bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antitumor efficacy of CRISPR/Cas9–engineered ICP6 mutant herpes simplex viruses in a mouse xenograft model for lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ni Longquan , Li Yi , Wu Ke , Deng Fei , Wang Hualin , Ning Yun‐Jia
Published: August 2022

Oncolytic viruses (OVs), including oncolytic herpes simplex viruses (oHSVs), are promising therapeutics against cancer. Here, we report two ICP6‐mutated HSVs (type I) generated by CRISPR/Cas9, rHSV1/∆RR (with ICP6 ribonucleotide reductase [RR] domain deleted) and rHSV1/∆ICP6 (with a complete deletion of ICP6), exhibiting potent antitumor efficacy against lung adenocarcinoma. Both the mutants showed strong cytotoxicity in vitro, comparable with the control viruses expressing intact ICP6, but in relatively lower titers. Moreover, these mutant viruses exhibited preferential killing ability against lung tumor cells rather than normal lung fibroblast cells. Further, unlike the control HSV‐1 causing severe illness or death in the mouse model, the ICP6‐mutated viruses did not induce significant pathogenicity but instead effectively reduced tumor burden in vivo and led to 100% survival of the animals, indicating notable antitumor activity and attenuated virulence. In addition, rHSV1/∆RR seemed to have even better antitumor efficacy than rHSV1/∆ICP6, albeit no statistical significance in inhibition of tumor volume. Histopathologically, rHSV1/∆RR induced massive neutrophil infiltration to the tumor microenvironment and consistently, triggered more antitumor immune and neutrophil chemotactic cytokines or higher expression levels of them (indicated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and transcriptome analyses). These results demonstrate the anti‐adenocarcinoma potential of the CRISPR/Cas9‐engineered ICP6 mutant HSV1, especially the rHSV1/∆RR, which likely induces stronger innate antitumor immune response. Together, these findings may provide new valuable clues for further development of OV‐based therapeutics against lung adenocarcinoma or other types of tumors.
ELANE neutropenia and solid tumors: Four cases from the French severe chronic neutropenia registry
Authors: Donadieu Jean , Bou Mitri Fares , Beaupain Blandine , Alajidi Nathalie , Viallard Jean Francois , Paih Jean‐Philippe Le , Yacoub Mokrane , Leblanc Thierry , Quero Laurent , Rouland Alexia , Labbe Louis , Deback Claire , Bellanne‐Chantelot Christine , Emile Jean‐François
Published: August 2022

Neutropenia related to ELANE gene mutations predisposes patients to infection and leukemia/myelodysplasia, but little is known about the predisposition to cancer. Among a cohort of 147 patients, we identified four with malignant solid tumors (papillary thyroid cancer, anal squamous cell cancer, papillary renal cell carcinoma, and adrenocortical carcinoma), all aged 25–50 years. Three occurred with cyclic neutropenia, and one occurred with severe chronic neutropenia. Previous radiotherapy was identified as a risk factor in one patient. No genetic predisposition was identified in the three other patients.
Fumarate‐co‐PEG‐co‐sebacate photopolymer and its evaluation as a drug release system
Authors: Vaillard Victoria A. , Trentino Alesandro I. , Navarro Lucila , Vaillard Santiago E.
Published: August 2022

Fumarate‐co‐PEG‐co‐sebacates with different fumaric/sebacic acid ratios are prepared by a simple thermal polycondensation reaction using p‐toluensulfonic acid as catalyst. These polymeric precursors are purified by washing with an appropriate organic solvent and the dried materials were photocured to yield elastic films under mild conditions. The properties of polymeric precursors and elastic materials are studied in detail and correlated with fumaric acid/sebacic acid ratios used in the thermal esterification reactions. It is shown that a higher amount of sebacic in the starting polymer leads to softer final film materials, with lower Tg and G' values, which also show higher degradation rates in vitro. Finally, the films are also evaluated as drug release carriers for in vitro release of Cephalexin and Progesterone. The results obtained in these studies indicate that the careful tailoring of the fumaric acid/sebacic acid ratio in the esterification reaction allows to finely tune the thermal, mechanical a degradation properties of the final cross‐linked elastic films.
Receiving the Enemy: Involuntary Hospitality and Prisoners of War in Denmark and Sweden, 1700–1721
Authors: Blomqvist Olof
Published: August 2022

This chapter studies how host communities in the Danish town of Aarhus and the Swedish town of Uppsala approached the question of providing security in everyday interaction with prisoners of war during the Great Northern War (1700–1721). Blomqvist argues that the prisoner policy of the Danish and Swedish crown tapped into established systems of public hospitality, modeled on the billeting of military personnel. The crown employed norms of hospitality to mobilize local resources for the war effort, delegating the cost of feeding and guarding the prisoners onto the host community. At the same time, negotiations between the state and the host community regarding the legitimacy of the prisoner policy redefined the very notions of hospitality. The prisoner policy relinquished the idea that public hospitality was founded on a fundamental solidarity between members of the community of the realm. Prisoners of war were entitled to hospitality, despite the fact that they were not members of the realm, but, quite the opposite, identified as enemies. Instead, the prisoners were expected to compensate their host by performing labor. Through service arrangements, the prisoners were formally placed in a subordinate position to their hosts and employers, expected to serve and obey. This negotiated hospitality served both as an integrative and an excluding force in the two towns.
A digital health program for treatment of urinary incontinence: retrospective review of real-world user data
Authors: Keyser Laura E. , McKinney Jessica L. , Pulliam Samantha J. , Weinstein Milena M.
Published: August 2022

Introduction and hypothesis

To determine the effectiveness of a prescription digital therapeutic (pDTx) in reducing urinary incontinence (UI) symptoms in real-world users.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of real-world data from users of a pDTx designed to guide pelvic floor muscle training(PFMT) between July 1, 2020–December 31, 2021. The primary outcome was UI symptom change as reported via in-app Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6). Included subjects were female, ≥ 18 years with a diagnosis of stress, urgency, or mixed UI who completed the UDI-6 at baseline and 8 weeks. Demographic, symptom, and adherence data were summarized. Paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used to analyze change in outcomes from baseline to 8 weeks across adherence and UI diagnosis groups.

