bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical applications of contactless photoplethysmography for monitoring in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bautista Melissa Joanne , Kowal Mikolaj , Cave Daniel G. W. , Downey Candice , Jayne David G.
Published: May 2023

Contactless photoplethysmography (cPPG) is a method of physiological monitoring. It differs from conventional monitoring methods (e.g., saturation probe) by ensuring no contact with the subject by use of a camera. The majority of research on cPPG is conducted in a laboratory setting or in healthy populations. This review aims to evaluate the current literature on monitoring using cPPG in adults within a clinical setting. Adhering to the Preferred Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA, 2020) guidelines, OVID, Webofscience, Cochrane library, and clinicaltrials.org were systematically searched by two researchers. Research articles using cPPG for monitoring purposes in adults within a clinical setting were selected. Twelve studies with a total of 654 individuals were included. Heart rate (HR) was the most investigated vital sign (n = 8) followed by respiratory rate ((n = 2), Sp02 (n = 2), and HR variability (n = 2). Four studies were included in a meta-analysis of HR compared to ECG data which demonstrated a mean bias of –0.13 (95% CI, –1.22–0.96). This study demonstrates cPPG can be a useful tool in the remote monitoring of patients and has demonstrated accuracy for HR. However, further research is needed into the clinical applications of this method.
Magneto-gravity-elliptic instability
Authors: Salhi Abdelaziz , Cambon Claude
Published: May 2023

Magneto-gravity-elliptic instability is addressed here considering an unbounded strained vortex (with constant vorticity

$2\varOmega$

and with ellipticity parameter

$\varepsilon$

) of a perfectly conducting fluid subjected to a uniform axial magnetic field (with Alfvén velocity scaled from the basic magnetic field

$B)$

and an axial stratification (with a constant Brunt–Väisälä frequency

$N$

). Such a simple model allows us to formulate the stability problem as a system of equations for disturbances in terms of Lagrangian Fourier (or Kelvin) modes which is universal for wavelengths of the perturbation sufficiently small with respect to the scale of variation of the basic velocity gradients. It can model localised patches of elliptic streamlines which often appear in some astrophysical flows (stars, planets and accretion discs) that are tidally deformed through gravitational interaction with other bodies. In the limit case where the flow streamlines are exactly circular (

$\varepsilon =0),$

there are fast and slow magneto-inertia-gravity waves with frequencies

$\omega _{1,2}$

and

$\omega _{3,4},$

respectively. Under the effect of finite ellipticity, the resonant cases of these waves,

$\omega _i-\omega _j=n\varOmega$

 

$(i\ne j)$

(

$n$

being an integer), can become destabilising. The maximal growth rate of the subharmonic instability (related to the resonance of order

$n=2)$

is determined by extending the asymptotic method by Lebovitz & Zweibel (Astrophys. J., vol. 609, 2004, pp. 301–312). The domains of the

$(k_0B/\varOmega, N/\varOmega )$

plane for which this instability operates are identified (

$1/k_0$

being a characteristic length scale). We demonstrate that the

$N\rightarrow 0$

limit is, in fact, singular (discontinuous). The axial stable stratification enhances the subharmonic instability related to the resonance between two slow modes because, at large magnetic field strengths, its maximal growth rate is twice that found in the case without stratification.
RADIOCARBON CALIBRATION: FROM BANE TO BLESSING
Authors: Bronk Ramsey Christopher
Published: May 2023

Temporal and spatial variation in radiocarbon (14C) in the atmosphere has been the subject of investigation from the first pioneering work of Libby and Arnold. However, as the precision of measurements has improved, now by almost two orders of magnitude, what constitutes a significant variation has also changed. Furthermore, it has become possible to test degrees of variation over much longer timescales and with ever wider geographic coverage. As knowledge has improved, the interpretation of 14C measurements has had to be revised. These re-evaluations, and the loss of chronological precision that comes with accurate calibration, have often been seen as an unfortunate drawback in the 14C dating method. However, these problems have stimulated extensive research in global 14C records, statistical methods for dealing with complex 14C data, and measurement methods. This research has provided a wealth of information useful for other scientific challenges, most notably the quantification of the global carbon cycle, but also enabled, in the right circumstances, measurement precision an order of magnitude better than if there had been no variation in atmospheric 14C. Challenges remain but the research undertaken for 14C calibration has, through its ingenuity and innovation, provided rich scientific dividends in both chronology and broader geoscience.
ASSESSING LOCK-IN DEPTH AND ESTABLISHING A LATE HOLOCENE PALEOMAGNETIC SECULAR VARIATION RECORD FROM THE MONGOLIAN ALTAI
Authors: Bliedtner Marcel , Haberzettl Torsten , Nowaczyk Norbert , Bazarradnaa Enkhtuya , Zech Roland , Strobel Paul
Published: May 2023

