bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics and Source Apportionment of the Vertical Distribution of Ozone at a Site of the Pearl River Delta Region of China
Authors: Wang Xinqi , Xiang Yan , Liu Wentao , Yun Long , Lv Lihui , Zhang Mingdi , Xu Junzheng , Fan Guangqiang , Ou Jinping , Wang Qiubu , Duan Danyang , Zhang Tianshu
Published: May 2021

Ozone pollution adversely affects human health. In recent years, ozone pollution has become an important research topic and a challenge. By combining differential absorption lidar (DIAL), meteorological gradient tower data, the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, and the backward trajectories model, changes in vertical ozone concentration, the influencing factors on ozone vertical distribution, and ozone sources were analyzed in Shenzhen from September 20 to 30, 2019. Results indicated that from September 25 to 30, there was obvious residual ozone and transport at night. The analysis of ozone concentration and meteorological factors shows that the temperatures of 291.3–301.8 K and the humidity of 19.4%–71.6% were conducive to ozone formation. As height increased from less than 0.1–0.3 km, the average ozone concentration increased, and the average NO2 concentration decreased. The analysis of potential ozone sources showed that ozone was mainly transported from the northeast of China and that the highest concentration of ozone mainly comes from southeast of Jiangxi province in southeastern China.
How Much Heat and Salt Are Transported Into the South China Sea by Mesoscale Eddies?
Authors: Yang Yikai , Zeng Lili , Wang Qiang
Published: May 2021

Eddy‐induced transport through the Luzon Strait critically affects the physical and biological properties of the South China Sea (SCS). The eddy‐induced volume, heat and salt transport are comprehensively evaluated based on the South China Sea Physical Oceanic Dataset (SCSPOD) observations. To avoid the bias involved in extreme eddy events, 76 shedding anticyclonic eddies, 46 shedding cyclonic eddies, 29 locally formed anticyclonic eddies and 40 locally formed cyclonic eddies from 1993 to 2018 are taken into account and merged into composites. The total annual intrusions of volume, heat and salt contributed by all four types of eddies are 0.77 Sv, 8.78 × 10−4 PW and 7.88 × 104 kg·s−1, respectively. The statistical analysis shows that annual eddy‐induced intrusion accounts for 11.3%–38.9% of the upper‐layer Luzon Strait transport, which highlights the non‐negligible role of eddies in water exchange through the Luzon Strait.
Predicting Geothermal Heat Flow in Antarctica With a Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Lösing M. , Ebbing J.
Published: May 2021

We present a machine learning approach to statistically derive geothermal heat flow (GHF) for Antarctica. The adopted approach estimates GHF from multiple geophysical and geological data sets, assuming that GHF is substantially related to the geodynamic setting of the plates. We apply a Gradient Boosted Regression Tree algorithm to find an optimal prediction model relating GHF to the observables. The geophysical and geological features are primarily global data sets, which are often unreliable in polar regions due to limited data coverage. Quality and reliability of the data sets are reviewed and discussed in line with the estimated GHF model. Predictions for Australia, where an extensive database of GHF measurements exists, demonstrate the validity of the approach. In Antarctica, only a sparse number of direct GHF measurements are available. Therefore, we explore the use of regional data sets of Antarctica and its tectonic Gondwana neighbors to refine the predictions. With this, we demonstrate the need for adding reliable data to the machine learning approach. Finally, we present a new geothermal heat flow map, which exhibits intermediate values compared to previous models, ranging from 35 to 156 mW/m2, and visible connections to the conjugate margins in Australia, Africa, and India.
Regional Trends in Southern Ocean Eddy Kinetic Energy
Authors: Zhang Yang , Chambers Don , Liang Xinfeng
Published: May 2021

Previous model‐based studies and observation‐based studies suggest that increasing wind energy input into the Southern Ocean will primarily cause increases in eddy kinetic energy (EKE) with no significant change in the mean circulation, a result that has been named the “eddy‐saturation” hypothesis. However, due to the sparsity of the available observations, quantifying and understanding regional EKE changes in the Southern Ocean is challenging. In this study, we examine regional trends in the Southern Ocean EKE using altimetry crossover measurements and an ocean reanalysis product to quantify if undersampling by altimetry will bias EKE trend estimates and to test if previously observed EKE trends are homogenous throughout the Southern Ocean or concentrated in a few regions. To verify that the EKE computed from altimetry crossovers accurately represents yearly averaged EKE over the Southern Ocean, we first conduct a sampling experiment with the HYCOM Global Ocean Forecasting System 3.1 ocean reanalysis. We find that the crossover sampling is sufficient to represent the yearly averaged EKE when averaged over sectors of at least 30° of longitude. We find no coherent increase in EKE over the entire Southern Ocean from altimetry crossover measurements, but instead find significant EKE increase over only one region, primarily south of New Zealand and downstream of the Campbell Plateau. We conclude that the EKE change in the Southern Ocean is not as homogenous as implied by previous studies and more work is needed to understand if this is consistent with the “eddy‐saturation” hypothesis or related more to local dynamics.
Economic Shock in a Climate Scenario and Its Impact on Surface Temperatures
Authors: Ran Qi , Lee Shao‐Yi , Moore John C. , Min Chao , Dong Wenjie
Published: May 2021

