bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liquid entrainment of the toroidal bubble crossing the interface between two immiscible liquids
Authors: Moon Eunseong , Song Minho , Kim Daegyoum
Published: July 2023

We experimentally investigate the transport of liquid by a toroidal bubble that rises vertically and penetrates a horizontal interface between two immiscible liquids. Experiments are conducted with various strengths of vortex circulation in the bubble, and with different liquid densities and viscosities. In contrast to a spherical bubble, a rising toroidal bubble carries a great amount of the lower liquid by virtue of the self-induction of circulating flow. The lower liquid is entrained by the toroidal bubble and forms an ellipsoidal body enclosing the bubble after it penetrates the interface. The downward net force acting on the ellipsoidal body results in the radial contraction of the bubble, reducing the volume of the entrained lower liquid. As the entrained volume decreases, the nearby upper liquid eventually pierces the ellipsoidal body, making the bubble unstable. At this instant, the net force acting on the ellipsoidal body approaches zero, and the volume ratio of the entrained lower liquid and bubble converges to a specific value. For smaller vortex circulation and larger density difference between the liquids, the volume of the entrained lower liquid within the ellipsoidal body becomes smaller and the travel distance of the bubble from the initial interface until it becomes unstable decreases. The effective Froude number, which accounts for both the inertial effect of vortex circulation and the gravitational effect of liquid density difference, is found to characterise the temporal changes in the ring radius, propagation speed and entrained volume.
Description of Paramylonchulus iranicus sp. n. (Nematoda: Mononchida) from Iran
Authors: Aliramaji Farzad , Taheri Abdolhossein , Shokoohi Ebrahim
Published: July 2023

During a survey of soil nematodes in Iran, a population of a species belonging to the order Mononchida was recovered. The new species, Paramylonchulus iranicus sp. n. is characterized by body length (1292–1535 μm in females and 1476–1670 μm in males), c (20.2–29.0 in females and 19.9–27.4 in males), buccal cavity length (23.0–26.0 μm), post vulval uterine sac length (135–162 μm), spicule length (46.0–50.0 μm), gubernaculum length (8.0–11.0 μm), and tail length (49.0–70.0 μm in females and 55.0–73.0 μm in males). Canonical discriminant analysis clearly separated P. iranicus sp. n. from the closely related species Paramylonchulus based on the important morphometric characters of females and males. A molecular study of the 18S rDNA region of P. iranicus sp. n. places this population in a well-supported clade with other species of the genus.
A Small Rural Travel Stopover at the Late Postclassic Maya Site of Mensabak, Chiapas, Mexico: Overland Trade, Cross-Cultural Interaction and Social Cohesion in the Countryside
Authors: Palka Joel W.
Published: July 2023

A small rural stopover along overland Maya and Aztec trade and travel routes was identified in surveys and excavations at adjacent settlements and shrines at Mensabak, Chiapas, Mexico. This collection of Late Postclassic to Spanish conquest-era (c.ad 1350–1650) Maya sites are similar in function to rural Old World and Andean caravan stopovers, such as caravanserai and way stations, where travellers and traders obtained supplies, trading partners, safety, solidarity through ritual and travel information along long-distance land routes. These sites are similar to trading ports and pilgrimage centres, but they are smaller, located in the countryside, not often managed by regional states, and have scaled-down economic exchange with fewer exotic trade items. Stopovers often include landscape and rock-art shrines for collective ritual among foreign travellers and local populations. While investigators have researched the anthropological importance of overland routes, caravans and trade centres, less attention has been given to stopover sites in the countryside. This article discusses the archaeological signatures and outlines the comparative social, economic and ritual implications of small rural stopover sites that united people on the road.
Diet quality, diet-related factors and disability status among male adults of reproductive age in the USA
Authors: Deierlein Andrea L , Litvak Jaqueline , Liu Chang , Stein Cheryl R
Published: July 2023

Objective:

To examine diet quality and diet-related factors among male adults of reproductive age with and without disabilities.

Design:

Cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2013–2018.

Setting:

Disability was reported as serious difficulty hearing, seeing, concentrating, walking, dressing and/or running errands due to physical, mental or emotional conditions. Diet quality was assessed by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015 and diet-related factors included self-rated diet healthfulness, food security and food assistance programmes. Multivariable linear regression estimated differences in HEI-2015 scores. Multivariable Poisson regression estimated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95 % CI for diet-related factors.

Participants:

In total, 3249 males, 18–44 years; of whom, 441 (13·4 %) reported having disabilities.

Results:

Compared with males without disabilities, those with disabilities had a 2·69-point (95 % CI: –4·18, –1·20) lower mean total HEI-2015 score and approximately one-third to half of a point lower HEI-2015 component scores for greens and beans, total protein foods, seafood and plant proteins, fatty acids and added sugars. Males with any disabilities were more likely to have low food security (aPR = 1·57; 95 % CI: 1·28, 2·92); household participation in food assistance programmes (aPR = 1·61; 95 % CI: 1·34, 1·93) and consume fast food meals during the previous week (1–3 meals: aPR = 1·11; 95 % CI: 1·01–1·21 and 4 or more meals: aPR = 1·18; 95 % CI: 1·01–1·38) compared with males with no disabilities.

