bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of adult growth hormone deficiency and replacement therapy on the cardiometabolic risk profile
Authors: Ratku Balázs , Sebestyén Veronika , Erdei Annamária , Nagy Endre V. , Szabó Zoltán , Somodi Sándor
Published: February 2022

Adult growth hormone deficiency (AGHD) is considered a rare endocrine disorder involving patients with childhood-onset and adult-onset growth hormone deficiency (AoGHD) and characterized by adverse cardiometabolic risk profile. Besides traditional cardiovascular risk factors, endothelial dysfunction, low-grade inflammation, impaired adipokine profile, oxidative stress and hypovitaminosis D may also contribute to the development of premature atherosclerosis and higher cardiovascular risk in patients with AGHD. Growth hormone replacement has been proved to exert beneficial effects on several cardiovascular risk factors, but it is also apparent that hormone substitution in itself does not eliminate all cardiometabolic abnormalities associated with the disease. Novel biomarkers and diagnostic techniques discussed in this review may help to evaluate individual cardiovascular risk and identify patients with adverse cardiometabolic risk profile. In the absence of disease-specific guidelines detailing how to assess the cardiovascular status of these patients, we generally recommend close follow-up of the cardiovascular status as well as low threshold for a more detailed evaluation.
Growth and physiological response of Kandelia obovata and Bruguiera sexangula seedlings to aluminum stress
Authors: Ma Li , Yang Shengchang
Published: February 2022

The role of mangroves as a biogeochemical buffer for heavy metal pollutants in coastal wetlands has been demonstrated, but knowledge gaps still exist on the tolerant capacity of mangroves to aluminum (Al). This study assessed the growth and physiological response of viviparous mangroves Kandelia obovata and Bruguiera sexangula to Al stress. The two mangrove seedlings were treated with AlCl3 at concentrations of 0 (as control) to 100 mmol L−1, and the impact of Al on their growth and antioxidant parameters were determined. Additionally, the accumulation and translocation of metal elements were estimated in B. sexangula seedlings under relative long-term Al stress. K. obovata appeared to survive with a tolerance potential of 10 mmol L−1 AlCl3, whereas B. sexangula had a higher tolerant ability of 50 mmol L−1 AlCl3. Both root elongation and seedling growth were inhibited by Al stress. The exposure to 25–100 mmol L−1 AlCl3 induced increases in membrane lipid peroxidation and osmoprotectant molecule (proline) in mangrove seedlings. Both mangrove seedlings revealed significant changes in antioxidant enzyme activities that were attributed to Al stress-induced oxidative damages. The activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and/or ascorbate peroxidase were differently impacted by the treatment time (7 days for short term versus 60 days for long term) and AlCl3 concentrations in K. obovata and B. sexangula seedlings. For B. sexangula seedlings, Al accumulation was in an order root > leaf > stem, whereas the translocation of metal elements in the aboveground tissues (leaf and stem) was differently impacted by Al stress. In conclusion, this study provides insights into different Al-tolerant abilities operated in two mangrove species that are widespread in coastal wetlands of China.
Zwischen Tabu und Offenheit
Authors: Dörr Margret , Kutscher Nadia
Published: February 2022

Sexualität wird in der Sozialen Arbeit vor allem im Zusammenhang mit Prävention, sexualisierter Gewalt oder bei der Identitätsentwicklung thematisiert. Dieser Beitrag leitet in einen Schwerpunkt ein, der explizit andere Bereiche mit Sexualitätsbezug fokussiert, auch wenn bereits das Sprechen von und über Sexualität oft als schwierig und peinlich empfunden wird.
Rotational Symmetries and Spherical Measure in Homogeneous Groups
Authors: Magnani Valentino
Published: February 2022

We present different types of rotational symmetries for distances in homogeneous groups, showing that the area formula for the associated spherical measure takes a simple form.
Connecting the food and agriculture sector to nutrition interventions for improved health outcomes
Authors: Duncan E. , Ashton L. , Abdulai A. R. , Sawadogo-Lewis T. , King S. E. , Fraser E. D. G. , Vosti S. , Haines J. , Knight F. , Roberton T.
Published: February 2022

To achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of zero hunger, multi-sectoral strategies to improve nutrition are necessary. Building towards this goal, the food and agriculture sector must be considered when designing nutritional interventions. Nevertheless, most frameworks designed to guide nutritional interventions do not adequately capture opportunities for integrating nutrition interventions within the food and agriculture sector. This paper aims to highlight how deeply connected the food and agriculture sector is to underlying causes of malnutrition and identify opportunities to better integrate the food and agriculture sector and nutrition in low and middle income countries. In particular, this paper: (1) expands on the UNICEF conceptual framework for undernutrition to integrate the food and agriculture sector and nutrition outcomes, (2) identifies how nutritional outcomes and agriculture are linked in six important ways by defining evidence-based food and agriculture system components within these pathways: as a source of food, as a source of income, through food prices, women’s empowerment, women’s utilization of time, and women’s health and nutritional status, and (3) shows that the food and agriculture sector facilitates interventions through production, processing and consumption, as well as through farmer practices and behavior. Current frameworks used to guide nutrition interventions are designed from a health sector paradigm, leaving agricultural aspects not sufficiently leveraged. This paper concludes by proposing intervention opportunities to rectify the missed opportunities generated by this approach. Program design should consider the ways that the food and agriculture sector is linked to other critical sectors to comprehensively address malnutrition. This framework is designed to help the user to begin to identify intervention sites that may be considered when planning and implementing multi-sectoral nutrition programs.
Investigation of the mechanism of phytate-modified biochar-catalyzed persulfate degradation of Ponceau 2R
Authors: Hua Li , Cheng Taozhi , Liang Zhiyong , Wei Ting
Published: February 2022

