bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma-assisted fluidized-bed atomic layer deposition of Pd-Cu nanoparticles on porous powder for CO2 hydrogenation
Authors: Tian Xu , Wang Dongyuan , Ouyang Bo , Chen Qiang , Liu Zhongwei , Wang Xinwei
Published: March 2023

A novel plasma-assisted fluidized-bed atomic layer deposition process to synthesize Pd-Cu bimetallic nanoparticles is reported, using palladium hexafluoroacetylacetonate, copper(I)-N, N′-di-iso-propylacetamidinate and H2 plasma. The process allows us to uniformly deposit Pd-Cu nanoparticles in porous powder, which is a mixture of γ-Al2O3 (30 wt%), amorphous aluminum silicate (50 wt%) and molecular sieve (20 wt%) (ASM). With metal loadings of 13.1 and 2.5 mg g−1 for Pd and Cu, respectively, the afforded 13.1Pd-2.5Cu catalyst shows excellent catalytic performance for the hydrogenation of CO2 in a dielectric barrier discharge reactor with no intentional heating. Under the condition of discharge input power of 24.6 W, H2-to-CO2 ratio of 4 in feed gas, and gas hourly space velocity of 7595 h−1, the conversion of CO2 can reach as high as 38.0%, with the CH4 and CH3OH product selectivities of 6.7% and 12.8%, respectively. Density functional theory calculations are further employed to understand the associated CH3OH formation mechanism.
Prospects of probing dark matter condensates with gravitational waves
Authors: Banerjee Shreya , Bera Sayantani , Mota David F.
Published: March 2023

The Lambda-Cold Dark Matter model explains cosmological observations most accurately till
date. However, it is still plagued with various shortcomings at galactic scales. Models of dark
matter such as superfluid dark matter, Bose-Einstein Condensate(BEC) dark matter and fuzzy dark
matter have been proposed to overcome some of these drawbacks. In this work, we probe these models
using the current constraint on the gravitational wave (GW) propagation speed coming from the
binary neutron star GW170817 detection by LIGO-Virgo detector network and use it to study the
allowed parameter space for these three models for Advanced LIGO+Virgo, LISA, IPTA and SKA
detection frequencies. The speed of GW has been shown to depend upon the refractive index of the
medium, which in turn, depends on the dark matter model parameters through the density profile of
the galactic halo. We constrain the parameter space for these models using the bounds coming from
GW speed measurement and the Milky Way radius bound. Our findings suggest that with Advanced
LIGO-Virgo detector sensitivity, the three models considered here remain unconstrained. A
meaningful constraint can only be obtained for detection frequencies ≤ 10-9 Hz, which
falls in the detection range of radio telescopes such as IPTA and SKA. Considering this best
possible case, we find that out of the three condensate models, the fuzzy dark matter model is the
most feasible scenario to be falsified/validated in near future.
Inflation in metric-affine quadratic gravity
Authors: D. Gialamas Ioannis , Tamvakis Kyriakos
Published: March 2023

In the general framework of Metric-Affine theories of gravity, where the metric and the connection are independent variables, we consider actions quadratic in the Ricci scalar curvature and the Holst invariant (the contraction of the Riemann curvature with the Levi-Civita antisymmetric tensor) coupled non-minimally to a scalar field. We study the profile of the equivalent effective metric theory, featuring an extra dynamical pseudoscalar degree of freedom, and show that it reduces to an effective single-field inflationary model. We analyze in detail the inflationary predictions and find that they fall within the latest observational bounds for a wide range of parameters, allowing for an increase in the tensor-to-scalar ratio. The spectral index can either decrease or increase depending
on the position in parameter space.
Nonlinear neural control using feedback linearization explains task goals of central nervous system for trunk stability in sitting posture
Authors: Noamani Alireza , Vette Albert H , Rouhani Hossein
Published: March 2023

Objective. Characterizing the task goals of the neural control system for achieving seated stability has been a fundamental challenge in human motor control research. This study aimed to experimentally identify the task goals of the neural control system for seated stability. Approach. Ten able-bodied young individuals participated in our experiments, which allowed us to measure their body motion and muscle activity during perturbed sitting. We used a nonlinear neuromechanical model of the seated human, along with a full-state feedback linearization approach and optimal control theory for identifying the neural control system and characterizing its task goals. Main results. We demonstrated that the neural feedback for trunk stability during seated posture uses angular position, velocity, acceleration, and jerk in a linearized space. The mean squared error between the predicted and measured motor commands was less than 0.6% among all trials and participants, with a median correlation coefficient

r

of more than 0.9. Our identified optimal neural control primarily used trunk angular acceleration and near-minimum muscle activation to achieve seated stability while keeping the deviations of the trunk angular position and acceleration sufficiently small. Significance. Our proposed approach to neural control system identification relied on a performance criterion (e.g. cost function) explaining what the functional goal is and subsequently, finds the control law that leads to the best performance. Therefore, instead of assuming what control schemes the neural control might utilize (e.g. proportional-integral-derivative control), optimal control allows the motor task and the neuromechanical model to dictate a control law that best describes the physiological process. This approach allows for a mechanistic understanding of the neuromuscular mechanisms involved in seated stability and for inferring the task goals used by the neural control system to achieve the targeted motor behavior. Such neural control characterization can contribute to the development of objective balance evaluation tools and of bio-inspired assistive neuromodulation technologies.
Comparison of boiling heat transfer on heaters with mesh structure and microfins
Authors: Bialek A , Stokowiec K
Published: March 2023

