bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diarylmethylamine (‘Butterfly’-Type Amine) Unit: A Useful Unit for the Modulation of the Catalytic Activity of Aminothiourea Catalysts
Authors: Mori Keiji , Ogawa Hiromasa , Okawa Hiroto
Published: June 2023

We investigated the effects of substituents on the aromatic rings in a diarylmethylamine unit (which we have named the ‘butterfly’-type amine unit) in an aminothiourea catalyst. Detailed examination of the electronic effects of the aromatic rings revealed that the catalyst having a 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl group was the best, realizing an excellent chemical yield and enantioselectivity in an asymmetric Michael reaction between nitrostyrene and dimethyl malonate. Importantly, its catalytic ability as a chiral catalyst is superior to that of the well-known aminothiourea catalyst, the Takemoto catalyst, and this characteristic was observed in various asymmetric reactions.
Plethora of many body ground states in magic angle twisted bilayer graphene
Authors: Yang S. Y. , Díez-Carlón A. , Díez-Mérida J. , Jaoui A. , Das I. , Battista G. Di , Luque-Merino R. , Mech R. , Efetov Dmitri K.
Published: June 2023

The discovery of magic angle twisted bilayer graphene (MATBG), in which two sheets of monolayer graphene are precisely stacked at a specific angle, has opened up a plethora of grand new opportunities in the field of topology, superconductivity, strange metal, and other strongly correlated effects. This review will focus on the various forms of quantum phases in MATBG revealed through quantum transport measurements. The goal is to highlight the uniqueness and current understanding of the various phases, especially how electronic interaction plays a role in them, as well as open questions in regard to the phase diagram.
Entanglement of free fermions on Johnson graphs
Authors: Bernard Pierre-Antoine , Crampé Nicolas , Vinet Luc
Published: June 2023

Free fermions on Johnson graphs J(n, k) are considered, and the entanglement entropy of sets of neighborhoods is computed. For a subsystem composed of a single neighborhood, an analytical expression is provided by the decomposition in irreducible submodules of the Terwilliger algebra of J(n, k) embedded in two copies of su(2). For a subsystem composed of multiple neighborhoods, the construction of a block-tridiagonal operator that commutes with the entanglement Hamiltonian is presented, its usefulness in computing the entropy is stressed, and the area law pre-factor is discussed.
Theory and experiments of spiral unpinning in the Belousov–Zhabotinsky reaction using a circularly polarized electric field
Authors: Amrutha S. V. , Sebastian Anupama , Sibeesh Puthiyapurayil , Punacha Shreyas , Shajahan T. K.
Published: June 2023

We present the first experimental study of unpinning an excitation wave using a circularly polarized electric field. The experiments are conducted using the excitable chemical medium, the Belousov–Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction, which is modeled with the Oregenator model. The excitation wave in the chemical medium is charged so that it can directly interact with the electric field. This is a unique feature of the chemical excitation wave. The mechanism of wave unpinning in the BZ reaction with a circularly polarized electric field is investigated by varying the pacing ratio, the initial phase of the wave, and field strength. The chemical wave in the BZ reaction unpins when the electric force opposite the direction of the spiral is equal to or above a threshold. We developed an analytical relation of the unpinning phase with the initial phase, the pacing ratio, and the field strength. This is then verified in experiments and simulations.
A deep learning approach to the measurement of long-lived memory kernels from generalized Langevin dynamics
Authors: Kerr Winter Max , Pihlajamaa Ilian , Debets Vincent E. , Janssen Liesbeth M. C.
Published: June 2023

Memory effects are ubiquitous in a wide variety of complex physical phenomena, ranging from glassy dynamics and metamaterials to climate models. The Generalized Langevin Equation (GLE) provides a rigorous way to describe memory effects via the so-called memory kernel in an integro-differential equation. However, the memory kernel is often unknown, and accurately predicting or measuring it via, e.g., a numerical inverse Laplace transform remains a herculean task. Here, we describe a novel method using deep neural networks (DNNs) to measure memory kernels from dynamical data. As a proof-of-principle, we focus on the notoriously long-lived memory effects of glass-forming systems, which have proved a major challenge to existing methods. In particular, we learn the operator mapping dynamics to memory kernels from a training set generated with the Mode-Coupling Theory (MCT) of hard spheres. Our DNNs are remarkably robust against noise, in contrast to conventional techniques. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a network trained on data generated from analytic theory (hard-sphere MCT) generalizes well to data from simulations of a different system (Brownian Weeks–Chandler–Andersen particles). Finally, we train a network on a set of phenomenological kernels and demonstrate its effectiveness in generalizing to both unseen phenomenological examples and supercooled hard-sphere MCT data. We provide a general pipeline, KernelLearner, for training networks to extract memory kernels from any non-Markovian system described by a GLE. The success of our DNN method applied to noisy glassy systems suggests that deep learning can play an important role in the study of dynamical systems with memory.
Fano-qubits for quantum devices with enhanced isolation and bandwidth
Authors: Trivedi Deepanshu , Belostotski Leonid , Madanayake Arjuna , Krasnok Alex
Published: June 2023