The mechanism of oxidation and degradation effect of phytate-modified biochar catalyzed persulfate on Ponceau 2R was investigated. Chemical-structural properties of phytate-modified biochar, such as surface morphology and surface oxygen-containing functional groups were characterized. The results suggest that modified biochar has better oxidation performance than unmodified biochar, and the modified biochar generated at 500 ℃ pyrolysis temperature can catalyze peroxymonosulfate (PMS) system with high efficiency, in large pH and temperature scope. And the degradation mechanism of Ponceau 2R by biochar-catalyzed PMS generation (BC-PMS) system was researched. It revealed that PBC300 (phytate-modified biochar pyrolyzed at 300 °C), PBC500 (phytate-modified biochar pyrolyzed at 500 °C), and PBC700 (phytate-modified biochar pyrolyzed at 700 °C) may have metaphosphoric acid linked to oxygen atoms and metaphosphoric acid linked in a bridging manner on the surface of biochar, catalyzing the production of hydroxyl radicals by PMS. PBC700 catalyzes the production of singlet oxygen by PMS through its structural defects, and singlet oxygen is the main catalytic product of PBC700.
A systems framework for planning and evaluating capacity development in conservation: recommendations for practitioners
Authors: Porzecanski Ana L. , Sterling Eleanor J. , Copsey Jamieson A. , Appleton Michael R. , Barborak James R. , Bruyere Brett L. , Bynum Nora , Farmer Kay H. , Finchum Ryan , Rakotobe Domoina , Stanoss Ricardo B. , Valdés-Velásquez Armando
Published: February 2022

Capacity development is increasingly recognized as central to conservation goals. Efforts to develop individual, organizational and societal capacity underpin direct investments in biodiversity conservation and natural resource management, and sustain their impact over time. In the face of urgent needs and increasingly complex contexts for conservation the sector not only needs more capacity development, it needs new approaches to capacity development. The sector is embracing the dynamic relationships between the ecological, political, social and economic dimensions of conservation. Capacity development practitioners should ensure that individuals, organizations and communities are prepared to work effectively in these complex environments of constant change to transform the systems that drive biodiversity loss and unsustainable, unequitable resource use. Here we advocate for a systems view of capacity development. We propose a conceptual framework that aligns capacity development components with all stages of conservation efforts, fosters attention to context, and coordinates with parallel efforts to engage across practitioners and sectors for more systemic impact. Furthermore, we highlight a need for practitioners to target, measure and support vital elements of capacity that have traditionally received less attention, such as values and motivation, leadership and organizational culture, and governance and participation by using approaches from psychology, the social sciences and systems thinking. Drawing from conservation and other sectors, we highlight examples of approaches that can support reflective practice, so capacity development practitioners can better understand the factors that favour or hinder effectiveness of interventions and influence system-wide change.
Übertherapie am Lebensende in der Onkologie
Authors: Ludwig Wolf-Dieter , Schildmann Jan , Gockel Matthias
Published: February 2022

Zusammenfassung. Der Begriff der «Übertherapie» bezeichnet Situationen, in denen der Einsatz von diagnostischen oder therapeutischen Massnahmen negativ bewertet wird. Die negativen Bewertungen können sich zum einen auf die wissenschaftliche Fundierung der jeweils eingesetzten Massnahmen beziehen. Zum anderen werden im Kontext von «Übertherapie» häufig Fragen hinsichtlich der Angemessenheit des Einsatzes von medizinischen Massnahmen mit Blick auf die Förderung des Patientenwohls formuliert. Eine medizinisch wie ethisch reflektierte Indikationsstellung bildet einen möglichen Ausgangspunkt zur Vermeidung von «Übertherapie». Dem Thema medikamentöse Übertherapie von Patienten am Lebensende mit weit fortgeschrittenen, unheilbaren Krebserkrankungen haben sich in den letzten beiden Jahrzehnten zahlreiche Untersuchungen, besonders in den USA und Europa, gewidmet. Hingewiesen wurde dabei insbesondere auf das Problem der Überversorgung in den letzten Tagen beziehungsweise Monaten vor dem Tod durch Applikation von Chemotherapie, sogenannter zielgerichteter Arzneimittel und / oder Strahlentherapie, die assoziiert sind mit einem erhöhten Risiko für kardiopulmonale Wiederbelebung und / oder mechanische Beatmung sowie einem Versterben auf der Intensivstation. Der Nutzen einer frühzeitigen Einbeziehung palliativmedizinischer Massnahmen bei Patienten mit weit fortgeschrittenen Krebserkrankungen hat inzwischen verstärkte Aufmerksamkeit gefunden, da hierdurch die Lebensqualität am Lebensende verbessert werden kann. Elementar für die Vermeidung von Übertherapie ist deshalb das Arzt-Patienten-Gespräch, in dem nicht nur die Wünsche und Prioritäten des Patienten, sondern auch das Verständnis des Patienten über das nahende Lebensende geklärt werden sollte. Beides ist im klinischen Alltag nicht selbstverständlich, wobei die Gründe hierfür zu suchen sind in fehlender Ausbildung, strukturellen Hemmnissen, aber auch Projektionen und Vorannahmen auf beiden Seiten sind. Frühzeitiges und strukturiertes Vorgehen, gegebenenfalls mit Hilfe der Palliativmedizin, kann diese Mängel reduzieren.
The First Characterization of Fog Microphysics in the United Arab Emirates, an Arid Region on the Arabian Peninsula
Authors: Weston Michael , Francis Diana , Nelli Narendra , Fonseca Ricardo , Temimi Marouane , Addad Yacine
Published: February 2022

