bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control, alt, delete: Patriarchal populist attacks on international women’s rights
Authors: Sanders Rebecca , Jenkins Laura Dudley
Published: March 2022

The rise of patriarchal populist leaders over the past decade has fortified a long-standing campaign by conservative governments and advocacy groups to undermine women’s international human rights. Their efforts have increasingly focused on revising language as a means to challenge and weaken the international norms and organizations essential to women’s and girls’ equality and health. Through our textual analysis of UN records, governmental and nongovernmental publications, media coverage of disputes over language, and background interviews with activists, we identify and delineate the significance of this ‘norm spoiling’ strategy and trace its expansion during the Trump administration. We find that women’s rights challengers have pursued three distinct spoiling tactics based in language: controlling what women’s rights advocates can say through policies such as the United States’ ‘global gag rule’; altering the meaning of women’s rights by reframing them as an attack on other rights, such as religious freedom; and deleting foundational words, such as ‘gender’ and ‘sexual and reproductive health and rights’, from international agreements. The role of language in today’s patriarchal populism goes beyond populist leaders’ speeches, rallies and tweets. Their governments and allies systematically control, alter or delete words central to women’s rights.
An App-Based Loving-Kindness Training to Facilitate Compassion, Team Cohesion, and Fairness
Authors: Stenzel Lukas , Konsemüller Moritz , Tan Shu Ling , Röcken Melissa , Borgmann Simon , Thomsen Nils , Stoll Oliver
Published: March 2022

Abstract. The present study employed a quasi-experimental design, in which the experimental group ( n = 13) practiced a loving-kindness meditation (LKM) via a single in-person workshop and via an app, whereas the active control group ( n = 20) practiced progressive muscle relaxation (PMR). Both interventions lasted 1 week and were executed in the respective soccer academy. The groups completed a pre- and posttest measuring compassion, fairness, and team cohesion. In contrast to our hypothesis, we did not find an interaction effect. LKM athletes did not demonstrate greater cohesion, fairness, and compassion after the intervention than the PMR athletes. By comparing user engagement and user rating between LKM and PMR, we conclude that LKM is as accepted as PMR by the study cohort. We suggest implementing future LKM interventions with substantial interaction parts and considering specific person-by-context interactions.
Validation of an Extended Violent Ideations Scale to Measure Both	Non-Sexual and Sexual Violent Ideations (The VIS-X)
Authors: Urruela Carlota , Booth Tom , Eisner Manuel , Ribeaud Denis , Murray Aja L.
Published: March 2022

Abstract: A previous study developed and validated a multi-item instrument for the assessment of violent ideations, the “Violent Ideations Scale” (VIS). However, the final 12-item scale contained no items relating to sexual violence and was thus lacking an important dimension of violence. The current study explores an expansion of the original VIS to include ideations of sexual violence and investigates the psychometric properties of this new version: The Violent Ideations Scale-Extended (VIS-X). The VIS-X was completed by participants in the latest wave of the z-proso study ( N = 1,177; 595 females, 580 males aged 19–22 years). Exploratory factor analysis was conducted in a calibration sample and confirmatory factor analysis in a validation sample to establish a two subscale structure as optimal. Cronbach’s α and Composite Reliability suggested good internal consistency. Nomological analysis supported the convergent validity of the scores.
Widespread Fluid Seepage Related to Buried Submarine Landslide Deposits in the Northwestern South China Sea
Authors: Chen Duanxin , Zhang Guangxu , Dong Dongdong , Zhao Meixia , Wang Xiujuan
Published: March 2022

Fluid seepage sometimes impacts occurrences of submarine landslides, but the role of landslide deposits in fluid seepage is often neglected. Bathymetric data show that more than 1,000 seabed mounds are scattered over an elongated area at the shelf edge of the northwestern South China Sea. Vertical seismic pipes in the subsurface are spatially correlated with both surface mounds and buried landslide deposits. Detailed analyses within the three‐dimensional (3D) seismic survey show that at least 221 of 231 (∼96%) of the mounds have spatial correlation with the top edges of multiple stages of buried landslide scarps that are stepping seawards from deep to shallow, indicating a causal relationship between buried landslide deposits and fluid seepage. Fluids emitted via differential compaction and hydrofracturing in geological setting characterized by frequent tectonism, flowed upwards along shear surfaces and scarps of landslide deposits and pipes, and eventually provided hard substrates for mound building.
Critical Zone Response Times and Water Age Relationships Under Variable Catchment Wetness States: Insights Using a Tracer‐Aided Ecohydrological Model
Authors: Smith Aaron A. , Tetzlaff Doerthe , Maneta Marco , Soulsby Chris
Published: March 2022

The dynamic relationships between water flux and storage, together with the associated water ages and speed of hydrological responses (as proxies for velocity and celerity respectively) are fundamental to understanding how catchments react to hydroclimate perturbations, such as floods and droughts. Using results from a calibrated, tracer‐aided ecohydrological model (EcH2O‐iso) we analyzed the dynamics of storage‐flux‐age‐response time (RT) interactions at scales that resolve the internal heterogeneity of these non‐stationary relationships. EcH2O‐iso has previously shown an adequate representation of ecohydrological flux partitioning and storage dynamics (celerity), and water ages (velocity) over 11‐year at Demnitzer Millcreek catchment (DMC, 66 km2), a drought‐sensitive, lowland catchment in Germany. The 11‐year period had marked hydroclimatic contrasts facilitating the evaluation of flux‐storage‐age‐RT dynamics under different wetness anomalies. Our results show that the spatio–temporal variability of soil moisture and ecohydrological partitioning dynamics reflect both land use (especially forest cover) and distinct soil units (i.e., brown earth vs. podzolic soils). Spatial differences in RTs of storage were driven by rapid soil evaporation and transpiration responses to rainfall, which revealed a divergence of transpiration ages from RTs. RTs of groundwater and streamflow were fast (days), but mediation by soil water storage dynamics caused marked separation from water ages (years‐decades) of deeper flow paths. Analysis of RTs and ages revealed a degradation of process representation with coarsening model spatial resolution. This study uses novel analysis of the spatio‐temporal interactions of flux‐storage‐age‐RT from a model to understand the sensitivity and resilience of catchment functionality to hydroclimatic perturbations.
Fouling behavior of wavy-patterned pore-filling membranes in reverse electrodialysis under natural seawater and sewage effluents
Authors: Choi Jiyeon , Kim Won-Sik , Kim Han Ki , Yang Seung Cheol , Han Ji-Hyung , Jeung Yoon Cheul , Jeong Nam Jo
Published: March 2022