Quantum devices often suffer from reflections and noise during readout, a problem traditionally addressed by magneto-optical isolators and circulators. However, these solutions are hindered by limited bandwidth, low tunability, high losses, and incompatibility with planar technologies like circuit QED. To overcome these challenges, we introduce an approach to quantum non-reciprocity, leveraging the inherent nonlinearity of qubits and spatial symmetry disruption. Our method transforms a circuit with Lorentz-type qubits into one with Fano-type qubits, which exhibit an asymmetric spectral response. This transformation leads to a significant enhancement in isolation (up to 40 dB) and a doubling of spectral bandwidth (up to 200 MHz). We base our analysis on realistic circuit parameters and substantiate it with existing experimental results and comprehensive quantum simulations. Our research paves the way for creating compact, high-performance, planar-compatible non-reciprocal quantum devices. These devices could revolutionize quantum computing, communication, and sensing by offering improved noise protection and broader bandwidth.
Multi-mode metasurface as a receive coil for magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Burov Denis , Seregin Pavel , Shchelokova Alena , Koreshin Eugene
Published: June 2023

Sensitivity and diagnostic capabilities of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are dictated by the design of radio frequency (RF) receive coils. They must possess several key characteristics, such as a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), for image quality enhancement and multiple channels for scan time reduction. Artificial materials with tailored properties, such as metasurfaces, when used as RF coils, have been shown to deliver increased image quality or scan safety. Here, we suggest and describe a multi-mode metasurface-based coil with two independent receive channels. We experimentally show that such a coil provided a higher SNR than a state-of-the-art dedicated coil. We also demonstrate the feasibility of two intrinsic independent receive channels coexisting on the same frequency, enabling parallel signal acquisition techniques.
Analyzing exciton distribution in organic light-emitting devices using near-infrared probes
Authors: Xu Mengxin , Zhou Hejian , Chen Long , Meng Yanlong , Lv Wenli , Zhang Letian , Liu Shihao , Xie Wenfa
Published: June 2023

Although organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) can achieve an internal quantum efficiency (QE) of 100%, their external QE remains limited to less than 40% due to low outcoupling efficiency (OCE). The distribution of excitons is a critical factor in determining OLED OCE, as it affects the coupling to surface plasmon polaritons. Therefore, investigating exciton distribution through experiments is crucial to optimize device structure and enhance OCE. In this study, we propose a probe method to analyze exciton distribution by inserting an ultrathin (∼0.1 nm) near-infrared (NIR) material at a specific position within the emitting layer (EML). With a low excited state energy level, the NIR probe can utilize excitons generated around the specific EML position. By preparing different devices with the NIR probe at various EML positions, we can quantitatively present exciton distribution using the NIR to visible emission ratio. Our results demonstrate that this probe method is effective for investigating exciton distribution in blue, green, and red OLEDs with hole-dominant, electron-dominant, and bipolar transport EMLs, respectively.
Realizing high-velocity skyrmions via anisotropy engineering
Authors: Joy Ajin , Kayal Soubhik , Anil Kumar P. S.
Published: June 2023

Skyrmion-based racetrack memories are expected to be operated by the motion of skyrmions through magnetic nano-wires made of metallic multi-layers with high spin–orbit coupling and Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction. The current-driven skyrmions in a ferromagnetic system had limitations due to their higher Hall angles and lower velocity. We addressed this by interfacial anisotropy engineering, which helped us to stabilize skyrmions at a thickness of x = 0.65 nm of Cu in the HM–FM interface of perpendicularly magnetized Ta3nmPt3nmCuxCo0.5nmPt1nm. At x = 0.60 nm Cu, the system showed worm like structures, while at 0.70 nm of Cu, the system showed in-plane magnetization. This system with optimum magnetic anisotropy enabled one to achieve skyrmions with a velocity of 260 m/s and low skyrmion Hall effect at room temperature with driving current <3×1011A/m2.
Escaping Detrimental Interactions with Microwave-Dressed Transmon Qubits
Authors: Wang Z. T. , Zhao Peng , Yang Z. H. , Tian Ye , Yu H. F. , Zhao S. P.
Published: June 2023

Superconducting transmon qubits with fixed frequencies are widely used in many applications due to their advantages of better coherence and less control lines compared to the frequency tunable qubits. However, any uncontrolled interactions with the qubits such as the two-level systems could lead to adverse impacts, degrading the qubit coherence and inducing crosstalk. To mitigate the detrimental effect from uncontrolled interactions between qubits and defect modes in fixed-frequency transmon qubits, we propose and demonstrate an active approach using an off-resonance microwave drive to dress the qubit and to induce the ac-Stark shift on the qubit frequency. We show experimentally that the qubit frequency can be tuned well away from the defect mode so that the impact on qubit coherence is greatly reduced while maintaining the universal controls of the qubit initialization, readout, and single-qubit gate operations. Our approach provides an effective way for tuning the qubit frequency and suppressing the detrimental effect from the defect modes that happen to be located close to the qubit frequency.
Possible Superconductivity in Biphenylene
Authors: Ye Jiacheng , Li Jun , Zhong DingYong , Yao Dao-Xin
Published: June 2023

