bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active Ultrahigh‐Q (0.2 × 106) THz Topological Cavities on a Chip
Authors: Kumar Abhishek , Gupta Manoj , Pitchappa Prakash , Tan Thomas Caiwei , Chattopadhyay Udvas , Ducournau Guillaume , Wang Nan , Chong Yidong , Singh Ranjan
Published: April 2022

Rapid scaling of semiconductor devices has led to an increase in the number of processor cores and integrated functionalities onto a single chip to support the growing demands of high‐speed and large‐volume consumer electronics. To meet this burgeoning demand, an improved interconnect capacity in terms of bandwidth density and active tunability is required for enhanced throughput and energy efficiency. Low‐loss terahertz silicon interconnects with larger bandwidth offer a solution for the existing inter‐/intrachip bandwidth density and energy‐efficiency bottleneck. Here, a low‐loss terahertz topological interconnect–cavity system is presented that can actively route signals through sharp bends, by critically coupling to a topological cavity with an ultrahigh‐quality (Q) factor of 0.2 × 106. The topologically protected large Q factor cavity enables energy‐efficient optical control showing 60 dB modulation. Dynamic control is further demonstrated of the critical coupling between the topological interconnect–cavity for on‐chip active tailoring of the cavity resonance linewidth, frequency, and modulation through complete suppression of the back reflection. The silicon topological cavity is complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS)‐compatible and highly desirable for hybrid electronic–photonic technologies for sixth (6G) generation terahertz communication devices. Ultrahigh‐Q cavity also paves the path for designing ultrasensitive topological sensors, terahertz topological integrated circuits, and nonlinear topological photonic devices.
Antibacterial and antioxidant phenolic compounds loadedPCLbiocomposites for active food packaging application
Authors: Diken Mehmet Emin , Koçer Kizilduman Berna , Doğan Serap , Doğan Mehmet
Published: April 2022

Active food packages must not only act as a protective food barrier but also exhibit radical scavenging activity, antibacterial and controlled release properties that can have a positive effect on food quality, safety and shelf life. In this study, poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)/ferulic acid (FA) and PCL/gallic acid (GA) biocomposites were prepared by melt blending method to use in active food packaging applications. The physicochemical properties of the prepared biocomposites were investigated by FTIR‐ATR, SEM, and DMA. In addition, antioxidant and antibacterial activities, water contact angle, oscillation test and water vapor transmission rate of biocomposites were also investigated. FTIR‐ATR and SEM results showed that both fillers were well dispersed in the PCL matrix. Dynamic mechanical analysis was performed to examine the mechanical behavior of the samples and to determine theirTgtemperatures. The biocomposites exhibited a higher storage modulus and loss modulus than pure PCL. Especially, the glass transition temperature of the PCL/FA sample containing 5 wt.% FA increased 17°C compared to the neat PCL. They exhibited high‐scavenging activity against DPPH and ABTS radicals, and showed high‐antibacterial activity against bothE. coliandS. aureusbacteria.
Multidomain cognitive dysfunction after minor stroke suggests generalized disruption of cognitive networks
Authors: Marsh Elisabeth B. , Khan Sheena , Llinas Rafael H. , Walker Keenan A. , Brandt Jason
Published: April 2022

Objective

Although small strokes typically result in “good” functional outcomes, significant cognitive impairment can occur. This longitudinal study examined a cohort of patients with minor stroke to determine the pattern of deficits, evolution over time, and factors associated with outcome.

Methods

Patients admitted to the hospital with their first clinical minor stroke (NIH Stroke Scale [NIHSS] ≤ 10, absence of severe hemiparesis, aphasia, or neglect) were assessed at 1 month post‐infarct, and a subset were followed over time (with 6‐ and 12‐month evaluations). Composite scores at each time point were generated for global cognition, verbal memory, spatial memory, motor speed, processing speed, and executive function. Paired t‐tests evaluated change in scores over time. Regression models identified factors associated with initial performance and better recovery.

Results

Eighty patients were enrolled, evaluated at 1 month, and prospectively followed. The average age of the participants was 62.3 years, and mean education was 13.5 years. The average stroke volume was 6.6 cc; mean NIHSS score was 2.8. At 1 month, cognitive scores were below the normative range and > 1 standard deviation below the patient's peak (“recovery”) score for every cognitive domain, strongly suggesting that they were well below patients’ prestroke baselines. Forty‐eight patients followed up at 6 months, and 39 at 12 months. Nearly all (98%) patients significantly improved in global cognition (averaged across domains) between 1 and 6 months. Between 6 and 12 months, recovery was variable. Higher education, occupational class, and Caucasian race were associated with higher recovery scores for most domains.

