–Zn–Fe-bearing vein stockworks, reflect sulphide derived from both microbial and abiotic sulphate reduction. Submarine metalliferous deposits were triggered by non-buoyant hydrothermal plumes: plumes of buoyant fluid were trapped by water column stratification because their buoyancy with respect to the environment reversed, fluids became heavier than their surroundings and gravitational forces brought them to a halt, spreading out laterally from originating vents and resulting in the lateral dispersion of effluents and sulphide particle settling. Subsequently, polymetallic exhalites were sealed by carbonate crusts displaying three generations of ikaite-to-aragonite palisade crystals, now recrystallized to calcite and subsidiary vaterite. Th of fluid inclusions in early calcite crystals, ranging from 65 to 78 ºC, provide minimum entrapment temperatures for carbonate precipitation and early recrystallization. δ13Ccarb (‒1.1 to + 1.6‰) and δ18Ocarb (‒7.6 to ‒6.5‰) values are higher than those preserved in contemporaneous glendonite concretions (‒8.5 to ‒4.7‰ and ‒12.4 to ‒9.1‰, respectively) embedded in kerogenous shales, the latter related to thermal degradation of organic matter. Hydrothermal discharges graded from highly reduced, acidic, metalliferous, and hot (~ 150 ºC) to slightly alkaline, calcium-rich and warm (< 100 ºC), controlling the precipitation of authigenic carbonates.
The association between maternal characteristics and SARS-CoV-2 in pregnancy: a population-based registry study in Sweden and Norway
Authors: Örtqvist Anne K. , Magnus Maria C. , Söderling Jonas , Oakley Laura , Nybo Andersen Anne-Marie , Håberg Siri E. , Stephansson Olof
Published: May 2022

The objectives of the current study were to identify risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 positivity, and to address how different testing strategies, choice of comparison group, and population background characteristics may influence observed associations. National registries data for 107,627 pregnant women in Sweden and 81,195 in Norway, were used to identify risk factors for SARS-CoV-2, separately for women under non-universal testing (testing by indication) and universal testing (testing of all pregnant women in contact with a delivery ward). We also investigated underlying characteristics associated with testing for SARS-CoV-2. Overall, 2.1% of pregnant women in Sweden and 1.1% in Norway were test-positive during the pandemic’s first 18 months. We show that the choice of test strategy for SARS-CoV-2 provided different associations with risk factors for the disease; for instance, women who were overweight, obese or had gestational diabetes had increased odds of being test-positive under non-universal testing, but not under universal testing. Nevertheless, a consistent pattern of association between being born in the Middle East and Africa and test-positivity was found independent of test strategy and in both countries. These women were also less likely to get tested. Our results are useful to consider for surveillance and clinical recommendations for pregnant women during the current and future pandemics.
The lysosomal V-ATPase a3 subunit is involved in localization of Mon1-Ccz1, the GEF for Rab7, to secretory lysosomes in osteoclasts
Authors: Matsumoto Naomi , Sekiya Mizuki , Sun-Wada Ge-Hong , Wada Yoh , Nakanishi-Matsui Mayumi
Published: May 2022

We have shown previously that the lysosomal a3 isoform of the a subunit of vacuolar-type ATPase (V-ATPase) interacts with inactive (GDP-bound form) Rab7, a small GTPase that regulates late endosome/lysosome trafficking, and that a3 recruits Rab7 to secretory lysosomes in mouse osteoclasts. This is essential for outward trafficking of secretory lysosomes and thus for bone resorption. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the recruitment of Rab7 by a3 remains to be fully elucidated. Here, we showed that a3 interacts with the Mon1A-Ccz1 complex, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for Rab7, using HEK293T cells. The interaction was mediated by the amino-terminal half domain of a3 and the longin motifs of Mon1A and Ccz1. Exogenous expression of the GEF promoted the interaction between a3 and Rab7. Mon1A mutants that interact inefficiently with Rab7 interacted with a3 at a similar level to wild-type Mon1A. Lysosomal localization of endogenous Ccz1 was abolished in osteoclasts lacking a3. These results suggest that the lysosomal a3 isoform of V-ATPase interacts with Mon1A-Ccz1, and that a3 is important for Mon1A-Ccz1 localization to secretory lysosomes, which mediates Rab7 recruitment to the organelle.
Identification of adeno-associated virus variants for gene transfer into human neural cell types by parallel capsid screening
Authors: Flitsch Lea Jessica , Börner Kathleen , Stüllein Christian , Ziegler Simon , Sonntag-Buck Vera , Wiedtke Ellen , Semkova Vesselina , Au Yeung Si Wah Christina , Schlee Julia , Hajo Mohamad , Mathews Mona , Ludwig Beatrice Stefanie , Kossatz Susanne , Kessler Horst , Grimm Dirk , Brüstle Oliver
Published: May 2022

