bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychosocial predictors of young male workers’ discrimination against older workers in Japan: comparison of four models
Authors: Sugisawa Hidehiro
Published: May 2022

To create environments conducive to the wellbeing of workers, especially older workers, it is important to gain insight into ageism among young workers as a distinct segment in the workplace. However, this ageism remains unclear. This study explored the psychosocial predictors of discrimination against older Japanese workers by their younger male counterparts. Four models – Intergroup Contact Theory (ICT), Knowledge–Attitude–Behaviour Model (KABM), Terror Management Theory (TMT) and Frustration–Aggression Theory (FAT) – formed the basis of the study. All the models included positive and negative dimensions of stereotypes as mediators between predictors and discrimination. Data from 874 participants were obtained through a voluntary web survey for employees aged 25–39 years who lived in the Tokyo metropolitan area. A scale describing interactions with older workers (supportive, uncomfortable and avoidance), Facts on Ageing quiz, fears of being an older worker and a job dissatisfaction survey were employed to examine the hypotheses based on the above theories. The results supported the hypotheses based on ICT and FAT but not KABM. Higher supportive contacts were significantly related to lower discrimination mediated by a higher positive and lower negative dimension of stereotypes. Contacts characterised by higher discomfort were significantly related to higher discrimination mediated by a lower positive and higher negative dimension of stereotypes. Higher job dissatisfaction was related to higher discrimination mediated by lower positive stereotypes. Interestingly, higher fear of being an older worker was significantly related to lower discrimination mediated by higher positive stereotypes, contrary to the TMT-based hypotheses. Thus, ICT and FAT regarding ageism can explain young male workers’ discrimination against older workers in Japan, which differs culturally from Western countries. Furthermore, the results of the study suggest that boosting the quality of interactions as well as reducing bad interactions with older workers contribute to lower discrimination.
Keeping the older population and their informal carers healthy and independent using digital technology: a discourse analysis of local policy
Authors: Nilsson Maria , Andersson Stefan , Magnusson Lennart , Hanson Elizabeth
Published: May 2022

The general discourse in health and social care policy purports digital technology as necessary to meet growing demands for long-term care and health care as a result of an ageing population. This needs critical investigation since public policy influences people's health and wellbeing. This study aims to interrogate critically what we call the ‘digital technology solution’ discourse in local Swedish health and social care policies. The main concern of our analysis is the discursive constructions of older people and their informal carers and how the concept of health is constructed. A discourse analysis was conducted of 61 local policy documents using the ‘What's the Problem Represented to Be’ method. Our analysis revealed that so-called ‘e-health strategies’ were rarely concerned with health. Health was often referred to as an activity and seen as a means to achieve independence among older people. The norm advocated independence, with the responsibility placed upon the older person, supported by digital technology. Informal carers were constructed as a resource within an older person's environment and largely taken for granted. We argue that the digital solution discourse ignores older people's agency and capacities as contributors to society, not least with regards to being providers of informal care.
Arendt and Algeria
Authors: Stern Adam Y.
Published: May 2022

This article identifies Algeria as a significant, if obscure,toposin Arendt's writing. It traces various moments of this encounter across Arendt'soeuvre, in well-known texts, such asThe Origins of Totalitarianism(1951) and “On Violence” (1969), as well as in lesser-known writings, such as “Why the Crémieux Decree Was Abrogated” (1943). In pursuing this trajectory, the article argues that Arendt's sustained engagement with Algeria reflects an ongoing and ambivalent negotiation with French imperialism. While Arendt continually falls back on an apologetic discourse concerning the French imperial nation-state, her text nonetheless hints at an important geometric lesson about the space–time of its legal structure: the differential temporalities governing its regime of assimilation and its regime of decree. Through a parallel recasting of Arendt's famous distinction between power and violence, this article delimits colonial rule in Algeria as a question of speed.
The effective delivery of digital CBT: a service evaluation exploring the outcomes of young people who completed video conferencing therapy in 2020
Authors: Porter Catherine M. , Galloghly Emily , Burbach Frank R.
Published: May 2022

Despite its impressive evidence base, there is a widening access gap to receiving cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Video conferencing therapy (VCT) offers an effective solution for logistical barriers to treatment, which has been salient throughout the Coronavirus pandemic. However, research concerning the delivery of CBT via VCT for children and young people (CYP) is in its infancy, and clinical outcome data are limited. The aim of this service evaluation was to explore the effectiveness of a VCT CBT intervention for CYP referred from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in the UK. A total of 989 records of CYP who had completed CBT via VCT in 2020 with Healios, a digital mental health company commissioned by the National Health Service (NHS), were examined to determine changes in anxiety, depression and progress towards personalised goals. Routine outcome measures (ROMs) were completed at baseline and endpoint, as well as session by session. Feedback was collected from CYP and their families at the end of treatment. There was a significant reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression and significant progress towards goals, with pre- to post-effect sizes (Cohen’s d) demonstrating medium to large effects (d=.45 to d=−1.39). Reliable improvement ranged from 31 to 80%, clinical improvement ranged from 33 to 50%, and 25% clinically and reliably improved on at least one measure; 92% reported that they would recommend Healios. This service evaluation demonstrates that Healios’ CBT delivered via VCT is effective for CYP receiving it as part of routine mental health care.

Key learning aims

(1)

To consider whether CBT can be effectively delivered in routine care via VCT.

