bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early postoperative outcome after carotid artery endarterectomy with	bifurcation advancement
Authors: Moehle Felix L. , Krueger Bernard , Menges Anna-Leonie , Rancic Zoran , Zimmermann Alexander
Published: May 2023

Summary: Background: The aim of this study is to review the single center experience in surgical treatment of carotid artery disease (CAD) using bifurcation advancement carotid endarterectomy (BA-CEA) and compare the in-hospital outcome with one of the largest nationwide carotid endarterectomy (CEA) databases worldwide, the German statutory quality assurance database (GD). Patients and methods: Data of BA-CEA procedures in the period of 2006–2015 were analyzed retrospectively. The primary endpoint was defined as combined stroke and death rate. Secondarily, isolated stroke, TIA, patient death, myocardial infarction, major neck hematoma and cranial nerve injuries were analyzed. Symptomatic and asymptomatic CAD patients were divided into two subgroups. The results were compared to extracted published data from the German database (GD). Results: Of 239 included BA-CEA procedures 188 (78.7%) procedures were carried out in patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis. The overall perioperative combined stroke and death rate after BA-CEA was 2.5%. Five (2.1%) patients suffered from a stroke (one minor and four major strokes), of which two hemorrhagic strokes ended fatally. Overall, four (1.7%) patients died perioperatively. The combined stroke and death rate was higher in the symptomatic subgroup (3.2%; 0% in the asymptomatic group). No significant differences were found between the results of BA-CEA and the German database (n=142’074) for combined stroke and death rates and isolated stroke. Significant differences were found among the overall mortality rate (BA-CEA: 1.7% vs. GD: 0.6, p=0.04). The risk of postoperative cranial nerve injuries was also significantly higher after BA-CEA overall (BA-CEA: 5.0% vs. GD: 1.2%, p=<0.0001), in symptomatic CAD patients (BA-CEA: 4.8% vs. GD: 1.2%, p=<0.0001) and in asymptomatic CAD patients (BA-CEA: 5.9% vs. GD: 1.3%, p=0.01). Conclusions: CEA with bifurcation advancement provides comparable perioperative results, focusing on combined stroke and mortality, but seems to have some technical drawbacks, which may lead to more frequent local neurological complications.
Behavioral Activation by Wearable Devices in Patients with Late-Life Depression
Authors: Wuttke Alexandra , Steinmetz Annika , Endres Kristina , Simon Perikles , Fellgiebel Andreas , Haller Nils
Published: May 2023

Abstract: Background: We examine the potential of behavioral activation by wearable devices in inpatients with late-life depression (LLD). Methods: In randomized order, 17 inpatients with LLD wore a GPS watch that either allowed monitoring their activity level or had a disabled activity display. The patients answered questionnaires repeatedly in addition to completing an ambulatory assessment of biopsychological stress. Results: Acceptance and satisfaction were high. We found short-term differential effects of the randomization order, with patients first in the control group being more active but also more stressed. A high number of missing values limits the informative value of ambulatory assessment. Conclusions: The intervention was feasible and well accepted. However, the effect of continuous feedback on activity levels in a crossover design needs to be critically reassessed.
Equitable Data Governance Models for the Participatory Sciences
Authors: Cooper Caren , Martin Vincent , Wilson Omega , Rasmussen Lisa
Published: May 2023

When participants share data to a central entity, those who have taken on the responsibility of accepting the data and handling its management may also have control of decisions about the data, including its use, re‐use, accessibility, and more. Such concentrated control of data is often a default practice across many forms of participatory sciences, which can be extractive in some contexts and a way to protect participants in other contexts. To avoid extractive practices and related harms, projects can adopt structures so that those who make decisions about the data set and/or each datum are different from those responsible for executing the subsequent decisions about data management. We propose two alternative models for improving equity in data governance, each model representing a spectrum of options. With an individualized control model, each participant can place their data in a central repository while still retaining control of it, such as through simple opt‐in or opt‐out features or through blockchain technology. With a shared control model, representatives of salient participant groups, such as through participant advisory boards, collectively make decisions on behalf of their constituents. These equitable models are relevant to all participatory science systems, and particularly necessary in contexts where dominant‐culture institutions engage marginalized peoples.
The Role of Tropical Cyclone on Changjiang River Subaqueous Delta Geomorphology: A Numerical Investigation of Tropical Cyclone Danas (2019)
Authors: Tang Bixuan , Zhang Fan , Jia Jianjun , Feng Zhixuan , Tang Jieping , Xing Fei , Wang Ya Ping
Published: May 2023

