bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Representations of science content in a primary classroom: Combining long and short timescales for multimodal analysis
Authors: Danielsson Kristina , Jeppsson Fredrik , Nestlog Ewa B. , Tang Kok‐Sing
Published: July 2023

This study reports on a case study about multimodal work in a primary physics classroom focusing on forces. Previous research reports that students benefit from multimodal work in science classrooms. Yet, few systematic studies have been performed to reveal how students represent their experiences and ideas of science phenomena over time within and across different semiotic modes (e.g., through action, speech, writing, and image, including multimodal ensembles). The design of the lessons was built around a number of experimental activities, starting with a puzzling phenomenon and where students for each experiment predicted, observed, described, and tried to come up with explanations. Based on social‐semiotics, we combined analysis at an overall level (long timescale and large grain size) and a detailed level (short timescale and small grain size) to shed light on how the science content was represented within and between modes over the teaching and learning period, and what content was expressed in these representations. Our findings reveal how students moved from focusing on attributes such as a “heavy” regarding artifacts used in the experiments, towards the central physics processes, such as one object exerting force on another object. Furthermore, we were able to detect that such “signs of learning” were shown in students’ small‐group discussions and multimodal texts following a carefully orchestrated multimodal exposition by the teacher. Hence, such a careful multimodal orchestration appeared to be critical for the students’ meaning‐making about the science content.
The dynamics of psychological attributes and symptomatic comorbidity of depression in children and adolescents
Authors: Sánchez Hernández Milagros Ocalin , Holgado-Tello Francisco Pablo , Carrasco Miguel Á.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This investigation aimed to explore attribute dynamics and symptomatic comorbidity of depression with internalizing, externalizing, and other personal–contextual problems in children and adolescents from a network analysis.

Methods

We tested an attribute network of regularized partial correlations, standard and alternative centrality measures, and comorbidity bridge symptoms according to centrality bridge measures.

Results

Regularized partial correlation network and a centrality measures graph shown the prominent position of social problems and anxiety–depression. Minimum spanning tree (MST) found a hierarchical dynamics between attributes where mixed anxiety–depression was identified as the core and the other attributes were hierarchically connected to it by being positioned in six branches that are differentiated according to their theoretical contents. The most central connections are established with the attributes of their own community or theoretical groups, and 37 bridge symptoms were identified in all networks.

Conclusions

A significant role of mixed anxiety depression as an activator and intermediary of psychopathologies was supported as a central attribute of internalizing problems. Aggressive behavior as part of the broad externalizing dimension was one of the constructs that most intensively activate the network, and social problems were also distinguished as a relevant factor not only in terms of connections and central attributes but also in terms of bridge symptoms and comorbidity. This framework extends to the study of symptomatic “comorbidity.”
Antibody Fc-binding profiles and ACE2 affinity to SARS-CoV-2 RBD variants
Authors: Haycroft Ebene R. , Davis Samantha K. , Ramanathan Pradhipa , Lopez Ester , Purcell Ruth A. , Tan Li Lynn , Pymm Phillip , Wines Bruce D. , Hogarth P. Mark , Wheatley Adam K. , Juno Jennifer A. , Redmond Samuel J. , Gherardin Nicholas A. , Godfrey Dale I. , Tham Wai-Hong , Selva Kevin John , Kent Stephen J. , Chung Amy W.
Published: July 2023

Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, notably Omicron, continue to remain a formidable challenge to worldwide public health. The SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) is a hotspot for mutations, reflecting its critical role at the ACE2 interface during viral entry. Here, we comprehensively investigated the impact of RBD mutations, including 5 variants of concern (VOC) or interest—including Omicron (BA.2)—and 33 common point mutations, both on IgG recognition and ACE2-binding inhibition, as well as FcγRIIa- and FcγRIIIa-binding antibodies, in plasma from two-dose BNT162b2-vaccine recipients and mild-COVID-19 convalescent subjects obtained during the first wave using a custom-designed bead-based 39-plex array. IgG-recognition and FcγR-binding antibodies were decreased against the RBD of Beta and Omicron, as well as point mutation G446S, found in several Omicron sub-variants as compared to wild type. Notably, while there was a profound decrease in ACE2 inhibition against Omicron, FcγR-binding antibodies were less affected, suggesting that Fc functional antibody responses may be better retained against the RBD of Omicron in comparison to neutralization. Furthermore, while measurement of RBD–ACE2-binding affinity via biolayer interferometry showed that all VOC RBDs have enhanced affinity to human ACE2, we demonstrate that human ACE2 polymorphisms, E35K (rs1348114695) has reduced affinity to VOCs, while K26R (rs4646116) and S19P (rs73635825) have increased binding kinetics to the RBD of VOCs, potentially affecting virus–host interaction and, thereby, host susceptibility. Collectively, our findings provide in-depth coverage of the impact of RBD mutations on key facets of host–virus interactions.
Unique form of catheter malconnection following intrathecal baclofen surgery for spinal cord injury: a case report
Authors: Koopmans Raoul J. , Meskers Carel G. M. , de Groot Vincent , Slot K. Mariam
Published: July 2023

