bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate severe acute pancreatitis by inhibiting oxidative stress in rats
Authors: Zhao Dongbo , Yu Weidi , Xie Wangcheng , Ma Zhilong , Hu Zhengyu , Song Zhenshun
Published: May 2022

To investigate whether bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) attenuate pancreatic injury via mediating oxidative stress in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). The SAP model was established in rats. Phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or BMSCs were injected into the rats by tail veins. ML385 was used to down-regulate Nrf2 expression in rats. Pancreatic pathological score was used to evaluated pancreatic injury. Inflammatory-associated cytokines, serum lipase and amylase, levels of myeloperoxidase, malondialdehyde, reactive oxygen species and superoxide dismutase, as well as catalase activity were measured for injury severity evaluation. ML385 aggravates oxidative stress in SAP + ML385 group, compared with SAP + PBS group. BMSCs transplantation alleviated pancreatic injury and enhance antioxidant tolerance in SAP + BMSCs group, while ML385 administration weakened this efficacy in SAP + BMSCs + ML385 group. In addition, BMSCs promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Besides, BMSCs reduced inflammatory response by inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway in SAP. BMSCs can inhibit oxidative stress and reduce pancreatic injury via inducing Nrf2 nuclear translocation in SAP.
Prosodic sensitivity and phoneme awareness as predictors of reading fluency in German
Authors: Schmidt Barbara Maria , Breuer-Küppers Petra , Vahlhaus-Aretz Doris , Obergfell Anja Larissa , Schabmann Alfred
Published: May 2022

There are contradictory findings in the literature about prosodic sensitivity’s contribution to reading. In this study, we examined whether prosodic sensitivity makes a unique contribution to different reading outcomes in German after controlling for the effects of phonological awareness. Word reading, nonword reading and sentence reading as well as phonological awareness (PA), prosodic sensitivity (PS), and nonverbal IQ were assessed in a sample of N = 207 8- to 10-year-old German-speaking children in third grade. Results showed that after controlling for PA, PS was predictive of only sentence reading. A commonality analysis further showed that PS and PA share about 22% of the explained variance (R2 = .13) in sentence reading, while PS uniquely contributes 18% and PA 60% of this variance. The results indicate that PS is more strongly related to reading tasks with semantic demands.
Rapid triage for ischemic stroke: a machine learning-driven approach in the context of predictive, preventive and personalised medicine
Authors: Zheng Yulu , Guo Zheng , Zhang Yanbo , Shang Jianjing , Yu Leilei , Fu Ping , Liu Yizhi , Li Xingang , Wang Hao , Ren Ling , Zhang Wei , Hou Haifeng , Tan Xuerui , Wang Wei ,   on behalf of Global Health Epidemiology Reference Group (GHERG)
Published: May 2022

Background

Recognising the early signs of ischemic stroke (IS) in emergency settings has been challenging. Machine learning (ML), a robust tool for predictive, preventive and personalised medicine (PPPM/3PM), presents a possible solution for this issue and produces accurate predictions for real-time data processing.

Methods

This investigation evaluated 4999 IS patients among a total of 10,476 adults included in the initial dataset, and 1076 IS subjects among 3935 participants in the external validation dataset. Six ML-based models for the prediction of IS were trained on the initial dataset of 10,476 participants (split participants into a training set [80%] and an internal validation set [20%]). Selected clinical laboratory features routinely assessed at admission were used to inform the models. Model performance was mainly evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) curve. Additional techniques—permutation feature importance (PFI), local interpretable model-agnostic explanations (LIME), and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP)—were applied for explaining the black-box ML models.

Results

Fifteen routine haematological and biochemical features were selected to establish ML-based models for the prediction of IS. The XGBoost-based model achieved the highest predictive performance, reaching AUCs of 0.91 (0.90–0.92) and 0.92 (0.91–0.93) in the internal and external datasets respectively. PFI globally revealed that demographic feature age, routine haematological parameters, haemoglobin and neutrophil count, and biochemical analytes total protein and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were more influential on the model’s prediction. LIME and SHAP showed similar local feature attribution explanations.

Conclusion

In the context of PPPM/3PM, we used the selected predictors obtained from the results of common blood tests to develop and validate ML-based models for the diagnosis of IS. The XGBoost-based model offers the most accurate prediction. By incorporating the individualised patient profile, this prediction tool is simple and quick to administer. This is promising to support subjective decision making in resource-limited settings or primary care, thereby shortening the time window for the treatment, and improving outcomes after IS.
Numerical simulation of proppant embedment in rough surfaces based on full reverse reconstruction
Authors: Lu Cong , Liu Jiaxing , Huang Fenglan , Wang Jin , Zhou Guangqing , Wang Jiandong , Meng Xianbo , Liu Yanhui , Wang Xiaoshan , Shan Xin , Liang Hao , Guo Jianchun
Published: May 2022

