bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cretaceous and Eocene Rapid Cooling Phases in the Southern Andes (36°–37°S): Insights From Low‐Temperature Thermochronology, U‐Pb Geochronology, and Inverse Thermal Modeling From Domuyo Area, Argentina
Authors: Galetto A. , Georgieva V. , García V. H. , Zattin M. , Sobel E. R. , Glodny J. , Bordese S. , Arzadún G. , Bechis F. , Caselli A. T. , Becchio R.
Published: May 2021

The integration of inverse thermal history modeling of new geochronological data with structural analyses from the western flank of the Domuyo volcano (∼36°30′S) allows us to propose a detailed cooling history of a key region in the Southern Andes. The Domuyo area is located in the northwestern part of the Chos Malal fold‐and‐thrust belt in the back‐arc of the Southern Andes. Despite extensive geological investigations in this region, details about the early stages of Andean deformation remain poorly understood. The present study focuses on the interpretation and integration of new U‐Pb, fission track, and (U‐Th‐Sm)/He data constraining the Cretaceous to Paleogene exhumation history of the Southern Andes at these latitudes. The results indicate two main episodes of rapid cooling during Albian‐Campanian and Eocene times that can be related to exhumation driven by two main contractional pulses. The first event promoted basement cooling/exhumation associated with the uplift and erosion of a broad N‐S striking antiform; whereas the Eocene episode triggered the inversion of the preexisting N‐S striking Manchana Covunco normal fault and the deformation of the Mesozoic sedimentary cover. The two orogenic phases are separated by a potential period of orogenic quiescence during the Paleocene. These new insights highlight the importance of the initial compressional stages of mountain building in the Southern Andes at these latitudes.
Subsurface Moisture Regulates Himalayan Groundwater Storage and Discharge
Authors: Illien L. , Andermann C. , Sens‐Schönfelder C. , Cook K. L. , Baidya K. P. , Adhikari L. B. , Hovius N.
Published: May 2021

Through the release of groundwater, most mountain rivers run year‐round despite their small catchments and sporadic precipitation. This makes mountain ranges important sources of reliable freshwater for downstream populations in many parts of the world. However, due to a lack of ground instrumentation, little is known about groundwater dynamics in mountainous landscapes. Recent research has shown that the amount of moisture trapped in the soil and weathered rocks in the vadose zone can significantly buffer groundwater recharge and runoff but the wider recognition of this effect on major mountain systems has not been yet established. In this study, we test whether the moisture reservoir has an impact on hydrological fluxes in a steep Himalayan catchment during three monsoon seasons. We measured an array of parameters including relative seismic velocity changes from ambient noise correlations. This noninvasive technique allows us to monitor groundwater dynamics in conjunction with classical hydrological measurements. We found that the moisture saturation in the vadose zone controls the onset of groundwater recharge and runoff and therefore determines the annual water availability supplied by monsoon precipitation. We model this dynamic using a surface layer that has a finite storage capacity that controls the connectivity of surface flux to groundwater. The extension of this concept, which is thought to apply widely in flat and undulating landscapes, to steep mountain topography with thin and discontinuous soils underlain by regolith and bedrock has important implications for mountain hydrology.
Natural Gas Gathering and Transmission Pipelines and Social Vulnerability in the United States
Authors: Emanuel Ryan E. , Caretta Martina A. , Rivers Louie , Vasudevan Pavithra
Published: May 2021

Midstream oil and gas infrastructure comprises vast networks of gathering and transmission pipelines that connect upstream extraction to downstream consumption. In the United States (US), public policies and corporate decisions have prompted a wave of proposals for new gathering and transmission pipelines in recent years, raising the question: Who bears the burdens associated with the existing pipeline infrastructure in the US? With this in mind, we examined the density of natural gas gathering and transmission pipelines in the US, together with county‐level data on social vulnerability. For the 2,261 US counties containing natural gas pipelines, we found a positive correlation between county‐level pipeline density and an index of social vulnerability. In general, counties with more socially vulnerable populations have significantly higher pipeline densities than counties with less socially vulnerable populations. In particular, counties in the top quartile of social vulnerability tend to have pipeline densities that are much higher than pipeline densities for counties in the bottom quartile of social vulnerability. The difference grows larger for counties at the upper extremes of pipeline density within each group. We discuss some of the implications for the indigenous communities and others affected by recent expansions of oil and gas infrastructure. We offer recommendations aimed at improving ways in which decision‐makers identify and address the societal impacts and environmental justice implications of midstream pipeline infrastructure.
Topographic Amplification of Crustal Subsidence by the Rainwater Load of the 2019 Typhoon Hagibis in Japan
Authors: Zhan Wei , Heki Kosuke , Arief Syachrul , Yoshida Mizuki
Published: May 2021

The super typhoon Hagibis traveled northeastward through eastern Honshu, Japan, causing disastrous heavy rainfalls along its path on October 11 and 12, 2019. We performed a comprehensive space geodetic study of water brought by this typhoon using a dense network of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers in Japan. First, we studied the time evolution of altitude‐corrected precipitable water vapor field and compare the movement of water vapor centroid with the rain distribution from radar rain gauge analyzed precipitation. The total amount of water vapor derived by spatially integrating precipitable water vapor on land remained steady at ∼20 Gt. The total precipitation by this typhoon was ∼92, and ∼33 Gt of it fell onto the land area of eastern Honshu. Next, we studied crustal subsidence caused by the typhoon rainwater as surface load. The GNSS stations located under the typhoon path temporarily subsided 1–2 cm on the landfall day and the subsidence mostly recovered on the next day. Using the vertical crustal movement data, we estimated the distribution of surface water in eastern Honshu assuming the layered spherical earth. The amount of the surface load on October 12 was ∼71 Gt, which significantly exceeds the cumulative rainfall on land. We consider that the excess subsidence largely originates from the selective deployment of GNSS stations in the concave topography, for example, along valleys and within basins, in the mountainous Japanese Islands.
USP22 promotes HER2-driven mammary carcinoma aggressiveness by suppressing the unfolded protein response
Authors: Prokakis Evangelos , Dyas Anna , Grün Regina , Fritzsche Sonja , Bedi Upasana , Kazerouni Zahra B. , Kosinsky Robyn L. , Johnsen Steven A. , Wegwitz Florian
Published: May 2021

