bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transformation of mineral matter during pyrolysis, gasification and combustion of biosolid chars
Authors: Ilyushechkin Alexander Y. , Hla San Shwe , Schoeman Liezl
Published: June 2023

During thermochemical processing of biosolids in sewage sludge, different forms of phosphorus-containing compounds are generated in biosolid chars (biochars). This study examines the effects of biochar processing conditions on the mineral compounds produced during the pyrolysis, gasification, and combustion of biosolids, and the major determinants of phase formation kinetics. Our results show identified phase transformations through experiments in a laboratory tube furnace followed by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). Additionally, a synchrotron powder diffraction study was conducted to verify XRD results of the laboratory processed samples and to observe in situ phase transformations in biochars. It was found that under a neutral atmosphere, crystalline oxide phases are formed at lower temperatures and much faster than iron phosphide, while gasification and combustion conditions led to the formation of crystalline phases in phosphate forms. These forms of phosphorus compounds in by-products of biosolids thermochemical treatment can be used as agricultural fertilizers.
ECPR for prolonged Pediatric Cardiac Arrest, an outcome without major neurological compromise
Authors: Gutiérrez-Soriano Laura , Becerra Zapata Eduardo , Maya Trujillo Nicolas , Franco Gruntorad German Andres , Hurtado Peña Pedro
Published: June 2023

Pediatric in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) has been reported in 1–3% of pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and up to 6% of children admissions to the cardiac ICU. In the last 25 years, the survival to hospital discharge after pediatric IHCA has improved from 9% to 13.7% up to 35%. The improvement in outcomes was attributed in part to the application of ECMO as a rescue strategy when prolonged conventional CPR cannot restore spontaneous circulation. We report a case of a 4-month-old patient with a history of ventricular and septal defects, with left to right shunt and enlargement of left heart chambers that underwent surgery for the closure of the atrial and septal defects, and experienced complications that led to the use of ECMO in response to a prolonged cardiac arrest.
Update Rektusdiastase: Übungen für eine stabile
Mitte
Authors: Kulesza Judith
Published: June 2023

Was sind Mythen, was sind Fakten rund ums Thema Rektusdiastase? Welche
Übungen dienen der Rückbildung und welche sind eher
kontraproduktiv? Kompetente Antwort auf diese Fragen bietet der Vortrag mit
Übungsbeispielen von Judith Kulesza auf dem Forum Hebammenarbeit 2023 in
Mainz.
Einflüsse auf die Familienbildung in Bezug zu
Frühgeburtlichkeit
Authors: Rohde Katrin S.
Published: June 2023

Die Familienbildungsphase ist eine prägende Zeit für alle Beteiligten
– und ein Bildungsprozess im doppelten Sinn: Die Familie konstituiert sich
(neu) und die Familienmitglieder erleben sich in vielfältigen Lern- und
Bildungsprozessen. Besondere Herausforderungen erleben hier Familien
Frühgeborener sowie schwer kranker Reifgeborener. Um sie in ihrer
Situationsbewältigung zu unterstützen, braucht es fundierte und
situationsorientierte Angebote der psychosozialen Begleitung, die als bedeutsam
für das gesamte Familiensystem erscheint.
Leitlinienkonforme Herzfrequenzmessung: Welche Kriterien erleichtern
die Umsetzung?
Authors: Goebel Jasmin
Published: June 2023

Die S3-Leitlinie vaginale Geburt am Termin empfiehlt bei
Low-Risk-Gebärenden die intermittierende Auskultation zur
Überwachung der Herzfrequenz des Ungeborenen. Eine Bachelorarbeit
untersuchte unter anderem, wie sicher sich das Fachpersonal bei der Umsetzung
der leitlinienkonformen Messung der fetalen Herzfrequenz fühlt.
Consequence of Synthetic Bone Substitute Used for Alveolar Cleft Graft Reconstruction (Preliminary Clinical Study)
Authors: Al-Rawee Rawaa Y. , Tawfeeq Bashar Abdul-Ghani , Hamodat Ahmed Mothafar , Tawfek Zaid Salim
Published: June 2023

Background The outcome of alveolar grafting with synthetic bone substitute (Osteon III) in various bone defect volumes is highlighted.

Methods A prospective study was accomplished on 55 patients (6–13 years of age) with unilateral alveolar bone cleft. Osteon III, consisting of hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate, is used to reconstruct the defect. Alveolus defect diameter was calculated before surgery (V1), after 3 months (V2), and finally after 6 months (V3) postsurgery. In the t-test, a significant difference and correlation between V1, V2, and V3 are stated. A p-value of 0.01 is considered a significant difference between parameters.

Results The degree of cleft is divided into three categories: small (9 cases), medium (20 patients), and large (26 cases).The bone volume of the clefted site is divided into three steps: volume 1: (mean 18.1091 mm3); step 2: after 3 months, volume 2 resembles the amount of unhealed defect (mean 0.5109 mm3); and the final bone volume assessment is made after 6 months (22.5455 mm3). Both show statistically significant differences in bone volume formation.

