bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The landscape of differential splicing and transcript alternations in severe COVID‐19 infection
Authors: Mukherjee Sunanda Biswas , Mukherjee Sumit , Detroja Rajesh , Frenkel‐Morgenstern Milana
Published: January 2023

Viral infections can modulate the widespread alternations of cellular splicing, favouring viral replication within the host cells by overcoming host immune responses. However, how SARS‐CoV‐2 induces host cell differential splicing and affects the landscape of transcript alternation in severe COVID‐19 infection remains elusive. Understanding the differential splicing and transcript alternations in severe COVID‐19 infection may improve our molecular insights into the SARS‐CoV‐2 pathogenesis. In this study, we analysed the publicly available blood and lung transcriptome data of severe COVID‐19 patients, blood transcriptome data of recovered COVID‐19 patients at 12‐, 16‐ and 24‐week postinfection and healthy controls. We identified a significant transcript isoform switching in the individual blood and lung RNA‐seq data of severe COVID‐19‐infected patients and 25 common genes that alter their transcript isoform in both blood and lung samples. Altered transcripts show significant loss of the open reading frame, functional domains and switch from coding to noncoding transcript, impacting normal cellular functions. Furthermore, we identified the expression of several novel recurrent chimeric transcripts in the blood samples from severe COVID‐19 patients. Moreover, the analysis of the isoform switching into blood samples from recovered COVID‐19 patients highlights that there is no significant isoform switching in 16‐ and 24‐week postinfection, and the levels of expressed chimeric transcripts are reduced. This finding emphasizes that SARS‐CoV‐2 severe infection induces widespread splicing in the host cells, which could help the virus alter the host immune responses and facilitate the viral replication within the host and the efficient translation of viral proteins.
The detection and attribution of extreme reductions in vegetation growth across the global land surface
Authors: Yang Hui , Munson Seth M. , Huntingford Chris , Carvalhais Nuno , Knapp Alan K. , Li Xiangyi , Peñuelas Josep , Zscheischler Jakob , Chen Anping
Published: January 2023

Negative extreme anomalies in vegetation growth (NEGs) usually indicate severely impaired ecosystem services. These NEGs can result from diverse natural and anthropogenic causes, especially climate extremes (CEs). However, the relationship between NEGs and many types of CEs remains largely unknown at regional and global scales. Here, with satellite‐derived vegetation index data and supporting tree‐ring chronologies, we identify periods of NEGs from 1981 to 2015 across the global land surface. We find 70% of these NEGs are attributable to five types of CEs and their combinations, with compound CEs generally more detrimental than individual ones. More importantly, we find that dominant CEs for NEGs vary by biome and region. Specifically, cold and/or wet extremes dominate NEGs in temperate mountains and high latitudes, whereas soil drought and related compound extremes are primarily responsible for NEGs in wet tropical, arid and semi‐arid regions. Key characteristics (e.g., the frequency, intensity and duration of CEs, and the vulnerability of vegetation) that determine the dominance of CEs are also region‐ and biome‐dependent. For example, in the wet tropics, dominant individual CEs have both higher intensity and longer duration than non‐dominant ones. However, in the dry tropics and some temperate regions, a longer CE duration is more important than higher intensity. Our work provides the first global accounting of the attribution of NEGs to diverse climatic extremes. Our analysis has important implications for developing climate‐specific disaster prevention and mitigation plans among different regions of the globe in a changing climate.
Shaped by resistance: Discursive politics in gender equality work
Authors: Stierncreutz Micaela , Tienari Janne
Published: January 2023

While existing research offers an understanding of the antecedents, forms, and consequences of resistance to gender equality work in organizations, studies primarily regard resistance as a challenge to be overcome or as something that can at times be beneficial for change. In this paper, we argue that resistance shapes gender equality work. We focus on covert forms of resistance and give voice to experts in Finland and Sweden who work for gender equality in organizations. Analyzing the discursive politics involved in (de)legitimizing and (de)politicizing equality work, we elucidate how experts deal with resistance by shaping the meaning of equality and working for it. Our findings suggest that covert resistance undermines the quest for gender equality by molding the conditions for how equality work can be done, thus influencing what it can achieve in organizations and in society.
Full‐time homemakers and economic disadvantage: The case of Japan
Authors: Raymo James M. , Zhou Yanfei
Published: January 2023

A non‐trivial number of mothers in Japan do not work despite being in poverty, a pattern of behavior that is inconsistent with both the predictions of conventional models of labor supply and the articulations of a “gender revolution.” This is particularly puzzling given that well‐documented barriers to employment for low‐income mothers in the United States and elsewhere appear to be of limited relevance in Japan. In this paper, we seek to better understand this pattern of behavior by describing the reasons that these mothers give for not working and by examining how the correlates of maternal employment differ for those whose husbands' employment income is above and below half of the median household income. We show that a majority of these mothers report that their desire to focus on childrearing is a main reason for not working outside the home. Importantly, this prioritization of childrearing is unrelated to husband's income level and the family's economic need. We also show that the presence of an infant, attitudinal endorsement of the primacy of the mother role, and clear gender division of labor are particularly strong predictors of non‐employment among all mothers, including those married to low‐earning men. We discuss these findings in the context of theories of “diverging destinies,” focusing on their potential implications for children's resources and the process of social and economic stratification within and across generations.
The imbalance between NKG2A and NKG2D expression is involved in NK cell immunosuppression and tumor progression of patients with hepatitis B virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yu Lihua , Sun Lei , Liu Xiaoli , Wang Xinhui , Yan Huiwen , Pu Qing , Xie Yuqing , Jiang Yuyong , Du Juan , Yang Zhiyun
Published: January 2023

