bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circular ribonucleic acid nucleoporin 98 knockdown alleviates high glucose‐induced proliferation, fibrosis, inflammation and oxidative stress in human glomerular mesangial cells by regulating the microribonucleic acid‐151‐3p–high mobility group AT‐hook 2 axis
Authors: Dong Qianlan , Dong Longhao , Zhu Yanting , Wang Xiaoming , Li Zhenjiang , Zhang Linping
Published: April 2022

Aims/Introduction

This study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of circular ribonucleic acid nucleoporin 98 (circNUP98) in diabetic nephropathy (DN).

Materials and Methods

Human glomerular mesangial cells (HMCs) were stimulated with high glucose (HG) to imitate the growth environment of cells under the DN condition. Levels of genes and proteins were tested by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot. Cell proliferation, apoptosis and inflammatory response were analyzed by using cell counting kit‐8, flow cytometry and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay analysis, respectively. Oxidative stress and fibrosis were evaluated by detecting the activity of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, fibronectin and collagen IV. The binding interaction between microribonucleic acid (miR)‐151‐3p and high mobility group AT‐hook 2 (HMGA2) or circNUP98 was confirmed using dual‐luciferase reporter, pull‐down and ribonucleic acid immunoprecipitation assays. Exosomes were isolated by ultracentrifugation, and qualified by transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis and western blot.

Results

CircNUP98 expression was higher in the serum of DN patients and HG‐stimulated HMCs. Functionally, circNUP98 knockdown alleviated HG‐induced proliferation, fibrosis, inflammatory response and oxidative stress in HMCs. Mechanistically, circNUP98 directly sponged miR‐151‐3p, which targeted HMGA2. Rescue experiments showed that miR‐151‐3p reversed the inhibitory effects of circNUP98 knockdown on HG‐induced HMC dysfunction. Furthermore, miR‐151‐3p re‐expression also led to an inhibition of the aforementioned biological behaviors, which was attenuated by HMGA2 upregulation. Besides that, CircNUP98 was found to be packaged into exosomes of DN, and exosomal circNUP98 possessed diagnostic value for DN patients.

Conclusion

CircNUP98 knockdown alleviates HG‐induced proliferation, fibrosis inflammation and oxidative stress in HMCs by regulating the miR‐151‐3p–HMGA2 axis, which might provide a potential approach for DN therapeutics.
Stress and resilience among resettling refugee youth: An illustrative review and new applications for the family stress model
Authors: Masarik April S. , Fritz Hailey , Lazarevic Vanja
Published: April 2022

Some of the world's 84 million forcibly displaced persons (approximately half are youth under the age of 18) obtain legal refugee status, which allows them passage to resettle in new communities. Although much has been documented about experiences of stress and trauma among refugees, we know less about their resilience and coping abilities. Furthermore, a lack of an overarching theoretical framework hinders our understanding of the complete refugee experience, which includes stressors, but also significant strengths and resources. In this paper, we offer a unified conceptual model inspired by family stress, ecological systems, and resilience science that outlines hypothesized stress and resilience pathways during resettlement. We also provide an illustrative review of research from the past two decades involving both the stressors and resources influencing refugee youth during resettlement. We note critical questions that warrant future directions for investigators, particularly those pertaining to resettlement resources that promote resilience at multiple levels.
Topical spray of Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells derived from umbilical cord accelerates diabetic wound healing
Authors: Nilforoushzadeh Mohammad Ali , Afzali Hamideh , Raoofi Amir , Nouri Maryam , Naser Reza , Gholami Omid , Nasiry Davood , Mohammadnia Abdolreza , Razzaghi Zahra , Alimohammadi Alimohammad , Naraghi Zahra Safaie , Peyrovan Aisan , Jahangiri Faeze , Khodaverdi Darian Ebrahim , Rustamzadeh Auob , Zare Sona
Published: April 2022

Background and Aim

Cell‐based therapy utilizing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is currently being investigated as a therapeutic agent for chronic wounds. There is no evidence regarding effectiveness of the spray and local transfer of this cellular product in diabetic wound healing. Accordingly, the present study, using clinical, pathological and biometric parameters, investigated the effectiveness of the spray of these cells in the healing of diabetic wounds in rats.

Methods

Three days after the induction of diabetes (50 mg/kg single dose of streptozotocin) a circular excision was created on the back of rats. Diabetic rats were divided into two groups (n = 21): Control and WJ‐MSCs group. Sampling of the studied groups was performed on Days 7, 14, and 21 after wounding. Histological, ultrasound imaging of dermis and epidermis in the wound area for thickness and density measurement and skin elasticity were evaluated.

Results

Our results on Days 7, 14, and 21 after wounding showed that the wound closure, thickness, and density of new epidermis and dermis, as well as skin elasticity in healed wound were significantly higher in WJ‐MSCs group compared with the Control group.

