bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Policy sequencing to reduce tropical deforestation
Authors: Furumo Paul R. , Lambin Eric F.
Published: October 2021

Non-technical summary

Tropical deforestation continues apace despite a proliferation of commitments made by companies and governments to control it. Halting and reversing deforestation requires multiple, complementary interventions by state and non-state actors at different scales. We argue that the order in which these instruments and actors are introduced into the policy mix matters. Sequences of interventions from case studies in Latin America show that government commitment is a critical first step, implemented through command-and-control measures and then incentives. Combined with REDD+, they create an enabling environment for supply chain initiatives. A more coordinated and deliberate polycentric governance is needed to achieve zero-deforestation.

Technical summary

Avoided deforestation provides a natural climate solution for reducing emissions while generating co-benefits for people and nature. However, unleashing this potential requires improved governance. Diverse coalitions of actors are designing interventions to protect forests, each with different motivations and specialization of strategies. We introduce a policy sequencing framework to advance our understanding of how to improve polycentric zero-deforestation governance. Focusing on commodity production in Costa Rica, Brazil, and Colombia, we reconstructed the policy mix of zero-deforestation interventions across three domains – domestic public policies, REDD+, and supply chain initiatives. We classified interventions according to their instrument mechanism – disincentives, incentives, enabling measures – and when they were introduced into the policy mix. We found a sequence of interventions that reflects stages of forest cover dynamics, but also depends on local political will and institutional capacity. Government command-and-control measures are needed early in the policy sequence to slow deforestation, with incentives added to increase legal compliance. REDD+ helps governments build an enabling environment that supports supply chain initiatives seeking to increase forest cover at later stages of the sequence. Policy sequencing and policyscape concepts advance the design of more deliberate polycentric forest governance that enhances actor coordination and instrument synergies in the policy mix.

Social media summary

How do we stop deforestation? The policy options are well-known, but the order in which they are introduced matters.
Comprehensive profiles and diagnostic value of menopausal-specific gut microbiota in premenopausal breast cancer
Authors: Hou Ming-Feng , Ou-Yang Fu , Li Chung-Liang , Chen Fang-Ming , Chuang Chieh-Han , Kan Jung-Yu , Wu Cheng-Che , Shih Shen-Liang , Shiau Jun-Ping , Kao Li-Chun , Kao Chieh-Ni , Lee Yi-Chen , Moi Sin-Hua , Yeh Yao-Tsung , Cheng Chien-Ju , Chiang Chih-Po
Published: October 2021

In Western countries, breast cancer tends to occur in older postmenopausal women. However, in Asian countries, the proportion of younger premenopausal breast cancer patients is increasing. Increasing evidence suggests that the gut microbiota plays a critical role in breast cancer. However, studies on the gut microbiota in the context of breast cancer have mainly focused on postmenopausal breast cancer. Little is known about the gut microbiota in the context of premenopausal breast cancer. This study aimed to comprehensively explore the gut microbial profiles, diagnostic value, and functional pathways in premenopausal breast cancer patients. Here, we analyzed 267 breast cancer patients with different menopausal statuses and age-matched female controls. The α-diversity was significantly reduced in premenopausal breast cancer patients, and the β-diversity differed significantly between breast cancer patients and controls. By performing multiple analyses and classification, 14 microbial markers were identified in the different menopausal statuses of breast cancer.Bacteroides fragiliswas specifically found in young women of premenopausal statuses andKlebsiella pneumoniaein older women of postmenopausal statuses. In addition, menopausal-specific microbial markers could exhibit excellent discriminatory ability in distinguishing breast cancer patients from controls. Finally, the functional pathways differed between breast cancer patients and controls. Our findings provide the first evidence that the gut microbiota in premenopausal breast cancer patients differs from that in postmenopausal breast cancer patients and shed light on menopausal-specific microbial markers for diagnosis and investigation, ultimately providing a noninvasive approach for breast cancer detection and a novel strategy for preventing premenopausal breast cancer.
Phthalate and novel plasticizer concentrations in food items from U.S. fast food chains: a preliminary analysis
Authors: Edwards Lariah , McCray Nathan L. , VanNoy Brianna N. , Yau Alice , Geller Ruth J. , Adamkiewicz Gary , Zota Ami R.
Published: October 2021

Background

Fast food consumption is associated with biomarkers of ortho-phthalates exposures. However, the chemical content of fast food is unknown; certain ortho-phthalates (i.e., di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)) have been phased out and replaced with other plasticizers (e.g., dioctyl terephthalate (DEHT)).

Objective

We conducted a preliminary study to examine ortho-phthalate and replacement plasticizer concentrations in foods and food handling gloves from U.S. fast food restaurants.

Methods

We obtained hamburgers, fries, chicken nuggets, chicken burritos, cheese pizza (n = 64 food samples) and gloves (n = 3) from restaurants and analyzed them for 11 chemicals using gas chromatography mass spectrometry.

Results

We found DEHT at the highest concentrations in both foods (n = 19; median = 2510 µg/kg; max = 12,400 µg/kg) and gloves (n = 3; range: 28–37% by weight). We detected DnBP and DEHP in 81% and 70% of food samples, respectively. Median DEHT concentrations were significantly higher in burritos than hamburgers (6000 µg/kg vs. 2200 µg/kg; p < 0.0001); DEHT was not detected in fries. Cheese pizza had the lowest levels of most chemicals.

Significance

To our knowledge, these are the first measurements of DEHT in food. Our preliminary findings suggest that ortho-phthalates remain ubiquitous and replacement plasticizers may be abundant in fast food meals.

