bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-scalar mixing in turbulent coaxial jets
Authors: Hewes Alaïs , Mydlarski Laurent
Published: April 2023

Although natural and industrial flows often transport and mix multiple scalars, relatively few studies of turbulent multi-scalar mixing have been undertaken. In the present work, a novel three-wire thermal-anemometry-based probe – capable of simultaneously measuring velocity, helium concentration and temperature – is used to investigate the evolution of multiple scalars ($\phi _1$,$\phi _2$,$\phi _3$) and velocity in turbulent coaxial jets. The jets consist of (i) a centre jet containing a mixture of helium and air ($\phi _1$), (ii) an annular jet containing pure (unheated) air ($\phi _2$) and (iii) a coflow of (pure) heated air ($\phi _3$). Axial measurements are made at three different momentum flux ratios ($M=0.77, 2.1, 4.2$). Increasing$M$was observed to result in complex, competing effects. Larger momentum flux ratios cause the potential core of the centre jet to decrease in size, greater scalar fluctuations and more rapid correlation of$\phi _1$and$\phi _2$. However, at the same time, certain statistics, including those describing the velocity field, evolve more slowly. Moreover, the flow near the beginning of the fully merged region appears to be less mixed at higher values of$M$. The present work finally demonstrates that differences can be observed in the evolution and mixing of coaxial jets between those in which$M<1$and those in which$M>1$, thereby presenting an opportunity by which the mixing process in coaxial jets may be controlled.
Tolerance, Society, and Sovereignty: The Retreat from Pluralism in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth
Authors: Quatrini Francesco
Published: April 2023

The Polish Brethren were fervent advocates of religious tolerance. Johann Crell's “Vindiciae pro Religionis Libertate” (1637) is prominent among their works, because of its far-reaching and progressive arguments for freedom of religion. This article outlines the historical and intellectual context of this pamphlet, and its reception in seventeenth-century Europe. Despite being familiar with a historical situation in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth where toleration was practiced on a societal level, Crell strongly argued that freedom of religion had to be enacted through a public law. Only in this way could freedom of religion be truly effective and guarantee safety for all citizens.
Estimated daily intake and health risk assessment of toxic elements in infant formulas
Authors: Demir Tuğba , Ağaoğlu Sema
Published: April 2023

In this study, the heavy metal (Al, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Sn, Pb and Hg) concentrations were determined in a total of seventy-two infant formula samples manufactured by sixteen different brands in Türkiye. During the analyses, inductively coupled plasma MS was used in evaluating the nutritional profile and the toxicological risk associated with the consumption of these products. Given the analysis results, the highest Pb content was found in milk-based ‘beginner’ formulas (0–6 months, three samples) packed in metal containers. The highest concentration of Mn was found in powdered infant formula (Brand 3) that is suitable for 9–12-month-olds. Mn level was found to be above the limit values in nine samples (12·5 %). Cd level exceeded the limit values in two infant formula samples of Brand 3 (0·038 µg/g) and Brand 15 (0·023 µg/g). Therefore, the mean Cd concentration found here reaches the maximum limit set by the European Union commission legislation. Cu was detected in all infant formulas. The highest concentration was determined in Brand 1 (9–12 months, seven samples) and found to be 2·637 (sd 1·928) µg/g. This value is much higher than the reference values set in the national and international standards. Based on the results achieved here, the estimated daily intake (EDI) and target hazard quotient values for all the metals in infant formulas were found lower than < 1. These findings suggest that the baby foods examined would not pose any health risk. The daily intakes exceeding the baby nutrition values recommended by the WHO would pose health risk since they would exceed the EDI levels.
Magnetohydrodynamic stability and the effects of shaping: a near-axis view for tokamaks and quasisymmetric stellarators
Authors: Rodríguez Eduardo
Published: April 2023

How much does the cross-section of a toroidal magnetic field configuration tell us about its magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) stability? It is generally believed that positive triangularity (typically leading to bean-shaped cross-sections with their indentation on the inboard side in stellarators) contributes positively to MHD stability. In this paper, we explore the basis of this statement within a near-axis description for axisymmetric and quasisymmetric magnetic configurations. In agreement with the existing literature, we show that positive triangularity stabilises vertically elongated tokamaks. In quasisymmetric stellarators, the toroidal asymmetry of flux surfaces modifies this relation. The behaviour of stellarator-symmetric, quasisymmetric stellarators can still be described in terms of the shape of one of their up–down symmetric cross-sections. However, we show that for a sample of quasisymmetric configurations, the positive-bean-shaped cross-sections do not contribute positively to stability. Unlike in the axisymmetric case, we also learn that finite

$\beta$

can improve stability even without magnetic shear.
COVID-19 after two years: trajectories of different components of mental health in the Spanish population
Authors: Bayes-Marin I. , Cabello-Toscano M. , Cattaneo G. , Solana-Sánchez J. , Fernández D. , Portellano-Ortiz C. , Tormos J. M. , Pascual-Leone A. , Bartrés-Faz D.
Published: April 2023

Aims

Our study aimed to (1) identify trajectories on different mental health components during a two-year follow-up of the COVID-19 pandemic and contextualise them according to pandemic periods; (2) investigate the associations between mental health trajectories and several exposures, and determine whether there were differences among the different mental health outcomes regarding these associations.

