bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo and sudden deafness among patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis
Authors: Hung Shih-Han , Xirasagar Sudha , Dang Luong Huu , Viet-Nhi Nguyen-Kieu , Cheng Yen-Fu , Chen Chin-Shyan , Lin Herng-Ching
Published: March 2024

Little is known about a possible association of autoimmune inner ear disease among patients diagnosed with polymyositis (PM)/dermatomyositis (DM). This study aimed to explore differences in the prevalence of inner ear symptoms among patients with and without PM/DM using a nationwide population-based dataset. Data for this study were retrieved from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. The study sample included 1622 patients diagnosed with PM/DM and 8109 propensity-score matched comparison patients without PM/DM. We performed multivariate logistic regressions to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for tinnitus, hearing loss, sudden deafness, and vertigo among patients with PM/DM versus comparison patients. Chi-square tests showed statistically significant differences between patients with PM/DM and comparison patients in the prevalence of tinnitus (16.1% vs. 12.7%, p < 0.001), non-conductive hearing loss (9.2% vs. 6.8%, p < 0.001), and vertigo (14.4% vs. 11.1%, p < 0.001). The adjusted ORs for tinnitus, non-conductive hearing loss, and vertigo, respectively, were 1.332 (95% CI = 1.147–1.547), 1.399 (95% CI = 1.154–1.696), and 1.374 (95% CI = 1.173–1.611) for patients with PM/DM when compared to comparison patients. Our study finds that patients with PM/DM have higher prevalence rates of tinnitus, non-conductive hearing loss, and vertigo than comparison patients.
Prenatal delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol exposure alters fetal neurodevelopment in rhesus macaques
Authors: Ryan Kimberly S. , Karpf Joshua A. , Chan Chi Ngai , Hagen Olivia L. , McFarland Trevor J. , Urian J. Wes , Wang Xiaojie , Boniface Emily R. , Hakar Melanie H. , Terrobias Jose Juanito D. , Graham Jason A. , Passmore Scarlet , Grant Kathleen A. , Sullivan Elinor L. , Grafe Marjorie R. , Saugstad Julie A. , Kroenke Christopher D. , Lo Jamie O.
Published: March 2024

Prenatal cannabis use is associated with adverse offspring neurodevelopmental outcomes, however the underlying mechanisms are relatively unknown. We sought to determine the impact of chronic delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) exposure on fetal neurodevelopment in a rhesus macaque model using advanced imaging combined with molecular and tissue studies. Animals were divided into two groups, control (n = 5) and THC-exposed (n = 5), which received a daily THC edible pre-conception and throughout pregnancy. Fetal T2-weighted MRI was performed at gestational days 85 (G85), G110, G135 and G155 to assess volumetric brain development. At G155, animals underwent cesarean delivery with collection of fetal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for microRNA (miRNA) studies and fetal tissue for histologic analysis. THC exposure was associated with significant age by sex interactions in brain growth, and differences in fetal brain histology suggestive of brain dysregulation. Two extracellular vesicle associated-miRNAs were identified in THC-exposed fetal CSF; pathway analysis suggests that these miRNAs are associated with dysregulated axonal guidance and netrin signaling. This data is indicative of subtle molecular changes consistent with the observed histological data, suggesting a potential role for fetal miRNA regulation by THC. Further studies are needed to determine whether these adverse findings correlate with long-term offspring neurodevelopmental health.
A graph convolutional network with dynamic weight fusion of multi-scale local features for diabetic retinopathy grading
Authors: Wang Yipeng , Wang Liejun , Guo Zhiqing , Song Shiji , Li Yanhong
Published: March 2024

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a serious ocular complication that can pose a serious risk to a patient’s vision and overall health. Currently, the automatic grading of DR is mainly using deep learning techniques. However, the lesion information in DR images is complex, variable in shape and size, and randomly distributed in the images, which leads to some shortcomings of the current research methods, i.e., it is difficult to effectively extract the information of these various features, and it is difficult to establish the connection between the lesion information in different regions. To address these shortcomings, we design a multi-scale dynamic fusion (MSDF) module and combine it with graph convolution operations to propose a multi-scale dynamic graph convolutional network (MDGNet) in this paper. MDGNet firstly uses convolution kernels with different sizes to extract features with different shapes and sizes in the lesion regions, and then automatically learns the corresponding weights for feature fusion according to the contribution of different features to model grading. Finally, the graph convolution operation is used to link the lesion features in different regions. As a result, our proposed method can effectively combine local and global features, which is beneficial for the correct DR grading. We evaluate the effectiveness of method on two publicly available datasets, namely APTOS and DDR. Extensive experiments demonstrate that our proposed MDGNet achieves the best grading results on APTOS and DDR, and is more accurate and diverse for the extraction of lesion information.
Sleep- and sleep deprivation-related changes of vertex auditory evoked potentials during the estrus cycle in female rats
Authors: Tóth Attila , Traub Máté , Bencsik Norbert , Détári László , Hajnik Tünde , Dobolyi Arpád
Published: March 2024

