bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A phase II trial of an alternative schedule of palbociclib and embedded serum TK1 analysis
Authors: Krishnamurthy Jairam , Luo Jingqin , Suresh Rama , Ademuyiwa Foluso , Rigden Caron , Rearden Timothy , Clifton Katherine , Weilbaecher Katherine , Frith Ashley , Roshal Anna , Tandra Pavan K. , Cherian Mathew , Summa Tracy , Haas Brittney , Thomas Shana , Hernandez-Aya Leonel , Bergqvist Mattias , Peterson Lindsey , Ma Cynthia X.
Published: March 2022

Palbociclib 3-weeks-on/1-week-off, combined with hormonal therapy, is approved for hormone receptor positive (HR+)/HER2-negative (HER2−) advanced/metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Neutropenia is the most frequent adverse event (AE). We aim to determine whether an alternative 5-days-on/2-days-off weekly schedule reduces grade 3 and above neutropenia (G3 + ANC) incidence. In this single-arm phase II trial, patients with HR+/HER2− MBC received palbociclib 125 mg, 5-days-on/2-days-off, plus letrozole or fulvestrant per physician, on a 28-day cycle (C), as their first- or second-line treatment. The primary endpoint was G3 + ANC in the first 29 days (C1). Secondary endpoints included AEs, efficacy, and serum thymidine kinase 1 (sTK1) activity. At data-cutoff, fifty-four patients received a median of 13 cycles (range 2.6–43.5). The rate of G3 + ANC was 21.3% (95% CI: 11.2–36.1%) without G4 in C1, and 40.7% (95% CI: 27.9–54.9%), including 38.9% G3 and 1.8% G4, in all cycles. The clinical benefit rate was 80.4% (95% CI: 66.5–89.7%). The median progression-free survival (mPFS) (95% CI) was 19.75 (12.11–34.89), 33.5 (17.25–not reached [NR]), and 11.96 (10.43–NR) months, in the overall, endocrine sensitive or resistant population, respectively. High sTK1 at baseline, C1 day 15 (C1D15), and C2D1 were independently prognostic for shorter PFS (p = 9.91 × 10−4, 0.001, 0.007, respectively). sTK1 decreased on C1D15 (p = 4.03 × 10−7), indicating target inhibition. Rise in sTK1 predicted progression, with the median lead time of 59.5 (inter-quartile range: −206.25–0) days. Palbociclib, 5-days-on/2-days-off weekly, met its primary endpoint with reduced G3 + ANC, without compromising efficacy. sTK1 is prognostic and shows promise in monitoring the palbociclib response. ClinicalTrials.gov#: NCT3007979.
Comprehensive analysis of recessive carrier status using exome and genome sequencing data in 1543 Southern Chinese
Authors: Chau Jeffrey Fong Ting , Yu Mullin Ho Chung , Chui Martin Man Chun , Yeung Cyrus Chun Wing , Kwok Aaron Wing Cheung , Zhuang Xuehan , Lee Ryan , Fung Jasmine Lee Fong , Lee Mianne , Mak Christopher Chun Yu , Ng Nicole Ying Ting , Chung Claudia Ching Yan , Chan Marcus Chun Yin , Tsang Mandy Ho Yin , Chan Joshua Chun Ki , Chan Kelvin Yuen Kwong , Kan Anita Sik Yau , Chung Patrick Ho Yu , Yang Wanling , Lee So Lun , Chan Godfrey Chi Fung , Tam Paul Kwong Hang , Lau Yu Lung , Yeung Kit San , Chung Brian Hon Yin , Tang Clara Sze Man
Published: March 2022

Traditional carrier screening has been utilized for the detection of carriers of genetic disorders. Since a comprehensive assessment of the carrier frequencies of recessive conditions in the Southern Chinese population is not yet available, we performed a secondary analysis on the spectrum and carrier status for 315 genes causing autosomal recessive disorders in 1543 Southern Chinese individuals with next-generation sequencing data, 1116 with exome sequencing and 427 with genome sequencing data. Our data revealed that 1 in 2 people (47.8% of the population) was a carrier for one or more recessive conditions, and 1 in 12 individuals (8.30% of the population) was a carrier for treatable inherited conditions. In alignment with current American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) pan-ethnic carrier recommendations, 1 in 26 individuals were identified as carriers of cystic fibrosis, thalassemia, and spinal muscular atrophy in the Southern Chinese population. When the >1% expanded carrier screening rate recommendation by ACOG was used, 11 diseases were found to meet the criteria in the Southern Chinese population. Approximately 1 in 3 individuals (35.5% of the population) were carriers of these 11 conditions. If the 1 in 200 carrier frequency threshold is used, and additional seven genes would meet the criteria, and 2 in 5 individuals (38.7% of the population) would be detected as a carrier. This study provides a comprehensive catalogue of the carrier spectrum and frequency in the Southern Chinese population and can serve as a reference for careful evaluation of the conditions to be included in expanded carrier screening for Southern Chinese people.
Resonant inelastic X-ray scattering as a probe of Jeff = 1/2 state in 3d transition-metal oxide
Authors: Huang H. Y. , Singh A. , Wu C. I. , Xie J. D. , Okamoto J. , Belik A. A. , Kurmaev E. , Fujimori A. , Chen C. T. , Streltsov S. V. , Huang D. J.
Published: March 2022