The Ubiquitin-Specific Protease 22 (USP22) is a deubiquitinating subunit of the mammalian SAGA transcriptional co-activating complex. USP22 was identified as a member of the so-called “death-from-cancer” signature predicting therapy failure in cancer patients. However, the importance and functional role of USP22 in different types and subtypes of cancer remain largely unknown. In the present study, we leveraged human cell lines and genetic mouse models to investigate the role of USP22 in HER2-driven breast cancer (HER2+-BC) and demonstrate for the first time that USP22 is required for the tumorigenic properties in murine and human HER2+-BC models. To get insight into the underlying mechanisms, we performed transcriptome-wide gene expression analyses and identified the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) as a pathway deregulated upon USP22 loss. The UPR is normally induced upon extrinsic or intrinsic stresses that can promote cell survival and recovery if shortly activated or programmed cell death if activated for an extended period. Strikingly, we found that USP22 actively suppresses UPR induction in HER2+-BC cells by stabilizing the major endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone HSPA5. Consistently, loss of USP22 renders tumor cells more sensitive to apoptosis and significantly increases the efficiency of therapies targeting the ER folding capacity. Together, our data suggest that therapeutic strategies targeting USP22 activity may sensitize tumor cells to UPR induction and could provide a novel, effective approach to treat HER2+-BC.
IL-4 inhibits regulatory T cells differentiation by HDAC9-mediated epigenetic regulation
Authors: Cui Jikai , Xu Heng , Yu Jizhang , Li Yuan , Chen Zhang , Zou Yanqiang , Zhang Xi , Du Yifan , Xia Jiahong , Wu Jie
Published: May 2021

Regulatory T cells play a crucial role in orchestrating immune response and maintaining immune tolerance, and the expression of the Foxp3 gene is indispensable to the differentiation of regulatory T cells. IL-4 shows strong inhibitory effects on Foxp3 expression and regulatory T cells differentiation, but the detailed mechanisms are still unclear. Here, we revealed that epigenetic modulations are key to this process. Specifically, the inhibition was found to be STAT6 dependent, and HDAC9 was involved with the process of histone deacetylation at the Foxp3 locus, subsequently decreasing chromatin accessibility and Foxp3 gene transcription. Pan-histone deacetylation inhibitors, especially sodium butyrate, notably abolished the inhibitory effects of IL-4 and ameliorated allergic airway inflammation in mouse models. Our research provides important mechanistic insights into how IL-4 inhibits regulatory T cells differentiation and suggests the therapeutic potential of the sodium butyrate in allergic airway disease.
High glucose suppresses autophagy through the AMPK pathway while it induces autophagy via oxidative stress in chondrocytes
Authors: Wang Ben , Shi Yifeng , Chen Jiaoxiang , Shao Zhenxuan , Ni Libin , Lin Yan , Wu Yaosen , Tian Naifeng , Zhou Yifei , Sun Liaojun , Wu Aimin , Hong Zhenghua , Wang Xiangyang , Zhang Xiaolei
Published: May 2021

Diabetes (DB) is a risk factor for osteoarthritis progression. High glucose (HG) is one of the key pathological features of DB and has been demonstrated to induce apoptosis and senescence in chondrocytes. Autophagy is an endogenous mechanism that can protect cells against apoptosis and senescence. The effects of HG on autophagy in cells including chondrocytes have been studied; however, the results have been inconsistent. The current study aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms, which could be associated with the contrasting outcomes. The present study revealed that HG can induce apoptosis and senescence in chondrocytes, in addition to regulating autophagy dynamically. The present study demonstrated that HG can cause oxidative stress in chondrocytes and suppress the AMPK pathway in a dose-dependent manner. Elimination of oxidative stress by Acetylcysteine, also called N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), downregulated autophagy and alleviated HG-stimulated apoptosis and senescence, while activation of the AMPK signaling pathway by AICAR not only upregulated autophagy but also alleviated HG-stimulated apoptosis and senescence. A combined treatment of NAC and AICAR was superior to treatment with either NAC or AICAR. The study has demonstrated that HG can suppress autophagy through the AMPK pathway and induce autophagy via oxidative stress in chondrocytes.
TRPV1 alleviates osteoarthritis by inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization via Ca2+/CaMKII/Nrf2 signaling pathway
Authors: Lv Zhongyang , Xu Xingquan , Sun Ziying , Yang Yannick Xiaofan , Guo Hu , Li Jiawei , Sun Kuoyang , Wu Rui , Xu Jia , Jiang Qing , Ikegawa Shiro , Shi Dongquan
Published: May 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the major course of joint deterioration, in which M1 macrophage-driven synovitis exacerbates the pathological process. However, precise therapies for M1 macrophage to decrease synovitis and attenuate OA progression have been scarcely proposed. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) is a cation channel that has been implicated in pain perception and inflammation. In this study, we investigated the role of TRPV1 in the M1 macrophage polarization and pathogenesis of OA. We demonstrated that TRPV1 expression and M1 macrophage infiltration were simultaneously increased in both human and rat OA synovium. More than 90% of the infiltrated M1 macrophages expressed TRPV1. In the rat OA model, intra-articular injection of capsaicin (CPS), a specific TRPV1 agonist, significantly attenuated OA phenotypes, including joint swelling, synovitis, cartilage damage, and osteophyte formation. CPS treatment markedly reduced M1 macrophage infiltration in the synovium. Further mechanistic analyses showed that TRPV1-evoked Ca2+ influx promoted the phosphorylation of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and facilitated the nuclear localization of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which ultimately resulted in the inhibition of M1 macrophage polarization. Taken together, our findings establish that TRPV1 attenuates the progression of OA by inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization in synovium via the Ca2+/CaMKII/Nrf2 signaling pathway. These results highlight the effect of targeting TRPV1 for the development of a promising therapeutic strategy for OA.
Phase 1 randomized trial of a plant-derived virus-like particle vaccine for COVID-19
Authors: Ward Brian J. , Gobeil Philipe , Séguin Annie , Atkins Judith , Boulay Iohann , Charbonneau Pierre-Yves , Couture Manon , D’Aoust Marc-André , Dhaliwall Jiwanjeet , Finkle Carolyn , Hager Karen , Mahmood Asif , Makarkov Alexander , Cheng Matthew P. , Pillet Stéphane , Schimke Patricia , St-Martin Sylvie , Trépanier Sonia , Landry Nathalie
Published: May 2021

