bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digoxin use and outcomes after myocardial infarction in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Kytö Ville , Saraste Antti , Rautava Päivi , Tornio Aleksi
Published: April 2022

Digoxin is used for rate control in atrial fibrillation (AF), but evidence for its efficacy and safety after myocardial infarction (MI) is scarce and mixed. We studied post‐MI digoxin use effects on AF patient outcomes in a nationwide registry follow‐up study in Finland. Digoxin was used by 18.6% of AF patients after MI, with a decreasing usage trend during 2004–2014. Baseline differences in digoxin users (n = 881) and controls (n = 3898) were balanced with inverse probability of treatment weight adjustment. The median follow‐up was 7.4 years. Patients using digoxin after MI had a higher cumulative all‐cause mortality (77.4% vs. 72.3%; hazard ratio [HR]: 1.19; confidence interval [CI]: 1.07–1.32; p = 0.001) during a 10‐year follow‐up. Mortality differences were detected in a subgroup analysis of patients without baseline heart failure (HF) (HR: 1.23; p = 0.019) but not in patients with baseline HF (HR: 1.05; p = 0.413). Cumulative incidences of HF hospitalizations, stroke and new MI were similar between digoxin group and controls. In conclusion, digoxin use after MI is associated with increased mortality but not with HF hospitalizations, new MI or stroke in AF patients. Increased mortality was detected in patients without baseline HF. Results suggest caution with digoxin after MI in AF patients, especially in the absence of HF.
Can rewards induce corresponding forms of theft? Introducing the reward‐theft parity effect
Authors: Johnson Jeff S. , Friend Scott B. , Esteky Sina
Published: April 2022

Rewards are reinforcement mechanisms that organizations use to shape desirable employee behaviors. However, rewards may also have unintended consequences, such as building expectations for receiving extra benefits and weakening employee barriers to unethical acts. This article investigates the dark side of the reward–behavior association, and exploring what is referred to as the reward–theft parity effect (RTPE). The authors hypothesize that receiving rewards induces a corresponding type of theft. In Study 1, survey results (n = 634) show initial support for the RTPE between rewards and same‐category theft, and that perceptions of procedural justice attenuate this association. Study 2 involved a 2 (reward) × 2 (theft opportunity) between‐subjects experimental design (n = 300) and provides further support for the RTPE by revealing greater theft under a reward–theft parity condition than under a reward–theft disparity condition. Study 3 replicates these findings in a field experiment (n = 285) and finds that the RTPE is exacerbated when the reward–behavior task is perceived as unjust. Collectively, these findings provide new theoretical insights while also giving managers a more complete understanding of the dark side of behavioral reinforcement mechanisms.
Understanding the impacts of floods on learning quality, school facilities, and educational recovery in Indonesia
Authors: Lassa Jonatan , Petal Marla , Surjan Akhilesh
Published: April 2022

This research is among the first pieces of work to use the comprehensive school safety (CSS) framework to assess the impacts of floods on quality learning and education infrastructure. The CSS framework is employed here to identify the level of disruption to education services following floods in Jakarta, Indonesia, in 2013. The paper poses three key questions, concerning: (i) disruption to children's access to quality education during the flood emergency in 2013 and the early recovery phase; (ii) the impact of the floods on a school's physical infrastructure; and (iii) the effectiveness and level of success of the 2013 flood responses by relevant stakeholders. Combining quantitative and qualitative strategies, the paper examines the experiences of 100 schools in Jakarta. The findings suggest that the CSS framework offers a more nuanced approach to assessing post‐disaster education needs. Moreover, it is also relevant for examining the relationship between the COVID‐19 pandemic and relative losses in the education sector.
Niche use and co‐occurrence patterns of zooplankton along a strong urbanization gradient
Authors: Pantel J. H. , Engelen J. M. T. , De Meester L.
Published: April 2022

Community composition in a given landscape is a complex product of the constituent species' niche requirements, geographic connectivity, environmental properties, species interactions and drift. In this study, we examined niche use of 16 cladoceran species in 81 zooplankton communities that inhabit environmentally variable sites along a strong urbanization gradient. We tested to what extent niche shifts occurred along the urbanization gradient. We also quantified to what extent niche overlap can explain co‐occurrence patterns and tested whether alternative processes such as dispersal limitation or environmental heterogeneity impact co‐occurrence patterns. Niche use in the study region was size‐mediated, with larger species preferring nutrient‐rich environments while smaller species were more specialized on distinct niche axes. Our analyses also revealed that mainly generalist species were able to establish in urban sites. While the average niche position for most species was conserved from rural to urban sites, the niches of those species occurring in both rural and urban areas remain partly unfilled in the urban populations. We observed that a relatively small proportion (13%) of species pairs co‐occurred more or less often than expected by chance, but also that niche overlap was the only predictor that was strongly and significantly associated with co‐occurrence scores in our study. While most of these species pairs showed evidence for a role of environmental filtering, a few common, generalist species pairs displayed segregated co‐occurrence patterns and high niche overlap, suggesting a role of limiting similarity relationships as well. Our study highlights the damaging effects on biodiversity of urbanization through biotic homogenization benefitting generalist species, as well as the difficulty species may face in occupying available niche space in urbanized habitats.
Fatigue damage and life evaluation of thick bi‐material double strap joints for use in marine applications
Authors: Iyer Kumar Rahul , Jaiswal Pankaj , De Waele Wim
Published: April 2022

