bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the performance of international laboratories analysing the stable isotope composition (δ15N, δ18O, δ17O) of nitrate in environmental waters
Authors: Wassenaar Leonard I. , Douence Cedric , Miller Jodie
Published: September 2023

Rationale

Stable‐isotope analyses of nitrate (NO3−) in various water sources are crucial for understanding nitrogen pollution and its impact on aquatic ecosystems. We evaluated the accuracy and precision of stable‐isotope analyses of nitrate conducted by international laboratories.

Methods

Six samples with nitrate (2 mg L−1 NO3−‐N) were sent to 47 laboratories. The NO3− had a 30–50 ‰ range of δ values for δ15N, δ18O and δ17O. One blind duplicate evaluated reproducibility and the effect of water δ18O. Laboratories used diverse methods to convert nitrate to N2O, N2, CO or O2 for stable‐isotopic measurements (microbial, cadmium, titanium and elemental analysis) and isotope‐ratio mass spectrometry or laser‐based technologies.

Results

Thirty‐six international laboratories (83 %) reported results; however, 23 % did not analyze the test samples due to technical difficulties. Of the reporting laboratories, 79 % and 84 % produced accurate δ15N and δ18O results falling within ±0.8 ‰ and ±1.1 ‰ of the benchmark values, respectively. Three laboratories produced only outliers. The duplicate revealed most laboratories gave internally reproducible results at appropriate analytical precision. For δ17O, six laboratories reported results, but 67 % could not reproduce results within their claimed analytical measurement precision. One complication is a lack of nitrate reference materials for δ17O.

Conclusions

Analyst experience contributed to better performance, and underperformance was from compromised standards or inappropriate δ range of working reference materials. The stable isotope community must develop new nitrate reference materials for δ15N spanning −20 ‰ to +80 ‰ and new materials for δ17O.
DIRECT: Digital Microfluidics for Isolation‐Free Shared Library Construction of Single‐Cell DNA Methylome and Transcriptome
Authors: Zeng Xi , Jiang Shaowei , Zhong Zhixing , Yang Xiaoping , Chen Qiuyue , Li Jin , Zhu Zhi , Song Jia , Yang Chaoyong
Published: September 2023

Simultaneous profiling of DNA methylation and gene expression within single cells is a powerful technology to dissect complex gene regulatory network of cells. However, existing methods are based on picking a single‐cell in a tube and split single‐cell lysate into two parts for transcriptome and methylome library construction, respectively, which is costly and cumbersome. Here, DIRECT is proposed, a digital microfluidics‐based method for high‐efficiency single‐cell isolation and simultaneous analysis of the methylome and transcriptome in a single library construction. The accuracy of DIRECT is demonstrated in comparison with bulk and single‐omics data, and the high CpG site coverage of DIRECT allows for precise analysis of copy number variation information, enabling expansion of single cell analysis from two‐ to three‐omics. By applying DIRECT to monitor the dynamics of mouse embryonic stem cell differentiation, the relationship between DNA methylation and changes in gene expression during differentiation is revealed. DIRECT enables accurate, robust, and reproducible single‐cell DNA methylation and gene expression co‐analysis in a more cost‐effective, simpler library preparation and automated manner, broadening the application scenarios of single‐cell multi‐omics analysis and revealing a more comprehensive and fine‐grained map of cellular regulatory landscapes.
Stable Perovskite Solar Cells Based on Direct Surface Passivation Employing 2D Perovskites
Authors: Kundar Milon , Kumar Prasun , Sharma Satinder Kumar , Singh Ranbir , Pal Suman Kalyan
Published: September 2023

Surface passivation of 3D perovskites with highly stable 2D perovskite is an eﬀective strategy to improve both performance and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, a new approach has been employed for the synthesis of oleic acid and octylamine‐assisted 2D perovskites TEA2PbX4 (X = I, Br) in antisolvent and directly used them for the surface passivation of MAFAPbI3 (3D) perovskite. The grain boundary and interface are both optimized in 3D/2D perovskite by 2D perovskite to improve surface morphology. It is found that the 2D perovskite effectively suppresses carrier recombination by reducing the defect density and facilitates interfacial charge extraction through better energy‐level alignments. As a result, power conversion efficiency of PSCs is boosted up to 18.56% and 19.87% for passivation with TEA2PbI4 and TEA2PbBr4, respectively. The passivated perovskite devices exhibit good thermal, operational, and long‐term stability in an ambient environment because of the material robustness of 3D/2D hybrid perovskites.
A Critical Review on Hydrogen Based Fuel Cell Technology and Applications
Authors: Gupta Prashant , Toksha Bhagwan , Rahaman Mostafizur
Published: September 2023