Conclusions

Cognitive impairment across multiple domains is common following minor stroke regardless of infarct location, suggesting a global process such as network dysfunction that improves over 6 months. Degree of recovery can be predicted using baseline factors.
Effectiveness and Safety of Extended Oral Anticoagulant Therapy in Patients with Venous Thromboembolism: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kang Hye‐Rim , Lo‐Ciganic Wei‐Hsuan , DeRemer Christina E. , Dietrich Eric A. , Huang Pei‐Lin , Park Haesuk
Published: April 2022

Limited real‐world evidence exists for effectiveness and safety of extended oral anticoagulation beyond 6 months of initial treatment in prevention of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) and adverse major bleeding events among patients with VTE. Using MarketScan Commercial and Medicare Supplemental databases (2013–2019), we conducted a retrospective cohort study to compare the risk of recurrent VTE and major bleeding events during extended treatment among patients with VTE who completed the 6‐month initial treatment and received extended oral anticoagulant treatment with apixaban, warfarin, or no extended treatment. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards modeling with inverse probability treatment weighting. We identified 14,818 patients with extended treatment of apixaban (n = 4,338), warfarin (n = 5,298), or no extended treatment (n = 5,182). Compared with no extended treatment, apixaban use was associated with decreased risk of recurrent VTE (HR: 0.10, 95% CI: 0.04–0.26) without increased risk of major bleeding events (HR: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.52–2.17); warfarin use was associated with decreased risk of recurrent VTE (HR: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.12–0.44) but with increased risk of major bleeding events (HR: 2.64, 95% CI: 1.51–4.59). Compared with warfarin, apixaban use was associated with decreased risk of major bleeding events (HR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.22–0.80) but no difference in risk of recurrent VTE (HR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.15–1.36). In a real‐world clinical setting, extended anticoagulation with apixaban or warfarin was associated with decreased risk of recurrent VTE compared with no extended treatment, and apixaban had a better safety profile with fewer major bleeding events compared with warfarin among commercially insured patients with VTE.
Regionalization strategy affects the determinants of fish community structure
Authors: Baldan Damiano , Chattopadhyay Somsubhra , Prus Paweł , Funk Andrea , Keller Agata , Piniewski Mikołaj
Published: April 2022

Freshwater bioassessment programmes yield valuable information for assessing the diversity and distribution of freshwater organisms and can be related to environmental variables through the use of multivariate methods. Regionalization and subsetting strategies are widely used in this regard, but the effects on the discerned relationships are largely unexplored. In this paper, we used a partial redundancy analysis (pRDA) to investigate the influence of different environmental variables on (i) fish community structure, (ii) the explanatory power of spatial and environmental variables, and (iii) ranking of the most relevant variables for the fish community structure in Poland. We performed the analysis at the national level and for different regionalization/subsetting strategies based on hydrography (coarse resolution: river basins, fine resolution: water regions), topography, biogeography and fish‐based river typology. Depth, slope and sediment type were three most relevant predictors at the national level and for the majority of subsets. However, compared to the national level, a significant misalignment in predictors rankings was found for a large fraction of the identified subsets. Overall, river basin subsetting provided limited gain in information compared to the national level, while water region subsetting yielded higher variability in the predictive capacity of the pRDA models and increased the share of variance explained by spatial pattern which might obscure environmental effects. Thus, it is recommended to use biotic relevant subsetting methods based on elevation or fish indicators to better capture the variability of the dataset and provide simple and informative relationships between the fish community structure and the environmental variables.
Hetero‐Janus Nanofibers as an Ideal Framework for Promoting Water‐pollutant Photoreforming Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Liu Jie , Li Xinghua , Han Chaohan , Liu Mingzhuang , Li Xiaowei , Sun Jianmin , Shao Changlu
Published: April 2022

Photoreforming hydrogen evolution (Pr‐HE) of a water‐pollutant system could simultaneously achieve efficient hydrogen production and pollutant degradation. It provides a new way to solve energy and environmental issues, but the poor internal charge separation still limits its performance. This work designed hetero‐Janus nanofibers (HJNFs) with ordered electric field distribution and separated redox surfaces to promote Pr‐HE of the water‐pollutant system. Taking ZnO/NiO heterojunction as an example, the hetero‐Janus structures were prepared via “Dual‐channel” electrospinning and further confirmed by the element morphology analysis and asymmetric distribution of the XPS spectra. The theoretical simulation showed that Janus structures could effectively inhibit the electron trap and hole trap generation, then accelerate the directional carrier migration to the surface. Experimental investigations also confirmed that Janus structures could effectively suppress internal exciton luminescence and accelerate surface charge transfer. The Pr‐HE amount and the corresponding propranolol (PRO) degradation rate of HJNFs were 7.9 and 1.5 times higher than hetero‐mixed nanofibers (HMNFs). The enhancement factor of Pr‐HE in water‐PRO to pure water was about 3.1, but nearly zero for HMNFs. This prominent synergistic effect was due to the enhancement of charge separation and the inhibition of cascade side reaction from hetero‐Janus structures. Furthermore, the synchronous Pr‐HE and degradation reactions were significantly promoted by selective introducing Ag nanoparticles in one side of the HJNFs for enlarging the interfacial Fermi energy level difference. The hetero‐Janus strategy offers a new perspective on designing efficient photoreforming photocatalysts for energy and environment applications.
Modelling the systematics of cosmogenic nuclide signals in fluvial sediments following extreme events
Authors: Schide Katherine , Gallen Sean F. , Lupker Maarten
Published: April 2022