Results

Of 532 women with UI, 265 (50%) met criteria and were included in the analysis. Mean age was 51.2 ± 11.5 years (range 22–84, N = 265). Mean body mass index (BMI) was 27.3 ± 6.2 kg/m2 (range 15.2–46.9, N = 147). Most participants had stress UI (59%) followed by mixed UI (22%), urgency UI/OAB (11%), and unspecified UI (8%). UDI-6 scores improved by 13.90 ± 15.53 (p ≤ 0.001); 62% met or exceeded MCID. Device-reported PFMT adherence was 72% at 4 weeks and 66% at 8 weeks (100% = 14 uses/week). Participants in each diagnosis category reported significant improvement on UDI-6 score from baseline to 8 weeks. No association between UDI-6 score improvement and adherence category, age, BMI, or UI subtype was identified.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates effectiveness of a pDTx in reducing UI symptoms in a real-world setting. Users achieved statistically and clinically significant symptom improvement over an 8-week period.
Efficacy and safety of 1565-nm non-ablative fractional laser versus long-pulsed 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser in treating enlarged facial pores
Authors: Wang Ying , Zheng Yuxin , Cai Suiqing
Published: August 2022

Facial pores are visible openings of pilosebaceous follicles, and they are one of the major factors influencing facial skin appearance. This article aims to evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of 1565-nm non-ablative fractional laser (NAFL) and long-pulsed 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser (LPNY) in treating enlarged facial pores. All subjects were treated with NAFL on their left faces and LPNY on their right. Five treatments were administered at 2-week intervals, with one follow-up session 2 months after the final treatment. Treatment efficacy was evaluated by subjective (pore improvement and subject satisfaction ratings) assessments and objective (pore number) assessments. At each appointment, any side effects or complications were recorded to evaluate the safety of the two lasers. A total of 18 individuals participated in this study. At the 2-month follow-up, NAFL and LPNY sides had significant reduction in pores (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the mean number of pore reductions on either side (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in pore improvement ratings and satisfaction ratings between the two sides (p > 0.05 and p > 0.05, respectively). Both lasers showed minimal side effects. Both lasers effectively treated enlarged facial pores and were well tolerated. The side effects of the 1064-nm LPNY were less severe than those of the 1565-nm NAFL. ClinicalTrial.gov Identifier: NCT05360043.
Cardiotoxicity among socioeconomically marginalized breast cancer patients
Authors: Lu Yan , Gehr Aaron W. , Anikpo Ifedioranma , Meadows Rachel J. , Craten Kevin J. , Narra Kalyani , Lingam Anuradha , Kamath Sandeep , Tanna Bhavna , Ghabach Bassam , Ojha Rohit P.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Evidence of cardiotoxicity risk related to anthracycline or trastuzumab exposure is largely derived from breast cancer cohorts that under-represent socioeconomically marginalized women, who may be at increased risk of cardiotoxicity because of high prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors. Therefore, we aimed to estimate cardiotoxicity risk among socioeconomically marginalized breast cancer patients treated with anthracyclines or trastuzumab and describe clinical consequences of cardiotoxicity.

Methods

We linked electronic health records with institutional registry data from a Comprehensive Community Cancer Program within a safety-net health system. Eligible patients were adult females, diagnosed with first primary invasive breast cancer between 2013 and 2017, and initiated anthracyclines or trastuzumab as part of first-line therapy. We estimated cumulative incidence (risk) of cardiotoxicity with corresponding 95% confidence limits (CL) using the Aalen-Johansen estimator with death as competing risk.

Results

Our study population comprised 169 women with breast cancer (103 initiated anthracyclines and 66 initiated trastuzumab). Cumulative incidence of cardiotoxicity was 21% (95% CL: 12%, 32%) at one year and 25% (95% CL: 15%, 35%) at three years among women who initiated trastuzumab, whereas cumulative incidence was 3.9% (95% CL: 1.3%, 8.9%) at one year and 5.9% (95% CL: 2.4%, 12%) at three years among women who initiated anthracyclines. More than half of patients with cardiotoxicity experienced interruption of cancer treatment.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest high risk of cardiotoxicity among socioeconomically marginalized breast cancer patients after initiation of anthracyclines or trastuzumab. Strategies are needed for optimizing cancer treatment effectiveness while minimizing cardiotoxicity in this population.
Effects of long-term ethanol storage of blood samples on the estimation of telomere length
Authors: Precioso Marta , Molina-Morales Mercedes , Dawson Deborah A. , Burke Terry A. , Martínez Juan G.
Published: August 2022