The estrus cycle in female rodents has been shown to affect a variety of physiological functions. However, little is known about its presumably thorough effect on auditory processing during the sleep–wake cycle and sleep deprivation. Vertex auditory evoked potentials (vAEPs) were evoked by single click tone stimulation and recorded during different stages of the estrus cycle and sleep deprivation performed in metestrus and proestrus in female rats. vAEPs showed a strong sleep-dependency, with the largest amplitudes present during slow wave sleep while the smallest ones during wakefulness. Higher amplitudes and longer latencies were seen in the light phase during all vigilance stages. The largest amplitudes were found during proestrus (light phase) while the shortest latencies were seen during estrus (dark phase) compared to the 2nd day diestrus baseline. High-amplitude responses without latency changes were also seen during metestrus with increased homeostatic sleep drive. More intense and faster processing of auditory information during proestrus and estrus suggesting a more effective perception of relevant environmental cues presumably in preparation for sexual receptivity. A 4-h sleep deprivation resulted in more pronounced sleep recovery in metestrus compared to proestrus without difference in delta power replacement suggesting a better tolerance of sleep deprivation in proestrus. Sleep deprivation decreased neuronal excitability and responsiveness in a similar manner both during metestrus and proestrus, suggesting that the negative consequences of sleep deprivation on auditory processing may have a limited correlation with the estrus cycle stage.
Generation of a galactic chronology with impact ages and spiral arm tangents
Authors: Gillman Michael , Zhang Rui
Published: March 2024

Resolving the role of galactic processes in Solar System/Earth events necessitates a robust temporal model. However, astrophysical theory diverges with models varying from long-lasting spiral density waves with uniform pattern speeds and arm structures to others with fleeting and unpredictable features. Here, we address those issues with (1) an analysis of patterns of impact periodicity over periods of 10 to 250 million years (Myr) using circular statistics and (2), an independent logarithmic spiral arm model fitted to arm tangents of 870 micron dust. Comparison of the impact periodicity results with the best-fit spiral arm model suggests a galactic period of 660 Myr, i.e. 165 Myr to pass from one arm to the next in a four spiral arm model, with the most recent arm passage around 52 million years ago (Ma). The oldest impact ages imply that the emerging galactic chronology model is robust for at least the last 2 Gyr. The arm-passing time is consistent with spectral analyses of zircons across 3 Gyrs. Overall, the model provides a temporal framework against which to test hypotheses of galactic mechanisms for global events such as mass extinctions and superchrons.
In vivo phenotypic vascular dysfunction extends beyond the aorta in a mouse model for fibrillin-1 (Fbn1) mutation
Authors: Curry T. , Barrameda M. E. , Thomas T. Currier , Esfandiarei M.
Published: March 2024

In individuals with Marfan Syndrome (MFS), fibrillin-1 gene (FBN1) mutations can lead to vascular wall weakening and dysfunction. The experimental mouse model of MFS (Fbn1C1041G/+) has been advantageous in investigating MFS-associated life-threatening aortic aneurysms. It is well established that the MFS mouse model exhibits an accelerated-aging phenotype in elastic organs like the aorta, lung, and skin. However, the impact of Fbn1 mutations on the in vivo function and structure of various artery types with the consideration of sex and age, has not been adequately explored in real-time and a clinically relevant context. In this study, we investigate if Fbn1 mutation contributes to sex-dependent alterations in central and cerebral vascular function similar to phenotypic changes associated with normal aging in healthy control mice. In vivo ultrasound imaging of central and cerebral vasculature was performed in 6-month-old male and female MFS and C57BL/6 mice and sex-matched 12-month-old (middle-aged) healthy control mice. Our findings confirm aortic enlargement (aneurysm) and wall stiffness in MFS mice, but with exacerbation in male diameters. Coronary artery blood flow velocity (BFV) in diastole was not different but left pulmonary artery BFV was decreased in MFS and 12-month-old control mice regardless of sex. At 6 months of age, MFS male mice show decreased posterior cerebral artery BFV as compared to age-matched control males, with no difference observed between female cohorts. Reduced mitral valve early-filling velocities were indicated in MFS mice regardless of sex. Male MFS mice also demonstrated left ventricular hypertrophy. Overall, these results underscore the significance of biological sex in vascular function and structure in MFS mice, while highlighting a trend of pre-mature vascular aging phenotype in MFS mice that is comparable to phenotypes observed in older healthy controls. Furthermore, this research is a vital step in understanding MFS's broader implications and sets the stage for more in-depth future analyses, while providing data-driven preclinical justification for re-evaluating diagnostic approaches and therapeutic efficacy.
Numerical simulation study on distinguishing nonlinear propagation regimes of femtosecond pulses in fused silica
Authors: Liu Faqian , Xi Tingting , Zhang Lanzhi , Li Dongwei , Hao Zuoqiang
Published: March 2024

