bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanistic Insights into the N‐Hydroxylations Catalyzed by the Binuclear Iron Domain of SznF Enzyme: Key Piece in the Synthesis of Streptozotocin
Authors: Li Rui‐Ning , Chen Shi‐Lu
Published: January 2024

SznF, a member of the emerging family of heme‐oxygenase‐like (HO‐like) di‐iron oxidases and oxygenases, employs two distinct domains to catalyze the conversion of Nω‐methyl‐L‐arginine (L‐NMA) into N‐nitroso‐containing product, which can subsequently be transformed into streptozotocin. Using unrestricted density functional theory (UDFT) with the hybrid functional B3LYP, we have mechanistically investigated the two sequential hydroxylations of L‐NMA catalyzed by SznF's binuclear iron central domain. Mechanism B primarily involves the O−O bond dissociation, forming Fe(IV)=O, induced by the H+/e− introduction to the FeA side of μ‐1,2‐peroxo‐Fe2(III/III), the substrate hydrogen abstraction by Fe(IV)=O, and the hydroxyl rebound to the substrate N radical. The stochastic addition of H+/e− to the FeB side (mechanism C) can transition to mechanism B, thereby preventing enzyme deactivation. Two other competing mechanisms, involving the direct O−O bond dissociation (mechanism A) and the addition of H2O as a co‐substrate (mechanism D), have been ruled out.
Homochiral zeolites as chiral modifier for voltammetry sensors with high enantioselectivity
Authors: Vakulin Ivan V. , Zilberg Rufina A. , Galimov Ilnar I. , Sycheva Maria A.
Published: January 2024

Composite enantioselective voltammetry sensors provide a well‐known solution for the analysis and discrimination of enantiomerical drugs by voltammetry. The design of such sensor presumes the use of chiral substances to impart chirality to the electrode surface. We present the results of applying a theoretical approach based on simulating the adsorption of analyte enantiomers for preparing high enantioselectivity of pioneering enantioselective sensors using homochiral zeolites as chiral modifiers.

We investigated the ability of some homochiral zeolites like CZP, ITV, OSO, STW, MFI, and SOF to act as solid chiral modifiers. Using tryptophan and tyrosine as model objects, we found that the maximum difference between the adsorption energies (ΔEads) of enantiomers on zeolites occurs if enantiomers are placed into the pores of zeolites. The SOF zeolite demonstrates the best enantioselectivity to both amino acids. Moreover, we compared the theoretical results with the experimental enantioselectivity value for tryptophan on a sensor designed as a paste electrode with MFI as the chiral modifier. We found that the calculated value ΔEads(R‐S) = −11.0 kJ/mol for MFI, though it is not the best value in the zeolite set considered, it is still enough for the sensor with MFI as the chiral modifier to demonstrate a higher than usual enantioselectivity (ip1/ip2 = 1.58) in an experiment with R‐ and S‐ tryptophan as the analyte.
GELU‐LSTM‐encoder‐decoder fault prediction for batch processes based on the global–local percentile method
Authors: Gao Xuejin , Li Xuefeng , Li Bolun , Han Huayun , Gao Huihui , Qi Yongsheng
Published: January 2024

Fault prediction is a crucial strategy for ensuring the safety and efficiency of batch processes, and it aims to predict the degradation trend and isolate the fault. Operating mistakes or external environment changes can lead to the degradation of batch processes, eventually resulting in faults. The point at which degradation begins is known as the time to start prediction (TSP). Determining the TSP provides more reliable degradation information for fault prediction and enhances prediction accuracy. Nevertheless, it is difficult to obtain TSP in batch processes because of some complex data features, such as multi‐phase and strong dynamics, which result in a significant loss of fault prediction. To address these challenges, a fault prediction method is proposed based on the global–local percentile method applied to Gaussian error linear unit‐long short‐term memory‐encoder‐decoder (GELU‐LSTM‐encoder‐ED). Firstly, squared prediction error (SPE) is normalized to eliminate differences in data features. Secondly, a global–local percentile method is proposed to determine the TSP. The period is divided based on the threshold fluctuation to derive the model input. Then the global percentile model is employed to identify the interval to which the TSP belongs. Subsequently, the local percentile model is employed to analyze this interval and identify the TSP. Thirdly, the LSTM based on the encoder‐decoder model, enhanced with the GELU, is utilized to improve the performance of fault prediction. Finally, two fault datasets on the penicillin fermentation process and Escherichia coli fermentation process are employed to demonstrate the performance of the presented method compared with other shared methods.
Fatty acid‐binding protein‐3 and renal function decline in patients with chronic coronary syndrome
Authors: Yeh Jiunn‐Tyng , Huang Chin‐Chou , Leu Hsin‐Bang , Yin Wei‐Hsian , Tseng Wei‐Kung , Wu Yen‐Wen , Lin Tsung‐Hsien , Yeh Hung‐I , Chang Kuan‐Cheng , Wang Ji‐Hung , Wu Chau‐Chung , Chen Jaw‐Wen
Published: January 2024

Background

Renal dysfunction is common in patients with coronary artery disease. Due to the shared vascular pathogenesis between the two conditions, novel biomarkers such as the fatty acid‐binding protein‐3 (FABP‐3) have been proposed for diagnosis and prognosis prediction. This multicentre prospective cohort study investigates the association between FABP‐3 and renal dysfunction.

