bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Universal digital high-resolution melting for the detection of pulmonary mold infections
Authors: Goshia Tyler , Aralar April , Wiederhold Nathan , Jenks Jeffrey D. , Mehta Sanjay R. , Karmakar Aprajita , E.S. Monish , Sharma Ankit , Sun Haoxiang , Kebadireng Refilwe , White P. Lewis , Sinha Mridu , Hoenigl Martin , Fraley Stephanie I.
Published: May 2024

Invasive mold infections (IMIs) are associated with high morbidity, particularly in immunocompromised patients, with mortality rates between 40% and 80%. Early initiation of appropriate antifungal therapy can substantially improve outcomes, yet early diagnosis remains difficult to establish and often requires multidisciplinary teams evaluating clinical and radiological findings plus supportive mycological findings. Universal digital high-resolution melting (U-dHRM) analysis may enable rapid and robust diagnoses of IMI. A universal fungal assay was developed for U-dHRM and used to generate a database of melt curve signatures for 19 clinically relevant fungal pathogens. A machine learning algorithm (ML) was trained to automatically classify these pathogen curves and detect novel melt curves. Performance was assessed on 73 clinical bronchoalveolar lavage samples from patients suspected of IMI. Novel curves were identified by micropipetting U-dHRM reactions and Sanger sequencing amplicons. U-dHRM achieved 97% overall fungal organism identification accuracy and a turnaround time of ~4 hrs. U-dHRM detected pathogenic molds (
Aspergillus
,
Mucorales
,
Lomentospora
, and
Fusarium
) in 73% of 30 samples classified as IMI, including mixed infections. Specificity was optimized by requiring the number of pathogenic mold curves detected in a sample to be
>
8 and a sample volume to be 1 mL, which resulted in 100% specificity in 21 at-risk patients without IMI. U-dHRM showed promise as a separate or combination diagnostic approach to standard mycological tests. U-dHRM’s speed, ability to simultaneously identify and quantify clinically relevant mold pathogens in polymicrobial samples, and detect emerging opportunistic pathogens may aid treatment decisions, improving patient outcomes.

IMPORTANCE

Improvements in diagnostics for invasive mold infections are urgently needed. This work presents a new molecular detection approach that addresses technical and workflow challenges to provide fast pathogen detection, identification, and quantification that could inform treatment to improve patient outcomes.
Triple lysine and nucleosome-binding motifs of the viral IE19 protein are required for human cytomegalovirus S-phase infections
Authors: Maliano Minor R. , Yetming Kristen D. , Kalejta Robert F.
Published: May 2024

Herpesvirus genomes are maintained as extrachromosomal plasmids within the nuclei of infected cells. Some herpesviruses persist within dividing cells, putting the viral genome at risk of being lost to the cytoplasm during mitosis because karyokinesis (nuclear division) requires nuclear envelope breakdown. Oncogenic herpesviruses (and papillomaviruses) avoid genome loss during mitosis by tethering their genomes to cellular chromosomes, thereby ensuring viral genome uptake into newly formed nuclei. These viruses use viral proteins with DNA- and chromatin-binding capabilities to physically link viral and cellular genomes together in a process called tethering. The known viral tethering proteins of human papillomavirus (E2), Epstein-Barr virus (EBNA1), and Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (LANA) each contain two independent domains required for genome tethering, one that binds sequence specifically to the viral genome and another that binds to cellular chromatin. This latter domain is called a chromatin tethering domain (CTD). The human cytomegalovirus UL123 gene encodes a CTD that is required for the virus to productively infect dividing fibroblast cells within the S phase of the cell cycle, presumably by tethering the viral genome to cellular chromosomes during mitosis. The CTD-containing UL123 gene product that supports S-phase infections is the IE19 protein. Here, we define two motifs in IE19 required for S-phase infections: an N-terminal triple lysine motif and a C-terminal nucleosome-binding motif within the CTD.

IMPORTANCE

The IE19 protein encoded by human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is required for S-phase infection of dividing cells, likely because it tethers the viral genome to cellular chromosomes, thereby allowing them to survive mitosis. The mechanism through which IE19 tethers viral genomes to cellular chromosomes is not understood. For human papillomavirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, viral genome tethering is required for persistence (latency) and pathogenesis (oncogenesis). Like these viruses, HCMV also achieves latency, and it modulates the properties of glioblastoma multiforme tumors. Therefore, defining the mechanism through which IE19 tethers viral genomes to cellular chromosomes may help us understand, and ultimately combat or control, HCMV latency and oncomodulation.
Draft genome sequences of antibiotic-resistant
Serratia
and
Enterobacter
species isolated from imported fresh produce in Georgia, USA
Authors: Kassem Issmat I. , Wang Jiayue , Gorbani Tajani Anahita , Esseili Malak A. , Hassan Jouman , Yassine Iman , Osman Marwan , Bisha Bledar
Published: May 2024

Imported foods play an essential role in food security and in fulfilling consumer demand. However, these foods can also carry antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which might be introduced into the country of importation. Here, we report the draft genomes of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that were isolated from imported fresh produce in Georgia, USA.
Selective bacteriophages reduce the emergence of resistant bacteria in bacteriophage-antibiotic combination therapy
Authors: Azam Aa Haeruman , Sato Koji , Miyanaga Kazuhiko , Nakamura Tomohiro , Ojima Shinjiro , Kondo Kohei , Tamura Azumi , Yamashita Wakana , Tanji Yasunori , Kiga Kotaro
Published: May 2024

