bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Countability constraints in order-theoretic approaches to computability
Authors: Hack Pedro , Braun Daniel A. , Gottwald Sebastian
Published: May 2024

Computability on uncountable sets has no standard formalization, unlike that on countable sets, which is given by Turing machines. Some of the approaches to define computability in these sets rely on order-theoretic structures to translate such notions from Turing machines to uncountable spaces. Since these machines are used as a baseline for computability in these approaches, countability restrictions on the ordered structures are fundamental. Here, we show several relations between the usual countability restrictions in order-theoretic theories of computability and some more common order-theoretic countability constraints, like order density properties and functional characterizations of the order structure in terms of multi-utilities. As a result, we show how computability can be introduced in some order structures via countability order density and multi-utility constraints.
Counting spanning subgraphs in dense hypergraphs
Authors: Montgomery Richard , Pavez-Signé Matías
Published: May 2024

We give a simple method to estimate the number of distinct copies of some classes of spanning subgraphs in hypergraphs with a high minimum degree. In particular, for each
$k\geq 2$
and
$1\leq \ell \leq k-1$
, we show that every
$k$
-graph on
$n$
vertices with minimum codegree at least
\begin{equation*} \left \{\begin {array}{l@{\quad}l} \left (\dfrac {1}{2}+o(1)\right )n & \text { if }(k-\ell )\mid k,\\[5pt] \left (\dfrac {1}{\lceil \frac {k}{k-\ell }\rceil (k-\ell )}+o(1)\right )n & \text { if }(k-\ell )\nmid k, \end {array} \right . \end{equation*}
contains
$\exp\!(n\log n-\Theta (n))$
Hamilton
$\ell$
-cycles as long as
$(k-\ell )\mid n$
. When
$(k-\ell )\mid k$
, this gives a simple proof of a result of Glock, Gould, Joos, Kühn, and Osthus, while when
$(k-\ell )\nmid k$
, this gives a weaker count than that given by Ferber, Hardiman, and Mond, or when
$\ell \lt k/2$
, by Ferber, Krivelevich, and Sudakov, but one that holds for an asymptotically optimal minimum codegree bound.
Comparison of post-operative transesophageal and transthoracic echocardiogram findings following atrioventricular septal defect repair
Authors: Adamson Marissa E. , Bermudez Tori , Rosenblum Joshua M. , Wilson Hunter C.
Published: May 2024

Success of atrioventricular septal defect repair is defined by post-operative atrioventricular valve function and presence of residual intracardiac shunting. We evaluated differences in interpretation of atrioventricular valve function and residual defects between transesophageal and transthoracic echocardiography in a contemporary cohort of infants undergoing atrioventricular septal defect repair. Among 106 patients, we identified an increase in left and right atrioventricular valve regurgitation, right atrioventricular valve inflow gradient, and increased detection rate of residual intracardiac shunting on transthoracic compared to transesophageal echocardiograms, although residual shunts identified only on transthoracic echocardiogram were not haemodynamically significant. Findings may help inform expectation of post-operative transthoracic echocardiogram findings based on intraoperative assessment.
From the Hebrew Commonwealth to Party Politics: Rousseau's Legacy and the Nation-State in Nineteenth-Century Political Thought
Authors: Sonenscher Michael
Published: May 2024

When, why and how did the subjects of individual and national self-determination come to overlap and what were the effects of this overlap when it occurred? Usually in the history of European political thought, the subject of self-determination is associated with the concept of autonomy, while the subject of national self-determination is associated with the concept of the nation-state. The aim of this article is to examine the relationship between these two concepts mainly in the light of an earlier tension between the concepts of the people and of the nation as agents of political authorization and between Roman law and the legacy of Monarchomach thought particularly, but not exclusively, in eighteenth-century France. It is designed to show of how this cluster of tensions was described and discussed first by Rousseau, Kant and Hegel, and then, in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, by such figures as Mill, Tocqueville, Bluntschli, Bosanquet, Hauriou, Schmitt and Strauss. The point of the article is to suggest that the modern, two-sided, relationship between parties and states is more of a continuation of the earlier conceptual relationship between nations and peoples than is usually assumed.
The ‘Mesopotamian trap’: from the ‘first’ international to dynamic multiplicity
Authors: Powel Brieg
Published: May 2024

Building on studies of historical non-Westphalian world orders, this article challenges desires to identify a ‘first’ international. The question ‘when was the first international?’ is fundamental to defining disciplinary boundaries and the ontologies that shape them. Such quests are substantialist rather than relational, limiting our understanding of the relations and diversity of agents involved in world ordering. Existing approaches to the ‘first’ international are caught in a ‘Mesopotamian trap’: a combination of social evolution conceptual models grounded in colonial epistemologies, analytical presentism, and the surviving propaganda of ancient urban rulers. This article proposes ‘dynamic multiplicity’ as a new framework to account for the diversity, complexity, dynamism, and relationality of world orders in past and present. Dynamic multiplicity emphasizes: a quantitative and qualitative multiplicity of actors; never-ending and always unfolding relations; the instability and permeability of social actors; the diachronic nature of social action; hierarchical and heterarchical power relations; the multi-scalar spatiality of the social; and sustained and critical interdisciplinarity. It applies dynamic multiplicity to the case of Sumer and ancient West Asia, a so-called ‘first’ international, to reveal a diversity of durable relational actors and contradict assumptions that international relations necessarily lead to world orders of homogenous unit-types.
A broadband metasurface antenna with multimode resonance
Authors: Pang Hui , Zhao Jianping , Xu Juan
Published: May 2024

