bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Precise structure and energy of group 6 transition metal dichalcogenide homo- and heterobilayers in high-symmetry configurations
Authors: Emrem Birkan , Joswig Jan-Ole , Heine Thomas
Published: April 2024

Two-dimensional group 6 transition metal dichalcogenide (2D TMDC) bilayers show various high-symmetry stacking configurations, which have also been observed in extended domains formed in their twisted homo- and heterobilayers. The interlayer energy varies for these stacking configurations, and the energy differences determine the relative size of the stacking domains. Therefore, the precise prediction of the composition- and stacking-dependent interlayer energy is crucial to model the domain structure of 2D TMDCs in their twisted bilayer homo- and heterostructures. For the validation of approximate methods that are necessary to tackle these systems encompassing thousands of atoms precise reference data is still lacking. Here, we employ the random phase approximation (RPA) on previously validated SCAN-rVV10 geometries to obtain interaction energies of state-of-the-art accuracy on the six high-symmetry stacking configurations (

H

h

h

,

H

h

M

,

H

h

X

,

R

h

h

,

R

h

M

, and

R

h

X

) of MX2 (M = Mo, W; X = S, Se) bilayers and compare them with the dispersion-corrected density-functional theory (DFT) functionals Perdew–Burke–Ernzerhof (PBE)+D3(BJ), PBE-rVV10L, and SCAN-rVV10. We identify SCAN-rVV10 as most reliable DFT variant with an average deviation of 1.2 meV/atom in relative energies from the RPA reference, and a root mean squared error of less than 2 meV/atom for interlayer interaction energies. We find interlayer distances obtained by PBE+D3(BJ) as being too short, with an impact on the electronic structure, resulting in the incorrect prediction of the band gap character in some cases. A further result of this work is the significant lowering of the interlayer energy and increasing of the interlayer distance in the high-energy stacking configurations. These stackings can be accessible via shear strain and promote exfoliation.
Electrically tunable correlated domain wall network in twisted bilayer graphene
Authors: Wang Hao-Chien , Hsu Chen-Hsuan
Published: April 2024

We investigate the domain wall network in twisted bilayer graphene (TBG) under the influence of interlayer bias and screening effect from the layered structure. Starting from the continuum model, we analyze the low-energy domain wall modes within the moiré bilayer structure and obtain an analytic form representing charge density distributions of the two-dimensional structure. By computing the screened electron–electron interaction strengths both within and between the domain walls, we develop a bosonized model that describes the correlated domain wall network. We demonstrate that these interaction strengths can be modified through an applied interlayer bias, screening length and dielectric materials, and show how the model can be employed to investigate various properties of the domain wall network and its stability. We compute correlation functions both without and with phonons. Including electron–phonon coupling in the network, we establish phase diagrams from these correlation functions. These diagrams illustrate electrical tunability of the network between various phases, such as density wave states and superconductivity. Our findings reveal the domain wall network as a promising platform for the experimental manipulation of electron–electron interactions in low dimensions and the study of strongly correlated matter. We point out that our investigation not only enhances the understanding of domain wall modes in TBG but also has broader implications for the development of moiré devices.
Local resetting in non-conserving zero-range processes with extensive rates
Authors: Grange Pascal
Published: April 2024

A non-conserving zero-range process with extensive creation, annihilation and hopping rates is subjected to local resetting. The model is formulated on a large, fully-connected network of states. The states are equipped with a (bounded) fitness level: particles are added to each state at a rate proportional to the fitness level of the state. Moreover, particles are annihilated at a constant rate, and hop at a fixed rate to a uniformly-drawn state in the network. This model has been interpreted in terms of population dynamics: the fitness is the reproductive fitness in a haploid population, and the hopping process models mutation. It has also been interpreted as a model of network growth with a fixed set of nodes (in which particles occupying a state are interpreted as links pointing to this state). In the absence of resetting, the model is known to reach a steady state, which in a certain limit may exhibit a condensate at maximum fitness. If the model is subjected to global resetting by annihilating all particles at Poisson-distributed times, there is no condensation in the steady state. If the system is subjected to local resetting, the occupation numbers of each state are reset to zero at independent random times. These times are distributed according to a Poisson process whose rate (the resetting rate) depends on the fitness. We derive the evolution equation satisfied by the probability law of the occupation numbers. We calculate the average occupation numbers in the steady state. The existence of a condensate is found to depend on the local behavior of the resetting rate at maximum fitness: if the resetting rate vanishes at least linearly at high fitness, a condensate appears at maximum fitness in the limit where the sum of the annihilation and hopping rates is equal to the maximum fitness.
Numerical simulation and experimental study on ultrafine powder spiral transportation degassing
Authors: Yang Lei , Li Yingpeng , Wang Zhenmin , Xu Xuemeng
Published: April 2024