This case report concerns a patient suffering from traumatic spinal cord injury with severe spasticity treated with intrathecal baclofen therapy. After revision surgery for a confirmed catheter obstruction, progressive spasticity reappeared. Diagnostics demonstrated signs of catheter fracture or disconnection adjacent to the pump. During revision surgery, the silicone layer surrounding the sutureless pump connector was shown to be curled up, revealing the cause of dysfunction. As far as we know, this form of malconnection has not been reported before. Therefore, surgeons must be aware of this complication and additional inspection of the silicone connector prior to definite connection is advised.
Timing of Allocentric and Egocentric Spatial Processing in Human Intracranial EEG
Authors: Moraresku Sofiia , Hammer Jiri , Janca Radek , Jezdik Petr , Kalina Adam , Marusic Petr , Vlcek Kamil
Published: July 2023

Spatial reference frames (RFs) play a key role in spatial cognition, especially in perception, spatial memory, and navigation. There are two main types of RFs: egocentric (self-centered) and allocentric (object-centered). Although many fMRI studies examined the neural correlates of egocentric and allocentric RFs, they could not sample the fast temporal dynamics of the underlying cognitive processes. Therefore, the interaction and timing between these two RFs remain unclear. Taking advantage of the high temporal resolution of intracranial EEG (iEEG), we aimed to determine the timing of egocentric and allocentric information processing and describe the brain areas involved. We recorded iEEG and analyzed broad gamma activity (50–150 Hz) in 37 epilepsy patients performing a spatial judgment task in a three-dimensional circular virtual arena. We found overlapping activation for egocentric and allocentric RFs in many brain regions, with several additional egocentric- and allocentric-selective areas. In contrast to the egocentric responses, the allocentric responses peaked later than the control ones in frontal regions with overlapping selectivity. Also, across several egocentric or allocentric selective areas, the egocentric selectivity appeared earlier than the allocentric one. We identified the maximum number of egocentric-selective channels in the medial occipito-temporal region and allocentric-selective channels around the intraparietal sulcus in the parietal cortex. Our findings favor the hypothesis that egocentric spatial coding is a more primary process, and allocentric representations may be derived from egocentric ones. They also broaden the dominant view of the dorsal and ventral streams supporting egocentric and allocentric space coding, respectively.
Study on the association of the microstructure and bone metabolism in the osteoporotic femoral head
Authors: Wang Cheng , Wang Peng , Li Feng , Li Yang , Zhao Minwei , Feng Hui , Meng Haoye , Li Junyang , Shi Peng , Peng Jiang , Tian Hua
Published: July 2023

Background

We compared the bone microstructure and metabolism of the femoral heads in patients with osteoporosis (OP) and non-OP patients to investigate the pathologic mechanism of OP and guide clinical treatment.

Methods and results

From January 2020 to June 2021, we obtained femoral head samples from 30 patients undergoing hip replacement due to femoral neck fracture. All patients were women aged approximately 67 to 80 years (mean age, 74 years). According to the dual-energy X-ray results, the femoral head samples were divided into the OP (T< − 2.5) and non-OP (T > − 1.5) groups. Microcomputed tomography scanning, bone metrology analysis, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and Masson’s trichrome staining were used to compare the local bone trabecular microstructure changes. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR was performed to identify changes in the osteogenesis-related genes and the osteoclast-related genes in specific regions to reflect osteogenic and osteoclastic activities. Femoral heads with OP showed significant changes in the local bone microstructure. Bone density, bone volume fraction, and the number and thickness of the bone trabeculae decreased. Local bone metabolism was imbalanced in the areas with microstructural changes in femoral heads with OP, with increased osteoclast activity and decreased osteoblast activity.

Conclusions

Deterioration of bone microstructure is closely related to abnormal bone metabolism associated with the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts in osteoporotic femoral heads. Promoting bone formation by improving local bone metabolism, enhancing osteogenic activity and inhibiting osteoclast activity may be a promising way of preventing local OP and osteoporotic fractures.
Old East Slavic birch-bark literacy – a history of linguistic emancipation?
Authors: Mendoza Imke
Published: July 2023

The aim of the study is to explore the diachrony of orality and literacy in the Old East Slavic birch-bark corpus. One of the most striking characteristics of the birch-bark documents is their high degree of orality. Due to their rootedness in the communication situation, they possess many linguistic and pragmatic features that are typical for spoken discourse. In addition, they show clear signs of literacy, i.e., properties that are common for the written word in general as well as features that typically occur in Church Slavic documents, the model corpus for literacy in Old Rus’. Considering the long period that is covered by birch bark literacy we may assume that the relation between orality and literacy features changed over time. To uncover these changes, the author analyzes the diachronic development of selected lexical, morphological, and syntactic features that characterize different registers and thus serve as markers of literacy or orality. The results support the thesis that Church Slavic bookishness, the initial model for literacy, was replaced by another model, namely non-bookish, official writing on parchment. Over time, the birch bark documents lost the features of literacy that were the immediate impact of Church Slavic writing, and adapted writing practices that were typical for non-bookish parchment documents.
The Role of Self-Efficacy and Risk Perception in the Willingness to Respond to Weather Disasters Among Emergency Medicine Health Care Workers in Pakistan
Authors: Kang Bee-Ah , Barnett Daniel J. , Chhipa Ume-e-Aiman , Mehmood Amber , Afzal Badar , Razzak Junaid , Asad Nargis
Published: July 2023

Objective:

Optimizing health care workers’ (HCWs) willingness to respond (WTR) is critical in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) for proper health system functioning during extreme weather events. Pakistan frequently experiences weather-related disasters, but limited evidence is available to examine HCW willingness. Our study examined the association between WTR and behavioral factors among emergency department HCWs.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey was conducted from August to September 2022 among HCWs from 2 hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to recruit participants. A survey tool was informed by Witte’s Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the association between WTR and attitudes/beliefs as well as EPPM profiles.

