bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attachment Manifestations in Daily Interpersonal Interactions
Authors: Kaurin Aleksandra , Pilkonis Paul A. , Wright Aidan G. C.
Published: July 2022

The predominant focus in attachment research on trait-like individual differences has overshadowed investigation of the ways in which working models of attachment represent dynamic, interpersonally responsive socio-affective systems. Intensive longitudinal designs extend previous work by evaluating to what extent attachment varies over social interactions and the functional processes that underlie its fluctuation. We examined momentary activation of attachment orientations in the stream of peoples’ daily lives and how those patterns were linked to interpersonal behavior. Based on an event-contingent, ambulatory 7-day assessment protocol (N=263; 3,971 interactions) operationalized using Contemporary Integrative Interpersonal Theory, we examined whether contextually activated working models accounted for patterns of interpersonal (anti-)complementarity. Our analyses revealed that the situational activation of working models varied as a function of interpersonal perceptions of warmth, which were linked to greater state security and lower levels of anxious or avoidant expectations. These reactivity patterns, in turn, accounted for interpersonal complementarity. Avoidant attachment was linked to diminished and secure attachment to enhanced expressions of warmth. The analyses were robust even when controlling for momentary positive and negative affect and closeness of the relationship. Attachment expectations wax and wane across daily social interactions, and such fluctuations are reflective primarily of a process in which perceptions of others’ warmth activate secure attachment expectations and lower insecure ones.
DeepRS: A Library of Recommendation Algorithms Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Tao Hongwei , Niu Xiaoxu , Fu Lianyou , Yuan Shuze , Wang Xiao , Zhang Jiaxue , Hu Yinghui
Published: July 2022

In recent years, recommendation systems have become more complex with increasing research on user preferences. Recommendation algorithm based on deep learning has attracted a lot of attention from researchers in academia and industry, and many new algorithm models are proposed every year. Researchers often need to implement the proposed model to compare the results, which is a great challenge. Even if some papers provide source code, there are a variety of programming languages or deep learning frameworks, and it is not easy to compare the results in the different frameworks. In view of the lack of easily extensible deep learning-based recommendation algorithm libraries, based on the common analysis of deep learning algorithms in attention factorization machine (AFM), neural factorization machine (NFM), deep factorization machine (DeepFM) and deep cross-network (DCN), a recommendation algorithm library based on deep learning (DeepRS for short) is designed and implemented. It consists of three levels: framework level, abstract level and algorithm level. The framework level adopts the Tensorflow open source framework, which provides interfaces, such as automatic differentiation, tensor computing, GPU computing, and numerical optimization algorithms. The abstraction level uses the interface of the framework level to realize the embedding layer (EL), the full connection layer (FCL), the multi-layer perceptron layer (MLPL), the prediction layer (PL), the factorization machine layer (FML), the attention network layer (ANL), the cross-layer (CL) and the cross-network layer (CNL). The algorithm level implements the deep learning-based recommendation algorithms, such as AFM, NFM, DeepFM and DCN, on the basis of the abstraction level and the framework level. Experiments show that the proposed algorithm library has good scalability, ease of use and correctness.
Change in 21 Sexual Concerns of New Parents from Three to Twelve Months Postpartum: Similarities and Differences Between Mothers and Partners
Authors: Allsop David B. , Impett Emily A. , Vannier Sarah A. , Rosen Natalie O.
Published: July 2022

Background

Postpartum sexual concerns are associated with depressive symptoms, distress, and lower relationship satisfaction, and are commonly reported by both mothers and their partners. Previous studies have examined changes in postpartum sexual concern using aggregate scores and have not examined patterns of change for unique concerns, thus ignoring that the initial levels and trajectories of a variety of distinct, postpartum sexual concerns may differ from one another and may differ between mothers and partners.

Aims

The aims of the current study were to (i) examine how a variety of postpartum sexual concerns change from 3 to 12 months postpartum for mothers and their partners using a sample of first-time parents, and (ii) examine how mothers and their partners may differ in their initial levels and subsequent changes in postpartum sexual concerns.

Methods

First-time mothers and their partners (N = 203 couples) independently completed a measure of 21 postpartum sexual concerns at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postpartum.

Outcomes

Postpartum Sexual Concerns Questionnaire

Results

Growth modeling indicated that twelve of mothers’ and 6 of partners’ postpartum sexual concerns declined over time from 3 to 12 months postpartum, only one concern of mothers’ and none of partners’ concerns increased over time, and the remaining 8 and 15 concerns were stable for mothers and partners, respectively. At 3 months postpartum, mothers had higher levels of 11 postpartum sexual concerns than partners, while partners had higher levels than mothers on 4 concerns. Compared to partners, from 3 to 12 months postpartum, mothers showed both steeper decreases in concern about body image changes and steeper increases in concern about returning to work.

Clinical Implications

Various postpartum sexual concerns do not all follow the same pattern of change over time, and mothers and their partners share similarities and differences in these patterns. Clinicians should use a checklist to discuss a range of postpartum sexual concerns with both new mothers and their partners.

Strengths and Limitations

This is the first study, to our knowledge, to examine how a variety of postpartum sexual concerns change over time and how mothers and partners both differ and are similar in their experiences. Most couples were in mixed-sex relationships, identified as White, and were relatively affluent; results may not generalize.