We perform numerical simulations to investigate the nonlinear propagation dynamics of femtosecond Gaussian and vortex beams in fused silica. By analyzing the extent of spectral broadening, we are able to distinguish between the linear, self-focusing, and filamentation regimes. Additionally, the maximum intensity and fluence distribution within the cross-section of the vortex beams are analyzed for different incident laser energies. The results demonstrate a direct correlation between the spectral broadening and the peak intensity of the femtosecond laser pulse. As a result, this provides a theoretical foundation for distinguishing different propagation regimes, and determining critical powers for self-focusing and filamentation of both femtosecond Gaussian and structured beams.
AI supported fetal echocardiography with quality assessment
Authors: Taksoee-Vester Caroline A. , Mikolaj Kamil , Bashir Zahra , Christensen Anders N. , Petersen Olav B. , Sundberg Karin , Feragen Aasa , Svendsen Morten B. S. , Nielsen Mads , Tolsgaard Martin G.
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to develop a deep learning model to assess the quality of fetal echocardiography and to perform prospective clinical validation. The model was trained on data from the 18–22-week anomaly scan conducted in seven hospitals from 2008 to 2018. Prospective validation involved 100 patients from two hospitals. A total of 5363 images from 2551 pregnancies were used for training and validation. The model's segmentation accuracy depended on image quality measured by a quality score (QS). It achieved an overall average accuracy of 0.91 (SD 0.09) across the test set, with images having above-average QS scoring 0.97 (SD 0.03). During prospective validation of 192 images, clinicians rated 44.8% (SD 9.8) of images as equal in quality, 18.69% (SD 5.7) favoring auto-captured images and 36.51% (SD 9.0) preferring manually captured ones. Images with above average QS showed better agreement on segmentations (p < 0.001) and QS (p < 0.001) with fetal medicine experts. Auto-capture saved additional planes beyond protocol requirements, resulting in more comprehensive echocardiographies. Low QS had adverse effect on both model performance and clinician’s agreement with model feedback. The findings highlight the importance of developing and evaluating AI models based on ‘noisy’ real-life data rather than pursuing the highest accuracy possible with retrospective academic-grade data.
LY2444296, a κ-opioid receptor antagonist, selectively reduces alcohol drinking in male and female Wistar rats with a history of alcohol dependence
Authors: Flores-Ramirez Francisco J. , Illenberger Jessica M. , Pascasio Glenn , Terenius Lars , Martin-Fardon Rémi
Published: March 2024

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) remains a major public health concern. The dynorphin (DYN)/κ-opioid receptor (KOP) system is involved in actions of alcohol, particularly its withdrawal-associated negative affective states. This study tested the ability of LY2444296, a selective, short-acting, KOP antagonist, to decrease alcohol self-administration in dependent male and female Wistar rats at 8 h abstinence. Animals were trained to orally self-administer 10% alcohol (30 min/day for 21 sessions) and were made dependent via chronic intermittent alcohol vapor exposure for 6 weeks or exposed to air (nondependent). After 6 weeks, the effect of LY2444296 (0, 3, and 10 mg/kg, p.o.) was tested on alcohol self-administration at 8 h of abstinence. A separate cohort of rats was prepared in parallel, and their somatic withdrawal signs and alcohol self-administration were measured after LY2444296 administration at 8 h, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks abstinence. LY2444296 at 3 and 10 mg/kg significantly reduced physical signs of withdrawal in dependent rats at 8 h abstinence, only. Furthermore, 3 and 10 mg/kg selectively decreased alcohol self-administration in dependent rats at only 8 h abstinence. These results highlight the DYN/KOP system in actions of alcohol during acute abstinence, suggesting KOP antagonism could be beneficial for mitigating acute withdrawal signs and, in turn, significantly reduce excessive alcohol consumption associated with AUD.
Kinetic properties of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase and inhibition effects of several metal ions on enzymatic activity in vitro and cells
Authors: Sun Lindan , Sun Binbin , Zhang Yulei , Chen Keping
Published: March 2024

Due to the non-degradable and persistent nature of metal ions in the environment, they are released into water bodies, where they accumulate in fish. In order to assess pollution in fish, the enzyme, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), has been employed as a biomarker due to sensitivity to various ions. This study investigates the kinetic properties of the G6PD enzyme in yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco), and analyzes the effects of these metal ions on the G6PD enzyme activity in the ovarian cell line (CCO) of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). IC50 values and inhibition types of G6PD were determined in the metal ions Cu2+, Al3+, Zn2+, and Cd2+. While, the inhibition types of Cu2+ and Al3+ were the competitive inhibition, Zn2+ and Cd2+ were the linear mixed noncompetitive and linear mixed competitive, respectively. In vitro experiments revealed an inverse correlation between G6PD activity and metal ion concentration, mRNA levels and enzyme activity of G6PD increased at the lower metal ion concentration and decreased at the higher concentration. Our findings suggest that metal ions pose a significant threat to G6PD activity even at low concentrations, potentially playing a crucial role in the toxicity mechanism of metal ion pollution. This information contributes to the development of a biomonitoring tool for assessing metal ion contamination in aquatic species.
Sentiment analysis of video danmakus based on MIBE-RoBERTa-FF-BiLSTM
Authors: Zhao Jianbo , Liu Huailiang , Wang Yakai , Zhang Weili , Zhang Xiaojin , Li Bowei , Sun Tong , Qi Yanwei , Zhang Shanzhuang
Published: March 2024

