bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Patient‐Determined Disease Steps scale is not interchangeable with the Expanded Disease Status Scale in mild to moderate multiple sclerosis
Authors: Foong Yi Chao , Merlo Daniel , Gresle Melissa , Zhu Chao , Buzzard Katherine , Lechner‐Scott Jeannette , Barnett Michael , Taylor Bruce , Kalincik Tomas , Kilpatrick Trevor , Darby David , Dobay Pamela , van Beek Johan , Hyde Robert , Butzkueven Helmut , van der Walt Anneke
Published: August 2023

Background and purpose

The validity, reliability, and longitudinal performance of the Patient‐Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) scale is unknown in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) with mild to moderate disability. We aimed to examine the psychometric properties and longitudinal performance of the PDDS.

Methods

We included relapsing–remitting MS patients with an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score of less than 4. Validity and test–retest reliability was examined. Longitudinal data were analysed with mixed‐effect modelling and Cohen's kappa for concordance in confirmed disability progression (CDP).

Results

We recruited a total of 1093 participants, of whom 904 had complete baseline data. The baseline correlation between PDDS and EDSS was weak (ρ = 0.45, p < 0.001). PDDS had stronger correlations with patient‐reported outcomes (PROs). Conversely, EDSS had stronger correlations with age, disease duration, Kurtzke's functional systems and processing speed test. PDDS test–retest reliability was good to excellent (concordance correlation coefficient = 0.73–0.89). Longitudinally, PDDS was associated with EDSS, age and depression. A higher EDSS score was associated with greater PDSS progression. The magnitude of these associations was small. There was no concordance in CDP as assessed by PDDS and EDSS.

Conclusion

The PDDS has greater correlation with other PROs but less correlation with other MS‐related outcome measures compared to the EDSS. There was little correlation between PDDS and EDSS longitudinally. Our findings suggest that the PDDS scale is not interchangeable with the EDSS.
Clinical severity is correlated with age at seizure onset and biophysical properties of recurrent gain of function variants associated with SCN8A‐related epilepsy
Authors: Chung Kyung Mi , Hack Joshua , Andrews Jennifer , Galindo‐Kelly Maureen , Schreiber John , Watkins Joseph , Hammer Michael F.
Published: August 2023

Objective

Genetic variants in the SCN8A gene underlie a wide spectrum of neurodevelopmental phenotypes including several distinct seizure types and a host of comorbidities. One of the major challenges facing clinicians and researchers alike is to identify genotype–phenotype (G‐P) correlations that may improve prognosis, guide treatment decisions, and lead to precision medicine approaches.

Methods

We investigated G‐P correlations among 270 participants harboring gain‐of‐function (GOF) variants enrolled in the International SCN8A Registry, a patient‐driven online database. We performed correlation analyses stratifying the cohort by clinical phenotypes to identify diagnostic features that differ among patients with varying levels of clinical severity, and that differ among patients with distinct GOF variants.

Results

Our analyses confirm positive correlations between age at seizure onset and developmental skills acquisition (developmental quotient), rate of seizure freedom, and percentage of cohort with developmental delays, and identify negative correlations with number of current and weaned antiseizure medications. This set of features is more detrimentally affected in individuals with a priori expectations of more severe clinical phenotypes. Our analyses also reveal a significant correlation between a severity index combining clinical features of individuals with a particular highly recurrent variant and an independent electrophysiological score assigned to each variant based on in vitro testing.

Significance

This is one of the first studies to identify statistically significant G‐P correlations for individual SCN8A variants with GOF properties. The results suggest that individual GOF variants (1) are predictive of clinical severity for individuals carrying those variants and (2) may underlie distinct clinical phenotypes of SCN8A disease, thus helping to explain the wide SCN8A‐related epilepsy disease spectrum. These results also suggest that certain features present at initial diagnosis are predictive of clinical severity, and with more informed treatment plans, may serve to improve prognosis for patients with SCN8A GOF variants.
In vitro response of dental pulp stem cells to dural substitute grafts: Analysis of cytocompatibility and bioactivity
Authors: Elhakim Ahmed , Kim Sunil , Shin Su‐Jung
Published: August 2023

Aim

The objective of this study was to assess and compare the cytocompatibility of decellularized porcine small intestine submucosal dural graft from Biodesign (BD) and polyester urethane‐based Neuro‐Patch (NP) dural substitute with the mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and the cyanoacrylate‐based Histoacryl surgical adhesive. Furthermore, the study evaluated the inflammatory response and osteogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) when cultured in direct contact with the dural substitutes in comparison with MTA.

Methodology

The viability of hDPSCs in direct contact with the tested materials was investigated in vitro by a CCK‐8 assay. Additionally, the effects of dural substitutes and MTA on the expression of the inflammatory mediator interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) was investigated via enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), whilst effects on the differentiation were evaluated using alizarin red staining, alkaline phosphatase staining, ELISA and energy‐dispersive X‐ray elemental mapping.

Results

The dural substitutes were cytocompatible and promoted cellular adhesion. The Histoacryl and MTA demonstrated cytotoxicity in fresh preparations but showed a more favourable cellular reaction when set. Investigations of biological activity indicated that dural substitute membranes did not induce an inflammatory response or osteogenic differentiation of hDPSCs. In contrast, MTA induced the expression of IL‐6 and alkaline phosphatase activity contributing to enhanced differentiation and mineralization.