Results:

Twenty-nine percent of HCWs indicated a low WTR. HCWs using public transportation had a higher WTR. Perceived knowledge and skills, self-efficacy, and perceived impact of one’s response showed positive associations with WTR if required. Perception that one’s colleagues would report to work positively predicted WTR if asked. Consistent with the EPPM, HCWs with high efficacy and perceived threat were willing to respond to weather disasters.

Conclusions:

Our findings highlight the need of strengthening WTR by promoting self-efficacy and enhancing accurate risk perception as a response motivator, among emergency department HCWs in Pakistan.
The Political Economy of China's Local Debt
Authors: Li Zhenfa , Wu Fulong , Zhang Fangzhu
Published: July 2023

By analysing the development and operation of local government bonds (LGBs), a new tool fashioned by the Chinese government to finance infrastructure projects, this article improves the understanding of the political economy of China's local debt. We find that the central government uses LGBs to intervene in local debt and pursue policy objectives, and designs a quota system to decide the bond issuing amount and the project selection. When calculating quotas, the central government prioritizes limiting financial risk and achieving national development goals. Local debt should match the fiscal capacity of local governments, and the projects should contribute to the sectors emphasized by the central government as important for national development, reflecting the centralization of central–local relations. However, LGBs hardly fix the problem of local debt, and the pressure to maintain economic growth by expanding infrastructure investment has pushed local debt to an alarming level.
Stick‐Slip Nucleation and Failure in Uniform Glass Beads Detected by Acoustic Emissions in Ring‐Shear Experiments: Implications for Identifying the Acoustic Emissions of Earthquake Foreshocks
Authors: Gou H. X. , Hu W. , Xu Q. , Huang R. Q. , McSaveney M. J. , Jia X. , Wang Y. J.
Published: July 2023

Stress accumulation and release reflected by acoustic emissions (AEs) during shearing of granular materials provide important information on failure mechanisms in seismic faults and landslides controlled by stick‐slip. Among many characteristics (amplitude, energy, counts, and frequency) of AE signals generated by stick‐slip, stress changes corresponding to various frequency AEs in different stages of the stick‐slip process are not clear, which limits our knowledge of the characteristics of precursory signals before stick‐slip failure. To better understand the physical mechanisms of granular stick‐slip, we monitored the mechanical and AE signals using high‐frequency (2 MHz) synchronous acquisition during constant‐speed shear of packs of uniform glass beads with different sizes at different normal stresses. The release rate of AE energy was found to accelerate with the dilatation of the sample volume, and the stress drop of stick‐slip was augmented with the increase of normal stress and particle size. Three characteristic events of single cycle stick‐slip were observed in this study: main slip, minor slip, and microslip. We analyzed the AE frequency spectra of these three event types. Both main slip and minor slip corresponded to stress drop and generated high‐frequency AEs (about several hundred kHz), while the AE frequencies generated by microslip were lower (about tens of kHz) and exhibited stress strengthening, which were not apparent in previous studies due to the low frequency of acquisition. We propose that the microslip is mainly due to sliding on grain contacts, while the main slip and minor slip resulted from breakage and reforming of force chains. Low‐frequency AEs from microslip may suggest a crucial precursor of seismic faults and landslides.
Testing the causal relationships of physical activity and sedentary behaviour with mental health and substance use disorders: a Mendelian randomisation study
Authors: Iob Eleonora , Pingault Jean-Baptiste , Munafò Marcus R. , Stubbs Brendon , Gilthorpe Mark S. , Maihofer Adam X. ,   Psychiatric Genomics Consortium Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Working Group, Danese Andrea
Published: July 2023

Observational studies suggest that physical activity can reduce the risk of mental health and substance use disorders. However, it is unclear whether this relationship is causal or explained by confounding bias (e.g., common underlying causes or reverse causality). We investigated the bidirectional causal relationship of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) with ten mental health and substance use disorders, applying two-sample Mendelian Randomisation (MR). Genetic instruments for the exposures and outcomes were derived from the largest available, non-overlapping genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Summary-level data for objectively assessed PA (accelerometer-based average activity, moderate activity, and walking) and SB and self-reported moderate-to-vigorous PA were obtained from the UK Biobank. Data for mental health/substance use disorders were obtained from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium and the GWAS and Sequencing Consortium of Alcohol and Nicotine Use. MR estimates were combined using inverse variance weighted meta-analysis (IVW). Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of the results. Accelerometer-based average PA was associated with a lower risk of depression (b = −0.043, 95% CI: −0.071 to −0.016, effect size[OR] = 0.957) and cigarette smoking (b = −0.026; 95% CI: −0.035 to −0.017, effect size[β] = −0.022). Accelerometer-based SB decreased the risk of anorexia (b = −0.341, 95% CI: −0.530 to −0.152, effect size[OR] = 0.711) and schizophrenia (b = −0.230; 95% CI: −0.285 to −0.175, effect size[OR] = 0.795). However, we found evidence of reverse causality in the relationship between SB and schizophrenia. Further, PTSD, bipolar disorder, anorexia, and ADHD were all associated with increased PA. This study provides evidence consistent with a causal protective effect of objectively assessed but not self-reported PA on reduced depression and cigarette smoking. Objectively assessed SB had a protective relationship with anorexia. Enhancing PA may be an effective intervention strategy to reduce depressive symptoms and addictive behaviours, while promoting sedentary or light physical activities may help to reduce the risk of anorexia in at-risk individuals.
Real-world effectiveness of long-acting injectable antipsychotic treatments in a nationwide cohort of 12,373 patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders
Authors: Boyer Laurent , Falissard Bruno , Nuss Philippe , Collin Cedric , Duret Stephanie , Rabbani Marc , De Chefdebien Isabelle , Tonelli Isabelle , Llorca Pierre Michel , Fond Guillaume
Published: July 2023