Conclusion

A variety of postpartum sexual concerns follow different patterns of change from 3 to 12 months postpartum, and mothers and partners share similarities and differences in these patterns.
High Prevalence of Peroneal Neuropathy Among Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Alemán Alberto , Nigro Elisa , Gonorazky Hernán D.
Published: July 2022

Objectives:

We aimed to explore the prevalence of peroneal neuropathy in children during coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Background:

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, many children worldwide have experienced a dramatic lifestyle changes, including conducting most daily activities indoors. Peroneal nerve palsy is one of the most common entrapment neuropathies and circumstances as prolonged immobilization or leg crossing predisposes an individual to peroneal neuropathy.

Methods:

This is a case–control retrospective study that included patients referred to our neurophysiology clinic with foot drop. We compared the prevalence of spontaneous peroneal neuropathy 1 year before (April 2019/March 2020) and 1 year during the COVID-19 pandemic (April 2020/March 2021); and we also continued collecting data prospectively between April and September 2021 analysis the whole pandemic period.

Results:

Totally, 399 patient clinical notes and NCS/EMG reports were reviewed, 220 were evaluated 1 year before and 179 1 year during COVID-19 pandemic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a higher prevalence of peroneal neuropathy (odds ratio 4.74, 95%CI 1.30–17.25, p = 0.0183). In the COVID group (n = 11), mean age was 14 years and 63.4% were males. Mean age was 15 years and 66.7% were males in the Control group (n = 3). There was a significant difference in the time from symptoms onset to the neurophysiology assessment, with a mean time of 14 days in the Control group and 87.5 days in the COVID group.

Conclusions:

This study provides evidence that during the COVID-19 pandemic period, there was a higher prevalence of peroneal neuropathy among children. Strategies to prevent peroneal neuropathy should be recommened to this age group.
The Guide to Knowledge: The Journal Rahbar-i Dānish and Its Role in Creating a Soviet Tajik Literature (1927–1932)
Authors: Loy Thomas
Published: July 2022

Despite being in operation for a mere five years, the Soviet-era Tajik (Persian) journal Rahbar-i Dānish (1927–1932) was a key venue for exploring and debating the merits of Tajik literature in the context of new ideological and literary trends. Established litterateurs as well as literary newcomers published examples of their literature and literary criticism in this first Tajik monthly social, educational, and literary journal. The present article reviews the history of Rahbar-i Dānish and some of its authors to trace their influence on Tajik literature and literary criticism in the late 1920s and early 1930s. The article addresses the difficulties of creating a Soviet Tajik literature and scrutinizes the various genres featured in the literary section of the journal. Finally, it presents the trajectories of two literary newcomers, Jalāl al-Dīn Ikrām (who later became known as Jalol Ikromi) and Baḥr al-Dīn ʿAzīzī (who died in a Soviet prison in 1944), whose short stories were most prominent in Rahbar-i Dānish. This article is based on an almost complete set of the forty-five issues of the journal, published between August 1927 and March 1932.
Reduced fractional anisotropy in bipolar disorder v. major depressive disorder independent of current symptoms
Authors: Thiel Katharina , Meinert Susanne , Winter Alexandra , Lemke Hannah , Waltemate Lena , Breuer Fabian , Gruber Marius , Leenings Ramona , Wüste Lucia , Rüb Kathrin , Pfarr Julia-Katharina , Stein Frederike , Brosch Katharina , Meller Tina , Ringwald Kai Gustav , Nenadić Igor , Krug Axel , Repple Jonathan , Opel Nils , Koch Katharina , Leehr Elisabeth J. , Bauer Jochen , Grotegerd Dominik , Hahn Tim , Kircher Tilo , Dannlowski Udo
Published: July 2022

Background

Patients with bipolar disorder (BD) show reduced fractional anisotropy (FA) compared to patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Little is known about whether these differences are mood state-independent or influenced by acute symptom severity. Therefore, the aim of this study was (1) to replicate abnormalities in white matter microstructure in BD v. MDD and (2) to investigate whether these vary across depressed, euthymic, and manic mood.

Methods

In this cross-sectional diffusion tensor imaging study, n = 136 patients with BD were compared to age- and sex-matched MDD patients and healthy controls (HC) (n = 136 each). Differences in FA were investigated using tract-based spatial statistics. Using interaction models, the influence of acute symptom severity and mood state on the differences between patient groups were tested.

Results

Analyses revealed a main effect of diagnosis on FA across all three groups (ptfce-FWE = 0.003). BD patients showed reduced FA compared to both MDD (ptfce-FWE = 0.005) and HC (ptfce-FWE < 0.001) in large bilateral clusters. These consisted of several white matter tracts previously described in the literature, including commissural, association, and projection tracts. There were no significant interaction effects between diagnosis and symptom severity or mood state (all ptfce-FWE > 0.704).