Telomeres, DNA structures located at the end of eukaryotic chromosomes, shorten with each cellular cycle. The shortening rate is affected by factors associated with stress, and, thus telomere length has been used as a biomarker of ageing, disease, and different life history trade-offs. Telomere research has received much attention in the last decades, however there is still a wide variety of factors that may affect telomere measurements and to date no study has thoroughly evaluated the possible long-term effect of a storage medium on telomere measurements. In this study we evaluated the long-term effects of ethanol on relative telomere length (RTL) measured by qPCR, using blood samples of magpies collected over twelve years and stored in absolute ethanol at room temperature. We firstly tested whether storage time had an effect on RTL and secondly we modelled the effect of time of storage (from 1 to 12 years) in differences in RTL from DNA extracted twice in consecutive years from the same blood sample. We also tested whether individual amplification efficiencies were influenced by storage time, and whether this could affect our results. Our study provides evidence of an effect of storage time on telomere length measurements. Importantly, this effect shows a pattern of decreasing loss of telomere sequence with storage time that stops after approximate 4 years of storage, which suggests that telomeres may degrade in blood samples stored in ethanol. Our method to quantify the effect of storage time could be used to evaluate other storage buffers and methods. Our results highlight the need to evaluate the long-term effects of storage on telomere measurements, particularly in long-term studies.
Left Behind and United by Populism? Populism’s Multiple Roots in Feelings of Lacking Societal Recognition
Authors: Steiner Nils D. , Schimpf Christian H. , Wuttke Alexander
Published: August 2022

A prominent but underspecified explanation for the rise of populism points to individuals’ feelings of being “left behind” by the development of society. At its core lies the claim that support for populism is driven by the feeling of lacking the societal recognition one deserves. Our contribution builds on the insight that individuals can feel they lack recognition in different ways and for different reasons. We argue that—because of this multifaceted character—the common perception of being neglected by society unites otherwise heterogeneous segments of the population in their support for populism. Relying on data from the German Longitudinal Election Study (GLES) Pre-Election Cross-Section 2021, our preregistered study investigated the multiple roots of populist attitudes in feelings of lacking societal recognition in two steps. First, our results indicate that, from rural residents to sociocultural conservatives or low-income citizens, seemingly unrelated segments of society harbor feelings of lacking recognition, but for distinct reasons. Second, as anticipated, each of the distinct feelings of lacking recognition are associated with populist attitudes. These findings underscore the relevance of seemingly unpolitical factors that are deeply ingrained in the human psyche for understanding current populist sentiment. Overall, by integrating previously disparate perspectives on the rise of populism, the study offers a novel conceptualization of “feeling left behind” and explains how populism can give rise to unusual alliances that cut across traditional cleavages.
Wie bewerten begabte und leistungsstarke Jugendliche in separaten Spezialklassen ihren Unterricht? Unterrichtsqualität in Deutsch und Mathematik in der Sekundarstufe
Authors: Vock Miriam , Gronostaj Anna , Kretschmann Julia , Westphal Andrea
Published: August 2022

Leistungsstarke und besonders begabte Schüler*innen werden im Unterricht oft nicht genügend gefordert. In speziellen Klassen für besonders Leistungsstarke und Begabte kann der Unterricht stärker auf die Lernmöglichkeiten dieser Gruppe zugeschnitten werden. Spezialklassen gelten insgesamt als leistungsförderlich, Studien zur Unterrichtsqualität sind bisher jedoch rar. In dieser Studie wird untersucht, wie Schüler*innen der Leistungs- und Begabungsklassen (LuBK) im Land Brandenburg die Qualität ihres Unterrichts in Deutsch und Mathematik im Vergleich zu Schüler*innen von Regelklassen einschätzen. Die Datenbasis bildenN = 3371 Schüler*innen der 8. und 10. Jahrgangsstufe aus 33 Schulen. Mittels Fragebögen wurden Merkmale der Unterrichtsqualität nach dem QuAIT-Modell erfragt; die Datenanalyse erfolgte mit regressionsanalytischen Mehrebenenmodellen. Die Schüler*innen der LuBK bewerten die Qualität ihres Unterrichts überwiegend positiver als die Schüler*innen der Regelklassen, Defizite zeigen sich jedoch in beiden Klassentypen bei den Qualitätsmerkmalen der inneren Differenzierung und der Mitsprache bei Unterrichtsthemen.
How to improve superlubricity performance of diketone at steel interface: Effects of oxygen gas
Authors: Jiang Yuanyuan , Chen Lei , Xiao Chen , Zhang Shumin , Zhang Chenhui , Zhou Ningning , Qin Tao , Qian Linmao , Zhang Jiyang
Published: August 2022

Achievement of steady and reliable super-low friction at the steel/steel contact interface, one of the most tribological systems applied for mechanical moving parts, is of importance for prolonging machine lifetime and reducing energy consumption. Here we reported that the superlubricity performance of the steel/steel sliding interface lubricated with tiny amounts of diketone solution strongly depends on the oxygen content in surrounding environment. The increase of oxygen not only significantly shortens the initial running-in time but also further reduces the stable coefficient of friction in superlubricity stage due to the enhancement of tribochemical reactions. On the one hand, more severe oxidation wear occurring at higher oxygen content facilitates material removal of the contact interface, lowering the contact pressure and the corresponding initial friction. On the other hand, the growth of iron ions during the shear process in high oxygen environment promotes the formation of chelate which acted as an effective lubricated film chemisorbed at the steel/steel friction interface to further lower the interfacial friction. The results provide a new opportunity to further optimize the tribological performance of diketone superlubricity system, especially towards the lubrication of mechanical engineering materials.
Theory of gradient drift instabilities in low-temperature, partially magnetised plasmas
Authors: Hara Kentaro , Mansour Adnan R. , Tsikata Sedina
Published: August 2022