Escherichia coli
O157:H7 is a globally important foodborne pathogen with implications for food safety. Antibiotic treatment for O157 may potentially contribute to the exacerbation of hemolytic uremic syndrome, and the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant strains necessitates the development of new treatment strategies. In this study, the bactericidal effects and resistance development of antibiotic and bacteriophage monotherapy were compared with those of combination therapy against O157. Experiments involving continuous exposure of O157 to phages and antibiotics, along with genetic deletion studies, revealed that the deletion of
glpT
and
uhpT
significantly increased resistance to fosfomycin. Furthermore, we found that OmpC functions as a receptor for the PP01 phage, which infects O157, and FhuA functions as a receptor for the newly isolated SP15 phage, targeting O157. In the
glpT
and
uhpT
deletion mutants, additional deletion in
ompC
, the receptor for the PP01 phage, increased resistance to fosfomycin. These findings suggest that specific phages may contribute to antibiotic resistance by selecting the emergence of gene mutations responsible for both phage and antibiotic resistance. While combination therapy with phages and antibiotics holds promise for the treatment of bacterial infections, careful consideration of phage selection is necessary.

IMPORTANCE

The combination treatment of fosfomycin and bacteriophages against
Escherichia coli
O157 demonstrated superior bactericidal efficacy compared to monotherapy, effectively suppressing the emergence of resistance. However, mutations selected by phage PP01 led to enhanced resistance not only to the phage but also to fosfomycin. These findings underscore the importance of exercising caution in selecting phages for combination therapy, as resistance selected by specific phages may increase the risk of developing antibiotic resistance.
Engineering of chimeric enzymes with expanded tolerance to ionic strength
Authors: Mitkowski Paweł , Jagielska Elżbieta , Sabała Izabela
Published: May 2024

Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant global threat, reaching dangerously high levels as reported by the World Health Organization. The emergence and rapid spread of new resistance mechanisms, coupled with the absence of effective treatments in recent decades, have led to thousands of deaths annually from infections caused by drug-resistant microorganisms. Consequently, there is an urgent need for the development of new compounds capable of combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria. A promising class of molecules exhibiting potent bactericidal effects is peptidoglycan hydrolases. Previously, we cloned and characterized the biochemical properties of the M23 catalytic domain of the EnpA (EnpA
CD
) protein from
Enterococcus faecalis
. Unlike other enzymes within the M23 family, EnpA
CD
demonstrates broad specificity. However, its activity is constrained under low ionic strength conditions. In this study, we present the engineering of three chimeric enzymes comprising EnpA
CD
fused with three distinct SH3b cell wall-binding domains. These chimeras exhibit enhanced tolerance to environmental conditions and sustained activity in bovine and human serum. Furthermore, our findings demonstrate that the addition of SH3b domains influences the activity of the chimeric enzymes, thereby expanding their potential applications in combating antimicrobial resistance.

IMPORTANCE

These studies demonstrate that the addition of the SH3b-binding domain to the EnpA
CD
results in generation of chimeras with a broader tolerance to ionic strength and pH values, enabling them to remain active over a wider range of conditions. Such approach offers a relatively straightforward method for obtaining antibacterial enzymes with tailored properties and emphasizes the potential for proteins’ engineering with enhanced functionality, contributing to the ongoing efforts to address antimicrobial resistance effectively.
Global Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Corresponding Genes and Key Pathways Involved in Oxidative Stress in Mouse Small Intestinal Cells
Authors: He Y. , Feng C. P. , Li J. L. , Du R.
Published: May 2024

Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the effects of oxidative stress in humans and animals is important to minimize the damage it causes, leading to various intestinal diseases. Our aim is to study the genes and pathways involved in oxidative stress in the gut using mouse small intestinal epithelial cells (MODE-K) as a model. The MODE-K cell line was divided into two different groups: one group was treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and the other group was not. To analyze the effects of H2O2 exposure, cell viability, apoptosis rate and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were determined. Next, transcriptome sequencing was performed, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and function annotation was performed, followed by a series of bioinformatics analyses. Real-time PCR was used to confirm the transcriptome data. Our results showed that H2O2-induced oxidative stress significantly increased ROS synthesis and promoted cell apoptosis in mouse small intestinal epithelial cells. During oxidative stress, 1207 DEGs (859 up-regulated, 348 down-regulated) were identified. According to GO analysis, DEGs are annotated into 51 different GO classifications including 22 biological processes, 15 cellular components and 14 molecular functions. In addition, using KEGG, PPI and correlation analysis, the two most significant subnetworks were identified. Ten correlated nodal DEGs of the first subnetwork correspond to MAPK, NF-kappa B and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways, and six correlated DEGs of the second subnetwork are associated with mitochondria. KDM6B was found to link these two subnetworks. The results suggest that oxidative stress affects epithelial growth, metabolism and apoptosis in a mouse model of intestinal cells through signaling pathways such as MAPK and PI3K/AKT/NF-kappa B, and mitochondria-related genes that are interconnected through the PTGS2-KDM6B-MT-ATP6 pathway.
Correlation between disease activity and patient-reported health-related quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Feng JunChao , Yu Lingjia , Fang Yingying , Zhang Xianyu , Li Shunping , Dou Lei
Published: May 2024

Objective

We aimed to provide a comprehensive assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) of different activities and to evaluate the correlation between clinical activity measures and HRQoL instruments. This research also analysed the extent to which different aspects of HRQoL (physical, psychological and social) were affected.

