bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investissement
Authors: Côté Charles-Emmanuel
Published: October 2023

L’année 2022 est marquée par l’accélération de l’apurement du contentieux d’investissement visant le Canada sur le fondement de l’Accord de libre-échange nord-américain entre le gouvernement du Canada, le gouvernement des États-Unis et le gouvernement du Mexique (ALÉNA).1 Pas moins de quatre affaires connaissent leur dénouement avec des sentences arbitrales qui rejettent toutes les réclamations des investisseurs américains, dont une sentence très attendue dans l’affaire Lone Pine Resources c Canada,2 concernant l’interdiction par le Québec du gaz de schiste. Avec la fin en 2023 du régime transitoire de règlement des différends entre investisseurs et États (RDIE) entre le Canada et les États-Unis, prévu par l’Accord entre le Canada, les États-Unis et le Mexique (ACÉUM),3 ce contentieux devrait se tarir de manière durable puisque le RDIE cessera alors de s’appliquer entre les deux pays. La pratique conventionnelle du Canada en matière d’investissement continue de stagner et aucun nouvel accord n’est à signaler. Sur le plan interne toutefois, le gouvernement fédéral dépose le projet de loi C-34 qui propose la plus importante réforme de la Loi sur Investissement Canada4 depuis l’ajout d’un mécanisme d’examen des investissements étrangers relatif à la sécurité nationale en 2009.5 Le projet de loi C-34 et l’affaire Lone Pine Resources font l’objet d’une analyse détaillée dans la chronique cette année. Un tour d’horizon des principaux autres faits marquants de 2022 est d’abord effectué.
Neural network ensembles and uncertainty estimation for predictions of inelastic mechanical deformation using a finite element method-neural network approach
Authors: Bergel Guy L. , Montes de Oca Zapiain David , Romero Vicente
Published: October 2023

The finite element method (FEM) is widely used to simulate a variety of physics phenomena. Approaches that integrate FEM with neural networks (NNs) are typically leveraged as an alternative to conducting expensive FEM simulations in order to reduce the computational cost without significantly sacrificing accuracy. However, these methods can produce biased predictions that deviate from those obtained with FEM, since these hybrid FEM-NN approaches rely on approximations trained using physically relevant quantities. In this work, an uncertainty estimation framework is introduced that leverages ensembles of Bayesian neural networks to produce diverse sets of predictions using a hybrid FEM-NN approach that approximates internal forces on a deforming solid body. The uncertainty estimator developed herein reliably infers upper bounds of bias/variance in the predictions for a wide range of interpolation and extrapolation cases using a three-element FEM-NN model of a bar undergoing plastic deformation. This proposed framework offers a powerful tool for assessing the reliability of physics-based surrogate models by establishing uncertainty estimates for predictions spanning a wide range of possible load cases.
Katok’s special representation theorem for multidimensional Borel flows
Authors: SLUTSKY KONSTANTIN
Published: October 2023

Katok’s special representation theorem states that any free ergodic measure- preserving
$\mathbb {R}^{d}$
-flow can be realized as a special flow over a
$\mathbb {Z}^{d}$
-action. It provides a multidimensional generalization of the ‘flow under a function’ construction. We prove the analog of Katok’s theorem in the framework of Borel dynamics and show that, likewise, all free Borel
$\mathbb {R}^{d}$
-flows emerge from
$\mathbb {Z}^{d}$
-actions through the special flow construction using bi-Lipschitz cocycles.
Some measure rigidity and equidistribution results for β-maps
Authors: FISHBEIN NEVO
Published: October 2023

We prove
$\times a \times b$
measure rigidity for multiplicatively independent pairs when
$a\in \mathbb {N}$
and
$b>1$
is a ‘specified’ real number (the b-expansion of
$1$
has a tail or bounded runs of
$0$
s) under a positive entropy condition. This is done by proving a mean decay of the Fourier series of the point masses average along
$\times b$
orbits. We also prove a quantitative version of this decay under stronger conditions on the
$\times a$
invariant measure. The quantitative version together with the
$\times b$
invariance of the limit measure is a step toward a general Host-type pointwise equidistribution theorem in which the equidistribution is for Parry measure instead of Lebesgue. We show that finite memory length measures on the a-shift meet the mentioned conditions for mean convergence. Our main proof relies on techniques of Hochman.
Financial literacy and financial wellbeing: Evidence from Eastern Europe in a high inflation environment
Authors: Beckmann Elisabeth , Kiesl-Reiter Sarah
Published: October 2023

We analyze financial literacy regarding interest rates, inflation, and risk diversification in nine Eastern European countries based on survey data collected in the fall 2022. The percentage of individuals with an understanding of all three concepts is generally low but varies strongly among countries, from 13 percent in Romania to 47 percent in the Czech Republic. Financial illiteracy is particularly acute among those with primary or lower secondary education. Among the three concepts, inflation is what people know best in eight out of nine countries – a pattern which has emerged recently and is in contrast to other countries, where interest rate literacy is highest. Differences in lifetime inflation experience, in particular experience of high or hyperinflation, affect inflation literacy. Higher financial literacy is associated with a higher propensity to save and a lower propensity to be financially vulnerable in six out of nine countries.
Analysis and optimisation of mixing in binary droplet collisions
Authors: Ruiz-Gutiérrez Élfego , Hasslberger Josef , Klein Markus , Dalgarno Kenny , Chakraborty Nilanjan
Published: October 2023