In the hydraulic fracturing process of shale reservoir, proppant will embed and deform under the action of high closure stress. Thus, it is necessary to analyze the mechanical process and influencing factors of proppant embedding in shale. This study reproduced rough fracture surface of real rock slabs based on the reverse reconstruction method and obtained the mechanical parameters of the rock slab and proppant. In this study, a numerical model for the elastoplastic deformation of the proppant embedding in the rough fracture surface, along with mechanical test experiments, is proposed. The reliability of the numerical model is verified by the proppant embedding simulation experiment. Based on this model, the process of proppant embedding in a rough fracture under the action of closing stress and the factors influencing the width of supporting fracture were analyzed. The results show that the embedment degree of the proppant is different in different areas of the rough fracture surface. Furthermore, a stress concentration effect is apparent. The proppant embedment becomes significant after the slab enters the plastic deformation stage under high closure stress. The slabs with high roughness and low Young's modulus or proppants with small particle sizes and high Young's moduli result in a smaller width of the propped fracture.
An Indigenous perspective on ecosystem accounting: Challenges and opportunities revealed by an Australian case study
Authors: Normyle Anna , Doran Bruce , Vardon Michael , Mathews Dean , Melbourne Julie , Althor Glenn
Published: May 2022

The System of Environmental-Economic Accounting Ecosystem Accounting (SEEA-EA) is widely promoted in environmental and economic policy and management. Unfortunately, the SEEA-EA has not substantively addressed the aspects of accounting that may be of interest to, or used by, Indigenous peoples. We investigate an Indigenous perspective on the potential of the SEEA-EA to support cultural and environmental management through collaborative workshops with managers of Nyamba Buru Yawuru, the Prescribed Body Corporate representing the Yawuru Traditional Owners in Western Australia. Our discussions highlight that while the SEEA-EA may be a valuable tool for empowering Indigenous people and supporting the management of their lands and seas, there are areas where the SEEA-EA needs to be broadened to better reflect cultural values, and the services to ecosystems provided by Indigenous peoples. Embedding Indigenous perspectives into the SEEA-EA would mean that it is of greater use to Indigenous peoples and their representative organisations and ensure that these values are better recognised in the policymaking of government.
Sexual Dysfunction in Infertile Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Yang , Wang Yuning , Pu Zhuonan , Wang Yuchao , Zhang Yixin , Dong Chuankun , Zeng Yan , Zhou Shu
Published: May 2022

Background

According to previous studies of male infertility, we found that the association between sexual dysfunction and male infertility was reported rarely and controversially.

Aim

We carried out this 1meta-analysis to evaluate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score in infertile men.

Methods

A systematic search of the target literature was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. Data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.4 software. Standardized mean differences (SMD) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were implemented in 6 controlled studies as a measure of effect size to assess the relationship between sexual dysfunction and male infertility and Odds Ratio (OR) were performed for the morbidity between infertility group and fertility group.

Outcomes

Men in infertile group were found with higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction and lower IIEF values than in controls.

Results

A meta-analysis of morbidity was performed in 8 of 10 controlled studies. Meta-analysis of the 8 studies found remarkable higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction in men with infertility than in controls (OR = 2.66, 95% confidence interval = 1.69–4.19, P < .0001; I² = 67%, P for heterogeneity = 0.004). Another meta-analysis of evidence suggested that IIEF in infertile men was lower than controls (SMD = −0.47, 95% confidence interval = −0.63 to −0.31, P < .00001; I² = 64%, p for heterogeneity = 0.02).

Clinical Implications

We recommend further research based on the relevant criteria of region, sample size, rigorous statistical analysis, and research design.

Strengths & limitations

This systematic review is the first to evaluate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and the score of sexual dysfunction in male infertility. Investigation on the topic is scarce, and only few studies used appropriate measures.

Conclusions

Male infertility was associated with an increase in the prevalence of sexual dysfunction. The areas most affected by sexual function were erectile function, orgasm and sexual desire.

Liu Y, Wang Y, Dong C, et al. Sexual Dysfunction in Infertile Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sex Med 2022;10:100528.
‘Over to you’: considering the purpose of education through a student-centred sustainability project
Authors: Jackson Kirsty
Published: May 2022

The school strikes for climate action that began with Greta Thunberg in 2018 and spread worldwide in 2019, left many young people to ponder ‘what is the point of education if we have no future?’ In this investigation of a student-centred project on sustainability conducted with Year 4 students in Brisbane, the point of education was framed by Biesta’s three domains of purpose; Qualification, Socialisation and Subjectification. Sustainability education requires attention to each domain, that is, increasing children’s knowledge of sustainability (Qualification), facilitating their critical awareness of social practices related to sustainability (Socialisation), and expanding their capacity to act in response to the challenges of living sustainably (Subjectification). The project was designed using an action research model where children co-created the topic (reducing plastic usage) and then decided on how it would be investigated and reported. Interviews during and after the project, and episodes recorded in a research journal revealed changes in each of the three domains, with changes in the Subjectification domain being the focus of this study. The overall positive and multifaceted learning outcomes that occurred highlight what is possible when addressing issues of sustainability and the point of education in ways that matter to children.
Magnetic buoyancy instability and the anelastic approximation: regime of validity and relationship with compressible and Boussinesq descriptions
Authors: Wilczyński Fryderyk , Hughes David W. , Kersalé Evy
Published: May 2022

