bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Thermomechanical Modeling of Rock‐Ice Avalanches: Understanding Flow Transitions, Water Dynamics, and Uncertainties
Authors: Munch Jessica , Zhuang Yu , Dash Rajesh Kumar , Bartelt Perry
Published: October 2024

The rapid melting of glaciers and thawing of permafrost in mountainous regions have heightened the danger of rock‐ice avalanches. These avalanches pose a severe threat due to their potential to transform into water‐saturated debris flows. The catastrophic event in Chamoli, India, on 7 February 2021, illustrates the devastating consequences of such processes. Developing a model capable of predicting the dynamics and extent of these events is imperative for natural hazard science and disaster mitigation. In response, we propose a depth‐averaged rock‐ice avalanche model encompassing four distinct materials: rock, ice, snow, and water. The model integrates crucial physical processes, including frictional heating, phase changes, ground material entrainment, and air‐blast hazards. Through a system of mass and momentum balance equations extended with grain flow and internal energy equations, the model captures heat exchanges and resulting phase changes as the fragmented material flows. Focusing on identifying the primary water source in the flow and testing the model on the 2021 Chamoli event, we quantify water's influence on flow dynamics and regime transitions. However, uncertainties persist in heat transfer physics and quantifying the hydro‐meteorological state of the flow path. Our thermo‐mechanical model enables the simulation of complex avalanches and identifies key flow transitions: powder cloud formation and potential debris flow transformation. The study underscores the pivotal role of water in avalanche dynamics and the challenge of accurately quantifying water content within the flow, necessitating comprehensive ground assessments for effective disaster management.
Dependence of PAX3-FOXO1 chromatin occupancy on ETS1 at important disease-promoting genes exposes new targetable vulnerability in Fusion-Positive Rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Hsieh Joseph , Danis Etienne P. , Owens Charles R. , Parrish Janet K. , Nowling Nathan L. , Wolin Arthur R. , Purdy Stephen Connor , Rosenbaum Sheera R. , Ivancevic Atma M. , Chuong Edward B. , Ford Heide L. , Jedlicka Paul
Published: October 2024

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), a malignancy of impaired myogenic differentiation, is the most common soft tissue pediatric cancer. PAX3-FOXO1 oncofusions drive the majority of the clinically more aggressive fusion-positive rhabdomyosarcoma (FP-RMS). Recent studies have established an epigenetic basis for PAX3-FOXO1-driven oncogenic processes. However, details of PAX3-FOXO1 epigenetic mechanisms, including interactions with, and dependence on, other chromatin and transcription factors, are incompletely understood. We previously identified a novel disease-promoting epigenetic axis in RMS, involving the histone demethylase KDM3A and the ETS1 transcription factor, and demonstrated that this epigenetic axis interfaces with PAX3-FOXO1 both phenotypically and transcriptomically, including co-regulation of biological processes and genes important to FP-RMS progression. In this study, we demonstrate that KDM3A and ETS1 colocalize with PAX3-FOXO1 to enhancers of important disease-promoting genes in FP-RMS, including FGF8, IL4R, and MEST, as well as PODXL, which we define herein as a new FP-RMS-promoting gene. We show that ETS1, which is induced by both PAX3-FOXO1 and KDM3A, exists in complex with PAX3-FOXO1, and augments PAX3-FOXO1 chromatin occupancy. We further show that the PAX3-FOXO1/ETS1 complex can be disrupted by the clinically relevant small molecule inhibitor YK-4-279. YK-4-279 displaces PAX3-FOXO1 from chromatin and interferes with PAX3-FOXO1-dependent gene regulation, resulting in potent inhibition of growth and invasive properties in FP-RMS, along with downregulation of FGF8, IL4R, MEST and PODXL expression. We additionally show that, in some FP-RMS, KDM3A also increases PAX3-FOXO1 levels. Together, our studies illuminate mechanisms of action of the KDM3A/ETS1 regulatory module, and reveal novel targetable mechanisms of PAX3-FOXO1 chromatin complex regulation, in FP-RMS.
Intravenous chaperone treatment of late-stage Alzheimer´s disease (AD) mouse model affects amyloid plaque load, reactive gliosis and AD-related genes
Authors: Zhang Ruixin , Ohshima Makiko , Brodin David , Wang Yu , Morancé Antonin , Schultzberg Marianne , Chen Gefei , Johansson Jan
Published: October 2024

Treatment strategies that are efficient against established Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are needed. BRICHOS is a molecular chaperone domain that prevents amyloid fibril formation and associated cellular toxicity. In this study, we treated an AD mouse model seven months after pathology onset, using intravenous administration of recombinant human (rh) Bri2 BRICHOS R221E. Two injections of rh Bri2 BRICHOS R221E per week for three months in AD mice reduced amyloid β (Aβ) burden, and mitigated astro- and microgliosis, as determined by glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1) immunohistochemistry. Sequencing of RNA from cortical microglia cells showed that BRICHOS treatment normalized the expression of identified plaque-induced genes in mice and humans, including clusterin and GFAP. Rh Bri2 BRICHOS R221E passed the blood–brain barrier (BBB) in age-matched wild-type mice as efficiently as in the AD mice, but then had no effect on measures of AD-like pathology, and mainly affected the expression of genes that affect cellular shape and movement. These results indicate a potential of rh Bri2 BRICHOS against advanced AD and underscore the ability of BRICHOS to target amyloid-induced pathology.
Distribution and associated factors of choroidal thickness in highly myopic eyes—a real-world study based on a Chinese population
Authors: Shao Lei , Zhao HanQing , Zhang RuiHeng , Zhou WenDa , Wei Wen Bin
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To measure the subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) in highly myopic eyes at different locations using enhanced depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (EDI SD-OCT). To identify the ocular and systemic risk factors associated with choroidal thinning in high myopia.