This mirror-image study aimed to evaluate the real-life effectiveness of long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAI) in schizophrenia. Patients with schizophrenia initiating LAIs January 2015–December 2016 were enrolled from the French National Health Data System (SNDS). Standardized mean differences (SMD > 0.1 deemed clinically significant) were calculated for psychiatric healthcare resource utilization measures assessed one year before (during oral AP treatment) and one year after LAI initiation. LAI effectiveness was analyzed overall and by age group, gender and compliance to oral AP, defined as exposure to an AP for at least 80% of the year before LAI initiation. 12,373 patients were included. LAIs were more frequently initiated in men (58.1%), young (18–34 years, 42.0%) and non-compliant (63.7%) patients. LAI initiation was effective in reducing the number and duration of psychiatric hospitalizations and psychiatric emergency department (ED) admissions in non-compliant patients (SMD = −0.19, −0.26 and −0.12, respectively), but not in compliant patients. First-generation LAIs, paliperidone and aripiprazole LAIs reduced psychiatric hospitalizations (SMD = −0.20, −0.24, −0.21, respectively) and ED admissions (SMD = −0.15, −0.13, −0.15, respectively). No differences in effectiveness were found for age or gender. In compliant patients, only aripiprazole LAI reduced the number of psychiatric hospitalizations (SMD = -0.13). Risperidone and paliperidone LAIs increased hospitalization duration (SMD = 0.15 and 0.18, respectively). The prescription of LAIs (except risperidone) should be recommended in all non-compliant patients, even in women and patients aged 35 or older. The lower frequency of administration of LAIs than of oral APs may improve compliance and hence reduce the risk of relapse. Aripiprazole LAI may represent a treatment of choice for compliant patients that should be further investigated.
PPARα and PPARγ are expressed in midbrain dopamine neurons and modulate dopamine- and cannabinoid-mediated behavior in mice
Authors: Hempel Briana , Crissman Madeline , Pari Sruti , Klein Benjamin , Bi Guo-Hua , Alton Hannah , Xi Zheng-Xiong
Published: July 2023

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are a family of nuclear receptors that regulate gene expression. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) is a PPARγ agonist and some endocannabinoids are natural activators of PPARα and PPARγ. However, little is known regarding their cellular distributions in the brain and functional roles in cannabinoid action. Here, we first used RNAscope in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry assays to examine the cellular distributions of PPARα and PPARγ expression in the mouse brain. We found that PPARα and PPARγ are expressed in ~70% of midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons. In the amygdala, PPARα is expressed in ~60% of glutamatergic neurons, while PPARγ is expressed in ~60%  of GABA neurons. However, no PPARα/γ signal was detected in GABA neurons in the nucleus accumbens. We then used a series of behavioral assays to determine the functional roles of PPARα/γ in the CNS effects of Δ9-THC. We found that optogenetic stimulation of midbrain DA neurons was rewarding as assessed by optical intracranial self-stimulation (oICSS) in DAT-cre mice. Δ9-THC and a PPARγ (but not PPARα) agonist dose-dependently inhibited oICSS. Pretreatment with PPARα or PPARγ antagonists attenuated the Δ9-THC-induced reduction in oICSS and Δ9-THC-induced anxiogenic effects. In addition, a PPARγ agonist increased, while PPARα or PPARγ antagonists decreased open-field locomotion. Pretreatment with PPARα or PPARγ antagonists potentiated Δ9-THC-induced hypoactivity and catalepsy but failed to alter Δ9-THC-induced analgesia, hypothermia and immobility. These findings provide the first anatomical and functional evidence supporting an important role of PPARα/γ in DA-dependent behavior and cannabinoid action.
Trends in utilization of stored cryopreserved autologous peripheral hematopoietic cells intended for a second (or beyond) autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma: a single center experience
Authors: Yassine Farah , Kharfan-Dabaja Mohamed A. , Tsalantsanis Athanasios , Roy Vivek , Zubair Abba C. , Murthy Hemant S. , Ayala Ernesto , Iqbal Madiha , Sher Taimur , Ailawadhi Sikander , Parrondo Ricardo D.
Published: July 2023