Conclusion

Application of WJ‐MSCs suspension spray on the wound area can accelerate healing in diabetic wounds. Our findings may potentially provide a helpful therapeutic strategy for patients with a diabetic wound.
Evaluation of the biological activities of β-glucan isolated from Lentinula edodes
Authors: Yehia R.S.
Published: April 2022

Lentinula edodes (shiitake) is an edible mushroom that contains many constituents and β-glucan is considered a major polysaccharide. This study, therefore, aimed to characterize β-glucan and evaluate its activities. Fresh fruit bodies of L. edodes were used for β-glucan extraction and followed by analyses via Fourier transform infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance and high performance liquid chromatography confirming its characteristic structure. For evaluating biological activities of β-glucan, different concentrations (0·1–3·5 mg ml−1) were assessed. The optimal dose was 3·5 mg ml−1 that showed the highest scavenging radical ability (75·3%) confirms antioxidant activity, strong inhibition of the peroxyl radical (80·9%) to inhibit lipid peroxidation, elevation the inhibition percentage of both α-amylase (73·4%) and α-glucosidase (70·3%) indicates the antidiabetic properties, and highest AFB1 reduction (88%) which ensured the aflatoxin-detoxifying ability. In addition, antifungal activity of β-glucan was evaluated to inhibit sporulation process in Aspergillus niger and recorded with minimum inhibitory concentration of 2·5 mg ml−1 and minimum fungicidal concentration of 3 mg ml−1. In a dose-dependent manner, higher concentration of β-glucan affects viability of tumour cells concomitant induces potent anti-cancer immune responses and inhibited the activity of topoisomerase I which are considered an important target for cancer chemotherapy. Therefore, L. edodes-β-glucan has the potential to act as a suggestive agent for antioxidant, antidiabetic, antifungal activity and aflatoxin detoxification.
Swedish police officers' strategies when interviewing suspects who decline to answer questions
Authors: Magnusson Mikaela , Ernberg Emelie , Granhag Pär Anders , Nyström Lina , Luke Timothy J.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Research‐based interviewing techniques typically rely upon suspects being, at least partially, responsive and engaged in the conversation. To date, the scientific literature is more limited regarding situations where suspects exercise their legal right to silence. The present study aimed to examine Swedish police officers' self‐reported strategies when interviewing suspects who decline to answer questions.

Methods

A total of 289 police officers responded to a national survey that included questions about handling silence. The participants worked with a wide range of criminal cases, including financial crimes, fraud, violent offences, domestic abuse, volume crime and traffic violations. We used content analysis to examine their written responses to the open‐ended question: ‘What, if any, strategies do you use when interviewing suspects who speak very little or not at all?’

Results

Four main categories were identified relating to (1) question strategies (e.g. asking the questions anyway, using silence), (2) information strategies (e.g. emphasizing the benefits of cooperating and informing about their legal right to silence), (3) supportive strategies (e.g. being friendly and asking about reasons for silence) and (4) procedural strategies (e.g. changing interviewers and conducting multiple interviews). Practitioners working with violent crimes reported meeting silent suspects more frequently compared with practitioners working with other criminal offences.

Conclusions

The results provide an initial exploration into the various strategies used by police interviewers when questioning suspects who decline to answer questions. Further research is necessary for understanding and evaluating the ethics and effectiveness of such strategies.
National identity in historical video games: An analysis of how Civilization V represents the past
Authors: Bijsterveld Muñoz Andrés
Published: April 2022

Although the last two decades have seen a vast increase in studies that analyse banal nationalism in media, there is one medium that has largely been ignored in these discussions: video games. This article fills part of this gap by analysing the way in which the historical strategy game Civilization V represents the Past and what role it gives nations within historical processes. This video game was marketed globally by an American company, but it evokes Spanish, Japanese, and English nationalist narratives and imagery. Although globalization and nationalism are often framed as opposing forces, this is hardly the case here. This paper will combine insights of Game Studies and Nationalism Studies to illustrate how the elements that conform Civilization V incentivise and enable players to re‐enact a narrative that portrays essentialised nation‐states as the only relevant actors in the past, present, and future of humankind. Although a product of globalization, Civilization V strengthens rather than erodes national boundaries.
Forest wildflowers bloom earlier as Europe warms: lessons from herbaria and spatial modelling
Authors: Willems Franziska M. , Scheepens J. F. , Bossdorf Oliver
Published: April 2022

Today plants often flower earlier due to climate warming. Herbarium specimens are excellent witnesses of such long‐term changes. However, the magnitude of phenological shifts may vary geographically, and the data are often clustered. Therefore, large‐scale analyses of herbarium data are prone to pseudoreplication and geographical biases.

We studied over 6000 herbarium specimens of 20 spring‐flowering forest understory herbs from Europe to understand how their phenology had changed during the last century. We estimated phenology trends with or without taking spatial autocorrelation into account.

On average plants now flowered over 6 d earlier than at the beginning of the last century. These changes were strongly associated with warmer spring temperatures. Flowering time advanced 3.6 d per 1°C warming. Spatial modelling showed that, in some parts of Europe, plants flowered earlier or later than expected. Without accounting for this, the estimates of phenological shifts were biased and model fits were poor.

