bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutritional, environmental and economic implications of children plate waste at school: a comparison between two Italian case studies
Authors: Biasini Beatrice , Donati Michele , Rosi Alice , Giopp Francesca , Colić Barić Irena , Bituh Martina , Brečić Ružica , Brennan Mary , Ilić Ana , Quarrie Steve , Sayed Maysara , Tregear Angela , Menozzi Davide , Scazzina Francesca
Published: February 2024

Objective:

This study aims at comparing two Italian case studies in relation to schoolchildren’s plate waste and its implications, in terms of nutritional loss, economic cost and carbon footprint.

Design:

Plate waste was collected through an aggregate selective weighting method for 39 d.

Setting:

Children from the first to the fifth grade from four primary schools, two in each case study (Parma and Lucca), were involved.

Results:

With respect to the served food, in Parma, the plate waste percentage was lower than in Lucca (P < 0·001). Fruit and side dishes were highly wasted, mostly in Lucca (>50 %). The energy loss of the lunch meals accounted for 26 % (Parma) and 36 % (Lucca). Among nutrients, dietary fibre, folate and vitamin C, Ca and K were lost at most (26–45 %). Overall, after adjusting for plate waste data, most of the lunch menus fell below the national recommendations for energy (50 %, Parma; 79 %, Lucca) and nutrients, particularly for fat (85 %, Parma; 89 %, Lucca). Plate waste was responsible for 19 % (Parma) and 28 % (Lucca) of the carbon footprint associated with the food supplied by the catering service, with starchy food being the most important contributor (52 %, Parma; 47 %, Lucca). Overall, the average cost of plate waste was 1·8 €/kg (Parma) and 2·7 €/kg (Lucca), accounting respectively for 4 % and 10 % of the meal full price.

Conclusion:

A re-planning of the school meals service organisation and priorities is needed to decrease the inefficiency of the current system and reduce food waste and its negative consequences.
The Green Agenda: Why the Provision and Development of Gypsy/Traveller Sites in Scotland is a Health Hazard as Much as an Accommodation Priority
Authors: Clark Colin
Published: February 2024

Issues of environmental justice regarding housing, health, and other public services have been subjected to critical scrutiny in Scotland for some time. However, such concerns have not focused on Gypsy/Traveller communities and their accommodation on local authority and private sites. Politically, the Scottish National Party (SNP) and the Scottish Greens have been in favour of providing and funding site/pitch upgrades, including developing new site locations. These suggestions have been controversial, and reactions have been debated, not least by local councillors and the media. Drawing on the work of Kristeva (1982) and Tyler (2013), this paper argues that one explanation for understanding responses to Gypsy/Traveller sites is via the concept of (social) abjection. When examining local contexts, spatial locations, and the environmental circumstances of local authority sites, much work is still to be done in challenging instances of environmental and health injustice and anti-Gypsy/Traveller prejudice in Scotland.
PERFECTING GROUP SCHEMES
Authors: Coulembier Kevin , Williamson Geordie
Published: February 2024

We initiate a systematic study of the perfection of affine group schemes of finite type over fields of positive characteristic. The main result intrinsically characterises and classifies the perfections of reductive groups and obtains a bijection with the set of classifying spaces of compact connected Lie groups topologically localised away from the characteristic. We also study the representations of perfectly reductive groups. We establish a highest weight classification of simple modules, the decomposition into blocks, and relate extension groups to those of the underlying abstract group.
Existential distress and associated factors in advanced cancer patients: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Xu Guiru , Zheng Jianwei , Lin Xiaodan , Wu Hong , Yang Shangwang , Xiao Huimin , Lin Xiaoyan
Published: February 2024

Background

Advanced cancer patients often experience existential distress (ED). However, the factors associated with ED remain unclear. This study investigated the current state of ED and identified the associated factors in Chinese patients with advanced cancer.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 352 advanced cancer patients from 3 tertiary hospitals in Fujian, China. Participants were invited to complete the Existential Distress Scale, Number Rating Scale, Self-Perceived Burden Scale, Quality of Life Concerns in the End-of-Life Questionnaire, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the level of existential distress among advanced cancer patients in China and identify the associated factors.

Results

A total of 352 advanced cancer patients were recruited for this study. The average score for ED was 8.48 ± 7.12 among the advanced cancer patients. Multiple regression showed that the associated factors included depression (β = 0.32, p = 0.000), self-perceived burden (SPB) (β = 0.18, p = 0.001), the presence of a spouse (β = −0.10, p = 0.050), and reception of government subsidies (β = 0.17, p = 0.001). The factors accounted for 30.1% of the total variance in ED (F = 8.472, p < 0.001).