The present‐day interest in the use of composite‐steel joints in primary marine structures requires an in‐depth knowledge of the fatigue performance of thick adhesive joints. This paper reports on experimental tests performed on compliant (i.e., thick and ductile) adhesive joints based on a two‐component methyl‐methacrylate adhesive in unaged and aged conditions. Bi‐material double strap joint with thick adhesive bondlines is subjected to quasi‐static and fatigue loading, during which the specimens are monitored by digital mage correlation and infrared thermography techniques to evaluate the types and extent of damage that occur in the joint during fatigue loading. The S‐N curve of the aged joint is evaluated along with its fatigue limit. It is found that the unaged specimens fail due to cohesive damage, hackles, and disbond at the adhesive‐adherend interface and the aged specimens fail due to delamination within the composite. The specimens that survived fatigue loading showed similar residual strength as specimens that were not fatigue loaded.
Complementary and alternative medicine use in an Australian kidney transplant recipient population
Authors: De Souza Laura , Krishnasamy Rathika , Waugh Jane , Gray Nicholas A.
Published: April 2022

The prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in kidney transplant recipients in Australia is unknown. Chronic transplant recipients completed a questionnaire, and participants who did not report CAM use also had medical chart audits. Among 127 participants, CAM use was reported by 26.8%, considerably lower than the general population. These findings may reflect underreporting due to misperception about what constitutes CAM (commonly vitamin use was not reported by the group denying CAM use), or perhaps a motivated population who are receptive to education efforts from the transplant team.
VEXAS syndrome: lessons learnt from an early Australian case series
Authors: Islam Sadia , Cullen Taylor , Sumpton Daniel , Damodaran Arvin , Heath David , Bosco Annmarie , Doo Nicole W. , Kidson‐Gerber Giselle , Cheong Anthony , Lawford Ron , Walsh Rebecca , Sammel Anthony
Published: April 2022

VEXAS is a newly recognised adult‐onset autoinflammatory syndrome resulting from a somatic mutation in the UBA1 gene. Herein, we present three cases of VEXAS syndrome in Sydney, Australia, that capture key clinical features and the refractory nature of the condition. They highlight the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration for early diagnosis and the need for new therapeutic options.
Ripple mapping: A precise tool for atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia ablation
Authors: Howard Taylor S. , Valdes Santiago O. , Zobeck Mark C. , Lam Wilson W. , Miyake Christina Y. , Rochelson Ellis , Pham Tam Dan N. , Kim Jeffrey J.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Ablation for atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) classically utilizes evaluation of signal morphology within the anatomic region of the slow pathway (SP), which involves subjectivity. Ripple mapping (RM; CARTO‐3© Biosense Webster Inc) displays each electrogram at its three‐dimensional coordinate as a bar changing in length according to its voltage–time relationship. This allows prolonged, low‐amplitude signals to be displayed in their entirety, helping identify propagation in low‐voltage areas. We set out to evaluate the ability of RM to locate the anatomic site of the SP and assess its use in guiding ablation for AVNRT.

Methods

Patients ≤18 years with AVNRT in the EP laboratory between 2017 and 2021 were evaluated. RM was performed to define region of SP conduction in patients from 2019 to 2021, whereas standard electro‐anatomical mapping was used from 2017 to 2019. All ablations were performed using cryotherapy. Demographics, outcomes, and analysis of variance in number of test lesions until success was compared between groups.

Results

A total of 115 patients underwent AVRNT ablation during the study; 46 patients were in the RM group and 69 were in the control group. There were no demographic differences between groups. All procedures, in both groups, were acutely successful. In RM group, 89% of first successful lesions were within 4 mm of the predicted site. There was significantly reduced variability in number of test lesions until success in the RM group (p = .01).

Conclusion

RM is a novel technique that can help identify SP location, allowing for successful ablation of AVNRT with decreased variability.
Computed tomography imaging‐identified location and electrocardiographic characteristics of left bundle branch area pacing in bradycardia patients
Authors: Chen Keping , Liu Xingbin , Hou Xiaofeng , Qiu Yuanhao , Lin Jinxuan , Dai Yan , Xu Yuanning , Jiang Lingyun , Zhou Xiaohong , Zhang Xue , Lu Hongyang , Mara Nicki , Demmer Wade , Cheng Alan , Zou Jiangang
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) is a novel physiological pacing modality. The relationship between the pacing lead tip location and paced electrocardiographic (ECG) characteristics remains unclear. The objectives are to determine the lead tip location within the interventricular septum (IVS) and assess the location‐based ECG QRS duration (QRSd) and left ventricular activation time (LVAT).

Methods

This multicenter study enrolled 50 consecutive bradycardia patients who met pacemaker therapy guidelines and received LBBAP implantation via the trans‐ventricular septal approach. After at least 3 months postimplant, 12‐lead ECGs and pacing parameters were obtained. Cardiac computed tomography (CT) imaging was performed to assess the LBBAP lead tip distance from the LV blood pool.

