bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autologous macrophage therapy for liver cirrhosis: a phase 2 open-label randomized controlled trial
Authors: Brennan Paul N. , MacMillan Mark , Manship Thomas , Moroni Francesca , Glover Alison , Troland Debbie , MacPherson Iain , Graham Catriona , Aird Rhona , Semple Scott I. K. , Morris David M. , Fraser Alasdair R. , Pass Chloe , McGowan Neil W. A. , Turner Marc L. , Manson Lynn , Lachlan Neil J. , Dillon John F. , Kilpatrick Alastair M. , Campbell John D. M. , Fallowfield Jonathan A. , Forbes Stuart J.
Published: January 2025

Cirrhosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality; however, there are no approved therapies except orthotopic liver transplantation. Preclinical studies showed that bone-marrow-derived macrophage injections reduce inflammation, resolve fibrosis and stimulate liver regeneration. In a multicenter, open-label, parallel-group, phase 2 randomized controlled trial (ISRCTN10368050) in n = 51 adult patients with compensated cirrhosis and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score ≥10 and ≤17, we evaluated the efficacy of autologous monocyte-derived macrophage therapy (n = 27) compared to standard medical care (n = 24). The primary endpoint was the difference in baseline to day 90 change in MELD score (ΔMELD) between treatment and control groups (ΔΔMELD). Secondary endpoints included adverse clinical outcomes, non-invasive fibrosis biomarkers and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) at 90 d, 180 d and 360 d. The ΔΔMELD between day 0 and day 90 in the treatment group compared to controls was −0.87 (95% confidence interval: −1.79, 0.0; P = 0.06); therefore, the primary endpoint was not met. During 360-d follow-up, five of 24 participants in the control group developed a total of 10 severe adverse events, four of which were liver related, and three deaths (two liver related), whereas no liver-related severe adverse events or deaths occurred in the treatment group. Although no differences were observed in biomarkers or HRQoL, exploratory analysis showed anti-inflammatory serum cytokine profiles after macrophage infusion. This study reinforces the safety and potential efficacy of macrophage therapy in cirrhosis, supporting further investigation.
Predictive value of an unsupervised web-based assessment of the neuropsychological function
Authors: Werrmann Michelle , Gür-Tok Yesim , Eid Michael , Niedeggen Michael
Published: January 2025

Neuropsychological assessment has to consider the subjective and objective functional deficits of help-seeking individuals in several cognitive domains. Due to time constraints in clinical practice, several web-based approaches have been developed. The current study examined whether functional deficits in the mnestic and attentive domain can be predicted based on an unsupervised self-administered online assessment neuropsychological online screening (NOS): This screening includes self-reports and psychometric memory tests (face-name association, visual short-term memory). Data of help-seeking individuals (n = 213, mean age: 48.2 years) running an extensive in-person assessment were analyzed. A functional deficit in at least one cognitive domain was detected in 48 individuals. This classification was supported by the preceding online screening (sensitivity = 0.75, specificity = 0.80), and a linear regression model identified two significant predictors (free recall performance, form discrimination in visual short-term memory). The predictive quality was enhanced for individuals with selective deficits in the mnestic domain (n = 23: sensitivity = 0.78 and specificity = 0.78) as compared to the attentive domain (n = 25: sensitivity = 0.68 and specificity = 0.75). Our results show that a neuropsychological in-person assessment cannot be replaced by an unsupervised self-administered online test. However, a specific pattern of results in the online test might indicate the necessity of an extensive assessment in help-seeking individuals.
Hybridization and diversity of the genus Vandenboschia in Korea insights from morphological, cytological, and genotype analyses
Authors: Park Sang Hee , Kim Jung Sung , Kim Hyoung Tae
Published: January 2025

The genus Vandenboschia exhibits significant diversity, driven by complex hybridization events and varying ploidy levels in the natural habitats of Korea, leads to misidentifications that obscure its true distribution and classification. To address this issue, the present study employed morphological, cytological, and genotype analyses to clarify the taxonomical circumscription and distribution patterns of the Vandenboschia radicans complex in Korea. The V. radicans complex in the genus refers to V. radicans and its closely related species and exhibits significant morphological variation, making classification challenging. Previous molecular studies have revealed that it consists of several non-hybrid and hybrid species among them. Through the present study, comprehensive sampling from Jeju and Ulleung Islands identified five distinct taxa from the V. radicans complex: two non-hybrid species (Vandenboschia kalamocarpa and Vandenboschia nipponica), and three hybrids (Vandenboschia × stenosiphon, Vandenboschia × quelpaertensis, and Vandenboschia kalamocarpa × Vandenboschia nipponica × Vandenboschia striata). Notably, hybrids exhibited broader geographic distributions compared to non-hybrid species, which were confined to specific microhabitats. While overlapping morphological traits among the species complicate identification without genetic analysis, rhizome diameter and the width-to-length ratio of the involucre can serve as key morphological traits for distinguishing members of the Vandenboschia radicans complex in Korea. Additionally, cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) markers and cloning techniques were employed for species identification, particularly when morphological traits were inconclusive. These findings highlight the need to integrate genetic tools with traditional taxonomic methods to resolve complex species relationships within Vandenboschia in Korea and emphasize the importance of conservation efforts for geographically restricted and genetically distinct populations.
The genomic architecture of circulating cytokine levels points to drug targets for immune-related diseases
Authors: Konieczny Marek J. , Omarov Murad , Zhang Lanyue , Malik Rainer , Richardson Tom G. , Baumeister Sebastian-Edgar , Bernhagen Jürgen , Dichgans Martin , Georgakis Marios K.
Published: January 2025