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that higher FABP‐3 levels are correlated to worse renal outcome.

Methods

Patients with chronic coronary syndrome were classified into three groups based on the initial serum FABP‐3 levels. The Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD‐EPI) equation was used to estimate the patient's renal function. Renal events were defined as >25% and >50% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Cox multivariable regression was employed to delineate the correlation between FABP‐3 and renal dysfunction.

Results

A total of 1606 subjects were included. During a mean follow‐up of 35.9 months, there were 239 patients with eGFR >25% reduction and 60 patients with >50% reduction. In the Kaplan–Meier survival curve and log‐rank test, increased levels of FABP‐3 were significantly correlated with eGFR >25% reduction (p < .001) and >50% reduction (p < .001). Multivariate Cox regression model revealed that subjects with higher FABP‐3 exhibited a greater risk of eGFR >25% reduction (Group 2: hazard ratio [HR] = 2.328, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.521–3.562, p < .001; Group 3: HR = 3.054, 95% CI = 1.952–4.776, p < .001) and >50% reduction (Group 3: HR = 4.838, 95% CI = 1.722–13.591, p = .003).

Conclusions

Serum FABP‐3 may serve as a novel biomarker to predict eGFR decline in patients with chronic coronary syndrome.
Impedance Response Analysis of Anion Exchange Membrane Electrolyzers for Determination of the Electrochemically Active Catalyst Surface Area
Authors: Watzele Sebastian A. , Kluge Regina M. , Maljusch Artjom , Borowski Patrick , Bandarenka Aliaksandr S.
Published: January 2024

Polymer membrane electrolyzers benefit from high‐pressure operation conditions and low gas cross‐over and can either conduct protons (H+) or hydroxide ions (OH−). Both types of electrolyzers have a similar design, but differ in power density and the choice of catalysts. Despite the significant endeavor of their optimization, to date, there is no well‐established impedance model for detailed analysis for either type of these devices. This complicates the in‐situ characterization of electrolyzers, hindering the investigation of degradation mechanisms and electrocatalytic processes as a function of applied current density or time. Nevertheless, a detailed understanding of such individual processes and distinguishing the performance‐limiting factors are the keystones for sophisticated device optimization. In this work, an impedance model based on electrode processes has been developed for an anion exchange membrane electrolyzer utilizing iridium oxide anode and platinum cathode electrocatalysts. This model allows to deconvolute the measured impedances into constituents related to the individual electrode processes and to estimate actual physico‐chemical quantities such as the reaction kinetic parameters and double‐layer capacitances. We discuss the meaning of the fitting parameters and show that this model enables, for the first time, the estimation of the electrochemically active surface area of the anode electrocatalysts under reaction conditions.
ACAT2 may be a novel predictive biomarker and therapeutic target in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Zhongchao , Cao Zhugen , Dai Zhaoxia
Published: January 2024

Background

Acyl‐coenzyme A cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) is a membrane‐binding enzyme localized in the endoplasmic reticulum. ACAT2 can promote the development of colon cancer, but its efficacy in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains uncertain.

Method

ACAT2 expression was performed by using the TIMER2.0 database. The GEPIA database was utilized to analyze the correlation between ACAT2 expression and pathological stage of the tumor. Clinical prognosis was assessed through the Kaplan–Meier analysis. The CancerSEA database was employed to scrutinize the correlations between the ACAT2 expression and the functional status of various tumors, which were subsequently visualized as a heatmap. Furthermore, molecular interaction network analysis was performed by the STRING tool.

Results

High ACAT2 expression was associated with a poor DFS and OS in LUAD patients. Cox regression analysis indicated that the poor outcomes may be related to tumor stage, nodal stage, distant metastatic stage. ACAT2 was found to play a crucial role in various biological processes, including the cell cycle, DNA repair, DNA damage response, and proliferation. Enrichment pathway analysis revealed four ACAT2 related genes, ACOX1, EHHADH, OXCT1, and DLAT.

Conclusion

Our study showed that ACAT2 was upregulated in LUAD, and had a worse survival. ACAT2 could be a novel predictive biomarker and therapeutic target in LUAD.
Successful application of lorlatinib in a 23‐year‐old patient with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)‐positive lung cancer and multiple brain metastases
Authors: Murakami Yosuke , Kawashima Yosuke , Chiba Shinji , Hara Shuichiro , Yamazaki Yusuke , Doman Tsuyoshi , Saito Shin , Odaka Tetsuo , Ogasawara Takahiro , Shimizu Hisashi , Sugisaka Jun , Aiba Tomoiki , Toi Yukihiro , Yamanda Shinsuke , Kimura Yuichiro , Sugawara Shunichi
Published: January 2024

Background

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)‐positive lung cancer has a better long‐term prognosis with ALK‐inhibitor than other lung cancers. However, resistance to ALK‐inhibitors and the control of metastases in the central nervous system (CNS) remain to be a challenge in the management of ALK‐positive lung cancer.

Case

We present the case of a 23‐year‐old man who developed multiple brain metastases while receiving alectinib treatment for ALK‐positive lung cancer. After 3 months of lorlatinib initiation, brain metastases disappeared, and complete response (CR) was maintained.