A socio‐economic crisis was added to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 (RCP8.5) scenario. This idealized climate scenario was simulated using the Community Earth System Model version 1.2.2 to determine the transient climate response to a two‐year reduction of anthropogenic emissions. Global and regional (Asian, North American and European) mean surface temperatures (MSTs) were significantly warmer than baseline for 5 years. This was followed by cooler‐than‐baseline MSTs lasting for about two decades until the end of the simulation. Emission reduction of only carbon dioxide (CO2) resulted in multi‐decadal cooler‐than‐baseline MSTs. Emission reduction of aerosols and aerosol precursors resulted in strong short‐term warmer‐than‐baseline MSTs for the first five years after the start of the crisis. This was followed by weaker multi‐decadal warmer‐than‐baseline MSTs. The greatest warming occurred over Europe. This could be explained by the inter‐scenario differences in the state of the North Atlantic Oscillation. However, global, Asian and North American MSTs were all warmer than baseline.
MMP8 increases tongue carcinoma cell–cell adhesion and diminishes migration via cleavage of anti-adhesive FXYD5
Authors: Juurikka K. , Dufour A. , Pehkonen K. , Mainoli B. , Campioni Rodrigues P. , Solis N. , Klein T. , Nyberg P. , Overall C. M. , Salo T. , Åström P.
Published: May 2021

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) modify bioactive factors via selective processing or degradation resulting in tumour-promoting or tumour-suppressive effects, such as those by MMP8 in various cancers. We mapped the substrates of MMP8 to elucidate its previously shown tumour-protective role in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC). MMP8 overexpressing (+) HSC-3 cells, previously demonstrated to have reduced migration and invasion, showed enhanced cell-cell adhesion. By analysing the secretomes of MMP8 + and control cells with terminal amine isotopic labelling of substrates (TAILS) coupled with liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), we identified 36 potential substrates of MMP8, including FXYD domain-containing ion transport regulator 5 (FXYD5). An anti-adhesive glycoprotein FXYD5 has been previously shown to predict poor survival in OTSCC. Cleavage of FXYD5 by MMP8 was confirmed using recombinant proteins. Furthermore, we detected a loss of FXYD5 levels on cell membrane of MMP8 + cells, which was rescued by inhibition of the proteolytic activity of MMP8. Silencing (si) FXYD5 increased the cell-cell adhesion of control but not that of MMP8 + cells. siFXYD5 diminished the viability and motility of HSC-3 cells independent of MMP8 and similar effects were seen in another tongue cancer cell line, SCC-25. FXYD5 is a novel substrate of MMP8 and reducing FXYD5 levels either with siRNA or cleavage by MMP8 increases cell adhesion leading to reduced motility. FXYD5 being a known prognostic factor in OTSCC, our findings strengthen its potential as a therapeutic target.
A core-shell structured COVID-19 mRNA vaccine with favorable biodistribution pattern and promising immunity
Authors: Yang Ren , Deng Yao , Huang Baoying , Huang Lei , Lin Ang , Li Yuhua , Wang Wenling , Liu Jingjing , Lu Shuaiyao , Zhan Zhenzhen , Wang Yufei , A Ruhan , Wang Wen , Niu Peihua , Zhao Li , Li Shiqiang , Ma Xiaopin , Zhang Luyao , Zhang Yujian , Yao Weiguo , Liang Xingjie , Zhao Jincun , Liu Zhongmin , Peng Xiaozhong , Li Hangwen , Tan Wenjie
Published: May 2021

Although inoculation of COVID-19 vaccines has rolled out globally, there is still a critical need for safe and effective vaccines to ensure fair and equitable supply for all countries. Here, we report on the development of a highly efficacious mRNA vaccine, SW0123 that is composed of sequence-modified mRNA encoding the full-length SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein packaged in core–shell structured lipopolyplex (LPP) nanoparticles. SW0123 is easy to produce using a large-scale microfluidics-based apparatus. The unique core–shell structured nanoparticle facilitates vaccine uptake and demonstrates a high colloidal stability, and a desirable biodistribution pattern with low liver targeting effect upon intramuscular administration. Extensive evaluations in mice and nonhuman primates revealed strong immunogenicity of SW0123, represented by induction of Th1-polarized T cell responses and high levels of antibodies that were capable of neutralizing not only the wild-type SARS-CoV-2, but also a panel of variants including D614G and N501Y variants. In addition, SW0123 conferred effective protection in both mice and non-human primates upon SARS-CoV-2 challenge. Taken together, SW0123 is a promising vaccine candidate that holds prospects for further evaluation in humans.
Design of synthetic human gut microbiome assembly and butyrate production
Authors: Clark Ryan L. , Connors Bryce M. , Stevenson David M. , Hromada Susan E. , Hamilton Joshua J. , Amador-Noguez Daniel , Venturelli Ophelia S.
Published: May 2021

The capability to design microbiomes with predictable functions would enable new technologies for applications in health, agriculture, and bioprocessing. Towards this goal, we develop a model-guided approach to design synthetic human gut microbiomes for production of the health-relevant metabolite butyrate. Our data-driven model quantifies microbial interactions impacting growth and butyrate production separately, providing key insights into ecological mechanisms driving butyrate production. We use our model to explore a vast community design space using a design-test-learn cycle to identify high butyrate-producing communities. Our model can accurately predict community assembly and butyrate production across a wide range of species richness. Guided by the model, we identify constraints on butyrate production by high species richness and key molecular factors driving butyrate production, including hydrogen sulfide, environmental pH, and resource competition. In sum, our model-guided approach provides a flexible and generalizable framework for understanding and accurately predicting community assembly and metabolic functions.
Advances in heterometallic ring-opening (co)polymerisation catalysis
Authors: Gruszka Weronika , Garden Jennifer A.
Published: May 2021