Significance of results

Among the advanced cancer patients queried, ED was found to be positively influenced by depression, SPB, and reception of government subsidies and negatively influenced by the presence of a spouse. Depression was the most important risk factor, and thus future ED interventions should target depression.
Learning-based surface deformation recovery for large radio telescope antennas
Authors: Tong Zhan , Ren Xuesong , Meng Guoxiang
Published: February 2024

The surface deformation of the main reflector in a large radio telescope is closely related to its working efficiency, which is important for some astronomical science studies. Here, we present a deep learning-based surface deformation recovery framework using non-interferometric intensity measurements as input. The recurrent convolutional neural network (RCNN) is developed to establish the inverse mapping relationship between the surface deformation of the main reflector and the intensity images at the aperture plane and at a near-field plane. Meanwhile, a physical forward propagation model is adopted to generate a large amount of data for pre-training in a computationally efficient manner. Then, the inverse mapping relationship is adjusted and improved by transfer learning using experimental data, which achieves a 15-fold reduction in the number of training image sets required, which is helpful to facilitate the practical application of deep learning in this field. In addition, the RCNN model can be trained as a denoiser, and it is robust to the axial positioning error of the measuring points. It is also promising to extend this method to the study of adaptive optics.
A wideband, thin, dual-negative, and polarization-independent square-tooth circular ring resonator-based metamaterial absorber for Ku-band applications
Authors: Amugothu Ramesh , Damera Vakula
Published: February 2024

In the proposed paper, a novel design and realization of a wide-band, oblique angle-insensitive metamaterial absorbers are presented. The absorber is designed to work over a wide range of frequencies, making it suitable for Ku-band applications. To get wide band absorption, a novel SM-shaped design with a square-tooth circular ring resonator structure is designed efficiently. The unit cell structure is designed with a dielectric substrate (FR4) with a thickness of 3.2 mm (0.16λ0), where λ0 is the wavelength of free space. The novel design of this configuration leads to wideband absorption with respect to a conventional absorber. Several physical parameters are also investigated, such as the dielectric constant, permittivity, permeability, impedance, and negative refractive index. The simulation and experimental results show from 13.60 to 16.14 GHz with 99.1% absorption, which is excellent agreement. The analysis of the proposed design indicates that it possesses the remarkable feature of being insensitive to polarization while also exhibiting high absorption even when the angle of incidence varies. For both the simulation and experiment, results are consistent with a frequency range of 13.60–16.14 GHz for normal incidence. Almost perfect absorption works well for solar cells, EM detection, and imaging applications.
Physical activity in psychiatry: Current state and challenges
Authors: Imboden Christian , Mikutta Christian , Hemmeter Ulrich , Seifritz Erich , Claussen Malte Christian
Published: February 2024

Abstract: Introduction: Physical activity (PA) shows beneficial effects for various mental illnesses, but exercise-prescription has not yet become routine practice in psychiatry. Therefore, this survey addresses attitudes and barriers towards exercise-prescription in health professionals. Methods: We conducted an anonymous online survey among health professionals on the importance of PA in prevention and treatment of mental illness and perceived barriers as part of a larger survey on sports psychiatry. The survey was promoted by societies for sports psychiatry. Results: N = 310 health professionals from Switzerland (86.5%) and other countries responded to the online survey. Sixty percent were physicians (51.1% psychiatrists). Most respondents strongly agreed that PA plays an important role in prevention and treatment of mental (80.2%, 69.8%) and physical (84.5%, 72.0%) illness. Forty-six percent use PA in prevention and 59.4% in treatment of mental illness with lower proportions for physical illness (39.5%, 36.2%). Most mentioned barriers to the use of PA were “insufficient possibilities” in psychiatric institutions (34.8%) and “no reimbursement” (41.9%) in private practice. Participants working in private practice rated barriers in practice significantly higher than those from other workplaces. “No motivation” was found to be the most common barrier for patients (56.5%). PA was used most often for depression (39.5%) followed by substance use disorders (32.1%) and anxiety disorders (30.9%). Conclusions: Health professionals in Switzerland and some extent other European countries show a positive attitude towards the use of PA in mental illness. Current barriers, especially reimbursement in private practice should be addressed to improve prescription-rates of PA.
The Degree of Homogeneity Versus Heterogeneity in Individuals’ Political News Consumption
Authors: Sindermann Cornelia , Montag Christian , Elhai Jon D.
Published: February 2024

Abstract: This work investigated the prevalence of filter bubble or echo chamber-related phenomena, psychological factors rendering individuals resilient or vulnerable to them, and their associations to political views focusing on extremity and polarization. For this, a cross-cultural replication of a study by Sindermann et al. (2021) was conducted. As an extension, multiple political views variables were assessed to examine whether the application of different conceptualizations of political views explains heterogeneous findings across previous studies. Two samples were recruited: 390 ( n = 135 males) US college students and a quota sample of 489 ( n = 243 males) US adults. Participants completed personality scales and measures on political news consumption homogeneity versus heterogeneity and political views. Consistent with previous research, results revealed few individuals consume political news absolutely homogeneously. Openness was negatively related to the degree of political news consumption homogeneity, and the relationship between political news consumption homogeneity and political views yielded inconsistent, often statistically nonsignificant, results. These findings challenge the prevailing notion of filter bubbles and echo chambers as widespread phenomena and indicate that relationships between political news consumption homogeneity and political views are not necessarily deleterious with respect to extremization and polarization. As such, the results suggest that these phenomena might not be as significant for the general population as previously thought. Nonetheless, certain individuals might still find themselves in filter bubbles or echo chambers and suffer from accompanying consequences. In this regard, the present work replicates findings underscoring that individuals with lower Openness exhibit greater political news consumption homogeneity.
Vertical Wind Profiles in the Mesosphere and Lower Thermosphere Driven by Meteor Radar and Ionospheric Connection Explorer Observations Over the Korean Peninsula
Authors: Lee Jaewook , Kwak Young‐Sil , Kam Hosik , Kil Hyosub , Park Jaeheung , Kim Jeongheon , Yang Tae‐Yong , Lee Changsup
Published: February 2024