The topic of heat transfer efficiency during boiling is considerably important and more attention is paid to the improvement of heat flux using various microstructures. The article focuses on the comparison of boiling heat transfer between exchangers with a porous mesh structure and microfins. The tests were performed on the brass mesh of the wire diameter of 0.25 mm as well as on the microfin surface of the width 1 mm. The height of both the samples was the same and equalled to 0.5 mm. The boiling liquids were distilled water and ethyl alcohol. The experiments were conduced under ambient pressure. The results of the tests carried out confirm that these coatings have a positive effect on the heat transfer. The basis of this analysis is the course of processes taking place on individual samples and the influence on the heat flux values. The comparison of the experimental results and correlations has proven differences between them – especially in the case of pinfin surface (for both the boiling agents). The differences varied with changing the heat flux.
Numerical Simulation of Liquid Hydrogen Spilling in the Confined Cabin with Air Supplying and Vent
Authors: Shu Z Y , Liang WQ , Lei G , Zheng X H , Qian H
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this work is to research the spill and diffusion characteristics of liquid hydrogen in confined cabin with air supplying and vent. The spill and diffusion behavior of liquid hydrogen in the confined cabin with air supplying and vent was simulated using Fluent software. The feasibility of the model was verified by the experimental results. The research results show that the numerical simulation model can simulate to predict the diffusion process of liquid hydrogen well and has application value for engineering. The diffusion cloud after the spill of liquid hydrogen is gathering at the top and slowly spread to the surrounding which is different from the open environment. The process of liquid hydrogen spill can be divided into three stages, among which the concentration of cloud clusters changes sharply in the spilling stage. Low wind speed can affect the inclination angle of the diffuse cloud, and it is concluded that wind speed is also the main factor affecting the movement of the diffusion cloud. The research results are expected to provide a reference for standard formulation and design of liquid hydrogen applications.
Research on transformer condition assessment based on improved D-S evidence fusion theory
Authors: Li Xiaohan , Wu Peng , Lu Yuncai , Wang Shengquan , Shi Qi , Wu Yiming
Published: March 2023

In view of the trend of the transformation of transformer maintenance mode to condition-based maintenance in power grid companies and the shortcomings of D-S evidence theory in transformer operation state assessment, a transformer operation state assessment method based on improved D-S evidence fusion theory is proposed. Pre-process the transformer state quantity data to obtain the corresponding weight of the state value of each state quantity index; The improved D-S theory is used to introduce the uncertainty, and the modified basic reliability allocation is obtained. Then, the judgment results of transformer operation state level are obtained by fusing all evidence bodies. Finally, the feasibility of this method is verified by the actual operation data of a power transformer.
Numerical Simulation of Cavitation and FlashBoiling in GDI Nozzle and Spray
Authors: Zhao Zirui , Zhang Xinyu , Gong Mengjun , Chen Mengrong , Ren Yong
Published: March 2023

This work aims at using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method to establish a gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine nozzle and combustion chamber model to simulate cavitation and flash boiling phenomena and analyze how these phenomena affect the engine performance. FLUENT 15.0 is used to simulate the flow of fuel. The cavitation phenomenon in GDI nozzle was simulated comprehensively, and the influences of parameter values such as inlet pressure and outlet pressure on cavitation were studied in this work. The results show that high injection pressure can promote the occurrence of cavitation and high outlet pressure has an inhibitory effect on cavitation. However, the effect of cavitation on atomization cannot be seen intuitively only through the simulation of the internal nozzle. The two-dimensional inter nozzle model established in this work is a foundation for the establishment of external nozzle model. It can provide specific boundary conditions at nozzle outlet. In addition, a three-dimensional external nozzle model was established to simulate the flash boiling spray in the combustion chamber. Based on the mechanism, it can be found that flash boiling spray improves the atomization quality. After verifying the simulation results with relevant experiments, these models could bring great convenience to the study of cavitation and flash boiling with sufficient reliability in further study.
Effect of annealing temperature on the microstructures and impact toughness of Ti-6Al-4V-0.5Ni-0.5Nb titanium alloy plates
Authors: Ge Jinpeng , Guo Jianning , Yu Yang , Ye Wenjun , Hui Songxiao , Luo Yumeng
Published: March 2023