Reverse electrodialysis (RED) generates electricity from a mixture of seawater and river water. Herein, patterned membranes consisting of ultra-thin pore-filling membranes (16-μm thick) were used to determine whether the RED system operates steadily when using natural underground seawater and sewage effluent and if the membranes become polluted by various foulants. The flat stack performances, comprising flat membranes and woven-type spacers, were compared with those of the pattern stack, comprising patterned membranes with mirror-imaged wavy lines. The pattern stack clearly reduced the pressure drop and maintained the power within 40% of the initial value, and the flat stack significantly increased to 3 bar inside the sewage effluent and decreased the power to 20% of the initial value. Both anion and cation exchange-surface membranes showed organic fouling and scaling, with more significant fouling in the flat stack. The patterned membranes used here provide a powerful solution to reduce fouling inside RED stacks.
Oligodendrocyte precursor cells sculpt the visual system by regulating axonal remodeling
Authors: Xiao Yan , Petrucco Luigi , Hoodless Laura J. , Portugues Ruben , Czopka Tim
Published: March 2022

Many oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) do not differentiate to form myelin, suggesting additional roles of this cell population. The zebrafish optic tectum contains OPCs in regions devoid of myelin. Elimination of these OPCs impaired precise control of retinal ganglion cell axon arbor size during formation and maturation of retinotectal connectivity and degraded functional processing of visual stimuli. Therefore, OPCs fine-tune neural circuits independently of their canonical role to make myelin.
Function, life histories, and biographies of Lower Paleolithic patinated flint tools from Late Acheulian Revadim, Israel
Authors: Efrati Bar , Barkai Ran , Cesaro Stella Nunziante , Venditti Flavia
Published: March 2022

Flint tools exhibiting modified patinated surfaces (“double patina”, or post-patination flaked items) provide a glimpse into Paleolithic lithic recycling, stone economy, and human choices. Different life cycles of such items are visually evident by the presence of fresh new modified surfaces alongside old patinated ones (according to color and texture differences). New modifications testify to a gap in time between the previous life cycle of the patinated flaked item and its new one. The aim of the current study is to reconstruct the functional properties and life cycles of a sample of modified patinated flaked tools from Late Acheulian Revadim, Israel by applying use-wear and residue analyses. The results of the functional study allow a better understanding of the practical reasoning behind the collection and recycling of old flint tools, while additional inputs from theoretical and methodological advancements assist in reconstructing their probable role in the worldviews of the site’s inhabitants.
Humanization of a strategic CD3 epitope enables evaluation of clinical T-cell engagers in a fully immunocompetent in vivo model
Authors: Zorn Julie A. , Wheeler Matthew L. , Barnes Ralston M. , Kaberna Jim , Morishige Winse , Harris Marek , Huang Richard Y.-C. , Lohre Jack , Chang Yu Ching , Chau Bryant , Powers Kathleen , Schindler Ian , Neradugomma Naveen , Thomas Winston , Liao Xiaoyun , Zhou Yinhan , West Sean M. , Wang Feng , Kotapati Srikanth , Chen Guodong , Yamazoe Sayumi , Kosenko Anastasia , Dollinger Gavin , Sproul Tim , Rajpal Arvind , Strop Pavel
Published: March 2022

T-cell engagers (TCEs) are a growing class of biotherapeutics being investigated in the clinic for treatment of a variety of hematological and solid tumor indications. However, preclinical evaluation of TCEs in vivo has been mostly limited to xenograft tumor models in human T-cell reconstituted immunodeficient mice, which have a number of limitations. To explore the efficacy of human TCEs in fully immunocompetent hosts, we developed a knock-in mouse model (hCD3E-epi) in which a 5-residue N-terminal fragment of murine CD3-epsilon was replaced with an 11-residue stretch from the human sequence that encodes for a common epitope recognized by anti-human CD3E antibodies in the clinic. T cells from hCD3E-epi mice underwent normal thymic development and could be efficiently activated upon crosslinking of the T-cell receptor with anti-human CD3E antibodies in vitro. Furthermore, a TCE targeting human CD3E and murine CD20 induced robust T-cell redirected killing of murine CD20-positive B cells in ex vivo hCD3E-epi splenocyte cultures, and also depleted nearly 100% of peripheral B cells for up to 7 days following in vivo administration. These results highlight the utility of this novel mouse model for exploring the efficacy of human TCEs in vivo, and suggest a useful tool for evaluating TCEs in combination with immuno-oncology/non-immuno-oncology agents against heme and solid tumor targets in hosts with a fully intact immune system.
An innovative green synthesis approach of chitosan nanoparticles and their inhibitory activity against phytopathogenic Botrytis cinerea on strawberry leaves
Authors: El-Naggar Noura El-Ahmady , Saber WesamEldin I. A. , Zweil Amal M. , Bashir Shimaa I.
Published: March 2022