A fluid dispersion theory in partially magnetised plasmas is analysed to examine the conditions under which large-wavelength modes develop in Penning-type configurations, that is, where an electric field is imposed perpendicular to a homogeneous magnetic field. The fluid dispersion relation assuming a slab geometry shows that two types of low-frequency, gradient drift instabilities occur in the direction of the

$\boldsymbol {E} \times \boldsymbol {B}$

and diamagnetic drifts. One type of instability, observed when the equilibrium electric field and plasma density gradient are in the same direction, is similar to the classic modified Simon–Hoh instability. A second instability is found for conditions in which (i) the diamagnetic drift is in the direction opposite to the

$\boldsymbol {E} \times \boldsymbol {B}$

drift and (ii) the magnitude of the diamagnetic drift is sufficiently larger than the electron thermal speed. The present fluid dispersion theory suggests that the rotating spokes driven by such fluid instabilities propagate in the same direction as the diamagnetic drift, which can be in the same direction as or opposite to the

$\boldsymbol {E} \times \boldsymbol {B}$

drift, depending on the plasma conditions. This finding may account for the observation, in some plasma devices, of the rotation of large-scale structures in both the

$\boldsymbol {E} \times \boldsymbol {B}$

and

$-\boldsymbol {E} \times \boldsymbol {B}$

directions.
Degree sequences of sufficiently dense random uniform hypergraphs
Authors: Greenhill Catherine , Isaev Mikhail , Makai Tamás , McKay Brendan D.
Published: August 2022

We find an asymptotic enumeration formula for the number of simple
$r$
-uniform hypergraphs with a given degree sequence, when the number of edges is sufficiently large. The formula is given in terms of the solution of a system of equations. We give sufficient conditions on the degree sequence which guarantee existence of a solution to this system. Furthermore, we solve the system and give an explicit asymptotic formula when the degree sequence is close to regular. This allows us to establish several properties of the degree sequence of a random
$r$
-uniform hypergraph with a given number of edges. More specifically, we compare the degree sequence of a random
$r$
-uniform hypergraph with a given number edges to certain models involving sequences of binomial or hypergeometric random variables conditioned on their sum.
Whole exome and genome sequencing in mendelian disorders: a diagnostic and health economic analysis
Authors: Ewans Lisa J. , Minoche Andre E. , Schofield Deborah , Shrestha Rupendra , Puttick Clare , Zhu Ying , Drew Alexander , Gayevskiy Velimir , Elakis George , Walsh Corrina , Adès Lesley C. , Colley Alison , Ellaway Carolyn , Evans Carey-Anne , Freckmann Mary-Louise , Goodwin Linda , Hackett Anna , Kamien Benjamin , Kirk Edwin P. , Lipke Michelle , Mowat David , Palmer Elizabeth , Rajagopalan Sulekha , Ronan Anne , Sachdev Rani , Stevenson William , Turner Anne , Wilson Meredith , Worgan Lisa , Morel-Kopp Marie-Christine , Field Michael , Buckley Michael F. , Cowley Mark J. , Dinger Marcel E. , Roscioli Tony
Published: August 2022

Whole genome sequencing (WGS) improves Mendelian disorder diagnosis over whole exome sequencing (WES); however, additional diagnostic yields and costs remain undefined. We investigated differences between diagnostic and cost outcomes of WGS and WES in a cohort with suspected Mendelian disorders. WGS was performed in 38 WES-negative families derived from a 64 family Mendelian cohort that previously underwent WES. For new WGS diagnoses, contemporary WES reanalysis determined whether variants were diagnosable by original WES or unique to WGS. Diagnostic rates were estimated for WES and WGS to simulate outcomes if both had been applied to the 64 families. Diagnostic costs were calculated for various genomic testing scenarios. WGS diagnosed 34% (13/38) of WES-negative families. However, contemporary WES reanalysis on average 2 years later would have diagnosed 18% (7/38 families) resulting in a WGS-specific diagnostic yield of 19% (6/31 remaining families). In WES-negative families, the incremental cost per additional diagnosis using WGS following WES reanalysis was AU$36,710 (£19,407;US$23,727) and WGS alone was AU$41,916 (£22,159;US$27,093) compared to WES-reanalysis. When we simulated the use of WGS alone as an initial genomic test, the incremental cost for each additional diagnosis was AU$29,708 (£15,705;US$19,201) whereas contemporary WES followed by WGS was AU$36,710 (£19,407;US$23,727) compared to contemporary WES. Our findings confirm that WGS is the optimal genomic test choice for maximal diagnosis in Mendelian disorders. However, accepting a small reduction in diagnostic yield, WES with subsequent reanalysis confers the lowest costs. Whether WES or WGS is utilised will depend on clinical scenario and local resourcing and availability.
Diverse reactivity of alkynes in C–H activation reactions
Authors: Banjare Shyam Kumar , Mahulkar Pranav Shridhar , Nanda Tanmayee , Pati Bedadyuti Vedvyas , Najiar Lamphiza O. , Ravikumar Ponneri C.
Published: August 2022

The metal–carbon bond generated through C–H activation is a key organometallic intermediate, which could be further functionalized with various reacting partners. Among the various coupling partners used in metal-catalysed C–H activation, alkynes occupy a prominent position on account of their varied reactivity.
Addressing big data challenges in mass spectrometry-based metabolomics
Authors: Guo Jian , Yu Huaxu , Xing Shipei , Huan Tao
Published: August 2022