Subaqueous deltas are facing growing threats of erosion. Tropical cyclones (TCs), which are predicted to affect mid‐latitude estuaries more frequently with higher intensity in the future, can play an important role in subaqueous delta geomorphology change. Nevertheless, direct in situ measurement of TC‐induced bed elevation change (BEC) was rarely reported before. In this study, four tripods were deployed at different parts of the Changjiang River subaqueous delta (CRSD) to capture BEC during TCs in July 2019. Rapid erosion (20 mm day−1) during TC Danas (2019) was observed by high precision bed elevation measurement, over 10 times faster than that during calm weather conditions. Moreover, the recorded rates of BEC varied substantially among these stations. A coupled three‐dimensional wave‐current‐sediment model was then developed for the CRSD to help understand the spatial variability of observed BEC. The model results showed two striking features of BEC during TC Danas: (a) enhanced sediment accretion near the sharp bottom salinity front offshore of the north channel; (b) marked erosion near the front of CRSD. Further analysis showed that the converging bottom currents in concert with enhanced sediment resuspension during TC Danas led to significant convergence of sediment flux near the bottom salinity front. In addition, the diverging isobaths along the front of the CRSD resulted in the onshore deviation of bottom current and diverging sediment flux under the downwelling‐favorable winds of Danas. Many TCs in the CRSD generate similar downwelling‐favorable winds and currents, growing TC threats in the future may therefore exacerbate erosion in this region.
Determining ULF Wave Contributions to Geomagnetically Induced Currents: The Important Role of Sampling Rate
Authors: Hartinger Michael D. , Shi Xueling , Rodger Craig J. , Fujii Ikuko , Rigler E. Joshua , Kappler Karl , Matzka Jürgen , Love Jeffrey J. , Baker Joseph B. H. , Mac Manus Daniel H. , Dalzell Michael , Petersen Tanja
Published: May 2023

Past studies found that large‐amplitude geomagnetically induced current (GIC) related to magnetospheric Ultra Low Frequency (ULF) waves tend to be associated with periods >120 s at magnetic latitudes >60°, with comparatively (a) smaller GIC amplitudes at lower latitudes and shorter wave periods and (b) fewer reports of waves associated with GIC at lower latitudes. ULF wave periods generally decrease with decreasing latitude; thus, we examine whether these trends might be due, in part, to the undersampling of ULF wave fields in commonly available measurements with 60 s sampling intervals. We use geomagnetic field (B), geoelectric field (E), and GIC measurements with 0.5–10 s sampling intervals during the 29–31 October 2003 geomagnetic storm to show that waves with periods <∼120 s were present during times with the largest amplitude E and GIC variations. These waves contributed to roughly half the maximum E and GIC values, including during times with the maximum GIC values reported over a 14‐year monitoring interval in New Zealand. The undersampling of wave periods <120 s in 60 s measurements can preclude identification of the cause of the GIC during some time intervals. These results indicate (a) ULF waves with periods ≤120 s are an important contributor to large amplitude GIC variations, (b) the use of 0.1–1.0 Hz sampling rates reveals their contributions to B, E, and GIC, and (c) these waves' contributions are likely strongest at magnetic latitudes <60° where ULF waves often have periods <120 s.
El Niño‐Southern Oscillation Modulation of Springtime Diurnal Rainfall Over a Tropical Indian Ocean Island
Authors: Koralegedara Suranjith Bandara , Huang Wan‐Ru , Tung Po‐Han , Chiang Tzu‐Yang
Published: May 2023

This study analyzes the interannual variability of boreal springtime (March and April) diurnal rainfall (hereafter SDR) over the second biggest Island of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka (SL), and expresses the possible effects of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events in modulating this variability. The analysis is primarily based on high spatiotemporal resolution satellite precipitation estimates and reanalysis data from 2001 to 2019. Results indicate that the SDR in SL exhibited a consistent afternoon peak throughout the study period. In contrast, the SDR's amplitude consists of a notable 2 to 4‐year oscillation period, similar to the oscillation period of ENSO events. Further analysis revealed that the interannual variation of the SDR's amplitude in SL has a negative relationship with the springtime and previous winter sea surface temperature changes in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean covering NINO3.4 and NINO3 regions (referred to as ENSO indices). When there is a winter La Niña (El Niño), the following SDR in SL is more (less) active. A possible explanation is that during La Niña (El Niño) years, the region around SL experienced an enhanced (suppressed) cyclonic circulation, enhanced (suppressed) large‐scale moisture flux convergence, and enhanced (suppressed) local‐scale diurnal varying moisture flux convergence, leading to an increase (decrease) in the potential for rainfall and more (less) active SDR over SL. These findings highlight the potential to use ENSO indices to predict the interannual variation of SDR activities over SL.
Unequal Health Risks of Integrated Volatile Organic Compounds Emitted From Various Anthropogenic Sources
Authors: Liu Yuzhe , Wu Di , Yi Jinrun , Chen Xiu , Shao Yuankai , Liu Anlin , Chen Jianmin , Li Qing
Published: May 2023

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from anthropogenic sources are critical precursors to ozone and secondary organic aerosol (SOA), and potential contributors to health risks. However, quantitatively estimating the impact of these source‐derived VOCs on air quality and health is limited by their diverse chemical compositions, resulting in nonselective mass‐based VOC control strategies. To address this issue, we conducted a comprehensive study of typical VOC samples freshly emitted from various flue gases via field‐based measurements and chemical analysis under the same quality control. Our results showed that different source‐specific VOC profiles have unequal sensitivities to chemical reactivity on ozone and SOA formation potential, as well as potential health risks. Mobile sources and residential solid fuel burning were identified as the most sensitive sources of potential secondary pollutants and potential inhalation health risks, respectively. Despite accounting for only 22.7% of the total mass, residential VOCs contributed significantly to both inhalation non‐cancer risk (NCR) (57.4%) and cancer risk (CR) (47.3%). The large inequality between residential VOC emissions and their health risks highlights the necessity of continuously promoting the transition from mass‐based VOC control to effect‐oriented VOC control. This suggests that mobile sources is worth more attention for secondary pollutant formation, while residential solid fuel burning sources should receive more policy priority to reduce health risks.
Current SIDS research: time to resolve conflicting research hypotheses and collaborate
Authors: Goldwater Paul N.
Published: May 2023