Although paleomagnetic secular variations (PSV) often corroborate radiocarbon (14C)-based lacustrine sediment chronologies, this is not the case at the high-altitude site Khar Nuur in the Mongolian Altai Mountains. Our results show that the inclination pattern resembles those from a regional reference record from Shireet Naiman Nuur and global geomagnetic field models very well, but with a constant offset of 730 ± 90 yr. Possible reservoir effects from terrestrial pre-aging and hardwater effects can be excluded as the cause of the ∼730-yr offset because the different dated compounds correspond very well to each other, and modern reservoir effects are negligible. Instead, the constant ∼730-yr offset in the PSV pattern is likely the result of a constant lock-in depth of 26 ± 2 cm below the sediment-water interface at Khar Nuur. This assumption is supported by comparison of paleoclimatological proxies from Shireet Naiman Nuur, where similarities are obvious for the 14C-based chronology of Khar Nuur without a ∼730-yr adjustment. Therefore, the previously published 14C-based chronology of Khar Nuur provides a reliable age control. Accepting the lock-in depth of 26 ± 2 cm, the good consistency in inclination between Khar Nuur and global geomagnetic field models highlights the reliability of the latter even in a paleomagnetically understudied area.
ON THE DIVISIBILITY OF SUMS OFq-SUPER CATALAN NUMBERS
Authors: LIU JI-CAI , LI YAN-NI
Published: May 2023

The integrality of the numbers$A_{n,m}={(2n)!(2m)!}/{n!m!(n+m)!}$was observed by Catalan as early as 1874 and Gessel named$A_{n,m}$the super Catalan numbers. The positivity of theq-super Catalan numbers (q-analogue of the super Catalan numbers) was investigated by Warnaar and Zudilin [‘Aq-rious positivity’,Aequationes Math.81(2011), 177–183]. We prove the divisibility of sums ofq-super Catalan numbers, which establishes aq-analogue of Apagodu’s congruence involving super Catalan numbers.
Cohomology in singular blocks of parabolic category
Authors: Gruber Jonathan
Published: May 2023

We determine the dimensions of
$\textrm{Ext}$
-groups between simple modules and dual generalized Verma modules in singular blocks of parabolic versions of category
$\mathcal{O}$
for complex semisimple Lie algebras and affine Kac-Moody algebras.
Fintech Lending and Credit Market Competition
Authors: Chu Yinxiao , Wei Jianxing
Published: May 2023

This article studies how the rise of financial technology (Fintech) lending affects credit access, interest rates, and social welfare. We consider a lending competition model with two incumbent banks and a Fintech lender, which use different information and technologies to assess borrower creditworthiness. We show that Fintech lending could negatively affect high-quality borrowers’ access to credit when the Fintech lender’s screening accuracy is superior to that of the banks. Furthermore, Fintech lending may worsen the allocative efficiency of credit and reduce social welfare under some conditions. Analytical and numerical results suggest that Fintech lending mostly reduces the expected interest rates.
Three-dimensional food printing: its readiness for a food and nutrition insecure world
Authors: Zhong Liezhou , Lewis Joshua R. , Sim Marc , Bondonno Catherine P. , Wahlqvist Mark L. , Mugera Amin , Purchase Sharon , Siddique Kadambot H. M. , Considine Michael J. , Johnson Stuart K. , Devine Amanda , Hodgson Jonathan M.
Published: May 2023

Three-dimensional (3D) food printing is a rapidly emerging technology offering unprecedented potential for customised food design and personalised nutrition. Here, we evaluate the technological advances in extrusion-based 3D food printing and its possibilities to promote healthy and sustainable eating. We consider the challenges in implementing the technology in real-world applications. We propose viable applications for 3D food printing in health care, health promotion and food waste upcycling. Finally, we outline future work on 3D food printing in food safety, acceptability and economics, ethics and regulations.
Two Emphases of Virtue and Vice Epistemology
Authors: Le Morvan Pierre
Published: May 2023

This paper discusses two important emphases of epistemology – of virtue and vice epistemology in particular – one concerning agency and patiency, and the other concerning self-regard and other-regard. The paper offers, for the first time in the literature, a framework in which four types of epistemological work can be categorized according to their respective dual emphases: Type 1 (agent/self-regarding), Type 2 (agent/other-regarding), Type 3 (patient/self-regarding), and Type 4 (patient/other-regarding). The paper also shows how four ways of doing epistemology can be categorized in terms of these four types and draws particular attention to one dubbedother-centering.
Changing adolescent activity patterns and the correlation of self-esteem and externalizing mental health symptoms across time: results from the USA from 1991 through 2020
Authors: Kreski Noah T. , Askari Melanie S. , Cerdá Magdalena , Chen Qixuan , Hasin Deborah S. , Martins Silvia S. , Mauro Pia M. , Olfson Mark , Keyes Katherine M.
Published: May 2023

Background

Common adolescent psychiatric symptoms cluster into two dominant domains: internalizing and externalizing. Both domains are linked to self-esteem, which serves as a protective factor against a wide range of internalizing and externalizing problems. This study examined trends in US adolescents' self-esteem and externalizing symptoms, and their correlation, by sex and patterns of time use.

Methods

Using Monitoring the Future data (N = 338 896 adolescents, grades:8/10/12, years:1991–2020), we generated six patterns of time use using latent profile analysis with 17 behavior items (e.g. sports participation, parties, paid work). Groups were differentiated by high/low engagement in sports and either paid work or high/low peer socialization. Within each group, we mapped annual, sex-stratified means of (and correlation between) self-esteem and externalizing factors. We also examined past-decade rates of change for factor means using linear regression and mapped proportions with top-quartile levels of poor self-esteem, externalizing symptoms, or both.

Results

We found consistent increases in poor self-esteem, decreases in externalizing symptoms, and a positive correlation between the two across nearly all activity groups. We also identified a relatively constant proportion of those with high levels of both in every group. Increases in poor self-esteem were most pronounced for female adolescents with low levels of socializing, among whom externalizing symptoms also increased.