Conclusions

The dural substitute membranes showed cytocompatibility, did not provoke an inflammatory response and maintained the stemness of hDPSCs better than MTA. Additionally, the set Histoacryl surgical adhesive demonstrated good biocompatibility. Taken together, these results highlight the potential use of dural substitutes in regenerative endodontic procedures as coronal barriers alternative to MTA to reduce the incidence of intracanal calcifications.
Sleeping Beauty kit sets provide rapid and accessible generation of artificial antigen‐presenting cells for natural killer cell expansion
Authors: Dobson Lachlan J , Saunderson Sarah C , Smith‐Bell Samuel WJ , McLellan Alexander D
Published: August 2023

Artificial antigen‐presenting cells (aAPCs) offer a cost effective and convenient tool for the expansion of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)‐bearing T cells and NK cells. aAPCs are particularly useful because of their ability to efficiently expand low‐frequency antigen‐reactive lymphocytes in bulk cultures. Commonly derived from the leukemic cell line K562, these aAPCs lack most major histocompatibility complex expression and are therefore useful for NK cell expansion without triggering allogeneic T‐cell proliferation. To combat difficulties in accessing existing aAPC lines, while circumventing the iterative lentiviral gene transfers with antibody‐mediated sorting required for the isolation of stable aAPC clones, we developed a single‐step technique using Sleeping Beauty (SB)–based vectors with antibiotic selection options. Our SB vectors contain options of two to three genes encoding costimulatory molecules, membrane‐bound cytokines as well as the presence of antibiotic‐resistance genes that allow for stable transposition‐based transfection of feeder cells. Transfection of K562 with SB vectors described in this study allows for the surface expression of CD86, 4‐1BBL, membrane‐bound (mb) interleukin (IL)‐15 and mbIL‐21 after simultaneous transposition and antibiotic selection using only two antibiotics. aAPCs successfully expanded NK cells to high purity (80–95%). Expanded NK cells could be further engineered by lentiviral CAR transduction. The multivector kit set is publicly available and will allow convenient and reproducible in‐house production of effective aAPCs for the in vitro expansion of primary cells.
Performance optimization of Si/SiC ceramic triply periodic minimal surface structures via laser powder bed fusion
Authors: Wu Siqi , Yang Lei , Chen Peng , Wang Changshun , Li Zhaoqing , Yan Chunze , Shi Yusheng
Published: August 2023

SiC ceramic lattice structures (CLSs) via additive manufacturing (AM) have been recognized as potential candidates in engineering fields owing to their various merits. Compared with traditional SiC CLSs, SiC triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) CLSs could possess more outstanding properties, making them more promising for wider applications. Since SiC CLSs are hard to be fabricated through stereolithography techniques because of inferior light performance, the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process via selective sintering is an effective method to prepare near‐net‐shaped SiC TPMS lattices. As the mechanical performances of lattice structures are the foundation for future practical applications, it is of great significance to optimize the preparation process, thus improving the mechanical properties of SiC TPMS structures. In this work, the optimal printing parameters of the LPBF and liquid silicon infiltration process for SiC ceramic TPMS CLSs with three different volume fractions were systematically illustrated and analyzed. The effects of the printing parameters and carbon densities on the fabrication accuracy, microstructure, and mechanical performance of SiC TPMS CLSs were defined. The mechanism of the reactive sintering process for the SiC TPMS lattice structure was revealed. The results reveal that Si/SiC TPMS CLSs with optimum preparation have superior manufacturing accuracy (most less than 6%), relatively high bulk densities (about 2.75 g/cm3), low residual Si content (6.01%), and excellent mechanical properties (5.67, 15.4, and 44.0 MPa for Si/SiC TPMS CLSs with 25%, 40%, and 55% volume fractions, respectively).
Maternal engagement, relational closeness, and adolescent internalizing symptoms: The association of engaged mothering with adolescent depression and anxiety
Authors: Jones Benjamin , Durtschi Jared , Keilholtz Brooke
Published: August 2023

Prevalence rates of anxiety and depression have increased among adolescents in recent years. The etiology of these internalizing symptoms is complex, but mothers can play a role in the mental health of their adolescent children. Using data from Year 15 of the fragile families and child well‐being study, we analyzed associations between adolescent‐reported maternal engagement, mother–adolescent relationship closeness, and adolescent depression and anxiety in a sample of 3146 mother–adolescent dyads. Using structural equation modeling, the four areas of engagement, closeness, anxiety, and depression were all modeled as latent variables to test the associations between these constructs. Higher levels of maternal engagement were significantly associated with higher levels of closeness between mother and adolescent, and higher levels of closeness were significantly associated with adolescents' lower levels of both depression and anxiety. Bootstrapped indirect effects were identified. Implications and future directions are discussed.
Optimal Forbearance of Bank Resolution
Authors: SCHILLING LINDA M.
Published: August 2023

This paper analyzes a regulator's optimal strategic delay of resolving banks when the regulator's announcement of the intervention delay endogenously affects the depositors' run propensity. Given intervention, the regulator either liquidates the remaining illiquid assets (“prompt corrective action”) or continues managing the assets at a reduced skill level (“resolution under receivership”). In either case, I show that if the regulator tolerates fewer withdrawals until intervention, the depositors may react by preempting the regulator: they run on the bank more often ex ante. A policy of never intervening can leave the bank more stable than a conservative intervention policy.
Cultural and economic integration of immigrant minorities: Analytical framework and policy implications
Authors: Gradstein Mark , Justman Moshe
Published: August 2023