Impact statement

A selection of popular fast food items sampled in this study contain detectable levels of replacement plasticizers and concerning ortho-phthalates. In addition, food handling gloves contain replacement plasticizers, which may be a source of food contamination. These results, if confirmed, may inform individual and regulatory exposure reduction strategies.
Human hepatocyte-derived extracellular vesicles attenuate the carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury in mice
Authors: Kakizaki Masatoshi , Yamamoto Yuichiro , Nakayama Shunya , Kameda Kazuaki , Nagashima Etsuko , Ito Masatoshi , Suyama Takashi , Matsuzaki Yumi , Chiba Tetsuhiro , Sumiyoshi Hideaki , Inagaki Yutaka , Kotani Ai
Published: October 2021

Acute liver injury (ALI) induced by chemicals or viruses can progress rapidly to acute liver failure (ALF), often resulting in death of patients without liver transplantation. Since liver transplantation is limited due to a paucity of donors, expensive surgical costs, and severe immune rejection, novel therapies are required to treat liver injury. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are used for cellular communication, carrying RNAs, proteins, and lipids and delivering them intercellularly after being endocytosed by target cells. Recently, it was reported that EVs secreted from human hepatocytes have an ability to modulate the immune responses; however, these roles of EVs secreted from human hepatocytes were studied only with in vitro experiments. In the present study, we evidenced that EVs secreted from human hepatocytes attenuated the CCL4-induced ALI by inhibiting the recruitment of monocytes through downregulation of chemokine receptor in the bone marrow and recruitment of neutrophils through the reduction of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1) and CXCL2 expression levels in the liver.
Loss of exosomal LncRNA HCG15 prevents acute myocardial ischemic injury through the NF-κB/p65 and p38 pathways
Authors: Lin Beiyou , Chen Xi , Lu Chuanghong , Xu Jianjun , Qiu Yumin , Liu Xin , Song Haoyu , Chen Ang , Xiong Jie , Wang Kun , Yuan Yuan , Shi Lile , Zhong Lintao , Jiang Xiaofei
Published: October 2021

Exosomes are nanosized bilayer membrane vesicles that may mediate intercellular communication by transporting bioactive molecules, including noncoding RNAs, mRNAs, and proteins. Research has shown that exosomes play an important role in acute myocardial infarction (AMI), but the function and regulation of exosomal long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in AMI are unclear. Thus, RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was conducted to investigate the exosomal lncRNA transcriptome from MI patients and identified 65 differentially expressed lncRNAs between the MI and control groups. HCG15, one of the differentially expressed lncRNAs, was verified to have the highest correlation with cTnT by qRT-PCR, and it also contributed to the diagnosis of AMI by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Upregulation of HCG15 expression facilitated cardiomyocyte apoptosis and inflammatory cytokine production and inhibited cell proliferation. We also confirmed that HCG15 was mainly wrapped in exosomes from AC16 cardiomyocytes under hypoxia, which contributed to cardiomyocyte apoptosis, the release of inflammatory factors, and inhibition of cell proliferation via the activation of the NF-κB/p65 and p38 pathways, whereas suppressing the expression of HCG15exerted opposite effects, In addition, Overexpression of HCG15 aggravated cardiac IR injury in C57BL/6J mice. This study not only helps elucidate exosomal lncRNA function in AMI pathogenesis but also contributes to the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Structural basis of the P4B ATPase lipid flippase activity
Authors: Bai Lin , Jain Bhawik K. , You Qinglong , Duan H. Diessel , Takar Mehmet , Graham Todd R. , Li Huilin
Published: October 2021

P4 ATPases are lipid flippases that are phylogenetically grouped into P4A, P4B and P4C clades. The P4A ATPases are heterodimers composed of a catalytic α-subunit and accessory β-subunit, and the structures of several heterodimeric flippases have been reported. The S. cerevisiae Neo1 and its orthologs represent the P4B ATPases, which function as monomeric flippases without a β-subunit. It has been unclear whether monomeric flippases retain the architecture and transport mechanism of the dimeric flippases. Here we report the structure of a P4B ATPase, Neo1, in its E1-ATP, E2P-transition, and E2P states. The structure reveals a conserved architecture as well as highly similar functional intermediate states relative to dimeric flippases. Consistently, structure-guided mutagenesis of residues in the proposed substrate translocation path disrupted Neo1’s ability to establish membrane asymmetry. These observations indicate that evolutionarily distant P4 ATPases use a structurally conserved mechanism for substrate transport.
Poleward migration of western North Pacific tropical cyclones related to changes in cyclone seasonality
Authors: Feng Xiangbo , Klingaman Nicholas P. , Hodges Kevin I.
Published: October 2021

The average location of observed western North Pacific (WNP) tropical cyclones (TCs) has shifted north over the last several decades, but the cause remains not fully understood. Here we show that, for the annual average, the observed northward migration of WNP TCs is related to changes in TC seasonality, not to a northward migration in all seasons. Normally, peak-season (July–September) TCs form and travel further north than late-season (October–December) TCs. In recent decades, related to less frequent late-season TCs, seasonally higher-latitude TCs contribute relatively more to the annual-average location and seasonally lower-latitude TCs contribute less. We show that the change in TC seasonality is related to the different responses of late-season and peak-season TC occurrence to a stronger Pacific Walker Circulation. Our findings provide a perspective on long-term trends in TC activity, by decomposing the annual-average statistics into seasonal components, which could respond differently to anthropogenic forcing.
Daily caloric restriction limits tumor growth more effectively than caloric cycling regardless of dietary composition
Authors: Pomatto-Watson Laura C. D. , Bodogai Monica , Bosompra Oye , Kato Jonathan , Wong Sarah , Carpenter Melissa , Duregon Eleonora , Chowdhury Dolly , Krishna Priya , Ng Sandy , Ragonnaud Emeline , Salgado Roberto , Gonzalez Ericsson Paula , Diaz-Ruiz Alberto , Bernier Michel , Price Nathan L. , Biragyn Arya , Longo Valter D. , de Cabo Rafael
Published: October 2021