Conclusions:

Factors affecting diet and other modifiable health behaviours among male adults of reproductive age with disabilities require further investigation. Health promotion strategies that are adaptive to diverse populations within the disability community are needed.
Kenotic Ecclesiology and the Disestablishment of the Church of England under the Reign of Charles III
Authors: Percy Martyn
Published: July 2023

Coronations in Great Britain previously offered an occasion for national civic and spiritual renewal. However, the recent crowning of Charles III threw a spotlight on some of the deepening dissonance, diversity and divisions within British society. This paper is an ‘in principle’ argument for change and development. As the clamour for constitutional reform in the United Kingdom continues, and the awkwardness of Church of England bishops sitting in the House of Lords becomes more apparent, the time is ripe to reconsider disestablishment. In particular, the power and privilege of one denomination over all others is interrogated in relation to a kenotic ecclesiology, and which may now require the intentional divesting of kingly power: not clinging to status any longer, but self-emptying and embracing equality.
Data-efficient human walking speed intent identification
Authors: Higgins Taylor M. , Bresingham Kaitlyn J. , Schmiedeler James P. , Wensing Patrick M.
Published: July 2023

The ability to accurately identify human gait intent is a challenge relevant to the success of many applications in robotics, including, but not limited to, assistive devices. Most existing intent identification approaches, however, are either sensor-specific or use a pattern-recognition approach that requires large amounts of training data. This paper introduces a real-time walking speed intent identification algorithm based on the Mahalanobis distance that requires minimal training data. This data efficiency is enabled by making the simplifying assumption that each time step of walking data is independent of all other time steps. The accuracy of the algorithm was analyzed through human-subject experiments that were conducted using controlled walking speed changes on a treadmill. Experimental results confirm that the model used for intent identification converges quickly (within 5 min of training data). On average, the algorithm successfully detected the change in desired walking speed within one gait cycle and had a maximum of 87% accuracy at responding with the correct intent category of speed up, slow down, or no change. The findings also show that the accuracy of the algorithm improves with the magnitude of the speed change, while speed increases were more easily detected than speed decreases.
Emotional Experiences of Vulnerable Groups During COVID-19
Authors: Nacheva Ilina , Panchelieva Tsvetelina , Bakalova Diana
Published: July 2023

Abstract: Introduction: The study focuses on the prevalent emotions and specific experiences of three particularly vulnerable groups in the Bulgarian pandemic context. The target groups include working parents with small children (0–12 years), people who lost their jobs because of the COVID-19 crisis, and people with chronic diseases. Methods: To determine the experiences and sources of stress, we conducted semistructured in-depth calendar interviews ( N = 45) in late 2021. Narratives of representatives of the three groups generated authentic retrospective textual data, amounting to 221,883 words. To identify prevalent emotions in their speech, we did an automated qualitative data analysis of the three text corpuses and built a 10-category dictionary for basic emotions in accordance with Carroll Izard’s (1991) differential emotions theory, including synonyms, similar, and related words. Results: Content analysis showed that the most prominent emotion was fear, followed by interest, sadness and enjoyment. Lack of consistent and reliable information, the feeling of uncertainty, fear of the unknown and constant changes in the restrictive measures were significant sources of stress for all groups included in the study. At the same time, the three vulnerable groups differed both in the sources and in the content of the expressed fears. Discussion: Both practical and future research implications are discussed. Perhaps, these findings are valid for other types of crises and can serve as a central line for elaborating specific measures and crisis communication strategies targeting concrete vulnerable groups in society. Conclusion: Although the prevalent emotion in the narratives was fear, both the sources and the content of the fears were very different for the three groups. Findings suggest that specific measures and policies for the different vulnerable groups might be more effective in case of crisis.
Prolyl endopeptidase remodels macrophage function as a novel transcriptional coregulator and inhibits fibrosis
Authors: Lin Shuang-Zhe , Wu Wei-Jie , Cheng Yu-Qing , Zhang Jian-Bin , Jiang Dai-Xi , Ren Tian-Yi , Ding Wen-Jin , Liu Mingxi , Chen Yuan-Wen , Fan Jian-Gao
Published: July 2023

Macrophages are immune cells crucial for host defense and homeostasis maintenance, and their dysregulation is involved in multiple pathological conditions, such as liver fibrosis. The transcriptional regulation in macrophage is indispensable for fine-tuning of macrophage functions, but the details have not been fully elucidated. Prolyl endopeptidase (PREP) is a dipeptidyl peptidase with both proteolytic and non-proteolytic functions. In this study, we found that Prep knockout significantly contributed to transcriptomic alterations in quiescent and M1/M2-polarized bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), as well as aggravated fibrosis in an experimental nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) model. Mechanistically, PREP predominantly localized to the macrophage nuclei and functioned as a transcriptional coregulator. Using CUT&Tag and co-immunoprecipitation, we found that PREP was mainly distributed in active cis-regulatory genomic regions and physically interacted with the transcription factor PU.1. Among PREP-regulated downstream genes, genes encoding profibrotic cathepsin B and D were overexpressed in BMDMs and fibrotic liver tissue. Our results indicate that PREP in macrophages functions as a transcriptional coregulator that finely tunes macrophage functions, and plays a protective role against liver fibrosis pathogenesis.
Ablation of the deubiquitinase USP15 ameliorates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Baek Jung-Hwan , Kim Myung Sup , Jung Hye Ryeon , Hwang Min-Seon , Lee Chan-ho , Han Dai Hoon , Lee Yong-ho , Yi Eugene C. , Im Seung-Soon , Hwang Ilseon , Kim Kyungeun , Chung Joon-Yong , Chun Kyung-Hee
Published: July 2023

