bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observation of large spontaneous emission rate enhancement of quantum dots in a broken-symmetry slow-light waveguide
Authors: Siampour Hamidreza , O’Rourke Christopher , Brash Alistair J. , Makhonin Maxim N. , Dost René , Hallett Dominic J. , Clarke Edmund , Patil Pallavi K. , Skolnick Maurice S. , Fox A. Mark
Published: February 2023

Quantum states of light and matter can be manipulated on the nanoscale to provide a technological resource for aiding the implementation of scalable photonic quantum technologies. Experimental progress relies on the quality and efficiency of the coupling between photons and internal spin states of quantum emitters. Here we demonstrate a nanophotonic waveguide platform with embedded quantum dots (QDs) that enables both Purcell-enhanced emission and strong chiral coupling. The design uses slow-light effects in a glide-plane photonic crystal waveguide with QD tuning to match the emission frequency to the slow-light region. Simulations were used to map the chirality and Purcell enhancement depending on the position of a dipole emitter relative to the air holes. The highest Purcell factors and chirality occur in separate regions, but there is still a significant area where high values of both can be obtained. Based on this, we first demonstrate a record large radiative decay rate of 17 ± 2 ns−1 (60 ± 6 ps lifetime) corresponding to a 20 ± 2 fold Purcell enhancement. This was achieved by electric-field tuning of the QD to the slow-light region and quasi-resonant phonon-side band excitation. We then demonstrate a 5 ± 1 fold Purcell enhancement for a dot with high degree of chiral coupling to waveguide modes, substantially surpassing all previous measurements. Together these demonstrate the excellent prospects for using QDs in scalable implementations of on-chip spin-photonics relying on chiral quantum optics.
Towards the realisation of high permi-selective MoS2 membrane for water desalination
Authors: Oviroh Peter Ozaveshe , Jen Tien-Chien , Ren Jianwei , van Duin Adri
Published: February 2023

Climate change and its related side effects are generating a demand for innovative ways to enhance desalination performance by adopting cost-effective and energy-efficient membrane materials. Molybdenum disulphide (MoS2), a two-dimensional (2D) material, holds the potential to address the deficiency of the current polymeric reverse osmosis (RO) membrane by maximizing the water-energy nexus. The nanoscale thickness of the MoS2 membrane promises better water permeability benefiting from the small diffusion length of the transport of the molecules while maintaining good chemical and mechanical robustness. Although many advantages have been projected, the experimental realization of such near-atomic thickness has not been fully explored because of the technological difficulties associated with the production. This review first highlights the remarkable combination of the ion’s rejection and permeability properties of the MoS2 membrane by discussing two distinct reported approaches for using MoS2 as a membrane for water desalination. Subsequently, the engineering challenges of the MoS2 membrane scalability for water desalination are discussed. Lastly, the possible opportunities for a well-controlled fabrication process critical to achieving and advancing MoS2 membranes from research laboratories to the industrial-scale application are outlined. We aim to provide a collective understanding of the realization of a high permi-selective MoS2 membrane for water desalination.
The importance of sleep patterns in the incidence of coronary heart disease: a 6-year prospective study in Mashhad, Iran
Authors: Sadabadi Fatemeh , Darroudi Susan , Esmaily Habibollah , Asadi Zahra , Ferns Gordon A. , Mohammadpour Amir Hooshang , Nooriyan Amir Hossein , Ghayour-Mobarhan Majid , Moohebati Mohsen
Published: February 2023

Chronic shortened sleep can increase several cardiovascular risk factors, including depression, anxiety, metabolic syndrome, diabetes and hypertension. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between sleep patterns and the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD). A total of 9704 healthy participants were recruited for the MASHAD cohort study. Within 6 years of follow-up, participants were categorized into four groups based on their number of hours of nightly sleep. Cox’s proportional hazard model was used to assess relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). During the study, 235 heart problems, including myocardial infarction, stable angina and unstable angina, were confirmed. There were significant differences between men and women who had short and long nightly sleep (p < 0.05). The incidence of CHD was significantly higher in participants with very short night sleep durations than in those with longer hours of night sleep. The subjects with very short nightly sleep were more susceptible to unstable angina (RR: 2.614 (CI 1.354–5.047)) (p < 0.05). We found that shortened nightly sleep was associated with an increased incidence of coronary heart disease in an Iranian population. These findings suggest that sleep disorders, especially shortened night sleep, can be a risk factor for CHD.
Urokinase-type plasminogen activator blockade ameliorates experimental colitis in mice
Authors: Kida Yoshifumi , Okahisa Toshiya , Sato Yasushi , Bando Masahiro , Fujimoto Shota , Ma Beibei , Nakagawa Tadahiko , Kawaguchi Tomoyuki , Nakamura Fumika , Okamoto Koichi , Miyamoto Hiroshi , Sogabe Masahiro , Tsuneyama Koichi , Takayama Tetsuji
Published: February 2023