Design

Cross-sectional, observational, non-interventional study.

Setting

The study was conducted at the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University.

Methods

From December 2019 to October 2020, a total of 340 RA patients participated in the survey using convenient sampling. Three generic instruments, EQ-5D-5L,SF-12 and the AQoL-4D, as well as an RA-specific instrument,the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI), were administered to assess patients’ HRQoL. The Disease Activity Score 28-Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (DAS28-ESR) was used by doctors to measure patients’ clinical activity. Multivariable linear regression was used to compare patients’ HRQoL across different levels of activity. Spearman’s correlation was used to assess the correlation between doctor-reported clinical activity and HRQoL.

Results

A total of 314 patients with RA participated in this study. The mean score of HAQ-DI was 0.87 (SD: 0.91). Using patients in the clinical remission group as a reference, patients in the moderate and high disease activity groups showed significantly reduced health state utility values and HRQoL scores (all p<0.05). On the contrary, there was an increase in HAQ-DI scores, indicating more impairment (p<0.05). All instruments included in the study tended to differentiate disease activity based on multiple criteria, with scores showing a moderate to strong correlation with RA activity (|rs|=0.50 to 0.65). Among them, the disease-specific instrument had the highest correlation.

Conclusions

RA can have considerable impairment on patients’ HRQoL, both in terms of physical and psychosocial functioning. Given the strong correlation between clinical activity and HRQoL scores, and the fact that HRQoL can be an important clinical supplement. The EQ-5D-5L is probably the most appropriate generic measurement instrument for measuring HRQoL in RA patients.
Prevalence and associated factors of neurocognitive disorder among people living with HIV/AIDS in the South Gondar zone primary hospitals, North-West Ethiopia: an institution-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Kelebie Mulualem Admasu , Tinsae Techilo , Alemayehu Biruk Fanta , Walelign Getasew Kibralew , Takelle Girmaw Medfu
Published: May 2024

Objective

To assess the prevalence and associated factors of neurocognitive disorder among people living with HIV/AIDS in South Gondar primary hospitals, North-West Ethiopia, 2023.

Design

Institution-based cross-sectional study design.

Setting

South Gondar primary hospitals, North-West Ethiopia.

Participants

608 participants were recruited using the systematic random sampling technique.

Measurement

Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and medical chart reviews. The International HIV Dementia Scale was used to screen for neurocognitive disorder. The data were entered through EPI-DATA V.4.6 and exported to SPSS V.21 statistical software for analysis. In the bivariable logistic regression analyses, variables with a value of p<0.25 were entered into a multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify factors independently associated with neurocognitive disorder. Statistical significance was declared at a value of p<0.05.

Results

The prevalence of neurocognitive disorder among HIV-positive participants was 39.1%. In multivariable logistic regression, lower level of education (adjusted OR (AOR)=2.94; 95% CI 1.29 to 6.82), unemployment (AOR=2.74; 95% CI 1.29 to 6.84) and comorbid medical illness (AOR=1.80; 95% CI 1.03 to 3.14) were significantly associated with neurocognitive disorder.

Conclusion

HIV-associated neurocognitive problems affected over a third of the participants. According to the current study, comorbid medical conditions, unemployment and low educational attainment are associated with an increased risk of neurocognitive disorder. Therefore, early detection and treatment are essential.
Assessing the feasibility of using publicly available data sources to identify healthcare data discrepancies and enhance service delivery: a retrospective cross-sectional study of four low human index scoring countries
Authors: Boisson-Walsh Alix , Lewis Jack , Neilson Matthew , Leatherman Sheila
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Quality of care (QoC) remains a persistent challenge in countries with low Human Development Index scores (LHDIS) despite global efforts to promote universal health coverage. Addressing root causes and systematically implementing improvement interventions in LHDIS countries require a better understanding and use of QoC data. We aim to describe the data gaps and illustrate the state of quality in health services across a small set of countries. We demonstrate how we can leverage currently available, although imperfect, public data sources to compile quality metrics across multiple LHDIS countries.

Methods

Using public data sources, the Demographic Health Survey (DHS) and Service Provision Assessment (SPA), we selected relevant quality metrics and categorised them within a QoC matrix. We based the selection of metrics on the quality of care in fragile, conflict-affected and vulnerable settings framework domains and the Donabedian model. Criteria for our retrospective cross-sectional study included a LHDIS and recent availability of both DHS and SPA data for data relevance.

Results

The approach was feasible, with relevant indicators distributed across various QoC categories. However, some cells in the indicator matrix lacked suitable indicators from SPA and DHS data. We selected the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Afghanistan and Senegal for a snapshot of QoC in LHDIS countries. Comparisons highlighted areas of positive performance and shared challenges across these countries, with notable variability in certain categories. Senegal ranked highest overall, while Afghanistan ranked lowest across all matrix categories. Senegal had the most comprehensive data, with 94.7% of metrics available. Missing data existed for two specific metrics in all four countries, particularly within the improving clinical care domain.