This work elaborates on a suite of bioinformatics solutions developed in the Huan lab to address big-data challenges in metabolomics.
Transcriptionally amplified synthesis of fluorogenic RNA aptamers for label-free DNA glycosylase assay
Authors: Ma Fei , Liu Ya-Zhen , Liu Meng , Qiu Jian-Ge , Zhang Chun-Yang
Published: August 2022

We demonstrate the base excision-controlled amplified synthesis of fluorogenic RNA for label-free biosensing of uracil-DNA glycosylase.
Sustainable solid form screening: mechanochemical control over nucleobase hydrogen-bonded organic framework polymorphism
Authors: Stolar Tomislav , Alić Jasna , Lončarić Ivor , Etter Martin , Jung Dahee , Farha Omar K. , Đilović Ivica , Meštrović Ernest , Užarević Krunoslav
Published: August 2022

The choice is yours! Liquid-assisted grinding can be used to control HOF polymorphism.
Kinetic model for moisture-controlled CO2 sorption
Authors: Kaneko Yuta , Lackner Klaus S.
Published: August 2022

We derived a kinetic model for moisture-controlled CO2 sorption using a bottom-up approach and applied it to the experimental characterization of a sorbent.
Probing the electronic structure and photophysics of thiophene–diketopyrrolopyrrole derivatives in solution
Authors: Polak Daniel W. , do Casal Mariana T. , Toldo Josene M. , Hu Xiantao , Amoruso Giordano , Pomeranc Olivia , Heeney Martin , Barbatti Mario , Ashfold Michael N. R. , Oliver Thomas A. A.
Published: August 2022

The interplay of two excited electronic states dictates the ultrafast dynamics and functionality of thiophene-diketopyrrolopyrrole derivatives.
Analytical representation for the numerical ephemeris of Titan within short time spans
Authors: Xi X. J. , Vienne A.
Published: August 2022

Context. Numerical integration ephemerides are widely used in research and engineering for their high precision. However, subject to their finite available time spans, their use is limited in theoretical research, such as the studies of rotation and evolution. Previously, we successfully experimented on the analytical representation of the mean longitude of Titan of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) ephemeris, as a function of combinations of proper frequencies, and related the results with what is given in the synthetic ephemerides obtained by the Théorie Analytique des Satellites de Saturne (TASS).

Aims. In this study, the analytical representations of the other osculating elements of the JPL Titan ephemeris are accomplished in order to construct the new synthetic representations, which have the advantages of both systems: long-lasting stability, the system details of TASS, and the high precision of JPL.

Methods. A frequency analysis process was used to obtain the proper frequencies, amplitudes, and phases of the two ephemerides in the short term and the semi-long terms. For the proper frequency of the ascending node of Titan, which has a very long period, it is challenging to acquire the exact value, and the formula of TASS was used. The amplitude and phase of long terms were further calculated by a least-squares procedure.

Results. Thanks to the accomplishments of the new synthetic representations of the JPL ephemeris, we report the complete combinations of the osculating elements of Titan. These combinations contain important dynamical information such as the proper frequencies. They will be useful in the theoretical research.
Facilitating ab initio configurational sampling of multicomponent solids using an on-lattice neural network model and active learning
Authors: Kasamatsu Shusuke , Motoyama Yuichi , Yoshimi Kazuyoshi , Matsumoto Ushio , Kuwabara Akihide , Ogawa Takafumi
Published: August 2022

We propose a scheme for ab initio configurational sampling in multicomponent crystalline solids using Behler–Parinello type neural network potentials (NNPs) in an unconventional way: the NNPs are trained to predict the energies of relaxed structures from the perfect lattice with configurational disorder instead of the usual way of training to predict energies as functions of continuous atom coordinates. An active learning scheme is employed to obtain a training set containing configurations of thermodynamic relevance. This enables bypassing of the structural relaxation procedure that is necessary when applying conventional NNP approaches to the lattice configuration problem. The idea is demonstrated on the calculation of the temperature dependence of the degree of A/B site inversion in three spinel oxides, MgAl2O4, ZnAl2O4, and MgGa2O4. The present scheme may serve as an alternative to cluster expansion for “difficult” systems, e.g., complex bulk or interface systems with many components and sublattices that are relevant to many technological applications today.
High quality SiO2/diamond interface in O-terminated p-type diamond MOS capacitors
Authors: Cañas J. , Dussarrat C. , Teramoto T. , Masante C. , Gutierrez M. , Gheeraert E.
Published: August 2022

Metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) capacitors were fabricated based on oxygen-terminated p-type (100) oriented diamond and SiO2 grown by atomic layer deposition. A detailed electrical characterization consisting of I–V, C–V, and C–F was performed in order to analyze the electrical properties of the structure. The MOS capacitor presented no detectable leakage current in forward and very low leakage current in reverse sustaining at least 6 MV/cm without degradation. The C–V measurements showed depletion and deep depletion regimes in forward and accumulation regimes in reverse, with a low density of interface states of ∼1011 cm−2 along the diamond bandgap. The latter results were further validated by conductance and capacitance vs frequency measurements.
Mode hybridization in DNA-inspired helical metamaterials with variable centro-asymmetry
Authors: Kim Gunho , Coimbra Kaila M. Y. , Daraio Chiara
Published: August 2022