A new two-dimensional allotrope of carbon known as biphenylene has been synthesized. Building on previous research investigating the superconductivity of octagraphene with a square-octagon structure, we conduct a systematic study on possible superconductivity of biphenylene with partial square-octagon structure. First-principle calculations are used to fit the tight-binding model of the material and to estimate its superconductivity. We find that the conventional superconducting transition temperature T
c based on electron-phonon interaction is 3.02 K, while the unconventional T
c primarily caused by spin fluctuation is 1.7 K. We hypothesize that the remaining hexagonal C
6 structure of biphenylene may not be conducive to the formation of perfect Fermi nesting, leading to a lower T
c. The superconducting properties of this material fall between those of graphene and octagraphene, and it lays a foundation for achieving high-temperature superconductivity in carbon-based materials.
Quantum energy inequalities along stationary worldlines
Authors: Fewster Christopher J , Thompson Jacob
Published: June 2023

Quantum energy inequalities (QEIs) are lower bounds on the averaged energy density of a quantum field. They have been proved for various field theories in general curved spacetimes but the explicit lower bound is not easily calculated in closed form. In this paper we study QEIs for the massless minimally coupled scalar field in four-dimensional Minkowski spacetime along stationary worldlines—curves whose velocity evolves under a 1-parameter Lorentz subgroup—and find closed expressions for the QEI bound, in terms of curvature invariants of the worldline. Our general results are illustrated by specific computations for the six prototypical stationary worldlines. When the averaging period is taken to infinity, the QEI bound is consistent with a constant energy density along the worldline. For inertial and uniformly linearly accelerated worldlines, this constant value is attained by the Minkowski and Rindler vacuums respectively. It is an open question as to whether the bounds for other stationary worldlines are attained by other states of interest.
A quintuple plasmon-induced transparency multifunction switch based on the polarization-sensitive graphene-based metamaterial
Authors: Ji Cheng , Liu Zhimin , Zhou Fengqi , Luo Xin , Yang Guangxin , Xie Yadong , Yang Ruihan
Published: June 2023

A monolayer metamaterial consisting of a rectangle graphene strip and four L-shaped graphene blocks was proposed to achieve a quintuple plasmon-induced transparency (quintuple-PIT). The numerical simulation results based on the finite difference time domain method agree well with the calculated results of the coupled mode theory. By modulating the Fermi energy level of graphene, an octuple-frequency asynchronous switch and a sextuple-frequency synchronous switch are designed and studied, which have excellent amplitude modulation degree (up to 97.7%), extinction ratio (up to 16.41 dB), insertion loss (low to 5.4%), and dephasing time(low to 3.86 ps). Furthermore, the results show that the proposed metamaterials has polarization-sensitive characteristics due to their non-central symmetry. Further research shows that the group index is as high as 604 which has a good slow light effect and can be used for optical storage. Hence, the quintuple-PIT proposed structure in this paper has good application value in the expansion of multi-function optical switches and the research of high-quality optical memory.
A similarity-based remaining useful life prediction method using multimodal degradation features and adjusted cosine similarity
Authors: Kong Chengcheng , Yu Wennian , Zeng Qiang , Chen Zixu , Peng Yizhen
Published: June 2023

When a large amount of full life-cycle data are available, similarity-based methods are the preferred method for remaining useful life (RUL) prediction due to their reliability and accuracy. Traditional similarity-based RUL prediction methods use a single model and single-scale degradation features, which are incapable of fully capturing the degradation behavior of the system. Additionally, the similarity of spatial orientation is neglected in the similarity-matching process. To fill these research gaps, a novel method is developed based on multimodal degradation features and adjusted cosine similarity (ACS) to tackle complex-system RUL prediction in this paper. Complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise is employed to decouple global degradation and random fluctuations in run-to-failure sensor data. Slow feature analysis is utilized to obtain local degradation features, and residual terms are used as global degradation features. Then, multimodal degradation features are transformed into one-dimensional health degradation indicators by bidirectional gated recurrent unit autoencoder. An ACS is developed to estimate the matching similarity between the test degradation curve and the training degradation curve. The proposed scheme captures the time-varying multimodal degradation behavior and provides libraries of health curves with multiple degradation patterns. The designed scheme is evaluated on the C-MAPSS dataset and the results illustrate the competitiveness and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Inner–outer dual space protection of free-standing MoS2 anodes via electrospinning for stable lithium-ion storage
Authors: Lin Jian , Li Yanfei , Song Yihan , Zhang Jingping , Xie Haiming , Sun Haizhu
Published: June 2023

Although significant achievements in improving the stability of MoS2 anodes have been made, the cycling life in most studies is still less than 1000 cycles. This is because MoS2 anodes directly contact the electrolyte and generate byproducts, leading to the loss of active mass and capacity decay. Herein, the inner–outer dual space protection of MoS2 fibers is realized by regulating the surface and interface structure of electrospinning precursors (noted as X-MoS2/CNFs). Inside the fibers, Mo–N covalent bond is constructed to anchor the active material, preventing MoS2 from falling off the matrix after multiple cycles. Simultaneously, surface of the fibers, a stable solid electrolyte interface layer is induced to prevent contact between active materials and electrolytes. In addition, the initial Coulombic efficiency is enhanced as high as 84.4%. The profound investigations of morphological evolution and internal real-time resistance confirm the double structural protection of 800-MoS2/CNFs. As a result, a decent cycling performance (408.9 mAh g−1 at 1000 mA g−1 for 2000 cycles) and the satisfied rate capacities (100–1000 mA g−1) are achieved. This work provides a new idea for the preparation of stable anodes for alkali metal ion secondary batteries.
Trends in the use of psychotropics in older people with dementia: interrupted time series of Finnish clinical guidelines of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia
Authors: Rantsi Mervi , Kortelainen Lauri , Hyttinen Virva , Jyrkkä Johanna , Kankaanpää Eila
Published: June 2023

Background

Up to 90% of people with dementia experience behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) as part of their illness. Psychotropics are not recommended as the first-line treatment of BPSD because older people are more prone to adverse reactions. In this study, we evaluate the impact of the Finnish clinical guidelines of BPSD (published in 2017) on psychotropic use in people with dementia.