The state with effective total moment Jeff = 1/2 stabilized by the spin-orbit coupling is known to suppress Jahn-Teller distortions and may induce a strong exchange anisotropy. This in turn may lead to the formation of an elusive spin-liquid state in real materials. While recent studies have demonstrated that such a situation can be realized in 3d transition-metal compounds such as those based on Co2+ and Cu2+, diagnosis of Jeff = 1/2 state remains challenging. We show that resonant inelastic X-ray scattering is an effective tool to probe this state and apply it to CuAl2O4, material where Cu2+ ions were previously proposed to be in the Jeff = 1/2 state. Our results unambiguously demonstrate that, contrary to previous expectations, a competitive (to Jeff = 1/2) Jahn-Teller state realizes in this compound.
Early-stage visual perception impairment in schizophrenia, bottom-up and back again
Authors: Adámek Petr , Langová Veronika , Horáček Jiří
Published: March 2022

Visual perception is one of the basic tools for exploring the world. However, in schizophrenia, this modality is disrupted. So far, there has been no clear answer as to whether the disruption occurs primarily within the brain or in the precortical areas of visual perception (the retina, visual pathways, and lateral geniculate nucleus [LGN]). A web-based comprehensive search of peer-reviewed journals was conducted based on various keyword combinations including schizophrenia, saliency, visual cognition, visual pathways, retina, and LGN. Articles were chosen with respect to topic relevance. Searched databases included Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science. This review describes the precortical circuit and the key changes in biochemistry and pathophysiology that affect the creation and characteristics of the retinal signal as well as its subsequent modulation and processing in other parts of this circuit. Changes in the characteristics of the signal and the misinterpretation of visual stimuli associated with them may, as a result, contribute to the development of schizophrenic disease.
Band transport by large Fröhlich polarons in MXenes
Authors: Zheng Wenhao , Sun Boya , Li Dongqi , Gali Sai Manoj , Zhang Heng , Fu Shuai , Di Virgilio Lucia , Li Zichao , Yang Sheng , Zhou Shengqiang , Beljonne David , Yu Minghao , Feng Xinliang , Wang Hai I. , Bonn Mischa
Published: March 2022

MXenes are emerging layered materials that are promising for electrochemical energy storage and (opto-)electronic applications. A fundamental understanding of charge transport in MXenes is essential for such applications, but has remained under debate. While theoretical studies pointed to efficient band transport, device measurements have revealed thermally activated, hopping-type transport. Here we present a unifying picture of charge transport in two model MXenes by combining ultrafast terahertz and static electrical transport measurements to distinguish the short- and long-range transport characteristics. We find that band-like transport dominates short-range, intra-flake charge conduction in MXenes, whereas long-range, inter-flake transport occurs through thermally activated hopping, and limits charge percolation across the MXene flakes. Our analysis of the intra-flake charge carrier scattering rate shows that it is dominated by scattering from longitudinal optical phonons with a small coupling constant (α ≈ 1), for both semiconducting and metallic MXenes. This indicates the formation of large polarons in MXenes. Our work therefore provides insight into the polaronic nature of free charges in MXenes, and unveils intra- and inter-flake transport mechanisms in the MXene materials, which are relevant for both fundamental studies and applications.
Development of spirulina for the manufacture and oral delivery of protein therapeutics
Authors: Jester Benjamin W. , Zhao Hui , Gewe Mesfin , Adame Thomas , Perruzza Lisa , Bolick David T. , Agosti Jan , Khuong Nhi , Kuestner Rolf , Gamble Caitlin , Cruickshank Kendra , Ferrara Jeremy , Lim Rachelle , Paddock Troy , Brady Colin , Ertel Stacey , Zhang Miaohua , Pollock Alex , Lee Jamie , Xiong Jian , Tasch Michael , Saveria Tracy , Doughty David , Marshall Jacob , Carrieri Damian , Goetsch Lauren , Dang Jason , Sanjaya Nathaniel , Fletcher David , Martinez Anissa , Kadis Bryce , Sigmar Kristjan , Afreen Esha , Nguyen Tammy , Randolph Amanda , Taber Alexandria , Krzeszowski Ashley , Robinett Brittney , Volkin David B. , Grassi Fabio , Guerrant Richard , Takeuchi Ryo , Finrow Brian , Behnke Craig , Roberts James
Published: March 2022

The use of the edible photosynthetic cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis (spirulina) as a biomanufacturing platform has been limited by a lack of genetic tools. Here we report genetic engineering methods for stable, high-level expression of bioactive proteins in spirulina, including large-scale, indoor cultivation and downstream processing methods. Following targeted integration of exogenous genes into the spirulina chromosome (chr), encoded protein biopharmaceuticals can represent as much as 15% of total biomass, require no purification before oral delivery and are stable without refrigeration and protected during gastric transit when encapsulated within dry spirulina. Oral delivery of a spirulina-expressed antibody targeting campylobacter—a major cause of infant mortality in the developing world—prevents disease in mice, and a phase 1 clinical trial demonstrated safety for human administration. Spirulina provides an advantageous system for the manufacture of orally delivered therapeutic proteins by combining the safety of a food-based production host with the accessible genetic manipulation and high productivity of microbial platforms.
DaXi—high-resolution, large imaging volume and multi-view single-objective light-sheet microscopy
Authors: Yang Bin , Lange Merlin , Millett-Sikking Alfred , Zhao Xiang , Bragantini Jordão , VijayKumar Shruthi , Kamb Mason , Gómez-Sjöberg Rafael , Solak Ahmet Can , Wang Wanpeng , Kobayashi Hirofumi , McCarroll Matthew N. , Whitehead Lachlan W. , Fiolka Reto P. , Kornberg Thomas B. , York Andrew G. , Royer Loic A.
Published: March 2022