Conclusions

Results indicated that the difference between BD and MDD was independent of depressive and manic symptom severity and mood state. Disruptions in white matter microstructure in BD might be a trait effect of the disorder. The potential of FA values to be used as a biomarker to differentiate BD from MDD should be further addressed in future studies using longitudinal designs.
Failing, writing, litigating: daily practices of resistance in Belgian welfare bureaucracies
Authors: Andreetta Sophie
Published: July 2022

This paper builds on ethnographic fieldwork in Belgian welfare administrations to identify daily practices of resistance among Belgian ‘welfare bureaucrats’ who interrogate the new welfare and immigration law reforms that further restrict migrants’ access to social assistance. The contestation strategies are used to circumvent and sometimes break the formal and informal policy guidelines while still allowing them to perform and remain loyal to the state and to higher principles such as a commitment to the fundamental right to human dignity. Three main contestation strategies are identified: failing to provide certain services to demonstrate the absurdity of certain guidelines, writing reports against the administration and in favour of the user, and encouraging litigation against the federal agencies that employ them. These strategies show Belgian welfare workers’ commitment to providing a form of public service that aligns with their professional ethos rather than enforcing specific government policies.
Spatial Distributions of Riverine and Marine Dissolved Organic Carbon in the Western Arctic Ocean: Results From the 2018 Korean Expedition
Authors: Jung Jinyoung , Lee Youngju , Cho Kyoung‐Ho , Yang Eun Jin , Kang Sung‐Ho
Published: July 2022

Seasonal primary production and river discharge increases in the Arctic Ocean exert a significant influence on the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) cycle. To improve our knowledge of the spatial heterogeneity of DOC source and concentration in the rapidly changing Arctic Ocean, we investigated the distributions of riverine and marine DOC in the western Arctic Ocean during the summer of 2018. Although the surface bulk DOC concentration indicated no clear distinction in its distribution between the Chukchi Borderland (CBL)/northern Chukchi Sea (NCS) and East Siberian Sea (ESS)/Mendeleyev Ridge (MR) regions, the estimated riverine DOC concentration (28 ± 4.2 μM C) and its contribution (40 ± 5.7%) in the surface layer of the CBL/NCS region were higher than those (19 ± 5.6 μM C and 26 ± 8.5%) in the ESS/MR region, which was attributed to the accumulation of freshwater, strong stratification, and a longer residence time in the CBL/NCS region. In contrast, although marine DOC was the dominant DOC component in both the CBL/NCS and ESS/MR regions, the higher marine DOC concentration (54 ± 8.1 μM C) and its contribution (73 ± 8.2%) in the East Siberian shelf/slope region were consistent with high bacterial abundance, which was associated with extremely high surface phytoplankton blooms sustained by nutrient supply from the deep layer, suggesting that the supply of bioavailable DOC resulted in active bacterial activities. Overall, the spatial differences in water properties between the two regions had large influences on the regional distributions of riverine and marine DOC.
The Nonpoint Sources and Transport of Baseflow Nitrogen Loading Across a Developed Rural‐Urban Gradient
Authors: Delesantro Joseph M. , Duncan Jonathan M. , Riveros‐Iregui Diego , Blaszczak Joanna R. , Bernhardt Emily S. , Urban Dean L. , Band Lawrence E.
Published: July 2022

Nonpoint source urban nutrient loading into streams and receiving water bodies is widely recognized as a major environmental management challenge. A dominant research and management paradigm assumes that loading primarily derives from elevated stormwater. However, baseflow can account for a large portion of total loading, especially for low development intensity watersheds which comprise the largest urban areas. We investigated the sources and drivers of nonpoint source baseflow nitrogen loading across 27 headwater catchments in the urbanized Piedmont region of North Carolina, USA. Nitrate isotopes, predictors of concentration‐discharge (CQ) slopes, and predictors of mean annual total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) loading suggest that wastewater was a major baseflow nonpoint source of nitrogen across developed catchments likely contributing 61% of nitrate loading from septic served catchments and 49% from sewer served catchments. Our findings suggest that subsurface TDN was abundant, loading was largely transport limited, and the hydrogeomorphic position of sanitary infrastructure strongly influences transport. We developed an empirical model showing catchment loading increased with the topographic wetness index of sanitary sewer location, convergent sloping land area, parcel density, and residual agricultural landcover (R2 = 0.78). We extended this model to the study region's 1,436 developed small (0.3–20.8 sq km) catchments. We estimated up to 92.7% of nonpoint source baseflow TDN loading comes from low and medium development intensity catchments, and sanitary infrastructure in wet areas of the landscape accounts for 39% of regional baseflow loading. Our research indicates that managing baseflow loading will require addressing lower development intensity catchments and sanitary infrastructure.
High‐Resolution Data Sets for Global Carbonate and Silicate Rock Weathering Carbon Sinks and Their Change Trends
Authors: Xiong Lian , Bai Xiaoyong , Zhao Cuiwei , Li Yangbin , Tan Qiu , Luo Guangjie , Wu Luhua , Chen Fei , Li Chaojun , Ran Chen , Xi Huipeng , Luo Xuling , Chen Huan , Zhang Sirui , Liu Ming , Gong Suhua , Xiao Biqin , Du Chaochao , Song Fengjiao
Published: July 2022