The effect of punctuated mass‐wasting events on longer‐term erosion rates is not fully understood, and yet it is key to quantifying sediment generation, source‐to‐sink dynamics, and landscape evolution in active orogens. The measurement of terrestrial cosmogenic nuclides (TCNs) in river sediments is a common method for determining basin‐averaged erosion rates over centennial to millennial timescales and is often used to compare erosional processes between catchments. However, these comparisons often overlook the role of landsliding rates and their spatial distribution in the measurement and potential variability of TCN signals. While it is widely accepted that basin‐scale perturbations should temporarily dilute TCN concentrations as landsliding mobilizes new, low‐concentration material, the impact of the catastrophic release of hillslope sediment caused by a single event on TCN signatures has not yet been systematically investigated. In this modelling study, we use a catchment in central Nepal to build upon previous modelling efforts to consider how TCNs are recorded in landscapes with varying erosion rates, landsliding rates, and spatial distribution of landslides. We then use the 25 April 2015 Mw 7.8 Gorkha earthquake, Nepal, as a case study to investigate how perturbations like earthquakes are recorded in TCN time series and transferred to and ultimately archived in the sedimentary record. We find that the likelihood of a perturbation being measured by TCN dilution is based on a multitude of factors, including background erosion rates, long‐term landsliding rates, and the connectivity of newly released material to the fluvial system. Especially in landscapes like the central Himalaya with high background erosion and landsliding rates, changes in detrital TCN concentrations are not a reliable indicator of an upstream perturbation, nor should we expect a clear dilution signal following a major event. Our modelling results emphasize that TCN dilution is not a universal characteristic of high‐magnitude landslide‐triggering events.
Streamlined subglacial bedform sensitivity to bed characteristics across the deglaciated Northern Hemisphere
Authors: McKenzie Marion A. , Simkins Lauren M. , Principato Sarah M. , Munevar Garcia Santiago
Published: April 2022

Streamlined subglacial bedforms observed in deglaciated landscapes provide the opportunity to assess the sensitivity of glacier dynamics to bed characteristics across broader spatiotemporal scales than is possible for contemporary glacial systems. While many studies of streamlined subglacial bedforms rely on manual mapping and qualitative (i.e., visual) assessment, we semi‐automatically identify 11,628 sedimentary and bedrock bedforms, created during and following the Last Glacial Maximum across nine geologically and topographically diverse deglaciated sites in the Northern Hemisphere. Using this large dataset of landforms and associated morphometrics, we empirically test the importance of subglacial terrain on bedform morphology and ice‐flow behavior. A minimum bedform length–width ratio threshold provides a constraint on minimum morphometrics needed for streamlined bedforms to develop. Similarities in bedform metric distribution regardless of bed properties indicate that all bed types may support similar distributions of warm‐based ice flow conditions. Ice flow within valleys with easily erodible beds host the most elongate bedforms yet the widest range in bedform elongation and bedform surface relief. The presence of these highly elongate bedforms suggest high ice‐flow velocities occur within valley settings despite spatially heterogeneous landform‐generating processes. In contrast, lithified sedimentary beds within regions not constrained by topography on the scale of 1–102 km contain bedforms with high density and packing, low change in surface relief and low elongation, indicating spatially uniform and organized interactions at the ice–bed interface and consistency in ice‐flow velocity. Regardless of genesis, we find a sensitivity of bedform elongation (i.e., used to interpret ice‐flow speed or persistence) to topographic conditions on the scale of 1–102 km, while bedform density is sensitive to bed lithology. The findings presented in this study provide analogues for processes of subglacial erosion and deposition, ice–bed interactions and warm‐based ice flow within contemporary glacial systems.
Annealing optimization of graphitized Co3O4@CuO@NiO composite electrodes for supercapacitor applications
Authors: Obodo Raphael M. , Mbam Sylvester M. , Iwueke David C. , Ramzan Muhamed , Ijeh Rufus , Ahmad Ishaq , Maaza Maalik , Ezema Fabian I.
Published: April 2022

In recent times, carbon‐based material has received a keen interest in the fabrication of electrodes because it enhances the performance of energy storage devices. Amalgamated composites of three transition metals (Co3O4@CuO@NiO) and graphene oxide (GO) were fabricated employing the hydrothermal method. The performance of some fabricated electrodes was optimized by annealing using various temperatures, examined for supercapacitor application using a three‐electrode system. Our results indicate that Co3O4@CuO@NiO‐amalgamated electrode optimized using 100°C temperature shows enhanced features compared to deposited and other samples annealed at various temperatures. These discoveries also showed that Co3O4@CuO@NiO‐amalgamated electrode optimized using 100°C temperature delivered a specific capacitance of 1312 F/g from cyclic voltammetry analysis using 10.0 mV/s scan rate and 1258 F/g from galvanostatic charge–discharge analysis using 1.0 A/g current density. The cycling stability of electrodes annealed at 100°C was 92.5% after 10 000 cycles, indicating that annealing at 100°C enriched electrode characteristics.
Duoethnography as Transformative Praxis: Conversations about Nourishment and Coercion in the COVID‐Era Academy
Authors: Valdez Natali , Carney Megan , Yates‐Doerr Emily , Saldaña‐Tejeda Abril , Hardin Jessica , Garth Hanna , Galvez Alyshia , Dickinson Maggie
Published: April 2022