The promise of single-objective light-sheet microscopy is to combine the convenience of standard single-objective microscopes with the speed, coverage, resolution and gentleness of light-sheet microscopes. We present DaXi, a single-objective light-sheet microscope design based on oblique plane illumination that achieves: (1) a wider field of view and high-resolution imaging via a custom remote focusing objective; (2) fast volumetric imaging over larger volumes without compromising image quality or necessitating tiled acquisition; (3) fuller image coverage for large samples via multi-view imaging and (4) higher throughput multi-well imaging via remote coverslip placement. Our instrument achieves a resolution of 450 nm laterally and 2 μm axially over an imaging volume of 3,000 × 800 × 300 μm. We demonstrate the speed, field of view, resolution and versatility of our instrument by imaging various systems, including Drosophila egg chamber development, zebrafish whole-brain activity and zebrafish embryonic development – up to nine embryos at a time.
Analysis of metabolic dynamics during drought stress in Arabidopsis plants
Authors: Lozano-Elena Fidel , Fàbregas Norma , Coleto-Alcudia Veredas , Caño-Delgado Ana I.
Published: March 2022

Drought is a major cause of agricultural losses worldwide. Climate change will intensify drought episodes threatening agricultural sustainability. Gaining insights into drought response mechanisms is vital for crop adaptation to climate emergency. To date, only few studies report comprehensive analyses of plant metabolic adaptation to drought. Here, we present a multifactorial metabolomic study of early-mid drought stages in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. We sampled root and shoot tissues of plants subjected to water withholding over a six-day time course, including brassinosteroids receptor mutants previously reported to show drought tolerance phenotypes. Furthermore, we sequenced the root transcriptome at basal and after 5 days drought, allowing direct correlation between metabolic and transcriptomic changes and the multi-omics integration. Significant abiotic stress signatures were already activated at basal conditions in a vascular-specific receptor overexpression (BRL3ox). These were also rapidly mobilized under drought, revealing a systemic adaptation strategy driven from inner tissues of the plant. Overall, this dataset provides a significant asset to study drought metabolic adaptation and allows its analysis from multiple perspectives.
Earlier snowmelt may lead to late season declines in plant productivity and carbon sequestration in Arctic tundra ecosystems
Authors: Zona Donatella , Lafleur Peter M. , Hufkens Koen , Bailey Barbara , Gioli Beniamino , Burba George , Goodrich Jordan P. , Liljedahl Anna K. , Euskirchen Eugénie S. , Watts Jennifer D. , Farina Mary , Kimball John S. , Heimann Martin , Göckede Mathias , Pallandt Martijn , Christensen Torben R. , Mastepanov Mikhail , López-Blanco Efrén , Jackowicz-Korczynski Marcin , Dolman Albertus J. , Marchesini Luca Belelli , Commane Roisin , Wofsy Steven C. , Miller Charles E. , Lipson David A. , Hashemi Josh , Arndt Kyle A. , Kutzbach Lars , Holl David , Boike Julia , Wille Christian , Sachs Torsten , Kalhori Aram , Song Xia , Xu Xiaofeng , Humphreys Elyn R. , Koven Charles D. , Sonnentag Oliver , Meyer Gesa , Gosselin Gabriel H. , Marsh Philip , Oechel Walter C.
Published: March 2022

Arctic warming is affecting snow cover and soil hydrology, with consequences for carbon sequestration in tundra ecosystems. The scarcity of observations in the Arctic has limited our understanding of the impact of covarying environmental drivers on the carbon balance of tundra ecosystems. In this study, we address some of these uncertainties through a novel record of 119 site-years of summer data from eddy covariance towers representing dominant tundra vegetation types located on continuous permafrost in the Arctic. Here we found that earlier snowmelt was associated with more tundra net CO2sequestration and higher gross primary productivity (GPP) only in June and July, but with lower net carbon sequestration and lower GPP in August. Although higher evapotranspiration (ET) can result in soil drying with the progression of the summer, we did not find significantly lower soil moisture with earlier snowmelt, nor evidence that water stress affected GPP in the late growing season. Our results suggest that the expected increased CO2sequestration arising from Arctic warming and the associated increase in growing season length may not materialize if tundra ecosystems are not able to continue sequestering CO2later in the season.
Coupling antecedent rainfall for improving the performance of rainfall thresholds for suspended sediment simulation of semiarid catchments
Authors: Yin Zhaorui , Qin Guanghua , Guo Li , Tang Xuan , Wang Jinxing , Li Hongxia
Published: March 2022

Suspended sediment transport is one of the essential processes in the geochemical cycle. This study investigated the role of rainfall thresholds in suspended sediment modeling in semiarid catchments. The results showed that rainfall-sediment in the study catchment (HMTC) could be grouped into two patterns on the basis of rainfall threshold 10 mm. The sediment modeling based on LSTM model with the rainfall threshold (C-LSTM scheme) and without threshold (LSTM scheme) were evaluated and compared. The results showed that the C-LSTM scheme had much better performances than LSTM scheme, especially for the low sediment conditions. It was observed that in the study catchment, the mean NSE was marginally improved from 0.925 to 0.934 for calibration and 0.911 to 0.924 for validation for medium and high sediment (Pattern 1); while for low sediment (Pattern 2), the mean NSE was significantly improved from -0.375 to 0.738 for calibration and 0.171 to 0.797 for validation. Results of this study indicated rainfall thresholds were very effective in improving suspended sediment simulation. It was suggested that the incorporation of more information such as rainfall intensity, land use, and land cover may lead to further improvement of sediment prediction in the future.
Bioconversion of chitin waste through Stenotrophomonas maltophilia for production of chitin derivatives as a Seabass enrichment diet
Authors: Subramanian Kumaran , Balaraman Deivasigamani , Panangal Mani , Nageswara Rao Tentu , Perumal Elumalai , R Amutha , Kumarappan Alagappan , Sampath Renuga Pugazhvendan , Arumugam Suresh , Thirunavukkarasu Rajasekar , Aruni Wilson , Yousef AlOmar Suliman
Published: March 2022