Several severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines are being deployed, but the global need greatly exceeds the supply, and different formulations might be required for specific populations. Here we report Day 42 interim safety and immunogenicity data from an observer-blinded, dose escalation, randomized controlled study of a virus-like particle vaccine candidate produced in plants that displays the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein (CoVLP: NCT04450004). The co-primary outcomes were the short-term tolerability/safety and immunogenicity of CoVLP formulations assessed by neutralizing antibody (NAb) and cellular responses. Secondary outcomes in this ongoing study include safety and immunogenicity assessments up to 12 months after vaccination. Adults (18–55 years, n = 180) were randomized at two sites in Quebec, Canada, to receive two intramuscular doses of CoVLP (3.75 μg, 7.5 μg, and 15 μg) 21 d apart, alone or adjuvanted with AS03 or CpG1018. All formulations were well tolerated, and adverse events after vaccination were generally mild to moderate, transient and highest in the adjuvanted groups. There was no CoVLP dose effect on serum NAbs, but titers increased significantly with both adjuvants. After the second dose, NAbs in the CoVLP + AS03 groups were more than tenfold higher than titers in Coronavirus 2019 convalescent sera. Both spike protein-specific interferon-γ and interleukin-4 cellular responses were also induced. This pre-specified interim analysis supports further evaluation of the CoVLP vaccine candidate.
Low annual temperature likely prevents the Holarctic amphipod Gammarus lacustris from invading Lake Baikal
Authors: Vereshchagina Kseniya , Kondrateva Elizaveta , Mutin Andrei , Jakob Lena , Bedulina Daria , Shchapova Ekaterina , Madyarova Ekaterina , Axenov-Gribanov Denis , Luckenbach Till , Pörtner Hans-Otto , Lucassen Magnus , Timofeyev Maxim
Published: May 2021

Species with effective thermal adaptation mechanisms allowing them to thrive within a wide temperature range can benefit from climatic changes as they can displace highly specialized species. Here, we studied the adaptive capabilities of the Baikal endemic amphipods Eulimnogammarus verrucosus (Gerstfeld, 1858) and Eulimnogammarus cyaneus (Dybowsky, 1874) compared to the potential Holarctic Baikal invader Gammarus lacustris Sars, 1863 at the cellular level including the energy metabolism and the antioxidant system. All species were long-term exposed to a range of temperatures (1.5 °C to mimic winter conditions and the three species-specific preferred temperatures (i.e., 6 °C for E. verrucosus, 12 °C for E. cyaneus and 15 °C for G. lacustris). At 1.5 °C, we found species-specific metabolic alterations (i.e., significantly reduced ATP content and lactate dehydrogenase activity) indicating limitations on the activity level in the Holarctic G. lacustris. Although the two Baikal endemic amphipod species largely differ in thermal tolerance, no such limitations were found at 1.5 °C. However, the cold-stenothermal Baikal endemic E. verrucosus showed changes indicating a higher involvement of anaerobic metabolism at 12 °C and 15 °C, while the metabolic responses of the more eurythermal Baikal endemic E. cyaneus may support aerobic metabolism and an active lifestyle at all exposure temperatures. Rising temperatures in summer may provide a competitive advantage for G. lacustris compared to the Baikal species but the inactive lifestyle in the cold is likely preventing G. lacustris from establishing a stable population in Lake Baikal.
Comparison of metabolic changes after neoadjuvant endocrine and chemotherapy in ER-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer
Authors: Ryu Ho Hyun , Ahn Sei Hyun , Kim Seon Ok , Kim Jeong Eun , Kim Ji sun , Ahn Jin-Hee , Jung Kyung Hae , Kim Sung-Bae , Ko Beom Seok , Lee Jong Won , Son Byung Ho , Shin Hee Jung , Kim Hak Hee , Gong Gyung yub , Kim Hee Jeong
Published: May 2021