Conclusions

Rising trends in poor self-esteem are consistent across time use groups, as is the existence of a group facing poor self-esteem and externalizing symptoms. Effective interventions for adolescents' poor self-esteem/co-occurring symptoms are needed broadly, but especially among female adolescents with low peer socialization.
Precise positioning in a robotized laser-cutting machine allowed by a three-V-shaped-groove kinematic coupling: a feasibility study
Authors: De Benedictis Carlo , Ferraresi Carlo
Published: May 2023

Devices known as kinematic couplings offer accurate, repeatable, and stiff connections between two parts. They are characterized by point contacts and enable great repeatability with errors less than 1 micron, in contrast to conventional coupling systems like alignment pins or those based on elastic deformation. In this study, a robotized laser-cutting machine is equipped with a three-groove kinematic coupling design to increase the precision of workpiece placement. Given the application’s requirements, a preliminary design of the coupling is defined. An analytical approach is provided for calculating stresses and deflections at the locations where balls and grooves make contact, and it is then utilized to calculate positioning errors caused by the mechanical structure’s elastic deformation under various loading conditions. The outcomes of the simulations are finally discussed and highlight the efficacy of the solution tested.
Minding Rights: Mapping Ethical and Legal Foundations of ‘Neurorights’
Authors: Ligthart Sjors , Ienca Marcello , Meynen Gerben , Molnar-Gabor Fruzsina , Andorno Roberto , Bublitz Christoph , Catley Paul , Claydon Lisa , Douglas Thomas , Farahany Nita , Fins Joseph J. , Goering Sara , Haselager Pim , Jotterand Fabrice , Lavazza Andrea , McCay Allan , Wajnerman Paz Abel , Rainey Stephen , Ryberg Jesper , Kellmeyer Philipp
Published: May 2023

The rise of neurotechnologies, especially in combination with artificial intelligence (AI)-based methods for brain data analytics, has given rise to concerns around the protection of mental privacy, mental integrity and cognitive liberty – often framed as “neurorights” in ethical, legal, and policy discussions. Several states are now looking at including neurorights into their constitutional legal frameworks, and international institutions and organizations, such as UNESCO and the Council of Europe, are taking an active interest in developing international policy and governance guidelines on this issue. However, in many discussions of neurorights the philosophical assumptions, ethical frames of reference and legal interpretation are either not made explicit or conflict with each other. The aim of this multidisciplinary work is to provide conceptual, ethical, and legal foundations that allow for facilitating a common minimalist conceptual understanding of mental privacy, mental integrity, and cognitive liberty to facilitate scholarly, legal, and policy discussions.
A DNA-PK phosphorylation site on MET regulates its signaling interface with the DNA damage response
Authors: Koch Jonas P. , Roth Selina M. , Quintin Aurélie , Gavini Jacopo , Orlando Eleonora , Riedo Rahel , Pozzato Chiara , Hayrapetyan Liana , Aebersold Ruedi , Stroka Deborah M. , Aebersold Daniel M. , Medo Matúš , Zimmer Yitzhak , Medová Michaela
Published: May 2023

The DNA damage response (DDR) is intertwined with signaling pathways downstream of oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). To drive research into the application of targeted therapies as radiosensitizers, a better understanding of this molecular crosstalk is necessary. We present here the characterization of a previously unreported MET RTK phosphosite, Serine 1016 (S1016) that represents a potential DDR-MET interface. MET S1016 phosphorylation increases in response to irradiation and is mainly targeted by DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK). Phosphoproteomics unveils an impact of the S1016A substitution on the overall long-term cell cycle regulation following DNA damage. Accordingly, the abrogation of this phosphosite strongly perturbs the phosphorylation of proteins involved in the cell cycle and formation of the mitotic spindle, enabling cells to bypass a G2 arrest upon irradiation and leading to the entry into mitosis despite compromised genome integrity. This results in the formation of abnormal mitotic spindles and a lower proliferation rate. Altogether, the current data uncover a novel signaling mechanism through which the DDR uses a growth factor receptor system for regulating and maintaining genome stability.
Conditional survival in multiple myeloma and impact of prognostic factors over time
Authors: Abdallah Nadine H. , Smith Alexandra N. , Geyer Susan , Binder Moritz , Greipp Patricia T. , Kapoor Prashant , Dispenzieri Angela , Gertz Morie A. , Baughn Linda B. , Lacy Martha Q. , Hayman Suzanne R. , Buadi Francis K. , Dingli David , Hwa Yi L. , Lin Yi , Kourelis Taxiarchis , Warsame Rahma , Kyle Robert A. , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Kumar Shaji K.
Published: May 2023

