bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subject specific optimal control of powered knee exoskeleton to assist human lifting tasks under controlled environment
Authors: Arefeen Asif , Xiang Yujiang
Published: May 2023

Wearable robots, sometimes known as exoskeletons, are incredible devices for improving human strength, reducing fatigue, and restoring impaired mobility. The control of powered exoskeletons, on the other hand, is still a challenge. This necessitates the development of a technique to simulate exoskeleton–wearer interaction. This study uses a two-dimensional human skeletal model with a powered knee exoskeleton to predict the optimal lifting motion and assistive torque. For lifting motion prediction, an inverse dynamics optimization formulation is utilized. In addition, the electromechanical dynamics of the exoskeleton DC motor are modeled in the lifting optimization formulation. The design variables are human joint angle profiles and exoskeleton motor current profiles. The human joint torque square is minimized subject to physical and lifting task constraints. Then, the lifting optimization problem is solved by the gradient-based sparse nonlinear optimizer (SNOPT). Furthermore, the optimal exoskeleton torque is implemented through a two-phase control strategy to provide optimal assistance in lifting. Experimental validations of the optimal control with 6 Nm and 16 Nm maximum assistive torque are presented. Both 6 Nm and 16 Nm maximum optimal assistance of the exoskeletons reduce the mean values of vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, and latissimus dorsi muscle activations compared to the lifting without the exoskeleton. However, the mean value of the vastus medialis activation is increased by a small amount for the exoskeleton case, although its peak value is reduced. Finally, the experimental results demonstrate that the proposed lifting optimization formulation and control strategy are promising for powered knee exoskeleton for lifting tasks.
Phase 1 study of GSK3368715, a type I PRMT inhibitor, in patients with advanced solid tumors
Authors: El-Khoueiry Anthony B. , Clarke James , Neff Tobias , Crossman Tim , Ratia Nirav , Rathi Chetan , Noto Paul , Tarkar Aarti , Garrido-Laguna Ignacio , Calvo Emiliano , Rodón Jordi , Tran Ben , O’Dwyer Peter J. , Cuker Adam , Abdul Razak Albiruni R.
Published: May 2023

Background

GSK3368715, a first-in-class, reversible inhibitor of type I protein methyltransferases (PRMTs) demonstrated anticancer activity in preclinical studies. This Phase 1 study (NCT03666988) evaluated safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and preliminary efficacy of GSK3368715 in adults with advanced-stage solid tumors.

Methods

In part 1, escalating doses of oral once-daily GSK3368715 (50, 100, and 200 mg) were evaluated. Enrollment was paused at 200 mg following a higher-than-expected incidence of thromboembolic events (TEEs) among the first 19 participants, resuming under a protocol amendment starting at 100 mg. Part 2 (to evaluate preliminary efficacy) was not initiated.

Results

Dose-limiting toxicities were reported in 3/12 (25%) patients at 200 mg. Nine of 31 (29%) patients across dose groups experienced 12 TEEs (8 grade 3 events and 1 grade 5 pulmonary embolism). Best response achieved was stable disease, occurring in 9/31 (29%) patients. Following single and repeat dosing, GSK3368715 maximum plasma concentration was reached within 1 h post dosing. Target engagement was observed in the blood, but was modest and variable in tumor biopsies at 100 mg.

Conclusion

Based on higher-than-expected incidence of TEEs, limited target engagement at lower doses, and lack of observed clinical efficacy, a risk/benefit analysis led to early study termination.

Trial registration number

NCT03666988.
Prevalence of co-existent neoplasia in clinically diagnosed pterygia in a UK population
Authors: Quhill Hibba , Magan Tejal , Thaung Caroline , Sagoo Mandeep S.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) and pterygia share risk factors and co-exist in only a minority of cases. Reported rates of OSSN in specimens sent as pterygium for histopathological analysis vary between 0% and nearly 10%, with the highest rates reported in countries with high levels of ultraviolet light exposure. As there is a paucity of data in European populations, the aim of this study was to report the prevalence of co-existent OSSN or other neoplastic disease in clinically suspected pterygium specimens sent to a specialist ophthalmic pathology service in London, United Kingdom.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of sequential histopathology records of patients with excised tissue submitted as suspected “pterygium” between 1997 and 2021.

Results

In total, 2061 specimens of pterygia were received during the 24-year period, with a prevalence of neoplasia in those specimens of 0.6% (n = 12). On detailed review of the medical records of these patients, half (n = 6) had the pre-operative clinical suspicion of possible OSSN. Of those cases without clinical suspicion pre-operatively, one was diagnosed with invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the conjunctiva.

Conclusion

In this study, rates of unexpected diagnoses are reassuringly low. These results may challenge accepted dogma, and influence future guidance for the indications for submitting non-suspicious pterygia for histopathological analysis.
Odor-regulated oviposition behavior in an ecological specialist
Authors: Álvarez-Ocaña Raquel , Shahandeh Michael P. , Ray Vijayaditya , Auer Thomas O. , Gompel Nicolas , Benton Richard
Published: May 2023

Colonization of a novel ecological niche can require, or be driven by, evolution of an animal’s behaviors promoting their reproductive success. We investigated the evolution and sensory basis of oviposition in Drosophila sechellia, a close relative of Drosophila melanogaster that exhibits extreme specialism for Morinda citrifolia noni fruit. D. sechellia produces fewer eggs than other drosophilids and lays these almost exclusively on noni substrates. We show that visual, textural and social cues do not explain this species-specific preference. By contrast, we find that loss of olfactory input in D. sechellia, but not D. melanogaster, essentially abolishes egg-laying, suggesting that olfaction gates gustatory-driven noni preference. Noni odors are detected by redundant olfactory pathways, but we discover a role for hexanoic acid and the cognate Ionotropic receptor 75b (Ir75b) in odor-evoked oviposition. Through receptor exchange in D. melanogaster, we provide evidence for a causal contribution of odor-tuning changes in Ir75b to the evolution of D. sechellia’s oviposition behavior.
General nonlinear Hall current in magnetic insulators beyond the quantum anomalous Hall effect
Authors: Kaplan Daniel , Holder Tobias , Yan Binghai
Published: May 2023