The collision of binary droplets plays a key role in several industrial, chemical and biological processes. In these processes, the quality of the desired outcome is strongly dependent on the mixing of the liquid droplets as they collide in mid-air. In this work, multiphase direct numerical simulations based on the volume-of-fluid method have been used to investigate the process of mixing and analyse the effects of parameters such as injection velocity, timing and collision angles. The evolution of mixing due to convection and irreversible diffusive processes has been quantified by means of the segregation parameter. To synthesise the outcome of a collision, the impact parameter has been redefined to account for the collision of non-spherical droplets. It has been found that the optimal mixing does not occur for symmetric head-on collisions, but rather at moderately asymmetrical configurations. This behaviour has been explained by analysing the velocity gradient tensor. It has been demonstrated that by breaking the symmetry, the local topology of the flow is altered and the resulting convective flows increase the contact area between the liquids, thereby augmenting the mixing process. However, it was also observed that lateral misalignment transforms the initial kinetic energy into the spinning of the merged droplets, thus preventing an enhanced mixing.
The unified extropy and its versions in classical and Dempster–Shafer theories
Authors: Buono Francesco , Deng Yong , Longobardi Maria
Published: October 2023

Measures of uncertainty are a topic of considerable and growing interest. Recently, the introduction of extropy as a measure of uncertainty, dual to Shannon entropy, has opened up interest in new aspects of the subject. Since there are many versions of entropy, a unified formulation has been introduced to work with all of them in an easy way. Here we consider the possibility of defining a unified formulation for extropy by introducing a measure depending on two parameters. For particular choices of parameters, this measure provides the well-known formulations of extropy. Moreover, the unified formulation of extropy is also analyzed in the context of the Dempster–Shafer theory of evidence, and an application to classification problems is given.
How the Trump Administration’s Quota Policy Transformed Immigration Judging
Authors: BLASINGAME ELISE N. , BOYD CHRISTINA L. , CARLOS ROBERTO F. , ORNSTEIN JOSEPH T.
Published: October 2023

The Trump administration implemented a controversial performance quota policy for immigration judges in October 2018. The policy’s political motivations were clear: to pressure immigration judges to order more immigration removals and deportations as quickly as possible. Previous attempts by U.S. presidents to control immigration judges were ineffective, but this quota policy was different because it credibly threatened judges’ job security and promotion opportunities if they failed to follow the policy. Our analysis of hundreds of thousands of judicial decisions before and after the policy’s implementation demonstrates that the quota policy successfully led immigration judges to issue more immigration removal orders (both in absentia and merits orders). The post-policy change in behavior was strongest among those judges who were less inclined, pre-policy, to issue immigration removal decisions. These findings have important implications for immigration judge independence, due process protections for noncitizens, and presidential efforts to control the federal bureaucracy.
LINEAR INDEPENDENCE OF VALUES OF THE q-EXPONENTIAL AND RELATED FUNCTIONS
Authors: DIXIT ANUP B. , KUMAR VEEKESH , PATHAK SIDDHI S.
Published: October 2023

We establish the linear independence of values of the q-analogue of the exponential function and its derivatives at specified algebraic arguments, when q is a Pisot–Vijayaraghavan number. We also deduce similar results for cognate functions, such as the Tschakaloff function and certain generalised q-series.
Effect of probiotics on postmenopausal bone health: a preclinical meta-analysis
Authors: Bose Shibani , Sharan Kunal
Published: October 2023

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a major concern for women worldwide due to increased risk of fractures and diminished bone quality. Recent research on gut microbiota has suggested that probiotics can combat various diseases, including postmenopausal bone loss. Although several preclinical studies have explored the potential of probiotics in improving postmenopausal bone loss, the results have been inconsistent and the mechanism of action remains unclear. To address this, a meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effect of probiotics on animal models of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The bone parameters studied were bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume fractions (BV/TV), and hallmarks of bone formation and resorption. Pooled analysis showed that probiotic treatment significantly improves BMD and BV/TV of the ovariectomised animals. Probiotics, while not statistically significant, exhibited a tendency towards enhancing bone formation and reducing bone resorption. Next, we compared the effects of Lactobacillus sp. and Bifidobacterium sp. on osteoporotic bone. Both probiotics improved BMD and BV/TV compared with control, but Lactobacillus sp. had a larger effect size. In conclusion, our findings suggest that probiotics have the potential to improve bone health and prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis. However, further studies are required to investigate the effect of probiotics on postmenopausal bone health in humans.
Association between nut consumption and low muscle strength among Korean adults
Authors: Jun Shinyoung , Shin Sunhye
Published: October 2023