Results

Among the 50 patients, analyzable CT images were obtained in 42. In 23 of the 42 patients, the lead tips were within 2 mm to the LV blood pool (the LV subendocardial (LVSE) group), 13 between 2 and 4 mm (the Near‐LVSE group), and the remaining 6 beyond 4 mm (the Mid‐LV septal (Mid‐LVS) group). No significant differences in paced QRSd were found among the three groups (LVSE, 107 ± 15 ms; Near‐LVSE, 106 ± 13 ms; Mid‐LVS, 104 ± 15 ms; p = .87). LVAT in the LVSE (64 ± 7 ms) was significantly shorter than in the Mid‐LVS (72 ± 8 ms; p < .05), but not significantly different from that in the Near‐LVSE (69 ± 8 ms; p > .05).

Conclusion

In routine LBBAP practice, paced narrow QRSd and fast LVAT, indicative of physiological pacing, were consistently achieved for lead tip location in the LV subendocardial or near LV subendocardial region.
Randomized controlled pilot study assessing efficacy, efficiency, and patient‐reported outcomes measures of chairside and labside single‐tooth restorations
Authors: Zuercher Anina N. , Ioannidis Alexis , Hüsler Jürg , Mehl Albert , Hämmerle Christoph H. F. , Thoma Daniel S.
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To test whether or not a chairside workflow (CHAIR) is similar to a labside workflow (LAB) in terms of efficacy (primary outcome) and efficiency (secondary outcome).

Material and methods

Eighteen subjects in need of a single‐tooth restoration in the posterior region of the maxilla or mandible were consecutively recruited and randomly assigned to the CHAIR or LAB workflow. Patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs; efficacy) were assessed using a questionnaire with visual analog scale. The white Æsthetic score (WES) was applied to evaluate the Æsthetic outcome objectively. The clinical and laboratory time (efficiency) were recorded. Nonparametric methods were applied for the group comparisons.

Results

The overall median Æsthetic evaluation after treatment was 10 (interquartile range = IQR: 9.5–10) in group CHAIR and 10 (IQR: 9.5–10) in‐group LAB (Mann–Whitney [MW] test p = 1.000). The WES amounted to 4 (IQR: 3–5) (CHAIR) and to 8 (IQR: 7–9) (LAB) (MW test p < 0.0001). The median total working time for the clinician in‐group CHAIR was 49.9 min. (IQR: 40.9–63.7) and 41.4 min. (IQR: 37.2–58.2) in‐group LAB (MW test p = 0.387).

Conclusions

Subjective PROMs of single‐tooth supported restorations fabricated in a CHAIR or LAB workflow led to similar scores of patients' satisfaction and a moderate negative correlation for the objective evaluation of the clinician in the LAB workflow.

Clinical significance

PROMs can be considered a key element in the decision‐making process for restoring single‐tooth restorations. The patients' perception of Æsthetics was similar for the CHAIR or LAB workflows. The additional efforts undertaken with the LAB workflow did not result in a patient benefit when compared to a CHAIR workflow.
Aspects of the pathology induced by Spinitectus petterae Boomker, 1993 in the stomach of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) using light and scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Austin Lucinda , Dos Santos Quinton Marco , Avenant‐Oldewage Annemariè
Published: April 2022

Spinitectus spp. (Rhabdochonidae) are enteric nematodes characterized by annular spines. At the anterior end, these spines assist attachment and aid penetration into the host tissue. During parasitological surveys of the Vaal River system from three localities, below the Vaal River Barrage in the Vaal Dam surrounding UJ island and below the Grootdraai Dam, Spinitectus specimens were collected from the stomach lining of the sharptooth catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822). Histopathological effects induced by Spinitectus petterae Boomker, 1993 on C. gariepinus has not been studied. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe the histopathology induced by S. petterae. For light microscopic examination, tissue samples with attached S. petterae were sectioned and stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Additionally, attached nematodes were also studied using scanning electron microscopy. Leukocytes were counted with the Disector principle. Standard infection parameters (prevalence, mean intensity and abundance) were calculated and compared to host parameters. Prevalence varied greatly (11.77% to 100%) between localities. Histopathology induced by S. petterae to C. gariepinus stomach (cardiac region) consisted of significant leukocyte infiltration, acute ulcerations and chronic granuloma formation. This was similar to the pathology of other Spinitectus occurring in host anterior intestine and stomach, but granuloma formation had not been previously reported and this suggests chronic infection in wild caught fish.
Knowledge, perceptions and behaviours regarding dietary management of adults living with phenylketonuria
Authors: Firman Sarah J. , Ramachandran Radha , Whelan Kevin
Published: April 2022

Background

Lifelong dietary treatment remains the mainstay for many with phenylketonuria (PKU); however, adherence is known to reduce with age. It remains unclear whether knowledge and perceptions of the PKU diet amongst adults with PKU influence dietary behaviours.

Methods

A nationwide questionnaire survey was performed to investigate the knowledge and perceptions, and associated diet behaviours of adults with PKU in the UK. The survey was sent to adults with PKU under the care of the host hospital and members of the National Society of PKU.

Results

One hundred and thirty‐seven respondents (n = 78 females, 56.9%) completed the survey with a mean age of 34 years and 4 months (16–65 years). Sixty (43.8%) respondents had always followed a PKU diet, 39 (28.5%) returned to diet and 35 (25.5%) were off diet. Overall mean ± SD knowledge score was 75.2% ± 13.4%, with significantly higher scores for knowledge of PKU (80.7% ± 16.2%) compared to knowledge specifically of the PKU diet (72.6% ± 14.5%, p < 0.001). Knowledge was associated with dietary adherence. Respondents who always followed a PKU diet had similar knowledge to those who returned to diet, whereas respondents off diet had significantly lower scores. Perception of the diet was not a predictor of dietary adherence, with the exception of whether patients had concerns for their long‐term health when on diet or felt well when not following a diet.