Our study indicates that forest wildflowers in Europe strongly advanced their phenology in response to climate change. However, these phenological shifts differ geographically. This shows that it is crucial to combine the analysis of herbarium data with spatial modelling when testing for long‐term phenology trends across large spatial scales.
Seeing the forest through the trees: how tree‐level measurements can help understand forest dynamics
Authors: Zuidema Pieter A. , van der Sleen Peter
Published: April 2022

This article is a Commentary on Piponiot et al. (2022), 234: 1664–1677.
Who is leading the digital transformation? Understanding the adoption of digital technologies in Germany
Authors: Ohlert Clemens , Giering Oliver , Kirchner Stefan
Published: April 2022

Debates on digitalisation in Germany often refer to ‘Industrie 4.0’ describing a seamless and technology‐driven process spearheaded by manufacturing. This view conflicts with sociological arguments, assuming highly differentiated processes of digitalisation. We review the literature and empirically test the core assumption that digital technologies relate to organisational characteristics and that adoption differs according to the type of technology. We analyse German IAB‐Establishment‐Panel data, which contains organisation‐level information, including digital technologies. Our results show a lead of manufacturing in the adoption of digital production technologies. Regarding other digital technologies, manufacturing performs on par or is outperformed by specific service industries. Additionally, the usage of digital technologies relates to organisational characteristics, other than industry (e.g., establishment size, age, competition, employees’ qualification). The relationship patterns largely persist across technologies, with some technology‐specific variants. Our empirical results underline the embeddedness of digitalisation processes in Germany and underline the relevance of the technologies in question.
Methods for the economic evaluation of obesity prevention dietary interventions in children: A systematic review and critical appraisal of the evidence
Authors: Mahdi Sundus , Marr Colette , Buckland Nicola J. , Chilcott Jim
Published: April 2022

Objectives

We aim to describe and provide a discussion of methods used to conduct economic evaluations of dietary interventions in children and adolescents, including long‐term modelling, and to make recommendations to assist health economists in the design and reporting of such evaluations.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted in 11 bibliographic databases and the grey literature with searches undertaken between January 2000 and December 2021. A study was included if it (1) was an economic evaluation or modelling study of an obesity‐prevention dietary intervention and (2) targeted 2‐ to 18‐year‐olds.

Results

Twenty‐six studies met the inclusion criteria. Twelve studies conducted an economic evaluation alongside a clinical trial, and 14 studies modelled long‐term health and cost outcomes. Four overarching methodological challenges were identified: modelling long‐term impact of interventions, measuring and valuing health outcomes, cost inclusions and equity considerations.

Conclusions

Variability in methods used to predict, measure and value long‐term benefits in adulthood from short‐term clinical outcomes in childhood was evident across studies. Key recommendations to improve the design and analysis of future economic evaluations include the consideration of weight regain and diminishing intervention effects within future projections; exploration of wider intervention benefits not restricted to quality‐of‐life outcomes; and inclusion of parental or caregiver opportunity costs.
Estimating the 3‐D location of impacted maxillary canines: A CBCT‐based analysis of severity of impaction
Authors: Ross Greg , Abu Arqub Sarah , Mehta Shivam , Vishwanath Meenakshi , Tadinada Aditya , Yadav Sumit , Upadhyay Madhur
Published: April 2022

Objectives

The objective of the study was to quantify the 3‐D location of impacted canines by measuring their linear and angular deviations in relation to adjacent structures and further evaluate impaction severity.

Methods

CBCT images of 314 impacted canines were analysed in the sagittal, coronal and axial planes. Linear and angular measurements were recorded. Canine inclination was identified in coronal and sagittal planes. An evaluation system was constructed for analysis. Upright canine was considered as the appropriate position for fully erupted maxillary canine. Outcomes were compared between right and left sides and by gender. For categorical variables, chi‐square tests were used while Mann‐Whitney U test was used for continuous variables. Regression models were used to measure severity.

Results

Impactions were greater in females (119/207; 57.5%). No significant differences between unilateral (100/207; 49.3%) and bilateral (107/207; 51.7%) (P > 0.05). Out of 314 impactions, 105 (33.4%) were mild, 118 (37.58%) moderate and 91 (28.98%) severe. Severe impactions were primarily buccal (44/ 91; 48.3%), in the occlusal ½ of the adjacent incisor root (38/ 91, 41.7%), mesial to the distal border of central incisor (47/91, 51.6%), with sagittal angle value + >45 ̊ (46/ 91, 50.5%) and mesial tip + >30 ̊ (86/ 91, 94.5%).

Conclusions

Severely impacted canines had their crowns buccal, closer to occlusal plane and mesial to the distal border of the central incisor with greater than 45‐degree buccal inclination and greater than 30‐degree mesial tip. The sagittal angle can have a significant impact on the severity of impaction. A new classification system was proposed to quantify severity.
Generational variation in nutrient regulation for an outbreaking herbivore
Authors: Le Gall Marion , Beye Alioune , Diallo Mamadou , Cease Arianne J.
Published: April 2022

Multivoltine insects can produce multiple generations in one year. Favorable conditions support more generations, leading to serious outbreaks. For herbivores, plant nutrient availability is a major environmental factor affecting fitness and it can shift substantially throughout seasons. In a stochastic environment, organisms can adopt several strategies to regulate their nutrient intake and maximize performance. However, data regarding nutrient regulation of wild herbivores are scarce, and even more so regarding potential intergenerational plasticity. To bridge this gap, we measured nutritional regulation and performance of an outbreaking multivoltine herbivore – one of the most serious agricultural pests in the Sahel:Oedaleus senegalensis. We surveyed a field population in Senegal and measured its nutritional preference and regulation across two generations (G1 and G3) using artificial diets and plant choice experiments. In the field, G1 locusts were five to ten times more abundant than G3 locusts. We found that G1 and G3 locusts selected different protein:carbohydrate ratios but also that the strength of regulation was different. G1 locusts regulated their nutrient target more tightly than G3 locusts. In contrast, studies with laboratory populations demonstrate strong regulation for grasshoppers, appearing less plastic than field populations. Both generations selected a carbohydrate‐biased nutrient ratio, although it was more carbohydrate‐biased for G3 locusts. In both cases, plant nutrient contents in the field were more protein biased than their preferred diet. Therefore, choices by locusts were likely influenced by other ecological variables such as leaf toughness or plant defenses. G1females were heavier and laid more eggs than G3 females. However, G3 locusts survived longer during the experiment than G1 locusts, suggesting a potential generational tradeoff between reproduction and survival. Our data highlight the importance of studying nutritional regulation in situ and incorporating field and lab data to better understand foraging decisions and nutritional tradeoffs.
OsAT1, an anion transporter, negatively regulates grain size and yield in rice
Authors: Liu Kun , Wang Xin , Liu Hengchen , Wu Jiarui , Liang Feng , Li Shaobo , Zhang Jianjun , Peng Xinxiang
Published: April 2022