This article introduces the feminist praxis of duoethnography as a way to examine the COVID era. As a group of diverse, junior, midcareer, and senior feminist scholars, we developed a methodology to critically reflect on our positions in our institutions and social worlds. As a method, duoethnography emphasizes the dialogical intimacy that can form through anthropological work. While autoethnography draws on individual daily lives to make sense of sociopolitical dynamics, duoethnography emphasizes the relational character of research across people and practices. Taking the relational aspects of knowledge production seriously, we conceptualized this praxis as a transformative method for facilitating radical empathy, mobilizing our collective voice, and merging together our partial truths. As collective authors, interviewers, and interlocutors of this article, the anonymity of duoethnography allows us to vocalize details of the experience of living through COVID‐19 that we could not have safely spoken about publicly or on our own.
Body fat composition determines outcomes before and after liver transplantation in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Engelmann Cornelius , Aehling Niklas F. , Schob Stefan , Nonnenmacher Ines , Handmann Luise , Macnaughtan Jane , Herber Adam , Surov Alexey , Kaiser Thorsten , Denecke Timm , Jalan Rajiv , Seehofer Daniel , Moche Michael , Berg Thomas
Published: April 2022

Cachexia occurs in late stages of liver cirrhosis, and a low‐fat mass is potentially associated with poor outcome. This study compared different computed tomography (CT)–derived fat parameters with respect to its prognostic impact on the development of complications and death before and after liver transplantation. Between 2001 and 2014, 612 patients with liver cirrhosis without hepatocellular carcinoma listed for liver transplantation met the inclusion criteria, including abdominal CT scan (±200 days to listing). A total of 109 patients without cirrhosis served as controls. The subcutaneous fat index (SCFI), the paraspinal muscle fat index, and the visceral fat index were assessed at L3/L4 level and normalized to the height (cm2/m2). Data were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Low SCFI was associated with a higher rate of ascites and increased C‐reactive protein levels (p < 0.001). In addition, multivariate Cox regression analysis adjusting for sex, age, body mass index (BMI), and Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease showed that decreasing SCFI was also associated with an increased risk of cirrhosis‐related complications (p = 0.003) and death on the transplant wait list (p = 0.013). Increased paraspinal and visceral fat were not only positively correlated with creatinine levels (p < 0.001), BMI, and metabolic comorbidities (all p < 0.001) before transplantation, but also predictive for 1‐year mortality after transplantation. Conclusion: The distribution of body fat is a major determinant for complications and outcome in cirrhosis before and after liver transplantation.
Applying after action review to examine residential treatment programs' responses to COVID‐19
Authors: Kim Bo , Petrakis Beth Ann , McInnes D. Keith , Gifford Allen L. , Sliwinski Samantha K. , Smelson David A.
Published: April 2022

Resurgences of COVID‐19 cases are a grave public health concern. Hence, there is an urgent need for health care systems to rapidly and systematically learn from their responses to earlier waves of COVID‐19. To meet this need, this article delineates how we adapted the World Health Organization's After Action Review (AAR) framework to use within our health care system of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. An AAR is a structured, methodical evaluation of actions taken in response to an event (e.g., recent waves of COVID‐19). It delivers an actionable report regarding (i) what was expected, (ii) what actually happened, (iii) what went well, and (iv) what could have been done differently, and thus what changes are needed for future situations. We share as an example our examination of Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation and Treatment Programs in Massachusetts (a COVID‐19 hotspot). Our work can be further adapted, beyond residential treatment, as a consistent framework for reviewing COVID‐19 responses across multiple health care programs. This will identify both standardized and tailored preparations that the programs can make for future waves of the pandemic. Given the expected resurgences of COVID‐19 cases, the time to apply AAR is now.
Yucatec Maya mothers' ethnotheories about learning to help at home
Authors: Alcalá Lucía , Cervera María Dolores
Published: April 2022

In most cultures, but particularly among Indigenous communities of the Americas, children help extensively with household work. However, less is known about the role of maternal ethnotheories as cultural organizers of the family environment and children's helping. We explored Maya maternal ethnotheories about children's learning to help in two villages. Mothers reported that children learn by observing and pitching in because they have the will and interest and want to help. Mothers help children by orchestrating the setting, supporting their initiative, but learning must be initiated by children. Results support the view of a Yucatec Maya theory of learning and highlight the relevance of studying maternal ethnotheories. As cultural models, ethnotheories guide the organization of the developmental niche, affording children's learning by observing and pitching in and supporting the emergence of their will and interest. Their study may contribute to further acknowledging and supporting cultural diversity.
Deep machine learning unravels the structural origin of mid‐gap states in chalcogenide glass for high‐density memory integration
Authors: Xu Meng , Xu Ming , Miao Xiangshui
Published: April 2022

The recent development of three‐dimensional semiconductor integration technology demands a key component—the ovonic threshold switching (OTS) selector to suppress the current leakage in the high‐density memory chips. Yet, the unsatisfactory performance of existing OTS materials becomes the bottleneck of the industrial advancement. The sluggish development of OTS materials, which are usually made from chalcogenide glass, should be largely attributed to the insufficient understanding of the electronic structure in these materials, despite of intensive research in the past decade. Due to the heavy first‐principles computation on disordered systems, a universal theory to explain the origin of mid‐gap states (MGS), which are the key feature leading to the OTS behavior, is still lacking. To avoid the formidable computational tasks, we adopt machine learning method to understand and predict MGS in typical OTS materials. We build hundreds of chalcogenide glass models and collect major structural features from both short‐range order (SRO) and medium‐range order (MRO) of the amorphous cells. After training the artificial neural network using these features, the accuracy has reached ~95% when it recognizes MGS in new glass. By analyzing the synaptic weights of the input structural features, we discover that the bonding and coordination environments from SRO and particularly MRO are closely related to MGS. The trained model could be used in many other OTS chalcogenides after minor modification. The intelligent machine learning allows us to understand the OTS mechanism from vast amount of structural data without heavy computational tasks, providing a new strategy to design functional amorphous materials from first principles.