Although several angiogenesis-related factors are reportedly involved in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC), the mechanisms by which they contribute to disease are unclear. We first examined the expression of angiogenesis-related factors in inflamed colorectal tissue of UC patients using antibody array, and identified the 5 factors with highest expression, which included matrix metalloproteinase-8, urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), angiostatin/plasminogen, hepatocyte growth factor and endoglin. Subsequent real-time PCR experiments using additional colorectal tissues revealed that uPA mRNA levels were significantly higher in inflamed tissues than in non-inflamed tissues, and significantly correlated with the severity of UC. Mirror section immunohistochemistry revealed that uPA was expressed in the neutrophils of inflamed colorectal tissues. We administered dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water to uPA knockout (uPA−/−) mice, and found that the disease activity index in uPA-/- mice was marginally lower and the histological score in uPA−/− mice was significantly lower than those in wild-type mice, suggesting the importance of uPA in colitis. When an uPA-selective inhibitor, UK122, was administered to DSS-treated C57BL6J mice, the disease activity index and histological score in those mice were significantly lower compared with control mice. Multiple cytokine/chemokine assay using colorectal tissues from uPA−/− and UK122-treated mice revealed significantly lowered level of RANTES. In conclusion, uPA was highly expressed in neutrophils of the inflamed mucosa of UC patients, and the expression level correlated with the severity of UC. Genetic uPA deletion or pharmacological uPA blockade significantly ameliorated colitis in mice, concomitant with downregulation of RANTES.
Neuroplasticity enables bio-cultural feedback in Paleolithic stone-tool making
Authors: Hecht Erin Elisabeth , Pargeter Justin , Khreisheh Nada , Stout Dietrich
Published: February 2023

Stone-tool making is an ancient human skill thought to have played a key role in the bio-cultural co-evolutionary feedback that produced modern brains, culture, and cognition. To test the proposed evolutionary mechanisms underpinning this hypothesis we studied stone-tool making skill learning in modern participants and examined interactions between individual neurostructural differences, plastic accommodation, and culturally transmitted behavior. We found that prior experience with other culturally transmitted craft skills increased both initial stone tool-making performance and subsequent neuroplastic training effects in a frontoparietal white matter pathway associated with action control. These effects were mediated by the effect of experience on pre-training variation in a frontotemporal pathway supporting action semantic representation. Our results show that the acquisition of one technical skill can produce structural brain changes conducive to the discovery and acquisition of additional skills, providing empirical evidence for bio-cultural feedback loops long hypothesized to link learning and adaptive change.
The effect of orthotics on plantar pressure in children with infantile tibia vara (Blount's disease)
Authors: Güven Enver , Çıtaker Seyit , Alsancak Serap
Published: February 2023

Albeit some studies have revealed the effectiveness of the orthosis use in infantile tibia vara (ITV), hitherto no study has shown the effects of these orthosis on plantar pressures. This study aims to reveals the effects of orthosis on plantar pressure in infantile tibia vara. Fourteen children (mean age: 27.14 ± 5.00 months) with infantile tibia vara made up the study group and 14 healthy children (mean age: 26.42 ± 5.33 months) constituted the control group. The plantar pressure distribution was evaluated with WALKINSENSE. ITV group was evaluated before and after orthosis. The control group did not use orthosis and was evaluated once. After orthosis, it was determined that lateral foot pressure decreased, and medial foot pressure increased in the hindfoot. After orthosis, medial pressure decreased in the forefoot (p < 0.05). The pressure in the forefoot of the control group was significantly higher than that in the ITV group (before and after orthosis) (p < 0.05). After orthosis, the pressure was similar in the posterior and mid-foot sensors between the ITV group and the control group (p˃0.05). The orthosis can be effective in achieving the normalization of the soles pressure distribution in children with ITV.
The Cenomanian/Turonian boundary in light of new developments in terrestrial palynology
Authors: Galasso Francesca , Heimhofer Ulrich , Schneebeli-Hermann Elke
Published: February 2023

The Cenomanian/Turonian boundary interval is associated with an oceanic anoxic event (OAE 2,  94.0 Ma) during one of the warmest episodes in the Mesozoic. To date, plant responses to these climatic conditions are known only from the northern mid-latitudinal succession in Cassis, France. There, conifer-dominated and angiosperm-dominated vegetation types alternate. However, whether the exceptional environmental conditions had an impact on plant reproduction is unknown to date. We applied a new environmental proxy based on spore and pollen teratology on palynological samples from the Cassis succession, to explore if this phenomenon also occurs across the OAE 2. The observed frequencies of<1% malformed spores and pollen grains suggest that plant reproduction was not affected during the Cenomanian/Turonian boundary interval. While the effects of continental Large Igneous Province(s) on plant reproduction have shown to produce abnormal spore or pollen morphologies as evidence for severe environmental pollution, by contrast the effects of oceanic LIP(s) seems to be inconsequential.
Modified Whale Optimization Algorithm based ANN: a novel predictive model for RO desalination plant
Authors: Mahadeva Rajesh , Kumar Mahendra , Gupta Vinay , Manik Gaurav , Patole Shashikant P.
Published: February 2023