Improving the grain yield of rice is a central goal of basic and applied scientific research. Here, we identified an anion transporter, OsAT1, localized in the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi. OsAT1 is highly expressed in flag, stem, and sheath as monitored using qRT‐PCR and pOsAT1::GUS. Thousand‐grain weight, grain weight per plant, and content of starch were significantly increased in OsAT1 knock‐down mutants (OsAT1‐Ri) but significantly decreased in OsAT1 overexpressed lines (OsAT1‐OE). In addition, the grain weight per plant increased by 6.17% to 6.78% in OsAT1‐RNAi lines, whereas it decreased by 45.93% to 46.76% in OsAT1‐OE lines, compared to wild‐type. Moreover, the copper content was noticeably reduced in flag leaf of OsAT1‐Ri lines and increased in OsAT1‐OE lines. RNA‐sequencing analysis of OsAT1‐OE lines revealed that the genes related to starch biosynthesis and metabolism pathway were enriched in the down‐regulated category. Thus, our results suggest that knock‐down of OsAT1 in rice possibly reduces copper accumulation and improves the accumulation of storage starch, hence, increasing the grain size and weight. OsAT1 may be a useful gene to consider for cereal breeding programs.
A systematic data‐driven approach to analyze sensor‐level EEG connectivity: Identifying robust phase‐synchronized network components using surface Laplacian with spectral‐spatial PCA
Authors: Smith Ezra E. , Bel‐Bahar Tarik S. , Kayser Jürgen
Published: April 2022

Although conventional averaging across predefined frequency bands reduces the complexity of EEG functional connectivity (FC), it obscures the identification of resting‐state brain networks (RSN) and impedes accurate estimation of FC reliability. Extending prior work, we combined scalp current source density (CSD; spherical spline surface Laplacian) and spectral‐spatial PCA to identify FC components. Phase‐based FC was estimated via debiased‐weighted phase‐locking index from CSD‐transformed resting EEGs (71 sensors, 8 min, eyes open/closed, 35 healthy adults, 1‐week retest). Spectral PCA extracted six robust alpha and theta components (86.6% variance). Subsequent spatial PCA for each spectral component revealed seven robust regionally focused (posterior, central, and frontal) and long‐range (posterior–anterior) alpha components (peaks at 8, 10, and 13 Hz) and a midfrontal theta (6 Hz) component, accounting for 37.0% of FC variance. These spatial FC components were consistent with well‐known networks (e.g., default mode, visual, and sensorimotor), and four were sensitive to eyes open/closed conditions. Most FC components had good‐to‐excellent internal consistency (odd/even epochs, eyes open/closed) and test–retest reliability (ICCs ≥ .8). Moreover, the FC component structure was generally present in subsamples (session × odd/even epoch, or smaller subgroups [n = 7–10]), as indicated by high similarity of component loadings across PCA solutions. Apart from systematically reducing FC dimensionality, our approach avoids arbitrary thresholds and allows quantification of meaningful and reliable network components that may prove to be of high relevance for basic and clinical research applications.
Molecular farming: Expanding the field of edible vaccines for sustainable fish aquaculture
Authors: Mičúchová Alžbeta , Piačková Veronika , Frébort Ivo , Korytář Tomáš
Published: April 2022

Vaccines represent one of the most promising strategies for mitigating economic losses imposed by infectious diseases to global aquaculture. While the majority of commercial vaccines employ injection as the main route of delivery, a substantial body of research explores other avenues for the stimulation of protective immunity. Oral vaccines, representing the most favourable and convenient solution for the aquaculture industry, have been at the forefront of scientific interest for the last couple of decades. The orchestrated effort resulted in identifying the main roadblocks on the path to an ideal edible vaccine and provided several ingenious solutions improving the activation of immunity, ensuring the stability of administered antigens and their uptake upon the passage through the stomach. In the presented review, we describe advances in the available knowledge of the processes prerequisite for developing protective mucosal vaccines and focus readers' attention on the untapped potential of plant‐based production systems in this effort. We propose that these approaches not only meet production demands but also fulfil all requirements of an oral vaccine, addressing all the obstacles, previously solved via separate strategies, in one platform. Thus, combined with the available knowledge of molecular adjuvants and produced for a fraction of the cost, plant‐based production, so‐called molecular farming, is an ideal candidate for vaccine development, paving the road to sustainable aquaculture.
The impact of Option B+ on mother‐to‐child transmission of HIV in Africa: A systematic review
Authors: Maingi Mildred , Stark Aliza Hannah , Iron‐Segev Sharon
Published: April 2022

Objective

In 2015, the WHO released new guidelines to reduce mother‐to‐child transmission (MTCT) of HIV. The recommendations, known as Option B+, included initiation of lifelong highly active antiretroviral therapy regardless of CD4 count for all HIV‐positive pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. For infants, exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months and antiviral therapy were sanctioned. Targets of <5% transmission in breastfeeding populations and <2% in non‐breastfeeding populations were set. This review evaluated the impact of Option B+ on MTCT in African countries.

