bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Combined Training on Body Image, Body Composition and Functional Capacity in Patients with Breast Cancer: Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Reis Andréa Dias , Pereira Paula Tâmara Vieira Teixeira , Filha Jurema Gonçalves Lopes Castro , Rodrigues Evelyn Feitosa , Laranjeira Isadora Pinheiro , Ramallo Bianca Trovello , Castro Marcela Rodrigues de , Rossi Fabrício Eduardo , Júnior Ismael Forte Freitas , Garcia João Batista Santos
Published: June 2023

Objective: Evaluate the effect of combined training on body image (BI), body composition and functional capacity in patients with breast cancer. As also the relationship of BI with body composition and functional capacity.

Methods: This was a Controlled Clinical Trial study, this study including 26 patients with breast cancer (30 to 59 years). The training group (n = 13) underwent 12 weeks of training, including three 60-min sessions of aerobic exercise and resistance training, and two sessions of flexibility training per week; each flexibility exercise lasted 20s. The Control Group (n = 13) received only the standard hospital treatment. Participants were evaluated at baseline and after 12 weeks. BI (primary outcomes) was assessed using the Body Image After Breast Cancer Questionnaire; Body composition was estimated with the indicators: Body mass index; Weight, Waist hip Ratio; Waist height ratio; Conicity index; Reciprocal ponderal index; Percentage of fat; Circumference of the abdomen and waist; Functional capacity by cardiorespiratory fitness (cycle ergometer) and strength (manual dynamometer). The statistic was performed in the Biostatistics and Stata 14.0 (α = 5%).

Results: The patients in the training group showed a reduction in the limitation dimension (p = 0.036) on BI, However, an increase in waist circumference was observed in both groups. In addition an increase in VO2max (p < 0.001) and strength in the right (p = 0.005) and left arms (p = 0.033).

Conclusion: Combined training demonstrates to be an effective and non-pharmacological strategy to patients with breast cancer, with improvement on BI and functional capacity, changing related variables negatively when there is no physical training.
Pituitary Apoplexy in Pregnancy: What do We Know?
Authors: Gamito Mariana Alves Patrício de Oliveira , Amaral Njila Yakalage Barreira , Rodrigues Carla Francisco , Ribeiro Joana Mariz , Guerra Sílvia
Published: June 2023

Pituitary apoplexy refers to a rare clinical syndrome consisting of signs and symptoms that occur due to rapid expansion of the contents of the sella turcica. It can occur spontaneously or associated with pituitary tumors. It can have a broad clinical spectrum, but usually presents with severe headache, visual impairment and hypopituitarism. Sudden onset of symptoms associated to imagiologic confirmation makes the diagnosis. Surgical treatment is advised when there is important compression of the optic tract. We present a case report and a review of the literature on pituitary apoplexy in pregnancy. The cases were reviewed to obtain information on maternal characteristics, clinical presentation, diagnostic studies, therapeutic modalities and maternal and fetal outcomes. Our review found 36 cases of pituitary apoplexy in pregnancy. Most of the cases occurred in the second trimester of pregnancy and headache was the most frequent symptom at presentation. Surgical therapy was required in more than half of the patients. In what respect maternal and fetal outcomes, there were 3 cases of preterm delivery and one case of maternal death. Our clinical case and literature review reinforces the importance of an early diagnosis to avoid potential adverse consequences.
Existence of SARS-Cov-2 in the Peritoneal Fluid
Authors: Ilgen Orkun , Ozgozen Mehmet Eyuphan , Appak Ozgur , Ertan Begum , Tımur Hikmet Tunc , Dogan Omer Erbil , Posacı Cemal
Published: June 2023

Objective To determine the existence of SARS-CoV-2 in the peritoneal fluid to assess the risk of exposure through surgical smoke and aerosolization threatening healthcare workers during abdominal surgery.

Background SARS-CoV-2 is a respiratory virus and possible ways of viral transmission are respiratory droplets, close contact, and fecal-oral route. Surgeries pose risk for healthcare workers due to the close contact with patients. Aerosolized particles may be inhaled via the leaked CO2 during laparoscopic procedures and surgical smoke produced by electrocautery.

Methods All the data of 8 patients, who were tested positive for COVID–19, were collected between August 31, 2020 and April 30, 2021. Recorded clinicopathologic data included age, symptoms, radiological and laboratory findings, antiviral treatment before surgery, type of surgery and existence of the virus in the peritoneal fluid. Nasopharyngeal swab RT-PCR was used for the diagnosis. COVID–19 existence in the peritoneal fluid was determined by RT-PCR test as well.

Results All 8 COVID–19 positive patients were pregnant, and surgeries were cesarean sections. 1 of the 8 patients was febrile during surgery. Also only 1 patient had pulmonary radiological findings specifically indicating COVID-19 infection. Laboratory findings were as follows: 4 of 8 had lymphopenia and all had elevated D-dimer levels. Peritoneal and amniotic fluid samples of all patients were negative for SARS-CoV-2.