Methods

We included 5535 healthy individuals, aged 40–65 years old, from the Barcelona Brain Health Initiative (BBHI). Growth mixture models (GMM) were fitted to classify individuals into different trajectories for three mental health-related outcomes (psychological distress, personal growth and loneliness). Moreover, we fitted a multinomial regression model for each outcome considering class membership as the independent variable to assess the association with the predictors.

Results

For the outcomes studied we identified three latent trajectories, differentiating two major trends, a large proportion of participants was classified into ‘resilient’ trajectories, and a smaller proportion into ‘chronic-worsening’ trajectories. For the former, we observed a lower susceptibility to the changes, whereas, for the latter, we noticed greater heterogeneity and susceptibility to different periods of the pandemic. From the multinomial regression models, we found global and cognitive health, and coping strategies as common protective factors among the studied mental health components. Nevertheless, some differences were found regarding the risk factors. Living alone was only significant for those classified into ‘chronic’ trajectories of loneliness, but not for the other outcomes. Similarly, secondary or higher education was only a risk factor for the ‘worsening’ trajectory of personal growth. Finally, smoking and sleeping problems were risk factors which were associated with the ‘chronic’ trajectory of psychological distress.

Conclusions

Our results support heterogeneity in reactions to the pandemic and the need to study different mental health-related components over a longer follow-up period, as each one evolves differently depending on the pandemic period. In addition, the understanding of modifiable protective and risk factors associated with these trajectories would allow the characterisation of these segments of the population to create targeted interventions.
Reactive surveillance of suicides during the COVID-19 pandemic in France, 2020 to March 2022
Authors: Fouillet Anne , Martin Diane , Pontais Isabelle , Caserio-Schönemann Céline , Rey Grégoire
Published: April 2023

Aims

Mitigation actions during the COVID-19 pandemic may impact mental health and suicide in general populations. We aimed to analyse the evolution in suicide deaths from 2020 to March 2022 in France.

Methods

Using free-text medical causes in death certificates, we built an algorithm, which aimed to identify suicide deaths. We measured its retrospective performances by comparing suicide deaths identified using the algorithm with deaths which had either a Tenth revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) code for ‘intentional self-harm’ or for ‘external cause of undetermined intent’ as the underlying cause. The number of suicide deaths from January 2020 to March 2022 was then compared with the expected number estimated using a generalized additive model. The difference and the ratio between the observed and expected number of suicide deaths were calculated on the three lockdown periods and for periods between lockdowns and after the third one. The analysis was stratified by age group and gender.

Results

The free-text algorithm demonstrated high performances. From January 2020 to mid-2021, suicide mortality declined during France’s three lockdowns, particularly in men. During the periods between and after the two first lockdowns, suicide mortality remained comparable to the expected values, except for men over 85 years old and in 65–84 year-old age group, where a small number of excess deaths was observed in the weeks following the end of first lockdown, and for men aged 45–64 years old, where the decline continued after the second lockdown ended. After the third lockdown until March 2022, an increase in suicide mortality was observed in 18–24 year-old age group for both genders and in men aged 65–84 years old, while a decrease was observed in the 25–44 year-old age group.

Conclusions

This study highlighted the absence of an increase in suicide mortality during France’s COVID-19 pandemic and a substantial decline during lockdown periods, something already observed in other countries. The increase in suicide mortality observed in 18–24 year-old age group and in men aged 65–84 years old from mid-2021 to March 2022 suggests a prolonged impact of COVID-19 on mental health, also described on self-harm hospitalizations and emergency department’s attendances in France. Further studies are required to explain the factors for this change. Reactive monitoring of suicide mortality needs to be continued since mental health consequences and the increase in suicide mortality may be continued in the future with the international context.
Temperature and mental health–related emergency department and hospital encounters among children, adolescents and young adults
Authors: Niu Li , Girma Blean , Liu Bian , Schinasi Leah H. , Clougherty Jane E. , Sheffield Perry
Published: April 2023

Aims

We examine the association between high ambient temperature and acute mental health-related healthcare encounters in New York City for children, adolescents and young adults.

Methods

This case-crossover study included emergency department (ED) visits and hospital encounters with a primary diagnosis of any mental health disorder during warm-season months (June–August) in New York City from 2005 to 2011 from patients of three age groups (6–11, 12–17 and 18–25 years). Using a distributed lag non-linear model over 0–5 lag days, by fitting a conditional logistic regression for each age group, we calculated the cumulative odds ratios of mental health encounters associated with an elevated temperature. Analyses were stratified by race/ethnicity, payment source and mental health categories to elucidate vulnerable subpopulations.

Results

In New York City, there were 82,982 mental health–related encounters for young people aged 6 to 25 years during our study period months. Elevated temperature days were associated with higher risk of mental health–related ED and hospital encounters for the 6- to 11-year-olds (odds ratio [OR]: 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13–1.46), for the 12- to 17-year-olds (OR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.09–1.25) and for the 18- to 25-year-olds (OR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.04–1.15). Children with reaction disorders, adolescents with anxiety and bipolar disorders, young adults with psychosis and reaction disorders and Black and non-Hispanic children and adolescents showed vulnerability to elevated temperature.