Danmakus are user-generated comments that overlay on videos, enabling real-time interactions between viewers and video content. The emotional orientation of danmakus can reflect the attitudes and opinions of viewers on video segments, which can help video platforms optimize video content recommendation and evaluate users’ abnormal emotion levels. Aiming at the problems of low transferability of traditional sentiment analysis methods in the danmaku domain, low accuracy of danmaku text segmentation, poor consistency of sentiment annotation, and insufficient semantic feature extraction, this paper proposes a video danmaku sentiment analysis method based on MIBE-RoBERTa-FF-BiLSTM. This paper constructs a “Bilibili Must-Watch List and Top Video Danmaku Sentiment Dataset” by ourselves, covering 10,000 positive and negative sentiment danmaku texts of 18 themes. A new word recognition algorithm based on mutual information (MI) and branch entropy (BE) is used to discover 2610 irregular network popular new words from trigrams to heptagrams in the dataset, forming a domain lexicon. The Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory is applied to guide the consistent sentiment annotation. The domain lexicon is integrated into the feature fusion layer of the RoBERTa-FF-BiLSTM model to fully learn the semantic features of word information, character information, and context information of danmaku texts and perform sentiment classification. Comparative experiments on the dataset show that the model proposed in this paper has the best comprehensive performance among the mainstream models for video danmaku text sentiment classification, with an F1 value of 94.06%, and its accuracy and robustness are also better than other models. The limitations of this paper are that the construction of the domain lexicon still requires manual participation and review, the semantic information of danmaku video content and the positive case preference are ignored.
A deep learning method for empirical spectral prediction and inverse design of all-optical nonlinear plasmonic ring resonator switches
Authors: Adibnia Ehsan , Mansouri-Birjandi Mohammad Ali , Ghadrdan Majid , Jafari Pouria
Published: March 2024

All-optical plasmonic switches (AOPSs) utilizing surface plasmon polaritons are well-suited for integration into photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and play a crucial role in advancing all-optical signal processing. The current AOPS design methods still rely on trial-and-error or empirical approaches. In contrast, recent deep learning (DL) advances have proven highly effective as computational tools, offering an alternative means to accelerate nanophotonics simulations. This paper proposes an innovative approach utilizing DL for spectrum prediction and inverse design of AOPS. The switches employ circular nonlinear plasmonic ring resonators (NPRRs) composed of interconnected metal–insulator–metal waveguides with a ring resonator. The NPRR switching performance is shown using the nonlinear Kerr effect. The forward model presented in this study demonstrates superior computational efficiency when compared to the finite-difference time-domain method. The model analyzes various structural parameters to predict transmission spectra with a distinctive dip. Inverse modeling enables the prediction of design parameters for desired transmission spectra. This model provides a rapid estimation of design parameters, offering a clear advantage over time-intensive conventional optimization approaches. The loss of prediction for both the forward and inverse models, when compared to simulations, is exceedingly low and on the order of 10−4. The results confirm the suitability of employing DL for forward and inverse design of AOPSs in PICs.
Channel-forming discharge based on the extreme value identification of sediment-carrying capacity index
Authors: Ge Hua , Zhu Lingling
Published: March 2024

Channel-forming discharge (Dcf) is an important parameter in river management and reservoir flood regulation. Applying the methods for calculating Dcf to reaches downstream reservoirs characterized by drastic changes in water and sediment conditions and long-term scouring status is difficult. Based on the riverbed-shaping principle of sediment-laden water flow, while simultaneously considering the active action of water flow and response of the riverbed, this study proposes a new method for calculating Dcf by identifying the extreme value of the suspended sediment-carrying capacity index. The application of this method to the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River showed that after the impoundment of the Three Gorges Reservoir, Dcf in this section was reduced by an amplitude between 2500 and 4700 m3/s. The results can be used to guide the operation of the Three Gorges Reservoir and the management of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, thus providing reference for other river channels downstream of the reservoir.
Oxidation state of Cu in silicate melts at upper mantle conditions
Authors: Liu Xingcheng , Zhang Lei , Zhu Sanyuan , Li Li , Xiong Xiaolin
Published: March 2024

Beyond its economic value, copper (Cu) serves as a valuable tracer of deep magmatic processes due to its close relationship with magmatic sulfide evolution and sensitivity to oxygen fugacity (fO2). However, determining Cu’s oxidation state (+ 1 or + 2) in silicate melts, crucial for interpreting its behavior and reconstructing fO2 in the Earth’s interior, has long been a challenge. This study utilizes X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure spectroscopy to investigate the Cu oxidation state in hydrous mafic silicate melts equilibrated under diverse fO2 (− 1.8 to 3.1 log units relative to the Fayalite–Magnetite–Quartz buffer), temperature (1150–1300 °C), and pressure (1.0–2.5 GPa) conditions. Our results reveal that Cu predominantly exists as Cu+ across all fO2 conditions, with a minor Cu2+ component. This dominance of Cu+ persists even in relatively oxidized melts, highlighting its limited sensitivity to fO2 under upper mantle conditions. This significantly constrains the utility of Cu as an oxybarometer in hydrous silicate melts in the deep Earth. However, our findings suggest that Cu isotopes primarily reflect the interplay of sulfide segregation/accumulation during magmatic differentiation, shedding light on these fundamental processes in Earth’s interior.
Research on the "shape-performance-control" integrated digital twin system for boom-type roadheaders
Authors: Zhang Jianzhuo , Wan Chuanxu , Wang Jie , Chen Ce , Wang Tao , Zhang Runfeng , Guo Hao
Published: March 2024