From the earliest publications on cot death or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) through to this day, clinical pathology and epidemiology have strongly featured infection as a constant association. Despite mounting evidence of the role of viruses and common toxigenic bacteria in the pathogenesis of SIDS, a growing school of thought featuring a paradigm based on the triple risk hypothesis that encompasses vulnerability through deranged homoeostatic control of arousal and/or cardiorespiratory function has become the mainstream view and now dominates SIDS research. The mainstream hypothesis rarely acknowledges the role of infection despite its notional potential role as a cofactor in the triple hit idea. Decades of mainstream research that has focussed on central nervous system homoeostatic mechanisms of arousal, cardiorespiratory control and abnormal neurotransmission has not been able to provide consistent answers to the SIDS enigma. This paper examines the disparity between these two schools of thought and calls for a collaborative approach.

Impact

The popular research hypothesis explaining sudden infant death syndrome features the triple risk hypothesis with central nervous system homoeostatic mechanisms controlling arousal and cardiorespiratory function. Intense investigation has not yielded convincing results. There is a necessity to consider other plausible hypotheses (e.g., common bacterial toxin hypothesis).

The review scrutinises the triple risk hypothesis and CNS control of cardiorespiratory function and arousal and reveals its flaws.

Infection-based hypotheses with their strong SIDS risk factor associations are reviewed in a new context.
Effects of a virtual voice-based coach delivering problem-solving treatment on emotional distress and brain function: a pilot RCT in depression and anxiety
Authors: Kannampallil Thomas , Ajilore Olusola A. , Lv Nan , Smyth Joshua M. , Wittels Nancy E. , Ronneberg Corina R. , Kumar Vikas , Xiao Lan , Dosala Susanth , Barve Amruta , Zhang Aifeng , Tan Kevin C. , Cao Kevin P. , Patel Charmi R. , Gerber Ben S. , Johnson Jillian A. , Kringle Emily A. , Ma Jun
Published: May 2023

Consumer-based voice assistants have the ability to deliver evidence-based treatment, but their therapeutic potential is largely unknown. In a pilot trial of a virtual voice-based coach, Lumen, delivering problem-solving treatment, adults with mild-to-moderate depression and/or anxiety were randomized to the Lumen intervention (n = 42) or waitlist control (n = 21). The main outcomes included changes in neural measures of emotional reactivity and cognitive control, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS] symptom scores over 16 weeks. Participants were 37.8 years (SD = 12.4), 68% women, 25% Black, 24% Latino, and 11% Asian. Activation of the right dlPFC (neural region of interest in cognitive control) decreased in the intervention group but increased in the control group, with an effect size meeting the prespecified threshold for a meaningful effect (Cohen’s d = 0.3). Between-group differences in the change in activation of the left dlPFC and bilateral amygdala were observed, but were of smaller magnitude (d = 0.2). Change in right dlPFC activation was also meaningfully associated (r ≥ 0.4) with changes in self-reported problem-solving ability and avoidance in the intervention. Lumen intervention also led to decreased HADS depression, anxiety, and overall psychological distress scores, with medium effect sizes (Cohen’s d = 0.49, 0.51, and 0.55, respectively), compared with the waitlist control group. This pilot trial showed promising effects of a novel digital mental health intervention on cognitive control using neuroimaging and depression and anxiety symptoms, providing foundational evidence for a future confirmatory study.
Working and training through COVID-19 - completion of UK dental foundation training portfolios: a two-cohort study
Authors: Karia Shyam , Joseph Julian R. , Simms Melanie L. , Atkin Philip A.
Published: May 2023

Introduction In March 2020, a cohort of dental foundation trainees (DFTs) were affected by the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, in September 2020, a second cohort of DFTs began their training, with COVID-19 still affecting provision of primary dental care.

Aims To study the effects of COVID-19 on these two cohorts by surveying Wales' dental core trainees (DCTs) who had been undertaking dental foundation training (DFTg) in 2019/20 and 2020/21.

Materials and methods Following ethical approval, we conducted two online surveys for the 2019/20 and 2020/21 DFTs' cohorts. We compared and contrasted their reported completion of various DFTg curriculum components and any additional skills derived from redeployment.

Results A response rate of 52% was achieved for both surveys. All participants successfully completed DFTg; although, some small differences were noted between the cohorts and their ability to fulfil all their portfolio requirements.

Discussion Despite the effects of COVID-19, all DFTs were able to demonstrate completion of curriculum elements. The redeployment of three DFTs enhanced their learning. This was comparable to reports from other DFTs who were redeployed in the pandemic.