The Carbonate rock weathering Carbon Sink (CCS) and Silicate rock weathering Carbon Sink (SCS) play a significant role in the carbon cycle and global climate change. However, the spatial‐temporal patterns and trends of the CCS and SCS from 1950 to 2099 have not been systematically quantified. Thus, Supported by long‐term hydrometeorological data under the RCP8.5, we use the accepted Suchet and Hartmann models to determine the following. First, we found except for the difference in their weathering rates, the SCS covers 37.2 million km2 more area than the CCS. The CCS Flux (CCSF) and SCS Flux (SCSF) are 5.36 and 1.22 t/km2/yr, respectively. Similarly, the Full CCS (FCCS, 0.3 Pg/yr) is more than the Full SCS (FSCS, 0.08 Pg/yr). Furthermore, the CCS (7.01 kg/km2) and SCS (3.95 kg/km2) are in a state of overall increase. In addition, the mid‐to‐high latitudes of the northern hemisphere are aggravated by warming (0.03°C) and humidity (0.65 mm), while the decrease in runoff in the mid‐latitudes of the southern hemisphere reduces karstification. Specifically, by 2099, the CCSF in the mid‐latitudes of the southern hemisphere will decrease by 5.72%. Instead, the CCSF in the northern hemisphere and lower latitudes of the southern hemisphere will exhibit a gentle upward slope. Particularly, the peak regions of the global FCCS (65.63 Tg/yr) and FSCS (33.01 Tg/yr) are the tropical zone. In conclusion, this study contributes a high‐resolution and long‐time series CS datasets for the CCS and SCS. We provide data and a theory for solving terrestrial carbon sink loss.
Earthquake Rupture on Multiple Splay Faults and Its Effect on Tsunamis
Authors: van Zelst I. , Rannabauer L. , Gabriel A.‐A. , van Dinther Y.
Published: July 2022

Detailed imaging of accretionary wedges reveals splay fault networks that could pose a significant tsunami hazard. However, the dynamics of multiple splay fault activation during megathrust earthquakes and the consequent effects on tsunami generation are not well understood. We use a 2‐D dynamic rupture model with complex topo‐bathymetry and six curved splay fault geometries constrained from realistic tectonic loading modeled by a geodynamic seismic cycle model with consistent initial stress and strength conditions. We find that all splay faults rupture coseismically. While the largest splay fault slips due to a complex rupture branching process from the megathrust, all other splay faults are activated either top down or bottom up by dynamic stress transfer induced by trapped seismic waves. We ascribe these differences to local non‐optimal fault orientations and variable along‐dip strength excess. Generally, rupture on splay faults is facilitated by their favorable stress orientations and low strength excess as a result of high pore‐fluid pressures. The ensuing tsunami modeled with non‐linear 1‐D shallow water equations consists of one high‐amplitude crest related to rupture on the longest splay fault and a second broader wave packet resulting from slip on the other faults. This results in two episodes of flooding and a larger run‐up distance than the single long‐wavelength (300 km) tsunami sourced by the megathrust‐only rupture. Since splay fault activation is determined by both variable stress and strength conditions and dynamic activation, considering both tectonic and earthquake processes is relevant for understanding tsunamigenesis.
Sinking Trichodesmium fixes nitrogen in the dark ocean
Authors: Benavides Mar , Bonnet Sophie , Le Moigne Frédéric A C , Armin Gabrielle , Inomura Keisuke , Hallstrøm Søren , Riemann Lasse , Berman-Frank Ilana , Poletti Emilie , Garel Marc , Grosso Olivier , Leblanc Karine , Guigue Catherine , Tedetti Marc , Dupouy Cécile
Published: July 2022

The photosynthetic cyanobacterium Trichodesmium is widely distributed in the surface low latitude ocean where it contributes significantly to N2 fixation and primary productivity. Previous studies found nifH genes and intact Trichodesmium colonies in the sunlight-deprived meso- and bathypelagic layers of the ocean (200–4000 m depth). Yet, the ability of Trichodesmium to fix N2 in the dark ocean has not been explored. We performed 15N2 incubations in sediment traps at 170, 270 and 1000 m at two locations in the South Pacific. Sinking Trichodesmium colonies fixed N2 at similar rates than previously observed in the surface ocean (36–214 fmol N cell−1 d−1). This activity accounted for 40 ± 28% of the bulk N2 fixation rates measured in the traps, indicating that other diazotrophs were also active in the mesopelagic zone. Accordingly, cDNA nifH amplicon sequencing revealed that while Trichodesmium accounted for most of the expressed nifH genes in the traps, other diazotrophs such as Chlorobium and Deltaproteobacteria were also active. Laboratory experiments simulating mesopelagic conditions confirmed that increasing hydrostatic pressure and decreasing temperature reduced but did not completely inhibit N2 fixation in Trichodesmium. Finally, using a cell metabolism model we predict that Trichodesmium uses photosynthesis-derived stored carbon to sustain N2 fixation while sinking into the mesopelagic. We conclude that sinking Trichodesmium provides ammonium, dissolved organic matter and biomass to mesopelagic prokaryotes.
COVID-19 and risk of neurodegenerative disorders: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li Chunyu , Liu Jiayan , Lin Junyu , Shang Huifang
Published: July 2022

Emerging evidence has suggested a close correlation between COVID-19 and neurodegenerative disorders. However, whether there exists a causal association and the effect direction remains unknown. To examine the causative role of COVID-19 in the risk of neurodegenerative disorders, we estimated their genetic correlation, and then conducted a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis using summary statistics from genome-wide association studies of susceptibility, hospitalization, and severity of COVID-19, as well as six major neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. We identified a significant and positive genetic correlation between hospitalization of COVID-19 and AD (genetic correlation: 0.23,P = 8.36E–07). Meanwhile, hospitalization of COVID-19 was significantly associated with a higher risk of AD (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01–1.03,P: 1.19E–03). Consistently, susceptibility (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01–1.09,P: 9.30E–03) and severity (OR: 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00–1.02,P: 0.012) of COVID-19 were nominally associated with higher risk of AD. The results were robust under all sensitivity analyses. These results demonstrated that COVID-19 could increase the risk of AD. Future development of preventive or therapeutic interventions could attach importance to this to alleviate the complications of COVID-19.
Semaphorin 5A suppresses ferroptosis through activation of PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Cheng Qi , Chen Mo , Liu Mengdan , Chen Xin , Zhu Lingjiang , Xu Jieying , Xue Jing , Wu Huaxiang , Du Yan
Published: July 2022