Survival of breast cancer patients has improved, and treatment-related changes regarding metabolic profile deterioration after neoadjuvant systemic treatment (NST) become important issues in cancer survivors. We sought to compare metabolic profile changes and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) between patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) and neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET) 3 years after the treatment. In a prospective, randomized, phase III trial which compared 24 weeks of NCT with adriamycin and cyclophosphamide followed by docetaxel and NET with goserelin and tamoxifen (NEST), 123 patients in the Asan Medical Center were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate metabolic changes, such as body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), total cholesterol (TC), fasting glucose, and the NLR. The mean age of patients was 42 years. The changes in BMI, serum glucose, and TC during NST and after 3 years were significantly different between NCT and NET. The proportion of overweight + obese group and the mean BMI were significantly increased during NCT (26.6% to 37.5%, 22.84 kg/m2 to 23.87 kg/m2, p < 0.05), and these attributes found to have normalized at the 3-year follow-up. In the NET group, BMI changes were not observed (p > 0.05, all). There were no differences in changes over time among in the Hypertension group during NCT and NET (p = 0.96). The mean value of serum TC and fasting glucose significantly increased (< 0.05, both) during NCT and decreased 3 years after NCT (p < 0.05); however, no significant changes were observed in the NET group. The NLR was increased from 1.83 to 3.18 after NCT (p < 0.05) and decreased from 1.98 to 1.43 (p < 0.05) after NET. Compared with minimal metabolic effect of NET, NCT worsens metabolic profiles, which were recovered over 3 years. The NLR was increased after NCT but decreased after NET.
Effect of intraoperative fluid volume on postoperative ileus after robot-assisted radical cystectomy
Authors: Shim Ji Sung , Noh Tae Il , Ku Ja Hyeon , Lee Sangchul , Kwon Tae Gyun , Kim Tae-Hwan , Jeon Seung Hyun , Lee Sang Hyup , Nam Jong Kil , Kim Wan Seok , Jeong Byong Chang , Lee Ji Youl , Hong Sung Hoo , Rha Koon Ho , Han Woong Kyu , Ham Won Sik , Lee Young Goo , Lee Yong Seong , Park Sung Yul , Yoon Young Eun , Kang Sung Gu , Oh Jong Jin , Kang Seok Ho ,   Korean Robot Assisted Radical Cystectomy (KORARC) Study Group, Shim Ji Sung , Noh Tae Il , Ku Ja Hyeon , Lee Sangchul , Kwon Tae Gyun , Kim Tae-Hwan , Jeon Seung Hyun , Lee Sang Hyup , Nam Jong Kil , Kim Wan Seok , Jeong Byong Chang , Lee Ji Youl , Hong Sung Hoo , Rha Koon Ho , Han Woong Kyu , Ham Won Sik , Lee Young Goo , Lee Yong Seong , Park Sung Yul , Yoon Young Eun , Kang Sung Gu , Oh Jong Jin , Kang Seok Ho
Published: May 2021

This study aimed to investigate the effect of intraoperative fluid volume on the postoperative ileus (POI) recovery period. A retrospective review of the Korean robot-assisted radical cystectomy database identified 718 patients who underwent robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC). Regression analyses were performed to identify the associations between the amount of intraoperative fluid administration (crystalloid/colloid/total), POI period (time to flatus/bowel movements), and length of hospital stay (LOS) after adjusting for covariates. In addition, we analyzed the risk factors for gastrointestinal complications and prolonged POI using a logistic regression model. An increasing volume of the administered crystalloid/total fluid was associated with prolonged POI (crystalloid R2 = 0.0725 and P < 0.0001; total amount R2 = 0.0812 and P < 0.0001), and the total fluid volume was positively associated with the LOS (R2 = 0.099 and P < 0.0001). The crystalloid amount was a risk factor for prolonged POI (P < 0.001; odds ratio, 1.361; 95% confidence interval, 1.133–1.641; P < 0.001). In the context of RARC, increased intravenous fluids are associated with prolonged POI and longer LOS.
The risk of fibromyalgia in patients with iron deficiency anemia: a nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Yao Wei-Cheng , Chen Hsuan-Ju , Leong Kam-Hang , Chang Kai-Lan , Wang Yu-Ting Tina , Wu Li-Chin , Tung Po-Ya , Kuo Chien-Feng , Lin Che-Chen , Tsai Shin-Yi
Published: May 2021

Since iron is essential for neurotransmitter synthesis, decreased iron stores might lead to reduced production of biogenic amines which phenomenon was shown in Fibromyalgia (FM) patients. The aims are to investigate the association of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and FM and to find the effects of different interventions. We conducted a study using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. The IDA cohort consisted of 13,381 patients with newly diagnosed IDA between 2000 and 2008. Each patient with IDA was frequency-matched with one people without IDA, by sex, age and index year. The Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was conducted to estimate the association between IDA and FM risk. The event was the occurrence of FM. The overall incidence density rate of FM in the IDA cohort was higher than in the non-IDA cohort with a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model measured adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13–1.25). When using non-IDA group as reference, we compared with different therapies for IDA. The adjusted HRs of FM were 1.38 (95% CI = 1.30–1.47), 1.10 (95% CI = 1.03–1.16), 1.18 (95% CI = 0.98–1.43) and 0.73 (95% CI = 0.58–0.90) for IDA patient without therapy, iron supplement alone, blood transfusion alone and both iron supplement and blood transfusion respectively. Our results suggest IDA is associated with an increased risk of FM. All patients should have iron supplementation both to correct anemia and replenish body stores.
A deep learning model for detection of cervical spinal cord compression in MRI scans
Authors: Merali Zamir , Wang Justin Z. , Badhiwala Jetan H. , Witiw Christopher D. , Wilson Jefferson R. , Fehlings Michael G.
Published: May 2021