Green synthesis is a newly emerging field of nanobiotechnology that offers economic and environmental advantages over traditional chemical and physical protocols. Nontoxic, eco-friendly, and biosafe materials are used to implement sustainable processes. The current work proposes a new biological-based strategy for the biosynthesis of chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) usingPelargonium graveolensleaves extract. The bioconversion process of CNPs was maximized using the response surface methodology. The best combination of the tested parameters that maximized the biosynthesis process was the incubation of plant extract with 1.08% chitosan at 50.38 °C for 57.53 min., yielding 9.82 ± 3 mg CNPs/mL. Investigation of CNPs by SEM, TEM, EDXS, zeta potential, FTIR, XRD, TGA, and DSC proved the bioconversion process's success. Furthermore, the antifungal activity of the biosynthesized CNPs was screened against a severe isolate of the phytopathogenicBotrytis cinerea. CNPs exerted efficient activity against the fungal growth. On strawberry leaves, 25 mg CNPs/mL reduced the symptoms of gray mold severity down to 3%. The higher concentration of CNPs (50 mg/mL) was found to have a reverse effect on the infected area compared with those of lower concentrations (12.5 and 25 mg CNPs/mL). Therefore, additional work is encouraged to reduce the harmful side effects of elevated CNPs concentrations.
Clinical validation of a multiplex PCR-based detection assay using saliva or nasopharyngeal samples for SARS-Cov-2, influenza A and B
Authors: Sahajpal Nikhil S. , Mondal Ashis K. , Ananth Sudha , Njau Allan , Jones Kimya , Ahluwalia Pankaj , Oza Eesha , Ross Ted M. , Kota Vamsi , Kothandaraman Arvind , Fulzele Sadanand , Hegde Madhuri , Chaubey Alka , Rojiani Amyn M. , Kolhe Ravindra
Published: March 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant diversion of human and material resources to COVID-19 diagnostics, to the extent that influenza viruses and co-infection in COVID-19 patients remains undocumented and pose serious public-health consequences. We optimized and validated a highly sensitive RT-PCR based multiplex-assay for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and B viruses in a single-test. This study evaluated clinical specimens (n = 1411), 1019 saliva and 392 nasopharyngeal swab (NPS), tested using two-assays: FDA-EUA approved SARS-CoV-2 assay that targets N and ORF1ab gene, and the PKamp-RT-PCR based assay that targets SARS-CoV-2, influenza viruses A and B. Of the 1019 saliva samples, 17.0% (174/1019) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 using either assay. The detection rate for SARS-CoV-2 was higher with the multiplex assay compared to SARS-specific assay [91.9% (160/174) vs. 87.9% (153/174)], respectively. Of the 392 NPS samples, 10.4% (41/392) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 using either assay. The detection rate for SARS-CoV-2 was higher with the multiplex assay compared to SARS-specific assay [97.5% (40/41) vs. 92.1% (39/41)], respectively. This study presents clinical validation of a multiplex-PCR assay for testing SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and B viruses, using NPS and saliva samples, and demonstrates the feasibility of implementing the assay without disrupting the existing laboratory workflow.
Gene methylation of CADM1 and MAL identified as a biomarker of high grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Phillips Samuel , Cassells Kahli , Garland Suzanne M. , Machalek Dorothy A. , Roberts Jennifer M. , Templeton David J. , Jin Fengyi , Poynten I. Mary , Hillman Richard J. , Grulich Andrew E. , Murray Gerald L. , Tabrizi Sepehr N. , Molano Monica , Cornall Alyssa M. ,   SPANC team
Published: March 2022

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is detected in up to 96% of anal squamous cell cancers, where screening programs needed. However, the best methodology is still undetermined. Host DNA methylation markers CADM1, MAL and miR124 have been identified in cervical disease, but not anal disease. Anal swabs varying by disease grade were assessed for DNA methylation of CADM1, MAL and miR124-2. Each marker was compared across disease grades, stratified by HPV and HIV status. Receiver operating characteristic curves identified the predictive value of significant gene candidates. CADM1 methylation was significantly higher in high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) compared with low-grade (LSIL) (p = 0.005) or normal (p < 0.001) samples with 67.2% correctly identified as HSIL. MAL methylation was significantly (p = 0.002) increased in HSIL compared with LSIL in HIV positive participants with 79.8% correctly indicated as HSIL. Gene miR124-2, showed no difference between disease grades. Biomarkers with established diagnostic value in cervical disease have limited utility in the prediction of anal disease, with CADM1 identified as a marker with screening potential in a gay and bisexual men (GBM) population and MAL in HIV positive GBM population. New markers specific to the anal mucosa are required to improve triage of high-risk individuals.
Transmissive terahertz metasurfaces with vanadium dioxide split-rings and grids for switchable asymmetric polarization manipulation
Authors: Serebryannikov Andriy E. , Lakhtakia Akhlesh , Vandenbosch Guy A. E. , Ozbay Ekmel
Published: March 2022

Metasurfaces containing arrays of thermally tunable metal-free (double-)split-ring meta-atoms and metal-free grids made of vanadium dioxide (VO$$_2$$

2

), a phase-change material can deliver switching between (1) polarization manipulation in transmission mode as well as related asymmetric transmission and (2) other functionalities in the terahertz regime, especially when operation in the transmission mode is needed to be conserved for both phases of VO$$_2$$

2

. As the meta-atom arrays function as arrays of metallic subwavelength resonators for the metallic phase of VO$$_2$$

2

, but as transmissive phase screens for the insulator phase of VO$$_2$$

2

, numerical simulations of double- and triple-array metasurfaces strongly indicate extreme scenarios of functionality switching also when the resulting structure comprises only VO$$_2$$