Abnormal activation of synovial fibroblasts (SFs) plays an important role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the mechanism of which remains unknown. The purpose of our study is to comprehensively and systematically explore the mechanism for Semaphorin 5A-mediated abnormal SF activation in RA. Here, we found that Semaphorin 5A levels were significantly higher in synovial fluid and synovial tissue from RA patients compared with osteoarthritis patients. We further found that the mRNA level and protein abundance of Plexin-A1 was elevated in RA SFs compared with OA SFs, while Plexin-B3 expression showed no significant difference. The increased Semaphorin 5A in RA synovial fluid was mainly derived from CD68+ synovial macrophages, and the elevation led to increased binding between Semaphorin 5A and its receptors, thereby promoting cytokine secretion, proliferation, and migration, and decreasing apoptosis. Moreover, the effect of Semaphorin 5A on enhancing activation (cytokine secretion, cell proliferation and migration) and reducing apoptosis of SFs was significantly abolished after knockdown of Plexin-A1 and Plexin-B3 by small interfering RNA. Transcriptome sequencing and protein array detection revealed that Semaphorin 5A activated the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and inhibited ferroptosis. Morphologically, transmission electron microscopy results showed that Semaphorin 5A could significantly eliminate the mitochondrial diminution, membrane density increased and crest ruptured of SFs induced by ferroptosis inducer RSL3. Mechanistically, Semaphorin 5A enhanced GPX4 expression and SREBP1/SCD-1 signaling by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, thus suppressing ferroptosis of RA SFs. In conclusion, our study provided the first evidence that elevated Semaphorin 5A in RA synovial fluid promotes SF activation by suppressing ferroptosis through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
Add drop multiplexers for terahertz communications using two-wire waveguide-based plasmonic circuits
Authors: Cao Yang , Nallappan Kathirvel , Xu Guofu , Skorobogatiy Maksim
Published: July 2022

Terahertz (THz) band is considered to be the next frontier in wireless communications. The emerging THz multiplexing techniques are expected to dramatically increase the information capacity of THz communications far beyond a single channel limit. In this work, we explore the THz frequency-division multiplexing modality enabled by an add-drop multiplexer (ADM) design. Based on modular two-wire plasmonic waveguides fabricated using additive manufacturing and metallization techniques, we demonstrate four-port THz ADMs containing grating-loaded side couplers for operation at ~140 GHz carrier frequency. Particular attention is paid to the design of plasmonic waveguide Bragg gratings and directional couplers capable of splitting broadband THz light into spectral and spatial domains. Finally, we demonstrate multi/demultiplexing of THz signals with bit rates up to 6 Gbps using the developed ADMs. We believe that the proposed plasmonic circuits hold strong potential to provide robust integrated solutions for analog signal processing in the upcoming THz communications.
Computational imaging of moving objects obscured by a random corridor via speckle correlations
Authors: Shi Tian , Li Liangsheng , Cai He , Zhu Xianli , Shi Qingfan , Zheng Ning
Published: July 2022

Computational imaging makes it possible to reconstruct hidden objects through random media and around corners, which is of fundamental importance in various fields. Despite recent advances, computational imaging has not been studied in certain types of random scenarios, such as tortuous corridors filled with random media. We refer to this category of complex environment as a ’random corridor’, and propose a reduced spatial- and ensemble-speckle intensity correlation (RSESIC) method to image a moving object obscured by a random corridor. Experimental results show that the method can reconstruct the image of a centimeter-sized hidden object with a sub-millimeter resolution by a low-cost digital camera. The imaging capability depends on three system parameters and can be characterized by the correlation fidelity (CF). Furthermore, the RSESIC method is able to recover the image of objects even for a single pixel containing the contribution of about 102 speckle grains, which overcomes the theoretical limitation of traditional speckle imaging methods. Last but not least, when the power attenuation of speckle intensity leads to serious deterioration of CF, the image of hidden objects can still be reconstructed by the corrected intensity correlation.
A monomeric mycobacteriophage immunity repressor utilizes two domains to recognize an asymmetric DNA sequence
Authors: McGinnis Reliza J. , Brambley Chad A. , Stamey Brandon , Green William C. , Gragg Kimberly N. , Cafferty Erin R. , Terwilliger Thomas C. , Hammel Michal , Hollis Thomas J. , Miller Justin M. , Gainey Maria D. , Wallen Jamie R.
Published: July 2022