Conclusion

While lorlatinib can be used as first line therapy, this drug may be considered as second line or later option for patients with multiple brain metastases if the patient has already been treated with other ALK‐inhibitors since lorlatinib is thought to have good CNS penetration. This treatment option should be verified by further research.
A Bioequivalence Comparison Between the Once‐Daily Extended‐Release Tablet and the Twice‐Daily Tablet Formulations of Deutetrabenazine at Steady State
Authors: Sunzel Eva‐Maria , Rabinovich‐Guilatt Laura , Iyengar Malini , Ruffo Debra , Birajdar Nagnath G. , Loupe Pippa , Gutierrez Maria , Gordon Mark Forrest , Ghibellini Giulia
Published: January 2024

Deutetrabenazine is approved for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia and chorea associated with Huntington's disease. This study compared the exposure between the once‐daily (test) and twice‐daily (reference) formulations of deutetrabenazine under fed conditions. Using a randomized crossover design, healthy adults (n = 262) received the 24 mg of the test formulation once daily and 12 mg of the reference formulation twice daily, each for 7 days. Plasma concentrations were collected on Days 4‐6 before dose intake, and frequently for pharmacokinetic evaluation on Days 6 and 7 for determination of deutetrabenazine and active metabolites, deuterated α‐dihydrotetrabenazine (α‐HTBZ) and β‐dihydrotetrabenazine (β‐HTBZ). Geometric mean ratios (GMRs, test/reference) were computed for all analytes, and bioequivalence was tested for area under the plasma concentration‐time curve over 24 hours at steady state (AUC0‐24 h,ss) and for maximum plasma concentrations at steady state (Cmax,ss). The GMRs for AUC0‐24 h,ss were 115% for deutetrabenazine and 95% for deuterated total (α+β)‐HTBZ; and the GMR for Cmax,ss for deutetrabenazine was 95%. Relative bioavailability was assessed for Cmax,ss of the active metabolites; the GMR was 78% for total (α+β)‐HTBZ. At steady state, deutetrabenazine administered as the once‐daily formulation was bioequivalent to the twice‐daily formulation for both AUC and Cmax, and the active metabolites were bioequivalent with regard to AUC0‐24 h,ss.
Optimizing the Cray Graph Engine for performant analytics on cluster, SuperDome Flex, Shasta systems and cloud deployment
Authors: Rickett Christopher D. , Maschhoff Kristyn J. , Sukumar Sreenivas R.
Published: January 2024

We present updates to the Cray Graph Engine, a high performance in‐memory semantic graph database, which enable performant execution across multiple architectures as well as deployment in a container to support cloud and as‐a‐service graph analytics. This paper discusses the changes required to port and optimize CGE to target multiple architectures, including Cray Shasta systems, large shared‐memory machines such as SuperDome Flex (SDF), and cluster environments such as Apollo systems. The porting effort focused primarily on removing dependences on XPMEM and Cray PGAS and replacing these with a simplified PGAS library based upon POSIX shared memory and one‐sided MPI, while preserving the existing Coarray‐C++ CGE code base. We also discuss the containerization of CGE using Singularity and the techniques required to enable container performance matching native execution. We present early benchmarking results for running CGE on the SDF, Infiniband clusters and Slingshot interconnect‐based Shasta systems.
Special Issue on the pervasive nature of HPC (PN‐HPC)
Authors: Lapegna Marco , Mele Valeria , Montella Raffaele , Szustak Lukasz
Published: January 2024

This special issue on the Pervasive Nature of HPC (PN‐HPC) collects an extension of the most valuable works presented at the sixth Workshop on Models, Algorithms and Methodologies for Hybrid Parallelism in New HPC Systems (MAMHYP‐22), held in Gdansk (Poland) in September 2022, jointly with the 14th conference on Parallel Processing and Applied Mathematics (PPAM‐22). New original papers related to the workshop themes are also included. The final aim is to provide a glimpse of the current state of knowledge related to the development of efficient methodologies and algorithms for HPC systems with multiple forms of parallelism.
Transition metal phosphides: synthesis nanoarchitectonics, catalytic properties, and biomass conversion applications
Authors: Lu Xuebin , Yan Kai , Yu Zhihao , Wang Jingfei , Liu Runyu , Zhang Rui , Qiao Yina , Xiong Jian
Published: January 2024

Developing inexpensive and efficient catalysts for biomass hydrogenation or hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) is essential for efficient energy conversion. Transition metal phosphides (TMPs), with the merits of abundant active sites, unique physicochemical properties, tunable component structures, and excellent catalytic activities, are recognized as promising biomass hydrogenation or HDO catalytic materials. Nevertheless, the biomass hydrogenation or HDO catalytic applications of TMPs are still limited by various complexities and inherent performance bottlenecks, and thus their future development and utilization remain to be systematically sorted out and further explored. This review summarizes the current popular strategies for the preparation of TMPs. Subsequently, based on the structural and electronic properties of TMPs, the catalytic activity origins of TMPs in biomass hydrogenation or HDO is elucidated. Additionally, the application of TMPs in efficient biomass hydrogenation or HDO catalysis, as well as highly targeted multiscale strategies to enhance the catalytic performance of TMPs, are comprehensively described. Finally, large‐scale amplification synthesis, rational construction of TMP‐based catalysts and in‐depth study of the catalytic mechanism are also mentioned as challenges and future directions in this research field. Expectedly, this review can provide professional and targeted guidance for the rational design and practical application of TMPs biomass hydrogenation or HDO catalysts.
A multisource energy harvesting circuit for vibration and light energy with MPPT
Authors: Zhu Danfeng , Wang Dashan , Qian Libo
Published: January 2024