In recent decades, nature-inspired optimization methods have played a critical role in helping industrial plant designers to find superior solutions for process parameters. According to the literature, such methods are simple, quick, and indispensable for saving time, money, and energy. In this regard, the Modified Whale Optimization Algorithm (MWOA) hybridized with Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) has been employed in the Reverse Osmosis (RO) desalination plant performance to estimate the permeate flux (0.118‒2.656 L/h m2). The plant’s datasets have been collected from the literature and include four input parameters: feed flow rate (400‒600 L/h), evaporator inlet temperature (60‒80 °C), feed salt concentration (35‒140 g/L) and condenser inlet temperature (20‒30 °C). For this purpose, ten predictive models (MWOA-ANN Model-1 to Model-10) have been proposed, which are capable of predicting more accurate permeate flux (L/h m2) than the existing models (Response Surface Methodology (RSM), ANN and hybrid WOA-ANN models) with minimum errors. Simulation results suggest that the MWOA algorithm demonstrates a stronger optimization capability of finding the correct weights and biases so as to enable superior ANN based modeling without limitation of overfitting. Ten MWOA-ANN models (Model-1 to Model-10) have been proposed to investigate the plant’s performance. Model-6 with a single hidden layer (H = 1), eleven hidden layer nodes (n = 11) and the thirteen search agents (SA = 13) produced most outstanding regression results (R2 = 99.1%) with minimal errors (MSE = 0.005). The residual errors for Model-6 are also found to be within limits (span of − 0.1 to 0.2). Finally, the findings show that the screened MWOA-ANN models are promising for identifying the best process parameters in order to assist industrial plant designers.
Cold atmospheric microwave plasma (CAMP) stimulates dermal papilla cell proliferation by inducing β-catenin signaling
Authors: Mongkolpobsin Kuljira , Sillapachaiyaporn Chanin , Lertpatipanpong Pattawika , Boonruang Kanokkan , Hwang Cheol-Yong , Tencomnao Tewin , Baek Seung Joon
Published: February 2023

Hair loss or alopecia is an unpleasant symptom that exacerbates an individual's self-esteem and requires appropriate treatment. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling is a central pathway that promotes dermal papilla induction and keratinocyte proliferation during hair follicle renewal. GSK-3β inactivated by its upstream Akt and ubiquitin-specific protease 47 (USP47) has been shown to inhibit β-catenin degradation. The cold atmospheric microwave plasma (CAMP) is microwave energy enriched with mixtures of radicals. CAMP has been reported to have antibacterial and antifungal activities with wound healing activity against skin infection; however, the effect of CAMP on hair loss treatment has not been reported. We aimed to investigate the effect of CAMP on promoting hair renewal in vitro and to elucidate the molecular mechanism, targeting β-catenin signaling and YAP/TAZ, the co-activators in the Hippo pathway, in human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs). We also evaluated plasma effects on the interaction between hDPCs and HaCaT keratinocytes. The hDPCs were treated with plasma-activating media (PAM) or gas-activating media (GAM). The biological outcomes were determined by MTT assay, qRT-PCR, western blot analysis, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence. We found that β-catenin signaling and YAP/TAZ were significantly increased in PAM-treated hDPCs. PAM treatment also induced β-catenin translocation and inhibited β-catenin ubiquitination by activating Akt/GSK-3β signaling and upregulating USP47 expression. In addition, hDPCs were more aggregated with keratinocytes in PAM-treated cells compared with control. HaCaT cells cultured in a conditioned medium derived from PAM-treated hDPCs exhibited an enhancing effect on activating YAP/TAZ and β-catenin signaling. These findings suggested that CAMP may be a new therapeutic alternative for alopecic treatment.
An underexploited invisible gold resource in the Archean sulphides of the Witwatersrand tailings dumps
Authors: Chingwaru Steve Jason , Von der Heyden Bjorn , Tadie Margreth
Published: February 2023

The tailings dumps originating from gold mining in South Africa’s Witwatersrand still contain notable gold endowments. Most tailings reprocessing operations target a native gold fraction using re-milling and carbon-in-leach extraction; however, up to 50–70% of the remaining gold is still not recoverable and instead discarded to the re-dump stream along with abundant sulphides. The mineralogical deportment of this unrecoverable gold underwent a detailed investigation. Using in situ laser ablation ICP-MS mineral chemistry measurements, we show that this gold that is inaccessible to conventional recovery is hosted preferentially in pyrite and arsenian pyrite. Importantly, complementary optical and electron microscopy observations reveal that the rounded detrital forms of these minerals contain the highest gold concentrations (0.01–2730 ppm), showing some similarity to values reported for sulphides from primary orogenic gold deposits found in surrounding Archean-aged granite-greenstone belt remnants. We suggest that detrital auriferous sulphides have been overlooked by historical primary and secondary beneficiation, and thus represent a large (up to 420 tons Au) and under-exploited Au resource currently residing in easily-mined (surficial) Witwatersrand tailings dumps. We further suggest that targeted re-mining of sulphide mineral fraction has the potential to improve gold recovery, recuperate ‘sweetener’ by-product metals (e.g. Cu, Co, Ni) and directly eliminate heavy metal pollution and acid mine drainage issues associated with surficial tailings dumps.
Investigating valley-dependent current generation due to asymmetric energy dispersion for charge-transfer from a quantum dot to single-walled carbon nanotube
Authors: Charoenpakdee J. , Suntijitrungruang Ongart , Boonchui S.
Published: February 2023

Single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNT), which consist of a two-dimensional hexagonal lattice of carbon atoms, possess unique mechanical, electrical, optical and thermal properties. SWCNT can be synthesized in diverse chiral indexes to determine certain attributes. This work theoretically investigates electron transport in different directions along SWCNT. The electron studied in this research transfers from the quantum dot that can possibly move to the right or left direction in SWCNT with different valley-dependent probability. These results show that valley polarized current is present. The valley current in the right and left directions has a composition of valley degrees of freedom where its components (K and K′) are not identical. Such a result can be traced theoretically by certain effects. That firstly is the curvature effect on SWCNT in which the hopping integral between $$\pi $$
π
electrons from the flat graphene is altered, and another is curvature-inducing $$\sigma -\pi $$