Regulation of bacteriophage gene expression involves repressor proteins that bind and downregulate early lytic promoters. A large group of mycobacteriophages code for repressors that are unusual in also terminating transcription elongation at numerous binding sites (stoperators) distributed across the phage genome. Here we provide the X-ray crystal structure of a mycobacteriophage immunity repressor bound to DNA, which reveals the binding of a monomer to an asymmetric DNA sequence using two independent DNA binding domains. The structure is supported by small-angle X-ray scattering, DNA binding, molecular dynamics, and in vivo immunity assays. We propose a model for how dual DNA binding domains facilitate regulation of both transcription initiation and elongation, while enabling evolution of other superinfection immune specificities.
Inhibition of myeloid-derived suppressor cell arginase-1 production enhances T-cell-based immunotherapy against Cryptococcus neoformans infection
Authors: Li Ya-Nan , Wang Zhong-Wei , Li Fan , Zhou Ling-Hong , Jiang Yan-Shan , Yu Yao , Ma Hui-Hui , Zhu Li-Ping , Qu Jie-Ming , Jia Xin-Ming
Published: July 2022

Cryptococcosis is a potentially lethal disease that is primarily caused by the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans, treatment options for cryptococcosis are limited. Here, we show glucuronoxylomannan, the major polysaccharide component of C. neoformans, induces the recruitment of neutrophilic myeloid-derived suppressor cells in mice and patients with cryptococcosis. Depletion of neutrophilic myeloid-derived suppressor cells enhances host defense against C. neoformans infection. We identify C-type lectin receptor-2d recognizes glucuronoxylomannan to potentiate the immunosuppressive activity of neutrophilic myeloid-derived suppressor cells by initiating p38-mediated production of the enzyme arginase-1, which inhibits T-cell mediated antifungal responses. Notably, pharmacological inhibition of arginase-1 expression by a specific inhibitor of p38, SB202190, or an orally available receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, vandetanib, significantly enhances T-cell mediated antifungal responses against cryptococcosis. These data reveal a crucial suppressive role of neutrophilic myeloid-derived suppressor cells during cryptococcosis and highlight a promising immunotherapeutic application by inhibiting arginase-1 production to combat infectious diseases.
Controlled activation of cortical astrocytes modulates neuropathic pain-like behaviour
Authors: Takeda Ikuko , Yoshihara Kohei , Cheung Dennis L. , Kobayashi Tomoko , Agetsuma Masakazu , Tsuda Makoto , Eto Kei , Koizumi Schuichi , Wake Hiroaki , Moorhouse Andrew J. , Nabekura Junichi
Published: July 2022

Chronic pain is a major public health problem that currently lacks effective treatment options. Here, a method that can modulate chronic pain-like behaviour induced by nerve injury in mice is described. By combining a transient nerve block to inhibit noxious afferent input from injured peripheral nerves, with concurrent activation of astrocytes in the somatosensory cortex (S1) by either low intensity transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) or via the chemogenetic DREADD system, we could reverse allodynia-like behaviour previously established by partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSL). Such activation of astrocytes initiated spine plasticity to reduce those synapses formed shortly after PSL. This reversal from allodynia-like behaviour persisted well beyond the active treatment period. Thus, our study demonstrates a robust and potentially translational approach for modulating pain, that capitalizes on the interplay between noxious afferents, sensitized central neuronal circuits, and astrocyte-activation induced synaptic plasticity.
Local bifurcation with spin-transfer torque in superparamagnetic tunnel junctions
Authors: Funatsu Takuya , Kanai Shun , Ieda Jun’ichi , Fukami Shunsuke , Ohno Hideo
Published: July 2022

Modulation of the energy landscape by external perturbations governs various thermally-activated phenomena, described by the Arrhenius law. Thermal fluctuation of nanoscale magnetic tunnel junctions with spin-transfer torque (STT) shows promise for unconventional computing, whereas its rigorous representation, based on the Néel-Arrhenius law, has been controversial. In particular, the exponents for thermally-activated switching rate therein, have been inaccessible with conventional thermally-stable nanomagnets with decade-long retention time. Here we approach the Néel-Arrhenius law with STT utilising superparamagnetic tunnel junctions that have high sensitivity to external perturbations and determine the exponents through several independent measurements including homodyne-detected ferromagnetic resonance, nanosecond STT switching, and random telegraph noise. Furthermore, we show that the results are comprehensively described by a concept of local bifurcation observed in various physical systems. The findings demonstrate the capability of superparamagnetic tunnel junction as a useful tester for statistical physics as well as sophisticated engineering of probabilistic computing hardware with a rigorous mathematical foundation.
Fabrication of triboelectric polymer films via repeated rheological forging for ultrahigh surface charge density
Authors: Liu Zhaoqi , Huang Yunzhi , Shi Yuxiang , Tao Xinglin , He Hezhi , Chen Feida , Huang Zhao-Xia , Wang Zhong Lin , Chen Xiangyu , Qu Jin-Ping
Published: July 2022

Triboelectric polymer with high charge density is the foundation to promote the wide range of applications of triboelectric nanogenerators. This work develops a method to produce triboelectric polymer based on repeated rheological forging. The fluorinated ethylene propylene film fabricated by repeated forging method not only has excellent mechanical properties and good transmittance, but also can maintain an ultrahigh tribo-charge density. Based on the film with a thickness of 30 μm, the output charge density from contact-separation nanogenerator reaches 352 μC·m−2. Then, the same film is applied for the nanogenerator with air-breakdown mode and a charge density of 510 μC·m−2 is further achieved. The repeated forging method can effectively regulate the composition of surface functional groups, the crystallinity, and the dielectric constants of the fluorinated ethylene propylene, leading to the superior capability of triboelectrification. Finally, we summarize the key parameters for elevating the electrification performance on the basis of molecular structure and related fabrication crafts, which can guide the further development of triboelectric polymers.
Spatiotemporal characteristics and influencing factors of grain yield at the county level in Shandong Province, China
Authors: He Huanhuan , Ding Rijia , Tian Xinpeng
Published: July 2022