Magnetic buoyancy instability, which is of astrophysical importance, results from the influence of magnetic pressure variations on the density of a fluid in a gravitational field. It is inherently a compressible phenomenon and is, as such, fully described by the equations of compressible magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). For analytical and computational reasons, it is often convenient to study compressible MHD within simpler, asymptotically consistent reduced systems; the two most widely used result from the Boussinesq and anelastic approximations. Within the standard Boussinesq approximation of MHD, leading to the equations of Boussinesq magnetoconvection, magnetic buoyancy is excluded. It can, however, be included by a rescaling of the basic-state variables and by making further assumptions about the perturbation length scales. Within the anelastic approximation, no special measures are taken to incorporate magnetic buoyancy. It is, however, a priori unclear as to whether this neglect is justified, particularly in the light of the Boussinesq results. Our aims here are thus twofold. The first is to formulate the relationship between descriptions of magnetic buoyancy in the compressible, anelastic and Boussinesq systems. In so doing, we show that, under both the anelastic and Boussinesq approximations, magnetic buoyancy can be included either through a combination of a weak field and strong gradient, or, conversely, a strong field and weak gradient. Each has its own asymptotically consistent reduction, with dedicated governing equations. Our second aim is to address, through a linear stability analysis, under which conditions the standard anelastic system provides a faithful representation of magnetic buoyancy instability. For completeness, we also formulate the energy principle of ideal MHD within the anelastic framework, and demonstrate the relation with its fully compressible counterpart.
A scale-wise analysis of intermittent momentum transport in dense canopy flows
Authors: Chowdhuri Subharthi , Ghannam Khaled , Banerjee Tirtha
Published: May 2022

We investigate the intermittent dynamics of momentum transport and its underlying time scales in the near-wall region of the neutrally stratified atmospheric boundary layer in the presence of a vegetation canopy. This is achieved through an empirical analysis of the persistence time scales (periods between successive zero-crossings) of momentum flux events, and their connection to the ejection–sweep cycle. Using high-frequency measurements from the GoAmazon campaign, spanning multiple heights within and above a dense canopy, the analysis suggests that, when the persistence time scales (

$t_p$

) of momentum flux events from four different quadrants are separately normalized by

$\varGamma _{w}$

(integral time scale of the vertical velocity), their distributions

$P(t_p/\varGamma _{w})$

remain height-invariant. This result points to a persistent memory imposed by canopy-induced coherent structures, and to their role as an efficient momentum-transporting mechanism between the canopy airspace and the region immediately above. Moreover,

$P(t_p/\varGamma _{w})$

exhibits a power-law scaling at times

$t_{p}<\varGamma _{w}$

, with an exponential tail appearing for

$t_{p} \geq \varGamma _{w}$

. By separating the flux events based on

$t_p$

, we discover that around 80 % of the momentum is transported through the long-lived events (

$t_{p} \geq \varGamma _{w}$

) at heights immediately above the canopy, while the short-lived ones (

$t_{p} < \varGamma _{w}$

) only contribute marginally (

$\approx 20\,\%$

). To explain the role of instantaneous flux amplitudes in momentum transport, we compare the measurements with newly developed surrogate data and establish that the range of time scales involved with amplitude variations in the fluxes tends to increase as one transitions from within to above the canopy.
Barriers to an effective voucher programme for community-based aged care: a professional perspective
Authors: Kan Wing Shan
Published: May 2022

Long-term care for older people is increasingly turning to consumer-directed approaches. As a case in point, the Hong Kong Government recently implemented a new voucher programme for community-based aged care based on a consumer-directed approach: the Community Care Service Voucher for the Elderly (CCSV). The objectives of this study were to explore the lived experience of professional workers vis-à-vis the new programme and to identify barriers to effective voucher use by older people in Hong Kong. In-depth individual interviews were conducted with 16 professionals who had primary responsibility for the voucher programme for community-based aged care. The interview guide covered five main areas: (a) professional's perception and experience on the voucher programme; (b) the decision-making process around the voucher programme; (c) personal capacities of older people; (d) family support and social networks; and (e) institutional support. Findings indicate several barriers to effective use of the CCSV including: lack of self-awareness of service needs, lower education level, poor health condition, lack of financial resources, lack of family support, inadequate family involvement in decision-making, lack of peer and professional support, lack of available services and poor service accessibility. Suggestions for strengthening the voucher programme include institution of a case management model and public education. Different factors or elements are required to facilitate older people to make sound and informed choices, and a case manager can assist in combining different resources and forms of support towards effective use of the CCSV.
COMPLEXITY, FUNCTION, AND RURALITY: PREHISTORIC MAYA COMMUNITIES OF NORTHWEST BELIZE
Authors: Valdez Fred , Trachman Rissa M. , Cortes-Rincon Marisol
Published: May 2022

The northwest region of Belize, known as the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area (RBCMA), is a research set-aside of interest for investigating hinterland communities of the prehistoric Maya. The hinterland or rural communities of the RBCMA are as diverse and complex as any across the Maya lowlands. The Programme for Belize Archaeological Project (PfBAP), of northwest Belize, provides various data for identifying and interpreting ancient Maya interactions in the region. With more than 25 seasons of Maya archaeological research in the region, PfBAP researchers are well placed to present aspects of nonurban life that helped make Maya civilization possible. The PfBAP utilizes survey and mapping strategies, material culture analyses, Light Detection and Ranging, and theoretical interests for evaluating ancient Maya life in the region's rural areas. There are four essential components herein contained for the PfBAP investigations of ancient Maya rural settlements in northwest Belize: (1) hinterland study strategies, (2) rural settlements, (3) rural diversity, and (4) nonurban life and rural elites. Sociopolitical systems (and/or interactions) are also posited for the prehistoric rural Maya. Where possible, suggested relationships between communities of varying size and complexity are discussed. The manifestations of production, identity, and equality are also defined as appropriate and integrated into the discussion of function(s) associated with rurality.
RURAL SOCIAL COMPLEXITY IN THE ICHCAANZIHO REGION, YUCATAN, MEXICO
Authors: Pantoja Díaz Luis , Ancona Aragon Iliana , Gomez Coba Maria , Gongora Aguilar Claudia
Published: May 2022