The cultural diversity that new immigrants bring to the host economy is potentially beneficial for the productivity of both immigrants and natives, but immigrants must assimilate to some extent for these benefits to be realized. In general, immigrants assimilate more slowly than natives would like, as they ignore the external material benefits of assimilation for natives and their resistance to foreign cultural influences. We develop a formal framework that highlights the complementarity between immigrants' cultural assimilation, economic integration, and investment in human capital, indicating the scope for mutually beneficial policies, offering immigrants material incentives to assimilate more rapidly.
Free riding on short‐time work allowances? Results from an experimental survey design
Authors: Bossler Mario , Osiander Christopher , Schmidtke Julia , Trappmann Mark
Published: August 2023

Short‐time work (STW) is a policy measure whose prominence increases during economic crises and is intended to stabilize the labor market. Employers can temporarily reduce employees' working hours, which are in turn paid by the social security system in the meantime. Although short‐time work—by design—saves employers a fraction of their wage costs, little is known about free riding behavior when using this option. Accordingly, we analyze the employee‐reported free riding experience with respect to longer actual working hours than accounted for in employees' short‐time work allowances, the unchanged workloads experienced by these employees, and announced lay‐off decisions. Since these questions are certainly sensitive, we employ the crosswise model, a privacy‐preserving technique, in a random half of the sample. Our results show significant employee‐reported prevalences across all dimensions and a significant association between free riding and workers' job dissatisfaction. These findings thus highlight the importance of the crosswise model in uncovering these findings and demonstrate a specific drawback in the application of short‐time work.
When I say… transformative learning
Authors: Vipler Benjamin S. , Sawatsky Adam P.
Published: August 2023

Transformation = change. Learning = change. So what do @VipsMDMEd & @APSawatskyMD mean when they say #TransformativeLearning?
The Nothing of Mallarmé with the Anxiety of Heidegger
Authors: Marion Jean‐Luc
Published: August 2023

In this short essay, Jean‐Luc Marion pays fitting homage to Pierre Cahné by reading Stephen Mallarmé's “With her pure nails offering their onyx high, …/Ses pur ongles très haut dédiant leur onyx, …” sonnet of 1887 with Martin Heidegger's phenomenological concept of anxiety. On the speculative hypothesis that Mallarmé and Heidegger encounter the same phenomenon, as void and anxiety respectively, Marion stages an indirect meeting between the poet and the philosopher. This essay asks simply “what does the poet see that the philosopher does not?” and, inversely, “what does the philosopher understand that the poet does not?” In doing so, Marion approaches a synthesis of the two perspectives: reading Mallarmé and Heidegger side by side allows one to see, like the poet, and to understand, like the philosopher, the same phenomenon. Through a close engagement with the finely balanced internal structure of the sonnet, alongside Heidegger's phenomenological descriptions, Marion shows how the inner reflection of the sonnet stages, poetically, the Nothing that Heidegger's fundamental mood of anxiety discloses, pulling each in directions neither alone would follow.
Barriers to undergoing cervical cancer screening among health sciences university students in Japan: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Irino Satoshi , Ose Hiroko , Takata Naoki , Kamoshida Shingo , Ohsaki Hiroyuki
Published: August 2023

In most developed countries, cervical cancer screening and human papillomavirus vaccination have reduced cervical cancer incidence. However, the incidence has been increasing in Japan, possibly because of the low screening rate. Although cervical cancer incidence has increased in people in their 20s, the screening rate among 20–24‐year‐olds in Japan is only 10.2%, meaning that cervical cancer screening rates should be increased among young Japanese women. We conducted a questionnaire survey among students at health sciences universities to determine their knowledge of cervical cancer, screening rates, and barriers to screening. Students taking specialized medical courses were highly knowledgeable; recognition of the facts that “cervical cancer can be prevented through screening” and that “the risk of cervical cancer increases in one's 20s” was significantly high among those who underwent screening. On the other hand, only 7.5% of students used the free coupons provided for screening. Knowledge of cervical cancer improves screening rates. Therefore, educational programs to raise awareness of the importance of cervical cancer screening among non‐medical and health sciences university students and young women in general are required.
Three in four undescribed plant species are threatened with extinction
Authors: Brown Matilda J. M. , Bachman Steven P. , Nic Lughadha Eimear
Published: August 2023

This article is part of the Special Collection ‘Global plant diversity and distribution’. Seehttps://www.newphytologist.org/global-plant-diversityfor more details.
Loop recorder implantation in patients as young as 3‐months of age; the benefit of the sub‐scapular approach
Authors: Davidson Stacy , Wong Ashley , Cortez Daniel
Published: August 2023

Background

Loop recorder implants may have value in pediatric patients; however, size limitations exist due to the risk of erosion.

Methods

Retrospective review of five patients who underwent subscapular loop recorder implantation were reviewed.

Results

No complications occurred. Stable R‐waves were noted but could be positional but with adequate diagnostics provided.