Methods

Based on the Beijing Eye Study, a detailed ophthalmic examination was performed including EDI SD-OCT for the measurement of SFCT. OCT images were obtained from 103 highly myopic eyes (≥ −6.00 dioptres) and 227 normal eyes randomly selected from the baseline population, matched for age and sex.

Results

The mean SFCT was 110.6 ± 85.2 μm in highly myopic eyes (range, 3–395 μm). Mean regional choroidal thickness was lowest on the nasal and inferior sides of the macula, and slightly higher on the temporal and superior sides than at the fovea. On multivariate analysis, SFCT was associated with age (b = −0.48; P < 0.001), axial length (b = −0.44; P < 0.001), gender (b = −0.31; P < 0.05) and staphyloma (b = −0.26; P = 0.05). In highly myopic eyes, SFCT decreased by 5.1 μm/year of age, by 9.2 µm/D of myopia, and by 22.6 µm/mm of axial length.

Conclusions

The SFCT decreases with age and increased axial length in highly myopic eyes. The formation of a posterior staphyloma has been identified as a major contributor to choroidal thinning and is therefore a reliable indicator for risk management. The involvement of choroidal abnormalities may be a significant factor in the development of myopic degeneration.
Structure, interaction and nervous connectivity of beta cell primary cilia
Authors: Müller Andreas , Klena Nikolai , Pang Song , Garcia Leticia Elizabeth Galicia , Topcheva Oleksandra , Aurrecoechea Duran Solange , Sulaymankhil Davud , Seliskar Monika , Mziaut Hassan , Schöniger Eyke , Friedland Daniela , Kipke Nicole , Kretschmar Susanne , Münster Carla , Weitz Jürgen , Distler Marius , Kurth Thomas , Schmidt Deborah , Hess Harald F. , Xu C. Shan , Pigino Gaia , Solimena Michele
Published: October 2024

Primary cilia are sensory organelles present in many cell types, partaking in various signaling processes. Primary cilia of pancreatic beta cells play pivotal roles in paracrine signaling and their dysfunction is linked to diabetes. Yet, the structural basis for their functions is unclear. We present three-dimensional reconstructions of beta cell primary cilia by electron and expansion microscopy. These cilia are spatially confined within deep ciliary pockets or narrow spaces between cells, lack motility components and display an unstructured axoneme organization. Furthermore, we observe a plethora of beta cell cilia-cilia and cilia-cell interactions with other islet and non-islet cells. Most remarkably, we have identified and characterized axo-ciliary synapses between beta cell cilia and the cholinergic islet innervation. These findings highlight the beta cell cilia’s role in islet connectivity, pointing at their function in integrating islet intrinsic and extrinsic signals and contribute to understanding their significance in health and diabetes.
Subclassification of obesity for precision prediction of cardiometabolic diseases
Authors: Coral Daniel E. , Smit Femke , Farzaneh Ali , Gieswinkel Alexander , Tajes Juan Fernandez , Sparsø Thomas , Delfin Carl , Bauvin Pierre , Wang Kan , Temprosa Marinella , De Cock Diederik , Blanch Jordi , Fernández-Real José Manuel , Ramos Rafael , Ikram M. Kamran , Gomez Maria F. , Kavousi Maryam , Panova-Noeva Marina , Wild Philipp S. , van der Kallen Carla , Adriaens Michiel , van Greevenbroek Marleen , Arts Ilja , Le Roux Carel , Ahmadizar Fariba , Frayling Timothy M. , Giordano Giuseppe N. , Pearson Ewan R. , Franks Paul W.
Published: October 2024

Obesity and cardiometabolic disease often, but not always, coincide. Distinguishing subpopulations within which cardiometabolic risk diverges from the risk expected for a given body mass index (BMI) may facilitate precision prevention of cardiometabolic diseases. Accordingly, we performed unsupervised clustering in four European population-based cohorts (N ≈ 173,000). We detected five discordant profiles consisting of individuals with cardiometabolic biomarkers higher or lower than expected given their BMI, which generally increases disease risk, in total representing ~20% of the total population. Persons with discordant profiles differed from concordant individuals in prevalence and future risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and type 2 diabetes. Subtle BMI-discordances in biomarkers affected disease risk. For instance, a 10% higher probability of having a discordant lipid profile was associated with a 5% higher risk of MACE (hazard ratio in women 1.05, 95% confidence interval 1.03, 1.06, P = 4.19 × 10−10; hazard ratio in men 1.05, 95% confidence interval 1.04, 1.06, P = 9.33 × 10−14). Multivariate prediction models for MACE and type 2 diabetes performed better when incorporating discordant profile information (likelihood ratio test P < 0.001). This enhancement represents an additional net benefit of 4−15 additional correct interventions and 37−135 additional unnecessary interventions correctly avoided for every 10,000 individuals tested.
Oxidative stress, histopathological and genotoxicity of copper oxide nanoparticles in Biomphalaria alexandrina snail
Authors: Fol Mona Fathi , Abdel-Ghaffar Fathi A. , Hassan Hassan Abdel-Malek , Ibrahim Amina Mohamed
Published: October 2024