Due to the advent of effective novel therapies for multiple myeloma (MM), the use of cryopreserved autologous peripheral blood hematopoietic cells (APBHC) for a salvage autologous transplant (auto-HCT) is in decline. We evaluated utilization trends and costs associated with cryopreserved APBHC in patients with MM. We retrospectively evaluated the clinicopathologic data from 440 patients with MM who underwent APBHC mobilization and collection at Mayo Clinic Florida between 2010 and 2019. Based on institution-specific charges as of May 2021, the cost of 1 session of APBHC collection/apheresis was $4,680 and the cost of 1 year of APBHC cryopreservation was $4,790 per patient. Out of 347 patients who had APBHC in cryopreservation, 5 (1.4%) underwent a salvage auto-HCT and 61% of patients had ≥1 excess collection sessions for APBHC that ultimately went unused. The median cost of excess collection sessions was $4,680 per patient (range, $4,680-$32,760) and the median total cost for excess collection sessions plus costs for storage was $23,840 per patient (range, $4,680–$85,450). The sum of costs of excess collection sessions was $2,077,920 and the sum of costs of cryopreservation was $5,812,665. Institutional policies regarding universal APBHC collection and long-term storage should be reevaluated in the era of novel therapeutics.
Phenotypic and molecular basis of SIX1 variants linked to non-syndromic deafness and atypical branchio-otic syndrome in South Korea
Authors: Lee Somin , Yun Yejin , Cha Ju Hyuen , Han Jin Hee , Lee Dae Hee , Song Jae-Jin , Park Moo Kyun , Lee Jun Ho , Oh Seung Ha , Choi Byung Yoon , Lee Sang-Yeon
Published: July 2023

Branchio-oto-renal (BOR)/branchio-otic (BO) syndrome is a rare disorder and exhibits clinically heterogenous phenotypes, marked by abnormalities in the ear, branchial arch, and renal system. Sporadic cases of atypical BOR/BO syndrome have been recently reported; however, evidence on genotype–phenotype correlations and molecular mechanisms of those cases is lacking. We herein identified five SIX1 heterozygous variants (c.307dupC:p.Leu103Profs*51, c.373G>A:p.Glu125Lys, c.386_391del:p.Tyr129_Cys130del, c.397_399del:p.Glu133del, and c.501G>C:p.Gln167His), including three novel variants, through whole-exome sequencing in five unrelated Korean families. All eight affected individuals with SIX1 variants displayed non-syndromic hearing loss (DFNA23) or atypical BO syndrome. The prevalence of major and minor criteria for BOR/BO syndrome was significantly reduced among individuals with SIX1 variants, compared to 15 BOR/BO syndrome families with EYA1 variants. All SIX1 variants interacted with the EYA1 wild-type; their complexes were localized in the nucleus except for the p.Leu103Profs*51 variant. All mutants also showed obvious but varying degrees of reduction in DNA binding affinity, leading to a significant decrease in transcriptional activity. This study presents the first report of SIX1 variants in South Korea, expanding the genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of SIX1 variants, characterized by DFNA23 or atypical BO syndrome, and refines the diverse molecular aspects of SIX1 variants according to the EYA1–SIX1–DNA complex theory.
Light-controlled pKavalue of chiral Brønsted acid catalysts in enantioselective aza-Friedel–Crafts reaction
Authors: Krishnan Chandu G. , Kondo Masaru , Yasuda Osamu , Fan Duona , Nakamura Kento , Wakabayashi Yoshitomo , Sasai Hiroaki , Takizawa Shinobu
Published: July 2023

Bis(dithienylethene)-based BINOL-derived phosphoric acid (DTE-BPA) has been developed as a light-controlled chiral organocatalyst for the first time.
Does supercooled water retain its universal nucleation behavior under shear at high pressure?
Authors: Srirangam Snehitha , Bhendale Mangesh , Singh Jayant K.
Published: July 2023

The schematic representation of implementing seeding simulations along with NEMD simulations and using extended-CNT formalism to predict the behavior of nucleation of supercooled water under shear at high pressure.
Primary vs. secondary alkylpyridinium salts: a comparison under electrochemical and chemical reduction conditions
Authors: Garcia Bria , Sampson Jessica , Watson Mary P. , Kalyani Dipannita
Published: July 2023

For primary and secondary alkylpyridinium salts, trends in ArBr scope are similar, and electrochemical conditions compare well to chemical methods. Our study offers increased understanding in the application of deaminative reductive cross-couplings.
Shining light on layered metal phosphosulphide catalysts for efficient water electrolysis: preparation, promotion strategies, and perspectives
Authors: Zhao Sijia , Chen Ya , Liu Yaoda , Cheng Jun , Dai Zhengfei
Published: July 2023

This review summarizes the design, preparation and promotion strategies of layered metal phosphosulphide-based electrocatalysts for water splitting; future perspectives and challenges are also briefly discussed.
Construction of flower-like hierarchical Ni-doped SnO2 nanosheets and their gas sensing properties for ethanol
Authors: Xiao Wei , Jin Zhao , Yang Wei , Liu Shantang
Published: July 2023

Detecting ethanol is desirable in alcohol testing for safe driving.
Anthrol reductases: discovery, role in biosynthesis and applications in natural product syntheses
Authors: Rajput Anshul , Manna Tanaya , Husain Syed Masood
Published: July 2023

The review highlights the identification and characterization of a new class of enzymes called anthrol reductases along with their role in biosyntheses and utilization towards natural product syntheses.
Golnaz Vahedi: My environment enables me to achieve impossible goals
Authors: Van Emmenis Lucie
Published: July 2023

Golnaz Vahedi is an associate professor of genetics at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. Golnaz runs a multidisciplinary lab that uses cutting-edge computational and experimental approaches to understand the molecular mechanisms by which genomic information in immune cells is interpreted in normal development and during immune-mediated diseases. We talked about her diverse scientific background, the benefits of integrating molecular biology and immunology, and the importance of staying positive in academia.
Treatment of Netherton syndrome with upadacitinib
Authors: Li Xinyu , Han Bing , Li Shanshan
Published: July 2023