Methods

Using the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of PubMed and Google Scholar databases was conducted to identify relevant studies published between 2015 and 2021. All studies meeting inclusion criteria were evaluated.

Results

Of the 687 references screened, 22 studies from 11 countries (Cameroon, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe) met inclusion criteria. Six studies reported MTCT rates of <2%, 16 studies reported rates of 2–5% and two studies (Uganda and Zambia) reported 6% or more. Rates varied within the same study at different time points postpartum and amongst studies from the same country. Overall, reported MTCT rates appear to be close to WHO targets. However, diverse study designs, selection bias, extensive loss to follow‐up and undocumented adherence rates to Option B+ protocols may significantly underestimate MTCT rates of HIV in Africa.

Conclusions

Standardised protocols for impact evaluation must be established to provide evidenced‐based data on the efficacy of Option B+ in Africa.
Neuroprotective effect of CTK 01512‐2 recombinant toxin at the spinal cord in a model of Huntington's disease
Authors: Joviano‐Santos Julliane V. , Valadão Priscila A. C. , Magalhães‐Gomes Matheus P. S. , Fernandes Lorena F. , Diniz Danuza M. , Machado Thatiane C. G. , Soares Kivia B. , Ladeira Marina S. , Massensini Andre R. , Gomez Marcus V. , Miranda Aline S. , Tápia Juan C. , Guatimosim Cristina
Published: April 2022

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

We investigated the effects of intrathecal administration of a novel toxin, CTK 01512‐2, in a mouse model of Huntington's disease. We asked whether spinal cord neurons can represent a therapeutic target, given that the spinal cord seems to be involved in motor symptoms of Huntington's disease. Pharmacological approaches focusing on the spinal cord and skeletal muscles might represent a more feasible strategy than a high‐risk brain intervention.

What is the main finding and its importance?

We provided evidence of a novel, local, neuroprotective effect of CTK 01512‐2, paving a path for the development of approaches to treat motor symptoms of Huntington's disease beyond the brain.

Phα1β is a neurotoxin from the venom of the Phoneutria nigriventer spider, available as CTK 01512‐2, a recombinant peptide. Owing to its antinociceptive and analgesic properties, CTK 01512‐2 has been described to alleviate neuroinflammatory responses. Despite the diverse actions of CTK 01512‐2 on the nervous system, little is known regarding its neuroprotective effect, especially in neurodegenerative conditions such as Huntington's disease (HD), a genetic movement disorder without cure. Here, we investigated whether CTK 01512‐2 has a neuroprotective effect in a mouse model of HD. We hypothesized that spinal cord neurons might represent a therapeutic target, because the spinal cord seems to be involved in the motor symptoms of HD (BACHD) mice. We treated BACHD mice with CTK 01512‐2 by intrathecal injection and performed in vivo motor behavioural and morphological analyses in the CNS (brain and spinal cord) and muscles. Our data showed that intrathecal injection of CTK 01512‐2 significantly improved motor performance in the open field task. CTK 01512‐2 protected neurons in the spinal cord (but not in the brain) from death, suggesting a local effect. CTK 01512‐2 exerted its neuroprotective effect by inhibiting BACHD neuronal apoptosis, as revealed by a reduction in caspase‐3 in the spinal cord. CTK 01512‐2 was also able to revert BACHD muscle atrophy. In conclusion, our data suggest a novel role for CTK 01512‐2 acting directly in the spinal cord to ameliorate morphofunctional aspects of spinal cord neurons and muscles and improve the performance of BACHD mice in motor behavioural tests. Given that HD shares similar symptoms with many neurodegenerative conditions, the findings presented herein might also be applicable to other disorders.
Divergent effects of initial ventilation with delayed cord clamping on systemic and pulmonary arterial flows in the birth transition of preterm lambs
Authors: Smolich Joseph J. , Kenna Kelly R.
Published: April 2022

A current view that delayed cord clamping (DCC) results in greater haemodynamic stability at birth than immediate cord clamping (ICC) is based on comparison of DCC vs. ICC followed by an asphyxial (∼2 min) cord clamp‐to‐ventilation (CC–V) interval. More recent data suggest that relatively minor perinatal differences in heart rate and blood pressure fluctuations exist between DCC and ICC with a non‐asphyxial (<45 s) CC–V interval, but it is unknown how ventricular output and central arterial blood flow effects of DCC compare with those of non‐asphyxial ICC. Anaesthetized preterm fetal lambs instrumented with flow probes on major central arteries were ventilated for 97 (7) s (mean (SD)) before DCC at birth (n = 10), or underwent ICC 40 (6) s before ventilation (n = 10). Compared to ICC, initial ventilation and DCC was accompanied by (1) redistribution of a similar level of ascending aortic flow away from cephalic arteries and towards the aortic isthmus after ventilation; (2) a lower right ventricular output after cord clamping that was redistributed towards the lungs, thereby maintaining the absolute contribution of this output to a similar increase in pulmonary arterial flow after birth; and (3) a lower descending thoracic aortic flow after birth, related to a more rapid decline in phasic right‐to‐left ductal flow only partially offset by increased aortic isthmus flow. However, systemic arterial flows were similar between DCC and non‐asphyxial ICC within 5 min after birth. These findings suggest that compared to non‐asphyxial ICC, initial ventilation with DCC transiently redistributed central arterial flows, resulting in lower perinatal systemic arterial, but not pulmonary arterial, flows.