A multiresonance metasurface antenna is proposed which has wide bandwidth and low-profile. The characteristic mode theory is used to design antenna structure. Three ideal modes are obtained by adjusting the mode currents to optimize the radiation performance of the antenna. The characteristic mode analysis is used to model, analyze, and optimize the antenna, revealing the physical characteristics of the metasurface antenna. The slot is not only used as the feeding structure for exciting characteristic modes but also introduces a slot mode. Combining the slot mode with the metasurface modes, the bandwidth of the antenna is broadened. The antenna element has a relative bandwidth of 43.7%. To obtain higher gain, a 2 × 2 antenna array is proposed. The antenna array is simulated, fabricated, and measured. The results show that the relative bandwidth of the proposed metasurface antenna array is 31.6% with the gain of 12.3–15.8 dBi over the operating bandwidth.
Expertenstandards in der Weiterbildung
Authors: Berndt Vanessa , Büscher Andreas , Krebs Moritz , Horn Annett
Published: May 2024

Zusammenfassung: Die durchgeführte Untersuchung zeigt: Die Arbeit mit den Expertenstandards des Deutschen Netzwerks für Qualitätsentwicklung in der Pflege (DNQP) ist mit einem hohen Weiterbildungsbedarf verbunden (Moers et al., 2017; Wientjens, 2019). Daten zu den verschiedenen Bedarfslagen von Pflegenden liegen bislang jedoch nicht vor.
On the Formation Mechanism of Martian Dayside Ionospheric Plasma Depletion Events
Authors: Basuvaraj Praveen , Němec František , Fowler C. M. , Regoli Leonardo H. , Němeček Zdeněk , Šafránková Jana
Published: May 2024

Plasma Depletion Events (PDEs) are characterized by abrupt, localized reductions in ionospheric plasma density at least by an order of magnitude decrease. These events are observed over a limited range of altitudes, typically spanning a few tens of kilometers. We use Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution spacecraft data to investigate the properties and possible formation mechanism of daytime PDEs, typically observed at altitudes above 250 km. We show, using two example events and statistical analysis, that the depletion events are associated with electrostatic fluctuations and increased electron temperatures. The events are further accompanied by enhanced fluxes of suprathermal electrons and light energetic ions. These are indicative of local plasma heating, possibly mediated by the electrostatic fluctuations. The heated plasma may eventually escape from the depletion region through the ambipolar diffusion.
Psychogenic Aging: A Novel Prospect to Integrate Psychobiological Hallmarks of Aging
Authors: Faria Manuel , Ganz Ariel , Galkin Fedor , Zhavoronkov Alex , Snyder Michael
Published: May 2024

Psychological factors are amongst the most robust predictors of healthspan and longevity, yet are rarely incorporated into scientific and medical frameworks of aging. The prospect of characterizing and integrating the psychological influences of aging is therefore an unmet step for the advancement of geroscience. Psychogenic Aging research is an emerging branch of biogerontology that aims to address this gap by investigating the impact of psychological factors on human longevity. It is an interdisciplinary field that integrates complex psychological, neurological, and molecular relationships that can be best understood with precision medicine methodologies. This perspective argues that psychogenic aging should be considered an integral component of the Hallmarks of Aging framework, opening the doors for future biopsychosocial integration in longevity research. By providing a unique perspective on frequently overlooked aspects of organismal aging, psychogenic aging offers new insights and targets for anti-aging therapeutics on individual and societal levels that can significantly benefit the scientific and medical communities.
Lumbar instability remodels cartilage endplate to induce intervertebral disc degeneration by recruiting osteoclasts via Hippo-CCL3 signaling
Authors: Li Hanwen , Tang Yingchuang , Liu Zixiang , Chen Kangwu , Zhang Kai , Hu Sihan , Pan Chun , Yang Huilin , Li Bin , Chen Hao
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Degenerated endplate appears with cheese-like morphology and sensory innervation, contributing to low back pain and subsequently inducing intervertebral disc degeneration in the aged population.1 However, the origin and development mechanism of the cheese-like morphology remain unclear. Here in this study, we report lumbar instability induced cartilage endplate remodeling is responsible for this pathological change. Transcriptome sequencing of the endplate chondrocytes under abnormal stress revealed that the Hippo signaling was key for this process. Activation of Hippo signaling or knockout of the key gene Yap1 in the cartilage endplate severed the cheese-like morphological change and disc degeneration after lumbar spine instability (LSI) surgery, while blocking the Hippo signaling reversed this process. Meanwhile, transcriptome sequencing data also showed osteoclast differentiation related gene set expression was up regulated in the endplate chondrocytes under abnormal mechanical stress, which was activated after the Hippo signaling. Among the discovered osteoclast differentiation gene set, CCL3 was found to be largely released from the chondrocytes under abnormal stress, which functioned to recruit and promote osteoclasts formation for cartilage endplate remodeling. Over-expression of Yap1 inhibited CCL3 transcription by blocking its promoter, which then reversed the endplate from remodeling to the cheese-like morphology. Finally, LSI-induced cartilage endplate remodeling was successfully rescued by local injection of an AAV5 wrapped Yap1 over-expression plasmid at the site. These findings suggest that the Hippo signaling induced osteoclast gene set activation in the cartilage endplate is a potential new target for the management of instability induced low back pain and lumbar degeneration.
CBX4 plays a bidirectional role in transcriptional regulation and lung adenocarcinoma progression
Authors: Zhao Ran , Guo Yanxuan , Zhang Linlin , Huang Zhiyong , Li Xuanyuan , Lan Bei , Zhong Diansheng , Chen Hao , Xuan Chenghao
Published: May 2024