Conclusions

The present study highlights the importance of ongoing dietetic input in building knowledge and skills for dietary management. Further research is needed to understand the motivators and beliefs that influence dietary adherence.
A novel application of check‐all‐that‐apply with semi‐trained assessors for tea sensory characterization and preference: Using Longjing tea as a case study
Authors: Tong Yi‐Lin , Zhu Ruo‐Lan , Li Chun‐Lin , Guo Hao‐Wei , Huang Chuang‐Sheng , Zhou Sen‐Jie , Gong Shu‐Ying , Fan Fang‐Yuan
Published: April 2022

The consumer‐centric tea‐sensory evaluation is the premise and guarantee for product optimization and consumer guidance. However, there is no effective consumer‐centric tea sensory characterization tool till now. The goal of this study was to explore a novel application of check‐all‐that‐apply with semi‐trained assessors (ST‐CATA) on tea sensory characterization and hedonic driver investigation, using Longjing teas with complex flavor characteristics as a case study. In this study, a 17 attributes lexicon and corresponding references were developed as attributes marker for sensory training. 17 Longjing teas with different sensory characteristics were analyzed by ST‐CATA (N = 40). Tea characterization by ST‐CATA based on correspondence analysis (CA) and multidimensional alignment (MDA) showed that fresh‐type, roasty‐type and defect‐type Longjing teas were distinguished successfully. Penalty analysis based on hedonic scale from ST‐CATA indicated that fresh‐type and roasty‐type Longjing tea were two directions for consumer preferences. Attributes “tender flavor”, “umami”, “sweetness”, “Orchid‐like aroma”, “roasty”, and “fresh” were the key drivers for overall liking, while “grassy flavor”, “strong”, “bitterness”, and “astringency” were negatively associated with overall liking. Overall results verified ST‐CATA is a valuable consumer‐centric tool for tea sensory characterization, which have powerful potential for identifying liking drivers and directions for consumption preference.

Practical Application

Tea sensory characteristics are complex and variable. This study developed a novel consumer‐centric method for tea sensory evaluation based on check‐all‐that‐apply with semi‐trained assessors (ST‐CATA). An effective tea characterization was performed by ST‐CATA and used to hedonic analysis with acceptable sensitivity. The novel application of ST‐CATA was verified to be suitable for tea sensory analysis and consumer preference with the advantage of easy‐to‐understand and intuitive consumer experience, which provided effective information for tea product optimization and consumer guidance.
Mask use during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A descriptive survey in South Korea
Authors: Kim Hyo Jung , Han Song Yi
Published: April 2022

Extensive research on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is underway. However, there are not many studies on the use of masks, which are essential for infection prevention. This descriptive study aimed to understand the factors influencing the use of masks by Korean adults during COVID‐19. We conducted an online survey with 280 adults in South Korea between August and September 2020, analyzing the data using SPSS version 24.0. Multiple regression analyses were performed to understand the factors that influence individuals' use of masks. The participants' perceived susceptibility, perceived barriers, other people's dignity, compliance with public order, reasonable decision making, and subjective norms explained 21.6% of mask use. Mask use is expected to increase further if people perceive a personal need to wear masks, if their peers perceive the importance of mask use, and if they possess civic consciousness that considers society as a whole. This paper makes a significant contribution to the field of public health, with evidence‐based recommendations for increasing mask use, going beyond simply attributing mask use to individual preferences.
Outcome with surgical treatment of canine soft tissue sarcoma in the region of the ischiatic tuberosity: A veterinary society of surgical oncology retrospective study
Authors: Paulos Patrisha E. , Boston Sarah , Skinner Owen T. , Liptak Julius M. , Amsellem Pierre M. , Fournier Quentin , Wood Christopher J. , Annoni Maurizio , Murgia Daniela , Oblak Michelle L. , Dean Barnaby L. , Baird Steven D. , Kulendra Nicola J.
Published: April 2022

The aim of this study was to determine the outcome of dogs with soft tissue sarcoma (STS) within the region of the ischiatic tuberosity (ITSTS) treated surgically. This was a multi‐institutional retrospective study. Fifty‐two dogs met the inclusion criteria, which were: histologically confirmed STS in the region of the IT treated with surgical resection between March 1st, 2009 and March 1st, 2021 with a minimum follow‐up time of 6 months. Data collected included patient signalment, preoperative diagnostics, surgical intent/method, surgical complications, histopathology, margins, outcome and cause of death. Statistical analyses were performed to determine significant factors in the treatment and prognosis of ITSTS. Overall survival time (OST) and disease progression were negatively associated with tumour grade, while recurrence was positively associated with grade and incomplete margins. Of the 52 included dogs, there were 24 grade I, 20 grade II and 7 grade III tumours. Forty dogs had reported histopathologic margins of which 26 were reported to be complete and 14 were incomplete. OST and progression‐free survival was not reached for tumours graded as I or II and was 255 and 268 days respectively, for grade III. Median time to recurrence was not reached for tumours excised with complete margins and was 398 days for those with incomplete margins. The surgical complication rate was 25%. ITSTS was not found to be a unique clinical entity in dogs as tumour behavior, treatment recommendations, and prognosis were similar to STS in other locations, with overall outcome and prognosis influenced by histologic grade and margins. While surgical complications were common, none resulted in significant morbidity or mortality.
Inclusion of fibroblasts and collagen fibrils in the cytologic grading of canine cutaneous mast cell tumors
Authors: Paes Paulo R. O. , Horta Rodrigo S. , Luza Ludimila C. , Pierezan Felipe , Costa Mariana P. , Lavalle Gleidice E.
Published: April 2022