Conclusion An alloplastic bone substitute can also be used as a graft material because of its unlimited bone retrieval. Osteon III can be used to reconstruct the alveolar cleft smoothly and effectively.
Dye-Perfused Human Placenta for Simulation in a Microsurgery Laboratory for Plastic Surgeons
Authors: Zambrano-Jerez Laura C. , Díaz-Santamaría Karen D. , Rodríguez-Santos María A. , Alarcón-Ariza Diego F. , Meléndez-Flórez Genny L. , Ramírez-Blanco Mónica A.
Published: June 2023

In recent decades, a number of simulation models for microsurgical training have been published. The human placenta has received extensive validation in microneurosurgery and is a useful instrument to facilitate learning in microvascular repair techniques as an alternative to using live animals. This study uses a straightforward, step-by-step procedure for instructing the creation of simulators with dynamic flow to characterize the placental vascular tree and assess its relevance for plastic surgery departments. Measurements of the placental vasculature and morphological characterization of 18 placentas were made. After the model was used in a basic microsurgery training laboratory session, a survey was given to nine plastic surgery residents, two microsurgeons, and one hand surgeon. In all divisions, venous diameters were larger than arterial diameters, with minimum diameters of 0.8 and 0.6 mm, respectively. The majority of the participants considered that the model faithfully reproduces a real microsurgical scenario; the consistency of the vessels and their dissection are similar in in vivo tissue. Furthermore, all the participants considered that this model could improve their surgical technique and would propose it for microsurgical training. As some of the model's disadvantages, an abundantly thick adventitia, a thin tunica media, and higher adherence to the underlying tissue were identified. The color-perfused placenta is an excellent tool for microsurgical training in plastic surgery. It can faithfully reproduce a microsurgical scenario, offering an abundance of vasculature with varying sizes similar to tissue in vivo, enhancing technical proficiency, and lowering patient error.
The Case Manager: An Agent Controlling the Activation of Knowledge Sources in a FHIR-Based Distributed Reasoning Environment
Authors: Lanzola Giordano , Polce Francesca , Parimbelli Enea , Gabetta Matteo , Cornet Ronald , de Groot Rowdy , Kogan Alexandra , Glasspool David , Wilk Szymon , Quaglini Silvana
Published: June 2023

Background Within the CAPABLE project the authors developed a multi-agent system that relies on a distributed architecture. The system provides cancer patients with coaching advice and supports their clinicians with suitable decisions based on clinical guidelines.

Objectives As in many multi-agent systems we needed to coordinate the activities of all agents involved. Moreover, since the agents share a common blackboard where all patients' data are stored, we also needed to implement a mechanism for the prompt notification of each agent upon addition of new information potentially triggering its activation.

Methods The communication needs have been investigated and modeled using the HL7-FHIR (Health Level 7-Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) standard to ensure proper semantic interoperability among agents. Then a syntax rooted in the FHIR search framework has been defined for representing the conditions to be monitored on the system blackboard for activating each agent.

Results The Case Manager (CM) has been implemented as a dedicated component playing the role of an orchestrator directing the behavior of all agents involved. Agents dynamically inform the CM about the conditions to be monitored on the blackboard, using the syntax we developed. The CM then notifies each agent whenever any condition of interest occurs. The functionalities of the CM and other actors have been validated using simulated scenarios mimicking the ones that will be faced during pilot studies and in production.

Conclusion The CM proved to be a key facilitator for properly achieving the required behavior of our multi-agent system. The proposed architecture may also be leveraged in many clinical contexts for integrating separate legacy services, turning them into a consistent telemedicine framework and enabling application reusability.
The Alarm Fatigue Challenge in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A “before” and “after” Study
Authors: Stiglich Yanin Fontana , Dik Pablo H. Brener , Segura Maria S. , Mariani Gonzalo L.
Published: June 2023

Objective Alarm fatigue (AF) happens when professionals are exposed to many alarms and they become desensitized to them. It is related to proliferation of devices, not standardized alarm limits, and high prevalence of “nonactionable alarms,” i.e., false alarms (triggered by equipment issues) or nuisance alarms (physiological change not requiring clinical action). When AF happens, response time seems to be longer and important alarms could be dismissed. After evaluating the situation in our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), an alarm management program (AMP) was developed to reduce AF. The objective of this study were to compare the proportion of true alarms, nonactionable alarms, and to measure response time to alarms in the NICU before and after implementing an AMP and also to determine variables associated with nonactionable alarms and response time.

Study Design This was a cross-sectional study. A total of 100 observations were collected between December 2019 and January 2020. After an AMP was implemented, 100 new observations were collected between June 2021 and August 2021. We estimated the true and nonactionable alarms proportion. Univariate analyses were performed to determine variables associated with nonactionable alarms and response time. Logistic regression was performed to assess independent variables.

Results The proportion of true alarms before and after AMP was 31 versus 57% (p = 0.001), whereas the proportion of nonactionable alarms was 69 versus 43% (p = 0.001). Median response time was significantly reduced (35 versus 12 seconds; p = 0.001). Before AMP, neonates with less intensive care needs had a higher proportion of nonactionable alarms and a longer response time. After AMP, response time was similar for true and nonactionable alarms. For both periods, the need of respiratory support was significantly associated with true alarms (p = 0.001). In the adjusted analysis, response time (p = 0.001) and respiratory support (p = 0.003) remained associated with nonactionable alarms.