Can a generic magnetic insulator exhibit a Hall current? The quantum anomalous Hall effect (QAHE) is one example of an insulating bulk carrying a quantized Hall conductivity while insulators with zero Chern number present zero Hall conductance in the linear response regime. Here, we find that a general magnetic insulator possesses a nonlinear Hall conductivity quadratic to the electric field if the system breaks inversion symmetry, which can be identified as a new type of multiferroic coupling. This conductivity originates from an induced orbital magnetization due to virtual interband transitions. We identify three contributions to the wavepacket motion, a velocity shift, a positional shift, and a Berry curvature renormalization. In contrast to the crystalline solid, we find that this nonlinear Hall conductivity vanishes for Landau levels of a 2D electron gas, indicating a fundamental difference between the QAHE and the integer quantum Hall effect.
Real-world effectiveness of antidepressant use in persons with schizophrenia: within-individual study of 61,889 subjects
Authors: Puranen Arto , Koponen Marjaana , Lähteenvuo Markku , Tanskanen Antti , Tiihonen Jari , Taipale Heidi
Published: May 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the real-world effectiveness of antidepressant use in persons with schizophrenia. The register-based study cohort included all 61,889 persons treated in inpatient care due to schizophrenia during 1972–2014 in Finland. The main outcome was hospitalization due to psychosis and secondary outcomes included non-psychiatric hospitalization and all-cause mortality. We used within-individual design to compare the risk of hospitalization-based outcomes during the time periods of antidepressant use to antidepressant non-use periods within the same person, and traditional between-individual Cox models for mortality. The risk of psychosis hospitalization was lower during antidepressant use as compared to non-use (adjusted Hazard Ratio, aHR, 0.93, 95% CI 0.92–0.95). Antidepressants were associated with a decreased risk of mortality (aHR 0.80, 95% CI 0.76–0.85) and a slightly increased risk of non-psychiatric hospitalization (aHR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01–1.06). In conclusion, these results indicate that antidepressants might be useful and relatively safe to use in this population.
Theoretical investigation of dynamics and concurrence of entangled $${{\mathcal {P}}}{{\mathcal {T}}}$$ and anti-$${{\mathcal {P}}}{{\mathcal {T}}}$$ symmetric polarized photons
Authors: Akram Javed , Zheng Chao
Published: May 2023

Non-Hermitian systems with parity-time $$\mathcal {(PT)}$$

(
PT
)

symmetry and anti-parity-time $$\mathcal {(APT)}$$

(
APT
)

symmetry have exceptional points (EPs) resulting from eigenvector co-coalescence with exceptional properties. In the quantum and classical domains, higher-order EPs for $${{\mathcal {P}}}{{\mathcal {T}}}$$

P
T

symmetry and $$\mathcal {APT}$$
APT
-symmetry systems have been proposed and realized. Both two-qubits $$\mathcal {APT}$$
APT
-$$\mathcal {APT}$$
APT
and $${{\mathcal {P}}}{{\mathcal {T}}}$$

P
T

-$${{\mathcal {P}}}{{\mathcal {T}}}$$

P
T

symmetric systems have seen an increase in recent years, especially in the dynamics of quantum entanglement. However, to our knowledge, neither theoretical nor experimental investigations have been conducted for the dynamics of two-qubits entanglement in the $${{\mathcal {P}}}{{\mathcal {T}}}$$

P
T

-$$\mathcal {APT}$$
APT
symmetric system. We investigate the $${{\mathcal {P}}}{{\mathcal {T}}}$$

P
T

-$$\mathcal {APT}$$
APT
dynamics for the first time. Moreover, we examine the impact of different initial Bell-state conditions on entanglement dynamics in $${{\mathcal {P}}}{{\mathcal {T}}}$$

P
T

-$${{\mathcal {P}}}{{\mathcal {T}}}$$

P
T

, $$\mathcal {APT}$$
APT
-$$\mathcal {APT}$$
APT
and $${{\mathcal {P}}}{{\mathcal {T}}}$$

P
T

-$$\mathcal {APT}$$
APT
symmetric systems. Additionally, we conduct a comparative study of entanglement dynamics in the $${{\mathcal {P}}}{{\mathcal {T}}}$$

P
T

-$${{\mathcal {P}}}{{\mathcal {T}}}$$

P
T

symmetrical system, $$\mathcal {APT}$$
APT
-$$\mathcal {APT}$$
APT
symmetrical system, and $${{\mathcal {P}}}{{\mathcal {T}}}$$

P
T

-$$\mathcal {APT}$$
APT
symmetrical systems in order to learn more about non-Hermitian quantum systems and their environments. Entangled qubits evolve in a $${{\mathcal {P}}}{{\mathcal {T}}}$$