Background

Immunosuppression in a tumor microenvironment is associated with enhanced tumor progression. Natural killer group 2 (NKG2) family proteins, including inhibitory receptors and activators, can be used as attractive targets for immunotherapy of immune checkpoint inhibition. We further explore the expression level prognostic value of NKG2A and NKG2D in hepatitis B virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV‐HCC).

Methods

This study was a prospective study involving 92 patients with HBV‐HCC, 16 patients with HBV‐related liver cirrhosis, 18 patients with CHB, and 38 healthy donors. We analyzed the expression and related functions of NKG2A, NKG2D, and the NKG2A/NKG2D ratio in the peripheral blood of patients with HBV‐HCC and analyzed tumor progression. The tissue samples from patients with HBV‐HCC were further used for multiple immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry.

Results

In patients with HBV‐HCC with tumor progression, the ratio of NKG2A/NKG2D is higher in NK cells and T cells. The Kaplan–Meier survival curve showed that the NKG2A/NKG2D ratio on NK cells could predict tumor progression in patients with HBV‐HCC, and that an increase in this ratio was associated with inhibition of NK cell function. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was further used to verify that the higher the NKG2A/NKG2D ratio, the shorter the progression‐free survival of patients with HCC, and the more likely the immune function was suppressed.

Conclusions

The imbalance between NKG2A and NKG2D of NK cells is involved in NK cell immunosuppression, and the increase of the NKG2A/NKG2D ratio is related to the tumor progression of HBV‐HCC.
New Home, New You: A retrospective mixed‐methods evaluation of a health‐related behavioural intervention programme supporting social housing tenants
Authors: Paisi Martha , Allen Zoe , Shawe Jill
Published: January 2023

Background

Social housing tenants are at greater risk of engaging in unhealthy behaviours than the general population. Housing association employees are in an ideal position to contribute positively to their tenants' health. ‘New Home, New You’ (NHNY) is a joint venture between a social housing association, a city council and a community healthcare provider in the South West of England. It was designed with the aim of improving the health and well‐being of social housing tenants.

Objectives

The aim of this retrospective evaluation was to establish whether social housing tenants were benefiting from this health‐related behavioural intervention in terms of their mental well‐being and health‐related behaviours.

Methods

This was a mixed‐methods evaluation. The outcome evaluation was a secondary analysis of quantitative data collected during the NHNY project. The process of delivering and receiving the intervention was evaluated using qualitative, semi‐structured interviews with housing officers and tenants who had participated in the programme. The development of the intervention was evaluated through a focus group and additional semistructured interviews with key stakeholders. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Qualitative interviews were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Six key stakeholders and a total of seven housing officers from several teams and seven tenants were interviewed. Of the 1016 tenants who were invited to participate in NHNY, 226 enroled in the programme. For participating tenants, the scope for health‐related behaviour change was greatest in relation to eating and smoking. Small positive statistically significant changes in mental health were found between the 6‐ and 12‐month mean score and between the baseline and the 12‐month score.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that NHNY may have been beneficial for some participating tenants. Housing officers can have a significant role in promoting health messages and embedding behaviour change among their tenants. Although the programme was implemented as a service improvement rather than a controlled trial and focused on a particular intervention and geographical area, other housing associations may find this evaluation useful for considering whether to adopt some of the principles applied in NHNY in other settings.

Patient or Public Contribution

A social housing tenant representative provided input on the methodology and methods used to evaluate NHNY, as well as the information sheet.
Effect of SiC whiskers on the anti‐oxidation properties of Yb2Si2O7/mullite/SiC tri‐layer environmental barrier coating for CMCs
Authors: Pan Ling , Chen Pengju , Xiao Peng , He Ling , Zhou Wei , Li Yang
Published: January 2023

The mullite and ytterbium disilicate (β‐Yb2Si2O7) powders as starting materials for the Yb2Si2O7/mullite/SiC tri‐layer coating are synthesized by a sol–gel method. The effect of SiC whiskers on the anti‐oxidation properties of Yb2Si2O7/mullite/SiC tri‐layer coating for C/SiC composites in the air environment is deeply studied. Results show that the formation temperature and complete transition temperature of mullite were 800–1000 and 1300°C, respectively. Yb2SiO5, α‐Yb2Si2O7, and β‐Yb2Si2O7 were gradually formed between 800 and 1000°C, and Yb2SiO5 and α‐Yb2Si2O7 were completely transformed into β‐Yb2Si2O7 at a temperature above 1200°C. The weight loss of Yb2Si2O7/(SiCw–mullite)/SiC tri‐layer coating coated specimens was 0.15 × 10−3 g cm−2 after 200 h oxidation at 1400°C, which is lower than that of Yb2Si2O7/mullite/SiC tri‐layer coating (2.84 × 10−3 g cm−2). The SiC whiskers in mullite middle coating can not only alleviate the coefficient of thermal expansion difference between mullite middle coating and β‐Yb2Si2O7 outer coating, but also improve the self‐healing performance of the mullite middle coating owing to the self‐healing aluminosilicate glass phase formed by the reaction between SiO2 (oxidation of SiC whiskers) and mullite particles.
Genome‐wide analysis of the chromatin sites targeted by HEX 70a storage protein in the honeybee brain and fat body
Authors: Martins Juliana R. , Pinheiro Daniel G. , Ahmed Amy C. C. , Giuliatti Silvana , Mizzen Craig A. , Bitondi Márcia M. G.
Published: January 2023