Conclusion

Subscapular loop recorder implantation is feasible in patients as young as 3 months of age.
Deep learning‐based reconstruction for canine brain magnetic resonance imaging could improve image quality while reducing scan time
Authors: Choi Hyejoon , Lee Sang‐Kwon , Choi Hojung , Lee Youngwon , Lee Kija
Published: August 2023

Optimal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) quality and shorter scan time are challenging to achieve in veterinary practices. Recently, deep learning‐based reconstruction (DLR) has been proposed for ideal image quality. We hypothesized that DLR‐based MRI will improve brain imaging quality and reduce scan time. This prospective, methods comparison study compared the MR image denoising performances of DLR and conventional methods, with the aim of reducing scan time and improving canine brain image quality. Transverse T2‐weighted and fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequences of the brain were performed in 12 clinically healthy beagle dogs. Different numbers of excitations (NEX) were used to obtain the image groups NEX4, NEX2, and NEX1. DLR was applied to NEX2 and NEX1 to obtain NEX2DL and NEX1DL. The scan times were recorded, signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) were calculated for quantitative analysis. Five blinded veterinarians assessed the overall quality, contrast, and perceived SNR on four‐point Likert scales. Quantitative and qualitative values were compared among the five groups. Compared with NEX4, NEX2 and NEX1 reduced scan time by 50% and 75%, respectively. The mean SNR and CNR of NEX2DL and NEX1DL were significantly superior to those of NEX4, NEX2, and NEX1 (P < 0.05). In all image quality indices, DLR‐applied images for both T2‐weighted and FLAIR images were significantly higher than NEX4 and NEX2DL had significantly better quality than NEX1DL for FLAIR (P < 0.05). Findings indicated that DLR reduced scan time and improved image quality compared with conventional MRI images in a sample of clinically healthy beagles.
Computed tomographic features of an axillary liposarcoma with hepatic metastasis
Authors: Biedak Nathan , Graham Julia , Faissler Dominik , Sato Amy
Published: August 2023

A geriatric dog presented for lethargy, dyspnea, and urinary incontinence. Thoracic radiographs demonstrated a large, mixed fat, and soft tissue opaque axillary mass and a pulmonary mass. Computed tomography (CT) further characterized these masses and revealed innumerable fat‐attenuating hepatic masses and cranial mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Histopathology of the axillary and hepatic masses confirmed grade two primary axillary liposarcoma with hepatic metastasis. Cytology of the pulmonary mass was consistent with a pulmonary carcinoma. This is the first published CT description of fat‐attenuating metastatic hepatic liposarcoma in a dog.
ACVR and ECVDI consensus statement: Reporting elements for toxicity criteria of the veterinary radiation therapy oncology group v2.0
Authors: Poirier Valerie J. , Keyerleber Michele , Gordon Ira K. , Turek Michelle M. , Kent Michael S. , Bentley Ellison , Lawrence Jessica
Published: August 2023

The toxicity criteria of the veterinary radiation therapy oncology group (VRTOG) version 2 guidelines are a substantial update to reflect significant advances in radiation oncology over the last three decades. Radiation therapy techniques provide precise and spatially accurate radiation delivery, which facilitates treating tumors in more anatomic locations and incorporating hypofractionated protocols. The purpose of this update is to aid radiation oncology teams in capturing and grading clinically relevant data that impacts the decision‐making process in everyday practice and the assessment of clinical trials involving radiation therapy. A dedicated committee initially updated the criteria to include more anatomical sites and grades to characterize a broad spectrum of possible radiation‐induced acute and late tissue changes. Through the revision process, which solicited and incorporated feedback from all radiation oncologists within the American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR) and specialists outside the ACVR, the authors endeavored to create a grading structure reflective of clinical decision‐making in daily radiation oncology. The updated VRTOG v2 toxicity criteria guideline complements the updated Veterinary Cooperative Oncology Group‐Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (VCOG‐CTCAE v2) guidelines. Because radiation oncology continues to progress rapidly, the VRTOG toxicity criteria should be regularly updated as adverse event data that will be collected following this update further informs the practice of radiation oncology.
Thurston norm and Euler classes of tight contact structures
Authors: Sivek Steven , Yazdi Mehdi
Published: August 2023

Bill Thurston proved that taut foliations of hyperbolic 3‐manifolds have Euler classes of norm at most one, and conjectured that any integral second cohomology class of norm equal to one is realized as the Euler class of some taut foliation. Recent work of the second author, joint with David Gabai, has produced counterexamples to this conjecture. Since tight contact structures exist whenever taut foliations do and their Euler classes also have norm at most one, it is natural to ask whether the Euler class one conjecture might still be true for tight contact structures. In this paper, we show that the previously constructed counterexamples for Euler classes of taut foliations in Mehdi Yazdi [Acta Math. 225 (2020) no. 2, 313–368] are in fact realized as Euler classes of tight contact structures. This provides some evidence for the Euler class one conjecture for tight contact structures.
Employment of Free Packages for MT-InSAR Approaches to Verify the Subsidence Event over Maceió City, Brazil
Authors: Alves Sérgio Da Conceição , Krueger Cláudia Pereira , Dalazoana Regiane , Polidori Laurent
Published: August 2023