We reported the case of a patient with Netherton syndrome (NS) who showed remarkable cutaneous improvement using upadacitinib in the short term, but the efficacy decreased long term. This patient’s case demonstrates that Janus kinase inhibitors have reduced long-term clinical efficacy, which is the same as other biologic therapies used to treat patients with NS. This shows that NS is a complex skin disorder and more studies and clinical trials are required focusing on the long-term efficacy of these drugs.
Neutrophilic dermatosis of the dorsal hands treated with baricitinib
Authors: Zhang Hongmei , Xia Ping , Wu Nanhui , Chen Jinbo , Liu Yeqiang
Published: July 2023

A localized variant of Sweet syndrome treated with baricitinib.
Answering the call to diversify the dermatology curriculum in undergraduate medical education
Authors: Okorie Chiamaka L , Bennett Raven , Aaron Denise M , Foster-Johnson Lynn , Dagrosa Alicia T
Published: July 2023

Limited exposure to dermatological diseases across a range of skin tones can lead to diagnostic inaccuracies and lower diagnostic self-confidence. This study demonstrates that a short-term dermatology course is feasible and beneficial for increasing diagnostic skills across a range of skin tones, especially when skin of colour education is intentional.
Global perspectives on heart disease rehabilitation and secondary prevention: a scientific statement from the Association of Cardiovascular Nursing and Allied Professions, European Association of Preventive Cardiology, and International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation
Authors: Taylor Rod S , Fredericks Suzanne , Jones Ian , Neubeck Lis , Sanders Julie , De Stoutz Noemi , Thompson David R , Wadhwa Deepti N , Grace Sherry L
Published: July 2023

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death, morbidity, disability, and reduced health-related quality of life, as well as economic burden worldwide, with some 80% of disease burden occurring in the low- and middle-income country (LMIC) settings. With increasing numbers of people living longer with symptomatic disease, the effectiveness and accessibility of secondary preventative and rehabilitative health services have never been more important. Whilst LMICs experience the highest prevalence and mortality rates, the global approach to secondary prevention and cardiac rehabilitation, which mitigates this burden, has traditionally been driven from clinical guidelines emanating from high-income settings. This state-of-the art review provides a contemporary global perspective on cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention, contrasting the challenges of and opportunities for high vs. lower income settings. Actionable solutions to overcome system, clinician, programme, and patient level barriers to cardiac rehabilitation access in LMICs are provided.
Human CXCR1 knock-in mice infer functional expression of a murine ortholog
Authors: Fahimi Farnaz , Alam Md Jahangir , Ang Caroline , Adhyatma Galih Prakasa , Xie Liang , Mackay Charles R , Robert Remy
Published: July 2023

Targeting CXCR1 and CXCR2 chemokine receptors to block neutrophil migration to sites of inflammation is a promising therapeutic approach for various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. However, assessing the translational potential of such therapies using mouse models is challenging due to the unclear expression of CXCR1 at the protein level. Although CXCR2 has been well characterized in both mice and humans, the protein-level expression of CXCR1 in mice (mCXCR1) remains controversial. To address this issue, we generated a novel human CXCR1 knock-in (hCXCR1 KI) mouse model in which the transgene is under the control of the native mouse promoter and regulatory elements. Using an anti-human CXCR1 monoclonal antibody (anti-hCXCR1 monoclonal antibody), we found that hCXCR1 was highly expressed on neutrophils in the hCXCR1 KI mice, comparable to levels observed in human neutrophils. This successful expression of hCXCR1 in this mouse model suggests that functional mCXCR1 likely exists. To investigate the functional role of CXCR1, we investigated how antagonizing this receptor using anti-hCXCR1 monoclonal antibody in the arthritis model would affect disease outcomes. Antibody treatment significantly alleviated all signs of joint inflammation. In summary, our newly generated hCXCR1 KI transgenic mice provide a valuable tool to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of small molecules or monoclonal antibodies that antagonize this receptor in neutrophil-mediated pathologies.
Auxins and grass shoot architecture: how the most important hormone makes the most important plants
Authors: Wakeman Alex , Bennett Tom
Published: July 2023

Cereals are a group of grasses cultivated by humans for their grain. It is from these cereal grains that the majority of all calories consumed by humans are derived. The production of these grains is the result of the development of a series of hierarchical reproductive structures that form the distinct shoot architecture of the grasses. Being spatiotemporally complex, the coordination of grass shoot development is tightly controlled by a network of genes and signals, including the key phytohormone auxin. Hormonal manipulation has therefore been identified as a promising potential approach to increasing cereal crop yields and therefore ultimately global food security. Recent work translating the substantial body of auxin research from model plants into cereal crop species is revealing the contribution of auxin biosynthesis, transport, and signalling to the development of grass shoot architecture. This review discusses this still-maturing knowledge base and examines the possibility that changes in auxin biology could have been a causative agent in the evolution of differences in shoot architecture between key grass species, or could underpin the future selective breeding of cereal crops.
Constraining turbulence in protoplanetary discs using the gap contrast: an application to the DSHARP sample
Authors: Pizzati Elia , Rosotti Giovanni P , Tabone Benoît
Published: July 2023