Fog microphysics characteristics play an important role in fog life cycle, radiation and visibility. Measurements of fog microphysics are important in understanding these processes and improving existing model parameterization schemes. From 28 January to 17 February 2021, we carried out the first measurements of fog microphysics in the arid region of the United Arab Emirates and present initial results in this paper. Five events occurred, the longest lasting about 4 hr 28 min and the remaining lasting 2 hr or less. In this study, the meteorological conditions at synoptic scale associated with the formation of fog, are presented as well as the microphysics characteristics of fog. Maximum cloud droplet count ranged from 80 to 700 cc, Liquid Water Content (LWC) from 0.06 to 0.58 g m−3 and the Median Volume Diameter reached 25 μm in all the cases. The estimated Liquid Water Path reached a maximum of 100 g m−2. The size distribution was bimodal for all visibility classes of mist, fog and thick fog with modes at around 4.5 μm and between 22 and 25 μm. The droplet size distribution broadened as the mature phase progressed, demonstrating a decrease in droplets in the 6–16 μm range and an increase in droplets above 19 μm. During the mature stage, droplet growth was observed with no associated decrease in LWC, suggesting growth by collision and coalescence was occurring. However, LWC did increase concurrently suggesting droplet growth by condensation was also taking place.
Subduction Initiation at the Solomon Back‐Arc Basin: Contributions From Both Island Arc Rheological Strength and Oceanic Plateau Collision
Authors: Wang Liangliang , Dai Liming , Gong Wei , Li Sanzhong , Jiang Xiaodian , Foulger Gillian , Dong Hao , Li Zhong‐Hai , Yu Shengyao
Published: February 2022

It is generally accepted that the subduction polarity reversal (SPR) results from the strong collision of two plates. Yet, the SPR of the Solomon Back‐arc Basin is started in the “soft docking” stage, and the mechanism by which the “soft docking” induced subduction initiation (SI) remains elusive. We find that the mass depletion of the plateau influences the evolution of the subduction patterns during SI. And the island arc rheological strength affects the development of the shear zone between an island arc and back‐arc basin which favors SI. What's more, with the increase of the rheological strength difference, the SI is more easily to occur, and the contribution of the plateau collision to SI weakens. Hence, by combining the available geological evidence, we suggest that the Solomon Island Arc rheological strength and the Ontong‐Java plateau collision jointly controlled the SI during the “soft docking” stage.
Shallow Aseismic Slip in the Delaware Basin Determined by Sentinel‐1 InSAR
Authors: Pepin K. S. , Ellsworth W. L. , Sheng Y. , Zebker H. A.
Published: February 2022

The Delaware Basin, Texas is currently a hot‐spot of induced seismicity and ground deformation due to fluid extraction and injection associated with horizontal drilling techniques; however, the driving mechanism behind the seismicity and deformation remains under debate. Using vertical and east‐west horizontal surface deformation measurements derived from Sentinel‐1 interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR), we show that the subsurface responds differently to oil and gas activity in the northern and southeastern portions of the basin. In the north, where there is little seismicity, deformation patterns display long‐wavelengths and equidimensional patterns. In contrast, the southeast region hosts most of the seismicity and displays spatial deformation patterns with narrow linear features that strike parallel to the maximum principal horizontal stress and to trends in seismicity, suggesting movement along normal faults. We model a linear deformation feature using edge dislocations and show that the InSAR observations can be reproduced by slip on normal faults contained within the Delaware Mountain Group (DMG), the formation that hosts local wastewater injection and the majority of earthquakes. Our model consists of three parallel, high‐angle normal faults, with two dipping toward one another in a graben structure. Slip magnitudes reach up to 25 cm and are spatially correlated with injection wells. Measured seismicity can only explain ∼2% of the fault motion predicted by our fault model, suggesting that slip leading to the deformation is predominantly aseismic. We conclude that seismic and aseismic fault motion in the southeastern Delaware Basin is likely driven by wastewater injection near critically‐stressed normal faults within the DMG.
Understanding the Influence of Meteorology and Emission Sources on PM2.5 Mass Concentrations Across India: First Results From the COALESCE Network
Authors: Maheshwarkar Prem , Ralhan Akarsh , Sunder Raman Ramya , Tibrewal Kushal , Venkataraman Chandra , Dhandapani Abisheg , Kumar R. Naresh , Mukherjee Sauryadeep , Chatterje Abhijit , Rabha Shahadev , Saikia Binoy K , Bhardwaj Ankur , Chaudhary Pooja , Sinha Baerbel , Lokhande Pradnya , Phuleria Harish C. , Roy Sayantee , Imran Mohd. , Habib Gazala , Azharuddin Hashmi M. , Qureshi Asif , Qadri Adnan Mateen , Gupta Tarun , Lian Yang , Pandithurai G. , Prasad Laxmi , Murthy Sadashiva , Deswal Meena , Laura Jitender S. , Chhangani Anil Kumar , Najar Tanveer Ahmad , Jehangir Arshid
Published: February 2022