Aiming at the problems of ultrafine powders of high air content and environmental pollution, low measurement accuracy and low efficiency in packaging and filling process, the research on degassing spiral powder transportation was carried out. Discrete element method and physical experiment method were used to simulate and test the mass flow rate, material density and dust concentration of packaging environment of equidistant spiral and degassing (variable pitch) spiral powder transportation, and the transportation effects of equidistant spiral and degassing spiral were analyzed.Simulation and test results show that the average mass flow rate of the degassing screw is 0.639 kg s−1 with the same screw outer diameter, inner shaft diameter, length and rotational speed, and the flow rate fluctuates with the percentage of fluctuation in the range of 7.19% − 10.02%. The degassing spiral increases the mass flow rate of the feeding device and reduces the flow fluctuation,and the maximum densification of the material was increased by about 7.25%. With the increase of rotational speed, the environmental dust lifting degree of both spiral filling processes increased, but under the same rotational speed, the dust lifting degree of the outlet of the degassing spiral was significantly reduced compared to the isometric spiral, and the rotational speed was increased from 80 to 120 r min−1, the maximum dust lifting degree of the isometric spiral was 37.88%, and the average dust lifting degree of the maximum was 25.59%, and the maximum dust lifting degree of the degassing spiral was 21.59%. The maximum dust lifting degree of the degassing spiral is 21.18%, and the maximum increase of the average dust lifting degree is 14.49%. Degassing spiral device effectively realises efficient and clean packaging of ultra-fine powder.
Generation of conformational ensembles of small molecules via surrogate model-assisted molecular dynamics
Authors: Viguera Diez Juan , Romeo Atance Sara , Engkvist Ola , Olsson Simon
Published: April 2024

The accurate prediction of thermodynamic properties is crucial in various fields such as drug discovery and materials design. This task relies on sampling from the underlying Boltzmann distribution, which is challenging using conventional approaches such as simulations. In this work, we introduce surrogate model-assisted molecular dynamics (SMA-MD), a new procedure to sample the equilibrium ensemble of molecules. First, SMA-MD leverages deep generative models to enhance the sampling of slow degrees of freedom. Subsequently, the generated ensemble undergoes statistical reweighting, followed by short simulations. Our empirical results show that SMA-MD generates more diverse and lower energy ensembles than conventional MD simulations. Furthermore, we showcase the application of SMA-MD for the computation of thermodynamical properties by estimating implicit solvation free energies.
Multiple prenatal exposures and acute-care clinical encounters for asthma among children born to mothers living near a Superfund site
Authors: Khalili Roxana , Legaspi Jesselle M , Fabian M Patricia , Levy Jonathan I , Korrick Susan A , Vieira Verónica M
Published: April 2024

Prenatal exposures are associated with childhood asthma, and risk may increase with simultaneous exposures. Pregnant women living in lower-income communities tend to have elevated exposures to a range of potential asthma risk factors, which may interact in complex ways. We examined the association between prenatal exposures and the risk of childhood acute-care clinical encounters for asthma (hospitalizations, emergency department visits, observational stays) using conditional logistic regression with a multivariable smoothing term to model the interaction between continuous variables, adjusted for maternal characteristics and stratified by sex. All births near the New Bedford Harbor (NBH) Superfund site (2000-2006) in New Bedford, Massachusetts, were followed through 2011 using the Massachusetts Pregnancy to Early Life Longitudinal (PELL) Data System to identify children aged 5-11 years with acute-care clinical asthma encounters (265 cases among 7787 children with follow-up). Hazard ratios (HRs) were higher for children living closer to the NBH site with higher umbilical cord blood lead levels than in children living further away from the NBH site with lower lead levels (P <.001). HRs were higher for girls (HR = 4.17; 95% CI, 3.60-4.82) than for boys (HR = 1.72; 95% CI, 1.46-2.02). Our results suggest that prenatal lead exposure in combination with residential proximity to the NBH Superfund site is associated with childhood asthma acute-care clinical encounters.

This article is part of a Special Collection on Environmental Epidemiology.
Evaluation of pharmacy-supplied half and quarter tablets at an academic medical center
Authors: Blake Caitlyn , Dwenger Andrew , Fox Erin R
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Manipulation of tablet medications to produce a customized dose is common practice, and splitting tablets may reduce the acquisition cost of the medication. However, cost savings may be diminished by the cost of the increased labor and repackaging materials needed when splitting tablets. Splitting tablets may also result in safety concerns if the final products are under (eg, reduced benefit) or over (eg, toxicity) the desired dosage. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to evaluate and recommend changes for all half- and quarter-tablet medications prepared and distributed from the inpatient pharmacy at University of Utah Health (U of U Health).

The evaluation included all half- and quarter-tablet medications prepared by pharmacy technicians for administration to patients admitted to U of U Health hospitals. A final list of 173 half- and quarter-tablet dosages was evaluated for opportunities to decrease the total number. On the basis of the developed criteria, 93 half- and quarter-tablet dosages (54%) were recommended to be removed from routine stock in the inpatient pharmacy. Systems remain in place to create customized half and quarter tablets if required for patient care.

Conclusion

Reducing the number of medications for which half and quarter tablets are used may allow pharmacy technicians to prioritize other patient care tasks and potentially decrease waste.
The Reverse Dual Plane: A Novel Technique for Endoscopic Transaxillary Breast Augmentation
Authors: Ya Zumeng , Xiao Lin , Zhou Luheng
Published: April 2024

Background

Quite a few Asian patients prefer axillary incision for breast augmentation. However, this surgery needs improvement.