Human brain cells generated by in vitro cell programming provide exciting prospects for disease modeling, drug discovery and cell therapy. These applications frequently require efficient and clinically compliant tools for genetic modification of the cells. Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) fulfill these prerequisites for a number of reasons, including the availability of a myriad of AAV capsid variants with distinct cell type specificity (also called tropism). Here, we harnessed a customizable parallel screening approach to assess a panel of natural or synthetic AAV capsid variants for their efficacy in lineage-related human neural cell types. We identified common lead candidates suited for the transduction of directly converted, early-stage induced neural stem cells (iNSCs), induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived later-stage, radial glia-like neural progenitors, as well as differentiated astrocytic and mixed neuroglial cultures. We then selected a subset of these candidates for functional validation in iNSCs and iPSC-derived astrocytes, using shRNA-induced downregulation of the citrate transporter SLC25A1 and overexpression of the transcription factor NGN2 for proofs-of-concept. Our study provides a comparative overview of the susceptibility of different human cell programming-derived brain cell types to AAV transduction and a critical discussion of the assets and limitations of this specific AAV capsid screening approach.
Different impact of early and late stages irreversible eye diseases on vision-specific quality of life domains
Authors: Gupta Preeti , Fenwick Eva K. , Man Ryan E. K. , Gan Alfred T. L. , Sabanayagam Charumathi , Quek Debra , Qian Chaoxu , Cheung Chui Ming Gemmy , Cheng Ching-Yu , Lamoureux Ecosse L.
Published: May 2022

To determine the differential impact of the irreversible eye diseases on vision-related quality of life (VRQoL) in a multi-ethnic Asian population. 2652 participants from the Singapore Epidemiology of Eye Disease Study, with any of the following early and late-stage eye conditions including age-related macular degeneration (AMD, n = 158), diabetic retinopathy (DR, n = 105; non vision threatening [non-VTDR]; VTDR), glaucoma (n = 57) and myopic macular degeneration (MMD, n = 106), or none of the above (controls, 2226 [83.9%]) were included. Rasch-scaled scores of the Emotional well-being Mobility and Reading subscales of the Impact of Vision Impairment (IVI) questionnaire, collectively referred to as “VRQoL” were assessed. Multivariable linear regression analyses and pairwise comparisons adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status, BMI, smoking, alcohol use, presence of systemic diseases and presenting VI were performed to assess and compare the impact of the presence and severity of each eye condition on the three IVI domains. Multivariable adjusted pairwise comparisons of VRQoL between early stages of the four eye diseases showed no significant differences (all P > 0.05). For late stage diseases, individuals with VTDR had significantly larger decrements in Emotional well-being compared to glaucoma (β − 0.81; 95% CI − 1.47 to − 0.16) and MMD (β − 1.17; 95% CI − 2.16 to − 0.18); and Reading decrements compared to glaucoma (β − 0.66; 95% CI − 1.22 to − 0.11). When compared to late glaucoma, individuals with late AMD (β − 0.76; 95% CI − 1.50 to − 0.01) had significantly larger IVI Mobility subscale decrements. VTDR and late AMD, appear to have the greatest impact on VRQoL, compared to late glaucoma and MMD, suggesting a differential impact of late-stage eye disease categorization on VRQoL.
Pore structure evolution in andesite rocks induced by freeze–thaw cycles examined by non-destructive methods
Authors: Maľa M. , Greif V. , Ondrášik M.
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we compare the values of petrophysical properties before and after 100 freeze–thaw (F–T) cycles, as well as recorded length change behaviour and temperature development on a vacuum-saturated fractured andesite rock sample taken from the Babina Quarry in Slovakia using a specially-constructed thermodilatometer, VLAP 04, equipped with two HIRT-LVDT sensors. We also used non-destructive visualization of the rock pore network by µCT imaging in order to study the development of the pore structure and fracture network in pyroxene andesites during the freeze–thaw process. The results show that the andesite rock samples, due to good fabric cohesion, low porosity, and low pore interconnection, showed good resistance against frost-induced damage. However, it must be stated that the main process causing disintegration of this type of rock is fracture opening, which is caused by internal stresses induced by water–ice phase transition. The overall residual strain recorded after 100 F–T cycles was not significant, however, the increase of 31 pp in volume of the fracture showed us that repeated freezing and thawing can lead to long term deterioration in terms of subcritical crack growth in brittle-elastic solids like pyroxene-andesite rocks.
OsSCL30 overexpression reduces the tolerance of rice seedlings to low temperature, drought and salt
Authors: Zhang Jia , Sun Yihao , Zhou Zhanmei , Zhang Yifan , Yang Yanmei , Zan Xiaofei , Li Xiaohong , Wan Jiale , Gao Xiaoling , Chen Rongjun , Huang Zhengjian , Li Lihua , Xu Zhengjun
Published: May 2022