Background

Fibroblasts and/or collagen fibrils have not been included in previous cytologic grading schemes of canine mast cell tumors (MCTs), and their association with biological behavior is broadly debated.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the cytologic findings of canine MCT, with emphasis on the microenvironment, and propose a novel cytologic grading system correlated with mortality and histologic grade.

Material and Methods

Cytology smears of canine cutaneous MCTs were retrospectively reviewed and compared with their histopathologic counterparts using Cohen´s Kappa test. One‐year survival rates were also compared with the cytologic and histopathologic variables using Pearson´s correlation test.

Results

From 92 first‐occurrence canine cutaneous MCTs, the five features most associated with mortality were selected for a new grading system. The five features were cytoplasmic granulation, fibroblast and/or collagen fibril concentrations, and the presence of mitotic figures, multinucleation, and karyomegaly. Among concordant histopathologic and cytologic cases (ie, the same grades using both systems), mortality rates were 2.6% (1/38) for low‐grade and 71.4% (10/14) for high‐grade cases (P < 0.001, chi‐square). For false‐negative and false‐positive results, mortality rates were 33% (1/3) and 45% (5/11), respectively (P = 0.707).

Conclusions

Unlike the Camus cytologic grading system, the present amendment excluded binucleation and included fibroblasts and/ or collagen fibrils, which in higher concentrations were associated with increased survival and a low histopathologic grade. Cytologic grading with the inclusion of fibroblast and collagen fibril concentrations correlated with survival, as did the Camus cytologic and Kiupel histopathologic grades; however, further studies are needed to confirm the prognostic value of this novel cytologic grading scheme.
Sphingolipids control dermal fibroblast heterogeneity
Authors: Capolupo Laura , Khven Irina , Lederer Alex R. , Mazzeo Luigi , Glousker Galina , Ho Sylvia , Russo Francesco , Montoya Jonathan Paz , Bhandari Dhaka R. , Bowman Andrew P. , Ellis Shane R. , Guiet Romain , Burri Olivier , Detzner Johanna , Muthing Johannes , Homicsko Krisztian , Kuonen François , Gilliet Michel , Spengler Bernhard , Heeren Ron M. A. , Dotto G. Paolo , La Manno Gioele , D’Angelo Giovanni
Published: April 2022

Human cells produce thousands of lipids that change during cell differentiation and can vary across individual cells of the same type. However, we are only starting to characterize the function of these cell-to-cell differences in lipid composition. Here, we measured the lipidomes and transcriptomes of individual human dermal fibroblasts by coupling high-resolution mass spectrometry imaging with single-cell transcriptomics. We found that the cell-to-cell variations of specific lipid metabolic pathways contribute to the establishment of cell states involved in the organization of skin architecture. Sphingolipid composition is shown to define fibroblast subpopulations, with sphingolipid metabolic rewiring driving cell-state transitions. Therefore, cell-to-cell lipid heterogeneity affects the determination of cell states, adding a new regulatory component to the self-organization of multicellular systems.
Complex morphologies of biogenic crystals emerge from anisotropic growth of symmetry-related facets
Authors: Avrahami Emanuel M. , Houben Lothar , Aram Lior , Gal Assaf
Published: April 2022

Directing crystal growth into complex morphologies is challenging, as crystals tend to adopt thermodynamically stable morphologies. However, many organisms form crystals with intricate morphologies, as exemplified by coccoliths, microscopic calcite crystal arrays produced by unicellular algae. The complex morphologies of the coccolith crystals were hypothesized to materialize from numerous crystallographic facets, stabilized by fine-tuned interactions between organic molecules and the growing crystals. Using electron tomography, we examined multiple stages of coccolith development in three dimensions. We found that the crystals express only one set of symmetry-related crystallographic facets, which grow differentially to yield highly anisotropic shapes. Morphological chirality arises from positioning the crystals along specific edges of these same facets. Our findings suggest that growth rate manipulations are sufficient to yield complex crystalline morphologies.
Hydrogel-based strong and fast actuators by electroosmotic turgor pressure
Authors: Na Hyeonuk , Kang Yong-Woo , Park Chang Seo , Jung Sohyun , Kim Ho-Young , Sun Jeong-Yun
Published: April 2022