China’s food security has always been a high priority issue on the political agenda with rapid urbanization affecting agricultural land, and it is challenged by several factors, such as human activities, social politics and policy. Shandong is an important grain-producing province and the second most populous province in China. In this paper, the spatiotemporal characteristics of grain yield and their potential influencing factors were explored at the county level in Shandong by using panel data over a 19-year period. The location Gini coefficient (L-Gini) and exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) were used to study the spatial agglomeration characteristics of grain yield, and spatial regression methods (SRMs) were used to analyse the influencing factors. The results indicated that grain yield increased from 38.3 million metric tons to 53.2 million metric tons in 2000–2018, with a growth rate of approximately 28.0%. The increase in grain yield in Shandong was due to the driving effect of radiation from high-yield counties to surrounding moderate-yield counties. This revealed an upward trend of spatial polarization in Shandong’s grain yield. In 2000–2018, the L-Gini and global Moran’s I increased from 0.330 to 0.479 and from 0.369 to 0.528, respectively. The number of counties in high-high (HH) and low-low (LL) agglomeration areas increased, and the spatial polarization effect was significant. SRMs analysis showed that irrigation investment and non-grain attention have significant positive and negative effects on grain production, respectively. The spatial relationship between grain yield and its influencing factors was explored to provide a reference for formulating scientific and rational agricultural policies.
Tissue volume estimation and age prediction using rapid structural brain scans
Authors: Hobday Harriet , Cole James H. , Stanyard Ryan A. , Daws Richard E. , Giampietro Vincent , O’Daly Owen , Leech Robert , Váša František
Published: July 2022

The multicontrast EPImix sequence generates six contrasts, including a T1-weighted scan, in ~1 min. EPImix shows comparable diagnostic performance to conventional scans under qualitative clinical evaluation, and similarities in simple quantitative measures including contrast intensity. However, EPImix scans have not yet been compared to standard MRI scans using established quantitative measures. In this study, we compared conventional and EPImix-derived T1-weighted scans of 64 healthy participants using tissue volume estimates and predicted brain-age. All scans were pre-processed using the SPM12 DARTEL pipeline, generating measures of grey matter, white matter and cerebrospinal fluid volume. Brain-age was predicted using brainageR, a Gaussian Processes Regression model previously trained on a large sample of standard T1-weighted scans. Estimates of both global and voxel-wise tissue volume showed significantly similar results between standard and EPImix-derived T1-weighted scans. Brain-age estimates from both sequences were significantly correlated, although EPImix T1-weighted scans showed a systematic offset in predictions of chronological age. Supplementary analyses suggest that this is likely caused by the reduced field of view of EPImix scans, and the use of a brain-age model trained using conventional T1-weighted scans. However, this systematic error can be corrected using additional regression of T1-predicted brain-age onto EPImix-predicted brain-age. Finally, retest EPImix scans acquired for 10 participants demonstrated high test-retest reliability in all evaluated quantitative measurements. Quantitative analysis of EPImix scans has potential to reduce scanning time, increasing participant comfort and reducing cost, as well as to support automation of scanning, utilising active learning for faster and individually-tailored (neuro)imaging.
Loss of PRMT2 in myeloid cells in normoglycemic mice phenocopies impaired regression of atherosclerosis in diabetic mice
Authors: Vurusaner Beyza , Thevkar-Nages Prashanth , Kaur Ravneet , Giannarelli Chiara , Garabedian Michael J. , Fisher Edward A.
Published: July 2022

The regression, or resolution, of inflammation in atherosclerotic plaques is impaired in diabetes. However, the factors mediating this effect remain incomplete. We identified protein arginine methyltransferase 2 (PRMT2) as a protein whose expression in macrophages is reduced in hyperglycemia and diabetes. PRMT2 catalyzes arginine methylation to target proteins to modulate gene expression. Because PRMT2 expression is reduced in cells in hyperglycemia, we wanted to determine whether PRMT2 plays a causal role in the impairment of atherosclerosis regression in diabetes. We, therefore, examined the consequence of deleting PRMT2 in myeloid cells during the regression of atherosclerosis in normal and diabetic mice. Remarkably, we found significant impairment of atherosclerosis regression under normoglycemic conditions in mice lacking PRMT2 (Prmt2−/−) in myeloid cells that mimic the decrease in regression of atherosclerosis in WT mice under diabetic conditions. This was associated with increased plaque macrophage retention, as well as increased apoptosis and necrosis. PRMT2-deficient plaque CD68+ cells under normoglycemic conditions showed increased expression of genes involved in cytokine signaling and inflammation compared to WT cells. Consistently, Prmt2−/− bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) showed an increased response of proinflammatory genes to LPS and a decreased response of inflammation resolving genes to IL-4. This increased response to LPS in Prmt2−/− BMDMs occurs via enhanced NF-kappa B activity. Thus, the loss of PRMT2 is causally linked to impaired atherosclerosis regression via a heightened inflammatory response in macrophages. That PRMT2 expression was lower in myeloid cells in plaques from human subjects with diabetes supports the relevance of our findings to human atherosclerosis.
Characteristics of IgG4-related disease complicated with allergic rhinitis or chronic rhinosinusitis: a large cross-sectional cohort study
Authors: Shi Qianyu , Ning Xiaoran , Li Huijuan , Ma Xiangbo , Wang Kunkun , Bian Wenjie , Zhang Yuxin , Xia Jiao , Zheng Xiaodan , Liu Yanying , Li Zhanguo
Published: July 2022