Conclusions

We found that elevated ambient temperatures were associated with acute mental health ED or hospital encounters across childhood, adolescence and young adulthood.
Secular trends and social inequalities in child behavioural problems across three Brazilian cohort studies (1993, 2004 and 2015)
Authors: Degli Esposti Michelle , Matijasevich Alicia , Collishaw Stephan , Martins-Silva Thaís , Santos Iná S. , Baptista Menezes Ana Maria , Domingues Marlos Rodrigues , Wehrmeister Fernando C. , Barros Fernando , Murray Joseph
Published: April 2023

Aims

Previous epidemiological evidence identified a concerning increase in behavioural problems among young children from 1997 to 2008 in Brazil. However, it is unclear whether behavioural problems have continued to increase, if secular changes vary between sociodemographic groups and what might explain changes over time. We aimed to monitor changes in child behavioural problems over a 22-year period from 1997 to 2019, examine changing social inequalities and explore potential explanations for recent changes in behavioural problems between 2008 and 2019.

Methods

The Child Behaviour Checklist was used to compare parent-reported behavioural problems in 4-year-old children across three Brazilian birth cohorts assessed in 1997 (1993 cohort,n = 633), 2008 (2004 cohort,n = 3750) and 2019 (2015 cohort,n = 577). Response rates across all three population-based cohorts were over 90%. Moderation analyses tested if cross-cohort changes differed by social inequalities (demographic and socioeconomic position), while explanatory models explored whether changes in hypothesized risk and protective factors in prenatal development (e.g., smoking during pregnancy) and family life (e.g., maternal depression and harsh parenting) accounted for changes in child behavioural problems from 2008 to 2019.

Results

Initial increases in child behavioural problems from 1997 to 2008 were followed by declines in conduct problems (mean change = −2.75; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −3.56, −1.94;P < 0.001), aggression (mean change = −1.84; 95% CI: −2.51, −1.17;P < 0.001) and rule-breaking behaviour (mean change = −0.91; 95% CI: −1.13, −0.69P < 0.001) from 2008 to 2019. Sex differences in rule-breaking behaviour diminished during this 22-year period, whereas socioeconomic inequalities in behavioural problems emerged in 2008 and then remained relatively stable. Consequently, children from poorer and less educated families had higher behavioural problems, compared to more socially advantaged children, in the two more recent cohorts. Changes in measured risk and protective factors partly explained the reduction in behavioural problems from 2008 to 2019.

Conclusions

Following a rise in child behavioural problems, there was a subsequent reduction in behavioural problems from 2008 to 2019. However, social inequalities increased and remained high. Continued monitoring of behavioural problems by subgroups is critical for closing the gap between socially advantaged and disadvantaged children and achieving health equity for the next generation.
Transdiagnostic evaluation of epigenetic age acceleration and burden of psychiatric disorders
Authors: Yusupov Natan , Dieckmann Linda , Erhart Mira , Sauer Susann , Rex-Haffner Monika , Kopf-Beck Johannes , Brückl Tanja M. , Czamara Darina , Binder Elisabeth B.
Published: April 2023

Different psychiatric disorders as well as exposure to adverse life events have individually been associated with multiple age-related diseases and mortality. Age acceleration in different epigenetic clocks can serve as biomarker for such risk and could help to disentangle the interplay of psychiatric comorbidity and early adversity on age-related diseases and mortality. We evaluated five epigenetic clocks (Horvath, Hannum, PhenoAge, GrimAge and DunedinPoAm) in a transdiagnostic psychiatric sample using epigenome-wide DNA methylation data from peripheral blood of 429 subjects from two studies at the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry. Burden of psychiatric disease, represented by a weighted score, was significantly associated with biological age acceleration as measured by GrimAge and DunedinPoAm (R2-adj. 0.22 and 0.33 for GrimAge and DunedinPoAm, respectively), but not the other investigated clocks. The relation of burden of psychiatric disease appeared independent of differences in socioeconomic status and medication. Our findings indicate that increased burden of psychiatric disease may associate with accelerated biological aging. This highlights the importance of medical management of patients with multiple psychiatric comorbidities and the potential usefulness of specific epigenetic clocks for early detection of risk and targeted intervention to reduce mortality in psychiatric patients.
Early infant prefrontal gray matter volume is associated with concurrent and future infant emotionality
Authors: Zhang Yicheng , Banihashemi Layla , Samolyk Alyssa , Taylor Megan , English Gabrielle , Schmithorst Vanessa J. , Lee Vincent K. , Versace Amelia , Stiffler Richelle , Aslam Haris , Panigrahy Ashok , Hipwell Alison E. , Phillips Mary L.
Published: April 2023