Methods

This study is based on Finnish Prescription Register data from 2009 to 2020. The data included all community-dwelling Finnish people aged ≥65 and who had anti-dementia medication purchases (n = 217,778). We used three-phased interrupted time series design to evaluate the changes in levels and trends of monthly (n = 144) psychotropic user rates compared with the predicted trends. In addition, we evaluated the changes in levels and trends of monthly new psychotropic user rates.

Results

The level of monthly psychotropic user rate decreased non-significantly during the intervention period (β −0.057, P = 0.853), and during the post-intervention period, there was an increase in the level (β 0.443, P = 0.091) and slope (β 0.199, P = 0.198), but not statistically significant. The level of monthly new psychotropic user rate (β −0.009, P = 0.949) during the intervention period and the level (β 0.044, P = 0.714) and slope (β 0.021, P = 0.705) during the post-intervention period were almost unchanged.

Conclusions

Results may indicate possible challenges in deprescribing and better adherence to the guidelines at the beginning of BPSD treatment. Further research into the barriers to implement BPSD guidelines and the availability of non-pharmacological treatments is needed.
Allergen-specific IgG4 increase in atopic dermatitis with long-term dupilumab use
Authors: Ogawa-Momohara Mariko , Muro Yoshinao , Murase Chiaki , Taki Tomoki , Tanahashi Kana , Yamashita Yuta , Koizumi Haruka , Fukaura Ryo , Takeichi Takuya , Akiyama Masashi
Published: June 2023

This small-scale prospective study investigated the changes in antigen-specific IgG4 (sIgG4) that occur during long-term dupilumab treatment in patients with atopic dermatitis. While dupilumab has been reported to have an inhibitory effect on B-cell maturation, the increase in sIgG4 during dupilumab treatment may indicate that dupilumab indirectly improves allergies in those predisposed to them. We present the possibility of a new therapeutic effect of long-term dupilumab use.
Novel EDA mutations cause X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia: the first study from Venezuela
Authors: Cammarata-Scalisi Francisco , Callea Michele , Chaudhary Ajay Kumar , Tadich Antonio Cárdenas , Castillo Maykol Araya , Morabito Antonino , Bellacchio Emanuele , Pisaneschi Elisa , Novelli Antonio , Willoughby Colin E , Bashyam Murali Dharan
Published: June 2023

We present what, to the best of our knowledge, is the first clinical and molecular genetic analysis of X-linked hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia from the Venezuelan population. We analysed two families exhibiting classic clinical symptoms and identified a novel hemizygous EDA deletion (c.111delG) in one and a novel missense likely pathogenic variant (p.Gly192Glu) in the other.
Human in vitro-induced IL-17A+ CD8+ T-cells exert pro-inflammatory effects on synovial fibroblasts
Authors: Gray Elizabeth H , Srenathan Ushani , Durham Lucy E , Lalnunhlimi Sylvine , Steel Kathryn J A , Catrina Anca , Kirkham Bruce W , Taams Leonie S
Published: June 2023

IL-17A+ CD8+ T-cells, termed Tc17 cells, have been identified at sites of inflammation in several immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. However, the biological function of human IL-17A+ CD8+ T-cells is not well characterized, likely due in part to the relative scarcity of these cells. Here, we expanded IL-17A+ CD8+ T-cells from healthy donor PBMC or bulk CD8+ T-cell populations using an in vitro polarization protocol. We show that T-cell activation in the presence of IL-1β and IL-23 significantly increased the frequencies of IL-17A+ CD8+ T-cells, which was not further enhanced by IL-6, IL-2, or anti-IFNγ mAb addition. In vitro-generated IL-17A+ CD8+ T-cells displayed a distinct type-17 profile compared with IL-17A− CD8+ T-cells, as defined by transcriptional signature (IL17A, IL17F, RORC, RORA, MAF, IL23R, CCR6), high surface expression of CCR6 and CD161, and polyfunctional production of IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-22, IFNγ, TNFα, and GM-CSF. A significant proportion of in vitro-induced IL-17A+ CD8+ T-cells expressed TCRVα7.2 and bound MR1 tetramers indicative of MAIT cells, indicating that our protocol expanded both conventional and unconventional IL-17A+ CD8+ T-cells. Using an IL-17A secretion assay, we sorted the in vitro-generated IL-17A+ CD8+ T-cells for functional analysis. Both conventional and unconventional IL-17A+ CD8+ T-cells were able to induce pro-inflammatory IL-6 and IL-8 production by synovial fibroblasts from patients with psoriatic arthritis, which was reduced upon addition of anti-TNFα and anti-IL-17A neutralizing antibodies. Collectively, these data demonstrate that human in vitro-generated IL-17A+ CD8+ T-cells are biologically functional and that their pro-inflammatory function can be targeted, at least in vitro, using existing immunotherapy.
Understanding the concept of a novel tool requires interaction of the dorsal and ventral streams
Authors: Seidel Gundula , Rijntjes Michel , Güllmar Daniel , Weiller Cornelius , Hamzei Farsin
Published: June 2023