Objectives

To introduce a reverse dual-plane technique through a transaxillary approach and compare it with a transaxillary dual-plane approach.

Methods

Eighty-two patients were divided into Group A (n = 40) and Group B (n = 42). Axillary incision and endoscope were utilized in the 2 groups. Tebbetts’ dual plane was performed in Group A patients. Patients in Group B underwent our reverse dual-plane technique, in which the upper 70% was subfascial and the lower 30% was subpectoral, with the fascia of the external oblique and anterior serratus being elevated together with the pectoral muscle. The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) scores were recorded daily for 7 days. Breast shape and softness, in both sitting and supine positions, were assessed by the patients, and complications were compared.

Results

The NPRS scores of Group B patients were significantly lower than those of Group A patients (P < .01). The satisfaction rate of shape and softness in the seated position was not significantly different (P > .05). However, in the supine position, only 20 patients (50.0%) in Group A and 32 patients (76.2%) in Group B were satisfied with their breast softness (P < .01), and the breasts of the others became stiffer. Breast animation deformity (BAD) occurred in 2 patients in Group A and in no patient in Group B (P < .01). Other complications were not significantly different.

Conclusions

Compared with Tebbetts’ dual plane, this procedure significantly reduced pain, improved breast softness, and eliminated BAD, without increasing complications.

Level of Evidence: 4
The challenge of incorporating ex situ strategies for jaguar conservation
Authors: Font Daniela , Gómez Fernández María Jimena , Robino Facundo , Aued Bettina , De Bustos Soledad , Paviolo Agustín , Quiroga Verónica , Mirol Patricia
Published: April 2024

The loss of biodiversity is an ongoing process and existing efforts to halt it are based on different conservation strategies. The ‘One Plan approach’ introduced by The International Union for Conservation of Nature proposes to consider all populations of a species under a unified management plan. In this work we follow this premise in order to unify in situ and ex situ management of one of the most critically endangered mammals in Argentina, the jaguar (Panthera onca). We assessed pedigrees of captive animals, finding that 44.93% of the reported relatedness was erroneous according to molecular data. Captive individuals formed a distinct genetic cluster. The three remaining locations for jaguars in Argentina constitute two genetic groups, the Atlantic Forest and the Chaco–Yungas clusters. Genetic variability is low compared with other populations of the species in the Americas and it is not significantly different between wild and captive populations in Argentina. These findings demonstrate that genetic studies aiming to include captive individuals into conservation management are very valuable, and should incorporate several parameters such as mean individual relatedness, individual inbreeding, rare and private alleles, and mitochondrial haplotypes. Finally, we discuss two ongoing ex situ management actions and postulate the need for genetic monitoring of the breeding and release of animals.
Identification of complier and noncomplier average causal effects in the presence of latent missing-at-random (LMAR) outcomes: a unifying view and choices of assumptions
Authors: Nguyen Trang Quynh , Carlson Michelle C , Stuart Elizabeth A
Published: April 2024

The study of treatment effects is often complicated by noncompliance and missing data. In the one-sided noncompliance setting where of interest are the complier and noncomplier average causal effects, we address outcome missingness of the latent missing at random type (LMAR, also known as latent ignorability). That is, conditional on covariates and treatment assigned, the missingness may depend on compliance type. Within the instrumental variable (IV) approach to noncompliance, methods have been proposed for handling LMAR outcome that additionally invoke an exclusion restriction-type assumption on missingness, but no solution has been proposed for when a non-IV approach is used. This article focuses on effect identification in the presence of LMAR outcomes, with a view to flexibly accommodate different principal identification approaches. We show that under treatment assignment ignorability and LMAR only, effect nonidentifiability boils down to a set of two connected mixture equations involving unidentified stratum-specific response probabilities and outcome means. This clarifies that (except for a special case) effect identification generally requires two additional assumptions: a specific missingness mechanism assumption and a principal identification assumption. This provides a template for identifying effects based on separate choices of these assumptions. We consider a range of specific missingness assumptions, including those that have appeared in the literature and some new ones. Incidentally, we find an issue in the existing assumptions, and propose a modification of the assumptions to avoid the issue. Results under different assumptions are illustrated using data from the Baltimore Experience Corps Trial.
Synthesis of fused oligosiloles by rhodium-catalyzed stitching reaction and subsequent remote conjugate dehydration
Authors: Morita Masaki , Shintani Ryo
Published: April 2024

A new synthetic method for π-conjugated fused oligosiloles has been developed by combining a rhodium-catalyzed stitching reaction and subsequent remote conjugate elimination. Aromatization-driven 1,8-, 1,10-, or 1,12-dehydration was successfully utilized and up to 3 silole units were consecutively fused in a π-conjugated manner. The structural change upon conjugate elimination was confirmed by using X-ray crystallographic analysis, and the optical and electrochemical properties of a series of newly synthesized fused oligosiloles were also examined.
Impact of different age ranges on the benefits and harms of the breast cancer screening programme by the EU-TOPIA tool
Authors: Pinto-Carbó Marina , Vanaclocha-Espí Mercedes , Martín-Pozuelo Javier , Romeo-Cervera Paula , Hernández-García Marta , Ibáñez Josefa , Castán-Cameo Susana , Salas Dolores , van Ravesteyn Nicolien T , de Koning Harry , Zurriaga Óscar , Molina-Barceló Ana
Published: April 2024

Background

The recommendation for the implementation of mammography screening in women aged 45–49 and 70–74 is conditional with moderate certainty of the evidence. The aim of this study is to simulate the long-term outcomes (2020–50) of using different age range scenarios in the breast cancer screening programme of the Valencia Region (Spain), considering different programme participation rates.