The boom-type roadheader plays a crucial role in coal mining. However, conducting the real-time monitoring of the mechanical performance and comprehensive adaptive cutting in the dynamic cutting process are challenging. To address these issues, a digital twin system that integrates the elements of “shape, performance, and control” for roadheaders is presented in this paper. The system comprises three components: physical space, service space, and twin space. The service space forms the core of the entire system. Within this space, twin models and control models are created using numerical simulation, artificial intelligence and multi-source data fusion technology. These models serve the purpose of predicting the roadheader’s mechanical performance and controlling the swing speed of the cutting arm. The physical space is built using technologies such as robot kinematics, electrical systems, hydraulic transmission, and other relevant techniques. This approach facilitates the transmission of multi-sensor data to twin models. The control model then manages the roadheader’s function based on the output signals from the control model. The twin space is constructed utilizing physical rendering engines, databases, and 3D modelling tools. This space visualizes and stores the movement, performance, and control parameters of the roadheader. The results demonstrate that the average absolute error between the measured data from the test’s three position strain gauges and the predicted data from the twin system is 10.38 MPa. Furthermore, the twin system achieves an average update interval of 0.34 s, allowing real-time stress monitoring of the structural components of the roadheader and preventing damage caused by overload. The proposed control model enables adaptive adjustment of the swing speed of the cutting arm in approximately 0.3 s. This improvement significantly enhances the adaptive cutting capabilities of roadheaders when dealing with complex coal and rock formations.
Clinical outcomes of patients with remitting ulcerative colitis after discontinuation of indigo naturalis
Authors: Shimada Fumie , Yoshimatsu Yusuke , Sujino Tomohisa , Fukuda Tomohiro , Aoki Yasuhiro , Hayashi Yukie , Tojo Anna , Kawaguchi Takaaki , Kiyohara Hiroki , Sugimoto Shinya , Nanki Kosaku , Mikami Yohei , Miyamoto Kentaro , Takabayashi Kaoru , Hosoe Naoki , Kato Motohiko , Ogata Haruhiko , Naganuma Makoto , Kanai Takanori
Published: March 2024

Indigo naturalis is an effective treatment for ulcerative colitis. However, long-term use of indigo naturalis causes adverse events, such as pulmonary hypertension. The natural history of patients with ulcerative colitis who discontinued indigo naturalis after induction therapy is unknown. Moreover, the clinical features of patients who relapsed within 52 weeks after the discontinuation of indigo naturalis are unclear. This study aimed to assess the clinical outcomes of patients with ulcerative colitis after discontinuation of indigo naturalis and to identify potential markers responsible for relapse. This single-center retrospective study investigated the follow-up of 72 patients who achieved a clinical response 8 weeks after indigo naturalis treatment. We observed relapse in patients with ulcerative colitis after the discontinuation of indigo naturalis. We analyzed the factors predicting long-term outcomes after discontinuation of indigo naturalis. Relapse was observed in 24%, 57%, and 71% of patients at 8, 26, and 52 weeks, respectively. There were no predictive markers in patients who relapsed within 52 weeks after the discontinuation of indigo naturalis. The ulcerative colitis relapse rate after indigo naturalis discontinuation was high. Follow-up treatment is required after the discontinuation of indigo naturalis in patients with ulcerative colitis.
Synthetic receptor scaffolds significantly affect the efficiency of cell fate signals
Authors: Umene Kirato , Kawahara Masahiro
Published: March 2024

Mimicry of receptor functions by designing synthetic receptors would be one of the recently hot research trends in cell engineering. While several types of synthetic receptors have been designed to induce desired cell fates in response to external stimuli, little is known about which receptor type signals more efficiently for inducing a certain cell fate. In this study, we compared the performance of three types of synthetic receptor scaffolds, i.e. myristoylated, cytosolic, and transmembrane types that signal through JAK-dependent phosphorylation of tyrosine motifs to transduce growth signaling. As a result, the phosphorylation levels of JAK and subsequent downstream signaling molecules were significantly maintained in the cytosolic type receptors, leading to more efficient cell growth than the other types. In contrast, the phosphorylation levels of JAK decreased in a motif-dependent manner in the transmembrane type receptors. Although various studies on receptor engineering based on domain or motif engineering have been reported, to our knowledge this study is the first to demonstrate that synthetic receptor scaffolds significantly affect the efficiency of cell fate signals. These findings are important for both receptor biology and receptor engineering, providing guidelines for rationally designing synthetic receptors that can transduce as efficient signaling as possible.
Fault-scale crustal structure across the Dunhua-Mishan fault (Tanlu northern segment) constrained from teleseismic P-wave receiver functions
Authors: Liu Qian , Lü Ziqiang , Zhang Guangwei , Lu Mingwen
Published: March 2024

The Dunhua-Mishan fault, located in the northern segment of the Tanlu fault zone, experienced multiple tectonic processes associated with the effects of the Pacific Plate subduction and the Indo-Asia collision. The high-resolution fault-scale structure is critical for understanding the fault evolution and potential fault damage. However, the well-defined deep structure of the Dunhua-Mishan fault is still unclear due to the lack of the dense seismic array. In this study, we construct a high-resolution P-wave receiver function imaging based on linear dense seismic array across the fault. Our results reveal the strong Moho depth variation across the Dunhua-Mishan fault zone. The slightly higher Vp/Vs ratio values within the fault zone indicate the presence of a small amount of mafic crust composition. Interestingly, the significant double positive Ps converted phases are observed within the fault zone, which may represent double Moho discontinuities. The double Moho structure may be related to multiple significant tectonic activities in the Tanlu northern segment. These newly observed structures provide new seismic constraints on the formation and evolution of the Tanlu fault zone and probably reflect that the lithospheric structure of the Dunhua-Mishan fault has been modified by a series of tectonic processes.
Genome-matched treatments and patient outcomes in the Maine Cancer Genomics Initiative (MCGI)
Authors: Anderson Eric C. , DiPalazzo John , Lucas F. Lee , Hall Michael J. , Antov Andrey , Helbig Petra , Bourne Jennifer , Graham Leah , Gaitor Lory , Lu-Emerson Christine , Bradford Leslie S. , Inhorn Roger , Sinclair Sarah J. , Brooks Philip L. , Thomas Christian A. , Rasmussen Karen , Han Paul K. J. , Liu Edison T. , Rueter Jens
Published: March 2024