Rice is one of the main food crops for the world population. Various abiotic stresses, such as low temperature, drought, and high salinity, affect rice during the entire growth period, determining its yield and quality, and even leading to plant death. In this study, by constructing overexpression vectors D-163 + 1300:OsSCL30 and D-163 + 1300-AcGFP:OsSCL30-GFP, the mechanism of action of OsSCL30 in various abiotic stresses was explored. Bioinformatics analysis showed that OsSCL30 was located on the chromosome 12 of rice Nipponbare, belonging to the plant-specific SCL subfamily of the SR protein family. The 1500 bp section upstream of the open reading frame start site contains stress-related cis-acting elements such as ABRE, MYC, and MYB. Under normal conditions, the expression of OsSCL30 was higher in leaves and leaf sheaths. The results of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction showed that the expression of OsSCL30 decreased after low temperature, drought and salt treatment. In root cells OsSCL30 was localized in the nuclei. The results of the rice seedling tolerance and recovery tests showed that overexpression of OsSCL30 diminished the resistance to low temperature, drought and salt stresses in transgenic rice and resulted in larger accumulation of reactive oxygen species. This study is of great significance for exploring the response mechanisms of SR proteins under abiotic stresses.
Foretinib mitigates cutaneous nerve fiber loss in experimental diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Daeschler Simeon C. , Zhang Jennifer , Gordon Tessa , Borschel Gregory H. , Feinberg Konstantin
Published: May 2022

Diabetes is by far, the most common cause of neuropathy, inducing neurodegeneration of terminal sensory nerve fibers associated with loss of sensation, paresthesia, and persistent pain. Foretinib prevents die-back degeneration in cultured sensory and sympathetic neurons by rescuing mitochondrial activity and has been proven safe in prospective clinical trials. Here we aimed at investigating a potential neuroprotective effect of Foretinib in experimental diabetic neuropathy. A mouse model of streptozotocin induced diabetes was used that expresses yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) in peripheral nerve fibers under the thy-1 promoter. Streptozotocin-injected mice developed a stable diabetic state (blood glucose > 270 mg/dl), with a significant reduction of intraepidermal nerve fiber density by 25% at 5 weeks compared to the non-diabetic controls. When diabetic mice were treated with Foretinib, a significantly greater volume of the cutaneous nerve fibers (67.3%) in the plantar skin was preserved compared to vehicle treated (37.8%) and non-treated (44.9%) diabetic mice while proximal nerve fiber morphology was not affected. Our results indicate a neuroprotective effect of Foretinib on cutaneous nerve fibers in experimental diabetic neuropathy. As Foretinib treated mice showed greater weight loss compared to vehicle treated controls, future studies may define more sustainable treatment regimen and thereby may allow patients to take advantage of this neuroprotective drug in chronic neurodegenerative diseases like diabetic neuropathy.
Noise logic with an InGaN/SiNx/Si uniband diode photodetector
Authors: Song Jiaxun , Nötzel Richard
Published: May 2022

Noise logic is introduced by the wavelength dependent photocurrent noise of an InGaN/SiNx/Si uniband diode photodetector. A wavelength versus photocurrent noise discrimination map is constructed from the larger photocurrent noise for red light than that for green light. A minimum measurement time of four seconds is deduced from the standard deviation of the photocurrent noise for a safe wavelength distinction. A logic NOT gate is realized as representative with on or off red or green light as binary 1 or 0 inputs and the photocurrent noise above or below a defined threshold as binary 1 or 0 outputs.
The role of overbalance pressure on mud induced alteration of sandstone rock pore system
Authors: Gamal Hany , Elkatatny Salaheldin , Adebayo Abdulrauf
Published: May 2022