Methods

Three age range scenarios (S) were simulated with the EU-TOPIA tool, considering a biennial screening interval: S1, 45–69 years old (y); S2, 50–69 y and S3, 45–74 y. Simulations were performed for four participation rates: A = current participation (72.7%), B = +5%, C = +10% and D = +20%. Considered benefits: number (N°) of in situ and invasive breast cancers (BC) (screen vs. clinically detected), N° of BC deaths and % BC mortality reduction. Considered harms: N° of false positives (FP) and % overdiagnosis.

Results

The results showed that BC mortality decreased in all scenarios, being higher in S3A (32.2%) than S1A (30.6%) and S2A (27.9%). Harms decreased in S2A vs. S1A (N° FP: 236 vs. 423, overdiagnosis: 4.9% vs. 5.0%) but also benefits (BC mortality reduction: 27.9% vs. 30.6%, N° screen-detected invasive BC 15/28 vs. 18/25). In S3A vs. S1A, an increase in benefits was observed (BC mortality reduction: 32.2% vs. 30.6%), N° screen-detected in situ B: 5/2 vs. 4/3), but also in harms (N° FP: 460 vs. 423, overdiagnosis: 5.8% vs. 5.0%). Similar trends were observed with increased participation.

Conclusions

As the age range increases, so does not only the reduction in BC mortality, but also the probability of FP and overdiagnosis.
The effect of miniaturization on the evolution of sexual size dimorphism in geckos
Authors: Glynne Elizabeth , Adams Dean C
Published: April 2024

The evolution of miniaturization can result in dramatic alterations of morphology, physiology, and behavior; however, the effects of miniaturization on sexual dimorphism remain largely unknown. Here we investigate how miniaturization influences patterns of sexual size dimorphism (SSD) in geckos. Measuring 1,875 individuals from 131 species, we characterized patterns of SSD relative to body size across two families. We found that miniaturized species were more female biased than non-miniaturized species. Additionally, one family that contained many miniaturized species (Sphaerodactylidae) displayed allometric patterns in SSD with body size, where larger species were male biased and smaller species were more female biased. Smaller species in this lineage also produced proportionally larger eggs. By contrast, another family containing few miniaturized species (Phyllodactylidae) displayed a more isometric trend. Together, these observations are consistent with the hypothesis that selection for increased reproductive success in small species of Sphaerodactylidae results in female-biased SSD in these taxa, which in turn drives the positive SSD allometry observed in this lineage. Thus, selection for increased miniaturization in the clade may be offset by selection on maintaining a female size in smaller taxa that ensures reproductive success.
Functional redundancy revealed by the deletion of the mimivirus GMC-oxidoreductase genes
Authors: Alempic Jean-Marie , Bisio Hugo , Villalta Alejandro , Santini Sébastien , Lartigue Audrey , Schmitt Alain , Bugnot Claire , Notaro Anna , Belmudes Lucid , Adrait Annie , Poirot Olivier , Ptchelkine Denis , De Castro Cristina , Couté Yohann , Abergel Chantal
Published: April 2024

The mimivirus 1.2 Mb genome was shown to be organized into a nucleocapsid-like genomic fiber encased in the nucleoid compartment inside the icosahedral capsid. The genomic fiber protein shell is composed of a mixture of two GMC-oxidoreductase paralogs, one of them being the main component of the glycosylated layer of fibrils at the surface of the virion. In this study, we determined the effect of the deletion of each of the corresponding genes on the genomic fiber and the layer of surface fibrils. First, we deleted the GMC-oxidoreductase, the most abundant in the genomic fiber, and determined its structure and composition in the mutant. As expected, it was composed of the second GMC-oxidoreductase and contained 5- and 6-start helices similar to the wild-type fiber. This result led us to propose a model explaining their coexistence. Then we deleted the GMC-oxidoreductase, the most abundant in the layer of fibrils, to analyze its protein composition in the mutant. Second, we showed that the fitness of single mutants and the double mutant were not decreased compared with the wild-type viruses under laboratory conditions. Third, we determined that deleting the GMC-oxidoreductase genes did not impact the glycosylation or the glycan composition of the layer of surface fibrils, despite modifying their protein composition. Because the glycosylation machinery and glycan composition of members of different clades are different, we expanded the analysis of the protein composition of the layer of fibrils to members of the B and C clades and showed that it was different among the three clades and even among isolates within the same clade. Taken together, the results obtained on two distinct central processes (genome packaging and virion coating) illustrate an unexpected functional redundancy in members of the family Mimiviridae, suggesting this may be the major evolutionary force behind their giant genomes.
Validation of positional candidates Rps6ka6 and Pou3f4 for a locus associated with skeletal muscle mass variability
Authors: Lekkos Konstantinos , Bhuiyan Afra A , Albloshi Abdullah M K , Brooks Paige M , Coate Thomas M , Lionikas Arimantas
Published: April 2024