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Understanding the dysregulated epigenetics governing LUAD progression is pivotal for identifying therapeutic targets. CBX4, a chromobox protein, is reported to be upregulated in LUAD. This study highlights the dual impact of CBX4 on LUAD proliferation and metastasis through a series of rigorous in vitro and in vivo experiments. Further investigation into the underlying mechanism through high-throughput ChIP-seq and RNA-seq reveals that CBX4 functions in promoting LUAD proliferation via upregulating PHGDH expression and subsequent serine biosynthesis, while concurrently suppressing LUAD metastasis by inhibiting ZEB2 transcription. CBX4 facilitates PHGDH transcription through the interaction with GCN5, inducing heightened histone acetylation on the PHGDH promoter. Simultaneously, the inhibition of ZEB2 transcription involves CBX4-mediated recruitment of canonical PRC1 (cPRC1), establishing H2K119ub on the ZEB2 promoter. These findings underscore CBX4’s pivotal role as a regulator of LUAD progression, emphasizing its diverse transcriptional regulatory functions contingent upon interactions with specific epigenetic partners. Understanding the nuanced interplay between CBX4 and epigenetic factors sheds light on potential therapeutic avenues in LUAD.
Biallelic variants in CSMD1 are implicated in a neurodevelopmental disorder with intellectual disability and variable cortical malformations
Authors: Werren Elizabeth A. , Peirent Emily R. , Jantti Henna , Guxholli Alba , Srivastava Kinshuk Raj , Orenstein Naama , Narayanan Vinodh , Wiszniewski Wojciech , Dawidziuk Mateusz , Gawlinski Pawel , Umair Muhammad , Khan Amjad , Khan Shahid Niaz , Geneviève David , Lehalle Daphné , van Gassen K. L. I. , Giltay Jacques C. , Oegema Renske , van Jaarsveld Richard H. , Rafiullah Rafiullah , Rappold Gudrun A. , Rabin Rachel , Pappas John G. , Wheeler Marsha M. , Bamshad Michael J. , Tsan Yao-Chang , Johnson Matthew B. , Keegan Catherine E. , Srivastava Anshika , Bielas Stephanie L.
Published: May 2024

CSMD1 (Cub and Sushi Multiple Domains 1) is a well-recognized regulator of the complement cascade, an important component of the innate immune response. CSMD1 is highly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) where emergent functions of the complement pathway modulate neural development and synaptic activity. While a genetic risk factor for neuropsychiatric disorders, the role of CSMD1 in neurodevelopmental disorders is unclear. Through international variant sharing, we identified inherited biallelic CSMD1 variants in eight individuals from six families of diverse ancestry who present with global developmental delay, intellectual disability, microcephaly, and polymicrogyria. We modeled CSMD1 loss-of-function (LOF) pathogenesis in early-stage forebrain organoids differentiated from CSMD1 knockout human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). We show that CSMD1 is necessary for neuroepithelial cytoarchitecture and synchronous differentiation. In summary, we identified a critical role for CSMD1 in brain development and biallelic CSMD1 variants as the molecular basis of a previously undefined neurodevelopmental disorder.
Biosynthesis of macrolactam antibiotics with β-amino acid polyketide starter units
Authors: Kudo Fumitaka
Published: May 2024

Macrolactam antibiotics incorporating β-amino acid polyketide starter units, isolated primarily from Actinomycetes species, show significant biological activities. This review provides a detailed analysis into the biosynthetic studies of vicenistatin, a macrolactam antibiotic with a 3-aminoisobutyrate starter unit, as well as biosynthetic research on related macrolactam compounds. Firstly, the elucidation of a common mechanism for the incorporation of β-amino acid starter units into the polyketide synthase (PKS) is described. Secondly, the unique biosynthetic mechanisms of the β-amino acids that are used to supply the main macrolactam biosynthetic pathways with starter units are discussed. Thirdly, some distinctive post-PKS modification mechanisms that complete macrolactam antibiotic biosynthesis are summarized. Finally, future directions for creating new macrolactam compounds through engineered biosynthesis pathways are described.
Inflammation causes insulin resistance in mice via interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3)-mediated reduction in FAHFA levels
Authors: Yan Shuai , Santoro Anna , Niphakis Micah J. , Pinto Antonio M. , Jacobs Christopher L. , Ahmad Rasheed , Suciu Radu M. , Fonslow Bryan R. , Herbst-Graham Rachel A. , Ngo Nhi , Henry Cassandra L. , Herbst Dylan M. , Saghatelian Alan , Kahn Barbara B. , Rosen Evan D.
Published: May 2024