Conclusion SARS-CoV-2 exposure due to aerosolization or surgical fumes does not seem to be likely, provided the necessary precautions are taken.
Prediction of Perinatal and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Newborns with a Birth Weight below the 3rd Percentile: Performance of Two International Curves – Prospective Cohort from a Brazilian City
Authors: Okido Marcos Masaru , Cavalli Ricardo de Carvalho , Cardoso Viviane Cunha , Marcolin Alessandra Cristina
Published: June 2023

Objectives To evaluate the performance of Intergrowth-21 st (INT) and Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) curves in predicting perinatal and neurodevelopmental outcomes in newborns weighing below the 3rd percentile.

Methods Pregnant women with a single fetus aged less than 20 weeks from a general population in non-hospital health units were included. Their children were evaluated at birth and in the second or third years of life. Newborns (NB) had their weight percentiles calculated for both curves. Sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV), and area under the ROC curve (ROC-AUC) for perinatal outcomes and neurodevelopmental delay were calculated using birth weight < 3rd percentile as the cutoff.

Results A total of 967 children were evaluated. Gestational age at birth was 39.3 (±3.6) weeks and birth weight was 3,215.0 (±588.0) g. INT and FMF classified 19 (2.4%) and 49 (5.7%) newborns below the 3rd percentile, respectively. The prevalence of preterm birth, tracheal intubation >24 hours in the first three months of life, 5th minute Apgar <7, admission to a neonatal care unit (NICU admission), cesarean section rate, and the neurodevelopmental delay was 9.3%, 3.3%, 1.3%, 5.9%, 38.9%, and 7.3% respectively. In general, the 3rd percentile of both curves showed low sensitivity and PPV and high specificity and NPV. The 3rd percentile of FMF showed superior sensitivity for preterm birth, NICU admission, and cesarean section rate. INT was more specific for all outcomes and presented a higher PPV for the neurodevelopmental delay. However, except for a slight difference in the prediction of preterm birth in favor of INT, the ROC curves showed no differences in the prediction of perinatal and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Conclusion Birth weight below the 3rd percentile according to INT or FMF alone was insufficient for a good diagnostic performance of perinatal and neurodevelopmental outcomes. The analyzes performed could not show that one curve is better than the other in our population. INT may have an advantage in resource contingency scenarios as it discriminates fewer NB below the 3rd percentile without increasing adverse outcomes.
Brazilian Black Women are at Higher Risk for COVID-19 Complications: An Analysis of REBRACO, a National Cohort
Authors: Dantas-Silva Amanda , Surita Fernanda Garanhani , Souza Renato , Rocha Leila , Guida José Paulo , Pacagnella Rodolfo , Tedesco Ricardo , Fernandes Karayna , Martins-Costa Sérgio , Peret Frederico , Feitosa Francisco , Traina Evelyn , Cunha Filho Edson , Vettorazzi Janete , Haddad Samira , Andreucci Carla , Correa Junior Mario , Dias Marcos , Oliveira Leandro de , Melo Junior Elias , Luz Marília , Cecatti Jose Guilherme , Costa Maria Laura
Published: June 2023

Objective To evaluate the impact of the race (Black versus non-Black) on maternal and perinatal outcomes of pregnant women with COVID-19 in Brazil.

Methods This is a subanalysis of REBRACO, a Brazilian multicenter cohort study designed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on pregnant women. From February 2020 until February 2021, 15 maternity hospitals in Brazil collected data on women with respiratory symptoms. We selected all women with a positive test for COVID-19; then, we divided them into two groups: Black and non-Black women. Finally, we compared, between groups, sociodemographic, maternal, and perinatal outcomes. We obtained the frequency of events in each group and compared them using X2 test; p-values < 0.05 were considered significant. We also estimated the odds ratio (OR) and confidence intervals (CI).

Results 729 symptomatic women were included in the study; of those, 285 were positive for COVID-19, 120 (42.1%) were Black, and 165 (57.9%) were non-Black. Black women had worse education (p = 0.037). The timing of access to the health system was similar between both groups, with 26.3% being included with seven or more days of symptoms. Severe acute respiratory syndrome (OR 2.22 CI 1.17–4.21), intensive care unit admission (OR 2.00 CI 1.07–3.74), and desaturation at admission (OR 3.72 CI 1.41–9.84) were more likely to occur among Black women. Maternal death was higher among Black women (7.8% vs. 2.6%, p = 0.048). Perinatal outcomes were similar between both groups.

Conclusion Brazilian Black women were more likely to die due to the consequences of COVID-19.
A New Brazilian Device for Cervical Cancer Screening: Acceptability and Accuracy of Self-sampling
Authors: Lichtenfels Martina , Lorenzi Noely Paula Cristina , Tacla Maricy , Yokochi Kaori , Frustockl Flávia , Silva Camila Alves , Silva André Luiz da , Termini Lara , Farias Caroline Brunetto
Published: June 2023

Objective To evaluate the accuracy and patient acceptability toward self-sampling using a new device - SelfCervix® - for detecting HPV-DNA.

Methods A total of 73 women aged 25–65 who underwent regular cervical cancer screening from March to October 2016 were included. Women performed self-sampling followed by a physician-sampling, and the samples were analyzed for HPV-DNA. After that, patients were surveyed about their acceptability of self-sampling.

Results HPV-DNA detection rate of self-sampling presented high accuracy and was similar to physician-collection. Sixty-four (87.7%) patients answered the acceptability survey. Most patients (89%) considered the self-sampling comfortable, and 82.5% preferred self-sampling to physician-sampling. The reasons cited were time-saving and convenience. Fifty-one (79.7%) reported that they would recommend self-sampling.