Numerous studies have clarified the importance of measuring the impact toughness of titanium alloy drill pipe, however, the influence of heat treatment parameters on the impact toughness of titanium alloy is seldom discussed. Herein, the influence of annealing temperature on notch impact toughness of Ti-6Al-4V-0.5Ni-0.5Nb alloy was investigated by Charpy impact test. Optical microscope and SEM characterized the impact specimens’ annealing microstructure and fracture surface. The results revealed that the primary α phase gradually decreases with increasing annealing temperature, and the impact toughness of the plate increases first and then decreases. The alloy fracture changes from quasi-cleavage fracture to ductile fracture, and with the temperature rising to the phase transformation point, the fracture of the alloy mainly turns into cleavage fracture.
Analysis of streak defects on the surface of high-quality automobile steel SP121 after stamping
Authors: Li Yan , Wang Ke-qiang , Xia Lei , Sun Rong-sheng , Cai Shun-da , Chen En-lai , Wang Xiao-hang , Song Li-wei
Published: March 2023

Aiming at the streak defects on the surface of high-quality automobile steel SP121 after stamping, the surface profile of the streak defects was analyzed by a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). The micro-morphology and element content of the streak defects area were analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The results show that compared with the normal area of the strip steel surface, the surface roughness features of the streak defects area of SP121 after stamping are not apparent. There are many linear defects and dot defects perpendicular to the streak defects. The energy spectrum detection shows no element abnormality in the streak defects area. The surface streak defects of SP121 after stamping are caused by the poor contact between the strip steel and the stamping die, which leads to the poor fluidity of the materials during stamping, and finally, the streak defects are formed.
Study on the effect of element enrichment on the surface of high-strength pickling steel on the film-forming performance of phosphating film
Authors: Li Yan , Xia Lei , Sun Rong-sheng , Liu Ren-dong , Song Li-wei , Tian Yu-ting , Cai Shun-da
Published: March 2023

A salt spray test was used to evaluate the corrosion resistance of pickling high-strength steel JSH440W to phosphating film on its surface, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) were used to analyze the micro-morphology and element content of the surface defects area of the sample after salt spray test. The results show that the enrichment of Si, Mn, and O elements on the surface of pickling high-strength steel JSH440W badly influences the film-forming performance of phosphating film. The enrichment of Si, Mn, and O elements on the strip steel surface will slow down the film-forming speed of the phosphating film and make the thickness of the phosphating film thinner, which will lead to the reduction of corrosion resistance in this area, and it is easy to cause pitting corrosion behavior, to cause the paint film on the sample surface to fall off. Reducing the enrichment of Si, Mn, and O elements on the surface of acid-washed high-strength steel and increasing the roughness uniformity of strip steel is beneficial to improving the quality of phosphating film and the coating property of pickling high-strength steel.
Effect of sodium methylsilicate on mechanical and water resistance of macro defect-free (MDF) gypsum
Authors: Zhao Yunchuan , Dong Xuming , Lu Guoyun , Lei Honggang
Published: March 2023

Finding vicarious building materials for Portland cement and reducing the usage of cementitious materials is a key to reduce the carbon emission of cement production. Desulfurization (FGD) gypsum powder is a common solid waste which application is limited by its low mechanical strength and poor water resistance properties. This paper studies the effect of sodium methylsilicate on the mechanical performance and waterproofs of macro-defect free (MDF) gypsum involving pressurized processing. The compressive strength, flexural strength, water absorption rate, softening coefficient and water contact angle of the MDF gypsum are assessed. The results show that adding 1.6 wt% sodium methylsilicate achieves to the maximum strength of 7.5 MPa for flexural and 35.7 MPa for compressive, which increasing by 4.2% and 6.6% relative to the pure MDF gypsum, and increasing by 11.9 % and 138.0 % relative to traditional casting gypsum. With the increasing content of sodium methylsilicate, the waterproofs of MDF gypsum become better. When adding 1.6 wt% sodium methylsilicate, the water absorption rate, softening coefficient and water contact angle is 0.4 %, 0.78 and 93.5° for 2 h immersion, respectively. The pressurized production is recommended to prepare MDF gypsum.
Testing of the HCC and AMAC functionality and radiation tolerance for the HL-LHC ATLAS ITk strip detector
Authors: Dandoy J.R. , Dressnandt N.C. , Gosart T.C. , Gutierrez Zagazeta L.F. , Keener P.T. , Krizka K. , Kroll J. , Lu S. , Mayers G.S.M. , Newcomer F.M. , McGovern R.P. , Nikolica A. , Reichert J. , Reilly M.B. , Thomson E.
Published: March 2023

For the high-luminosity phase of the LHC, which begins operation in 2029, the current ATLAS inner detector will be replaced by a new tracker, the ITk. The ITk consists of two subdetectors, one using pixels and the second using silicon-strips, the ITk Strip detector. The HCC and AMAC chip are radiation-tolerant ASICs that contribute to the front-end readout, monitoring and control of the ITk Strip subsystem. Low temperature startups and low internal regulated voltage tests have been performed on HCC and AMAC to guarantee their reliability at edge operation conditions. In addition, to ensure the operation of the HCC and AMAC under a radiation heavy environment, gamma and x-ray irradiation campaigns were conducted. HCC and AMAC successfully operated at harsher conditions than the ones expected during the HL-LHC.
The Influence of BIA-ALCL on the Use of Textured Breast Implant and its Placement: A Survey of Dutch Plastic Surgeons
Authors: Bletsis Patrick P , van Veen Martinus M , van der Lei Berend
Published: March 2023

Background

Breast implant–associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) and its association with macrotextured breast implants may have induced plastic surgeons to change their breast augmentation and breast reconstruction practice.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to survey Dutch plastic surgeons about the effects of BIA-ALCL on their choice of breast implant texture and placement technique.