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurs due to the accumulation of fat in the liver, leading to fatal liver diseases such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis. Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying NAFLD is critical for its prevention and therapy. Here, we observed that deubiquitinase USP15 expression was upregulated in the livers of mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) and liver biopsies of patients with NAFLD or NASH. USP15 interacts with lipid-accumulating proteins such as FABPs and perilipins to reduce ubiquitination and increase their protein stability. Furthermore, the severity of NAFLD induced by an HFD and NASH induced by a fructose/palmitate/cholesterol/trans-fat (FPC) diet was significantly ameliorated in hepatocyte-specific USP15 knockout mice. Thus, our findings reveal an unrecognized function of USP15 in the lipid accumulation of livers, which exacerbates NAFLD to NASH by overriding nutrients and inducing inflammation. Therefore, targeting USP15 can be used in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD and NASH.
Association between infant breastfeeding practices and timing of peak height velocity: A nationwide longitudinal survey in Japan
Authors: Higuchi Yousuke , Matsumoto Naomi , Fujiwara Shintaro , Ebuchi Yuki , Furujo Mahoko , Nakamura Kazue , Kubo Toshihide , Yorifuji Takashi
Published: July 2023

Background

Several studies have discovered an association between infant feeding practices and puberty timing; however, most have involved female cohorts. We investigated the association between infant feeding practices and the timing of peak height velocity in boys and girls.

Methods

Data on infant feeding methods and anthropometric measurements were collected from a nationwide Japanese birth cohort study. The age at peak height velocity (APV, years) was estimated and compared. Subsequently, the effects of breastfeeding duration were analyzed.

Results

Of the 13,074 eligible participants, 650, 9455, and 2969 were formula-, mixed-, and exclusively breastfed, respectively. Among girls, the mean APV was significantly later in the mixed-fed (standardized regression coefficient (β): 0.094, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.004–0.180) and exclusively breastfed (β: 0.150, 95% CI: 0.056–0.250) groups than in the formula-fed group. Among boys, the mean APV was not significantly different among the three groups; however, a sensitivity analysis that excluded preterm birth revealed more significantly delayed APV in the breastfed-only group compared to the formula-fed group. Furthermore, a multiple linear regression model revealed that a longer breastfeeding period was associated with later APV.

Conclusions

Infant breastfeeding practices can affect the timing of peak height velocity in both boys and girls.

Impact

Several studies have discovered an association between infant feeding practices and puberty timing; however, most have involved female cohorts. Age at peak height velocity, derived from longitudinal height measurements, is a useful marker of secondary sexual maturity milestones in boys and girls.

A Japanese birth cohort study revealed that breastfed children had a later age at peak height velocity than their formula-fed counterparts; this was more prominent among girls than boys.

Furthermore, a duration-effect relationship was observed, where longer breastfeeding duration was associated with a later age at peak height velocity.
Network effects of Stanford Neuromodulation Therapy (SNT) in treatment-resistant major depressive disorder: a randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Batail Jean-Marie , Xiao Xiaoqian , Azeez Azeezat , Tischler Claudia , Kratter Ian H. , Bishop James H. , Saggar Manish , Williams Nolan R.
Published: July 2023

Here, we investigated the brain functional connectivity (FC) changes following a novel accelerated theta burst stimulation protocol known as Stanford Neuromodulation Therapy (SNT) which demonstrated significant antidepressant efficacy in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). In a sample of 24 patients (12 active and 12 sham), active stimulation was associated with significant pre- and post-treatment modulation of three FC pairs, involving the default mode network (DMN), amygdala, salience network (SN) and striatum. The most robust finding was the SNT effect on amygdala-DMN FC (group*time interaction F(1,22) = 14.89, p < 0.001). This FC change correlated with improvement in depressive symptoms (rho (Spearman) = −0.45, df = 22, p = 0.026). The post-treatment FC pattern showed a change in the direction of the healthy control group and was sustained at the one-month follow-up. These results are consistent with amygdala-DMN connectivity dysfunction as an underlying mechanism of TRD and bring us closer to the goal of developing imaging biomarkers for TMS treatment optimization.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03068715
What Darwin could not see: island formation and historical sea levels shape genetic divergence and island biogeography in a coastal marine species
Authors: Hirschfeld Maximilian , Barnett Adam , Sheaves Marcus , Dudgeon Christine
Published: July 2023