Persistent Scatterer Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (PSInSAR) technique employs a Multi-Temporal InSAR (MT-InSAR) approach to accurately measure subsidence. This technique, a type of Differential Interferometry (DInSAR), mitigates errors that traditional DInSAR techniques cannot, including temporal and geometric decorrelation, and phase unwrapping errors. In order to verify the subsidence process in the Pinheiro neighborhood of Maceio - Brazil following a 2018 earthquake, we tested free processing packages such as SNAP-StaMPS integration. Our investigation was conducted in two stages: first, using a stack of Sentinel-1A SLCSAR (Single Look Complex-SAR) images acquired before and after the earthquake, and second, using more recent images to determine if the subsidence process is ongoing. Results from the first stage identified the area affected by subsidence and the second stage confirmed the continued presence of subsidence events. From 2017 to 2018, the subsidence process exhibited the highest displacement amplitude of -32.3 mm/year, whereas, between 2021 and 2022, the amplitude decreased to -24.09 mm/year, indicating a deceleration in the subsidence process.
Tribological Properties of Several Surface-Modified Piston Rings Under Extreme Conditions
Authors: Wang Yanrong , Sun Zongsheng , Huang Ruoxuan , Zhao Zhiqiang , Zhang Weizheng
Published: August 2023

This article explores the performance of different commercial piston rings when matched with a boron-phosphorus (BP) alloy cast iron cylinder liner, specifically in high-power density diesel engines. The focus is on the friction, wear, and scuffing characteristics. An interrupted wear test was conducted under lean oil conditions to study the scuffing behavior of plated Cr-diamonds coating (GDC) and diamond-like carbon coating (DLC). The findings reveal that DLC coatings exhibit superior tribological properties, displaying low friction coefficients and wear loss at temperatures of 150 °C and 240 °C. In contrast, GDC coatings demonstrate relatively poor performance. Additionally, the DLC coating demonstrates excellent scuffing resistance, as no material transfer was observed for up to 77 min, even without lubrication. The interrupted scuffing test reveals that the scuffing process undergoes a stable wear stage, followed by a sudden drop and subsequent increase in friction force, ultimately resulting in scuffing when the BP cylinder is paired with GDC. On the other hand, although the frictional force of DLC initially increases after a brief decline, no significant adhesive wear is observed. This can be attributed to the formation of a tribo-chemical layer of carbides, which effectively prevents scuffing. In comparison to traditional methods of postwear morphology and analysis, our proposed interrupted scuffing tests offer enhanced capabilities for evaluating the wear condition of friction pairs at various time intervals during the oil depletion process. This novel approach introduces a new paradigm for investigating wear patterns in different friction pairs.
Temporary noise-induced underwater hearing loss in an aquatic turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans)
Authors: Salas Andria K. , Capuano Alyssa M. , Harms Craig A. , Piniak Wendy E. D. , Mooney T. Aran
Published: August 2023

Noise pollution in aquatic environments can cause hearing loss in noise-exposed animals. We investigated whether exposure to continuous underwater white noise (50–1000 Hz) affects the auditory sensitivity of an aquatic turtle Trachemys scripta elegans (red-eared slider) across 16 noise conditions of differing durations and amplitudes. Sound exposure levels (SELs) ranged between 155 and 193 dB re 1 μPa2 s, and auditory sensitivity was measured at 400 Hz using auditory evoked potential methods. Comparing control and post-exposure thresholds revealed temporary threshold shifts (TTS) in all three individuals, with at least two of the three turtles experiencing TTS at all but the two lowest SELs tested, and shifts up to 40 dB. There were significant positive relationships between shift magnitude and exposure duration, amplitude, and SEL. The mean predicted TTS onset was 160 dB re 1 μPa2 s. There was individual variation in susceptibility to TTS, threshold shift magnitude, and recovery rate, which was non-monotonic and occurred on time scales ranging from < 1 h to > 2 days post-exposure. Recovery rates were generally greater after higher magnitude shifts. Sound levels inducing hearing loss were comparatively low, suggesting aquatic turtles may be more sensitive to underwater noise than previously considered.
Mouth Rinsing and Ingestion of Unpleasant Salty or Bitter Solutions Does Not Improve Cycling Sprint Performance in Trained Cyclists
Authors: Gray Edward A. , Cavaleri Rocco , Siegler Jason C.
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of mouth rinsing and ingesting unpleasant salty or bitter solutions on cycling sprint performance and knee extensor force characteristics. Eleven male and one female trained cyclists (age: 34 ± 9 years, maximal oxygen uptake 56.9 ± 3.9 ml·kg−1·min−1) completed a ramp test and familiarization followed by four experimental trials. In each trial, participants completed an all-out 30-s cycling sprint with knee extensor maximal voluntary contractions before and immediately after the sprint. In a randomized, counterbalanced, cross-over order, the four main trials were: a no solution control condition, water, salty (5.8%), or bitter (2 mM quinine) solutions that were mouth rinsed (10 s) and ingested immediately before the cycling sprint. There were no significant differences between conditions in mean power (mean ± SD, no solution: 822 ± 115 W, water: 818 ± 108 W, salt: 832 ± 111 W, bitter: 818 ± 105 W); peak power (no solution: 1,184 ± 205 W, water: 1,177 ± 207 W, salt: 1,195 ± 210 W, bitter: 1,184 ± 209 W); or fatigue index (no solution: 51.5% ± 5.7%, water: 50.8% ± 7.0%, salt: 51.1% ± 5.9%, bitter: 51.2% ± 7.1%) during the sprint. Maximal force and impulse declined postexercise; however, there were no significant differences between conditions in knee extensor force characteristics. The present data do not support the use of unpleasant salty or bitter solutions as an ergogenic aid to improve sprint exercise performance.
Understanding the Sociocognitive Determinants Underlying Intentions to Exercise for Postconcussion Symptom Relief: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Jaganathan Kannan Singaravelu , Sullivan Karen A. , Greenslade Jamie , McMahon Katie L. , Mitchell Gary , Kerr Graham
Published: August 2023