Conclusion

The results are a clarion call for advancing efforts to develop standardised, publicly available, routinely collected and validated data sets to measure and publicly report LHDIS countries’ state of quality to marshal global attention and action in pursuit of more significant health equity.
Impact of scaling up of kangaroo mother care on neonatal mortality among babies born with birth weight <2000 g in a district in southern India: a prospective cohort analysis
Authors: Thomas Tinku , Kar Arin , Rao Suman P N , Narayana Swaroop , Washington Maryann , Rao Shashidhar , Jayanna Krishnamurthy , Gowda Prabhu Deva , Lakkappa Mohan Harnahalli , Mony Prem
Published: May 2024

Objective

To assess the impact of scaling up of kangaroo mother care (KMC) on neonatal mortality among babies born with birth weight <2000 g across an entire district in southern India.

Design, setting and participants

Within an implementation research setting, analysis of a prospective birth cohort of babies with birth weight <2000 g born during March–December 2018 in Koppal district of Karnataka state, India, to estimate the incidence, risk and HRs of neonatal mortality associated with KMC.

Intervention

Initiation and maintenance of KMC.

Outcome measures

Neonatal mortality.

Results

Among 23 667 live births, 1152 (4.9%) had birth weight <2000 g; the birth weight was <1500 g in 24% and <1000 g in 4%. Among them, 213 (18%, 95% CI 16% to 21%) babies died during the neonatal period, with 56% of the mortality occurring in the first 3 days of life and risk of mortality decreasing with higher birth weight. Overall, KMC was initiated in 816 (71%) babies; KMC-initiated babies had a substantially lower risk of neonatal mortality (risk ratio 0.07 (95% CI 0.05 to 0.09)). In a subset of 705 babies ‘eligible-for-KMC’ after exclusion of deaths, referrals or ‘terminal discharges’ (leaving against medical advice) in the first 3 days of life, and whose mother was a resident of the study area, 88% (95% CI 85% to 90%) were initiated on KMC. The RR of mortality among KMC-initiated babies remained low at 0.05 (95% CI 0.03 to 0.08) after adjusting for covariates and propensity-score adjusted analysis to address selection bias. Among 874 babies with follow-up data till 29 days of life, neonatal mortality rate was 24.4% (95% CI 21.6% to 27.3%); it was 6.4% (95% CI 4.7% to 8.6%) among KMC-initiated babies and 74.8% (95% CI 67.8% to 79.1%) among non-initiated babies (n=233).

Conclusion

KMC implementation across a district was associated with substantial reduction in neonatal mortality. Scaling up KMC coverage across large geographies could facilitate achieving global child survival targets.
Impact of patient support programmes among patients with severe asthma treated with biological therapies: a systematic literature review and indirect treatment comparison
Authors: Rabe Adrian P J , Loke Wei J , Kielar Danuta , Morris Tamsin , Shih Vivian H , Olinger Lynda , Musat Mihaela G , Lan Zhiyi , Harricharan Sharada , Fulton Olivia , Majeed Azeem , Heaney Liam G
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Effective treatment of severe asthma requires patient adherence to inhaled and biological medications. Previous work has shown that patient support programmes (PSP) can improve adherence in patients with chronic diseases, but the impact of PSPs in patients with severe asthma treated with biologics has not been thoroughly investigated.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature review to understand the impact of PSPs on treatment adherence, asthma control and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with severe asthma. Embase, MEDLINE and EconLit databases were searched for studies published from 2003 (the year of the first biological approval for severe asthma) to June 2023 that described PSP participation among patients with severe asthma on biological treatment. Direct pooling of outcomes was not possible due to the heterogeneity across studies, so an indirect treatment comparison (ITC) was performed to determine the effect of PSP participation on treatment discontinuation. The ITC used patient-level data from patients treated with benralizumab either enrolled in a PSP (VOICE study, Connect 360 PSP) or not enrolled in a PSP (Benralizumab Patient Access Programme study) in the UK.

Findings

25 records of 21 studies were selected. Six studies investigated the impact of PSPs on treatment adherence, asthma control or HRQoL. All six studies reported positive outcomes for patients enrolled in PSPs; the benefits of each PSP were closely linked to the services provided. The ITC showed that patients in the Connect 360 PSP group were less likely to discontinue treatment compared with the non-PSP group (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.57, p<0.001).

Conclusions

PSPs contribute to positive clinical outcomes in patients with severe asthma on biological treatment. Future analyses will benefit from thorough descriptions of PSP services, and study designs that allow direct comparisons of patient outcomes with and without a PSP.
Single and multiple breath nitrogen washout compared with the methacholine test in patients with suspected asthma and normal spirometry
Authors: Siebeneichler Aline Stalder , Schumann Desiree M , Karakioulaki Meropi , Brachsler Nora , Darie Andrei M , Grize Leticia , Heck Thiago G , Tamm Michael , Latzin Philipp , Stolz Daiana
Published: May 2024

Background

Methods used to assess ventilation heterogeneity through inert gas washout have been standardised and showed high sensitivity in diagnosing many respiratory diseases. We hypothesised that nitrogen single or multiple breath washout tests, respectively nitrogen single breath washout (N2SBW) and nitrogen multiple breath washout (N2MBW), may be pathological in patients with clinical suspicion of asthma but normal spirometry. Our aim was to assess whether N2SBW and N2MBW are associated with methacholine challenge test (MCT) results in this population. We also postulated that an alteration in SIIIat N2SBW could be detected before the 20% fall of forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) in MCT.

Study design and methods

This prospective, observational, single-centre study included patients with suspicion of asthma with normal spirometry. Patients completed questionnaires on symptoms and health-related quality-of-life and underwent the following lung function tests: N2SBW (SIII), N2MBW (Lung clearance index (LCI), Scond, Sacin), MCT (FEV1and sGeff) as well as N2SBW between each methacholine dose.