Oceanic islands play a central role in the study of evolution and island biogeography. The Galapagos Islands are one of the most studied oceanic archipelagos but research has almost exclusively focused on terrestrial organisms compared to marine species. Here we used the Galapagos bullhead shark (Heterodontus quoyi) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to examine evolutionary processes and their consequences for genetic divergence and island biogeography in a shallow-water marine species without larval dispersal. The sequential separation of individual islands from a central island cluster gradually established different ocean depths between islands that pose barriers to dispersal inH. quoyi. Isolation by resistance analysis suggested that ocean bathymetry and historical sea level fluctuations modified genetic connectivity. These processes resulted in at least three genetic clusters that exhibit low genetic diversity and effective population sizes that scale with island size and the level of geographic isolation. Our results exemplify that island formation and climatic cycles shape genetic divergence and biogeography of coastal marine organisms with limited dispersal comparable to terrestrial taxa. Because similar scenarios exist in oceanic islands around the globe our research provides a new perspective on marine evolution and biogeography with implications for the conservation of island biodiversity.
Ventromedial prefrontal neurons represent self-states shaped by vicarious fear in male mice
Authors: Huang Ziyan , Chung Myung , Tao Kentaro , Watarai Akiyuki , Wang Mu-Yun , Ito Hiroh , Okuyama Teruhiro
Published: July 2023

Perception of fear induced by others in danger elicits complex vicarious fear responses and behavioral outputs. In rodents, observing a conspecific receive aversive stimuli leads to escape and freezing behavior. It remains unclear how these behavioral self-states in response to others in fear are neurophysiologically represented. Here, we assess such representations in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), an essential site for empathy, in an observational fear (OF) paradigm in male mice. We classify the observer mouse’s stereotypic behaviors during OF using a machine-learning approach. Optogenetic inhibition of the vmPFC specifically disrupts OF-induced escape behavior. In vivo Ca2+imaging reveals that vmPFC neural populations represent intermingled information of other- and self-states. Distinct subpopulations are activated and suppressed by others’ fear responses, simultaneously representing self-freezing states. This mixed selectivity requires inputs from the anterior cingulate cortex and the basolateral amygdala to regulate OF-induced escape behavior.
A solution-to-solid conversion chemistry enables ultrafast-charging and long-lived molten salt aluminium batteries
Authors: Meng Jiashen , Yao Xuhui , Hong Xufeng , Zhu Lujun , Xiao Zhitong , Jia Yongfeng , Liu Fang , Song Huimin , Zhao Yunlong , Pang Quanquan
Published: July 2023

Conventional solid-to-solid conversion-type cathodes in batteries suffer from poor diffusion/reaction kinetics, large volume changes and aggressive structural degradation, particularly for rechargeable aluminium batteries (RABs). Here we report a class of high-capacity redox couples featuring a solution-to-solid conversion chemistry with well-manipulated solubility as cathodes—uniquely allowed by using molten salt electrolytes—that enable fast-charging and long-lived RABs. As a proof-of-concept, we demonstrate a highly reversible redox couple—the highly soluble InCl and the sparingly soluble InCl3—that exhibits a high capacity of about 327 mAh g−1 with negligible cell overpotential of only 35 mV at 1 C rate and 150 °C. The cells show almost no capacity fade over 500 cycles at a 20 C charging rate and can sustain 100 mAh g−1 at 50 C. The fast oxidation kinetics of the solution phase upon initiating the charge enables the cell with ultrafast charging capability, whereas the structure self-healing via re-forming the solution phase at the end of discharge endows the long-term cycling stability. This solution-to-solid mechanism will unlock more multivalent battery cathodes that are attractive in cost but plagued by poor reaction kinetics and short cycle life.
Designing main-group catalysts for low-temperature methane combustion by ozone
Authors: Yasumura Shunsaku , Saita Kenichiro , Miyakage Takumi , Nagai Ken , Kon Kenichi , Toyao Takashi , Maeno Zen , Taketsugu Tetsuya , Shimizu Ken-ichi
Published: July 2023

The catalytic combustion of methane at a low temperature is becoming increasingly key to controlling unburned CH4 emissions from natural gas vehicles and power plants, although the low activity of benchmark platinum-group-metal catalysts hinders its broad application. Based on automated reaction route mapping, we explore main-group elements catalysts containing Si and Al for low-temperature CH4 combustion with ozone. Computational screening of the active site predicts that strong Brønsted acid sites are promising for methane combustion. We experimentally demonstrate that catalysts containing strong Bronsted acid sites exhibit improved CH4 conversion at 250 °C, correlating with the theoretical predictions. The main-group catalyst (proton-type beta zeolite) delivered a reaction rate that is 442 times higher than that of a benchmark catalyst (5 wt% Pd-loaded Al2O3) at 190 °C and exhibits higher tolerance to steam and SO2. Our strategy demonstrates the rational design of earth-abundant catalysts based on automated reaction route mapping.
Ex vivo intestinal permeability assay (X-IPA) for tracking barrier function dynamics
Authors: Bootz-Maoz Hadar , Simon Ariel , Del Mare-Roumani Sara , Bennet Yifat , Toister Einat , Romano Hadar , Zheng Danping , Amidror Sivan , Elinav Eran , Yissachar Nissan
Published: July 2023