Meteor radar observations provide wind data ranging from 80 to 100 km altitude, while the Michaelson Interferometer for Global High‐resolution Thermospheric Imaging (MIGHTI) onboard the Ionospheric Connection Explorer satellite offers wind data above 90 km altitude. This study aims to generate wind profiles in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere by combining the winds derived from meteor radar and MIGHTI observations over the Korean Peninsula from January 2020 to December 2021. The wind profiles derived from the two instruments are continuous at night, but they show discrepancies during the day. The atomic oxygen 557.7 nm (green line) emission intensity measured by MIGHTI peaks at approximately 100 km during the day and 94 km at night. The vertical gradient of the airglow volume emission rate is more pronounced during the day. These differences can cause day‐night differences in the MIGHTI wind retrieval accuracy, potentially leading to discrepancies during the day.
2021–2023 Unrest and Geodetic Observations at Askja Volcano, Iceland
Authors: Parks Michelle M. , Sigmundsson Freysteinn , Drouin Vincent , Hreinsdóttir Sigrún , Hooper Andrew , Yang Yilin , Ófeigsson Benedikt G. , Sturkell Erik , Hjartardóttir Ásta R. , Grapenthin Ronni , Geirsson Halldór , Trasatti Elisa , Barsotti Sara , Pedersen Rikke , Einarsson Páll , Óladóttir Bergrún A. , Friðriksdóttir Hildur M.
Published: February 2024

Unrest began in July 2021 at Askja volcano in the Northern Volcanic Zone (NVZ) of Iceland. Its most recent eruption, in 1961, was predominantly effusive and produced ∼0.1 km3 lava field. The last plinian eruption at Askja occurred in 1875. Geodetic measurements between 1983 and 2021 detail subsidence of Askja, decaying in an exponential manner. At the end of July 2021, inflation was detected at Askja volcano, from GNSS observations and Sentinel‐1 interferograms. The inflationary episode can be divided into two periods from the onset of inflation until September 2023. An initial period until 20 September 2021 when geodetic models suggest transfer of magma (or magmatic fluids) from within the shallowest part of the magmatic system (comprising an inflating and deflating source), potentially involving silicic magma. A following period when one source of pressure increase at shallow depth can explain the observations.
Role of the histone variant H2A.Z.1 in memory, transcription, and alternative splicing is mediated by lysine modification
Authors: Reda Anas , Hategan Luca A. , McLean Timothy A. B. , Creighton Samantha D. , Luo Jian Qi , Chen Sean En Si , Hua Shan , Winston Stephen , Reeves Isaiah , Padmanabhan Aditya , Dahi Tarkan A. , Ramzan Firyal , Brimble Mark A. , Murphy Patrick J. , Walters Brandon J. , Stefanelli Gilda , Zovkic Iva B.
Published: February 2024

Creating long-lasting memories requires learning-induced changes in gene expression, which are impacted by epigenetic modifications of DNA and associated histone proteins. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of histones are key regulators of transcription, with different PTMs producing unique effects on gene activity and behavior. Although recent studies implicate histone variants as novel regulators of memory, effects of PTMs on the function of histone variants are rarely considered. We previously showed that the histone variant H2A.Z suppresses memory, but it is unclear if this role is impacted by H2A.Z acetylation, a PTM that is typically associated with positive effects on transcription and memory. To answer this question, we used a mutation approach to manipulate acetylation on H2A.Z without impacting acetylation of other histone types. Specifically, we used adeno-associated virus (AAV) constructs to overexpress mutated H2A.Z.1 isoforms that either mimic acetylation (acetyl-mimic) by replacing lysines 4, 7 and 11 with glutamine (KQ), or H2A.Z.1 with impaired acetylation (acetyl-defective) by replacing the same lysines with alanine (KA). Expressing the H2A.Z.1 acetyl-mimic (H2A.Z.1KQ) improved memory under weak learning conditions, whereas expressing the acetyl-defective H2A.Z.1KA generally impaired memory, indicating that the effect of H2A.Z.1 on memory depends on its acetylation status. RNA sequencing showed that H2A.Z.1KQ and H2A.Z.1KA uniquely impact the expression of different classes of genes in both females and males. Specifically, H2A.Z.1KA preferentially impacts genes involved in synaptic function, suggesting that acetyl-defective H2A.Z.1 impairs memory by altering synaptic regulation. Finally, we describe, for the first time, that H2A.Z is also involved in alternative splicing of neuronal genes, whereby H2A.Z depletion, as well as expression of H2A.Z.1 lysine mutants influence transcription and splicing of different gene targets, suggesting that H2A.Z.1 can impact behavior through effects on both splicing and gene expression. This is the first study to demonstrate that direct manipulation of H2A.Z post-translational modifications regulates memory, whereby acetylation adds another regulatory layer by which histone variants can fine tune higher brain functions through effects on gene expression and splicing.
Approaches to protocol standardization and data harmonization in the ECHO-wide cohort study
Authors: Jacobson Lisa P. , Parker Corette B. , Cella David , Mroczek Daniel K. , Lester Barry M. ,   on behalf of program collaborators for Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes, Smith P. B. , Newby K. L. , Catellier D. J. , Gershon R. , Cella D.
Published: February 2024