Conclusion Self-sampling using the new Brazilian device SelfCervix® is not inferior in HPV-DNA detection rate compared with physician-collection, and patients are supportive of the method. Therefore, it might be an option to reach under-screened populations in Brazil.
Short-Term Outcomes of Concomitant Patellofemoral Arthroplasty and Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction to Treat Concurrent Patellofemoral Arthritis and Patellar Instability
Authors: Brusalis Christopher M. , Huddleston Hailey P. , Lavalva Scott M. , Gottlieb Dana , Fletcher Connor , Hinkley Paige , Gomoll Andreas H. , Strickland Sabrina M.
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of combined patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA) and medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction in patients with patellofemoral arthritis in the setting of concomitant patellar instability. Patients who underwent single-stage, combined PFA and MPFL reconstruction by a single surgeon at a tertiary-care orthopaedic center between 2016 and 2021 were identified. Postoperative radiographic and clinical outcomes at a minimum of 6 months were recorded using patient-reported outcome measures, including International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Kujala, and VR-12. Early complications and rates of recurrent instability were also recorded. Of the 16 patients who met inclusion and exclusion criteria, 13 patients were available for final follow-up (81%; 51.7 ± 7.2 years, 11 females, 2 males) with a mean clinical follow-up of 1.3 ± 0.5 years (range: 0.5–2.3 years). Patients experienced significant improvements in patellar tilt and multiple patient-reported outcome metrics postoperatively, including IKDC, Kujala, VR-12 Mental Health, and VR-12 Physical Health. At the time of the most recent follow-up, no patient had experienced a postoperative dislocation or subluxation event. The findings suggest that concurrent PFA and MPFL reconstruction are associated with significant improvements in multiple patient-reported outcomes. Further studies are needed to evaluate the duration of clinical benefits achieved with this combined intervention.
Bewegungskontrolle verbessern
Authors: Luomajoki Hannu
Published: June 2023

Fallbeispiel: Mia, Pflegefachfrau, seit 6 Monaten Rückenschmerzen.
Mia ist 22 Jahre alt. In der physiotherapeutischen Diagnostik zeigen sich bei ihr eine generelle Hypermobilität und eine Dysfunktion der Extensions-/Rotationskontrolle sowie Probleme im Sakroiliakalgelenk (SIG).
Identifying the impact of employer branding in the retention of nurses: the mediating role of organizational culture and career development
Authors: Goyal Ridhya , Kaur Gurvinder
Published: June 2023

Human resource professionals design and implement various strategies to retain the workforce within an organization. One of the strategies called “employer branding,” has recently gripped their focus. Its role has been highlighted in this study in order to determine the retention of nurses in the organization and to investigate the mediation of organizational culture and career development using social identity theory as a theoretical foundation. For this purpose, a sample of 628 nurse respondents bearing different designations from different departments of private hospitals in northern India was included to test the hypothesis using a structured questionnaire. The impact was examined using structural equations through Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling. The findings showed a positive effect of employer branding on retention and the existence of a complementary mediation relationship when organizational culture and career development were included as mediators. This study is beneficial for human resource professionals and the healthcare sector as it promotes the idea of staff retention which is a significant challenge today.
Listen: a litho-phonic encounter
Authors: Smith Serena
Published: June 2023

Workshop manuals on lithography tend to be written with art students in mind and the information they contain largely focuses on technical aspects of the process. It is, however, difficult to put into words the nuances of this printmaking practice, and consequently, handbooks rarely refer to sensory information and phenomenological experience. In light of this issue, my intention in Listen is to test the potential and limitations of written language as a means through which to describe the tacit and embodied knowledge of a lithographer. To aid this task, I created a two-minute video recording of myself preparing a lithography stone and this video features as a central element in the text. Prompted by a process of transcribing its sound, this video became the protagonist of a transdisciplinary encounter between lithographic sound and words. Structured as an intertextual narrative, Listen couples the transcription of the video with a historic, geological and cultural survey of sonorous stones. Punctuating the dialogue, are quotations from lithography handbooks that tether this serendipitous exchange to its intention: that being to speak about the perceptual realms of lithographic practice. At the core of Listen, is the subject of graining limestone—a process that requires both careful attention, to ensure that the surface is even and free from unwanted marks, and a tolerant sensitivity to the abrasive noise of graining stone. These two aspects, attention and noise, are entwined in the content, critical interests, and metaphorical dimensions of Listen. As a piece of written material from ongoing practice-led research that explores the intersection between lithography and language, Listen knowingly tests the protocols of academic language. My intention through this unconventional approach, is not to present the results of an enquiry, but to offer the reader a scriptural space for contemplative reflection. Somewhat akin to the practices of stone lithography, I suggest that the act of engagement that Listen proposes is rewarded by intimate attention and sensitivity to the presence of noise.
Coalescence of surfactant-laden droplets
Authors: Arbabi Soheil , Deuar Piotr , Denys Mateusz , Bennacer Rachid , Che Zhizhao , Theodorakis Panagiotis E.
Published: June 2023