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Polyethylene terephthalate textile heart valve: How poly(ethylene glycol) grafting limits fibrosis
Authors: Amri Amna , Chevallier Pascale , Guay‐Bégin Andrée‐Anne , Bilem Ibrahim , Gauvin Guillaume , Alamdari Houshang , Heim Frédéric , Laroche Gaétan
Published: April 2022

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is an alternative technique to surgical valve replacement for over 300,000 patients worldwide. The valve material used in the TAVR is made of biological tissues, whose durability remains unknown. The success of the TAVR favors the research toward synthetic valve leaflet materials as an alternative to biological tissues. In particular, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) textile valves have recently proven durability over a 6‐month period in animal sheep models. Excessive fibrotic tissue formation remains, however, a critical issue to be addressed. The aim of this work was therefore to investigate the potential of PET textiles covalently conjugated with polyethylene glycol (PEG), known for its antifouling properties, to modulate the fibrosis formation both in vitro and in vivo. For this purpose, the surfaces of heart valves made of PET textiles were functionalized with an atmospheric pressure plasma, leading to the formation of carboxylic acid (COOH) groups, further used for PEG‐NH2 conjugation. Surface modification efficiency was assessed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and water contact angle measurements. The biological behavior of the as‐modified surfaces was evaluated by in vitro assays, using rat cardiac fibroblast cells. The results show that PEG treated substrates restrained the fibroblasts adhesion and proliferation. The PEG treated valve, implanted in a juvenile sheep model, showed a significant fibrosis reduction. The explant also revealed calcification issues that need to be addressed.
Reduced Bone Mass in Collagen Prolyl 4‐Hydroxylase P4ha1+/−; P4ha2−/− Compound Mutant Mice
Authors: Tolonen Jussi‐Pekka , Salo Antti M , Finnilä Mikko , Aro Ellinoora , Karjalainen Emma , Ronkainen Veli‐Pekka , Drushinin Kati , Merceron Christophe , Izzi Valerio , Schipani Ernestina , Myllyharju Johanna
Published: April 2022

Proper deposition of the extracellular matrix and its major components, the collagens, is essential for endochondral ossification and bone mass accrual. Collagen prolyl 4‐hydroxylases (C‐P4Hs) hydroxylate proline residues in the ‐X‐Pro‐Gly‐ repeats of all known collagen types. Their product, 4‐hydroxyproline, is essential for correct folding and thermal stability of the triple‐helical collagen molecules in physiological body temperatures. We have previously shown that inactivation of the mouse P4ha1 gene, which codes for the catalytic α subunit of the major C‐P4H isoform, is embryonic lethal, whereas inactivation of the P4ha2 gene produced only a minor phenotype. Instead, mice with a haploinsufficiency of the P4ha1 gene combined with a homozygous deletion of the P4ha2 gene present with a moderate chondrodysplasia due to transient cell death of the growth plate chondrocytes. Here, to further characterize the bone phenotype of the P4ha1+/−; P4ha2−/− mice, we have carried out gene expression analyses at whole‐tissue and single‐cell levels, biochemical analyses, microcomputed tomography, histomorphometric analyses, and second harmonic generation microscopy to show that C‐P4H α subunit expression peaks early and that the C‐P4H deficiency leads to reduced collagen amount, a reduced rate of bone formation, and a loss of trabecular and cortical bone volume in the long bones. The total osteoblast number in the proximal P4ha1+/−; P4ha2−/− tibia and the C‐P4H activity in primary P4ha1+/−; P4ha2−/− osteoblasts were reduced, whereas the population of osteoprogenitor colony‐forming unit fibroblasts was increased in the P4ha1+/−; P4ha2−/− marrow. Thus, the P4ha1+/−; P4ha2−/− mouse model recapitulates key aspects of a recently recognized congenital connective tissue disorder with short stature and bone dysplasia caused by biallelic variants of the human P4HA1 gene. Altogether, the data demonstrate the allele dose‐dependent importance of the C‐P4Hs to the developing organism and a threshold effect of C‐P4H activity in the proper production of bone matrix. © 2022 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
On the highest oxidation states of the actinoids in AnO4 molecules (An = Ac – Cm): A DMRG‐CASSCF study
Authors: Lu Jun‐Bo , Jiang Xue‐Lian , Wang Jia‐Qi , Hu Han‐Shi , Schwarz W. H. Eugen , Li Jun
Published: April 2022