Truly sustainable plastics require renewable feedstocks coupled with efficient production and end-of-life degradation/recycling processes. Some of the most useful degradable materials are aliphatic polyesters, polycarbonates and polyamides, which are often prepared via ring-opening (co)polymerisation (RO(CO)P) using an organometallic catalyst. While there has been extensive research into ligand development, heterometallic cooperativity offers an equally promising yet underexplored strategy to improve catalyst performance, as heterometallic catalysts often exhibit significant activity and selectivity enhancements compared to their homometallic counterparts. This review describes advances in heterometallic RO(CO)P catalyst design, highlighting the overarching structure-activity trends and reactivity patterns to inform future catalyst design.
Aspiration dynamics generate robust predictions in heterogeneous populations
Authors: Zhou Lei , Wu Bin , Du Jinming , Wang Long
Published: May 2021

Update rules, which describe how individuals adjust their behavior over time, affect the outcome of social interactions. Theoretical studies have shown that evolutionary outcomes are sensitive to model details when update rules are imitation-based but are robust when update rules are self-evaluation based. However, studies of self-evaluation based rules have focused on homogeneous population structures where each individual has the same number of neighbors. Here, we consider heterogeneous population structures represented by weighted networks. Under weak selection, we analytically derive the condition for strategy success, which coincides with the classical condition of risk-dominance. This condition holds for all weighted networks and distributions of aspiration levels, and for individualized ways of self-evaluation. Our findings recover previous results as special cases and demonstrate the universality of the robustness property under self-evaluation based rules. Our work thus sheds light on the intrinsic difference between evolutionary dynamics under self-evaluation based and imitation-based update rules.
Cryptic genetic variation in a heat shock protein modifies the outcome of a mutation affecting epidermal stem cell development in C. elegans
Authors: Koneru Sneha L. , Hintze Mark , Katsanos Dimitris , Barkoulas Michalis
Published: May 2021

A fundamental question in medical genetics is how the genetic background modifies the phenotypic outcome of mutations. We address this question by focusing on the seam cells, which display stem cell properties in the epidermis ofCaenorhabditis elegans. We demonstrate that a putative null mutation in the GATA transcription factoregl-18, which is involved in seam cell fate maintenance, is more tolerated in the CB4856 isolate from Hawaii than the lab reference strain N2 from Bristol. We identify multiple quantitative trait loci (QTLs) underlying the difference in phenotype expressivity between the two isolates. These QTLs reveal cryptic genetic variation that reinforces seam cell fate through potentiating Wnt signalling. Within one QTL region, a single amino acid deletion in the heat shock protein HSP-110 in CB4856 is sufficient to modify Wnt signalling and seam cell development, highlighting that natural variation in conserved heat shock proteins can shape phenotype expressivity.
Impaired calcium signaling in astrocytes modulates autism spectrum disorder-like behaviors in mice
Authors: Wang Qian , Kong Ying , Wu Ding-Yu , Liu Ji-Hong , Jie Wei , You Qiang-Long , Huang Lang , Hu Jian , Chu Huai-De , Gao Feng , Hu Neng-Yuan , Luo Zhou-Cai , Li Xiao-Wen , Li Shu-Ji , Wu Zhao-Fa , Li Yu-Long , Yang Jian-Ming , Gao Tian-Ming
Published: May 2021

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder. The mechanisms underlying ASD are unclear. Astrocyte alterations are noted in ASD patients and animal models. However, whether astrocyte dysfunction is causal or consequential to ASD-like phenotypes in mice is unresolved. Type 2 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 6 receptors (IP3R2)-mediated Ca2+ release from intracellular Ca2+ stores results in the activation of astrocytes. Mutations of the IP3R2 gene are associated with ASD. Here, we show that both IP3R2-null mutant mice and astrocyte-specific IP3R2 conditional knockout mice display ASD-like behaviors, such as atypical social interaction and repetitive behavior. Furthermore, we show that astrocyte-derived ATP modulates ASD-like behavior through the P2X2 receptors in the prefrontal cortex and possibly through GABAergic synaptic transmission. These findings identify astrocyte-derived ATP as a potential molecular player in the pathophysiology of ASD.
Time series of useful energy consumption patterns for energy system modeling
Authors: Priesmann Jan , Nolting Lars , Kockel Christina , Praktiknjo Aaron
Published: May 2021

