bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research of piezoelectric pump with a vortex linear valve structure
Authors: Yan Qiufeng , Sun Wanting
Published: October 2023

In this article, a piezoelectric pump with vortex shaped linear valve structure (PPVSLVS) is proposed on the basis of characteristics of flexible materials. Changes in the working state conversion between “valve-based” and “valve-less” of the PPVSLVS can be realized by adjusting driving conditions. The principle of the working state conversion between “valve-based” and “valve-less” of the PPVSLVS is elaborated for the design of the structure of the PPVSLVS. The prototype of the PPVSLVS and the piezoelectric pump with cardiac valve-like structure is fabricated by 3D printing technique, and the corresponding experiments are also conducted. The experimental results demonstrate that the PPVSLVS is ascribed to be a valve-less piezoelectric pump when the driving voltage is less than 140 V, while the PPVSLVS is ascribed to be a valve-based piezoelectric pump when the driving voltage is above 140 V. When the working state of the PPVSLVS is converted from “valve-less” to “valve-based,” the pump flow rate of this pump will be changed from one peak to double peak. Simultaneously, when the driving voltage of the pump is 180 V at 12 Hz, the pump flow rate reaches a maximum value of 44.3 mL/min. Compared with the piezoelectric pump with a cardiac valve-like structure, under the same driving conditions, the pump flow rate of the PPVSLVS is remarkably increased. When the driving frequency is set as 12 and 24 Hz, the average pump flow rate is improved by 107% and 21.3%, respectively. The distance between the free ends of the valve will affect the working states and flow rate of the PPVSLVS. This study contributes to the application of piezoelectric pumps in artificial hearts.
True random number generator based on spin–orbit torque magnetic tunnel junctions
Authors: Li X. H. , Zhao M. K. , Zhang R. , Wan C. H. , Wang Y. Z. , Luo X. M. , Liu S. Q. , Xia J. H. , Yu G. Q. , Han X. F.
Published: October 2023

True random number generators (TRNGs) play a pivotal role in solving NP-hard problems, neural network computing, and hardware accelerators for algorithms, such as the simulated annealing. In this work, we focus on TRNG based on high-barrier magnetic tunnel junctions (HB-MTJs) with identical stack structure and cell geometry, but employing different spin–orbit torque (SOT) switching schemes. We conducted a comparative study of their switching probability as a function of pulse amplitude and width of the applied voltage. Through experimental and theoretical investigations, we have observed that the Y-type SOT-MTJs exhibit the gentlest dependence of the switching probability on the external voltage. This characteristic indicates superior tunability in randomness and enhanced robustness against external disturbances when Y-type SOT-MTJs are employed as TRNGs. Furthermore, the random numbers generated by these Y-type SOT-MTJs, following XOR pretreatment, have passed the National Institute of Standards and Technology SP800-22 test. This comprehensive study demonstrates the high performance and immense potential of Y-type SOT-MTJs for the TRNG implementations.
Nuclear VCP drives colorectal cancer progression by promoting fatty acid oxidation
Authors: Huang Youwei , Wang Fang , Lin Xi , Li Qing , Lu Yuli , Zhang Jiayu , Shen Xi , Tan Jingyi , Qin Zixi , Chen Jiahong , Chen Xueqin , Pan Guopeng , Wang Xiangyu , Zeng Yuequan , Yang Shangqi , Liu Jun , Xing Fan , Li Kai , Zhang Haipeng
Published: October 2023

Fatty acid oxidation (FAO) fuels many cancers. However, knowledge of pathways that drive FAO in cancer remains unclear. Here, we revealed that valosin-containing protein (VCP) upregulates FAO to promote colorectal cancer growth. Mechanistically, nuclear VCP binds to histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) and facilitates its degradation, thus promoting the transcription of FAO genes, including the rate-limiting enzyme
carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A
(
CPT1A
). FAO is an alternative fuel for cancer cells in environments exhibiting limited glucose availability. We observed that a VCP inhibitor blocked the upregulation of FAO activity and CPT1A expression triggered by metformin in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Combined VCP inhibitor and metformin prove more effective than either agent alone in culture and in vivo. Our study illustrates the molecular mechanism underlying the regulation of FAO by nuclear VCP and demonstrates the potential therapeutic utility of VCP inhibitor and metformin combination treatment for colorectal cancer.
Teaching ideal gas in a uniform field: exploring student preferences
Authors: Kanchanapusakit Wittaya , Tanalikhit Pattarapon
Published: October 2023

An ideal classical gas under uniform gravity is a commonly discussed problem in statistical thermodynamics. At an introductory level, the condition of hydrostatic equilibrium gives rise to the barometric formula, which describes the variation of gas pressure with height. At an advanced level, the partition function can be used to find the density and the internal energy of the gas. These methods rely heavily on mathematical concepts, which may pose a difficulty to some students. This article presents teaching the problem via the virial theorem, emphasising the physical picture of the particle distribution. The virial theorem allows the internal energy to be expressed as an integral over the surface of the container. For the pedagogical purpose, visualisation of how the particles distribute themselves at extreme temperatures helps determine the internal energy of the gas. Student feedback is used as a basis for evaluating different approaches to the problem.
Uniformly expanding random walks on manifolds
Authors: Elliott Smith Rosemary
Published: October 2023