Actinoid tetroxide molecules AnO4 (An = Ac – Cm) are investigated with the ab initio density matrix renormalization group (DMRG) approach. Natural orbital shapes are used to read out the oxidation state (OS) of the f‐elements, and the atomic orbital energies and radii are used to explain the trends. The highest OSs reveal a “volcano”‐type variation: For An = Ac – Np, the OSs are equal to the number of available valence electrons, that is, AcIII, ThIV, PaV, UVI, and NpVII. Starting with plutonium as the turning point, the highest OSs in the most stable AnO4 isomers then decrease as PuV, AmV, and CmIII, indicating that the 5f‐electrons are hard to be fully oxidized off from Pu onward. The variations are related to the actinoid contraction and to the 5f‐covalency characteristics. Combined with previous work on OSs, we review their general trends throughout the periodic table, providing fundamental understanding of OS‐relevant phenomena.
LncRNA TUG1 functions as a ceRNA for miR‐1‐3p to promote cell proliferation in hepatic carcinogenesis
Authors: Tang Keke , Lv Di , Miao Lingling , Mao Yushan , Yu Xiaoyan
Published: April 2022

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterised by high malignancy, metastasis and recurrence, but the specific mechanism that drives these outcomes is unclear. Recent studies have shown that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) can regulate the proliferation and apoptosis of hepatic cells.

Methods

We searched for lncRNAs and microRNAs (miRNAs), which can regulate IGF1 expression, through a bioinformatics website, and predicted that lncRNA taurine‐upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) would have multiple targets for miR‐1‐3p binding, meaning that lncRNA TUG1 played an adsorption role. A double luciferase assay was used to verify the targeting relationship between lncRNA TUG1 and miR‐1‐3p. Western blotting and qPCR were used to verify the targeting relationship between miR‐1‐3p and IGF1, and qPCR was used to verify the regulatory relationship between the lncRNA TUG1‐miR‐1‐3p‐IGF1 axis. CCK‐8 was used to detect the growth activity of miRNA‐transfected L‐O2 cells, and flow cytometry was used to detect cell cycle changes and apoptosis.

Result

The proliferation cycle of L‐O2 cells transfected with miR‐1‐3p mimics was significantly slowed. Flow cytometry showed that the proliferation of L‐O2 cells was slowed, and the apoptosis rate was increased. In contrast, when L‐O2 cells were transfected with miR‐1‐3p inhibitor, the expression of IGF1 was significantly upregulated, and the cell proliferation cycle was significantly accelerated. Flow cytometry showed that the cell proliferation rate was accelerated, and the apoptosis rate was reduced.

Conclusion

LncRNA TUG1 can adsorb miR‐1‐3p as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to promote the expression of IGF1 and promote cell proliferation in hepatic carcinogenesis.
An overview on inactivated and live‐attenuated SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines
Authors: Khoshnood Saeed , Arshadi Maniya , Akrami Sousan , Koupaei Maryam , Ghahramanpour Hossein , Shariati Aref , Sadeghifard Nourkhoda , Heidary Mohsen
Published: April 2022

After about 2 years since severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2), first infections were detected in Wuhan city of China in December 2019, which was followed by a worldwide pandemic with a record of 5.41 million deaths. Due to urgent need for the development of a safe and effective vaccine for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), attempts for producing efficient vaccines are inexhaustibly continuing. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO) on COVID‐19 vaccine tracker and landscape, there are 149 vaccine candidates all over the world. Inactivated SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines as a conventional vaccine platform consist of whole virus particles grown in cell culture and inactivated by chemicals. Because of benefits such as antigenic similarity to real virion inducing humoral and cellular immune responses and ease for transport and storage, these vaccines, including the vaccines produced by Bharat Biotech, Sinopharm, and Sinovac, are in use at large scales. In this study, we have a review on inactivated SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines that are passing their phase 3 and 4 clinical trials, population which was included in the trials, vaccine producers, the efficiency, adverse effects, and components of vaccines, and other vaccine features.
Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors by HIV status in a population‐based cohort in South Central Uganda: a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Enriquez Rocio , Ssekubugu Robert , Ndyanabo Anthony , Marrone Gaetano , Gigante Bruna , Chang Larry W. , Reynolds Steven J. , Nalugoda Fred , Ekstrom Anna Mia , Sewankambo Nelson K. , Serwadda David M. , Nordenstedt Helena
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of mortality for people living with HIV, but limited population‐based data are available from sub‐Saharan Africa. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of key cardiovascular disease risk factors, 10‐year risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus through risk scores by HIV status, as well as investigate factors associated with hyperglycaemia, hypertension and dyslipidaemia in South‐Central Uganda.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in 37 communities of the population‐based Rakai Community Cohort Study from May 2016 to May 2018. In total, 990 people living with HIV and 978 HIV‐negative participants aged 35–49 years were included. Prevalence estimates and 10‐year cardiovascular and type 2 diabetes risk were calculated by sex and HIV serostatus. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine associations between socio‐demographic, lifestyle and body composition risk factors and hyperglycaemia, hypertension and dyslipidaemia.

Results

Overweight (21%), obesity (9%), abdominal obesity (15%), hypertension (17%) and low high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) (63%) were the most common cardiovascular risk factors found in our population. These risk factors were found to be less common in people living with HIV apart from hypertension. Ten‐year risk for cardiovascular and type 2 diabetes mellitus risk was low in this population with <1% categorized as high risk. In HIV‐adjusted multivariable analysis, obesity was associated with a higher odds of hypertension (odds ratio [OR] = 2.31, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.35–3.96) and high triglycerides (OR = 2.08, CI 1.25–3.47), and abdominal obesity was associated with a higher odds of high triglycerides (OR = 2.55, CI 1.55–4.18) and low HDL (OR = 1.36, CI 1.09–1.71). A positive HIV status was associated with a lower odds of low HDL (OR = 0.43, CI 0.35–0.52).