The intestinal epithelial barrier facilitates homeostatic host–microbiota interactions and immunological tolerance. However, mechanistic dissections of barrier dynamics following luminal stimulation pose a substantial challenge. Here, we describe an ex vivo intestinal permeability assay, X-IPA, for quantitative analysis of gut permeability dynamics at the whole-tissue level. We demonstrate that specific gut microbes and metabolites induce rapid, dose-dependent increases to gut permeability, thus providing a powerful approach for precise investigation of barrier functions.
Single-cell analysis reveals transcriptomic and epigenomic impacts on the maternal–fetal interface following SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Gao Lin , Mathur Vrinda , Tam Sabrina Ka Man , Zhou Xuemeng , Cheung Ming Fung , Chan Lu Yan , Estrada-Gutiérrez Guadalupe , Leung Bo Wah , Moungmaithong Sakita , Wang Chi Chiu , Poon Liona C. , Leung Danny
Published: July 2023

During pregnancy the maternal–fetal interface plays vital roles in fetal development. Its disruption is frequently found in pregnancy complications. Recent studies show increased incidences of adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with COVID-19; however, the mechanism remains unclear. Here we analysed the molecular impacts of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the maternal–fetal interface. Generating bulk and single-nucleus transcriptomic and epigenomic profiles from patients with COVID-19 and control samples, we discovered aberrant immune activation and angiogenesis patterns in distinct cells from patients. Surprisingly, retrotransposons were also dysregulated in specific cell types. Notably, reduced enhancer activities of LTR8B elements were functionally linked to the downregulation of pregnancy-specific glycoprotein genes in syncytiotrophoblasts. Our findings revealed that SARS-CoV-2 infection induced substantial changes to the epigenome and transcriptome at the maternal–fetal interface, which may be associated with pregnancy complications.
Arf1 coordinates fatty acid metabolism and mitochondrial homeostasis
Authors: Enkler Ludovic , Szentgyörgyi Viktoria , Pennauer Mirjam , Prescianotto-Baschong Cristina , Riezman Isabelle , Wiesyk Aneta , Avraham Reut Ester , Spiess Martin , Zalckvar Einat , Kucharczyk Roza , Riezman Howard , Spang Anne
Published: July 2023

Lipid mobilization through fatty acid β-oxidation is a central process essential for energy production during nutrient shortage. In yeast, this catabolic process starts in the peroxisome from where β-oxidation products enter mitochondria and fuel the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Little is known about the physical and metabolic cooperation between these organelles. Here we found that expression of fatty acid transporters and of the rate-limiting enzyme involved in β-oxidation is decreased in cells expressing a hyperactive mutant of the small GTPase Arf1, leading to an accumulation of fatty acids in lipid droplets. Consequently, mitochondria became fragmented and ATP synthesis decreased. Genetic and pharmacological depletion of fatty acids phenocopied thearf1mutant mitochondrial phenotype. Although β-oxidation occurs in both mitochondria and peroxisomes in mammals, Arf1’s role in fatty acid metabolism is conserved. Together, our results indicate that Arf1 integrates metabolism into energy production by regulating fatty acid storage and utilization, and presumably organelle contact sites.
Helicopter-borne RGB orthomosaics and photogrammetric digital elevation models from the MOSAiC Expedition
Authors: Neckel Niklas , Fuchs Niels , Birnbaum Gerit , Hutter Nils , Jutila Arttu , Buth Lena , von Albedyll Luisa , Ricker Robert , Haas Christian
Published: July 2023

The Multidisciplinary Drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate (MOSAiC) expedition took place between October 2019 and September 2020 giving the rare opportunity to monitor sea-ice properties over a full annual cycle. Here we present 24 high-resolution orthomosaics and 14 photogrammetric digital elevation models of the sea-ice surface around the icebreaker RV Polarstern between March and September 2020. The dataset is based on >34.000 images acquired by a helicopter-borne optical camera system with survey flights covering areas between 1.8 and 96.5 km2 around the vessel. Depending on the flight pattern and altitude of the helicopter, ground resolutions of the orthomosaics range between 0.03 and 0.5 m. By combining the photogrammetric products with contemporaneously acquired airborne laser scanner reflectance measurements selected orthomosaics could be corrected for cloud shadows which facilitates their usage for sea-ice and melt pond classification algorithms. The presented dataset is a valuable data source for the interdisciplinary MOSAiC community building a temporal and spatially resolved baseline to accompany various remote sensing and in situ research projects.
DOSE – Global data set of reported sub-national economic output
Authors: Wenz Leonie , Carr Robert Devon , Kögel Noah , Kotz Maximilian , Kalkuhl Matthias
Published: July 2023