Hydrogels are promising as materials for soft actuators because of qualities such as softness, transparency, and responsiveness to stimuli. However, weak and slow actuations remain challenging as a result of low modulus and osmosis-driven slow water diffusion, respectively. We used turgor pressure and electroosmosis to realize a strong and fast hydrogel-based actuator. A turgor actuator fabricated with a gel confined by a selectively permeable membrane can retain a high osmotic pressure that drives gel swelling; thus, our actuator exerts large stress [0.73 megapascals (MPa) in 96 minutes (min)] with a 1.16 cubic centimeters of hydrogel. With the accelerated water transport caused by electroosmosis, the gel swells rapidly, enhancing the actuation speed (0.79 MPa in 9 min). Our strategies enable a soft hydrogel to break a brick and construct underwater structures within a few minutes.
Ambient-pressure synthesis of ethylene glycol catalyzed by C
60
-buffered Cu/SiO
2
Authors: Zheng Jianwei , Huang Lele , Cui Cun-Hao , Chen Zuo-Chang , Liu Xu-Feng , Duan Xinping , Cao Xin-Yi , Yang Tong-Zong , Zhu Hongping , Shi Kang , Du Peng , Ying Si-Wei , Zhu Chang-Feng , Yao Yuan-Gen , Guo Guo-Cong , Yuan Youzhu , Xie Su-Yuan , Zheng Lan-Sun
Published: April 2022

Bulk chemicals such as ethylene glycol (EG) can be industrially synthesized from either ethylene or syngas, but the latter undergoes a bottleneck reaction and requires high hydrogen pressures. We show that fullerene (exemplified by C
60
) can act as an electron buffer for a copper-silica catalyst (Cu/SiO
2
). Hydrogenation of dimethyl oxalate over a C
60
-Cu/SiO
2
catalyst at ambient pressure and temperatures of 180° to 190°C had an EG yield of up to 98 ± 1%. In a kilogram-scale reaction, no deactivation of the catalyst was seen after 1000 hours. This mild route for the final step toward EG can be combined with the already-industrialized ambient reaction from syngas to the intermediate of dimethyl oxalate.
Dynamic compartmental computations in tuft dendrites of layer 5 neurons during motor behavior
Authors: Otor Yara , Achvat Shay , Cermak Nathan , Benisty Hadas , Abboud Maisan , Barak Omri , Schiller Yitzhak , Poleg-Polsky Alon , Schiller Jackie
Published: April 2022

Tuft dendrites of layer 5 pyramidal neurons form specialized compartments important for motor learning and performance, yet their computational capabilities remain unclear. Structural-functional mapping of the tuft tree from the motor cortex during motor tasks revealed two morphologically distinct populations of layer 5 pyramidal tract neurons (PTNs) that exhibit specific tuft computational properties. Early bifurcating and large nexus PTNs showed marked tuft functional compartmentalization, representing different motor variable combinations within and between their two tuft hemi-trees. By contrast, late bifurcating and smaller nexus PTNs showed synchronous tuft activation. Dendritic structure and dynamic recruitment of the
N
-methyl-
d
-aspartate (NMDA)–spiking mechanism explained the differential compartmentalization patterns. Our findings support a morphologically dependent framework for motor computations, in which independent amplification units can be combinatorically recruited to represent different motor sequences within the same tree.
In Science Journals
Authors: Aldenderfer Mark , Lavine Marc S. , Grocholski Brent , Yeston Jake , Purnell Beverly A. , Stern Peter , Hallberg Dorothy L. , Smith H. Jesse , Sugden Andrew M. , LZ  , Scanlon Seth Thomas , Ray L. Bryan , Szuromi Phil , Foley John F. , Williams Ifor
Published: April 2022

Highlights from the
Science
family of journals
In Other Journals
Authors: Funk Michael A. , Alderton Gemma , Ash Caroline , Uzogara Ekeoma , Smith H. Jesse , Ray L. Bryan , Stajic Jelena
Published: April 2022

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature
Earth’s oldest land ecosystem spotted in drilled cores
Authors: Voosen Paul
Published: April 2022

Campaign probes for earliest signs of oxygen-producing life
Tiny labmade motors are poised to do useful work
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: April 2022

Molecular-scale pumps that mimic the body’s miniature machines could clean air and harvest precious metals
Androgen conspires with the CD8
+
T cell exhaustion program and contributes to sex bias in cancer
Authors: Kwon Hyunwoo , Schafer Johanna M. , Song No-Joon , Kaneko Satoshi , Li Anqi , Xiao Tong , Ma Anjun , Allen Carter , Das Komal , Zhou Lei , Riesenberg Brian , Chang Yuzhou , Weltge Payton , Velegraki Maria , Oh David Y. , Fong Lawrence , Ma Qin , Sundi Debasish , Chung Dongjun , Li Xue , Li Zihai
Published: April 2022

Sex bias exists in the development and progression of nonreproductive organ cancers, but the underlying mechanisms are enigmatic. Studies so far have focused largely on sexual dimorphisms in cancer biology and socioeconomic factors. Here, we establish a role for CD8
+
T cell–dependent antitumor immunity in mediating sex differences in tumor aggressiveness, which is driven by the gonadal androgen but not sex chromosomes. A male bias exists in the frequency of intratumoral antigen-experienced
Tcf7
/TCF1
+
progenitor exhausted CD8
+
T cells that are devoid of effector activity as a consequence of intrinsic androgen receptor (AR) function. Mechanistically, we identify a novel sex-specific regulon in progenitor exhausted CD8
+
T cells and a pertinent contribution from AR as a direct transcriptional transactivator of
Tcf7
/TCF1. The T cell–intrinsic function of AR in promoting CD8
+
T cell exhaustion in vivo was established using multiple approaches including loss-of-function studies with CD8-specific
Ar
knockout mice. Moreover, ablation of the androgen-AR axis rewires the tumor microenvironment to favor effector T cell differentiation and potentiates the efficacy of anti–PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade. Collectively, our findings highlight androgen-mediated promotion of CD8
+
T cell dysfunction in cancer and imply broader opportunities for therapeutic development from understanding sex disparities in health and disease.
Abundance and Localization of Symbiotic Bacterial Communities in the Fly Parasitoid Spalangia cameroni
Authors: Rohkin Shalom Sarit , Weiss Benjamin , Lalzar Maya , Kaltenpoth Martin , Chiel Elad
Published: April 2022