(2)

To explore whether CBT delivered in routine care via VCT is acceptable to children, young people and their families.

(3)

To reflect on the benefits of VCT and the collection of a variety of ROMs via digital platforms.
Population dynamics of naturally occurring weed flora in response to crop rotation and HPPD-inhibiting herbicide-based treatments
Authors: Schwartz-Lazaro Lauren M. , Korres Nicholas E. , Bararpour Taghi , Bagavathiannan Muthukumar , Green Jeremy , Norsworthy Jason K.
Published: May 2022

A 3-yr field study was conducted in Keiser, AR, to investigate the response of the naturally occurring weed flora, dominated by Palmer amaranth, under various combinations of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD)-inhibiting herbicide-based programs and crop rotation sequences. In the first year, corn plots were established with three corn HPPD-based herbicide programs designed to represent a range of efficacies and selection pressures for resistance. In the following two years, corn as monoculture or with soybean and/or cotton crops was included in the rotation sequence for selected herbicide programs. Weed emergence, weed biomass, and soil seedbank were assessed through the entire experimental period. The results show that crop rotation, especially a rotation sequence with corn followed by (fb) soybean fb cotton, and the lowest-risk herbicide program involving seven sites of action over the course of the entire crop rotation was effective in reducing the emergence of naturally occurring weeds, including Palmer amaranth, prickly sida, morningglory species, and grass weeds (broadleaf signalgrass, large crabgrass, barnyardgrass, and johnsongrass) by 88.3%, 57.5%, 28.7%, and 76.3%, respectively. Treatments without crop rotation (corn as monoculture for 3 consecutive years) and poor herbicide programs, with one site of action, increased weed emergence, notably of Palmer amaranth and prickly sida, by 73.5% and 74.1%, respectively. The soil seedbank showed a similar trend to weed emergence. This study highlights the fact that reducing the weed seedbank cannot rely on one management practice but requires a multitactic approach with various control methods. HPPD-inhibiting herbicide programs seem to be effective on Palmer amaranth when coupled with crop rotation and should be used with other best management practices.
Neuroinflammation in HIV-associated depression: evidence and future perspectives
Authors: Mudra Rakshasa-Loots Arish , Whalley Heather C. , Vera Jaime H. , Cox Simon R.
Published: May 2022

People living with HIV face a high risk of mental illness, especially depression. We do not yet know the precise neurobiological mechanisms underlying HIV-associated depression. Depression severity in the general population has been linked to acute and chronic markers of systemic inflammation. Given the associations between depression and peripheral inflammation, and since HIV infection in the brain elicits a neuroinflammatory response, it is possible that neuroinflammation contributes to the high prevalence of depression amongst people living with HIV. The purpose of this review was to synthesise existing evidence for associations between inflammation, depression, and HIV. While there is strong evidence for independent associations between these three conditions, few preclinical or clinical studies have attempted to characterise their interrelationship, representing a major gap in the literature. This review identifies key areas of debate in the field and offers perspectives for future investigations of the pathophysiology of HIV-associated depression. Reproducing findings across diverse populations will be crucial in obtaining robust and generalisable results to elucidate the precise role of neuroinflammation in this pathophysiology.
Prolonged contextual fear memory in AMPA receptor palmitoylation-deficient mice
Authors: Oota-Ishigaki Akiko , Takao Keizo , Yamada Daisuke , Sekiguchi Masayuki , Itoh Masayuki , Koshidata Yumie , Abe Manabu , Natsume Rie , Kaneko Masaki , Adachi Toma , Kaizuka Toshie , Suzuki Nami , Sakimura Kenji , Okuno Hiroyuki , Wada Keiji , Mishina Masayoshi , Miyakawa Tsuyoshi , Hayashi Takashi
Published: May 2022

Long-lasting fear-related disorders depend on the excessive retention of traumatic fear memory. We previously showed that the palmitoylation-dependent removal of synaptic α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate (AMPA) receptors prevents hyperexcitation-based epileptic seizures and that AMPA receptor palmitoylation maintains neural network stability. In this study, AMPA receptor subunit GluA1 C-terminal palmitoylation-deficient (GluA1C811S) mice were subjected to comprehensive behavioral battery tests to further examine whether the mutation causes other neuropsychiatric disease-like symptoms. The behavioral analyses revealed that palmitoylation-deficiency in GluA1 is responsible for characteristic prolonged contextual fear memory formation, whereas GluA1C811S mice showed no impairment of anxiety-like behaviors at the basal state. In addition, fear generalization gradually increased in these mutant mice without affecting their cued fear. Furthermore, fear extinction training by repeated exposure of mice to conditioned stimuli had little effect on GluA1C811S mice, which is in line with augmentation of synaptic transmission in pyramidal neurons in the basolateral amygdala. In contrast, locomotion, sociability, depression-related behaviors, and spatial learning and memory were unaffected by the GluA1 non-palmitoylation mutation. These results indicate that impairment of AMPA receptor palmitoylation specifically causes posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-like symptoms.
Changes of immune-related factors in the blood of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder patients receiving monotherapy
Authors: Duan Fangyuan , Zhao Shunan , Xia Cuihua , Ren Zongyao , Yuan Ning , Xie Li , Wang Le , Xiong Yifan , Yu Pei , Chen Yu , Tian Jianghua , Dai Jiacheng , Lu Jiaqi , Xia Yan , Liu Xuejun , Chen Chao , Liu Chunyu
Published: May 2022