Context: This study investigated individual sociocognitive factors from the theory of planned behavior and their relationship to exercise for postconcussion recovery. Design and Methods: Four hundred and fifty-nine Australian adults, two-thirds of whom had no concussion history (66%), completed an online survey of their beliefs and attitudes toward exercise for postconcussion recovery. Secondary questions evaluated program design features that could affect engagement (eg, session frequency). Results: Structured equation modeling found that subjective norms were the strongest significant predictor of intention to participate in exercise for postconcussion recovery. Perceived behavioral control was also a significant predictor of intention to participate but to a lesser extent. Attitude did not predict participation intention. The design features identified as key were personalization and being supervised during the program. Conclusions: This study found that people’s intention to participate in a program of exercise postconcussion recovery is shaped by individual psychological factors and identified program design features that could be adjusted for increased engagement. Program success could be maximized through strategies such as supporting individuals to have a stronger sense of control over their participation through the choice of session timing or frequency and harnessing the influence of significant others via supportive messaging from key professionals.
Short-term excess mortality following tropical cyclones in the United States
Authors: Parks Robbie M. , Kontis Vasilis , Anderson G. Brooke , Baldwin Jane W. , Danaei Goodarz , Toumi Ralf , Dominici Francesca , Ezzati Majid , Kioumourtzoglou Marianthi-Anna
Published: August 2023

Knowledge of excess deaths after tropical cyclones is critical to understanding their impacts, directly relevant to policies on preparedness and mitigation. We applied an ensemble of 16 Bayesian models to 40.7 million U.S. deaths and a comprehensive record of 179 tropical cyclones over 32 years (1988–2019) to estimate short-term all-cause excess deaths. The deadliest tropical cyclone was Hurricane Katrina in 2005, with 1491 [95% credible interval (CrI): 563, 3206] excess deaths (>99% posterior probability of excess deaths), including 719 [95% CrI: 685, 752] in Orleans Parish, LA (>99% probability). Where posterior probabilities of excess deaths were >95%, there were 3112 [95% CrI: 2451, 3699] total post–hurricane force excess deaths and 15,590 [95% CrI: 12,084, 18,835] post–gale to violent storm force deaths; 83.1% of post–hurricane force and 70.0% of post–gale to violent storm force excess deaths occurred more recently (2004–2019); and 6.2% were in least socially vulnerable counties.
Subducting volcaniclastic-rich upper crust supplies fluids for shallow megathrust and slow slip
Authors: Gase Andrew C. , Bangs Nathan L. , Saffer Demian M. , Han Shuoshuo , Miller Peter K. , Bell Rebecca E. , Arai Ryuta , Henrys Stuart A. , Kodaira Shuichi , Davy Richard , Frahm Laura , Barker Daniel H. N.
Published: August 2023

Recurring slow slip along near-trench megathrust faults occurs at many subduction zones, but for unknown reasons, this process is not universal. Fluid overpressures are implicated in encouraging slow slip; however, links between slow slip, fluid content, and hydrogeology remain poorly known in natural systems. Three-dimensional seismic imaging and ocean drilling at the Hikurangi margin reveal a widespread and previously unknown fluid reservoir within the extensively hydrated (up to 47 vol % H
2
O) volcanic upper crust of the subducting Hikurangi Plateau large igneous province. This ~1.5 km thick volcaniclastic upper crust readily dewaters with subduction but retains half of its fluid content upon reaching regions with well-characterized slow slip. We suggest that volcaniclastic-rich upper crust at volcanic plateaus and seamounts is a major source of water that contributes to the fluid budget in subduction zones and may drive fluid overpressures along the megathrust that give rise to frequent shallow slow slip.
Injectable, self-healing hydrogel adhesives with firm tissue adhesion and on-demand biodegradation for sutureless wound closure
Authors: Ren Hui , Zhang Zhen , Cheng Xueliang , Zou Zheng , Chen Xuesi , He Chaoliang
Published: August 2023

Tissue adhesives have garnered extensive interest as alternatives and supplements to sutures, whereas major challenges still remain, including weak tissue adhesion, inadequate biocompatibility, and uncontrolled biodegradation. Here, injectable and biocompatible hydrogel adhesives are developed via catalyst-free
o-
phthalaldehyde/amine (hydrazide) cross-linking reaction. The hydrogels demonstrate rapid and firm adhesion to various tissues, and an
o-
phthalaldehyde–mediated tissue adhesion mechanism is established. The hydrogel adhesives show controlled degradation profiles of 6 to 22 weeks in vivo through the incorporation of disulfide bonds into hydrogel network. In liver and blood vessel injury, the hydrogels effectively seal the incisions and rapidly stop bleeding. In rat and rabbit models of full-thickness skin incision, the hydrogel adhesives quickly close the incisions and accelerate wound healing, which exhibit efficacies superior to those of commercially available fibrin glue and cyanoacrylate glue. Thus, the hydrogel adhesives show great potential for sutureless wound closure, hemostasis sealing, and prevention of leakage in surgical applications.
Rh
19
−
: A high-spin super-octahedron cluster
Authors: Jia Yuhan , Xu Cong-Qiao , Cui Chaonan , Geng Lijun , Zhang Hanyu , Zhang Yang-Yang , Lin Shiquan , Yao Jiannian , Luo Zhixun , Li Jun
Published: August 2023