Circulating cytokines orchestrate immune reactions and are promising drug targets for immune-mediated and inflammatory diseases. Exploring the genetic architecture of circulating cytokine levels could yield key insights into causal mediators of human disease. Here, we performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for 40 circulating cytokines in meta-analyses of 74,783 individuals. We detected 359 significant associations between cytokine levels and variants in 169 independent loci, including 150 trans- and 19 cis-acting loci. Integration with transcriptomic data point to key regulatory mechanisms, such as the buffering function of the Atypical Chemokine Receptor 1 (ACKR1) acting as scavenger for multiple chemokines and the role of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 1 (TRAFD1) in modulating the cytokine storm triggered by TNF signaling. Applying Mendelian randomization (MR), we detected a network of complex cytokine interconnections with TNF-b, VEGF, and IL-1ra exhibiting pleiotropic downstream effects on multiple cytokines. Drug target cis-MR using 2 independent proteomics datasets paired with colocalization revealed G-CSF/CSF-3 and CXCL9/MIG as potential causal mediators of asthma and Crohn’s disease, respectively, but also a potentially protective role of TNF-b in multiple sclerosis. Our results provide an overview of the genetic architecture of circulating cytokines and could guide the development of targeted immunotherapies.
A novel therapeutic strategy utilizing EpCAM aptamer-conjugated gemcitabine for targeting bladder cancer and cancer stem cells
Authors: Liu Jiahao , Wang Long , Peng Yongbo , Long Shuyang , Zeng Hongliang , Deng Minhua , Xiang Wei , Liu Biao , Hu Xing , Liu Xuewen , Xie Jianfei , Hou Weibin , Tang Jin , Liu Jianye
Published: January 2025

Schematic diagram of the synthesis of EpCAM-GEMs and their role in cells (bladder cancer cells and bladder cancer stem cells).
Achieving advanced hydrogen evolution under large current density using an amorphous/crystalline core–shell electrocatalyst of a-NiCoP/Co2P
Authors: Chen Xiaodong , Cheng Zhi , Li Jiao , Chen Hongyu , Liu Siyuan , Wei Shuxian , Wang Zhaojie , Lu Xiaoqing
Published: January 2025

Optimizing the interfacial electronic structure accelerates the desorption of activated adsorbed H intermediates, leading to more efficient hydrogen evolution.
Dietary intakes of flavonoids in relation to cognitive function among middle-aged and older adults: results from the Chinese Square Dance Cohort
Authors: Li Benchao , Zhu Jingyi , Yi Haoran , Li Fengping , Li Hongling , Li Yuanyuan , Peng Jianying , Deng Yan , Wang Ziping , Chen Ruilin , Li Tingting , Liu Shuang , Rong Shuang
Published: January 2025

Using baseline data on the Chinese Square Dance Cohort, we found that participants with higher flavonoid intake show better cognitive performance.
Recent advances in heterogeneous catalysts for biocrude hydrodeoxygenation
Authors: Yan Penghui , Kennedy Eric M. , Rabiee Hesamoddin , Weng Yilun , Peng Hong , Ma Beibei , Zhu Zhonghua , Stockenhuber Michael
Published: January 2025

The synergistic interaction between acid and metal sites in the hydrodeoxygenation of biocrude oil model compounds.
Potential direct mass spectral elemental analysis of solids by microwave plasma torch surface release and ionization
Authors: Guo Yuan , Shi Tong , Wu Debo , Wang Li , Guo Hongyu , Liu Wei , Leng Chengbiao
Published: January 2025

In situ elemental volatile species formation, surface release and ionization by direct microwave plasma torch mass spectrometry.
Short-range order and hidden energy scale in geometrically frustrated magnets
Authors: Ramirez A. P. , Syzranov S. V.
Published: January 2025

In geometrically frustrated (GF) magnets, conventional long-range order is suppressed due to the presence of primitive triangular structural units, and the nature of the ensuing ground state remains elusive.
Methacrylate-based copolymers as tunable hosts for triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion
Authors: Bennison Michael J. , Collins Abigail R. , Gomes Franca Larissa , Burgoyne Morris Georgina H. , Willis-Fox Niamh , Daly Ronan , Karlsson Joshua K. G. , Charles Bethan L. , Evans Rachel C.
Published: January 2025

Through systematic structural tuning of a family of methacrylate copolymers, we show that triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion of a standard chromophore pair (PdOEP/DPA) can be controlled by the glass transition temperature of the host.
Increasing the number of cations in layered double hydroxides via mechanochemically complemented synthesis: the more the merrier, or not?
Authors: Seliverstov Evgeniy , Yapryntsev Maksim , Tarasenko Evgeniya , Lebedeva Olga
Published: January 2025

A series of layered double hydroxides Mg/Al, MgNi/Al, MgNi/AlIn, MgNiCo/AlIn, MgNiCo/AlInSc, and MgNiCo/AlInScTm were obtained, and their properties were evaluated.
Atomic force microscopy combined with microfluidics for label-free sorting and automated nanomechanics of circulating tumor cells in liquid biopsy
Authors: Qi Xiaoqun , Lin Sen , Li Mi
Published: January 2025

This work combines deep learning image recognition-assisted atomic force microscopy with contraction–expansion microfluidics to achieve label-free sorting and automated nanomechanics of circulating tumor cells for cancer liquid biopsy.
Diastereoselective β-hydroxy vinylsulfone isomerizations
Authors: O'Neil G. W. , Clark T. D. , Jones A. P. , Wallace C. , Carnahan D. M. , Crockett H.
Published: January 2025