The United States (U.S.) National Institutes of Health–funded Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO)-wide Cohort was established to conduct high impact, transdisciplinary science to improve child health and development. The cohort is a collaborative research design in which both extant and new data are contributed by over 57,000 children across 69 cohorts. In this review article, we focus on two key challenging issues in the ECHO-wide Cohort: data collection standardization and data harmonization. Data standardization using a Common Data Model and derived analytical variables based on a team science approach should facilitate timely analyses and reduce errors due to data misuse. However, given the complexity of collaborative research designs, such as the ECHO-wide Cohort, dedicated time is needed for harmonization and derivation of analytic variables. These activities need to be done methodically and with transparency to enhance research reproducibility.

Impact

Many collaborative research studies require data harmonization either prior to analyses or in the analyses of compiled data.

The Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Cohort pools extant data with new data collection from over 57,000 children in 69 cohorts to conduct high-impact, transdisciplinary science to improve child health and development, and to provide a national database and biorepository for use by the scientific community at-large.

We describe the tools, systems, and approaches we employed to facilitate harmonized data for impactful analyses of child health outcomes.
Congenital anomalies and predisposition to severe COVID-19 among pediatric patients in the United States
Authors: Goodman Laura F. , Yu Peter T. , Guner Yigit , Awan Saeed , Mohan Akhil , Ge Kevin , Chandy Mathew , Sánchez Mario , Ehwerhemuepha Louis
Published: February 2024

Background and objective

Congenital heart defects are known to be associated with increased odds of severe COVID-19. Congenital anomalies affecting other body systems may also be associated with poor outcomes. This study is an exhaustive assessment of congenital anomalies and odds of severe COVID-19 in pediatric patients.

Methods

Data were retrieved from the COVID-19 dataset of Cerner® Real-World Data for encounters from March 2020 to February 2022. Prior to matching, the data consisted of 664,523 patients less than 18 years old and 927,805 corresponding encounters with COVID-19 from 117 health systems across the United States. One-to-one propensity score matching was performed, and a cumulative link mixed-effects model with random intercepts for health system and patients was built to assess corresponding associations.

Results

All congenital anomalies were associated with worse COVID-19 outcomes, with the strongest association observed for cardiovascular anomalies (odds ratio [OR], 3.84; 95% CI, 3.63–4.06) and the weakest association observed for anomalies affecting the eye/ear/face/neck (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.03–1.31).

Conclusions and relevance

Congenital anomalies are associated with greater odds of experiencing severe symptoms of COVID-19. In addition to congenital heart defects, all other birth defects may increase the odds for more severe COVID-19.

Impact

All congenital anomalies are associated with increased odds of severe COVID-19.

This study is the largest and among the first to investigate birth defects across all body systems.

The multicenter large data and analysis demonstrate the increased odds of severe COVID19 in pediatric patients with congenital anomalies affecting any body system. These data demonstrate that all children with birth defects are at increased odds of more severe COVID-19, not only those with heart defects. This should be taken into consideration when optimizing prevention and intervention resources within a hospital.
The serum thioredoxin-1 levels are not associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Haga Mitsuhiro , Nagano Nobuhiko , Ozawa Junichi , Tanaka Kosuke , Miyahara Naoyuki , Fujimoto Takeshi , Ishii Kuniya , Namba Fumihiko
Published: February 2024

Background

We hypothesized that the serum TRX-1 in extremely preterm infants (EPIs) after birth was associated with the development of severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Methods

This single-centered retrospective study enrolled EPIs treated at our institution. Serum TRX-1 concentrations of the residual samples taken on admission, day 10–20 of life, and 36–40 weeks of postmenstrual age (PMA) were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The serum TRX-1 levels on admission were not different between the severe BPD (n = 46) and non-severe BPD groups (n = 67): [median (interquartile range) 147 (73.0–231) vs. 164 (80.5–248) ng/mL] (P = 0.57). These had no significant difference between the severe ROP (n = 47) and non-severe ROP groups (n = 66): [164 (71.3–237) vs. 150 (80.9–250) ng/mL] (P = 0.93). The TRX-1 levels at 10–20 days of life and 36–40 weeks of PMA also had no association with the development of severe BPD and ROP.

Conclusion

The serum TRX-1 levels after birth are not predictive of severe BPD and ROP.

Impact

Serum thioredoxin-1 levels in extremely preterm infants on the day of birth are lower than those in term or near-term infants hospitalized for transient tachypnea of the newborn.

In extremely preterm infants, the serum thioredoxin-1 levels on the day of birth, at 10–20 days of life, and at postmenstrual age of 36–40 weeks were not associated with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia and retinopathy of prematurity.