Methods

An online questionnaire was distributed to all members of the Dutch Association of Plastic Surgeons. Descriptive data were presented as frequencies and percentages. Technique alterations were analyzed by the marginal homogeneity test for paired nominal data.

Results

A total of 63 plastic surgeons completed the questionnaire. The majority of respondents altered their use of textured implants due to BIA-ALCL concerns for both breast augmentation and reconstruction (75.4% and 69.8%, respectively; both being statistically significant, P < .001). Microtextured and smooth/nanotextured breast implants are now most frequently used. BIA-ALCL did not influence the placement technique in breast augmentation and reconstruction (87.7% and 94.3%, respectively). Dual-plane breast implant placement is still the most favored technique for breast augmentation, and submuscular placement is still most favored for breast reconstruction.

Conclusions

BIA-ALCL has had a significant impact on the use of macrotextured breast implants by Dutch plastic surgeons in both aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery. Breast implant placement technique has not been affected.

Level of Evidence: 4
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists decrease hyperinsulinemia and hyperandrogenemia in dehydroepiandrosterone-induced polycystic ovary syndrome mice and are associated with mitigating inflammation and inducing browning of white adipose tissue
Authors: Zhang Yahui , Lin Yi , Li Guoqiang , Yuan Yuan , Wang Xuejiao , Li Na , Xiong Chuanhao , Yang Yueying , Ma Yuhang , Zhang Zhijian , Ding Xiaoying
Published: March 2023

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a complicated hormonal and metabolic disorder. The exact pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome is not clear thus far. Inflammation is involved in the progression of polycystic ovary syndrome. In addition, brown adipose tissue activity is impaired in polycystic ovary syndrome. Interestingly, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists have been reported to alleviate inflammation and promote browning of white adipose tissue. In this study, the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists on polycystic ovary syndrome mice were explored. Mice were randomly assigned into four groups: control, dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone + liraglutide, and dehydroepiandrosterone + semaglutide. Relative indexes were measured after glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist intervention. Glucose metabolism in polycystic ovary syndrome mice was ameliorated by glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, while the reproductive endocrine disorder of polycystic ovary syndrome mice was partially reversed. The messenger ribonucleic acid levels of steroidogenic enzymes and the expression of inflammatory mediators in serum and ovaries of polycystic ovary syndrome mice were improved. Furthermore, toll-like receptor 4 and phosphorylation of nuclear factor-kappa B protein levels were decreased by glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in ovary. Notably, after glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist intervention, the expression of brown adipose tissue marker levels was considerably raised in the white adipose tissue of polycystic ovary syndrome mice. In conclusion, the hyperinsulinemia and hyperandrogenemia of polycystic ovary syndrome mice were alleviated by glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist intervention, which was associated with mitigating inflammation and stimulating adipose tissue browning.
TMEM232 promotes the inflammatory response in atopic dermatitis via the nuclear factor-κB and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signalling pathways
Authors: Han Jie , Cai Xinying , Qin Shichun , Zhang Zengyunou , Wu Yuanyuan , Shi Yuanzhe , Deng Tingyue , Chen Benjin , Liu Li , Qian Haisheng , Fang Wenliang , Xiao Fengli
Published: March 2023

Background

Our group previously found that the transmembrane protein 232 (TMEM232) gene was associated with atopic dermatitis (AD) by genome-wide association study and fine mapping study. However, its function is unclear so far.

Objectives

To investigate the roles and mechanisms of TMEM232 in AD.

Methods

The expression of TMEM232 was investigated in skin lesions of patients with AD, the MC903-induced AD mouse model, human primary keratinocytes and immortalized human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) cells stimulated with different inflammatory factors. The role of TMEM232 in AD was analysed in HaCaT cells and Tmem232 knockout (Tmem232–/–) mice. Tmem232-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to evaluate its therapeutic potential in the AD mouse model.

Results

The expression of TMEM232 was significantly increased in skin lesions of patients with AD, the MC903-induced AD mouse model and human primary keratinocytes and HaCaT cells stimulated with different inflammatory factors compared with controls. In the presence of MC903, Tmem232–/– mice exhibited significantly reduced dermatitis severity, mast-cell infiltration in the back, and expression of T-helper (Th)1 and Th2-related inflammatory factors in skin tissue compared with wild-type mice. In vitro and in vivo experiments further showed that upregulation of TMEM232 in AD exacerbated the inflammation response through activating the pathway of nuclear factor-κB and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3, and was regulated by the interleukin-4/STAT6 axis, which formed a self-amplifying loop. Finally, topical application of Tmem232 siRNA markedly ameliorated AD-like lesions in the AD model.