During the last decade, archaeological investigations carried out by the Mérida Region Archaeological Project through the National Institute of Anthropology and History have focused on the peripheral sites of the current municipality of Mérida. In this article, we will focus on the northeast section covering a polygon that has an area of 7.19 km2, where rural minor sites such as Oxmuul, Cuzam, and Polok Keej are located. This area was explored in various seasons as a result of archaeological salvage and rescue projects, carrying out archaeological prospecting with the aim of creating cartography, systematic excavations, and descriptive analysis of archaeological materials. One of the objectives was to understand and interpret the social organization of the ancient peripheral communities in relationship higher ranking sites such as T'ho and Dzibilchaltun. The results obtained are presented diachronically in order to explain the role that these sites played within the political economy of the region, which turns them into complex rural sites towards the end of the Classic period.
Food profile of Yanomami indigenous children aged 6 to 59 months from the Brazilian Amazon, according to the degree of food processing: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Moraes Aline Oliveira dos Santos , Magalhães Elma Izze da Silva , Orellana Jesem Douglas Yamall , Gatica-Domínguez Giovanna , Neves Paulo Augusto Ribeiro , Basta Paulo Cesar , Vaz Juliana dos Santos
Published: May 2022

Objective:

The current study aimed to characterise the food profile of Yanomami indigenous children according to the degree of food processing and its associated factors.

Design:

This is a cross-sectional study with Yanomami indigenous children aged 6 to 59 months. Socio-demographic, maternal and infant data were collected through a standardised questionnaire. The food profile was obtained by using a list of thirty-four foods to verify the child’s consumption of these foods on the day preceding the interview. Foods were classified according to the degree of processing based on the NOVA system (in natura or minimally processed, processed culinary ingredients, processed and ultra-processed). In natura and minimally processed foods were subdivided into ‘regional’ and ‘urban’ foods. Poisson regression analysis was applied to estimate the associated factors according to the 90 % CI.

Setting:

Three villages (Auaris, Maturacá and Ariabú) in the Yanomami indigenous territory, in the Brazilian Amazon.

Participants:

In total, 251 Yanomami children aged 6 to 59 months were evaluated.

Results:

The prevalence of consumption of ‘regional’ and ‘urban’ in natura or minimally processed foods was 93 % and 56 %, respectively, and consumption of ultra-processed foods was 32 %. Ultra-processed food consumption was 11·6 times higher in children of Maturacá and 9·2 times higher in Ariabú when compared with the children of Auaris and 31 % lower in children who had mothers with shorter stature.

Conclusion:

Despite the high frequency of consumption of in natura and minimally processed foods, the consumption of ultra-processed foods was substantial and was associated with demographic and maternal factors in Yanomani indigenous children under 5 years of age.
Normal tissue complication probabilities of lung SABR patients from a UK centre and its implication on personalised radiotherapy
Authors: Marsden Jenny
Published: May 2022

Introduction:

This work reports on the normal tissue complication probabilities (NTCP) from a UK cohort of previously treated peripheral lung SABR patients (n = 198) supplementing our previous publication on tumour control probabilities (TCP). Each patient was recalculated for alternative schedules.

Materials and Methods:

NTCP for 3 (54 Gy), 5 (55 and 60 Gy) and 8 (50 Gy) fraction (#) schemes were calculated with the Lyman Kutcher Burman (LKB) model in the software platform ‘Biosuite’ (Version 12·01) for lung and chest wall. Patients treated with 5 # or 8 # were then recomputed for alternative fractionations and doses (3 # and 5 #, for both 55 Gy and 60 Gy).

Results:

The mean lung NTCP (NTCPLUNG, for the outcome of radiation pneumonitis) was 2·8% (range 0·6 – 10·6). The mean chest wall NTCP (NTCPCW, for the outcome of rib fracture) was 1·4% (range 0·0–55·9). There were no statistically significant differences observed between male and female, tumour status or fractionation groups except for the NTCPLUNG between 5 # and 3 #. When recalculating NTCP and TCP individually, for 8 # patients, no differences were observed between mean TCP, NTCPLUNG or NTCPCW compared with 3 # or 5 # indicating that fractionation reduction is possible. Parity was observed between the 60 Gy group when recalculated for 55 Gy. For the 60 Gy in 5 # group, the NTCPCW increased significantly when recalculated for 3 #.

Conclusion:

NTCPs achievable with current UK planning techniques have been presented indicating SABR Consortium compliant centres are likely to have low complication population risks (< 3 %). 5 # schedules could be justified for 8 # patients, thereby reducing the number of treatment visits. Where there is a large overlap of PTV and chest wall, this indicates an NTCP/TCP calculation is required to investigate if fractionation reduction is individually appropriate.
The addition of adjuvant radiotherapy in the management of extracranial arterio-venous malformations: a case discussion
Authors: Vicente-Ruiz Miriam , Aristu Javier , Hontanilla Bernardo
Published: May 2022

Introduction:

The management of extracranial arterio-venous malformations (AVMs) is complex and often requires a multidisciplinary approach. Currently, treatment includes surgical resection and embolotherapy.