Conclusion AF was highly prevalent in our NICU. This study shows that after the implementation of an AMP, response time to alarms and the proportion of nonactionable alarms can be significantly reduced.

Key Points
Initial experience of visualized biliary cannulation during ERCP
Authors: Liu Wei-hui , Huang Xin-yu , Hu Xiao , Wang Pu , Yang Yun-chao , Liu Pei-xi , Liu Xiao-gang
Published: June 2023

Background Selective biliary cannulation is the most challenging step in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) because only indirect radiographic images can be obtained. Therefore, we developed a novel endoscopic retrograde direct cholangioscopy (ERDC) technology to facilitate visible biliary cannulation.

Methods In this case series, we used ERDC to treat 21 patients with common bile duct stones who were enrolled consecutively between July 2022 and December 2022. The procedure details and complications were recorded, and all patients were followed up for 3 months after the procedure. The learning curve effect was analyzed by comparing the early and later cases.

Results Biliary cannulation was successful in all patients, and the stones were removed completely. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) time for cholangioscopy-guided biliary cannulation was 240.0 (10.0–430.0) seconds, and the median (IQR) number of cannulation procedures was 2 (1–5). Despite there being one episode of post-ERCP pancreatitis, one of cholangitis, and three patients developing asymptomatic hyperamylasemia, all of the patients recovered after symptomatic treatment, being discharged and with no serious adverse events occurring during the 3-month follow-up period. Compared with the early cases, the number of intubations and the use of guidewire guidance decreased in later cases.

Conclusion Our research confirms that ERDC is a feasible technology for biliary cannulation under direct vision.
Fetal Aorta-Portal Vein-Umbilical Vein Anastomosis: Prenatal Diagnosis and Brief Review of Literature
Authors: Bhatt Hitanshu R. , Nagraj Gouri C.
Published: June 2023

Congenital hepatic arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs) are rare and occur in less than 1:100,000 live births and are linked with poor perinatal outcome. Hepatic arteriovenous malformation can be of three types, out of which we present a case of hepatic AVF with AV connection in a case of primigravida at 26 weeks gestation presented with fetal growth restriction and Doppler changes.
Policymaking in the EU under crisis conditions: Covid and refugee crises compared
Authors: Bojar Abel , Kriesi Hanspeter
Published: June 2023

We study how crises situations shape the political decision-making structure of the EU and the responses adopted by European policy makers by comparing EU decision-making in the first wave of the COVID-19 crisis (March 2020-July 2020) and in the refugee crisis (2015 to 2019), based on a new data-set on policymaking. Similarities between the two crises include: comparable polarization and conflict intensity, executive dominance, a greater role of EU institutions in policy domains where the EU has higher competence, more conflict and greater resistance by coalitions of member states in domains where it has lower competence, and minority coalitions of critical member states have been crucial for possible solutions in both crises. The key difference between the two crises lies in the fact that, in the refugee crisis, the opposing coalition was able to prevent any kind of reform, while in the first wave of the Covid crisis, the opposition was more amenable to a joint solution in the crucial fiscal policy domain, where the conflict became most intense. We suggest that this key difference is ultimately rooted in the character of the original problem pressure and the different distribution of spatial incidence in the two crises.
Close to politics and to policies: subjective knowledge about referendum topics in Eastern Europe
Authors: Gherghina Sergiu , Tap Paul
Published: June 2023

Citizens with political knowledge can contribute to the quality of democracy in their country. Previous research has established the existence of differences between the actual (objective) and perceived (subjective) level of political knowledge, but the factors driving citizens’ subjective political knowledge in a specific setting in which they can take direct decisions remain unclear. To explain what determines subjective knowledge about referendum topics among voters, the present analysis focuses on seven referendums held in Eastern Europe between 2015 and 2019 in Bulgaria, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania (twice), and Slovakia. We use individual-level data from surveys conducted in the aftermath of each referendum with a total number of 1825 actual voters. The results indicate that more politically engaged citizens, those who trust parties and are satisfied with democracy, and those who are critical towards the government consider themselves more informed about the referendum topics.
Deliberate misinterpretation from the perspective of socio-cognitive pragmatics
Authors: Wang Rundong , Zhan Hongwei
Published: June 2023

The present study explores the realizing mechanisms of deliberate misinterpretation, by examining the specific situations of deliberate misinterpretation in fictional conversation, from the perspective of socio-cognitive pragmatics, so as to shed light on human daily conversations. The results of analyzing dialogs in the sitcom Friends show that deliberate misinterpretation has to do with the possibility of ambiguity on the speaker’s side and deliberate divergence on the hearer’s side. It is also argued that in these circumstances egocentrism on the hearer’s side is manifested consciously and deliberately. Unlike generally discussed, the deliberate breakdown of communication usually has a positive influence on the communication, and certain communicative goals of the speaker may thus be fulfilled.
Perceived benefits of open data are improving but scientists still lack resources, skills, and rewards
Authors: Borycz Joshua , Olendorf Robert , Specht Alison , Grant Bruce , Crowston Kevin , Tenopir Carol , Allard Suzie , Rice Natalie M. , Hu Rachael , Sandusky Robert J.
Published: June 2023