P
T

-$$\mathcal {APT}$$
APT
symmetric unbroken regime, the entanglement oscillates with two different oscillation frequencies, and the entanglement is well preserved for a long period of time for the case when non-Hermitian parts of both qubits are taken quite away from the exceptional points.
Gut microbiome associated with low anterior resection syndrome after rectal cancer surgery
Authors: Kim Min Jung , Park Soyoung , Park Ji Won , Choi Jinsun , Kim Hyo Jun , Lim Han-Ki , Ryoo Seung-Bum , Park Kyu Joo , Ji Yosep , Jeong Seung-Yong
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to assess the likely association of gut microbiome with low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) symptoms. Postoperative stool samples from patients with minor or major LARS after sphincter-preserving surgery (SPS) for rectal cancer were collected and analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing method. The symptom patterns of LARS were classified into two groups (PC1LARS, PC2LARS) using principal component analysis. The dichotomized sum of questionnaire items (sub1LARS, sub2LARS) was used to group patients according to the main symptoms. According to microbial diversity, enterotype, and taxa, PC1LARS and sub1LARS were associated with frequency-dominant LARS symptoms and patients, while PC2LARS and sub2LARS were grouped as incontinence-dominant LARS symptoms and patients. Butyricicoccus levels decreased while overall LARS scores increased. The α-diversity richness index Chao1 showed a significantly negative correlation in sub1LARS and a positive correlation in sub2LARS. In sub1LARS, the severe group showed a lower Prevotellaceae enterotype and higher Bacteroidaceae enterotype than the mild group. Subdoligranulum and Flavonifractor showed a negative and a positive correlation with PC1LARS, respectively, while showing a negative relationship with PC2LARS. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium were negatively correlated to PC1LARS. Frequency-dominant LARS had decreased diversity of gut microbiome and showed lower levels of lactic acid-producing bacteria.
The dominating mode of two competing massive modes of quadratic gravity
Authors: Chowdhury Avijit , Xavier Semin , Shankaranarayanan S.
Published: May 2023

Over the last two decades, motivations for modified gravity have emerged from both theoretical and observational levels. f(R) and Chern-Simons gravity have received more attention as they are the simplest generalization. However, f(R) and Chern-Simons gravity contain only an additional scalar (spin-0) degree of freedom and, as a result, do not include other modes of modified theories of gravity. In contrast, quadratic gravity (also referred to as Stelle gravity) is the most general second-order modification to 4-D general relativity and contains a massive spin-2 mode that is not present in f(R) and Chern-Simons gravity. Using two different physical settings—the gravitational wave energy-flux measured by the detectors and the backreaction of the emitted gravitational radiation on the spacetime of the remnant black hole—we demonstrate that massive spin-2 mode carries more energy than the spin-0 mode. Our analysis shows that the effects are pronounced for intermediate-mass black holes, which are prime targets for LISA.
There are unique kinematics during locomotor transitions between level ground and stair ambulation that persist with increasing stair grade
Authors: Neuman Ross M. , Fey Nicholas P.
Published: May 2023

Human ambulation is typically characterized during steady-state isolated tasks (e.g., walking, running, stair ambulation). However, general human locomotion comprises continuous adaptation to the varied terrains encountered during activities of daily life. To fill an important gap in knowledge that may lead to improved therapeutic and device interventions for mobility-impaired individuals, it is vital to identify how the mechanics of individuals change as they transition between different ambulatory tasks, and as they encounter terrains of differing severity. In this work, we study lower-limb joint kinematics during the transitions between level walking and stair ascent and descent over a range of stair inclination angles. Using statistical parametric mapping, we identify where and when the kinematics of transitions are unique from the adjacent steady-state tasks. Results show unique transition kinematics primarily in the swing phase, which are sensitive to stair inclination. We also train Gaussian process regression models for each joint to predict joint angles given the gait phase, stair inclination, and ambulation context (transition type, ascent/descent), demonstrating a mathematical modeling approach that successfully incorporates terrain transitions and severity. The results of this work further our understanding of transitory human biomechanics and motivate the incorporation of transition-specific control models into mobility-assistive technology.
Task-relevant social cues affect whole-body approach-avoidance behavior
Authors: Welsch Robin , Hecht Heiko , Stins John
Published: May 2023

Positively evaluated stimuli facilitate approach and negatively evaluated stimuli prompt avoidance responses, as typically measured by reaction time differences when moving a joystick toward the own body or away from it. In this study, we explore whether a whole-body response (forward and backward leaning can serve as a better indicator of approach-avoidance behavior; AA). Thirty-two subjects were presented with pictures of males and females with angry or happy facial expressions. Subjects had to perform approach or avoidance responses by leaning forward or backward, either based on the facial expression of the stimulus or the gender of the stimulus. Leaning responses were sensitive to angry faces for explicit decision cues. Here, angry facial expressions facilitated backward leaning but not when responding to the gender of the stimulus. We compare this to the established manual measure of AA and discuss our results with regard to response coding.
Time-related factors predicting a positive response to cardiac resynchronisation therapy in patients with heart failure
Authors: Wilczek Jacek , Jadczyk Tomasz , Wojakowski Wojciech , Gołba Krzysztof S.
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to identify time parameters predicting favourable CRT response. A total of 38 patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, qualified for CRT implantation, were enrolled in the study. A 15% reduction in indexed end-systolic volume after 6 months was a criterion for a positive response to CRT. We evaluated QRS duration, measured from a standard ECG before and after CRT implantation and obtained from mapping with NOGA XP system (AEMM); and the delay, measured with the implanted device algorithm (DCD) and its change after 6 months (ΔDCD); and selected delay parameters between the left and right ventricles based on AEMM data. A total of 24 patients presented with a positive response to CRT versus 9 non-responders. After CRT implantation, we observed differences between responders and non-responders group in the reduction of QRS duration (31 ms vs. 16 ms), duration of paced QRS (123 ms vs. 142 ms), and the change of ΔDCDMaximum (4.9 ms vs. 0.44 ms) and ΔDCDMean (7.7 ms vs. 0.9 ms). The difference in selected parameters obtained during AEMM in both groups was related to interventricular delay (40.3 ms vs. 18.6 ms). Concerning local activation time and left ventricular activation time, we analysed the delays in individual left ventricular segments. Predominant activation delay of the posterior wall middle segment was associated with a better response to CRT. Some AEMM parameters, paced QRS time of less than 120 ms and reduction of QRS duration greater than 20 ms predict the response to CRT. ΔDCD is associated with favourable electrical and structural remodelling.