σ
-
π

mixture. Due to these effects, the band structure of SWCNT is asymmetric in certain chiral indexes leading to the asymmetry of valley electron transport. Our results exhibit that the zigzag chiral indexes is the only type making electron transport symmetrical that is different to the result from the other chiral index types which are the armchair and chiral. This work also illustrates the characteristic of the electron wave function propagating from the initial point to the tip of the tube over time, and the current density of the probability in specific times. Additionally, our research simulates the result from the dipole interaction between the electron in QD and the tube that impacts the lifetime of the electron being in QD. The simulation portrays that more dipole interaction encourages the electron transfer to the tube, thereby shortening the lifetime. We as well suggest the reversed electron transfer from the tube to QD that the time duration of such transfer is much less than the opposite transfer owing to the different orbital of the electron’s states. Valley polarized current in SWCNTs may also be used in the development of energy storage devices such as batteries and supercapacitors. The performance and effectiveness of nanoscale devices, including transistors, solar cells, artificial antennas, quantum computers, and nano electronic circuits, must be improved in order to achieve a variety of benefits.
Mycobacterium bovis BCG increase the selected determinants of monocyte/macrophage activity, which were diminished in response to gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Gonciarz Weronika , Chyb Maciej , Chmiela Magdalena
Published: February 2023

High antibiotic resistance of gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori (Hp) and the ability to escape the host immune response prompt searching for therapeutic immunomodulators. Bacillus Calmette–Guerin (BCG) vaccine with Mycobacterium bovis (Mb) is a candidate for modulation the activity of immunocompetent cells, and onco-BCG formulation was successfully used in immunotherapy of bladder cancer. We determined the influence of onco-BCG on the phagocytic capacity of human THP-1 monocyte/macrophage cells, using the model of Escherichia coli bioparticles and Hp fluorescently labeled. Deposition of cell integrins CD11b, CD11d, CD18, membrane/soluble lipopolysaccharide (LPS) receptors, CD14 and sCD14, respectively, and the production of macrophage chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 were determined. Furthermore, a global DNA methylation, was also assessed. Human THP-1 monocytes/macrophages (TIB 202) primed or primed and restimulated with onco-BCG or Hp, were used for assessment of phagocytosis towards E. coli or Hp, surface (immunostaining) or soluble activity determinants, and global DNA methylation (ELISA). THP-1 monocytes/macrophages primed/restimulated with BCG showed increased phagocytosis capacity towards E. coli fluorescent particles, elevated expression of CD11b, CD11d, CD18, CD14, sCD14, increased MCP-1 secretion and DNA methylation. Preliminary results indicate that BCG mycobacteria may also induce the phagocytosis of H. pylori by THP-1 monocytes. Priming or priming and restimulation of monocytes/macrophages with BCG resulted in an increased activity of these cells, which was negatively modulated by Hp.
Experimental evidence of parasite-induced behavioural alterations modulated by food availability in wild capuchin monkeys
Authors: Agostini Ilaria , Vanderhoeven Ezequiel , Pfoh Romina , Tiddi Barbara , Beldomenico Pablo M.
Published: February 2023

In disease dynamics, host behaviour can both determine the quantity of parasites a host is exposed to, and be a consequence of infection. Observational and experimental studies in non-human primates have consistently found that parasitic infections result in less movement and reduced foraging, which was interpreted as an adaptive response of the host to counter infection. Variation in host nutritional condition may add complexity to the infection-behaviour relationship, and its influence may shed light on its significance. To experimentally evaluate how host activity and social relationships are affected by the interaction of parasitism and nutrition, during two years we manipulated food availability by provisioning bananas, and helminth infections by applying antiparasitic drugs, in two groups of wild black capuchin monkeys (Sapajus nigritus) in Iguazú National Park, Argentina. We collected faecal samples to determine the intensity of helminthic infections, as well as data on behaviour and social proximity. Individuals with unmanipulated helminth burdens foraged less than dewormed individuals only when food provisioning was low. Resting time was increased when capuchins were highly provisioned, but it did not vary according to the antiparasitic treatment. Proximity associations to other group members were not affected by the antiparasitic treatment. This is the first experimental evidence of a modulating effect of food availability on the influence of helminth infection on activity in wild primates. The findings are more consistent with an impact on host behaviour due to the debilitating effect caused by parasites than with an adaptive response to help fight infections.
Two regimes of inter-basin interactions between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans on interannual timescales
Authors: Park Jae-Heung , Yeh Sang-Wook , Kug Jong-Seong , Yang Young-Min , Jo Hyun-Su , Kim Hyo-Jeong , An Soon-Il
Published: February 2023