Nuts are an important component of a healthy diet, but little has been known about their effects on muscle health. Therefore, this study examined the association between nut consumption and low muscle strength among Korean adults. This cross-sectional analysis was conducted using single 24-h recall and handgrip strength data from 3962 younger adults 19–39 years, 6921 middle-aged adults 40–64 years and 3961 older adults ≥65 years participated in the seventh cycle (2016–2018) of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Low muscle strength was defined as handgrip strength <28 kg for men and <18 kg for women. Sex-specific OR were obtained for younger, middle-aged and older adults using multivariable logistic regression analyses. About one in four Korean adults were consuming nuts (using a culinary definition) with peanut being the most frequently consumed type. After adjustment for age, BMI, total energy intake, household income, alcohol consumption, smoking, resistance exercise, medical history and dietary protein intake, nut consumption was associated with the lower risk of low muscle strength among older adults ≥65 years (men: OR 0·55, 95 % CI (0·38, 0·79); women: OR 0·69, 95 % CI (0·51, 0·93)); however, this association was not observed among younger adults 19–39 years or middle-aged adults 40–64 years. Our results suggest that consuming nuts might be beneficial in lowering the risk of low muscle strength among Korean older adults.
New Ediacaran biota from the oldest Nama Group, Namibia (Tsaus Mountains), and re-definition of the Nama Assemblage
Authors: Wood Rachel , Bowyer Fred. T. , Alexander Ruaridh , Yilales Mariana , Uahengo Collen-Issia , Kaputuaza Kavevaza , Ndeunyema Junias , Curtis Andrew
Published: October 2023

The Nama Group, Namibia (≥550.5 to <538 million years ago, Ma), preserves one of the most diverse metazoan fossil records of the terminal Ediacaran Period. We report numerous features that may be biological in origin from the shallow marine, siliciclastic, lowermost Mara Member (older than ca. 550.5 Ma) from the Tsaus Mountains. These include forms that potentially represent body fossils,Beltanelliformisand an indeterminate juvenile uniterminal rangeomorph or arboreomorph frond, plug trace fossils,Bergaueria, as well as sedimentary surface textures, which are possibly microbially induced. These are the oldest documented macrofossils in the Nama Group. They represent taxa that persist from the Avalon or White Sea assemblages prior to the later appearance of new biota, including calcified metazoans, calcified and soft-bodied tubular taxa including all cloudinids, as well as more complex trace fossils.

Using a new age model that allows more accurate stratigraphic placement of major Ediacaran macrofossil morphogroups and taxa, we propose a re-definition of the Nama Assemblage following the practice for Phanerozoic evolutionary faunas to include only new morphogroups of soft-bodied tubular, calcified taxa and complex trace fossils, defined by first appearance ofCloudina, which postdates deposition of the Kanies and lower Mara members and first appears ca. 550 Ma and persists until at least 539 Ma.

Finally, the Tsaus Mountain environment is pristine, unspoilt by geologists and naturalists. Following World Heritage Convention, we suggest a pledge of non-destructive excavation that all future scientists should be able to make in publications of work that involve research in this area.
Fast correlation heating in moderately coupled electron–ion plasmas
Authors: Foster Thomas E. , Fetsch Henry , Fisch Nathaniel J.
Published: October 2023

If the electrons in a plasma are suddenly heated, the resulting change in Debye shielding causes the ion kinetic energy to quickly increase. For the first time, this correlation heating, which is much faster than collisional energy exchange, is rigorously derived for a moderately coupled, electron–ion plasma. The electron–ion mass ratio is taken to be the smallest parameter in the Bogoliubov–Born–Green–Kirkwood–Yvon hierarchy, smaller even than the reciprocal of the plasma parameter. This ordering differs from conventional kinetic theory by making the electron collision rates faster than the ion plasma frequency, which allows stronger coupling and makes the ion heating a function only of the total energy supplied to the electrons. The calculation uses known formulae for correlations in a two-temperature plasma, for which a new, elementary derivation is presented. Suprathermal ions may be created more rapidly by this mechanism than by ion–electron Coulomb collisions. This means that the use of a femtosecond laser pulse could potentially help to achieve ignition in certain fast ignition approaches to inertial confinement fusion.
NONPARAMETRIC TIME-VARYING PANEL DATA MODELS WITH HETEROGENEITY
Authors: Liu Fei
Published: October 2023

Since Bai (2009,Econometrica77, 1229–1279), considerable extensions have been made to panel data models with interactive fixed effects (IFEs). However, little work has been conducted to understand the associated iterative algorithm, which, to the best of our knowledge, is the most commonly adopted approach in this line of research. In this paper, we refine the algorithm of panel data models with IFEs using the nuclear-norm penalization method and duple least-squares (DLS) iterations. Meanwhile, we allow the regression coefficients to be individual-specific and evolve over time. Accordingly, asymptotic properties are established to demonstrate the theoretical validity of the proposed approach. Furthermore, we show that the proposed methodology exhibits good finite-sample performance using simulation and real data examples.
Escalating Political Violence and the Intersectional Impacts on Latinas in National Politics
Authors: Sampaio Anna
Published: October 2023

Drawing on interviews with Latina congressional members and candidates, this article examines the impacts of escalating political violence on their professional lives and political careers, as well as the implications for the growing body of women of color who are engaging in public service at the national level.
Affective Aspirations of Activist Musical Diplomacy at the Bicentennial Celebration of Brazilian Independence in Lisbon
Authors: SNYDER ANDREW
Published: October 2023