Vinylic phenylsulfones containing a β-hydroxyl stereocenter undergo a diastereoselective isomerization to the corresponding allylic isomer upon treatment with 1,8-diazabicyclo(5.4.0)undec-7-ene (DBU).
Nickel(ii)-hydrazineylpyridine catalyzed regioselective synthesis of α-benzyl substituted β-hydroxy ketones via a Fenton free radical reaction
Authors: Singh Apurva , Ahmed Naseem
Published: January 2025

Ni-PyH-catalyzed regioselective synthesis of α-benzyl substituted β-hydroxy ketones is reported via a Fenton free-radical reaction. Protocol enables facile access to products in good to excellent yields in toluene at room temperature to 100 °C.
Direct β-C–H ketoalkylation of enaminoesters with cyclopropanols under metal-free conditions
Authors: Zhan Jun-Long , Zhou Sai-Nan , Wang Yu , Liu Rui , Wang Yu-Tong , Tian Mengke , Meng Qiang , Zhu Lin , Kong Xiangtao , Lv Yunhe
Published: January 2025

A TEMPO-promoted olefinic β-C–H ketoalkylation of enaminoesters with cyclopropanols, affording a diverse array of β-keto alkyl-functionalized enamines and 2-ethoxycarbonyl fused 1,5-diketones in moderate to excellent yields.
Scalable synthesis of (±)-gregatin A via a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition strategy
Authors: Ding Yiming , Zhao Xiaoli , Qu Chunlei , Long Xianwen , Zhao Yaqiu , Deng Jun
Published: January 2025

A 6-step gram-scale synthesis of the fungal polyketide gregatin A is described. This synthesis features an intermolecular 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition, a N–O bond cleavage and subsequent cascade cyclization.
Synthesis of a cross-chain bridging cryptand
Authors: Yashima Takafumi , Hori Ryoga , Maruyama Taisei , Nakashima Kohta , Fujihara Hiroki , Naito Masaya , Miyagawa Shinobu , Tokunaga Yuji
Published: January 2025

Two methodologies for synthesizing a cross-chain bridging cryptand are presented: (1) through an intramolecular cross-linking of C2-symmetric crown ethers and (2) through a triple-linking reaction in a single step.
A novel polymer composite from polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride for high performance triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs)
Authors: Tung Doan T. , Tam Le T. T. , Duong Nguyen T. T. , Dung Hoang T. , Dung Ngo T. , Duc Nguyen A. , Hong Phan N. , Dung Nguyen T. , Minh Phan N. , Lu Le T.
Published: January 2025

A novel TENG with a 3D-printed PHMG-GA-PVA polymer composite film as a positive electrodes exhibits high output efficiency, remarkable durability and antibacterial properties, making it ideal for advanced energy-harvesting applications.
Exploring new horizons in mid-to-far infrared nonlinear optical crystals: the significant potential of trigonal pyramidal [TeS3]2− functional units
Authors: Zhang Bo , Zhou Sheng-Hua , Li Bing-Xuan , Wu Xin-Tao , Lin Hua , Zhu Qi-Long
Published: January 2025

The [TeS3]2− unit with a SCALP disrupts tetrahedral symmetry, leading to the synthesis of Cu10Te4S13 for the first time. This material exhibits strong SHG (3.75 × AgGaS2) and the widest MFIR transparency (2.5–25 μm) reported for NLO chalcogenides.
Numerical study of methanol steam reactor based on field synergy principle and analysis of different operating conditions
Authors: Li Shuntao , Wang Chao , Liao Mingzheng , Du Yanping , Gao Jiming , Wu Yanbing
Published: January 2025

The geometry of the tube dictates the gas separation point, shaping shell-side flow and temperature distributions. Circular tubes create an expanded gas wake that optimizes temperature–velocity synergy and enhances heat transfer efficiency.
Mechanical feedback links cell division and dynamics in growing cell collectives
Authors: Sinha Sumit , Li Xin , Malmi-Kakkada Abdul N. , Thirumalai D.
Published: January 2025

Local stresses in a tissue, a collective property, links cell division and dynamics.
Intrinsic fluorescence hydrogels for ON/OFF screening of antidiabetic drugs: assessing α-glucosidase inhibition by acarbose
Authors: Patiño F. Javier , M. Galindo Josué , Jiménez Alicia , Alacid Yolanda , Mateo C. Reyes , Sánchez-Migallón Ana Ma , Vázquez Ester , Merino Sonia , Herrero M. Antonia
Published: January 2025

Smart hydrogel optical sensor offers a new approach to diabetes care, enabling fast, fluorescence-based screening of antidiabetic drugs, monitoring α-glucosidase activity, and providing an efficient and reusable alternative to traditional biosensors.
Emergence of high-mass stars in complex fiber networks (EMERGE)
Authors: Hacar A. , Konietzka R. , Seifried D. , Clark S. E. , Socci A. , Bonanomi F. , Burkert A. , Schisano E. , Kainulainen J. , Smith R.
Published: January 2025

Context. Identified as parsec-size, gas clumps at the junction of multiple filaments, hub-filament systems (HFS) play a crucial role during the formation of young clusters and high-mass stars. These HFS still appear to be detached from most galactic filaments when compared in the mass–length (M–L) phase space.

Aims. We aim to characterize the early evolution of HFS as part of the filamentary description of the interstellar medium (ISM).