Clinical trial registration: SUM No. KNW/0022/KB1/17/15.
Nutritional and immune-related indicators-based Nomogram for predicting overall survival of surgical oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Lin Yi-Wei , Kang Wei-Piao , Hong Chao-Qun , Huang Bin-Liang , Qiu Zi-Han , Liu Can-Tong , Chu Ling-Yu , Xu Yi-Wei , Guo Hai-Peng , Wu Fang-Cai
Published: May 2023

Oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) is one of the most aggressive oral tumors. The aim of this study was to establish a nomogram to predict overall survival (OS) of TSCC patients after surgery. 169 TSCC patients who underwent surgical treatments in the Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College were included. A nomogram based on Cox regression analysis results was established and internally validated using bootstrap resampling method. pTNM stage, age and total protein, immunoglobulin G, factor B and red blood cell count were identified as independent prognostic factors to create the nomogram. The Akaike Information Criterion and Bayesian Information Criterion of the nomogram were lower than those of pTNM stage, indicating a better goodness-of-fit of the nomogram for predicting OS. The bootstrap-corrected concordance index of nomogram was higher than that of pTNM stage (0.794 vs. 0.665,p = 0.0008). The nomogram also had a good calibration and improved overall net benefit. Based on the cutoff value obtained from the nomogram, the proposed high-risk group had poorer OS than low-risk group (p < 0.0001). The nomogram based on nutritional and immune-related indicators represents a promising tool for outcome prediction of surgical OTSCC.
Comparative toxicity of two neonicotinoid insecticides at environmentally relevant concentrations to telecoprid dung beetles
Authors: Cavallaro Michael C. , Hladik Michelle L. , Hittson Samantha , Middleton Greg , Hoback W. Wyatt
Published: May 2023

Dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) frequently traverse agricultural matrices in search of ephemeral dung resources and spend extended periods of time burrowing in soil. Neonicotinoids are among the most heavily applied and widely detected insecticides used in conventional agriculture with formulated products designed for row crop and livestock pest suppression. Here, we determined the comparative toxicity of two neonicotinoids (imidacloprid and thiamethoxam) on dung beetles, Canthon spp., under two exposure profiles: direct topical application (acute) and sustained contact with treated-soil (chronic). Imidacloprid was significantly more toxic than thiamethoxam under each exposure scenario. Topical application LD50 values (95% CI) for imidacloprid and thiamethoxam were 19.1 (14.5–25.3) and 378.9 (200.3–716.5) ng/beetle, respectively. After the 10-day soil exposure, the measured percent mortality in the 3 and 9 µg/kg nominal imidacloprid treatments was 35 ± 7% and 39 ± 6%, respectively. Observed mortality in the 9 µg/kg imidacloprid treatment was significantly greater than the control (p = 0.04); however, the 3 µg/kg imidacloprid dose response may be biologically relevant (p = 0.07). Thiamethoxam treatments had similar mortality as the controls (p > 0.8). Environmentally relevant concentrations of imidacloprid measured in airborne particulate matter and non-target soils pose a potential risk to coprophagous scarabs.
Decoding the physiological response of plants to stress using deep learning for forecasting crop loss due to abiotic, biotic, and climatic variables
Authors: Kumar Mridul , Saifi Zeeshan , Krishnananda Soami Daya
Published: May 2023

This paper presents a simple method for detecting both biotic and abiotic stress in plants. Stress levels are measured based on the increase in nutrient uptake by plants as a mechanism of self-defense when under stress. A continuous electrical resistance measurement was used to estimate the rate of change of nutrients in agarose as the growth medium for Cicer arietinum (Chickpea) seeds. To determine the concentration of charge carriers in the growth medium, Drude’s model was used. For identifying anomalies and forecasting plant stress, two experiments were conducted and outliers were found in electrical resistance and relative changes in carrier concentration. Anomaly in the first iteration was detected by applying k-Nearest Neighbour, One Class Support Vector Machine and Local Outlier Factor in unsupervised mode on electrical resistance data. In the second iteration, the neural network-based Long Short Term Memory method was used on the relative change in the carrier concentration data. As a result of the change in resistance of growth media during stress, nutrient concentrations shifted by 35%, as previously reported. Farmers who cater to small communities around them and are most affected by local and global stress factors can use this method of forecasting.
Risk assessment of substance use disorders based on the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)
Authors: James Lisa M. , Georgopoulos Apostolos P.
Published: May 2023

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are common and costly conditions that are partially attributable to genetic factors. In light of immune system influences on neural and behavioral aspects of addiction, the present study evaluated the influence of genes involved in the human immune response, human leukocyte antigen (HLA), on SUDs. We used an immunogenetic epidemiological approach to evaluate associations between the population frequencies of 127 HLA alleles and the population prevalences of six SUDs (alcohol, amphetamine, cannabis, cocaine, opioid, and “other” dependence) in 14 countries of Continental Western Europe to identify immunogenetic profiles of each SUD and evaluate their associations. The findings revealed two primary groupings of SUDs based on their immunogenetic profiles: one group comprised cannabis and cocaine, whereas the other group comprised alcohol, amphetamines, opioids, and “other” dependence. Since each individual possesses 12 HLA alleles, the population HLA-SUD scores were subsequently used to estimate individual risk for each SUD. Overall, the findings highlight similarities and differences in immunogenetic profiles of SUDs that may influence the prevalence and co-occurrence of problematic SUDs and may contribute to assessment of SUD risk of an individual on the basis of their HLA genetic makeup.
Nationwide analysis of hospital admissions and outcomes of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection in Austria in 2020 and 2021
Authors: Zajic Paul , Hiesmayr Michael , Bauer Peter , Baron David M. , Gruber Anastasiia , Joannidis Michael , Posch Martin , Metnitz Philipp G. H.
Published: May 2023