In 2022, Prime Minister of Portugal António Costa of the Socialist Party held a celebration of Brazilian music at his residence in Lisbon for the Bicentennial of Brazilian Independence a month before the presidential elections between Bolsonaro and Lula. In contrast to Bolsonaro’s right-wing rallies, Costa featured acts that were feminist, antiracist, and leftist. In this diplomatic event, musical performances criticised Bolsonaro’s Brazil and supported Lula’s campaign, imaginatively aspiring for an alternative Brazil despite the organizers’ directive not to protest. I show how the performers strategically and affectively advanced a comprehensible political critique in this crucial moment of Brazilian political history.
Mineralogy of Surface Materials at the Chang'E‐5 Landing Site and Possible Exotic Sources From In Situ Spectral Observations
Authors: Yang (杨茂升) Maosheng , Qian (钱煜奇) Yuqi , Horgan Briony , Huang (黄俊) Jun , Xiao (肖龙) Long
Published: October 2023

China's Chang'E‐5 (CE‐5) mission landed at 43.06°N and 51.92°W on 1 December 2020, within the Northern Oceanus Procellarum region of the Moon. The CE‐5 landing site is situated within a young lunar basalt unit estimated to be around 2.0 Ga. A comprehensive understanding of the lunar regolith composition within the CE‐5 region is pivotal as it furnishes additional scientific evidence concerning its origin. This, in turn, would further improve our understanding of lunar geology and evolution. In our studies, we employed a variety of spectral data and derived products including the CE‐5 Lunar Mineralogical Spectrometer data, the ferrous mineral abundance derived from Kaguya Multiband Imager, and the Chandrayaan‐1 Moon Mineralogical Mapper data. These data enabled us to determine and analyze the compositions of the diverse materials present in the CE‐5 region and to pinpoint the origins of exotic materials found therein. Our results indicated that the exotic material within the CE‐5 region is principally composed of clinopyroxene and plagioclase (Pl). Further analysis unveils that the CE‐5 regolith embodies a blend of two distinct varieties of clinopyroxene, designated as Type A and Type B, along with feldspar. This discovery markedly diverges from the conclusions drawn by preceding studies, which relied solely on remote sensing data. Moreover, the exotic materials are predominantly constituted by the ejecta of Harpalus and Aristarchus craters. This finding furnishes a substantial geological background for the analysis of exotic materials in the samples returned by the CE‐5 mission in forthcoming studies.
Parameterizing Vertical Mixing Coefficients in the Ocean Surface Boundary Layer Using Neural Networks
Authors: Sane Aakash , Reichl Brandon G. , Adcroft Alistair , Zanna Laure
Published: October 2023

Vertical mixing parameterizations in ocean models are formulated on the basis of the physical principles that govern turbulent mixing. However, many parameterizations include ad hoc components that are not well constrained by theory or data. One such component is the eddy diffusivity model, where vertical turbulent fluxes of a quantity are parameterized from a variable eddy diffusion coefficient and the mean vertical gradient of the quantity. In this work, we improve a parameterization of vertical mixing in the ocean surface boundary layer by enhancing its eddy diffusivity model using data‐driven methods, specifically neural networks. The neural networks are designed to take extrinsic and intrinsic forcing parameters as input to predict the eddy diffusivity profile and are trained using output data from a second moment closure turbulent mixing scheme. The modified vertical mixing scheme predicts the eddy diffusivity profile through online inference of neural networks and maintains the conservation principles of the standard ocean model equations, which is particularly important for its targeted use in climate simulations. We describe the development and stable implementation of neural networks in an ocean general circulation model and demonstrate that the enhanced scheme outperforms its predecessor by reducing biases in the mixed‐layer depth and upper ocean stratification. Our results demonstrate the potential for data‐driven physics‐aware parameterizations to improve global climate models.
Prim-O-glucosylcimifugin ameliorates aging-impaired endogenous tendon regeneration by rejuvenating senescent tendon stem/progenitor cells
Authors: Wang Yu , Jin Shanshan , Luo Dan , He Danqing , Yu Min , Zhu Lisha , Li Zixin , Chen Liyuan , Ding Chengye , Wu Xiaolan , Wu Tianhao , Huang Weiran , Zhao Xuelin , Xu Meng , Xie Zhengwei , Liu Yan
Published: October 2023

Adult tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSPCs) are essential for tendon maintenance, regeneration, and repair, yet they become susceptible to senescence with age, impairing the self-healing capacity of tendons. In this study, we employ a recently developed deep-learning-based efficacy prediction system to screen potential stemness-promoting and senescence-inhibiting drugs from natural products using the transcriptional signatures of stemness. The top-ranked candidate, prim-O-glucosylcimifugin (POG), a saposhnikovia root extract, could ameliorate TPSC senescent phenotypes caused by long-term passage and natural aging in rats and humans, as well as restore the self-renewal and proliferative capacities and tenogenic potential of aged TSPCs. In vivo, the systematic administration of POG or the local delivery of POG nanoparticles functionally rescued endogenous tendon regeneration and repair in aged rats to levels similar to those of normal animals. Mechanistically, POG protects TSPCs against functional impairment during both passage-induced and natural aging by simultaneously suppressing nuclear factor-κB and decreasing mTOR signaling with the induction of autophagy. Thus, the strategy of pharmacological intervention with the deep learning-predicted compound POG could rejuvenate aged TSPCs and improve the regenerative capacity of aged tendons.
Bioinspired trimesic acid anchored electrocatalysts with unique static and dynamic compatibility for enhanced water oxidation
Authors: Lin Xiaojing , Wang Zhaojie , Cao Shoufu , Hu Yuying , Liu Siyuan , Chen Xiaodong , Chen Hongyu , Zhang Xingheng , Wei Shuxian , Xu Hui , Cheng Zhi , Hou Qi , Sun Daofeng , Lu Xiaoqing
Published: October 2023