Overbalance pressure is a very critical parameter in drilling operations. It has a great impact on formation damage, depending on other downhole parameters such as temperature, time, type and composition of mud, and rock mineralogical content. The objective of this study is to determine the degree of the impact of overbalance pressure on mud–rock interaction and the resultant effects on the rock pore system. This research presents an experimental study for the interaction of a Berea Buff sandstone and barite water-based under different overbalance pressure (300, 700, and 1000 psi) under the same temperature and interaction time. The experiments involved the use of the scanning electron microscope and nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation measurements to monitor changes in the pore system of the rock samples. A modified filtration cell was used to accommodate the rock samples and mud at different overbalance pressures. The obtained results showed that the filtration properties, rock flow characteristics (rock permeability, pore throat radius, and pore system scale type) are all affected by increasing the overbalance pressure. The filtration properties increased in terms of mud cake thickness and filtrate volume by 111% and 36% respectively when the overbalance pressure was increased from 300 to 1000 psi. The total rock porosity showed a decrease from 21.6% (pre-mud interaction) to 17.6, 15.2, and 14.2% under 300, 700, and 1000 psi, respectively. The rock permeability decreased by 75% under 1000 psi overbalance pressure while pore throat radius decreased by 45%. However, the rock pore type remains on the same scale (Macro) after interaction with the mud. Statistical analysis showed that the rock porosity and permeability decreased with the overbalance pressure increase through a polynomial relationship with a high determination coefficient of 0.99. Analysis of the internal pore system by the scanning electron microscope showed that the formation damage is mainly attributed to the precipitations of mud solids as overbalance pressure is increased.
Prevalence of leptospirosis among patients attending renal and general outpatient clinics in Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Wambi Rogers , Worodria William , Muleme James , Aggrey Siya , Mugisha Lawrence
Published: May 2022

In this study, we sought to establish the prevalence of leptospirosis among renal patients and general outpatients attending Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda. A total of 254 patients were recruited, their blood samples collected and interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaires provided between July and October 2018. These questionnaires captured data on sociodemographic characteristics and symptoms of leptospirosis disease. An individual with an average body temperature of 37.3 ± 1.1 °C was considered to be having fever. The blood samples were analyzed using the standard Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) with a panel of 14 Leptospira-serovars belonging to 11 serogroups. Prevalence was reported with confidence intervals while questionnaire data was analyzed using logistic regression analysis. We present an overall prevalence of leptospirosis at 4.70% (95% CI = 2.60–8.30) after analysis of samples from recruited patients. This seropositivity (12/254) was classified into 7 serovars, among which, Canicola and Djasiman presented with titers between ≥ 200 and ≥ 400 in samples of both renal patients and outpatients, indicative of the active disease. Djasiman was the highest contributor to the reported prevalence. Overall, most examined participants presented with common symptoms of abdominal pain (AOR = 24.4, 95% CI (2.42–267.89), p = 0.02) and dehydration (AOR = 0.1, 95% CI (0.01–0.69), p = 0.05). Our study suggests that these symptoms and previous history of abdominal pain may be caused by Leptospira infections among the studied participants. We therefore recommend inclusion of leptospirosis in the differential diagnosis for renal and febrile illnesses. Indeed, abdominal pain and dehydration should be further studied with a bigger sample size and for other related febrile illnesses.
Investigation of the electromagnetic characteristics and operating performance of a bidirectional PM excited machine
Authors: Ge Yanjun , Liu Zhenhan , Zhou Kaikai , Yang Junyue , Liu Dongning
Published: May 2022