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) evidence of spinal cord compression plays a central role in the diagnosis of degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). There is growing recognition that deep learning models may assist in addressing the increasing volume of medical imaging data and provide initial interpretation of images gathered in a primary-care setting. We aimed to develop and validate a deep learning model for detection of cervical spinal cord compression in MRI scans. Patients undergoing surgery for DCM as a part of the AO Spine CSM-NA or CSM-I prospective cohort studies were included in our study. Patients were divided into a training/validation or holdout dataset. Images were labelled by two specialist physicians. We trained a deep convolutional neural network using images from the training/validation dataset and assessed model performance on the holdout dataset. The training/validation cohort included 201 patients with 6588 images and the holdout dataset included 88 patients with 2991 images. On the holdout dataset the deep learning model achieved an overall AUC of 0.94, sensitivity of 0.88, specificity of 0.89, and f1-score of 0.82. This model could improve the efficiency and objectivity of the interpretation of cervical spine MRI scans.
Bouncing behavior of sub-four minute milers
Authors: Burns Geoffrey T. , Gonzalez Richard , Zendler Jessica M. , Zernicke Ronald F.
Published: May 2021

Elite middle distance runners present as a unique population in which to explore biomechanical phenomena in relation to running speed, as their training and racing spans a broad spectrum of paces. However, there have been no comprehensive investigations of running mechanics across speeds within this population. Here, we used the spring-mass model of running to explore global mechanical behavior across speeds in these runners. Ten elite-level 1500 m and mile runners (mean 1500 m best: 3:37.3 ± 3.6 s; mile: 3:54.6 ± 3.9 s) and ten highly trained 1500 m and mile runners (mean 1500 m best: 4:07.6 ± 3.7 s; mile: 4:27.4 ± 4.1 s) ran on a treadmill at 10 speeds where temporal measures were recorded. Spatiotemporal and spring-mass characteristics and their corresponding variation were calculated within and across speeds. All spatiotemporal measures changed with speed in both groups, but the changes were less substantial in the elites. The elite runners ran with greater approximated vertical forces (+ 0.16 BW) and steeper impact angles (+ 3.1°) across speeds. Moreover, the elites ran with greater leg and vertical stiffnesses (+ 2.1 kN/m and + 3.6 kN/m) across speeds. Neither group changed leg stiffness with increasing speeds, but both groups increased vertical stiffness (1.6 kN/m per km/h), and the elite runners more so (further + 0.4 kN/m per km/h). The elite runners also demonstrated lower variability in their spatiotemporal behavior across speeds. Together, these findings suggested that elite middle distance runners may have distinct global mechanical patterns across running speeds, where they behave as stiffer, less variable spring-mass systems compared to highly trained, but sub-elite counterparts.
Burden of critically ill patients with influenza in a French catchment population
Authors: Hernu Romain , Simon Marie , Baudry Thomas , Casalegno Jean-Sébastien , Lina Bruno , Cour Martin , Argaud Laurent ,   the “Flu in Lyon ICUs” Study Group, Aubrun Frederic , Guérin Claude , Allaouchiche Bernard , Robert Dominique , Bohé Julien , Puidupin Marc , Manchon Jacques , Liron Lionel
Published: May 2021

Despite the particular focus given to influenza since the 2009 influenza A(H1N1) pandemic, true burden of influenza-associated critical illness remains poorly known. The aim of this study was to identify factors influencing influenza burden imposed on intensive care units (ICUs) in a catchment population during recent influenza seasons. From 2008 to 2013, all adult patients admitted with a laboratory-confirmed influenza infection to one of the ICUs in the catchment area were prospectively included. A total of 201 patients (mean age: 63 ± 16, sex-ratio: 1.1) were included. The influenza-related ICU-bed occupancy rate averaged 4.3% over the five influenza seasons, with the highest mean occupancy rate (16.9%) observed during the 2012 winter. In-hospital mortality for the whole cohort was 26%. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm infections (pdm in the mentioned nomenclature refers to Pandemic Disease Mexico 2009), encountered in 51% of cases, were significantly associated with neither longer length of stay nor higher mortality (ICU and hospital) when compared to infections with other virus subtypes. SOFA score (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.04–1.29) was the only independent factor significantly associated with a prolonged hospitalization. These results highlight both the frequency and the severity of influenza-associated critical illness, leading to a sustained activity in ICUs. Severity of the disease, but not A(H1N1)pdm virus, appears to be a major determinant of ICU burden related to influenza.
Mechanism of the improvement of the energy of host–guest explosives by incorporation of small guest molecules: HNO3 and H2O2 promoted C–N bond cleavage of the ring of ICM-102
Authors: Xiao Yiwen , Chen Lang , Yang Kun , Geng Deshen , Lu Jianying , Wu Junying
Published: May 2021