Conclusions

This study is the first to outline the function of TMEM232. It is involved in regulating inflammation in AD and may be a potential target for AD treatment.
Comparing Local Authority Rates of Children in Care: A Survey of the Children’s Social Care Workforce in Wales
Authors: Wood Sophie , Forrester Donald
Published: March 2023

The rate of children in care in Wales is one of the highest in the world and has increased considerably in the past two decades. Whilst many factors may be driving these increases, there is considerable variation between local authorities. This article presents findings from a survey completed by children’s social care workers in Wales (n = 792). It compares the views, values and responses to case study vignettes of workers in authorities with increasing to those with decreasing care rates over five years (2016–2020). Statistically significant differences were found relating to the values and the practices of workers, with workers in local authorities with reducing rates having stronger pro-family values, less risk averse responses to case vignettes, more confidence in the decisions made in their local authority and being more positive about support for practice. The findings indicate that variations in local authority values and practices may influence the rate of children in care and that some with significant social problems seem able to avoid the large numbers of children in care found in other authorities. The challenge faced in Wales and the UK is how local authorities can learn from one another to ensure consistency and quality in services.
Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis manifestation in a Mediterranean immunosuppressed patient: a rare incident
Authors: Panou Evdoxia , Marinos Leonidas , Piperaki Evangelia , Migkou Magda , Stratigos Alexander J , Nikolaou Vasiliki
Published: March 2023

We present an interesting case of a patient with post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL), encountered in Greece. The man developed PKDL while on treatment with lenalidomide and corticosteroids for multiple myeloma. PKDL is an important neglected tropical disease. It usually occurs in the Indian subcontinent and East Africa. To our knowledge, this is the first case of PKDL in a European territory. The case should raise awareness among clinicians that PKDL could be encountered in European countries, and further strengthens the immunosuppression hypothesis for the causation of PKDL.
A novel heterozygous missense variant in ribosomal protein L21 associated with familial hypotrichosis simplex
Authors: Rayinda Tuntas , McSweeney Sheila M , Fassihi Hiva , Fenton David , Liu Lu , Stefanato Catherine M , Dand Nick , McGrath John A , Tziotzios Christos
Published: March 2023

Hypotrichosis 12 (HYPT12) is an autosomal dominant, nonsyndromic hypotrichosis, caused by a pathogenic variant in the RPL21 gene encoding ribosomal protein L21, although only two pedigrees harbouring the amino acid substitution, p.Arg32Gln, have been reported previously. We present the case of a 44-year-old White British man with progressive hair loss since the age of 10 months, affecting his scalp, eyebrow, eyelashes and most of his body. Similar hair loss also affected several members of his family, with likely autosomal dominant inheritance. Using whole-exome sequencing, we identified a rare heterozygous missense variant (NM_000982.3:c.127A > G, NP_000973.2:p.Lys43Glu) in RPL21, and subsequent Sanger sequencing confirmed segregation of this variant in affected family members.
Scabies and fairyfly: more than meets the eye
Authors: Ranjan Eeshaan , Arora Sandeep , Subramaniyam Radhakrishnan , Rameshkumar Anandhan
Published: March 2023

We found a coinfestation of fairyfly (Dicopus) along with scabies. Based on the literature as well as our observation, it is proposed that the Dicopus parasitoids can control the eggs of Sarcoptes scabiei.
Cortical thickness alterations are associated with astrocytes and excitatory neuron-specific transcriptome signatures in pediatric bipolar disorder
Authors: Zhang Xiaotong , Gao Weijia , Cao Weifang , Niu Jinpeng , Guo Yongxin , Cui Dong , Yu Guanghui , Dou Ruhai , Jiao Qing , Qiu Jianfeng , Su Linyan , Lu Guangming
Published: March 2023

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a heritable psychiatric disorder with a complex etiology that is often associated with cortical alterations. Morphometric studies in adults with BD are well established; however, few have examined cortical changes in pediatric BD (PBD). Additionally, the correlation between cortical thickness (CT) changes in PBD and gene expression remains elusive. Here, we performed an integrative analysis using neuroimaging data from 58 PBD individuals and the Allen human brain transcriptomic dataset. We applied partial least squares (PLS) regression analysis on structural MRI data and cortical gene expression, enrichment and specific cell type analysis to investigate the genetic correlates of CT alterations in PBD. We found the expression levels of PBD-related genes showed significant spatial correlations with CT differences. Further enrichment and specific cell type analysis revealed that transcriptome signatures associated with cortical thinning were enriched in synaptic signaling, ion channels, astrocytes, and excitatory neurons. Neurodevelopmental patterns of these genes showed significantly increased expression in the cerebellum, cortex, and subcortical regions during the adolescence period. These results highlight neurodevelopmental transcriptional changes could account for most of the observed correlations with CT differences in PBD, which offers a novel perspective to understand biological conceptualization mechanisms for the genetic correlates of CT alterations.
Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation enhances ankle force control and modulates the beta-band activity of the sensorimotor cortex
Authors: Xiao Songlin , Shen Bin , Zhang Chuyi , Zhang Xini , Yang Suyong , Zhou Junhong , Fu Weijie
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to investigate the cortical responses to the ankle force control and the mechanism underlying changes in ankle force control task induced by transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Sixteen young adults were recruited, and they completed the electroencephalogram (EEG) assessment and high-definition tDCS (HD-tDCS) sessions. Root mean square (RMS) error was used to evaluate ankle force control task performance. Spectral power analysis was conducted to extract the average power spectral density (PSD) in the alpha (8–13 Hz) and beta (13–30 Hz) bands for resting state and tasking (i.e. task-PSD). The ankle force control task induced significant decreases in alpha and beta PSDs in the central, left, and right primary sensorimotor cortex (SM1) and beta PSD in the central frontal as compared with the resting state. HD-tDCS significantly decreased the RMS and beta task-PSD in the central frontal and SM1. A significant association between the percent change of RMS and the percent change of beta task-PSD in the central SM1 after HD-tDCS was observed. In conclusion, ankle force control task activated a distributed cortical network mainly including the SM1. HD-tDCS applied over SM1 could enhance ankle force control and modulate the beta-band activity of the sensorimotor cortex.
Dissecting the neurocomputational bases of patch-switching
Authors: Zacharopoulos George , Maio Greg , Linden David E J
Published: March 2023