In this paper we construct uniformly expanding random walks on smooth manifolds. Potrie showed that given any open set U of

Diff

vol

∞

(

T

2

)

, there exists an uniformly expanding random walk µ supported on a finite subset of U. In this paper we extend those results to closed manifolds of any dimension, building on the work of Potrie and Chung to build a robust class of examples. Adapting to higher dimensions, we work with a new definition of uniform expansion that measures volume growth in subspaces rather than norm growth of single vectors.
Examining the Influence of the Regions on Star Formation Surface Density
Authors: Lei Feng-jie , Wu Hong
Published: October 2023

We analyzed the star formation surface density (ΣSFR) between the global and H ii regions in a sample of 69 low surface brightness galaxies (LSBGs) and 68 star-forming (SF) galaxies using data from the Hα images. The conventional global ΣSFR, which is defined as the star formation rate (SFR) divided by the area of the global galaxy, may not accurately describe the star formation activity in LSBGs due to the lower number of H ii regions compared to SF galaxies. To address this, we divide the global galaxy into two regions, the H ii region and the diffuse region, and then study the ΣSFR in each region. Our results show that both the SFR and area of the H ii regions in LSBGs are lower than those in SF galaxies, resulting in the H ii region’s ΣSFR (SFR/area) being slightly lower in LSBGs than in SF galaxies by 0.28 dex, although the global ΣSFR is at least an order of magnitude lower in LSBGs than in SF galaxies. Furthermore, a significant difference exists between the global and H ii regions in ΣSFR. In LSBGs, ΣSFR increased by 0.80 dex from the global region to the H ii region, while SF galaxies demonstrate a 0.54 dex increase, highlighting the crucial aspect of carefully selecting an appropriate aperture for ΣSFR calculations.
Study of thermally evaporated Sb2Se3-based substrate-configured solar cell
Authors: Jain Alok Kumar , Anandan Rohini , Malar Piraviperumal
Published: October 2023

Antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) has emerged as a promising absorber material for thin film solar cell (TFSC) application. In this work, a (120) oriented substrate-configured Sb2Se3 based TFSC has been fabricated using the thermally evaporated Sb2Se3 thin films. Pre-synthesized bulk Sb2Se3 was used as a source material and the films were subjected to post-deposition selenization. TFSCs were fabricated in a device configuration of Glass/Mo/Sb2Se3/CdS/ITO/Ag. It was found that there is a significant increment in the power conversion efficiency (PCE) with increased Voc and Jsc in the devices, wherein the Sb2Se3 absorber films were subjected to post-deposition selenization compared to the devices made with as-deposited films. TFSC with as grown Sb2Se3 film was showing an efficiency of ∼ 1% with Voc ∼ 208 mV, Jsc∼16 mA cm−2 and fill factor (FF) ∼ 29.9%. The device with selenized Sb2Se3 films showed a power conversion efficiency of 3.38% with Voc, Jsc and FF values of 362 mV, 18.54 mA cm−2 and 50.39%, respectively. The increase in PCE for selenized films is attributed to better grain growth and suppression of selenium vacancy defects. Overall, the findings of this work demonstrate the potential prospects of Sb2Se3 as an absorber material for TFSCs applications and suggest that post-deposition selenization plays a significant role in the enhancement of device efficiency. The obtained results are contributive in the understanding and development of low-cost Sb2Se3-based TFSCs.
The causal impact of local weather anomalies on beliefs about the occurrence of climate change
Authors: Carlson Deven , Ripberger Joseph , Jenkins-Smith Hank , Silva Carol , Carlson Nina , Bell Elizabeth , Gupta Kuhika
Published: October 2023

Research has demonstrated that members of the public recognize anomalous weather patterns, and that subjective perceptions of the weather are related to beliefs about the occurrence of climate change. Yet despite two decades of scholarship and dozens of studies, inconsistent and insufficient data have made it difficult to credibly identify the causal impact of objective experiences on perceptions, and the impact of perceptions on beliefs regarding climate change occurrence. Here, we overcome these limitations by collecting and analyzing data from a 5-y panel survey of 2,500 individuals in Oklahoma, a US state that is highly divided on questions about climate change. Our findings indicate that the relationship between local weather anomalies and climate change beliefs is heavily dependent on baseline beliefs about whether climate change was occurring. For people who did not believe in climate change in the initial survey in our series, perceptions of anomalously hot and dry seasons shifted their beliefs towards the occurrence of anthropogenic climate change, whereas their perceptions of anomalously cool and wet seasons shifted their beliefs away from anthropogenic climate change. This relationship was not present among people who believed that climate change was occurring at the beginning of the study; their perceptions of seasonal temperature and precipitation anomalies had no effect on their beliefs about climate change. These patterns have substantial implications for the evolution of public beliefs about climate change.
Development of SRAM-APB protocol interface and verification
Authors: Karthikeyan V , Balamurugan K , Rao Namamula Lakshmana , Brindha F Jeya
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this mechanism is to enhance the chip’s internal connections and read/write memory capabilities. The Advanced Microcontroller Bus Architecture (AMBA) is one such shared bus that uses static random-access memory to achieve this goal. As a result, it’s important to weigh a variety of design options before diving into the Verilog description. It’s also important to remember that the system must be designed to accommodate a large number of interoperable modules and memories. The design, on the other hand, starts with fewer modules and a less complicated description and realisation that relies on memory access. ModelSim is used to simulate after the delay has been modelled in Verilog. Since the interface’s static random-access memory uses an APB protocol, its performance may be tested at this stage. In addition, Questasim employs verification modules and System Verilog technologies to guarantee the system’s operation. From the obtained results, the Direct Memory Access (DMA) with SRAM-APB outperforms the alternatives, particularly in frame transmission schemes, with a wire efficiency that is 1.4 times higher and a dynamic energy efficiency that is nearly twice as high as those of conventional configurations.
Matrix variate generalized asymmetric Laplace distributions
Authors: Kozubowski Tomasz , Mazur Stepan , Podgórski Krzysztof
Published: October 2023