Methods:

We present the case of a foot AVM that was managed with adjuvant radiotherapy after previous surgery and embolotherapy had been attempted, and we discuss the role of radiotherapy in the management of extracranial AVMs.

Results:

The malformation was successfully eradicated with complete obliteration of the nidus and no recurrence.

Conclusions:

The addition of radiotherapy in the management of extracranial arterio-venous malformations offers promising results using similar doses to those used in brain AVMs.
Citizens’ preferences for liberal democracy and its deformations: evidence from Germany
Authors: König Pascal D.
Published: May 2022

This paper sheds light on the prevalence and the correlates of citizen support for liberal democracy and four of its deformations: a populist, a technocratic, a post-democratic, and a majoritarian-relativist conception of democracy. Using original survey data from a representative German online panel, the findings provide systematic evidence on the multifaceted nature of citizens’ democratic preferences. Only few citizens are, for instance, populist without also being liberal democrats, and many endorse two or more deformations of liberal democracy simultaneously. Yet, these forms of overlap are not arbitrary but conform to conceptually posited relative affinities between these deformations. The examined conceptions of democracy furthermore differ in their associations with political support, ideology, education, and political interest. In addition to offering novel empirical insights, the findings also highlight why some measures may underestimate the complexity of democratic preferences.
Low‐Level Marine Tropical Clouds in Six CMIP6 Models Are Too Few, Too Bright but Also Too Compact and Too Homogeneous
Authors: Konsta Dimitra , Dufresne Jean‐Louis , Chepfer Hélène , Vial Jessica , Koshiro Tsuyoshi , Kawai Hideaki , Bodas‐Salcedo Alejandro , Roehrig Romain , Watanabe Masahiro , Ogura Tomoo
Published: May 2022

Several studies have shown that most climate models underestimate cloud cover and overestimate cloud reflectivity, particularly for the tropical low‐level clouds. Here, we analyze the characteristics of low‐level tropical marine clouds simulated by six climate models, which provided COSP output within the CMIP6 project. CALIPSO lidar observations and PARASOL mono‐directional reflectance are used for model evaluation. It is found that the “too few, too bright” bias is still present for these models. The reflectance is particularly overestimated when cloud cover is low. Models do not simulate any optically thin clouds. They fail to reproduce the increasing cloud optical depth with increasing lower tropospheric stability as observed. These results suggest that most models do not sufficiently account for the effect of the small‐scale spatial heterogeneity in cloud properties or the variety of cloud types at the grid scale that is observed.
Impacts of the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean Warm Pools on Wildfires in Yunnan, Southwest China: Spatial Patterns With Interannual and Intraannual Variations
Authors: Ying Lingxiao , Shen Zehao , Guan Pingao , Cao Jie , Luo Caifang , Peng Xingzi , Cheng Hujiao
Published: May 2022

The Indo‐Pacific warm pool affects the regional climatic conditions in Southeast Asia mediated by the Western Pacific (WP) and Indian Ocean (IO) monsoons, which are recognized as critical regulators of wildfires in this region. Our study explored the spatiotemporal effects of the warm pools on wildfire records in Yunnan, Southwest China. We showed the interannual records had a negative relationship with the simultaneous WP warm pool area index. The Ailao Mountains in the central Yunnan could be a geographical barrier that blocked the influences of the WP warm pool from the east side. For the intraannual changes, the wildfire number variations had a stronger connection to the IO warm pool dynamics than the WP. Our study provided the novel evidence on the teleconnection between the Indo‐Pacific warm pool dynamics and regional environmental processes in Yunnan, also indicating this area as a part of the transitional zone between the two warm pools.
Active Precipitation of Radiation Belt Electrons Using Rocket Exhaust Driven Amplification (REDA) of Man‐Made Whistlers
Authors: Bernhardt P. A. , Hua M. , Bortnik J. , Ma Q. , Verronen P. T. , McCarthy M. P. , Hampton D. L. , Golkowski M. , Cohen M. B. , Richardson D. K. , Howarth A. D. , James H. G. , Meredith N. P.
Published: May 2022

Ground‐based very low frequency (VLF) transmitters located around the world generate signals that leak through the bottom side of the ionosphere in the form of whistler mode waves. Wave and particle measurements on satellites have observed that these man‐made VLF waves can be strong enough to scatter trapped energetic electrons into low pitch angle orbits, causing loss by absorption in the lower atmosphere. This precipitation loss process is greatly enhanced by intentional amplification of the whistler waves using a newly discovered process called rocket exhaust driven amplification (REDA). Satellite measurements of REDA have shown between 30 and 50 dB intensification of VLF waves in space using a 60 s burn of the 150 g/s thruster on the Cygnus satellite that services the International Space Station. This controlled amplification process is adequate to deplete the energetic particle population on the affected field lines in a few minutes rather than the multi‐day period it would take naturally. Numerical simulations of the pitch angle diffusion for radiation belt particles use the UCLA quasi‐linear Fokker Planck model to assess the impact of REDA on radiation belt remediation of newly injected energetic electrons. The simulated precipitation fluxes of energetic electrons are applied to models of D‐region electron density and bremsstrahlung X‐rays for predictions of the modified environment that can be observed with satellite and ground‐based sensors.
Cell death regulation by MAMs: from molecular mechanisms to therapeutic implications in cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Li Yiran E. , Sowers James R. , Hetz Claudio , Ren Jun
Published: May 2022