Schizophrenia (SCZ) and bipolar disorder (BPD) are associated with abnormal expression of immune-related factors (IRFs), which have been proposed as biomarkers of either disease diagnosis (trait markers) or treatment (state markers). However, the state markers have been found to be less reproducible than the trait markers in previous studies. In the current study, we focused on the changes of IRFs in blood of SCZ and BPD patients receiving monotherapy. SCZ (N = 49) and BPD (N = 49) Chinese patients were recruited at acute episode and followed for 9 to 51 days until remission. Blood samples were collected at two state-points, acute state before treatment and remission state after treatment. A total of 41 IRFs in plasma were quantified by the Luminex assay. After adjusting covariates, we found four cytokines or cytokine receptors were significantly increased at remission when compared to acute episode in all the patients, including CD30, BAFF, CCL20, and CXCL10 (Bonferroni correctedp < 0.05). CD30 and BAFF were consistently increased in both SCZ and BPD while the increase of CCL20 was only observed in BPD but not SCZ when analyzing the two disorders separately. CXCL10 change was not significant in either SCZ or BPD alone. The changes of these four factors were correlated with each other, but not with clinical features. CD30 concentration in the BPD acute state was correlated with sleep quality (Spearman’srs = 0.365, Bonferroni correctedp < 0.05). Overall, we found that four factors (CD30, BAFF, CCL20, and CXCL10) might be associated with treatment of psychosis.
Diagnostic routes and time intervals for ovarian cancer in nine international jurisdictions; findings from the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership (ICBP)
Authors: Menon Usha , Weller David , Falborg Alina Zalounina , Jensen Henry , Butler John , Barisic Andriana , Knudsen Anne Kari , Bergin Rebecca J. , Brewster David H. , Cairnduff Victoria , Fourkala Evangelia Ourania , Gavin Anna T. , Grunfeld Eva , Harland Elizabeth , Kalsi Jatinderpal , Law Rebecca-Jane , Lin Yulan , Turner Donna , Neal Richard D. , White Victoria , Harrison Samantha , Reguilon Irene , Lynch Charlotte , Vedsted Peter ,   ICBP Module 4 Working Group, Barisic Andriana , Gavin Anna , Hawryluk Breann , Anandan Chantelle , Donnelly Conan , Jensen Henry , Boylan Jackie , Kelly Jacqueline , Moore Kerry , Davis Maria Rejmyr , Malmberg Martin , Lambe Mats , Bucher Oliver , Vedsted Peter , Bergin Rebecca , Almberg Sigrun Saur , Kearney Therese , Kalsi Tindie , Hammersley Victoria
Published: May 2022

Background

International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership Module 4 reports the first international comparison of ovarian cancer (OC) diagnosis routes and intervals (symptom onset to treatment start), which may inform previously reported variations in survival and stage.

Methods

Data were collated from 1110 newly diagnosed OC patients aged >40 surveyed between 2013 and 2015 across five countries (51–272 per jurisdiction), their primary-care physicians (PCPs) and cancer treatment specialists, supplement by treatment records or clinical databases. Diagnosis routes and time interval differences using quantile regression with reference to Denmark (largest survey response) were calculated.

Results

There were no significant jurisdictional differences in the proportion diagnosed with symptoms on the Goff Symptom Index (53%; P = 0.179) or National Institute for Health and Care Excellence NG12 guidelines (62%; P = 0.946). Though the main diagnosis route consistently involved primary-care presentation (63–86%; P = 0.068), onward urgent referral rates varied significantly (29–79%; P < 0.001). In most jurisdictions, diagnostic intervals were generally shorter and other intervals, in particular, treatment longer compared to Denmark.

Conclusion

This study highlights key intervals in the diagnostic pathway where improvements could be made. It provides the opportunity to consider the systems and approaches across different jurisdictions that might allow for more timely ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Ni-catalyzed hydroarylation of alkynes with unactivated β-C(sp2)−H bonds
Authors: Qi Shao-Long , Liu Yu-Peng , Li Yi , Luan Yu-Xin , Ye Mengchun
Published: May 2022

Hydroarylation of alkynes with unactivated C(sp2)−H bonds via chelated C−H metalation mainly occurs at γ-position to the coordinating atom of directing groups via stable 5-membered metallacycles, while β-C(sp2)−H bond-involved hydroarylation has been a formidable challenge. Herein, we used a phosphine oxide-ligated Ni−Al bimetallic catalyst to enable β-C−H bond-involved hydroarylations of alkynes via a rare 7-membered nickelacycle.
One-step removal of alkynes and propadiene from cracking gases using a multi-functional molecular separator
Authors: Wang Qingju , Hu Jianbo , Yang Lifeng , Zhang Zhaoqiang , Ke Tian , Cui Xili , Xing Huabin
Published: May 2022