2

 meta-atoms and VO$$_2$$

2

 grids. More switching scenarios are achievable when only one meta-atom array or one grid is made of VO$$_2$$

2

 components. They are enabled by the efficient coupling of the geometrically identical resonator arrays/grids that are made of the materials that strongly differ in terms of conductivity, i.e. Cu and VO$$_2$$

2

 in the metallic phase.
Calculation of the 3-D femoral component’s orientation in total hip arthroplasty using a trigonometric algorithm
Authors: van Erp Joost H. J. , Schlösser Tom P. C. , Baijense Ariënne W. , Snijders Thom E. , Stevenson Rob , Gielis Willem Paul , Castelein René M. , Weinans Harrie , de Gast Arthur
Published: March 2022

Femoral component orientation plays a key role in implant stability and therefore the success rate of total hip arthroplasty. To date, this topic has been studied using various definitions and a variety of imaging modalities and protocols. The aim of this study is a proof of concept that a new algorithm can be used to describe the femoral component’s 3D orientation on the three orthogonal anatomical planes and relative to its mechanical axis using input from two orthogonal planes. CT scans of 18 patients with a total of 22 hip arthroplasties were collected. From these, orthogonal coronal and sagittal projections of the complete femur were acquired in the scanning position (MIPs) and relative to the femoral mechanical axis (corrected MIPs). On these images, the orientation of the neck of the femoral component in space and relative to the femoral axis, respectively, was measured by coronal inclination (CIF), sagittal inclination (SIF) and transverse version (TVF). With the algorithm, TVF was also calculated based on CIF and SIF. Differences between measured and calculated TVF and intra- and inter-observer reliability were evaluated using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). The error of non-orthogonal imaging (85° angle between the sagittal and coronal reconstructions) was tested on a third series of MIPs. The ICC between the calculated TVF and manually measured TVF, in space and relative to the femoral axis, was 0.98 for both with median absolute differences of 1.3 and 1.5°. For non-orthogonal images this was 0.70 with a median absolute difference of 5°. ICCs for intra-observer and inter-observer reliability for the calculated TVF values were 0.98 and 0.88, respectively. With this algorithm the transverse orientation of the neck of the femoral component can be assessed in space and relative to the mechanical femoral axis by combining its sagittal and coronal orientation. As long as the imaging visualizes two orthogonal planes, the orientation of an implant can be assessed in 3-D, regardless of the imaging modality.
Dynamical regulations on mobility and vaccinations for controlling COVID-19 spread
Authors: Rajakaruna Mevan , Rajakaruna Harshana , Rajakaruna Rupika
Published: March 2022

Using a system of time-dynamical equations, we investigate how daily mobility indices, such as the homestay percentage above the pre-COVID normal ($$H\%$$

H
%

; or H-forcing), and the vaccinated percentage ($$V_c\%$$

V
c

%

; or V-forcing) impact the net reproductive rate (R0) of COVID-19 in ten island nations as a prototype, and then, extending it to 124 countries worldwide. Our H- and V-forcing model of R0 can explain the new trends in 106 countries. The disease transmission can be controlled by forcing down $$R0(H,V_c) < 1$$

R
0
(
H
,

V
c

)
<
1

with an enforcement of continuous $$H > 40\%$$

H
>
40
%

in $$93\%$$

93
%

of countries with $$0\%$$

0
%

vaccinated plus recovered, $$V_p$$

V
p

. The required critical $$H\%$$

H
%

decreases with increasing $$V_p\%$$

V
p

%

, dropping it down to $$20\%$$

20
%

with $$25\% V_p$$

25
%

V
p

, and further down to $$8\%$$

8
%

with $$50\% V_p$$

50
%

V
p

. However, the regulations on $$H\%$$

H
%

are context-dependent and country-specific. Our model gives insights into forecasting and controlling the disease’s transmission behaviour when the effectiveness of the vaccines is a concern due to new variants, and/or there are delays in vaccination rollout programs.
The neuronal-specific isoform of BIN1 regulates β-secretase cleavage of APP and Aβ generation in a RIN3-dependent manner
Authors: Bhattacharyya Raja , Teves Catarina Amelia Fidalgo , Long Alexandra , Hofert Madison , Tanzi Rudolph E.
Published: March 2022

