bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ways Fusobacterium nucleatum translocate to breast tissue and contribute to breast cancer development
Authors: Guo Xinyu , Yu Ke , Huang Ruijie
Published: January 2024

Breast cancer is among the most prevalent malignancies in women worldwide. Epidemiological findings suggested that periodontal diseases may be associated with breast cancer, among which Fusobacterium nucleatum is considered an important cross‐participant. In this work, we comprehensively summarize the known mechanisms of how F. nucleatum translocates to, colonizes in mammary tumors, and promotes the carcinogenesis. Specifically, F. nucleatum translocates to mammary tissue through the mammary–intestinal axis, direct nipple contact, and hematogenous transmission. Subsequently, F. nucleatum takes advantage of fusobacterium autotransporter protein 2 to colonize breast cancer and uses virulence factors fusobacterium adhesin A and lipopolysaccharide to promote proliferation. Moreover, the upregulated matrix metalloproteinase‐9 induced by F. nucleatum does not only trigger the inflammatory response but also facilitates the tumor‐promoting microenvironment. Aside from the pro‐inflammatory effect, F. nucleatum may also be engaged in tumor immune evasion, which is achieved through the action of virulence factors on immune checkpoint receptors highly expressed on T cells, natural killer cells, and tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes. Taking breast cancer as an example, more relevant research studies may expand our current knowledge of how oral microbes affect systemic health. Hopefully, exploring these mechanisms in depth could provide new strategies for safer and more effective biologic and targeted therapies targeted at breast cancer.
A Novel Predictor of the Length and Size of ACL Grafts in Chinese Han Adults for ACL Reconstruction: An MRI Study
Authors: Yang Qingjun , Lu Wenqian , Luo Yong , Li Jiatong , Huang Xiancheng , You Tian
Published: January 2024

Objective

Currently, there is no simple and valid method to predict the length and size of the native anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in each adult patient who will undergo ACL reconstruction. This study aimed to develop an imaging prediction method that can predict the length and size of ACL grafts using the intact posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), in order to enhance the graft preparation individualized sizing.

Methods

Three hundred and nineteen patients aged 18 years or older who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee at an orthopaedic clinic between September 9, 2021, and February 5, 2023, were included. The length, sagittal diameter, and coronal diameter of the ACL and PCL were measured in all patients, and F‐test were performed to explore linear relationship between ligament measurements.

Results

Equations were established to predict a variable of the native ACL for the corresponding variable of the intact PCL (i.e., sagittal diameter of the ACL = 4.32 + 1.08 × sagittal diameter of the PCL, and coronal diameter of the ACL = 2.45 + 0.59 × coronal diameter of the PCL, length of the male ACL = 10.92 + 0.64 × length of the male PCL, length of the female ACL = 11.76 + 0.58 × length of the female PCL) (R2 = 0.532; R2 = 0.417; R2 = 0.488; R2 = 0.509; respectively).

Conclusions

The length and size of the intact PCL in cases without PCL buckling are predictors of the length and size of the native ACL in adults, respectively. The use of this information to optimize graft diameter may lower the rates of ACL graft failure in the future.
The legacy of terrestrial plant evolution on cell wall fine structure
Authors: Fangel Jonatan U. , Sørensen Klavs Martin , Jacobsen Niels , Mravec Jozef , Ahl Louise Isager , Bakshani Cassie , Mikkelsen Maria Dalgaard , Engelsen Søren Balling , Willats William , Ulvskov Peter
Published: January 2024

The evolution of land flora was an epochal event in the history of planet Earth. The success of plants, and especially flowering plants, in colonizing all but the most hostile environments required multiple mechanisms of adaptation. The mainly polysaccharide‐based cell walls of flowering plants, which are indispensable for water transport and structural support, are one of the most important adaptations to life on land. Thus, development of vasculature is regarded as a seminal event in cell wall evolution, but the impact of further refinements and diversification of cell wall compositions and architectures on radiation of flowering plant families is less well understood. We approached this from a glyco‐profiling perspective and, using carbohydrate microarrays and monoclonal antibodies, studied the cell walls of 287 plant species selected to represent important evolutionary dichotomies and adaptation to a variety of habitats. The results support the conclusion that radiation of flowering plant families was indeed accompanied by changes in cell wall fine structure and that these changes can obscure earlier evolutionary events. Convergent cell wall adaptations identified by our analyses do not appear to be associated with plants with similar lifestyles but that are taxonomically distantly related. We conclude that cell wall structure is linked to phylogeny more strongly than to habitat or lifestyle and propose that there are many approaches of adaptation to any given ecological niche.
The relative importance of contextual factors in judging mundane extradyadic behaviors as infidelity: A policy‐capturing study
Authors: Salavati Sara , Boon Susan D.
Published: January 2024