Results

182 patients were screened and 106 were included in the study, with mean age of 41.8±14 years. The majority were never-smokers (58%) and women (61%). MCT was abnormal in 48% of participants, N2SBW was pathological in 10.6% at baseline and N2MBW abnormality ranged widely (LCI 81%, Scond18%, Sacin43%). The dose response rate of the MCT showed weak to moderate correlation with the subsequent N2SBW measurements during the provocation phases (ρ 0.34–0.50) but no correlation with N2MBW.

Conclusions

Both MCT and N2washout tests are frequently pathological in patients with suspicion of asthma with normal spirometry. The weak association and lack of concordance across the tests highlight that they reflect different but not interchangeable pathological pathways of the disease.
Evaluating performance of miniaturized spectrometers in predicting soil properties using multivariate statistical analysis
Authors: Gowera Grace Tariro , Sorenson Preston , Bedard-Haughn Angela , Rivard Benoit , Peak Derek , Feng Jilu
Published: May 2024

Despite the increasing use of portable, low-cost spectrometers in estimating soil properties, there is lack of documentation regarding the factors contributing to the lower performance of these spectrometers when compared to conventional ones. This study investigates potential factors influencing performance of the Nanoquest, a low-cost spectrometer, in estimating soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN). To conduct the study, five different models (cubist, partial least squares regression, support vector machines, random forest, and generalised boosted models) were tested for the estimation SOC and TN and a fivefold cross-validation analysis was conducted for model hyperparameter optimization. The Nanoquest achieved a Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) value of 0.84 and an R2 value of 0.74 for SOC. For TN, CCC values of 0.86 and an R2 value of 0.78 were obtained. To understand the impact of the spectral range and spectral resolution on SOC and TN estimation, the ASD spectra were digitally resampled to match the Nanoquest spectral range and resolution. This resampling resulted in a slight decrease in model performance for the spectral range and a more pronounced decrease for the spectral resolution.
Lessons from Twenty Years of Quantum Image Processing
Authors: Yan Fei , Venegas-Andraca Salvador E.
Published: May 2024

Quantum image processing (QIMP) was first introduced in 2003 by Venegas-Andraca and Bose at the University of Oxford. This field attempts to overcome the limitations of classical computers and the potentially overwhelming complexity of classical algorithms by providing a more effective way to store and manipulate visual information. Over the past 20 years, QIMP has become an active area of research, experiencing rapid and vigorous development. However, these advancements have suffered from an imbalance, as inherent critical issues have been largely ignored. In this article, we review the original intentions for this field and analyze various unresolved issues from a new perspective, including QIMP algorithm design, potential advantages and limitations, technological debates, and potential directions for future development. We suggest that the 20-year milestone could serve as a new beginning and advocate for more researchers to focus their attention on this pursuit, helping to overcome bottlenecks, and achieving more practical results in the future.
Electrode Spacing Effects on the Capacitance of Glassy Carbon Electrodes in Aqueous Electrolytes
Authors: Wilson Nicholas S. , Callahan Caitlin L. , Cameron Amanda P. , Donne Scott W.
Published: May 2024

Matched glassy carbon electrodes in aqueous K2SO4 electrolytes were used to examine the effects of opposing electrode spacing on capacitive performance. Planar non-porous glassy carbon electrodes were used to avoid complications with porosity and roughness. Electrode spacing effects were examined in terms of device and individual electrode performance, using cyclic voltammetry, coupled with its deconvolution into residual, diffusional, and capacitive processes. Decreasing the spacing between electrodes led to a decrease in capacitive contributions, and a relative increase in diffusional and residual contributions, implying that individual electrodes were influencing the behaviour of each other. This is also consistent with the use of more dilute electrolytes. Electrode behaviour was modelled using the Poisson-Boltzmann equation, together with its integrated outputs of electric field and potential difference. For electrodes with the same amount of charge and a similar diffuse layer thickness, the electric field and potential drop was diminished because of their charge interaction. Conversely, it is shown that for a similar potential drop across the electrodes, the variable controlled in a cyclic voltammetry experiment, more charge accumulation is needed at the electrode-electrolyte interface to compensate for the counter charge generate from the opposing electrode.
Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Electrocatalyst: MoN/Ni3N/NF Coupled with Methanol Oxidation Reaction for Formate Production in Alkaline Media
Authors: Zhou Yang , Zhao Kunfeng , Shi Chenhao , Ma Haojie , Yuan Dingwang , Yi Zhiguo
Published: May 2024

Electrocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen production is promising, but its practical application is limited by the sluggish kinetics of the anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the less valuable oxygen by-product. Hence, replacing OER with a thermodynamically favorable methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) and coupling with value-added formate generation on the anode is an energy-saving and effective scheme. In this work, we report a self-supporting bifunctional electrocatalyst MoN/Ni3N/NF, which exhibits excellent hydrogen evolution reaction catalytic activity and stability, requiring overpotentials of only 18 and 68 mV to reach current densities of −10 and −100 mA cm−2, respectively. Moreover, the catalyst’s performance minimally deteriorates after long-standing chronopotentiometry measurements (−100 mA cm−2@150 h). When MOR is used instead of OER, the required potential drops by 200 mV to 1.38 V at a current density of 100 mA cm−2 and MoN/Ni3N/NF also demonstrates splendid catalytic stability towards OER and MOR. Finally, a two-electrode system employing MoN/Ni3N/NF as a bifunctional electrocatalyst only requires a cell voltage of 1.40, 1.68 V to achieve current densities of 10 and 100 mA cm−2, respectively. The coupled electrolyzer also exhibits high faradaic efficiency for producing cathodic H2 (100%) and anodic formate (90%).
Investigation of Cu-Sn-Sb Thin Film for Ultra-Speed and Phase High-Reliability Change Memory Applications
Authors: You Haipeng , Chen Yixiao , Li Yue , Lv Yinglu , Yao Yin , Yang Jingjing , Xing Yu , Chen Jun , Zhu Tianxiang , Wei Zhengwen
Published: May 2024