The analysis of energy scenarios for future energy systems requires appropriate data. However, while more or less detailed data on energy production is often available, appropriate data on energy consumption is often scarce. In our JERICHO-E-usage dataset, we provide comprehensive data on useful energy consumption patterns for heat, cold, mechanical energy, information and communication, and light in high spatial and temporal resolution. Furthermore, we distinguish between residential, industrial, commerce, and mobility consumers. For our dataset, we aggregate bottom-up data and disaggregate top-down data both to the NUTS2 level. The NUTS2 level serves as an interface to validate our combined method approach and the calculations. We combine a multitude of data sources such as weather time series, standard load profiles, census data, movement data, and employment figures to increase the scope, validity, and reproducibility for energy system modeling. The focus of our JERICHO-E-usage dataset on useful energy consumption might be of particular interest to researchers who analyze energy scenarios where renewable electricity is largely substituted for fossil fuel (sector coupling).
To drain or not to drain: the association between residual intraperitoneal gas and post-laparoscopic shoulder pain for laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Yang Shun-Chin , Chang Kuang-Yi , Wei Ling-Fang , Shyr Yi-Ming , Ho Chiu-Ming
Published: May 2021

Residual intra-peritoneal gas may be associated with post-laparoscopic shoulder pain (PLSP), which is a frequently and disturbance compliant after surgery. Herein, we aimed to examine whether expiring residual gas via a surgical drain reduces the frequency and intensity of PLSP in the first day after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. 448 participants were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. The incidence and severity of PLSP after surgery were recorded. Of these, the cumulative incidence of PLSP in the drain group was lower particularly at the 12th postoperative hour (18.3% vs. 27.6%;P = 0.022), 24th postoperative hour (28.8% vs. 38.1%;P = 0.039), and throughout the first postoperative day (P = 0.035). The drain group had less severe PLSP (crude Odds ratio, 0.66;P = .036). After adjustment using inverse probability of treatment weighting, the drain group also had a significant lower PLSP incidence (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.61,P < 0.001), and less severe PLSP (adjusted odds ratio = 0.56,P < 0.001). In conclusion, the maneuver about passive force to expel residual gas, surgical drain use, contributes to reduce the incidence and severity of PLSP, suggesting that to minimize residual gas at the end of surgery is useful to attenuate PLSP.
Therapeutic effects and prognostic factors of 125I brachytherapy for pelvic recurrence after early cervical cancer surgery
Authors: Wang Rui , Zhu Jinhu , Yang Shu , Chen Xiaoqin , Gu Cairu , Liang Tong , Li Ling , Liu Dan , Cao Yanqing
Published: May 2021

To investigate the efficacy of 125I seed implantation in the treatment regimen of pelvic recurrence after early cervical cancer surgery and to analyse prognostic factors. To evaluate efficacy and analyse prognostic factors of 125I seed implantation for pelvic recurrence after early cervical cancer surgery. A prospective study was conducted on 62 patients who experienced pelvic recurrence after early cervical cancer surgery between August 2005 and September 2015. The 62 patients were treated and assessed in 2 groups (n = 30). All 62 patients were randomized into two groups that received two different treatment regimens: the treatment group (n = 30), which received 125I particle implantation therapy, and the control group (n = 32), which received whole-pelvic irradiation using the anteroposterior/posteroanterior field and cisplatin-based concurrent chemoradiation therapy. The efficacy/efficiency of 125I seed implantation and prognostic factors were analysed by logistic regression. Overall survival was determined by Kaplan–Meier analysis. Multivariate analysis results were obtained by the Cox proportional hazards regression model. The effective control rates at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months were 76.7%, 80.0%, 83.3%, and 86.7% in the 125I particle implantation group. The total effective control rates at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months were 65.6%, 65.5%, 62.5%, and 71.9% in the chemoradiotherapy group. Significant differences were observed between the two groups. The overall survival rates at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years and the median overall were 96.7%, 93.3%, 86.7%, 71.9%, 65.6% and 4.34 years, respectively, in the 125I seed implantation group and 81.3%, 71.9%, 62.5%, 56.3%, 53.1% and 3.59 years, respectively, in the control group. There were statistically significant differences in survival rates depending on the diameter of the largest recurrent pelvic tumour (χ2 = 6.611, P = 0.010). The multivariate analysis showed that the survival rates were related to the diameter of the largest recurrent pelvic tumour (χ2 = 4.538, P = 0.033). 125I implantation is an effective, safe, and promising method for the treatment of pelvic recurrence after early cervical cancer surgery. The diameter of the recurrent pelvic tumour was identified as a significant independent prognostic factor in patients who received 125I implantation.
Assessing the solar variability signature in climate variables by information theory and wavelet coherence
Authors: Mares Ileana , Dobrica Venera , Mares Constantin , Demetrescu Crisan
Published: May 2021

The present study aims to investigate the possible influence of solar/geomagnetic forcing on climate variables, such as the drought index, Danube discharge and large-scale atmospheric indices. Our analysis was performed separately for each season for two time periods, 1901–2000 and 1948–2000. The relationship between terrestrial variables and external indices was established based on the application of (1) information theory elements, namely, synergy, redundancy, total correlation, transfer entropy and (2) wavelet coherence analysis. Bandpass filtering has also been applied. The most significant signature of the solar/geomagnetic forcing in the climate variables was obtained for the data smoothed by the bandpass filter. According to our results, significant solar/geomagnetic forcing appears in the terrestrial variables with a delay of 2–3 years.
A three-dimensional musculoskeletal model of the dog
Authors: Stark Heiko , Fischer Martin S. , Hunt Alexander , Young Fletcher , Quinn Roger , Andrada Emanuel
Published: May 2021