The article presents a multisource energy harvesting circuit (MEHC) for vibration and light energy with maximum power point tracking (MPPT). The MEHC has a cold start capability and extracts energy from piezoelectric transducers (PZTs) and photovoltaic cells (PVs) simultaneously when the multi PZTs reach their peak open‐circuit (OC) voltage, detected by the peak voltage detector and the PV1 cell voltage exceeds the MPP voltage (MPP voltage is approximately 0.7 times the PV cell's OC voltage) during the off‐peak time of the PZTs. The experimental results indicate that the output power of the MEHC is 2.8 mW under certain conditions, and the maximum energy extraction efficiency of the PVs is about 75%. The output power of the MEHC is 4.59 times of that without PVs.
Cellular models in autoinflammatory disease research
Authors: Şen Başak , Balcı‐Peynircioğlu Banu
Published: January 2024

Systemic autoinflammatory diseases are a heterogeneous group of rare genetic disorders caused by dysregulation of the innate immune system. Understanding the complex mechanisms underlying these conditions is critical for developing effective treatments. Cellular models are essential for identifying new conditions and studying their pathogenesis. Traditionally, these studies have used primary cells and cell lines of disease‐relevant cell types, although newer induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)‐based models might have unique advantages. In this review, we discuss the three cellular models used in autoinflammatory disease research, their strengths and weaknesses, and their applications to inform future research in the field.
The predictability of near‐term forest biomass change in boreal North America
Authors: Burrell Arden L. , Cooperdock Sol , Potter Stefano , Berner Logan T. , Hember Robert , Macander Matthew J. , Walker Xanthe J. , Massey Richard , Foster Adrianna C. , Mack Michelle C. , Goetz Scott J. , Rogers Brendan
Published: January 2024

Climate change is driving substantial changes in North American boreal forests, including changes in productivity, mortality, recruitment, and biomass. Despite the importance for carbon budgets and informing management decisions, there is a lack of near‐term (5–30 year) forecasts of expected changes in aboveground biomass (AGB). In this study, we forecast AGB changes across the North American boreal forest using machine learning, repeat measurements from 25,000 forest inventory sites, and gridded geospatial datasets. We find that AGB change can be predicted up to 30 years into the future, and that training on sites across the entire domain allows accurate predictions even in regions with only a small amount of existing field data. While predicting AGB loss is less skillful than gains, using a multi‐model ensemble can improve the accuracy in detecting change direction to >90% for observed increases, and up to 70% for observed losses. Higher stem density, winter temperatures, and the presence of temperate tree species in forest plots were positively associated with AGB change, whereas greater initial biomass, continentality (difference between mean summer and winter temperatures), prevalence of black spruce (Picea mariana), summer precipitation, and early warning metrics from long‐term remote sensing time series were negatively associated with AGB change. Across the domain, we predict nondisturbance‐induced declines in AGB at 23% of sites by 2030. The approach developed here can be used to estimate near‐future forest biomass in boreal North America and inform relevant management decisions. Our study also highlights the power of machine learning multi‐model ensembles when trained on a large volume of forest inventory plots, which could be applied to other regions with adequate plot density and spatial coverage.
The next‐generation therapies in ophthalmology for blindness worldwide
Authors: Xu Jie , Zhang Chang‐Jun , Jiang Jia‐Yi , Jin Zi‐Bing
Published: January 2024

With the rapid and groundbreaking development in 21st century medicine on a global scale, new possibilities have emerged for addressing eye diseases, that can be blindness, and that conventional pharmaceuticals and surgical interventions have not hitherto been able to adequately treat. Gene enhancement/supplementation, gene editing, and stem cell therapies have now emerged as key subdisciplines. Here we discuss the current state and prospects of regenerative therapy in the field of ophthalmology, with a primary focus on diseases affecting the cornea, retina, and optic nerve. Our review summarizes the latest advances, challenges, and opportunities in these fields, as well as the potential applications and limitations of different strategies. The review also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary and collaborative innovation models for achieving breakthroughs in therapeutic development for sight‐loss diseases worldwide.
Giant cell myocarditis with prolonged cardiac standstill after drug‐induced hypersensitivity syndrome: a case report
Authors: Ono Ryohei , Kohno Hiroki , Kaminota Sae , Aoki Kaoruko , Kato Hirotoshi , Iwahana Togo , Aihara Takanori , Ota Masayuki , Matsumiya Goro , Kobayashi Yoshio
Published: January 2024