The generalized asymmetric Laplace (GAL) distributions, also known as the variance/mean-gamma models, constitute a popular flexible class of distributions that can account for peakedness, skewness, and heavier-than-normal tails, often observed in financial or other empirical data. We consider extensions of the GAL distribution to the matrix variate case, which arise as covariance mixtures of matrix variate normal distributions. Two different mixing mechanisms connected with the nature of the random scaling matrix are considered, leading to what we term matrix variate GAL distributions of Type I and II. While Type I matrix variate GAL distribution has been studied before, there is no comprehensive account of Type II in the literature, except for their rather brief treatment as a special case of matrix variate generalized hyperbolic distributions. With this work we fill this gap, and present an account for basic distributional properties of Type II matrix variate GAL distributions. In particular, we derive their probability density function and the characteristic function, as well as provide stochastic representations related to matrix variate gamma distribution. We also show that this distribution is closed under linear transformations, and study the relevant marginal distributions. In addition, we also briefly account for Type I and discuss the intriguing connections with Type II. We hope that this work will be useful in the areas where matrix variate distributions provide an appropriate probabilistic tool for three-way or, more generally, panel data sets, which can arise across different applications.
Desistance Upon Release From Prison: Narratives of Tragedy, Irony, Romance and Comedy
Authors: Villman Emma
Published: September 2023

Desistance research has largely revolved around the concepts of persistence in and desistance from crime, missing what happens between these two poles. The study uses longitudinal interview data from Finnish people in prison (N = 22) before and after release to elucidate the narrative development between the positions of persistence and desistance. Taking a narrative criminological approach, the article explores how the genres of romance, tragedy, irony and comedy are adopted in accounts of desistance. It challenges a static understanding of desistance, arguing that desistance narratives are more diverse than previously understood: rooted in identity, enduring the unforeseen and restricted by unfavourable realities. The findings suggest that different narrative genres give important insights into how individuals attempting to desist from crime perceive their agency.
Carving a Professional Identity for Chinese Social Work Shaped by Universalisation, Indigenisation, and Culturalism
Authors: Meng Qian , Gray Mel , Bradt Lieve , Roets Griet
Published: September 2023

China provides an extremely interesting contemporary case study for the international social work research community, given its questioning of the pertinence of the international definition of social work and stance in relation to the debates surrounding universalisation, internationalisation and indigenisation. This article begins by examining the evolving identity of Chinese social work, grounded as it is in China’s political ideology and socio-cultural values. It then extends the debate on the paradoxical processes of universalisation, internationalisation and indigenisation within the international and Chinese social work discourse in light of the ascendance of Chinese culturalism. Finally, it addresses the impact of these interrelated processes on Chinese social work, as it struggled to adapt to the central government’s political control of the developing profession and social project to train 1.45 million social workers by 2020. It argues that, to avoid the Scylla of escaping into tradition (culturalism) and Charybdis of absorption into the West (universalisation), Chinese social work has become a blend of Western and indigenised knowledge still in search of a unique identity.
Discrete class I molecules on brain endothelium differentially regulate neuropathology in experimental cerebral malaria
Authors: Fain Cori E , Zheng Jiaying , Jin Fang , Ayasoufi Katayoun , Wu Yue , Lilley Meredith T , Dropik Abigail R , Wolf Delaney M , Rodriguez Robert C , Aibaidula Abudumijiti , Tritz Zachariah P , Bouchal Samantha M , Pewe Lecia L , Urban Stina L , Chen Yin , Chang Su-Youne , Hansen Michael J , Kachergus Jennifer M , Shi Ji , Thompson E Aubrey , Jensen Hadley E , Harty John T , Parney Ian F , Sun Jie , Wu Long-Jun , Johnson Aaron J
Published: September 2023

Cerebral malaria is the deadliest complication that can arise from Plasmodium infection. CD8 T-cell engagement of brain vasculature is a putative mechanism of neuropathology in cerebral malaria.

To define contributions of brain endothelial cell major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigen-presentation to CD8 T cells in establishing cerebral malaria pathology, we developed novel H-2Kb LoxP and H-2Db LoxP mice crossed with Cdh5-Cre mice to achieve targeted deletion of discrete class I molecules, specifically from brain endothelium. This strategy allowed us to avoid off-target effects on iron homeostasis and class I-like molecules, which are known to perturb Plasmodium infection. This is the first endothelial-specific ablation of individual class-I molecules enabling us to interrogate these molecular interactions.