The Carbonaceous Aerosol Emissions, Source Apportionment and Climate Impacts (COALESCE) is a multi‐institutional Indian network project to better understand carbonaceous aerosol induced air quality and climate effects. This study presents time synchronized measurements of surface PM2.5 concentrations made during 2019 at 11 COALESCE sites across India. The network median PM2.5 concentration was 42 μg m−3 with the highest median value at Rohtak (99 μg m−3) and the lowest median value at Mysuru (26 μg m−3). The influence of six meteorological parameters on PM2.5 were evaluated. Causality analysis suggested that temperature, surface pressure, and relative humidity were the most important factors influencing fine PM mass, on an annual as well as seasonal scale. Further, a multivariable linear regression model showed that, on an annual basis, meteorology could explain 16%–41% of PM2.5 variability across the network. Concentration Weighted Trajectories (CWT) together with the results of causality analysis revealed common regional sources affecting PM2.5 concentrations at multiple regional sites. Further, CWT source locations for all sites across the network correlated with the SMoG‐India emissions inventory at the 95th percentile confidence. Finally, CWT maps in conjunction with emissions inventory were used to obtain quantitative estimates of anthropogenic primary PM2.5 sectoral shares from a mass‐meteorology‐emissions reconciliation, for all 11 pan‐India network sites. These estimates can help guide immediate source reduction and mitigation actions at the national level.
Modular Link Level Simulator for the Physical Layer of Beyond 5G Wireless Communication Systems
Authors: Eckhardt Johannes M. , Herold Christoph , Jung Bo Kum , Dreyer Nils , Kürner Thomas
Published: February 2022

The low THz band is a promising candidate to enable data rates of up to 1 Tbit/s. To develop suitable communications systems, novel simulation approaches are needed that account for the specifics of the evolving technology. This article presents a modular link level simulator for the physical layer of beyond‐5G and 6G wireless communication systems in the THz range. The simulator, that is oriented toward the IEEE Std 802.15.3d‐2017 is contrasted to the state of the art of physical layer simulation tools. Its concept and basic building blocks are presented and the simulator is validated by channel simulations considering an AWGN channel model. Moreover, it is applied to a top‐of‐rack scenario in a wirelessly augmented data center. Different parameter sets are compared showing that a LOS condition and sufficient transmit power are a prerequisite in order to profit from the large bandwidth in the low THz range. The extensive data set of simulation results serves as input for future studies with higher layer simulation tools.
Formation of Negative J ⋅ E′ in the Outer Electron Diffusion Region During Magnetic Reconnection
Authors: Xiong Q. Y. , Huang S. Y. , Zhou M. , Yuan Z. G. , Deng X. H. , Jiang K. , Wei Y. Y. , Xu S. B. , Zhang J. , Zhang Z. H. , Yu L. , Lin R. T.
Published: February 2022

It is widely acknowledged that positive energy dissipation J ⋅ E′ from the fields to the plasmas occurs in the electron diffusion region (EDR) during magnetic reconnection. There also exists negative J ⋅ E′ in the outer EDR, but what causes such negative J ⋅ E′ is still unclear. In the present study, we applied 2.5‐D particle‐in‐cell simulation to investigate what causes the negative J ⋅ E′ in the outer EDR through generalized Ohm's law. It is found that the region of negative J ⋅ E′ expands in space with the evolution of magnetic reconnection, and the embodiment of negative J ⋅ E′ is dominated by the electron inertial term in the generalized Ohm's law due to the deceleration of the electrons in the outer EDR. This deceleration is caused by the opposite electric field compared with the ones in the inner EDR. And the opposite electric field is induced by the newly reconnected magnetic field lines in the outer EDR. Our results give a new perspective of energy transformation between the fields and the plasmas during magnetic reconnection.
The WID-BC-index identifies women with primary poor prognostic breast cancer based on DNA methylation in cervical samples
Authors: Barrett James E. , Herzog Chiara , Jones Allison , Leavy Olivia C. , Evans Iona , Knapp Susanne , Reisel Daniel , Nazarenko Tatiana , Kim Yoo-Na , Franchi Dorella , Ryan Andy , Franks Joanna , Bjørge Line , Zikan Michal , Cibula David , Harbeck Nadia , Colombo Nicoletta , Dudbridge Frank , Jones Louise , Sundström Karin , Dillner Joakim , Rådestad Angelique Flöter , Gemzell-Danielsson Kristina , Pashayan Nora , Widschwendter Martin
Published: February 2022

Genetic and non-genetic factors contribute to breast cancer development. An epigenome-based signature capturing these components in easily accessible samples could identify women at risk. Here, we analyse the DNA methylome in 2,818 cervical, 357 and 227 matched buccal and blood samples respectively, and 42 breast tissue samples from women with and without breast cancer. Utilising cervical liquid-based cytology samples, we develop the DNA methylation-based Women’s risk IDentification for Breast Cancer index (WID-BC-index) that identifies women with breast cancer with an AUROC (Area Under the Receiver Operator Characteristic) of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.80–0.88) and 0.81 (95% CI: 0.76–0.86) in internal and external validation sets, respectively. CpGs at progesterone receptor binding sites hypomethylated in normal breast tissue of women with breast cancer or in BRCA mutation carriers are also hypomethylated in cervical samples of women with poor prognostic breast cancer. Our data indicate that a systemic epigenetic programming defect is highly prevalent in women who develop breast cancer. Further studies validating the WID-BC-index may enable clinical implementation for monitoring breast cancer risk.
The mouse metallomic landscape of aging and metabolism
Authors: Morel Jean-David , Sauzéat Lucie , Goeminne Ludger J. E. , Jha Pooja , Williams Evan , Houtkooper Riekelt H. , Aebersold Ruedi , Auwerx Johan , Balter Vincent
Published: February 2022