Key points

A current view that delayed cord clamping (DCC) results in greater haemodynamic stability at birth than immediate cord clamping (ICC) is based on comparison of DCC vs. ICC with an asphyxial (∼2 min) cord clamp‐to‐ventilation (CC–V) interval.

Recent data suggest that relatively minor perinatal differences in heart rate and blood pressure fluctuations exist between DCC and ICC with a non‐asphyxial (<45 s) CC–V interval, but how central arterial blood flow effects of DCC compare with those of non‐asphyxial ICC is unknown.

Anaesthetized preterm fetal lambs instrumented with central arterial flow probes underwent initial ventilation for ∼90 s before DCC at birth, or ICC for ∼40 s before ventilation.

Compared to non‐asphyxial ICC, initial ventilation with DCC redistributed central blood flows, resulting in lower systemic, but not pulmonary, arterial flows during this period of transition.

This flow redistribution was transitory, however, with systemic arterial flows similar between DCC and non‐asphyxial ICC within minutes after birth.
A new genus and species of Pseudotarsonemoidini (Acari: Heterostigmata: Tarsonemidae) associated with xylophagous gall midges in Norway
Authors: Khaustov Alexander A. , Fjellberg Arne , Lindquist Evert E.
Published: April 2022

A new genus and species, Tarsobisulcus angulomarginis n. gen., n. sp. (Acari: Tarsonemidae: Pseudotaesonemoidini) is described based on females collected on larvae of the gall midge Xylodiplosis nigritarsis Zett. (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in oak wood from Norway. Some aspects of the morphology, systematic relationships and biology of Tarsobisulcus angulomarginis n. gen., n. sp. are discussed.
Optical dielectric properties of HfO2-based films
Authors: Dou Hongyi , Strkalj Nives , Zhang Yizhi , MacManus-Driscoll Judith L. , Jia Quanxi , Wang Haiyan
Published: April 2022

We report the dielectric Properties of HfO2-based films in the optical–high frequency range. The demonstrated tunability of the optical dielectric constant of HfO2-based compounds is of great relevance for optoelectronic applications, e.g., high-refractive index dielectrics for nanoantenna and optical coatings for electronic displays. Since the optical dielectric constant of HfO2 is determined by the electronic structure and its crystal environment, we tune the physical properties of HfO2 films on MgO by adding different dopants. In this work, we aim to determine the influence of doping together with the resulting crystal structure on the optical dielectric constant. Hence, we studied 20 mol. % Y-doped HfO2 (HYO), Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 (HZO), and Hf0.5Ce0.5O2 (HCO). Among the dopants, Y2O3 has the lowest, ZrO2 an intermediate, and CeO2 the highest real part of the optical dielectric constant. The optical dielectric constant is found to be lowest in the cubic HYO films. An intermediate dielectric constant is found in HZO films that is predominantly in the monoclinic phase, but additionally hosts the cubic phase. The highest dielectric constant is observed in HCO films that are predominantly in the cubic phase with inclusions of the monoclinic phase. The observed trend is in good agreement with the dominant role of the dopant type in setting the optical dielectric constant.
Design of sphere seeds for glancing angle deposition
Authors: Qu Chuang , McNamara Shamus , Walsh Kevin
Published: April 2022

Glancing angle deposition (GLAD) is a specific type of physical vapor deposition that has the unique ability to generate three-dimensional nanofeatures in a process-efficient and low-cost manner. Our research group previously demonstrated how line seeds can be strategically implemented to create a variety of novel well-organized nanostructures. In this paper we explore the use of spherical seeds that self-assemble into hexagonally close packed patterns for GLAD seeding. This bottom-up approach is cost-effective and efficient for seeding, and no top-down nanofabrication technique is needed. Although seeding theories appropriate for GLAD nanofabrication are necessary, little theory has been proposed in the literature for three dimensional seeds, and yet most of the seeds used in GLAD are 3D surfaces. In this paper, we introduce a scheme for spherical GLAD seeding, and derive an analytical model for the diameter of nanopillars and percent coverage given process parameters of sphere diameter and incident angle. The model can be used to design sphere seeds, while the percent coverage is used to validate sphere designs as a function of the incident angle. Experimentally, the diameter of the nanopillars depends mostly on the incident angle, while changing the diameter of the spherical seeds has only a minor effect. The nanopillar diameter decreases as the incident angle increases. For example, nanopillars smaller than 100 nm can be grown from 200 nm spheres when the incident angle is at least 85°. Spherical seeds can be used for creating hexagonal periodic patterns of GLAD nanostructures, which have applications in optics and biology.
Power Road-Derived Physical Performance Parameters in Junior, Under-23, and Professional Road Cycling Climbers
Authors: Gallo Gabriele , Mateo-March Manuel , Leo Peter , Campos-Donaire Antonio , Gandia-Soriano Alexis , Giorgi Andrea , Faelli Emanuela , Ruggeri Piero , Codella Roberto , Mujika Iñigo , Filipas Luca
Published: April 2022