Obesity-induced inflammation causes metabolic dysfunction, but the mechanisms remain elusive. Here we show that the innate immune transcription factor interferon regulatory factor (IRF3) adversely affects glucose homeostasis through induction of the endogenous FAHFA hydrolase androgen induced gene 1 (AIG1) in adipocytes. Adipocyte-specific knockout of IRF3 protects male mice against high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance, whereas overexpression of IRF3 or AIG1 in adipocytes promotes insulin resistance on a high-fat diet. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of AIG1 reversed obesity-induced insulin resistance and restored glucose homeostasis in the setting of adipocyte IRF3 overexpression. We, therefore, identify the adipocyte IRF3/AIG1 axis as a crucial link between obesity-induced inflammation and insulin resistance and suggest an approach for limiting the metabolic dysfunction accompanying obesity.
Statin prevents cancer development in chronic inflammation by blocking interleukin 33 expression
Authors: Park Jong Ho , Mortaja Mahsa , Son Heehwa G. , Zhao Xutu , Sloat Lauren M. , Azin Marjan , Wang Jun , Collier Michael R. , Tummala Krishna S. , Mandinova Anna , Bardeesy Nabeel , Semenov Yevgeniy R. , Mino-Kenudson Mari , Demehri Shadmehr
Published: May 2024

Chronic inflammation is a major cause of cancer worldwide. Interleukin 33 (IL-33) is a critical initiator of cancer-prone chronic inflammation; however, its induction mechanism by environmental causes of chronic inflammation is unknown. Herein, we demonstrate that Toll-like receptor (TLR)3/4-TBK1-IRF3 pathway activation links environmental insults to IL-33 induction in the skin and pancreas inflammation. An FDA-approved drug library screen identifies pitavastatin to effectively suppress IL-33 expression by blocking TBK1 membrane recruitment/activation through the mevalonate pathway inhibition. Accordingly, pitavastatin prevents chronic pancreatitis and its cancer sequela in an IL-33-dependent manner. The IRF3-IL-33 axis is highly active in chronic pancreatitis and its associated pancreatic cancer in humans. Interestingly, pitavastatin use correlates with a significantly reduced risk of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer in patients. Our findings demonstrate that blocking the TBK1-IRF3-IL-33 signaling axis suppresses cancer-prone chronic inflammation. Statins present a safe and effective prophylactic strategy to prevent chronic inflammation and its cancer sequela.
X-ray radiation damage cycle of solvated inorganic ions
Authors: Bloß Dana , Trinter Florian , Unger Isaak , Zindel Christina , Honisch Carolin , Viehmann Johannes , Kiefer Nils , Marder Lutz , Küstner-Wetekam Catmarna , Heikura Emilia , Cederbaum Lorenz S. , Björneholm Olle , Hergenhahn Uwe , Ehresmann Arno , Hans Andreas
Published: May 2024

X-ray-induced damage is one of the key topics in radiation chemistry. Substantial damage is attributed to low-energy electrons and radicals emerging from direct inner-shell photoionization or produced by subsequent processes. We apply multi-electron coincidence spectroscopy to X-ray-irradiated aqueous solutions of inorganic ions to investigate the production of low-energy electrons (LEEs) in a predicted cascade of intermolecular charge- and energy-transfer processes, namely electron-transfer-mediated decay (ETMD) and interatomic/intermolecular Coulombic decay (ICD). An advanced coincidence technique allows us to identify several LEE-producing steps during the decay of 1s vacancies in solvated Mg2+ ions, which escaped observation in previous non-coincident experiments. We provide strong evidence for the predicted recovering of the ion’s initial state. In natural environments the recovering of the ion’s initial state is expected to cause inorganic ions to be radiation-damage hot spots, repeatedly producing destructive particles under continuous irradiation.
Chronic intracranial recordings in the globus pallidus reveal circadian rhythms in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Cagle Jackson N. , de Araujo Tiberio , Johnson Kara A. , Yu John , Fanty Lauren , Sarmento Filipe P. , Little Simon , Okun Michael S. , Wong Joshua K. , de Hemptinne Coralie
Published: May 2024

Circadian rhythms have been shown in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) in Parkinson’s disease (PD), but only a few studies have focused on the globus pallidus internus (GPi). This retrospective study investigates GPi circadian rhythms in a large cohort of subjects with PD (130 recordings from 93 subjects) with GPi activity chronically recorded in their home environment. We found a significant change in GPi activity between daytime and nighttime in most subjects (82.4%), with a reduction in GPi activity at nighttime in 56.2% of recordings and an increase in activity in 26.2%. GPi activity in higher frequency bands ( > 20 Hz) was more likely to decrease at night and in patients taking extended-release levodopa medication. Our results suggest that circadian fluctuations in the GPi vary across individuals and that increased power at night might be due to the reemergence of pathological neural activity. These findings should be considered to ensure successful implementation of adaptive neurostimulation paradigms in the real-world.
Gene expression signatures in blood from a West African sepsis cohort define host response phenotypes
Authors: Chenoweth Josh G. , Colantuoni Carlo , Striegel Deborah A. , Genzor Pavol , Brandsma Joost , Blair Paul W. , Krishnan Subramaniam , Chiyka Elizabeth , Fazli Mehran , Mehta Rittal , Considine Michael , Cope Leslie , Knight Audrey C. , Elayadi Anissa , Fox Anne , Hertzano Ronna , Letizia Andrew G. , Owusu-Ofori Alex , Boakye Isaac , Aduboffour Albert A. , Ansong Daniel , Biney Eno , Oduro George , Schully Kevin L. , Clark Danielle V.
Published: May 2024