Genetic variability significantly contributes to individual differences in skeletal muscle mass; however, the specific genes involved in that process remain elusive. In this study, we examined the role of positional candidates, Rps6ka6 and Pou3f4, of a chromosome X locus, implicated in muscle mass variability in CFW laboratory mice. Histology of hindlimb muscles was studied in CFW male mice carrying the muscle “increasing” allele C (n = 15) or “decreasing” allele T (n = 15) at the peak marker of the locus, rs31308852, and in the Pou3f4y/− and their wild-type male littermates. To study the role of the Rps6ka6 gene, we deleted exon 7 (Rps6ka6-ΔE7) using clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats-Cas9 based method in H2Kb myogenic cells creating a severely truncated RSK4 protein. We then tested whether that mutation affected myoblast proliferation, migration, and/or differentiation. The extensor digitorum longus muscle was 7% larger (P < 0.0001) due to 10% more muscle fibers (P = 0.0176) in the carriers of the “increasing” compared with the “decreasing” CFW allele. The number of fibers was reduced by 15% (P = 0.0268) in the slow-twitch soleus but not in the fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus (P = 0.2947) of Pou3f4y/− mice. The proliferation and migration did not differ between the Rps6ka6-ΔE7 and wild-type H2Kb myoblasts. However, indices of differentiation (myosin expression, P < 0.0001; size of myosin-expressing cells, P < 0.0001; and fusion index, P = 0.0013) were significantly reduced in Rps6ka6-ΔE7 cells. This study suggests that the effect of the X chromosome locus on muscle fiber numbers in the fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus is mediated by the Rps6ka6 gene, whereas the Pou3f4 gene affects fiber number in slow-twitch soleus.
Retention of an Endosymbiont for the Production of a Single Molecule
Authors: Garber Arkadiy I , Garcia de la Filia Molina Andrés , Vea Isabelle M , Mongue Andrew J , Ross Laura , McCutcheon John P
Published: April 2024

Sap-feeding insects often maintain two or more nutritional endosymbionts that act in concert to produce compounds essential for insect survival. Many mealybugs have endosymbionts in a nested configuration: one or two bacterial species reside within the cytoplasm of another bacterium, and together, these bacteria have genomes that encode interdependent sets of genes needed to produce key nutritional molecules. Here, we show that the mealybug Pseudococcus viburni has three endosymbionts, one of which contributes only two unique genes that produce the host nutrition-related molecule chorismate. All three bacterial endosymbionts have tiny genomes, suggesting that they have been coevolving inside their insect host for millions of years.
Placebo Effects Are Small on Average in the 7.5% CO2 Inhalational Model of Generalized Anxiety
Authors: Huneke Nathan T M , Cross Cosmina , Fagan Harry A , Molteni Laura , Phillips Naomi , Garner Matthew , Baldwin David S
Published: April 2024

Background

Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent and socio-economically costly. Novel pharmacological treatments for these disorders are needed because many patients do not respond to current agents or experience unwanted side effects. However, a barrier to treatment development is the variable and large placebo response rate seen in trials of novel anxiolytics. Despite this, the mechanisms that drive placebo responses in anxiety disorders have been little investigated, possibly due to low availability of convenient experimental paradigms. We aimed to develop and test a novel protocol for inducing placebo anxiolysis in the 7.5% CO2 inhalational model of generalized anxiety in healthy volunteers.

Methods

Following a baseline 20-minute CO2 challenge, 32 healthy volunteers were administered a placebo intranasal spray labelled as either the anxiolytic “lorazepam” or “saline.” Following this, participants surreptitiously underwent a 20-minute inhalation of normal air. Post-conditioning, a second dose of the placebo was administered, after which participants completed another CO2 challenge.

Results

Participants administered sham “lorazepam” reported significant positive expectations of reduced anxiety (P = .001), but there was no group-level placebo effect on anxiety following CO2 challenge post-conditioning (Ps > .350). Surprisingly, we found many participants exhibited unexpected worsening of anxiety, despite positive expectations.

Conclusions

Contrary to our hypothesis, our novel paradigm did not induce a placebo response, on average. It is possible that effects of 7.5% CO2 inhalation on prefrontal cortex function or behavior in line with a Bayesian predictive coding framework attenuated the effect of expectations on subsequent placebo response. Future studies are needed to explore these possibilities.
Mass Emigration and the Erosion of Liberal Democracy
Authors: Auer Daniel , Schaub Max
Published: April 2024