Hexamerins, the proteins massively stored in the larval haemolymph of insects, are gradually used throughout metamorphosis as a source of raw material and energy for the development of adult tissues. Such behaviour defined hexamerins as storage proteins. Immunofluorescence experiments coupled with confocal microscopy show a hexamerin, HEX 70a, in the nucleus of the brain and fat body cells from honeybee workers, an unexpected localization for a storage protein. HEX 70a colocalizes with fibrillarin, a nucleolar‐specific protein and H3 histone, thus suggesting a potential role as a chromatin‐binding protein. This was investigated through chromatin immunoprecipitation and high‐throughput DNA sequencing (ChIP‐seq). The significant HEX 70a‐DNA binding sites were mainly localized at the intergenic, promoter and intronic regions. HEX 70a targeted DNA stretches mapped to the genomic regions encompassing genes with relevant functional attributes. Several HEX 70a targeted genes were associated with H3K27ac or/and H3K27me3, known as active and repressive histone marks. Brain and fat body tissues shared a fraction of the HEX 70 targeted genes, and tissue‐specific targets were also detected. The presence of overrepresented DNA motifs in the binding sites is consistent with specific HEX 70a‐chromatin association. In addition, a search for HEX 70a targets in RNA‐seq public libraries of fat bodies from nurses and foragers revealed differentially expressed targets displaying hex 70a‐correlated developmental expression, thus supporting a regulatory activity for HEX 70a. Our results support the premise that HEX 70a is a moonlighting protein that binds chromatin and has roles in the brain and fat body cell nuclei, apart from its canonical role as a storage protein.
Development of high diversity beech forest in the eastern Carpathians
Authors: Lestienne Marion , Jamrichová Eva , Kuosmanen Niina , Diaconu Andrei‐Cosmin , Schafstall Nick , Goliáš Viktor , Kletetschka Günther , Šulc Václav , Kuneš Petr
Published: January 2023

Aim

In recent decades, a surge in the number of significant and uncontrolled wildfires has occurred worldwide. Global warming may amplify this trend and threaten most ecosystems worldwide. Deciduous forests are characterized by high plant diversity, and understanding their long‐term dynamics is crucial to anticipate changes in these ecosystems during ongoing global warming. The aim of this study is to understand how European beech forests have colonized the inner Eastern Carpathians and how changes in fire regime and human activities have affected their biodiversity.

Location

Inner Eastern Carpathian Mountains, Slovakia.

Taxon

Plantae, gymnosperms, angiosperms.

Methods

Peat core was extracted from the centre of Ďurova mláka mire in 2018. A multi‐proxy approach has been applied to investigate the development of beech forest. Charcoal analysis has been done each centimetre to reconstruct the fire signal. Pollen analysis has been done at 2 cm resolution to reconstruct the vegetation composition and dynamics, and the variation in palynological richness (PRI), evenness and turnover has been analysed. Macro‐remains analysis has been performed at 10 cm resolution to add more information about the local vegetation.

Results

Low diversity spruce forest was dominant until 5200 cal. BP during a fire‐prone period due to specific climatic conditions (drier climate than the following period). The higher fire frequency and intensity following this period is simultaneous with the first expansion of Fagus which indicate that Fagus could occupy post‐fire habitats, at least at the local scale. However, its dominance coincided with major gaps in fire events from 3900 cal. BP. The PRI has increased during the transition from spruce to beech forest highlighting the importance of beech forests in maintaining plant biodiversity. However, the stronger increase in the richness is synchronous with the increase in human activities around 2000 cal. BP, and then 350 cal. BP.

Main Conclusions

Climate‐driven fire frequency has been a natural driver of vegetation changes in the Carpathians by promoting the emergence of high diversified beech forest. These changes were significantly modified by later increase in human activities.
Clinical course of psoriasis patients that discontinued biologics during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Topaloğlu Demir Filiz , Polat Ekinci Algün , Aytekin Sema , Topkarcı Zeynep , Aslan Kayıran Melek , Özkök Akbulut Tuğba , Oğuz Topal İlteriş , Sarıkaya Solak Sezgi , Kara Polat Asude , Karadağ Ayşe Serap
Published: January 2023

Background

Since psoriasis is a chronic disease, it is not recommended to discontinue the treatment agents used. However, in real life, the treatment of psoriasis patients may be interrupted for various reasons. During the pandemic period, the treatment of many patients was also interrupted.

Objectives

To evaluate relapse and clinical worsening in psoriasis patients whose biological therapy was interrupted during the pandemic and reveal associated factors.