High levels of infant negative emotionality (NE) are associated with emotional and behavioral problems later in childhood. Identifying neural markers of high NE as well as low positive emotionality (PE) in infancy can provide neural markers to aid early identification of vulnerability, and inform interventions to help delay or even prevent psychiatric disorders before the manifestation of symptoms. Prefrontal cortical (PFC) subregions support the regulation of NE and PE, with each PFC subregion differentially specializing in distinct emotional regulation processes. Gray matter (GM) volume measures show good test-retest reliability, and thus have potential use as neural markers of NE and PE. Yet, while studies showed PFC GM structural abnormalities in adolescents and young adults with affective disorders, few studies examined how PFC subregional GM measures are associated with NE and PE in infancy. We aimed to identify relationships among GM in prefrontal cortical subregions at 3 months and caregiver report of infant NE and PE, covarying for infant age and gender and caregiver sociodemographic and clinical variables, in two independent samples at 3 months (Primary: n = 75; Replication sample: n = 40) and at 9 months (Primary: n = 44; Replication sample: n = 40). In the primary sample, greater 3-month medial superior frontal cortical volume was associated with higher infant 3-month NE (p < 0.05); greater 3-month ventrolateral prefrontal cortical volume predicted lower infant 9-month PE (p < 0.05), even after controlling for 3-month NE and PE. GM volume in other PFC subregions also predicted infant 3- and 9-month NE and PE, together with infant demographic factors, caregiver age, and/or caregiver affective instability and anxiety. These findings were replicated in the independent sample. To our knowledge, this is the first study to determine in primary and replication samples associations among infant PFC GM volumes and concurrent and prospective NE and PE, and identify promising, early markers of future psychopathology risk.
DRAG in situ barcoding reveals an increased number of HSPCs contributing to myelopoiesis with age
Authors: Urbanus Jos , Cosgrove Jason , Beltman Joost B. , Elhanati Yuval , Moral Rafael A. , Conrad Cecile , van Heijst Jeroen W. , Tubeuf Emilie , Velds Arno , Kok Lianne , Merle Candice , Magnusson Jens P. , Guyonnet Léa , Frisén Jonas , Fre Silvia , Walczak Aleksandra M. , Mora Thierry , Jacobs Heinz , Schumacher Ton N. , Perié Leïla
Published: April 2023

Ageing is associated with changes in the cellular composition of the immune system. During ageing, hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) that produce immune cells are thought to decline in their regenerative capacity. However, HSPC function has been mostly assessed using transplantation assays, and it remains unclear how HSPCs age in the native bone marrow niche. To address this issue, we present an in situ single cell lineage tracing technology to quantify the clonal composition and cell production of single cells in their native niche. Our results demonstrate that a pool of HSPCs with unequal output maintains myelopoiesis through overlapping waves of cell production throughout adult life. During ageing, the increased frequency of myeloid cells is explained by greater numbers of HSPCs contributing to myelopoiesis rather than the increased myeloid output of individual HSPCs. Strikingly, the myeloid output of HSPCs remains constant over time despite accumulating significant transcriptomic changes throughout adulthood. Together, these results show that, unlike emergency myelopoiesis post-transplantation, aged HSPCs in their native microenvironment do not functionally decline in their regenerative capacity.
Chromosome-level genome assembly and population genomic resource to accelerate orphan crop lablab breeding
Authors: Njaci Isaac , Waweru Bernice , Kamal Nadia , Muktar Meki Shehabu , Fisher David , Gundlach Heidrun , Muli Collins , Muthui Lucy , Maranga Mary , Kiambi Davies , Maass Brigitte L. , Emmrich Peter M. F. , Domelevo Entfellner Jean-Baka , Spannagl Manuel , Chapman Mark A. , Shorinola Oluwaseyi , Jones Chris S.
Published: April 2023

Under-utilised orphan crops hold the key to diversified and climate-resilient food systems. Here, we report on orphan crop genomics using the case of Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet (lablab) - a legume native to Africa and cultivated throughout the tropics for food and forage. Our Africa-led plant genome collaboration produces a high-quality chromosome-scale assembly of the lablab genome. Our assembly highlights the genome organisation of the trypsin inhibitor genes - an important anti-nutritional factor in lablab. We also re-sequence cultivated and wild lablab accessions from Africa confirming two domestication events. Finally, we examine the genetic and phenotypic diversity in a comprehensive lablab germplasm collection and identify genomic loci underlying variation of important agronomic traits in lablab. The genomic data generated here provide a valuable resource for lablab improvement. Our inclusive collaborative approach also presents an example that can be explored by other researchers sequencing indigenous crops, particularly from low and middle-income countries (LMIC).
Random fractal-enabled physical unclonable functions with dynamic AI authentication
Authors: Sun Ningfei , Chen Ziyu , Wang Yanke , Wang Shu , Xie Yong , Liu Qian
Published: April 2023

A physical unclonable function (PUF) is a foundation of anti-counterfeiting processes due to its inherent uniqueness. However, the self-limitation of conventional graphical/spectral PUFs in materials often makes it difficult to have both high code flexibility and high environmental stability in practice. In this study, we propose a universal, fractal-guided film annealing strategy to realize the random Au network-based PUFs that can be designed on demand in complexity, enabling the tags’ intrinsic uniqueness and stability. A dynamic deep learning-based authentication system with an expandable database is built to identify and trace the PUFs, achieving an efficient and reliable authentication with 0% “false positives”. Based on the roughening-enabled plasmonic network platform, Raman-based chemical encoding is conceptionally demonstrated, showing the potential for improvements in security. The configurable tags in mass production can serve as competitive PUF carriers for high-level anti-counterfeiting and data encryption.
Functional MRI reveals brain-wide actions of thalamically-initiated oscillatory activities on associative memory consolidation
Authors: Wang Xunda , Leong Alex T. L. , Tan Shawn Z. K. , Wong Eddie C. , Liu Yilong , Lim Lee-Wei , Wu Ed X.
Published: April 2023