The survival and well-being of humans require solving the patch-switching problem: we must decide when to stop collecting rewards in a current patch and travel somewhere else where gains may be higher. Previous studies suggested that frontal regions are underpinned by several processes in the context of foraging decisions such as tracking task difficulty, and/or the value of exploring the environment. To dissociate between these processes, participants completed an fMRI patch-switching learning task inspired by behavioral ecology. By analyzing >11,000 trials collected across 21 participants, we found that the activation in the cingulate cortex was closely related to several patch-switching-related variables including the decision to leave the current patch, the encounter of a new patch, the harvest value, and the relative forage value. Learning-induced changes in the patch-switching threshold were tracked by activity within frontoparietal regions including the superior frontal gyrus and angular gyrus. Our findings suggest that frontoparietal regions shape patch-switching learning apart from encoding classical non-learning foraging processes. These findings provide a novel neurobiological understanding of how learning emerges neurocomputationally shaping patch-switching behavior with implications in real-life choices such as job selection and pave the way for future studies to probe the causal role of these neurobiological mechanisms.
Pancreas transplantation today: quo vadis?
Authors: Al-Naseem Abdulrahman O , Attia Ahmed , Gonnah Ahmed Reda , Al-Naseem Abdulaziz O A S , Spiers Harry V M , Gruessner Angelika , Leelarathna Lalantha , Thabit Hood , Augustine Titus
Published: March 2023

Successful pancreas or islet transplantation is currently the only cure for type 1 diabetes mellitus. Since the first pancreas transplant in 1966, there have been various refinements of surgical technique along with improved immunosuppressive regimens, resulting in significantly improved outcomes, with contemporary research into graft monitoring and newer biomarkers, potentially lengthening graft survival rates further. Patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus who are eligible for pancreas or islet transplantation represent a select group, the tip of the iceberg for a significant global diabetes disease burden. In the last 50 years, there have been quantum advances in alternative technologies in diabetes therapy, both experimental and translational. Further development and improved access are required to treat the larger proportion of people suffering from diabetes. Emerging stem cell therapy is still experimental whereas alternatives including automated insulin delivery systems and islet cell transplantation are already used in some countries. Whilst automated insulin delivery systems have increased in efficacy, they still do not achieve the near physiological control of blood sugar, which can be achieved by successful pancreas or islet transplantation. This state-of-the-art review provides a summary of pancreas and islet transplantation to its current place in diabetes therapy, along with alternative and future therapies, including the obstacles associated with the dissemination of these new therapies. With the advent of these modern cellular and technological advances, this review addresses the question: are we entering an era where whole organ pancreas transplantation could be replaced entirely by modern technological advances in diabetes therapy?
Body size as a magic trait in two plant-feeding insect species
Authors: Glover Ashleigh N , Bendall Emily E , Terbot John W , Payne Nicole , Webb Avery , Filbeck Ashley , Norman Gavin , Linnen Catherine R
Published: March 2023

When gene flow accompanies speciation, recombination can decouple divergently selected loci and loci conferring reproductive isolation. This barrier to sympatric divergence disappears when assortative mating and disruptive selection involve the same “magic” trait. Although magic traits could be widespread, the relative importance of different types of magic traits to speciation remains unclear. Because body size frequently contributes to host adaptation and assortative mating in plant-feeding insects, we evaluated several magic trait predictions for this trait in a pair of sympatric Neodiprion sawfly species adapted to different pine hosts. A large morphological dataset revealed that sawfly adults from populations and species that use thicker-needled pines are consistently larger than those that use thinner-needled pines. Fitness data from recombinant backcross females revealed that egg size is under divergent selection between the preferred pines. Lastly, mating assays revealed strong size-assortative mating within and between species in three different crosses, with the strongest prezygotic isolation between populations that have the greatest interspecific size differences. Together, our data support body size as a magic trait in pine sawflies and possibly many other plant-feeding insects. Our work also demonstrates how intraspecific variation in morphology and ecology can cause geographic variation in the strength of prezygotic isolation.
Female preferences between incipient species ofDrosophila athabascareveal divergent closed functions, epistasis, and segregation of veiled preference alleles
Authors: Yukilevich Roman
Published: March 2023