Overall survival estimates from diagnosis are valuable for guiding treatment, but do not consider the years already survived. Conditional survival (CS) provides dynamic survival predictions over time. This study was conducted to estimate CS at 1–8 years from diagnosis and the impact of baseline prognostic factors on CS in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. This is a retrospective study including 2556 MM patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2019. CS (t | s) was defined as the probability of surviving t years given survival of s years. Median age was 64 years. Median follow-up was 6.2 years and median overall survival from diagnosis was 7.5 years. The 5-year CS estimates at s = 0, 1, 2, 3, and 5 years were 0.64, 0.61, 0.61, 0.61, and 0.58, respectively. On multivariate analysis, age ≥ 65 and proteasome inhibitor+immunomodulatory-based induction were associated with decreased survival and increased survival, respectively, retained at 5 years. The adverse impact of 1q gain/amplification, high-risk IgH translocation, and ISS-3 was significant at 1 and 3 years but not 5 years. Chromosome 17 abnormality was associated with decreased survival only at 1 year. Among MM patients, 5-year CS was stable at 1–5 years from diagnosis. The prognostic impact of high-risk cytogenetic factors decreased with additional years survived.
Broadening the phenotypic and molecular spectrum of FINCA syndrome: Biallelic NHLRC2 variants in 15 novel individuals
Authors: Sczakiel Henrike L. , Zhao Max , Wollert-Wulf Brigitte , Danyel Magdalena , Ehmke Nadja , Stoltenburg Corinna , Damseh Nadirah , Al-Ashhab Motee , Balci Tugce B. , Osmond Matthew , Andrade Andrea , Schallner Jens , Porrmann Joseph , McDonald Kimberly , Liao Mingjuan , Oppermann Henry , Platzer Konrad , Dierksen Nadine , Mojarrad Majid , Eslahi Atieh , Bakaeean Behnaz , Calame Daniel G. , Lupski James R. , Firoozfar Zahra , Seyedhassani Seyed Mohammad , Mohammadi Seyed Ahmad , Anwaar Najwa , Rahman Fatima , Seelow Dominik , Janz Martin , Horn Denise , Maroofian Reza , Boschann Felix
Published: May 2023

FINCA syndrome [MIM: 618278] is an autosomal recessive multisystem disorder characterized byfibrosis,neurodegeneration andcerebralangiomatosis. To date, 13 patients from nine families with biallelicNHLRC2variants have been published. In all of them, the recurrent missense variant p.(Asp148Tyr) was detected on at least one allele. Common manifestations included lung or muscle fibrosis, respiratory distress, developmental delay, neuromuscular symptoms and seizures often followed by early death due to rapid disease progression.

Here, we present 15 individuals from 12 families with an overlapping phenotype associated with nine novelNHLRC2variants identified by exome analysis. All patients described here presented with moderate to severe global developmental delay and variable disease progression. Seizures, truncal hypotonia and movement disorders were frequently observed. Notably, we also present the first eight cases in which the recurrent p.(Asp148Tyr) variant was not detected in either homozygous or compound heterozygous state.

We cloned and expressed all novel and most previously published non-truncating variants in HEK293-cells. From the results of these functional studies, we propose a potential genotype-phenotype correlation, with a greater reduction in protein expression being associated with a more severe phenotype.

Taken together, our findings broaden the known phenotypic and molecular spectrum and emphasize thatNHLRC2-related disease should be considered in patients presenting with intellectual disability, movement disorders, neuroregression and epilepsy with or without pulmonary involvement.
Endothelial-derived complement factor D contributes to endothelial dysfunction in malignant nephrosclerosis via local complement activation
Authors: Wang Zheng , Zhang Zhe , Li Yuan , Zhang Ying , Wei Min , Li Hui , Yang Shanzhi , Zhou Yali , Zhou Xinjin , Xing Guolan
Published: May 2023

Malignant nephrosclerosis is a thrombotic microangiopathy associated with abnormal local activation of the complement alternative pathway (AP). However, the mechanism underlying local AP activation is not fully understood. We hypothesized that complement factor D (CFD) secreted by endothelial cells triggers vascular dysfunction in malignant nephrosclerosis via local complement activation. We investigated the deposition of CFD in human kidney biopsy tissues and the function of endothelial-derived CFD in endothelial cell cultures. Immunofluorescence microscopy and laser microdissection-targeted mass spectrometry revealed significant deposition of CFD in the kidneys of patients with malignant nephrosclerosis. Conditionally immortalized human glomerular endothelial cells (CiGEnCs) continuously expressed and secreted CFD in vitro. CFD knockdown in CiGEnCs by small interfering RNA reduced local complement activation and attenuated the upregulation of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), von Willebrand factor (VWF), and endothelin-1 (ET-1) induced by Ang II. The expression of CFD in CiGEnCs was significantly higher than that in other types of microvascular endothelial cells. Our findings suggest that (i) glomerular endothelial cells are an important source of local renal CFD, (ii) endothelial-derived CFD can activate the local complement system, and (iii) endothelial-derived CFD mediates endothelial dysfunction, which may play a role in the pathogenesis of malignant nephrosclerosis.
Anatomic considerations of inflatable penile prosthetics: lessons gleaned from surgical body donor workshops
Authors: Osmonov D. , Wilson S. K. , Heinze T. , Heimke M. , Novak J. , Ragheb A. , Köhler T. , Hatzichristodoulou G. , Wedel T.
Published: May 2023

Surgical implantation of an inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) remains the gold-standard treatment for severe erectile dysfunction. The ideal surgical technique requires a thorough understanding of the relevant anatomy. This includes anatomic considerations related to, but not limited to, dissection and exposure of penoscrotal fasciae and tissues, corporal configuration, and abdominal structures. Insights obtained from pre-dissected anatomic specimens can obviate urethral injury, nerve damage, corporal perforation, inappropriate sizing, crossover, or implant malposition. We present penile implant-specific anatomic dissections and topographic landmarks identified over the last decade in the course of surgical training programs provided for IPP implantation.
Fast rotating blue stragglers prefer loose clusters
Authors: Ferraro Francesco R. , Mucciarelli Alessio , Lanzoni Barbara , Pallanca Cristina , Cadelano Mario , Billi Alex , Sills Alison , Vesperini Enrico , Dalessandro Emanuele , Beccari Giacomo , Monaco Lorenzo , Mateo Mario
Published: May 2023