Droplet coalescence is an important process in nature and various technologies (e.g., inkjet printing). Here, we unveil the surfactant mass transport mechanism and report on several major differences in the coalescence of surfactant-laden droplets as compared to pure water droplets by means of molecular dynamics simulation of a coarse-grained model. Large-scale changes to bridge growth dynamics are identified, such as the lack of multiple thermally excited precursors, attenuated collective excitations after contact, slowing down in the inertial regime due to aggregate-induced rigidity and reduced water flow, and a slowing down in the coalescence rate (deceleration) when surfactant concentration increases, while at the same time, we also confirm the existence of an initial thermal, and a power-law, inertial, regime of the bridge growth dynamics in both the pure and the surfactant-laden droplets. Thus, we unveil the key mechanisms in one of the fundamental topological processes of liquid droplets containing surfactant, which is crucial in relevant technologies.
Axisymmetric reflectors in wave energy converter arrays: Harnessing scattering to increase energy extraction
Authors: Tokić Grgur , Yue Dick K. P.
Published: June 2023

We elucidate the effect of non-extracting reflectors on the performance of wave energy converter (WEC) arrays. We consider an infinitely periodic row of converters parallel to an infinitely periodic row of discrete axisymmetric reflectors (C-R arrays), and we study how the spatial configuration affects energy extraction. Using a multiple-scattering algorithm for linear wave-array interactions, we conduct a series of simulations of C-R arrays for a range of spatial configuration parameters, wavenumbers, and wave incident angles. We find that C-R arrays can significantly increase energy extraction compared to a WEC array by itself. We offer a simplified theoretical model, based on the far-field response of periodic rows in isolation, which shows that the large increases in energy extraction result from the constructive Bragg and Laue interferences caused by wave interactions with the reflector row. For the pertinent case of incident waves of the WEC-resonant frequency, we find that optimized C-R arrays can achieve energy extraction gains of O(500%). Remarkably, the optimal C-R array extracts more energy than two rows of converters of optimal configuration even though the C-R array consists of only half as many WECs.
Supply and demand – a health economic perspective on the Australian hospital and elective surgery crisis
Authors: Looi Jeffrey C. L. , Allison Stephen , Bastiampillai Tarun , Kisely Stephen R. , Robson Stephen J.
Published: June 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to longstanding structural shortfalls in the supply of healthcare services in high-income countries, including Australia. These impacts are reflected in Australian public hospital key performance indicators for acute care, elective surgery and hospital exit block. The challenges occur in the context of increased demand following the suspension of a range of healthcare services during the pandemic. The main supply challenge is suitable numbers of skilled healthcare workers. Rebalancing of supply and demand in healthcare is challenging, but needs to be achieved.
Soil decontamination by natural minerals: a comparison study of chalcopyrite and pyrite
Authors: Wu Yanhua , Li Yuchan , Wang Hong
Published: June 2023

Environmental context With the rapid pace of industrialisation and urbanisation, soil contamination by organic pollutants has become a global focus of concern due to its serious threat to ecosystems and human health. Although a myriad of synthetic catalysts have been developed, natural minerals have the potential to be developed into cost-effective, environmentally benign and efficient catalysts to decontaminate soil. The efficient performance of natural minerals demonstrated in this study indicates a potential for their utilisation in the removal of refractory organic pollutants in soil. Rationale Organic pollution of soil has raised worldwide concern owing to the potential effects on ecosystems and human health. Natural metal minerals rich in transition metal elements have the potential to be developed into environmentally benign activators of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for soil decontamination. Methodology A comparison study employing natural chalcopyrite (NCP) and natural pyrite (NP) as activators in the combined Fenton-like systems of PMS and H2O2 to degrade organic pollutants in soil has been carried out. Tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) and phenanthrene (PHE) were selected as representatives of widely existing contaminants, antibiotics and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, in the study. Key parameters including initial pH, catalyst and oxidants dosage were also optimised. Results A total organic carbon (TOC) removal efficiency of 68.66% was achieved for TCH (500 mg kg–1) with the addition of 0.75 g L–1 NCP, 1.23 mM PMS and 1.23 mM H2O2 within 4 h, whereas a slightly lower mineralisation efficiency of 64.78% was obtained by the NP heterogeneous system. For PHE (50 mg kg–1), 93.04% of TOC was removed using a NCP/PMS/H2O2 process, which was much higher than that of NP (45.76%) after 24 h. The quenching experiments indicated that ˙OH prevailed over SO4˙−EN22116_IE1.gif, and ˙O2−EN22116_IE2.gif also played a vital role in the PMS/H2O2 coupling process. Discussion The more superior performance of NCP has been elucidated via X-ray photoelectron spectroscoy analysis and comparison of catalytic mechanisms. The existence of Cu+ played an important role in the transformation of Fe3+ to Fe2+ and facilitated the continuous generation of active radicals. A possible degradation pathway was proposed based on the intermediates identified by GC-MS analysis. We anticipate this study would provide implications for the utilisation of natural minerals in the removal of refractory organic pollutants in soil.
Pressure pushes tRNA
Lys3
into excited conformational states
Authors: Wang Jinqiu , Koduru Tejaswi , Harish Balasubramanian , McCallum Scott A. , Larsen Kevin P. , Patel Karishma S. , Peters Edgar V. , Gillilan Richard E. , Puglisi Elisabetta V. , Puglisi Joseph D. , Makhatadze George , Royer Catherine A.
Published: June 2023