Marine wastes pose a great threat to the ecosystem leading to severe environmental hazards and health issues particularly the shellfish wastes. The shellfish waste which contains half of the amount of chitin can be efficiently transformed into useful products. Various approaches for the hydrolysis of chitin like physical, chemical, and enzymatic processes are there. Still, the use of enzyme chitinase is well documented as an effective and eco-friendly method. The present study summarizes the isolation of chitinase enzyme producing bacteria from different shrimp waste disposal sites in Parangipettai (India), and the possible use of an enzyme hydrolyzate as an immunostimulant to Asian Seabass (Lates calcarifer). The potential chitinase-producing bacteria were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing as Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. After purification, the chitinase specific activity was 5.01 (U/ml) and the protein content was 72 mg and the recovery rate was 48.06%. The optimum pH and temperature for the chitinolytic activity were 6.5 and at 35–50 °C, respectively. The animal experiment trial was done with our feed supplements which included 0.0 (control), 0.5%, 1% and 2% of chitin degraded product. All the supplementary feed had an optimal 42% (w/w) of crude protein. The feed protein level was 41–43% on average and gross energy was 13–17 kcal/g and the feed was observed to exhibit a significantly higher (p < 0.05) survival rate, condition factor, specific growth rates, and body weight gain was also found to be promising compared to other fishes fed with control diet only. The red blood cells (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts were found to increase significantly after being challenged with infection in animals fed with chitin derivatives from 1st week to 3rd week when compared to the control. The hematocrit (Hct) values were low on the 2nd and 3rd week in infected fish fed with chitin derivatives. This low level was due to infection lyses of the red blood cells and increased nitro blue tetrazolium reduction. The control diet-fed fish showed 70% mortality but the chitin derivative supplemented fishes showed only 20% mortality post-infection. The results of the study encompass that the use of chitin-derivate enriched feed further is taken into large-scale approaches thereby benefitting the aquaculture sector.
Mathematical method for physics-based rill erosion process using detachment and transport capacities
Authors: Ban Y. Y. , Lei T. W.
Published: March 2022

Quantification of rill erosion processes is of great importance in both model parameter estimations for process-based rill erosion models and in model performance verification. This study presents a mathematical method to determine a physics-based rill erosion process derived from the feedback relationship of transport capacity and detachment capacity. Experimental data sets were used to determine transport capacities under steep slope gradients of 15°, 20°, and 25° and the detachment capacities. The estimated transport and detachment capacities were then used to determine the sediment delivery processes under different hydraulic regimes. The sediment concentrations along the rill determined with the mathematical method were compared with the experimental measurements to verify the methodology and the mathematics. Results showed that the mathematical model results agreed well with the experimental data in references. The predicted detachment capacity calculated by the new method was capable of predicting saturated, unsaturated, and thawed slope, but incapable of partially thawed soil. This study not only supports the analytical solution to the differential equation of rill erosion, but also verifies that the experimental method was fit well with the mathematical concept. The new method provides a useful and efficient way to quantify rill erosion processes.
Effect of air pollution on age at menarche in polish females, born 1993–1998
Authors: Wronka Iwona , Kliś Katarzyna
Published: March 2022

The aim of the study was to analyse the association between the degree of air pollution (suspended particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, benzopyrene levels) in the location of residence during childhood and adolescence and the age at menarche. The research was carried out in the period from 2015 to 2018 in Poland. Anthropometric measurements were performed, and questionnaire data were collected from 1,257 women, aged 19–25 years. The average levels of subjects’ exposure to analysed air pollutants, i.e., particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, nitric oxide and benzene during childhood-adolescence was assessed from the data acquired by the Polish Chief Inspectorate for Environmental Protection. Negative relationships between age at menarche and suspended particulate matter as well as nitrogen levels were found. A similar trend was observed in an analysis of the relationship between age at menarche and the complex air pollution index. The tendency for age at menarche to decrease together with worsening air quality was also visible after adjusted for socioeconomic status. Girls exposed to high suspended particulate matter levels were characterised by higher risk of early age at menarche. High levels of air pollution are related to younger age at menarche and the risk of the menstruation onset below 11 years.
Bio-behavioral synchrony is a potential mechanism for mate selection in humans
Authors: Zeevi Lior , klein Selle Nathalie , Kellmann Eva Ludmilla , Boiman Gal , Hart Yuval , Atzil Shir
Published: March 2022