The domestic dog is interesting to investigate because of the wide range of body size, body mass, and physique in the many breeds. In the last several years, the number of clinical and biomechanical studies on dog locomotion has increased. However, the relationship between body structure and joint load during locomotion, as well as between joint load and degenerative diseases of the locomotor system (e.g. dysplasia), are not sufficiently understood. Collecting this data through in vivo measurements/records of joint forces and loads on deep/small muscles is complex, invasive, and sometimes unethical. The use of detailed musculoskeletal models may help fill the knowledge gap. We describe here the methods we used to create a detailed musculoskeletal model with 84 degrees of freedom and 134 muscles. Our model has three key-features: three-dimensionality, scalability, and modularity. We tested the validity of the model by identifying forelimb muscle synergies of a walking Beagle. We used inverse dynamics and static optimization to estimate muscle activations based on experimental data. We identified three muscle synergy groups by using hierarchical clustering. The activation patterns predicted from the model exhibit good agreement with experimental data for most of the forelimb muscles. We expect that our model will speed up the analysis of how body size, physique, agility, and disease influence neuronal control and joint loading in dog locomotion.
Digital dynamic discrimination of primary colorectal cancer using systemic indocyanine green with near-infrared endoscopy
Authors: Dalli Jeffrey , Loughman Eamon , Hardy Niall , Sarkar Anwesha , Khan Mohammad Faraz , Khokhar Haseeb A. , Huxel Paul , O’Shea Donal F. , Cahill Ronan A.
Published: May 2021

As indocyanine green (ICG) with near-infrared (NIR) endoscopy enhances real-time intraoperative tissue microperfusion appreciation, it may also dynamically reveal neoplasia distinctively from normal tissue especially with video software fluorescence analysis. Colorectal tumours of patients were imaged mucosally following ICG administration (0.25 mg/kg i.v.) using an endo-laparoscopic NIR system (PINPOINT Endoscopic Fluorescence System, Stryker) including immediate, continuous in situ visualization of rectal lesions transanally for up to 20 min. Spot and dynamic temporal fluorescence intensities (FI) were quantified using ImageJ (including videos at one frame/second, fps) and by a bespoke MATLAB® application that provided digitalized video tracking and signal logging at 30fps (Fluorescence Tracker App downloadable via MATLAB® file exchange). Statistical analysis of FI-time plots compared tumours (benign and malignant) against control during FI curve rise, peak and decline from apex. Early kinetic FI signal measurement delineated discriminative temporal signatures from tumours (n = 20, 9 cancers) offering rich data for analysis versus delayed spot measurement (n = 10 cancers). Malignant lesion dynamic curves peaked significantly later with a shallower gradient than normal tissue while benign lesions showed significantly greater and faster intensity drop from apex versus cancer. Automated tracker quantification efficiently expanded manual results and provided algorithmic KNN clustering. Photobleaching appeared clinically irrelevant. Analysis of a continuous stream of intraoperatively acquired early ICG fluorescence data can act as an in situ tumour-identifier with greater detail than later snapshot observation alone. Software quantification of such kinetic signatures may distinguish invasive from non-invasive neoplasia with potential for real-time in silico diagnosis.
An optogenetic method for investigating presynaptic molecular regulation
Authors: Kay Yuni , Herring Bruce E.
Published: May 2021

While efficient methods are well established for studying postsynaptic protein regulation of glutamatergic synapses in the mammalian central nervous system, similarly efficient methods are lacking for studying proteins regulating presynaptic function. In the present study, we introduce an optical/electrophysiological method for investigating presynaptic molecular regulation. Here, using an optogenetic approach, we selectively stimulate genetically modified presynaptic CA3 pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus and measure optically-induced excitatory postsynaptic currents produced in unmodified postsynaptic CA1 pyramidal neurons. While such use of optogenetics is not novel, previous implementation methods do not allow basic quantification of the changes in synaptic strength produced by genetic manipulations. We find that incorporating simultaneous recordings of fiber volley amplitude provides a control for optical stimulation intensity and, as a result, creates a metric of synaptic efficacy that can be compared across experimental conditions. In the present study, we utilize our new method to demonstrate that inhibition of synaptotagmin 1 expression in CA3 pyramidal neurons leads to a significant reduction in Schaffer collateral synapse function, an effect that is masked with conventional electrical stimulation. Our hope is that this method will expedite our understanding of molecular regulatory pathways that govern presynaptic function.
Effect of smartphone-based stress management programs on depression and anxiety of hospital nurses in Vietnam: a three-arm randomized controlled trial
Authors: Imamura Kotaro , Tran Thuy Thi Thu , Nguyen Huong Thanh , Sasaki Natsu , Kuribayashi Kazuto , Sakuraya Asuka , Bui Thu Minh , Nguyen Anh Quoc , Nguyen Quynh Thuy , Nguyen Nga Thi , Nguyen Kien Trung , Nguyen Giang Thi Huong , Tran Xuyen Thi Ngoc , Truong Tien Quang , Zhang Melvyn Weibin , Minas Harry , Sekiya Yuki , Watanabe Kazuhiro , Tsutsumi Akizumi , Kawakami Norito
Published: May 2021