Many insects carry intracellular bacterial symbionts (bacteria that reside within the cells of the insect). When multiple symbiont species cohabit in a host, they may compete or cooperate for space, nutrients, and transmission, and the nature of such interactions would be reflected in the abundance of each symbiont species.
SLC35B2 Acts in a Dual Role in the Host Sulfation Required for EV71 Infection
Authors: Guo Dong , Yu Xinghai , Wang Dan , Li Zhifei , Zhou Yu , Xu Guodong , Yuan Bing , Qin Yali , Chen Mingzhou
Published: April 2022

As the most important nonpolio neurotropic enterovirus lacking specific treatments, EV71 can transmit to the central nervous system, leading to severe and fatal neurological complications in infants and young children. The identification of new factors that facilitate or inhibit EV71 replication is crucial to uncover the mechanisms of viral infection and pathogenesis.
The Leishmania donovani Ortholog of the Glycosylphosphatidylinositol Anchor Biosynthesis Cofactor PBN1 Is Essential for Host Infection
Authors: Roberts Adam , Nagar Rupa , Brandt Cordelia , Harcourt Katherine , Clare Simon , Ferguson Michael A. J. , Wright Gavin J.
Published: April 2022

Visceral leishmaniasis is a deadly infectious disease caused by the parasitesLeishmania donovaniandLeishmania infantum. It remains a major global health problem, and there is no licensed highly effective vaccine.
Induction of Susceptibility to Disseminated Infection with IgA1 Protease-Producing Encapsulated Pathogens Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae Type b, and Neisseria meningitidis
Authors: Kilian Mogens , Husby Steffen , Andersen Jesper , Moldoveanu Zina , Sørensen Uffe B. Skov , Reinholdt Jesper , Tettelin Hervé
Published: April 2022

Why some individuals develop invasive infection, including meningitis, withStreptococcus pneumoniae,Neisseria meningitidis, andHaemophilus influenzaetype b is unexplained. The vast majority of humans are colonized with the three pathogens but remain healthy and develop immunity.
Nematode Predation and Competitive Interactions Affect Microbe-Mediated Phosphorus Dynamics
Authors: Zheng Jie , Dini-Andreote Francisco , Luan Lu , Geisen Stefan , Xue Jingrong , Li Huixin , Sun Bo , Jiang Yuji
Published: April 2022

Nematode predation plays an essential role in determining the rhizosphere microbiome. In doing so, predation dynamically affects the soil nutrient cycling, for instance, by shifting the availability of phosphorus (P) for plant uptake.
Prediction of Prophages and Their Host Ranges in Pathogenic and Commensal
Neisseria
Species
Authors: Orazi Giulia , Collins Alan J. , Whitaker Rachel J.
Published: April 2022

Drug-resistant
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
is a major threat to human health. Commensal
Neisseria
species are thought to serve as reservoirs of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes for the pathogenic species
N. gonorrhoeae
and
N. meningitidis
.
Seismic anisotropy in the central Tien Shan unveils rheology-controlled deformation during intracontinental orogenesis
Authors: Zhang Bingfeng , Bao Xuewei , Xu Yixian
Published: April 2022

The initiation and evolution of compressional intracontinental orogens are favored by rheologically weak lithosphere underneath; however, how this weakened lithosphere responds to the regional stress regime remains vigorously debated. The Tien Shan mountains in central Asia provide the best example to illustrate the deep deformational responses to intracontinental orogenesis. We present new constraints on the nature of seismic anisotropy in the crust and upper mantle of the central Tien Shan through shear-wave splitting analyses. Our results reveal a sharp change in the orientations of crustal anisotropic fabrics on two sides of the mountains. The convergence-parallel fast orientations in the northern segment are closely related to the lower-crustal simple-shear deformation caused by the underthrusting of the Kazakh Shield, whereas the depth-independent orogen-parallel fast orientations in the southern segment suggest vertically coherent pure-shear thickening of the Tien Shan lithosphere in response to the northward indentation of the Tarim Basin. The thickened lithosphere has partly foundered into the deep mantle, contributing to the accelerated shortening deformation in the late Cenozoic. Our observations demonstrate the complex tectonic processes in the Tien Shan and suggest that the rheological properties of bounding blocks can play a significant role in shaping the lithospheric structures of intracontinental orogens.
Sulfide-associated hydrothermal dolomite and calcite reveal a shallow burial depth for Alpine-type Zn-(Pb) deposits
Authors: Giorno M. , Barale L. , Bertok C. , Frenzel M. , Looser N. , Guillong M. , Bernasconi S.M. , Martire L.
Published: April 2022