Understanding the inter-basin interactions between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans is of great concern due to their substantial global climatic implications. By analyzing observational reanalysis datasets (1948–2020), we found that there are two regimes in Atlantic–Pacific inter-basin interactions: (1) the Pacific-driven regime, and (2) the Atlantic-driven regime. In the Pacific-driven regime before the mid-1980s, the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in winter effectively drives the primary mode of sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) in the tropical Atlantic (i.e., North Tropical Atlantic (NTA) mode) in the following spring. The NTA mode has a meridional contrast of SSTA along the Atlantic Intertropical Convergence Zone, similar to the Atlantic Meridional Mode. Whereas, in the Atlantic-driven regime after the mid-1980s, the ENSO effect on the NTA becomes remarkably weaker, so that the NTA mode is featured with a SSTA monopole. Notably, the NTA mode without the meridional contrast of SSTA is capable of modulating an ENSO event with a lag. Our analyses of the latest climate models participating in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) phases 6 support the hypothesis that the two regimes engendered by the Atlantic–Pacific inter-basin interactions are likely due to natural variability.
BRAF v600E–mutant cancers treated with vemurafenib alone or in combination with everolimus, sorafenib, or crizotinib or with paclitaxel and carboplatin (VEM-PLUS) study
Authors: Nelson Blessie Elizabeth , Roszik Jason , Janku Filip , Hong David S. , Kato Shumei , Naing Aung , Piha-Paul Sarina , Fu Siqing , Tsimberidou Apostolia , Cabanillas Maria , Busaidy Naifa Lamki , Javle Milind , Byers Lauren Averett , Heymach John V. , Meric-Bernstam Funda , Subbiah Vivek
Published: February 2023

Combined BRAF + MEK inhibition is FDA approved for BRAF V600E-mutant solid tumors except for colorectal cancer. However, beyond MAPK mediated resistance several other mechanisms of resistance such as activation of CRAF, ARAF, MET, P13K/AKT/mTOR pathway exist among other complex pathways. In the VEM-PLUS study, we performed a pooled analysis of four phase one studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of vemurafenib monotherapy and vemurafenib combined with targeted therapies (sorafenib, crizotinib, or everolimus) or carboplatin plus paclitaxel in advanced solid tumors harboring BRAF V600 mutations. When vemurafenib monotherapy was compared with the combination regimens, no significant differences in OS or PFS durations were noted, except for inferior OS in the vemurafenib and paclitaxel and carboplatin trial (P = 0.011; HR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.22–4.7) and in crossover patients (P = 0.0025; HR, 2.089; 95% CI, 1.2–3.4). Patients naïve to prior BRAF inhibitors had statistically significantly improved OS at 12.6 months compared to 10.4 months in the BRAF therapy refractory group (P = 0.024; HR, 1.69; 95% CI 1.07–2.68). The median PFS was statistically significant between both groups, with 7 months in the BRAF therapy naïve group compared to 4.7 months in the BRAF therapy refractory group (P = 0.016; HR, 1.80; 95% CI 1.11–2.91). The confirmed ORR in the vemurafenib monotherapy trial (28%) was higher than that in the combination trials. Our findings suggest that, compared with vemurafenib monotherapy, combinations of vemurafenib with cytotoxic chemotherapy or with RAF- or mTOR-targeting agents do not significantly extend the OS or PFS of patients who have solid tumors with BRAF V600E mutations. Gaining a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of BRAF inhibitor resistance, balancing toxicity and efficacy with novel trial designs are warranted.
Soluble Klotho protects against glomerular injury through regulation of ER stress response
Authors: Charrin Emmanuelle , Dabaghie Dina , Sen Ilke , Unnersjö-Jess David , Möller-Hackbarth Katja , Burmakin Mikhail , Mencke Rik , Zambrano Sonia , Patrakka Jaakko , Olauson Hannes
Published: February 2023

αKlotho (Klotho) has well established renoprotective effects; however, the molecular pathways mediating its glomerular protection remain incompletely understood. Recent studies have reported that Klotho is expressed in podocytes and protects glomeruli through auto- and paracrine effects. Here, we examined renal expression of Klotho in detail and explored its protective effects in podocyte-specific Klotho knockout mice, and by overexpressing human Klotho in podocytes and hepatocytes. We demonstrate that Klotho is not significantly expressed in podocytes, and transgenic mice with either a targeted deletion or overexpression of Klotho in podocytes lack a glomerular phenotype and have no altered susceptibility to glomerular injury. In contrast, mice with hepatocyte-specific overexpression of Klotho have high circulating levels of soluble Klotho, and when challenged with nephrotoxic serum have less albuminuria and less severe kidney injury compared to wildtype mice. RNA-seq analysis suggests an adaptive response to increased endoplasmic reticulum stress as a putative mechanism of action. To evaluate the clinical relevance of our findings, the results were validated in patients with diabetic nephropathy, and in precision cut kidney slices from human nephrectomies. Together, our data reveal that the glomeruloprotective effects of Klotho is mediated via endocrine actions, which increases its therapeutic potential for patients with glomerular diseases.
Imaging real-space flat band localization in kagome magnet FeSn
Authors: Multer Daniel , Yin Jia-Xin , Hossain Md. Shafayat , Yang Xian , Sales Brian C. , Miao Hu , Meier William R. , Jiang Yu-Xiao , Xie Yaofeng , Dai Pengcheng , Liu Jianpeng , Deng Hanbin , Lei Hechang , Lian Biao , Zahid Hasan M.
Published: February 2023