SnSb (SS), a vital phase-change thin film, has attracted attention due to its excellent phase-change properties, but the poor amorphous stability and crystalline speed of SS greatly limit its application in rapid phase-transition memories. Here, we propose a copper (Cu)-doped SS phase change films to achieve ultra-speed and high-reliability of SS. Resistance-temperature tests show Cu-Sn-Sb possesses ultra-low crystalline and amorphous resistivity, higher phase transition speed, and lower activation energy. X-ray diffraction measurements illustrate the introduction of Cu ions hinders the growth of grains and reduce grains size. Atomic force microscopy characterizes the surface morphology of as-deposited and annealed Cu-Sn-Sb films, and difference of root-mean-square roughness before and after annealing promote Cu-Sn-Sb film is more reliable to touch electrodes. In addition, the ultra-low resistivity and fast transition speed effectively reduce thermal loss in SET and RESET process. The results reveal that Cu-Sn-Sb is a promising material for ultra-rapid phase change and high-reliability storage applications.
Proposal of Magnetic-Force-Assisted Polishing Method
Authors: Wada Tatsuyuki , Uneda Michio , Yamamoto Yuko , Miyashita Tadakazu , Ishikawa Ken-ichi
Published: May 2024

To reduce the size of the polisher, especially the polishing head, a novel method for applying the polishing load using magnetic force is proposed. As the fabrication of next-generation power device substrates advances, such as diamond, ultra-precise planarization via chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) becomes crucial for transforming these substrates into functional devices. Achieving CMP necessitates the application of an optimal polishing load to the substrate. Deadweight and air pressure methods are the traditional mechanisms for delivering this load. However, they tend to increase the size and complexity of the polishing head mechanism, hindering its miniaturization. This study proposes leveraging the magnetic force for the application of polishing load. Such an approach not only promises the miniaturization of the polishing head but also paves the way for smaller polishers. We constructed a prototype polisher with a straightforward mechanism and conducted several tests. The removal rate measurements from these tests, when compared with those of the traditional deadweight method in prior research, validated our approach. Additionally, by adjusting the magnet spacing (which adjusts magnetic force) and the rotational speed, we found that the removal rate adheres to Preston’s law even when employing the magnetic force for polishing.
Negative Dielectric Constant in Novel Structure of PA-GO Composite /MnO2/Fe3O4/n-Si
Authors: Ashery A. , Gad S. A. , Turky G. M.
Published: May 2024

This manuscript presents a novel structure of PA-GO composite with MnO2/Fe3O4/n-Si. This assembly was arranged by simple technique. It was examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy (RS). The novelty here is that the negative dielectric constant appeared for all considered voltages at the spot point frequencies 1000, 100 and 10 Hz, in spite of all literature proved that the dielectric constant has negative values only at higher frequencies (almost above 1 MHz). Also, the dielectric loss is negative at the higher frequencies at all considered voltages and temperatures. This structure has low dielectric loss tangent (tan δ ranging between 4 to 50) for all investigated voltages and temperatures and also has high rectification ratio reach to 1200 times, and high Rj. The electrical properties of this structure were examined by conventional/dlnI, Nord and Cheung method.
A novel approach to clinical thinking training for medical students: the combined World Café discussion and case-based learning experience introduction
Authors: Guo Ying , Li Xia , Tan Heng , Xie Jianping , Luo Haiyun , Li Fei
Published: May 2024

The combined World Café discussion and case-based learning approach was implemented in the clinical thinking training course. Students’ scores for clinical symptoms, medical examination, pathological process, diagnostic results, diagnostic basis, and drug use were all excellent. Feedback from both students and teachers on the teaching content, teaching process, and teaching effect was positive.
Succinylation of Park7 activates a protective metabolic response to acute kidney injury
Authors: Pfister Katherine , Young Victoria , Frankel Brendon , Silva Barbosa Anne , Burton Jordan , Bons Joanna , Zhang Bob , Chiba Takuto , Uhlean Rebecca , Goetzman Eric , Schilling Birgit , Sims-Lucas Sunder
Published: May 2024

Succinylation is an understudied posttranslational modification that has been shown to increase peroxisomal activity. Furthermore, increased peroxisomal activity has been shown to reduce oxidative stress and protect proximal tubules after acute kidney injury. Analysis of mass spectrometry succinylomic and proteomic data reveals a novel role for Parkinson’s related Park7 in mediating Nrf2 antioxidant response after kidney injury. This novel protection pathway provides new insights for kidney injury prevention and development of novel therapeutics.
Age-related differences in finger interdependence during complex hand movements
Authors: Klemm Lisa , Kuehn Esther , Kalyani Avinash , Schreiber Stefanie , Reichert Christoph , Azañón Elena
Published: May 2024