Organic elements make up 99% of an organism but without the remaining inorganic bioessential elements, termed the metallome, no life could be possible. The metallome is involved in all aspects of life, including charge balance and electrolytic activity, structure and conformation, signaling, acid-base buffering, electron and chemical group transfer, redox catalysis energy storage and biomineralization. Here, we report the evolution with age of the metallome and copper and zinc isotope compositions in five mouse organs. The aging metallome shows a conserved and reproducible fingerprint. By analyzing the metallome in tandem with the phenome, metabolome and proteome, we show networks of interactions that are organ-specific, age-dependent, isotopically-typified and that are associated with a wealth of clinical and molecular traits. We report that the copper isotope composition in liver is age-dependent, extending the existence of aging isotopic clocks beyond bulk organic elements. Furthermore, iron concentration and copper isotope composition relate to predictors of metabolic health, such as body fat percentage and maximum running capacity at the physiological level, and adipogenesis and OXPHOS at the biochemical level. Our results shed light on the metallome as an overlooked omic layer and open perspectives for potentially modulating cellular processes using careful and selective metallome manipulation.
Lima1 mediates the pluripotency control of membrane dynamics and cellular metabolism
Authors: Duethorn Binyamin , Groll Fabian , Rieger Bettina , Drexler Hannes C. A. , Brinkmann Heike , Kremer Ludmila , Stehling Martin , Borowski Marie-Theres , Mildner Karina , Zeuschner Dagmar , Zernicka-Goetz Magdalena , Stemmler Marc P. , Busch Karin B. , Vaquerizas Juan M. , Bedzhov Ivan
Published: February 2022

Lima1 is an extensively studied prognostic marker of malignancy and is also considered to be a tumour suppressor, but its role in a developmental context of non-transformed cells is poorly understood. Here, we characterise the expression pattern and examined the function of Lima1 in mouse embryos and pluripotent stem cell lines. We identify that Lima1 expression is controlled by the naïve pluripotency circuit and is required for the suppression of membrane blebbing, as well as for proper mitochondrial energetics in embryonic stem cells. Moreover, forcing Lima1 expression enables primed mouse and human pluripotent stem cells to be incorporated into murine pre-implantation embryos. Thus, Lima1 is a key effector molecule that mediates the pluripotency control of membrane dynamics and cellular metabolism.
Generation of the organotypic kidney structure by integrating pluripotent stem cell-derived renal stroma
Authors: Tanigawa Shunsuke , Tanaka Etsuko , Miike Koichiro , Ohmori Tomoko , Inoue Daisuke , Cai Chen-Leng , Taguchi Atsuhiro , Kobayashi Akio , Nishinakamura Ryuichi
Published: February 2022

Organs consist of the parenchyma and stroma, the latter of which coordinates the generation of organotypic structures. Despite recent advances in organoid technology, induction of organ-specific stroma and recapitulation of complex organ configurations from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) have remained challenging. By elucidating the in vivo molecular features of the renal stromal lineage at a single-cell resolution level, we herein establish an in vitro induction protocol for stromal progenitors (SPs) from mouse PSCs. When the induced SPs are assembled with two differentially induced parenchymal progenitors (nephron progenitors and ureteric buds), the completely PSC-derived organoids reproduce the complex kidney structure, with multiple types of stromal cells distributed along differentiating nephrons and branching ureteric buds. Thus, integration of PSC-derived lineage-specific stroma into parenchymal organoids will pave the way toward recapitulation of the organotypic architecture and functions.
A neural circuit linking learning and sleep in Drosophila long-term memory
Authors: Lei Zhengchang , Henderson Kristin , Keleman Krystyna
Published: February 2022

Animals retain some but not all experiences in long-term memory (LTM). Sleep supports LTM retention across animal species. It is well established that learning experiences enhance post-learning sleep. However, the underlying mechanisms of how learning mediates sleep for memory retention are not clear. Drosophila males display increased amounts of sleep after courtship learning. Courtship learning depends on Mushroom Body (MB) neurons, and post-learning sleep is mediated by the sleep-promoting ventral Fan-Shaped Body neurons (vFBs). We show that post-learning sleep is regulated by two opposing output neurons (MBONs) from the MB, which encode a measure of learning. Excitatory MBONs-γ2α’1 becomes increasingly active upon increasing time of learning, whereas inhibitory MBONs-β’2mp is activated only by a short learning experience. These MB outputs are integrated by SFS neurons, which excite vFBs to promote sleep after prolonged but not short training. This circuit may ensure that only longer or more intense learning experiences induce sleep and are thereby consolidated into LTM.
SARS-CoV-2 genomes from Saudi Arabia implicate nucleocapsid mutations in host response and increased viral load
Authors: Mourier Tobias , Shuaib Muhammad , Hala Sharif , Mfarrej Sara , Alofi Fadwa , Naeem Raeece , Alsomali Afrah , Jorgensen David , Subudhi Amit Kumar , Ben Rached Fathia , Guan Qingtian , Salunke Rahul P. , Ooi Amanda , Esau Luke , Douvropoulou Olga , Nugmanova Raushan , Perumal Sadhasivam , Zhang Huoming , Rajan Issaac , Al-Omari Awad , Salih Samer , Shamsan Abbas , Al Mutair Abbas , Taha Jumana , Alahmadi Abdulaziz , Khotani Nashwa , Alhamss Abdelrahman , Mahmoud Ahmed , Alquthami Khaled , Dageeg Abdullah , Khogeer Asim , Hashem Anwar M. , Moraga Paula , Volz Eric , Almontashiri Naif , Pain Arnab
Published: February 2022

Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 spread and evolution through genome sequencing is essential in handling the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we sequenced 892 SARS-CoV-2 genomes collected from patients in Saudi Arabia from March to August 2020. We show that two consecutive mutations (R203K/G204R) in the nucleocapsid (N) protein are associated with higher viral loads in COVID-19 patients. Our comparative biochemical analysis reveals that the mutant N protein displays enhanced viral RNA binding and differential interaction with key host proteins. We found increased interaction of GSK3A kinase simultaneously with hyper-phosphorylation of the adjacent serine site (S206) in the mutant N protein. Furthermore, the host cell transcriptome analysis suggests that the mutant N protein produces dysregulated interferon response genes. Here, we provide crucial information in linking the R203K/G204R mutations in the N protein to modulations of host-virus interactions and underline the potential of the nucleocapsid protein as a drug target during infection.
Generalist herbivore response to volatile chemical induction varies along a gradient in soil salinization
Authors: Marsack Jocelyn M. , Connolly Brian M.
Published: February 2022

Elevated soil salinity directly modifies plant physiology and indirectly alters the biotic interactions that shape plant performance. However, it is unclear how soil salinization interacts with plant defenses to alter patterns of leaf consumption or herbivore survival, development, and performance. In this study, we carried out laboratory feeding trials and a common garden experiment to investigate how gradients in soil salinization interact with plant induction status (modified via exogenous application of methyl jasmonate [MeJA]) to influence feeding consumption and performance of the generalist herbivore Spodoptera exigua on tomato (Solanum lycoperscium) plants. Our results showed that S. exigua consumed less leaf tissue from tomatoes treated with ≥ 50 mM NaCl; at these higher salinity treatments, these herbivores were less likely to pupate and died more quickly. Treatment with MeJA only reduced leaf consumption in the 0 mM NaCl treatment. Our common garden study demonstrated that natural populations of leaf chewing herbivores were less likely to damage tomatoes treated with > 50 mM NaCl solutions. Treatment with MeJA in the common garden reduced damage from natural populations of herbivores, but only for salt treatments at the 50 mM NaCl concentration level and we did observe variation in herbivore damage between cohorts in common garden trials. These results suggest that both soil salinization and volatile jasmonate signals may generate complementary shifts in decreased plant quality for herbivores. Overall, our study concludes that soil salinization could be a potential driver in spatial patterns of variation in both herbivory and herbivore demography.
High titers of antinuclear antibody and the presence of multiple autoantibodies are highly suggestive of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Li Hejun , Zheng Yiqing , Chen Ling , Lin Shunping
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer and specificity, as well as the relationship between the number of positive-autoantibodies (AAbs) in antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) and specificity for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), so as to explore their significance in the diagnosis of SLE. A total of 1297 patients with ANA results was enrolled in this study, including 148 patients with SLE patients. The sensitivity, specificity, sensitive likelihood ratio and specific likelihood ratio of indicators in SLE were determined by receiver–operator characteristic (ROC) curve after measurement of ANA and ANAs by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and immunoblotting, respectively. ROC analysis showed that the specificity of ANA titer ≥ 1 +, ≥ 2 + and ≥ 3 + for SLE was estimated to be 81.29%, 90.69% and 96.52% respectively, with a increased titer-specific likelihood ratio (5.16, 9.29 and 19.60, respectively). The specificity of the number of positive-AAbs ≥ 1, ≥ 2 and ≥ 3 in ANAs for SLE was estimated to be 80.42%, 94.95% and 99.3% respectively, with a increased number-specific likelihood ratio (4.8, 15.26 and 72.48, respectively). The estimated sensitivity of the number of positive-AAbs ≥ 3, AnuA and anti-rRNP was higher than that of anti-Sm (p < 0.01) (50.68%, 41.89% and 31.76% vs. 16.89%, respectively), while there was no significant difference in their specificity (99.3%, 99.74% and 99.56% vs. 99.74%, respectively) (p > 0.05). High titers of ANA and the presence of multiple AAbs in ANAs are highly specific for SLE and highly suggestive of SLE. The likelihood of SLE can be assessed by ANA titer and the number of positive-AAbs in ANAs.
Arctic warming-induced cold damage to East Asian terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: Kim Jin-Soo , Kug Jong-Seong , Jeong Sujong , Yoon Jin-Ho , Zeng Ning , Hong Jinkyu , Jeong Jee-Hoon , Zhao Yuan , Chen Xiaoqiu , Williams Mathew , Ichii Kazuhito , Schaepman-Strub Gabriela
Published: February 2022

The global mean temperature is increasing due to the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, but paradoxically, many regions in the mid-latitudes have experienced cold winters recently. Here we analyse multiple observed and modelled datasets to evaluate links between Arctic temperature variation and cold damage in the East Asian terrestrial ecosystem. We find that winter warming over the Barents-Kara Sea has led to simultaneous negative temperature anomalies over most areas in East Asia and negative leaf area index anomalies in southern China where mostly subtropical evergreen forests are growing. In addition to these simultaneous impacts, spring vegetation activity and gross primary productivity were also reduced over evergreen and deciduous trees, and spring phenological dates are delayed. Earth System model simulations reveal that cold damage becomes stronger under greenhouse warming; therefore Arctic warming-induced cold stress should be considered in forest and carbon management strategies.
Exploring rhizo-microbiome transplants as a tool for protective plant-microbiome manipulation
Authors: Jiang Gaofei , Zhang Yuling , Gan Guiyun , Li Weiliu , Wan Wen , Jiang Yaqin , Yang Tianjie , Zhang Yong , Xu Yangchun , Wang Yikui , Shen Qirong , Wei Zhong , Dini-Andreote Francisco
Published: February 2022