Constraining the strength of gas turbulence in protoplanetary discs is an open problem that has relevant implications for the physics of gas accretion and planet formation. In this work, we gauge the amount of turbulence in six of the discs observed in the DSHARP programme by indirectly measuring the vertical distribution of their dust component. We employ the differences in the gap contrasts observed along the major and the minor axes due to projection effects, and build a radiative transfer model to reproduce these features for different values of the dust scale heights. We find that (a) the scale heights that yield a better agreement with data are generally low ($\lesssim 4\, \mathrm{AU}$ at a radial distance of $100\, \mathrm{AU}$), and in almost all cases we are only able to place upper limits on their exact values; these conclusions imply (assuming an average Stokes number of ≈10−2) low turbulence levels of αSS ≲ 10−3 − 10−4; (b) for the 9 other systems we considered out of the DSHARP sample, our method yields no significant constraints on the disc vertical structure; we conclude that this is because these discs have either a low inclination or gaps that are not deep enough. Based on our analysis we provide an empirical criterion to assess whether a given disc is suitable to measure the vertical scale height.
On the energetics of a tidally oscillating convective flow
Authors: Terquem Caroline
Published: July 2023

This paper examines the energetics of a convective flow subject to an oscillation with a period $t_{\rm osc}$ much smaller than the convective time-scale $t_{\rm conv}$, allowing for compressibility and uniform rotation. We show that the energy of the oscillation is exchanged with the kinetic energy of the convective flow at a rate $D_R$ that couples the Reynolds stress of the oscillation with the convective velocity gradient. For the equilibrium tide and inertial waves, this is the only energy exchange term, whereas for p modes there are also exchanges with the potential and internal energy of the convective flow. Locally, $\left| D_R \right| \sim u^{\prime 2} / t_{\rm conv}$, where $u^{\prime}$ is the oscillating velocity. If $t_{\rm conv} \ll t_{\rm osc}$ and assuming mixing length theory, $\left| D_R \right|$ is $\left( \lambda_{\rm conv} / \lambda_{\rm osc} \right)^2$ smaller, where $\lambda_{\rm conv}$ and $\lambda_{\rm osc}$ are the characteristic scales of convection and the oscillation. Assuming local dissipation, we show that the equilibrium tide lags behind the tidal potential by a phase $\delta(r) \sim r \omega_{\rm osc} / \left( g(r) t_{\rm conv}(r) \right)$, where g is the gravitational acceleration. The equilibrium tide can be described locally as a harmonic oscillator with natural frequency $\left( g/r \right)^{1/2}$ and subject to a damping force $-u^{\prime}/t_{\rm conv}$. Although $\delta(r)$ varies by orders of magnitude through the flow, it is possible to define an average phase shift $\overline{\delta }$ which is in good agreement with observations for Jupiter and some of the moons of Saturn. Finally, $1 / \overline{\delta }$ is shown to be equal to the standard tidal dissipation factor.
The origin of massive compact galaxies: lessons from IllustrisTNG
Authors: Lohmann Felipe S , Schnorr-Müller Allan , Trevisan Marina , Ricci T V , Clerici K Slodkowski
Published: July 2023

We investigate the formation and evolution of z = 0 massive compact galaxies (MCGs) in the IllustrisTNG cosmological simulation. We found that, as in observations, MCGs are mainly old (median age ∼10.8 Gyr), have supersolar metallicities (median log Z/Z⊙ ∼ 0.35), and are α-enhanced (median [α/Fe] ∼ 0.25). The age distribution extends to younger ages, however, and a few MCGs are as young as ∼7 Gyr. In general, MCGs assemble their mass early and accrete low angular momentum gas, significantly increasing their mass while growing their size much slower. A small fraction of MCGs follow another evolutionary path, going through a compaction event, with their sizes shrinking by 40 per cent or more. The accretion of low angular momentum gas leads to enhanced supermassive black hole (SMBH) growth, and MCGs reach the threshold SMBH mass of $\log M_\mathrm{BH}\sim 10^{8.5}\ \mathrm{ M}_\odot$ – when kinetic active galactic nucleus feedback kicks in and quenches the galaxy – earlier than non-compact galaxies. Comparing MCGs to a sample of median-sized quiescent galaxies matched in effective velocity dispersion, we find that their accretion histories are very different. 71 per cent of MCGs do not merge after quenching compared to 37 per cent of median-sized quiescent galaxies. Moreover, tracing these populations back in time, we find that at least a third of median-sized quiescent galaxies do not have a compact progenitor, underscoring that both dry mergers and progenitor bias effects are responsible for the differences in the kinematics and stellar population properties of MCGs and median-sized quiescent galaxies.
Discovery and characterization of two Neptune-mass planets orbiting HD 212729 with TESS
Authors: Armstrong David J , Osborn Ares , Adibekyan Vardan , Delgado-Mena Elisa , Hojjatpanah Saeed , Howell Steve B , Hoyer Sergio , Knierim Henrik , Sousa Sérgio G , Stassun Keivan G , Veras Dimitri , Anderson David R , Bayliss Daniel , Bouchy François , Burke Christopher J , Christiansen Jessie L , Dumusque Xavier , Keniger Marcelo Aron Fetzner , Hadjigeorghiou Andreas , Hawthorn Faith , Helled Ravit , Jenkins Jon M , Latham David W , Lillo-Box Jorge , Nielsen Louise D , Osborn Hugh P , Rodrigues José , Rodriguez David , Santos Nuno C , Seager Sara , Strøm Paul A , Torres Guillermo , Twicken Joseph D , Udry Stephane , Wheatley Peter J , Winn Joshua N
Published: July 2023