The left hemisphere tool-use network consists of the dorso-dorsal, ventro-dorsal, and ventral streams, each with distinct computational abilities. In the dual-loop model, the ventral pathway through the extreme capsule is associated with conceptual understanding. We performed a learning experiment with fMRI to investigate how these streams interact when confronted with novel tools. In session one, subjects observed pictures and video sequences in real world action of known and unknown tools and were asked whether they knew the tools and whether they understood their function. In session two, video sequences of unknown tools were presented again, followed again by the question of understanding their function. Different conditions were compared to each other and effective connectivity (EC) in the tool-use network was examined. During concept acquisition of an unknown tool, EC between dorsal and ventral streams was found posterior in fusiform gyrus and anterior in inferior frontal gyrus, with a functional interaction between BA44d and BA45. When previously unknown tools were presented for a second time, EC was prominent only between dorsal stream areas. Understanding the concept of a novel tool requires an interaction of the ventral stream with the dorsal streams. Once the concept is acquired, dorsal stream areas are sufficient.
A Behavioural Theory of Discrimination in Policing
Authors: Hübert Ryan , Little Andrew T
Published: June 2023

A large economic literature studies whether racial disparities in policing are explained by animus or by beliefs about group crime rates. But what if these beliefs are incorrect? We analyse a model where officers form beliefs using crime statistics, but do not properly account for the fact that they will detect more crime in more heavily policed communities. This creates a feedback loop where officers over-police groups that they (incorrectly) believe exhibit high crime rates. This inferential mistake can exacerbate discrimination even among officers with no animus and who sincerely believe that disparities are driven by real differences in crime rates.
Impact of Imprinted Immunity Induced by mRNA Vaccination in an Experimental Animal Model
Authors: Fujita Shigeru , Uriu Keiya , Pan Lin , Nao Naganori , Tabata Koshiro , Kishimoto Mai , Itakura Yukari , Sawa Hirofumi , Kida Izumi , Tamura Tomokazu ,   The Genotype to Phenotype Japan (G2P-Japan) Consortium, Kaku Yu , Misawa Naoko , Plianchaisuk Arnon , Guo Ziyi , Hinay Alfredo A , Tolentino Jarel Elgin M , Chen Luo , Suganami Mai , Chiba Mika , Yoshimura Ryo , Yasuda Kyoko , Iida Keiko , Ohsumi Naomi , Strange Adam P , Tanaka Shiho , Suzuki Rigel , Suzuki Saori , Ito Hayato , Tanaka Shinya , Tsuda Masumi , Wang Lei , Oda Yoshikata , Ferdous Zannatul , Shishido Kenji , Sadamasu Kenji , Yoshimura Kazuhisa , Asakura Hiroyuki , Yoshida Isao , Nagashima Mami , Nakagawa So , Shirakawa Kotaro , Takaori-Kondo Akifumi , Nagata Kayoko , Nomura Ryosuke , Horisawa Yoshihito , Tashiro Yusuke , Kawai Yugo , Takayama Kazuo , Hashimoto Rina , Deguchi Sayaka , Watanabe Yukio , Sakamoto Ayaka , Yasuhara Naoko , Hashiguchi Takao , Suzuki Tateki , Kimura Kanako , Sasaki Jiei , Nakajima Yukari , Yajima Hisano , Irie Takashi , Kawabata Ryoko , Tabata Kaori , Ikeda Terumasa , Nasser Hesham , Shimizu Ryo , Begum MST Monira , Jonathan Michael , Mugita Yuka , Takahashi Otowa , Ichihara Kimiko , Ueno Takamasa , Motozono Chihiro , Toyoda Mako , Saito Akatsuki , Shofa Maya , Shibatani Yuki , Nishiuchi Tomoko , Fukuhara Takasuke , Ito Jumpei , Matsuno Keita , Sato Kei
Published: June 2023

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variants has led to concerns that ancestral SARS-CoV-2-based vaccines may not be effective against newly emerging Omicron subvariants. The concept of “imprinted immunity” suggests that individuals vaccinated with ancestral virus-based vaccines may not develop effective immunity against newly emerging Omicron subvariants, such as BQ.1.1 and XBB.1. In this study, we investigated this possibility using hamsters. Although natural infection induced effective antiviral immunity, breakthrough infections in hamsters with BQ.1.1 and XBB.1 Omicron subvariants after receiving the 3-dose mRNA-lipid nanoparticle vaccine resulted in only faintly induced humoral immunity, supporting the possibility of imprinted immunity.
Boosting line intensity map signal-to-noise ratio with the Ly-α forest cross-correlation
Authors: Qezlou Mahdi , Bird Simeon , Lidz Adam , Sun Guochao , Newman Andrew B , Rudie Gwen C , Ni Yueying , Croft Rupert , Di Matteo Tiziana
Published: June 2023