In these studies, we interrogated human and mouse transcriptomics data to compare antigen presentation capacity during cerebral malaria. Using the Plasmodium berghei ANKA model of experimental cerebral malaria (ECM), we observed that H-2Kb and H-2Db class I molecules regulate distinct patterns of disease onset, CD8 T-cell infiltration, targeted cell death and regional blood–brain barrier disruption.

Strikingly, ablation of either molecule from brain endothelial cells resulted in reduced CD8 T-cell activation, attenuated T-cell interaction with brain vasculature, lessened targeted cell death, preserved blood–brain barrier integrity and prevention of ECM and the death of the animal. We were able to show that these events were brain-specific through the use of parabiosis and created the novel technique of dual small animal MRI to simultaneously scan conjoined parabionts during infection.

These data demonstrate that interactions of CD8 T cells with discrete MHC class I molecules on brain endothelium differentially regulate development of ECM neuropathology. Therefore, targeting MHC class I interactions therapeutically may hold potential for treatment of cases of severe malaria.
Disrupted resting-state functional connectivity and network topology in mild traumatic brain injury: an arterial spin labelling study
Authors: Li Fengfang , Lu Liyan , Li Hui , Liu Yin , Chen Huiyou , Yuan Fang , Jiang Hailong , Yin Xindao , Chen Yu-Chen
Published: September 2023

Mild traumatic brain injury can cause different degrees of cognitive impairment and abnormal brain structure and functional connectivity, but there is still a lack of research on the functional connectivity and topological organization of cerebral blood flow fluctuations. This study explored the cerebral blood flow, functional connectivity and topological organization of the cerebral blood flow network in acute mild traumatic brain injury patients. In total, 48 mild traumatic brain injury patients and 46 well-matched healthy controls underwent resting-state arterial spin labelling perfusion MRI and neuropsychological assessments. The functional connectivity and topological organization of the cerebral blood flow network were analysed. Then, the correlation between the changes in cerebral blood flow network characteristics and cognitive function was explored. Acute mild traumatic brain injury patients showed decreased cerebral blood flow in the right insula and increased cerebral blood flow in the right inferior temporal gyrus and left superior temporal gyrus. Abnormal cerebral blood flow network connection patterns mainly occur in sensorimotor network, default mode network, cingulo-opercular network and occipital network-related regions. Furthermore, mild traumatic brain injury disrupted the topological organization of the whole brain, which manifested as (i) reduced global efficiency; (ii) abnormal degree centrality, betweenness centrality, nodal clustering coefficient and nodal efficiency; and (iii) decreased intermodular connectivity between the occipital network and sensorimotor network. Finally, the change in network topology was correlated with the cognitive score of the mild traumatic brain injury. This study provided evidence of abnormal functional connectivity and network topology based on cerebral blood flow in acute mild traumatic brain injury patients, revealing their potential use as early markers for mild traumatic brain injury, which may contribute to both disease diagnosis and assessment.
Evidence for Tuberculosis in Individuals With Xpert Ultra “Trace” Sputum During Screening of High-Burden Communities
Authors: Sung Joowhan , Nantale Mariam , Nalutaaya Annet , Biché Patrick , Mukiibi James , Kamoga Caleb E , Akampurira Joab , Kayondo Francis , Kiyonga Rogers , Mukiibi Michael , Nakasolya Olga , McGeehan Molly , Dowdy David W , Katamba Achilles , Kendall Emily A
Published: October 2023

Background

“Trace” results on Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra (“Ultra”; Cepheid) —a molecular diagnostic test for tuberculosis (TB)—are often interpreted as an indication for TB treatment, but may also represent detection of nonviable bacilli or analytical error. In community-screening settings where individual TB risk is low, there is limited guidance on how to interpret Ultra-trace results.

Methods

We conducted systematic Ultra TB screening of adults and adolescents (≥15 years) in Kampala, Uganda, through door-to-door and event-based sputum collection. We enrolled individuals with trace-positive sputum for detailed clinical, radiographic, and microbiological (including 2 sputum cultures, repeat Ultra, and for people with HIV, urine lipoarabinomannan) evaluation, and compared those findings with similar evaluations in controls with Ultra-negative and Ultra-positive (non-trace) sputum.

Results

Of 21 957 people screened with Ultra, 211 (1.0%) tested positive, including 96 (46% of positives) with trace results. Of 92 people enrolled with trace-positive sputum; 12% (11/92) were HIV-positive and 14% (13/92) had prior TB. The prevalence of TB among participants with trace-positive sputum results was 14% (13/92) by culture, 24% (22/92) using broader microbiological criteria, and 26% (24/92) after accounting for clinical diagnosis. The prevalence of cough and of abnormal chest computed tomography (CT) findings were 32% and 26%, respectively, if Ultra-negative; 34% and 54% if trace-positive/non–microbiologically confirmed; 72% and 95% if trace-positive/microbiologically confirmed; and 71% and 93% if Ultra-positive (more than trace).