Methods

The study included patients aged ≥18 years, who were followed up with moderate and severe chronic psoriasis controlled by the last biological agent [Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) 75 response achieved] but had to discontinue their treatment during the pandemic. The patients' demographic and clinical characteristics, clinical course after the discontinuation of these agents, presence of clinical worsening, and relapse were evaluated. Risk factors were analyzed with the logistic regression analysis.

Results

The study included 169 patients, with a mean age of 47.3 ± 14.5 (18–87) years. The mean biologics‐free time was 18.2 ± 12.3 (2–56) weeks. Clinical worsening was detected in 41.4% and relapse in 48.5% of the patients. The significant risk factors for clinical worsening and relapse in both univariate and multivariate analyses were alcohol use during the biologics‐free period, total time off biologics, and the presence of an additional triggering factor. The use of secukinumab and ustekinumab was found to be a protective factor against clinical worsening in multivariate analyses.

Conclusion

As the biologics‐free period is prolonged, the likelihood of clinical worsening and relapse increases, therefore, we do not recommend discontinuing biological agents.
Australian guidelines for the management of children with achondroplasia
Authors: Tofts Louise J , Armstrong Jennifer A , Broley Stephanie , Carroll Theresa , Ireland Penelope J , Koo Minna , Langdon Katherine , McGregor Lesley , McKenzie Fiona , Mehta Divyesh , Savarirayan Ravi , Tate Tracy , Wesley Alison , Zankl Andreas , Jenner Maree , Eyles Marta , Pacey Verity
Published: January 2023

Achondroplasia is the most common form of skeletal dysplasia. In addition to altered growth, children and young people with achondroplasia may experience medical complications, develop and function differently to others and require psychosocial support. International, European and American consensus guidelines have been developed for the management of achondroplasia. The Australian focused guidelines presented here are designed to complement those existing guidelines. They aim to provide core care recommendations for families and clinicians, consolidate key resources for the management of children with achondroplasia, facilitate communication between specialist, local teams and families and support delivery of high‐quality care regardless of setting and geographical location. The guidelines include a series of consensus statements, developed using a modified Delphi process. These statements are supported by the best available evidence assessed using the National Health and Medicine Research Council's criteria for Level of Evidence and their Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Additionally, age specific guides are presented that focus on the key domains of growth, medical, development, psychosocial and community. The guidelines are intended for use by health professionals and children and young people with achondroplasia and their families living in Australia.
Ecomorphological adaptations of owl feet and talons
Authors: Cameron C. , Johnson D. H. , Gauthier G. , Lecomte N. , Therrien J.‐F.
Published: January 2023

Feet and talons are the most specialized predatory attributes of raptor morphology. As such, the hindlimb morphology of owls should reflect their dietary specialization. Owls' diet varies widely between species with only a subset of owl species preying predominantly on small mammals. We hypothesize that different owl species have varied hindlimb morphology, adapted to their main prey types, and that only dietary specialists will be distinguishable based on talon morphology (e.g. toe length, talon curvature and thickness, etc.). We used a sample of 63 specimens from 15 owl species to obtain a variety of measurements of hindlimb morphology. We then used a discriminant function analysis to investigate the degree of variation between species and diet groups in terms of their morphological measurements. Our results indicate that talon morphology is linked to prey type in the owl species studied. Insect specialists and small mammal specialists were characterized by a low talon curvature, whereas generalists presented a pronounced talon curvature. Fish specialists presented particularly thick and robust talons, and insect specialists showed lower digit strength than other owl species. These findings could help determine the diet of other owl species, particularly endangered species for which data on diet is often scarce. This study will also be very useful in future studies of the ecology of sympatric species, resource partitioning between species, or between sexes of the same species, and more generally to the evolution of owls.
The inflammatory‐nutritional score and nomogram for R0 resected head and neck soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Xu Bushu , Qiu Haibo , Ou Biyi , Chen Shuwei , Du Dingfu , Liu Yuanyuan , Zhang Xing , Liang Yao
Published: January 2023

Objectives

To explore the predictive value of inflammatory‐nutritional score (INS) and a nomogram for survivals in head and neck soft tissue sarcoma (HNSTS) patients with negative resection margins (R0).

Methods

Clinical characteristics and hematological features of 315 HNSTS patients underwent R0 surgery were analyzed.

Results

The 5‐year overall survival (OS) rate, 3‐year recurrence‐free survival rate and disease‐free survival (DFS) rate were 77.3%, 61.0% and 55.4%, respectively. High INS was associated with a deep tumor location (p < 0.001), high tumor grade (p < 0.001), and advanced AJCC stage (p < 0.001). The low‐risk group (INS 0) exhibited a higher 5‐year OS rate and 3‐year DFS rate than others (87.6% vs. 81.3% vs. 53.3%, p < 0.001; 62.2% vs. 56.9% vs. 37.9%, p = 0.007). The INS (p = 0.023), tumor depth (p < 0.001), pT classification (p = 0.022), pN classification (p < 0.001) and tumor grade (p < 0.001) were independent survival predictors. Moreover, a novel nomogram for predicting OS was generated and assessed by the concordance index, exhibiting a better performance than the p7TNMG classification alone (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