Cancer incidence increases with age and is a leading cause of death. Caloric restriction (CR) confers benefits on health and survival and delays cancer. However, due to CR’s stringency, dietary alternatives offering the same cancer protection have become increasingly attractive. Short cycles of a plant-based diet designed to mimic fasting (FMD) are protective against tumorigenesis without the chronic restriction of calories. Yet, it is unclear whether the fasting time, level of dietary restriction, or nutrient composition is the primary driver behind cancer protection. Using a breast cancer model in mice, we compare the potency of daily CR to that of periodic caloric cycling on FMD or an isocaloric standard laboratory chow against primary tumor growth and metastatic burden. Here, we report that daily CR provides greater protection against tumor growth and metastasis to the lung, which may be in part due to the unique immune signature observed with daily CR.
Optineurin modulates the maturation of dendritic cells to regulate autoimmunity through JAK2-STAT3 signaling
Authors: Wang Jiajia , Wang Jiaying , Hong Wenxiang , Zhang Lulu , Song Liqian , Shi Qi , Shao Yanfei , Hao Guifeng , Fang Chunyan , Qiu Yueping , Yang Lijun , Yang Zhaoxu , Wang Jincheng , Cao Ji , Yang Bo , He Qiaojun , Weng Qinjie
Published: October 2021

Optineurin (OPTN) has important functions in diverse biological processes and diseases, but its effect on dendritic cell (DC) differentiation and functionality remains elusive. Here we show that OPTN is upregulated in human and mouse DC maturation, and that deletion of Optn in mice via CD11c-Cre attenuates DC maturation and impairs the priming of CD4+ T cells, thus ameliorating autoimmune symptoms such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Mechanistically, OPTN binds to the JH1 domain of JAK2 and inhibits JAK2 dimerization and phosphorylation, thereby preventing JAK2-STAT3 interaction and inhibiting STAT3 phosphorylation to suppress downstream transcription of IL-10. Without such a negative regulation, Optn-deficient DCs eventually induce an IL-10/JAK2/STAT3/IL-10 positive feedback loop to suppress DC maturation. Finally, the natural product, Saikosaponin D, is identified as an OPTN inhibitor, effectively inhibiting the immune-stimulatory function of DCs and the disease progression of EAE in mice. Our findings thus highlight a pivotal function of OPTN for the regulation of DC functions and autoimmune disorders.
Potential value and chemical characterization of gut microbiota derived nitrogen containing metabolites in feces from Periplaneta americana (L.) at different growth stages
Authors: Lv Weiqi , Cui Ying , Xue Gen , Wang Ziyan , Niu Lu , Chai Xin , Wang Yuefei
Published: October 2021

The American cockroach, Periplaneta americana (L.), is able to highly survive in various complicated environments around the globe, and often considered as a pest. In contrast, billions of P. americana have been massively reared in China and extensively used as a medicinal insect, due to its function for preventing and treating ulceration and heart failure. Considering the possibility that microbiota-derived metabolites could be an effective source to identify promising candidate drugs, we attempted to establish a rapid method for simultaneous determination of gut microbiota metabolites from medicinal insects. In this study, network pharmacology approach and ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) technique were employed to reveal the potential pharmacological activity and dynamics variation of nitrogen-containing metabolites (NCMs) originated from the gut microbiota of breeding P. americana at different growth stages. A metabolites-targets-diseases network showed that NCMs are likely to treat diseases such as ulceration and cancer. The analysis of NCMs' content with the growth pattern of P. americana indicated that the content of NCMs declined with P. americana aging. Both principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis suggested that 8-hydroxy-2-quinolinecarboxylic acid and 8-hydroxy-3,4-dihydro-2(1H)-quinolinone are the potential differential metabolic markers for discriminating between nymphs and adults of P. americana. Moreover, the developed UPLC method showed an excellent linearity (R2 > 0.999), repeatability (RSD < 2.6%), intra- and inter-day precisions (RSD < 2.2%), and recovery (95.5%–99.0%). Collectively, the study provides a valuable strategy for analyzing gut microbiota metabolites from insects and demonstrates the prospects for discovering novel drug candidates from the feces of P. americana.
Immediate application of negative pressure wound therapy following lower extremity flap reconstruction in sixteen patients
Authors: Chen Chun-Yu , Kuo Shyh-Ming , Tarng Yih-Wen , Lin Kai-Cheng
Published: October 2021