Our limited understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms that operate during sepsis is an obstacle to rational treatment and clinical trial design. There is a critical lack of data from low- and middle-income countries where the sepsis burden is increased which inhibits generalized strategies for therapeutic intervention. Here we perform RNA sequencing of whole blood to investigate longitudinal host response to sepsis in a Ghanaian cohort. Data dimensional reduction reveals dynamic gene expression patterns that describe cell type-specific molecular phenotypes including a dysregulated myeloid compartment shared between sepsis and COVID-19. The gene expression signatures reported here define a landscape of host response to sepsis that supports interventions via targeting immunophenotypes to improve outcomes.
Photoinduced dynamics during electronic transfer from narrow to wide bandgap layers in one-dimensional heterostructured materials
Authors: Saida Yuri , Gauthier Thomas , Suzuki Hiroo , Ohmura Satoshi , Shikata Ryo , Iwasaki Yui , Noyama Godai , Kishibuchi Misaki , Tanaka Yuichiro , Yajima Wataru , Godin Nicolas , Privault Gaël , Tokunaga Tomoharu , Ono Shota , Koshihara Shin-ya , Tsuruta Kenji , Hayashi Yasuhiko , Bertoni Roman , Hada Masaki
Published: May 2024

Electron transfer is a fundamental energy conversion process widely present in synthetic, industrial, and natural systems. Understanding the electron transfer process is important to exploit the uniqueness of the low-dimensional van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures because interlayer electron transfer produces the function of this class of material. Here, we show the occurrence of an electron transfer process in one-dimensional layer-stacking of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs). This observation makes use of femtosecond broadband optical spectroscopy, ultrafast time-resolved electron diffraction, and first-principles theoretical calculations. These results reveal that near-ultraviolet photoexcitation induces an electron transfer from the conduction bands of CNT to BNNT layers via electronic decay channels. This physical process subsequently generates radial phonons in the one-dimensional vdW heterostructure material. The gathered insights unveil the fundamentals physics of interfacial interactions in low dimensional vdW heterostructures and their photoinduced dynamics, pushing their limits for photoactive multifunctional applications.
Structural basis of substrate recognition and allosteric activation of the proapoptotic mitochondrial HtrA2 protease
Authors: Aspholm Emelie E. , Lidman Jens , Burmann Björn M.
Published: May 2024

The mitochondrial serine protease HtrA2 is a human homolog of the Escherichia coli Deg-proteins exhibiting chaperone and proteolytic roles. HtrA2 is involved in both apoptotic regulation via its ability to degrade inhibitor-of-apoptosis proteins (IAPs), as well as in cellular maintenance as part of the cellular protein quality control machinery, by preventing the possible toxic accumulation of aggregated proteins. In this study, we use advanced solution NMR spectroscopy methods combined with biophysical characterization and biochemical assays to elucidate the crucial role of the substrate recognizing PDZ domain. This domain regulates the protease activity of HtrA2 by triggering an intricate allosteric network involving the regulatory loops of the protease domain. We further show that divalent metal ions can both positively and negatively modulate the activity of HtrA2, leading to a refined model of HtrA2 regulation within the apoptotic pathway.
Reliable wafer-scale integration of two-dimensional materials and metal electrodes with van der Waals contacts
Authors: Zhang Xiaodong , Huang Chenxi , Li Zeyu , Fu Jun , Tian Jiaran , Ouyang Zhuping , Yang Yuliang , Shao Xiang , Han Yulei , Qiao Zhenhua , Zeng Hualing
Published: May 2024

Since the first report on single-layer MoS2 based transistor, rapid progress has been achieved in two-dimensional (2D) material-based atomically thin electronics, providing an alternative approach to solve the bottleneck in silicon device miniaturization. In this scenario, reliable contact between the metal electrodes and the subnanometer-thick 2D materials becomes crucial in determining the device performance. Here, utilizing the quasi-van der Waals (vdW) epitaxy of metals on fluorophlogopite mica, we demonstrate an all-stacking method for the fabrication of 2D devices with high-quality vdW contacts by mechanically transferring pre-deposited metal electrodes. This technique is applicable for complex device integration with sizes up to the wafer scale and is also capable of tuning the electric characteristics of the interfacial junctions by transferring selective metals. Our results provide an efficient, scalable, and low-cost technique for 2D electronics, allowing high-density device integration as well as a handy tool for fundamental research in vdW materials.
The chromosome-level genomes of the herbal magnoliids Warburgia ugandensis and Saururus chinensis
Authors: Luo Liuming , Fang Dongming , Wang Fang , Lin Qiongqiong , Sahu Sunil Kumar , Song Yali , Kang Jingmin , Guang Xuanmin , Liu Min , Luo Shixiao , Hao Gang , Liu Huan , Guo Xing
Published: May 2024

Warburgia ugandensis and Saururus chinensis are two of the most important medicinal plants in magnoliids and are widely utilized in traditional Kenya and Chinese medicine, respectively. The absence of higher-quality reference genomes has hindered research on the medicinal compound biosynthesis mechanisms of these plants. We report the chromosome-level genome assemblies of W. ugandensis and S. chinensis, and generated 1.13 Gb and 0.53 Gb genomes from 74 and 27 scaffolds, respectively, using BGI-DIPSEQ, Nanopore, and Hi-C sequencing. The scaffold N50 lengths were 82.97 Mb and 48.53 Mb, and the assemblies were anchored to 14 and 11 chromosomes of W. ugandensis and S. chinensis, respectively. In total, 24,739 and 20,561 genes were annotated, and 98.5% and 98% of the BUSCO genes were fully represented, respectively. The chromosome-level genomes of W. ugandensis and S. chinensis will be valuable resources for understanding the genetics of these medicinal plants, studying the evolution of magnoliids and angiosperms and conserving plant genetic resources.
Scrutinizing transport phenomena and recombination mechanisms in thin film Sb2S3 solar cells
Authors: Younsi Z. , Meddour F. , Bencherif H. , Hossain M. Khalid , Marasamy Latha , Sasikumar P. , Revathy M. S. , Ghotekar Suresh , Karim Mohammad R. , Ayyar Manikandan , Haldhar Rajesh , Rubel Mirza H. K.
Published: May 2024