Conclusions

Most individuals with trace-positive sputum in Ugandan communities did not have microbiologically confirmed TB but had more symptoms and chest CT abnormalities than people with Ultra-negative sputum.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy non-responder to responder conversion rate in the MORE-CRT MPP trial
Authors: Leclercq Christophe , Burri Haran , Delnoy Peter Paul , Rinaldi Christopher A , Sperzel Johannes , Calò Leonardo , Concha Joaquin Fernandez , Fusco Antonio , Al Samadi Faisal , Lee Kwangdeok , Thibault Bernard
Published: September 2023

Aims

To assess the impact of MultiPoint™ Pacing (MPP) in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) non-responders after 6 months of standard biventricular pacing (BiVP).

Methods and results

The trial enrolled 5850 patients who planned to receive a CRT device. The echocardiography core laboratory assessed CRT response before implant and after 6 months of BiVP; non-response to BiVP was defined as <15% relative reduction in left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV). Echocardiographic non-responders were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive MPP (541 patients) or continued BiVP (570 patients) for an additional 6 months and evaluated the conversion rate to the echocardiographic response. The characteristics of both groups at randomization were comparable. The percentage of non-responder patients who became responders to CRT therapy was 29.4% in the MPP arm and 30.4% in the BIVP arm (P = 0.743). In patients with ≥30 mm spacing between the two left ventricular pacing sites (MPP-AS), identified during the first phase as a potential beneficial subgroup, no significant difference in the conversion rate was observed.

Conclusion

Our trial shows that ∼30% of patients, who do not respond to CRT in the first 6 months, experience significant reverse remodelling in the following 6 months. This finding suggests that CRT benefit may be delayed or slowly incremental in a relevant proportion of patients and that the percentage of CRT responders may be higher than what has been described in short-/middle-term studies. MultiPoint™ Pacing does not improve CRT response in non-responders to BiVP, even with MPP-AS.
Development of the Longitudinal Study of Health and Ageing in Kenya (LOSHAK)
Authors: Nagarajan Niranjani , Burns Shane D , Riang’a Roselyter M , Mwangi Eunice Muthoni , Sayed Shaheen , Gichu Muthoni , Langa Kenneth M , Miguel Edward , Ngugi Anthony K , Ehrlich Joshua R
Published: September 2023

In Kenya, the number of adults aged ≥60 is expected to nearly quadruple by 2050, making it one of the most rapidly aging countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Accordingly, we designed the Longitudinal Study of Health and Ageing in Kenya (LOSHAK) to generate novel data to address the health and economic consequences of this demographic transition. Specifically, LOSHAK will investigate the social, economic, environmental, biological, and policy processes that shape late-life health and economic well-being in Kenya. Modeled on the U.S. Health and Retirement Study (HRS), LOSHAK joins a network of harmonized studies on aging in >45 countries worldwide; however, LOSHAK will be only the 2nd such study in SSA. The current feasibility and pilot phase of LOSHAK will validate measures and data collection procedures in a purposive sample of Kenyan adults aged ≥45 years. We have linguistically and culturally translated instruments while aiming to maintain harmonization with both existing HRS network studies and the ongoing Kenya Life Panel Survey. The current phase of LOSHAK is nested within the Kaloleni/Rabai Community Health and Demographic Surveillance System on the coast of Kenya. LOSHAK will advance population aging research in low- and middle-income countries through the study of (a) biomarkers and physiological measures; (b) the impacts of air pollution and climate vulnerability; (c) Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, mental health, disability, caregiving, and psychosocial wellbeing; and (d) economic security, including the impact of social welfare. LOSHAK will inform future public health and economic policy to address challenges related to rapid aging in Kenya and throughout SSA. Accordingly, this paper aims to introduce and provide a description of LOSHAK and its aims and objectives, as well as to inform the scientific community of current study activities being used to build toward the full population-representative study.
Increasing community capacity to improve the implementation of Health Promoting Schools: barriers and facilitators from the FLASH intervention
Authors: van Dongen Bonnie Maria , Ridder Monica Antonia Maria , Wolters Loïs , Steenhuis Ingrid Hendrika Margaretha , Renders Carry Mira
Published: September 2023

Building community capacity is important for the successful implementation of a Health Promoting School. To identify how capacity building can be encouraged in secondary schools, four schools engaged in the Fit Lifestyle at School and at Home (FLASH) intervention for 3 years. This study explores barriers and facilitators that school personnel, parents and pupils experienced in the capacity-building process. Thirty-one stakeholders were interviewed. Transcripts were analysed thematically based on the five actions of the intervention: (i) appoint a Healthy School coordinator and build a team, (ii) determine ambitions, (iii) design and (iv) implement the action plan and (v) evaluate and improve. The time and support allocated to coordinators helped them evolve their role from executors of health-promotion activities to coordinators, instigators and gatekeepers of the implementation process. Participatory tools helped identify shared values among stakeholders to determine context-specific ambitions and leverage points for interventions. Coordinators indicated that they lacked the skills and authority to engage pupils and parents and to reach the broader community. Coordinators struggled with translating promising ideas into action plans of coherent and mutually supportive activities and embedding them into policy. Strong leadership of Healthy School coordinators, who focus on the capacity-building process and foster collaborative relationships, is essential to build community capacity. In this process, more guidance is needed on how to involve the broader community in various phases. Furthermore, coordinators can benefit from professional development to align jointly designed activities into a comprehensive action plan embedded into Healthy School policies.
Molecular Imaging of Infections: Advancing the Search for the Hidden Enemy
Authors: Hammoud Dima A , Clifford Lane H , Jain Sanjay K
Published: October 2023