Genomic tumor testing (GTT) is an emerging technology aimed at identifying variants in tumors that can be targeted with genomically matched drugs. Due to limited resources, rural patients receiving care in community oncology settings may be less likely to benefit from GTT. We analyzed GTT results and observational clinical outcomes data from patients enrolled in the Maine Cancer Genomics Initiative (MCGI), which provided access to GTTs; clinician educational resources; and genomic tumor boards in community practices in a predominantly rural state. 1603 adult cancer patients completed enrollment; 1258 had at least one potentially actionable variant identified. 206 (16.4%) patients received a total of 240 genome matched treatments, of those treatments, 64% were FDA-approved in the tumor type, 27% FDA-approved in a different tumor type and 9% were given on a clinical trial. Using Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting to adjust for baseline characteristics, a Cox proportional hazards model demonstrated that patients who received genome matched treatment were 31% less likely to die within 1 year compared to those who did not receive genome matched treatment (HR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.52–0.90; p-value: 0.006). Overall, GTT through this initiative resulted in levels of genome matched treatment that were similar to other initiatives, however, clinical trials represented a smaller share of treatments than previously reported, and "off-label" treatments represented a greater share. Although this was an observational study, we found evidence for a potential 1-year survival benefit for patients who received genome matched treatments. These findings suggest that when disseminated and implemented with a supportive infrastructure, GTT may benefit cancer patients in rural community oncology settings, with further work remaining on providing genome-matched clinical trials.
A genome-wide association study based on the China Kadoorie Biobank identifies genetic associations between snoring and cardiometabolic traits
Authors: Zhu Yunqing , Zhuang Zhenhuang , Lv Jun , Sun Dianjianyi , Pei Pei , Yang Ling , Millwood Iona Y. , Walters Robin G. , Chen Yiping , Du Huaidong , Liu Fang , Stevens Rebecca , Chen Junshi , Chen Zhengming , Li Liming , Yu Canqing ,   On behalf of the China Kadoorie Biobank Collaborative Group
Published: March 2024

Despite the high prevalence of snoring in Asia, little is known about the genetic etiology of snoring and its causal relationships with cardiometabolic traits. Based on 100,626 Chinese individuals, a genome-wide association study on snoring was conducted. Four novel loci were identified for snoring traits mapped on SLC25A21, the intergenic region of WDR11 and FGFR, NAA25, ALDH2, and VTI1A, respectively. The novel loci highlighted the roles of structural abnormality of the upper airway and craniofacial region and dysfunction of metabolic and transport systems in the development of snoring. In the two-sample bi-directional Mendelian randomization analysis, higher body mass index, weight, and elevated blood pressure were causal for snoring, and a reverse causal effect was observed between snoring and diastolic blood pressure. Altogether, our results revealed the possible etiology of snoring in China and indicated that managing cardiometabolic health was essential to snoring prevention, and hypertension should be considered among snorers.
Crosstalk of cell death pathways unveils an autophagy-related gene AOC3 as a critical prognostic marker in colorectal cancer
Authors: Xu Hui , Cui Haiyang , Weng Siyuan , Zhang Yuyuan , Wang Libo , Xing Zhe , Han Xinwei , Liu Zaoqu
Published: March 2024

The intricate crosstalk of various cell death forms was recently implicated in cancers, laying a foundation for exploring the association between cell death and cancers. Recent evidence has demonstrated that biological networks outperform snapshot gene expression profiles at discovering promising biomarkers or heterogenous molecular subtypes across different cancer types. In order to investigate the behavioral patterns of cell death-related interaction perturbation in colorectal cancer (CRC), this study constructed the interaction-perturbation network with 11 cell death pathways and delineated four cell death network (CDN) derived heterogeneous subtypes (CDN1-4) with distinct molecular characteristics and clinical outcomes. Specifically, we identified a subtype (CDN4) endowed with high autophagy activity and the worst prognosis. Furthermore, AOC3 was identified as a potential autophagy-related biomarker, which demonstrated exceptional predictive performance for CDN4 and significant prognostic value. Overall, this study sheds light on the complex interplay of various cell death forms and reveals an autophagy-related gene AOC3 as a critical prognostic marker in CRC.
A single-agent fusion of human IL-2 and anti-IL-2 antibody that selectively expands regulatory T cells
Authors: Lin Yuan , Wang Xue , Qin Yuhao , Wang Chengpan , Zhou Tang , Zhang Long , Su Lu , Ren Wenming , Liao Cheng
Published: March 2024