In clinical practice, we found that IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) patients complicated with allergic rhinitis (AR)/chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) seemed to have unique characteristics different from patients with IgG4-RD alone. In this study, demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics of IgG4-RD patients complicated with AR/CRS were investigated. We retrospectively analyzed 756 IgG4-RD patients who were recruited in four medical centers from 2009 to 2021. We divided 756 IgG4-RD patients into 2 groups: the case group included IgG4-RD patients complicated with AR/CRS, and the control group included IgG4-RD patients without AR/CRS. 411 patients were complicated with AR/CRS among 756 IgG4-RD patients. Multiple organs involvement (≥ 3, p < 0.0001, OR 3.585 (95% CI 2.655–4.839)) and other types of allergic disease (p < 0.0001, OR 2.007 (95% CI 1.490–2.693)) were more common in the case group. Patients in the case group had a higher level of serum IgG4 (650 mg/dL vs 385 mg/dL, p < 0.0001), IgE (347 mg/dL vs 98 mg/dL, p < 0.0001) and ESR (14 mm/h vs 12 mm/h, p < 0.05). High IgE level (p < 0.01, OR 1.003 (95% CI 1.001–1.005)) and other types of allergic disease (p < 0.05, OR 3.196 (95% CI 1.146–8.908)) were risk factors for patients in the case group, in which most patients had nasal manifestations before the diagnosis of IgG4-RD. The median time interval from nasal symptoms appearance to IgG4-RD diagnosis was − 120 and − 90 months for patients complicated with AR and CRS, respectively. IgG4-RD patients are often complicated with AR/CRS and have distinct characteristics, which appear to be a subgroup of IgG4-RD. The data suggests a pathogenic association of IgG4-RD and AR/CRS.
Correlation of serum anti-Mullerian hormone with hormonal and environmental parameters in Brazilian climacteric women
Authors: Gouvea Thiago Magalhães , Cota e Souza Laura Alves , Lima Angélica Alves
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to identify the correlation among anti-Mullerian Hormone serum levels and 25-OH-D, obesity, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and sexual hormones in climacteric women classified according to stages of reproductive aging (SRA). A cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 177 Brazilian climacteric women between 40 and 64 years old. Concentrations of AMH were measured using the Access 2 Immunoassay System. A multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify the relationship among AMH, 25-OH-D, obesity, MetS, sexual hormones, sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. AMH levels decreased with increased age (B = − 0.059; p < 0.001), and reproductive aging (B = − 0.483; p < 0.001). Obesity indicators, lifestyle characters, 25-OH-D levels and MetS were not significantly associated with AMH serum concentration. Negative correlation was found for FSH (B = − 0.009; p < 0.001) and LH (B = − 0.006; p = 0.004); positive correlation for E2 (B = 0.001; p = 0.011), DHEAS (B = 0.003; p < 0.001) and SHBG (B = 0.003; p = 0.005). In the model adjusted for SRA, FSH levels (p < 0.001) and DHEAS (p = 0.014) were associated with AMH. Although, with the adjustment for age, only FSH remained with a significant association (p = 0.001). Of the other analytes, none was associated with AMH, regardless of the model fit. Our findings confirm that serum AMH level decreased with age and FSH levels, but there is no correlation between AMH with obesity, 25-OH-D, MetS or other sexual hormones in Brazilian climacteric women.
Circ_0000181 regulates miR-667-5p/NLRC4 axis to promote pyroptosis progression in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Li Yining , Yu Weihong , Xiong Hao , Yuan Fang
Published: July 2022

Our previous research demonstrated that NOD-like receptor family CARD domain-containing protein 4 (NLRC4) inflammasome was overexpressed in renal tissues of patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN). This study further investigated the effect of circRNAs-miRNAs interaction on NLRC4 and their potential mechanisms. DN mice models were first established using STZ. Then, pyroptosis related marker expression was detected using qPCR, western blot (WB), and immunohistochemistry analysis. After that, differentially expressed circRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs were investigated using next-generation sequencing. Additionally, the function and potential mechanism of circ_0000181 and miR-667-5p on pyroptosis were measured in vitro DN cell model using MTS, WB, and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. There was an apparent elevation of NLRC4, Caspase1, IL-1β, and IL-18 levels in DN mice. The next-generation sequencing results revealed that there were 947 circRNAs and 390 miRNAs significantly different between the DN and sham kidney tissue, of which circ_0000181 and miR-667-5p had potential targeting effects with NLRC4. Dual-luciferase and functional rescue experiments demonstrated that circ_0000181 promoted NLRC4 inflammasome activation via competitive sponge of miR-667-5p, promoted the release of IL-1β and IL-18, and caused pyroptosis. Altogether, circ_0000181 regulates miR-667-5p/NLRC4 axis to promote pyroptosis progression in DN.