The decision with whom to form a romantic bond is of great importance, yet the biological or behavioral mechanisms underlying this selective process in humans are largely unknown. Classic evolutionary theories of mate selection emphasize immediate and static features such as physical appearance and fertility. However, they do not explain how initial attraction temporally unfolds during an interaction, nor account for mutual physiological or behavioral adaptations that take place when two people become attracted. Instead, recent theories on social bonding emphasize the importance of co-regulation during social interactions (i.e., the social coordination of physiology and behavior between partners), and predict that co-regulation plays a role in bonding with others. In a speed-date experiment of forty-six heterosexual dates, we recorded the naturally occurring patterns of electrodermal activity and behavioral motion in men and women, and calculated their co-regulation during the date. We demonstrate that co-regulation of behavior and physiology is associated with the date outcome: when a man and a woman synchronize their electrodermal activity and dynamically tune their behavior to one another, they are more likely to be romantically and sexually attracted to one another. This study supports the hypothesis that co-regulation of sympathetic and behavioral rhythms between a man and a woman serves as a mechanism that promotes attraction.
Shear stress switches the association of endothelial enhancers from ETV/ETS to KLF transcription factor binding sites
Authors: Tsaryk Roman , Yucel Nora , Leonard Elvin V. , Diaz Noelia , Bondareva Olga , Odenthal-Schnittler Maria , Arany Zoltan , Vaquerizas Juan M. , Schnittler Hans , Siekmann Arndt F.
Published: March 2022

Endothelial cells (ECs) lining blood vessels are exposed to mechanical forces, such as shear stress. These forces control many aspects of EC biology, including vascular tone, cell migration and proliferation. Despite a good understanding of the genes responding to shear stress, our insight into the transcriptional regulation of these genes is much more limited. Here, we set out to study alterations in the chromatin landscape of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) exposed to laminar shear stress. To do so, we performed ChIP-Seq for H3K27 acetylation, indicative of active enhancer elements and ATAC-Seq to mark regions of open chromatin in addition to RNA-Seq on HUVEC exposed to 6 h of laminar shear stress. Our results show a correlation of gained and lost enhancers with up and downregulated genes, respectively. DNA motif analysis revealed an over-representation of KLF transcription factor (TF) binding sites in gained enhancers, while lost enhancers contained more ETV/ETS motifs. We validated a subset of flow responsive enhancers using luciferase-based reporter constructs and CRISPR-Cas9 mediated genome editing. Lastly, we characterized the shear stress response in ECs of zebrafish embryos using RNA-Seq. Our results lay the groundwork for the exploration of shear stress responsive elements in controlling EC biology.
Four-limb wireless IMU sensor system for automatic gait detection in canines
Authors: Zhang Xiqiao , Jenkins Gregory J. , Hakim Chady H. , Duan Dongsheng , Yao Gang
Published: March 2022

This study aims to develop a 4-limb canine gait analysis system using wireless inertial measurement units (IMUs). 3D printed sensor holders were designed to ensure quick and consistent sensor mounting. Signal analysis algorithms were developed to automatically determine the timing of swing start and end in a stride. To evaluate the accuracy of the new system, a synchronized study was conducted in which stride parameters in four dogs were measured simultaneously using the 4-limb IMU system and a pressure-sensor based walkway gait system. The results showed that stride parameters measured in both systems were highly correlated. Bland–Altman analyses revealed a nominal mean measurement bias between the two systems in both forelimbs and hindlimbs. Overall, the disagreement between the two systems was less than 10% of the mean value in over 92% of the data points acquired from forelimbs. The same performance was observed in hindlimbs except for one parameter due to small mean values. We demonstrated that this 4-limb system could successfully visualize the overall gait types and identify rapid gait changes in dogs. This method provides an effective, low-cost tool for gait studies in veterinary applications or in translational studies using dog models of neuromuscular diseases.
Spectral characterisation of ventricular intracardiac potentials in human post-ischaemic bipolar electrograms
Authors: Baldazzi Giulia , Orrù Marco , Solinas Giuliana , Matraxia Mirko , Viola Graziana , Pani Danilo
Published: March 2022

Abnormal ventricular potentials (AVPs) are frequently referred to as high-frequency deflections in intracardiac electrograms (EGMs). However, no scientific study performed a deep spectral characterisation of AVPs and physiological potentials in real bipolar intracardiac recordings across the entire frequency range imposed by their sampling frequency. In this work, the power contributions of post-ischaemic physiological potentials and AVPs, along with some spectral features, were evaluated in the frequency domain and then statistically compared to highlight specific spectral signatures for these signals. To this end, 450 bipolar EGMs from seven patients affected by post-ischaemic ventricular tachycardia were retrospectively annotated by an experienced cardiologist. Given the high variability of the morphologies observed, three different sub-classes of AVPs and two sub-categories of post-ischaemic physiological potentials were considered. All signals were acquired by the CARTO® 3 system during substrate-guided catheter ablation procedures. Our findings indicated that the main frequency contributions of physiological and pathological post-ischaemic EGMs are found below 320 Hz. Statistical analyses showed that, when biases due to the signal amplitude influence are eliminated, not only physiological potentials show greater contributions below 20 Hz whereas AVPs demonstrate higher spectral contributions above ~ 40 Hz, but several finer differences may be observed between the different AVP types.
Mutually guided light and particle beam propagation
Authors: Castillo Andres M. , Kumar Prabhat , Limbach Christopher M. , Hara Kentaro
Published: March 2022