Even before the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, infections were a major threat to human health, as the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of morbidity among all human diseases. Although conventional imaging studies are routinely used for patients with infections, they provide structural or anatomic information only. Molecular imaging technologies enable noninvasive visualization of molecular processes at the cellular level within intact living subjects, including patients, and hold great potential for infections. We hope that this supplement will spur interest in the field and establish new collaborations to develop and translate novel molecular imaging approaches to the clinic.
Clinical Characteristics of Peripheral Lymphocyte Subtypes in Chronic Active Epstein-Barr Virus Infection
Authors: Wei Ang , Ou Wenxin , Zhao Yunze , Ma Honghao , Zhang Liping , Lian Hongyun , Zhao Xiaoxi , Zhang Qing , Wang Dong , Li Zhigang , Wang Tianyou , Zhang Rui
Published: September 2023

Background

We aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics of peripheral Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-infected lymphocyte subtypes in children with chronic active EBV infection (CAEBV).

Methods

The levels of peripheral EBV infection of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and CD56+ natural killer (NK) cells were determined by flow cytometry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in patients with CAEBV from July 2017 to July 2022.

Results

In total, 112 children with CAEBV were evaluated. Of these, CD4+ type, CD8+ type, and CD56+ type were defined in 44, 21, and 47 patients, respectively. Patients with CD8+ T-cell type had a significantly higher frequency of rash, while hepatomegaly was more common in patients with CD4+ T-cell type. Generally, patients with CD8+ T-cell type had the lowest overall survival rate (P = .017). Patients treated with chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) had a better prognosis (P = .001). In multivariate analysis, rash, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, CD8+ T-cell type, and no decrease of plasma EBV-DNA after treatment were independent indicators of poor prognosis (P = .002, .024, .022, and .012, respectively).

Conclusions

In children with CAEBV, rash was more frequent in patients with CD8+ T-cell type, whereas patients with CD4+ T-cell type were more likely to develop hepatomegaly. Patients with CD8+ T-cell type had a poor prognosis despite receiving chemotherapy or further HSCT.
Insights into the regulation of mitochondrial functions by protein kinase A-mediated phosphorylation
Authors: Akabane Shiori , Oka Toshihiko
Published: September 2023

Cyclic AMP (cAMP)—protein kinase A (PKA) signaling is a highly conserved pathway in eukaryotes and plays a central role in cell signaling cascades in response to environmental changes. Elevated cAMP levels promote the activation of PKA, which phosphorylates various downstream proteins. Many cytosolic and nuclear proteins, such as metabolic enzymes and transcriptional factors, have been identified as substrates for PKA, suggesting that PKA-mediated regulation occurs predominantly in the cytosol. Mitochondrial proteins are also phosphorylated by PKA, and PKA-mediated phosphorylation of mitochondrial proteins is considered to control a variety of mitochondrial functions, including oxidative phosphorylation, protein import, morphology and quality control. In this review, we outline PKA mitochondrial substrates and summarize the regulation of mitochondrial functions through PKA-mediated phosphorylation.
Caregiver Ratings of Toddler Pain: The Role of Caregiver Psychological Predictors
Authors: Zaffino Jessica V , Shiff Ilana , Stern Amy P , Flanders Dan , Weinberg Eitan , Savlov Deena , Garfield Hartley , Pillai Riddell Rebecca
Published: September 2023

Introduction/Aim

Young children’s limited ability to self-report pain necessitates an understanding of the factors that influence pain ratings. The current paper examines the relative prediction of caregiver psychological factors and toddler pain behaviors on caregiver pain ratings post-vaccination.

Methods

One hundred fifty-six parent–toddler dyads were video recorded during pediatric vaccinations. Child pain behaviors were coded before, during, and after the needle using the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability Scale and the Neonatal Facial Coding System). Caregivers rated their child’s pain after the needle, reported pre- and post-needle worry during the visit, and completed rating scales assessing other areas of psychological functioning within 2 weeks after the appointment. Regression models were estimated to examine the relative contribution of child and caregiver factors to the prediction of caregiver pain ratings.

Results

The regression model predicting caregiver pain ratings from the toddlers’ pain-related distress (facial activity immediately after the needle, overall pain-related behavior immediately after, 1-min and 2-min post-needle) and caregiver worry were significant (adjusted R-square = 0.21), with caregiver pre- and post-needle worry being the only significant predictors of caregiver pain ratings.