The development of strategies for effectively manipulating and engineering beneficial plant-associated microbiomes is a major challenge in microbial ecology. In this sense, the efficacy and potential implications of rhizosphere microbiome transplant (RMT) in plant disease management have only scarcely been explored in the literature. Here, we initially investigated potential differences in rhizosphere microbiomes of 12 Solanaceae eggplant varieties and accessed their level of resistance promoted against bacterial wilt disease caused by the pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum, in a 3-year field trial. We elected 6 resistant microbiomes and further tested the broad feasibility of using RMT from these donor varieties to a susceptible model Solanaceae tomato variety MicroTom. Overall, we found the rhizosphere microbiome of resistant varieties to enrich for distinct and specific bacterial taxa, of which some displayed significant associations with the disease suppression. Quantification of the RMT efficacy using source tracking analysis revealed more than 60% of the donor microbial communities to successfully colonize and establish in the rhizosphere of recipient plants. RTM from distinct resistant donors resulted in different levels of wilt disease suppression, reaching up to 47% of reduction in disease incidence. Last, we provide a culture-dependent validation of potential bacterial taxa associated with antagonistic interactions with the pathogen, thus contributing to a better understanding of the potential mechanism associated with the disease suppression. Our study shows RMT from appropriate resistant donors to be a promising tool to effectively modulate protective microbiomes and promote plant health. Together we advocate for future studies aiming at understanding the ecological processes and mechanisms mediating rates of coalescence between donor and recipient microbiomes in the plant rhizosphere.
Electro-responsive polymer-based platforms for electrostimulation of cells
Authors: Kanaan Akel Ferreira , Piedade Ana Paula
Published: February 2022

ES can modulate the cell response and influence its metabolic activity. This review highlights the studied polymers used in the design of conducting platforms, clarifying their conducting mechanisms and electrical cues on the cell behavior.
A machine learning approach-based array sensor for rapidly predicting the mechanisms of action of antibacterial compounds
Authors: Li Zhijun , Jin Kun , Chen Hong , Zhang Liyuan , Zhang Guitao , Jiang Yizhou , Zou Haixia , Wang Wentao , Qi Guangpei , Qu Xiangmeng
Published: February 2022

We present a machine learning approach-based array sensor for high-accuracy profiling of mechanisms of action (MoAs) by sensing the physicochemical changes on surfaces of bacteria. We successfully predict the MoAs of 4 antimicrobial compounds and a novel small molecule AMP.
The role of transesterifications in reversible polycondensations and a reinvestigation of the Jacobson–Beckmann–Stockmayer experiments
Authors: Kricheldorf Hans R. , Weidner Steffen M. , Falkenhagen Jana
Published: February 2022

Strong protic acids catalyze intermolecular transesterification in reversible polyester syntheses even at low temperatures (109 °C), an important aspect not considered in the original Jacobson–Stockmayer theory of reversible polycondensations.
Prediction of protein pKawith representation learning
Authors: Gokcan Hatice , Isayev Olexandr
Published: February 2022

We developed new empirical ML model for protein pKaprediction with MAEs below 0.5 for all amino acid types.
Enhancing proline-rich antimicrobial peptide action by homodimerization: influence of bifunctional linker
Authors: Li Wenyi , Lin Feng , Hung Andrew , Barlow Anders , Sani Marc-Antoine , Paolini Rita , Singleton William , Holden James , Hossain Mohammed Akhter , Separovic Frances , O'Brien-Simpson Neil M. , Wade John D.
Published: February 2022

Homodimerization of a proline-rich antimicrobial peptide via bioconjugation to perfluoroaromatic linkers confers increased antimicrobial, antibiofilm and immunomodulatory activity. The dimers are promising new therapeutic leads against WHO priority multidrug resistant bacteria.
In-solution direct oxidative coupling for the integration of sulfur/selenium into DNA-encoded chemical libraries
Authors: Yang Shilian , Zhao Guixian , Gao Yuting , Sun Yang , Zhang Gong , Fan Xiaohong , Li Yangfeng , Li Yizhou
Published: February 2022

DNA-compatible direct oxidative coupling using various sulfur/selenium sources has been achieved, featuring pre-functionalization-free substrates and transition metal-free condition.
Linear multiple-thiophene-containing conjugated polymer photocatalysts with narrow band gaps for achieving ultrahigh photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity under visible light
Authors: Han Changzhi , Xiang Sihui , Jin Shenglin , Luo Lian-Wei , Zhang Chong , Yan Chao , Jiang Jia-Xing
Published: February 2022

A multiple-thiophene-containing polymer photocatalyst shows a remarkably high photocatalytic hydrogen generation rate of 108.59 mmol h−1 g−1 under visible light without adding Pt co-catalyst.
Placental trophoblast-specific overexpression of chemerin induces preeclampsia-like symptoms
Authors: Tan Lunbo , Chen Zhilong , Sun Fen , Zhou Zhuoqun , Zhang Baozhen , Wang Baobei , Chen Jie , Li Mengxia , Xiao Tianxia , Neuman Rugina I. , Niu Jianmin , Verdonk Koen , Lu Xifeng , Zhang Jian V. , Danser A.H. Jan , Yang Qing , Fan Xiujun
Published: February 2022