Many phenomena of high relevance for economic development such as human capital, geography and climate vary considerably within countries as well as between them. Yet, global data sets of economic output are typically available at the national level only, thereby limiting the accuracy and precision of insights gained through empirical analyses. Recent work has used interpolation and downscaling to yield estimates of sub-national economic output at a global scale, but respective data sets based on official, reported values only are lacking. We here present DOSE — the MCC-PIK Database Of Sub-national Economic Output. DOSE contains harmonised data on reported economic output from 1,661 sub-national regions across 83 countries from 1960 to 2020. To avoid interpolation, values are assembled from numerous statistical agencies, yearbooks and the literature and harmonised for both aggregate and sectoral output. Moreover, we provide temporally- and spatially-consistent data for regional boundaries, enabling matching with geo-spatial data such as climate observations. DOSE provides the opportunity for detailed analyses of economic development at the subnational level, consistent with reported values.
Virtual embodiment in fibromyalgia
Authors: Świdrak Justyna , Arias Ana , de la Calle Edgar Rodriguez , Collado Cruz Antonio , Sanchez-Vives Maria V.
Published: July 2023

Chronic pain alters the experience of owning a body and leads to disturbances in bodily perception. We tested whether women with fibromyalgia (FM) are receptive to bodily illusions of owning a visible and progressively invisible body in immersive virtual reality (VR), and what modulates this experience. Twenty patients participated in two experimental sessions; each session included two conditions in a counterbalanced order. We found that patients with FM could indeed experience virtual embodiment. Sentiment analysis revealed significantly more positive reactions to the progressively invisible body, yet twice as many patients declared they preferred the illusion of a visible virtual body. A linear mixed model revealed that the strength of embodiment was positively associated with body perception disturbances and negatively associated with FM symptoms intensity. No effect of pain during the VR experience nor interoception awareness on embodiment was found. The results indicated that patients with FM are receptive to virtual bodily illusions and that the impact of the embodiment depends on affective reactions, the level of cognitive body distortions, and the intensity of symptoms. Importantly, there is a large variation among patients which should be considered in future VR-based interventions.
Effects of early aquatic exercise intervention on trunk strength and functional recovery of patients with lumbar fusion: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Huang An-Hua , Chou Wen-Hsiang , Wang Wendy Tzyy-Jiuan , Chen Wen-Yin , Shih Yi-Fen
Published: July 2023

This study investigated the effectiveness of an early aquatic exercise program on trunk muscle function and functional recovery of patients with lumbar fusion. Twenty-eight subjects were divided into two equal groups. Patients in the aquatic group performed two 60-min aquatic exercise sessions and three 60-min home exercise sessions per week for 6 weeks, whereas those in the control group performed five sessions of 60-min home exercises per week for 6 weeks. The primary outcomes were the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the secondary outcomes were Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), trunk flexor and extensor muscle strength, lumbopelvic stability, and lumbar multifidus muscle thickness measured pre- and post-intervention. Compared with participants in the control group, those in the experimental group showed significant improvement in NPRS, ODI, trunk extensor strength, lumbopelvic control, lumbar multifidus muscle thickness, and relative change in multifidus muscle thickness (significant time by group interactions, P < 0.05). Participants in both groups showed significant time effects (P < 0.001) for TUGT and trunk flexor strength outcome. Aquatic exercise combined with home exercise was superior to home exercise alone in reducing pain, disability and improving muscle strength, lumbopelvic stability, and lumbar multifidus muscle thickness.
Experimental and numerical study on gas production decline trend under ultralong-production-cycle from shale gas wells
Authors: Duan Xianggang , Xu Yingying , Xiong Wei , Hu Zhiming , Gao Shusheng , Chang Jin , Ge Yongsheng
Published: July 2023

It is of engineering interest to explore recovered shale gas composition and its effects on total gas production trend over a long-term extraction period. However, there are previous experimental studies mostly focused on short term development for small scaled cores, which is less convincing to mimic reservoir-scaled shale production process. In addition, the previous production models mostly failed to account for comprehensive gas nonlinear effects. As a result, in this paper, to illustrate the full-life-cycle production decline phenomenon for shale gas reservoir, dynamic physical simulation was performed for more than 3433 days to simulate shale gas transport out of the formations over a relatively long production period. Moreover, a five-region seepage mathematical model was then developed and was subsequently validated by the experimental results and shale well production data. Our findings show that for physical simulation, both the pressure and production declined steadily at an annual rate of less than 5%, and 67% of the total gas in the core was recovered. These test data supported earlier finding that shale gas is of low flow ability and slow pressure decline in the shale matrices. The production model indicated that free gas accounts for the majority of recovered shale gas at the initial stage. Based on a shale gas well example, free gas extraction makes up 90% of produced total gas. The adsorbed gas constitutes a primary gas source during the later stage. Adsorbed gas contributes more than 50% of the gas produced in the seventh year. The 20-year-cumulative adsorbed gas makes up 21% of the EUR for a single shale gas well. The results of this study can provide a reference for optimizing production systems and adjusting development techniques for shale gas wells throughout the combinations of mathematical modeling and experimental approaches.
Cryo-EM structure of SKP1-SKP2-CKS1 in complex with CDK2-cyclin A-p27KIP1
Authors: Rowland Rhianna J. , Heath Richard , Maskell Daniel , Thompson Rebecca F. , Ranson Neil A. , Blaza James N. , Endicott Jane A. , Noble Martin E. M. , Salamina Marco
Published: July 2023