There are growing concerns on stress among nurses in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in South-East Asia. It is important to improve mental health among nurses in these countries. The objective of this study was to examine the efficacy of two types of newly developed smartphone-based stress management programs in improving depressive and anxiety symptoms among hospital nurses in Vietnam. This study was a three-arm (including two intervention groups and one control group) randomized trial. Participants were recruited from nurses in a large general hospital in Hanoi, Vietnam. Two types (free-choice and fixed sequential order) of smartphone-based stress management programs were developed. Participants were randomly allocated to Program A (a free-choice, multimodule stress management), Program B (a fixed-order, internet cognitive behavioral therapy, iCBT), or a control group (treatment as usual). The depressive and anxiety symptoms were measured by using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales at baseline, 3-, and 7-month follow-up surveys. 951 participants were randomly allocated to each of the three groups. Program B showed a statistically significant effect on improving depressive symptoms at 3-month (p = 0.048), but not at 7-month (p = 0.92); Cohen’s d was − 0.18 (95% CI − 0.34 to − 0.02) and 0.03 (95% CI − 1.00 to 1.05), respectively. Program A failed to show a significant intervention effect on any of the outcomes at 3- or 7-month follow-up (p > 0.05). Despite the small effect size, the present fixed-order iCBT program seems effective in improving depression of hospital nurses in Vietnam. A public health impact of the intervention can be scalable, when considering its accessibility and minimal cost.

Trial registration number: The study protocol is registered at the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMINCTR; ID = UMIN000033139). Registered date of the protocol is 1st Jul. 2018. https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000037796
The dynamic impact behavior of the human neurocranium
Authors: Zwirner Johann , Ondruschka Benjamin , Scholze Mario , Workman Joshua , Thambyah Ashvin , Hammer Niels
Published: May 2021

Realistic biomechanical models of the human head should accurately reflect the mechanical properties of all neurocranial bones. Previous studies predominantly focused on static testing setups, males, restricted age ranges and scarcely investigated the temporal area. This given study determined the biomechanical properties of 64 human neurocranial samples (age range of 3 weeks to 94 years) using testing velocities of 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5 m/s in a three-point bending setup. Maximum forces were higher with increasing testing velocities (p ≤ 0.031) but bending strengths only revealed insignificant increases (p ≥ 0.052). The maximum force positively correlated with the sample thickness (p ≤ 0.012 at 2.0 m/s and 3.0 m/s) and bending strength negatively correlated with both age (p ≤ 0.041) and sample thickness (p ≤ 0.036). All parameters were independent of sex (p ≥ 0.120) apart from a higher bending strength of females (p = 0.040) for the 3.5 -m/s group. All parameters were independent of the post mortem interval (p ≥ 0.061). This study provides novel insights into the dynamic mechanical properties of distinct neurocranial bones over an age range spanning almost one century. It is concluded that the former are age-, site- and thickness-dependent, whereas sex dependence needs further investigation.
Neural networks for increased accuracy of allergenic pollen monitoring
Authors: Polling Marcel , Li Chen , Cao Lu , Verbeek Fons , de Weger Letty A. , Belmonte Jordina , De Linares Concepción , Willemse Joost , de Boer Hugo , Gravendeel Barbara
Published: May 2021

Monitoring of airborne pollen concentrations provides an important source of information for the globally increasing number of hay fever patients. Airborne pollen is traditionally counted under the microscope, but with the latest developments in image recognition methods, automating this process has become feasible. A challenge that persists, however, is that many pollen grains cannot be distinguished beyond the genus or family level using a microscope. Here, we assess the use of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to increase taxonomic accuracy for airborne pollen. As a case study we use the nettle family (Urticaceae), which contains two main genera (Urtica and Parietaria) common in European landscapes which pollen cannot be separated by trained specialists. While pollen from Urtica species has very low allergenic relevance, pollen from several species of Parietaria is severely allergenic. We collect pollen from both fresh as well as from herbarium specimens and use these without the often used acetolysis step to train the CNN model. The models show that unacetolyzed Urticaceae pollen grains can be distinguished with > 98% accuracy. We then apply our model on before unseen Urticaceae pollen collected from aerobiological samples and show that the genera can be confidently distinguished, despite the more challenging input images that are often overlain by debris. Our method can also be applied to other pollen families in the future and will thus help to make allergenic pollen monitoring more specific.
Re-crushing process and non-Darcian seepage characteristics of broken coal medium in coal mine water inrush
Authors: Pang Mingkun , Zhang Tianjun , Guo Yi , Zhang Lei
Published: May 2021

The initiation process of the mine water inrush accident, the essence of this process is the sudden change of the seepage state of the broken coal medium under pressure and the instability of the skeleton. In order to study the re-crushing mechanism and seepage characteristics of the broken coal medium under load, a set of three-axis seepage system was designed independently. Using the steady-state infiltration method, multiple flow factors under different particle size combinations and different stress conditions of the broken coal medium were obtained. The results of the study indicate: in one hand, the reduction of the porosity of the broken coal medium will cause the flow channel to be rebuilt, and the sudden change of flow rate will directly lead to the non-Darcian flow behavior. The early stage of compaction mainly affects the permeability k value, and the later stage of compaction mainly affects the non-Darcian β value; On the other hand, the seepage throat in the broken coal medium may have a sharp increase in its flow rate, leading to a sudden change in the flow pattern. The critical Reynolds number is also used to determine whether non-Darcian flow is formed, and its value in the water inrush system is about 40–133; at the same time, the non-Darcian flow in the broken coal medium conforms to the Forchheimer-type flow law. By analyzing the dependence relationship between factors, a seepage factor representation algebraic relationship suitable for Forchheimer type non-Darcian flow of broken coal medium is given, which can be used as a calculation basis in the prevention and treatment of mine water inrush accidents.
An advancement in the synthesis of nano Pd@magnetic amine-Functionalized UiO-66-NH2 catalyst for cyanation and O-arylation reactions
Authors: Moghaddam Firouz Matloubi , Jarahiyan Atefeh , Heidarian Haris Mahdi , Pourjavadi Ali
Published: May 2021