Giant cell myocarditis (GCM) is a rare but fatal disease that can lead to cardiac failure. Survival with a cardiac standstill requires mechanical circulatory support or a biventricular assist device (BiVAD) and prolonged survival is extremely rare. Drug‐induced hypersensitivity syndrome (DIHS) is a severe cutaneous adverse reaction. Some cases of DIHS are reportedly associated with the onset of GCM. We present a case of a 28‐year‐old woman who developed GCM during steroid tapering after DIHS. She went into continuous cardiac standstill but survived for 74 days under BiVAD support. Our case is noteworthy because the histopathologic specimens obtained on three occasions contributed to the diagnosis of this particular condition over time. We also reviewed previous literature on concomitant cases of GCM and DIHS. We found that two are potentially associated and most cases of GCM occur within 3 months of DIHS during steroid tapering.
Controls on the morphological evolution of embayed beaches: Morphometry versus external forcing
Authors: Marco‐Peretó Candela , Durán Ruth , Toomey Tim , Guillén Jorge
Published: January 2024

The morphological evolution of embayed beaches on a microtidal coast is assumed to largely respond to the degree of exposure to wave conditions, decreasing the mobility with increasing beach indentation (and vice versa). However, the number of sediment arrivals at the beach or the impact of extreme storms can modify this relationship. Here, we present an analysis of 10 embayed beaches along the Catalan coast with different morphometric and sedimentary characteristics to identify the most relevant parameters controlling the morphological evolution of these embayed beaches at the inter‐annual and decadal scales. The study was mostly based on LiDAR topographic data collected from 2012 to 2017, aerial photographs from 1945 to 2021, sediment sampling and a long‐term series analysis of the forcing parameters (waves, sea level, precipitation and land‐use changes). The results show a net loss of volume on all the studied beaches at an inter‐annual scale and a general shoreline retreat during the last few decades, suggesting the influence of common processes on the evolution of the studied beaches. Smaller pocket beaches with medium‐to‐high indentations are more sensitive to changes induced by local factors and show higher variability in the volume of the emerged beach and shoreline position than larger beaches. The most relevant factors influencing the evolution of the studied beaches on a decadal scale were identified as changes in sea level and the reduction in sediment inputs provided by streams due to land‐use changes in the drainage basin. At the inter‐annual scale, the impact of extreme events is the main factor controlling beach behaviour. These general trends can be opposite locally for beaches that receive large amounts of sediment via longshore transport from adjacent beaches.
Price discovery and long‐memory property: Simulation and empirical evidence from the bitcoin market
Authors: Xu Ke , Chen Yu‐Lun , Liu Bo , Chen Jian
Published: January 2024

Price discovery studies of a single asset traded in multiple markets have traditionally focused on assessing the relative price discovery contribution of each market. However, in this paper, we demonstrate that the overall price discovery across all markets can undergo changes even when the relative price discovery of each market remains constant. We propose that this overall change in price discovery can be effectively captured by the fractional parameter in the fractionally cointegrated vector autoregressive (FCVAR) model. In contrast, the widely used cointegrated vector autoregressive (CVAR) model fails to account for this dynamic in overall price discovery. Through a combination of simulation exercises and empirical applications, we show that the FCVAR approach outperforms the CVAR model not only in evaluating the relative price discovery contributions but also, more importantly, in providing a comprehensive measurement of overall price discovery.
Heritability of cognitive and emotion processing during functional MRI in a twin sample
Authors: Park Haeme R. P. , Chilver Miranda R. , Quidé Yann , Montalto Arthur , Schofield Peter R. , Williams Leanne M. , Gatt Justine M.
Published: January 2024

Despite compelling evidence that brain structure is heritable, the evidence for the heritability of task‐evoked brain function is less robust. Findings from previous studies are inconsistent possibly reflecting small samples and methodological variations. In a large national twin sample, we systematically evaluated heritability of task‐evoked brain activity derived from functional magnetic resonance imaging. We used established standardised tasks to engage brain regions involved in cognitive and emotional functions. Heritability was evaluated across a conscious and nonconscious Facial Expressions of Emotion Task (FEET), selective attention Oddball Task, N‐back task of working memory maintenance, and a Go‐NoGo cognitive control task in a sample of Australian adult twins (N ranged from 136 to 226 participants depending on the task and pairs). Two methods for quantifying associations of heritability and brain activity were utilised; a multivariate independent component analysis (ICA) approach and a univariate brain region‐of‐interest (ROI) approach. Using ICA, we observed that a significant proportion of task‐evoked brain activity was heritable, with estimates ranging from 23% to 26% for activity elicited by nonconscious facial emotion stimuli, 27% to 34% for N‐back working memory maintenance and sustained attention, and 32% to 33% for selective attention in the Oddball task. Using the ROI approach, we found that activity of regions specifically implicated in emotion processing and selective attention showed significant heritability for three ROIs, including estimates of 33%–34% for the left and right amygdala in the nonconscious processing of sad faces and 29% in the medial superior prefrontal cortex for the Oddball task. Although both approaches show similar levels of heritability for the Nonconscious Faces and Oddball tasks, ICA results displayed a more extensive network of heritable brain function, including additional regions beyond the ROI analysis. Furthermore, multivariate twin modelling of both ICA networks and ROI activation suggested a mix of common genetic and unique environmental factors that contribute to the associations between networks/regions. Together, the results indicate a complex relationship between genetic factors and environmental interactions that ultimately give rise to neural activation underlying cognition and emotion.
Neural sensitivity to translational self‐ and object‐motion velocities
Authors: Sulpizio Valentina , von Gal Alessandro , Galati Gaspare , Fattori Patrizia , Galletti Claudio , Pitzalis Sabrina
Published: January 2024