Higher usage of copper oxide nanomaterials in industrial and biomedical fields may cause an increase of these nanoparticles in aquatic environments, which could have a detrimental ecological effect. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the acute toxicity of copper oxide nanoparticles on the freshwater gastropod, Biomphalaria alexandrina. Transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction analysis and UV–VIS spectrophotometer of CuO NPs revealed a typical TEM image and a single crystal structure with average crystallite size of approximately 40 nm also, a sharp absorption band was appeared. Following exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of CuO NPs (LC10, 15.6 mg/l and LC25, 27.2 mg/l), treated snails revealed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in total antioxidant capacity, reduced glutathione contents as well as catalase, and sodium dismutase activities were significantly declined (p < 0.05) in comparison to the control group. Also, histopathological alterations were observed in the digestive gland, including ruptured and vacuolated digestive cells, and a marked increase in the number of secretory cells and the severity of the damage increased with rising concentrations. Furthermore, changes in RAPD profiles were detected in the treated snails. In conclusion, our research highlights the potential ecological impact of CuO NPs release in aquatic ecosystems and advocates for improved monitoring and regulation of CuO NPs industrial usage and disposal.
Injured inflammatory environment overrides the TET2 shaped epigenetic landscape of pluripotent stem cell derived human neural stem cells
Authors: Kamei Noriko , Day Kenneth , Guo Wei , Haus Daniel L. , Nguyen Hal X. , Scarfone Vanessa M. , Booher Keith , Jia Xi-Yu , Cummings Brian J. , Anderson Aileen J.
Published: October 2024

Spinal cord injury creates an inflammatory microenvironment that regulates the capacity of transplanted human Neural Stem Cells (hNSC) to migrate, differentiate, and repair injury. Despite similarities in gene expression and markers detected by immunostaining, hNSC populations exhibit heterogeneous therapeutic potential. This heterogeneity derives in part from the epigenetic landscape in the hNSC genome, specifically methylation (5mC) and hydroxymethylation (5hmC) state, which may affect the response of transplanted hNSC in the injury microenvironment and thereby modulate repair capacity. We demonstrate a significant up-regulation of methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 gene (TET2) expression in undifferentiated hNSC derived from human embryonic stem cells (hES-NSC), and report that this is associated with hES-NSC competence for differentiation marker expression. TET2 protein catalyzes active demethylation and TET2 upregulation could be a signature of pluripotent exit, while shaping the epigenetic landscape in hES-NSC. We determine that the inflammatory environment overrides epigenetic programming in vitro and in vivo by directly modulating TET2 expression levels in hES-NSC to change cell fate. We also report the effect of cell fate and microenvironment on differential methylation 5mC/5hmC balance. Understanding how the activity of epigenetic modifiers changes within the transplantation niche in vivo is crucial for assessment of hES-NSC behavior for potential clinical applications.
Nanoelectrospray based synthesis of large, transportable membranes with integrated membrane proteins
Authors: Wilm Matthias
Published: October 2024

Membrane proteins tend to be difficult to study since they need to be integrated into a lipid bilayer membrane to function properly. This study presents a method to synthesize a macroscopically large and freely transportable membrane with integrated membrane proteins which is useful for studying membrane proteins and protein complexes in isolation. The method could serve as a blueprint for the production of larger quantities of functionalised membranes for integration into technical devices similar to the MinION DNA sequencer. It is possible to self-assemble larger biological membranes on solid surfaces. However, they cannot be removed from their solid support without destroying them. In transportable form, self-assembled membranes are limited to sizes of about 17 nm in nanodiscs. Here we electrospray a series of molecular layers onto the liquid surface of a buffer solution which creates a flat, liquid environment on the surface that directs the self-assembly of the membrane. This method enables us to experimentally control the membrane composition and to succeed in producing large membranes with integrated OmpG, a transmembrane pore protein. The technique is compatible with the assembly of membrane based protein complexes. Listeriolysin O and pneumolysin efficiently assemble into non-covalent membrane pore complexes of approximately 30 units or more within the surface layer.
A novel LRR receptor-like kinase BRAK reciprocally phosphorylates PSKR1 to enhance growth and defense in tomato
Authors: Ding Shuting , Feng Shuxian , Zhou Shibo , Zhao Zhengran , Liang Xiao , Wang Jiao , Fu Ruishuang , Deng Rui , Zhang Tao , Shao Shujun , Yu Jingquan , Foyer Christine H , Shi Kai
Published: October 2024

Plants face constant threats from pathogens, leading to growth retardation and crop failure. Cell-surface leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinases (LRR-RLKs) are crucial for plant growth and defense, but their specific functions, especially to necrotrophic fungal pathogens, are largely unknown. Here, we identified an LRR-RLK (Solyc06g069650) in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) induced by the economically important necrotrophic pathogen Botrytis cinerea. Knocking out this LRR-RLK reduced plant growth and increased sensitivity to B. cinerea, while its overexpression led to enhanced growth, yield, and resistance. We named this LRR-RLK as BRAK (B. cinerea resistance-associated kinase). Yeast two-hybrid screen revealed BRAK interacted with phytosulfokine (PSK) receptor PSKR1. PSK-induced growth and defense responses were impaired in pskr1, brak single and double mutants, as well as in PSKR1-overexpressing plants with silenced BRAK. Moreover, BRAK and PSKR1 phosphorylated each other, promoting their interaction as detected by microscale thermophoresis. This reciprocal phosphorylation was crucial for growth and resistance. In summary, we identified BRAK as a novel regulator of seedling growth, fruit yield and defense, offering new possibilities for developing fungal disease-tolerant plants without compromising yield.
Histone modifications and Sp1 promote GPR160 expression in bone cancer pain within rodent models
Authors: Xu Chengfei , Wang Yahui , Ni Chaobo , Xu Miao , Yin Chengyu , He Qiuli , Ma Bing , Fu Jie , Zhao Baoxia , Chen Liping , Zhi Tong , Wei Shirong , Cheng Liang , Xu Hui , Xiao Jiajun , Yang Lei , Xu Qingqing , Kuang Jiao , Liu Boyi , Zhou Qinghe , Lin Xuewu , Yao Ming , Ni Huadong
Published: October 2024