Blue stragglers are anomalously luminous core hydrogen-burning stars formed through mass-transfer in binary/triple systems and stellar collisions. Their physical and evolutionary properties are largely unknown and unconstrained. Here we analyze 320 high-resolution spectra of blue stragglers collected in eight galactic globular clusters with different structural characteristics and show evidence that the fraction of fast rotating blue stragglers (with rotational velocities larger than 40 km/s) increases for decreasing central density of the host system. This trend suggests that fast spinning blue stragglers prefer low-density environments and promises to open an unexplored route towards understanding the evolutionary processes of these stars. Since large rotation rates are expected in the early stages of both formation channels, our results provide direct evidence for recent blue straggler formation activity in low-density environments and put strong constraints on the timescale of the collisional blue straggler slow-down processes.
Clinical efficacy and biomarker analysis of dual PD-1/CTLA-4 blockade in recurrent/metastatic EBV-associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Lim Darren Wan-Teck , Kao Hsiang-Fong , Suteja Lisda , Li Constance H. , Quah Hong Sheng , Tan Daniel Shao-Weng , Tan Sze-Huey , Tan Eng-Huat , Tan Wan-Ling , Lee Justina Nadia , Wee Felicia Yu-Ting , Jain Amit , Goh Boon-Cher , Chua Melvin L. K. , Liao Bin-Chi , Ng Quan Sing , Hong Ruey-Long , Ang Mei-Kim , Yeong Joe Poh-Sheng , Iyer N. Gopalakrishna
Published: May 2023

Single-agent checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) activity in Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) related nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is limited. Dual CPI shows increased activity in solid cancers. In this single-arm phase II trial (NCT03097939), 40 patients with recurrent/metastatic EBV-positive NPC who failed prior chemotherapy receive nivolumab 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks and ipilimumab 1 mg/kg every 6 weeks. Primary outcome of best overall response rate (BOR) and secondary outcomes (progression-free survival [PFS], clinical benefit rate, adverse events, duration of response, time to progression, overall survival [OS]) are reported. The BOR is 38% with median PFS and OS of 5.3 and 19.5 months, respectively. This regimen is well-tolerated and treatment-related adverse events requiring discontinuation are low. Biomarker analysis shows no correlation of outcomes to PD-L1 expression or tumor mutation burden. While the BOR does not meet pre-planned estimates, patients with low plasma EBV-DNA titre (<7800 IU/ml) trend to better response and PFS. Deep immunophenotyping of pre- and on-treatment tumor biopsies demonstrate early activation of the adaptive immune response, with T-cell cytotoxicity seen in responders prior to any clinically evident response. Immune-subpopulation profiling also identifies specific PD-1 and CTLA-4 expressing CD8 subpopulations that predict for response to combined immune checkpoint blockade in NPC.
Emergence of ferroelectricity in a nonferroelectric monolayer
Authors: Li Wenhui , Zhang Xuanlin , Yang Jia , Zhou Song , Song Chuangye , Cheng Peng , Zhang Yi-Qi , Feng Baojie , Wang Zhenxing , Lu Yunhao , Wu Kehui , Chen Lan
Published: May 2023

Ferroelectricity in ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) materials has attracted broad interest due to potential applications in nonvolatile memory, nanoelectronics and optoelectronics. However, ferroelectricity is barely explored in materials with native centro or mirror symmetry, especially in the 2D limit. Here, we report the first experimental realization of room-temperature ferroelectricity in van der Waals layered GaSe down to monolayer with mirror symmetric structures, which exhibits strong intercorrelated out-of-plane and in-plane electric polarization. The origin of ferroelectricity in GaSe comes from intralayer sliding of the Se atomic sublayers, which breaks the local structural mirror symmetry and forms dipole moment alignment. Ferroelectric switching is demonstrated in nano devices fabricated with GaSe nanoflakes, which exhibit exotic nonvolatile memory behavior with a high channel current on/off ratio. Our work reveals that intralayer sliding is a new approach to generate ferroelectricity within mirror symmetric monolayer, and offers great opportunity for novel nonvolatile memory devices and optoelectronics applications.
Interfacial interaction and intense interfacial ultraviolet light emission at an incoherent interface
Authors: Yan Xuexi , Jiang Yixiao , Jin Qianqian , Yao Tingting , Wang Weizhen , Tao Ang , Gao Chunyang , Li Xiang , Chen Chunlin , Ye Hengqiang , Ma Xiu-Liang
Published: May 2023

Incoherent interfaces with large mismatches usually exhibit very weak interfacial interactions so that they rarely generate intriguing interfacial properties. Here we demonstrate unexpected strong interfacial interactions at the incoherent AlN/Al2O3 (0001) interface with a large mismatch by combining transmission electron microscopy, first-principles calculations, and cathodoluminescence spectroscopy. It is revealed that strong interfacial interactions have significantly tailored the interfacial atomic structure and electronic properties. Misfit dislocation networks and stacking faults are formed at this interface, which is rarely observed at other incoherent interfaces. The band gap of the interface reduces significantly to ~ 3.9 eV due to the competition between the elongated Al-N and Al-O bonds across the interface. Thus this incoherent interface can generate a very strong interfacial ultraviolet light emission. Our findings suggest that incoherent interfaces can exhibit strong interfacial interactions and unique interfacial properties, thereby opening an avenue for the development of related heterojunction materials and devices.
Prior math achievement and inventive production predict learning from productive failure
Authors: Kapur Manu , Saba Janan , Roll Ido
Published: May 2023