The thioredoxin system is under development in extremely preterm infants; however, the serum thioredoxin-1 level is not predictive for severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia and retinopathy of prematurity.
From the regulatory mechanism of TFEB to its therapeutic implications
Authors: Chen Huixia , Gong Siqiao , Zhang Hongyong , Chen Yongming , Liu Yonghan , Hao Junfeng , Liu Huafeng , Li Xiaoyu
Published: February 2024

Transcription factor EB (TFEB), known as a major transcriptional regulator of the autophagy-lysosomal pathway, regulates target gene expression by binding to coordinated lysosomal expression and regulation (CLEAR) elements. TFEB are regulated by multiple links, such as transcriptional regulation, post-transcriptional regulation, translational-level regulation, post-translational modification (PTM), and nuclear competitive regulation. Targeted regulation of TFEB has been victoriously used as a treatment strategy in several disease models such as ischemic injury, lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs), cancer, metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and inflammation. In this review, we aimed to elucidate the regulatory mechanism of TFEB and its applications in several disease models by targeting the regulation of TFEB as a treatment strategy.
Garcinol prevents oxidative stress-induced bone loss and dysfunction of BMSCs through NRF2-antioxidant signaling
Authors: Zou Jilong , Chen Hongjun , Fan Xinming , Qiu Zhenrui , Zhang Jiale , Sun Jiabing
Published: February 2024

There are multiple published data showing that excessive oxidative stress contributes to bone loss and even bone tissue damage, and it is also correlated with the pathophysiology of bone degenerative diseases, including osteoporosis (OP). Garcinol, a polyisoprenylated benzophenone derivative, has been recently established as an anti-oxidant agent. However, it remains elusive whether Garcinol protects bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and bone tissue from oxidative stress-induced damage. Here, we explored the potential effects of Garcinol supplementation in ameliorating oxidative stimulation-induced dysfunction of BMSCs and bone loss in osteoporotic mice. In this study, we verified that Garcinol exerted potent protective functions in the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced excessive oxidative stress and dysfunction of BMSCs. Besides, Garcinol was also identified to improve the reduced bone mass and abnormal lineage commitment of BMSCs in the condition of OP by suppressing the oxidative stimulation. Subsequent analysis revealed that nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) might be a key regulator in the sheltering effects of Garcinol on the H2O2-regulated oxidative stress, and the protective functions of Garcinol was mediated by NRF2-antioxidant signaling. Collectively, Garcinol prevented oxidative stress-related BMSC damage and bone loss through the NRF2-antioxidant signaling, which suggested the promising therapeutic values of Garcinol in the treatment of oxidative stress-related bone loss. Therefore, Garcinol might contribute to treating OP.
Manipulation of the magnetic monopole injection for topological transition
Authors: Han Hee-Sung , Montoya Sergio A. , Fullerton Eric E. , Chao Weilun , Je Soong-Geun , Lee Ki‐Suk , Im Mi-Young
Published: February 2024

Manipulating the topological properties of spin textures in magnetic materials is of great interest due to the rich physics and promising technological applications of these materials in advanced electronic devices. A spin texture with desired topological properties can be created by magnetic monopole injection, resulting in topological transitions involving changes in the topological charge. Therefore, controlling magnetic monopole injection has paramount importance for obtaining the desired spin textures but has not yet been reported. Here, we report the use of reliably manipulated magnetic monopole injection in the topological transition from stripe domains to skyrmions in an Fe/Gd multilayer. An easily tunable in-plane magnetic field applied to an Fe/Gd multilayer plays a key role in the magnetic monopole injection by modulating the local exchange energy. Our findings facilitate the efficient management of topological transitions by providing an important method for controlling magnetic monopole injection.
An ultrasensitive and broadband transparent ultrasound transducer for ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging in-vivo
Authors: Cho Seonghee , Kim Minsu , Ahn Joongho , Kim Yeonggeun , Lim Junha , Park Jeongwoo , Kim Hyung Ham , Kim Won Jong , Kim Chulhong
Published: February 2024

Transparent ultrasound transducers (TUTs) can seamlessly integrate optical and ultrasound components, but acoustic impedance mismatch prohibits existing TUTs from being practical substitutes for conventional opaque ultrasound transducers. Here, we propose a transparent adhesive based on a silicon dioxide-epoxy composite to fabricate matching and backing layers with acoustic impedances of 7.5 and 4–6 MRayl, respectively. By employing these layers, we develop an ultrasensitive, broadband TUT with 63% bandwidth at a single resonance frequency and high optical transparency ( > 80%), comparable to conventional opaque ultrasound transducers. Our TUT maximises both acoustic power and transfer efficiency with maximal spectrum flatness while minimising ringdowns. This enables high contrast and high-definition dual-modal ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging in live animals and humans. Both modalities reach an imaging depth of > 15 mm, with depth-to-resolution ratios exceeding 500 and 370, respectively. This development sets a new standard for TUTs, advancing the possibilities of sensor fusion.
SEL1L-HRD1 interaction is required to form a functional HRD1 ERAD complex
Authors: Lin Liangguang Leo , Wang Huilun Helen , Pederson Brent , Wei Xiaoqiong , Torres Mauricio , Lu You , Li Zexin Jason , Liu Xiaodan , Mao Hancheng , Wang Hui , Zhou Linyao Elina , Zhao Zhen , Sun Shengyi , Qi Ling
Published: February 2024