Host–guest materials exhibit great potential applications as an insensitive high-energy–density explosive and low characteristic signal solid propellant. To investigate the mechanism of the improvement of the energy of host–guest explosives by guest molecules, ReaxFF-lg reactive molecular dynamics simulations were performed to calculate the thermal decomposition reactions of the host–guest explosives systems ICM-102/HNO3, ICM-102/H2O2, and pure ICM-102 under different constant high temperatures and different heating rates. Incorporation of guest molecules significantly increased the energy level of the host–guest system. However, the initial reaction path of the ICM-102 molecule was not changed by the guest molecules. The guest molecules did not initially participate in the host molecule reaction. After a period of time, the H2O2 and HNO3 guest molecules promoted cleavage of the C–N bond of the ICM-102 ring. Stronger oxidation and higher oxygen content resulted in the guest molecules more obviously accelerating destruction of the ICM-102 ring structure. The guest molecules accelerated the initial endothermic reaction of ICM-102, but they played a more important role in the intermediate exothermic reaction stage: incorporation of guest molecules (HNO3 and H2O2) greatly improved the heat release and exothermic reaction rate. Although the energies of the host–guest systems were clearly improved by incorporation of guest molecules, the guest molecules had little effect on the thermal stabilities of the systems.
Differentiation of two swim bladdered fish species using next generation wideband hydroacoustics
Authors: Gugele Sarah M. , Widmer Marcus , Baer Jan , DeWeber J. Tyrell , Balk Helge , Brinker Alexander
Published: May 2021

Monitoring fish populations in large, deep water bodies by conventional capture methodologies requires intensive fishing effort and often causes mass mortality of fish. Thus, it can be difficult to collect sufficient data using capture methods for understanding fine scale community dynamics associated with issues such as climate change or species invasion. Hydroacoustic monitoring is an alternative, less invasive technology that can collect higher resolution data over large temporal and spatial scales. Monitoring multiple species with hydroacoustics, however, usually requires conventional sampling to provide species level information. The ability to identify the species identity of similar-sized individuals using only hydroacoustic data would greatly expand monitoring capabilities and further reduce the need for conventional sampling. In this study, wideband hydroacoustic technology was used in a mesocosm experiment to differentiate between free swimming, similar-sized individuals of two swim-bladdered species: whitefish (Coregonus wartmanni) and stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus). Individual targets were identified in echograms and variation in wideband acoustic responses among individuals, across different orientations, and between species was quantified and visually examined. Random forest classification was then used to classify individual targets of known species identity, and had an accuracy of 73.4% for the testing dataset. The results show that species can be identified with reasonable accuracy using wideband hydroacoustics. It is expected that further mesocosm and field studies will help determine capabilities and limitations for classifying additional species and monitoring fish communities. Hydroacoustic species differentiation may offer novel possibilities for fisheries managers and scientists, marking the next crucial step in non-invasive fish monitoring.
De novo transcriptome assembly and comparative transcriptomic analysis provide molecular insights into low temperature stress response of Canarium album
Authors: Lai Ruilian , Feng Xin , Chen Jin , Zhang Yongyan , Wei Xiaoxia , Chen Yiting , Cheng Chunzhen , Wu Rujian
Published: May 2021

A de novo transcriptome analysis was performed in C. album, a temperature sensitive fruit tree in China, after treatment with varied temperatures. A total number of 168,385 transcripts were assembled, comprising of 109,439 unigenes, of which 70,530 were successfully annotated. Compared with control check group (CK), which was treated under 25 °C, the chilling stress (4 °C) treated group (CT), showed about 2810 up-regulated and 2567 down-regulated genes. Whereas, group treated under freezing (− 3 °C) stress (FT) showed an up-regulation and a down-regulation of 1748 and 1459 genes, respectively. GO classification analysis revealed that DEGs related to metabolic processes, single-organism metabolic process, and catalytic activity are significantly enriched in both CT and FT conditions. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis for both CT and FT treatments showed an enrichment of genes encoding or related to glycine/serine and threonine metabolism, alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, carotenoid biosynthesis, photosynthesis-antenna proteins, and circadian rhythm. However, genes related to photosynthesis, carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms, glutathione metabolism, pyruvate metabolism, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism were specifically enriched in CT condition. Nevertheless, FT treatment induced genes related to plant-pathogen interaction, linoleic acid metabolism, plant hormone signal transduction and pentose phosphate pathway. Many of the genes involved in plant hormone signal transduction showed significantly different expression in both FT and CT conditions. However, the change was more evident in FT. Here we present the first of the reports for a de novo transcriptomic analysis in C. album, suggesting that the plant shows differential responses in chilling and freezing temperatures, where the hormone signaling and transduction contribute greatly to FT responses. Our study thus paves way for future research regarding functions of these potentially identified genes.
Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles for the fabrication of non cytotoxic and antibacterial metallic polymer based nanocomposite system
Authors: Raza Sadaf , Ansari Asma , Siddiqui Nadir Naveed , Ibrahim Fariha , Abro Muhammad Ishaque , Aman Afsheen
Published: May 2021

Nanomaterials have significantly contributed in the field of nanomedicine as this subject matter has combined the usefulness of natural macromolecules with organic and inorganic nanomaterials. In this respect, various types of nanocomposites are increasingly being explored in order to discover an effective approach in controlling high morbidity and mortality rate that had triggered by the evolution and emergence of multidrug resistant microorganisms. Current research is focused towards the production of biogenic silver nanoparticles for the fabrication of antimicrobial metallic-polymer-based non-cytotoxic nanocomposite system. An ecofriendly approach was adapted for the production of silver nanoparticles using fungal biomass (Aspergillus fumigatus KIBGE-IB33). The biologically synthesized nanoparticles were further layered with a biodegradable macromolecule (chitosan) to improve and augment the properties of the developed nanocomposite system. Both nanostructures were characterized using different spectrographic analyses including UV–visible and scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, dynamic light scattering, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic technique. The biologically mediated approach adapted in this study resulted in the formation of highly dispersed silver nanoparticles that exhibited an average nano size and zeta potential value of 05 nm (77.0%) and − 22.1 mV, respectively with a polydispersity index of 0.4. Correspondingly, fabricated silver–chitosan nanocomposites revealed a size of 941 nm with a zeta potential and polydispersity index of + 63.2 mV and 0.57, respectively. The successful capping of chitosan on silver nanoparticles prevented the agglomeration of nanomaterial and also facilitated the stabilization of the nano system. Both nanoscopic entities exhibited antimicrobial potential against some pathogenic bacterial species but did not displayed any antifungal activity. The lowest minimal inhibitory concentration of nanocomposite system (1.56 µg ml−1) was noticed against Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212. Fractional inhibitory concentration index of the developed nanocomposite system confirmed its improved synergistic behavior against various bacterial species with no cytotoxic effect on NIH/3T3 cell lines. Both nanostructures, developed in the present study, could be utilized in the form of nanomedicines or nanocarrier system after some quantifiable trials as both of them are nonhazardous and have substantial antibacterial properties.
Inhibitory influence of cationic Gemini surfactant on the dissolution rate of N80 carbon steel in 15% HCl solution
Authors: Deyab M. A. , Mohsen Q.
Published: May 2021