This retrospective study evaluated temporal and regional trends of patient admissions to hospitals, intensive care units (ICU), and intermediate care units (IMCU) as well as outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic in Austria. We analysed anonymous data from patients admitted to Austrian hospitals with COVID-19 between January 1st, 2020 and December 31st, 2021. We performed descriptive analyses and logistic regression analyses for in-hospital mortality, IMCU or ICU admission, and in-hospital mortality following ICU admission. 68,193 patients were included, 8304 (12.3%) were primarily admitted to ICU, 3592 (5.3%) to IMCU. Hospital mortality was 17.3%; risk factors were male sex (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.60–1.75, p < 0.001) and high age (OR 7.86, 95% CI 7.07–8.74, p < 0.001 for 90+ vs. 60–64 years). Mortality was higher in the first half of 2020 (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.04–1.27, p = 0.01) and the second half of 2021 (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.05–1.17, p < 0.001) compared to the second half of 2020 and differed regionally. ICU or IMCU admission was most likely between 55 and 74 years, and less likely in younger and older age groups. We find mortality in Austrian COVID-19-patients to be almost linearly associated with age, ICU admission to be less likely in older individuals, and outcomes to differ between regions and over time.
Reactivation of corticogenesis-related transcriptional factors BCL11B and SATB2 after ischemic lesion of the adult mouse brain
Authors: Srakočić Sanja , Gorup Dunja , Kutlić Dominik , Petrović Ante , Tarabykin Victor , Gajović Srećko
Published: May 2023

The aim of this study was to characterize expression of corticogenesis-related transcription factors BCL11B and SATB2 after brain ischemic lesion in the adult mice, and to analyze their correlation to the subsequent brain recovery. Ischemic brain lesion was induced by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by reperfusion, and the animals with ischemic lesion were compared to the sham controls. Progression of the brain damage and subsequent recovery was longitudinally monitored structurally, by magnetic resonance imaging, and functionally, by neurological deficit assessment. Seven days after the ischemic injury the brains were isolated and analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The results showed higher expression in the brain of both, BCL11B and SATB2 in the animals with ischemic lesion compared to the sham controls. The co-expression of both markers, BCL11B and SATB2, increased in the ischemic brains, as well as the co-expression of BCL11B with the beneficial transcriptional factor ATF3 but not its co-expression with detrimental HDAC2. BCL11B was mainly implicated in the ipsilateral and SATB2 in the contralateral brain hemisphere, and their level in these regions correlated with the functional recovery rate. The results indicate that the reactivation of corticogenesis-related transcription factors BCL11B and SATB2 is beneficial after brain ischemic lesion.
Intermunicipal travel networks of Mexico during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Fontanelli Oscar , Guzmán Plinio , Meneses-Viveros Amilcar , Hernández-Alvarez Alfredo , Flores-Garrido Marisol , Olmedo-Alvarez Gabriela , Hernández-Rosales Maribel , Anda-Jáuregui Guillermo de
Published: May 2023

Human mobility networks are widely used for diverse studies in geography, sociology, and economics. In these networks, nodes usually represent places or regions and links refer to movement between them. They become essential when studying the spread of a virus, the planning of transit, or society’s local and global structures. Therefore, the construction and analysis of human mobility networks are crucial for a vast number of real-life applications. This work presents a collection of networks that describe the human travel patterns between municipalities in Mexico in the 2020–2021 period. Using anonymized mobile location data, we constructed directed, weighted networks representing the volume of travels between municipalities. We analysed changes in global, local, and mesoscale network features. We observe that changes in these features are associated with factors such as COVID-19 restrictions and population size. In general, the implementation of restrictions at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, induced more intense changes in network features than later events, which had a less notable impact in network features. These networks will result very useful for researchers and decision-makers in the areas of transportation, infrastructure planning, epidemic control and network science at large.
Red dichromatic imaging improves visibility of bleeding during gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Oka Kohei , Iwai Naoto , Okuda Takashi , Tsuji Toshifumi , Sakai Hiroaki , Hattori Chie , Taniguchi Masashi , Hara Tasuku , Komaki Toshiyuki , Sakagami Junichi , Kagawa Keizo , Dohi Osamu , Itoh Yoshito
Published: May 2023