Layered double hydroxides are promising candidates for the electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction. Unfortunately, their catalytic kinetics and long-term stabilities are far from satisfactory compared to those of rare metals. Here, we investigate the durability of nickel-iron layered double hydroxides and show that ablation of the lamellar structure due to metal dissolution is the cause of the decreased stability. Inspired by the amino acid residues in photosystem II, we report a strategy using trimesic acid anchors to prepare the subsize nickel-iron layered double hydroxides with kinetics, activity and stability superior to those of commercial catalysts. Fundamental investigations through operando spectroscopy and theoretical calculations reveal that the superaerophobic surface facilitates prompt release of the generated O2 bubbles, and protects the structure of the catalyst. Coupling between the metals and coordinated carboxylates via C‒O‒Fe bonding prevents dissolution of the metal species, which stabilizes the electronic structure by static coordination. In addition, the uncoordinated carboxylates formed by dynamic evolution during oxygen evolution reaction serve as proton ferries to accelerate the oxygen evolution reaction kinetics. This work offers a promising way to achieve breakthroughs in oxygen evolution reaction stability and dynamic performance by introducing functional ligands with static and dynamic compatibilities.
Interferon-γ couples CD8+ T cell avidity and differentiation during infection
Authors: Uhl Lion F. K. , Cai Han , Oram Sophia L. , Mahale Jagdish N. , MacLean Andrew J. , Mazet Julie M. , Piccirilli Theo , He Alexander J. , Lau Doreen , Elliott Tim , Gerard Audrey
Published: October 2023

Effective responses to intracellular pathogens are characterized by T cell clones with a broad affinity range for their cognate peptide and diverse functional phenotypes. How T cell clones are selected throughout the response to retain a breadth of avidities remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that direct sensing of the cytokine IFN-γ by CD8+ T cells coordinates avidity and differentiation during infection. IFN-γ promotes the expansion of low-avidity T cells, allowing them to overcome the selective advantage of high-avidity T cells, whilst reinforcing high-avidity T cell entry into the memory pool, thus reducing the average avidity of the primary response and increasing that of the memory response. IFN-γ in this context is mainly provided by virtual memory T cells, an antigen-inexperienced subset with memory features. Overall, we propose that IFN-γ and virtual memory T cells fulfil a critical immunoregulatory role by enabling the coordination of T cell avidity and fate.
Neuro-inspired optical sensor array for high-accuracy static image recognition and dynamic trace extraction
Authors: Huang Pei-Yu , Jiang Bi-Yi , Chen Hong-Ji , Xu Jia-Yi , Wang Kang , Zhu Cheng-Yi , Hu Xin-Yan , Li Dong , Zhen Liang , Zhou Fei-Chi , Qin Jing-Kai , Xu Cheng-Yan
Published: October 2023

Neuro-inspired vision systems hold great promise to address the growing demands of mass data processing for edge computing, a distributed framework that brings computation and data storage closer to the sources of data. In addition to the capability of static image sensing and processing, the hardware implementation of a neuro-inspired vision system also requires the fulfilment of detecting and recognizing moving targets. Here, we demonstrated a neuro-inspired optical sensor based on two-dimensional NbS2/MoS2 hybrid films, which featured remarkable photo-induced conductance plasticity and low electrical energy consumption. A neuro-inspired optical sensor array with 10 × 10 NbS2/MoS2 phototransistors enabled highly integrated functions of sensing, memory, and contrast enhancement capabilities for static images, which benefits convolutional neural network (CNN) with a high image recognition accuracy. More importantly, in-sensor trajectory registration of moving light spots was experimentally implemented such that the post-processing could yield a high restoration accuracy. Our neuro-inspired optical sensor array could provide a fascinating platform for the implementation of high-performance artificial vision systems.
Structure-function analyses reveal key molecular determinants of HIV-1 CRF01_AE resistance to the entry inhibitor temsavir
Authors: Prévost Jérémie , Chen Yaozong , Zhou Fei , Tolbert William D. , Gasser Romain , Medjahed Halima , Nayrac Manon , Nguyen Dung N. , Gottumukkala Suneetha , Hessell Ann J. , Rao Venigalla B. , Pozharski Edwin , Huang Rick K. , Matthies Doreen , Finzi Andrés , Pazgier Marzena
Published: October 2023

The HIV-1 entry inhibitor temsavir prevents the viral receptor CD4 (cluster of differentiation 4) from interacting with the envelope glycoprotein (Env) and blocks its conformational changes. To do this, temsavir relies on the presence of a residue with small side chain at position 375 in Env and is unable to neutralize viral strains like CRF01_AE carrying His375. Here we investigate the mechanism of temsavir resistance and show that residue 375 is not the sole determinant of resistance. At least six additional residues within the gp120 inner domain layers, including five distant from the drug-binding pocket, contribute to resistance. A detailed structure-function analysis using engineered viruses and soluble trimer variants reveals that the molecular basis of resistance is mediated by crosstalk between His375 and the inner domain layers. Furthermore, our data confirm that temsavir can adjust its binding mode to accommodate changes in Env conformation, a property that likely contributes to its broad antiviral activity.
Staphylococcus aureus sacculus mediates activities of M23 hydrolases
Authors: Razew Alicja , Laguri Cedric , Vallet Alicia , Bougault Catherine , Kaus-Drobek Magdalena , Sabala Izabela , Simorre Jean-Pierre
Published: October 2023