Refineries generally employ multiple energy-intensive distillation/adsorption columns to separate and purify complicated chemical mixtures. Materials such as multi-functional molecular separators integrating various modules capable of separating molecules according to their shape and chemical properties simultaneously may represent an alternative. Herein, we address this challenge in the context of one-step removal of alkynes and propadiene from cracking gases (up to 10 components) using a multi-functional and responsive material ZU-33 through a guest/temperature dual-response regulation strategy. The responsive and guest-adaptive properties of ZU-33 provide the optimized binding energy for alkynes and propadiene, and avoid the competitive adsorption of olefins and paraffins, which is verified by breakthrough tests, single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments, and simulation studies. The responsive properties to different stimuli endow materials with multiple regulation methods and broaden the boundaries of the applicability of porous materials to challenging separations.
Insights into methionine S-methylation in diverse organisms
Authors: Peng Ming , Li Chun-Yang , Chen Xiu-Lan , Williams Beth T. , Li Kang , Gao Ya-Nan , Wang Peng , Wang Ning , Gao Chao , Zhang Shan , Schoelmerich Marie C. , Banfield Jillian F. , Miller J. Benjamin , Le Brun Nick E. , Todd Jonathan D. , Zhang Yu-Zhong
Published: May 2022

Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) is an important marine anti-stress compound, with key roles in global nutrient cycling, chemotaxis and, potentially, climate regulation. Recently, diverse marine Actinobacteria, α- and γ-proteobacteria were shown to initiate DMSP synthesis via the methionine (Met) S-methyltransferase enzyme (MmtN), generating S-methyl-Met (SMM). Here we characterize a roseobacterial MmtN, providing structural and mechanistic insights into this DMSP synthesis enzyme. We propose that MmtN uses the proximity and desolvation mechanism for Met S-methylation with two adjacent MmtN monomers comprising the Met binding site. We also identify diverse functional MmtN enzymes in potentially symbiotic archaeal Candidatus Woesearchaeota and Candidate Phyla Radiation (CPR) bacteria, and the animalcule Adineta steineri, not anticipated to produce SMM and/or DMSP. These diverse MmtN enzymes, alongside the larger plant MMT enzyme with an N-terminus homologous to MmtN, likely utilize the same proximity and desolvation mechanism. This study provides important insights into the catalytic mechanism of SMM and/or DMSP production, and proposes roles for these compounds in secondary metabolite production, and SMM cycling in diverse organisms and environments.
Direct observations of anomalous resistivity and diffusion in collisionless plasma
Authors: Graham D. B. , Khotyaintsev Yu. V. , André M. , Vaivads A. , Divin A. , Drake J. F. , Norgren C. , Le Contel O. , Lindqvist P.-A. , Rager A. C. , Gershman D. J. , Russell C. T. , Burch J. L. , Hwang K.-J. , Dokgo K.
Published: May 2022

Coulomb collisions provide plasma resistivity and diffusion but in many low-density astrophysical plasmas such collisions between particles are extremely rare. Scattering of particles by electromagnetic waves can lower the plasma conductivity. Such anomalous resistivity due to wave-particle interactions could be crucial to many processes, including magnetic reconnection. It has been suggested that waves provide both diffusion and resistivity, which can support the reconnection electric field, but this requires direct observation to confirm. Here, we directly quantify anomalous resistivity, viscosity, and cross-field electron diffusion associated with lower hybrid waves using measurements from the four Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) spacecraft. We show that anomalous resistivity is approximately balanced by anomalous viscosity, and thus the waves do not contribute to the reconnection electric field. However, the waves do produce an anomalous electron drift and diffusion across the current layer associated with magnetic reconnection. This leads to relaxation of density gradients at timescales of order the ion cyclotron period, and hence modifies the reconnection process.
Transgenic Anopheles mosquitoes expressing human PAI-1 impair malaria transmission
Authors: Pascini Tales V. , Jeong Yeong Je , Huang Wei , Pala Zarna R. , Sá Juliana M. , Wells Michael B. , Kizito Christopher , Sweeney Brendan , Alves e Silva Thiago L. , Andrew Deborah J. , Jacobs-­Lorena Marcelo , Vega-Rodríguez Joel
Published: May 2022

In mammals, the serine protease plasmin degrades extracellular proteins during blood clot removal, tissue remodeling, and cell migration. The zymogen plasminogen is activated into plasmin by two serine proteases: tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), a process regulated by plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), a serine protease inhibitor that specifically inhibits tPA and uPA. Plasmodium gametes and sporozoites use tPA and uPA to activate plasminogen and parasite-bound plasmin degrades extracellular matrices, facilitating parasite motility in the mosquito and the mammalian host. Furthermore, inhibition of plasminogen activation by PAI-1 strongly blocks infection in both hosts. To block parasite utilization of plasmin, we engineered Anopheles stephensi transgenic mosquitoes constitutively secreting human PAI-1 (huPAI-1) in the midgut lumen, in the saliva, or both. Mosquitoes expressing huPAI-1 strongly reduced rodent and human Plasmodium parasite transmission to mosquitoes, showing that co-opting plasmin for mosquito infection is a conserved mechanism among Plasmodium species. huPAI-1 expression in saliva induced salivary gland deformation which affects sporozoite invasion and P. berghei transmission to mice, resulting in significant levels of protection from malaria. Targeting the interaction of malaria parasites with the fibrinolytic system using genetically engineered mosquitoes could be developed as an intervention to control malaria transmission.
SARS-CoV-2 ORF7a potently inhibits the antiviral effect of the host factor SERINC5
Authors: Timilsina Uddhav , Umthong Supawadee , Ivey Emily B. , Waxman Brandon , Stavrou Spyridon
Published: May 2022