Maternal circulating levels of the adipokine chemerin are elevated in preeclampsia, but its origin and contribution to preeclampsia remain unknown. We therefore studied (1) placental chemerin expression and release in human pregnancy, and (2) the consequences of chemerin overexpression via lentivirus-mediated trophoblast-specific gene manipulation in both mice and immortalized human trophoblasts. Placental chemerin expression and release were increased in women with preeclampsia, and their circulating chemerin levels correlated positively with the soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1)/placental growth factor (PlGF) ratio, a well-known biomarker of preeclampsia severity. Placental trophoblast chemerin overexpression in mice induced a preeclampsia-like syndrome, involving hypertension, proteinuria, and endotheliosis, combined with diminished trophoblast invasion, a disorganized labyrinth layer, and up-regulation of sFlt-1 and the inflammation markers nuclear factor-κB (NFκB), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-1β. It also led to embryo resorption, while maternal serum chemerin levels correlated negatively with fetal weight in mice. Chemerin overexpression in human trophoblasts up-regulated sFlt-1, reduced vascular endothelial factor-A, and inhibited migration and invasion, as well as tube formation during co-culture with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The chemokine-like receptor 1 (CMKLR1) antagonist α-NETA prevented the latter phenomenon, although it did not reverse the chemerin-induced down-regulation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt pathway. In conclusion, up-regulation of placental chemerin synthesis disturbs normal placental development via its CMKLR1 receptor, thereby contributing to fetal growth restriction/resorption and the development of preeclampsia. Chemerin might be a novel biomarker of preeclampsia, and inhibition of the chemerin/CMKLR1 pathway is a promising novel therapeutic strategy to treat preeclampsia.
Underrepresentation of Students From Diverse Backgrounds Entering Communication Sciences and Disorders Programs: An Investigation Into the University Student Perspective
Authors: Richburg Cynthia McCormick
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

This study investigated university students' knowledge of and attitudes toward the professions of communication sciences and disorders (CSD), with a goal to determine if there were any differences between responses received from minority students compared with responses from White/Caucasian students. The survey collected information about the experiences and exposure that university students have to these professions and professionals before and during their undergraduate years, along with possible reasons male students and students from diverse backgrounds are less likely to enroll in CSD programs.

Method:

Surveys were distributed via Qualtrics and hard copy over 12 weeks of a fall semester to a sample of over 4,000 undergraduate students at a middle-sized public research university in southwest Pennsylvania. Responses were obtained from a total of 524 students.

Results:

In this group of university students, more students reported having obtained information from their high schools regarding speech-language pathology than audiology. More females than males were aware of CSD professions prior to entering college, and non-White students reported knowing less about both the degree programs and professions of audiology and speech-language pathology than their White peers. Neither the non-White group nor males reported much interest in pursuing CSD degrees or professions.

Conclusions:

Non-White students and males reported being exposed less to CSD professions (thus knowing less) than their White and female counterparts, but overall interest in these professions appeared to be lacking for the non-White and male students within this study. Additional research from a larger group of minority and male students nationwide is needed to determine if CSD is universally not attractive to these groups.
Hydrological differences between the Lutetian Paris and Hampshire basins revealed by stable isotopes of conid gastropods
Authors: Clark Alexander J. , Vellekoop Johan , Speijer Robert P.
Published: February 2022

During the Eocene greenhouse (56.0–33.9 Ma), northwest Europe was dominated by a semi-arid para-tropical climate but the paleohydrological conditions are poorly known. To gain more insight into seasonal hydrological conditions in the region, we compare Lutetian (middle Eocene, ∼ 44–45 Ma) mollusk δ18O records from two shallow marine basins on either side of the English Channel,i.e., the Paris and Hampshire Basins. The semi-circular Paris Basin was open to the Atlantic Ocean, while the Hampshire Basin was more enclosed and influenced by the draining of several rivers. The proximity of the basins and the similarity of their faunal assemblages suggest that they experienced roughly similar seawater temperatures but the seasonal hydrology is expected to have been different between these basins. Among the numerous mollusks present in both basins are several members of Conidae, a gastropod family that is particularly well-suited for paleoseasonality reconstructions. To assess the paleohydrological differences between these basins we analyzed the stable oxygen isotopic composition of three specimens ofEoconus deperditusfrom the Banc à Verrains in the middle part of the Calcaire Grossier Formation of the Paris Basin (France), and three specimens ofEoconus edwardsifrom the Shepherd’s Gutter Bed in the upper part of the Selsey Formation of the Hampshire Basin (United Kingdom). While the seasonal variability appears to have been similar between these basins, the δ18O values of the Hampshire Basin specimens are consistently lower than those in the Paris Basin, suggesting a regional difference in δ18Oswof 1–2‰ between the basins. This difference in δ18Oswwas likely related to the greater influence of fluvial discharge within the Hampshire basin, compared to the Paris Basin.
Numerical methods for design of metamaterial photonic crystals and random metamaterials
Authors: Terao Takamichi
Published: February 2022

Two-dimensional metamaterial photonic crystals (2DMPCs) composed of dispersive metamaterials in a positive-refractive-index medium were investigated by incorporating finite-difference time-domain calculations into the auxiliary differential equation method. A distinct band gap was formed and the effects of positional and size disorder when the dispersive metamaterials are aligned in air were elucidated. In addition, using the self-consistent finite-difference frequency-domain method, an eigenmode analysis of 2DMPCs with positional disorder was performed. Finally, a numerical method for the inverse design of binary random metamaterial multilayers was proposed.