Methods. Combining previous scaling relations with new analytic calculations, we created a toy model to explore the different physical regimes described by the M–L diagram. Despite its simplicity, our model accurately reproduces several observational properties reported for filaments and HFS, such as their expected typical aspect ratio (A), mean surface density (Σ), and gas accretion rate (ṁ). Moreover, this model naturally explains the different mass and length regimes populated by filaments and HFS, respectively.

Results. Our model predicts a dichotomy between filamentary (A ≥ 3) and spheroidal (A < 3) structures connected to the relative importance of their fragmentation, accretion, and collapse timescales. Individual filaments with low accretion rates are dominated by an efficient internal fragmentation. In contrast, the formation of compact HFS at the intersection of filaments triggers a geometric phase-transition, leading to the gravitational collapse of these structures at parsec-scales in ~1–2 Myr. In addition, this process also induces higher accretion rates.
RIS: Regularized imaging spectroscopy for STIX on board Solar Orbiter
Authors: Volpara Anna , Lupoli Alessandro , Filbir Frank , Perracchione Emma , Maria Massone Anna , Piana Michele
Published: January 2025

Context. The generation of spatially resolved count spectra and of cubes of count maps at different energies via imaging spectroscopy is one of the main goals of solar hard X-ray missions based on Fourier imaging. Thus, so far, for these telescopes, this goal has been realized via the generation of either count maps that are independently reconstructed in the different energy channels or electron flux maps reconstructed via a deconvolution of the approximate forms for the bremsstrahlung cross-section.

Aims. Our aim is to introduce a regularized imaging spectroscopy method (RIS), whereby the regularization implemented in the count space imposes a smoothing constraint across contiguous energy channels, without the need for computing any deconvolution of the bremsstrahlung effect.

Methods. STIX records imaging data, while computing the visibilities in the spatial frequency domain. Our RIS is a sequential scheme in which part of the information coded in the image is reconstructed at a specific energy channel and transferred to the reconstruction process at a contiguous channel via a visibility interpolation computed by means of variably scaled kernels (VSKs).

Results. In the case of STIX visibilities recorded during the November 11, 2022 flaring event, we show that RIS is able to generate hard X-ray maps, whose morphology is seen to smoothly evolve from one energy channel to the contiguous one; accordingly, from these maps, it is possible to infer spatially resolved count spectra characterized by a notable numerical stability. We also show that the performance of this approach is robust with respect to both the image reconstruction method and the count energy channel utilized to trigger the sequential process.

Conclusions. We conclude that RIS is not only an appropriate, but also an effective and necessary approach to constructing image cubes from STIX visibilities that are characterized by smooth behavior across count energies. Thus, it allows for the generation of numerically stable (and, thus, physically reliable) local count spectra.
New stellar bow shocks and bubbles found around runaway stars
Authors: Carretero-Castrillo M. , Benaglia P. , Paredes J. M. , Ribó M.
Published: January 2025

Context. Runaway stars with peculiar high velocities can generate stellar bow shocks. Only a few bow shocks show clear radio emission.

Aims. Our goal is to identify and characterize new stellar bow shocks around O and Be runaway stars in the infrared (IR), as well as to study their possible radio emission and nature.

Methods. Our input data is a catalog of O and Be runaways compiled using Gaia DR3. We used WISE IR images to search for bow shock structures around these runaways, Gaia DR3 data to determine the actual motion of the runaway stars corrected for interstellar medium (ISM) motion caused by Galactic rotation, and archival radio data to search for emission signatures. We finally explored the radio detectability of these sources under thermal and nonthermal scenarios.

Results. We found nine new stellar bow shock candidates, three new bubble candidates, and one intermediate structure candidate. One of them is an in situ bow shock candidate. We also found 17 already known bow shocks in our sample, though we discarded one, and 62 miscellaneous sources showing some IR emission around the runaways. We geometrically characterized the sources in IR using the WISE-4 band and estimated the ISM density at the bow shock positions, obtaining median values of ∼6 and ∼4 cm−3 using 2D and 3D peculiar velocities, respectively. Most of the new discovered bow shocks come from new runaway discoveries. Within our samples we found that ∼24% of the O-type runaway stars show bow shocks, while this decreases to ∼3% for Be-type runaway stars. Two bow shocks present radio emission but not as clear counterparts, and two others show hints of radio emission. The physical scenarios indicate that two sources could still be compatible with nonthermal radio emission.

Conclusions. The new sample of O and Be runaway stars allowed us to discover both new stellar bow shocks and bubbles. Their geometrical characterization can be used to assess the physical scenario of the radio emission. Deeper radio observations are needed to unveil a population of radio-detected bow shocks, and the physical scenarios occurring in these sources.
The clus model in SPEX: Projection and resonant scattering effects on the iron abundance and temperature profiles of galaxy clusters
Authors: Štofanová Lýdia , Simionescu Aurora , Kaastra Jelle S.
Published: January 2025