Conclusions All DCTs surveyed from both cohorts successfully completed their DFTg portfolios. In some cases, additional skills were developed, which in the absence of the pandemic, may not have been the case.
PRMT2 promotes RCC tumorigenesis and metastasis via enhancing WNT5A transcriptional expression
Authors: Li Zhongwei , Chen Chaozhen , Yong Hongmei , Jiang Lei , Wang Pengfei , Meng Sen , Chu Sufang , Li Zhen , Guo Qingxiang , Zheng Junnian , Bai Jin , Li Hailong
Published: May 2023

Protein arginine methyltransferase 2 (PRMT2) is involved in several biological processes via histone methylation and transcriptional regulation. Although PRMT2 has been reported to affect breast cancer and glioblastoma progression, its role in renal cell cancer (RCC) remains unclear. Here, we found that PRMT2 was upregulated in primary RCC and RCC cell lines. We demonstrated that PRMT2 overexpression promoted RCC cell proliferation and motility both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we revealed that PRMT2-mediated H3R8 asymmetric dimethylation (H3R8me2a) was enriched in the WNT5A promoter region and enhanced WNT5A transcriptional expression, leading to activation of Wnt signaling and malignant progression of RCC. Finally, we confirmed that high PRMT2 and WNT5A expression was strongly correlated with poor clinicopathological characteristics and poor overall survival in RCC patient tissues. Our findings indicate that PRMT2 and WNT5A may be promising predictive diagnostic biomarkers for RCC metastasis. Our study also suggests that PRMT2 is a novel therapeutic target in patients with RCC.
Vitamin D receptor attenuate ischemia-reperfusion kidney injury via inhibiting ATF4
Authors: Tang Shiqi , Wu Xueqin , Dai Qing , Li Zhi , Yang Shikun , Liu Yan , Yi Bin , Wang Jianwen , Liao Qin , Zhang Wei , Zhang Hao
Published: May 2023

Activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) is one of the key effectors of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), ATF4/CHOP pathway-mediated ERS plays an important role in the progression of acute kidney disease (AKI). We have previously reported that Vitamin D receptor (VDR) exert renoprotection in rodent AKI models. However, whether ATF4, as well as ERS, is involved in the protective effect of VDR in ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) induced AKI is unknown. Herein, we showed that VDR agonist paricalcitol and VDR overexpression alleviated I/R-induced renal injury and cells apoptosis with decreased ATF4 and attenuated ERS, while VDR deletion significantly resulted in further increased ATF4, more drastic ERS and renal injury in I/R mice models. In addition, paricalcitol remarkably reduced Tunicamycin (TM) induced ATF4 and ERS with attenuated renal injury, while VDR deletion aggravated the above changes in TM mice models. Moreover, overexpression of ATF4 partially abolished the effect of paricalcitol against TM-induced ERS and apoptosis, while inhibition of ATF4 enhanced the protective effect of paricalcitol. Bioinformatics analysis indicated potential VDR binding sites on ATF4 promotor sequence which were further confirmed by ChIP-qPCR and dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. In conclusion, VDR attenuated I/R-induced AKI by suppressing ERS partly via transcriptional regulation of ATF4.
Tough and biodegradable polyurethane-silica hybrids with a rapid sol-gel transition for bone repair
Authors: Park Su Jeong , Im Seung Hyuk , Kim Donghak , Park DoYeun , Jung Youngmee , Han Hyung-seop , Kim Soo Hyun , Chung Justin J.
Published: May 2023

Inorganic–organic hybrid materials have promising properties for bone repair because of the covalent bonding between their inorganic and organic phases. This desirable interaction allows the limitations of composite materials, such as inhomogeneous biodegradation rates and nonbiointeractive surfaces, to be overcome. In this study, a polycaprolactone (PCL)-based polyurethane (PU) with an organosilane functional group was synthesized for the first time. Thereafter, a biodegradable PU-silica hybrid was produced through the sol-gel process. The PU-silica hybrid was not only flexible and fully biodegradable but also possessed shape memory ability. In addition, allophanate bonding enabled the silane coupling agent to induce increased crosslinking between the polymer and silica network, as well as between polymer and polymer. Accordingly, the sol-to-gel gelation time required to produce the hybrids was very short, which allowed the production of 3D porous hybrid scaffolds through a simple salt-leaching process. A hybrid scaffold with a 30 wt. % silica composition was the most ideal bone regenerative scaffold since it was able to withstand thermal deformation with promising mechanical properties. Moreover, the hybrid scaffold induced osteogenic differentiation and angiogenesis to accelerate bone regeneration.
Chemically and electronically active metal ions on InAs quantum dots for infrared detectors
Authors: Kim Seongchan , Yeon Sooyeon , Lee Minwoo , Jin Junyoung , Shin Seungki , Gwak Namyoung , Jeong Inyoung , Jang Hyunwoo , Hwang Gyu Weon , Oh Nuri
Published: May 2023

Colloidal InAs quantum dots (QDs) are emerging candidates for NIR-SWIR optoelectronic applications because of their excellent electrical and optical properties. However, the syntheses of InAs QDs, which demand strongly reducing atmospheres or highly reactive precursors, are difficult because of their highly covalent bonding and lack of Group 15 precursors. While the coreduction method with commercially available arsenic precursors enables facile syntheses of InAs QDs, it results in broad size distributions requiring subsequent size-selection processes. In this study, we introduced zinc ions in the form of coordination complexes during coreduction of the indium and arsenic precursors. The Zn ions chemically passivated the surfaces of the InAs QDs, narrowed the size distribution and removed surface defects. When the InAs QDs were integrated into infrared photodiodes as IR absorbers, the surface-attached Zn ions electrically modulated the energy level and carrier concentration. Infrared photodiodes with the InAs:Zn QD layers exhibited dark currents and photoresponses that were two orders of magnitude lower and approximately twice as fast, respectively, as those seen for bare InAs QDs.
Ligand dependent interaction between PC-TP and PPARδ mitigates diet-induced hepatic steatosis in male mice
Authors: Druzak Samuel A. , Tardelli Matteo , Mays Suzanne G. , El Bejjani Mireille , Mo Xulie , Maner-Smith Kristal M. , Bowen Thomas , Cato Michael L. , Tillman Matthew C. , Sugiyama Akiko , Xie Yang , Fu Haian , Cohen David E. , Ortlund Eric A.
Published: May 2023