Serine Incorporator 5 (SERINC5), a cellular multipass transmembrane protein that is involved in sphingolipid and phosphatydilserine biogenesis, potently restricts a number of retroviruses, including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). SERINC5 is incorporated in the budding virions leading to the inhibition of virus infectivity. In turn, retroviruses, including HIV, encode factors that counteract the antiviral effect of SERINC5. While SERINC5 has been well studied in retroviruses, little is known about its role in other viral families. Due to the paucity of information regarding host factors targeting Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), we evaluated the effect of SERINC proteins on SARS-CoV-2 infection. Here, we show SERINC5 inhibits SARS-CoV-2 entry by blocking virus-cell fusion, and SARS-CoV-2 ORF7a counteracts the antiviral effect of SERINC5 by blocking the incorporation of over expressed SERINC5 in budding virions.
Oscillatory rheotaxis of artificial swimmers in microchannels
Authors: Dey Ranabir , Buness Carola M. , Hokmabad Babak Vajdi , Jin Chenyu , Maass Corinna C.
Published: May 2022

Biological microswimmers navigate upstream of an external flow with trajectories ranging from linear to spiralling and oscillatory. Such a rheotactic response primarily stems from the hydrodynamic interactions triggered by the complex shapes of the microswimmers, such as flagellar chirality. We show here that a self-propelling droplet exhibits oscillatory rheotaxis in a microchannel, despite its simple spherical geometry. Such behaviour has been previously unobserved in artificial swimmers. Comparing our experiments to a purely hydrodynamic theory model, we demonstrate that the oscillatory rheotaxis of the droplet is primarily governed by both the shear flow characteristics and the interaction of the finite-sized microswimmer with all four microchannel walls. The dynamics can be controlled by varying the external flow strength, even leading to the rheotactic trapping of the oscillating droplet. Our results provide a realistic understanding of the behaviour of active particles navigating in confined microflows relevant in many biotechnology applications.
The interplay between vapour, liquid, and solid phases in laser powder bed fusion
Authors: Bitharas I. , Parab N. , Zhao C. , Sun T. , Rollett A. D. , Moore A. J.
Published: May 2022

The capability of producing complex, high performance metal parts on demand has established laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) as a promising additive manufacturing technology, yet deeper understanding of the laser-material interaction is crucial to exploit the potential of the process. By simultaneous in-situ synchrotron x-ray and schlieren imaging, we probe directly the interconnected fluid dynamics of the vapour jet formed by the laser and the depression it produces in the melt pool. The combined imaging shows the formation of a stable plume over stable surface depressions, which becomes chaotic following transition to a full keyhole. We quantify process instability across several parameter sets by analysing keyhole and plume morphologies, and identify a previously unreported threshold of the energy input required for stable line scans. The effect of the powder layer and its impact on process stability is explored. These high-speed visualisations of the fluid mechanics governing LPBF enable us to identify unfavourable process dynamics associated with unwanted porosity, aiding the design of process windows at higher power and speed, and providing the potential for in-process monitoring of process stability.
Iron atom–cluster interactions increase activity and improve durability in Fe–N–C fuel cells
Authors: Wan Xin , Liu Qingtao , Liu Jieyuan , Liu Shiyuan , Liu Xiaofang , Zheng Lirong , Shang Jiaxiang , Yu Ronghai , Shui Jianglan
Published: May 2022

Simultaneously increasing the activity and stability of the single-atom active sites of M–N–C catalysts is critical but remains a great challenge. Here, we report an Fe–N–C catalyst with nitrogen-coordinated iron clusters and closely surrounding Fe–N4 active sites for oxygen reduction reaction in acidic fuel cells. A strong electronic interaction is built between iron clusters and satellite Fe–N4 due to unblocked electron transfer pathways and very short interacting distances. The iron clusters optimize the adsorption strength of oxygen reduction intermediates on Fe–N4 and also shorten the bond amplitude of Fe–N4 with incoherent vibrations. As a result, both the activity and stability of Fe–N4 sites are increased by about 60% in terms of turnover frequency and demetalation resistance. This work shows the great potential of strong electronic interactions between multiphase metal species for improvements of single-atom catalysts.
Fibrillary gelation and dedoping of PEDOT:PSS fibers for interdigitated organic electrochemical transistors and circuits
Authors: Jo Young Jin , Kim Soo Young , Hyun Jeong Hun , Park Byeonghak , Choy Seunghwan , Koirala Gyan Raj , Kim Tae-il
Published: May 2022