We forecast the prospects for cross-correlating future line intensity mapping (LIM) surveys with the current and future Ly-α forest measurements. Using large cosmological hydrodynamic simulations, we model the emission from the CO rotational transition in the CO Mapping Array Project LIM experiment at the 5-yr benchmark and the Ly-α forest absorption signal for extended Baryon Acoustic Oscillations (BOSS), Dark energy survey instrument (DESI), and Prime Focus multiplex Spectroscopy survey (PFS). We show that CO × Ly-α forest significantly enhances the detection signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of CO, with up to $300{{\ \rm per\, cent}}$ improvement when correlated with the PFS Ly-α forest survey and a 50–75 per cent enhancement with the available eBOSS or the upcoming DESI observations. This is competitive with even CO × spectroscopic galaxy surveys. Furthermore, our study suggests that the clustering of CO emission is tightly constrained by CO × Ly-α forest due to the increased sensitivity and the simplicity of Ly-α absorption modelling. Foreground contamination or systematics are expected not to be shared between LIM and Ly-α forest observations, providing an unbiased inference. Ly-α forest will aid in detecting the first LIM signals. We also estimate that [C ii] × Ly-α forest measurements from Experiment for Cryogenic Large-Aperture Intensity Mapping and DESI/eBOSS should have a larger S/N than planned [C ii] × quasar observations by about an order of magnitude.
Hyperbolic limit on the early arrival time of bright pulses from PSR J0835−4510 (Vela)
Authors: Mahida Angiraben D , Palfreyman J L , Molera Calvés G , Sett Susmita
Published: June 2023

Astronomers have studied the Vela pulsar (PSR J0835−4510) for decades. This study analyses almost 100 h of single-pulse data collected over three consecutive days in 2016 and 2020. The work investigates the fascinating phenomena of the earlier arrival of brighter pulses with their increase in peak intensity. We found a hyperbolic relation between them by constructing integrated pulse profiles using flux density intervals and examining the relationship between pulse arrival time and intensity. We identified a phase limit of −0.85 ± 0.0109 ms for the earliest arrival of the brightest pulses. This study offers exciting prospects for further exploring the emission regions responsible for the Vela pulsar’s regular pulses and giant micro-pulses.
Cocoon cooling emission in neutron star mergers
Authors: Hamidani Hamid , Ioka Kunihito
Published: June 2023

In the gravitational wave event GW170817, there was a ∼10 h gap before electromagnetic (EM) observations, without detection of the cocoon. The cocoon is heated by a short gamma-ray burst (sGRB) jet propagating through the ejecta of a neutron star (NS) merger, and a part of the cocoon escapes the ejecta with an opening angle of 20°–30°. Here, we model the cocoon and calculate its EM emission. Our 2D hydrodynamic simulations suggest that the density and energy distributions, after entering homologous expansion, are well-fitted with power-law functions, in each of the relativistic and non-relativistic parts of the escaped cocoon. Modelling these features, we calculate the cooling emission analytically. We find that the cocoon outshines the r-process kilonova/macronova at early times (10–103 s), peaking at UV bands. The relativistic velocity of the cocoon’s photosphere is measurable with instruments such as Swift, ULTRASAT, and LSST. We also imply that energetic cocoons, including failed jets, might be detected as X-ray flashes. Our model clarifies the physics and parameter dependence, covering a wide variety of central engines and ejecta of NS mergers and sGRBs in the multimessenger era.
Should Nicotine Replacement Therapy be Provided Free of Charge? A Cost-Utility Analysis in Sweden
Authors: Gebreslassie Mihretab , Galanti Maria Rosaria , Feldman Inna , Lager Anton
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Treatment with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) during an attempt to quit smoking increases the likelihood of success by about 55%. However, out-of-pocket payment for NRT can hinder its use.

Aims and Methods

This study aims therefore to assess the cost-effectiveness of subsidizing NRT in Sweden. A homogeneous cohort-based Markov model was used to assess the lifetime costs and effects of subsidized NRT from a payer and societal perspective. Data to populate the model were retrieved from the literature, and selected parameters were varied in deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses to assess robustness of model outputs. Costs are presented in USD, year 2021.

Results

A 12-week treatment with NRT was estimated to cost USD 632 (474–790) per person. From a societal perspective, subsidized NRT was a cost-saving alternative in 98.5% of the simulations. NRT is cost-saving across all ages, but the health and economic gains are somewhat larger among younger smokers from a societal perspective. When a payer perspective was used, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was estimated at 14 480 (11 721–18 515) USD per QALY which was cost-effective at a willingness to pay of 50 000 USD per QALY in 100 % of the simulations. Results were robust with realistic changes in the inputs during scenario and sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

Subsidizing NRT is potentially a cost-saving smoking cessation strategy from a societal perspective and cost-effective from a payer perspective.