Bone cancer pain (BCP) affects ~70% of patients in advanced stages, primarily due to bone metastasis, presenting a substantial therapeutic challenge. Here, we profile orphan G protein-coupled receptors in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) following tumor infiltration, and observe a notable increase in GPR160 expression. Elevated Gpr160 mRNA and protein levels persist from postoperative day 6 for over 18 days in the affected DRG, predominantly in small-diameter C-fiber type neurons specific to the tibia. Targeted interventions, including DRG microinjection of siRNA or AAV delivery, mitigate mechanical allodynia, cold, and heat hyperalgesia induced by the tumor. Tumor infiltration increases DRG neuron excitability in wild-type mice, but not in Gpr160 gene knockout mice. Tumor infiltration results in reduced H3K27me3 and increased H3K27ac modifications, enhanced binding of the transcription activator Sp1 to the Gpr160 gene promoter region, and induction of GPR160 expression. Modulating histone-modifying enzymes effectively alleviated pain behavior. Our study delineates a novel mechanism wherein elevated Sp1 levels facilitate Gpr160 gene transcription in nociceptive DRG neurons during BCP in rodents.
A highly conductive and antioxidative MoO2-doped Li argyrodite electrolyte for all-solid-state Li batteries
Authors: Wu Yinglei , Zhang Runze , Huang Qianjin , Wang Jingjing , Jiang Kaiyue , Chen Zhenying , Zhu Jinhui , Zhuang Xiaodong
Published: October 2024

A highly conductive and antioxidative MoO2-doped Li argyrodite electrolyte enables 5000 cycles of the corresponding full cell.
Stereodivergent atom transfer radical addition of α-functionalized alkyl iodides to alkynes: a strategy for selective synthesis of both E- and Z-iodoalkenes
Authors: Tang Ya-Jie , Fan Qi , Li Xiaoya , Li Qingjiang , Yin Biaolin , Wang Honggen
Published: October 2024

A photo-redox stereodivergent atom transfer radical addition of α-functionalized alkyl iodides to alkynes allows the selective and efficient synthesis of both E- and Z-iodoalkenes.
Development of α-acyloxycarboxamides targeting Leishmania amazonensis parasite
Authors: França Saraliny B. , da Silva Jamilly E. , Silva Leandro R. , Padilha Emanuelly K. A. , Almeida-Souza Fernando , Barbosa Lucas S. , Calabrese Katia S. , Lima Dimas J. P. , da Silva-Júnior Edeildo F.
Published: October 2024

Leishmaniases comprise a set of neglected diseases, afflicting over one million people worldwide and frequently leading to fatal outcomes, mainly in their visceral form.
Small amine-functionalized diesel soot-derived onion-like nanocarbon for selective sensing of glutamic acid and imaging application
Authors: Gupta Kiran , Tiwari Nandini , Dubey Prashant , Yadav Ranju , Aggarwal Ruchi , Dalal Chumki , Sonkar Sumit Kumar
Published: October 2024

Amine functionalized online like nanocarbon utilized in biological applications as a biomolecule sensor and imaging agent.
Fabrication of heterostructure multilayer devices through the optimization of Bi-metal sulfides for high-performance quantum dot-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Agoro Mojeed A. , Meyer Edson L. , Olayiwola Olufemi I.
Published: October 2024

The co-absorbent improves charge transfer while inhibiting charge recombination. The best device showed superior stability with a reduction of 8.10% (9.99%) from its initial performance, and its JSC values remained unchanged over 24 hours.
Effect of cyclic topology versus linear terpolymers on antibacterial activity and biocompatibility: antimicrobial peptide avatars
Authors: Aquib Md , Yang Wenting , Yu Luofeng , Kannaujiya Vinod Kumar , Zhang Yuhao , Li Peng , Whittaker Andrew , Fu Changkui , Boyer Cyrille
Published: October 2024

To develop safer and more effective antimicrobial polymers, this study investigates how the structure (linear vs. cyclic) and hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance of terpolymers affect their toxicity and selectivity against bacteria.
Using human disease mutations to understand de novo DNA methyltransferase function
Authors: Rolls Willow , Wilson Marcus D. , Sproul Duncan
Published: October 2024

DNA methylation is a repressive epigenetic mark that is pervasive in mammalian genomes. It is deposited by DNA methyltransferase enzymes (DNMTs) that are canonically classified as having de novo (DNMT3A and DNMT3B) or maintenance (DNMT1) function. Mutations in DNMT3A and DNMT3B cause rare Mendelian diseases in humans and are cancer drivers. Mammalian DNMT3 methyltransferase activity is regulated by the non-catalytic region of the proteins which contain multiple chromatin reading domains responsible for DNMT3A and DNMT3B recruitment to the genome. Characterising disease-causing missense mutations has been central in dissecting the function and regulation of DNMT3A and DNMT3B. These observations have also motivated biochemical studies that provide the molecular details as to how human DNMT3A and DNMT3B mutations drive disorders. Here, we review progress in this area highlighting recent work that has begun dissecting the function of the disordered N-terminal regions of DNMT3A and DNMT3B. These studies have elucidated that the N-terminal regions of both proteins mediate novel chromatin recruitment pathways that are central in our understanding of human disease mechanisms. We also discuss how disease mutations affect DNMT3A and DNMT3B oligomerisation, a process that is poorly understood in the context of whole proteins in cells. This dissection of de novo DNMT function using disease-causing mutations provides a paradigm of how genetics and biochemistry can synergise to drive our understanding of the mechanisms through which chromatin misregulation causes human disease.
Topological search and gradient descent boosted Runge–Kutta optimiser with application to engineering design and feature selection
Authors: Shi Jinge , Chen Yi , Heidari Ali Asghar , Cai Zhennao , Chen Huiling , Liang Guoxi
Published: October 2024