As one of conducting polymers, PEDOT:PSS, is commonly used in organic electronics, especially for bioelectronics due to its advantages such as high electrical and ionic conductivity, solution-processability and biocompatibility. Creating bioelectronics with the PEDOT:PSS requires advanced techniques to obtain physical/chemical modification of the PEDOT:PSS for improved performance and various applications. To satisfy these demands, fibrillary gelation of PEDOT:PSS by injection to choline acetate, an ionic liquid, with a constant flow rate was used in this study to make a conductive fiber and improve characteristics of PEDOT:PSS. Conductive fibers by fibrillary gelation showed enhanced electrical conductivity of about 400 S cm−1 and volumetric capacitance of about 154 F cm−3 which would be strongly beneficial to be utilized for organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs), resulting in a high transconductance of 19 mS in a depletion-mode. Moreover, dedoping of the conductive fibers by PEI (polyethyleneimine) enabled the creation of enhancement-mode OECTs. Interdigitated inverters were then fabricated by connecting depletion and enhancement-mode OECTs. These results demonstrate that these conductive fibers and electronic-textiles are suitable candidates for applications in bio-integrated electronics.
Factors associated with health status and exacerbations in COPD maintenance therapy with dry powder inhalers
Authors: W. H. Kocks Janwillem , Wouters Hans , Bosnic-Anticevich Sinthia , van Cooten Joyce , Correia de Sousa Jaime , Cvetkovski Biljana , Dekhuijzen Richard , Dijk Lars , Dvortsin Evgeni , Garcia Pardo Marina , Gardev Asparuh , Gawlik Radosław , van Geer - Postmus Iris , van der Ham Iris , Harbers Marten , de la Hoz Alberto , Janse Ymke , Kerkhof Marjan , Lavorini Federico , Maricoto Tiago , Meijer Jiska , Metz Boyd , Price David , Roman-Rodriguez Miguel , Schuttel Kirsten , Stoker Nilouq , Tsiligianni Ioanna , Usmani Omar , Leving Marika T.
Published: May 2022

The study aimed to determine the associations of Peak Inspiratory Flow (PIF), inhalation technique and adherence with health status and exacerbations in participants with COPD using DPI maintenance therapy. This cross-sectional multi-country observational real-world study included COPD participants aged ≥40 years using a DPI for maintenance therapy. PIF was measured three times with the In-Check DIAL G16: (1) typical PIF at resistance of participant’s inhaler, (2) maximal PIF at resistance of participant’s inhaler, (3) maximal PIF at low resistance. Suboptimal PIF (sPIF) was defined as PIF lower than required for the device. Participants completed questionnaires on health status (Clinical COPD Questionnaire (CCQ)), adherence (Test of Adherence to Inhalers (TAI)) and exacerbations. Inhalation technique was assessed by standardised evaluation of video recordings. Complete data were available from 1434 participants (50.1% female, mean age 69.2 years). GOLD stage was available for 801 participants: GOLD stage I (23.6%), II (54.9%), III (17.4%) and IV (4.1%)). Of all participants, 29% had a sPIF, and 16% were shown able to generate an optimal PIF but failed to do so. sPIF was significantly associated with worse health status (0.226 (95% CI 0.107–0.346), worse units on CCQ; p = 0.001). The errors ‘teeth and lips sealed around mouthpiece’, ‘breathe in’, and ‘breathe out calmly after inhalation’ were related to health status. Adherence was not associated with health status. After correcting for multiple testing, no significant association was found with moderate or severe exacerbations in the last 12 months. To conclude, sPIF is associated with poorer health status. This study demonstrates the importance of PIF assessment in DPI inhalation therapy. Healthcare professionals should consider selecting appropriate inhalers in cases of sPIF.
The impacts of remote learning in secondary education during the pandemic in Brazil
Authors: Lichand Guilherme , Doria Carlos Alberto , Leal-Neto Onicio , Fernandes João Paulo Cossi
Published: May 2022

The transition to remote learning in the context of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) might have led to dramatic setbacks in education. Taking advantage of the fact that São Paulo State featured in-person classes for most of the first school quarter of 2020 but not thereafter, we estimate the effects of remote learning in secondary education using a differences-in-differences strategy that contrasts variation in students’ outcomes across different school quarters, before and during the pandemic. We also estimate intention-to-treat effects of reopening schools in the pandemic through a triple-differences strategy, contrasting changes in educational outcomes across municipalities and grades that resumed in-person classes or not over the last school quarter in 2020. We find that, under remote learning, dropout risk increased by 365% while test scores decreased by 0.32 s.d., as if students had only learned 27.5% of the in-person equivalent. Partially resuming in-person classes increased test scores by 20% relative to the control group.
3D printed protein-based robotic structures actuated by molecular motor assemblies
Authors: Jia Haiyang , Flommersfeld Johannes , Heymann Michael , Vogel Sven K. , Franquelim Henri G. , Brückner David B. , Eto Hiromune , Broedersz Chase P. , Schwille Petra
Published: May 2022

Upscaling motor protein activity to perform work in man-made devices has long been an ambitious goal in bionanotechnology. The use of hierarchical motor assemblies, as realized in sarcomeres, has so far been complicated by the challenges of arranging sufficiently high numbers of motor proteins with nanoscopic precision. Here, we describe an alternative approach based on actomyosin cortex-like force production, allowing low complexity motor arrangements in a contractile meshwork that can be coated onto soft objects and locally activated by ATP. The design is reminiscent of a motorized exoskeleton actuating protein-based robotic structures from the outside. It readily supports the connection and assembly of micro-three-dimensional printed modules into larger structures, thereby scaling up mechanical work. We provide an analytical model of force production in these systems and demonstrate the design flexibility by three-dimensional printed units performing complex mechanical tasks, such as microhands and microarms that can grasp and wave following light activation.
Single-cycle infrared waveform control
Authors: Steinleitner Philipp , Nagl Nathalie , Kowalczyk Maciej , Zhang Jinwei , Pervak Vladimir , Hofer Christina , Hudzikowski Arkadiusz , Sotor Jarosław , Weigel Alexander , Krausz Ferenc , Mak Ka Fai
Published: May 2022