As a key oscillatory activity in the brain, thalamic spindle activities are long believed to support memory consolidation. However, their propagation characteristics and causal actions at systems level remain unclear. Using functional MRI (fMRI) and electrophysiology recordings in male rats, we found that optogenetically-evoked somatosensory thalamic spindle-like activities targeted numerous sensorimotor (cortex, thalamus, brainstem and basal ganglia) and non-sensorimotor limbic regions (cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus) in a stimulation frequency- and length-dependent manner. Thalamic stimulation at slow spindle frequency (8 Hz) and long spindle length (3 s) evoked the most robust brain-wide cross-modal activities. Behaviorally, evoking these global cross-modal activities during memory consolidation improved visual-somatosensory associative memory performance. More importantly, parallel visual fMRI experiments uncovered response potentiation in brain-wide sensorimotor and limbic integrative regions, especially superior colliculus, periaqueductal gray, and insular, retrosplenial and frontal cortices. Our study directly reveals that thalamic spindle activities propagate in a spatiotemporally specific manner and that they consolidate associative memory by strengthening multi-target memory representation.
ARRDC5 expression is conserved in mammalian testes and required for normal sperm morphogenesis
Authors: Giassetti Mariana I. , Miao Deqiang , Law Nathan C. , Oatley Melissa J. , Park Julie , Robinson LeeLa D. , Maddison Lisette A. , Bernhardt Miranda L. , Oatley Jon M.
Published: April 2023

In sexual reproduction, sperm contribute half the genomic material required for creation of offspring yet core molecular mechanisms essential for their formation are undefined. Here, the α-arrestin molecule arrestin-domain containing 5 (ARRDC5) is identified as an essential regulator of mammalian spermatogenesis. Multispecies testicular tissue transcriptome profiling indicates that expression of Arrdc5 is testis enriched, if not specific, in mice, pigs, cattle, and humans. Knockout of Arrdc5 in mice leads to male specific sterility due to production of low numbers of sperm that are immotile and malformed. Spermiogenesis, the final phase of spermatogenesis when round spermatids transform to spermatozoa, is defective in testes of Arrdc5 deficient mice. Also, epididymal sperm in Arrdc5 knockouts are unable to capacitate and fertilize oocytes. These findings establish ARRDC5 as an essential regulator of mammalian spermatogenesis. Considering the role of arrestin molecules as modulators of cellular signaling and ubiquitination, ARRDC5 is a potential male contraceptive target.
Visual resemblance and interaction history jointly constrain pictorial meaning
Authors: Hawkins Robert D. , Sano Megumi , Goodman Noah D. , Fan Judith E.
Published: April 2023

How do drawings—ranging from detailed illustrations to schematic diagrams—reliably convey meaning? Do viewers understand drawings based on how strongly they resemble an entity (i.e., as images) or based on socially mediated conventions (i.e., as symbols)? Here we evaluate a cognitive account of pictorial meaning in which visual and social information jointly support visual communication. Pairs of participants used drawings to repeatedly communicate the identity of a target object among multiple distractor objects. We manipulated social cues across three experiments and a full replication, finding that participants developed object-specific and interaction-specific strategies for communicating more efficiently over time, beyond what task practice or a resemblance-based account alone could explain. Leveraging model-based image analyses and crowdsourced annotations, we further determined that drawings did not drift toward “arbitrariness,” as predicted by a pure convention-based account, but preserved visually diagnostic features. Taken together, these findings advance psychological theories of how successful graphical conventions emerge.
The basolateral amygdala-anterior cingulate pathway contributes to depression-like behaviors and comorbidity with chronic pain behaviors in male mice
Authors: Becker Léa J. , Fillinger Clémentine , Waegaert Robin , Journée Sarah H. , Hener Pierre , Ayazgok Beyza , Humo Muris , Karatas Meltem , Thouaye Maxime , Gaikwad Mithil , Degiorgis Laetitia , Santin Marie des Neiges , Mondino Mary , Barrot Michel , Ibrahim El Chérif , Turecki Gustavo , Belzeaux Raoul , Veinante Pierre , Harsan Laura A. , Hugel Sylvain , Lutz Pierre-Eric , Yalcin Ipek
Published: April 2023

While depression and chronic pain are frequently comorbid, underlying neuronal circuits and their psychopathological relevance remain poorly defined. Here we show in mice that hyperactivity of the neuronal pathway linking the basolateral amygdala to the anterior cingulate cortex is essential for chronic pain-induced depression. Moreover, activation of this pathway in naive male mice, in the absence of on-going pain, is sufficient to trigger depressive-like behaviors, as well as transcriptomic alterations that recapitulate core molecular features of depression in the human brain. These alterations notably impact gene modules related to myelination and the oligodendrocyte lineage. Among these, we show that Sema4a, which was significantly upregulated in both male mice and humans in the context of altered mood, is necessary for the emergence of emotional dysfunction. Overall, these results place the amygdalo-cingulate pathway at the core of pain and depression comorbidity, and unravel the role of Sema4a and impaired myelination in mood control.
Chemomechanical modification of quantum emission in monolayer WSe2
Authors: Utama M. Iqbal Bakti , Zeng Hongfei , Sadhukhan Tumpa , Dasgupta Anushka , Gavin S. Carin , Ananth Riddhi , Lebedev Dmitry , Wang Wei , Chen Jia-Shiang , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Marks Tobin J. , Ma Xuedan , Weiss Emily A. , Schatz George C. , Stern Nathaniel P. , Hersam Mark C.
Published: April 2023