Genome-wide association studies have identified BIN1 (Bridging integrator 1) and RIN3 (Ras and Rab interactor 3) as genetic risk factors for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD). The neuronal isoform of BIN1 (BIN1V1), but not the non-neuronal isoform (BIN1V9), has been shown to regulate tau-pathology and Aβ generation via RAB5-mediated endocytosis in neurons. BIN1 directly interacts with RIN3 to initiate RAB5-mediated endocytosis, which is essential for β-secretase (BACE1)-mediated β-secretase cleavage of β-amyloid precursor protein (APP) to generate Amyloid-β (Aβ), the key component of senile plaques in AD. Understanding the regulatory roles of BIN1 (neuronal BIN1V1) and RIN3 in β-secretase mediated cleavage of APP and Aβ generation is key to developing novel therapeutics to delay or prevent AD progression. Neuronal and non-neuronal isoforms of BIN1 (BIN1V1 and BIN1V9, respectively) were introduced with RIN3 into an in vitro cell-based system to test RIN3-dependent effects of neuronal BIN1V1 and non-neuronal BIN1V9 on β-secretase-mediated cleavage of APP and Aβ generation. Confocal microscopy was performed to examine RIN3-dependent subcellular localization of BIN1V1 and BIN1V9. Western blot analysis was performed to assess the effects of RIN3 and BIN1V1/BIN1V9 on β-secretase mediated processing of APP. We enriched cells expressing BIN1V1 without or with RIN3 via FACS to measure Aβ generation using Aβ ELISA assay, and to evaluate APP internalization by chasing biotinylated or antibody-labeled cell surface APP. Neuronal BIN1V1 containing the CLAP domain and non-neuronal BIN1V9 lacking the CLAP domain are the major isoforms present in the brain. Employing confocal microscopy, we showed that RIN3 differentially regulates the recruitment of both BIN1V1 and BIN1V9 into RAB5-endosomes. We further showed that BIN1V1, but not BIN1V9, downregulates β-secretase (BACE1)-mediated processing of APP in a RIN3-dependent manner. Overexpression of BIN1V1 also attenuated Aβ generation in a RIN3-dependent manner. Using cell-based internalization assays, we show BIN1V1, but not BIN1V9, delays the endocytosis of APP, but not of BACE1, into early endosomes, thereby spatially and temporally separating these two proteins into different cellular compartments, resulting in reduced cleavage of APP by BACE1 and reduced Aβ generation—all in a RIN3-dependent manner. Finally, we show that RIN3 sequesters BIN1V1 in RAB5-positive early endosomes, likely via the CLAP-domain, resulting in attenuated β-secretase processing of APP and Aβ generation by delaying endocytosis of APP. Our findings provide new mechanistic data on how two AD-associated molecules, RIN3 and BIN1 (neuronal BIN1V1), interact to govern Aβ production, implicating these two proteins as potential therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of AD.
Mitigation of total body irradiation-induced mortality and hematopoietic injury of mice by a thrombopoietin mimetic (JNJ-26366821)
Authors: Kumar Vidya P. , Holmes-Hampton Gregory P. , Biswas Shukla , Stone Sasha , Sharma Neel Kamal , Hritzo Bernadette , Guilfoyle Mary , Eichenbaum Gary , Guha Chandan , Ghosh Sanchita P.
Published: March 2022

The threat of a nuclear attack has increased in recent years highlighting the benefit of developing additional therapies for the treatment of victims suffering from Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS). In this work, we evaluated the impact of a PEGylated thrombopoietin mimetic peptide, JNJ-26366821, on the mortality and hematopoietic effects associated with ARS in mice exposed to lethal doses of total body irradiation (TBI). JNJ-26366821 was efficacious as a mitigator of mortality and thrombocytopenia associated with ARS in both CD2F1 and C57BL/6 mice exposed to TBI from a cobalt-60 gamma-ray source. Single administration of doses ranging from 0.3 to 1 mg/kg, given 4, 8, 12 or 24 h post-TBI (LD70 dose) increased survival by 30–90% as compared to saline control treatment. At the conclusion of the 30-day study, significant increases in bone marrow colony forming units and megakaryocytes were observed in animals administered JNJ-26366821 compared to those administered saline. In addition, enhanced recovery of FLT3-L levels was observed in JNJ-26366821-treated animals. Probit analysis of survival in the JNJ-26366821- and saline-treated cohorts revealed a dose reduction factor of 1.113 and significant increases in survival for up to 6 months following irradiation. These results support the potential use of JNJ-26366821 as a medical countermeasure for treatment of acute TBI exposure in case of a radiological/nuclear event when administered from 4 to 24 h post-TBI.
Prioritization of ICU beds with renal replacement therapy support by court order and mortality in a Brazilian metropolitan area
Authors: dos Santos Ana Cristina , de Oliveira Simone Luzia Fidelis , de Macedo Virgílio Luiz Marques , Araujo Paula Lauane , Fraiberg Francine Salapata , Bastos Nélliton Fernandes , Alves Richard Lucas , da Silveira Carlos Darwin Gomes , Fernandes Sérgio Eduardo Soares , de Assis Rocha Neves Francisco , Amorim Fábio Ferreira
Published: March 2022

The shortage of intensive care unit (ICU) resources, including equipment and supplies for renal replacement therapy (RRT), is a critical problem in several countries. This study aimed to assess hospital mortality and associated factors in patients treated in public hospitals of the Federal District, Brazil, who requested admission to ICU with renal replacement therapy support (ICU-RRT) in court. Retrospective cohort study that included 883 adult patients treated in public hospitals of the Federal District who requested ICU-RRT admission in court from January 2017 to December 2018. ICU-RRT was denied to 407 patients, which increased mortality (OR 3.33, 95% CI 2.39–4.56, p ≪ 0.01), especially in patients with priority level I/II (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01–1.04, p ≪ 0.01). Of the requests made in court, 450 were filed by patients with priority levels III/IV, and 44.7% of these were admitted to ICU-RRT. In admitted patients, priority level III priority level I/II was associated with a low mortality (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.32–0.69, p < 0.01), and not. The admission of patients classified as priority levels III/IV to ICU-RRT considerably jeopardized the admission of patients with priority levels I/II to these settings. The results found open new avenues for organizing public policies and improving ICU-RRT triage.
Vision and sensorimotor defects associated with loss of Vps11 function in a zebrafish model of genetic leukoencephalopathy
Authors: Banerjee Shreya , Ranspach Lillian E. , Luo Xixia , Cianciolo Lauren T. , Fogerty Joseph , Perkins Brian D. , Thummel Ryan
Published: March 2022