Kagome lattices host flat bands due to their frustrated lattice geometry, which leads to destructive quantum interference of electron wave functions. Here, we report imaging of the kagome flat band localization in real-space using scanning tunneling microscopy. We identify both the Fe3Sn kagome lattice layer and the Sn2 honeycomb layer with atomic resolution in kagome antiferromagnet FeSn. On the Fe3Sn lattice, at the flat band energy determined by the angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy, tunneling spectroscopy detects an unusual state localized uniquely at the Fe kagome lattice network. We further show that the vectorial in-plane magnetic field manipulates the spatial anisotropy of the localization state within each kagome unit cell. Our results are consistent with the real-space flat band localization in the magnetic kagome lattice. We further discuss the magnetic tuning of flat band localization under the spin–orbit coupled magnetic kagome lattice model.
Higher mitochondrial DNA copy number is associated with metformin-induced weight loss
Authors: Wang Jing , Liang Hua , Huang Rong , Weng Xiong , Zheng Li , Wang You , Zheng Xueying , Gu Zhenglong , Chen Fei , Shao Jian , Geng Zhaoxu , Pearson Ewan R. , Weng Jianping , Yang Wenying , Xu Tao , Zhou Kaixin
Published: February 2023

Background

Considerable variability exists in response to metformin with few effective biomarkers to guide the treatment. Here we evaluated whether whole blood derived mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN) is a biomarker of metformin response as measured by glucose reduction or weight loss.

Methods

Using data from the trial of Metformin (n = 304) and AcaRbose (n = 300) in Chinese as the initial Hypoglycaemic treatment (MARCH), we examined the association between mtDNA-CN and two metformin response outcomes of HbA1c reduction and weight loss. The acarbose arm was used as a comparator group. Whole blood mtDNA-CN was estimated by deep whole genome sequencing with adjustments for confounders. Multiple linear regression and repeated measurement analyses were used to evaluate the association between mtDNA-CN and drug response outcomes.

Results

Here we show that glucose reduction is not significantly associated with mtDNA-CN and in either treatment arm. In the metformin arm, each increase of 1 SD in mtDNA-CN is significantly (P = 0.006) associated with a 0.43 kg more weight loss. Repeated measurement analysis shows that after 16 weeks of metformin monotherapy, patients in the top tertile of mtDNA-CN consistently lost 1.21 kg more weight than those in the bottom tertile (P < 0.001). In comparison, mtDNA-CN is not significantly associated with acarbose-induced weight loss.

Conclusions

Patients with higher mtDNA-CN are likely to lose more weight upon metformin treatment, suggesting mtDNA-CN as a potential novel biomarker for more effective weight management in type 2 diabetes.
Combined piezoelectricity, valley splitting and Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction in Janus GdXY (X, Y = Cl, Br, I) magnetic semiconductors
Authors: Zhang Dehe , Li Aolin , Zhang Bei , Zhou Wenzhe , Duan Haiming , Ouyang Fangping
Published: February 2023

The Janus monolayer 2H-GdXY (X, Y = Cl, Br, I) combines both intrinsic valley splitting and strong Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction (DMI), which can be greatly tuned by biaxial strain to obtain a skyrmions with expected size.
The efficient treatment of pickling wastewater using a self-assembled in situ polymerized ceramic membrane with graphene/carbon nanotubes/polypyrrole
Authors: Wang Xinling , Zhang Chunhui , Liu Zong , Quan Bingxu , Lu Wenjing , Li Xuezhi , Su Peidong , Tang Yuanhui , Bu Yuanqing , Zhou Rong
Published: February 2023

Electric flocculation coupled with rGO–CNT–PPy modified composite conductive ceramic membrane reaction device can efficiently remove metal ions and organic matter from pickling wastewater. It also improves the pH value of pickling wastewater.
Advances and effectiveness of metal–organic framework based bio/chemical sensors for rapid and ultrasensitive probing of antibiotic residues in foods
Authors: Rayappa Mirinal Kumar , K. S. Kavya , Rattu Gurdeep , Krishna P. Murali
Published: February 2023

Antibiotic residues in food are contaminants from transfer across the food chain, starting from livestock, which pose health and safety concerns. Detecting them is of current need and can be accomplished using materials like metal–organic-frameworks.
A special polysaccharide hydrogel coated onBrasenia schreberi: preventive effects against ulcerative colitisviamodulation of gut microbiota
Authors: Wan Jiawei , Yu Xiujuan , Liu Jiao , Li Jing , Ai Tingyang , Yin Cong , Liu Hong , Qin Rui
Published: February 2023

BS mucilage with a low solid content can prevent DSS-induced UC symptoms in mice with the adjustment of gut microbiota.
Reactive fragments targeting carboxylate residues employing direct to biology, high-throughput chemistry
Authors: Thomas Ross P. , Grant Emma K. , Dickinson Eleanor R. , Zappacosta Francesca , Edwards Lee J. , Hann Michael M. , House David , Tomkinson Nicholas C. O. , Bush Jacob T.
Published: February 2023

We present a carboxylate-targeting reactive fragment screening platform using 2-aryl-5-carboxytetrazole (ACT) as the photoreactive functionality. This work will provide a simple accessible method to rapidly discover tool molecules to interrogate important biological targets.
Twist angle-dependent work functions in CVD-grown twisted bilayer graphene probed by Kelvin probe force microscopy
Authors: Gu Shangzhi , Liu Wenyu , Mi Shuo , Xian Guoyu , Guo Jiangfeng , Pang Fei , Chen Shanshan , Yang Haitao , Gao Hong-Jun , Cheng Zhihai
Published: February 2023