Purpose: To investigate the relationship of field-derived power and physical performance parameters with competition success in road cycling climbing specialists of age-related categories and to explore cross-sectional differences between high-ranked (HIGHR) climbing specialists of each category. Methods: Fifty-three male climbers participated in this study (junior [JUN], n = 15; under 23 [U23], n = 21; professional [PRO], n = 17). Training and racing data collected during the 2016–19 competitive seasons were retrospectively analyzed for record power outputs (RPOs) and RPOs after prior accumulated work. Results: In JUN, body mass, absolute RPOs, and relative RPOs were higher in HIGHR compared with low ranked (d = 0.97–2.20, large; P = .097–.001); in U23 and PRO, the percentage decrease in RPOs after 20, 30, 40, and 50 kJ·kg−1 was less in HIGHR compared with low ranked (d = 0.77–1.74, moderate–large; P = .096–.004). JUN HIGHR presented lower absolute and relative RPO-20 min (, large; P = .099–.001) and higher percentage decrease in RPOs after prior accumulated work compared with U23 and PRO HIGHR (, large; P = .060–.001); percentage decrease in RPOs after prior accumulated work was the only parameter differentiating U23 and PRO HIGHR, with PRO declining less in relative RPO-1 min, RPO-5 min, and RPO-20 min after 20 to 50 kJ·kg−1 (, large; P = .090–.001). Conclusions: Superior absolute and relative RPOs characterize HIGHR JUN climbing specialists. Superior fatigue resistance differentiates HIGHR U23 and PRO climbers compared with low ranked, as well as PRO versus U23 climbers.
Gait Slip-Induced Fall-Type Assessment Based on Regular Gait Characteristics in Older Adults
Authors: Wang Shuaijie , Pai Yi-Chung (Clive) , Bhatt Tanvi
Published: April 2022

Older adults could experience split falls or feet-forward falls following an unexpected slip in gait due to different neuromuscular vulnerabilities, and different intervention strategies would be required for each type of faller. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the key factors affecting the fall types based on regular gait pattern. A total of 105 healthy older adults who experienced a laboratory-induced slip and fall were included. Their natural walking trial immediately prior to the novel slip trial was analyzed. To identify the factors related to fall type, gait characteristics and demographic factors were determined using univariate logistic regression, and then stepwise logistic regression was conducted to assess the slip-induced fall type based on these factors. The best fall-type prediction model involves gait speed and recovery foot angular velocity, which could predict 70.5% of feet-forward falls and 86.9% of split falls. Body mass index was also a crucial fall-type prediction with an overall prediction accuracy of 70.5%. Along with gait parameters, 84.1% of feet-forward falls and 78.7% of split falls could be predicted. The findings in this study revealed the determinators related to fall types, which enhances our knowledge of the mechanism associated to slip-induced fall and would be helpful for the development of tailored interventions for slip-induced fall prevention.
Examining the Mechanisms of Internal and External Focus of Attention With Donders’ Subtractive Method
Authors: Blinch Jarrod , Harry John R. , Hart Melanie A. , Cousineau Denis
Published: April 2022

The goal of the current study was to measure the processing demands on the stages of information processing with internal and external foci of attention. Participants completed simple and two-choice reaction time tasks with internal and external foci of attention. Donders’ subtraction method was used to isolate the cumulative duration of stages unique to simple and choice reaction time tasks. Mean reaction time was comparable with internal and external foci of attention in simple and two-choice reaction time tasks. These results suggest that processing demands were comparable with internal and external foci of attention. We hypothesize that there was not a processing advantage for an external focus in simple reaction time because the required movements had low movement complexity.
Young Swimmers’ Classification Based on Performance and Biomechanical Determinants: Determining Similarities Through Cluster Analysis
Authors: Morais Jorge E. , Barbosa Tiago M. , Neiva Henrique P. , Marques Mario C. , Marinho Daniel A.
Published: April 2022

The aim of this study was to classify and identify young swimmers’ performance, and biomechanical determinant factors, and understand if both sexes can be clustered together. Thirty-eight swimmers of national level (22 boys: 15.92 ± 0.75 years and 16 girls: 14.99 ± 1.06 years) were assessed. Performance (swim speed at front crawl stroke) and a set of kinematic, efficiency, kinetic, and hydrodynamic variables were measured. Variables related to kinetics and efficiency (p < .001) were the ones that better discriminated the clusters. All three clusters included girls. Based on the interaction of these determinant factors, there are girls who can train together with boys. These findings indicate that not understanding the importance of the interplay between such determinants may lead to performance suppression in girls.
Piezoionic mechanoreceptors: Force-induced current generation in hydrogels
Authors: Dobashi Yuta , Yao Dickson , Petel Yael , Nguyen Tan Ngoc , Sarwar Mirza Saquib , Thabet Yacine , Ng Cliff L. W. , Scabeni Glitz Ettore , Nguyen Giao Tran Minh , Plesse Cédric , Vidal Frédéric , Michal Carl A. , Madden John D. W.
Published: April 2022