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is usually applied in wound management and soft-tissue salvage after the development of complications. However, immediate postoperative application of NPWT over the flap coverage is seldom reported. We evaluate the effectiveness of immediate postoperative application of NPWT following fasciocutaneous or muscle flap coverage for lower leg reconstruction. A retrospective review of patients who underwent either fasciocutaneous or muscle flap coverage of lower leg soft-tissue defects applied with NPWT immediately after surgery was conducted in a level I trauma center. Sixteen patients, with an average age of 51.2 years, were included in the study. Nine patients had trauma-related soft-tissue loss, six had subsequent soft-tissue defects after debridement, and one had burn injury. Two patients had been treated with free anterolateral thigh flaps, 11 with pedicle flaps, and three with muscle flaps. All flaps survived except for those in two patients with venous congestion on postoperative day 1, which needed further debridement and skin grafting. Therefore, the use of immediate incisional NPWT is an alternative for wound care following flap coverage. The U-shaped design allows easy flap observation and temperature check. Furthermore, this method eliminates any concerns of vascular pedicle compression under negative pressure.
FAN score comprising fibrosis-4 index, albumin–bilirubin score and neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio is a prognostic marker of urothelial carcinoma patients treated with pembrolizumab
Authors: Kawashima Atsunari , Yamamoto Yoshiyuki , Sato Mototaka , Nakata Wataru , Kakuta Yoichi , Ishizuya Yu , Yamaguchi Yuichiro , Yamamoto Akinaru , Yoshida Takahiro , Takayama Hitoshi , Takada Tsuyoshi , Inoue Hitoshi , Okuda Yohei , Kato Taigo , Hatano Koji , Uemura Motohide , Nonomura Norio , Imamura Ryoichi
Published: October 2021

It is important to identify prognostic and predictive markers of metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) treated with immunocheckpoint inhibitors. We sought to establish a prognostic marker for patients with mUC treated with pembrolizumab based on only blood test results. We included 165 patients with mUC in the discovery cohort and 103 with mUC who were treated with pembrolizumab in the validation cohort. Multivariate and Cox regression analyses were used to analyse the data. In the discovery cohort, the fibrosis-4 index (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20–3.76, p = 0.010), albumin–bilirubin score (HR 1.91, 95% CI 1.27–2.88, p = 0.002), and neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (HR: 1.84, 95% CI 1.22–2.79, p = 0.004) were independent significant prognostic factors. We established a ‘FAN score’ that included these three aforementioned items, which were assigned one point each. We divided patients into the 0–1 point (n = 116) and 2–3 points (n = 49) groups. The FAN score was a significant prognostic marker for cancer-specific survival (CSS) (HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.19–1.83, p < 0.001) along with the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status. The FAN score was also a prognostic factor of progression-free survival (PFS) (HR: 1.25, 95% CI 1.01–1.54, p = 0.036) along with the presence of liver metastasis. In the validation cohort, the FAN score was a significant prognostic factor for CSS (HR: 1.48, 95% CI 1.19–1.85, p = 0.001) and PFS (HR: 1.29, 95% CI 1.02–1.62, p = 0.034). We established the FAN score as a prognostic marker for patients with mUC treated with pembrolizumab.
Kinetics, energy efficiency and mathematical modeling of thin layer solar drying of figs (Ficus carica L.)
Authors: Hssaini Lahcen , Ouaabou Rachida , Hanine Hafida , Razouk Rachid , Idlimam Ali
Published: October 2021

First convectional thin layer drying of two fig (Ficus caricaL.) varieties growing in Morocco, using partially indirect convective dryer, was performed. The experimental design combined three air temperature levels (60, 70 and 80 °C) and two air-flow rates (150 and 300 m3/h). Fig drying curve was defined as a third-order polynomial equation linking the sample moisture content to the effective moisture diffusivity. The average activation energy ranged between 4699.41 and 7502.37 kJ/kg. It raised proportionally with the air flow velocity, and the same patterns were observed for effective moisture diffusivity regarding drying time and velocity. High levels of temperature (80 °C) and velocity (300 m3/h) lead to shorten drying time (200 min) and improve the slices physical quality. Among the nine tested models, Modified Handerson and Pabis exhibited the highest correlation coefficient value with the lowest chi-square for both varieties, and then give the best prediction performance. Energetic investigation of the dryer prototype showed that the total use of energy alongside with the specific energy utilization (13.12 and 44.55 MWh/kg) were inversely proportional to the velocity and drying temperature. Likewise, the energy efficiency was greater (3.98%) in drying conditions.
Determinizing the contributions of human activities and climate change on greening in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region, China
Authors: Cao Wei , Wu Dan , Huang Lin , Pan Mei , Huhe Taoli
Published: October 2021

China accounts for 25% of the global greening. There are temporal and spatial differences of China’s greening and intrinsic driving forces. Thus, it is crucial to determinize the contributions of human activities and climate change on greening at region scale. The Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region (BTHR) is one of the most active areas with human activities in China. It is necessary to explore negative or positive impacts of human activities on the regional greening or browning under climate change. A time series of annual vegetation coverage from satellite data was selected to quantify regional greening in the BTHR from 2000 to 2019 and their responses to climate change and human activities. Results showed generally widespread greening over the last 20 years at an average increased rate of 0.036 decade−1in vegetation coverage (P < 0.01). Overall warmer and wetter climate across the BTHR were positively correlated with regional greening. The positive effects of human activities on greening accounted for 48.4% of the BTHR, especially the benefits of ecological restoration projects and the agricultural activities. Increases in vegetation coverage had resulted from the combined effects of climate change and human activities. Climate change had a stronger influence on vegetation coverage than human activities. Contributions of climate change to greening and browning was about 74.1% and < 20%, respectively. The decrease in vegetation coverage was mainly the results of the inhibition of human activities. More detailed socioeconomic and anthropogenic datasets are required for further analysis. Further research consideration would focus on the nonlinear responses of vegetation to climate change.
Compound connection mechanism of Al2O3 ceramic and TC4 Ti alloy with different joining modes
Authors: Zhang Yan , Chen YanKun , Zhou JianPing , Sun DaQian , Li HongMei
Published: October 2021