Conformational dynamics play essential roles in RNA function. However, detailed structural characterization of excited states of RNA remains challenging. Here, we apply high hydrostatic pressure (HP) to populate excited conformational states of tRNA
Lys3
, and structurally characterize them using a combination of HP 2D-NMR, HP-SAXS (HP-small-angle X-ray scattering), and computational modeling. HP-NMR revealed that pressure disrupts the interactions of the imino protons of the uridine and guanosine U–A and G–C base pairs of tRNA
Lys3
. HP-SAXS profiles showed a change in shape, but no change in overall extension of the transfer RNA (tRNA) at HP. Configurations extracted from computational ensemble modeling of HP-SAXS profiles were consistent with the NMR results, exhibiting significant disruptions to the acceptor stem, the anticodon stem, and the D-stem regions at HP. We propose that initiation of reverse transcription of HIV RNA could make use of one or more of these excited states.
Dynamic Gardner cross-over in a simple glass
Authors: Liao Qinyi , Berthier Ludovic , Zhou Hai-Jun , Xu Ning
Published: June 2023

The criticality of the jamming transition responsible for amorphous solidification has been theoretically linked to the marginal stability of a thermodynamic Gardner phase. While the critical exponents of jamming appear independent of the preparation history, the pertinence of Gardner physics far from equilibrium is an open question. To fill this gap, we numerically study the nonequilibrium dynamics of hard disks compressed toward the jamming transition using a broad variety of protocols. We show that dynamic signatures of Gardner physics can be disentangled from the aging relaxation dynamics. We thus define a generic dynamic Gardner cross-over regardless of the history. Our results show that the jamming transition is always accessed by exploring increasingly complex landscape, resulting in anomalous microscopic relaxation dynamics that remains to be understood theoretically.
Ion channel selectivity through ion-modulated changes of selectivity filter p
K
a
values
Authors: Chen Ada Y. , Brooks Bernard R. , Damjanovic Ana
Published: June 2023

In bacterial voltage-gated sodium channels, the passage of ions through the pore is controlled by a selectivity filter (SF) composed of four glutamate residues. The mechanism of selectivity has been the subject of intense research, with suggested mechanisms based on steric effects, and ion-triggered conformational change. Here, we propose an alternative mechanism based on ion-triggered shifts in p
K
a
values of SF glutamates. We study the Na
v
Ms channel for which the open channel structure is available. Our free-energy calculations based on molecular dynamics simulations suggest that p
K
a
values of the four glutamates are higher in solution of K
+
ions than in solution of Na
+
ions. Higher p
K
a
in the presence of K
+
stems primarily from the higher population of dunked conformations of the protonated Glu sidechain, which exhibit a higher p
K
a
shift. Since p
K
a
values are close to the physiological pH, this results in predominant population of the fully deprotonated state of glutamates in Na
+
solution, while protonated states are predominantly populated in K
+
solution. Through molecular dynamics simulations we calculate that the deprotonated state is the most conductive, the singly protonated state is less conductive, and the doubly protonated state has significantly reduced conductance. Thus, we propose that a significant component of selectivity is achieved through ion-triggered shifts in the protonation state, which favors more conductive states for Na
+
ions and less conductive states for K
+
ions. This mechanism also suggests a strong pH dependence of selectivity, which has been experimentally observed in structurally similar NaChBac channels.
Single-cell transcriptomic profiling of the mouse cochlea: An atlas for targeted therapies
Authors: Jean Philippe , Wong Jun Tai Fabienne , Singh-Estivalet Amrit , Lelli Andrea , Scandola Cyril , Megharba Sébastien , Schmutz Sandrine , Roux Solène , Mechaussier Sabrina , Sudres Muriel , Mouly Enguerran , Heritier Anne-Valérie , Bonnet Crystel , Mallet Adeline , Novault Sophie , Libri Valentina , Petit Christine , Michalski Nicolas
Published: June 2023

Functional molecular characterization of the cochlea has mainly been driven by the deciphering of the genetic architecture of sensorineural deafness. As a result, the search for curative treatments, which are sorely lacking in the hearing field, has become a potentially achievable objective, particularly
via
cochlear gene and cell therapies. To this end, a complete inventory of cochlear cell types, with an in-depth characterization of their gene expression profiles right up to their final differentiation, is indispensable. We therefore generated a single-cell transcriptomic atlas of the mouse cochlea based on an analysis of more than 120,000 cells on postnatal day 8 (P8), during the prehearing period, P12, corresponding to hearing onset, and P20, when cochlear maturation is almost complete. By combining whole-cell and nuclear transcript analyses with extensive in situ RNA hybridization assays, we characterized the transcriptomic signatures covering nearly all cochlear cell types and developed cell type–specific markers. Three cell types were discovered; two of them contribute to the modiolus which houses the primary auditory neurons and blood vessels, and the third one consists in cells lining the scala vestibuli. The results also shed light on the molecular basis of the tonotopic gradient of the biophysical characteristics of the basilar membrane that critically underlies cochlear passive sound frequency analysis. Finally, overlooked expression of deafness genes in several cochlear cell types was also unveiled. This atlas paves the way for the deciphering of the gene regulatory networks controlling cochlear cell differentiation and maturation, essential for the development of effective targeted treatments.
Gating of homeostatic regulation of intrinsic excitability produces cryptic long-term storage of prior perturbations
Authors: Alonso Leandro M. , Rue Mara C. P. , Marder Eve
Published: June 2023