Implications

This study found that subsidizing NRT is potentially a cost-saving smoking cessation policy alternative compared to current practice from a societal perspective. From a healthcare payer perspective, subsidizing NRT is estimated to cost USD 14 480 to gain an extra QALY. NRT is cost-saving across all ages, but the health and economic gains are somewhat larger among younger smokers from a societal perspective. Moreover, subsidizing NRT removes the financial barriers that are mostly faced by socioeconomically disadvantaged smokers which might reduce health inequalities. Thus, future economic evaluations should further investigate the health inequality impacts with methods that are more suitable for this.
Temperature, phosphorus and species composition will all influence phytoplankton production and content of polyunsaturated fatty acids
Authors: Calderini Marco L , Pääkkönen Salli , Salmi Pauliina , Peltomaa Elina , Taipale Sami J
Published: June 2023

Temperature increases driven by climate change are expected to decrease the availability of polyunsaturated fatty acids in lakes worldwide. Nevertheless, a comprehensive understanding of the joint effects of lake trophic status, nutrient dynamics and warming on the availability of these biomolecules is lacking. Here, we conducted a laboratory experiment to study how warming (18–23°C) interacts with phosphorus (0.65–2.58 μM) to affect phytoplankton growth and their production of polyunsaturated fatty acids. We included 10 species belonging to the groups diatoms, golden algae, cyanobacteria, green algae, cryptophytes and dinoflagellates. Our results show that both temperature and phosphorus will boost phytoplankton growth, especially stimulating certain cyanobacteria species (Microcystis sp.). Temperature and phosphorus had opposing effects on polyunsaturated fatty acid proportion, but responses are largely dependent on species. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) synthesizing species did not clearly support the idea that warming decreases the production or content of these essential polyunsaturated fatty acids. Our results suggest that warming may have different effects on the polyunsaturated fatty acid availability in lakes with different nutrient levels, and that different species within the same phytoplankton group can have contrasting responses to warming. Therefore, we conclude that future production of EPA and DHA is mainly determined by species composition.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Smith Whitney , Davila Natalia
Published: June 2023

In 2021, the American College of Gastroenterology updated its diagnosis and treatment guideline for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This article provides a summary of noteworthy changes to the guideline and describes clinical pearls that are pertinent to the diagnosis and treatment of GERD in primary care.
Comparative analysis of real-world data of frequent treatment sequences in metastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Jaipuria Jiten , Kaur Ishleen , Doja Mohammad Najmud , Ahmad Tanvir , Singh Amitabh , Rawal Sudhir Kumar , Talwar Vineet , Sharma Girish
Published: June 2023

Background

The incidence of prostate cancer is increasing worldwide. A significant proportion of patients develop metastatic disease and are initially prescribed androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). However, subsequent sequences of treatments in real-world settings that may improve overall survival remain an area of active investigation.

Materials and methods

Data were collected from 384 patients presenting with de novo metastatic prostate cancer from 2011 to 2015 at a tertiary cancer center. Patients were categorized into surviving (n = 232) and deceased (n = 152) groups at the end of 3 years. Modified sequence pattern mining techniques (Generalized Sequential Pattern Mining and Sequential Pattern Discovery using Equivalence Classes) were applied to determine the exact order of the most frequent sets of treatments in each group.

Results

Degarelix, as the initial form of ADT, was uniquely in the surviving group. The sequence of ADT followed by abiraterone and docetaxel was uniquely associated with a higher 3-year overall survival. Orchiectomy followed by fosfestrol was found to have a unique niche among surviving patients with a long duration of response to the initial ADT. Patients who received chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy and those who received radiotherapy followed by chemotherapy were found more frequently in the deceased group.

Conclusions

We identified unique treatment sequences among surviving and deceased patients at the end of 3 years. Degarelix should be the preferred form of ADT. Patients who received ADT followed by abiraterone and chemotherapy showed better results. Patients requiring palliative radiation and chemotherapy in any sequence were significantly more frequent in the deceased group, identifying the need to offer such patients the most efficacious agents and to target them in clinical trial design.
Trauma in childhood is associated with greater pain catastrophizing but not anxiety sensitivity: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Delgado-Sanchez Ariane , Brown Christopher , Charalambous Christiana , Sivan Manoj , Jones Anthony
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

Adverse life experiences have been identified as a possible vulnerability factor for chronic pain. This association could result from the effect of trauma on the psychological state of individuals. Previous studies found childhood trauma to be associated with pain catastrophizing and anxiety sensitivity, both of which have been associated with an increased risk of chronic pain. However, it is unknown whether trauma in adulthood affects these variables and whether the effect on pain catastrophizing is independent of confounds such as depression and anxiety.

Objectives:

To test the effect of childhood and adulthood trauma on pain catastrophizing and anxiety sensitivity whilst controlling for depression and anxiety.

Methods:

In the current study, we conducted an online survey in the United Kingdom in a chronic pain sample (N = 138; 123 women; age range 19–78). We analysed whether there is an association between different types of trauma (both in childhood and through the lifespan), pain catastrophizing, and anxiety sensitivity while controlling for anxiety and depression.

Results:

We found that childhood trauma (particularly emotional abuse) significantly predicts pain catastrophizing, even when controlling for depression and anxiety, whereas it did not have a significant effect on anxiety sensitivity. Trauma through the lifespan (not childhood) did not have a significant effect on anxiety sensitivity nor did it have a significant effect on pain catastrophizing.