A frequent concern about constructivist instruction is that it works well, mainly for students with higher domain knowledge. We present findings from a set of two quasi-experimental pretest-intervention-posttest studies investigating the relationship between prior math achievement and learning in the context of a specific type of constructivist instruction, Productive Failure. Students from two Singapore public schools with significantly different prior math achievement profiles were asked to design solutions to complex problems prior to receiving instruction on the targeted concepts. Process results revealed that students who were significantly dissimilar in prior math achievement seemed to be strikingly similar in terms of their inventive production, that is, the variety of solutions they were able to design. Interestingly, it was inventive production that had a stronger association with learning from PF than pre-existing differences in math achievement. These findings, consistent across both topics, demonstrate the value of engaging students in opportunities for inventive production while learning math, regardless of prior math achievement.
Low-pressure-driven special wettable graphene oxide-based membrane for efficient separation of water-in-oil emulsions
Authors: Baig Nadeem , Abdulazeez Ismail , Aljundi Isam H.
Published: May 2023

Oil and water separation is a significant challenge due to the rapid discharge of oily wastewater. Special wettable membranes have received substantial consideration in emulsified oil/water separation. Here, a superhydrophobic octadecyl-functionalized crosslinked graphene-oxide-grafted ceramic membrane (R18-CLGO-N-CM) was designed to separate water-in-oil emulsions. The selective layer of the ceramic membrane was evaluated using molecular dynamics simulation studies to understand its mechanism and separation capabilities. The underwater oil contact angle on the surface of the R18-CLGO-N-CM was dramatically reduced, from 141.3° ± 1.5° to 0°, and the water contact angle in air increased from 0° to 152.8° ± 0.6°, after functionalization. High hexane permeability was observed in the range of 294 to 311 Lm−2 h−1. The octadecyl-functionalized crosslinked graphene oxide acts as an excellent separating layer to selectively allow oil passage with a separation efficiency of ~99% for water-in-oil emulsion. The designed membranes show excellent antifouling behavior while dealing with water-in-heavy oil emulsions. The surface of the functionalized membrane was restored with a flux recovery ratio of 98.5% by simply treating the surface with dichloromethane while separating the water-in-light oil emulsions. This work shows that the rational functionalization and grafting of 2D materials on the membrane surface can significantly enhance the antifouling characteristics and the separation performance of the membranes.
Resolved imaging confirms a radiation belt around an ultracool dwarf
Authors: Kao Melodie M. , Mioduszewski Amy J. , Villadsen Jackie , Shkolnik Evgenya L.
Published: May 2023

Radiation belts are present in all large-scale Solar System planetary magnetospheres: Earth, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune1. These persistent equatorial zones of relativistic particles up to tens of megaelectron volts in energy can extend further than ten times the planet’s radius, emit gradually varying radio emissions2–4and affect the surface chemistry of close-in moons5. Recent observations demonstrate that very low-mass stars and brown dwarfs, collectively known as ultracool dwarfs, can produce planet-like radio emissions such as periodically bursting aurorae6–8from large-scale magnetospheric currents9–11. They also exhibit slowly varying quiescent radio emissions7,12,13hypothesized to trace low-level coronal flaring14,15despite departing from empirical multiwavelength flare relationships8,15. Here we present high-resolution imaging of the ultracool dwarf LSR J1835 + 3259 at 8.4 GHz, demonstrating that its quiescent radio emission is spatially resolved and traces a double-lobed and axisymmetrical structure that is similar in morphology to the Jovian radiation belts. Up to 18 ultracool dwarf radii separate the two lobes, which are stably present in three observations spanning more than one year. For plasma confined by the magnetic dipole of LSR J1835 + 3259, we estimate 15 MeV electron energies, consistent with Jupiter’s radiation belts4. Our results confirm recent predictions of radiation belts at both ends of the stellar mass sequence8,16–19and support broader re-examination of rotating magnetic dipoles in producing non-thermal quiescent radio emissions from brown dwarfs7, fully convective M dwarfs20and massive stars18,21.
Spectroscopic identification of water emission from a main-belt comet
Authors: Kelley Michael S. P. , Hsieh Henry H. , Bodewits Dennis , Saki Mohammad , Villanueva Geronimo L. , Milam Stefanie N. , Hammel Heidi B.
Published: May 2023

Main-belt comets are small Solar System bodies located in the asteroid belt that repeatedly exhibit comet-like activity (that is, dust comae or tails) during their perihelion passages, strongly indicating ice sublimation1,2. Although the existence of main-belt comets implies the presence of extant water ice in the asteroid belt, no gas has been detected around these objects despite intense scrutiny with the world’s largest telescopes3. Here we present James Webb Space Telescope observations that clearly show that main-belt comet 238P/Read has a coma of water vapour, but lacks a significant CO2 gas coma. Our findings demonstrate that the activity of comet Read is driven by water–ice sublimation, and implies that main-belt comets are fundamentally different from the general cometary population. Whether or not comet Read experienced different formation circumstances or evolutionary history, it is unlikely to be a recent asteroid belt interloper from the outer Solar System. On the basis of these results, main-belt comets appear to represent a sample of volatile material that is currently unrepresented in observations of classical comets and the meteoritic record, making them important for understanding the early Solar System’s volatile inventory and its subsequent evolution.
Oxytocin receptor antagonism during early vocal learning reduces song preference and imitation in zebra finches
Authors: Pilgeram Natalie R. , Baran Nicole M. , Bhise Aditya , Davis Matthew T. , Iverson Erik N. K. , Kim Emily , Lee Sumin , Rodriguez-Saltos Carlos A. , Maney Donna L.
Published: May 2023