Addressing global scientific challenges requires the widespread sharing of consistent and trustworthy research data. Identifying the factors that influence widespread data sharing will help us understand the limitations and potential leverage points. We used two well-known theoretical frameworks, the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Technology Acceptance Model, to analyze three DataONE surveys published in 2011, 2015, and 2020. These surveys aimed to identify individual, social, and organizational influences on data-sharing behavior. In this paper, we report on the application of multiple factor analysis (MFA) on this combined, longitudinal, survey data to determine how these attitudes may have changed over time. The first two dimensions of the MFA were named willingness to share and satisfaction with resources based on the contributing questions and answers. Our results indicated that both dimensions are strongly influenced by individual factors such as perceived benefit, risk, and effort. Satisfaction with resources was significantly influenced by social and organizational factors such as the availability of training and data repositories. Researchers that improved in willingness to share are shown to be operating in domains with a high reliance on shared resources, are reliant on funding from national or federal sources, work in sectors where internal practices are mandated, and live in regions with highly effective communication networks. Significantly, satisfaction with resources was inversely correlated with willingness to share across all regions. We posit that this relationship results from researchers learning what resources they actually need only after engaging with the tools and procedures extensively.
Structural biology and public health response to biomedical threats
Authors: Lenkiewicz Joanna , Bijak Vanessa , Poonuganti Shrisha , Szczygiel Michal , Gucwa Michal , Murzyn Krzysztof , Minor Wladek
Published: June 2023

Over the course of the pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, structural biologists have worked hand in hand with groups developing vaccines and treatments. However, relying solely on in vitro and clinical studies may be insufficient to guide vaccination and treatment developments, and other healthcare policies during virus mutations or peaks in infections and fatalities. Therefore, it is crucial to track statistical data related to the number of infections, deaths, and vaccinations in specific regions and present it in an easy-to-understand way.
Predicting the properties of NiO with density functional theory: Impact of exchange and correlation approximations and validation of the r2SCAN functional
Authors: DelloStritto Mark J. , Kaplan Aaron D. , Perdew John P. , Klein Michael L.
Published: June 2023

Transition metal oxide materials are of great utility, with a diversity of topical applications ranging from catalysis to electronic devices. Because of their widespread importance in materials science, there is increasing interest in developing computational tools capable of reliable prediction of transition metal oxide phase behavior and properties. The workhorse of materials theory is density functional theory (DFT). Accordingly, we have investigated the impact of various correlation and exchange approximations on their ability to predict the properties of NiO using DFT. We have chosen NiO as a particularly challenging representative of transition metal oxides in general. In so doing, we have provided validation for the use of the r2SCAN density functional for predicting the materials properties of oxides. r2SCAN yields accurate structural properties of NiO and a local spin moment that notably persists under pressure, consistent with experiment. The outcome of our study is a pragmatic scheme for providing electronic structure data to enable the parameterization of interatomic potentials using state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) methodologies. The latter is essential to allow large scale molecular dynamics simulations of bulk and surface materials phase behavior and properties with ab initio accuracy.
Droplet impingement on a solid surface: Parametrization and asymmetry of dynamic contact angle model
Authors: Sinha Utkarsh , Mynam Mahesh , Nadimpalli Nagaravi Kumar Varma , Runkana Venkataramana
Published: June 2023

The study of the spreading behavior of droplets impinging on solid surfaces is of importance to applications such as inkjet printing and spray coating. The contact angle is an important parameter that influences the spreading behavior of droplets upon impingement on a solid surface. Computational fluid dynamics simulations studying droplet dynamics require a dynamic contact angle (DCA) model with an appropriate set of parameters to simulate the experimental system of interest. We propose a scheme to parameterize a DCA model and tune its parameters for systems of different levels of wettability. The developed DCA models show the varied response for advancing and receding phases of the droplet motion to emphasize the asymmetric nature of the relation between the contact angle and contact line velocity. These models enable accurate simulation of droplet impingement for a wide range of Weber number (We) and Reynolds number (Re) values. The proposed scheme helps tune the parameters of the DCA model in a systematic and quick manner, thereby enabling one to explore the design space better and also reduce the time to design and develop novel fluids and devices for applications dealing with impinging droplets.
Non-perturbative many-body treatment of molecular magnets
Authors: Eskridge Brandon , Krakauer Henry , Zhang Shiwei
Published: June 2023

Molecular magnets have received significant attention because of their potential applications in quantum information and quantum computing. A delicate balance of electron correlation, spin–orbit coupling (SOC), ligand field splitting, and other effects produces a persistent magnetic moment within each molecular magnet unit. The discovery and design of molecular magnets with improved functionalities would be greatly aided by accurate computations. However, the competition among the different effects poses a challenge for theoretical treatments. Electron correlation plays a central role since d- or f-element ions, which provide the magnetic states in molecular magnets, often require explicit many-body treatments. SOC, which expands the dimensionality of the Hilbert space, can also lead to non-perturbative effects in the presence of strong interaction. Furthermore, molecular magnets are large, with tens of atoms in even the smallest systems. We show how an ab initio treatment of molecular magnets can be achieved with auxiliary-field quantum Monte Carlo, in which electron correlation, SOC, and material specificity are included accurately and on an equal footing. The approach is demonstrated by an application to compute the zero-field splitting of a locally linear Co2+ complex.
Impact of iso-structural template layer on stabilizing pyrochlore Bi2Rh2O7
Authors: Ohno M. , Fujita T. C. , Kawasaki M.
Published: June 2023