For R0 resected HNSTS patients, the oncological outcomes can be predicted using the INS system and a specific nomogram.
Varieties of moral mistake
Authors: Johnson King Zoë
Published: January 2023

Some philosophers think that if someone acts wrongly while falsely believing that her act is permissible, this moral mistake cannot excuse her wrongdoing. And some think that this is because it is morally blameworthy to fail to appreciate the moral significance of non‐moral facts of which one is aware, such that mistakenly believing that one's act is permissible when it is in fact wrong is itself morally blameworthy. Here I challenge the view that it is blameworthy to fail to appreciate the moral significance of non‐moral facts of which one is aware. This view seems okay if we focus on examples of people mistakenly believing that their wrongful acts are permissible. But it is not remotely plausible when we consider other varieties of moral mistake – such as believing that one's action is required when it is in fact supererogatory, believing that one's action is wrong when it is in fact permissible, and believing false things about the moral properties of others’ actions and of merely possible actions. The upshot is that those who maintain that moral mistakes cannot excuse are sent back to the drawing board; we need a new explanation of why this would be the case.
Simultaneous visualization of the actin plate and new cell partition membrane during cytokinesis in the brown algaSphacelaria rigidula(Sphacelariales, Phaeophyceae)
Authors: Aoki Hinako , Katsaros Christos , Motomura Taizo , Nagasato Chikako
Published: January 2023

In many brown algae, cytokinesis is accomplished through the centrifugal expansion of the membrane structure formed by the fusion of Golgi vesicles and flat cisternae. In contrast, it has been reported that cytokinesis inSphacelaria rigidulaprogresses centripetally by adding Golgi vesicles and flat cisternae to cleaving furrows of the plasma membrane. The reason why this cytokinetic pattern was observed only inSphacelariaspecies is unknown. In either cytokinesis pattern, a plate‐like actin structure (the actin plate) coincides with the cytokinetic plane between the daughter nuclei. However, it is unclear how the actin plate is related to cytokinesis progression. In this study, we re‐examined cytokinesis in the apical cells ofS. rigidulausing transmission electron microscopy. Double staining of the actin plate and the developing membrane was followed by fluorescence microscopy analysis to determine the relationship between these two formations. The results showed that cytokinesis inS. rigidula, as in many brown algae, was completed by centrifugal growth of the new cell partition membrane. A furrow of the plasma membrane was observed at the beginning of cytokinesis; however, further invagination did not occur. The actin plate arose at the center of the cytokinetic plane before membrane fusion and extended parallel to the expansion of the new cell partition membrane. When cytokinesis was slow due to insufficient Golgi vesicle supply to the cytokinetic plane in the cells under brefeldin A treatment, the extension of the actin plate was also suspended. In this study, the spatiotemporal relationship between the occurrence and expansion of the actin plate and the new cell partition membrane was revealed. These observations indicate that the actin plate might promote membrane fusion or lead to the growth of a new cell partition membrane.
In vitro hyperspectral analysis of tattoo dyes
Authors: Stolecka‐Warzecha Anna , Chmielewski Łukasz , Wilczyński Sławomir , Koprowski Robert
Published: January 2023

Background

There is no method that can guarantee effective, quick, and noninvasive removal of tattoo dyes. Laser methods are considered to be the method of choice. In this study, an attempt was made to determine the in vitro spectral characteristics of selected dyes used in permanent makeup and tattoos and to analyze the obtained parameters in terms of laser treatments optimization.

Materials and methods

Hyperspectral analysis was performed to determine the spectral characteristics of the dye on the entire surface of the slide. Seven dyes used in permanent makeup and tattoos were analyzed in vitro. The maximum reflectance and the wavelength for a given dye were determined for the maximum reflectance in the studied wavelength range: 400–1000 nm. The optical properties of the dyes were determined based on visible light imaging using camera.

Results

The maximum radiation reflectance ranges from 634 to 732 nm for the tested dyes. Visually very similar colors may differ significantly in the wavelength for which the maximum absorption of the radiation occurs. White and yellow dyes are characterized by the highest reflectance value. The black dye is characterized by the lowest reflectance coefficient. Low reflectance of black dye results in more safe and effective removal treatments.

Conclusion

The homogeneity of radiation absorption can be identified using methods of analysis and processing of images in visible light. Optimization of the wavelength of which the maximum absorption/reflectance of radiation occurs may allow us to increase the effectiveness of laser treatments for removing permanent makeup and tattoos.
CLE3 and its homologs share overlapping functions in the modulation of lateral root formation through CLV1 and BAM1 in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Nakagami Satoru , Aoyama Tsuyoshi , Sato Yoshikatsu , Kajiwara Taiki , Ishida Takashi , Sawa Shinichiro
Published: January 2023