Here, we use KPFM to directly distinguish AB-BLG (BLG), ABA-TLG (TLG), and twisted bilayer graphene (tBLG). Furthermore, we have explored the relationship between the surface potential and the different twist angles of tBLG.
Profiling rhythmicity of bile salt hydrolase activity in the gut lumen with a rapid fluorescence assay
Authors: Kombala Chathuri J. , Agrawal Neha , Sveistyte Agne , Karatsoreos Ilia N. , Van Dongen Hans P. A. , Brandvold Kristoffer R.
Published: February 2023

24-hour rhythmicity in bile salt hydrolase activity levels is influenced by feeding patterns, providing a pathway for the gut microbiome to affect host peripheral circadian rhythmicity.
A water-borne photo-sensitive polyimide precursor for an eco-friendly process of preparing organic thin film transistors
Authors: Lee Hyoeun , Kim Dongkyu , Kim So Hyeon , So Yujin , Kim Yun Ho , Kim Jinsoo , Park Jongmin , Cho Jeong Ho , Won Jong Chan
Published: February 2023

A water-borne photo-sensitive poly(amic acid) salt for the micropatterned polyimide layer of a microelectronic device.
Dithiocarbamate-mediated thioamidation of arylglyoxylic acids by decarboxylative–decarbonylative C–C bond formation reactions
Authors: Patra Debabrata , Saha Amit
Published: February 2023

Dithiocarbamates are explored in decarboxylative–decarbonylative thioamidation of arylglyoxylic acids in the presence of Pd-catalyst. Cleavage of two C–C bonds and one C–S bond occurs along with the formation of a new C–C bond in a single strategy.
Visible light-enabled alkylation of enol acetates with alkylboronic acids for the synthesis of α-alkyl ketones
Authors: Li Yunpu , Ma Zhenqiang , Liu Xiaopei , Li Zhongxian , Zhao Fengqian , Wu Junliang
Published: February 2023

Visible light-catalyzed alkylation of enol acetates with alkylboronic acids has been successfully developed to synthesize α-alkyl ketones. A variety of asymmetric ketones with various structural skeletons were obtained under mild conditions.
Review on human‐like robot manipulation using dexterous hands
Authors: Kadalagere Sampath Suhas , Wang Ning , Wu Hao , Yang Chenguang
Published: February 2023

In recent years, human hand‐based robotic hands or dexterous hands have gained attention due to their enormous capabilities of handling soft materials compared to traditional grippers. Back in the earlier days, the development of a hand model close to that of a human was an impossible task but with the advancements made in technology, dexterous hands with three, four or five‐fingered robotic hands have been developed to mimic human hand nature. However, human‐like manipulation of dexterous hands to this date remains a challenge. Thus, this review focuses on (a) the history and motivation behind the development of dexterous hands, (b) a brief overview of the available multi‐fingered hands, and (c) learning‐based methods such as traditional and data‐driven learning methods for manipulating dexterous hands. Additionally, it discusses the challenges faced in terms of the manipulation of multi‐fingered or dexterous hands.
A review of underwater inductive wireless power transfer system
Authors: Yang Lei , Li Xiaojie , Zhang Yuanqi , Feng Baoxiang , Yang Ting , Wen Haibing , Tian Jiaiqang , Zhu Darui , Huang Jingjing , Zhang Aiming , Tong Xiangqian
Published: February 2023

The IPT system has been studied for underwater applications such as autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and subsea sensors. However, it rarely comparatively shows the performance of the IPT system in air, freshwater, and seawater. Based on the fore‐mentioned research background, this paper presents a survey of the properties of the IPT system in different mediums. Here, a 100 W power‐level experimental IPT prototype is built and tested. The resonant frequency is set at 300 kHz with a gap range from 10 to 190 mm. The comparison is focused on the efficiency, mutual inductance, coupling coefficient, coil resistance, and quality factor of the IPT system. The IPT system is placed in air, freshwater, and seawater with the same settings. What's more, the magnetic fields of coupling coils in air, freshwater, and seawater are presented in this paper. This paper could be acted as a reference to optimize the IPT system and facilitate future IPT research for underwater applications by analysing the performance of the IPT system in different mediums. The 3D Ansys Maxwell simulation of the IPT system is also given here to study the magnetic fields.
Analysis on the influence law of traction speed on the cutting performance of coal containing hard concretion
Authors: Liu Xunan , Li Xianglong , Fu Xin , Yang Xinle , Zhang Jianzhuo
Published: February 2023

Due to the great differences in mechanical properties between hard concretion and coal, the shearer drum cutting coal and rock containing hard concretion will inevitably lead to a series of problems, such as severe load impact, increased cutting specific energy consumption and low coal loading efficiency. Taking the cutting part of a thin coal seam shearer in service in the target mining area as the prototype, the mechanical models of shearer drum and rocker arm are established by using UG, and the discrete element model of coal wall with hard concretions is built by importing it into EDEM. The influence law of traction speed on coal loading rate, drum load and cutting specific energy consumption is analyzed, and the corresponding fitting relationship function is obtained. Taking the traction speed as the design variable, and the drum load, cutting specific energy consumption and coal loading rate as the comprehensive indicators, a multi-objective optimization function is established. The optimal solution is obtained by using NSGA II optimization algorithm, and the accuracy of the simulation is verified by experiments. This method has certain engineering significance for the reasonable selection of shearer traction speed.
Apprentissage entre pairs : enseigner aux étudiants en médecine à enseigner
Authors: Nendaz Mathieu
Published: February 2023