In species with vocal learning, acquiring species-typical vocalizations relies on early social orienting. In songbirds, for example, learning song requires dynamic social interactions with a “tutor” during an early sensitive period. Here, we hypothesized that the attentional and motivational processes that support song learning recruit the oxytocin system, which is well-understood to play a role in social orienting in other species. Juvenile male zebra finches naïve to song were each tutored by two unfamiliar adult males. Before exposure to one tutor, juveniles were injected subcutaneously with oxytocin receptor antagonist (OTA; ornithine vasotocin) and before exposure to the other, saline (control). Treatment with OTA reduced behaviors associated with approach and attention during tutoring sessions. Using a novel operant paradigm to measure preference while balancing exposure to the two tutor songs, we showed that the juveniles preferred to hear the song of the control tutor. Their adult songs more closely resembled the control tutor’s song, and the magnitude of this difference was predicted by early preference for control over OTA song. Overall, oxytocin antagonism during exposure to a tutor seemed to bias juveniles against that tutor and his song. Our results suggest that oxytocin receptors are important for socially-guided vocal learning.
Repurposing of drugs against methyltransferase as potential Zika virus therapies
Authors: Shukla Rohit , Chandra Anshuman , Kumar Anuj , Kandpal Pallavi , Avashthi Himanshu , Goel Vijay Kumar , Qamar Imteyaz , Singh Nagendra , Kelvin David J. , Singh Tiratha Raj
Published: May 2023

In recent years, the outbreak of infectious disease caused by Zika Virus (ZIKV) has posed a major threat to global public health, calling for the development of therapeutics to treat ZIKV disease. Several possible druggable targets involved in virus replication have been identified. In search of additional potential inhibitors, we screened 2895 FDA-approved compounds using Non-Structural Protein 5 (NS5) as a target utilizing virtual screening of in-silco methods. The top 28 compounds with the threshold of binding energy −7.2 kcal/mol value were selected and were cross-docked on the three-dimensional structure of NS5 using AutoDock Tools. Of the 2895 compounds screened, five compounds (Ceforanide, Squanavir, Amcinonide, Cefpiramide, and Olmesartan_Medoxomil) ranked highest based on filtering of having the least negative interactions with the NS5 and were selected for Molecular Dynamic Simulations (MDS) studies. Various parameters such as RMSD, RMSF, Rg, SASA, PCA and binding free energy were calculated to validate the binding of compounds to the target, ZIKV-NS5. The binding free energy was found to be −114.53, −182.01, −168.19, −91.16, −122.56, and −150.65 kJ mol−1for NS5-SFG, NS5-Ceforanide, NS5-Squanavir, NS5-Amcinonide, NS5-Cefpiramide, and NS5-Ol_Me complexes respectively. The binding energy calculations suggested Cefpiramide and Olmesartan_Medoxomil (Ol_Me) as the most stable compounds for binding to NS5, indicating a strong rationale for their use as lead compounds for development of ZIKV inhibitors. As these drugs have been evaluated on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics parameters only, in vitro and in vivo testing and their impact on Zika viral cell culture may suggest their clinical trials on ZIKV patients.
Circular mitochondrial-encoded mRNAs are a distinct subpopulation of mitochondrial mRNA in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Smoniewski Clara M. , Mirzavand Borujeni Poorya , Petersen Austin , Hampton Marshall , Salavati Reza , Zimmer Sara L.
Published: May 2023

Since the first identification of circular RNA (circRNA) in viral-like systems, reports of circRNAs and their functions in various organisms, cell types, and organelles have greatly expanded. Here, we report the first evidence, to our knowledge, of circular mRNA in the mitochondrion of the eukaryotic parasite, Trypanosoma brucei. While using a circular RT-PCR technique developed to sequence mRNA tails of mitochondrial transcripts, we found that some mRNAs are circularized without an in vitro circularization step normally required to produce PCR products. Starting from total in vitro circularized RNA and in vivo circRNA, we high-throughput sequenced three transcripts from the 3′ end of the coding region, through the 3′ tail, to the 5′ start of the coding region. We found that fewer reads in the circRNA libraries contained tails than in the total RNA libraries. When tails were present on circRNAs, they were shorter and less adenine-rich than the total population of RNA tails of the same transcript. Additionally, using hidden Markov modelling we determined that enzymatic activity during tail addition is different for circRNAs than for total RNA. Lastly, circRNA UTRs tended to be shorter and more variable than those of the same transcript sequenced from total RNA. We propose a revised model of Trypanosome mitochondrial tail addition, in which a fraction of mRNAs is circularized prior to the addition of adenine-rich tails and may act as a new regulatory molecule or in a degradation pathway.
Third harmonic imaging contrast from tubular structures in the presence of index discontinuity
Authors: Morizet Joséphine , Olivier Nicolas , Mahou Pierre , Boutillon Arthur , Stringari Chiara , Beaurepaire Emmanuel
Published: May 2023