Seemingly benign extradyadic behaviors (e.g., buying/receiving gifts or talking on the phone) may be perceived as infidelity under certain circumstances, therefore causing distress and conflict in romantic relationships. A policy‐capturing method was used to illuminate the relative role of contextual factors (secrecy, frequency of the behavior, and the victim's familiarity with the rival) in perceiving whether a mundane, everyday extradyadic act is perceived to cross the line from benign to infidelity. In two sessions, 135 participants completed individual difference measures and rated 30 different vignettes in which the extradyadic behavior (i.e., direct messaging on social media) was held constant, but levels of contextual factors varied. Participants perceived secrecy as the most important contextual factor in deciding whether a mundane extradyadic behavior constituted infidelity, followed by frequency. The victim's familiarity with the rival was deemed least important. Higher reactive jealousy predicted higher perception of the behavior as infidelity and greater anticipated emotional distress following the behavior. Implications for how couples discuss the boundaries of their relationships and understand the source of emotional distress experienced after seemingly benign extradyadic behaviors are discussed.
Levan differentially primes barley defence against infections by Fusarium graminearum, Rhizoctonia solani and Pyricularia oryzae
Authors: Lian Dan , Shui Chen , Yang Ling , Cheng Yu , Zheng Shicheng , Shen Huiquan , Öner Ebru Toksoy , Liang Mingxiang
Published: January 2024

The widespread use of pesticides poses significant challenges to the safety of agricultural products and the ecological environment. Levan‐type fructans have the ability to act as an induced resistance stimulus, enhancing plant disease resistance, which aligns with the principles of green development. This study showed that levan polysaccharide, produced by Halomonas smyrnnensis levansucrase, could induce the resistance of barley to Fusarium graminearum much better than inulin‐type fructans or low‐molecular‐weight chitosan oligosaccharide. Three different application methods of levan, namely seed soaking, leaf spraying or their combination, all decreased the necrotic areas caused by F. graminearum and Rhizoctonia solani. When inoculated with F. graminearum, the content of hydrogen peroxide, proline or jasmonic acid and the activities of peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase in levan‐treated barley were higher than those in the control. In contrast, when inoculated with R. solani, the hydrogen peroxide content and peroxidase activity in levan‐treated leaves showed a faster induction than the control at the early priming and the content of proline and methyl salicylate was higher than that of the control. Thus, levan induces distinct pathways in response to different pathogens.
Linking water‐use strategies with drought resistance across herbaceous crops
Authors: Pereira Talitha S. , Oliveira Leonardo A. , Andrade Moab T. , Haverroth Eduardo J. , Cardoso Amanda A. , Martins Samuel C. V.
Published: January 2024

Woody plants minimize xylem embolism formation during drought essentially by closing stomata at higher water potentials and/or by increasing the xylem resistance to embolism. Both of these mechanisms result in a higher stomatal safety margin (SSM), which is the water potential difference between stomatal closure and embolism formation. Here, we investigated whether increasing SSM represents a drought resistance mechanism for herbaceous plants and how the different water‐use strategies impact their survival. For that, we exposed four herbaceous crops with contrasting drought resistance to severe water deficit to assess drought‐induced damage and mortality. Unlike woody species, SSM was not associated with plant survival for herbaceous crops. Soybean, which presented the largest SSM across the four crops (1.67 MPa), exhibited the earliest mortality of leaves and whole plants as well as the highest rate of plant mortality (100%) at the end of the drought period. Cowpea, with an SSM of 0.63 MPa, was the most drought‐resistant species, with the latest leaf damage and the highest plant survival (100%). The most effective traits ensuring survival in herbaceous crops under severe drought were those related to drought avoidance mechanisms such as (1) early stomatal closure, (2) very low residual transpiration post‐stomatal closure, and (3) high capacitance pre‐ and post‐turgor loss.
DNA demethylation by transitory 5‐azacytidine treatment improves somatic embryogenesis yield for regeneration and breeding of cork oak
Authors: Carneros Elena , Díaz‐Luzza Esteban M. , Pérez‐Pérez Yolanda , Solís María Teresa , Testillano Pilar S.
Published: January 2024

Somatic embryogenesis (SE) is a crucial biotechnological tool for large‐scale mass propagation of selected material, genetic transformation and breeding, with many advantages for forest tree improvement. However, the application of SE in forest species is limited because of their recalcitrance. SE is also a valuable system for studying cell reprogramming, acquisition of totipotency and embryo development. Increasing evidence reveals that epigenetic reprogramming takes place during SE through DNA methylation, although there is scarce information on forest species. In this work, we have evaluated DNA methylation dynamics during SE and the effects of the DNA demethylating agent 5‐azacytidine (AzaC) in cork oak. After induction and early stages of SE, a reduced DNA methylation level is observed, followed by an increase of methylation during embryo differentiation. These changes in DNA methylation during SE progression were associated with expression profiles of DNA methyltransferase genes QsMET1, QsDRM2 and QsCMT3, and DNA demethylase QsDME‐like. Treatment with AzaC reduced DNA methylation, promoted SE induction rate and proembryogenic masses proliferation, and induced the expression of the SE marker gene QsSERK1‐like. However, continuous AzaC treatment hindered embryo differentiation, suggesting that DNA methylation is needed for further embryo development. Interestingly, AzaC removal from the culture medium of embryogenic masses restored embryo development and led to a significant increase in somatic embryo production compared with untreated cultures. These findings open new possibilities using transitory treatments with small molecule epigenetic modulators, as AzaC, to enhance SE yields for forestry breeding programs.
Influence of loneliness and social isolation before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic on mood, cognition and sleep
Authors: da Silva Rosiêne Vieira , Soares Nayron Medeiros , Pereira Gabriela Magalhães , Figueiredo Renata Italiano da Nóbrega , Eulálio Maria do Carmo
Published: January 2024