Peptidoglycan, a gigadalton polymer, functions as the scaffold for bacterial cell walls and provides cell integrity. Peptidoglycan is remodelled by a large and diverse group of peptidoglycan hydrolases, which control bacterial cell growth and division. Over the years, many studies have focused on these enzymes, but knowledge on their action within peptidoglycan mesh from a molecular basis is scarce. Here, we provide structural insights into the interaction between short peptidoglycan fragments and the entire sacculus with two evolutionarily related peptidases of the M23 family, lysostaphin and LytM. Through nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry, information-driven modelling, site-directed mutagenesis and biochemical approaches, we propose a model in which peptidoglycan cross-linking affects the activity, selectivity and specificity of these two structurally related enzymes differently.
A chromatinized origin reduces the mobility of ORC and MCM through interactions and spatial constraint
Authors: Sánchez Humberto , Liu Zhaowei , van Veen Edo , van Laar Theo , Diffley John F. X. , Dekker Nynke H.
Published: October 2023

Chromatin replication involves the assembly and activity of the replisome within the nucleosomal landscape. At the core of the replisome is the Mcm2-7 complex (MCM), which is loaded onto DNA after binding to the Origin Recognition Complex (ORC). In yeast, ORC is a dynamic protein that diffuses rapidly along DNA, unless halted by origin recognition sequences. However, less is known about the dynamics of ORC proteins in the presence of nucleosomes and attendant consequences for MCM loading. To address this, we harnessed an in vitro single-molecule approach to interrogate a chromatinized origin of replication. We find that ORC binds the origin of replication with similar efficiency independently of whether the origin is chromatinized, despite ORC mobility being reduced by the presence of nucleosomes. Recruitment of MCM also proceeds efficiently on a chromatinized origin, but subsequent movement of MCM away from the origin is severely constrained. These findings suggest that chromatinized origins in yeast are essential for the local retention of MCM, which may facilitate subsequent assembly of the replisome.
Activation of coagulation and proinflammatory pathways in thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome and following COVID-19 vaccination
Authors: Aid Malika , Stephenson Kathryn E. , Collier Ai-ris Y. , Nkolola Joseph P. , Michael James V. , McKenzie Steven E. , Barouch Dan H.
Published: October 2023

Thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) is a rare but potentially severe adverse event following immunization with adenovirus vector-based COVID-19 vaccines such as Ad26.COV2.S (Janssen) and ChAdOx1 (AstraZeneca). However, no case of TTS has been reported in over 1.5 million individuals who received a second immunization with Ad26.COV2.S in the United States. Here we utilize transcriptomic and proteomic profiling to compare individuals who receive two doses of Ad26.COV2.S with those vaccinated with BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273. Initial Ad26.COV2.S vaccination induces transient activation of platelet and coagulation and innate immune pathways that resolve by day 7; by contrast, patients with TTS show robust upregulation of these pathways on days 15–19 following initial Ad26.COV2.S vaccination. Meanwhile, a second immunization or a reduced initial dose of Ad26.COV2.S induces lower activation of these pathways than does the full initial dose. Our data suggest a role of coagulation and proinflammatory pathways in TTS pathogenesis, which may help optimize vaccination regimens to reduce TTS risk.
Efficient screening framework for organic solar cells with deep learning and ensemble learning
Authors: Wang Hongshuai , Feng Jie , Dong Zhihao , Jin Lujie , Li Miaomiao , Yuan Jianyu , Li Youyong
Published: October 2023

Organic photovoltaics have attracted worldwide interest due to their unique advantages in developing low-cost, lightweight, and flexible power sources. Functional molecular design and synthesis have been put forward to accelerate the discovery of ideal organic semiconductors. However, it is extremely expensive to conduct experimental screening of the wide organic compound space. Here we develop a framework by combining a deep learning model (graph neural network) and an ensemble learning model (Light Gradient Boosting Machine), which enables rapid and accurate screening of organic photovoltaic molecules. This framework establishes the relationship between molecular structure, molecular properties, and device efficiency. Our framework evaluates the chemical structure of the organic photovoltaic molecules directly and accurately. Since it does not involve density functional theory calculations, it makes fast predictions. The reliability of our framework is verified with data from previous reports and our newly synthesized organic molecules. Our work provides an efficient method for developing new organic optoelectronic materials.
Forest composition change and biophysical climate feedbacks across boreal North America
Authors: Massey Richard , Rogers Brendan M. , Berner Logan T. , Cooperdock Sol , Mack Michelle C. , Walker Xanthe J. , Goetz Scott J.
Published: October 2023