Accurate interpretation of third harmonic generation (THG) microscopy images in terms of sample optical properties and microstructure is generally hampered by the presence of excitation field distortions resulting from sample heterogeneity. Numerical methods that account for these artifacts need to be established. In this work, we experimentally and numerically analyze the THG contrast obtained from stretched hollow glass pipettes embedded in different liquids. We also characterize the nonlinear optical properties of 2,2$$'$$

′

-thiodiethanol (TDE), a water-soluble index-matching medium. We find that index discontinuity not only changes the level and modulation amplitude of polarization-resolved THG signals, but can even change the polarization direction producing maximum THG near interfaces. We then show that a finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) modeling strategy can accurately account for contrast observed in optically heterogeneous samples, whereas reference Fourier-based numerical approaches are accurate only in the absence of index mismatch. This work opens perspectives for interpreting THG microscopy images of tubular objects and other geometries.
Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and dyeing performance of novel bis azo dyes derived from benzidine
Authors: Omar Alaa Z. , El-Rahman Mohamed A. , Hamed Ezzat A. , El-Sadany Samir K. , El-atawy Mohamed A.
Published: May 2023

Benzidine was coupled with ethyl cyanoacetate, and malononitrile, to give azo-hydrazo products which in turn were cyclized by using hydrazine and phenyl hydrazine to give 4,4'-([1,1'-biphenyl]-4,4'-diylbis(hydrazin-2-yl-1-ylidene))bis pyrazole derivatives5–7. These compounds were identified by various spectral analysis. The examination of 0.1 M NaOH and 0.1 M HCl in DMF revealed that the λmaxof the synthesized dyes are quite sensitive to pH variation and slightly affected by the coupler moieties. Utilizing the dispersion agent DYEWELL-002, polyester fabric (PE-F) was dyed in water. The color strength (K/S), its summation (K/Ssum), dye exhaustion (%E) and reflectance values were measured and discussed. The DFT method estimates the chemical descriptor parameters of the titled dyes, using B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) level to investigate the performance of dyes as well as to postulate a mechanism of dyeing process.
High-performance selective NO2 gas sensor based on In2O3–graphene–Cu nanocomposites
Authors: Khort Alexander , Haiduk Yulyan , Taratyn Igor , Moskovskikh Dmitry , Podbolotov Kirill , Usenka Alexandra , Lapchuk Natalia , Pankov Vladimir
Published: May 2023

The control of atmosphere content and concentration of specific gases are important tasks in many industrial processes, agriculture, environmental and medical applications. Thus there is a high demand to develop new advanced materials with enhanced gas sensing characteristics including high gas selectivity. Herein we report the result of a study on the synthesis, characterization, and investigation of gas sensing properties of In2O3–graphene–Cu composite nanomaterials for sensing elements of single-electrode semiconductor gas sensors. The nanocomposite has a closely interconnected and highly defective structure, which is characterized by high sensitivity to various oxidizing and reducing gases and selectivity to NO2. The In2O3-based materials were obtained by sol–gel method, by adding 0–6 wt% of pre-synthesized graphene–Cu powder into In-containing gel before xerogel formation. The graphene–Cu flakes played the role of centers for In2O3 nucleation and then crystal growth terminators. This led to the formation of structural defects, influencing the surface energy state and concentration of free electrons. The concentration of defects increases with the increase of graphene–Cu content from 1 to 4 wt%, which also affects the gas-sensing properties of the nanocomposites. The sensors show a high sensing response to both oxidizing (NO2) and reducing (acetone, ethanol, methane) gases at an optimal working heating current of 91–161 mA (280–510 °C). The sensor with nanocomposite with 4 wt% of graphene–Cu additive showed the highest sensitivity to NO2 (46 ppm) in comparison with other tested gases with an absolute value of sensing response of (− ) 225 mV at a heating current of 131 mA (430 °C) and linear dependence of sensing response to NO2 concentration.
Outcomes of prostate cancer patients after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy compared with open radical prostatectomy in Korea
Authors: Jung Jaehun , Bae Gi Hwan , Kim Jae Heon , Kim Jaehong
Published: May 2023

Limited evidence exists regarding the value of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in promoting health outcomes in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) in Korea, prompting a study to determine its clinical impact. The study included 15,501 patients with PCa who underwent RARP (n = 12,268) or radical prostatectomy (RP) (n = 3,233) between 2009 and 2017. The outcomes were compared using a Cox proportional hazards model after propensity score matching. Hazard ratios of all-cause overall mortality after RARP compared to that after RP within 3 and 12 months were (6.72, 2.00–22.63, p = 0.002) and (5.55, 3.31–9.31, p < 0.0001), respectively. The RARP group in four hospitals with the largest PCa surgery volume during the study period had worse percentile deaths than the total RARP patients within 3- (1.6% vs. 0.63%) and 12-month post-op (6.76% vs. 2.92%). The RARP group showed specific surgical complications, like pneumonia and renal failure, more than the RP group. A significantly higher short-term mortality and only modestly lower surgical complications occurred in RARP than RP group. RARP performance status may not be superior to that of RP as previously reported and perceived, possibly due to increased robotic surgery in the elderly. More meticulous measures are needed for robotic surgery in the elderly.