The ability to detect and assess world‐relative object‐motion is a critical computation performed by the visual system. This computation, however, is greatly complicated by the observer's movements, which generate a global pattern of motion on the observer's retina. How the visual system implements this computation is poorly understood. Since we are potentially able to detect a moving object if its motion differs in velocity (or direction) from the expected optic flow generated by our own motion, here we manipulated the relative motion velocity between the observer and the object within a stationary scene as a strategy to test how the brain accomplishes object‐motion detection. Specifically, we tested the neural sensitivity of brain regions that are known to respond to egomotion‐compatible visual motion (i.e., egomotion areas: cingulate sulcus visual area, posterior cingulate sulcus area, posterior insular cortex [PIC], V6+, V3A, IPSmot/VIP, and MT+) to a combination of different velocities of visually induced translational self‐ and object‐motion within a virtual scene while participants were instructed to detect object‐motion. To this aim, we combined individual surface‐based brain mapping, task‐evoked activity by functional magnetic resonance imaging, and parametric and representational similarity analyses. We found that all the egomotion regions (except area PIC) responded to all the possible combinations of self‐ and object‐motion and were modulated by the self‐motion velocity. Interestingly, we found that, among all the egomotion areas, only MT+, V6+, and V3A were further modulated by object‐motion velocities, hence reflecting their possible role in discriminating between distinct velocities of self‐ and object‐motion. We suggest that these egomotion regions may be involved in the complex computation required for detecting scene‐relative object‐motion during self‐motion.
Clinical characteristics and mortality prediction of patients admitted to the Hong Kong East Cluster intensive care units in the COVID‐19 fifth wave
Authors: Man MY , Lam SM , Yu SYJ , Chan JYA , Lee MY , Shum HP , Yan WW
Published: January 2024

Introduction

COVID‐19 has been threatening global public health since 2019. To address the overwhelming caseload, several tools were developed to predict prognosis and aid triage of critically ill patients for intensive care. Currently, there is a lack of local data on the validity of such tools.

Objective

The objective of this study is to identify the predictors of intensive care unit (ICU) mortality in COVID‐19 patients in Hong Kong and externally validate the different scoring systems.

Methods

A retrospective cohort analysis of patients admitted to the HKEC ICUs from 1 January 2022 to 30 April 2022 was performed. We collected data on patient demographics, vaccination status, laboratory parameters, and clinical outcomes including need for organ support and mortality. Clinical severities were estimated by Sequential Organ Failure Score, 4C Mortality Score, COVID‐Gram score, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) IV score based on the original studies. Comparison between individual scoring systems' performance on hospital mortality was conducted and summarized.

Results

In these four months, 137 patients with COVID‐19 admitted to ICUs of Ruttonjee Hospital and Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital were recruited. 64 patients (46.7%) were admitted for COVID‐19 related respiratory failure, among which mortality was 66.7%. The overall hospital and ICU mortality were 21.9% and 13.1%, respectively. Invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) (OR 3.221, p 0.034), high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy (OR 3.107, p 0.039), and higher APACHE IV score (OR 1.043, p < 0.001) were independent predictors of hospital mortality using multivariate analysis. The scoring systems had good performance in mortality prediction in our population. The APACHE IV score (AUROC 0.79, 95% CI 0.698–0.894) and 4C Mortality Score (AUROC 0.751, 95% CI 0.657–0.844) outperformed other scoring systems in predicting hospital mortality.

Conclusion

In patients with COVID‐19, the use of IMV or HFNC and APACHE IV score were independent risk factors for hospital mortality. The APACHE IV and the 4C Mortality Score were most useful in our population for predicting ICU and hospital mortality.
Exact and analytical solutions for self‐similar thermal boundary layer flows over a moving wedge
Authors: Kirsur Shreenivas R. , Joshi Shrivatsa R.
Published: January 2024

This article aims to achieve exact and analytical solutions for the classical Falkner–Skan equation with heat transfer (FSE‐HT). Specifically, when the pressure gradient parameter , there already exists a closed‐form solution in the literature for the Falkner–Skan flow equation. The main purpose here is to extend this case to obtain a closed‐form solution to the heat transport equation with the solubility condition . An algorithm is presented and is found to be new to the literature that enriches the physical properties of FSE‐HT. It is shown that for the moving wedge parameter , the momentum and temperature equations show multiple solutions analytically. The skin friction coefficient and the heat transfer rate are also obtained in analytical form. The thus‐obtained solution is then adapted to derive an analytical solution applicable to a wide range of pressure gradient parameters and Prandtl numbers . Furthermore, an asymptotic analysis is conducted, focusing on scenarios where the moving wedge parameter becomes significantly large (). Nevertheless, in all the above‐mentioned cases, the skin friction coefficient () and the heat transfer rate () are compared with the direct numerical solutions of the boundary layer equations, and it is found that the results are in good agreement. These solutions provide a benchmark and shed light on further studies on the families of FSE‐HT.
Experimental study for the enhancement of heat transfer characteristics and development of thermal correlations of a roughened solar collector
Authors: Kumar Dheeraj , Kumar Rakesh , Layek Apurba
Published: January 2024