In this paper, laser welding-brazing of TC4 Titanium (Ti) alloy and Al2O3 ceramic dissimilar material was carried. The results showed that the Ti alloy and Al2O3 were joined by melting filler metal when the laser was concentrated in the Ti alloy side of the joint. The joint with one fusion weld and one brazed weld separated by remaining unmelted Ti alloy. Laser beam offset the Ti alloy 1.5 mm, Ti alloy would not be completely melted in joint. Through heat conduction, the filler metal melted occurred at the Ti-ceramic interface. A brazed weld was formed at the Ti-ceramic interface with the main microstructure of β-CuZn + Ti2Zn3, β-CuZn and Al2Cu + β-CuZn. The joint fractured at the brazed weld with the maximum tensile strength of 169 MPa.
An analysis of research biopsy core variability from over 5000 prospectively collected core samples
Authors: Bhamidipati Deepak , Verma Anuj , Sui Dawen , Maru Dipen , Mathew Grace , Lang Wenhua , Posadas Juan , Hein Joshua , Kopetz Scott , Futreal Andrew , Wistuba Ignacio I. , Gupta Sanjay , Lee J. Jack , Overman Michael J. , Tam Alda L.
Published: October 2021

Factors correlated with biopsy tissue adequacy and the prevalence of within-biopsy variability were evaluated. Totally, 1149 research biopsies were performed on 686 patients from which 5090 cores were assessed. Biopsy cores were reviewed for malignant percentage (estimated percentage of cells in the core that were malignant) and malignant area (estimated area occupied by malignant cells). Linear mixed models and generalized linear mixed models were used for the analysis. A total of 641 (55.8%) biopsies contained a core with <10% malignant percentage (inadequate core). The chance of an inadequate core was not influenced by core order, though the malignant area decreased with each consecutive core (p < 0.001). Younger age, bone biopsy location, appendiceal tumor pathology, and responding/stable disease prior to biopsy increased the odds of a biopsy containing zero adequate cores. Within-biopsy variability in core adequacy is prevalent and suggests the need for histological tumor quality assessment of each core in order to optimize translational analyses.
Smoking is significantly associated with increased risk of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections
Authors: Rosoff Daniel B. , Yoo Joyce , Lohoff Falk W.
Published: October 2021

Observational studies suggest smoking, cannabis use, alcohol consumption, and substance use disorders (SUDs) may impact risk for respiratory infections, including coronavirus 2019 (COVID-2019). However, causal inference is challenging due to comorbid substance use. Using summary-level European ancestry data (>1.7 million participants), we performed single-variable and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) to evaluate relationships between substance use behaviors, COVID-19 and other respiratory infections. Genetic liability for smoking demonstrated the strongest associations with COVID-19 infection risk, including the risk for very severe respiratory confirmed COVID-19 (odds ratio (OR) = 2.69, 95% CI, 1.42, 5.10, P-value = 0.002), and COVID-19 infections requiring hospitalization (OR = 3.49, 95% CI, 2.23, 5.44, P-value = 3.74 × 10−8); these associations generally remained robust in models accounting for other substance use and cardiometabolic risk factors. Smoking was also strongly associated with increased risk of other respiratory infections, including asthma-related pneumonia/sepsis (OR = 3.64, 95% CI, 2.16, 6.11, P-value = 1.07 × 10−6), chronic lower respiratory diseases (OR = 2.29, 95% CI, 1.80, 2.91, P-value = 1.69 × 10−11), and bacterial pneumonia (OR = 2.14, 95% CI, 1.42, 3.24, P-value = 2.84 × 10−4). We provide strong genetic evidence showing smoking increases the risk for COVID-19 and other respiratory infections even after accounting for other substance use behaviors and cardiometabolic diseases, which suggests that prevention programs aimed at reducing smoking may be important for the COVID-19 pandemic and have substantial public health benefits.
Synthetic zwitterions as efficient non-permeable cryoprotectants
Authors: Kato Yui , Uto Takuya , Tanaka Daisuke , Ishibashi Kojiro , Kobayashi Akiko , Hazawa Masaharu , Wong Richard W. , Ninomiya Kazuaki , Takahashi Kenji , Hirata Eishu , Kuroda Kosuke
Published: October 2021

Cryopreservation of cells is necessary for long periods of storage. However, some cell lines cannot be efficiently cryopreserved, even when optimized commercial cryoprotectants are employed. Previously, we found that a low-toxic synthetic zwitterion aqueous solution enabled good cryopreservation. However, this zwitterion solution could not cryopreserve some cells, such as human kidney BOSC cells, with good efficiency. Therefore, details of the cryoprotective effect of the zwitterions and optimization based on its mechanisms are required. Herein, we synthesized 18 zwitterion species and assessed the effects of the physical properties of water/zwitterion mixtures. Non-cell-permeable zwitterions can inhibit ice crystal formation extracellularly via direct interaction with water and intracellularly via dehydration of cells. However, cells that could not be cryopreserved by zwitterions were insufficiently dehydrated in the zwitterion solution. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was combined as a cell-permeable cryoprotectant to compensate for the shortcomings of non-cell-permeable zwitterions. The water/zwitterion/DMSO (90/10/15, v/w/w) could cryopreserve different cells, for example freezing-vulnerable K562 and OVMANA cells; yielding ~1.8-fold cell viability compared to the case using a commercial cryoprotectant. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulation indicated that the zwitterions protected the cell membrane from the collapse induced by DMSO.
Assessment of shifted excitation Raman difference spectroscopy in highly fluorescent biological samples
Authors: Korinth Florian , Shaik Tanveer Ahmed , Popp Jürgen , Krafft Christoph
Published: October 2021