The Runge–Kutta optimiser (RUN) algorithm, renowned for its powerful optimisation capabilities, faces challenges in dealing with increasing complexity in real‐world problems. Specifically, it shows deficiencies in terms of limited local exploration capabilities and less precise solutions. Therefore, this research aims to integrate the topological search (TS) mechanism with the gradient search rule (GSR) into the framework of RUN, introducing an enhanced algorithm called TGRUN to improve the performance of the original algorithm. The TS mechanism employs a circular topological scheme to conduct a thorough exploration of solution regions surrounding each solution, enabling a careful examination of valuable solution areas and enhancing the algorithm’s effectiveness in local exploration. To prevent the algorithm from becoming trapped in local optima, the GSR also integrates gradient descent principles to direct the algorithm in a wider investigation of the global solution space. This study conducted a serious of experiments on the IEEE CEC2017 comprehensive benchmark function to assess the enhanced effectiveness of TGRUN. Additionally, the evaluation includes real‐world engineering design and feature selection problems serving as an additional test for assessing the optimisation capabilities of the algorithm. The validation outcomes indicate a significant improvement in the optimisation capabilities and solution accuracy of TGRUN.
Design of miniaturized and highly selective frequency selective rasorber based on compact spiral resonator
Authors: Xu Yixuan , Wu Weiwei , Shi Qingzhan , Shi Tongtong , Wang Shaozhi
Published: October 2024

A miniaturized, high‐selectivity, wideband A‐T‐A frequency selective rasorber (FSR) based on compact spiral resonators (CSR) is proposed here. The lossy layer of the FSR consists of the CSR and a Jerusalem cross, with four resistors soldered onto the surface. The underlying layer is a bandpass frequency selective surface (FSS) with an extremely narrow slit. The dimensions of the FSR unit are only 0.079 λL × 0.079 λL × 0.078 λL. The extremely narrow‐slitted FSS and CSR together provide a narrowband frequency response, enhancing the selectivity of the FSR. Additionally, a prototype of an FSR was fabricated and tested, achieving results highly consistent with simulations.
Operation des grauen Stars: Kataraktextraktion mit Einsetzen einer Kunstlinse
Authors: Imruck Kerstin , Becker Svenja Marie
Published: October 2024

Die Katarakt-OP ist ein etablierter und ambulanter Eingriff, der in der Regel nur wenige Minuten dauert. Wie die Patienten durch moderne chirurgische Techniken ihr Sehvermögen wiedererlangen, schildert ein OP-Team der Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin.
Alles im Lot?
Authors: Brazda Sylvia
Published: October 2024

Wie wäre es, wenn in Ihrem Team Probleme auf direktem Weg gelöst werden könnten, statt sich zuvor eingehend mit den Ursachen auseinanderzusetzen? Wir stellen das LOT-Prinzip vor, ein bewährtes systemisches Coaching-Tool, mit dem sich Problemlösungsprozesse effizient gestalten lassen.
Patienten mit Diabetes mellitus und komorbider psychischer Störung –
besteht eine psychotherapeutische Unterversorgung? – Ergebnisse der
DiMPS-Studie
Authors: Röhrig Bonnie , Petrak Frank , Bartel Alina , Hagena Verena , Dieris-Hirche Jan , Meier Juris M. , Herpertz Stephan
Published: October 2024

Ziel der Studie Diabetes mellitus ist mit einer erhöhten Prävalenz
psychischer Störungen, insbesondere Depressionen, assoziiert. Trotz einer häufig
postulierten psychotherapeutischen Unterversorgung wurde der tatsächliche
Psychotherapiebedarf dieser Patientengruppe bislang kaum untersucht. In dieser
Studie soll die Versorgungslage von Diabetes-Patienten mit psychischen
Komorbiditäten in Deutschland analysiert werden.

Methodik In einem diabetologischen Tertiärzentrum wurden 240 konsekutiv
behandelte Patienten mit Typ-1- oder Typ-2-Diabetes quer- und längsschnittlich
untersucht. Nach einer Screening- und Diagnostikuntersuchung wurden 94 Patienten
mit einer psychischen Komorbidität in die Studie eingeschlossen. Anschließend
trafen die Patienten im Rahmen einer standardisierten partizipativen
Entscheidungsfindung eine Behandlungsentscheidung hinsichtlich einer Behandlung
ihrer psychischen Störung. In der 6-Monats-Katamnese gaben 77 der 94 Patienten
(81,9%) Auskunft über die Umsetzung ihrer Behandlungsentscheidung sowie der
damit verbundenen Hürden.

Ergebnisse 39,2% der untersuchten Patienten mit Diabetes wiesen eine
psychische Störung auf. Von diesen befanden sich bereits 44,2% in medikamentöser
oder psychotherapeutischer Behandlung. Nach Ablauf der sechs Monate konnten
46,8% der Patienten ihre Therapieentscheidungen umsetzen. Nur 7,1% erhielten
trotz ihrer Bemühungen keine Behandlung. Die 6-Monats-Katamnese zeigte eine
signifikante Verringerung der diabetesbezogenen Belastung (PAID; p<0,05) und
ein gesteigertes psychisches Wohlbefinden in allen Untergruppen – unabhängig von
der Initiierung einer Therapie (WHO-5; p<0,05).