Probing atomic clusters with magic numbers is of supreme importance but challenging in cluster science. Pronounced stability of a metal cluster often arises from coincident geometric and electronic shell closures. However, transition metal clusters do not simply abide by this constraint. Here, we report the finding of a magic-number cluster Rh
19
−
with prominent inertness in the sufficient gas-collision reactions. Photoelectron spectroscopy experiments and global-minimum structure search have determined the geometry of Rh
19
−
to be a regular

O
h

‑[Rh@Rh
12
@Rh
6
]
−
with unusual high-spin electronic configuration. The distinct stability of such a strongly magnetic cluster Rh
19
−
consisting of a nonmagnetic element is fully unveiled on the basis of its unique bonding nature and superatomic states. The 1-nanometer–sized

O
h

-Rh
19
−
cluster corresponds to a fragment of the face-centered cubic lattice of bulk rhodium but with altered magnetism and electronic property. This cluster features exceptional electron-spin state isomers confirmed in photoelectron spectra and suggests potential applications in atomically precise manufacturing involving spintronics and quantum computing.
Magnetically assisted soft milli-tools for occluded lumen morphology detection
Authors: Yan Yingbo , Wang Tianlu , Zhang Rongjing , Liu Yilun , Hu Wenqi , Sitti Metin
Published: August 2023

Methodologies based on intravascular imaging have revolutionized the diagnosis and treatment of endovascular diseases. However, current methods are limited in detecting, i.e., visualizing and crossing, complicated occluded vessels. Therefore, we propose a miniature soft tool comprising a magnet-assisted active deformation segment (ADS) and a fluid drag-driven segment (FDS) to visualize and cross the occlusions with various morphologies. First, via soft-bodied deformation and interaction, the ADS could visualize the structure details of partial occlusions with features as small as 0.5 millimeters. Then, by leveraging the fluidic drag from the pulsatile flow, the FDS could automatically detect an entry point selectively from severe occlusions with complicated microchannels whose diameters are down to 0.2 millimeters. The functions have been validated in both biologically relevant phantoms and organs ex vivo. This soft tool could help enhance the efficacy of minimally invasive medicine for the diagnosis and treatment of occlusions in various circulatory systems.
Ajna: Generalized deep uncertainty for minimal perception on parsimonious robots
Authors: Sanket Nitin J. , Singh Chahat Deep , Fermüller Cornelia , Aloimonos Yiannis
Published: August 2023

Robots are active agents that operate in dynamic scenarios with noisy sensors. Predictions based on these noisy sensor measurements often lead to errors and can be unreliable. To this end, roboticists have used fusion methods using multiple observations. Lately, neural networks have dominated the accuracy charts for perception-driven predictions for robotic decision-making and often lack uncertainty metrics associated with the predictions. Here, we present a mathematical formulation to obtain the heteroscedastic aleatoric uncertainty of any arbitrary distribution without prior knowledge about the data. The approach has no prior assumptions about the prediction labels and is agnostic to network architecture. Furthermore, our class of networks, Ajna, adds minimal computation and requires only a small change to the loss function while training neural networks to obtain uncertainty of predictions, enabling real-time operation even on resource-constrained robots. In addition, we study the informational cues present in the uncertainties of predicted values and their utility in the unification of common robotics problems. In particular, we present an approach to dodge dynamic obstacles, navigate through a cluttered scene, fly through unknown gaps, and segment an object pile, without computing depth but rather using the uncertainties of optical flow obtained from a monocular camera with onboard sensing and computation. We successfully evaluate and demonstrate the proposed Ajna network on four aforementioned common robotics and computer vision tasks and show comparable results to methods directly using depth. Our work demonstrates a generalized deep uncertainty method and demonstrates its utilization in robotics applications.
Endothelial FoxM1 reactivates aging-impaired endothelial regeneration for vascular repair and resolution of inflammatory lung injury
Authors: Huang Xiaojia , Zhang Xianming , Machireddy Narsa , Evans Colin E. , Trewartha Shawn D. , Hu Guochang , Fang Yun , Mutlu Gökhan M. , Wu David , Zhao You-Yang
Published: August 2023