In this paper we introduce the clus model, which has been newly implemented in the X-ray spectral fitting software package SPEX. Based on 3D radial profiles of the gas density, temperature, and metal abundance as well as the turbulent, inflow, and outflow velocities, the clus model creates spectra for a chosen projected region on the sky. Additionally, it can also take into account the resonant scattering. We show a few applications of the clus model on simulated spectra of the massive elliptical galaxy NGC 4636; galaxy clusters A383, A2029, A1795, and A262; and the Perseus cluster. We quantify the effect of projection as well as the resonant scattering on inferred profiles of the iron abundance and temperature, assuming a resolution similar to Chandra ACIS-S and XRISM Resolve. Our results show that depending on the mass of the object as well as the projected distance from its core, neither a single-temperature or double-temperature model nor the Gaussian-shaped differential emission measure model can accurately describe the input emission measure distribution of these massive objects. The largest effect of projection as well as resonant scattering was observed for projected profiles of iron abundance of NGC 4636, which is where we could reproduce the observed iron abundance drop in its innermost few kiloparsecs. Furthermore, we find that projection effects also influence the best-fit temperature, and the magnitude of this effect varies depending on the underlying hydrodynamical profiles of individual objects. In the core, the projection effects are the largest for A1795 and NGC 4636, while in the outskirts, the largest difference between 2D and 3D temperature profiles is for Perseus and A1795, regardless of the instrumental resolution. These findings might potentially have an impact on cross-calibration studies between different instruments as well as on the precision cosmology.
A Bond albedo map of Europa
Authors: Mergny C. , Schmidt F. , Andrieu F. , Belgacem I.
Published: January 2025

Europa’s surface is globally highly reflective, but it shows significant spatial variations in albedo. Accurately estimating Europa’s energy balance would require mapping the surface’s bi-directional reflectance distribution function albedo. However, this quantity is challenging to observe and model across all viewing and illumination angles and all locations on the moon. This study aims to generate a comprehensive Bond albedo map of Europa at the highest spatial resolution possible to support the detailed thermal and photometric analyses essential for interpreting surface conditions. We present a new approach to creating an absolute Bond albedo map of Europa using photometric data and high-resolution imagery. The Bond albedo was determined for 20 regions of interest (ROIs) based on Voyager and New Horizons data using Hapke parameters. By correlating these values with the average pixel intensities for each ROI on the USGS map, we determined a linear relationship between the Bond albedo and pixel intensity. This linear correlation allowed us to extrapolate a Bond albedo map across Europa’s surface with spatial resolution matching the United States Geological Survey mosaic. The resulting map provides a valuable dataset for energy balance assessments and can be used in detailed thermal modeling of Europa’s surface for upcoming missions. This product may also be useful for optimizing captor exposure times.
GA-NIFS: A galaxy-wide outflow in a Compton-thick mini-broad-absorption-line quasar at z = 3.5 probed in emission and absorption
Authors: Perna Michele , Arribas Santiago , Ji Xihan , Marconcini Cosimo , Lamperti Isabella , Bertola Elena , Circosta Chiara , D’Eugenio Francesco , Übler Hannah , Böker Torsten , Maiolino Roberto , Bunker Andrew J. , Carniani Stefano , Charlot Stéphane , Willott Chris J. , Cresci Giovanni , Marconi Alessandro , Parlanti Eleonora , Rodríguez Del Pino Bruno , Scholtz Jan , Venturi Giacomo
Published: January 2025

Context. Studying the distribution and properties of ionised gas in outflows driven by active galactic nuclei (AGN) is crucial for understanding the feedback mechanisms at play in extragalactic environments. These outflows provide key insights into the regulation of star formation and the growth of supermassive black holes.

Aims. In this study, we explore the connection between ionised outflows traced by rest-frame ultra-violet (UV) absorption and optical emission lines in GS133, a Compton thick AGN at z = 3.47. We combine observations from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) NIRSpec Integral Field Spectrograph (IFS) with archival Very Large Telescope (VLT) VIMOS long-slit spectroscopic data, as part of the ‘Galaxy Assembly with NIRSpec IFS’ (GA-NIFS) project.

Methods. We performed a multi-component kinematic decomposition of the UV and optical line profiles to derive the physical properties of the absorbing and emitting gas in GS133.

Results. Our kinematic decomposition reveals two distinct components in the optical emission lines. The first component likely traces a rotating disc with a dynamical mass of 2 × 1010 M⊙. The second component corresponds to a galaxy-wide, bi-conical outflow, with a velocity of ∼ ± 1000 km s−1 and an extension of ∼3 kpc. The UV absorption lines show two outflow components, with bulk velocities vout ∼ −900 km s−1 and ∼ − 1900 km s−1, respectively. This characterises GS133 as a mini-broad absorption line (mini-BAL) system. Balmer absorption lines with similar velocities are tentatively detected in the NIRSpec spectrum. Both photoionisation models and outflow energetics suggest that the ejected absorbing gas is located at 1–10 kpc from the AGN. We use 3D gas kinematic modelling to infer the orientation of the [O III] bi-conical outflow, and find that a portion of the emitting gas resides along our line of sight, suggesting that [O III] and absorbing gas clouds are partially mixed in the outflow. The derived mass-loading factor (i.e. the mass outflow rate divided by the star formation rate) of 1–10, and the kinetic coupling efficiency (i.e. the kinetic power divided by LAGN) of 0.1–1% suggest that the outflow in GS133 provides significant feedback on galactic scales.
Liver damage and immune responses
Authors: Hackstein Carl-Philipp
Published: January 2025