p27KIP1 (cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B, p27) is a member of the CIP/KIP family of CDK (cyclin dependent kinase) regulators that inhibit cell cycle CDKs. p27 phosphorylation by CDK1/2, signals its recruitment to the SCFSKP2 (S-phase kinase associated protein 1 (SKP1)-cullin-SKP2) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex for proteasomal degradation. The nature of p27 binding to SKP2 and CKS1 was revealed by the SKP1-SKP2-CKS1-p27 phosphopeptide crystal structure. Subsequently, a model for the hexameric CDK2-cyclin A-CKS1-p27-SKP1-SKP2 complex was proposed by overlaying an independently determined CDK2-cyclin A-p27 structure. Here we describe the experimentally determined structure of the isolated CDK2-cyclin A-CKS1-p27-SKP1-SKP2 complex at 3.4 Å global resolution using cryogenic electron microscopy. This structure supports previous analysis in which p27 was found to be structurally dynamic, transitioning from disordered to nascent secondary structure on target binding. We employed 3D variability analysis to further explore the conformational space of the hexameric complex and uncovered a previously unidentified hinge motion centred on CKS1. This flexibility gives rise to open and closed conformations of the hexameric complex that we propose may contribute to p27 regulation by facilitating recognition with SCFSKP2. This 3D variability analysis further informed particle subtraction and local refinement approaches to enhance the local resolution of the complex.
Lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio as a prognostic and potential tumor microenvironment indicator in advanced soft tissue sarcoma treated with first-line doxorubicin therapy
Authors: Watanabe Sho , Shimoi Tatsunori , Nishikawa Tadaaki , Kawachi Asuka , Okuma Hitomi Sumiyoshi , Tokura Momoko , Yazaki Shu , Mizoguchi Chiharu , Arakaki Motoko , Saito Ayumi , Kita Shosuke , Yamamoto Kasumi , Kojima Yuki , Sudo Kazuki , Noguchi Emi , Yoshida Akihiko , Kawai Akira , Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Yonemori Kan
Published: July 2023

Prognostic value of hematologic indices and their association with the tumor microenvironment (TME) remain unclear in advanced soft tissue sarcoma (STS). We aimed to evaluate their prognostic value and correlation with the TME status in advanced STS treated with first-line doxorubicin (DXR) therapy. Clinical data and three hematological indices, including lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, were collected from 149 patients with advanced STS. The TME status was pathologically examined by CD3, CD68, and CD20 staining of resected tumor slides. In a multivariate Cox analysis, low LMR and absence of primary tumor resection were independently associated with worse overall survival (OS) (HR 3.93,p = 0.001; HR 1.71,p = 0.03). A prognostic model using these variables predicted OS with greater area under curves than those obtained using Systemic Inflammatory Score and Glasgow Prognostic Score. The LMR significantly correlated with the tumoral CD3/CD68-positive cell ratio in surgical specimens (R = 0.959,p = 0.04). In conclusion, LMR was a prognostic factor in advanced STS treated with first-line DXR therapy. LMR could partially reflect anti-tumor immunity in the TME and have the prognostic value. The potential role of LMR as an indicator of TME status warrants further investigation.
Association between DIAPH1 variant and posterior circulation involvement with Moyamoya disease
Authors: He Shihao , Hao Xiaokuan , Liu Ziqi , Wang Yanru , Zhang Junze , Wang Xilong , Di Fei , Wang Rong , Zhao Yuanli
Published: July 2023

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a chronic and progressive cerebrovascular stenosis or occlusive disease that occurs near Willis blood vessels. The aim of this study was to investigate the mutation of DIAPH1 in Asian population, and to compare the angiographic features of MMD patients with and without the mutation of the DIAPH1 gene. Blood samples of 50 patients with MMD were collected, and DIAPH1 gene mutation was detected. The angiographic involvement of the posterior cerebral artery was compared between the mutant group and the non-mutant group. The independent risk factors of posterior cerebral artery involvement were determined by multivariate logistic regression analysis. DIAPH1 gene mutation was detected in 9 (18%) of 50 patients, including 7 synonymous mutations and 2 missense mutations. However, the incidence of posterior cerebral artery involvement in mutation positive group was very higher than that in mutation negative group (77.8% versus 12%; p = 0.001). There is an association between DIAPH1 mutation and PCA involvement (odds ratio 29.483, 95% confidence interval 3.920–221.736; p = 0.001). DIAPH1 gene mutation is not a major genetic risk gene for Asian patients with moyamoya disease but may play an important role in the involvement of posterior cerebral artery.
The cost-effectiveness of home phototherapy for hyperbilirubinemia in neonates: results from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pettersson Miriam , Ryen Linda , Eriksson Mats , Ohlin Andreas
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to establish the cost-effectiveness of home phototherapy versus hospital phototherapy treating hyperbilirubinemia in neonates more than 36 weeks. Based on clinical results from a randomised controlled trial showing that home phototherapy for hyperbilirubinemia in term neonates is as effective as hospital phototherapy, we performed a cost-minimisation analysis to identify the most cost-effective alternative. We included costs for health care resource use as well as costs for transportation in connection with re-visits. The cost per patient was €337 for home phototherapy compared with €1156 for the hospital alternative indicating average cost savings of €819 (95% confidence interval €613–1025) or 71% per patient. Transportation and outpatient costs were higher in the home treatment group and hospital care costs were higher in the hospital group. Sensitivity analysis shows that results are robust also when allowing for uncertainty. Home phototherapy for neonates more than 36 weeks costs less than in-hospital phototherapy while being equally effective, meaning that home phototherapy is a cost-effective alternative to hospital treatment for infants with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