Lateral roots are important for a wide range of processes, including uptake of water and nutrients. The CLAVATA3 (CLV3)/EMBRYO SURROUNDING REGION‐RELATED (CLE) 1 ~ 7 peptide family and their cognate receptor CLV1 have been shown to negatively regulate lateral root formation under low‐nitrate conditions. However, little is known about how CLE signaling regulates lateral root formation. A persistent obstacle in CLE peptide research is their functional redundancies, which makes functional analyses difficult. To address this problem, we generate the cle1 ~ 7 septuple mutant (cle1 ~ 7‐cr1, cr stands for mutant allele generated with CRISPR/Cas9). cle1 ~ 7‐cr1 exhibits longer lateral roots under normal conditions. Specifically, in cle1 ~ 7‐cr1, the lateral root density is increased, and lateral root primordia initiation is found to be accelerated. Further analysis shows that cle3 single mutant exhibits slightly longer lateral roots. On the other hand, plants that overexpress CLE2 and CLE3 exhibit decreased lateral root lengths. To explore cognate receptor(s) of CLE2 and CLE3, we analyze lateral root lengths in clv1 barely any meristem 1(bam1) double mutant. Mutating both the CLV1 and BAM1 causes longer lateral roots, but not in each single mutant. In addition, genetic analysis reveals that CLV1 and BAM1 are epistatic to CLE2 and CLE3. Furthermore, gene expression analysis shows that the LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARIES DOMAIN/ASYMMETRIC LEAVES2‐LIKE (LBD/ASL) genes, which promote lateral root formation, are upregulated in cle1 ~ 7‐cr1 and clv1 bam1. We therefore propose that CLE2 and CLE3 peptides are perceived by CLV1 and BAM1 to mediate lateral root formation through LBDs regulation.
How do we operate a large monthly red blood cell exchange program
Authors: Allison David , Manon Luis , Vidanovic Vladimir , Crane Jason , Sevcik Joan , Janiszewski Sara , Gabert Kimberly , Santos Christine Clemente Dos , Discua Joseph , Hsu Lewis L. , Gordeuk Victor , Campbell‐Lee Sally
Published: January 2023

Background

Red blood cell (RBC) exchange for sickle cell disease presents unique difficulties due to RBC phenotyping, complex antibody work‐ups, large number of RBC units required, and vascular access considerations, any of which can delay the procedure. Multidisciplinary coordination and systemic processes ensure that monthly appointments remain on schedule.

Study Design and Methods

A high‐volume chronic RBC exchange program is described, highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary coordination and process improvement strategies involving initial referral, vascular access, order sets, and allocation of antigen‐negative or phenotypically matched RBCs.

Results

Approximately 50 outpatient RBC exchanges are performed each month with an 82% kept‐appointment rate. Specific factors for program success include open communication across services and improvements to referrals and standardized order sets.

Conclusion

A combination of multidisciplinary coordination and process improvement can ensure the success of a high volume RBC exchange program. Frequent communication of upcoming appointments between the referring hematologists, the hemapheresis clinic, transfusion service, and interventional radiology is critical. Advance notice to the immunohematology reference lab of upcoming appointments is needed to allow enough time for allocating antigen‐negative RBCs. Order sets can be leveraged to standardize and streamline RBC exchanges. Lastly, numerous mechanisms help patients compensate for the cognitive sequelae of stroke.
Book of Requiems, 1550-1560
Authors: Chemiotti Antonio
Published: January 2023

Few western musical repertories speak more to the imagination than the Requiem mass for the dead. Yet, surprisingly, despite the significance of Requiem settings for our musical culture, the literature concerning them is sparse. The Book of Requiems presents essays on the most important works in this tradition, from the origins of the genre up to the present day. Each chapter is devoted to a specific Requiem, and offers both historical information and a detailed work-discussion. Conceived as a multi-volume essay collection by leading experts, the Book of Requiems is an authoritative reference publication intended as a first port of call for musicologists, music theorists, and performers both professional and student.
The myonuclear domain in adult skeletal muscle fibres: past, present and future
Authors: Bagley James R. , Denes Lance T. , McCarthy John J. , Wang Eric T. , Murach Kevin A.
Published: January 2023

Most cells in the body are mononuclear whereas skeletal muscle fibres are uniquely multinuclear. The nuclei of muscle fibres (myonuclei) are usually situated peripherally which complicates the equitable distribution of gene products. Myonuclear abundance can also change under conditions such as hypertrophy and atrophy. Specialised zones in muscle fibres have different functions and thus distinct synthetic demands from myonuclei. The complex structure and regulatory requirements of multinuclear muscle cells understandably led to the hypothesis that myonuclei govern defined ‘domains’ to maintain homeostasis and facilitate adaptation. The purpose of this review is to provide historical context for the myonuclear domain and evaluate its veracity with respect to mRNA and protein distribution resulting from myonuclear transcription. We synthesise insights from past and current in vitro and in vivo genetically modified models for studying the myonuclear domain under dynamic conditions. We also cover the most contemporary knowledge on mRNA and protein transport in muscle cells. Insights from emerging technologies such as single myonuclear RNA‐sequencing further inform our discussion of the myonuclear domain. We broadly conclude: (1) the myonuclear domain can be flexible during muscle fibre growth and atrophy, (2) the mechanisms and role of myonuclear loss and motility deserve further consideration, (3) mRNA in muscle is actively transported via microtubules and locally restricted, but proteins may travel far from a myonucleus of origin and (4) myonuclear transcriptional specialisation extends beyond the classic neuromuscular and myotendinous populations. A deeper understanding of the myonuclear domain in muscle may promote effective therapies for ageing and disease.