Background

Social isolation and loneliness are public health problems and are related to poor physical and mental health in older persons, especially during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We investigated the influences of social isolation and loneliness on mood, cognition and sleep quality in older persons.

Methods

This study evaluated 82 older persons, with a median age of 69.16 years (range: 60.00–85.97). The older persons were assessed before and during the period of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Cognition was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, symptoms of depression using the Beck Depression Inventory II, symptoms of anxiety using the Beck Anxiety Inventory, quality of sleep by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, daytime sleepiness by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, isolation by the Duke Social Support Index and three‐item UCLA Loneliness Scale.

Results

Our results revealed that loneliness is related to worsening anxiety symptoms (P = 0.008), and sleep quality (P = 0.011). Isolation is related to worsening sleep quality (P = 0.011). On the other hand, participants who did not isolate themselves during the pandemic felt more anxious (P = 0.021). In addition, older persons who were not isolated (P = 0.035) and had no loneliness (P = 0.007), have higher cognitive performance over time.

Conclusion

Loneliness is related to worsening symptoms of anxiety and sleep quality. Our results showed that social isolation is related to worsening sleep quality. On the other hand, high social support during the COVID‐19 pandemic increased anxiety. Furthermore, better cognitive performance is related to non‐isolated and non‐lonely participants.
Serum anti‐Müllerian hormone around the time of ovulation simulated by exogenous hormones in clouded leopards (Neofelis nebulosa)
Authors: Chumsri Sittat , Boonorrana Itti , Suwimonteerabutr Junpen , Tipkantha Wanlaya , Thongphakdee Ampika , Chatdarong Kaywalee
Published: January 2024

Anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) is produced by granulosa cells of the antral follicles. It serves as a promising biomarker for ovarian reserve and responsiveness to ovarian stimulation in humans and domestic animals. This study aimed to validate the AMH Gen II enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and correlate ovarian structures with serum AMH concentrations after stimulation treatment in clouded leopards (Neofelis nebulosa). Serum samples were collected from 12 women (age 6.21 ± 3.56 years), and serum AMH concentrations were analysed using AMH Gen II ELISA. The animals were divided into two groups based on ovarian structures [preovulatory follicles (>2 mm) and/or corpora hemorrhagica] along with the presence of uterine tonicity visualized laparoscopically around the time of ovulation. Animals that exhibited these reproductive features were identified as the responder group (n = 9, aged 7.59 ± 2.96 years), whereas those lacking the corresponding features were assigned to the nonresponder group (n = 3, aged 2.06 ± 0.53 years). The intra‐assay coefficient of variation (CV) and interassay CV was 3.56% and 7.75%, respectively. The linearity of AMH dilution was confirmed (r2 = .998), and the percentage of recovery ranged from 93% to 115%. The results demonstrated that overall serum AMH concentrations around the time of ovulation were negatively correlated with age (rs = −.692, p = .013). However, serum AMH concentrations were not correlated with the average number of ovarian structures (rs = −.535, p = .074). Thus, AMH Gen II ELISA was validated in clouded leopards. Around the time of ovulation, serum AMH decreased with advancing age and ovarian responsiveness cannot be evaluated using serum AMH.
Assessing participatory process‐system linkages in polycentric water governance: Insights from WFD implementation in Germany
Authors: Schröder Nadine Jenny Shirin , Watson Nigel
Published: January 2024

An important, although insufficiently answered, environmental governance research question concerns how exactly participation improves policy implementation at different scales. Numerous studies have highlighted important variables influencing the effectiveness of participatory processes. However, studies of participation tend to be strongly process‐oriented rather than system‐oriented and often overlook the reality that participatory processes are part of increasingly complex and broader decision‐making systems. By analyzing particular process‐system linkages, this paper contributes new knowledge regarding how participatory processes can influence decision‐making in polycentric governance systems. This study focuses on the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive, which aims for good ecological and chemical status in all European waters, in six German states with varied polycentric decision‐making structures. No direct decision‐making power was found to be associated with any of the participatory processes themselves. Rather, the power remained embedded within the other established institutional structures. Nevertheless, the participatory processes did still intend to influence decision‐making within those established structures through the aggregation and multiplication of information. The findings show that only a few representatives or a small proportion of the total number of decision‐makers are involved in participatory processes. Therefore, those processes may either affect decisions directly due to the binding nature of the decisions taken within participatory processes or alternatively have effects through more complex and nuanced multiplication routes following the conclusion of each participatory process. Moreover, all of the participatory processes examined in this study were reliant to some extent on such multiplication mechanisms to amplify the effects on decisions throughout the overall polycentric governance system.
Treatment‐seeking behavior and cardiovascular morbidity among men with anabolic‐androgenic steroid use: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Henriksen Hans Christian Bordado , Havnes Ingrid Amalia , Jørstad Marie Lindvik , Abdullah Rang , Thorsby Per Medbøe , Hauger Lisa Evju , Edvardsen Thor , Haugaa Kristina H. , Almaas Vibeke Marie , Bjørnebekk Astrid
Published: January 2024