Common baseline corrections often fail for Raman spectra with high fluorescent background as observed in genipin crosslinked pericardium. An optimized SERDS approach suppresses the background effectively and gives high quality reconstructed spectra.
Matrix-isolated trifluoromethylthiyl radical: sulfur atom transfer, isomerization and oxidation reactions
Authors: Zhu Bifeng , Wu Zhuang , Wang Lina , Lu Bo , Trabelsi Tarek , Francisco Joseph S. , Zeng Xiaoqing
Published: October 2021

The elusive trifluoromethylthiyl radical (CF3S˙) has been isolated in cryogenic matrixes for spectroscopic characterization. In addition to the isomerization and O2-oxidation reactions, the photolytic sulfur atom transfer (SAT) from CF3S˙ to N2 and CO has been observed.
Recent advances in the synthesis of N-heteroarenesviacatalytic dehydrogenation of N-heterocycles
Authors: Bera Atanu , Bera Sourajit , Banerjee Debasis
Published: October 2021

Recent advances in the transition metal-catalyzed dehydrogenation of N-heteroaromatics are discussed.
Decorating an anisotropic Au13 core with dendron thiolates: enhancement of optical absorption and photoluminescence
Authors: Omoda Tsubasa , Takano Shinjiro , Masuda Shinya , Tsukuda Tatsuya
Published: October 2021

We successfully introduced up to 12 poly(benzyl ether)dendron-thiols of the second generation (D2SH) into the Au13 core of [Au23(ScC6H11)16]− while retaining the geometric structure.
Correction: Designed synthesis of unique ZnS@CdS@Cd0.5Zn0.5S-MoS2 hollow nanospheres for efficient visible-light-driven H2 evolution
Authors: Sun Bowen , Wang Hui , Wu Jiakun , Geng Yanling , Xu Jixiang , Wang Yaowei , Li Yanyan , Lin Haifeng , Wang Lei
Published: October 2021

Correction for ‘Designed synthesis of unique ZnS@CdS@Cd0.5Zn0.5S-MoS2 hollow nanospheres for efficient visible-light-driven H2 evolution’ by Bowen Sun et al., CrystEngComm, 2020, 22, 2743–2755, DOI: 10.1039/D0CE00064G.
Design and engineering of a dual-mode absorption/emission molecular switch for all-optical encryption
Authors: Erlich Aaron D. , Dogantzis Nicholas P. , Nubani Lara Al , Trifoi Lavinia A. , Hodgson Gregory K. , Impellizzeri Stefania
Published: October 2021

Photochemical reactions that produce a detectable change in the spectroscopic properties of organic chromophores can be exploited to harness the principles of Boolean algebra and design molecule-based logic circuits.
Mechanical, electronic and optical properties of a novel B2P6 monolayer: ultrahigh carrier mobility and strong optical absorption
Authors: Ren Kai , Shu Huabing , Huo Wenyi , Cui Zhen , Yu Jin , Xu Yujing
Published: October 2021

Two-dimensional (2D) materials with a moderate bandgap and high carrier mobility are useful for applications in optoelectronics.
Hydrogen solution in high-entropy alloys
Authors: Ren X. L. , Shi P. H. , Yao B. D. , Wu L. , Wu X. Y. , Wang Y. X.
Published: October 2021

Using DFT calculations we revealed the origins of the variation of the H solution energy induced in high-entropy alloys (HEAs), and then proposed a predictive model that is universal and available for assessing the distributions of H solution energies in HEAs.
The multiscale solvation effect on the reactivity of β-O-4 of lignin dimers in deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Qiao Qi , Shi Jian , Shao Qing
Published: October 2021

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) emerge as a medium to enhance the depolymerization of lignin.
An ab initio anharmonic approach to IR, Raman and SFG spectra of the solvated methylammonium ion
Authors: Lin Chih-Kai , Huang Qian-Rui , Hayashi Michitoshi , Kuo Jer-Lai
Published: October 2021

The anharmonic vibrational spectra of the solvated methylammonium ion in the gas phase are simulated. The solvent-dependent trend of stretching bands and Fermi resonance features can help in interpreting the spectral assignments of perovskites.
Oral coniferyl ferulate attenuated depression symptoms in mice via reshaping gut microbiota and microbial metabolism
Authors: Hao Wen-zhi , Ma Qing-yu , Tao Gabriel , Huang Jun-qing , Chen Jia-xu
Published: October 2021

Oral coniferyl ferulate attenuated depression symptoms in mice via reshaping gut microbiota and microbial metabolisms.
One-pot production of oxygenated monomers and selectively oxidized lignin from biomass based on plasma electrolysis
Authors: A Lusi , Radhakrishnan Harish , Hu Hui , Bai Xianglan
Published: October 2021

One-pot conversion of biomass is performed to produce carbohydrate-derived oxygenated monomers and a selectively oxidized lignin using a single-step process.
Machine learning: our future spotlight into single-particle ICP-ToF-MS analysis
Authors: Holbrook Timothy Ronald , Gallot-Duval Doriane , Reemtsma Thorsten , Wagner Stephan
Published: October 2021