Genetic Leukoencephalopathies (gLEs) are heritable white matter disorders that cause progressive neurological abnormalities. A founder mutation in the human endolysosomal trafficking protein VPS11 has been identified in Ashkenazi Jewish patients manifesting classic gLE symptoms of hypomyelination, developmental delay, motor and systemic deficits. In this study, we characterized the visual and sensorimotor function of two zebrafish vps11 mutant lines: the previously reported vps11(plt), and a new vps11(−/−) null mutant line, using behavioral analysis to track larval motor responses to visual and acoustic stimuli. We found that mutant larvae from both vps11(plt) and vps11(−/−) lines were able to visually distinguish light and dark, but showed a progressive loss of a normal sensorimotor response to visual stimuli from 5 days post fertilization (dpf) to 7dpf. Additionally, optokinetic response analysis performed at 5dpf indicated that the mutants were significantly visually impaired. Both mutant lines also displayed a progressively lower sensorimotor response to a singular acoustic stimulus from 5-7dpf. Next, we tested the habituation response of the mutant lines to series of acoustic taps. We found both mutant lines habituated faster than their siblings, and that vps11(plt) mutants habituated faster than the vps11(−/−) mutants. Together, these data suggest that loss of Vps11 function results in progressive visual and sensorimotor abnormalities in the zebrafish vps11(plt) and vps11(−/−) mutant lines. This is the first study to characterize behavioral deficits in a vertebrate model of Vps11-dependent gLE. The mutants and behavioral assays described here could be a valuable model system in which to test potential pharmacological interventions for gLE.
Mitigating the susceptibility to intergranular corrosion of alloy 625 by friction-stir welding
Authors: Lemos Guilherme Vieira Braga , Farina Alexandre Bellegard , Piaggio Henrique , Bergmann Luciano , Ferreira Jane Zoppas , dos Santos Jorge Fernandez , Vander Voort George , Reguly Afonso
Published: March 2022

In this work, friction-stir welding (FSW) was employed to alloy 625 grade I (soft annealed) sheets. Therefore, solid-state based welding was undertaken with a tool rotational speed of 200 rpm and a welding speed of 1 mm/s. Microstructural features were analyzed by light optical and scanning electron microscopy (LOM and SEM). Moreover, microhardness measurements were performed. The susceptibility to intergranular corrosion was verified by the double-loop electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation (DL-EPR) test. Complementary, intergranular corrosion was also evaluated by the ASTM G28 Method A. FSW promoted grain refinement, increased microhardness, and reduction in the degree of sensitization. Finally, the mean corrosion rate observed in the ASTM G28 Method A test was 0.4406 mm/year, which suggests a good weld quality.
A multicenter cohort study on the association between prehospital immobilization and functional outcome of patients following spinal injury in Asia
Authors: Chen Hsuan An , Hsu Shuo Ting , Shin Sang Do , Jamaluddin Sabariah Faizah , Son Do Ngoc , Hong Ki Jeong , Tanaka Hideharu , Sun Jen Tang , Chiang Wen Chu ,   The PATOS Clinical Research Network,   Participating Nation Investigators, Ramakrishnan T. V. , Jamaluddin Sabariah Faizah , Tanaka Hideharu , Velasco Bernadett , Hong Ki Jeong , Sun Jen Tang , Khruekarnchana Pairoj , LLC Saleh Fares , Son Do Ngoc ,   Participating Site Investigators, Rao Ramana , Abraham George P. , Ramakrishnan T. V. , Jamaluddin Sabariah Faizah , Mohidin Mohd Amin Bin , Saim Al-Hilmi , Kean Lim Chee , Anthonysamy Cecilia , Yssof Shah Jahan Din Mohd , Ji Kang Wen , Kheng Cheah Phee , Ali Shamila bt Mohamad , Ramanathan Periyanayaki , Yang Chia Boon , Chia Hon Woei , Hamad Hafidahwati Binti , Ismail Samsu Ambia , Abdullah Wan Rasydan B. Wan , Tanaka Hideharu , Kimura Akio , Velasco Bernadett , Gundran Carlos D. , Convocar Pauline , Sabarre Nerissa G. , Tiglao Patrick Joseph , Hong Ki Jeong , Song Kyoung Jun , Jeong Joo , Moon Sung Woo , Kim Joo-yeong , Cha Won Chul , Lee Seung Chul , Ahn Jae Yun , Lee Kang Hyeon , Yeom Seok Ran , Ryu Hyeon Ho , Kim Su Jin , Kim Sang Chul , Hu Ray-Heng , Sun Jen Tang , Wang Ruei-Fang , Hsieh Shang-Lin , Kao Wei-Fong , Riyapan Sattha , Tianwibool Parinya , Buaprasert Phudit , Akaraborworn Osaree , Al Sakaf Omer Ahmed , LLC Saleh Fares , Huy Le Bao , Son Do Ngoc , Van Dai Nguyen
Published: March 2022

Prehospital spinal immobilization is a widely used procedure in the emergency medical service (EMS) system worldwide, while the incidence of patients with spinal injury (SI) is relatively low, and unnecessary prehospital spinal immobilization is associated with patient complications. This study aimed to determine the association between prehospital spine immobilization and favorable functional outcomes at hospital discharge among trauma patients with SI. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Pan-Asia Trauma Outcomes Study (PATOS) registry data from January 1, 2016, to November 30, 2018. A total of 759 patients with SI were enrolled from 43,752 trauma patients in the PATOS registry during the study period. The subjects had a median age of 58 years (Q1–Q3, 41–72), and 438 (57.7%) patients had prehospital spine immobilization. Overall, prehospital spinal immobilization was not associated with favorable functional outcomes at discharge in multivariable logistic regression (aOR 1.06; 95% CI 0.62–1.81, p = 0.826). However, in the subgroup of cervical SI, prehospital spinal immobilization was associated with favorable functional outcomes at discharge (aOR 3.14; 95% CI 1.04–9.50; p = 0.043). Therefore, we suggest that paramedics should be more careful when determining the presence of a cervical SI and should apply full spine immobilization if possible.
Thermal stability of Si/SiC/ta-C composite coatings and improvement of tribological properties through high-temperature annealing
Authors: Jang Young-Jun , Kim Jae-Il , Kim Won-seok , Kim Do Hyun , Kim Jongkuk
Published: March 2022