Aims

To determine associations between anabolic‐androgenic steroid (AAS) use‐related morbidity including cardiovascular disease (CVD) and engagement to health services.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, 90 males with at least 12 months cumulative current or former use of AAS were included. The participants were divided into a treatment‐seeking group (TSG) and a non‐treatment seeking group (non‐TSG) based on their responses to a self‐report web questionnaire. All participants were screened for symptoms that could be indicative of CVD through a clinical interview, and examined with blood samples, blood pressure measurements and transthoracic echocardiography.

Results

In the total sample (n = 90), mean age was 39 ± 11 years with cumulative AAS use of 12 ± 9 years. Among men in the TSG with current use there were higher prevalence of dyspnoea (50% vs 7%) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in conjunction with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (36 vs. 9%) and/or high blood pressure (55% vs. 19%) compared to men in the non‐TSG. Among men with current AAS use and established LVEF <50% (n = 25) or LVH (n = 21), 44% (11) and 43% (9) respectively, had never engaged health services due to AAS‐related adverse effects. Deviant liver‐ and kidney parameters were frequently observed in the total sample but without between‐group differences.

Conclusions

Treatment‐seeking behavior among current AAS users may be associated with increased levels of dyspnoea and established CVD. Despite objective signs of severe CVD among a substantial amount of study participants, it is of great concern that the majority had never sought treatment for AAS‐related concerns.
TOPOLOGY OPTIMIZATION AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES STUDIES ON TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT (TKR) USING FINITE ELEMENT SIMULATION METHOD
Authors: Abd Manap Muhammad Faris , Zainuddin Puteri Nur Bahyah , Ismail Nur Faiqa , Zubair Ahmad Faiz , Halidi Siti Nur Amalina , Hazimi Ismail
Published: January 2024

This study aims to propose lower material consumption of Total Knee Replacement (TKR), by employing Topology Optimization (TO). The objective is to propose a new knee implant design via Topology Optimization. Additionally, this study aims to calculate optimum cost-effective materials for the tibial and femoral components of the knee implant while maintaining the desired mechanical properties. SolidWorks and ANSYS Workbench software are used as tools in this study. Initially, the knee implant design was created using SolidWorks, followed by analysis and topology optimization using ANSYS Workbench. The method involves comparing the mechanical properties before and after optimization and calculating the amount of material saved through the optimization process.  According to the findings, optimization may result in a reduction in material consumption of up to 23.96% with a difference of less than 5% in terms of the mechanical characteristics of the original design and the newly optimized design.
A Comprehensive Review of Biomaterials and Its Characteristic for Bone Tissue Engineering Scaffold
Authors: Ngadiman Nor Hasrul Akhmal , Mat Saman Muhamad Zameri
Published: January 2024

The engineering of bone tissue has emerged as a promising method for the restoration and regeneration of damaged or diseased bone tissue. Bone tissue engineering relies heavily on scaffold materials, which provide a three-dimensional structure that directs cell behaviour and promotes tissue growth. However, the success of bone scaffold applications is contingent on the selection of suitable biomaterials and testing methods to assure their safety and efficacy. This review provides an exhaustive summary of biomaterials and testing methodologies for bone tissue engineering scaffold applications. The review examines the characteristics of metal-based, polymer-based, ceramic-based, composite, as well as nanomaterials that are utilised in bone scaffold applications. In addition, it discusses the properties of the scaffold materials in term of mechanical and biocompatibility properties. The review also includes an examination of the biodegradability properties of scaffolds. This exhaustive review will provide researchers, engineers, and clinicians with valuable insights into the selection and testing of biomaterials for bone scaffold applications, thereby facilitating the development of safe and effective bone tissue engineering therapies.
Mid-Span Stall Inception in Low-Pressure-Ratio Transonic Fans
Authors: Verschueren H. , Hall C. A. , Wilson M. J.
Published: January 2024