Tailoring the electric-field waveform of ultrashort light pulses forms the basis for controlling nonlinear optical phenomena on their genuine, attosecond timescale. Here we extend waveform control from the visible and near-infrared—where it was previously demonstrated—to the mid-infrared spectral range. Our approach yields single-cycle infrared pulses over several octaves for the first time. Sub-10-fs pulses from a carrier-envelope-phase-stabilized, Kerr-lens-mode-locked, diode-pumped Cr:ZnS laser drive cascaded intrapulse difference-frequency generation and control the electric-field evolution of the resulting coherent emission over 0.9–12.0 μm. Sub-cycle field control in this wavelength range will be instrumental for launching and steering few-femtosecond electron/hole wavepackets in low-gap materials, extending the bandwidth of electronic signal processing to multi-terahertz frequencies, as well as for electric-field-resolved molecular fingerprinting of biological systems.
Text-mined dataset of gold nanoparticle synthesis procedures, morphologies, and size entities
Authors: Cruse Kevin , Trewartha Amalie , Lee Sanghoon , Wang Zheren , Huo Haoyan , He Tanjin , Kononova Olga , Jain Anubhav , Ceder Gerbrand
Published: May 2022

Gold nanoparticles are highly desired for a range of technological applications due to their tunable properties, which are dictated by the size and shape of the constituent particles. Many heuristic methods for controlling the morphological characteristics of gold nanoparticles are well known. However, the underlying mechanisms controlling their size and shape remain poorly understood, partly due to the immense range of possible combinations of synthesis parameters. Data-driven methods can offer insight to help guide understanding of these underlying mechanisms, so long as sufficient synthesis data are available. To facilitate data mining in this direction, we have constructed and made publicly available a dataset of codified gold nanoparticle synthesis protocols and outcomes extracted directly from the nanoparticle materials science literature using natural language processing and text-mining techniques. This dataset contains 5,154 data records, each representing a single gold nanoparticle synthesis article, filtered from a database of 4,973,165 publications. Each record contains codified synthesis protocols and extracted morphological information from a total of 7,608 experimental and 12,519 characterization paragraphs.
Determinants of variability in signature whistles of the Mediterranean common bottlenose dolphin
Authors: La Manna Gabriella , Rako-Gospić Nikolina , Pace Daniela Silvia , Bonizzoni Silvia , Di Iorio Lucia , Polimeno Lauren , Perretti Francesco , Ronchetti Fabio , Giacomini Giancarlo , Pavan Gianni , Pedrazzi Giulia , Labach Helena , Ceccherelli Giulia
Published: May 2022

One of the most studied aspects of animal communication is the acoustic repertoire difference between populations of the same species. While numerous studies have investigated the variability of bottlenose dolphin whistles between populations, very few studies have focused on the signature whistles alone and the factors underlying differentiation of signature whistles are still poorly understood. Here we describe the signature whistles produced by six distinct geographical units of the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) in the Mediterranean Sea and identify the main determinants of their variability. Particularly, the influence of the region (proxy of genetic distance), the geographic site, and the environmental (sea bottom-related) and demographical (population-related) conditions on the acoustic structure of signature whistles was evaluated. The study provides the first evidence that the genetic structure, which distinguishes the eastern and western Mediterranean bottlenose dolphin populations has no strong influence on the acoustic structure of their signature whistles, and that the geographical isolation between populations only partially affected whistle variability. The environmental conditions of the areas where the whistles developed and the demographic characteristics of the belonging populations strongly influenced signature whistles, in accordance with the “acoustic adaptation hypothesis” and the theory of signature whistle determination mediated by learning.
The role of surface chemistry on CO2 adsorption in biomass-derived porous carbons by experimental results and molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Khosrowshahi Mobin Safarzadeh , Abdol Mohammad Ali , Mashhadimoslem Hossein , Khakpour Elnaz , Emrooz Hosein Banna Motejadded , Sadeghzadeh Sadegh , Ghaemi Ahad
Published: May 2022

Biomass-derived porous carbons have been considered one of the most effective adsorbents for CO2 capture, due to their porous structure and high specific surface area. In this study, we successfully synthesized porous carbon from celery biomass and examined the effect of external adsorption parameters including time, temperature, and pressure on CO2 uptake in experimental and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Furthermore, the influence of carbon’s surface chemistry (carboxyl and hydroxyl functionalities) and nitrogen type on CO2 capture were investigated utilizing MD simulations. The results showed that pyridinic nitrogen has a greater tendency to adsorb CO2 than graphitic. It was found that the simultaneous presence of these two types of nitrogen has a greater effect on the CO2 sorption than the individual presence of each in the structure. It was also revealed that the addition of carboxyl groups (O=C–OH) to the carbon matrix enhances CO2 capture by about 10%. Additionally, by increasing the simulation time and the size of the simulation box, the average absolute relative error for simulation results of optimal structure declined to 16%, which is an acceptable value and makes the simulation process reliable to predict adsorption capacity under various conditions.
Magnetic exposure using Samarium Cobalt (SmCO5) increased proliferation and stemness of human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hUC-MSCs)
Authors: Hamid Haslinda Abdul , Ramasamy Rajesh , Mustafa Mohd Kamarulzaki , Hosseinpour Sarmadi Vahid , Miskon Azizi
Published: May 2022