Theoretical models typically assume that speciation is driven by divergence in female preference functions for secondary sexual traits. However, little is known about how these functions diverge between incipient species. This study used song playback experiments and mate choice tests to characterize female preference functions for divergent male courtship songs between two incipient species of Drosophila athabasca complex; D. athabasca (WN) and Drosophila mahican (EA). The study focused on two male song parameters: pulses per burst (PPB) and inter-pulse interval (IPI). Preference functions for PPB were open-ended and lacked species-specificity. In contrast, preference functions for IPI revealed a closed shape, with peak preferences highly divergent between species. Thus, females imposed divergent and ongoing sexual selection on male IPI. Further work demonstrated variation in peak preferences and choosiness for IPI across genetic lines, while F1 hybrid females varied extensively in their mating preferences across different heterospecific line crosses. Finally, F2 female genotypes with foreign single-copy chromosome substitutions showed little to no change in preferences until three or four chromosomes were combined: indicating strong dominance epistasis. These results suggest “veiled” or hidden segregating female preference alleles for male speciation phenotypes. This may explain the rapid speciation observed in this species complex.
Patterns of morphological variation highlight the effect of natural selection on eyespots modularity in the butterflyMorpho telemachus
Authors: Chotard Ariane , Llaurens Violaine , Debat Vincent
Published: March 2023

Morphological correlations can not only stem from developmental constraints but also from selective pressures. Butterfly eyespots are repeated wing color pattern elements, widespread across species. As developmental serial homologs, they are controlled by similar developmental pathways imposing correlations among eyespots: selection on a single eyespot may induce correlated responses in all eyespots. We study the variations in the ventral eyespots of Morpho telemachus, where two different selective regimes are likely to act: while most eyespots are always-visible, two eyespots are conditionally displayed: hidden at rest, they can be exposed when the butterflies are threatened, or during sexual interactions. We investigate how such contrasted selection across eyespots can alter the covariations imposed by their shared developmental origin. We quantified eyespots covariations within a large population of M. telemachus and compared the observed patterns to those found in M. helenor, where all eyespots are always-visible and thus probably affected by a similar selection regime. We found that M. telemachus conditionally displayed eyespots are less variable than always-visible eyespots and that these two eyespots form a separate variational module in this species, in contrast to M. helenor. Our results suggest that eyespots covariations were shaped by selection, highlighting how natural selection may promote the evolution of modularity.
Digest: The non-redundancy of non-ephemeral reproductive isolation
Authors: Anderson Sean A S , Anspach Tayte
Published: March 2023

What factors determine the stability of intrinsic reproductive barriers in the face of hybridization? In a set of theoretical analyses, Xiong and Mallet (2022) show that intrinsic incompatibilities are more prone to collapse when the incompatible genotypes encode biological functions with redundant genetic bases. These findings suggest that stable reproductive barriers often will be based on non-redundant genetic complexes that evolve among diverging lineages.
Digest: A new tool will illuminate patterns of morphological integration
Authors: Sheets Alec D , Cortés Dariel , Rader Jonathan A
Published: March 2023

Morphological integration is the result of natural selection influencing the evolution of multiple morphological traits simultaneously. Understanding how and why morphological traits covary is fundamental to uncovering the processes that drive phenotypic diversity. In a new study, Conaway and Adams (2022) review the utility of several methods for quantifying morphological integration and provide a new metric that will facilitate broad, novel comparisons of morphological integration among taxa and between different morphological features.
Socioeconomic deprivation, medical services accessibility, and income-related health inequality among older Chinese adults: evidence from a national longitudinal survey from 2011 to 2018
Authors: Yang Jing , Zhong Qiao , Liao Zangyi , Pan Changjian , Fan Qiuyan
Published: March 2023

Background

Health inequality poses a challenge to improving the quality of life of older adults as well as the service system. The literature rarely explores the moderating role of medical services accessibility in the association between socioeconomic deprivation and health inequality.

Objective

This study examines the socioeconomic deprivation and medical services accessibility associated with health inequality among older Chinese adults, which will contribute to the medical policy reform.

Methods

Using data from the 2011, 2014, and 2018 waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), we analyse 14,232 older adults. This paper uses a concentration index (CI) to measure the income-related health inequality among the target population and employs a recentered influence function–concentration index–ordinary least squares (RIF-CI-OLS) model to empirically analyse the correlation between socioeconomic deprivation and health inequality among older Chinese adults. Based on the correlation analysis, we discuss the moderating effect of medical services accessibility.