We report the structure, mechanical properties, thermal stability, and durability of Si/SiC/ta-C composite (Si–ta-C) coatings fabricated using simultaneous filtered cathodic vacuum arc deposition and direct current unbalanced magnetron sputtering. Si concentration of 1.25–6.04 at.% was achieved by increasing the unbalanced magnetron sputtering power from 25 to 175 W. Si addition provided functionality to the coating, such as heat resistance, while retaining the high hardness of ta-C coatings. The Si–ta-C coatings were stable up to 600 °C regardless of the Si content, while the coating containing 3.85 at.% Si was stable up to 700 °C. The friction behavior and mechanical properties were dependent on the coating film before and after annealing at 100–200 °C; however, annealing at 300–400 °C decreased disk wear and increased counterpart wear due to an increase in film hardness on account of an endothermic reaction that increased the number of Si–C bonds. This indicates that the basic hardness characteristics of the ta-C coating and the high-temperature structural change of the Si–ta-C coating are important for ensuring high-temperature durability. These characteristics were verified through the low coefficient of friction and wear rate of the 1.25 at.% Si–ta-C coating after annealing at 500 °C.
LIM domain-wide comprehensive virtual mutagenesis provides structural rationale for cardiomyopathy mutations in CSRP3
Authors: Chauhan Pankaj Kumar , Sowdhamini Ramanathan
Published: March 2022

Cardiomyopathies are a severe and chronic cardiovascular burden worldwide, affecting a large cohort in the general population. Cysteine and glycine-rich protein 3 (CSRP3) is one of key proteins implicated in dominant dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). In this study, we device a rapid in silico screening protocol that creates a mutational landscape map for all possible allowed and disallowed substitutions in the protein of interest. This map provides the structural and functional insights on the stability of LIM domains of CSRP3. Further, the sequence analysis delineates the eukaryotic CSRP3 protein orthologs which complements the mutational map, but provide limited information of amino acid exchanges. Next, we also evaluated the effect of HCM/DCM mutations on these domains. One of highly destabilising mutations—L44P (also disease causing) and a neutral mutation—L44M were further subjected to molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The results establish that L44P substitution affects the LIM domain structure by altering secondary structure and due to loss of hydrophobic interaction with Phenylananine 35. The present study provides a useful perspective to our understanding of the role of mutations in the CSRP3 LIM domains and their evolution. This study provides a novel computational screening method for quick identification of key mutation sites for specific protein structures that can reduce the burden on experimental research.
Cranial stent position is independently associated with the development of TIPS dysfunction
Authors: Meyer Carsten , Paar Pérez Alba Maria , Chang Johannes , Sprinkart Alois Martin , Böhling Nina , Luu Andreas Minh , Kütting Daniel , Jansen Christian , Luetkens Julian , Bischoff Leon Marcel , Attenberger Ulrike , Strassburg Christian P. , Trebicka Jonel , Wolter Karsten , Praktiknjo Michael
Published: March 2022

Complications of portal hypertension can be treated with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in selected patients. TIPS dysfunction is a relevant clinical problem. This study investigated the prognostic value of two-dimensional (2D) TIPS geometry for the development of TIPS dysfunction. Three hundred and seven patients undergoing TIPS procedure between 2014 and 2019 were analyzed in this monocentric retrospective study. 2D angiograms from the patients with and without TIPS dysfunction were reviewed to determine geometric characteristics including insertion and curve angles and the location of the stent. Primary outcome was the development of TIPS dysfunction. A total of 70 patients developed TIPS dysfunction and were compared to the dysfunction-free (n = 237) patients. The position of the cranial stent end in the hepatic vein and the persistence of spontaneous portosystemic shunts were significantly associated with the development of TIPS dysfunction. Among significant parameters in univariable regression analysis (portal vein-pressure after TIPS, Child–Pugh Score before TIPS, MELD before TIPS and white blood cell count before TIPS), multivariable models showed cranial stent position (p = 0.027, HR 2.300, 95% CI 1.101–4.806) and SPSS embolization (p = 0.006, HR 0.319, 95% CI 0.140–0.725) as the only predictors of TIPS dysfunction. This monocentric study demonstrates that the position of the cranial stent end is independently associated with the development of TIPS dysfunction. The distance of the cranial stent end to the IVC at the time of TIPS placement should be less than 1 cm in 2D angiography.
Evaluation of a commercial ELISA as alternative to plaque reduction neutralization test to detect neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Hofmann Natalie , Grossegesse Marica , Neumann Markus , Schaade Lars , Nitsche Andreas
Published: March 2022

High-throughput detection of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 presents a valuable tool for vaccine trials or investigations of population immunity. We evaluate the performance of the first commercial surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT, GenScript Biotech) against SARS-CoV-2 plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) in convalescent and vaccinated individuals. We compare it to five other ELISAs, two of which are designed to detect neutralizing antibodies. In 491 pre-vaccination serum samples, sVNT missed 23.6% of PRNT-positive samples when using the manufacturer-recommended cutoff of 30% binding inhibition. Introducing an equivocal area between 15 and 35% maximized sensitivity and specificity against PRNT to 72.8–93.1% and 73.5–97.6%, respectively. The overall diagnostic performance of the other ELISAs for neutralizing antibodies was below that of sVNT. Vaccinated individuals exhibited higher antibody titers by PRNT (median 119.8, IQR 56.7–160) and binding inhibition by sVNT (median 95.7, IQR 88.1–96.8) than convalescent patients (median 49.1, IQR 20–62; median 52.9, IQR 31.2–76.2). GenScript sVNT is suitable to screen for SARS-CoV-2-neutralizing antibodies; however, to obtain accurate results, confirmatory testing by PRNT in a equivocal area is required. This equivocal area may require adaptation for use in vaccinated individuals, due to higher antibody titers.
Emergence of active turbulence in microswimmer suspensions due to active hydrodynamic stress and volume exclusion
Authors: Qi Kai , Westphal Elmar , Gompper Gerhard , Winkler Roland G.
Published: March 2022