Neurons and neuronal circuits must maintain their function throughout the life of the organism despite changing environments. Previous theoretical and experimental work suggests that neurons monitor their activity using intracellular calcium concentrations to regulate their intrinsic excitability. Models with multiple sensors can distinguish among different patterns of activity, but previous work using models with multiple sensors produced instabilities that lead the models’ conductances to oscillate and then to grow without bound and diverge. We now introduce a nonlinear degradation term that explicitly prevents the maximal conductances to grow beyond a bound. We combine the sensors’ signals into a master feedback signal that can be used to modulate the timescale of conductance evolution. Effectively, this means that the negative feedback can be gated on and off according to how far the neuron is from its target. The modified model recovers from multiple perturbations. Interestingly, depolarizing the models to the same membrane potential with current injection or with simulated high extracellular
K
+
produces different changes in conductances, arguing that caution must be used in interpreting manipulations that serve as a proxy for increased neuronal activity. Finally, these models accrue traces of prior perturbations that are not visible in their control activity after perturbation but that shape their responses to subsequent perturbations. These cryptic or hidden changes may provide insight into disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder that only become visible in response to specific perturbations.
Pervasive RNA folding is crucial for narnavirus genome maintenance
Authors: Fukuda Makiha , Cai Jitong , Bader Joel S. , Boeke Jef D.
Published: June 2023

A synthetic biology approach toward constructing an RNA-based genome expands our understanding of living things and opens avenues for technological advancement. For the precise design of an artificial RNA replicon either from scratch or based on a natural RNA replicon, understanding structure–function relationships of RNA sequences is critical. However, our knowledge remains limited to a few particular structural elements intensively studied so far. Here, we conducted a series of site-directed mutagenesis studies of yeast narnaviruses ScNV20S and ScNV23S, perhaps the simplest natural autonomous RNA replicons, to identify RNA elements required for maintenance and replication. RNA structure disruption corresponding to various portions of the entire narnavirus genome suggests that pervasive RNA folding, in addition to the precise secondary structure of genome termini, is essential for maintenance of the RNA replicon in vivo. Computational RNA structure analyses suggest that this scenario likely applies to other “narna-like" viruses. This finding implies selective pressure on these simplest autonomous natural RNA replicons to fold into a unique structure that acquires both thermodynamic and biological stability. We propose the importance of pervasive RNA folding for the design of RNA replicons that could serve as a platform for in vivo continuous evolution as well as an interesting model to study the origin of life.
The molecular mechanism of CD81 antibody inhibition of metastasis
Authors: Abu-Saleh Niroz , Kuo Chiung-Chi , Jiang Wei , Levy Ronald , Levy Shoshana
Published: June 2023

Metastases are reduced in CD81KO mice. In addition, a unique anti-CD81 antibody, 5A6, inhibits metastasis in vivo and invasion and migration in vitro. Here, we probed the structural components of CD81 required for the antimetastatic activity induced by 5A6. We found that the removal of either cholesterol or the intracellular domains of CD81 did not affect inhibition by the antibody. We show that the uniqueness of 5A6 is due not to increased affinity but rather to its recognition of a specific epitope on the large extracellular loop of CD81. Finally, we present a number of CD81 membrane-associated partners that may play a role in mediating the 5A6 antimetastatic attributes, including integrins and transferrin receptors.
Contribution of the IGCR1 regulatory element and the 3′
Igh
CTCF-binding elements to regulation of
Igh
V(D)J recombination
Authors: Liang Zhuoyi , Zhao Lijuan , Ye Adam Yongxin , Lin Sherry G. , Zhang Yiwen , Guo Chunguang , Dai Hai-Qiang , Ba Zhaoqing , Alt Frederick W.
Published: June 2023

Immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region exons are assembled in progenitor-B cells, from V
H
, D, and J
H
gene segments located in separate clusters across the
Igh
locus. RAG endonuclease initiates V(D)J recombination from a J
H
-based recombination center (RC). Cohesin-mediated extrusion of upstream chromatin past RC-bound RAG presents Ds for joining to J
H
s to form a DJ
H
-RC.
Igh
has a provocative number and organization of CTCF-binding elements (CBEs) that can impede loop extrusion. Thus,
Igh
has two divergently oriented CBEs (CBE1 and CBE2) in the IGCR1 element between the V
H
and D/J
H
domains, over 100 CBEs across the V
H
domain convergent to CBE1, and 10 clustered 3′
Igh
-CBEs convergent to CBE2 and V
H
CBEs. IGCR1 CBEs segregate D/J
H
and V
H
domains by impeding loop extrusion-mediated RAG-scanning. Downregulation of WAPL, a cohesin unloader, in progenitor-B cells neutralizes CBEs, allowing DJ
H
-RC-bound RAG to scan the V
H
domain and perform V
H
-to-DJ
H
rearrangements. To elucidate potential roles of IGCR1-based CBEs and 3′
Igh
-CBEs in regulating RAG-scanning and elucidate the mechanism of the ordered transition from D-to-J
H
to V
H
-to-DJ
H
recombination, we tested effects of inverting and/or deleting IGCR1 or 3′
Igh
-CBEs in mice and/or progenitor-B cell lines. These studies revealed that normal IGCR1 CBE orientation augments RAG-scanning impediment activity and suggest that 3′
Igh
-CBEs reinforce ability of the RC to function as a dynamic loop extrusion impediment to promote optimal RAG scanning activity. Finally, our findings indicate that ordered V(D)J recombination can be explained by a gradual WAPL downregulation mechanism in progenitor-B cells as opposed to a strict developmental switch.
Decay properties of undetected superheavy nuclei with Z > 110
Authors: Jain A , Sharma P K , Jain S K , Akrawy Dashty T , Saxena G
Published: June 2023