Despite the extensive reports on the potential hazard of magnetic field (MF) exposures on humans, there are also concurrently reported on the improved proliferative property of stem cells at optimum exposure. However, the effect on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) remains unknown. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the impact of induced static MF (SMF) on human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) using Samarium Cobalt (SmCO5). At passage 3, hUC-MSCs (1 × 104) were exposed to 21.6 mT SMF by a direct exposure (DE) showed a significantly higher cell count (p < 0.05) in the growth kinetics assays with the shortest population doubling time relative to indirect exposure and negative control. The DE group was committed into the cell cycle with increased S phase (55.18 ± 1.38%) and G2/M phase (21.75 ± 1.38%) relative to the NC group [S-phase (13.54 ± 2.73%); G2/M phase (8.36 ± 0.28%)]. Although no significant changes were observed in the immunophenotype, the DE group showed an elevated expression of pluripotency-associated markers (OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, and REX1). These results suggest that the MFs could potentially induce proliferation of MSCs, a promising approach to promote stem cells propagation for clinical therapy and research without compromising the stemness of hUC-MSCs.
Superabsorbent cellulose-based hydrogels cross-liked with borax
Authors: Tanpichai Supachok , Phoothong Farin , Boonmahitthisud Anyaporn
Published: May 2022

Cellulose, the most abundant biopolymer on Earth, has been widely attracted owing to availability, intoxicity, and biodegradability. Environmentally friendly hydrogels were successfully prepared from water hyacinth-extracted cellulose using a dissolution approach with sodium hydroxide and urea, and sodium tetraborate decahydrate (borax) was used to generate cross-linking between hydroxyl groups of cellulose chains. The incorporation of borax could provide the superabsorbent feature into the cellulose hydrogels. The uncross-linked cellulose hydrogels had a swelling ratio of 325%, while the swelling ratio of the cross-linked hydrogels could achieve ~ 900%. With increasing borax concentrations, gel fraction of the cross-linked hydrogels increased considerably. Borax also formed char on cellulose surfaces and generated water with direct contact with flame, resulting in flame ignition and propagation delay. Moreover, the cross-linked cellulose-based hydrogels showed antibacterial activity for gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus). The superabsorbent cross-linked cellulose-based hydrogels prepared in this work could possibly be used for wound dressing, agricultural, and flame retardant coating applications.
Risk scores for predicting small for gestational age infants in Japan: The TMM birthree cohort study
Authors: Iwama Noriyuki , Obara Taku , Ishikuro Mami , Murakami Keiko , Ueno Fumihiko , Noda Aoi , Onuma Tomomi , Matsuzaki Fumiko , Hoshiai Tetsuro , Saito Masatoshi , Metoki Hirohito , Sugawara Junichi , Yaegashi Nobuo , Kuriyama Shinichi
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to construct a prediction model for small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants in Japan by creating a risk score during pregnancy. A total of 17,073 subjects were included in the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Birth and Three-Generation Cohort Study, a prospective cohort study. A multiple logistic regression model was used to construct risk scores during early and mid-gestational periods (11–17 and 18–21 weeks of gestation, respectively). The risk score during early gestation comprised the maternal age, height, body mass index (BMI) during early gestation, parity, assisted reproductive technology (ART) with frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET), smoking status, blood pressure (BP) during early gestation, and maternal birth weight. The risk score during mid-gestation also consisted of the maternal age, height, BMI during mid-gestation, weight gain, parity, ART with FET, smoking status, BP level during mid-gestation, maternal birth weight, and estimated fetal weight during mid-gestation. The C-statistics of the risk scores during early- and mid-gestation were 0.658 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.642–0.675) and 0.725 (95% CI: 0.710–0.740), respectively. In conclusion, the predictive ability of the risk scores during mid-gestation for SGA infants was acceptable and better than that of the risk score during early gestation.
Different DNA methylome, transcriptome and histological features in uterine fibroids with and without MED12 mutations
Authors: Maekawa Ryo , Sato Shun , Tamehisa Tetsuro , Sakai Takahiro , Kajimura Takuya , Sueoka Kotaro , Sugino Norihiro
Published: May 2022

Somatic mutations in Mediator complex subunit 12 (MED12m) have been reported as a biomarker of uterine fibroids (UFs). However, the role of MED12m is still unclear in the pathogenesis of UFs. Therefore, we investigated the differences in DNA methylome, transcriptome, and histological features between MED12m-positive and -negative UFs. DNA methylomes and transcriptomes were obtained from MED12m-positive and -negative UFs and myometrium, and hierarchically clustered. Differentially expressed genes in comparison with the myometrium and co-expressed genes detected by weighted gene co-expression network analysis were subjected to gene ontology enrichment analyses. The amounts of collagen fibers and the number of blood vessels and smooth muscle cells were histologically evaluated. Hierarchical clustering based on DNA methylation clearly separated the myometrium, MED12m-positive, and MED12m-negative UFs. MED12m-positive UFs had the increased activities of extracellular matrix formation, whereas MED12m-negative UFs had the increased angiogenic activities and smooth muscle cell proliferation. The MED12m-positive and -negative UFs had different DNA methylation, gene expression, and histological features. The MED12m-positive UFs form the tumor with a rich extracellular matrix and poor blood vessels and smooth muscle cells compared to the MED12m-negative UFs, suggesting MED12 mutations affect the tissue composition of UFs.