The SEL1L-HRD1 protein complex represents the most conserved branch of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated degradation (ERAD). Despite recent advances in both mouse models and humans, in vivo evidence for the importance of SEL1L in the ERAD complex formation and its (patho-)physiological relevance in mammals remains limited. Here we report thatSEL1Lvariantp.Ser658Pro(SEL1LS658P) is a pathogenic hypomorphic mutation, causing partial embryonic lethality, developmental delay, and early-onset cerebellar ataxia in homozygous mice carrying the bi-allelic variant. Biochemical analyses reveal thatSEL1LS658Pvariant not only reduces the protein stability of SEL1L, but attenuates the SEL1L-HRD1 interaction, likely via electrostatic repulsion between SEL1L F668 and HRD1 Y30 residues. Proteomic screens of SEL1L and HRD1 interactomes reveal that SEL1L-HRD1 interaction is a prerequisite for the formation of a functional HRD1 ERAD complex, as SEL1L is required for the recruitment of E2 enzyme UBE2J1 as well as DERLIN to HRD1. These data not only establish the disease relevance of SEL1L-HRD1 ERAD, but also provide additional insight into the formation of a functional HRD1 ERAD complex.
Non-invasive modulation of meningeal lymphatics ameliorates ageing and Alzheimer’s disease-associated pathology and cognition in mice
Authors: Wang Miao , Yan Congcong , Li Xi , Yang Tianhao , Wu Shengnan , Liu Qian , Luo Qingming , Zhou Feifan
Published: February 2024

Meningeal lymphatic vessels (mLVs) have been shown to be involved in amyloid beta (Aβ) clearance, which is considered as a potential therapeutic target for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this study, based on the superficial spatial distribution of mLVs, a near-infrared light is employed to modulate lymphatic drainage, significantly improving cognition of both aged and AD (5xFAD and APP/PS1) mice, and alleviating AD-associated pathology by reducing Aβ deposition, neuroinflammation and neuronal damage. Furthermore, transmission electron microscopy imaging and RNA sequencing data indicate amelioration of mitochondrial metabolism and cellular junction of meningeal lymphatic endothelial cells (mLECs) by light modulation. These studies collectively suggest that near-infrared light treatment can improve cognitive function by strengthening scavenging ability of mLVs through restoring mLEC function. In conclusion, lymphatic drainage potentiation by light promotes pathological remission and cognitive enhancement in aging and AD mouse models, which offers a potential amelioration strategy for neurodegenerative diseases.
Low-frequency vibrational density of states of ordinary and ultra-stable glasses
Authors: Xu Ding , Zhang Shiyun , Tong Hua , Wang Lijin , Xu Ning
Published: February 2024

A remarkable feature of disordered solids distinct from crystals is the violation of the Debye scaling law of the low-frequency vibrational density of states. Because the low-frequency vibration is responsible for many properties of solids, it is crucial to elucidate it for disordered solids. Numerous recent studies have suggested power-law scalings of the low-frequency vibrational density of states, but the scaling exponent is currently under intensive debate. Here, by classifying disordered solids into stable and unstable ones, we find two distinct and robust scaling exponents for non-phononic modes at low frequencies. Using the competition of these two scalings, we clarify the variation of the scaling exponent and hence reconcile the debate. Via the study of both ordinary and ultra-stable glasses, our work reveals a comprehensive picture of the low-frequency vibration of disordered solids and sheds light on the low-frequency vibrational features of ultra-stable glasses on approaching the ideal glass.
Characterization of A π–π stacking cocrystal of 4-nitrophthalonitrile directed toward application in photocatalysis
Authors: Xue Ting , Ma Cheng , Liu Le , Xiao Chunhui , Ni Shao-Fei , Zeng Rong
Published: February 2024

Photoexcitation of the electron-donor-acceptor complexes have been an effective approach to achieve radicals by triggering electron transfer. However, the catalytic version of electron-donor-acceptor complex photoactivation is quite underdeveloped comparing to the well-established utilization of electronically biased partners. In this work, we utilize 4-nitrophthalonitrile as an electron acceptor to facilitate the efficient π-stacking with electron-rich aromatics to form electron-donor-acceptor complex. The characterization and energy profiles on the cocrystal of 4-nitrophthalonitrile and 1,3,5-trimethoxybenzene disclose that the electron transfer is highly favorable under the light irradiation. This electron acceptor catalyst can be efficiently applied in the benzylic C−H bond photoactivation by developing the Giese reaction of alkylanisoles and the oxidation of the benzyl alcohols. A broad scope of electron-rich aromatics can be tolerated and a mechanism is also proposed. Moreover, the corresponding π-anion interaction of 4-nitrophthalonitrile with potassium formate can further facilitate the hydrocarboxylation of alkenes efficiently.
Photooxidation driven formation of Fe-Au linked ferrocene-based single-molecule junctions
Authors: Lee Woojung , Li Liang , Camarasa-Gómez María , Hernangómez-Pérez Daniel , Roy Xavier , Evers Ferdinand , Inkpen Michael S. , Venkataraman Latha
Published: February 2024