The magnetic MOF-based catalytic system has been reported here to be an efficient catalyst for synthesis of benzonitriles and diarylethers of aryl halides under optimal conditions. The MOF catalyst was built based on magnetic nanoparticles and UiO-66-NH2 which further modified with 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine and 5-phenyl tetrazole at the same time and the catalyst structure was confirmed by various techniques. This new modification has been applied to increase anchoring palladium into the support. Furthermore, the products’ yields were obtained in good to excellent for all reactions under mild conditions which result from superior activity of the synthesized heterogeneous catalyst containing palladium. Also, the magnetic property of the MOF-based catalyst makes it easy to separate from reaction mediums and reuse in the next runs.
A genetic variant in telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) modifies cancer risk in Lynch syndrome patients harbouring pathogenic MSH2 variants
Authors: Wiik Mariann Unhjem , Evans Tiffany-Jane , Belhadj Sami , Bolton Katherine A. , Dymerska Dagmara , Jagmohan-Changur Shantie , Capellá Gabriel , Kurzawski Grzegorz , Wijnen Juul T. , Valle Laura , Vasen Hans F. A. , Lubinski Jan , Scott Rodney J. , Talseth-Palmer Bente A.
Published: May 2021

Individuals with Lynch syndrome (LS), have an increased risk of developing cancer. Common genetic variants oftelomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT)have been associated with a wide range of cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC) in LS. We combined genotype data from 1881 LS patients, carrying pathogenic variants inMLH1,MSH2orMSH6,for rs2075786 (G>A, intronic variant), 1207 LS patients for rs2736108 (C>T, upstream variant) and 1201 LS patients for rs7705526 (C>A, intronic variant). The risk of cancer was estimated by heterozygous/homozygous odds ratio (OR) with mixed-effects logistic regression to adjust for gene/gender/country of sample origin considering family identity. The AA genotype of SNP rs2075786 is associated with 85% higher odds at developing cancer compared to GG genotype inMSH2pathogenic variant carriers (p = 0.0160). Kaplan–Meier analysis also shows an association for rs2075786; the AA allele forMSH2variant carriers confers risk for earlier diagnosis of LS cancer (log-rankp = 0.0011). We report a polymorphism inTERTto be a possible modifier of disease risk inMSH2pathogenic variant carriers. The rs2075786 SNP inTERTis associated with a differential risk of developing cancer forMSH2pathogenic variant carriers. Use of this information has the potential to personalise screening protocols for LS patients.
Vibration-based biomimetic odor classification
Authors: Pandey Nidhi , Pal Debasattam , Saha Dipankar , Ganguly Swaroop
Published: May 2021

Olfaction is not as well-understood as vision or audition, nor technologically addressed. Here, Chemical Graph Theory is shown to connect the vibrational spectrum of an odorant molecule, invoked in the Vibration Theory of Olfaction, to its structure, which is germane to the orthodox Shape Theory. Atomistic simulations yield the Eigen-VAlue (EVA) vibrational pseudo-spectra for 20 odorant molecules grouped into 6 different ‘perceptual’ classes by odour. The EVA is decomposed into peaks corresponding to different types of vibrational modes. A novel secondary pseudo-spectrum, informed by this physical insight—the Peak-Decomposed EVA (PD-EVA)—has been proposed here. Unsupervised Machine Learning (spectral clustering), applied to the PD-EVA, clusters the odours into different ‘physical’ (vibrational) classes that match the ‘perceptual’, and also reveal inherent perceptual subclasses. This establishes a physical basis for vibration-based odour classification, harmonizes the Shape and Vibration theories, and points to vibration-based sensing as a promising path towards a biomimetic electronic nose.
Fluorescent base analogues in gapmers enable stealth labeling of antisense oligonucleotide therapeutics
Authors: Nilsson Jesper R. , Baladi Tom , Gallud Audrey , Baždarević Dženita , Lemurell Malin , Esbjörner Elin K. , Wilhelmsson L. Marcus , Dahlén Anders
Published: May 2021