Conclusions:

Our results show that the life stage in which trauma occurs is key in its psychological effects on patients with chronic pain. Furthermore, it shows that trauma affects some psychological variables but not others.
A pseudovirus-based method to dynamically mimic SARS-CoV-2-associated cell-to-cell fusion and transmission
Authors: Sheng Xiangpeng , Yang Yi , Zhu Fang , Yang Fan , Wang Honghua , Hu Ronggui
Published: June 2023

SARS-CoV-2 has caused the global tremendous loss and continues to evolve to generate variants. Entry of SARS-CoV-2 into the host cells is primarily mediated by Spike (S), which binds to the host receptor hACE2 and initiates virus-cell membrane fusion. Cell fusion contributes to viral entry, cell-to-cell transmission and tissue damage in COVID-19 patients. Many reporter assays have been developed to study S-mediated cell fusion by equally coculturing S-expressing cells and hACE2-positive cells. However, these strategies cannot fully simulate cell-to-cell fusion and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection, in which virions from a single target cell transmit to the neighbor cells and induce syncytia formation. Here, we design a pseudovirus-based method to dynamically mimic cell-to-cell fusion and transmission of SARS-CoV-2. We coculture a small number of pseudovirus-producing 293FT cells and a large number of hACE2-expressing 293T cells, and demonstrate that a single cell producing S-pseudotyped virions can induce significant syncytia of hACE2-positive cells. This pseudovirus-based method is a powerful tool to screen and estimate potential inhibitors of S-driven syncytia. Moreover, this strategy can also be utilized to explore fusogenic ability of SARS-CoV-2 variants. Together, the pseudovirus-based method we report here will be beneficial to drug screening and scientific research against SARS-CoV-2 or future emerging coronavirus.
Compensation between FOXP transcription factors maintains proper striatal function
Authors: Ahmed Newaz I. , Khandelwal Nitin , Anderson Ashley G. , Kulkarni Ashwinikumar , Gibson Jay , Konopka Genevieve
Published: June 2023

Spiny projection neurons (SPNs) of the striatum are critical in integrating neurochemical information to coordinate motor and reward-based behavior. Mutations in the regulatory transcription factors expressed in SPNs can result in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Paralogous transcription factorsFoxp1andFoxp2, which are both expressed in the dopamine receptor 1 (D1) expressing SPNs, are known to have variants implicated in NDDs. Utilizing mice with a D1-SPN specific loss ofFoxp1,Foxp2, or both and a combination of behavior, electrophysiology, and cell-type specific genomic analysis, loss of both genes results in impaired motor and social behavior as well as increased firing of the D1-SPNs. Differential gene expression analysis implicates genes involved in autism risk, electrophysiological properties, and neuronal development and function. Viral mediated re-expression ofFoxp1into the double knockouts was sufficient to restore electrophysiological and behavioral deficits. These data indicate complementary roles betweenFoxp1andFoxp2in the D1-SPNs.
High density SNP array and reanalysis of genome sequencing uncovers CNVs associated with neurodevelopmental disorders in KOLF2.1J iPSCs
Authors: Gracia-Diaz Carolina , Perdomo Jonathan E. , Khan Munir E. , Disanza Brianna , Cajka Gregory G. , Lei Sunyimeng , Gagne Alyssa , Maguire Jean Ann , Roule Thomas , Shalem Ophir , Bhoj Elizabeth J. , Ahrens-Nicklas Rebecca C. , French Deborah , Goldberg Ethan M. , Wang Kai , Glessner Joseph , Akizu Naiara
Published: June 2023

The KOLF2.1J iPSC line was recently proposed as a reference iPSC to promote the standardization of research studies in the stem cell field. Due to overall good performance differentiating to neural cell lineages, high gene editing efficiency, and absence of genetic variants associated to neurological disorders KOLF2.1J iPSC line was particularly recommended for neurodegenerative disease modeling. However, our work uncovers that KOLF2.1J hPSCs carry heterozygous small copy number variants (CNVs) that causeDTNBP1, JARID2andASTN2haploinsufficiencies, all of which are associated with neurological disorders. We further determine that these CNVs arosein vitroover the course of KOLF2.1J iPSC generation from a healthy donor-derived KOLF2 iPSC line and affect the expression of DNTBP1, JARID2 and ASTN2 proteins in KOLF2.1J iPSCs and neural progenitors. Therefore, our study suggests that KOLF2.1J iPSCs carry genetic variants that may be deleterious for neural cell lineages. This data is essential for a careful interpretation of neural cell studies derived from KOLF2.1J iPSCs and highlights the need for a catalogue of iPSC lines that includes a comprehensive genome characterization analysis.
Need of wastewater purification for sustainability: A mini review
Authors: Girigoswami Agnishwar , Govindharaj Poornima , Mitra Ghosh Mahashweta , Girigoswami Koyeli
Published: June 2023

Purpose

In addition to agriculture, energy production, and industries, potable water plays a significant role in many fields, further increasing the demand for potable water. Purification and desalination play a major role in meeting the need for clean drinking water. Clean water is necessary in different areas, such as agriculture, industry, food industries, energy generation and in everyday chores.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have used the different search engines like Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus and PubMed to find the relevant articles and prepared this mini review.

Findings

The various stages of water purification include coagulation and flocculation, coagulation, sedimentation and disinfection, which have been discussed in this mini review. Using nanotechnology in wastewater purification plants can minimize the cost of wastewater treatment plants by combining several conventional procedures into a single package.

Social implications

In society, we need to avail clean water to meet our everyday, industrial and agricultural needs. Purification of grey water can meet the clean water scarcity and make the environment sustainable.

Originality/value

This mini review will encourage the researchers to find out ways in water remediation to meet the need of pure water in our planet and maintain sustainability.