We study helical acoustic metamaterials and demonstrate the ability to vary the materials' dispersion properties by controlling geometrical structure and mass distribution. By locally adding eccentric, higher density elements in the unit cells, we perturb the moment of inertia of the system and introduce centro-asymmetry. This allows controlling the degree of mode coupling and the width of subwavelength bandgaps in the dispersion relation, which are the product of enhanced local resonance hybridization. We characterize the distinct normal modes in our metamaterials using finite element simulations and analytically quantify the coupling between each mode. The evolution of acoustic bandgaps induced by the increasing level of centro-asymmetry is experimentally validated with 3D-printed structures.
Peeling in generalized harmonic gauge
Authors: Duarte Miguel , Feng Justin , Gasperín Edgar , Hilditch David
Published: August 2022

It is shown that a large class of systems of non-linear wave equations, based on the good–bad–ugly model, admit formal solutions with polyhomogeneous expansions near null infinity. A particular set of variables is introduced which allows us to write the Einstein field equations in generalized harmonic gauge (GHG) as a good–bad–ugly system and the functional form of the first few orders in such an expansion is found by applying the aforementioned result. Exploiting these formal expansions of the metric components, the peeling property of the Weyl tensor is revisited. The question addressed is whether or not the use of GHG, by itself, causes a violation of peeling. Working in harmonic gauge, it is found that log-terms that prevent the Weyl tensor from peeling do appear. The impact of gauge source functions and constraint additions on the peeling property is then considered. Finally, the special interplay between gauge and constraint addition, as well as its influence on the asymptotic system and the decay of each of the metric components, is exploited to find a particular gauge which suppresses this specific type of log-term to arbitrarily high order.
Self-energy corrected DFT-NEGF for conductance in molecular junctions: an accurate and efficient implementation for TRANSIESTA package applied to Au electrodes
Authors: Fallaque Joel G , Rodríguez-González Sandra , Martín Fernando , Díaz Cristina
Published: August 2022

In view of the development and the importance that the studies of conductance through molecular junctions is acquiring, robust, reliable and easy-to-use theoretical tools are the most required. Here, we present an efficient implementation of the self-energy correction to density functional theory non-equilibrium Green functions method for TRANSIESTA package. We have assessed the validity of our implementation using as benchmark systems a family of acene complexes with increasing number of aromatic rings and several anchoring groups. Our theoretical results show an excellent agreement with experimentally available measurements assuring the robustness and accuracy of our implementation.
Accessibility and use of novel methods for predicting physical activity and energy expenditure using accelerometry: a scoping review
Authors: Pfeiffer Karin A , Clevenger Kimberly A , Kaplan Andrew , Van Camp Cailyn A , Strath Scott J , Montoye Alexander H K
Published: August 2022

Use of raw acceleration data and/or ‘novel’ analytic approaches like machine learning for physical activity measurement will not be widely implemented if methods are not accessible to researchers. Objective: This scoping review characterizes the validation approach, accessibility and use of novel analytic techniques for classifying energy expenditure and/or physical activity intensity using raw or count-based accelerometer data. Approach: Three databases were searched for articles published between January 2000 and February 2021. Use of each method was coded from a list of citing articles compiled from Google Scholar. Authors’ provision of access to the model (e.g., by request, sample code) was recorded. Main Results: Studies (N = 168) included adults (n = 143), and/or children (n = 38). Model use ranged from 0 to 27 uses/year (average 0.83) with 101 models that have never been used. Approximately half of uses occurred in a free-living setting (52%) and/or by other authors (56%). Over half of included articles (n = 107) did not provide complete access to their model. Sixty-one articles provided access to their method by including equations, coefficients, cut-points, or decision trees in the paper (n = 48) and/or by providing access to code (n = 13). Significance: The proliferation of approaches for analyzing accelerometer data outpaces the use of these models in practice. As less than half of the developed models are made accessible, it is unsurprising that so many models are not used by other researchers. We encourage researchers to make their models available and accessible for better harmonization of methods and improved capabilities for device-based physical activity measurement.
Label noise and self-learning label correction in cardiac abnormalities classification
Authors: Gallego Vázquez Cristina , Breuss Alexander , Gnarra Oriella , Portmann Julian , Madaffari Antonio , Da Poian Giulia
Published: August 2022

Objective. Learning to classify cardiac abnormalities requires large and high-quality labeled datasets, which is a challenge in medical applications. Small datasets from various sources are often aggregated to meet this requirement, resulting in a final dataset prone to label noise due to inter- and intra-observer variability and different expertise. It is well known that label noise can affect the performance and generalizability of the trained models. In this work, we explore the impact of label noise and self-learning label correction on the classification of cardiac abnormalities on large heterogeneous datasets of electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. Approach. A state-of-the-art self-learning multi-class label correction method for image classification is adapted to learn a multi-label classifier for electrocardiogram signals. We evaluated our performance using 5-fold cross-validation on the publicly available PhysioNet/Computing in Cardiology (CinC) 2021 Challenge data, with full and reduced sets of leads. Due to the unknown label noise in the testing set, we tested our approach on the MNIST dataset. We investigated the performance under different levels of structured label noise for both datasets. Main results. Under high levels of noise, the cross-validation results of self-learning label correction show an improvement of approximately 3% in the challenge score for the PhysioNet/CinC 2021 Challenge dataset and an improvement in accuracy of 5% and reduction of the expected calibration error of 0.03 for the MNIST dataset. We demonstrate that self-learning label correction can be used to effectively deal with the presence of unknown label noise, also when using a reduced number of ECG leads.
Quantum control and quantum speed limits in supersymmetric potentials
Authors: Campbell C , Li J , Busch Th , Fogarty T
Published: August 2022