Phosphatidylcholine transfer protein (PC-TP; synonym StarD2) is a soluble lipid-binding protein that transports phosphatidylcholine (PC) between cellular membranes. To better understand the protective metabolic effects associated with hepatic PC-TP, we generated a hepatocyte-specific PC-TP knockdown (L-Pctp−/−) in male mice, which gains less weight and accumulates less liver fat compared to wild-type mice when challenged with a high-fat diet. Hepatic deletion of PC-TP also reduced adipose tissue mass and decreases levels of triglycerides and phospholipids in skeletal muscle, liver and plasma. Gene expression analysis suggest that the observed metabolic changes are related to transcriptional activity of peroxisome proliferative activating receptor (PPAR) family members. An in-cell protein complementation screen between lipid transfer proteins and PPARs uncovered a direct interaction between PC-TP and PPARδ that was not observed for other PPARs. We confirmed the PC-TP– PPARδ interaction in Huh7 hepatocytes, where it was found to repress PPARδ-mediated transactivation. Mutations of PC-TP residues implicated in PC binding and transfer reduce the PC-TP-PPARδ interaction and relieve PC-TP-mediated PPARδ repression. Reduction of exogenously supplied methionine and choline reduces the interaction while serum starvation enhances the interaction in cultured hepatocytes. Together our data points to a ligand sensitive PC-TP– PPARδ interaction that suppresses PPAR activity.
Quantum dynamical effects of vibrational strong coupling in chemical reactivity
Authors: Lindoy Lachlan P. , Mandal Arkajit , Reichman David R.
Published: May 2023

Recent experiments suggest that ground state chemical reactivity can be modified when placing molecular systems inside infrared cavities where molecular vibrations are strongly coupled to electromagnetic radiation. This phenomenon lacks a firm theoretical explanation. Here, we employ an exact quantum dynamics approach to investigate a model of cavity-modified chemical reactions in the condensed phase. The model contains the coupling of the reaction coordinate to a generic solvent, cavity coupling to either the reaction coordinate or a non-reactive mode, and the coupling of the cavity to lossy modes. Thus, many of the most important features needed for realistic modeling of the cavity modification of chemical reactions are included. We find that when a molecule is coupled to an optical cavity it is essential to treat the problem quantum mechanically to obtain a quantitative account of alterations to reactivity. We find sizable and sharp changes in the rate constant that are associated with quantum mechanical state splittings and resonances. The features that emerge from our simulations are closer to those observed in experiments than are previous calculations, even for realistically small values of coupling and cavity loss. This work highlights the importance of a fully quantum treatment of vibrational polariton chemistry.
Cdc14 phosphatase counteracts Cdk-dependent Dna2 phosphorylation to inhibit resection during recombinational DNA repair
Authors: Campos Adrián , Ramos Facundo , Iglesias Lydia , Delgado Celia , Merino Eva , Esperilla-Muñoz Antonio , Correa-Bordes Jaime , Clemente-Blanco Andrés
Published: May 2023

Cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) stimulates resection of DNA double-strand breaks ends to generate single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) needed for recombinational DNA repair. Here we show inSaccharomyces cerevisiaethat lack of the Cdk-counteracting phosphatase Cdc14 produces abnormally extended resected tracts at the DNA break ends, involving the phosphatase in the inhibition of resection. Over-resection in the absence of Cdc14 activity is bypassed when the exonuclease Dna2 is inactivated or when its Cdk consensus sites are mutated, indicating that the phosphatase restrains resection by acting through this nuclease. Accordingly, mitotically activated Cdc14 promotes Dna2 dephosphorylation to exclude it from the DNA lesion. Cdc14-dependent resection inhibition is essential to sustain DNA re-synthesis, thus ensuring the appropriate length, frequency, and distribution of the gene conversion tracts. These results establish a role for Cdc14 in controlling the extent of resection through Dna2 regulation and demonstrate that the accumulation of excessively long ssDNA affects the accurate repair of the broken DNA by homologous recombination.
Gapless superconductivity in Nb thin films probed by terahertz spectroscopy
Authors: Lee Ji Eun , Choi Joonyoung , Jung Taek Sun , Kim Jong Hyuk , Choi Young Jai , Sim Kyung Ik , Jo Younjung , Kim Jae Hoon
Published: May 2023

Time reversal symmetry (TRS) breaking often generates exotic quantum phases in condensed matter. In superconductors, TRS breaking by an external magnetic field not only suppresses superconductivity but also leads to a novel quantum state called the gapless superconducting state. Here we show that magneto-terahertz spectroscopy provides us with a rare opportunity to access and explore the gapless superconducting state of Nb thin films. We present the complete functional form of the superconducting order parameter for an arbitrary magnetic field, for which a fully self-consistent theory is, surprisingly, yet unavailable. We observe a Lifshitz topological phase transition with a vanishing quasiparticle gap everywhere on the Fermi surface, whereas the superconducting order parameter smoothly crosses over from the gapped to the gapless regime. Our observation of the magnetic pair-breaking effects in Nb challenges traditional perturbative theories and opens a pathway to further exploring and manipulating the exotic state of gapless superconductivity.
In-plane and out-of-plane excitonic coupling in 2D molecular crystals
Authors: Kim Dogyeong , Lee Sol , Park Jiwon , Lee Jinho , Choi Hee Cheul , Kim Kwanpyo , Ryu Sunmin
Published: May 2023