Bleeding frequently occurs during gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and bleeding points are sometimes difficult to detect. Red dichromatic imaging (RDI) was recently developed to improve the visibility of bleeding. Our study aimed at examining the efficacy of RDI in improving the visibility of bleeding during gastric ESD. We retrospectively evaluated the visibility score and color difference of bleeding spot during gastric ESD during September 2020–January 2021. The visibility score was evaluated as four numeric values by operators, and the color difference between the bleeding spot and surroundings was evaluated using RDI and white light imaging (WLI). A further analysis to evaluate bleeding characteristics was performed to evaluate the possible beneficial effects of RDI. Twenty patients with a total of 85 bleedings were analyzed. The mean visibility score in RDI was significantly higher than that in WLI (3.69 ± 0.60 vs 3.20 ± 0.84, p < 0.01). The color difference with RDI was also significantly higher than that with WLI (19.51 ± 15.18 vs 14.80 ± 7.41, p < 0.01). Furthermore, in the bleedings with a higher visibility score in RDI, the color difference in RDI was significantly higher than that in WLI (23.99 ± 19.29 vs 14.33 ± 7.08, p < 0.01). The multivariate analysis of visibility scores revealed that submergence of bleeding points was independently associated with the superiority of RDI (odds ratio 10.35, 95% confidence interval: 2.76–38.81, p < 0.01). Our study demonstrates that RDI can improve the visibility of bleeding during gastric ESD.
Shared community effects and the non-genetic maternal environment shape cortisol levels in wild chimpanzees
Authors: Tkaczynski Patrick J. , Mafessoni Fabrizio , Girard-Buttoz Cédric , Samuni Liran , Ackermann Corinne Y. , Fedurek Pawel , Gomes Cristina , Hobaiter Catherine , Löhrich Therese , Manin Virgile , Preis Anna , Valé Prince D. , Wessling Erin G. , Wittiger Livia , Zommers Zinta , Zuberbuehler Klaus , Vigilant Linda , Deschner Tobias , Wittig Roman M. , Crockford Catherine
Published: May 2023

Mechanisms of inheritance remain poorly defined for many fitness-mediating traits, especially in long-lived animals with protracted development. Using 6,123 urinary samples from 170 wild chimpanzees, we examined the contributions of genetics, non-genetic maternal effects, and shared community effects on variation in cortisol levels, an established predictor of survival in long-lived primates. Despite evidence for consistent individual variation in cortisol levels across years, between-group effects were more influential and made an overwhelming contribution to variation in this trait. Focusing on within-group variation, non-genetic maternal effects accounted for 8% of the individual differences in average cortisol levels, significantly more than that attributable to genetic factors, which was indistinguishable from zero. These maternal effects are consistent with a primary role of a shared environment in shaping physiology. For chimpanzees, and perhaps other species with long life histories, community and maternal effects appear more relevant than genetic inheritance in shaping key physiological traits.
Fission yeast Srr1 and Skb1 promote isochromosome formation at the centromere
Authors: Mongia Piyusha , Toyofuku Naoko , Pan Ziyi , Xu Ran , Kinoshita Yakumo , Oki Keitaro , Takahashi Hiroki , Ogura Yoshitoshi , Hayashi Tetsuya , Nakagawa Takuro
Published: May 2023

Rad51 maintains genome integrity, whereas Rad52 causes non-canonical homologous recombination leading to gross chromosomal rearrangements (GCRs). Here we find that fission yeast Srr1/Ber1 and Skb1/PRMT5 promote GCRs at centromeres. Genetic and physical analyses show that srr1 and skb1 mutations reduce isochromosome formation mediated by centromere inverted repeats. srr1 increases DNA damage sensitivity in rad51 cells but does not abolish checkpoint response, suggesting that Srr1 promotes Rad51-independent DNA repair. srr1 and rad52 additively, while skb1 and rad52 epistatically reduce GCRs. Unlike srr1 or rad52, skb1 does not increase damage sensitivity. Skb1 regulates cell morphology and cell cycle with Slf1 and Pom1, respectively, but neither Slf1 nor Pom1 causes GCRs. Mutating conserved residues in the arginine methyltransferase domain of Skb1 greatly reduces GCRs. These results suggest that, through arginine methylation, Skb1 forms aberrant DNA structures leading to Rad52-dependent GCRs. This study has uncovered roles for Srr1 and Skb1 in GCRs at centromeres.
Charting and tracking the evolution of the SARS CoV-2 coronavirus variants of concern with protein mass spectrometry
Authors: Hoyle Joshua S. , Mann Christian , Akand Elma H. , Downard Kevin M.
Published: May 2023

Evolution of the SARS-CoV2 coronavirus charted using a mass spectrometry based protein phylogenetic approach for over 3000 spike S-proteins. The tree correctly resolves all major variants with single point mutations identified and displayed on the tree.
Oxygen vacancy promoted carbon dioxide activation over Cu/ZrO2for CO2-to-methanol conversion
Authors: Chang Haohao , Gao Feifan , Luo Alin , Liu Yongmei , Zhu Yifeng , He Heyong , Cao Yong
Published: May 2023

Incorporating oxygen vacancies into t-ZrO2has shown promise in generating the crucial COOH species through single-electron activation, essential for exceptional low-temperature methanol synthesisviaCO2hydrogenation over Cu/ZrO2catalysts.
Synthesis and structural evaluation of closed-shell folded and open-shell twisted hexabenzo[5.6.7]quinarene
Authors: Nishiuchi Tomohiko , Uchida Kazuyuki , Kubo Takashi
Published: May 2023

We describe the synthesis and characterization of hexabenzo[5.6.7]quinalene and demonstrate spin-state switching induced by a combination of chemical oxidation/reduction and thermal stimulation.
Correction: Co-electrocatalytic CO2 reduction mediated by a dibenzophosphole oxide and a chromium complex
Authors: Koellner Connor A. , Reid Amelia G. , Machan Charles W.
Published: May 2023

Correction for ‘Co-electrocatalytic CO2 reduction mediated by a dibenzophosphole oxide and a chromium complex’ by Connor A. Koellner et al., Chem. Commun., 2023, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC00166K.
Coral-shaped PtRu/Ni(OH)2 electrocatalyst promotes selective hydrogenation of benzoic acid
Authors: Liu Menghui , Wang Chenhui , Cao Zifan , Kong Aiqun , Gao Yusheng , Zhang Jinli , Han You , Li Wei , Fu Yan
Published: May 2023