We present an epitaxial stabilization of pyrochlore Bi2Rh2O7 on the Y-stabilized ZrO2 (YSZ) (111) substrate by inserting a pyrochlore Eu2Ti2O7 template layer, otherwise Bi-based layered structures being formed directly on the YSZ (111) substrate. This result reveals that “iso-structural crystal phase” plays an important role in the interfacial phase control. The Bi2Rh2O7 film exhibits p-type electrical conduction with the lowest longitudinal resistivity (ρxx) among the reported Rh pyrochlore oxides. Such parameters as ρxx, carrier density, and mobility show almost no temperature dependence in the measured range of 2–300 K.
Ne, Ar, and Kr oscillators in the molecular cavity of fullerene C60
Authors: Jafari Tanzeeha , Shugai Anna , Nagel Urmas , Bacanu George Razvan , Aouane Mohamed , Jiménez-Ruiz Monica , Rols Stéphane , Bloodworth Sally , Walkey Mark , Hoffman Gabriela , Whitby Richard J. , Levitt Malcolm H. , Rõõm Toomas
Published: June 2023

We used THz (terahertz) and INS (inelastic neutron scattering) spectroscopies to study the interaction between an endohedral noble gas atom and the C60 molecular cage. The THz absorption spectra of powdered A@C60 samples (A = Ar, Ne, Kr) were measured in the energy range from 0.6 to 75 meV for a series of temperatures between 5 and 300 K. The INS measurements were carried out at liquid helium temperature in the energy transfer range from 0.78 to 54.6 meV. The THz spectra are dominated by one line, between 7 and 12 meV, at low temperatures for three noble gas atoms studied. The line shifts to higher energy and broadens as the temperature is increased. Using a spherical oscillator model, with a temperature-independent parameterized potential function and an atom-displacement-induced dipole moment, we show that the change of the THz spectrum shape with temperature is caused by the anharmonicity of the potential function. We find good agreement between experimentally determined potential energy functions and functions calculated with Lennard-Jones additive pair-wise potentials with parameters taken from the work of Pang and Brisse, J. Chem. Phys. 97, 8562 (1993).
Microwave backscatter enhancement using radial anisotropy in biomimetic core-shell spheres
Authors: Finlayson Ewan D. , Gallagher Cameron P. , Whittaker Thomas , Goulas Athanasios , Engstrøm Daniel S. , Whittow William , Sambles J. Roy , Hibbins Alastair P. , Powell Alexander W.
Published: June 2023

Enhanced backscattering of microwave radiation is demonstrated experimentally in a biomimetic radially anisotropic spherical metamaterial component. The core-shell device replicates the optical function of nanospheres observed in the tapetum reflector of the compound eye of the shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931) and translates the effect from the optical domain to microwave frequencies. Analytical Mie theory calculations and numerical-method simulations are used to describe the origin of the observed scattering from a single dielectric sphere in terms of its multipolar Mie resonances. The fabrication of components using additive manufacture and their experimental characterization are described. The results show that the introduction of radial anisotropy in the shell more than doubles the monostatic radar cross section compared to the equivalent isotropic case. This work represents a practical demonstration of a synthetic bio-inspired structure, harnessing performance-enhancing adaptations that have evolved in nature. The results augment the range of techniques available for the control of electromagnetic scattering with relevance to applications in the manipulation of radar return signals.
Effect of heart rate on the hemodynamics in healthy and stenosed carotid arteries
Authors: Khan Piru Mohan , Sharma Siddharth D. , Chakraborty Suman , Roy Somnath
Published: June 2023

Stenosis in the internal carotid arteries is a serious cardiovascular condition. It is well-reported that low and oscillatory wall shear stress enhances the risk of stenosis progression. However, the effects of increased heart rates in highly stenosed arteries are not well explored. A detailed understanding of the flow features and stress distribution in stenosed carotid arteries at different heart rates may help clinicians to prescribe better exercise schedules for patients. In this study, we probe the effects of elevated heart rates on the hemodynamics in healthy and stenosed carotid arterial geometries using an immersed boundary method-based computational framework. Our results reveal that a strong recirculation, secondary velocity, and oscillatory shear index (OSI) zone develop inside a severely stenosed carotid artery at normal heart rate. Higher heart rates may potentially improve arterial health by reducing OSI only for the healthy and mild stenosis carotid arteries. However, the increased heart rates worsen the arterial health of severely stenosed arteries by onsetting flow instabilities, enhancing the spread and severity of the recirculation zone and the magnitude of the secondary velocity, the pressure drops across the stenosis, and the spread of high OSI (≥0.2) zone downstream. Furthermore, in the case of severe stenosis, the wall shear stress at the stenosis throat rises significantly, which can contribute to plaque rupture and thrombus development. Here, we report in detail the behavior of stress levels and pressure fluctuations in the carotid artery model at different stenosis levels for normal and elevated heart rates.
Picosecond trion photocurrent dynamics in FAPbI3 quantum dot films
Authors: Kobiyama Etsuki , Tahara Hirokazu , Saruyama Masaki , Sato Ryota , Teranishi Toshiharu , Kanemitsu Yoshihiko
Published: June 2023