Strong acids are commonly used in petroleum wells to remove scale layers from the surface of N80 C-steel pipe. The corrosive effects of these acids, on the other hand, pose a significant risk to C-steel pipes. For the first time, we discovered the anti-corrosion properties of cationic Gemini surfactant, 1,2-bis(dodecyldimethylammonio) ethane dibromide (DMAEB), for N80 C-steel pipe in acid washing solution (15.0% HCl). The DMAEB, in particular, can reduce the corrosion rate of N80 C-steel by approximately 97%. DMAEB molecules work as a mixed-type corrosion inhibitor, according to electrochemical results. The DMAEB demonstrated a high inhibition effect at high temperatures, as well as high activation energy against the corrosion process. DMAEB's significant performance is primarily due to physical adsorption on the N80 C-steel surface, as confirmed by adsorption isotherms, SEM, EDX, FT-IR, and theoretical studies. Our findings shed new light on the use of Gemini surfactants as corrosion inhibitors in petroleum wells.
Analysis of the occurrence of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) features in patients with sepsis: a prospective study
Authors: Bursa Dominik , Bednarska Agnieszka , Pihowicz Andrzej , Paciorek Marcin , Horban Andrzej
Published: May 2021

HLH syndrome may mimic sepsis but requires entirely different treatment. The aim of the study was to assess the occurrence of HLH features in patients with sepsis and the influence these exert on the patients’ prognosis. The prospective study included 108 patients with suspected sepsis who were routinely evaluated according to HLH criteria. They were divided into group I (SOFA = 2, n = 57) and group II (SOFA ≥ 3, n = 51). Four patients were excluded from analysis: 1 with real HLH, 2 with Still’s disease and 1 with lymphoma. The median (IQR) concentration of ferritin was 613.4 (850.3) ng/mL, however 6 patients revealed a remarkedly high ferritin concentration > 3000 ng/mL, including 2 with ferritin > 10,000 ng/mL. In total, 21 patients met ≥ 4/8 HLH criteria and were found to have sepsis with HLH-like syndrome (SHLS). Out of these, 19 responded to antimicrobials, 2 died due to infection. The sepsis patients presented with the following HLH criteria: fever (95.2%), hyperferritinemia (57.3%), splenomegaly (43.4%), reduced NK cell activity (35.2%), high sCD25 activity (27.4%) and rarely: hypertriglyceridemia (14.4%), duopenia (5.8%), hypofibrinogenemia (1.9%). Although group II patients had higher odds for SHLS presentation (OR 3.26, p = 0.026) and for death (OR 14.3, p = 0.013), SHLS occurrence had no impact on the risk of death (OR 0.77, p = 0.75). Sepsis patients can present with SHLS exclusively due to severe infection. Duopenia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypofibrinogenemia and high level of sCD25 are unusual in sepsis and might indicate real HLH syndrome. Hyperferritinemia, even as high as in real HLH syndrome, can occur in sepsis patients.
Author Correction: Self‑organized wavy infection curve of COVID‑19
Authors: Odagaki Takashi
Published: May 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Bioluminescent detection of isothermal DNA amplification in microfluidic generated droplets and artificial cells
Authors: Hardinge Patrick , Baxani Divesh K. , McCloy Thomas , Murray James A. H. , Castell Oliver K.
Published: May 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Reductive desulfurization of aromatic sulfides with nickel boride in deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Shu Chenhua , Liu Xunzheng , Xie Wenjing , Cai Shuiping , Li Wenting , Wang Mengjiao
Published: May 2021

Deep eutectic solvents were first used as the solvents in the reductive desulfurization process with nickel boride, and the desulfurization performance of nickel boride was greatly improved.
Fe3O4@PANI: a magnetic polyaniline nanomaterial for highly efficient and handy enrichment of intactN-glycopeptides
Authors: Lai Zhizhen , Zhang Mo , Zhou Jinyu , Chen Tianjing , Li Dan , Shen Xuejing , Liu Jia , Zhou Jiang , Li Zhili
Published: May 2021

Fe3O4@PANI can be utilized in efficiently enriching intact N-glycopeptides from complex biological samples based on hydrogen bond and electrostatic adsorption between glycopeptides and this bifunctional nanomaterial.
Fiber bundle-based chemiluminescence array detection
Authors: Chen Gen , He Tan , Sun Song , Bao Jun , Cui Hua , Gao Chen
Published: May 2021

The development of multiplex analysis system for chemiluminescence on a single chip is highly desired.
Amine functionalized polyacrylonitrile fibers for the selective preconcentration of trace metals prior to their on-line determination by ICP-MS
Authors: Jia Xiaoyu , Zhao Junyi , Wang Jiani , Ren Hongyun , Hong Zixiao , Wu Kun
Published: May 2021