Diskussion Entgegen der weitverbreiteten Vorstellung einer
psychotherapeutischen Unterversorgung von psychisch erkrankten Patienten mit
Diabetes, konnte diese Annahme in dieser Untersuchung nicht bestätigt werden.
Schlussfolgerung: Die Gleichsetzung der Häufigkeit psychischer Störungen mit
einem Bedarf an psychotherapeutischer und/oder psychopharmakologischer
Behandlung, ohne die spezifischen Behandlungsbedürfnisse der Patienten zu
berücksichtigen, kann eine Überschätzung des Versorgungsbedarfs zur Folge
haben.
Medicinal Plant Microbiomes: Factors Affecting Bacterial and Fungal Community Composition
Authors: Zagal Daniel , Graham James G. , Bisson Jonathan , Green Stefan J. , Pauli Guido F.
Published: October 2024

This exploratory study was designed to identify factors implicating microbial influence on medicinal plant metabolomes. Utilizing a whole-microbiome approach, amplicon sequencing was used to identify the makeup of fungal and bacterial assemblages from endophytic (interior) and epiphytic (external) environments in two different sets of congeneric host-plant pairs, with collection of multiple samples of two medicinal plant species (Actaea racemosa, Rhodiola rosea) and two generic analogs (Actaea rubra, Rhodiola integrifolia). Diversity analysis of microbial assemblages revealed the influence of three primary factors driving variance in microbial community composition: host-plant taxonomy, the compartmentalization of microbial communities within discrete plant parts, and the scale of distance (microhabitat heterogeneity) between sampling locations. These three factors accounted for ~ 60% of variance within and between investigated microbiomes. Across all our
collections, bacterial populations were more diverse than fungi (per compartment), and microbial density in epiphytic compartments (aerial parts, rhizosphere) were higher than those of endophytes (leaf and root). These comparative data point to key loci associated with variation between congeneric pairs and plant genera, providing insight into the complex and contrasting relationships found within this multi-kingdom coevolutionary relationship. Although reflective of only a limited set of botanical source materials, these data document the richness of a relatively unexplored component of the plant world and highlight the relevance of a whole-microbiome ecology-driven approach to botanical research and directed natural product investigations.
A novel endoscopic artificial intelligence system to assist in the diagnosis of autoimmune gastritis: a multicenter study
Authors: Chen Shurong , Xu Louzhe , Li Ting , Chen Yi , Yan Lingling , Zhang Jie , Zhou Xuefeng , Wang Jiayi , Yan Tianlian , Wang Jinghua , He Xinjue , Ma Han , Zhang Xuequn , Zhu Shenghua , Zhang Yizhen , Xu Chengfu , Gao Jianguo , Ji Xia , Bai Dezhi , Chen Yuan , Chen Hongda , Ke Yini , Li Lan , Yu Chaohui , Mao Xinli
Published: October 2024

Background Autoimmune gastritis (AIG), distinct from Helicobacter pylori-associated atrophic gastritis (HpAG), is underdiagnosed due to limited awareness. This multicenter study aimed to develop a novel endoscopic artificial intelligence (AI) system for assisting in AIG diagnosis.

Methods Patients diagnosed with AIG, HpAG, or nonatrophic gastritis (NAG), were retrospectively enrolled from six centers. Endoscopic images with relevant demographic and medical data were collected for development of the AI-assisted system based on a multi-site feature fusion model. The diagnostic performance of the AI model was evaluated in internal and external datasets. Endoscopists’ performance with and without AI support was tested and compared using Mann–Whitney U test. Heatmap analysis was performed to interpret AI model outputs.

Results 18 828 endoscopy images from 1070 patients (294 AIG, 386 HpAG, 390 NAG) were collected. On testing datasets, AI identified AIG with 96.9 % sensitivity, 92.2 % specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.990 (internal), and 90.3 % sensitivity, 93.1 % specificity, and AUROC of 0.973 (external). The performance of AI (sensitivity 91.3 %) was comparable to that of experts (87.3 %) and significantly outperformed nonexperts (70.0 %; P = 0.01). With AI support, the overall performance of endoscopists was improved (sensitivity 90.3 % [95 %CI 86.0 %–93.2 %] vs. 78.7 % [95 %CI 73.6 %–83.2 %]; P = 0.008). Heatmap analysis revealed consistent focus of AI on atrophic areas.

Conclusions This novel AI system demonstrated expert-level performance in identifying AIG and enhanced the diagnostic ability of endoscopists. Its application could be useful in guiding biopsy sampling and improving early detection of AIG.
Effectiveness of Eupatorium Perfoliatum 30C in Preventing Dengue Fever—A Prospective, Community-Based, Open Label, Parallel Cohort Study in Delhi, India
Authors: Nayak Debadatta , Kaur Lovepreet , Bhalerao Rupali , Nahar Karanpreet , Ram Hanuman , Sharma Pawan , Gupta Ankit , Singh Smita , Khurana Anil , Manchanda Raj Kumar
Published: October 2024

Objective The study was undertaken to evaluate the protective effect of Eupatorium perfoliatum (EP) 30C on the incidence of dengue fever.

Design This study was designed as a prospective, open label, parallel cohort study.

Interventions Participants were enrolled in two medicine cohort (MC) communities and one control cohort (CC) community. Participants in MC who were more than 5 years of age received four medicated globules and those aged between 1 and 5 years received two medicated globules of EP 30C once a week for 10 weeks. Participants in CC received no medical intervention. Both cohorts received information and educational material regarding dengue.

Outcome Measures The primary outcome was incidence of dengue cases based on laboratory confirmation or the clinical definition of dengue as per the case definition notified by the National Vector-Borne Disease Control Program, Government of India, during the 14 weeks of intervention and observation.