Two-dimensional (2D) materials have attracted attention for quantum information science due to their ability to host single-photon emitters (SPEs). Although the properties of atomically thin materials are highly sensitive to surface modification, chemical functionalization remains unexplored in the design and control of 2D material SPEs. Here, we report a chemomechanical approach to modify SPEs in monolayer WSe2 through the synergistic combination of localized mechanical strain and noncovalent surface functionalization with aryl diazonium chemistry. Following the deposition of an aryl oligomer adlayer, the spectrally complex defect-related emission of strained monolayer WSe2 is simplified into spectrally isolated SPEs with high single-photon purity. Density functional theory calculations reveal energetic alignment between WSe2 defect states and adsorbed aryl oligomer energy levels, thus providing insight into the observed chemomechanically modified quantum emission. By revealing conditions under which chemical functionalization tunes SPEs, this work broadens the parameter space for controlling quantum emission in 2D materials.
Nonlinear amplification of microwave signals in spin-torque oscillators
Authors: Zhu Keqiang , Carpentieri Mario , Zhang Like , Fang Bin , Cai Jialin , Verba Roman , Giordano Anna , Puliafito Vito , Zhang Baoshun , Finocchio Giovanni , Zeng Zhongming
Published: April 2023

Spintronics-based microwave devices, such as oscillators and detectors, have been the subject of intensive investigation in recent years owing to the potential reductions in size and power consumption. However, only a few concepts for spintronic amplifiers have been proposed, typically requiring complex device configurations or material stacks. Here, we demonstrate a spintronic amplifier based on two-terminal magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) produced with CMOS-compatible material stacks that have already been used for spin-transfer torque memories. We achieve a record gain (|S11 | > 2) for input power on the order of nW (<−40 dBm) at an appropriate choice of the bias field direction and amplitude. Based on micromagnetic simulations and experiments, we describe the fundamental aspects driving the amplification and show the key role of the co-existence in microwave emissions of a dynamic state of the MTJ excited by a dc current and the injection locking mode driven by the microwave input signal. Our work provides a way to develop a class of compact amplifiers that can impact the design of the next generation of spintronics-CMOS hybrid systems.
Manipulating exchange bias in 2D magnetic heterojunction for high-performance robust memory applications
Authors: Huang Xinyu , Zhang Luman , Tong Lei , Li Zheng , Peng Zhuiri , Lin Runfeng , Shi Wenhao , Xue Kan-Hao , Dai Hongwei , Cheng Hui , de Camargo Branco Danilo , Xu Jianbin , Han Junbo , Cheng Gary J. , Miao Xiangshui , Ye Lei
Published: April 2023

The exchange bias (EB) effect plays an undisputed role in the development of highly sensitive, robust, and high-density spintronic devices in magnetic data storage. However, the weak EB field, low blocking temperature, as well as the lack of modulation methods, seriously limit the application of EB in van der Waals (vdW) spintronic devices. Here, we utilized pressure engineering to tune the vdW spacing of the two-dimensional (2D) FePSe3/Fe3GeTe2 heterostructures. The EB field (HEB, from 29.2 mT to 111.2 mT) and blocking temperature (Tb, from 20 K to 110 K) are significantly enhanced, and a highly sensitive and robust spin valve is demonstrated. Interestingly, this enhancement of the EB effect was extended to exposed Fe3GeTe2, due to the single-domain nature of Fe3GeTe2. Our findings provide opportunities for the producing, exploring, and tuning of magnetic vdW heterostructures with strong interlayer coupling, thereby enabling customized 2D spintronic devices in the future.
Stomatal responses of terrestrial plants to global change
Authors: Liang Xingyun , Wang Defu , Ye Qing , Zhang Jinmeng , Liu Mengyun , Liu Hui , Yu Kailiang , Wang Yujie , Hou Enqing , Zhong Buqing , Xu Long , Lv Tong , Peng Shouzhang , Lu Haibo , Sicard Pierre , Anav Alessandro , Ellsworth David S.
Published: April 2023

Quantifying the stomatal responses of plants to global change factors is crucial for modeling terrestrial carbon and water cycles. Here we synthesize worldwide experimental data to show that stomatal conductance (gs) decreases with elevated carbon dioxide (CO2), warming, decreased precipitation, and tropospheric ozone pollution, but increases with increased precipitation and nitrogen (N) deposition. These responses vary with treatment magnitude, plant attributes (ambient gs, vegetation biomes, and plant functional types), and climate. All two-factor combinations (except warming + N deposition) significantly reduce gs, and their individual effects are commonly additive but tend to be antagonistic as the effect sizes increased. We further show that rising CO2 and warming would dominate the future change of plant gs across biomes. The results of our meta-analysis provide a foundation for understanding and predicting plant gs across biomes and guiding manipulative experiment designs in a real world where global change factors do not occur in isolation.
Distinct astrocytic modulatory roles in sensory transmission during sleep, wakefulness, and arousal states in freely moving mice
Authors: Wang Fushun , Wang Wei , Gu Simeng , Qi Dan , Smith Nathan A. , Peng Weiguo , Dong Wei , Yuan Jiajin , Zhao Binbin , Mao Ying , Cao Peng , Lu Qing Richard , Shapiro Lee A. , Yi S. Stephen , Wu Erxi , Huang Jason H.
Published: April 2023