Chronic liver disease (CLD) has massive systemic repercussions including major impacts on the body’s immune system. Abnormalities in phenotype, function and numbers of various immune cell subsets have been established by a large number of clinical and pre-clinical studies. The loss of essential immune functions renders CLD-patients exceptionally susceptible to bacterial and viral infections and also impairs the efficacy of vaccination. Consequently, infections represent a major clinical issue causing significant morbidity and mortality in these patients. Mechanistically, the immune dysfunction associated with CLD results from the increased translocation of bacteria and bacterial cues from the intestine. These trigger a signaling axis around the cytokines IFN I and IL-10 in hepatic myeloid cells, which aside from impairing the function of the myeloid cells themselves, also has notable negative impacts on the functionality of other immune cells. T cells in CLD-patients and -models are especially affected by this signaling axis and display a variety of quantitative and qualitative defects. Due to the high clinical relevance, understanding the mechanisms underlaying CED-associated immune dysfunction is of critical importance to discover and develop new therapeutic targets.
Tissue Determinants of Antiviral Immunity in the Liver
Authors: Wohlleber Dirk , Knolle Percy A.
Published: January 2025

The liver is an organ bearing important metabolic and immune functions. Hepatocytes are the main metabolically active cells of the liver and are the target of infection by hepatotropic viruses. Virus-specific CD8 T cells are essential for the control of hepatocyte infection with hepatotropic viruses but may be subject to local regulation of their effector function. Here, we review our current knowledge of the tissue determinants of antiviral immunity in the liver. Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells (LSECs) not only allow through their fenestrations the access of circulating virus-specific CD8 T cells to engage in direct contact with infected hepatocytes without the need for extravasation but also cross-present viral antigens released from infected hepatocytes to these CD8 T cells. Two important features of LSECs and hepatocytes contribute to antiviral immune surveillance and liver failure. First, CD8 T cell immunity targeting LSECs leads to widespread endothelial cell death and results in sinusoidal microcirculation failure, causing fulminant viral hepatitis, whereas immune-mediated loss of hepatocytes is rapidly compensated by the regenerative capacity of the liver. Second, virus-infected hepatocytes support clearance of infection by responding to TNF, which is released from virus-specific CD8 T cells, with the selective induction of apoptosis. This increased sensitivity for TNF-induced death is caused by reduced mitochondrial resilience in virus-infected hepatocytes and may assist antiviral immunity in preferential targeting of virus-infected hepatocytes. Thus, hepatocytes and LSECs actively contribute to the outcome of antiviral CD8 T cell immunity in the liver. The knowledge of the mechanisms determining CD8 T cell control of hepatotropic viral infection will help to improve strategies to increase antiviral immune surveillance.
Gastrale Elektrostimulation bei therapierefraktärer Gastroparese: Ergebnisse einer explorativen Beobachtungsstudie
Authors: Iesalnieks Igors , von Rebay Natascha , Patejdl Robert , Tiller Maximilian , Müller Tobias , Schertl Florian , Seidl Holger , Patejdl Sophia , Motschmann Martin , Roggenbrod Sebastian , Agha Ayman , Schepp Wolfgang , Gundling Felix
Published: January 2025

Die elektrische Hochfrequenzstimulations-Therapie (Gastric Electric Stimulation, GES) stellt eine Behandlungsoption der Gastroparese verschiedener Genese dar. Die beste Indikation und die Prognoseparameter sind noch nicht abschließend geklärt.

Retrospektive Analyse aller Gastroparese – Patienten, bei denen zwischen 2011 und 2020 ein GES-Device implantiert wurde. Das klinische Ansprechen wurde vor und nach Implantation mittels eines validierten Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) gemessen (maximale Punktzahl: 5, minimale Punktzahl: 0). Weitere Endpunkte der Studie waren: subjektiver Beschwerdeverlauf (keine Besserung, teilweise oder starke Besserung) und Änderung der Gastroparese-Medikation.

Bei 42 Patienten (16 M: 26 F, durchschnittliches Alter 45 Jahre) wurde ein GES-Device implantiert. Die Genese der Erkrankung war diabetisch (n=23), idiopathisch (n=10) oder postoperativ (n=9). Elf Patienten (26%) hatten sich im Vorfeld bereits einer oder mehreren invasiven Behandlungen unterzogen. Der GCSI-Score der Gesamtgruppe lag präoperativ bei 3,23. Die Nachsorgezeit betrug im Median 12 Monate. In der Gesamtgruppe fand sich eine signifikante Besserung des GCSI-Scores 3, 6, 9 und 12 Monate postoperativ, unabhängig von der Indikation. In der multivariaten Analyse war die Erkrankungsdauer von >30 Monaten mit einem signifikant schlechteren GCSI-Score nach 12 Monaten assoziiert (p<0,001). Etwa 40% der Patienten konnten die Gastroparese-Medikation absetzen oder wesentlich reduzieren. Am Ende der Nachsorge berichteten 81% der Patienten über eine teilweise oder starke Besserung der Symptome. Während der Nachsorgezeit starben drei Patienten (7%).

Die elektrische Neurostimulation des Magens ist eine effektive und sichere Option bei therapierefraktärer Gastroparese – unabhängig von der zugrunde liegenden Erkrankung.
Urinary Acetaminophen Metabolites and Clinical Outcomes in Extremely Premature Infants
Authors: Guardado Miguel , Torgerson Dara , Chapin Cheryl , Atum Azuka , Hernandez Ryan D. , Clyman Ronald , Simmons Rebecca , Parry Samuel , Ballard Philip L.
Published: January 2025

Objective Extremely premature infants are treated with acetaminophen (APAP) for pain and patent ductus arteriosus. High doses of APAP in adults are toxic, and a recent study found an association between APAP metabolite levels in mothers' breast milk and both bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in their premature infants. In this study, we determined levels of APAP metabolites in the urine of infants at high risk for BPD and ROP.