A comprehensive study of favoured and unfavoured α-decay, cluster decay, weak-decay along with spontaneous fission in undetected superheavy nuclei within the range for proton number 111 ≤ Z ≤118 and neutron number 161 ≤ N ≤192 is performed. Half-lives for various mentioned decays are estimated with good accuracy on the basis of NUBASE2020 and are found in excellent match with the known half-lives. α-decay mode is found most probable in this wide range and correspondingly potential α-decay chains are reckoned. Peculiarly, the chances of cluster emission, as well as weak-decay, are also anticipated in this region of the periodic chart which open new pathways of detection of superheavy nuclei.
Revisiting Vainshtein screening for fast N-body simulations
Authors: Brando Guilherme , Koyama Kazuya , Winther Hans A.
Published: June 2023

We revisit a method to incorporate the Vainshtein screening mechanism inN-body simulations proposed by R. Scoccimarro in [1]. We further extend this method to cover a subset of Horndeski theories that evade the bound on the speed of gravitational waves set by the binary neutron star merger GW170817. The procedure consists of the computation of an effective gravitational coupling that is timeandscale dependent,Geff(k,z), where the scale dependence will incorporate the screening of the fifth-force. This is a fast procedure that when contrasted to the alternative of solving the full equation of motion for the scalar field insideN-body codes, reduces considerably the computational time and complexity required to run simulations. To test the validity of this approach in the non-linear regime, we have implemented it in a COmoving Lagrangian Approximation (COLA)N-body code, and ran simulations for two gravity models that have fullN-body simulation outputs available in the literature, nDGP and Cubic Galileon. We validate the combination of the COLA method with this implementation of the Vainshtein mechanism with fullN-body simulations for predicting the boost function: the ratio between the modified gravity non-linear matter power spectrum and its General Relativity counterpart. This quantity is of great importance for building emulators in beyond-ΛCDM models, and we find that the method described in this work has an agreement of below 2% for scales down tok≈ 3h/Mpc with respect to fullN-body simulations.
Noise-induced servo errors in optical clocks utilizing Rabi interrogation
Authors: Lindvall T , Wallin A E , Hanhijärvi K J , Fordell T
Published: June 2023

We show that in optical clocks based on Rabi interrogation, both laser-frequency and magnetic-field flicker (

1

/

f

) noise with zero mean can lead to servo errors at the 10−18 level if the negative-detuning (red) and positive-detuning (blue) sides of the transition are always probed in the same order. This is due to the strong correlations of flicker noise in combination with an imbalance in the response of the servo discriminator to positive and negative differential frequency noise between the red- and blue-side probing. This imbalance is particularly large for a normalized discriminator. We derive an analytical expression for the servo error based on the correlation function of the laser-frequency or magnetic-field noise and compare it to numerical servo simulations to demonstrate how the error depends on the noise level, servo parameters, and probing sequence. We also show that the servo error can be avoided by normalizing the discriminator with a moving mean or by reversing the red/blue probing order for every second servo cycle.
A novel brain source reconstruction using a multivariate mode decomposition
Authors: Sotudeh Hanieh , Sakhaei Sayed Mahmoud , Kazemitabar Javad
Published: June 2023

Objective. Brain source reconstruction through electroencephalogram is a challenging issue in brain research with possible applications in cognitive science as well as brain damage and dysfunction recognition. Its goal is to estimate the location of each source in the brain along with the signal being produced. Approach. In this paper, by assuming a small number of band limited sources, we propose a novel method for the problem by using successive multivariate variational mode decomposition (SMVMD). Our new method can be considered as a blind source estimation method, which means that it is capable of extracting the source signal without the knowledge of the location of the source or its lead field vector. In addition, the source location can be determined through comparing the mixing vector found in SMVMD and the lead filed vectors of the entire brain. Main results. The simulations verify that our method leads to performance improvement in comparison to the well-known localization and source signal estimation techniques such as MUltiple SIgnal Calssification (MUSIC), recursively applied and projected MUSIC, dipole fitting method, MV beamformer, and standardized low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography. Significance. The proposed method enjoys low computational complexity. Moreover, our investigations on some experimental epileptic data confirm its superiority over the MUSIC method in the aspect of localization accuracy.
Effects of Fe and Ni on the Microstructure and High Temperature Tensile Properties of Al-Si Aluminium Alloys
Authors: Qi Zhifeng , Chao Yanji , Wang Ruochao , Zhou Jixue , Liu Hongtao
Published: June 2023