Difficulties in dating Mississippi Valley–type (MVT) mineral deposits and the often closely associated dolomitization have led to controversy regarding their origin. We report the first radiometric ages for the Gorno mining district in northern Italy, an example of the Alpine subclass of MVT deposits. U-Pb ages of hydrothermal carbonates pre- and postdating the ore-forming event show that base-metal mineralization occurred shortly after the deposition of the Carnian host rocks. This implies that the Gorno ore deposits formed at shallow burial depth prior to the Early Jurassic western Tethys rifting phase. Contemporaneous Triassic magmatism and extensional tectonics likely contributed to the high geothermal heat fluxes required to drive the mineralizing system. Our study reinforces the need for reliable geochronological data for metallogenic models and warns against a general application of classic North American MVT models to similar deposits worldwide.
Supplemental Material: The influence of glacial isostatic adjustment on continental shelf stratigraphic correlation
Authors: King Meghan E. , Creveling Jessica R.
Published: April 2022

Supplemental figures showing depth site relative sea-level histories and stratigraphic surface ages; and tables of the mean count, thickness, and water-depth change of systems tracts. 
Biochemical components ofSphagnumand persistence in peat soil
Authors: Pipes Gwendolyn T. , Yavitt Joseph B.
Published: April 2022

The amounts and arrangements of polysaccharides (cellulose and hemicellulose), proteins, phenolic lignin, and pectin that make up plant tissue, in part, determine its decay rate. Lignin-rich and/or nitrogen-poor tissue has been described as biochemically recalcitrant causing a slow decay rate. Although a controversial mechanism for organic matter storage in soils with mineral particles, biochemical recalcitrance is still poorly understood in organic peat soil (Histosols). To investigate the role of Sphagnum in formation of peat soil, we characterize biochemical components for 10 species and examine persistence of the components in soil to 150 cm depth in three peatland ecosystems. We hypothesize that species from hummock microforms have more biochemical structural components and cohesion than species from hollows. Relative proportions of biochemical components changed markedly between plant material and the top 10 cm of peat soil, suggesting that decomposition occurred at the peat soil surface, but thereafter relative proportions of biochemical components did not vary significantly to 150 cm deep. A few differences in biochemical components that distinguished hummock species from hollow species persisted to the deepest depth sampled. Although persistence of the lignin-like component was expected, persistence of soluble and ionically bound pectin compounds was surprising as these biopolymers are thought to be readily decomposable. Our findings indicate that structural components of Sphagnum, specifically polysaccharides and pectin in addition to oft-cited phenolic lignin-like components, persist in peat soil and should not be overlooked in trying to understand carbon dynamics in Sphagnum-dominated ecosystems.
Network coherence of weighted duplex networks: Exact results
Authors: Wang Jun , Chen Jing , Sun Weigang
Published: April 2022

The Laplacian spectra are often used to characterize topological properties and dynamical characteristics of the networks. In this paper, we analytically calculate the network coherence quantified by the Laplacian spectra, which is a measurement of the extent of consensus in the coupled systems with the noise. Due to complex interactions between two coupled networks, we choose three types of weighted duplex networks with an aim of obtaining their exact solutions of the network coherence. Based on the network structures and matrix theories, we provide analytical expressions of the coherence regarding the network size and weights and further study the robustness of the coherence under network parameters. We finally show that smaller network sizes and larger weights will lead to better coherence and the best coherence happens in a duplex network because there are more connections between the layers.
Identity Authentication Based on Music-Induced Autobiographical Memory EEG
Authors: Xu Xin , Jiang Lan , Xu Tingting
Published: April 2022

The need for identity authentication has become essential in various aspects of people’s life. In this paper, we propose a novel biometric authentication strategy based on music-induced autobiographical memory electroencephalogram (EEG). Specific music is used to induce the stable autobiographical memory, while the EEG signals are collected through the memory process. Users can authenticate themselves by recollecting their minds when listening to the music, which is closely related to their long-term memory. Based on six types of EEG features from 12 subjects, mean F1 score of 0.937, 0.936 and 0.968 are achieved using Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machine and RUSBoost classifier, respectively. This promising result indicates the high distinctive characteristics in music-induced autobiographical memory EEG, which is suitable for identity authentication applications.
Facial Expression Recognition Using Convolution Neural Network Fusion and Texture Descriptors Representation
Authors: Ouafa Chebah , Tayeb Laskri Mohamed
Published: April 2022

Facial expression recognition is an interesting research direction of pattern recognition and computer vision. It has been increasingly used in artificial intelligence, human–computer interaction and security monitoring. In recent years, Convolution Neural Network (CNN) as a deep learning technique and multiple classifier combination method has been applied to gain accurate results in classifying face expressions. In this paper, we propose a multimodal classification approach based on a local texture descriptor representation and a combination of CNN to recognize facial expression. Initially, in order to reduce the influence of redundant information, the preprocessing stage is performed using face detection, face image cropping and texture descriptors of Local Binary Pattern (LBP), Local Gradient Code (LGC), Local Directional Pattern (LDP) and Gradient Direction Pattern (GDP) calculation. Second, we construct a cascade CNN architecture using the multimodal data of each descriptor (CNNLBP, CNNLGC, CNNGDPand CNNLDP) to extract facial features and classify emotions. Finally, we apply aggregation techniques (sum and product rule) for each modality to combine the four multimodal outputs and thus obtain the final decision of our system. Experimental results using CK[Formula: see text] and JAFFE database show that the proposed multimodal classification system achieves superior recognition performance compared to the existing studies with classification accuracy of 97, 93% and 94, 45%, respectively.