Results The analysis included 20,607 participants residing in three slums of Delhi, of which MC and CC included 15,298 and 5,309 participants respectively. The overall protective effect of EP 30C in MC against probable/laboratory-confirmed dengue was 59.59% (95% confidence interval [CI], 50.74 to 66.85, p = 0.0001). The overall protective effect of EP 30C against laboratory-confirmed dengue was 72.78% (95% CI, 54.45 to 83.74, p = 0.0001): 26 cases per 15,298 (0.13 per 1,000 person-weeks) in MC versus 33 cases per 5,309 (0.46 per 1,000 person-weeks) in CC.

Conclusion The use of EP 30C was associated with some protection against probable and laboratory-confirmed dengue.
Impact of Antiphospholipid Syndrome on Reproductive Outcomes: Current Insights and Management Approaches
Authors: He Lauren , Sims Catherine
Published: October 2024

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a disease characterized by the presence of antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies, thrombosis, and obstetric complications. While patients with APS can have successful pregnancies, many important considerations exist. APS can also cooccur with other systemic autoimmune diseases which can affect pregnancy, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus. This article reviews specific considerations for pregnancy and reproductive health in patients with APS. Similar to other autoimmune diseases, stable or quiescent disease and planning with a rheumatologist and obstetrician prior to conception are vital components of a successful pregnancy. Pregnancy management for patients with aPL antibodies or diagnosis of APS with aspirin and/or anticoagulation depending on disease profile is discussed, as well as the effects of physiologic changes during pregnancy in maternal and fetal outcomes for this population. Given the reproductive span lasts beyond conception through delivery, we include discussions on safe contraception options, the use of assistive reproductive technology, pregnancy termination, menopause, and male fertility. While APS is a relatively rare condition, the effects this disease can have on maternal and fetal outcomes even with available therapies demonstrates the need for more high-quality, evidence-based research.
An increased accuracy laser-induced transient grating spectroscopy analysis method for probing near surface thermal diffusivity with gigahertz frequency instrumentation
Authors: Simmonds M. J. , Založnik A. , Patino M. I. , Baldwin M. J. , Boechler N.
Published: October 2024

An updated analysis method for laser-induced transient grating spectroscopy measurements of near-surface thermal diffusivity using gigahertz frequency instrumentation is presented. Considering the particular application of characterizing materials with heavy ion damage, prior analysis methods typically assume a very short excitation pulse relative to the relaxation time of the response signal. For longer pulse durations, this can be an increasingly poor assumption with decreasing probing depth. This work presents the application of convolution to update the previous analysis method. As a case study, a 400 ps excitation laser pulse on tungsten with transient grating wavelengths of 1.33–20.0 μm, corresponding to characteristic decay times of 0.633–143 ns, is analyzed. Transient grating response curves from numerical simulations and experimental transient grating spectroscopy data are fit using each analysis method, with and without convolution, and compared. Considerations with regard to the data collection instruments are also detailed.
The magnetoresistance studies of van der Waals CrTe2 flakes
Authors: Feng Yan , Huang Meng , Wang Shasha , Wu Junjie , Wang Changlong , Tan Haige , Huang Lizhen , Lu Yalin , Li Haiou , Xiang Bin
Published: October 2024

Two-dimensional van der Waals ferromagnets have garnered significant attention in spintronics due to their unique properties. Among them, CrTe2 flakes stand out because of their intrinsic in-plane magnetization and Curie temperature above room temperature. Despite these intriguing magnetic properties, the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. In this paper, we meticulously investigate the magnetoresistance (MR) response of CrTe2 flakes to variations in magnetic field and temperature. Below 40 K, CrTe2 exhibits positive MR correlated with carrier density, including a distinctive linear non-saturating MR at 3 K. Above 40 K, the suppression of electron–magnon scattering leads to linear negative MR, which is a characteristic feature of ferromagnetic materials. As the temperature approaches 240 K, thermal excitations gradually increase, and scattering from fluctuating local moments begins to play a significant role, resulting in the nonlinear MR phenomenon. Magnetic anisotropy contributes to anisotropic MR across different current and magnetic field orientations. In low magnetic fields where the magnetic moment is unsaturated, we combined the localized magnetic moment and two-band models to explain the MR behavior, achieving good fitting results. These findings significantly enhance the understanding of CrTe2's ferromagnetic properties and magnetic transport behavior, laying a foundation for its future development and practical applications in spintronics.
Modeling of fluence-dependent hole-burned spectra and hole-growth kinetics using multiple two-level system model
Authors: Reinot Tonu , Jankowiak Ryszard
Published: October 2024

Numerical formalism is presented that perfectly describes resonant low-temperature hole-burned spectra (including zero-phonon holes, ZPHs) and spectral hole-growth dynamics of Al-phthalocyanine tetrasulphonate embedded in hyperquenched glassy water films over more than seven orders of fluence magnitude (0.4 µJ/cm2–5.9 J/cm2). Frequency changes during spectral hole-burning (HB) are traditionally explained with the help of a single extrinsic two-level-system (TLSext) associated with impurity molecules. The new multiple two-level system (n-TLSext) models and data analysis presented in this work show that each chromophore in an amorphous medium can couple with multiple independent TLSext, which maintain perfect photo-memory, allowing a full return of the photoproduct to the initial (“preburn”) state. Modeling reveals that the experimentally observed narrow photoproduct peak at higher energies, in close vicinity of the zero-phonon hole (ZPH), reflects a dynamical feature of the HB process populating so-called “terminal” states (states that do not interact with laser excitation). Within the n-TLSext model, each chromophore possesses multiple possibilities to create a photoproduct when in interaction with the burning laser, i.e., chromophores can interact with burning laser-light multiple times until reaching the terminal states. Due to phonon-assisted absorption, terminal states are typically at higher energies than the ZPH, in agreement with the hole burned spectra reported for many molecules embedded in various amorphous solids. However, many HB systems reveal both blue- (high-energy) and red-shifted (low-energy) antiholes (i.e., photoproducts). We suggest that future modeling of resonant holes in various proteins using our n-TLSext model will provide more insight on the complexity of the protein energy landscape.
Dynamics of paramagnetic permanent chains and self-assembled clusters under a rapidly rotating magnetic field
Authors: Hamid Abdelkerim Hassan , Gonzalez-Rodriguez David , Xu Hong , Bécu Lydiane
Published: October 2024