The Schockley–Quisser (SQ) limit of 28.64% is distant from the Sb2S3 solar cells’ record power conversion efficiency (PCE), which is 8.00%. Such poor efficiency is mostly owing to substantial interface-induced recombination losses caused by defects at the interfaces and misaligned energy levels. The endeavor of this study is to investigate an efficient Sb2S3 solar cell structure via accurate analytical modeling. The proposed model considers different recombination mechanisms such as non-radiative recombination, Sb2S3/CdS interface recombination, Auger, SRH, tunneling-enhanced recombination, and their combined impact on solar cell performance. This model is verified against experimental work (Glass/ITO/CdS/Sb2S3/Au) where a good coincidence is achieved. Several parameters effects such as thickness, doping, electronic affinity, and bandgap are scrutinized. The effect of both bulk traps located in CdS and Sb2S3 on the electrical outputs of the solar cell is analyzed thoroughly. Besides, a deep insight into the effect of interfacial traps on solar cell figures of merits is gained through shedding light into their relation with carriers’ minority lifetime, diffusion length, and surface recombination velocity. Our research findings illuminate that the primary contributors to Sb2S3 degradation are interfacial traps and series resistance. Furthermore, achieving optimal band alignment by fine-tuning the electron affinity of CdS to create a Spike-like conformation is crucial for enhancing the immunity of the device versus the interfacial traps. In our study, the optimized solar cell configuration (Glass/ITO/CdS/Sb2S3/Au) demonstrates remarkable performance, including a high short-circuit current (JSC) of 47.9 mA/cm2, an open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.16 V, a fill factor (FF) of 54%, and a notable improvement in conversion efficiency by approximately 30% compared to conventional solar cells. Beyond its superior performance, the optimized Sb2S3 solar cell also exhibits enhanced reliability in mitigating interfacial traps at the CdS/Sb2S3 junction. This improved reliability can be attributed to our precise control of band alignment and the fine-tuning of influencing parameters.
Performance evaluation of different empirical models for reference evapotranspiration estimation over Udhagamandalm, The Nilgiris, India
Authors: Raja P. , Sona Fathima , Surendran U. , Srinivas C. V. , Kannan K. , Madhu M. , Mahesh P. , Annepu S. K. , Ahmed M. , Chandrasekar K. , Suguna A. R. , Kumar V. , Jagadesh M.
Published: May 2024

Evapotranspiration (ETo) is an important component of the hydrological cycle and reliable estimates of ETo are essential for assessing crop water requirements and irrigation management. Direct measurement of evapotranspiration is both costly and involves complex and intricate procedures. Hence, empirical models are commonly utilized to estimate ETo using accessible meteorological data. Given that empirical methods operate on various assumptions, it is essential to assess their performance to pinpoint the most suitable methods for ETo calculation based on the availability of input data and the specific climatic conditions of a region. This study aims to evaluate different empirical methods of ETo in the tropical highland Udhagamandalam region of Tamil Nadu, India, utilizing sixty years of meteorological data from 1960–2020. In this study, 8 temperature-based and 10 radiation-based empirical models are evaluated against ETo estimates derived from pan evaporation observation and the FAO Penman–Monteith method (FAO-PM), respectively. Statistical error metrics indicate that both temperature and radiation-based models perform better for the Udhagamandalam region. However, radiation-based models performed better than the temperature based models. This is possibly due to the high humidity of the study region throughout the year. The results suggest that simple temperature and radiation-based models using minimum meteorological information are adequate to estimate ETo and thus find potential application in agricultural water practices, hydrological processes, and irrigation management.
Interdisciplinary approach to identify language markers for post-traumatic stress disorder using machine learning and deep learning
Authors: Quillivic Robin , Gayraud Frédérique , Auxéméry Yann , Vanni Laurent , Peschanski Denis , Eustache Francis , Dayan Jacques , Mesmoudi Salma
Published: May 2024