Trial registrationNCT03536078. Date of registration: 24/05/2018.
Autophagy dictates sensitivity to PRMT5 inhibitor in breast cancer
Authors: Brobbey Charles , Yin Shasha , Liu Liu , Ball Lauren E. , Howe Philip H. , Delaney Joe R. , Gan Wenjian
Published: July 2023

Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) catalyzes mono-methylation and symmetric di-methylation on arginine residues and has emerged as a potential antitumor target with inhibitors being tested in clinical trials. However, it remains unknown how the efficacy of PRMT5 inhibitors is regulated. Here we report that autophagy blockage enhances cellular sensitivity to PRMT5 inhibitor in triple negative breast cancer cells. Genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibition of PRMT5 triggers cytoprotective autophagy. Mechanistically, PRMT5 catalyzes monomethylation of ULK1 at R532 to suppress ULK1 activation, leading to attenuation of autophagy. As a result, ULK1 inhibition blocks PRMT5 deficiency-induced autophagy and sensitizes cells to PRMT5 inhibitor. Our study not only identifies autophagy as an inducible factor that dictates cellular sensitivity to PRMT5 inhibitor, but also unearths a critical molecular mechanism by which PRMT5 regulates autophagy through methylating ULK1, providing a rationale for the combination of PRMT5 and autophagy inhibitors in cancer therapy.
Three-dimensional organization of pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrrole-based triazine framework using nanostructural spherical carbon: enhancing electrochemical performance of materials for supercapacitors
Authors: Hryniewicka Agnieszka , Breczko Joanna , Siemiaszko Gabriela , Papathanassiou Anthony N. , Góra-Marek Kinga , Tarach Karolina A. , Brzezinski Krzysztof , Ilnicka Anna , Terzyk Artur P. , Markiewicz Karolina H. , Echegoyen Luis , Plonska-Brzezinska Marta E.
Published: July 2023

Covalent triazine-based frameworks have attracted much interest recently due to their high surface area and excellent thermal and electrochemical stabilities. This study shows that covalently immobilizing triazine-based structures on spherical carbon nanostructures results in the organization of micro- and mesopores in a three-dimensional manner. We selected the nitrile-functionalized pyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrrole unit to form triazine rings to construct a covalent organic framework. Combining spherical carbon nanostructures with the triazine framework produced a material with unique physicochemical properties, exhibiting the highest specific capacitance value of 638 F g−1 in aqueous acidic solutions. This phenomenon is attributed to many factors. The material exhibits a large surface area, a high content of micropores, a high content of graphitic N, and N-sites with basicity and semi-crystalline character. Thanks to the high structural organization and reproducibility, and remarkably high specific capacitance, these systems are promising materials for use in electrochemistry. For the first time, hybrid systems containing triazine-based frameworks and carbon nano-onions were used as electrodes for supercapacitors.
METTL5 serves as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma by influencing the immune microenvironment
Authors: Wang Lei , Peng Jin-lin
Published: July 2023

Despite the abnormal expression of 18S rRNA m6A methyltransferase METTL5 being reported in some types of human malignancies, but its effect on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains to be unclear. This study aims to elucidate the influences of METTL5 on the carcinogenesis and progression of HCC. Expressions of METTL5 gene, transcript, protein, and promoter methylation in HCC were examined through multiple databases, c-BioPortal was used to confirm the genomic alterations of METTL5, the biological functions, target networks of kinases and microRNAs of METTL5, and its interactive differential genes were investigated through LinkedOmics. The possible correlation of METTL5 with the tumor-related infiltration of immune cells for HCC were explored comprehensively by using the online tools of TIMER and TISIDB. Expressions of METTL5 gene, mRNA, and protein were considerably overexpressed in HCC samples in comparison with healthy samples. The high methylation of the METTL5 promoter was observed in HCC tissues. Elevated METTL5 expression exhibited unfavorable survival outcomes in HCC patients. METTL5 expression were enriched in the signaling pathways of ribosome and oxidative phosphorylation, mismatch repair, and spliceosome through the involvement of several cancer-related kinases and miRNAs. The METTL5 expression has a positive correlation with the infiltration degree of B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells in HCC. Marker genes of tumor immune-infiltrated cells have strong connection with METTL5. Furthermore, the upregulation of METTL5 was strongly correlated with the immune regulation of immunomodulators, chemokines, and chemokine receptors in the immune microenvironment. The oncogenesis and development of HCC are closely related to METTL5 expression, and the overexpression of METTL5 resulted in the poor survival outcome of HCC patients by regulating tumor immune microenvironment.