Microswimmers exhibit an intriguing, highly-dynamic collective motion with large-scale swirling and streaming patterns, denoted as active turbulence – reminiscent of classical high-Reynolds-number hydrodynamic turbulence. Various experimental, numerical, and theoretical approaches have been applied to elucidate similarities and differences of inertial hydrodynamic and active turbulence. We use squirmers embedded in a mesoscale fluid, modeled by the multiparticle collision dynamics (MPC) approach, to explore the collective behavior of bacteria-type microswimmers. Our model includes the active hydrodynamic stress generated by propulsion, and a rotlet dipole characteristic for flagellated bacteria. We find emergent clusters, activity-induced phase separation, and swarming behavior, depending on density, active stress, and the rotlet dipole strength. The analysis of the squirmer dynamics in the swarming phase yields Kolomogorov-Kraichnan-type hydrodynamic turbulence and energy spectra for sufficiently high concentrations and a strong rotlet dipole. This emphasizes the paramount importance of the hydrodynamic flow field for swarming motility and bacterial turbulence.
A consistent picture of excitations in cubic BaSnO3 revealed by combining theory and experiment
Authors: Aggoune Wahib , Eljarrat Alberto , Nabok Dmitrii , Irmscher Klaus , Zupancic Martina , Galazka Zbigniew , Albrecht Martin , Koch Christoph , Draxl Claudia
Published: March 2022

Among the transparent conducting oxides, the perovskite barium stannate is most promising for various electronic applications due to its outstanding carrier mobility achieved at room temperature. However, most of its important characteristics, such as band gaps, effective masses, and absorption edge, remain controversial. Here, we provide a fully consistent picture by combining state-of-the-art ab initio methodology with forefront electron energy-loss spectroscopy and optical absorption measurements. Valence electron energy-loss spectra, featuring signals originating from band gap transitions, are acquired on defect-free sample regions of a BaSnO3 single crystal. These high-energy-resolution measurements are able to capture also very weak excitations below the optical gap, attributed to indirect transitions. By temperature-dependent optical absorption measurements, we assess band-gap renormalization effects induced by electron-phonon coupling. Overall, we find for the effective electronic mass, the direct and the indirect gap, the optical gap, as well as the absorption onsets and spectra, excellent agreement between both experimental techniques and the theoretical many-body results, supporting also the picture of a phonon-mediated mechanism where indirect transitions are activated by phonon-induced symmetry lowering. This work demonstrates a fruitful connection between different high-level theoretical and experimental methods for exploring the characteristics of advanced materials.
2470 million-year-old banded iron formation reveals a climatic oscillation consistent with the Gleissberg solar cycle
Authors: Ding Anyang , Hofmann Axel , Li Yi-Liang
Published: March 2022

Modern-day solar cycles due to the solar magnetic field oscillation are well recognized. Owing to the response of Earth’s climate to solar activity fluctuation, solar cycles in the Phanerozoic Eon have been recorded by laminites and fossil tree rings. However, the existence of magnetic cycles within the Sun younger than 3100 million-year-old is still unknown. The deposition of Precambrian banded iron formations (BIFs) reflects the primary productivity of the early ferruginous oceans and is coupled to climatic fluctuations. Here we apply synchrotron-radiation-based µ-XRF with a 20 µm interval on a 60 mm long, 2470 million-year-old BIF from the Kuruman Formation, South Africa. Our spectral analyses of multiple elemental concentration series reveal prominent and consistent 80-year cyclicity, which is best explained by the Gleissberg solar cycle. We hypothesize that solar cycles have already modulated the early Paleoproterozoic climate mainly through high energy irradiance coupled solar radiative forcing oscillation and the solar magnetic field controlled galactic cosmic ray fluctuation. Our result provides the record of solar magnetic field oscillations with stable and close-to-present cycle durations at least since the beginning of the Paleoproterozoic Era.
Growth, structural, optical and electronic transport properties of tetragonal CH3NH3SnBr3 perovskite single crystals
Authors: Wu Yu , Zhou Huawei , Yin Jie , Zhang Xianxi
Published: March 2022

The structural and electronic transport properties of tetragonal CH3NH3SnBr3 single crystals (T-MASnBr3 SCs) are rarely reported.
Ring opening and skeletal reconstruction of 3-vinyl benzofuranone-chromone synthons: catalyst-free access to skeletally-diverse 2-pyridone and optically active imidazoline derivatives
Authors: Wang Wei-Na , Liu Ren-Ming , Zhang Lei , Liu Xiong-Li , Dai Yi-Feng , Yu Zhang-Biao , Peng Li-Jun
Published: March 2022

Herein is reported the first example of ring opening and skeletal reconstruction of 3-vinyl benzofuranone-chromones 1 as versatile synthons for the synthesis of functionalized 2-pyridones 3 in good to excellent yields.
Avalanche dynamics in sheared athermal particle packings occurs via localized bursts predicted by unstable linear response
Authors: Stanifer Ethan , Manning M. Lisa
Published: March 2022

Under applied strain, granular and glassy materials exhibit system-spanning avalanches. These can be decomposed into localized bursts of deformation, predicted by soft spots derived from an extension of linear response methods to unstable systems.