In this paper, steady and unsteady computational fluid dynamics (CFD) have been used to investigate stall inception for a modern low-pressure-ratio transonic fan. The computational results are validated against measurement data from a high-speed test facility. CFD validation was approached as a blind test case. The results show good agreement between the experiments and computations. Stall is triggered by the growth of a suction surface separation behind the shock around the mid-span of the rotor blade. As the fan is throttled, the separation grows, leading to increased blockage in the blade passages. At the point of instability, the separation grows further, locally increasing incidence and leading to the formation of a stall cell. It is shown that changes to the tip leakage flow leave the stall inception mechanism unaffected. A computational case with a suction surface slip patch between 25% and 75% span shows that the reduction in blockage around the mid-span increases the stall margin by 25%. This demonstrates that for cases with mid-span initiated stalls, it is important to consider the flow away from the tip as well as the flow in the tip region. A redesigned fan is used to illustrate that design changes around the mid-span can be effective in improving flow range. The redesigned fan increases the stall margin by 6.7% while maintaining the design point efficiency within 0.1%.
A Numerical Design Space Investigation of Low-Speed Axial Compressor Stages Using Single-Row and Tandem Bladings
Authors: von Jeinsen Philipp , Eckel Jannik , Giannini Samuele , Gümmer Volker
Published: January 2024

The present article numerically investigates the design space of an axial, low-speed compressor stage using tandem and single aerofoil configurations. The investigated rotor and stator designs follow a coupled throughflow and blade-to-blade design approach and will yield quasi-3D designed compressor stages with either single-rotor single-stator or tandem-rotor tandem-stator configurations. In past studies, tandem aerofoil configurations have shown a potential for increasing stage working coefficients, while maintaining their efficiency compared to their single aerofoil reference configuration. However, it was also shown that tandem configurations are able to reduce efficiency due to an increase of secondary flow caused by the higher loading and introduction in the second aerofoil. Currently, there is no clear design guideline on when tandem aerofoil configurations should be preferred over single ones, and under which circumstances they should be avoided. To answer this question, the present article will attempt to create a “Smith chart” for tandem aerofoil stages and compare them to their single aerofoil counterparts. Originally intended for use with turbine stages, the Smith chart maps out the potential efficiencies of turbomachinery designs. It plots the working coefficient (Ψ) over the throughflow coefficient (φ), which gives a direct indication of the shape of velocity triangles in the stage. However, the Smith chart has been well investigated for single aerofoil stages, both numerically and experimentally, as well as for low- and high-speed applications, and this is not the case so far for tandem configurations. The current work presents a fast Q3D design and analysis procedure used on a low-speed axial compressor stage and will yield quasi-3D efficiencies for a large number of different design coefficients. The findings of this work will enable future research to identify preferred combinations of design coefficients for tandem aerofoil configurations, which can then be further analyzed in 3D investigations at a higher fidelity level.
Near-surface electronic structure in strained Ni-ferrite films: An x-ray absorption spectroscopy study
Authors: Saha S. , Knut R. , Gupta A. , Radu F. , Luo C. , Karis O. , Arena D. A.
Published: January 2024

We report on the x-ray absorption spectra (XAS) and x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) of a series of NiFe2O4 (Ni ferrite) films grown on symmetry matched substrates and measured in two geometries: out-of-plane and near in-plane. The Ni ferrite films, grown by pulsed laser deposition, are epitaxial and the substrates used (ZnGa2O4, CoGa2O4, MgGa2O4, and MgAl2O4) introduce a systematic variation in the lattice mismatch between the substrate and the film. Modeling of the XAS and XMCD spectra, both measured with the surface sensitive total electron yield mode, indicates that the Ni2+ cations reside on the octahedrally coordinated lattice sites in the spinel structure. Analyses of the Fe XAS and XMCD spectra are consistent with Fe3+ cations occupying a subset of the octahedral and tetrahedral sites in the spinel oxide lattice with the addition of a small amount of Fe2+ located on octahedral sites. The Ni2+ orbital to spin moment ratio (μℓ/μs), derived from the application of XMCD sum rules, is enhanced for the substrates with a small lattice mismatch relative to NiFe2O4. The results suggest a path for increasing the orbital moment in NiFe2O4 by applying thin film growth techniques that can maintain a highly strained lattice for the NiFe2O4 film.
Sequential infiltration of two-photon polymerized 3D photonic crystals for mid-IR spectroscopic applications
Authors: Singhal Anuj , Divan Ralu , Dalmiya Anandvinod , Stan Liliana , Ghiacy Arian , Lynch Patrick T. , Paprotny Igor
Published: January 2024

Photonic crystals (PhCs) are spatially organized structures with lattice parameters equivalent to the operational wavelength of light. PhCs have been subject to extensive research efforts in the last two decades and are known for controlling light propagation with applications in sensing and time-delayed communication due to the slow-light phenomenon. Despite their exceptional properties, PhCs are difficult to fabricate using planar micromachining techniques due to their periodic structures. Techniques like two-photon stereolithography have been discussed for PhC fabrication in the literature, but the inherent disadvantage of poor refractive index (RI) contrast results in limited application. In this work, we present sequential infiltration synthesis performed on two-photon stereolithographically printed 3D PhCs for infiltration with zinc oxide to increase the RI of 3D PhCs. Finite element analysis was performed over a range of RI contrast values to study the change in photonic bandgap (PBG) with RI contrast. The transmission spectra were recorded on 3D PhCs before and after infiltration to demonstrate the change experimentally. An increase in the PBG width and absorbance is seen postinfiltration due to enhanced RI. This work presents the first, to our knowledge, sequentially infiltrated enhanced 3D PhC fabricated with two-photon stereolithography.
Cu2O/ZnO heterojunction self-powered photodetector performance regulation
Authors: Li Siyuan , Zhao Man , Jiang Dayong , Li Mingyang , Wang Meijiao , Peng Yanyan , Gu Jingda
Published: January 2024