Study Design Biorepository urine samples from 314 infants <29 weeks' gestation in the multicenter TOLSURF and PROP studies were analyzed by untargeted UHPLC:MS/MS (Metabolon, Inc.). We performed multivariate logistic regression and meta-analysis to examine associations between APAP metabolite levels and clinical outcomes.

Results 4-APAP sulfate was the most abundant of eight detected APAP metabolites and was present in 95% of urines. There were high correlations between levels of 4-APAP sulfate and the other APAP metabolites. In longitudinal studies on a subgroup of infants (day 6–56), periods of elevated 4-APAP sulfate occurred in 24/28 infants and were of longer duration (10.5 vs. 4.2 days, p = 0.001) with higher levels (13.3 vs. 5.6, p = 0.01) in infants after transition to enteral from total parenteral nutrition. Episodes of elevated metabolite did not differ by BPD status. On both days 10 and 28 there were no significant associations between levels of APAP metabolites and either BPD or ROP for all infants or for infants exclusively on parenteral or enteral nutrition.

Conclusion In two cohorts of extremely premature infants, levels of urinary APAP metabolites were not associated with increased risk for two adverse clinical outcomes.

Key Points
Increased Respiratory Syncytial Virus-Associated Hospitalizations and Ambulatory Visits in Very Preterm Infants in the First Year of Life following Discontinuation of Access to Palivizumab
Authors: Evong Yolanda , Luo Jiaxin , Ye Lingyun , Fahey John , Breeze Janis L. , Attenborough Rebecca , Wong Kenny , Langley Joanne M.
Published: January 2025

Objective From 2002 to 2023, palivizumab was the only intervention to reduce respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-associated hospitalizations in high-risk infants in Canada but advances in RSV prevention are drastically changing this landscape. Eligibility criteria for this monoclonal antibody for preterm infants varied over time across each of 10 Canadian provinces and 3 territories. The National Professional Pediatric Association (Canadian Pediatric Society) revised its eligibility recommendations in 2015, removing access for preterm infants 30 to 32 weeks gestation (WG). The province of Nova Scotia followed these recommendations the next season. This study aimed to determine if the removal of access to palivizumab in these previously eligible infants was associated with a change in hospital admissions, deaths, or ambulatory visits associated with RSV.

Study Design We identified a retrospective cohort of Nova Scotia infants born between 30 and 32 WG, without other risk factors for RSV-H, from April 2012 to September 2019 by linking six population-based provincial databases, and followed each infant through the first year of life. Episodes of RSV-associated hospitalization (RSV-H), ambulatory visits (RSV-A), or death were identified by the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Disorders (ICD) RSV-associated diagnostic codes.

Results Of 4,835 infants born during the study period, 250 were 30 to 32 WG and eligible for the cohort. RSV-H increased approximately 10-fold following restricted access to palivizumab (from no RSV-H (0/123) to 9.4%; 95% CI 5.0, 15.9; risk difference 9.4), but no RSV-associated deaths occurred. RSV-A also increased from 5.7 to 17.3% (risk difference 11.6).

Conclusion Discontinuation of access to a prophylactic anti-RSV monoclonal antibody in very preterm infants was associated with a higher risk of RSV-H and RSV-A. Evaluation of health care policy change on patient well-being is essential to assess the impact and guide future decision-making at the population level.

Key Points
Impact of Severity of Sickle Cell Anemia on Auditory Discrimination Ability and Speech Perception in Noise
Authors: Sahu Preeti , Barman Animesh
Published: January 2025

Introduction Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a genetic disorder with clinical manifestations due to circulatory changes, leading to adverse effects on the auditory system that might impact auditory processing, such as auditory discrimination and speech perception ability. This condition is associated with the severity level of anemia.

Objective The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of anemia severity on auditory discrimination ability and speech perception in noise among SCA patients with normal hearing sensitivity.

Methods A total of 52 normal-hearing adults diagnosed with SCA in the age range of 15 to 40 were grouped into mild, moderate, and severe, based on anemia severity. Auditory discrimination tests for frequency, intensity, and duration were evaluated at 500 and 4,000 Hz along with speech perception in noise (SPIN) at 0 dB SNR using the mlp toolbox in the MATLAB software, version 2014a (MathWorks, Natick, MA, USA). The IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) was used for statistical analysis.

Results The results revealed an increase in median and interquartile range among anemia groups with increasing severity. Additionally, the median scores were found to be poorer for the higher frequency in all auditory discrimination tests than for the lower one. A regression in performance with an increase in severity for the SPIN test was observed.

Conclusion The severity of anemia plays an important role in functional auditory processing deterioration. Circulatory changes secondary to SCA affected auditory discrimination processing and speech perception in noise. However, all auditory discrimination abilities are not necessarily affected equally.
Bolometric properties of YBa2Cu3Ox single crystals
Authors: Verkin B. I. , Banduryan B. B. , Bondarenko A. V. , Efremenko V. G. , Konovodchenko V. A. , Obolenskii M. A. , Shustakova G. V.
Published: January 2025

The data on superconducting and thermophysical properties of YBa2Cu3Ox single crystals are analyzed. The parameters of radiation detectors whose operation is based on temperature dependence of critical current are measured.
Spin-glass phase in high-T
c superconductors with weak Josephson coupling
Authors: Cherenkov V. A.
Published: January 2025