The research in energy storage and conversion is playing a critical role in energy policy as the innovation and technological progress are essential for achieving the energy transition and climate neutrality goals. Hydrogen Fuel Cell technology is considered a strategic element in the pursuit of sustainable and clean energy solutions. This technology is increasingly gaining attention in recent years as a potential substitute to conventional non‐renewable energy sources. Fuel cell technology can be employed for domestic/commercial use along with powering the transportation sector which currently employs the use of conventional battery systems. However, these systems pose severe limitations with respect to longer charging times and limited distance range. This review article aims at providing a comprehensive methodical overview of hydrogen‐based fuel cell technology along with key concepts, present day scenarios, including overview of the market and industry trends, government policies and initiatives, along with major stakeholders involved in scaling up the technology for mass consumption. The outlook of fuel cells, including their capability to revolutionise the energy sector is discussed. The technological advancements and breakthroughs on the horizon along with the challenges and safety concerns related to the widespread acceptance of fuel cells are analysed.
Grundlagen zur Untersuchung kollektiver Medienrezeption
Authors: Schindler Johanna
Published: September 2023

In diesem Kapitel wird auf die wesentlichen Grundlagen für die vorliegende Arbeit und ihre Fragestellungen eingegangen. Zunächst werden dafür die beiden zentralen Begriffe „Gruppe“ sowie „kollektive Medienrezeption“ als Form kollektiver Informationsverarbeitung geklärt (siehe 2.1). Anschließend wird die gesellschaftliche Relevanz kollektiver Medienrezeption beleuchtet, wobei sowohl ihre Verbreitung als auch ihre Auswirkungen berücksichtigt werden (siehe 2.2). Als Nächstes wird ein Überblick über den theoretischen und methodischen Forschungsstand zu kollektiver Informationsverarbeitung bzw. Gruppenprozessen allgemein gegeben. Dabei wird neben dem Stand der Kleingruppenforschung in der Kommunikationswissenschaft auch der in anderen Disziplinen betrachtet (siehe 2.3). Nach einer kurzen Zusammenfassung wird aus den Erkenntnissen zu Relevanz und Forschungsstand die genaue Zielstellung der vorliegenden Arbeit abgeleitet (siehe 2.4).
Ergebnisse aus Studie I: Validität der Gruppenbefragung
Authors: Schindler Johanna
Published: September 2023

In diesem Kapitel werden die Ergebnisse von Studie I vorgestellt. In dieser Studie sollte der unter 4.2 vorgestellte standardisierte Gruppenfragebogen getestet, validiert und weiterentwickelt werden. Zu diesem Zweck wurde eine qualitative Beobachtung von acht natürlichen Gruppen beim Ausfüllen des Fragebogens durchgeführt und um eine Gruppendiskussion zur Gestaltung des Fragebogens ergänzt (siehe 4.3 zu Teilnehmer:innengruppen, Ablauf, Auswertungsstrategie und Weiterentwicklung des Fragebogens). Im Folgenden wird zunächst FF1 zur Funktionsweise des kollektiven Ausfüllprozesses beantwortet (siehe 5.1). Anschließend wird FF2 zum Abgleich zwischen gemessenem und tatsächlich beobachtbarem Verhalten bei der Gruppenbefragung beantwortet (siehe 5.2). Am Schluss werden die Ergebnisse mit Bezug auf die Forschungsfragen zusammengefasst und diskutiert (siehe 5.3). Die zentralen Ergebnisse der Gruppendiskussion zur Fragebogengestaltung wurden unter 4.3.4 zusammengefasst.
Systematic study of peak power scaling for an Yb-doped Kerr-lens mode-locked bulk oscillator
Authors: Meyer Johann Gabriel , Khalili Mohsen , Pronin Oleg
Published: September 2023