The occurrence of many autoimmune diseases takes root on the disrupted balance among Treg cells, Teff cells, etc. Low-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) cytokine demonstrates promising clinical efficacy in the expansion of Treg cells and the treatment of autoimmune diseases. However, its clinical application is hindered by the small therapeutic index and short half-life. Previous studies have shown that non-covalent complex of human IL-2 and anti-IL-2 antibody biases cytokine activity towards Treg cells and extends IL-2’s half-life. The clinical translation of such complex is non-trivial. In this study, we discover an anti-human IL-2 antibody and engineer a covalently-linked single-agent fusion of human IL-2 and its antibody that selectively expands Treg cells and exhibits superior disease control activity in animal models of ulcerative colitis and systemic lupus erythematosus, with proper safety profile and good developability. These studies pave the road for its clinical development in diverse autoimmune diseases.
Dietary restriction modulates ultradian rhythms and autocorrelation properties in mice behavior
Authors: Kembro Jackelyn Melissa , Flesia Ana Georgina , Acosta-Rodríguez Victoria América , Takahashi Joseph S. , Nieto Paula Sofía
Published: March 2024

Animal behavior emerges from integration of many processes with different spatial and temporal scales. Dynamical behavioral patterns, including daily and ultradian rhythms and the dynamical microstructure of behavior (i.e., autocorrelations properties), can be differentially affected by external cues. Identifying these patterns is important for understanding how organisms adapt to their environment, yet unbiased methods to quantify dynamical changes over multiple temporal scales are lacking. Herein, we combine a wavelet approach with Detrended Fluctuation Analysis to identify behavioral patterns and evaluate changes over 42-days in mice subjected to different dietary restriction paradigms. We show that feeding restriction alters dynamical patterns: not only are daily rhythms modulated but also the presence, phase and/or strength of ~12h-rhythms, as well as the nature of autocorrelation properties of feed-intake and wheel running behaviors. These results highlight the underlying complexity of behavioral architecture and offer insights into the multi-scale impact of feeding habits on physiology.
Molecular mechanism of siderophore regulation by the Pseudomonas aeruginosa BfmRS two-component system in response to osmotic stress
Authors: Song Yingjie , Wu Xiyu , Li Ze , Ma Qin qin , Bao Rui
Published: March 2024

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common nosocomial pathogen, relies on siderophores to acquire iron, crucial for its survival in various environments and during host infections. However, understanding the molecular mechanisms of siderophore regulation remains incomplete. In this study, we found that the BfmRS two-component system, previously associated with biofilm formation and quorum sensing, is essential for siderophore regulation under high osmolality stress. Activated BfmR directly bound to the promoter regions of pvd, fpv, and femARI gene clusters, thereby activating their transcription and promoting siderophore production. Subsequent proteomic and phenotypic analyses confirmed that deletion of BfmRS reduces siderophore-related proteins and impairs bacterial survival in iron-deficient conditions. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis demonstrated the high conservation of the BfmRS system across Pseudomonas species, functional evidences also indicated that BfmR homologues from Pseudomonas putida KT2440 and Pseudomonas sp. MRSN12121 could bind to the promoter regions of key siderophore genes and osmolality-mediated increases in siderophore production were observed. This work illuminates a novel signaling pathway for siderophore regulation and enhances our understanding of siderophore-mediated bacterial interactions and community establishment.
ADAMTS4 is a crucial proteolytic enzyme for versican cleavage in the amnion at parturition
Authors: Li Meng-Die , Lu Jiang-Wen , Zhang Fan , Lei Wen-Jia , Pan Fan , Lin Yi-Kai , Ling Li-Jun , Myatt Leslie , Wang Wang-Sheng , Sun Kang
Published: March 2024

Hyalectan cleavage may play an important role in extracellular matrix remodeling. However, the proteolytic enzyme responsible for hyalectan degradation for fetal membrane rupture at parturition remains unknown. Here, we reveal that versican (VCAN) is the major hyalectan in the amnion, where its cleavage increases at parturition with spontaneous rupture of membrane. We further reveal that ADAMTS4 is a crucial proteolytic enzyme for VCAN cleavage in the amnion. Inflammatory factors may enhance VCAN cleavage by inducing ADAMTS4 expression and inhibiting ADAMTS4 endocytosis in amnion fibroblasts. In turn, versikine, the VCAN cleavage product, induces inflammatory factors in amnion fibroblasts, thereby forming a feedforward loop between inflammation and VCAN degradation. Mouse studies show that intra-amniotic injection of ADAMTS4 induces preterm birth along with increased VCAN degradation and proinflammatory factors abundance in the fetal membranes. Conclusively, there is enhanced VCAN cleavage by ADAMTS4 in the amnion at parturition, which can be reenforced by inflammation.
Electromagnetic near-field mutual coupling suppression with active Janus sources
Authors: Xue Bo , Oyesina Kayode Adedotun , Wong Alex M. H.
Published: March 2024

Electric dipoles and magnetic dipoles are the most fundamental particles in electromagnetic theory. Huygens and Janus sources, formed by the orthogonal combination of electric and magnetic dipoles, both show good directionality in the near field. Although the Huygens source has been widely used in antennas and metasurfaces, the applications of Janus source are heretofore limited. In this paper we report the physical construction of an active Janus source. Through full-wave simulations within the parallel plate waveguide (PPW) environment, we show that our source achieves the directional electromagnetic near-field and quasi-isotropic far-field requisite of the Janus source. Using this fact, we demonstrate that two active Janus and Huygens sources in close proximity (about 0.10 to 0.25 wavelengths) achieve a near 1000-fold reduced mutual coupling compared to electric dipole sources. Particularly, the simultaneous achievement of strong mutual coupling suppression and quasi-isotropic radiation make the Janus source an ideal candidate for consideration in future compact multi-input multi-output (MIMO) communication systems.
Modern coral range expansion off southeast Florida falls short of Late Holocene baseline
Authors: Modys Alexander B. , Oleinik Anton E. , Toth Lauren T. , Precht William F. , Mortlock Richard A.
Published: March 2024