Metal-metal contacts, though not yet widely realized, may provide exciting opportunities to serve as tunable and functional interfaces in single-molecule devices. One of the simplest components which might facilitate such binding interactions is the ferrocene group. Notably, direct bonds between the ferrocene iron center and metals such as Pd or Co have been demonstrated in molecular complexes comprising coordinating ligands attached to the cyclopentadienyl rings. Here, we demonstrate that ferrocene-based single-molecule devices with Fe-Au interfacial contact geometries form at room temperature in the absence of supporting coordinating ligands. Applying a photoredox reaction, we propose that ferrocene only functions effectively as a contact group when oxidized, binding to gold through a formal Fe3+ center. This observation is further supported by a series of control measurements and density functional theory calculations. Our findings extend the scope of junction contact chemistries beyond those involving main group elements, lay the foundation for light switchable ferrocene-based single-molecule devices, and highlight new potential mechanistic function(s) of unsubstituted ferrocenium groups in synthetic processes.
Continuous synthesis of high-entropy alloy nanoparticles by in-flight alloying of elemental metals
Authors: Kim Keun Su , Couillard Martin , Tang Ziqi , Shin Homin , Poitras Daniel , Cheng Changjun , Naboka Olga , Ruth Dean , Plunkett Mark , Chen Lixin , Gaburici Liliana , Lacelle Thomas , Nganbe Michel , Zou Yu
Published: February 2024

High-entropy alloy (HEA) nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit unusual combinations of functional properties. However, their scalable synthesis remains a significant challenge requiring extreme fabrication conditions. Metal salts are often employed as precursors because of their low decomposition temperatures, yet contain potential impurities. Here, we propose an ultrafast (< 100 ms), one-step method that enables the continuous synthesis of HEA NPs directly from elemental metal powders via in-flight alloying. A high-temperature plasma jet ( > 5000 K) is employed for rapid heating/cooling (103 − 105 K s−1), and demonstrates the synthesis of CrFeCoNiMo HEA NPs ( ~ 50 nm) at a high rate approaching 35 g h−1 with a conversion efficiency of 42%. Our thermofluid simulation reveals that the properties of HEA NPs can be tailored by the plasma gas which affects the thermal history of NPs. The HEA NPs demonstrate an excellent light absorption of > 96% over a wide spectrum, representing great potential for photothermal conversion of solar energy at large scales. Our work shows that the thermal plasma process developed could provide a promising route towards industrial scale production of HEA NPs.
Serotonin modulates excitatory synapse maturation in the developing prefrontal cortex
Authors: Ogelman Roberto , Gomez Wulschner Luis E. , Hoelscher Victoria M. , Hwang In-Wook , Chang Victoria N. , Oh Won Chan
Published: February 2024

Serotonin (5-HT) imbalances in the developing prefrontal cortex (PFC) are linked to long-term behavioral deficits. However, the synaptic mechanisms underlying 5-HT-mediated PFC development are unknown. We found that chemogenetic suppression and enhancement of 5-HT release in the PFC during the first two postnatal weeks decreased and increased the density and strength of excitatory spine synapses, respectively, on prefrontal layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons in mice. 5-HT release on single spines induced structural and functional long-term potentiation (LTP), requiring both 5-HT2A and 5-HT7 receptor signals, in a glutamatergic activity-independent manner. Notably, LTP-inducing 5-HT stimuli increased the long-term survival of newly formed spines ( ≥ 6 h) via 5-HT7 Gαs activation. Chronic treatment of mice with fluoxetine, a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor, during the first two weeks, but not the third week of postnatal development, increased the density and strength of excitatory synapses. The effect of fluoxetine on PFC synaptic alterations in vivo was abolished by 5-HT2A and 5-HT7 receptor antagonists. Our data describe a molecular basis of 5-HT-dependent excitatory synaptic plasticity at the level of single spines in the PFC during early postnatal development.
Ultrabroadband high-resolution silicon RF-photonic beamformer
Authors: Martinez-Carrasco Pablo , Ho Tan Huy , Wessel David , Capmany José
Published: February 2024

Microwave photonics aims to overcome the limitations of radiofrequency devices and systems by leveraging the unique properties of optics in terms of low loss and power consumption, broadband operation, immunity to interference and tunability. This enables versatile functions like beam steering, crucial in emerging applications such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and 5/6G networks. The main problem with current photonic beamforming architectures is that there is a tradeoff between resolution and bandwidth, which has not yet been solved. Here we propose and experimentally demonstrate a novel switched optical delay line beamformer architecture that is capable of achieving the desired maximum resolution (i.e., 2M pointing angles for M-bit coding) and provides broadband operation simultaneously. The concept is demonstrated by means of a compact (8 × 3 mm2) 8 (5-bit) delay line Silicon Photonic chip implementation capable of addressing 32 pointing angles and offering 20 GHz bandwidth operation.
Aggregation of rhodopsin mutants in mouse models of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Vasudevan Sreelakshmi , Senapati Subhadip , Pendergast Maryanne , Park Paul S.–H.
Published: February 2024