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) lacks clear biomarkers in clinical practice. Language as a potential diagnostic biomarker for PTSD is investigated in this study. We analyze an original cohort of 148 individuals exposed to the November 13, 2015, terrorist attacks in Paris. The interviews, conducted 5–11 months after the event, include individuals from similar socioeconomic backgrounds exposed to the same incident, responding to identical questions and using uniform PTSD measures. Using this dataset to collect nuanced insights that might be clinically relevant, we propose a three-step interdisciplinary methodology that integrates expertise from psychiatry, linguistics, and the Natural Language Processing (NLP) community to examine the relationship between language and PTSD. The first step assesses a clinical psychiatrist's ability to diagnose PTSD using interview transcription alone. The second step uses statistical analysis and machine learning models to create language features based on psycholinguistic hypotheses and evaluate their predictive strength. The third step is the application of a hypothesis-free deep learning approach to the classification of PTSD in our cohort. Results show that the clinical psychiatrist achieved a diagnosis of PTSD with an AUC of 0.72. This is comparable to a gold standard questionnaire (Area Under Curve (AUC) ≈ 0.80). The machine learning model achieved a diagnostic AUC of 0.69. The deep learning approach achieved an AUC of 0.64. An examination of model error informs our discussion. Importantly, the study controls for confounding factors, establishes associations between language and DSM-5 subsymptoms, and integrates automated methods with qualitative analysis. This study provides a direct and methodologically robust description of the relationship between PTSD and language. Our work lays the groundwork for advancing early and accurate diagnosis and using linguistic markers to assess the effectiveness of pharmacological treatments and psychotherapies.
Advancing state estimation for lithium-ion batteries with hysteresis through systematic extended Kalman filter tuning
Authors: Knox J. , Blyth M. , Hales A.
Published: May 2024

Knowledge of remaining battery charge is fundamental to electric vehicle deployment. Accurate measurements of state-of-charge (SOC) cannot be obtained directly and estimation methods must be used instead. This requires both a good model of a battery and a well-designed state estimator. Here, hysteretic reduced-order battery models and adaptive extended Kalman filter estimators are shown to be highly effective, accurate predictors of SOC. A battery model parameterisation framework is proposed, which enhances standardised methods to capture hysteresis effects. The hysteretic model is parameterised for three independent NMC811 lithium-ion cells and is shown to reduce voltage RMS error by 50% across 18 h automotive drive-cycles. Parameterised models are used alongside an extended Kalman filter, which demonstrates the value of adaptive filter parameterisation schemes. When used alongside an extended Kalman filter, adaptive covariance matrices yield highly accurate SOC estimates, reducing SOC estimation error by 85%, compared to the industry standard battery model.
Biological hypoxia in pre-transplant human pancreatic islets induces transplant failure in diabetic mice
Authors: Kato Hiroyuki , Salgado Mayra , Mendez Daniel , Gonzalez Nelson , Rawson Jeffrey , Ligot Doreen , Balandran Bennie , Orr Chris , Quijano Janine C. , Omori Keiko , Qi Meirigeng , Al-Abdullah Ismail H. , Mullen Yoko , Ku Hsun Teresa , Kandeel Fouad , Komatsu Hirotake
Published: May 2024

Evaluating the quality of isolated human islets before transplantation is crucial for predicting the success in treating Type 1 diabetes. The current gold standard involves time-intensive in vivo transplantation into diabetic immunodeficient mice. Given the susceptibility of isolated islets to hypoxia, we hypothesized that hypoxia present in islets before transplantation could indicate compromised islet quality, potentially leading to unfavorable outcomes. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed expression of 39 hypoxia-related genes in human islets from 85 deceased donors. We correlated gene expression profiles with transplantation outcomes in 327 diabetic mice, each receiving 1200 islet equivalents grafted into the kidney capsule. Transplantation outcome was post-transplant glycemic control based on area under the curve of blood glucose over 4 weeks. In linear regression analysis, DDIT4 (R = 0.4971, P < 0.0001), SLC2A8 (R = 0.3531, P = 0.0009) and HK1 (R = 0.3444, P = 0.0012) had the highest correlation with transplantation outcome. A multiple regression model of 11 genes increased the correlation (R = 0.6117, P < 0.0001). We conclude that assessing pre-transplant hypoxia in human islets via gene expression analysis is a rapid, viable alternative to conventional in vivo assessments. This approach also underscores the importance of mitigating pre-transplant hypoxia in isolated islets to improve the success rate of islet transplantation.
Mutational landscape of HSP family on human breast cancer
Authors: Fernandez-Muñoz Juan Manuel , Guerrero-Gimenez Martin Eduardo , Ciocca Leonardo Andrés , Germanó María José , Zoppino Felipe Carlos Martin
Published: May 2024

Breast cancer (BRCA) is a prevalent malignancy with the highest incidence among females. BRCA can be categorized into five intrinsic molecular subtypes (LumA, LumB, HER2, Basal, and Normal), each characterized by varying molecular and clinical features determined by the expression of intrinsic genes (PAM50). The Heat Shock Protein (HSP) family is composed of 95 genes evolutionary conservated, they have critical roles in proteostasis in both normal and cancerous processes. Many studies have linked HSP to the development and spread of cancer. They modulate the activity of multiple proteins expressed by oncogenes and anti-oncogenes through a range of interactions. In this study, we evaluate the mutational changes that HSP undergoes in BRCA mainly from the TCGA database. We observe that Copy Number Variations (CNV) are the more frequent events analyzed surpassing the occurrence of point mutations, indels, and translation start site mutations. The Basal subtype showcased the highest count of amplified CNV, including subtype-specific changes, whereas the Luminals tumors accumulated the greatest number of deletion CNV. Meanwhile, the HER2 subtype exhibited a comparatively lower frequency of CNV alterations when compared to the other subtypes. This study integrates CNV and expression data, finding associations between these two variables and the influence of CNV on the deregulation of HSP expression. To enhance the role of HSP as a risk predictor in BRCA, we succeeded in identifying CNV profiles as a prognostic marker. We included Artificial Intelligence to improve the clustering of patients, and we achieved a molecular CNV signature as a significant risk factor independent of known classic markers, including molecular subtypes PAM50. This research enhances the comprehension of HSP DNA alterations in BRCA and its relation with predicting the risk of affected individuals providing insights to develop guide personalized treatment strategies.
A strategy for differential abundance analysis of sparse microbiome data with group-wise structured zeros
Authors: Abegaz Fentaw , Abedini Davar , White Fred , Guerrieri Alessandra , Zancarini Anouk , Dong Lemeng , Westerhuis Johan A. , van Eeuwijk Fred , Bouwmeester Harro , Smilde Age K.
Published: May 2024