Results

We find that health inequality exists among older Chinese adults and that the relative deprivation in socioeconomic status (SES) is significantly associated with health inequality (β∈  [0.1109,  0.1909], P < 0.01). The correlation between socioeconomic deprivation and health inequality is moderated by medical services accessibility, which means that an increase in medical services accessibility can weaken the correlation between socioeconomic deprivation and health inequality.

Conclusion

China needs an in-depth reform of its medical services accessibility system to promote the equitable distribution of medical services resources, strengthen medical costs and quality management, and ultimately mitigate the SES reason for health inequality among older Chinese adults.
Vir1p, the yeast homolog of virilizer, is required for mRNA m6A methylation and meiosis
Authors: Park Zachory M , Belnap Ethan , Remillard Matthew , Rose Mark D
Published: March 2023

N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) is among the most abundant modifications of eukaryotic mRNAs. mRNA methylation regulates many biological processes including playing an essential role in meiosis. During meiosis in the budding yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, m6A levels peak early, before the initiation of the meiotic divisions. High-throughput studies suggested, and this work confirms that the uncharacterized protein Ygl036wp interacts with Kar4p, a component of the mRNA m6A-methyltransferase complex. Protein structure programs predict that Ygl036wp folds like VIRMA/Virilizer/VIR, which is involved in mRNA m6A-methylation in higher eukaryotes. In addition, Ygl036wp contains conserved motifs shared with VIRMA/Virilizer/VIR. Accordingly, we propose the name VIR1 for budding yeast ortholog of VIRMA/Virilizer/VIR 1. Vir1p interacts with all other members of the yeast methyltransferase complex and is itself required for mRNA m6A methylation and meiosis. In the absence of Vir1p proteins comprising the methyltransferase complex become unstable, suggesting that Vir1p acts as a scaffold for the complex. The vir1Δ/Δ mutant is defective for the premeiotic S-phase, which is suppressed by overexpression of the early meiotic transcription factor IME1; additional overexpression of the translational regulator RIM4 is required for sporulation. The vir1Δ/Δ mutant exhibits reduced levels of IME1 mRNA, as well as transcripts within Ime1p's regulon. Suppression by IME1 revealed an additional defect in the expression of the middle meiotic transcription factor, Ndt80p (and genes in its regulon), which is rescued by overexpression of RIM4. Together, these data suggest that Vir1p is required for cells to initiate the meiotic program and for progression through the meiotic divisions and spore formation.
Association of health literacy with anxiety about COVID-19 under an infectious disease pandemic in Japan
Authors: Kuroda Yujiro , Goto Aya , Koriyama Chihaya , Suzuki Kohta
Published: March 2023

We quantitatively analysed the relationship of health literacy with both anxiety about the COVID-19 outbreak and free-text qualitative data. A questionnaire was mailed to 5450 citizens aged 16–89 years in four prefectures between late April and May 2020. It gauged the level of anxiety about COVID-19, assessed health literacy (HL) on both critical and communicative HL subscales, and invited free-text responses. We compared anxiety levels in three groups of both HL subscales. Text-mining analyses were also conducted among the three HL groups. Two-thirds of respondents reported anxiety about COVID-19, and 42% of them also reported fear. The level of communicative HL was negatively associated with no or low anxiety (p < 0.01), and the same association was observed for critical HL (p < 0.01). Free-text analysis identified 11 categories related to concerns about COVID-19: response of the national government, appreciation of health care practitioners, early convergence, vaccine development, fear of infection, invisible, a school for children, everyday life, information-related issue, novel coronavirus and self-quarantine. Words that were characteristic of the high-HL group were ‘information’, ‘going out’, ‘vaccines’ and ‘government’. This survey reveals high public anxiety under COVID-19, and while anxiety is associated with HL levels, people with higher HL may make more prudent and healthier decisions. In situations of uncertainty, different approaches to alleviate anxiety depending on HL are warranted, providing new insights and contributing to public health measures during the outbreaks.
Machine Learning Approaches to Understand Cognitive Phenotypes in People With HIV
Authors: Mukerji Shibani S , Petersen Kalen J , Pohl Kilian M , Dastgheyb Raha M , Fox Howard S , Bilder Robert M , Brouillette Marie-Josée , Gross Alden L , Scott-Sheldon Lori A J , Paul Robert H , Gabuzda Dana
Published: March 2023

Cognitive disorders are prevalent in people with HIV (PWH) despite antiretroviral therapy. Given the heterogeneity of cognitive disorders in PWH in the current era and evidence that these disorders have different etiologies and risk factors, scientific rationale is growing for using data-driven models to identify biologically defined subtypes (biotypes) of these disorders. Here, we discuss the state of science using machine learning to understand cognitive phenotypes in PWH and their associated comorbidities, biological mechanisms, and risk factors. We also discuss methods, example applications, challenges, and what will be required from the field to successfully incorporate machine learning in research on cognitive disorders in PWH. These topics were discussed at the National Institute of Mental Health meeting on “Biotypes of CNS Complications in People Living with HIV” held in October 2021. These ongoing research initiatives seek to explain the heterogeneity of cognitive phenotypes in PWH and their associated biological mechanisms to facilitate clinical management and tailored interventions.