Abstracts

In many regions of the world, liberal politics is on the retreat. This development is usually explained with reference to inherently political phenomena. We propose an alternative explanation, linking democratic backsliding to deep-reaching demographic change caused by mass emigration. We argue that because migrants tend to be more politically liberal, their departure, if quantitatively significant, can hurt liberal democracy. Empirically, we focus on Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Since 2004, the region has lost about 9 percent of its population due to migration to Western Europe. Drawing on data from 430,000 individuals and a panel analysis, we show that CEE migrants systematically hold more liberal values than non-migrants and that their exit went along with a deterioration of democracy in their home countries. Further analyses show that the mechanism we describe generalizes to various other world regions. Mass emigration may pose a challenge to democratic development in migrant-sending countries around the globe.
Molecular identification and related functional characterization of the FKBP52 gene in immunity of Locusta migratoria manilensis (Orthoptera: Oedipodidae)
Authors: Wang Menghong , Tian Ye , Zhang Neng , Nong Xiangqun , Tu Xiongbing , Zhang Zehua , Huang Yaxi , Wang Yi , Zhuang Ling , Cha Gan , Liu Tinghui , Wang Guangjun
Published: April 2024

Metarhizium anisopliae is an important class of entomopathogenic fungi used for the biocontrol of insects, but its virulence is affected by insect immunity. We identified a novel FK506 binding protein gene that was differentially expressed between control and Metarhizium-treated Locusta migratoria manilensis. We hypothesized that this protein played an important role in Metarhizium infection of L. migratoria and could provide new insights for developing highly efficient entomopathogenic fungi. We, therefore, cloned the specific gene and obtained its purified protein. The gene was then named FKBP52, and its dsRNA (dsFKBP52) was synthesized and used for gene interference. Bioassay results showed that the mortality of L. migratoria treated with dsFKBP52 + Metarhizium was significantly lower than that of other treatments. Furthermore, immune-related genes (MyD88, Dorsal, Cactus, and Defensin) in L. migratoria treated with dsFKBP52 + Metarhizium showed significant upregulation compared to that treated with Metarhizium only. However, the activities of peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and calcineurin (CaN) showed fluctuations. These results suggest that the FKBP52 gene may play a crucial role in the innate immunity of L. migratoria. The effect of its silencing indicated that this immunity-related protein might be a potential target for insect biocontrol.
Predictors of adherence to a brief sleep extension protocol in emerging adults
Authors: Wright Isabella D , Jensen Chad D , Duraccio Kara M
Published: April 2024

Objectives

This study examined how mental health symptoms (i.e., depression, anxiety, stress) and baseline sleep characteristics (i.e., sleep quality and levels of daytime sleepiness) predicted adherence to and initial success of a brief sleep extension research protocol in emerging adults.

Methods

184 emerging adults (ages 18–25; M = 20.96, SD = 2.04) were asked to extend their nightly sleep opportunity to 8 hr for 1 week and to anchor bedtime and waketime. Sleep outcomes (adherence and initial protocol success) were tracked using actigraphy. Baseline sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, depression, anxiety, and stress were assessed using self-report questionnaires.

Results

Poorer baseline sleep quality predicted better adherence to the protocol (p = .002). Other baseline sleep characteristics and mental health were not predictive of adherence (ps>.50). Lower levels of baseline daytime sleepiness approached significance in predicting greater initial protocol success following the protocol (p = .05). Baseline sleep quality and mental health did not predict initial protocol success (ps > 0.34).

Conclusions

Mental health symptoms did not significantly predict adherence to or the success of a sleep extension protocol. Surprisingly, individuals with poor baseline sleep quality were more likely to adhere to the extension protocol, perhaps suggesting heightened motivation for change or increased risk for sleep problems. This research provides valuable insight into factors that predict adherence to sleep extension protocols in emerging adults.
Scutellarein: a review of chemistry and pharmacology
Authors: Thoa Nguyen Thi , Son Ninh The
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To get a better understanding of the scientific values of flavone scutellarein (SCT), and to encourage its applications in human health, the current review systematically summarizes the natural observation, biosynthesis, synthesis, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and recent synthetic advances

Key findings

Scientific sources to search for references included Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Sci-Finder, and journal websites. The references have been collected from the 1970s to the present. “Scutellarein” is the most meaningful keyword to search for publications, in which it was used alone or in combination with other keywords.

Summarys

SCT as a hydrophobic flavonoid can be found in various medicinal plants of the families Lamiaceae, Compositae, and Verbenaceae. Flavone SCT has drawn much interest due to its wide pharmacological effects, such as anticancer, anti-inflammation, antioxidant, antiobesity, and vasorelaxant. The SCT treatments also possessed a lot of positive results in the neuron, liver, heart, lung, kidney, bone, and skin protective experiments, and human sperm function enhancement. Its underlying mechanism of action may relate to the apoptotic program and cytokine inhibition by regulating a panel of the signaling pathway, e.g., NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B)/MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase), IκBa (nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B cells inhibitors alpha)/NF-κB, TRAF2 (tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 2)/NF-κB, and PTEN (phosphatase and tension homologue deleted on chromosome 10)/Akt (protein kinase B)/NF-κB. In addition, the metabolic actions and synthetic derivative promotions of SCT were mostly based on the substitution of hydroxyl groups. Collectively, the studies that aim to highlight the role of scutellarein in preclinical and clinical treatments are urgently needed. More and more experiments to improve its bioavailability are expected.
Up to the chest in bowels: case of strangulated right diaphragmatic hernia with paraesophageal hernia in a non-trauma patient
Authors: Maginot Elizabeth R , Lizalek Jason , Matos Mike
Published: April 2024