Understanding the nature of molecular excitons in low-dimensional molecular solids is of paramount importance in fundamental photophysics and various applications such as energy harvesting, switching electronics and display devices. Despite this, the spatial evolution of molecular excitons and their transition dipoles have not been captured in the precision of molecular length scales. Here we show in-plane and out-of-plane excitonic evolution in quasilayered two-dimensional (2D) perylene-3, 4, 9, 10-tetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA) crystals assembly-grown on hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) crystals. Complete lattice constants with orientations of two herringbone-configured basis molecules are determined with polarization-resolved spectroscopy and electron diffraction methods. In the truly 2D limit of single layers, two Frenkel emissions Davydov-split by Kasha-type intralayer coupling exhibit energy inversion with decreasing temperature, which enhances excitonic coherence. As the thickness increases, the transition dipole moments of newly emerging charge transfer excitons are reoriented because of mixing with the Frenkel states. The current spatial anatomy of 2D molecular excitons will inspire a deeper understanding and groundbreaking applications of low-dimensional molecular systems.
Direct synthesis of oxalic acid via oxidative CO coupling mediated by a dinuclear hydroxycarbonylcobalt(III) complex
Authors: Xu Yingzhuang , Li Songyi , Fang Huayi
Published: May 2023

Oxidative coupling of CO is a straightforward and economic benign synthetic route for value-addedα-diketone moiety containing C2or higher carbon compounds in both laboratory and industry, but is still undeveloped to date. In this work, a rare coplanar dinuclear hydroxycarbonylcobalt(III) complex, bearing a Schiff-base macrocyclic equatorial ligand and aμ-κ1(O):κ1(O’)-acetate bridging axial ligand, is synthesized and characterized. The Co(III)-COOH bonds in this complex can be feasibly photocleaved, leading to the formation of oxalic acid. Moreover, the light-promoted catalytic direct production of oxalic acid from CO and H2O using O2as the oxidant with good selectivity (> 95%) and atom economy at ambient temperature and gas pressure based on this dicobalt(III) complex have been achieved, with a turnover number of 38.5. The13C-labelling and18O-labelling experiments confirm that CO and H2O act as the sources of the -COOH groups in the dinuclear hydroxycarbonylcobalt(III) complex and the oxalic acid product.
Viability of internal comparisons for epidemiological research in the US astronaut corps
Authors: Reynolds Robert J. , Day Steven M. , Kanikkannan Lakshmi
Published: May 2023

This study aims to determine whether astronauts who have not flown in space can provide an unbiased comparison to astronauts who have flown in space when analyzing long-term health outcomes such as incidence of chronic disease and mortality. Various propensity score methods failed to achieve good balance between groups, demonstrating that even with sophisticated rebalancing methods the group of non-flight astronauts cannot be demonstrated to be an unbiased comparison group for examining the effect of the hazards of spaceflight on incidence and mortality from chronic diseases.
Electricity supply quality and use among rural and peri-urban households and small firms in Nigeria
Authors: Pelz Setu , Chinichian Narges , Neyrand Clara , Blechinger Philipp
Published: May 2023

We present a household and enterprise energy survey dataset collected within the framework of the PeopleSuN project in Nigeria in 2021. Across three Nigerian geopolitical zones, a total of 3,599 households and 1,122 small and medium-sized enterprises were surveyed. The sample is designed to be representative of rural and peri-urban grid-electrified regions of each zone. Our surveys collect data on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, energy access and supply quality, electrical appliance ownership and usage time, cooking solutions, energy related capabilities, and supply preferences. We encourage academic use of the data presented and suggest three avenues of further research: (1) modelling appliance ownership likelihoods, electricity consumption levels and energy service needs in un-electrified regions; (2) identifying supply-side and demand-side solutions to address high usage of diesel generators; (3) exploring broader issues of multi-dimensional energy access, access to decent living standards and climate vulnerability.
The association between body mass index, abdominal fatness, and weight change and the risk of adult asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Parasuaraman Ganeshkumar , Ayyasamy Lavanya , Aune Dagfinn , Sen Abhijit , Nagarajan Ramya , Rajkumar Prabhu , Velusamy Saravanakumar , Manickam P. , Sivaprakasam Satish
Published: May 2023

Obesity has been associated with increased risk of adult asthma, however, not all studies have found a clear association between overweight and the incidence of asthma, and data on other adiposity measures have been limited. Hence, we aimed to summarize evidence on association between adiposity and adult asthma. Relevant studies were retrieved through searches conducted in PubMed, and EMBASE up to March 2021. A total of sixteen studies (63,952 cases and 1,161,169 participants) were included in the quantitative synthesis. The summary RR was 1.32 (95% CI 1.21–1.44, I2 = 94.6%, pheterogeneity < 0.0001, n = 13) per 5 kg/m2 increase in BMI, 1.26 (95% CI 1.09–1.46, I2 = 88.6%, pheterogeneity < 0.0001, n = 5) per 10 cm increase in waist circumference and 1.33 (95% CI 1.22–1.44, I2 = 62.3%, pheterogeneity= 0.05, n = 4) per 10 kg increase in weight gain. Although the test for nonlinearity was significant for BMI (pnonlinearity < 0.00001), weight change (pnonlinearity = 0.002), and waist circumference (pnonlinearity = 0.02), there was a clear dose-response relationship between higher levels of adiposity and asthma risk. The magnitude of the associations and the consistency of the results across studies and adiposity measures provide strong evidence that overweight and obesity, waist circumference and weight gain increases asthma risk. These findings support policies to curb the global epidemic of overweight and obesity.
Non-destructive collection and metabarcoding of arthropod environmental DNA remained on a terrestrial plant
Authors: Yoneya Kinuyo , Ushio Masayuki , Miki Takeshi
Published: May 2023