Conclusions

In this population‐based study in Uganda, cardiovascular risk factors of obesity, abdominal obesity, hypertension and dyslipidaemia were found to be common, while hyperglycaemia was less common. Ten‐year risk for cardiovascular and type 2 diabetes mellitus risk was low. The majority of cardiovascular risk factors were not affected by HIV status. The high prevalence of dyslipidaemia in our study requires further research.
Risks of catching COVID‐19 according to vaccination status of healthcare workers during the SARS‐CoV‐2 Delta variant dominant period and their clinical characteristics
Authors: Özüdoğru Osman , Acer Ömer , Genç Bahçe Yasemin
Published: April 2022

The exposure of healthcare workers (HCWs) to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) has been a major concern since the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between vaccination status and the status of catching COVID‐19 in HCWs working in a Training and Research Hospital in Turkey, and the clinical course of the disease in those who were caught. The vaccination status of 1279 HCWs working at Siirt Training and Research Hospital during the period when the SARS‐CoV‐2 Delta variant was dominant, their cases of catching COVID‐19 during this period, and the clinical course of the disease in patients with COVID‐19 were investigated retrospectively.  We found that the rate of COVID‐19 transmission was lowest in fully vaccinated HCWs (p < 0.05). The rate of COVID‐19 transmission in HCWs who received two doses of BioNTech vaccine (4.4%) and two doses of CoronaVac+ one dose of BioNTech vaccines (2.7%) was considerably lower than those without vaccination (26.2%) (p < 0.05). The transmission rate was lowest among those vaccinated with two doses of CoronaVac+ one dose of BioNTech. Hospitalization was not required in fully vaccinated HCWs. The lymphocyte count was found to be significantly higher in fully vaccinated patients than incompletely vaccinated and unvaccinated patients. Although C‐reactive protein (CRP), d‐dimer, and ferritin values were higher in unvaccinated and partially vaccinated patients than in fully vaccinated patients, the differences were not statistically significant. As a result, the transmission rate of COVID‐19 was lowest in fully vaccinated HCWs and in those vaccinated with two doses of CoronaVac+ one dose of BioNTech. In fully vaccinated HCWs, hospitalization was not needed.
Comparative detection, density, and reproductive performance of Kirtland's warbler in jack and red pine
Authors: Van Dyke Fred , Harju Seth , Hindy Michael , Cannata Natalie , Schmidt Emily , Hillman Erin , Sargent Alyssa , Keas Brian
Published: April 2022

The formerly endangered Kirtland's warbler (Setophaga kirtlandii) is among a growing number of conservation‐reliant species that depend on active management to avoid reverting to endangered status. Because the Kirtland's warbler is a habitat specialist of young, even‐aged jack pine (Pinus banksiana), managers of the recovery effort stressed creating new jack pine stands and monitoring numbers of singing males through an annual census using single visits to individual stands. Kirtland's warbler will occupy and breed in red pine (P. resinosa), but red pine has not been surveyed for Kirtland's warblers in the annual population census. Furthermore, the current monitoring approach cannot determine their species detection probability or individual detection probability, which is essential to evaluate both red pine use and the accuracy of the census. From 2016–2018 we estimated density and detection probabilities in jack pine and red pine stands through repeated visits to a limited number of stands rather than single visits to many stands. Estimates of species detection probability indicated that ≥1 male Kirtland's warbler would be detected on most sites when any were present, but individual detection probabilities were less and varied by stand type, indicating that single visits to sites would underestimate numbers and that accurate estimation of detection probability was important for estimation of density in different stand types. We offer quantitative estimates of detection probabilities for determination of Kirtland's warbler population size in jack pine versus red pine stands in the same areas and breeding seasons. Managers of Kirtland's warblers should incorporate detection probabilities into population surveys to achieve more accurate estimates of population size.
Degradation‐induced microbiome alterations may aggravate soil nutrient loss in subalpine meadows
Authors: Luo Zhengming , Liu Jinxian , He Lei , Du Jingqi , Wang Lixiao , Jia Tong , Chai Baofeng , Wu Tiehang
Published: April 2022

Grassland degradation has become a serious environmental problem worldwide. However, the link between grassland degradation and soil functional microorganisms remains unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of subalpine meadow degradation on the taxonomic and functional communities of the soil microbiome on Mount Wutai on the eastern margin of the Loess Plateau, China, using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. The results showed that vegetation degradation decreased most soil nutrients (e.g., soil organic carbon [SOC, −48.9%], total nitrogen [TN, −15.2%] and carbon [TC, −38.3%]), leading to significant changes in the taxonomic (r = 0.892, p < 0.001) and functional compositions (r = 0.972, p < 0.001) of the microbial communities (explaining 66.6% and 64.5% of the variance, respectively). The structural equation model (SEM) showed that variations in the soil nutrient status and plant parameters caused by degradation resulted in changes in the microbial community structure and function. The variations in the plant and microbial communities during degradation altered carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling separately or interactively. Among the C degradation‐related genes, the relative abundances of cellulose degradation, sugar utilization and chitin degradation genes in moderately degraded (MD) and heavily degraded (HD) meadows were significantly higher than those in nondegraded (ND) meadows (p < 0.05). The abundance of denitrification genes (nirK, nirS, norB and norC) and nitrification genes (pmoA/amoA, pmoB/amoB, pmoC/amoC and hao) was higher in all degraded meadows, which increased the risk of soil N loss. Our findings revealed the negative feedback of microbes due to subalpine meadow degradation, during which metabolically active microbes tended to accelerate soil nutrient loss.
Very strong but exchangeable organic ligand of cobalt in the marginal sea
Authors: Wong Kuo Hong , Xu Jiarui , Kondo Yoshiko , Takeda Shigenobu , Mashio Asami S. , Hasegawa Hiroshi , Obata Hajime
Published: April 2022