Comparing the abundance of microbial communities between different groups or obtained under different experimental conditions using count sequence data is a challenging task due to various issues such as inflated zero counts, overdispersion, and non-normality. Several methods and procedures based on counts, their transformation and compositionality have been proposed in the literature to detect differentially abundant species in datasets containing hundreds to thousands of microbial species. Despite efforts to address the large numbers of zeros present in microbiome datasets, even after careful data preprocessing, the performance of existing methods is impaired by the presence of inflated zero counts and group-wise structured zeros (i.e. all zero counts in a group). We propose and validate using extensive simulations an approach combining two differential abundance testing methods, namely DESeq2-ZINBWaVE and DESeq2, to address the issues of zero-inflation and group-wise structured zeros, respectively. This combined approach was subsequently successfully applied to two plant microbiome datasets that revealed a number of taxa as interesting candidates for further experimental validation.
Unveiling the underlying structure of awe in virtual reality and in autobiographical recall: an exploratory study
Authors: Chirico Alice , Borghesi Francesca , Yaden David B. , Pizzolante Marta , Sarcinella Eleonora Diletta , Cipresso Pietro , Gaggioli Andrea
Published: May 2024

Over the last two decades, awe has attracted the attention of an increasing number of researchers. The use of virtual reality has been identified as one of the most effective techniques for eliciting awe, in addition to more personalized methods for inducing emotion, such as autobiographical recall. However, previous measures of awe were unable to uncover the hidden structure of this experience. Awe experience scale (AWE-S) has been validated as a comprehensive measure of contingent awe in English, providing new opportunities for analysis. In this two-phases study, we investigated whether the latent structure of the experience of awe evoked by the autobiographical recall technique (Study 1) overlapped with that induced by exposing participants to a validated virtual reality awe-eliciting training (Study 2). The original English AWE-S structure held both in autobiographical recall induction and virtual reality-based elicitation. Despite evidence of overlap between English and Italian structures, low correlations were found between Italian trait measures used to test the concurrent validity of the AWE-S in the Italian sample and AWE-S state dimensions. This study highlights cultural differences in awe experience, trait, and state variations, and provides new insights into the standardized induction of this emotion through simulated environments.
Spirituality is associated with immune parameters and disease activity in primary Sjögren’s syndrome: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Módis László V. , Aradi Zsófia , Horváth Ildikó Fanny , Pikó Péter , Papp Gábor , Osváth Mátyás , Szántó Antónia , Bugán Antal
Published: May 2024

The role of spirituality in health and disease is a complex and emerging area of research. Incorporating spirituality into the bio-psycho-social model of health and disease leading to the bio-psycho-social-spiritual model provides a more comprehensive framework. In this context, chronic disorders like primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) are of interest due to their intricate interactions between biological, psychological, and spiritual factors. This study explored the relationship between spirituality, immune parameters, and disease activity in pSS patients. Data from 108 patients were analyzed, including self-assessed spirituality (answering to direct questions and completing the Spiritual Transcendence Scale), immunological parameters and disease activity scores. The findings revealed several associations. Individuals with spiritual attitudes or engaged in regular prayer/meditation showed lower serum levels of autoantibodies specific to pSS and lower disease activity scores. Spiritual engagement was also linked to decreased perceived skin and tracheal dryness, suggesting potential benefits for physical symptoms. These findings suggest that spirituality may play a significant role in modulating immune responses and disease activity in pSS patients. The study underscores the importance of considering spirituality as an integral part of the holistic approach to health and disease, further expanding the understanding of the interconnectedness of biological, psychological, and spiritual dimensions.
Reduced precipitation can induce ecosystem regime shifts in lakes by increasing internal nutrient recycling
Authors: Catalan Jordi , Monteoliva Agustín P. , Vega José Carlos , Domínguez Almudena , Negro Ana I. , Alonso Rocío , Garcés Blas Valero , Batalla Meritxell , García-Gómez Héctor , Leira Manel , Nuño Carlos , Pahissa José , Peg María , Pla-Rabés Sergi , Roblas Neftalí , Vargas José Luis , Toro Manuel
Published: May 2024

Eutrophication is a main threat to continental aquatic ecosystems. Prevention and amelioration actions have been taken under the assumption of a stable climate, which needs reconsideration. Here, we show that reduced precipitation can bring a lake ecosystem to a more productive regime even with a decline in nutrient external load. By analyzing time series of several decades in the largest lake of the Iberian Peninsula, we found autocorrelated changes in the variance of state variables (i.e., chlorophyll and oxygen) indicative of a transient situation towards a new ecosystem regime. Indeed, exceptional planktonic diatom blooms have occurred during the last few years, and the sediment record shows a shift in phytoplankton composition and an increase in nutrient retention. Reduced precipitation almost doubled the water residence time in the lake, enhancing the relevance of internal processes. This study demonstrates that ecological quality targets for aquatic ecosystems must be tailored to the changing climatic conditions for appropriate stewardship.