Kinematic finger movement data were analyzed with regard to age-related differences. Extensive analyses of complex and daily-life-inspired movements reveal that the direction of age effects is not uniform but task-dependent: Although older adults generally show more finger interdependence than younger adults in a simple finger tapping task, this effect is reversed for daily-life-inspired movement tasks. For these tasks, finger interdependence indices offer potential new markers to predict the age group of an individual using machine learning approaches.
Limit Cycles and Local Bifurcation of Critical Periods in a Class of Switching Z2 Equivariant Quartic System
Authors: Yang Jian , Liu Jukun , Lu Jingping
Published: May 2024

In this paper, the limit cycles and local bifurcation of critical periods for a class of switching Z2 equivariant quartic system with two symmetric singularities are investigated. First, through the computation of Lyapunov constants, the conditions of the two singularities to become the centers are determined. Then, we prove that there are at most 18 limit cycles with a distribution pattern of 9‐9 around the two symmetric singular points of the system. Numerical simulation is conducted to validate the obtained results. Furthermore, by calculating the period constants, we determine the conditions for the critical point to be a weak center of finite order. Finally, the number of local critical periods that bifurcate from the equilibrium point under the center conditions is discussed. This study presents the first example of a quartic switching smooth system with 18 limit cycles and 4 local critical periods bifurcating from two symmetric singular points.
Association between Gestational Weight Gain and Maternal and Birth Outcomes in Northern Ghana
Authors: Niyi John Lapah , Li Zhihui , Zumah Fidelis
Published: May 2024

Background. Although inappropriate gestational weight gain is considered closely related to adverse maternal and birth outcomes globally, little evidence was found in low- and middle-income countries. Study Objectives. This study is aimed at identifying the determinants of gestational weight gain and examine the association between gestational weight gain and maternal and birth outcomes in the Northern Region of Ghana. Study Methods. The study used a facility-based cross-sectional study design involving 611 antenatal and delivery records in Tatale district, Tamale west, and Gushegu municipal hospitals. A two-stage sampling method involving cluster and simple random sampling was employed. Descriptive statistical analysis and measures of central tendency were used to describe the sample. The multinomial logistic regression model was used to determine the determinants of gestational weight gain and its association with maternal and birth outcomes. Results. Among the 611 women included in the study, 516 (84.45%) had inadequate gestational weight gain, and 19 (3.11%) had excessive gestational weight gain. The gestational weight gain ranged from 2 kg to 25 kg with a mean of 7.26±3.70 kg. The risk factor for inadequate gestational weight gain was low prepregnancy BMI (adjusted odds ratio AOR=1.33, 95% CI=1.18−2.57, P=0.002). Pregnant women who had inadequate gestational weight gain were significantly less likely to deliver through caesarean section (AOR=0.27, 95% CI=0.12−0.61, P=0.002), and those who had excessive weight gain were more likely to undergo caesarean section (AOR=19.81, 95% CI=5.38−72.91, P=0.001). The odds of premature delivery (birth<37 weeks) among pregnant women with inadequate weight gain were 2.88 (95% CI=1.27−6.50, P=0.011). Furthermore, subjects who had excessive weight gain were 43.80 times more likely to give birth to babies with macrosomia (95% CI=7.07−271.23, P=0.001). Conclusion. Inappropriate gestational weight gain is prevalent in Ghana, which is associated with caesarean section, preterm delivery, delivery complications, and macrosomia. Urgent policy interventions are needed to improve on the frequent monitoring and management of gestational weight gain of pregnant women till term.
Sensitivity of WRF-Simulated 2 m Temperature and Precipitation to Physics Options over the Loess Plateau
Authors: Liu Siliang
Published: May 2024

The current paper evaluates the weather research and forecasting (WRF) model sensitivity to five different combinations of cumulus, microphysics, radiation, and planetary boundary layer (PBL) schemes over Loess Plateau for the period 2015, in terms of 2 m temperature and precipitation. The WRF configuration consists of a 10 km resolution domain nested in a coarser domain driven by European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis (ERA-Interim) data. The model simulated 2 m temperature and precipitation have been evaluated at daily and monthly scales with gridded observational dataset. The analysis shows that all experiments reproduce well the daily 2 m temperature, with overestimation particularly in the low-temperature range. Precipitation is less well simulated, with underestimation in all range, especially for intense rainfall. Comparing with ERA-Interim, WRF shows no clear benefit in simulating daily 2 m temperature while prominent improvement in simulating daily precipitation. WRF simulations capture the annual cycle of monthly 2 m temperature and precipitation with a warm bias and wet bias for most experiments in summer. Some reasonable configurations are identified. The “best” configuration depends on the criteria.
Experimental Study on the Seismic Performance of Insulated Single‐Sided Composite Shear Walls under Different Shear Spans and Axial Compression Ratios
Authors: Sun Qiang , Zhang Shoufeng , Liu Ke , Wu Xinyi , Zhang Guowei , Cheng Bei
Published: May 2024