The thermal performance of the flat plate solar collector is very low. The most beneficial and worthwhile method for increasing the thermal performance of a solar‐powered air heater (SPAH) is to include a roughness element in the working zone of heat transfer that is located beneath the shear layer of the absorber surface. In this research work, efforts are made to enhance thermal performance and develop thermal correlations for the estimation of the Nusselt number and friction factor of a roughened SPAH. Experiments are performed for various ranges of flow, Reynolds numbers, and roughness parameters. The experimental technique of liquid crystal thermography is utilized to assess the dispersal of Nusselt number over the roughened surface for all roughness parameters. A maximum thermal performance enhancement index of 2.69 is obtained with the optimum value of the roughness parameter at a relative roughness pitch (RRP) of 9, a relative staggering distance (RSD) of 4, and a relative roughness length (RRL) of 6.15. Second, a mathematical correlation is developed using a regression model to estimate the Nusselt number and friction factor in terms of nondimensional roughness and flow parameters operated as RRP, RSD, RRL, and Re. The degree of discrepancy between the established the relationships and the findings from the experiment reveals incredibly satisfying results. Hence employing twisted V‐ribs as an artificial roughness element no doubt increases the Nusselt number, and thermohydraulic performance enhancement index, but it also exerts less frictional power across the SPAH duct.
Land suitability and crop water requirements for irrigated sugar cane in the Kuraz irrigation scheme, lower Omo basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Gelalacha Ayansa Teshome , Haile Mesfin Mamo , Tolera Abera Misgana
Published: January 2024

The assessment of land suitability is the key to sustained agricultural output. This study evaluates the suitability of land for irrigated sugar cane cultivation and crop water requirements in the Kuraz Irrigation Scheme, Ethiopia. To accomplish this, the geographic information system–analytical hierarchy process (GIS–AHP) tool combination was employed to identify land suitability classes and aid in decision‐making using various factors, such as soil pH, texture, temperature, rainfall, land use–land cover and slope. The AquaCrop model simulated the current and future scenarios for biomass, canopy cover, yield, maximum evapotranspiration and evapotranspiration water productivity for sugar cane crops. AquaCrop was calibrated for irrigated sugar cane in the 2015–2016 crop season, and the results showed that most of the study area is highly suitable for sugar cane cultivation. Highly suitable areas cover 28%, moderately suitable areas 38%, marginally suitable areas 21%, and unsuitable areas 13%. The findings indicate the potential for expanding sugar cane cultivation and increasing yields and profits. However, it is crucial to consider the potential environmental degradation caused by water usage and soil degradation resulting from agricultural expansion. Furthermore, the social implications of expanding sugar cane cultivation should also be considered, including labour practices and the possible displacement of local communities.
NAD+ supplementation prevents STING‐induced senescence in CD8+ T cells by improving mitochondrial homeostasis
Authors: Ye Bin , Pei Yingting , Wang Lujing , Meng Dehao , Zhang Yu , Zou Shuang , Li Henian , Liu Jinying , Xie Ziying , Tian Changhong , Jiang Yuqi , Qiao Yu , Gao Xu , Zhang Yanfen , Ma Ning
Published: January 2024

Understanding the connection between senescence phenotypes and mitochondrial dysfunction is crucial in aging and premature aging diseases. Loss of mitochondrial function leads to a decline in T cell function, which plays a significant role in this process. However, more research is required to determine if improving mitochondrial homeostasis alleviates senescence phenotypes. Our research has shown an association between NAD+ and senescent T cells through the cGAS‐STING pathway, which can lead to an inflammatory phenotype. Further research is needed to fully understand the role of NAD+ in T‐cell aging and how it can be utilized to improve mitochondrial homeostasis and alleviate senescence phenotypes. We demonstrate here that mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular senescence with a senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP) occur in senescent T cells and tumor‐bearing mice. Senescence is mediated by a stimulator of interferon genes (STING) and involves ectopic cytoplasmic DNA. We further show that boosting intracellular NAD+ levels with nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) prevents senescence and SASP by promoting mitophagy. NMN treatment also suppresses senescence and neuroinflammation and improves the survival cycle of mice. Encouraging mitophagy may be a useful strategy to prevent CD8+ T cells from senescence due to mitochondrial dysfunction. Additionally, supplementing with NMN to increase NAD+ levels could enhance survival rates in mice while also reducing senescence and inflammation, and enhancing mitophagy as a potential therapeutic intervention.
Single‐cell transcriptome analysis reveals tumoral microenvironment heterogenicity and hypervascularization in human carotid body tumor
Authors: Cai Gaopo , Hua Zhaohui , Zhang Linfeng , Chen Yutian , Li Xu , Ma Ke , Xia Zongping , Li Zhen
Published: January 2024