Reliable survey of arthropods is a crucial for their conservation, community ecology, and pest control on terrestrial plants. However, efficient and comprehensive surveys are hindered by challenges in collecting arthropods and identifying especially small species. To address this issue, we developed a non-destructive environmental DNA (eDNA) collection method termed “plant flow collection” to apply eDNA metabarcoding to terrestrial arthropods. This involves spraying distilled or tap water, or using rainfall, which eventually flows over the surface of the plant, and is collected in a container that is set at the plant base. DNA is extracted from collected water and a DNA barcode region of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene is amplified and sequenced using a high-throughput Illumina Miseq platform. We identified more than 64 taxonomic groups of arthropods at the family level, of which 7 were visually observed or artificially introduced species, whereas the other 57 groups of arthropods, including 22 species, were not observed in the visual survey. These results show that the developed method is possible to detect the arthropod eDNA remained on plants although our sample size was small and the sequence size was unevenly distributed among the three water types tested.
Design, synthesis and anticancer activities evaluation of novel pyrazole modified catalpol derivatives
Authors: Kong Yuanfang , Liu Shuanglin , Wang Shaopei , Yang Bin , He Wei , Li Hehe , Yang Siqi , Wang Guoqing , Dong Chunhong
Published: May 2023

Catalpol, a natural product mainly existed in plenty of Chinese traditional medicines, is an iridoid compound with the comprehensive effects on neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, choleretic, hypoglycemic and anticancer. However, there are some disadvantages for catalpol such as a short half-life in vivo, low druggability, stingy binding efficiency to target proteins and so on. It is necessary to make structural modification and optimization which enhance its performance on disease treatments and clinic applications. Pyrazole compounds have been reported to have excellent anticancer activities. Based on the previous research foundation of our research group on iridoids and the anticancer activities of catalpol and pyrazole, a series of pyrazole modified catalpol compounds were synthesized by principle of drug combination for serving as potential cancer inhibitors. These derivatives are characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HRMS. The efficacy of anti-esophageal cancer and anti-pancreatic cancer activities were evaluated by the MTT assay on two esophageal cancer cells Eca-109 and EC-9706, and two pancreatic cancer cells PANC-1, BxPC-3 and normal pancreatic cell line HPDE6-C7, which showed that the compound 3e had strong inhibitory activity against esophageal cancer cells, this providing a theoretical basis for the discovery of catalpol-containing drugs.
Pharmacologic inhibition of HNF4α prevents parenteral nutrition associated cholestasis in mice
Authors: Ghosh Swati , Devereaux Michael W. , Orlicky David J. , Sokol Ronald J.
Published: May 2023

Prolonged parenteral nutrition (PN) can lead to PN associated cholestasis (PNAC). Intestinally derived lipopolysaccharides and infused PN phytosterols lead to activation of NFκB, a key factor in PNAC. Our objective was to determine if inhibition of HNF4α could interfere with NFκB to alleviate murine PNAC. We showed that HNF4α antagonist BI6015 (20 mg/kg/day) in DSS-PN (oral DSS x4d followed by Total PN x14d) mice prevented the increased AST, ALT, bilirubin and bile acids and reversed mRNA suppression of hepatocyte Abcg5/8, Abcb11, FXR, SHP and MRP2 that were present during PNAC. Further, NFκB phosphorylation in hepatocytes and its binding to LRH-1 and BSEP promoters in liver, which are upregulated in DSS-PN mice, were inhibited by BI6015 treatment. BI6015 also prevented the upregulation in liver macrophages of Adgre1 (F4/80) and Itgam (CD11B) that occurs in DSS-PN mice, with concomitant induction of anti-inflammatory genes (Klf2, Klf4, Clec7a1, Retnla). In conclusion, HNF4α antagonism attenuates PNAC by suppressing NFκB activation and signaling while inducing hepatocyte FXR and LRH-1 and their downstream bile and sterol transporters. These data identify HNF4α antagonism as a potential therapeutic target for prevention and treatment of PNAC.
Modular architecture and resilience of structural covariance networks in first-episode antipsychotic-naive psychoses
Authors: Lewis Madison , Santini Tales , Theis Nicholas , Muldoon Brendan , Dash Katherine , Rubin Jonathan , Keshavan Matcheri , Prasad Konasale
Published: May 2023