A Bochdalek hernia is a rare congenital diaphragmatic hernia often diagnosed in infancy and classically occurring on the left side. We report a case of a 78-year-old female who presented with a right-sided posterolateral diaphragmatic hernia containing multiple loops of bowel with evidence of ischemia as well as a type 4 paraesophageal hernia. The stomach was rotated on the organoaxial plane, and the duodenum was within the mediastinum. The patient was taken emergently for an exploratory laparotomy. A posterolateral hernia defect containing 50 cm of strangulated small bowel was identified and resected, a primary stapled enteroenterostomy was performed and the hernia defect was repaired primarily. The stomach was reduced, a primary crura repair was performed, and gastropexy was performed with a gastrojejunostomy tube. The patient was transferred to the intensive care unit, and subsequently extubated, enteral feeds were initiated, and had anticipated discharge to a skilled nursing facility. This case highlights an uncommon atraumatic presentation of an adult with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Its rarity is further denoted due to its right-sided laterality and strangulated small bowel as the usual herniated abdominal organs are the liver or colon.
Surge in imported cutaneous leishmaniasis cases from Mexico in 2023: a case series
Authors: Equihua Martinez Gabriela , Moreno-del Castillo Maria Cristina , Lindner Andreas K , Gargala Gilles , Cessot Gilles , van de Werve Charlotte , Caumes Eric , Harms Gundel , Aurbach Ute , Kampmann Beate , Buffet Pierre , Melenotte Cléa
Published: April 2024

In Europe, American cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania mexicana is a rare imported disease. A series of six cases in 2023 is a noteworthy escalation at our institutions compared to the past two decades. This surge is likely linked to an increase of cases and environmental changes in South-Eastern Mexico.
Use of Dengvaxia® in Australian travellers: a case series
Authors: Zhu Yan , Mills Deborah J , Mills Christine , Lau Colleen L , Furuya-Kanamori Luis
Published: April 2024

Dengvaxia is the only licensed dengue vaccine in Australia, but rarely used. We report the experience of using Dengvaxia in seven Australian travellers. Main reasons for opting for vaccination were travel to dengue-endemic regions and severe symptoms during the prior dengue infection. The vaccine was well tolerated by all travellers.
Consciousness isn’t “hard”—it’s human psychology that makes it so!
Authors: Berent Iris
Published: April 2024

Consciousness arguably presents a “hard problem” for scholars. An influential position asserts that the “problem” is rooted in ontology—it arises because consciousness “is” distinct from the physical. “Problem intuitions” are routinely taken as evidence for this view. In so doing, it is assumed that (i) people do not consider consciousness as physical and (ii) their intuitions faithfully reflect what exists (or else, intuitions would not constitute evidence). New experimental results challenge both claims. First, in some scenarios, people demonstrably view consciousness as a physical affair that registers in the body (brain). Second, “problem intuitions” are linked to psychological biases, so they cannot be trusted to reflect what consciousness is. I conclude that the roots of the “hard problem” are partly psychological. Accordingly, its resolution requires careful characterization of the psychological mechanisms that engender “problem intuitions.”
Single-nucleus transcriptomics uncovers a geroprotective role of YAP in primate gingival aging
Authors: Hu Qinchao , Zhang Bin , Jing Yaobin , Ma Shuai , Hu Lei , Li Jingyi , Zheng Yandong , Xin Zijuan , Peng Jianmin , Wang Si , Cheng Bin , Qu Jing , Zhang Weiqi , Liu Guang-Hui , Wang Songlin
Published: April 2024

Aging has a profound impact on the gingiva and significantly increases its susceptibility to periodontitis, a worldwide prevalent inflammatory disease. However, a systematic characterization and comprehensive understanding of the regulatory mechanism underlying gingival aging is still lacking. Here, we systematically dissected the phenotypic characteristics of gingiva during aging in primates and constructed the first single-nucleus transcriptomic landscape of gingival aging, by which a panel of cell type-specific signatures were elucidated. Epithelial cells were identified as the most affected cell types by aging in the gingiva. Further analyses pinpointed the crucial role of YAP in epithelial self-renew and homeostasis, which declined during aging in epithelial cells, especially in basal cells. The decline of YAP activity during aging was confirmed in the human gingival tissues, and downregulation of YAP in human primary gingival keratinocytes recapitulated the major phenotypic defects observed in the aged primate gingiva while overexpression of YAP showed rejuvenation effects. Our work provides an in-depth understanding of gingival aging and serves as a rich resource for developing novel strategies to combat aging-associated gingival diseases, with the ultimate goal of advancing periodontal health and promoting healthy aging.
A New Perspective on Thermal Transition in QCD
Authors: Hanada Masanori , Ohata Hiroki , Shimada Hidehiko , Watanabe Hiromasa
Published: April 2024