image
Dynamic Behavior of a Spinning Exponentially Functionally Graded Shaft With Unbalanced Load
Authors: Wang Guangding , Zhao Qing , Chen Liqing , Yuan Huiqun
Published: January 2023

The dynamic behaviors of a pinned–pinned spinning exponentially functionally graded shaft with unbalanced loads are investigated. The shaft is simulated in the Rayleigh beam model considering rotary inertia and gyroscopic effects. The governing equation for the flexural vibration of the shaft is derived via the Hamilton principle. Based on the boundary conditions, both the exact and approximate whirl frequency equations of the system are obtained analytically. Also, the validity of the proposed model is confirmed by comparing it with the results reported in the literature. Finally, a numerical study on the basis of the analytical solutions is performed to evaluate the main parameters, including slenderness ratio (α), gradient index (β), mass ratio (μ), and eccentric distance (γ) on the whirl frequency, critical spinning speed, mode shapes, and stability of the system. The results reveal that the vibration and instability of the spinning shaft are strongly dependent on the unbalanced load and material gradient.
A Numerical Study on Mechanical Effects of Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound on Trabecular Bone and Osteoblasts
Authors: Tian Congbiao , Liu Haiying , Zhao Chaohui , Zhang Chunqiu , Wang Wei
Published: January 2023

The lack of sufficient mechanical stimulation to the human bone, results in disuse osteoporosis. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) promotes fracture healing and the treatment of disuse osteoporosis, but its biomechanical mechanism remains unknown. Simulative research on the mechanical effects of LIPUS on disuse trabecular bone and osteoblasts have been performed. The von Mises stress of disuse trabecular bone and osteoblasts obviously increased under LIPUS irradiation. The average von Mises stress of osteoblasts were two orders of magnitude higher under the irradiation of simulant LIPUS than that without LIPUS irradiation, and the von Mises stress of osteoblasts was positively correlated with the amplitude of sound pressure excitation. The results showed that LIPUS irradiation could obviously improve the mechanical micro-environment of trabecular bone and osteoblasts to alleviate the lack of mechanical stimulation. The results of the research can reveal the biomechanical mechanism of LIPUS in the treatment of disuse osteoporosis to some extent and provide theoretical guidance for clinical treatment of disuse osteoporosis through physical methods.
Mechanical Design, Planning, and Control for Legged Robots in Distillation Columns
Authors: Molnar Tamas G. , Tighe Katherine , Ubellacker Wyatt , Kalantari Arash , Ames Aaron D.
Published: January 2023

Dexterous robots have great potential to execute industrial tasks that are not suited to humans. In this work, a novel robotic mobility platform is proposed for use in the chemical industry to enable autonomous distillation column inspection—a tedious and dangerous task for humans. A roller arm mechanism is designed for a quadrupedal robot that enables moving across the distillation column. Required dynamic behaviors are generated with full-body motion planning and low-level control. The holistic process of mechanical design, planning, and control leads to desired behavior, as demonstrated by high-fidelity simulations. This marks a key step toward operating legged robots inside distillation columns.
Design for Manufacturing of Cemented Carbide Coated Components Toward High Wear and Impact Resistance Performance
Authors: Zhu X. P. , Zhang S. J. , Yuan J. R. , Lei M. K. , Guo D. M.
Published: January 2023

Wear- yet impact-resistant demand is a big challenge for coated components under heavy-load service condition. To solve this high-performance manufacturing problem, a new strategy of design for manufacturing (DFM) with integrated design and processing is developed to incorporate processing effect on final performance via the pivot role of surface integrity. An impact performance model and the impact tester are constructed for a component with coated flat block/bulk cylinder mates for potential application in hydraulic machinery. A WC-12Ni/Ni60A two-layer coating on 17-4PH martensitic steel substrate is designed with thermal spray process. Impact crater depth, surface hardening, and residual stresses are identified as major surface integrity parameters determining wear/impact performance by the modeling with testing. The design parameters of geometry, material, and structure are quantitatively linked to the final performance by a process signature (PS) correlative analysis on the identified surface integrity to internal material loading of plastic/elastic strain energies. The PS correlation posts coating thickness as a high-sensitivity parameter for design, facilitating a buffering effect of reduced peak stresses among the coating-substrate system. The DFM optimization is understood by irreversible thermodynamics as reducing energy dissipation of the internal material loading from the external impact loads. The manufacturing inverse problem is thus solved by material-oriented regularization (MOR) on the homologous PS correlations integrating the design and processing phases. The manufactured component, with optimal Ni60A interlayer thickness of 75–100 µm at a top WC-12Ni coating of 200 µm, achieves a desired performance of up to 6000 impacts under a nominal load of 15 kN.
Collaborative Robust Design Optimization of Blade Geometry and Manufacturing Tolerance for a Transonic Centrifugal Impeller
Authors: Liu Yiming , Ju Yaping , Qin Ruihong , Jiang Wei , Spence Stephen , Zhang Chuhua
Published: January 2023