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria are interconnected intracellular organelles with vital roles in the regulation of cell signaling and function. While the ER participates in a number of biological processes including lipid biosynthesis, Ca2+ storage and protein folding and processing, mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles governing ATP synthesis, free radical production, innate immunity and apoptosis. Interplay between the ER and mitochondria plays a crucial role in regulating energy metabolism and cell fate control under stress. The mitochondria-associated membranes (MAMs) denote physical contact sites between ER and mitochondria that mediate bidirectional communications between the two organelles. Although Ca2+ transport from ER to mitochondria is vital for mitochondrial homeostasis and energy metabolism, unrestrained Ca2+ transfer may result in mitochondrial Ca2+ overload, mitochondrial damage and cell death. Here we summarize the roles of MAMs in cell physiology and its impact in pathological conditions with a focus on cardiovascular disease. The possibility of manipulating ER-mitochondria contacts as potential therapeutic approaches is also discussed.
Molecular encoding and synaptic decoding of context during salt chemotaxis in C. elegans
Authors: Hiroki Shingo , Yoshitane Hikari , Mitsui Hinako , Sato Hirofumi , Umatani Chie , Kanda Shinji , Fukada Yoshitaka , Iino Yuichi
Published: May 2022

Animals navigate toward favorable locations using various environmental cues. However, the mechanism of how the goal information is encoded and decoded to generate migration toward the appropriate direction has not been clarified. Here, we describe the mechanism of migration towards a learned concentration of NaCl in Caenorhabditis elegans. In the salt-sensing neuron ASER, the difference between the experienced and currently perceived NaCl concentration is encoded as phosphorylation at Ser65 of UNC-64/Syntaxin 1 A through the protein kinase C(PKC-1) signaling pathway. The phosphorylation affects basal glutamate transmission from ASER, inducing the reversal of the postsynaptic response of reorientation-initiating neurons (i.e., from inhibitory to excitatory), guiding the animals toward the experienced concentration. This process, the decoding of the context, is achieved through the differential sensitivity of postsynaptic excitatory and inhibitory receptors. Our results reveal the mechanism of migration based on the synaptic plasticity that conceptually differs from the classical ones.
Geometric transformation and three-dimensional hopping of Hopf solitons
Authors: Tai Jung-Shen B. , Wu Jin-Sheng , Smalyukh Ivan I.
Published: May 2022

Arising in many branches of physics, Hopf solitons are three-dimensional particle-like field distortions with nontrivial topology described by the Hopf map. Despite their recent discovery in colloids and liquid crystals, the requirement of applied fields or confinement for stability impedes their utility in technological applications. Here we demonstrate stable Hopf solitons in a liquid crystal material without these requirements as a result of enhanced stability by tuning anisotropy of parameters that describe energetic costs of different gradient components in the molecular alignment field. Nevertheless, electric fields allow for inter-transformation of Hopf solitons between different geometric embodiments, as well as for their three-dimensional hopping-like dynamics in response to electric pulses. Numerical modelling reproduces both the equilibrium structure and topology-preserving out-of-equilibrium evolution of the soliton during switching and motions. Our findings may enable myriads of solitonic condensed matter phases and active matter systems, as well as their technological applications.
Cross-reactive immunity against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant is low in pediatric patients with prior COVID-19 or MIS-C
Authors: Tang Juanjie , Novak Tanya , Hecker Julian , Grubbs Gabrielle , Zahra Fatema Tuz , Bellusci Lorenza , Pourhashemi Sara , Chou Janet , Moffitt Kristin , Halasa Natasha B. , Schwartz Stephanie P. , Walker Tracie C. , Tarquinio Keiko M. , Zinter Matt S. , Staat Mary A. , Gertz Shira J. , Cvijanovich Natalie Z. , Schuster Jennifer E. , Loftis Laura L. , Coates Bria M. , Mack Elizabeth H. , Irby Katherine , Fitzgerald Julie C. , Rowan Courtney M. , Kong Michele , Flori Heidi R. , Maddux Aline B. , Shein Steven L. , Crandall Hillary , Hume Janet R. , Hobbs Charlotte V. , Tremoulet Adriana H. , Shimizu Chisato , Burns Jane C. , Chen Sabrina R. , Moon Hye Kyung , Lange Christoph , Randolph Adrienne G. , Khurana Surender
Published: May 2022