Carotid body tumor (CBT) is a rare neck tumor located at the adventitia of the common carotid artery bifurcation. The prominent pathological features of CBT are high vascularization and abnormal proliferation. However, single‐cell transcriptome analysis of the microenvironment composition and molecular complexity in CBT has yet to be performed. In this study, we performed single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) analysis on human CBT to define the cells that contribute to hypervascularization and chronic hyperplasia. Unbiased clustering analysis of transcriptional profiles identified 16 distinct cell populations including endothelial cells (ECs), smooth muscle cells (SMCs), neuron cells, macrophage cells, neutrophil cells, and T cells. Within the ECs population, we defined subsets with angiogenic capacity plus clear signs of later endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) to normal ECs. Two populations of macrophages were detectable in CBT, macrophage1 showed enrichment in hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1) and as well as an early EPCs cell‐like population expressing CD14 and vascular endothelial growth factor. In addition to HIF‐1‐related transcriptional protein expression, macrophages1 also display a neovasculogenesis‐promoting phenotype. SMCs included three populations showing platelet‐derived growth factor receptor beta and vimentin expression, indicative of a cancer‐associated fibroblast phenotype. Finally, we identified three types of neuronal cells, including chief cells and sustentacular cells, and elucidated their distinct roles in the pathogenesis of CBT and abnormal proliferation of tumors. Overall, our study provided the first comprehensive characterization of the transcriptional landscape of CBT at scRNA‐seq profiles, providing novel insights into the mechanisms underlying its formation.
Association between underweight and risk of heart failure in diabetes patients
Authors: Yoo Tae Kyung , Han Kyung‐Do , Rhee Eun‐Jung , Lee Won‐Young
Published: January 2024

Background

The risk of heart failure (HF) in underweight diabetes mellitus (DM) patients has rarely been studied. We conducted a cohort study to investigate the association between underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2) and BMI change over time and the risk of HF in patients with type 2 DM.

Methods

We utilized the health screening data from the National Health Insurance Service and the Korean National Health Screening database from 2009 to 2012, with follow‐up until December 2018. Participants with DM were categorized into four groups based on their BMI at 4 years before study inclusion and BMI at the study entry: (1) Always Normal Weight (BMI at 4 years ago/BMI at study entry ≥18.5/≥18.5 kg/m2, reference group); (2) Transitioned to Underweight (≥18.5/<18.5 kg/m2); (3) Transitioned to Normal Weight (<18.5/≥18.5 kg/m2) and (4) Always Underweight (<18.5/<18.5 kg/m2). Participants were followed until the development of HF or at the end of the follow‐up. Initial screening data included participants with DM who had the health screening during the study period (n = 2,746,079). Participants aged <20 years (n = 390), those who did not undergo health examination 4 years prior (n = 1,306,520), and those with missing data (n = 77,410) were excluded. Participants diagnosed with HF before study participation (n = 81,645) and within 1 year of study enrolment (n = 11,731) were excluded. After applying exclusion criteria, 1,268,383 participants were finally included in the analysis. The primary outcome was the development of HF. We employed Cox proportional hazards models, adjusting for various confounding factors, to assess the risk of developing HF.

Results

Median follow‐up duration was 6.88 years and men were 63.16%. The mean ages of each groups were as follows: Always Normal Weight (57.92 ± 11.64 years), Transitioned to Underweight (62 ± 13.5 years), Transitioned to Normal Weight (56.6 ± 15.29 years) and Always Underweight (57.76 ± 15.35 years). In comparison with the Always Normal Weight group (n = 1,245,381, HF = 76,360), Transitioned to Underweight group (≥18.5/<18.5 kg/m2, n = 9304, HF = 880, adjusted Hazard Ratio (aHR)1.389, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3–1.485) or Transitioned to Normal Weight (<18.5/≥18.5 kg/m2, n = 6024, HF = 478, aHR 1.385, 95% CI 1.266–1.515) exhibited an increased risk of HF. The highest risk was observed in the Always Underweight group (<18.5/<18.5 kg/m2, n = 7674, HF = 665, aHR 1.612, 95% CI 1.493–1.740).

Conclusions

Underweight was significantly associated with the risk of HF in the DM population. Active surveillance for HF in an underweight DM population is needed.
Cranial muscle architecture in wild boar: Does captivity drive ontogenetic trajectories?
Authors: Herrel Anthony , Locatelli Yann , Ortiz Katia , Theil Jean‐Christophe , Cornette Raphaël , Cucchi Thomas
Published: January 2024

The jaw system in mammals is complex and different muscle morphotypes have been documented. Pigs are an interesting group of animals as they are omnivorous and have a bunodont crushing dentition. Moreover, they have interacted with humans for over 10,000 years and grow nearly two orders of magnitude in size. Despite being a model system for studies on cranial form and function, data on the growth of the jaw adductor muscles are scant. Moreover, whether captivity impacts the growth and architecture of the jaw adductors remains unknown. Based on dissection data of the jaw adductors of 45 animals ranging from less than 1 kg to almost 100 kg, we show that muscle masses, muscle fiber lengths, and cross‐sectional areas scale as predicted for geometrically similar systems or with slight negative allometry. Only the fiber length of the lateral pterygoid muscle grew with slight positive allometry. Animals raised in captivity in stalls or in an enclosure were overall very similar to wild animals. However, some muscles were larger in captive animals. Interestingly, variation in bite force in captive animals was well predicted by the variation in the size of the superficial masseter muscle relative to the overall jaw adductor mass.