Despite extensive research on astrocytic Ca2+ in synaptic transmission, its contribution to the modulation of sensory transmission during different brain states remains largely unknown. Here, by using two-photon microscopy and whole-cell recordings, we show two distinct astrocytic Ca2+ signals in the murine barrel cortex: a small, long-lasting Ca2+ increase during sleep and a large, widespread but short-lasting Ca2+ spike when aroused. The large Ca2+ wave in aroused mice was inositol trisphosphate (IP3)-dependent, evoked by the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine system, and enhanced sensory input, contributing to reliable sensory transmission. However, the small Ca2+ transient was IP3-independent and contributed to decreased extracellular K+, hyperpolarization of the neurons, and suppression of sensory transmission. These events respond to different pharmacological inputs and contribute to distinct sleep and arousal functions by modulating the efficacy of sensory transmission. Together, our data demonstrate an important function for astrocytes in sleep and arousal states via astrocytic Ca2+ waves.
Altered human gut virome in patients undergoing antibiotics therapy for Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Wang Lingling , Yao Haobin , Morgan Daniel C. , Lau Kam Shing , Leung Suet Yi , Ho Joshua W. K. , Leung Wai K.
Published: April 2023

Transient gut microbiota alterations have been reported after antibiotic therapy for Helicobacter pylori. However, alteration in the gut virome after H. pylori eradication remains uncertain. Here, we apply metagenomic sequencing to fecal samples of 44 H. pylori-infected patients at baseline, 6-week (N = 44), and 6-month (N = 33) after treatment. Following H. pylori eradication, we discover contraction of the gut virome diversity, separation of virome community with increased community difference, and shifting towards a higher proportion of core virus. While the gut microbiota is altered at 6-week and restored at 6-month, the virome community shows contraction till 6-month after the treatment with enhanced phage-bacteria interactions at 6-week. Multiple courses of antibiotic treatments further lead to lower virus community diversity when compared with treatment naive patients. Our results demonstrate that H. pylori eradication therapies not only result in transient alteration in gut microbiota but also significantly alter the previously less known gut virome community.
All-natural phyllosilicate-polysaccharide triboelectric sensor for machine learning-assisted human motion prediction
Authors: Liu Yuanhao , Shen Yiwen , Ding Wei , Zhang Xiangkun , Tian Weiliang , Yang Song , Hui Bin , Zhang Kewei
Published: April 2023

The rapid development of smart and carbon-neutral cities motivates the potential of natural materials for triboelectric electronics. However, the relatively deficient charge density makes it challenging to achieve high Maxwell’s displacement current. Here, we propose a methodology for improving the triboelectricity of marine polysaccharide by incorporating charged phyllosilicate nanosheets. As a proof-of-concept, a flexible, flame-retardant, and eco-friendly triboelectric sensor is developed based on all-natural composite paper from alginate fibers and vermiculite nanosheets. The interlaced fibers and nanosheets not only enable superior electrical output but also give rise to wear resistance and mechanical stability. The fabricated triboelectric sensor successfully monitors slight motion signals from various joints of human body. Moreover, an effective machine-learning model is developed for human motion identification and prediction with accuracy of 96.2% and 99.8%, respectively. This work offers a promising strategy for improving the triboelectricity of organo-substrates and enables implementation of self-powered and intelligent platform for emerging applications.
Motixafortide and G-CSF to mobilize hematopoietic stem cells for autologous transplantation in multiple myeloma: a randomized phase 3 trial
Authors: Crees Zachary D. , Rettig Michael P. , Jayasinghe Reyka G. , Stockerl-Goldstein Keith , Larson Sarah M. , Arpad Illes , Milone Giulio A. , Martino Massimo , Stiff Patrick , Sborov Douglas , Pereira Denise , Micallef Ivana , Moreno-Jiménez Gemma , Mikala Gabor , Coronel Maria Liz Paciello , Holtick Udo , Hiemenz John , Qazilbash Muzaffar H. , Hardy Nancy , Latif Tahir , García-Cadenas Irene , Vainstein-Haras Abi , Sorani Ella , Gliko-Kabir Irit , Goldstein Inbal , Ickowicz Debby , Shemesh-Darvish Liron , Kadosh Shaul , Gao Feng , Schroeder Mark A. , Vij Ravi , DiPersio John F.
Published: April 2023