The effects of varied contents of Ni (1.2 wt.%, 1.6 wt.%) and Fe (0.6 wt.%, 0.8 wt.%) on the microstructure and high temperature mechanical properties of Al-Si alloy were studied using scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and tensile testing machine. The experimental results demonstrate that Ni element plays a crucial role in modifying the Fe-rich phase type, morphology and distribution in the Al-Si alloy. The addition of 1.2 wt.% Ni and 0.6 wt.% Fe could generate a Chinese script Fe-rich strengthening phase in Al-Si alloy. Further increasing to 1.6 wt.% Ni and 0.8 wt.% Fe, the long needle-shape Fe-rich phase was detected. High temperature tensile properties of the alloy were significantly improved, because of the Chinese script Fe-rich strengthening phase in the Al-Si alloy containing 1.2 wt.% Ni and 0.6 wt.% Fe. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of Al-Si alloy with 1.2 wt.%Ni-0.6 wt.% Fe is up to 229 MPa, 174 MPa and 139 MPa at 250 °C, 300 °C and 350 °C, respectively.
Research progress of Fe/C doped titanium dioxide visible light photocatalytic materials
Authors: Zheng Entao , Jiang Feng , Feng Guo , Hu Zi , Wu Chao , Wei Tuyue , Wu Qian , Jiang Weihui
Published: June 2023

Titanium dioxide (TiO2), as a wide gap semiconductor photocatalytic material, has the characteristics of non-toxic, low cost and excellent catalytic activity. It is widely used as photocatalytic materials. Much efforts have been devoted to the Fe/C doping for TiO2 to improve its visible light response. This work reviews the research progress of Fe/C doped titanium dioxide visible light photocatalytic materials. The photocatalytic mechanism, preparation methods of doped titanium dioxide have been specifically reviewed. Finally, on the basis of the researches of our team in nonaqueous precipitation method, the preparation of Fe/C doped titanium oxide visible light photocatalytic materials by nonaqueous precipitation method is prospected.
Research on Material Composition Design of Porous Asphalt Mixture Based on Flyaway Characteristics
Authors: Xia Dongdong , Chen Futao , Ding Runduo , Wang Xianhe , He Jingye
Published: June 2023

Aggregate dispersion is one of the main diseases of porous asphalt. Reasonable material composition can effectively reduce the occurrence of dispersion disease. In order to study how to determine the volume index and mechanical properties of the mixture from the five aspects of asphalt, asphalt oil film thickness, coarse aggregate, fiber and filler, this paper selects different kinds of materials and different additions, based on the benchmark mix ratio, and carries out the Kentucky dispersion test to reduce the dispersion disease of the porous asphalt. Through the analysis of the test results, it is verified that adopting high-viscosity modified asphalt, increasing the thickness of asphalt oil film, adding lime or hydrated lime as filler, and adding a certain amount of fiber can enhance the anti-flying performance of porous asphalt mixture. At the same time, the article carries out experimental analysis of various additives for different materials. Finally, various material comparison schemes to improve the anti-flying performance of porous asphalt mixture were formed. In terms of the selection and use of raw materials, it provides certain guidance for the construction of porous asphalt.
Optimized Performance Design of Low Freezing Point Asphalt Mixture for Northern Mountainous Areas
Authors: He Kuiliang , Zheng Jianfei , Xin Li
Published: June 2023

Due to the lack of research on the applicability and optimization design of low freezing point asphalt mixtures in specific environments, especially for the harsh environments of low freezing point asphalt mixtures in mountainous areas during cold winter and high humidity in other seasons, there is a significant engineering demand. This paper carries out a study on the performance optimization design of low freezing point asphalt mixtures in northern mountainous areas. Through comparative analysis of low freezing point asphalt mixture technologies and analysis of the road performance of low freezing point asphalt mixtures, combined with the climate and driving characteristics of northern mountainous areas, the low freezing point asphalt mixture suitable for northern mountainous areas is selected. The research shows that the hygroscopicity of M low freezing point filler is significantly stronger than that of Z low freezing point filler, and since the humidity in northern mountainous areas is relatively high, selecting low freezing point fillers with lower hygroscopicity to prepare low freezing point asphalt mixtures can avoid safety accidents caused by excessively wet road surfaces. SBS modified asphalt and waste tire rubber powder modified asphalt can both produce low freezing point asphalt mixtures that meet the requirements of standard road performance, and both have good high and low temperature performance. When conditions permit, waste tire rubber powder modified asphalt low freezing point asphalt mixture is recommended as the first choice.
Study on Tensile Performance of Double-Bolted Joints between Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Plate and Aluminum Plate
Authors: Xin Yanming , Tian Aiqin , Qu Liyuan , Su Chao , Wang Di , Xi Yue , Chang Zongyu
Published: June 2023

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) with high specific strength, specific modulus, and other outstanding properties, which could be used in aerospace, shipbuilding, and railway. The joint of carbon fiber composite material plate and metal material plate plays an important role in the overall performance of the structure. In this paper, a carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) progressive damage model is developed based on composite laminate theory and 3D Hashian theory. The model of the double bolt single lap joint shear connection is established for the CFRP plate and the finite element method is used to carry out the stress analysis and failure prediction of the lap structure. The effect on structural performance under tensile conditions was studied through the change of double bolt spacing. The results show that the decrease in bolt row spacing can lead to the interference effect between holes. In addition, the progressive damage of the composite plate is located near the center line of the bolt hole.