Using the multi-element capabilities of single-particle ICP-ToF-MS in combination with a laser ablation and machine learning algorithms, environmentally relevant road runoff samples were characterized.
3D microfluidic cloth-based analytical devices on a single piece of cloth by one-step laser hydrophilicity modification
Authors: Wu Dong , Ding Yinlong , Zhang Yuxuan , Pan Deng , Li Jiawen , Hu Yanlei , Xu Bing , Chu Jiaru
Published: October 2021

We report a simple and robust laser method for constructing a 3D microfluidic analytical device on a single piece of hydrophobic cotton cloth.
Integrated co-axial electrospinning for a single-step production of 1D aligned bimetallic carbon fibers@AuNPs–PtNPs/NiNPs–PtNPs towards H2 detection
Authors: Nair Keerthi G. , Vishnuraj Ramakrishnan , Pullithadathil Biji
Published: October 2021

Aligned 1D heterojunction carbon nanofibers have been developed, which possess exceptional properties like high surface-to-volume ratio and excellent direct electron transport properties favouring their hydrogen sensing properties.
Single wavelength colour tuning of spiropyran and dithienylethene based photochromic coatings
Authors: Feringa Ruben , Siebe Harmke S. , Klement W. J. Niels , Steen Jorn D. , Browne Wesley R.
Published: October 2021

A multilayer coating, with a different photochrome in each layer, enables predictable control over transmission and colour with a single wavelength of light, which is an important goal in functional optical materials and devices.
(E)-1,2-Diphenylethene-based conjugated nanoporous polymers for a superior adsorptive removal of dyes from water
Authors: Saber Ahmed F. , EL-Mahdy Ahmed F. M.
Published: October 2021

A series of (E)-1,2-diphenylethene-based conjugated nanoporous polymers having extraordinary thermal stabilities, high surface areas, and superior adsorptive removal of dyes from water have been developed.
Screening RAFT agents and photocatalysts to mediate PET-RAFT polymerization using a high throughput approach
Authors: Ng Gervase , Jung Kenward , Li Jun , Wu Chenyu , Zhang Liwen , Boyer Cyrille
Published: October 2021

We report a high throughput approach for the screening of RAFT agents and photocatalysts to mediate photoinduced electron/energy transfer-reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (PET-RAFT) polymerization.
Total synthesis of nahuoic acid A via a putative biogenetic intramolecular Diels–Alder (IMDA) reaction
Authors: Guillade Lucía , Mora Paula , Villar Pedro , Alvarez Rosana , R. de Lera Angel
Published: October 2021

The total synthesis of natural product nahuoic acid A, a cofactor-competitive inhibitor of the epigenetic enzyme lysine methyl transferase SETD8, has been carried out based on the biogenetic proposal of an intramolecular Diels–Alder (IMDA) cycloaddition.
Automation isn't automatic
Authors: Christensen Melodie , Yunker Lars P. E. , Shiri Parisa , Zepel Tara , Prieto Paloma L. , Grunert Shad , Bork Finn , Hein Jason E.
Published: October 2021

The process of automating chemistry involves a wide variety of considerations that are often overlooked.
Correction: The influence of additives on polymer matrix mobility and the glass transition
Authors: DeFelice Jeffrey , Lipson Jane E. G.
Published: October 2021

Correction for ‘The influence of additives on polymer matrix mobility and the glass transition’ by Jeffrey DeFelice et al., Soft Matter, 2021, 17, 376–387. DOI: 10.1039/D0SM01634A.
Auditory-Motor Mapping Training Facilitates Speech and Word Learning in Tone Language–Speaking Children With Autism: An Early Efficacy Study
Authors: Yan Jinting , Chen Fei , Gao Xiaotian , Peng Gang
Published: October 2021

Purpose:

It has been reported that tone language–speaking children with autism demonstrate speech-specific lexical tone processing difficulty, although they have intact or even better-than-normal processing of nonspeech/melodic pitch analogues. In this early efficacy study, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of Auditory-Motor Mapping Training (AMMT) in facilitating speech and word output for Mandarin-speaking nonverbal and low-verbal children with autism, in comparison with a matched non–AMMT-based control treatment.

Method:

Fifteen Mandarin-speaking nonverbal and low-verbal children with autism spectrum disorder participated and completed all the AMMT-based treatment sessions by intoning (singing) and tapping the target words delivered via an app, whereas another 15 participants received control treatment. Generalized linear mixed-effects models were created to evaluate speech production accuracy and word production intelligibility across different groups and conditions.

Results:

Results showed that the AMMT-based treatment provided a more effective training approach in accelerating the rate of speech (especially lexical tone) and word learning in the trained items. More importantly, the enhanced training efficacy on lexical tone acquisition remained at 2 weeks after therapy and generalized to untrained tones that were not practiced. Furthermore, the low-verbal participants showed higher improvement compared to the nonverbal participants.

Conclusions:

These data provide the first empirical evidence for adopting the AMMT-based training to facilitate speech and word learning in Mandarin-speaking nonverbal and low-verbal children with autism. This early efficacy study holds promise for improving lexical tone production in Mandarin-speaking children with autism but should be further replicated in larger scale randomized studies.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.16834627
Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Student Experiences of Incivility, Bullying, and Intimidation in the Clinical Practicum Setting: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Mancinelli James M. , Kneavel Meredith
Published: October 2021

Purpose:

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe and interpret the experiences of graduate students in communication sciences and disorders who experienced forms of incivility in the clinical practicum setting. There is precedent for identifying and handling incivility, such as bullying, harassment, and intimidation, in the nursing education, psychology education, medical education, and physical therapy literature. A literature search for incivilities such as bullying, harassment, and intimidation in graduate student education in communication sciences and disorders did not yield any systematic studies.