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) improves survival in multiple myeloma (MM). However, many individuals are unable to collect optimal CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) numbers with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) mobilization. Motixafortide is a novel cyclic-peptide CXCR4 inhibitor with extended in vivo activity. The GENESIS trial was a prospective, phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study with the objective of assessing the superiority of motixafortide + G-CSF over placebo + G-CSF to mobilize HSPCs for ASCT in MM. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients collecting ≥6 × 106 CD34+ cells kg–1 within two apheresis procedures; the secondary endpoint was to achieve this goal in one apheresis. A total of 122 adult patients with MM undergoing ASCT were enrolled at 18 sites across five countries and randomized (2:1) to motixafortide + G-CSF or placebo + G-CSF for HSPC mobilization. Motixafortide + G-CSF enabled 92.5% to successfully meet the primary endpoint versus 26.2% with placebo + G-CSF (odds ratio (OR) 53.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 14.12–201.33, P < 0.0001). Motixafortide + G-CSF also enabled 88.8% to meet the secondary endpoint versus 9.5% with placebo + G-CSF (OR 118.0, 95% CI 25.36–549.35, P < 0.0001). Motixafortide + G-CSF was safe and well tolerated, with the most common treatment-emergent adverse events observed being transient, grade 1/2 injection site reactions (pain, 50%; erythema, 27.5%; pruritis, 21.3%). In conclusion, motixafortide + G-CSF mobilized significantly greater CD34+ HSPC numbers within two apheresis procedures versus placebo + G-CSF while preferentially mobilizing increased numbers of immunophenotypically and transcriptionally primitive HSPCs. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03246529
Improvement of muscle strength in specific muscular regions in nusinersen-treated adult patients with 5q-spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Schreiber-Katz Olivia , Siegler Hannah Alexandra , Wieselmann Gary , Kumpe Mareike , Ranxha Gresa , Petri Susanne , Osmanovic Alma
Published: April 2023

Real-world data have shown mild improvement of overall motor function in adult patients treated with nusinersen, the first approved therapy for 5q-spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). However, knowledge about preferably targeted muscle functions is sparse. The aim of this study was to evaluate strength of distinct muscles and body regions in adult SMA patients in the early course of nusinersen therapy. 72 muscles of 15 patients were tested on the Medical Research Council (MRC) 0–10 scale (translated into MRC %) from nusinersen start to 14 months of treatment. The whole body muscular strength improved slightly or remained stable in 80% of SMA patients with a median improvement of + 2%. However, relevant increases of muscle strength of distinct regions were identified in the proximal upper limbs and shoulder girdle (median + 8%) and in muscle groups with a preserved function pre-treatment, even in more advanced diseased SMA patients. MRC grading was additionally performed in seven patients enrolled during ongoing treatment. Here, further improvement of muscle strength until month 18–26 was seen with the highest increases in the proximal upper and lower limbs. Our findings suggest that sole evaluation of the overall muscle strength might underestimate nusinersen therapy benefits.
Non-enzymatic glucose sensors composed of trimetallic CuO/Ag/NiO based composite materials
Authors: Naikoo Gowhar A. , Bano Mustri , Arshad Fareeha , Hassan Israr U. , BaOmar Fatima , Alfagih Iman M. , Tambuwala Murtaza M.
Published: April 2023

The escalating risk of diabetes and its consequential impact on cardiac, vascular, ocular, renal, and neural systems globally have compelled researchers to devise cost-effective, ultrasensitive, and reliable electrochemical glucose sensors for the early diagnosis of diabetes. Herein, we utilized advanced composite materials based on nanoporous CuO, CuO/Ag, and CuO/Ag/NiO for glucose detection. The crystalline structure and surface morphology of the synthesized materials were ascertained via powder X-ray diffraction (P-XRD), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. The electro-catalytic properties of the manufactured electrode materials for glucose electro-oxidation in alkaline conditions were probed using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) techniques. Notably, the CuO/Ag/NiO electrode material exhibited exceptional performance as a non-enzymatic glucose sensor, displaying a linear range of 0.001–5.50 mM, an ultrahigh sensitivity of 2895.3 μA mM−1 cm−2, and a low detection limit of 0.1 μM. These results suggest that nanoporous CuO/Ag/NiO-based composite materials are a promising candidate for early diagnosis of hyperglycemia and treatment of diabetes. Furthermore, non-enzymatic glucose sensors may pave the way for novel glucometer markets.
Factors influencing bamboo intake of captive giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)
Authors: Wei Ming , Zhu Yan , Liu Weiping , Li Desheng , Wei Rongping , Deng Linhua , Wu Kai , Song Shixian , Li Ti , Zeng Wen , He Yongguo , Huang Shan , Wang Chengdong
Published: April 2023

Bamboo is the main food source of the giant panda. To increase bamboo intake in captive giant pandas, we studied factors affecting the bamboo intake. Fourteen healthy captive giant pandas in Dujiangyan Base of China Conservation and Research Center for The Giant Panda (“Dujiangyan Base” for short) were selected as research objects. A bamboo feeding experiment was conducted to study the effects of seasons, bamboo age, slope orientations where bamboo grows and felling-feeding time on bamboo intake of the giant panda. We found that the type of bamboo that captive giant pandas feed on was abundant in spring and summer, but relatively homogeneous in winter. With the increase of bamboo age, the intake of bamboo leaves decreased, while bamboo culms increased. The feed intake of 1-year-old bamboo leaves and 5-year-old bamboo culms reached the highest respectively. The slope orientation also affected the panda's bamboo intake, and the bamboo growing on sunny slopes or semi-sunny slopes was more favored by captive giant pandas. Moreover, the bamboo intake reached the highest when felling-feeding time was less than 24 h. In short, we confirmed that seasons, bamboo age, slope orientations and felling-feeding time were factors affecting bamboo intake for captive giant pandas. This study was expected to provide scientific guidance improving the feeding behavior management of captive giant pandas.