This paper presents a study of bidirectional permanent magnet excited machine (BPMEM) based on the study of field-modulation permanent magnetic gear machine (FPGM). The BPMEM structure includes the installation of consequent-pole permanent magnets (PMs) on both the stator and rotor sides of the FPGM so that the stator and rotor can be bidirectionally excited to increase the working airgap flux density amplitude, reduce the flux leakage between poles, and increase the torque density. Therefore, the paper first analysis the influence of different airgap structures and PM arrangements on the airgap flux density and studies the winding slot–pole combination and the resulting working flux density harmonics to analyse the electromagnetic torque generation mechanism. By using the finite element analysis (FEA), the quantitative analysis and comparison of the FPGM, slot-wedge-less FPGM (SWL-FPGM), consequent-pole FPGM (CP-FPGM) and BPMEM verify the superiority of BPMEM in improving electromagnetic torque. In addition, the paper also studies the key performance of BPMEM’s overload capacity, power factor and flux-weakening capability. Finally, no-load and independent load experiments are carried out on the FPGM prototype to verify the correctness of the FEA model and analysis method of the machine in this paper.
Explaining sex differences in risk of bloodstream infections using mediation analysis in the population-based HUNT study in Norway
Authors: Mohus Randi Marie , Gustad Lise T. , Furberg Anne-Sofie , Moen Martine Kjølberg , Liyanarachi Kristin Vardheim , Askim Åsa , Åsberg Signe E. , DeWan Andrew T. , Rogne Tormod , Simonsen Gunnar Skov , Nilsen Tom Ivar Lund , Åsvold Bjørn Olav , Damås Jan Kristian , Solligård Erik
Published: May 2022

Previous studies indicate sex differences in incidence and severity of bloodstream infections (BSI). We examined the effect of sex on risk of BSI, BSI mortality, and BSI caused by the most common infecting bacteria. Using causal mediation analyses, we assessed if this effect is mediated by health behaviours (smoking, alcohol consumption), education, cardiovascular risk factors (systolic blood pressure, non-HDL cholesterol, body mass index) and selected comorbidities. This prospective study included 64,040 participants (46.8% men) in the population-based HUNT2 Survey (1995–1997) linked with hospital records in incident BSI. During median follow-up of 15.2 years, 1840 (2.9%) participants (51.3% men) experienced a BSI and 396 (0.6%) died (56.6% men). Men had 41% higher risk of first-time BSI (95% confidence interval (CI), 28–54%) than women. Together, health behaviours, education, cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities mediated 34% of the excess risk of BSI observed in men. The HR of BSI mortality was 1.87 (95% CI 1.53–2.28), for BSI due toS. aureus2.09 (1.28–2.54),S. pneumoniae1.36 (1.05–1.76),E. coli0.97 (0.84–1.13) in men vs women. This study shows that men have higher risk of BSI and BSI mortality than women. One-third of this effect was mediated by potential modifiable risk factors for incident BSI.
Radioprotective effects and mechanism of HL-003 on radiation-induced salivary gland damage in mice
Authors: Ren Jingming , Huang Rong , Li Yanjie , Chen Ruiyang , Tian Hongqi , Liu Chenlu
Published: May 2022

Ionizing radiation (IR) can cause damage to the structure and function of salivary glands. Our research group independently synthesized the ROS scavenger, HL-003. The aim of this study was to explore the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of HL-003 on radiation-induced salivary gland injury. Salivary flow rate measurement, H&E staining, immunohistochemistry, FRAP, TUNEL, and western blotting were used to evaluate the radioprotective effect on salivary glands. The results showed that HL-003 protected the salivary secretion function by protecting the AQP-5 protein, on the salivary epithelial cell membrane, from IR damage. HL-003 reduced oxidative stress in the salivary gland by regulating the expression of ROS-related proteins NOX4, SOD2, and 8-OHdG. Furthermore, HL-003 downregulated the expression of p-p53, Bax, caspase 3, and caspase 9, and upregulated the expression of Bcl-2, suggesting that it could inhibit the activation of p53 to reduce cell apoptosis. In conclusion, HL-003 is an effective radioprotector that prevents damage of the radiation-induced salivary gland.
Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-based untargeted metabolomics reveals metabolic perturbations in medullary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Jajin Morteza Ghazanfari , Abooshahab Raziyeh , Hooshmand Kourosh , Moradi Ali , Siadat Seyed Davar , Mirzazadeh Roghieh , Chegini Koorosh Goodarzvand , Hedayati Mehdi
Published: May 2022

Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a rare tumor that arises from parafollicular cells within the thyroid gland. The molecular mechanism underlying MTC has not yet been fully understood. Here, we aimed to perform plasma metabolomics profiling of MTC patients to explore the perturbation of metabolic pathways contributing to MTC tumorigenesis. Plasma samples from 20 MTC patients and 20 healthy subjects were obtained to carry out an untargeted metabolomics by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Multivariate and univariate analyses were employed as diagnostic tools via MetaboAnalyst and SIMCA software. A total of 76 features were structurally annotated; among them, 13 metabolites were selected to be differentially expressed in MTC patients compared to controls (P < 0.05). These metabolites were mainly associated with the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids and amino acid metabolisms, mostly leucine, glutamine, and glutamate, tightly responsible for tumor cells' energy production. Moreover, according to the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, metabolites with the area under the curve (AUC) value up to 0.90, including linoleic acid (AUC = 0.935), linolenic acid (AUC = 0.92), and leucine (AUC = 0.948) could discriminate MTC from healthy individuals. This preliminary work contributes to existing knowledge of MTC metabolism by providing evidence of a distinctive metabolic profile in MTC patients relying on the metabolomics approach.
Risk factors for moderate-to-severe postoperative pain after percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wu Haotian , Ding Tianfu , Yan Siyi , Huang Zhongyue , Zhang Huan
Published: May 2022

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a minimally invasive procedure for removing renal calculi, while a large number of patients experience acute moderate-to-severe pain despite the analgesia provided. This study aimed to explore the risk factors for postoperative pain after PCNL, which may provide a novel perspective to refine the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program and to improve clinical outcomes. The clinical data of 331 patients who underwent PCNL in our hospital from September 2020 to February 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The pain intensity was assessed every 4 h until 24 h post-surgery. According to the visual analog scale (VAS) score, patients were divided into two groups: mild or no pain group (VAS score, 0–3) and moderate-to-severe pain group (VAS score, 4–10). The pre-, peri-, and post-operative data were collected and analyzed. The indicators with statistically significant differences were selected, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the risk factors for postoperative pain after PCNL. Among 331 patients, 221 patients had moderate-to-severe pain and the incidence rate was 66.77%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the independent risk factors for moderate-to-severe pain after PCNL were the diameter of the renal calculus (odds ratio (OR) = 6.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.50–15.56, P = 0.001), the number of renal calculi (OR = 15.892, 95% CI 7.721–32.711, P < 0.01), the presence of residual calculi (OR = 1.780, 95% CI 0.897–3.533, P = 0.01), and operation time (OR = 1.033, 95% CI 1.020–1.046, P < 0.01). The diameter of the renal calculus, the number of renal calculi, the presence of residual calculi, and operation time were significant predictors of postoperative pain after PCNL.
Searching the web builds fuller picture of arachnid trade
Authors: Marshall Benjamin M. , Strine Colin T. , Fukushima Caroline S. , Cardoso Pedro , Orr Michael C. , Hughes Alice C.
Published: May 2022

Wildlife trade is a major driver of biodiversity loss, yet whilst the impacts of trade in some species are relatively well-known, some taxa, such as many invertebrates are often overlooked. Here we explore global patterns of trade in the arachnids, and detected 1,264 species from 66 families and 371 genera in trade. Trade in these groups exceeds millions of individuals, with 67% coming directly from the wild, and up to 99% of individuals in some genera. For popular taxa, such as tarantulas up to 50% are in trade, including 25% of species described since 2000. CITES only covers 30 (2%) of the species potentially traded. We mapped the percentage and number of species native to each country in trade. To enable sustainable trade, better data on species distributions and better conservation status assessments are needed. The disparity between trade data sources highlights the need to expand monitoring if impacts on wild populations are to be accurately gauged and the impacts of trade minimised.
The spread of the first introns in proto-eukaryotic paralogs
Authors: Vosseberg Julian , Schinkel Michelle , Gremmen Sjoerd , Snel Berend
Published: May 2022

Spliceosomal introns are a unique feature of eukaryotic genes. Previous studies have established that many introns were present in the protein-coding genes of the last eukaryotic common ancestor (LECA). Intron positions shared between genes that duplicated before LECA could in principle provide insight into the emergence of the first introns. In this study we use ancestral intron position reconstructions in two large sets of duplicated families to systematically identify these ancient paralogous intron positions. We found that 20–35% of introns inferred to have been present in LECA were shared between paralogs. These shared introns, which likely preceded ancient duplications, were wide spread across different functions, with the notable exception of nuclear transport. Since we observed a clear signal of pervasive intron loss prior to LECA, it is likely that substantially more introns were shared at the time of duplication than we can detect in LECA. The large extent of shared introns indicates an early origin of introns during eukaryogenesis and suggests an early origin of a nuclear structure, before most of the other complex eukaryotic features were established.