Neutralization capacity of antibodies against Omicron after a prior SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and adolescents is not well studied. Therefore, we evaluated virus-neutralizing capacity against SARS-CoV-2 Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Omicron variants by age-stratified analyses (<5, 5–11, 12–21 years) in 177 pediatric patients hospitalized with severe acute COVID-19, acute MIS-C, and in convalescent samples of outpatients with mild COVID-19 during 2020 and early 2021. Across all patients, less than 10% show neutralizing antibody titers against Omicron. Children <5 years of age hospitalized with severe acute COVID-19 have lower neutralizing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 variants compared with patients >5 years of age. As expected, convalescent pediatric COVID-19 and MIS-C cohorts demonstrate higher neutralization titers than hospitalized acute COVID-19 patients. Overall, children and adolescents show some loss of cross-neutralization against all variants, with the most pronounced loss against Omicron. In contrast to SARS-CoV-2 infection, children vaccinated twice demonstrated higher titers against Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Omicron. These findings can influence transmission, re-infection and the clinical disease outcome from emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and supports the need for vaccination in children.
Structural basis for broad anti-phage immunity by DISARM
Authors: Bravo Jack P. K. , Aparicio-Maldonado Cristian , Nobrega Franklin L. , Brouns Stan J. J. , Taylor David W.
Published: May 2022

In the evolutionary arms race against phage, bacteria have assembled a diverse arsenal of antiviral immune strategies. While the recently discovered DISARM (Defense Island System Associated with Restriction-Modification) systems can provide protection against a wide range of phage, the molecular mechanisms that underpin broad antiviral targeting but avoiding autoimmunity remain enigmatic. Here, we report cryo-EM structures of the core DISARM complex, DrmAB, both alone and in complex with an unmethylated phage DNA mimetic. These structures reveal that DrmAB core complex is autoinhibited by a trigger loop (TL) within DrmA and binding to DNA substrates containing a 5′ overhang dislodges the TL, initiating a long-range structural rearrangement for DrmAB activation. Together with structure-guided in vivo studies, our work provides insights into the mechanism of phage DNA recognition and specific activation of this widespread antiviral defense system.
Energy and bandwidth efficiency optimization of quantum-enabled optical communication channels
Authors: Jabir M. V. , Annafianto N. Fajar R. , Burenkov I. A. , Battou A. , Polyakov S. V.
Published: May 2022

We present a systematic study of quantum receivers and modulation methods enabling resource efficient quantum-enhanced optical communication. We introduce quantum-inspired modulation schemes that theoretically yield a better resource efficiency than legacy protocols. Experimentally, we demonstrate below the shot-noise limit symbol error rates for M ≤ 16 legacy and quantum-inspired communication alphabets using software-configurable optical communication time-resolving quantum receiver testbed. Further, we experimentally verify that our quantum-inspired modulation schemes boost the accuracy of practical quantum measurements and significantly optimize the combined use of energy and bandwidth for communication alphabets that are longer than M = 4 symbols.
The value of histological examination in the diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenitis in the era of rapid molecular diagnosis
Authors: Tahseen Sabira , Ambreen Atiqa , Ishtiaq Sheeba , Khanzada Faisal M. , Safdar Nauman , Sviland Lisbet , Mustafa Tehmina
Published: May 2022

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis often poses a diagnostic challenge. This study aimed to assess the value of histological examination in diagnosing tuberculous lymphadenitis (LNTB) when performed simultaneously with rapid molecular assay (Xpert MTB/RIF) testing. People presumed to have LNTB were prospectively enrolled in a tertiary care hospital. Excision biopsy was performed and tested by histology, Xpert, and culture. Of 390 lymph nodes, 11 (2.8%) were positive by AFB microscopy, 124 (31.8%) by Xpert, 137 (35.1%) by culture, and histopathology was consistent with TB in 208 (53.3%). Altogether, LNTB was diagnosed in 228 and bacteriologically confirmed TB in 178 cases. Against culture, histopathology versus Xpert had higher sensitivity (93 vs. 62%) but lower specificity (68 vs. 83%). In patients with short clinical history, a significantly higher number of Xpert-positive specimens were culture-positive. Among patients with histology suggestive of TB, no difference was seen in response to treatment between bacteriology positive and negative, but a significant slow response was noted in bacteriology confirmed TB with nonspecific histology. In a country like Pakistan, with high TB and low HIV prevalence, diagnosis is possible for more than 95% of LNTB when Xpert and histopathology examination is used in combination, compared to less than 60% by Xpert alone.
Oxidative stress monitoring in iPSC-derived motor neurons using genetically encoded biosensors of H2O2
Authors: Ustyantseva Elizaveta , Pavlova Sophia V. , Malakhova Anastasia A. , Ustyantsev Kirill , Zakian Suren M. , Medvedev Sergey P.
Published: May 2022

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases, being either the initiator or part of a pathological cascade that leads to the neuron’s death. Genetically encoded biosensors of oxidative stress demonstrated their general functionality and overall safety in various systems. However, there is still insufficient data regarding their use in the research of disease-related phenotypes in relevant model systems, such as human cells. Here, we establish an approach for monitoring the redox state of live motor neurons with SOD1 mutations associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Using CRISPR/Cas9, we insert genetically encoded biosensors of cytoplasmic and mitochondrial H2O2 in the genome of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines. We demonstrate that the biosensors remain functional in motor neurons derived from these iPSCs and reflect the differences in the stationary redox state of the neurons with different genotypes. Moreover, we show that the biosensors respond to alterations in motor neuron oxidation caused by either environmental changes or cellular stress. Thus, the obtained platform is suitable for cell-based research of neurodegenerative mechanisms.
Effect of temperature patterns on iron nugget formation in fluxless processing of titanomagnetite
Authors: Zulhan Zulfiadi , Sutandar Cheryl Livia , Suryani Indah , Basuki Eddy Agus
Published: May 2022