As thermal stress and disease outbreaks decimate coral reefs throughout the tropics, there is growing evidence that higher latitude marine environments may provide crucial refuges for many at-risk, temperature-sensitive coral species. However, our understanding of how coral populations expand into new areas and sustain themselves over time is constrained by the limited scope of modern observations. Here, we provide geological insights into coral range expansions by reconstructing the composition of a Late Holocene-aged subfossil coral death assemblage on the southeast Florida reef tract and comparing it to modern reefs throughout the region. Our findings show that the Late Holocene coral assemblages were dominated by now critically endangered Acropora species between ~3500 and 1800 years before present, mirroring classic zonation patterns characteristic of healthy pre-1970s Caribbean reefs. In contrast, the modern reefs off southeast Florida are becoming increasingly dominated by stress-tolerant species like Porites astreoides and Siderastrea siderea despite modest expansions of Acropora cervicornis over the past several decades. Our results suggest that ongoing anthropogenic stressors, not present during the Late Holocene, are likely limiting the ability of modern higher latitude reefs in Florida to function as long-term climate refugia.
Intranasal oxytocin interacts with testosterone reactivity to modulate parochial altruism
Authors: Cherki Boaz R. , Winter Eyal , Mankuta David , Zerbib Shirli , Israel Salomon
Published: March 2024

The neuropeptide hormone oxytocin and the steroid hormone testosterone have received attention as modulators of behavior in the context of intergroup conflict. However, to date, their interactive effect has yet to be tested. Here, in a double-blind placebo-control design, 204 participants (102 female participants) self-administrated oxytocin or placebo and completed an experimental economic game modeling intergroup conflict. Salivary testosterone (n = 192) was measured throughout the task to assess endogenous reactivity. As a caveat, even at this sample size, our derived power to detect small effects for 2- and 3-way interactions was relatively low. For male participants, changes in testosterone predicted willingness to sacrifice investments for the betterment of the group. Intranasal administration of oxytocin strongly diminished this effect. In female participants, we found no credible evidence for association between changes in testosterone and investments, rather, oxytocin effects were independent of testosterone. This 3-way interaction was of medium to large effect size (Odds Ratio 5.11). Behavior was also affected by social cues such as signaling of ingroup and outgroup members. Our findings provide insights as to the biological processes underpinning parochial altruism and suggest an additional path for the dual influence of oxytocin and testosterone on human social behavior.
Enzyme-triggered on-demand release of a H2O2-self-supplying CuO2@Fe3O4 nanoagent for enhanced chemodyamic antimicrobial therapy and wound healing
Authors: Zhang Sijie , Hussain Sameer , Tang Yuhai , Wang Kaili , Wang Xingyan , Zhang Long , Liao Yuheng , Wang Chen , Hao Yi , Gao Ruixia
Published: March 2024

Schematic diagram of the preparation of the enzyme-responsive nanoplatform HA-CP@Fe3O4 and its application in the study of antibacterial infection in vivo.
A microkinetic study of CO2 hydrogenation to methanol on Pd1–Cu(111) and Pd1–Ag(111) catalysts: a DFT analysis
Authors: Ibrahim Abdulrauf Onimisi , Wan Daud Wan Mohd Ashri , Abdul Patah Muhamad Fazly , Halilu Ahmed , Juan Joon Ching , Tanimu Gazali
Published: March 2024

We explored the complex reaction routes of hydrogenating CO2 to CH3OH on palladium single-atom alloy catalysts using microkinetic reaction modelling and mechanisms.
Luminescence properties and Judd–Ofelt analysis of Tb3+ doped Sr2YTaO6 double perovskite phosphors for white LED applications
Authors: Wang Li , Zhang Yuhang , Gao Duan , Sha Xuezhu , Chen Xin , Zhang Yanqiu , Zhang Jinsu , Zhang Xizhen , Cao Yongze , Wang Yichao , Li Xiangping , Xu Sai , Yu Hongquan , Chen Baojiu
Published: March 2024

A WLED prototype was assembled using a 310 nm LED chip combined with a prepared green SYT: Tb3+ phosphor and the other two commercial blue and red phosphors. The obtained warm white light exhibits good chromaticity coordinates and high color rendering index.
Patterned growth of AgBiS2 nanostructures on arbitrary substrates for broadband and eco-friendly optoelectronic sensing
Authors: Miao Yu , Wang Zhuoran , Wei Zhongming , Shen Guozhen
Published: March 2024

An innovative, low-temperature, post-liftoff-free, seed-confined fabrication strategy is developed to achieve designated patterns of flower-shaped AgBiS2 nanostructures on rigid or flexible substrates for broadband and eco-friendly photodetectors.
Three in one: a cadmium bismuth vanadate NLO crystal exhibiting a large second-harmonic generation response and enhanced birefringence
Authors: Liu Shuya , Li Conggang , Jiao Jinmiao , She Yuheng , Zhang Tinghui , Ju Dianxing , Ye Ning , Hu Zhanggui , Wu Yicheng
Published: March 2024

A novel vanadate NLO crystal Cd2BiVO6 was synthesized through spontaneous crystallization, exhibiting a large SHG response, an enhanced birefringence and a wide transmittance range.