Deciduous tree cover is expected to increase in North American boreal forests with climate warming and wildfire. This shift in composition has the potential to generate biophysical cooling via increased land surface albedo. Here we use Landsat-derived maps of continuous tree canopy cover and deciduous fractional composition to assess albedo change over recent decades. We find, on average, a small net decrease in deciduous fraction from 2000 to 2015 across boreal North America and from 1992 to 2015 across Canada, despite extensive fire disturbance that locally increased deciduous vegetation. We further find near-neutral net biophysical change in radiative forcing associated with albedo when aggregated across the domain. Thus, while there have been widespread changes in forest composition over the past several decades, the net changes in composition and associated post-fire radiative forcing have not induced systematic negative feedbacks to climate warming over the spatial and temporal scope of our study.
Chase-away evolution maintains imperfect mimicry in a brood parasite–host system despite rapid evolution of mimics
Authors: Dixit Tanmay , Lund Jess , Fulford Anthony J. C. , Apostol Andrei L. , Chen Kuan-Chi , Tong Wenfei , Feeney William E. , Hamusikili Lazaro , Colebrook-Robjent John F. R. , Town Christopher P. , Spottiswoode Claire N.
Published: October 2023

We studied a brood parasite–host system (the cuckoo finch Anomalospiza imberbis and its host, the tawny-flanked prinia Prinia subflava) to test (1) the fundamental hypothesis that deceptive mimics evolve to resemble models, selecting in turn for models to evolve away from mimics (‘chase-away evolution’) and (2) whether such reciprocal evolution maintains imperfect mimicry over time. Over only 50 years, parasites evolved towards hosts and hosts evolved away from parasites, resulting in no detectible increase in mimetic fidelity. Our results reflect rapid adaptive evolution in wild populations of models and mimics and show that chase-away evolution in models can counteract even rapid evolution of mimics, resulting in the persistence of imperfect mimicry.
Effective prediction finite element model of pull-out capacity for cast-in-place anchor in high strain rate effects
Authors: Bao Quoc To , Lee Kihak , An Hyoseo , Lee Do Hyung , Shin Jiuk
Published: October 2023

Cast-in-place anchors are being increasingly used in many applications including building construction, bridge, and power plants. The anchorage to concrete systems are subjected to tensile, shear and combined loads from a variety of loading circumstances including static, dynamic, and shock loading. Despite extensive studies on these systems, reliable numerical models for predicting the behavior of these anchors are still limited. Therefore, this paper investigated the tensile behavior of cast-in-place anchorage to concrete systems, to propose an effective model for reproducing anchorage behavior using finite element (FE) methods. Experiments and code-based models for the anchorage system in tension were used to evaluate the numerical models for cast-in-place anchors in concrete, and the most suitable model, with advantages in accuracy and saving analysis time, was chosen. Finally, the FE model was used to study the tensile capacity and related dynamic increase factor for various strain rates, anchor diameters, and embedment depths.
The molecular epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in the Pityusic Islands shows multiple introductions and fast replacements of variants in a touristic worldwide hot spot
Authors: Viver T. , López-Causapé C. , Ribot-Fraile P. , Pérez-Mazón C. , López-Solé D. , Jiménez-Guerra G. , Taltavull B. , López-López A.
Published: October 2023

The public health emergency caused by the Covid-19 outbreak in March 2020 encouraged worldwide initiatives to monitor the genetic diversity and features of the SARS-CoV-2 circulating variants, mainly based on the genomic surveillance. However, due to the impossibility to carry out extensive sequencing in resource-limited hospitals, other PCR-based strategies could be applied to efficiently monitor the circulating variants without the need to greatly expand the sequencing capacity. In our case, overpassing the technical limitations inherent to a second level hospital, we were able to characterize the weekly distribution of SARS-CoV-2 by the RT-qPCR amplification patterns visualization, single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping, and sequencing of randomly selected samples. All these molecular approaches allowed us to trace the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 viruses circulating in Ibiza and Formentera (Balearic Islands, Spain) during the third to the sixth pandemic waves (January 2021–July 2022), in which three major lineages that were considered as VOCs (Alpha, Delta, and Omicron), and many other non-VOC variants were detected and tracked.
Superior performance of biofilm versus planktonic Limosilactobacillus reuteri in protection of the intestines and brain in a piglet model of necrotizing enterocolitis
Authors: Wala Samantha J. , Sajankila Nitin , Ragan Mecklin V. , Duff Audrey F. , Wickham Joseph , Volpe Samuel G. , Wang Yijie , Conces Miriam , Dumbauld Zachary , Purayil Nanditha , Narayanan Siddharth , Rajab Adrian , Mihi Belgacem , Bailey Michael T. , Goodman Steven D. , Besner Gail E.
Published: October 2023

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the leading cause of gastrointestinal-related death in premature infants. Its etiology is multifactorial, with intestinal dysbiosis playing a major role. Probiotics are a logical preventative therapy for NEC, however their benefits have been inconsistent. We previously developed a novel probiotic delivery system in which planktonic (free-living) Limosilactobacillus reuteri (Lr) is incubated with biocompatible dextranomer microspheres (DM) loaded with maltose (Lr-DM-maltose) to induce biofilm formation. Here we have investigated the effects of Lr-DM-maltose in an enteral feed-only piglet model of NEC. We found a significant decrease in the incidence of Definitive NEC (D-NEC), death associated with D-NEC, and activated microglia in the brains of piglets treated with Lr-DM-maltose compared to non-treated piglets. Microbiome analyses using 16S rRNA sequencing of colonic contents revealed a significantly different microbial community composition between piglets treated with Lr-DM-maltose compared to non-treated piglets, with an increase in Lactobacillaceae and a decrease in Clostridiaceae in Lr-DM-maltose-treated piglets. Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in the incidence of D-NEC between piglets treated with Lr-DM-maltose compared to planktonic Lr. These findings validate our previous results in rodents, and support future clinical trials of Lr in its biofilm state for the prevention of NEC in premature neonates.
Three-dimensional solitons in Rydberg-dressed cold atomic gases with spin–orbit coupling
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Hu Heng-Jie , Zhou Qian-Qian , Qiu Zhang-Cai , Xue Li , Xu Si-Liu , Zhou Qin , Malomed Boris A.
Published: October 2023