The human somatosensory network relies on ionic currents to sense, transmit, and process tactile information. We investigate hydrogels that similarly transduce pressure into ionic currents, forming a piezoionic skin. As in rapid- and slow-adapting mechanoreceptors, piezoionic currents can vary widely in duration, from milliseconds to hundreds of seconds. These currents are shown to elicit direct neuromodulation and muscle excitation, suggesting a path toward bionic sensory interfaces. The signal magnitude and duration depend on cationic and anionic mobility differences. Patterned hydrogel films with gradients of fixed charge provide voltage offsets akin to cell potentials. The combined effects enable the creation of self-powered and ultrasoft piezoionic mechanoreceptors that generate a charge density four to six orders of magnitude higher than those of triboelectric and piezoelectric devices.
Avoiding ocean mass extinction from climate warming
Authors: Penn Justin L. , Deutsch Curtis
Published: April 2022

Global warming threatens marine biota with losses of unknown severity. Here, we quantify global and local extinction risks in the ocean across a range of climate futures on the basis of the ecophysiological limits of diverse animal species and calibration against the fossil record. With accelerating greenhouse gas emissions, species losses from warming and oxygen depletion alone become comparable to current direct human impacts within a century and culminate in a mass extinction rivaling those in Earth’s past. Polar species are at highest risk of extinction, but local biological richness declines more in the tropics. Reversing greenhouse gas emissions trends would diminish extinction risks by more than 70%, preserving marine biodiversity accumulated over the past ~50 million years of evolutionary history.
Ancestry-inclusive dog genomics challenges popular breed stereotypes
Authors: Morrill Kathleen , Hekman Jessica , Li Xue , McClure Jesse , Logan Brittney , Goodman Linda , Gao Mingshi , Dong Yinan , Alonso Marjie , Carmichael Elena , Snyder-Mackler Noah , Alonso Jacob , Noh Hyun Ji , Johnson Jeremy , Koltookian Michele , Lieu Charlie , Megquier Kate , Swofford Ross , Turner-Maier Jason , White Michelle E. , Weng Zhiping , Colubri Andrés , Genereux Diane P. , Lord Kathryn A. , Karlsson Elinor K.
Published: April 2022

Behavioral genetics in dogs has focused on modern breeds, which are isolated subgroups with distinctive physical and, purportedly, behavioral characteristics. We interrogated breed stereotypes by surveying owners of 18,385 purebred and mixed-breed dogs and genotyping 2155 dogs. Most behavioral traits are heritable [heritability (
h
2
) > 25%], and admixture patterns in mixed-breed dogs reveal breed propensities. Breed explains just 9% of behavioral variation in individuals. Genome-wide association analyses identify 11 loci that are significantly associated with behavior, and characteristic breed behaviors exhibit genetic complexity. Behavioral loci are not unusually differentiated in breeds, but breed propensities align, albeit weakly, with ancestral function. We propose that behaviors perceived as characteristic of modern breeds derive from thousands of years of polygenic adaptation that predates breed formation, with modern breeds distinguished primarily by aesthetic traits.
Dynamics of particle network in composite battery cathodes
Authors: Li Jizhou , Sharma Nikhil , Jiang Zhisen , Yang Yang , Monaco Federico , Xu Zhengrui , Hou Dong , Ratner Daniel , Pianetta Piero , Cloetens Peter , Lin Feng , Zhao Kejie , Liu Yijin
Published: April 2022

Improving composite battery electrodes requires a delicate control of active materials and electrode formulation. The electrochemically active particles fulfill their role as energy exchange reservoirs through interacting with the surrounding conductive network. We formulate a network evolution model to interpret the regulation and equilibration between electrochemical activity and mechanical damage of these particles. Through statistical analysis of thousands of particles using x-ray phase contrast holotomography in a LiNi
0.8
Mn
0.1
Co
0.1
O
2
-based cathode, we found that the local network heterogeneity results in asynchronous activities in the early cycles, and subsequently the particle assemblies move toward a synchronous behavior. Our study pinpoints the chemomechanical behavior of individual particles and enables better designs of the conductive network to optimize the utility of all the particles during operation.
In situ imaging of the sorption-induced subcell topological flexibility of a rigid zeolite framework
Authors: Xiong Hao , Liu Zhiqiang , Chen Xiao , Wang Huiqiu , Qian Weizhong , Zhang Chenxi , Zheng Anmin , Wei Fei
Published: April 2022

The crystallographic pore sizes of zeolites are substantially smaller than those inferred from catalytic transformation and molecular sieving capabilities, which reflects flexible variation in zeolite opening pores. Using in situ electron microscopy, we imaged the straight channels of ZSM-5 zeolite with benzene as a probe molecule and observed subcell flexibility of the framework. The opening pores stretched along the longest direction of confined benzene molecules with a maximum aspect change of 15%, and thePnmaspace group symmetry of the MFI framework caused adjacent channels to deform. This compensation maintained the stability and rigidity of the overall unit cell within 0.5% deformation. The subcell flexibility originates mainly from the topologically soft silicon-oxygen-silicon hinges between rigid tetrahedral SiO4units, with inner angles varying from 135° to 153°, as confirmed by ab initio molecular dynamics simulations.
Landscapes of the Anthropocene
Geological Messages: Paintings from 1965–2015
Per Kirkeby
Michael Werner Gallery, London, UK, through 21 May 2022
Authors: Dixon Deborah
Published: April 2022

The late artist Per Kirkeby’s preoccupation with geology is on display in a new exhibition
A quantum sense for dark matter
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: April 2022

By harnessing the strange rules of the subatomic realm, quantum sensors could solve one of the universe’s biggest mysteries