Conclusions

This study outlines that although child distress behavior remains a significant influence on pain ratings during toddlerhood, when caregiver worry (pre- and post-needle) was entered into the model, they were the only significant predictors of caregiver pain ratings.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Initially Presenting as Acute Motor and Sensory Axonal Neuropathy Variant of Guillain–Barre Syndrome in a Healthy Active Duty Female
Authors: Braun Samantha , Bastian Luisa , Hayes Corey , Owen Samuel Craig , Craig Cassandra , Nelson Alexis
Published: September 2023

Guillain–Barre syndrome (GBS) is an acute monophasic immune-mediated polyradiculoneuropathy characterized by rapidly evolving ascending weakness, mild sensory loss, and hypo- or areflexia, typically progressing to peak symptoms over the course of 4 weeks. The precise mechanism is unclear but is proposed to be an immune-mediated reaction with the generation of antibodies against peripheral nerves triggered by a preceding viral infection. Acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN) is a rare and severe variant of Guillain–Barre syndrome with limited published literature. Discussion of risk factors for this subtype has not been done in a systematic way. This case report involves a 34-year-old, active duty, West African female, who immigrated to the United States in 2019. She presented with worsening diplopia, bilateral distal upper and lower extremity paresthesias as well as progressively worsening bilateral upper extremity weakness. Her clinical picture was complicated by constitutional symptoms, diffuse lymphadenopathy, no preceding viral illness, and marked clinical deterioration. Ultimately, she was diagnosed with acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy in the setting of a new diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus, a rarely described association emphasizing the importance of a thorough evaluation for underlying causes of acute neurologic pathologies.
Seen and unseen: bursty star formation and its implications for observations of high-redshift galaxies with JWST
Authors: Sun Guochao , Faucher-Giguère Claude-André , Hayward Christopher C , Shen Xuejian
Published: September 2023

Both observations and simulations have shown strong evidence for highly time-variable star formation in low-mass and/or high-redshift galaxies, which has important observational implications because high-redshift galaxy samples are rest-ultraviolet (rest-UV) selected and therefore particularly sensitive to the recent star formation. Using a suite of cosmological ‘zoom-in’ simulations at z > 5 from the Feedback in Realistic Environments project, we examine the implications of bursty star formation histories for observations of high-redshift galaxies with JWST. We characterize how the galaxy observability depends on the star formation history. We also investigate selection effects due to bursty star formation on the physical properties measured, such as the gas fraction, specific star formation rate, and metallicity. We find the observability to be highly time-dependent for galaxies near the survey’s limiting flux due to the star formation rate variability: as the star formation rate fluctuates, the same galaxy oscillates in and out of the observable sample. The observable fraction $f_\mathrm{obs} = 50~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ at z ∼ 7 and M⋆ ∼ 108.5–$10^{9}\, {\rm M}_{\odot }$ for a JWST/NIRCam survey reaching a limiting magnitude of $m^\mathrm{lim}_\mathrm{AB} \sim 29{\!-\!}30$, representative of surveys such as JADES and CEERS. JWST-detectable galaxies near the survey limit tend to have properties characteristic of galaxies in the bursty phase: on average, they show approximately 2.5 times higher cold, dense gas fractions and 20 times higher specific star formation rates at a given stellar mass than galaxies below the rest-UV detection threshold. Our study represents a first step in quantifying selection effects and the associated biases due to bursty star formation in studying high-redshift galaxy properties.
The evolutionary stage of Betelgeuse inferred from its pulsation periods
Authors: Saio Hideyuki , Nandal Devesh , Meynet Georges , Ekstöm Sylvia
Published: September 2023

Betelgeuse is a well-known bright red supergiant that shows semiregular variations with four approximate periods of 2200, 420, 230, and 185 d. While the longest period was customarily regarded as long secondary period of unknown origin, we identify the ∼2200-d period as the radial fundamental mode, and the three shorter periods as the radial first, second, and third overtones. From a linear non-adiabatic pulsation analysis including the pulsation/convection coupling, we have found that these radial pulsation modes are all excited in the envelope of a model in a late stage of the core carbon burning. Models with similar pulsation property have masses of $11\sim 12\, \mathrm{M}_\odot$ ($19\, \mathrm{M}_\odot$ at zero-age main sequence) with luminosities (log L/L⊙ = 5.27 ∼ 5.28) and effective temperatures (log Teff ≈ 3.53) that are consistent with the range of the observational determinations. We also find that a synthetic light curve obtained by adding the fundamental and the first-overtone mode is comparable with the light curve of Betelgeuse up to the Great Dimming. We conclude that Betelgeuse is likely in the late stage of core carbon burning, and a good candidate for the next Galactic Type II supernova.
Ray-tracing simulations of the soft X-ray scattered emission in obscured active galactic nuclei
Authors: McKaig Jeffrey , Ricci Claudio , Paltani Stéphane , Gupta K K , Abel Nicholas P , Ueda Y
Published: September 2023