To expand the antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) fluorescence labeling toolbox beyond covalent conjugation of external dyes (e.g. ATTO-, Alexa Fluor-, or cyanine dyes), we herein explore fluorescent base analogues (FBAs) as a novel approach to endow fluorescent properties to ASOs. Both cytosine and adenine analogues (tC, tCO, 2CNqA, and pA) were incorporated into a 16mer ASO sequence with a 3-10-3 cEt-DNA-cEt (cEt = constrained ethyl) gapmer design. In addition to a comprehensive photophysical characterization, we assess the label-induced effects on the gapmers’ RNA affinities, RNA-hybridized secondary structures, and knockdown efficiencies. Importantly, we find practically no perturbing effects for gapmers with single FBA incorporations in the biologically critical gap region and, except for pA, the FBAs do not affect the knockdown efficiencies. Incorporating two cytosine FBAs in the gap is equally well tolerated, while two adenine analogues give rise to slightly reduced knockdown efficiencies and what could be perturbed secondary structures. We furthermore show that the FBAs can be used to visualize gapmers inside live cells using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry, enabling comparative assessment of their uptake. This altogether shows that FBAs are functional ASO probes that provide a minimally perturbing in-sequence labeling option for this highly relevant drug modality.
Proteomics analysis reveals the effect of 1α,25(OH)2VD3-glycosides on development of early testes in piglets
Authors: Chen Haodong , Bühler Kathrin , Zhu Yan , Nie Xiongwei , Liu Wanghong
Published: May 2021

1α,25(OH)2VD3is the most active form of VD3 in animals. It plays an important role in regulating mineral metabolism but also in reproduction. Testes are the main reproductive organs of male mammals. Our research aims to reveal the effect of 1α,25(OH)2VD3-glycosides on development of early testes in piglets. 140 weaned 21-day old piglets were selected. The piglets were randomly divided into four groups and were fed a commercial diet supplemented with 0, 1, 2 and 4 μg/kg of 1α,25(OH)2VD3, provided as 1α,25(OH)2VD3-glycosides. Sixty days after the start of the experiment, at piglet age 82 days, testes were harvested. The morphology and histology of early testicular development were assessed. In addition, the proteomic TMT/iTRAQ labelling technique was used to analyse the protein profile of the testes in each group. Western blotting was applied to verify the target of differentially abundant proteins (DAPs). The analysis of morphology and histology of testes showed that a certain concentration of 1α,25(OH)2VD3-glycosides had a positive and significant effect on testicular development. And the results of proteomics analysis showed that of the identified 132,715 peptides, 122,755 were unique peptides. 7852 proteins, of which 6573 proteins contain quantitative information. Screening for DAPs focused on proteins closely related to the regulation of testicular development such as steroid hormone synthesis, steroid biosynthesis, peroxisome and fatty acid metabolism pathways. These results indicated that 1α,25(OH)2VD3is involved in the regulation of early testicular development in piglets. At the same time, these findings provide valuable information for the proteins involved in the regulation of testicular development, and help to better understand the mechanisms of 1α,25(OH)2VD3in regulating the development of piglets’ testes.
Trends﻿ in the prevalence of adult overweight and obesity in Australia, and its association with geographic remoteness
Authors: Keramat Syed Afroz , Alam Khorshed , Al-Hanawi Mohammed Khaled , Gow Jeff , Biddle Stuart J. H. , Hashmi Rubayyat
Published: May 2021

The prevalence of overweight and obesity has been increasing globally and has become a significant public health concern in Australia in the two past decades. This study explores the most recent national prevalence and trends of adult overweight and obesity in Australia. It will also investigate geographic remoteness as a potential risk factor for an individual being overweight or obese in adulthood. A retrospective longitudinal study that utilised 14 successive waves (wave 6 through 19) of a nationally representative linked individual-level survey. Data was obtained from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey. The data on 199,675 observations from 26,713 individuals aged ≥ 15 years over the period 2006 to 2019 was analysed. Random-effects logit model was employed to estimate the association between geographic remoteness and the risk of excessive weight gain. The results reveal that the prevalence of overweight, obesity and combined overweight and obesity among Australian adults in 2019 were 34%, 26% and 60%, respectively. The analysis shows that the prevalence of overweight and obesity varies by geographic remoteness. Adults from regional city urban (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.16–2.03) and rural areas (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.18–1.47) were more likely to be obese compared with their counterparts from major city urban areas. The results also show that adults living in major city urban areas, regional city urban areas, and regional city rural areas in Australia were 1.53 (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.16–2.03), 1.32 (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.18–1.47), and 1.18 (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.08–1.29) times more likely to be overweight compared with their counterparts from major city urban areas in Australia. Substantial geographic variation in the prevalence of overweight and obesity exists among Australian adults and appears to be increasing. Public health measures should focus on contextual obesogenic factors and behavioural characteristics to curb the rising prevalence of adult obesity.
Stability analysis on dark solitons in quasi-1D Bose–Einstein condensate with three-body interactions
Authors: Zhou Yushan , Meng Hongjuan , Zhang Juan , Li Xiaolin , Ren Xueping , Wan Xiaohuan , Zhou Zhikun , Wang Jing , Fan Xiaobei , Shi Yuren
Published: May 2021

The stability properties of dark solitons in quasi-one-dimensional Bose–Einstein condensate (BEC) loaded in a Jacobian elliptic sine potential with three-body interactions are investigated theoretically. The solitons are obtained by the Newton-Conjugate Gradient method. A stationary cubic-quintic nonlinear Schrödinger equation is derived to describe the profiles of solitons via the multi-scale technique. It is found that the three-body interaction has distinct effect on the stability properties of solitons. Especially, such a nonlinear system supports the so-called dark solitons (kink or bubble), which can be excited not only in the gap, but also in the band. The bubbles are always linearly and dynamically unstable, and they cannot be excited if the three-body interaction is absent. Both stable and unstable kinks, depending on the physical parameters, can be excited in the BEC system.