The new insulated single‐sided composite shear wall (NISCSW) composition involves setting a precast wall panel on one side and an insulation panel on the other side, with a middle cavity for casting concrete. To investigate the seismic performance of NISCSW under different shear spans and axial compression ratios, eight specimens are made, including six composite and two cast‐in‐place walls. The shear span ratio is controlled at 1.2 and 1.9, and the axial compression ratio is controlled at 0.1, 0.3, and 0.4. The specimens are subjected to quasistatic tests to analyze failure modes, hysteresis characteristics, stiffness degradation, displacement ductility, and energy dissipation capacity and to compare the seismic performance of the composite and cast‐in‐place walls. Results show that for each composite specimen, under the same axial compression ratio, the large shear span ratio specimen has a lower ultimate bearing capacity and faster stiffness degradation but better ductility and postyield energy dissipation capacity. Under the same shear span ratio, the high axial compression ratio specimen had a higher ultimate bearing capacity, slightly worse ductility, and similar stiffness degradation and energy dissipation capacity compared to other specimens. Compared with the cast‐in‐place specimen with the same axial compression ratio, the composite specimen failure mode and hysteresis characteristics are similar, and the ductility and energy dissipation capacity are comparable to the cast‐in‐place shear wall specimen, indicating that NISCSW has similar seismic performance to the cast‐in‐place shear wall under conditions of a large shear span ratio and high axial compression ratio. Based on the test results, the program ABAQUS is used to simulate the specimens. Compared with the test results, the simulated specimen failure mode is consistent with the test results, and the hysteresis and skeleton curves are consistent with the test curve, indicating that the model is correct, reliable, and can be verified with test results.
Table S7 from Proteogenomic Characterization Reveals Estrogen Signaling as a Target for Never-Smoker Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients without EGFR or ALK Alterations
Authors: Park Seung-Jin , Ju Shinyeong , Goh Sung-Ho , Yoon Byoung-Ha , Park Jong-Lyul , Kim Jeong-Hwan , Lee Seonjeong , Lee Sang-Jin , Kwon Yumi , Lee Wonyeop , Park Kyung Chan , Lee Geon Kook , Park Seog Yun , Kim Sunshin , Kim Seon-Young , Han Ji-Youn , Lee Cheolju
Published: May 2024

Table S7
Table S3 from Proteogenomic Characterization Reveals Estrogen Signaling as a Target for Never-Smoker Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients without EGFR or ALK Alterations
Authors: Park Seung-Jin , Ju Shinyeong , Goh Sung-Ho , Yoon Byoung-Ha , Park Jong-Lyul , Kim Jeong-Hwan , Lee Seonjeong , Lee Sang-Jin , Kwon Yumi , Lee Wonyeop , Park Kyung Chan , Lee Geon Kook , Park Seog Yun , Kim Sunshin , Kim Seon-Young , Han Ji-Youn , Lee Cheolju
Published: May 2024

Table S3
Supplementary Fig. S1. from MILIP Binding to tRNAs Promotes Protein Synthesis to Drive Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Zheng Si Min , Feng Yu Chen , Zhu Qin , Li Ruo Qi , Yan Qian Qian , Teng Liu , Yue Yi Meng , Han Man Man , Ye Kaihong , Zhang Sheng Nan , Qi Teng Fei , Tang Cai Xia , Zhao Xiao Hong , Zhang Yuan Yuan , Xu Liang , Xu Ran , Xing Jun , Baker Mark , Liu Tao , Thorne Rick F. , Jin Lei , Preiss Thomas , Zhang Xu Dong , Cang Shundong , Gao Jin Nan
Published: May 2024

MILIP is upregulated in TNBC and promotes TNBC tumorigenesis.
Supplementary Figure 5 from Proteogenomic Characterization Reveals Estrogen Signaling as a Target for Never-Smoker Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients without EGFR or ALK Alterations
Authors: Park Seung-Jin , Ju Shinyeong , Goh Sung-Ho , Yoon Byoung-Ha , Park Jong-Lyul , Kim Jeong-Hwan , Lee Seonjeong , Lee Sang-Jin , Kwon Yumi , Lee Wonyeop , Park Kyung Chan , Lee Geon Kook , Park Seog Yun , Kim Sunshin , Kim Seon-Young , Han Ji-Youn , Lee Cheolju
Published: May 2024

Supplementary Figure 5
Supplementary Figure 3 from Proteogenomic Characterization Reveals Estrogen Signaling as a Target for Never-Smoker Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients without EGFR or ALK Alterations
Authors: Park Seung-Jin , Ju Shinyeong , Goh Sung-Ho , Yoon Byoung-Ha , Park Jong-Lyul , Kim Jeong-Hwan , Lee Seonjeong , Lee Sang-Jin , Kwon Yumi , Lee Wonyeop , Park Kyung Chan , Lee Geon Kook , Park Seog Yun , Kim Sunshin , Kim Seon-Young , Han Ji-Youn , Lee Cheolju
Published: May 2024

Supplementary Figure 3
Supplementary Table 6 from Single-Cell Analysis Identifies NOTCH3-Mediated Interactions between Stromal Cells That Promote Microenvironment Remodeling and Invasion in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Xiang Handan , Pan Yidan , Sze Marc A. , Wlodarska Marta , Li Ling , van de Mark Karyn Ann , Qamar Haleema , Moure Casey J. , Linn Douglas E. , Hai Josephine , Huo Ying , Clarke James , Tan Tze Guan , Ho Samantha , Teng Karen W. , Ramli Muhammad N. , Nebozhyn Michael , Zhang Chunsheng , Barlow Julianne , Gustafson Corinne E. , Gornisiewicz Savanna , Albertson Thomas P. , Korle Stephanie L. , Bueno Raphael , Moy Lily Y. , Vollmann Elisabeth H. , Chiang Derek Y. , Brandish Philip E. , Loboda Andrey
Published: May 2024

Annotation of the cell clusters identified by IMC