The technology used to process titanomagnetite is currently limited to the rotary kiln-electric furnace. Other techniques are being developed, including the separation of iron in the form of iron nugget from the reduction of titanomagnetite with coal without any flux addition. The effect of different temperature patterns on the formation of iron nuggets from titanomagnetite was studied. The initial temperature was varied from 700 to 1380 °C, while the final temperature was kept constant at 1380 °C. The experiment results showed that the initial temperature affected the formation of iron nuggets. Initial temperatures of 700–1100 °C produced many iron nuggets up to 3 mm in size and an initial temperature of 1200 °C produced one nugget with a size of about 4 mm. Initial temperatures of 1300 and 1380 °C did not produce any iron nuggets due to the formation of metallic iron crust on the surface of the reduced briquettes. The optimum initial temperature was 1000 °C to achieve high iron recovery in the nuggets.
Prenatal exposure to phthalate and decreased body mass index of children: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lee Dong-Wook , Lim Hyun-Mook , Lee Joong-Yub , Min Kyung-Bok , Shin Choong-Ho , Lee Young-Ah , Hong Yun-Chul
Published: May 2022

Phthalates are well-known endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Many detrimental health effects of phthalates were investigated, but studies on the association of phthalates with obesity in children showed inconsistent results. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to clarify whether prenatal and postnatal exposures to phthalates are associated with physical growth disturbances in children. We performed the systematic review and meta-analysis following the PRISMA 2020 statement guidelines, and found 39 studies that met our inclusion criteria, including 22 longitudinal and 17 cross-sectional studies. We observed a significant negative association between the prenatal exposure to DEHP and the body mass index (BMI) z-score of the offspring (β = − 0.05; 95% CI: − 0.10, − 0.001) in the meta-analysis, while no significant association between the prenatal exposure to DEHP and the body fat percentage of the offspring was observed (β = 0.01; 95% CI: − 0.41, 0.44). In the systematic review, studies on the association between phthalates exposure in childhood and obesity were inconsistent. Prenatal exposure to phthalates was found to be associated with decreased BMI z-score in children, but not associated with body fat percentage. Our findings suggest that phthalates disturb the normal muscle growth of children, rather than induce obesity, as previous studies have hypothesized.
Fabrication of agarose/fish gelatin double-network hydrogels with high strength and toughness for the development of artificial beef tendons
Authors: Du Mengjia , Zhao Yiguo , Zhang Yin , Sun Shifan , Fang Yapeng
Published: May 2022

Optimized AR/FGA DNs exhibit excellent mechanical performance and comparable texture with beef tendons.
Correction: A highly selective AIEgen fluorescent probe for visualizing Cys in living cells and C. elegans
Authors: Ye Ya-Xi , Yu Ya-Wen , Xu Zhu-Min , Chen Xin-Yue , Wang Zhong-Chang , Wang Bao-Zhong , Jiao Qing-Cai , Zhu Hai-Liang
Published: May 2022

Correction for ‘A highly selective AIEgen fluorescent probe for visualizing Cys in living cells and C. elegans’ by Ya-Xi Ye et al., New J. Chem., 2021, 45, 19073–19081.
Mechanics of migrating platelets investigated with scanning ion conductance microscopy
Authors: Seifert Jan , Rheinlaender Johannes , von Eysmondt Hendrik , Schäffer Tilman E.
Published: May 2022

Time-lapse scanning ion conductance microscopy reveals that migrating platelets exhibit a three-dimensional polarized shape and a characteristic subcellular stiffness distribution with rapid stiffening and softening dynamics in the leading edge.
A plasmon-enhanced fluorescent gold coated novel lipo-polymeric hybrid nanosystem: synthesis, characterization and application for imaging and photothermal therapy of breast cancer
Authors: Appidi Tejaswini , P.S Rajalakshmi , Chinchulkar Shubham A. , Pradhan Arpan , Begum Hajira , Shetty Veeresh , Srivastava Rohit , Ganesan Prabhusankar , Rengan Aravind Kumar
Published: May 2022

This study reports the synthesis and application of a hybrid lipo-polymeric nanosystem (PDPC NPs) for plasmon enhanced flourescence based NIR imaging and photothermal therapy.
WVI–OH functionality on polyoxometalates for water reduction to molecular hydrogen
Authors: Mulkapuri Sateesh , Ravi Athira , Mukhopadhyay Subhabrata , Kurapati Sathish Kumar , Siby Vinaya , Das Samar K.
Published: May 2022

When a polyoxometalate cluster surface is grafted with WVI–(OH)2 functionality, the surface-modified POM turns into an efficient & stable electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction by water reduction. We performed detailed kinetic studies for this electrocatalysis.
Electronic modulation of cobalt–molybdenum oxideviaTe doping embedded in a carbon matrix for superior overall water splitting
Authors: Wang Luqi , Yu Hanzhi , Zhao Sheng , Ma Hui , Li Linlin , Hu Feng , Li Lei , Pan Hui , El-Khatib K. M. , Peng Shengjie
Published: May 2022

Te-doped CoMoO3supported on a carbon matrix exhibits superior electrocatalytic activity, which is attributed to the modulation of the local electronic structure and sufficient exposure of active sites by the doping of Te.