The polarizability of atoms and molecules gives rise to optical forces that trap particles and a refractive index that guides light beams, potentially leading to a self-guided laser and particle beam propagation. In this paper, the mutual interactions between an expanding particle beam and a diffracting light beam are investigated using an axisymmetric particle-light coupled simulation. The nonlinear coupling between particles and photons is dependent on the particle beam radius, particle density, particle velocity and temperature, polarizability, light beam waist, light frequency (with respect to the resonance frequency), and light intensity. The computational results show that the maximum propagation distance is achieved when the waveguiding effect is optimized to single-mode operation. The application of the coupled beam propagation as a space propulsion system is discussed.
Climate vulnerability assessment of key fishery resources in the Northern Humboldt Current System
Authors: Ramos Jorge E. , Tam Jorge , Aramayo Víctor , Briceño Felipe A. , Bandin Ricardo , Buitron Betsy , Cuba Antonio , Fernandez Ernesto , Flores-Valiente Jorge , Gomez Emperatriz , Jara Hans J. , Ñiquen Miguel , Rujel Jesús , Salazar Carlos M. , Sanjinez Maria , León Rafael I. , Nelson Mark , Gutiérrez Dimitri , Pecl Gretta T.
Published: March 2022

The Northern Humboldt Current System sustains one of the most productive fisheries in the world. However, climate change is anticipated to negatively affect fish production in this region over the next few decades, and detailed analyses for many fishery resources are unavailable. We implemented a trait-based Climate Vulnerability Assessment based on expert elicitation to estimate the relative vulnerability of 28 fishery resources (benthic, demersal, and pelagic) to the impacts of climate change by 2055; ten exposure factors (e.g., temperature, salinity, pH, chlorophyll) and 13 sensitivity attributes (biological and population-level traits) were used. Nearly 36% of the species assessed had “high” or “very high” vulnerability. Benthic species were ranked the most vulnerable (gastropod and bivalve species). The pelagic group was the second most vulnerable; the Pacific chub mackerel and the yellowfin tuna were amongst the most vulnerable pelagic species. The demersal group had the relatively lowest vulnerability. This study allowed identification of vulnerable fishery resources, research and monitoring priorities, and identification of the key exposure factors and sensitivity attributes which are driving that vulnerability. Our findings can help fishery managers incorporate climate change into harvest level and allocation decisions, and assist stakeholders plan for and adapt to a changing future.
Identification of neurodevelopmental transition patterns from infancy to early childhood and risk factors predicting descending transition
Authors: Kato Takeo , Nishimura Tomoko , Takahashi Nagahide , Harada Taeko , Okumura Akemi , Iwabuchi Toshiki , Nomura Yoko , Senju Atsushi , Tsuchiya Kenji J. , Takei Nori
Published: March 2022

It is unclear whether neurodevelopmental progress from infancy to early childhood remains stable. Moreover, little is known about the risk factors, if any, affecting neurodevelopmental descending transition patterns and the relationship between these patterns and later childhood adaptive behaviours. We used data of 875 children from the Hamamatsu Birth Cohort Study in Japan. Children’s neurodevelopment at 18 and 32 months and adaptive behaviours at 40 months were evaluated. Perinatal factors and infant overweight status at 18 months were investigated to identify descending-transition-associated risk factors. In the latent transition analysis, ultimately, three classes were identified for each time-point, resulting in nine transition patterns; among them, 10.4% of children showed descending class shifts (normal to delayed class). Such decelerated growth was predicted by maternal pre-pregnancy overweight status (odds ratio [OR] 2.49; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23, 5.02), low maternal educational history (OR 1.20; 95% CI 1.04, 1.36), and infant overweight status at 18 months (OR 5.89; 95% CI 1.26, 27.45). Children with descending transition showed poor functioning in adaptive behaviours at the age of 40 months. To prevent subsequent poor adaptive functioning, it may be necessary to consider that a certain percentage of children show decelerated growth.
Metabarcoding analysis of the soil fungal community to aid the conservation of underexplored church forests in Ethiopia
Authors: Alem Demelash , Dejene Tatek , Geml József , Oria-de-Rueda Juan Andrés , Martín-Pinto Pablo
Published: March 2022

Most of the Dry Afromontane forests in the northern part of Ethiopia are located around church territories and, hence, are called church forests. These forests are biodiversity islands and provide key ecosystem services to local communities. A previous study of church forest fungal species was based on sporocarp collections. However, to obtain a complete picture of the fungal community, the total fungal community present in the soil needs to be analyzed. This information is important to integrate church forests into global biodiversity conservation strategies and to understand what actions are required to conserve church forests and their biological components, including fungi, which are known for their exceptionally high diversity levels. We assessed soil fungal communities in three church forests using ITS2 rDNA metabarcoding. In total, 5152 fungal operational taxonomic units representing 16 fungal phyla were identified. Saprotrophs followed by ectomycorrhizal fungi and animal pathogens dominated fungal communities. Significant differences in diversity and richness were observed between forests. Non-metric multidimensional scaling confirmed that fungal community composition differed in each forest. The composition was influenced by climatic, edaphic, vegetation, and spatial variables. Linear relationships were found between tree basal area and the abundance of total fungi and trophic groups. Forest management strategies that consider cover, tree density, enrichment plantations of indigenous host tree species, and environmental factors would offer suitable habitats for fungal diversity, production, and function in these forest systems. The application of the baseline information obtained in this study could assist other countries with similar forest conservation issues due to deforestation and forest fragmentation.
Dynamic alterations in the lung microbiota in a rat model of lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury
Authors: Tian Zhigang , Wu Enqi , You Jia , Ma Gang , Jiang Shenzhen , Liu Yuanyuan , Hou Jia , Hou Sihan , Ling Yaqin , Pei Lingpeng , Zheng Xiwei
Published: March 2022