Contexte et problématique : L’enseignement par les pairs est fréquemment utilisé durant le curriculum médical prégradué ainsi qu’en formation postgraduée. Exégèse : Une méta-analyse récente en démontre une efficacité de taille modérée surtout présente durant des activités cliniques plutôt que précliniques, portant sur des habiletés pratiques plutôt que sur l’acquisition théorique. Pour soutenir l’acquisition de compétences en enseignement par les étudiants, des recommandations fondées sur une revue narrative ont été proposées. Nos institutions de formation devraient instaurer des programmes de formation longitudinaux obligatoires pour entraîner les étudiants-enseignant-es, en se fondant sur une approche par compétences. Conclusion : Malgré des arguments probants soutenant cette approche et une injonction des référentiels de compétences utilisés par nos institutions de formation, de tels programmes sont encore trop rares et devraient être plus largement introduits pour assurer le continuum entre l’enseignement pré-gradué et post-gradué.
Tibial Tuberosity Transposition Tool Technique in Combination with Distal Femoral Lateral Closing Wedge Osteotomy for Patellar Luxation Treatment in Five Dogs
Authors: Curuci Eloy Henrique Pares , Hespanha Ana Carolina Valentim , Dias Luis Gustavo Gosuen Gonçalves , Minto Bruno Watanabe
Published: February 2023

Medial patellar luxation is a multifactorial condition resulting from a misalignment of the stifle extensor mechanism. Several techniques have been described for correcting this condition, depending on the specific morphological changes identified. This case series describes the combination of tibial tuberosity transposition tool techniques and distal lateral femoral closing wedge osteotomy in the treatment of dogs with medial patellar luxation. A combination of these two techniques was used in five dogs with varying degrees of medial luxation of the patella resulting from distal femoral varus and less than 20 degrees distal external torsion of the tibia. The combination of techniques allowed the alignment of the stifle extensor mechanism and corrected medial patellar luxation in all dogs. Radiographic bone union occurred in all dogs, with a mean time of 30 ± 2 days for tibial osteotomy and 48 ± 16 days for the femur. There was no recurrence of patellar dislocation, and no complications developed in any animal during a 1-year-long observation period. This case series demonstrates that the combination of tibial tuberosity transposition tool techniques and distal lateral femoral closing wedge osteotomy can be an effective treatment for medial patellar luxation associated with distal femoral varus with external tibial torsion less than 20 degrees.
Key drivers of brand trust in a Latin American airline: the impact of Colombia’s Avianca customer experience
Authors: Siqueira Jose Ribamar , Bendixen Michael , Reinoso-Carvalho Felipe , Campo Raffaele
Published: February 2023

Trust in a company's brand is essential for businesses that rely on repeat business from customers. In light of this, this study aims to investigate the key factors that drive customer trust in airline brands within the Latin American context. In order to accomplish this goal, an augmented version of AIRQUAL was utilized to evaluate Colombian native customers' perceptions of the customer experience (CX) provided by Avianca, a well-known and highly regarded airline active in Latin America. AIRQUAL is a model used to evaluate the quality of airline service proposed by Nadiri et al. (2008). It consists of five dimensions: airline tangibles, terminal tangibles, personnel services, empathy, and image. These dimensions were expanded to capture additional touchpoints identified in the literature. They represent internal and external touchpoints that make up the airline customer experience, resulting in a more robust research model. The additional dimensions, namely the impact of perceptions associated with other customers and the process of the purchase experience, were incorporated to account for a more holistic assessment of the experience provided. They also help capture the three stages of the experience provided by the airline as proposed by Namukasa (2013) before, during, and after the flight. The examined drivers of brand trust in the proposed model were the dimensions of the augmented AIRQUAL model and a measure of CX. Results indicate that while most dimensions impact brand trust, CX was identified as the key driver of brand trust and acted as a mediator of the dimensions of the augmented AIRQUAL and brand trust. According to the findings of this research, all three aspects of service quality—pre-flight service quality, in-flight service quality, and post-flight service quality—are of comparable significance and have a significant bearing on how customers evaluate their experiences.
Exactly how dangerous is drink driving? An examination of vehicle crash data to identify the comparative risks of alcohol-related crashes
Authors: Love Steven , Rowland Bevan , Davey Jeremy
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to explore how specific situational variables (remoteness, speed zones, days of the week, hours of the day) and risk factors (risky behaviours and road-related conditions) might influence the comparative likelihood and severity of alcohol-related crashes (ARCs). Vehicle crash data (N = 63,226) were analysed and included the details of crashes between 2015 and 2019. In comparison to non-ARCs, ARCs were up to two times more likely to occur in rural areas and on weekdays, and two to four times more likely in the late evening and early morning (6 p.m. to 6 a.m.). In addition, risky road conditions and driving behaviours were found to significantly increase both ARC likelihood and severity, with some factors (e.g., speeding) increasing fatality risk by up to nine times. Overall, this study highlights the specific risks associated with drink driving and highlights situational factors that may increase crash risk.