Motivated by the picture of partial deconfinement developed in recent years for large-N gauge theories, we propose a new way of analyzing and understanding thermal phase tsuppransition in QCD. We find nontrivial support for our proposal by analyzing the WHOT-QCD collaboration’s lattice configurations for SU(3) QCD in 3 + 1 spacetime dimensions with up, down, and strange quarks. We find that the Polyakov line (the holonomy matrix around a thermal time circle) is governed by the Haar-random distribution at low temperatures. The deviation from the Haar-random distribution at higher temperatures can be measured via the character expansion, or equivalently, via the expectation values of the Polyakov loop defined by the various nontrivial representations of SU(3). We find that the Polyakov loop corresponding to the fundamental representation and loops in the higher representation condense at different temperatures. This suggests that there are three phases, one intermediate phase existing in between the completely-confined and the completely-deconfined phases. Our identification of the intermediate phase is supported also by the condensation of instantons: by studying the instanton numbers of the WHOT-QCD configurations, we find that the instanton condensation occurs for temperature regimes corresponding to what we identify as the completely-confined and intermediate phases, whereas the instantons do not condense in the completely-deconfined phase. Our characterization of confinement based on the Haar-randomness explains why the Polyakov loop is a good observable to distinguish the confinement and the deconfinement phases in QCD despite the absence of the $\mathbb {Z}_3$ center symmetry.
Benefits and Challenges of Implementing an Adaptation of Family Integrated Care in a Ugandan Setting
Authors: Feeley Nancy , Kabajaasi Olive , Kenya-Mugisha Nathan , Tagoola Abner , O’Brien Karel , Duby Jessica
Published: April 2024

Background:

Family Integrated Care (FICare) integrates parents as partners in neonatal intensive care unit care. Our team adapted and implemented this approach in a Ugandan unit for hospitalized neonates.

Purpose:

This qualitative descriptive study examined the perceptions of mothers and healthcare professionals (HCPs) of the benefits and challenges of this new approach to care.

Methods:

Fifty-one mothers of hospitalized neonates born weighing greater than 2000 g participated in the program. They were taught to assess neonate danger signs, feeding, and weight. After discharge, a subsample (n = 15) participated in focus groups to explore benefits and challenges of their participation in care. Interviews with 8 HCPs were also conducted for the same purpose. Transcripts from focus groups and interviews were analyzed using inductive content analysis to describe the benefits and challenges from the perspectives of mothers and HCPs.

Results:

For mothers a benefit was decreased stress. Both mothers and HCPs reported that the knowledge and skills mothers acquired were a benefit as was their ability to apply these to the care of their neonate. Improved relations between mothers and HCPs were described, characterized by greater exchange of information and HCPs’ attentiveness to mothers’ assessments. Mothers felt ready for discharge and used their knowledge at home. HCPs noted a decrease in their workload. Challenges included the need for mothers to overcome fears about performing the tasks, their own well-being and literacy skills, and access to equipment.

Implications for Practice:

Mothers’ participation in their neonates’ care can have benefits for them and their neonate.
Proximity Between Screw and Endplate of Upper Instrumented Vertebra Using a Cortical Bone Trajectory Screw can Increase Radiographic Adjacent Segment Degeneration Risks in Patients With Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Authors: Kwon Ji-Won , Park Yung , Suk Kyung-Soo , Lee Byung Ho , Park Si Young , Park Sub-Ri , Kim Namhoo , Lee Hyunjun , Jung Wooseok , Ha Joong-Won , Moon Seong-Hwan , Kim Hak-Sun
Published: April 2024

Study Design.

Retrospective observational study.

Objective.

To determine the proximity between the screw and endplate of the upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) using a cortical bone trajectory (CBT) screw as a predictive factor for radiographic adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) in patients surgically treated with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) with CBT screws (CBT-TLIF) with lumbar spinal stenosis.

Summary of Background Data.

The risk factors for radiographic ASD after CBT-TLIF remain unknown.

Methods.

Among patients surgically treated with CBT-TLIF at a single institute, 239 consecutive patients (80 males and 159 females) were enrolled. ASD was defined by the presence of one or more of the following three radiologic criteria on the adjacent segment: >3 mm anteroposterior translation, >10° segmental kyphosis, or >50% loss of disc height comparing immediate postoperative and one-year follow-up radiographs. Clinical and radiological features associated with the development of ASD were retrospectively measured. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with radiographic ASD.

Results.

Radiographic ASD was observed in 71 (29.7%) cases at one-year postoperative follow-up. The preoperative Pfirrmann grade of the adjacent segment (>grade 2), multi-level fusion (>2 levels), and proximity between the tip of CBT screws and endplate on the UIV were significantly associated with radiographic ASD (OR = 3.98, 95% CI [1.06–15.05], P=0.042 versus OR = 3.03, 95% CI [1.00–9.14], P=0.049 versus OR = 0.53, 95% CI [0.40–0.72], P<0.001). The cut-off value of the distance between the tip of the screw and endplate on UIV for radiographic ASD was ~2.5 mm (right-sided CBT screw; cut-off value 2.48 mm/ left-sided CBT screw; cut-off value 2.465 mm).

Conclusion.

Radiographic adjacent segment degeneration progression can occur when the cortical trajectory bone screw is close to the endplate of the upper instrumented vertebrae in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis undergoing fusion surgery.