A novel PtRu/Ni(OH)2 electrode with a unique coral-shaped architecture was developed for electrocatalytic hydrogenation of benzoic acid into cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, simultaneously showing record conversion, selectivity and faradaic efficiency.
Thermally processed Ni-and Co-struvites as functional materials for proton conductivity
Authors: Karafiludis Stephanos , Bhattacharya Biswajit , Buzanich Ana Guilherme , Fink Friedrich , Feldmann Ines , ten Elshof Johan E. , Emmerling Franziska , Stawski Tomasz M.
Published: May 2023

Here, we describe how to synthesise proton-conductive transition metal phosphates (TMPs) by direct thermal processing of precursor M-struvites, NH4MPO4·6H2O, with M = Ni2+, Co2+.
Potassium-rich antiperovskites K3HTe and K3FTe and their structural relation to lithium and sodium counterparts
Authors: Okada Koji , Fujii Susumu , Tassel Cédric , Gao Shenghan , Ubukata Hiroki , Pan Wenli , Yamamoto Kentaro , Uchimoto Yoshiharu , Kuwabara Akihide , Kageyama Hiroshi
Published: May 2023

Unlike perovskite oxides, antiperovskites M3HCh and M3FCh (M = Li, Na; Ch = S, Se, Te) mostly retain their ideal cubic structure owing to anionic size flexibility and low-energy phonon modes that promote their ionic conductivity.
Cyclometalated platinum(ii) complex as a selective light switch for G-quadruplex DNA
Authors: Saini Meenaxi , Keyes Tia E.
Published: May 2023

Cyclometalated 1,3-bis(8-quinolyl) phenyl chloroplatinum(ii) (Pt1) shows selective luminescence transduction of G-quadruplex binding over duplex DNA.
Structure, electrical and thermal properties of single-crystal BaCuGdTe3
Authors: Gunatilleke Wilarachchige D. C. B. , Wong-Ng Winnie , Chang Teiyan , Chen Yu-Sheng , Nolas George S.
Published: May 2023

Single crystals of the quaternary chalcogenide BaCuGdTe3 were obtained by direct reaction of elements allowing for a complete investigation of the intrinsic electrical and thermal properties of this previously uninvestigated material.
Characterization and the cholesterol-lowering effect of dietary fiber from fermented black rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Guan Yuting , Xie Chanyuan , Zhang Rui , Zhang Ziyang , Tian Zhenyang , Feng Jianing , Shen Xiaoyong , Li Haiqin , Chang Shimin , Zhao Changhui , Chai Ran
Published: May 2023

The dietary fiber extracted from the fermented black rice showed a loose/porous structure and high adsorption capacity. The fermented dietary fiber improved the lipid profile and modified the gut microbiota in hypercholesterolemic mice.
Biological activity and structure–activity relationship of dehydrodieugenol B analogues against visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: Amaral Maiara , Asiki Hannah , Sear Claire E. , Singh Snigdha , Pieper Pauline , Haugland Marius M. , Anderson Edward A. , Tempone Andre G.
Published: May 2023

39 synthetic compounds based on the core scaffold of the neoligan dehydrodieugenol B presented activity against intracellular amastigotes ofLeishmania.
Inhibition of transcription and antiproliferative effects in a cancer cell line using antigene oligonucleotides containing artificial nucleoside analogues
Authors: Wang Lei , Notomi Ryotaro , Sasaki Shigeki , Taniguchi Yosuke
Published: May 2023

Antigene TFOs having artificial nucleoside analogues were synthesized and examined for their antigene and antiproliferative effects on living cells, showing that they have stronger cell growth inhibitory effects than natural type antigene ODNs.
Recent strategies for constructing hierarchical multicomponent nanoparticles/metal–organic framework hybrids and their applications
Authors: Tran Ngoc Minh , Nguyen Anh Ngoc , Bae Jungeun , Kim Jinhee , Kim Dahae , Yoo Hyojong
Published: May 2023

Recent strategies for the controllable encapsulation of nanoparticles within nanospaces of metal–organic frameworks (NPNS@MOF) with hierarchical architectures, intrinsic properties, superior activities, and practical applicabilities are summarized.
[DDQM][TFSI]: a room temperature ionic liquid as an active electrode material for supercapacitor devices and a catalyst for rapid synthesis of 4-aryl-NH-1,2,3-triazoles under microwave irradiation
Authors: Dutta Bidyutjyoti , Hazarika Priyanuj Krishnann , Saikia Pranjal , Konwer Surajit , Borthakur Lakhyajyoti , Sarma Diganta
Published: May 2023

A multifunctional room temperature ionic liquid [DDQM][TFSI] has been designed and its properties have been investigated to be used as an electrolyte.
Homogenizing of Pt on NiCu films for enhanced HER activity by two-step magneto-electrodeposition
Authors: Li Donggang , Shan Tianlong , Liu Chongguo , Zhao Can , Doherty Andrew , Kamali Ali Reza , Wang Qiang
Published: May 2023

The efficient production of hydrogen through water electrolysis requires stable, high-performance and rather cost-effective electrocatalysts to promote the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER).
Cobalt carbonate hydroxides anchored on nanoscale pyrenely-graphdiyne nanowalls toward bifunctional electrocatalysts with high performance and stability for overall water splitting
Authors: Xu Xiaomei , Wang Yongchun , Shang Wenhui , Wang Fei , Zhang Qiang , Li Kai , Wu Mei , Jia Zhiyu
Published: May 2023

From the data of theory and experiment, CCH@Pyr-GDY-NWs based on Co-based carbonate hydroxides (CCHs) and pyrenely-graphdiyne nanowalls (Pyr-GDY-NWs) exhibits an outstanding catalytic activity towards overall water splitting (OWS).
Highlights of biosynthetic enzymes and natural products from symbiotic cyanobacteria
Authors: D'Agostino Paul M.
Published: May 2023