Cobalt (Co) is an important micronutrient for phytoplankton and its chemical speciation in the ocean is dominated by organic complexation. However, determination of the chemical speciation parameters of dissolved Co (dCo) in seawater is difficult because the ligands have conditional stability constants (K′) higher than those detectable by current forward titration methods. Furthermore, forward titration is not ideal when the ligand concentration is less than the dCo concentration in natural seawater, which is a probable scenario because excess ligands will bind more strongly to nickel instead. In this study, we successfully determined the concentrations and K′ of the dCo‐binding organic ligands in East China Sea using the reverse titration method. Our results indicate that organic complexes of dCo in the East China Sea are very strong but are kinetically exchangeable at high detection windows. Log K′ values of the ligands were between 16.6 and 17.1 in the Kuroshio waters and ranged from 19.7 to 20.9 in coastal waters. These ligands might be phytoplankton exudates or degradation products of cobalamin. Our findings suggest that an inert dCo fraction may be significant in coastal regions with high primary productivity. These inert dCo complexes were not detected within our detection window, which may lead to overestimation of the titration results.
Highly Conformal Polymers for Ambulatory Electrophysiological Sensing
Authors: Hu Mingshuang , Zhang Jun , Liu Yixuan , Zheng Xinran , Li Xiangxiang , Li Ximing , Yang Hui
Published: April 2022

Stable ambulatory electrophysiological sensing is widely used for smart e‐healthcare monitoring, clinical diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases, treatment of neurological diseases, and intelligent human–machine interaction. As the favorable signal interaction platform of electrophysiological sensing, the conformal property of on‐skin electrodes is an extremely crucial factor that can affect the stability of long‐term ambulatory electrophysiological sensing. From the perspective of materials, to realize conformal contact between electrodes and skin for stable sensing, highly conformal polymers are in great demand and attracting ever‐growing attention. This review focuses on the recent progress of highly conformal polymers for ambulatory electrophysiological sensing, including their synthetic methods, conformal property, and potential applications. Specifically, three main types of highly conformal polymers for stable long‐term electrophysiological signals monitoring are proposed, including nature silk fibroin based conformal polymers, marine mussels bioinspired conformal polymers, and other conformal polymers such as zwitterionic polymers and polyacrylamides. Furthermore, the future challenges and opportunities in preparing highly conformal polymers for on‐skin electrodes are also highlighted.
Alpha‐Synuclein is Involved in DYT1 Dystonia Striatal Synaptic Dysfunction
Authors: Ponterio Giulia , Faustini Gaia , El Atiallah Ilham , Sciamanna Giuseppe , Meringolo Maria , Tassone Annalisa , Imbriani Paola , Cerri Silvia , Martella Giuseppina , Bonsi Paola , Bellucci Arianna , Pisani Antonio
Published: April 2022

Background

The neuronal protein alpha‐synuclein (α‐Syn) is crucially involved in Parkinson's disease pathophysiology. Intriguingly, torsinA (TA), the protein causative of DYT1 dystonia, has been found to accumulate in Lewy bodies and to interact with α‐Syn. Both proteins act as molecular chaperones and control synaptic machinery. Despite such evidence, the role of α‐Syn in dystonia has never been investigated.

Objective

We explored whether α‐Syn and N‐ethylmaleimide sensitive fusion attachment protein receptor proteins (SNAREs), that are known to be modulated by α‐Syn, may be involved in DYT1 dystonia synaptic dysfunction.

Methods

We used electrophysiological and biochemical techniques to study synaptic alterations in the dorsal striatum of the Tor1a+/Δgag mouse model of DYT1 dystonia.

Results

In the Tor1a+/Δgag DYT1 mutant mice, we found a significant reduction of α‐Syn levels in whole striata, mainly involving glutamatergic corticostriatal terminals. Strikingly, the striatal levels of the vesicular SNARE VAMP‐2, a direct α‐Syn interactor, and of the transmembrane SNARE synaptosome‐associated protein 23 (SNAP‐23), that promotes glutamate synaptic vesicles release, were markedly decreased in mutant mice. Moreover, we detected an impairment of miniature glutamatergic postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) recorded from striatal spiny neurons, in parallel with a decreased asynchronous release obtained by measuring quantal EPSCs (qEPSCs), which highlight a robust alteration in release probability. Finally, we also observed a significant reduction of TA striatal expression in α‐Syn null mice.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate an unprecedented relationship between TA and α‐Syn, and reveal that α‐Syn and SNAREs alterations characterize the synaptic dysfunction underlying DYT1 dystonia. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson Movement Disorder Society.