Mutations in rhodopsin can cause it to misfold and lead to retinal degeneration. A distinguishing feature of these mutants in vitro is that they mislocalize and aggregate. It is unclear whether or not these features contribute to retinal degeneration observed in vivo. The effect of P23H and G188R misfolding mutations were examined in a heterologous expression system and knockin mouse models, including a mouse model generated here expressing the G188R rhodopsin mutant. In vitro characterizations demonstrate that both mutants aggregate, with the G188R mutant exhibiting a more severe aggregation profile compared to the P23H mutant. The potential for rhodopsin mutants to aggregate in vivo was assessed by PROTEOSTAT, a dye that labels aggregated proteins. Both mutants mislocalize in photoreceptor cells and PROTEOSTAT staining was detected surrounding the nuclei of photoreceptor cells. The G188R mutant promotes a more severe retinal degeneration phenotype and greater PROTEOSTAT staining compared to that promoted by the P23H mutant. Here, we show that the level of PROTEOSTAT positive cells mirrors the progression and level of photoreceptor cell death, which suggests a potential role for rhodopsin aggregation in retinal degeneration.
PAF1c links S-phase progression to immune evasion and MYC function in pancreatic carcinoma
Authors: Gaballa Abdallah , Gebhardt-Wolf Anneli , Krenz Bastian , Mattavelli Greta , John Mara , Cossa Giacomo , Andreani Silvia , Schülein-Völk Christina , Montesinos Francisco , Vidal Raphael , Kastner Carolin , Ade Carsten P. , Kneitz Burkhard , Gasteiger Georg , Gallant Peter , Rosenfeldt Mathias , Riedel Angela , Eilers Martin
Published: February 2024

In pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), endogenous MYC is required for S-phase progression and escape from immune surveillance. Here we show that MYC in PDAC cells is needed for the recruitment of the PAF1c transcription elongation complex to RNA polymerase and that depletion of CTR9, a PAF1c subunit, enables long-term survival of PDAC-bearing mice. PAF1c is largely dispensable for normal proliferation and regulation of MYC target genes. Instead, PAF1c limits DNA damage associated with S-phase progression by being essential for the expression of long genes involved in replication and DNA repair. Surprisingly, the survival benefit conferred by CTR9 depletion is not due to DNA damage, but to T-cell activation and restoration of immune surveillance. This is because CTR9 depletion releases RNA polymerase and elongation factors from the body of long genes and promotes the transcription of short genes, including MHC class I genes. The data argue that functionally distinct gene sets compete for elongation factors and directly link MYC-driven S-phase progression to tumor immune evasion.
Frontal midline theta transcranial alternating current stimulation enhances early consolidation of episodic memory
Authors: Shtoots Limor , Nadler Asher , Partouche Roni , Sharir Dorin , Rothstein Aryeh , Shati Liran , Levy Daniel A.
Published: February 2024

Evidence implicating theta rhythms in declarative memory encoding and retrieval, together with the notion that both retrieval and consolidation involve memory reinstatement or replay, suggests that post-learning theta rhythm modulation can promote early consolidation of newly formed memories. Building on earlier work employing theta neurofeedback, we examined whether theta-frequency transcranial alternating stimulation (tACS) can engender effective consolidation of newly formed episodic memories, compared with beta frequency stimulation or sham control conditions. We compared midline frontal and posterior parietal theta stimulation montages and examined whether benefits to memory of theta upregulation are attributable to consolidation rather than to retrieval processes by using a washout period to eliminate tACS after-effects between stimulation and memory assessment. Four groups of participants viewed object pictures followed by a free recall test during three study-test cycles. They then engaged in tACS (frontal theta montage/parietal theta montage/frontal beta montage/sham) for a period of 20 min, followed by a 2-h break. Free recall assessments were conducted after the break, 24 h later, and 7 days later. Frontal midline theta-tACS induced significant off-line retrieval gains at all assessment time points relative to all other conditions. This indicates that theta upregulation provides optimal conditions for the consolidation of episodic memory, independent of mental-state strategies.
Forum on immune digital twins: a meeting report
Authors: Laubenbacher Reinhard , Adler Fred , An Gary , Castiglione Filippo , Eubank Stephen , Fonseca Luis L. , Glazier James , Helikar Tomas , Jett-Tilton Marti , Kirschner Denise , Macklin Paul , Mehrad Borna , Moore Beth , Pasour Virginia , Shmulevich Ilya , Smith Amber , Voigt Isabel , Yankeelov Thomas E. , Ziemssen Tjalf
Published: February 2024

Medical digital twins are computational models of human biology relevant to a given medical condition, which are tailored to an individual patient, thereby predicting the course of disease and individualized treatments, an important goal of personalized medicine. The immune system, which has a central role in many diseases, is highly heterogeneous between individuals, and thus poses a major challenge for this technology. In February 2023, an international group of experts convened for two days to discuss these challenges related to immune digital twins. The group consisted of clinicians, immunologists, biologists, and mathematical modelers, representative of the interdisciplinary nature of medical digital twin development. A video recording of the entire event is available. This paper presents a synopsis of the discussions, brief descriptions of ongoing digital twin projects at different stages of progress. It also proposes a 5-year action plan for further developing this technology. The main recommendations are to identify and pursue a small number of promising use cases, to develop stimulation-specific assays of immune function in a clinical setting, and to develop a database of existing computational immune models, as well as advanced modeling technology and infrastructure.