The fundamental properties of spin-glass superconducting phase, which are similar to those of spin glass, are determined for the model of isolated superconducting loops with weak Josephson interaction. The maximum values of the upper critical field Hc2 and of the critical temperature Tc are estimated in the percolation problem on the Ising model for high-Tc metal-oxide ceramics Lu–Sr–Cu–O and Y–Ba–Cu–O.
Point-contact studies of high-temperature superconductor YBa2Cu3O7−δ
Authors: Yanson I. K. , Rybal’chenko L. F. , Fisun V. V. , Bobrov N. L. , Kirzhner V. M. , Tret’yakov Yu. D. , Kaul’ A. R. , Graboi I. É.
Published: January 2025

Point-contacts formed by the high-temperature superconductor YBa2Cu3O7−δ prepared by cryochemical technique, and a noble metal (Ag or Cu) are investigated. The maximum value of the energy gap Δ ≃40 meV and the ratio 2Δ/kTc≃12 are obtained. It is found that along certain crystallographic axes of the superconductor under investigation, the electrical resistivity ≲ 10−5Ω·cm.
Tunnel- and metal-type point-contacts of YBa2Cu3O7−δ single crystals
Authors: Emel’chenko G. A. , Kononovich P. A. , Tulina N. A.
Published: January 2025

The effect of the operation mode of a point-contact formed by a YBa2Cu3O7−δ single crystal and a metal electrode (Al, Nb) on gap singularities in the current–voltage characteristics of the point-contact is studied. In the tunneling mode, for a PC axis orientation parallel to the c axis of the crystal, the current–voltage characteristics exhibit two gap singularities at eV1 ≈ 10 meV and eV2 ≈ 23−30 meV, respectively. Besides the gap singularities, a metal-type point-contact also shows resonance singularities associated with an increase in the PC resistance which has not been accounted for as yet.
Hysteresis behavior of magnetization of superconducting YBa2Cu3O7−δ
Authors: Prokhorov V. G. , Sych I. I. , Takzei G. A. , Tret’yachenko K. G. , Gavrilenko M. V. , Kaminskii G. G. , Pan V. M. , Flis V. S. , Vasilenko-Sheremet’ev M. G.
Published: January 2025

The superconducting glass state observed in YBa2Cu3O7−δ ceramic is shown to be due to the existence of a spatially inhomogeneous system of Josephson junctions.
A high-temperature SQUID
Authors: Verkin B. I. , Kartsovnik V. V. , Pavlov P. P. , Pavlyuk V. A. , Tavrin Yu. A.
Published: January 2025

Electrodynamic phenomena are studied in an interferometer made of high-Tc bulk ceramic Y1Ba2Cu3Oy. with a single quantization circuit closed with a weak coupling. The measured spectral density of noise flux in SQUID operating as a negative-feedback magnetometer was 3.5·10−4Φ0 Hz−1/2 for T = 77 K and 6.5·10−5Φ0 Hz−1/2 for T = 40 K.
Sonogenetics is a novel antiarrhythmic mechanism
Authors: Li Yang , Wang Xingang , Guo Jianzhong , Wang Yong , Zykov Vladimir , Bodenschatz Eberhard , Gao Xiang
Published: January 2025

Arrhythmia of the heart is a dangerous and potentially fatal condition. The current widely used treatment is the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), but it is invasive and affects the patient’s quality of life. The sonogenetic mechanism proposed here focuses ultrasound on a cardiac tissue, controls endogenous stretch-activated Piezo1 ion channels on the focal region’s cardiomyocyte sarcolemma, and restores normal heart rhythm. In contrast to anchoring the implanted ICD lead at a fixed position in the myocardium, the size and position of the ultrasound focal region can be selected dynamically by adjusting the signals of every piezoelectric chip on the ultrasonic phased array, and it allows novel and efficient defibrillations. Based on the developed interdisciplinary electro-mechanical model of sonogenetic treatment, our analysis shows that the proposed ultrasound intensity and frequency will be safe and painless for humans and well below the limits established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Density-functional theory formulated in terms of functional integrals
Authors: Faussurier Gérald
Published: January 2025

In a previous study, the author formulated the density functional theory in terms of functional integrals. It was valid at zero and finite temperature. It was possible to derive the Hohenberg and Kohn formulation at zero temperature and the Mermin formulation at finite temperature of the density functional theory, which states that the energy or the grand potential are functionals of the true density of the system considered. In particular, the Kohn and Sham equations are proven to appear naturally by performing a saddle-point evaluation of a specific functional integral. This result is valid at zero or finite temperature. Unfortunately, the expression of the grand potential given in our previous work differs from the usual expression found in the literature. In this short paper, we derive the common expression of the grand potential in the framework of the density functional theory by starting from the expression given in this previous work. This completes the formulation of the density functional theory using functional integrals. This work could be of interest to people working in the field of quantum Monte Carlo methods at finite temperature.
Simulation of plutonium-aerosol rise under chemical explosion conditions
Authors: Yao Hongyi , Huo Yonggang , Cai Xingfu , Li Sufen , Wang Haowei
Published: January 2025

The chemical explosion of explosives wrapped with radioactive materials is a typical nuclear accident scenario. This study simulates and analyzes the process of a radioactive smoke cloud rising after the chemical explosion of an explosive device wrapped with plutonium materials. The state of the explosive products after the single-point detonation of the explosives was simulated. The numerical simulation of plutonium-aerosol rise was carried out based on the discrete phase model according to the simulation results of the chemical explosion. Based on the Chapman model and Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm, the simulation results of the plutonium aerosol-cloud height were fitted to obtain it as a function of time. The spatial distribution and velocity change of plutonium aerosol particles are analyzed. The reasons for the formation of vortex rings in the smoke cloud are discussed, which are significant in the emergency response to nuclear accidents.