Nanocrystal quantum dot (QD) films have been highlighted as unique building blocks of optoelectronic devices due to their unique properties based on electronic interactions among close-packed QDs. Although the creation and annihilation processes of trions play important roles in optical responses of isolated QDs, their contributions to photocurrent conversion processes in QD films are unclear. Here, we studied trion dynamics in QD films by transient photocurrent measurements. We observed that the transient photocurrent signal has two decay components: a fast trion component with a lifetime shorter than 1 ns and a slow exciton component with several tens of nanoseconds. Moreover, we control the signal amplitude of the fast trion decay component by tuning extra charge doping to QDs. These results demonstrate the control of optoelectronic responses of QD films via bias electric voltage and will pave the way for QD-based ultrafast optoelectronics.
Photoelectron spectroscopy from a liquid flatjet
Authors: Stemer Dominik , Buttersack Tillmann , Haak Henrik , Malerz Sebastian , Schewe Hanns Christian , Trinter Florian , Mudryk Karen , Pugini Michele , Credidio Bruno , Seidel Robert , Hergenhahn Uwe , Meijer Gerard , Thürmer Stephan , Winter Bernd
Published: June 2023

We demonstrate liquid-jet photoelectron spectroscopy from a flatjet formed by the impingement of two micron-sized cylindrical jets of different aqueous solutions. Flatjets provide flexible experimental templates enabling unique liquid-phase experiments that would not be possible using single cylindrical liquid jets. One such possibility is to generate two co-flowing liquid-jet sheets with a common interface in vacuum, with each surface facing the vacuum being representative of one of the solutions, allowing face-sensitive detection by photoelectron spectroscopy. The impingement of two cylindrical jets also enables the application of different bias potentials to each jet with the principal possibility to generate a potential gradient between the two solution phases. This is shown for the case of a flatjet composed of a sodium iodide aqueous solution and neat liquid water. The implications of asymmetric biasing for flatjet photoelectron spectroscopy are discussed. The first photoemission spectra for a sandwich-type flatjet comprised of a water layer encapsulated by two outer layers of an organic solvent (toluene) are also shown.
Screening and field evaluation of white clover rhizobia for New Zealand pastures
Authors: Shi Shengjing , Wakelin Steve , Gerard Emily , Young Sandra , van Koten Chikako , Caradus John , Griffiths Andrew G. , Ballard Ross A. , O’Callaghan Maureen
Published: June 2023

Context Biological nitrogen (N) fixation through the rhizobia–legume symbiosis is a sustainable and cost-effective source of N for agriculture. In New Zealand (NZ), white clover (Trifolium repens) is a key component of pastures and rhizobial inoculation of clover is widely used. The current commercial inoculant for white clover, TA1, was isolated in Australia in the 1950s and may not be the best partner for modern white clover cultivars. Aims To identify Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii (Rlt) isolates suitable for use in NZ pastures. Methods The symbiotic potential of >230 isolates collected from throughout NZ was evaluated in plant bioassays. Selected isolates were further evaluated in pot and field trials. Key results Approximately 40% of NZ isolates supported better clover growth than TA1 under N-limited conditions in vitro. Of 24 Rlt isolates evaluated in a glasshouse trial, five produced significantly higher clover biomass than TA1. Three (S11N9, S20N7, S4N6) of nine isolates evaluated in two field trials in 2018–2019 significantly increased clover growth (12–38%) compared with paired uninoculated clover at several harvests, whereas inoculation with TA1 did not improve yield. In a third trial in 2020, S11N9 and S20N7 increased clover growth compared with the uninoculated control at two of three harvests; S4N6 performed better than TA1 at one harvest. When tested with four white clover cultivars, five Rlt isolates had higher symbiotic potential than TA1. Conclusions Inoculating white clover would be beneficial if improved inoculant isolates were available. Implications We recommend some NZ Rlt isolates could be developed into commercial inoculants to improve white clover performance in NZ.
Single-cell transcriptomics reveals maturation of transplanted stem cell–derived retinal pigment epithelial cells toward native state
Authors: Parikh Bhav Harshad , Blakeley Paul , Regha Kakkad , Liu Zengping , Yang Binxia , Bhargava Mayuri , Wong Daniel Soo Lin , Tan Queenie Shu Woon , Wong Claudine See Wei , Wang Hao Fei , Al-Mubaarak Abdurrahmaan , Chou Chai , Cheung Chui Ming Gemmy , Lim Kah Leong , Barathi Veluchamy Amutha , Hunziker Walter , Lingam Gopal , Hu Tim Xiaoming , Su Xinyi
Published: June 2023