Supersymmetry allows one to build a hierarchy of Hamiltonians that share the same spectral properties and which are pairwise connected through common super-potentials. The iso-spectral properties of these Hamiltonians imply that the dynamics and therefore control of different eigenstates are connected through supersymmetric intertwining relations. In this work we explore how this enables one to study general dynamics, shortcuts to adiabaticity and quantum speed limits for distinct states of different supersymmetric partner potentials by using the infinite box as an example.
Mitigation of plasma–wall interactions with low-Z powders in DIII-D high confinement plasmas
Authors: Effenberg F. , Bortolon A. , Casali L. , Nazikian R. , Bykov I. , Scotti F. , Wang H.Q. , Fenstermacher M.E. , Lunsford R. , Nagy A. , Grierson B.A. , Laggner F.M. , Maingi R. , the DIII-D Team
Published: August 2022

Experiments with low-Z powder injection in DIII-D high confinement discharges demonstrated increased divertor dissipation and detachment while maintaining good core energy confinement. Lithium (Li), boron (B), and boron nitride (BN) powders were injected in H-mode plasmas (I
p = 1 MA, B
t = 2 T, P
NB = 6 MW, ⟨n
e⟩ = 3.6–5.0 ⋅ 1019 m−3) into the upper small-angle slot divertor for 2 s intervals at constant rates of 3–204 mg s−1. The multi-species BN powders at a rate of 54 mg s−1 showed the most substantial increase in divertor neutral compression by more than an order of magnitude and lasting detachment with minor degradation of the stored magnetic energy W
mhd by 5%. Rates of 204 mg s−1 of boron nitride powder further reduce edge localized mode-fluxes on the divertor but also cause a drop in confinement performance by 24% due to the onset of an n = 2 tearing mode. The application of powders also showed a substantial improvement of wall conditions manifesting in reduced wall fueling source and intrinsic carbon and oxygen content in response to the cumulative injection of non-recycling materials. The results suggest that low-Z powder injection, including mixed element compounds, is a promising new core-edge compatible technique that simultaneously enables divertor detachment and improves wall conditions during high confinement operation.
How has the North Pacific Gyre Oscillation affected peak season tropical cyclone genesis over the western North Pacific from 1965 to 2020?
Authors: Dai Yifei , Wang Bin , Wei Na , Song Jinjie , Duan Yihong
Published: August 2022

The North Pacific Gyre Oscillation (NPGO) is an important mode of decadal variability in North Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) and sea surface height. This study investigated the potential influence of the NPGO on spatial characteristics of peak season (July to October) tropical cyclone genesis (TCG) number over the western North Pacific (WNP) from 1965 to 2020. We show that the NPGO was the first leading empirical orthogonal function mode of North Pacific SST during the peak tropical cyclone season in that time. On a decadal time scale, the NPGO has opposite impacts on TCG in the west and east WNP. The relatively weak positive correlation west of 140° E and the strong negative correlation east of 140° E result in an overall significant negative correlation between the NPGO and WNP total TCG number (r = −0.49), which is much more robust than the relationship between the Pacific Decadal Oscillation and TCG. The critical factors of the NPGO that affect TCG are vertical motion in the west WNP and vertical wind shear (VWS) in the east WNP. The positive NPGO pattern could induce an anomalous off-equatorial vertical circulation, resulting in an upward motion and increased convective precipitation in the west WNP, favoring local TCG. The anomalous convective precipitation enhances the zonal gradient of the atmospheric heat source in the east WNP, increasing VWS. The North Pacific low-level anticyclonic and upper-level cyclonic associated with the NPGO further enhance the VWS in the east WNP and lead to the negative low-level relative vorticity, inhibiting local TCG. This study emphasizes the importance of the climate impact of the NPGO in recent decades. The findings here have significant implications for the decadal prediction of change in WNP TCG.
Dipole dynamics in the point vortex model
Authors: Lydon Karl , Nazarenko Sergey V , Laurie Jason
Published: August 2022

At the very heart of turbulent fluid flows are many interacting vortices that produce a chaotic and seemingly unpredictable velocity field. Gaining new insight into the complex motion of vortices and how they can lead to topological changes of flows is of fundamental importance in our strive to understand turbulence. Our aim is form an understanding of vortex interactions by investigating the dynamics of point vortex dipoles interacting with a hierarchy of vortex structures using the idealized point vortex model. Motivated by its close analogy to the dynamics of quantum vortices in Bose–Einstein condensates, we present new results on dipole size evolution, stability properties of vortex clusters, and the role of dipole–cluster interactions in turbulent mixing in 2D quantum turbulence. In particular, we discover a mechanism of rapid cluster disintegration analogous to a time-reversed self-similar vortex collapse solution.
Regulation of primary seed dormancy by MAJOR LATEX PROTEIN-LIKE PROTEIN329 in Arabidopsis is dependent on DNA-BINDING ONE ZINC FINGER6
Authors: Chong Sher Ney , Ravindran Pratibha , Kumar Prakash P
Published: August 2022