The lung microbiota have been found to be substantially altered in numerous pulmonary disorders, and crosstalk between the host pathophysiology and lung microbiota plays critical roles in the regulation of disease states. The aim of this study was to investigate dynamic changes in the lung microbiota during different stages of acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS). Rats receiving an intraperitoneal administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were sacrificed at 12 and 48 h after injection, and the hematological parameters, serum cytokine levels, and histological characteristics of the lung tissue and lung microbiota were assessed. After LPS injection, along with fluctuations of systemic cytokine levels and the onset and regression of pulmonary edema, the diversity, components, and functionalities of the pulmonary microbiota underwent significant dynamic changes. The volatility of the α-diversity indices narrowed after LPS injection, and the indices significantly decreased 48 h later. The abundance of 18 genera and functionality of adenosine triphosphate–binding cassette (ABC) transporters, pentose phosphate, and bacterial chemotaxis pathways were found to significantly differ between specified time points. Several significant correlations between the components and functionalities of the lung microbiota and indicative symptoms of ALI/ARDS were also observed. Brevibacterium was correlated with cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-10, and IL-6 and with hematological percentage of neutrophils (NEU%); Wnt, Notch, and chronic myeloid leukemia signaling pathways were correlated with IL-1β; mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway–yeast was correlated with IL-10; and the pathways of ascorbate and aldarate metabolism and basal transcription factors were correlated with platelet-related indicators. The correlations between the lung microbiota and indicative symptoms of ALI/ARDS identified in this study support further investigation into the underlying mechanism of host–microbiota interactions during lung injury and repair.
Impact of underweight on 3-year all-cause mortality in patients with acute severe hypertension: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kim Hyun-Jin , Kim Byung Sik , Lee Jun Hyeok , Shin Jeong-Hun
Published: March 2022

Body mass index (BMI) is used to measure body fat. We investigated the association between BMI and long-term clinical outcomes in patients with acute severe hypertension who visited the emergency department (ED). Cross-sectional study data were obtained from a single regional emergency medical center, including patients with elevated initial systolic blood pressure ≥ 180 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 100 mmHg. The patients were classified into five groups according to BMI level (underweight, normal, overweight, obese class I, II and III). Among 4867 patients who presented with acute severe hypertension at the ED, 935 (19.21%) died within 3-years. In particular, 140 (44.59%) patients in the underweight group died from any cause, which was the highest among the five groups, and there was a reverse J-shaped association between BMI and 3-year all-cause mortality. Underweight patients had a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality by 1.55-fold during the 3-year follow-up. Rather, obesity was associated with a reduction in the 3-year all-cause mortality. Comorbidities, including chronic kidney disease and acute hypertension-mediated organ damage, were independent predictors of all-cause mortality in patients who were not underweight. Underweight contributes to worsening long-term clinical outcomes in patients with acute severe hypertension. Clinicians should consider BMI as one of the physical examination parameters in patients with acute severe hypertension, and management including lifestyle modifications such as diet control and exercise should be undertaken considering BMI and comorbidities.
Photogenerated cathodic protection properties of Ag/NiS/TiO2 nanocomposites
Authors: Wang Ning , Wang Jing , Ning Yanli , Ge Chengyue , Hou Baorong , Zhao Qianyu , Hu Yiteng
Published: March 2022

TiO2 is a semiconductor material used in photoelectric conversion. In order to improve its light utilization rate, nickel sulfide and silver nanoparticles were synthesized on the surface of titanium dioxide nanowires by simple impregnation-deposition and photoreduction methods. A series of studies were conducted on the cathodic protection effect of Ag/NiS/TiO2 nanocomposites on 304 stainless steel, with additional analyses on the material’s morphology, composition, and light absorption characteristics. The results indicate that when the number of nickel sulfide impregnation-deposition cycles is 6, and the silver nitrate photoreduction concentration is 0.1 M, the prepared Ag/NiS/TiO2 nanocomposites can provide the best cathodic protection for 304 stainless steel.
Techno-economic analysis of rooftop solar power plant implementation and policy on mosques: an Indonesian case study
Authors: Suparwoko  , Qamar Fadhil Ahmad
Published: March 2022

Indonesia is pushing the implementation of renewable energy to meet its climate action target. Solar energy is abundant, and its utilization is prioritized, including rooftop solar power plant (RSPP). This research presents a techno-economic analysis of an RSPP installed in a mosque in Ngombol subdistrict, Purworejo district, Central Java, Indonesia. This article also introduces and explains the regulation of RSPP and electricity tariffs in Indonesia, which define the economics of RSPP. This study employs an operational and financial model to analyze RSPP in five scenarios. The RSPP design objective is to reduce the annual energy usage of the mosque and yield the highest Net Present Value (NPV). According to the result, RSPP at all configurations based on the type and number of panels yield negative NPVs at the current electricity tariff, costs of components, and regulations implemented concerning RSPP. Proposed policy adjustment modeled through different scenarios provide benefit to some extent, limited by other policies. Hence, a combination of different policy adjustments may be required to achieve the most optimal condition for RSPP implementation on the mosque rooftop. This study could help policymakers to understand the possible directions of policy design for faster PV implementation.
Engineering MoSe2/MoS2 heterojunction traps in 2D transistors for multilevel memory, multiscale display, and synaptic functions
Authors: Jeong Yeonsu , Lee Han Joo , Park Junkyu , Lee Sol , Jin Hye-Jin , Park Sam , Cho Hyunmin , Hong Sungjae , Kim Taewook , Kim Kwanpyo , Choi Shinhyun , Im Seongil
Published: March 2022