Aging is a major risk factor of high incidence and increased mortality of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Here, we demonstrated that persistent lung injury and high mortality in aged mice after sepsis challenge were attributable to impaired endothelial regeneration and vascular repair. Genetic lineage tracing study showed that endothelial regeneration after sepsis-induced vascular injury was mediated by lung resident endothelial proliferation in young adult mice, whereas this intrinsic regenerative program was impaired in aged mice. Expression of forkhead box M1 (FoxM1), an important mediator of endothelial regeneration in young mice, was not induced in lungs of aged mice. Transgenic
FOXM1
expression or in vivo endothelium-targeted nanoparticle delivery of the
FOXM1
gene driven by an endothelial cell (EC)–specific promoter reactivated endothelial regeneration, normalized vascular repair and resolution of inflammation, and promoted survival in aged mice after sepsis challenge. In addition, treatment with the FDA-approved DNA demethylating agent decitabine was sufficient to reactivate FoxM1-dependent endothelial regeneration in aged mice, reverse aging-impaired resolution of inflammatory injury, and promote survival. Mechanistically, aging-induced
Foxm1
promoter hypermethylation in mice, which could be inhibited by decitabine treatment, inhibited
Foxm1
induction after sepsis challenge. In COVID-19 lung autopsy samples,
FOXM1
was not induced in vascular ECs of elderly patients in their 80s, in contrast with middle-aged patients (aged 50 to 60 years). Thus, reactivation of FoxM1-mediated endothelial regeneration and vascular repair may represent a potential therapy for elderly patients with ARDS.
Polymer nanoparticles deliver mRNA to the lung for mucosal vaccination
Authors: Suberi Alexandra , Grun Molly K. , Mao Tianyang , Israelow Benjamin , Reschke Melanie , Grundler Julian , Akhtar Laiba , Lee Teresa , Shin Kwangsoo , Piotrowski-Daspit Alexandra S. , Homer Robert J. , Iwasaki Akiko , Suh Hee-Won , Saltzman W. Mark
Published: August 2023

An inhalable platform for messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics would enable minimally invasive and lung-targeted delivery for a host of pulmonary diseases. Development of lung-targeted mRNA therapeutics has been limited by poor transfection efficiency and risk of vehicle-induced pathology. Here, we report an inhalable polymer-based vehicle for delivery of therapeutic mRNAs to the lung. We optimized biodegradable poly(amine-
co
-ester) (PACE) polyplexes for mRNA delivery using end-group modifications and polyethylene glycol. These polyplexes achieved high transfection of mRNA throughout the lung, particularly in epithelial and antigen-presenting cells. We applied this technology to develop a mucosal vaccine for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and found that intranasal vaccination with spike protein–encoding mRNA polyplexes induced potent cellular and humoral adaptive immunity and protected susceptible mice from lethal viral challenge. Together, these results demonstrate the translational potential of PACE polyplexes for therapeutic delivery of mRNA to the lungs.
NKG2D-CAR T cells eliminate senescent cells in aged mice and nonhuman primates
Authors: Yang Dong , Sun Bin , Li Shirong , Wei Wenwen , Liu Xiuyun , Cui Xiaoyue , Zhang Xianning , Liu Nan , Yan Lanzhen , Deng Yibin , Zhao Xudong
Published: August 2023

Cellular senescence, characterized by stable cell cycle arrest, plays an important role in aging and age-associated pathologies. Eliminating senescent cells rejuvenates aged tissues and ameliorates age-associated diseases. Here, we identified that natural killer group 2 member D ligands (NKG2DLs) are up-regulated in senescent cells in vitro, regardless of stimuli that induced cellular senescence, and in various tissues of aged mice and nonhuman primates in vivo. Accordingly, we developed and demonstrated that chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells targeting human NKG2DLs selectively and effectively diminish human cells undergoing senescence induced by oncogenic stress, replicative stress, DNA damage, or P16
INK4a
overexpression in vitro. Targeting senescent cells with mouse NKG2D-CAR T cells alleviated multiple aging-associated pathologies and improved physical performance in both irradiated and aged mice. Autologous T cells armed with the human NKG2D CAR effectively delete naturally occurring senescent cells in aged nonhuman primates without any observed adverse effects. Our findings establish that NKG2D-CAR T cells could serve as potent and selective senolytic agents for aging and age-associated diseases driven by senescence.
Draft genome of heterotrophic bacteria
Sphingomonas
sp. 2R-10 isolated from water treatment plant in South Africa
Authors: Kritzinger Rinaldo K. , Molale-Tom Lesego G. , Olanrewaju Oluwaseyi Samuel , Bezuidenhout Cornelius C.
Published: August 2023

The availability of clean drinking water is crucial for human well-being, necessitating the monitoring and characterization of microorganisms in water sources. In this study, we present the draft genome of a heterotrophic bacterium,
Sphingomonas
sp. 2R-10, isolated from the untreated raw water of a drinking water source in South Africa.
East Asian summer monsoon variations across the Miocene−Pliocene boundary recorded by sediments from the Guide Basin, northeastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Liu Xingwan , Nie Junsheng , Zhou Bin , Zhang Zhongbao
Published: August 2023

Records of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration, sea-surface temperature, and global vegetation show that Earth’s climate and environment changed significantly during the late Miocene−early Pliocene. Understanding the environmental response to insolation forcing during this transitional period may provide insights into future environmental variations resulting from the perturbation of the global carbon cycle caused by fossil fuel combustion. However, terrestrial paleoclimate records capable of resolving orbital time-scale environmental variations are mostly from Europe, especially from the region around the Mediterranean Sea. Here, we present high-resolution records of grain size, black carbon, and geochemistry from a sedimentary sequence from the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, where precipitation is mainly via the East Asian summer monsoon. We observed increases in sediment accumulation rate and black carbon mass accumulation rate at ca. 5.3 Ma, which we interpret as the result of intensified seasonal precipitation associated with the strengthening of the East Asian summer monsoon; concurrently, precessional and obliquity cycles became more prominent during the early Pliocene. Our results suggest that, in response to current and future high atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations, changes in the East Asian summer monsoon are likely to result in increased precipitation and seasonality within its region of influence.