Seeds exhibit primary dormancy to prevent germination under unfavourable conditions. Previous studies have shown that the gibberellin signalling intermediate RGA-LIKE2 (RGL2) forms a transcription factor complex with DNA-BINDING ONE ZINC FINGER6 (DOF6) in regulating seed dormancy in Arabidopsis. Using an RNA-sequencing approach, we identified MAJOR LATEX PROTEIN-LIKE PROTEIN329 (MLP329) as a downstream target of DOF6. MLP329 was found to be a positive regulator of primary seed dormancy, because freshly harvested unstratified mlp329 mutant seeds showed early germination, while unstratified transgenic seeds overexpressing MLP329 showed poor germination. MLP329 expression level was reduced in wild-type seeds upon dry storage and cold stratification. MLP329 expression level was enhanced by DOF6; however, DOF6-dependent MLP329 expression was suppressed in the presence of RGL2. MLP329 expression was enhanced in seeds treated with ABA and auxin IAA. Moreover, the mlp329 mutant seeds exhibited enhanced expression of the GA biosynthetic gene GA1 and suppression of the ABA biosynthetic gene ZEP compared to the overexpression lines. The observed suppression of DOF6-dependent MLP329 expression by RGL2 reveals a possible negative feedback mechanism to modulate seed dormancy. MLP329 also probably enhances the endogenous ABA/GA ratio to positively regulate primary seed dormancy.
The tumor‐repressing effect of CYP27A1 on renal cell carcinoma by 27‐HC arising from cholesterol metabolism
Authors: Zhang Xingming , Yin Xiaoxue , Dai Jindong , Sun Guangxi , Zhang Haoran , Liang Jiayu , Zhao Jinge , Zhu Sha , Chen Junru , Zhu Xudong , Ni Yuchao , Wang Zhipeng , Liu Zhenhua , Chen Ni , Shen Pengfei , Zeng Hao
Published: August 2022

As a key approach to mediate cholesterol metabolism, the role of the CYP27A1/27‐HC axis in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains unclear. Analysis of CYP27A1 expression from public databases and metastatic cases in our center suggested that CYP27A1 was obviously downregulated in RCC tissues, and survival analysis further showed its correlation with favorable clinicopathological features and prognosis. In vitro, up and downregulation of CYP27A1 expression in RCC cell lines could definitely illustrate its anticipation involving apoptosis, proliferation, invasion, migration, and clonality. This could be achieved through upregulation of 27‐HC concentration, which mediates the activation of signaling pathways of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Further, recovery of CYP27A1 expression could definitely inhibit the proliferation of RCC tumors in vivo. This is the first study to explore the role of the CYP27A1/27‐HC axis in RCC. Attempts to maintain the normal function of the axis may be a potential strategy in the treatment of RCC, and the predictive value of CYP27A1 detection on the efficacy of targeted therapy in metastatic RCC is also worthy of attention.
Disseminated Nocardia otitidiscaviarum presenting as septic arthritis in a nephrotic syndrome patient on immunosuppressants
Authors: Albuni Mhd Kutaiba , Kanjo Wael , El Siddig Awadelkarim Hussein Abdelrahman , Lutf Abdo Qaid Ahmed , Al Samawi Musaed Saad A. , Petkar Hawabibee Mahir
Published: August 2022

Rationale:

Septic arthritis due to Nocardia is rare, with Nocardia otitidiscaviarum being the rarest Nocardia species isolated from septic arthritis.

Patient concerns:

Here we present a case of a 47-year-old man with a history of nephrotic syndrome on active treatment who developed signs and symptoms of septic arthritis.

Diagnosis:

Initial Laboratory test results showed high inflammatory markers, Right knee joint ultrasound revealed effusion. Therefore, knee arthrocentesis was performed, which revealed a milky orange fluid that grew gram-positive branching forms identified as moderate Nocardia otitidiscaviarum. Despite being asymptomatic, the patient underwent Head computed tomography, which revealed dissemination to the brain.

Intervention:

The patient was started on appropriate antibiotics, immunosuppressant medications were stopped, and arthroscopic drainage was performed.

Outcomes:

Repeated arthrocentesis after 2 weeks was sterile. After 1 month, the patient felt better, pain-free, and was able to ambulate.

Lessons:

Nocardial arthritis is rare, and joint management requires an internist, a rheumatologist, a surgeon, and an infectious disease expert because early identification of the bacteria can improve the outcomes and quality of life.
A rare case of duodenal food bolus impaction mimicking a tumor
Authors: Wang Song-Wei , Hsu Wen-Hung , Wang Jiunn-Wei
Published: August 2022

Introduction:

Most foreign body and food bolus impactions occur in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Presentation of food bolus impaction in the duodenum without anatomic abnormalities is rare. However, surgical intervention is often required. Diagnosis is difficult. Occasionally, food bolus impaction in the duodenum may be confused with tumor obstruction.

Patient concerns:

A 70-year-old man with no history of abdominal surgery presented with vomiting after meals for 1 day. He also experienced a weight loss of 3 kg on the last fortnight.

Diagnosis:

Abdominal computed tomography revealed duodenal obstruction due to the mass. Upper endoscopy confirmed a diagnosis of food bolus impaction.

Interventions:

Conservative treatment with nasogastric tube decompression and intravenous fluid supply was initially performed, but was unsuccessful. The duodenal food bolus was not retrieved by esophagogastroduodenoscopy. The mass was eventually removed using push enteroscopy.

Outcomes:

The patient’s appetite returned after the food bolus was removed. The patient did not have any gastrointestinal upsets following retrieval. The patient was discharged without complications.

Conclusion:

Contrast-enhanced computed tomography is a practical examination for differentiating intraluminal food bolus from intestinal malignancy in patients with obstruction of the small intestine. Enteroscopy is a suitable modality for duodenal food bolus retrieval owing to its accessibility, efficacy, and safety.