Structural covariance network (SCN) studies on first-episode antipsychotic-naïve psychosis (FEAP) have examined less granular parcellations on one morphometric feature reporting lower network resilience among other findings. We examined SCNs of volume, cortical thickness, and surface area using the Human Connectome Project atlas-based parcellation (n = 358 regions) from 79 FEAP and 68 controls to comprehensively characterize the networks using a descriptive and perturbational network neuroscience approach. Using graph theoretical methods, we examined network integration, segregation, centrality, community structure, and hub distribution across the small-worldness threshold range and correlated them with psychopathology severity. We used simulated nodal “attacks” (removal of nodes and all their edges) to investigate network resilience, calculated DeltaCon similarity scores, and contrasted the removed nodes to characterize the impact of simulated attacks. Compared to controls, FEAP SCN showed higher betweenness centrality (BC) and lower degree in all three morphometric features and disintegrated with fewer attacks with no change in global efficiency. SCNs showed higher similarity score at the first point of disintegration with ≈ 54% top-ranked BC nodes attacked. FEAP communities consisted of fewer prefrontal, auditory and visual regions. Lower BC, and higher clustering and degree, were associated with greater positive and negative symptom severity. Negative symptoms required twice the changes in these metrics. Globally sparse but locally dense network with more nodes of higher centrality in FEAP could result in higher communication cost compared to controls. FEAP network disintegration with fewer attacks suggests lower resilience without impacting efficiency. Greater network disarray underlying negative symptom severity possibly explains the therapeutic challenge.
Quantifying the grapevine xylem embolism resistance spectrum to identify varieties and regions at risk in a future dry climate
Authors: Lamarque Laurent J. , Delmas Chloé E. L. , Charrier Guillaume , Burlett Régis , Dell’Acqua Ninon , Pouzoulet Jérôme , Gambetta Gregory A. , Delzon Sylvain
Published: May 2023

Maintaining wine production under global warming partly relies on optimizing the choice of plant material for a given viticultural region and developing drought-resistant cultivars. However, progress in these directions is hampered by the lack of understanding of differences in drought resistance among Vitis genotypes. We investigated patterns of xylem embolism vulnerability within and among 30 Vitis species and sub-species (varieties) from different locations and climates, and assessed the risk of drought vulnerability in 329 viticultural regions worldwide. Within a variety, vulnerability to embolism decreased during summer. Among varieties, we have found wide variations in drought resistance of the vascular system in grapevines. This is particularly the case within Vitis vinifera, with varieties distributed across four clusters of embolism vulnerability. Ugni blanc and Chardonnay featured among the most vulnerable, while Pinot noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon ranked among the most resistant. Regions possibly at greater risk of being vulnerable to drought, such as Poitou–Charentes, France and Marlborough, New Zealand, do not necessarily have arid climates, but rather bear a significant proportion of vulnerable varieties. We demonstrate that grapevine varieties may not respond equally to warmer and drier conditions, and highlight that hydraulic traits are key to improve viticulture suitability under climate change.
The quantitative investigation of spark plasma on skin parameters with skin elasticity, thickness, density, and biometric characteristics
Authors: Ghasemi Erfan , Nilforoushzadeh Mohammad Ali , Khani Mohammadreza , Amirkhani Mohammad Amir , Nouri Maryam , Charipoor Parisa , Eftekhari Mohammad , Izadpanah Samira , Shokri Babak
Published: May 2023

Cold atmospheric plasma has been developed and utilized as a novel technique for skin rejuvenation because of its various effects on cells and living things. This study investigated the accuracy of this claim and any possible side effects of using spark plasma to rejuvenate skin. The present work is the first quantitative investigation using animal models. 12 Wistar rats were divided into two groups for this investigation. To compare the skin's natural process with the treated skin, the first group underwent a single session of plasma therapy, while the second group served as the control group. The back of the necks of the samples was shaved for 20 cm. Before beginning treatment, the MPA9 multifunctional skin tester was used to determine the melanin index, erythema index, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). The skin's thickness and density were assessed using sonography, and its elasticity index was calculated using a Cutometer. The samples were exposed to plasma radiation in the designated area (in a triangular pattern). The abovementioned signs were examined immediately after the following therapy and at the weekly appointment 2–4 weeks later. Optical spectroscopy was also used to demonstrate the presence of active species. In this study, we found that a plasma spark therapy session significantly boosts skin elasticity, and the ultrasound results revealed a significantly increased skin thickness and density. The plasma increased the amount of skin surface evaporation, erythema, and melanin immediately following the treatment. However, 4 weeks later, it recovered to its former state and did not differ significantly from before the therapy.
Quantum AI simulator using a hybrid CPU–FPGA approach
Authors: Suzuki Teppei , Miyazaki Tsubasa , Inaritai Toshiki , Otsuka Takahiro
Published: May 2023

The quantum kernel method has attracted considerable attention in the field of quantum machine learning. However, exploring the applicability of quantum kernels in more realistic settings has been hindered by the number of physical qubits current noisy quantum computers have, thereby limiting the number of features encoded for quantum kernels. Hence, there is a need for an efficient, application-specific simulator for quantum computing by using classical technology. Here we focus on quantum kernels empirically designed for image classification and demonstrate a field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) implementation. We show that the quantum kernel estimation by our heterogeneous CPU–FPGA computing is 470 times faster than that by a conventional CPU implementation. The co-design of our application-specific quantum kernel and its efficient FPGA implementation enabled us to perform one of the largest numerical simulations of a gate-based quantum kernel in terms of features, up to 780-dimensional features. We apply our quantum kernel to classification tasks using the Fashion-MNIST dataset and show that our quantum kernel is comparable to Gaussian kernels with the optimized hyperparameter.