We study a low voltage short pulse operating multilevel memory based on van der Waals heterostack (HS) n-MoSe2/n-MoS2 channel field-effect transistors (FETs). Our HS memory FET exploited the gate voltage (VGS)-induced trapping/de-trapping phenomena for Program/Erase functioning, which was maintained for long retention times owing to the existence of heterojunction energy barrier between MoS2 and MoSe2. More interestingly, trapped electron density was incrementally modulated by the magnitude or cycles of a pulsed VGS, enabling the HS device to achieve multilevel long-term memory. For a practical demonstration, five different levels of drain current were visualized with multiscale light emissions after our memory FET was integrated into an organic light-emitting diode pixel circuit. In addition, our device was applied to a synapse-imitating neuromorphic memory in an artificial neural network. We regard our unique HS channel FET to be an interesting and promising electron device undertaking multifunctional operations related to the upcoming fourth industrial revolution era.
Post-doping induced morphology evolution boosts Mn2+ luminescence in the Cs2NaBiCl6:Mn2+ phosphor
Authors: Fang Shuangqiang , Wang Ting , He Shuangshuang , Han Tao , Cai Mingsheng , Liu Bitao , Korepanov Vladimir I. , Lang Tianchun
Published: March 2022

Post-doping induced morphology evolution boosts Mn2+ luminescence in the Cs2NaBiCl6:Mn2+ phosphor.
Preparation and characterization of photopolymerized poly(l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone-co-N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) network as anti-biofouling materials
Authors: Zuo Shuyin , Lan Xiaorong , Wang Yong , Li Sai , Tang Zhonglan , Wang Yunbing
Published: March 2022

The poly(l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone-co-N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) network formed by UV curing could resist the adhesion of L929 fibroblasts, platelets and bacteria. It could be used in the field of customized biomaterials with biological anti-fouling.
Mn(ii) sub-nanometric site stabilization in noble, N-doped carbonaceous materials for electrochemical CO2 reduction
Authors: Kossmann Janina , Sánchez-Manjavacas Maria Luz Ortiz , Brandt Jessica , Heil Tobias , López-Salas Nieves , Albero Josep
Published: March 2022

The reported N-doped noble carbonaceous support provides strong stabilization of Mn(ii) sub-nanometric active sites as well as a convenient coordination environment to produce CO, HCOOH and CH3COOH from electrochemical CO2 reduction.
Axially chiral 1,1′-bicarbazolyls with near-ultraviolet circularly polarized luminescence
Authors: Shikita So , Harada Takunori , Yasuda Takuma
Published: March 2022

A novel family of circularly polarized luminescence materials featuring axially chiral 1,1′-bicarbazolyls was developed, and their photophysical and chiroptical properties were investigated.
Counterdiffusion-in-gel growth of high optical and crystal quality MAPbX3 (MA = CH3NH3+, X = I−, Br−) lead-halide perovskite single crystals
Authors: Selivanov Nikita I. , Murzin Aleksei O. , Yudin Vsevolod I. , Kapitonov Yury V. , Emeline Alexei V.
Published: March 2022

Halide perovskites are promising semiconductor materials for optoelectronics.
Two step activation of Ru-PN3P pincer catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation
Authors: Tossaint Alex S. , Rebreyend Christophe , Sinha Vivek , Weber Manuela , Canossa Stefano , Pidko Evgeny A. , Filonenko Georgy A.
Published: March 2022

Activation of homogeneous catalysts is crucial for their operation. We describe the consecutive double activation of Ru pincer catalyst required to trigger its catalytic activity.
Field-induced rheological characterization of nano/micro-scaled suspensions based on a multi-peak fitting method
Authors: Ming Yang , Huang Xiangming , Zhou Dongdong , Ren Yinghui
Published: March 2022

A constitutive equation for field rheology of multiscale dispersed systems.
A three-dimensional flower-like Mn–Ni–Co–O microstructure as a high-performance electrocatalyst for the methanol oxidation reaction
Authors: Jin Dan , Li Zhen , Ma Tingting , Wang Zhenghua
Published: March 2022

A Mn–Ni–Co–O ternary metal oxide with a unique 3D microstructure shows high electrocatalytic activity and stability towards methanol electrooxidation.
Electrophilic amidomethylation of arenes with DMSO/MeCN reagents
Authors: Zhang Hongliang , Wang Weijin , Wang Bingding , Tan Hui , Jiao Ning , Song Song
Published: March 2022

An efficient electrophilic amidomethylation of aromatics was described with DMSO as the CH2 source and nitrile as the nitrogen source.
A magnetic porous organic polymer: catalytic application in the synthesis of hybrid pyridines with indole, triazole and sulfonamide moieties
Authors: Torabi Morteza , Yarie Meysam , Zolfigol Mohammad Ali , Azizian Saeid , Gu Yanlong
Published: March 2022

General experimental procedure for the synthesis of hybrid pyridines using TMIPOP as catalyst.
Lanthanide-doped bismuth-based nanophosphors for ratiometric upconversion optical thermometry
Authors: Du Jun , Liu Jinliang , Chen Ying , Zhao Yuefeng , Li Yuhao , Miao Yuqing
Published: March 2022

Lanthanide-doped bismuth-based nanospheres can be rapidly synthesized within 1 minute for upconversion luminescence ratiometric temperature detection.
Iodine(i) complexes incorporating sterically bulky 2-substituted pyridines
Authors: Ward Jas S. , Gomila Rosa M. , Frontera Antonio , Rissanen Kari
Published: March 2022

The silver(i) and iodine(i) complexes of two sterically bulky 2-substituted pyridines, along with their potential protonated side products, were synthesised to investigate the steric limitations of iodine(i) ion formation.