We report the discovery of two exoplanets orbiting around HD 212729 (TOI 1052, TIC 317060587), a Teff = 6146 K star with V = 9.51 observed by TESS in Sectors 1 and 13. One exoplanet, TOI-1052b, is Neptune-mass and transits the star, and an additional planet TOI-1052c is observed in radial velocities but not seen to transit. We confirm the planetary nature of TOI-1052b using precise radial velocity observations from HARPS and determined its parameters in a joint RV and photometry analysis. TOI-1052b has a radius of $2.87^{+0.29}_{-0.24}$ R⊕, a mass of 16.9 ± 1.7 M⊕, and an orbital period of 9.14 d. TOI-1052c does not show any transits in the TESS data, and has a minimum mass of $34.3^{+4.1}_{-3.7}$ M⊕ and an orbital period of 35.8 d, placing it just interior to the 4:1 mean-motion resonance. Both planets are best fit by relatively high but only marginally significant eccentricities of $0.18^{+0.09}_{-0.07}$ for planet b and $0.24^{+0.09}_{-0.08}$ for planet c. We perform a dynamical analysis and internal structure model of the planets as well as deriving stellar parameters and chemical abundances. The mean density of TOI-1052b is $3.9^{+1.7}_{-1.3}$ g cm−3 consistent with an internal structure similar to Neptune. A nearby star is observed in Gaia DR3 with the same distance and proper motion as TOI-1052, at a sky projected separation of $\scriptstyle \sim$1500 au, making this a potential wide binary star system.
Association between regional quota program in medical schools and practical clinical competency based on General Medicine In-Training Examination score: a nationwide cross-sectional study of resident physicians in Japan
Authors: Fukui Sho , Shikino Kiyoshi , Nishizaki Yuji , Shimizu Taro , Yamamoto Yu , Kobayashi Hiroyuki , Tokuda Yasuharu
Published: July 2023

Purpose

A regional quota program (RQP) was introduced in Japan to ameliorate the urban–rural imbalance of physicians. Despite concerns about the low learning abilities of RQP graduates, the relationship between the RQP and practical clinical competency after initiating clinical residency has not been evaluated.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional study to assess the association between the RQP and practical clinical competency based on General Medicine In-Training Examination (GM-ITE) scores. We compared the overall and category GM-ITE results between RQP graduates and other resident physicians. The relationship between the RQP and scores was examined using multilevel linear regression analysis.

Results

There were 4978 other resident physicians and 1119 RQP graduates out of 6097 participants from 593 training hospitals. Being younger; preferring internal, general, or emergency medicine; managing fewer inpatients; and having fewer ER shifts were all characteristics of RQP graduates. In multilevel multivariable linear regression analysis, there was no significant association between RQP graduates and total GM-ITE scores (coefficient: 0.26; 95% confidence interval: −0.09, 0.61; P = .15). The associations of RQP graduates with GM-ITE scores in each category and specialty were not clinically relevant. However, in the same multivariable model, the analysis did reveal that total GM-ITE scores demonstrated strong positive associations with younger age and GM preference, both of which were significantly common in RQP graduates.

Conclusion

Practical clinical competency evaluated based on the GM-ITE score showed no clinically relevant differences between RQP graduates and other resident physicians.

Key messages What is already known on this topic Many countries offer unique admission processes to medical schools and special undergraduate programs to increase the supply of physicians in rural areas. Concerns have been raised about the motivation, learning capabilities, and academic performance of the program graduates. What this study adds This nationwide cross-sectional study in Japan revealed clinical competency based on the scores from the General Medicine In-Training Examination showed no clinically relevant differences between graduates of regional quota programs and other resident physicians. How this study might affect research, practice, or policy The study provides evidence to support the Japanese regional quota program from the perspective of clinical competency after initiating clinical practice.
Skeletal traits and otoliths can unravel the relationships within European Gobiidae (Gobius lineage sensu lato)
Authors: Reichenbacher Bettina , Vukić Jasna , Šanda Radek , Schliewen Ulrich K , Esmaeili Hamid R , Kassar Abderrahmane
Published: July 2023

The high diversity of extant gobiids (Gobiidae: Teleostei) makes taxonomic and phylogenetic interpretation of fossil members of the clade a difficult task. To facilitate future taxonomic and systematic work on the group, we have assembled a morphological reference database encompassing skeletal characters, an otolith atlas and otolith morphometric data of 25 present-day species from the European Gobius lineage (s.l.) that represent 18 different genera and include all nine sublineages. We show that: (1) skeletal traits and morphometric otolith variables can be diagnostic for a sublineage; (2) otolith morphology allows identification at the genus and species levels; and (3) the number of anal-fin rays and details of the otolith margins can be used to discriminate closely related dwarf gobies. The skeletal and otolith characters are largely stable in the marine gobies analysed here, whereas freshwater gobies (Padogobius, Ponto-Caspian gobies) are far more variable. This might be related to the conquest by Padogobius and Ponto-Caspian gobies of freshwater and low-salinity habitats, in which environmental conditions can fluctuate widely. We anticipate that the database presented here can be used as a valuable reference tool to assess the relationships of fossil gobiids and increase our knowledge of the evolutionary history of the group as a whole.