Transplantation of stem cell–derived retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells is considered a viable therapeutic option for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Several landmark Phase I/II clinical trials have demonstrated safety and tolerability of RPE transplants in AMD patients, albeit with limited efficacy. Currently, there is limited understanding of how the recipient retina regulates the survival, maturation, and fate specification of transplanted RPE cells. To address this, we transplanted stem cell–derived RPE into the subretinal space of immunocompetent rabbits for 1 mo and conducted single-cell RNA sequencing analyses on the explanted RPE monolayers, compared to their age-matched in vitro counterparts. We observed an unequivocal retention of RPE identity, and a trajectory-inferred survival of all in vitro RPE populations after transplantation. Furthermore, there was a unidirectional maturation toward the native adult human RPE state in all transplanted RPE, regardless of stem cell resource. Gene regulatory network analysis suggests that tripartite transcription factors (
FOS
,
JUND
, and
MAFF
) may be specifically activated in posttransplanted RPE cells, to regulate canonical RPE signature gene expression crucial for supporting host photoreceptor function, and to regulate prosurvival genes required for transplanted RPE’s adaptation to the host subretinal microenvironment. These findings shed insights into the transcriptional landscape of RPE cells after subretinal transplantation, with important implications for cell-based therapy for AMD.
Multiple RNA- and DNA-binding proteins exhibit direct transfer of polynucleotides with implications for target-site search
Authors: Hemphill Wayne O. , Voong Calvin K. , Fenske Regan , Goodrich James A. , Cech Thomas R.
Published: June 2023

We previously demonstrated that the polycomb repressive complex 2 chromatin–modifying enzyme can directly transfer between RNA and DNA without a free-enzyme intermediate state. Simulations suggested that such a direct transfer mechanism may be generally necessary for RNA to recruit proteins to chromatin, but the prevalence of direct transfer capability is unknown. Herein, we used fluorescence polarization assays and observed direct transfer for several well-characterized nucleic acid–binding proteins: three-prime repair exonuclease 1, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein U, Fem-3-binding factor 2, and MS2 bacteriophage coat protein. For TREX1, the direct transfer mechanism was additionally observed in single-molecule assays, and the data suggest that direct transfer occurs through an unstable ternary intermediate with partially associated polynucleotides. Generally, direct transfer could allow many DNA- and RNA-binding proteins to conduct a one-dimensional search for their target sites. Furthermore, proteins that bind both RNA and DNA might be capable of readily translocating between those ligands.
Dual factors required for cytochrome-P450-mediated hydrocarbon ring contraction in bacterial gibberellin phytohormone biosynthesis
Authors: Nagel Raimund , Alexander Liza E. , Stewart Charles E. , Peters Reuben J.
Published: June 2023

Cytochromes P450 (CYPs) are heme-thiolate monooxygenases that prototypically catalyze the insertion of oxygen into unactivated C–H bonds but are capable of mediating more complex reactions. One of the most remarked-upon alternative reactions occurs during biosynthesis of the gibberellin A (GA) phytohormones, involving hydrocarbon ring contraction with coupled aldehyde extrusion of
ent
-kaurenoic acid to form the first gibberellin intermediate. While the unusual nature of this reaction has long been noted, its mechanistic basis has remained opaque. Building on identification of the relevant CYP114 from bacterial GA biosynthesis, detailed structure–function studies are reported here, including development of in vitro assays as well as crystallographic analyses both in the absence and presence of substrate. These structures provided insight into enzymatic catalysis of this unusual reaction, as exemplified by identification of a key role for the “missing” acid from an otherwise highly conserved acid–alcohol pair of residues. Notably, the results demonstrate that ring contraction requires dual factors, both the use of a dedicated ferredoxin and absence of the otherwise conserved acidic residue, with exclusion of either limiting turnover to just the initiating and more straightforward hydroxylation. The results provide detailed insight into the enzymatic structure–function relationships underlying this fascinating reaction and support the use of a semipinacol mechanism for the unusual ring contraction reaction.
Fisheries subsidies reform in China
Authors: Wang Kaiwen , Reimer Matthew N. , Wilen James E.
Published: June 2023

Subsidies are widely criticized in fisheries management for promoting global fishing capacity growth and overharvesting. Scientists worldwide have thus called for a ban on “harmful” subsidies that artificially increase fishing profits, resulting in the recent agreement among members of the World Trade Organization to eliminate such subsidies. The argument for banning harmful subsidies relies on the assumption that fishing will be unprofitable after eliminating subsidies, incentivizing some fishermen to exit and others to refrain from entering. These arguments follow from open-access governance regimes where entry has driven profits to zero. Yet many modern-day fisheries are conducted under limited-access regimes that limit capacity and maintain economic profits, even without subsidies. In these settings, subsidy removal will reduce profits but perhaps without any discernable effect on capacity. Importantly, until now, there have been no empirical studies of subsidy reductions to inform us about their likely quantitative impacts. In this paper, we evaluate a policy reform that reduced fisheries subsidies in China. We find that China’s subsidy reductions accelerated the rate at which fishermen retired their vessels, resulting in reduced fleet capacity, particularly among older and smaller vessels. Notably, the reduction of harmful subsidies was only partly responsible for reducing fleet capacity; an increase in vessel retirement subsidies was also a necessary driver of capacity reduction. Our study demonstrates that the efficacy of removing harmful subsidies depends on the policy environment in which removals occur.
Enhancement of the liver’s neuroprotective role ameliorates traumatic brain injury pathology
Authors: Dai Yongfeng , Dong Jinghua , Wu Yu , Zhu Minzhen , Xiong Wenchao , Li Huanyu , Zhao Yulu , Hammock Bruce D. , Zhu Xinhong
Published: June 2023