This highlight provides examples of symbiotic cyanobacterial natural product structural families with a focus on genomic efforts to link chemistry with corresponding biosynthetic logic, and discusses gaps in knowledge for the formation of characteristic structural motifs.
Enzyme assembly on nanoparticle scaffolds enhances cofactor recycling and improves coupled reaction kinetics
Authors: Breger Joyce C. , Goldman Ellen R. , Susumu Kimihiro , Oh Eunkeu , Green Christopher M. , Hooe Shelby L. , Thakur Meghna , Medintz Igor L. , Ellis Gregory A.
Published: May 2023

We demonstrate that the phenomena of enzyme enhancement by nanoparticle display can be expanded to enzymatic cofactor recycling along with the coupled enzymatic processes that they participate in.
Tetrazine-norbornene versus azide-norbornene ligation: evaluating the toolbox for polymer–polymer coupling
Authors: Busche Steffen A. , Peplau Stefan , Zuhse Luc , Steimer Désirée , August Dennis D. , Börner Hans G.
Published: May 2023

Two segment-segment coupling strategies for accessing block-copolymers are compared, investigating the ligation chemistries of norbornenes with either asymmetric tetrazines or azides.
Formation of a PVP-protected C/UO2/Pt catalyst in a direct ethanol fuel cell
Authors: Zhang Zhanjun , Liu Qipeng , Pan Dashu , Xue Yubing , Liu Xiaojuan , Zhao Jing , Ouyang Yinggen , Ding Xiaofan , Xiao Songtao , Yang Qingyuan
Published: May 2023

A C/UO2/10% PVP/Pt catalyst was prepared by a hydrothermal method and solved the problem that UO2 is easily dissolved in acidic solution. The addition of PVP also improved the dispersibility of Pt and greatly improved the catalytic activity.
Straightforward synthesis of N-arylindoles via one-pot Fischer indolisation–indole N-arylation
Authors: Lintott Mia , Perry Alexis
Published: May 2023

One-pot, microwave-promoted Fischer indolisation–indole N-arylation enables straightforward, rapid synthesis of structurally-diverse N-arylindoles from widely-available precursors, using a simple, air-stable catalyst in a common, sustainable solvent.
Correction: Selective CO2 reduction to HCOOH on a Pt/In2O3/g-C3N4 multifunctional visible-photocatalyst
Authors: He Jiehong , Lv Pin , Zhu Jian , Li Hexing
Published: May 2023

Correction for ‘Selective CO2 reduction to HCOOH on a Pt/In2O3/g-C3N4 multifunctional visible-photocatalyst’ by Jiehong He et al., RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 22460–22467, https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA03959D.
A sustainable, efficient, and potentially cost-effective approach to the antimalarial drug candidate MMV688533
Authors: Kavthe Rahul D. , Iyer Karthik S. , Caravez Juan C. , Lipshutz Bruce H.
Published: May 2023

A 6-step synthesis of the antimalarial drug candidate MMV688533 is reported.
The sliding motility of the bacilliform virions of Influenza A viruses
Authors: Stevens Laurie , de Buyl Sophie , Mognetti Bortolo Matteo
Published: May 2023

IAV virions carry two types of ligands interacting with the cell's receptors. The emerging virion's motility is regulated by the ligand–receptor reaction rates, the receptors’ length, and the ligands’ organization on the virion's surface.
Bilayer chlorophyll-based bio-photodetector based on Z-type charge transfer process
Authors: Sun Yuting , Liu Ziyan , Li Yuanlin , Xiang Tianfu , Li Aijun , He Yuhong , Wei Haotong , Sasaki Shin-ichi , Tamiaki Hitoshi , Wang Xiao-Feng
Published: May 2023

Inspired by the Z-scheme of oxygenic photosynthesis, we have successfully prepared a bio-photodetector device based on chlorophyll derivatives as all photosensitive materials.
DeepCNN: Spectro‐temporal feature representation for speech emotion recognition
Authors: Saleem Nasir , Gao Jiechao , Irfan Rizwana , Almadhor Ahmad , Rauf Hafiz Tayyab , Zhang Yudong , Kadry Seifedine
Published: May 2023

Speech emotion recognition (SER) is an important research problem in human‐computer interaction systems. The representation and extraction of features are significant challenges in SER systems. Despite the promising results of recent studies, they generally do not leverage progressive fusion techniques for effective feature representation and increasing receptive fields. To mitigate this problem, this article proposes DeepCNN, which is a fusion of spectral and temporal features of emotional speech by parallelising convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and a convolution layer‐based transformer. Two parallel CNNs are applied to extract the spectral features (2D‐CNN) and temporal features (1D‐CNN) representations. A 2D‐convolution layer‐based transformer module extracts spectro‐temporal features and concatenates them with features from parallel CNNs. The learnt low‐level concatenated features are then applied to a deep framework of convolutional blocks, which retrieves high‐level feature representation and subsequently categorises the emotional states using an attention gated recurrent unit and classification layer. This fusion technique results in a deeper hierarchical feature representation at a lower computational cost while simultaneously expanding the filter depth and reducing the feature map. The Berlin Database of Emotional Speech (EMO‐BD) and Interactive Emotional Dyadic Motion Capture (IEMOCAP) datasets are used in experiments to recognise distinct speech emotions. With efficient spectral and temporal feature representation, the proposed SER model achieves 94.2% accuracy for different emotions on the EMO‐BD and 81.1% accuracy on the IEMOCAP dataset respectively. The proposed SER system, DeepCNN, outperforms the baseline SER systems in terms of emotion recognition accuracy on the EMO‐BD and IEMOCAP datasets.