Amine functionalized polyacrylonitrile fibers (PANFs) were designed and utilized as the core adsorbent for solid phase extraction (SPE). The on line SPE-ICP-MS method was established for the separation and determination of V(v), As(iii), Sn(iv), Sb(iii) and Bi(ii).
Force-responsive ordered carbonaceous frameworks synthesized from Ni-porphyrin
Authors: Chida Koki , Yoshii Takeharu , Takahashi Kazuma , Yamamoto Masanori , Kanamaru Kazuya , Ohwada Mao , Deerattrakul Varisara , Maruyama Jun , Kamiya Kazuhide , Hayasaka Yuichiro , Inoue Masataka , Tani Fumito , Nishihara Hirotomo
Published: May 2021

We have succeeded in the synthesis of a new type of ordered carbonaceous framework (OCF) with developed microporosity and a non-stacked graphene-based framework, which led to exhibition of unique flexibility.
Ultrathin functionalized covalent organic framework nanosheets for tumor-targeted photodynamic therapy
Authors: Gao Peng , Wei Ruyue , Cui Bingjie , Liu Xiaohan , Chen Yuanyuan , Pan Wei , Li Na , Tang Bo
Published: May 2021

A one-step method was developed for the direct functionalization and exfoliation of bulk covalent organic frameworks into ultrathin nanosheets for tumor-targeted photodynamic therapy.
Organic thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) compounds used in photocatalysis
Authors: Bryden Megan Amy , Zysman-Colman Eli
Published: May 2021

Organic compounds that show Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence (TADF) have become wildly popular as next generation emitters in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), but since 2016, have received significant and increasing attention as photocatalysts.
Reactivity studies involving a Lewis base supported terminal uranium phosphinidene metallocene [η5-1,3-(Me3C)2C5H3]2U(P-2,4,6-iPr3C6H2)(OPMe3)
Authors: Wang Deqiang , Wang Shichun , Li Tongyu , Heng Yi , Hou Guohua , Zi Guofu , Walter Marc D.
Published: May 2021

Small variations in the phosphinidene substituents, but significant change the reactivity of the uranium phosphinidene complexes.
A new C-anionic tripodal ligand 2-{bis(benzothiazolyl)(methoxy)methyl}phenyl and its bismuth complexes
Authors: Shimada Shigeru , Yin Shuang-Feng , Bao Ming
Published: May 2021

A new tripodal carbon-anionic ligand, 2-{bis(benzothiazolyl)(methoxy)methyl}phenyl, was synthesized and used for the preparation of its bismuth complexes.
NIR laser scanning microscopy for photophysical characterization of upconversion nanoparticles and nanohybrids
Authors: Ferrera-González Juan , Francés-Soriano Laura , Estébanez Nestor , Navarro-Raga Enrique , González-Béjar María , Pérez-Prieto Julia
Published: May 2021

NIR laser scanning microscopy enables the determination of the emission lifetime of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and UCNP nanohybrids (UCNHs), and the evaluation of the homogeneity in terms of colocalization of UCNHs.
Diselenide–yne polymerization for multifunctional selenium-containing hyperbranched polymers
Authors: Lin Xiaofang , Chen Sisi , Lu Weihong , Liu Ming , Zhang Zhengbiao , Zhu Jian , Pan Xiangqiang
Published: May 2021

Diselenide–yne polymerization for multifunctional selenium-containing hyperbranched polymers.
Serum biomarker discovery related to pathogenesis in acute coronary syndrome by proteomic approach
Authors: Shin Miji , Mun Sora , Park Sang Hyun , Lee Jiyeong , Kang Hee-Gyoo
Published: May 2021

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) results from inadequate supply of blood flow from the coronary arteries to the heart or ischemia. ACS has an extremely high morbidity and mortality. The levels of biomarkers currently used for detection of ACS also increase in response to myocardial necrosis and other diseases and are not elevated immediately after symptoms appear, thus limiting their diagnostic capacity. Therefore, we aimed to discover new ACS diagnostic biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity that are specifically related to ACS pathogenesis. Sera from 50 patients with ACS and healthy controls (discovery cohort) each were analyzed using mass spectrometry (MS) to identify differentially expressed proteins, and protein candidates were evaluated as ACS biomarkers in 120 people in each group (validation cohort). α-1-acid glycoprotein 1 (AGP1), complement C5 (C5), leucine-rich α-2-glycoprotein (LRG), and vitronectin (VN) were identified as biomarkers whose levels increase and gelsolin (GSN) as a biomarker whose levels decrease in patients with ACS. We concluded that these biomarkers are associated with the pathogenesis of ACS and can predict the onset of ACS prior to the appearance of necrotic biomarkers.
The needle and the haystack: single molecule tracking to probe the transcription factor search in eukaryotes
Authors: Mazzocca Matteo , Fillot Tom , Loffreda Alessia , Gnani Daniela , Mazza Davide
Published: May 2021

Transcription factors (TFs) regulate transcription of their target genes by identifying and binding to regulatory regions of the genome among billions of potential non-specific decoy sites, a task that is often presented as a ‘needle in the haystack’ challenge. The TF search process is now well understood in bacteria, but its characterization in eukaryotes needs to account for the complex organization of the nuclear environment. Here we review how live-cell single molecule tracking is starting to shed light on the TF search mechanism in the eukaryotic cell and we outline the future challenges to tackle in order to understand how nuclear organization modulates the TF search process in physiological and pathological conditions.