Self-powered photodetectors, requiring no external bias, offer distinct advantages that render them ideal for a broad spectrum of applications. Efficient carrier separation and collection stand as foundational elements in the operation of these photodetectors. In this study, we delve into the refinement of Cu2O/ZnO heterojunction photodetectors. By varying the thickness of the ZnO layer, we controlled the separation and capture of carriers at the heterojunction, thus achieving adjustable photodetector performance. Our experimental findings reveal pronounced performance trends related to different wavelength bands, with particular significance in the ultraviolet and visible exploration. We observe a distinctive pattern marked by an initial performance increase followed by a subsequent decline. This intriguing phenomenon implies that meticulous control over carrier separation and collection within the heterojunction can be realized by fine-tuning the transmission distance, ultimately allowing us to adjust the photodetector’s responsivity.
Just noticeable difference for simulation accuracy between full and reduced order models (L)
Authors: Llopis Hermes Sampedro , Kjær Christina , Engsig-Karup Allan P. , Jeong Cheol-Ho
Published: January 2024

Model order reduction techniques significantly reduce the computational time when performing accurate room acoustic simulations with numerical methods that inherently include all the wave phenomena. There is a clear trade-off between physical accuracy and acceleration, but how humans perceive these errors is unknown. This study aims to investigate physical error limit that does not induce perceptual differences. Various two-dimensional rooms and reverberation times are tested with a three-alternative forced-choice listening test. Results reveal that for the presented cases, the threshold stands between a relative root mean square error of 1% and 0.1%, where the reduced order model stimulus results in a statistically significant difference.
Broadband acoustic characterization of backscattering from a rough stratification interface
Authors: Weidner Elizabeth , Weber Thomas C.
Published: January 2024

Broadband acoustic analysis of scattering from sharp density gradients in the water column generally treat the interfaces as smooth surfaces. However, these interfaces may exhibit roughness owing to external water column forcing and local convective processes. In this work we extend broadband backscatter analysis methods to consider interface roughness by drawing upon methods developed for sea surface and seabed acoustic backscattering. The one-dimensional acoustic model from Weidner and Weber [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 150(6), 4353–4361 (2021)], which predicts a decay in the reflected wave amplitude from stratification interfaces with increasing frequency, was expanded for surface applications. The expanded model was used to analyze the scattered pressure field from interfaces over a range of surface roughness magnitudes. Analysis of model results indicate that stratification interface roughness, quantified by the root-mean-squared interface slope angle and root-mean-squared height of the interface, modifies the model-predicted frequency-dependent backscattering. A broadband acoustic inversion procedure to remotely measure the magnitude of the vertical extent of stratification gradients and the corresponding sound speed perturbation was defined. The broadband inversion method was tested on data collected in the Baltic Sea with well-documented, strong salinity-driven stratification.
Impact of the ear canal motion on the impedance boundary conditions in models of the occlusion effect
Authors: Kersten Simon , Sgard Franck , Vorländer Michael
Published: January 2024

The occlusion effect (OE) denotes the increased low-frequency perception of bone-conducted sounds when the ear canal (EC) is occluded. Circuit and finite element (FE) models are commonly used to investigate the OE and improve its prediction, often applying acoustic impedances at the EC entrance and tympanic membrane (TM). This study investigates the sound generation caused by the structural motion of the EC. In addition to the EC wall vibration, it accounts for the motions of the EC entrance and TM, resulting from nondeforming motion of the surrounding structures. A model extension including these motions with the impedances is proposed. Related mechanisms are illustrated based on a circuit model. Implications are discussed by using an EC motion extracted from a FE model of a human head. The results demonstrate that the motions of the EC entrance and TM, addressed by the proposed extension, affects the TM sound pressure and may lead to a reduction of the OE at lower frequencies compared to solely considering the EC wall vibration. Accordingly, this phenomenon potentially reconciles differences between experimental data and OE simulations at frequencies below about 250 Hz, highlighting the importance to discern between multiple contributing mechanisms to the TM sound pressure.
Dose–Response Effect of an Inertia Flywheel Postactivation Performance Enhancement Protocol on Countermovement Jump Performance
Authors: Hall Keegan B. , Immink Maarten A. , Martin David T. , Bennett Hunter , Crowther Robert G.
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study was to investigate the dose–response effect of a high-load, 6-repetition, maximum effort inertial flywheel (IFw) squat postactivation performance enhancement (PAPE) protocol on countermovement jump (CMJ) performance metrics. Thirteen subjects completed 5 squat testing sessions: 1 session to determine back-squat 6-repetition maximum, 1 session to determine 6-repetition maximum IFw load, and 3 sessions to investigate the dose–response effect of an IFw PAPE protocol set at the load determined in the second session. In the IFw PAPE sessions, subjects completed either 1, 2, or 3 sets of IFw squats, then performed 5 CMJs over 12 minutes (1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 min post-IFw). All CMJ tests were conducted on a force platform where CMJ performance outcomes and impulse variables were calculated. There was no main time or volume effect for jump height, contact time, reactive strength index, peak force, or any of the impulse variables. A main time effect was identified for flight time (P = .006, effect size = 0.24) and peak power (P = .001, effect size = 0.28). The lack of change in jump height may indicate that too much fatigue was generated following this near-maximal IFw squat protocol, thereby reducing the PAPE effect.
Physical Literacy in the Context of Climate Change: Is There a Need for Further Refinement of the Concept?
Authors: Carl Johannes , Abu-Omar Karim , Bernard Paquito , Lohmann Julia , White Peta , Peters Jacqui , Sahlqvist Shannon , Ma Jiani , Duncan Michael , Barnett Lisa M.
Published: January 2024