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a pervasive problem worldwide for which no effective treatment is currently available. Although most studies have focused on the pathology of the injured brain, we have noted that the liver plays an important role in TBI. Using two mouse models of TBI, we found that the enzymatic activity of hepatic soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) was rapidly decreased and then returned to normal levels following TBI, whereas such changes were not observed in the kidney, heart, spleen, or lung. Interestingly, genetic downregulation of hepatic
Ephx2
(which encodes sEH) ameliorates TBI-induced neurological deficits and promotes neurological function recovery, whereas overexpression of hepatic sEH exacerbates TBI-associated neurological impairments. Furthermore, hepatic sEH ablation was found to promote the generation of A2 phenotype astrocytes and facilitate the production of various neuroprotective factors associated with astrocytes following TBI. We also observed an inverted V-shaped alteration in the plasma levels of four EET (epoxyeicosatrienoic acid) isoforms (5,6-, 8,9-,11,12-, and 14,15-EET) following TBI which were negatively correlated with hepatic sEH activity. However, hepatic sEH manipulation bidirectionally regulates the plasma levels of 14,15-EET, which rapidly crosses the blood–brain barrier. Additionally, we found that the application of 14,15-EET mimicked the neuroprotective effect of hepatic sEH ablation, while 14,15-epoxyeicosa-5(Z)-enoic acid blocked this effect, indicating that the increased plasma levels of 14,15-EET mediated the neuroprotective effect observed after hepatic sEH ablation. These results highlight the neuroprotective role of the liver in TBI and suggest that targeting hepatic EET signaling could represent a promising therapeutic strategy for treating TBI.
Biodegradable lipophilic polymeric mRNA nanoparticles for ligand-free targeting of splenic dendritic cells for cancer vaccination
Authors: Ben-Akiva Elana , Karlsson Johan , Hemmati Shayan , Yu Hongzhe , Tzeng Stephany Y. , Pardoll Drew M. , Green Jordan J.
Published: June 2023

Nanoparticle (NP)-based mRNA cancer vaccines hold great promise to realize personalized cancer treatments. To advance this technology requires delivery formulations for efficient intracellular delivery to antigen-presenting cells. We developed a class of bioreducible lipophilic poly(beta-amino ester) nanocarriers with quadpolymer architecture. The platform is agnostic to the mRNA sequence, with one-step self-assembly allowing for delivery of multiple antigen-encoding mRNAs as well as codelivery of nucleic acid–based adjuvants. We examined structure–function relationships for NP-mediated mRNA delivery to dendritic cells (DCs) and identified that a lipid subunit of the polymer structure was critical. Following intravenous administration, the engineered NP design facilitated targeted delivery to the spleen and preferential transfection of DCs without the need for surface functionalization with targeting ligands. Treatment with engineered NPs codelivering antigen-encoding mRNA and toll-like receptor agonist adjuvants led to robust antigen-specific CD8+ T cell responses, resulting in efficient antitumor therapy in in vivo models of murine melanoma and colon adenocarcinoma.
MM optimization: Proximal distance algorithms, path following, and trust regions
Authors: Landeros Alfonso , Xu Jason , Lange Kenneth
Published: June 2023

We briefly review the majorization–minimization (MM) principle and elaborate on the closely related notion of proximal distance algorithms, a generic approach for solving constrained optimization problems via quadratic penalties. We illustrate how the MM and proximal distance principles apply to a variety of problems from statistics, finance, and nonlinear optimization. Drawing from our selected examples, we also sketch a few ideas pertinent to the acceleration of MM algorithms: a) structuring updates around efficient matrix decompositions, b) path following in proximal distance iteration, and c) cubic majorization and its connections to trust region methods. These ideas are put to the test on several numerical examples, but for the sake of brevity, we omit detailed comparisons to competing methods. The current article, which is a mix of review and current contributions, celebrates the MM principle as a powerful framework for designing optimization algorithms and reinterpreting existing ones.
A broad-spectrum macrocyclic peptide inhibitor of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein
Authors: Thijssen Vito , Hurdiss Daniel L. , Debski-Antoniak Oliver J. , Spence Matthew A. , Franck Charlotte , Norman Alexander , Aggarwal Anupriya , Mokiem Nadia J. , van Dongen David A. A. , Vermeir Stein W. , Liu Minglong , Li Wentao , Chatziandreou Marianthi , Donselaar Tim , Du Wenjuan , Drulyte Ieva , Bosch Berend-Jan , Snijder Joost , Turville Stuart G. , Payne Richard J. , Jackson Colin J. , van Kuppeveld Frank J. M. , Jongkees Seino A. K.
Published: June 2023

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has had great societal and health consequences. Despite the availability of vaccines, infection rates remain high due to immune evasive Omicron sublineages. Broad-spectrum antivirals are needed to safeguard against emerging variants and future pandemics. We used messenger RNA (mRNA) display under a reprogrammed genetic code to find a spike-targeting macrocyclic peptide that inhibits SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) Wuhan strain infection and pseudoviruses containing spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 variants or related sarbecoviruses. Structural and bioinformatic analyses reveal a conserved binding pocket between the receptor-binding domain, N-terminal domain, and S2 region, distal to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor–interaction site. Our data reveal a hitherto unexplored site of vulnerability in sarbecoviruses that peptides and potentially other drug-like molecules can target.