We study experimentally and theoretically the dynamics of permanent paramagnetic chains and mixed clusters formed by permanent paramagnetic chains and paramagnetic particles under the influence of a time-varying magnetic field. First, we examine the dynamics of permanent chains at high frequencies (∼50 to 1000 Hz). These permanent chains exhibit continuous rotational motion with a frequency several orders of magnitude lower than that of the magnetic field. We develop a theoretical model that accurately describes the dependence of the rotational dynamics of chains on their length, as well as the amplitude and frequency of the external magnetic field in this high frequency regime. Next, we examine how cluster dynamics are affected by the presence of permanent chains. We show that the rotation of clusters composed of a high proportion of permanent chains is slowed down but remains qualitatively well described by the theoretical model we developed for homogeneous clusters of isotropic particles. We propose that the decrease in angular velocity for mixed clusters is due to the hardening of the cluster’s 2D elastic modulus caused by the increase of the steric interaction parameter stemming from the presence of chemical links between particles in the chains.
Study of magnetic reconnection at low-β using laser-powered capacitor coils
Authors: Ji H. , Gao L. , Pomraning G. , Sakai K. , Guo F. , Li X. , Stanier A. , Milder A. , Follett R. K. , Fiksel G. , Blackman E. G. , Chien A. , Zhang S.
Published: October 2024

Magnetic reconnection is a ubiquitous fundamental process in space and astrophysical plasmas that rapidly converts magnetic energy into some combination of flow energy, thermal energy, and non-thermal energetic particles. Over the past decade, a new experimental platform has been developed to study magnetic reconnection using strong coil currents powered by high-power lasers at low plasma beta, typical conditions under which reconnection is energetically important in space and astrophysics. KJ-class lasers were used to drive parallel currents to reconnect MG-level magnetic fields in a quasi-axisymmetric geometry, similar to the magnetic reconnection experiment or MRX, and thus this platform is named micro-MRX. This presentation summarizes two major findings from micro-MRX: direct measurement of accelerated electrons and observation of ion acoustic waves during anti-parallel reconnection. The angular dependence of the measured electron energy spectrum and the resulting accelerated energies, supported by particle-in-cell simulations, indicate that direct acceleration by the out-of-plane reconnection electric field is at work. Furthermore, a sudden onset of ion acoustic bursts has been measured by collective Thomson scattering in the exhaust of magnetic reconnection, followed by electron acoustic bursts with electron heating and bulk acceleration. These results demonstrate that the micro-MRX platform offers a novel and unique approach to study magnetic reconnection in the laboratory in addition to the capabilities provided by traditional magnetized plasma experiments such as MRX and the upcoming Facility for Laboratory Reconnection experiments (FLARE). Future prospects to study other particle acceleration mechanisms and ion acoustic waves from magnetic reconnection are also discussed.
Benchmarking luminescent properties of the arylvinylpyrimidine scaffold
Authors: González-Alfaro Sergio , Fernández-Liencres M. Paz , Jiménez-Pulido Sonia B. , Illán-Cabeza Nuria A. , Sánchez-Ruiz Antonio , García-Martínez Joaquín C. , Navarro Amparo , Rodríguez-López Julián
Published: October 2024

The exploration of the photophysical properties of push–pull molecules incorporating pyrimidine rings as electron-attracting moieties in their structure continues to be a fascinating area of investigation. A thorough examination of these properties not only contributes to fundamental knowledge but also provides crucial insights for the rational design of emissive materials in prospective applications. In this context, this work conducts an in-depth analysis of four families of 4,6-bis(arylvinyl)pyrimidines, evaluating the influence of substituents on both the aryl groups and position 2 of the pyrimidine ring. While previous research has primarily focused on solution studies, this work emphasizes the importance of examining solid-state photophysics. Through a multidisciplinary approach encompassing optical techniques, x-ray diffraction, and quantum chemical calculations, a comprehensive understanding of the structure-property relationships is achieved. This study underscores the intricate interplay between molecular structure, aggregation, and fluorescence behavior in pyrimidines, offering valuable insights with broader implications beyond academic realms.
A comprehensive study of thermocapillary rupture of liquid layer
Authors: Lobasov A. S. , Shebelev A. V. , Kochkin D. Y. , Mungalov A. S. , Zaitsev D. V. , Minakov A. V. , Karchevsky A. L. , Kabov O. A.
Published: October 2024

There is a lack of understanding of the physical mechanisms involved in the rupture of a liquid film on a solid surface. This is in part due to the large number of parameters of the liquid film—substrate system on which this complex process is dependent. Due to the thermocapillary effect, local heating can have a destabilizing effect on the stability of the film. In this work, using a numerical model verified by the experimental data, the influence of parameters not available for variation in the experiment has been studied. It was found that the formation of dry spots in a locally heated liquid film occurs only under the influence of thermocapillary forces. In turn, the expansion of the dry spots takes place under the influence of the capillary forces. Thus, until the dry spot appears, the rupture does not differ on either hydrophilic or superhydrophobic substrates, but the contact line velocity during dry spot growth is extremely sensitive to the contact angle.