The concept of physical literacy (PL) has witnessed enormous popularity in recent years and has undergone substantial theoretical evolvement during the last 2 decades. However, the research field pertaining to PL has not yet initiated discussions around the challenges of climate change and the alignment with conceptualizations of planetary health. Therefore, we argue that the consideration of an “ecological domain” for individual physical activity, in the form of ecological awareness, would further evolve the concept. We illustrate how to potentially integrate adjustments within the most frequent PL definitions of the field (eg, those in Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, the United States, or by the International Physical Literacy Association) without questioning the entire integrity of these elaborate conceptualizations. An ecological domain of PL would not only interact with the postulated physical, cognitive, psychological/affective, and social domains of PL but also have important implications for the (re)design of interventions and practices in physical activity contexts. We call the scientific community, both on national and international scales, to intensify the discussions and initiate a research agenda involving an “ecological domain” of PL.
Self-Categorization and Sport Management Students: Perceptions of Industry and Discipline by Self-Identified Gender
Authors: Ross Mike , Berry Bobby , Vermillion Mark
Published: January 2024

Previous research has identified the saliency of gendered experiences in sport industry and educational settings. Drawing from self-categorization theory to better understand the impact of in- and out-group membership on experiences and perceptions, the purpose of this study was to examine college students’ perceptions of gender in both the sport industry and their sport management discipline. Data were collected from a sport management student population at a moderately sized, urban-serving university using an exploratory questionnaire. Descriptive and bivariate results indicate statistically significant differences in perceptions of equality, fairness, and experiences between male and female sport management students. Results, which are in alignment with previous research, are discussed along with study limitations.
Microbiota-dependent activation of CD4
+
T cells induces CTLA-4 blockade–associated colitis via Fcγ receptors
Authors: Lo Bernard C. , Kryczek Ilona , Yu Jiali , Vatan Linda , Caruso Roberta , Matsumoto Masanori , Sato Yosuke , Shaw Michael H. , Inohara Naohiro , Xie Yuying , Lei Yu Leo , Zou Weiping , Núñez Gabriel
Published: January 2024

Immune checkpoint inhibitors can stimulate antitumor immunity but can also induce toxicities termed immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Colitis is a common and severe irAE that can lead to treatment discontinuation. Mechanistic understanding of gut irAEs has been hampered because robust colitis is not observed in laboratory mice treated with checkpoint inhibitors. We report here that this limitation can be overcome by using mice harboring the microbiota of wild-caught mice, which develop overt colitis following treatment with anti-CTLA-4 antibodies. Intestinal inflammation is driven by unrestrained activation of IFNγ-producing CD4
+
T cells and depletion of peripherally induced regulatory T cells through Fcγ receptor signaling. Accordingly, anti-CTLA-4 nanobodies that lack an Fc domain can promote antitumor responses without triggering colitis. This work suggests a strategy for mitigating gut irAEs while preserving antitumor stimulating effects of CTLA-4 blockade.
Magellanic cloud may be two galaxies, not one
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: January 2024

Rethink of familiar object may boost odds that its name, offensive to some, will be changed
Once reluctant, new NIH chief Monica Bertagnolli embraces role
Authors: Kaiser Jocelyn
Published: January 2024

Improving patient care is top priority for head of world’s largest biomedical research funder
The metallo-β-lactamases strike back: emergence of taniborbactam escape variants
Authors: Tamma Pranita D. , Munita Jose M.
Published: January 2024

Metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) have evolved relatively rapidly to become an international public health threat. There are no clinically available β-lactamase inhibitors with activity against MBLs. This may change with the introduction of cefepime-taniborbactam. Herein, we review three manuscripts (S. I. Drusin, C. Le Terrier, L. Poirel, R. A. Bonomo, et al., Antimicrob Agents Chemother 68:e01168-23, 2024,
https://doi.org/10.1128/aac.01168-23
; C. Le Terrier, C. Viguier, P. Nordmann, A. J. Vila, and L. Poirel, Antimicrob Agents Chemother 68:e00991-23, 2024,
https://doi.org/10.1128/aac.00991-23
; D. Ono, M. F. Mojica, C. R. Bethel, Y. Ishii, et al., Antimicrob Agents Chemother 68:e01332-23, 2024,
https://doi.org/10.1128/aac.01332-23
) in which investigators describe elegant experiments to explore MBL/taniborbactam interactions and modifications to MBLs, in response, to reduce the affinity of taniborbactam. Challenges with MBL inhibition will not disappear; rather, they will evolve commensurate with advancements in medicinal chemistry.
Microbially catalyzed conjugation of GABA and tyramine to bile acids
Authors: Mullowney Michael W. , Fiebig Aretha , Schnizlein Matthew K. , McMillin Mary , Rose Amber R. , Koval Jason , Rubin David , Dalal Sushila , Sogin Mitchell L. , Chang Eugene B. , Sidebottom Ashley M. , Crosson Sean
Published: January 2024

Bile acids (BAs) are cholesterol-derived molecules that aid in digestion and nutrient absorption, regulate host metabolic processes, and influence physiology of the gut microbiota. Both the host and its microbiome contribute to enzymatic modifications that shape the chemical diversity of BAs in the gut. Several bacterial species have been reported to conjugate standard amino acids to BAs, but it was not known if bacteria conjugate BAs to other amine classes. Here, we show that
Bacteroides fragilis
strain P207, isolated from a bacterial bloom in the J-pouch of a patient with ulcerative colitis pouchitis, conjugates standard amino acids and the neuroactive amines γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and tyramine to deoxycholic acid. We extended this analysis to other human gut isolates and identified species that are competent to conjugate GABA and tyramine to primary and secondary BAs, and further identified diverse BA-GABA and BA-tyramine amides in human stool. A longitudinal metabolomic analysis of J-pouch contents of the patient from whom
B. fragilis
P207 was isolated revealed highly reduced levels of secondary bile acids and a shifting BA amide profile before, during, and after onset of pouchitis, including temporal changes in several BA-GABA amides. Treatment of pouchitis with ciprofloxacin was associated with a marked reduction of nearly all BA amides in the J-pouch. Our study expands the known repertoire of conjugated bile acids produced by bacteria to include BA conjugates to GABA and tyramine and demonstrates that these molecules are present in the human gut.

IMPORTANCE

BAs are modified in multiple ways by host enzymes and the microbiota to produce a chemically diverse set of molecules that assist in the digestive process and impact many physiological functions. This study reports the discovery of bacterial species that conjugate the neuroactive amines, GABA and tyramine, to primary and secondary BAs. We further present evidence that BA-GABA and BA-tyramine conjugates are present in the human gut, and document a shifting BA-GABA profile in a human pouchitis patient before, during, and after inflammation and antibiotic treatment. GABA and tyramine are common metabolic products of the gut microbiota and potent neuroactive molecules. GABA- and tyramine-conjugated BAs may influence receptor-mediated regulatory mechanisms of humans and their gut microbes, and absorption of these molecules and their entry into enterohepatic circulation may impact host physiology at distal tissue sites. This study defines new conjugated bile acids in the human gut.
Unveiling the role of host kinases at different steps of influenza A virus life cycle
Authors: Dey Soumik , Mondal Arindam
Published: January 2024

Influenza viruses remain a major public health concern causing contagious respiratory illnesses that result in around 290,000–650,000 global deaths every year. Their ability to constantly evolve through antigenic shifts and drifts leads to the emergence of newer strains and resistance to existing drugs and vaccines. To combat this, there is a critical need for novel antiviral drugs through the introduction of host-targeted therapeutics. Influenza viruses encode only 14 gene products that get extensively modified through phosphorylation by a diverse array of host kinases. Reversible phosphorylation at serine, threonine, or tyrosine residues dynamically regulates the structure, function, and subcellular localization of viral proteins at different stages of their life cycle. In addition, kinases influence a plethora of signaling pathways that also regulate virus propagation by modulating the host cell environment thus establishing a critical virus-host relationship that is indispensable for executing successful infection. This dependence on host kinases opens up exciting possibilities for developing kinase inhibitors as next-generation anti-influenza therapy. To fully capitalize on this potential, extensive mapping of the influenza virus-host kinase interaction network is essential. The key focus of this review is to outline the molecular mechanisms by which host kinases regulate different steps of the influenza A virus life cycle, starting from attachment-entry to assembly-budding. By assessing the contributions of different host kinases and their specific phosphorylation events during the virus life cycle, we aim to develop a holistic overview of the virus-host kinase interaction network that may shed light on potential targets for novel antiviral interventions.