Most active galactic nuclei (AGNs) in the local Universe are obscured. In these obscured AGNs, an excess is usually observed in the soft X-rays below ∼2 keV above the absorbed X-ray continuum. This spectral component is associated with the scattering of X-ray photons off free electrons in the narrow-line region (NLR), and/or to photoionized lines. Recent studies have found that in highly obscured AGNs this component has lower flux relative to the primary X-ray continuum than in less obscured AGNs. This is measured by the scattering fraction, or fscatt, which is the ratio of the scattered flux to the continuum. Here, we use the ray-tracing platform reflex to perform simulations of scattered X-ray radiation to test two possible explanations for this phenomenon: (1) sources with lower fscatt are viewed at higher inclinations or (2) low fscatt sources are characterized by larger covering factors. We consider a conical NLR of free electrons, while allowing the column density and opening angle (and hence covering factor) to vary. We also consider electron densities inferred from observations, and from simulations carried out with the spectral synthesis code cloudy. Our simulations show fscatt is expected to be related to both the inclination angle and covering factor of the torus; however, the observed negative correlation between fscatt and NH can only be explained by a positive relation between the column density and the covering factor of the obscuring material. Additional contributions to fscatt can come from unresolved photoionized lines and ionized outflowing gas.
Inflammasomes in human reproductive diseases
Authors: Chen Yun , Miao Chenyun , Zhao Ying , Yang Liuqing , Wang Ruye , Shen Dan , Ren Ning , Zhang Qin
Published: October 2023

Inflammasomes are multi-protein complexes localized within immune and non-immune cells that induce caspase activation, proinflammatory cytokine secretion, and ultimately pyroptosis—a type of cell death. Inflammasomes are involved in a variety of human diseases, especially acute or chronic inflammatory diseases. In this review, we focused on the strong correlation between the NLRP3 inflammasome and various reproductive diseases, including ovarian aging or premature ovarian insufficiency, PCOS, endometriosis, recurrent spontaneous abortion, preterm labor, pre-eclampsia, and male subfertility, as well as the multifaceted role of NLRP3 in the pathogenesis and treatment of these diseases. In addition, we provide an overview of the structure and amplification of inflammasomes. This comprehensive review demonstrates the vital role of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in human reproductive diseases together with the underlying mechanisms, offers new insights for mechanistic studies of reproduction, and provides promising possibilities for the development of drugs targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome for the treatment of reproductive disorders in the future.
Mechanistic insight into the role of AUXIN RESISTANCE4 in trafficking of AUXIN1 and LIKE AUX1-2
Authors: Tidy Alison , Abu Bakar Norliza , Carrier David , Kerr Ian D , Hodgman Charlie , Bennett Malcolm J , Swarup Ranjan
Published: September 2023

AUXIN RESISTANCE4 (AXR4) regulates the trafficking of auxin influx carrier AUXIN1 (AUX1), a plasma-membrane protein that predominantly localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in the absence of AXR4. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), AUX1 is a member of a small multigene family comprising 4 highly conserved genes—AUX1, LIKE-AUX1 (LAX1), LAX2, and LAX3. We report here that LAX2 also requires AXR4 for correct localization to the plasma membrane. AXR4 is a plant-specific protein and contains a weakly conserved α/β hydrolase fold domain that is found in several classes of lipid hydrolases and transferases. We have previously proposed that AXR4 may either act as (i) a post-translational modifying enzyme through its α/β hydrolase fold domain or (ii) an ER accessory protein, which is a special class of ER protein that regulates targeting of their cognate partner proteins. Here, we show that AXR4 is unlikely to act as a post-translational modifying enzyme as mutations in several highly conserved amino acids in the α/β hydrolase fold domain can be tolerated and active site residues are missing. We also show that AUX1 and AXR4 physically interact with each other and that AXR4 reduces aggregation of AUX1 in a dose-dependent fashion. Our results suggest that AXR4 acts as an ER accessory protein. A better understanding of AXR4-mediated trafficking of auxin transporters in crop plants will be crucial for improving root traits (designer roots) for better acquisition of water and nutrients for sustainable and resilient agriculture.
Distinct ADP-ribosylation factor-GTP exchange factors govern the opposite polarity of 2 receptor kinases
Authors: Rodriguez-Furlan Cecilia , Emami Ariana , Van Norman Jaimie M
Published: October 2023

Polarity of plasma membrane proteins is essential for cell morphogenesis and control of cell division and, thus, influences organ and whole plant development. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) root endodermal cells, 2 transmembrane kinases, INFLORESCENCE AND ROOT APICES RECEPTOR KINASE (IRK) and KINASE ON THE INSIDE (KOIN), accumulate at opposite lateral domains. Their polarization is tightly linked to their activities regulating cell division and ground tissue patterning. The polarization of IRK and KOIN relies solely on the secretion of newly synthesized protein. However, the secretion machinery by which their opposite, lateral polarity is achieved remains largely unknown. Here, we show that different sets of ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF)-guanine-nucleotide exchange factors (ARF-GEFs) mediate their secretion. ARF-GEF GNOM-like-1 (GNL1) regulates KOIN secretion to the inner polar domain, thereby directing KOIN sorting early in the secretion pathway. For IRK, combined chemical and genetic analyses showed that the ARG-GEF GNL1, GNOM, and the BREFELDIN A-INHIBITED-GUANINE NUCLEOTIDE-EXCHANGE FACTORs 1 to 4 (BIG1-BIG4) collectively regulate its polar secretion. The ARF-GEF-dependent mechanisms guiding IRK or KOIN lateral polarity were active across different root cell types and functioned regardless of the protein's inner/outer polarity in those cells. Therefore, we propose that specific polar trafficking of IRK and KOIN occurs via distinct mechanisms that are not constrained by cell identity or polar axis and likely rely on individual protein recognition.