Turbomachinery components are inevitably subjected to various sources of manufacturing errors. The resultant variations in blade geometry eventually lead to performance degradation. This is especially true for transonic centrifugal compressor impellers where the complex interaction between the geometric variations and shock waves may amplify such degradation. However, relevant studies on uncertainty quantification or robust design optimization of centrifugal impellers are quite rare. The mechanisms of how the realistic manufacturing errors influence the impeller aerodynamic performance are not clear. In addition, most existing studies have considered a fixed level of manufacturing tolerance applied to the impeller blade surface, which neglects the combined effect of blade geometry and manufacturing tolerance on impeller performance. In this study, a collaborative robust design optimization was performed for a transonic centrifugal impeller considering realistic manufacturing errors. The realistic manufacturing error field was first modeled based on the measurements of 92 centrifugal impellers. With a combination of computational fluid dynamics simulation and the non-intrusive polynomial chaos method, the influence of manufacturing errors on impeller performance and flow field variations was quantified. To save computational costs for the uncertainty quantification, a dual dimensionality reduction method was proposed to reduce the dimensionality of uncertainties. Finally, blade angles and the manufacturing tolerance of the impeller were collaboratively optimized to enhance the impeller performance robustness against manufacturing errors. The results show that the impeller aerodynamic performance exhibited a downward trend in the presence of manufacturing errors. The flow mechanisms responsible for this trend were mainly associated with increased intensity of the shock waves near the inducer blade tip. Such shock waves were significantly alleviated by reducing impeller inlet blade angles without the loss of pressure rise capability. Consequently, the impeller performance robustness against manufacturing errors was enhanced with the standard deviation of polytropic efficiency being reduced by 35% at a lower anticipated manufacturing cost due to increased tolerance allowance.
Maximizing the Utility and Comparability of Accelerometer Data From Large-Scale Epidemiologic Studies
Authors: Lee I-Min , Moore Christopher C. , Evenson Kelly R.
Published: January 2023

There is much evidence showing that physical activity is related to optimal health, including physical and mental function, and quality of life. Additionally, data are accumulating with regard to the detrimental health impacts of sedentary behavior. Much of the evidence related to long-term health outcomes, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer—the two leading causes of death in the United States and worldwide—comes from observational epidemiologic studies and, in particular, prospective cohort studies. Few data on these outcomes are derived from randomized controlled trials, conventionally regarded as the “gold standard” of research designs. Why is there a paucity of data from randomized trials on physical activity or sedentary behavior and long-term health outcomes? A further issue to consider is that prospective cohort studies investigating these outcomes can take a long time to accrue sufficient numbers of endpoints for robust and meaningful findings. This contrasts with the rapid pace at which technology advances. Thus, while the use of devices for measuring physical behaviors has been an important development in large-scale epidemiologic studies over the past decade, cohorts that are now publishing results on health outcomes related to accelerometer-assessed physical activity and sedentary behavior may have been initiated years ago, using “dated” technology. This paper, based on a keynote presentation at 8th International Conference on Ambulatory Monitoring of Physical Activity and Movement 2022, discusses the issues of study design and slow pace of discovery in prospective cohort studies and suggests some possible ways to maximize the utility and comparability of “dated” device data from prospective cohort studies for research investigations using the Women’s Health Study as an example.
Chimeric antigen receptor T cells as adjuvant therapy for unresectable adenocarcinoma
Authors: Uslu Ugur , Da Tong , Assenmacher Charles-Antoine , Scholler John , Young Regina M. , Tchou Julia , June Carl H.
Published: January 2023

Incomplete surgery of solid tumors is a risk factor for primary treatment failure. Here, we have investigated whether chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CARTs) could be used as an adjuvant therapy to clear residual cancer cells. We tested the feasibility of this approach in two partial resection xenograft models using mesothelin-specific CARTs. In addition, we developed a previously unexplored in vivo toxicity model to evaluate safety and effects on wound healing in immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice. We found that the local delivery of CARTs in a fibrin glue–based carrier was effective in clearing residual cancer cells following incomplete surgery. This resulted in significantly longer overall survival when compared to mice treated with surgery and CARTs without fibrin glue. On-target off-tumor toxicity was diminished, and wound healing complications were not seen in any of the mice. On the basis of these observations, a clinical trial in patients with locally advanced breast cancer is planned.
Water-soluble extracellular vesicle probes based on conjugated oligoelectrolytes
Authors: Zhou Cheng , Cox-Vázquez Sarah J. , Chia Geraldine W. N. , Vázquez Ricardo Javier , Lai Hui Ying , Chan Samuel J. W. , Limwongyut Jakkarin , Bazan Guillermo C.
Published: January 2023

We developed a series of transmembrane conjugated oligoelectrolytes (COEs) with tunable optical emissions from the UV to the near IR to address the false-positive problem when detecting nanometer-sized extracellular vesicles (EVs) by flow cytometry. The amphiphilic molecular framework of COEs is defined by a linear conjugated structure and cationic charged groups at each terminal site. Consequently, COEs have excellent water solubility and the absence of nanoaggregates at concentrations up to 50 μM, and unbound COE dyes can be readily removed through ultrafiltration. These properties enable unambiguous and simple detection of COE-labeled small EVs using flow cytometry with negligible background signals. We also demonstrated the time-lapsed tracking of small EV uptake into mammalian cells and the endogenous small EV labeling using COEs. Briefly, COEs provide a class of membrane-targeting dyes that behave as biomimetics of the lipid bilayer and a general and practical labeling strategy for nanosized EVs.