We present numerical results for three-dimensional (3D) solitons with symmetries of the semi-vortex (SV) and mixed-mode (MM) types, which can be created in spinor Bose–Einstein condensates of Rydberg atoms under the action of the spin–orbit coupling (SOC). By means of systematic numerical computations, we demonstrate that the interplay of SOC and long-range spherically symmetric Rydberg interactions stabilize the 3D solitons, improving their resistance to collapse. We find how the stability range depends on the strengths of the SOC and Rydberg interactions and the soft-core atomic radius.
Effectiveness of exercise interventions to improve long-term outcomes in people living with mild cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dieckelmann Mirjam , González-González Ana I. , Banzer Winfried , Berghold Andrea , Jeitler Klaus , Pantel Johannes , Pregartner Gudrun , Schall Arthur , Tesky Valentina A. , Siebenhofer Andrea
Published: October 2023

Although exercise guidelines now recommend exercise for patients with MCI, the long-term effects of exercise in patients with MCI has not been reviewed systematically. The aim was to assess (1) the effectiveness of exercise and physical activity (EXPA) interventions in improving long-term patient-relevant cognitive and non-cognitive outcomes in people with mild cognitive impairment, (2) how well the included trials reported details of the intervention, and (3) the extent to which reported endpoints were in line with patient preferences that were assessed in patient workshops. Following PRISMA guidelines, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis including randomized controlled trials. A total of ten studies were included after searching in six electronic sources from 1995 onwards. There is a trend that 6 + -month EXPA interventions improve global cognition 12 months after initiation. Evidence on long-term effects of EXPA interventions on non-cognitive health outcomes could not be meaningfully pooled and the individual studies reported mixed results. Workshop participants considered freedom from pain and stress, mood, motivation and self-efficacy to be important, but these outcomes were rarely addressed. Too little information is available on intervention details for EXPA programs to be replicated and confidently recommended for patients with MCI. PROSPERO registration in December, 2021 (CRD42021287166).
Telephone-based evaluation of cognitive impairment and mood disorders in cardiac arrest survivors with good neurologic outcomes: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kim June-sung , Kim Youn-Jung , Ryoo Seung Mok , Ahn Shin , Kim Won Young
Published: October 2023

This study determined the occurrence of cognitive impairment and mood disorders in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survivors with good neurologic outcomes. We performed a retrospective, cross-sectional, single-center study with a total of 97 patients. We evaluated cognitive dysfunction via the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Alzheimer’s disease-8 mood disorders via the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. We measured quality of life with the European Quality of Life 5-Dimension 5-Levels questionnaire. Cognitive impairment and mood disorders were common among patients with good neurologic recovery. There were 23 patients who experienced cognitive impairments (23.7%) and 28 who suffered from mood disorders (28.9%). Age (adjusted OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02–1.12), mood disorders (adjusted OR 22.80, 95% CI 4.84–107.49) and hospital length of stay (adjusted OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02–1.09) were independent risk factors for cognitive impairment. The occurrence of cognitive impairments (adjusted OR 9.94, 95% CI 2.83–35.97) and non-cardiac causes of cardiac arrest (adjusted OR 11.51, 95% CI 3.15–42.15) were risk factors for mood disorders. Quality of life was significantly lower in the OHCA survivors with each disorder than the healthy individuals. Routine screening and intervention are needed for OHCA survivors.
Differences in race history by distance of recreational endurance runners from The NURMI Study (Step 2)
Authors: Knechtle Beat , Tanous Derrick , Thuany Mabliny , Motevalli Mohamad , Wirnitzer Gerold , Leitzmann Claus , Weiss Katja , Rosemann Thomas , Wirnitzer Katharina
Published: October 2023

Few studies were developed to understand the relationship between running characteristics and motivation. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between running event history, running experience, and best race performances in recreational distance runners. We used a web survey to obtain information regarding running experience, racing history, and periodization training routines/exercise habits, including weekly volumes and daily mileage and duration across periods and conditions. Associations between variables were conducted with the Chi-square test (χ2; nominal scale) and Wilcoxon test. Multiple linear regression analysis and multivariate linear regression were performed. Concerning the participants’ motive for exercising, a significant difference was identified between the race distance subgroups (p < 0.001), where 58% of M/UM runners exercised for performance (n = 38) and 64% of HM runners (n = 57) and 57% of 10 km runners (n = 52) exercised for recreational purposes. A significant difference was found in the number of years of running completed without taking a break (p = 0.004), with marathoners/ultramarathoners reporting the most years. Runners competing in different race distances such as 10 km, half-marathon, marathon, and ultra-marathon presented differences in training background and habits according to the distance of preference.