Method:

Nineteen participants who were interested in participating contacted the researcher; of those, nine participants were ultimately interviewed. A thematic analysis of videotaped semistructured interviews was used to measure outcomes based on the five questions posed to the participants. The participants responded to the five questions designed to understand the lived experience of incivility for graduate students in speech-language pathology practicum settings.

Conclusions:

This study fills a gap in the clinical education literature in speech-language pathology. It was a qualitative study using a phenomenological approach that described and interpreted speech-language pathology graduate students' experiences of bullying, harassment, and/or intimidation during clinical practicums across practice settings. Data analysis yielded five themes based on the participants' responses during the interview. The themes were communication, physical and/or psychological effects, interpersonal dynamics, clinical instruction, and lingering physical and psychological effects of the experience. The authors make recommendations to reduce the probability that incivility, bullying, and/or intimidation will occur during a student's clinical practicum experience.
A comparative analysis of CGAN‐based oversampling for anomaly detection
Authors: Ahsan Rahbar , Shi Wei , Ma Xiangyu , Lee Croft William
Published: October 2021

In this work, the problem of anomaly detection in imbalanced datasets, framed in the context of network intrusion detection is studied. A novel anomaly detection solution that takes both data‐level and algorithm‐level approaches into account to cope with the class‐imbalance problem is proposed. This solution integrates the auto‐learning ability of Reinforcement Learning with the oversampling ability of a Conditional Generative Adversarial Network (CGAN). To further investigate the potential of a CGAN, in imbalanced classification tasks, the effect of CGAN‐based oversampling on the following classifiers is examined: Naïve Bayes, Multilayer Perceptron, Random Forest and Logistic Regression. Through the experimental results, the authors demonstrate improved performance from the proposed approach, and from CGAN‐based oversampling in general, over other oversampling techniques such as Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique and Adaptive Synthetic.
Large memory window with low operating voltages using Hf1.5Gd2O6 charge trapping layer and thin MoS2 channel
Authors: Zhang Zhaohao , Liu Yaoguang , Wei Qianhui , Zhang Qingzhu , Li Junjie , Wei Feng , Wu Zhenhua , Yin Huaxiang
Published: October 2021

A charge‐trapping memory (CTM) field effect transistor (FET) featured with an Hf1.5Gd2O6 charge trapping layer and thin MoS2 channel are fabricated. Benefit from high defect densities of the Hf1.5Gd2O6 film, large memory windows are achieved under low operating voltages (2.3 V@4 V, 3.1 V@5 V and 3.6 V@6 V), which distinctly outperform previously reported CTMs. In addition, high programming/erase (P/E) speeds, good data retention and endurance characteristics are experimentally demonstrated. The results demonstrate a feasibility of CTM FET with an HfGdO charge trapping layer and thin MoS2 channel for ultra‐low power memory devices application.
Condensation of cometary silicate dust using an induction thermal plasma system
Authors: Kim T. H. , Takigawa A. , Tsuchiyama A. , Matsuno J. , Enju S. , Kawano H. , Komaki H.
Published: October 2021

Glass with embedded metal and sulfides (GEMS) is a major component of chondritic porous interplanetary dust particles. Although GEMS is one of the most primitive components in the Solar System, its formation process and conditions have not been constrained. We performed condensation experiments of gases in the system of Mg–Si–O (MgSiO3 composition) and of the S-free CI chondritic composition (Si–Mg–Fe–Na–Al–Ca–Ni–O system) in induction thermal plasma equipment. Amorphous Mg-silicate particles condensed in the experiments of the Mg–Si–O system, and their grain size distribution depended on the experimental conditions (mainly partial pressure of SiO). In the CI chondritic composition experiments, irregularly shaped amorphous silicate particles of less than a few hundred nanometers embedded with multiple Fe–Ni nanoparticles of ≤20 nm were successfully synthesized. These characteristics are very similar to those of GEMS, except for the presence of FeSi instead of sulfide grains. We propose that the condensation of amorphous silicate grains smaller than a few tens of nanometers and with metallic cores, followed by coagulation, could be the precursor material that forms GEMS prior to sulfidation.
Estimation of Design Parameters of the Crank-Connecting Rod Mechanism of Engines for Mobile Agricultural Machines
Authors: Khaliullin F. , Pikmullin G. , Nurmiev A. , Lushnov M.
Published: October 2021

An accurate choice of the design model of the crank-connecting rod mechanism of piston internal combustion engines affects the accuracy of the calculation results and their complexity. At present, most of scientists and technicians choose a two-mass design model to analyze the operation of the crankconnecting rod mechanism. The model considers only the rotational and reciprocating movements of two masses, which are connected by a rigid weightless rod. This model significantly simplifies the calculations, neglects the elastic deformations of the parts of the crank-connecting rod mechanism, and eliminates the need for compiling the equations of dynamics in partial derivatives. However, the model has a number of drawbacks. The calculation results obtained using the two-mass model exhibit significant errors, which mainly depend on the design features of the connecting rod assembly. The paper discusses multi-mass design models, where the connecting rod assembly can comprise several lumped masses located along its length. In this case, the plane-parallel motion of these masses is added. The masses have weightless and absolutely rigid bonds. Forces and moments acting on the piston assembly and the crank are calculated according to the equations compiled. Comparison of the calculation results with the results obtained for a two-mass model can be used to determine errors and choose a design model that provides the required accuracy. The considered design model is of interest to engineers and technicians engaged in the design and calculation of the crank-connecting rod mechanism of piston internal combustion engines.