We study systematically and experimentally the peak power scalability of a femtosecond Yb:YAG bulk oscillator with separate Kerr and gain medium. We demonstrate that small resonator modifications result in a peak power increase from 93 to 424 kW, corresponding to a repetition rate decrease from 70 to 11 MHz while keeping the pulse duration mostly constant in the range of 90–100 fs. The results are of importance for designing and building up femtosecond oscillators for different applications requiring different repetition rates, such as multiphoton microscopy and ultra-broadband infrared radiation generation.
A systematic review of quantitative studies exploring staff views on antipsychotic use in residents with dementia in care homes
Authors: Raza Amna , Piekarz Hannah , Jawad Sundus , Langran Tim , Donyai Parastou
Published: September 2023

Background

Despite significant warnings of adverse effects, antipsychotics continue to be prescribed for managing the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in care homes. Information provided by staff working within care homes is a factor that can influence prescribing decisions in residents with BPSD.

Aim

The review aimed to capture care home staff views towards antipsychotics for residents with BPSD and separately analyse tools utilized in the studies, mapping them onto the theory of planned behaviour (TPB).

Method

A comprehensive literature search published in ten databases was conducted between May and July 2020 and updated in July 2021. Studies published in full with no date restriction were included and quality assessed using CROSS checklist. A thematic framework approach was applied to extract data and study tools which were then mapped onto the TPB.

Results

Fourteen studies (2059 participants) were included. Findings identified four overarching themes: attitudes toward antipsychotics (e.g. antipsychotics as an appropriate strategy and effectiveness); barriers to deprescribing (e.g. lower staff education, lack of resources and time, poor medication reviews); measures implemented (e.g. nonpharmacological interventions, medication reviews); and perceived needs of staff (e.g. need for training, financial or clinical support). Identified tools addressed seven but not all components of TPB namely, behavioural, normative and control beliefs, attitude, perceived behavioural control, intention and behaviour.

Conclusion

The positive attitudes toward antipsychotics, the identified barriers to deprescribing and the existing tools not addressing all components of the TPB provide the impetus for further research.
Symbiotic Interactions of Archaea in Animal and Human Microbiomes
Authors: Weiland-Bräuer Nancy
Published: September 2023

Purpose of Review

Since the introduction of Archaea as a new domain of life more than 45 years ago, progress in their phylogenetic classification and knowledge of their exclusive biological characteristics has identified archaea as unique microorganisms which are widespread in extreme but also in various moderate ecosystems, including eukaryotic hosts. However, archaea are still neglected players within microbiomes, and research on archaea-bacteria interactions is still in its infancy due to methodological challenges.

Recent Findings

This review summarizes the current knowledge of archaea as components within microbiomes and focuses on their interactions with their bacterial neighbors and the principles of archaeal interactions.

Archaea are common constituents of animal and human microbiomes, which are dominated by Euryarchaeota. The gastrointestinal tract is the most studied body site, where archaea account for up to 4% of all microorganisms, primarily represented by methanogens. No archaeal pathogen has yet been identified, although methanogens are hypothesized to be indirectly involved in pathogenicity. Archaeal interactions comprise symbiotic relationships, and the cell membrane and wall might be as crucial as quorum sensing/quenching for these interactions. Particularly, syntrophic interactions under energy-deficiency stress seem to be an essential strategy for archaea. However, more research is urgently needed to discover how archaea sense their environment, compete with bacteria, and interact within complex microbiomes associated with multicellular organisms.
Sentence-level heuristic tree search for long text generation
Authors: Chen Zheng , Liu Zhejun
Published: September 2023

In this study, we primarily aim to address the exposure bias issue in long text generation intrinsic to statistical language models. We propose a sentence-level heuristic tree search algorithm, specially tailored for long text generation, to mitigate the problem by managing generated texts in a tree structure and curbing the compounding of biases. Our algorithm utilizes two pre-trained language models, an auto-regressive model for generating new sentences and an auto-encoder model for evaluating sentence quality. These models work in tandem to perform four critical operations: expanding the text tree with new sentences, evaluating the quality of the additions, sampling potential unfinished text fragments for further generation, and pruning leaf nodes deemed unpromising. This iterative process continues until a pre-defined number of [EOS] tokens are produced, at which point we select the highest-scoring completed text as our final output. Moreover, we pioneer two novel token-level decoding techniques—nucleus sampling with temperature and diverse beam search with sampling. These methods, integrated with our sentence-level search algorithm, aim to improve the consistency and diversity of text generation. Experimental results, both automated measures (including Jaccard similarity, Word2vec similarity, and unique word ratio) and human evaluations (assessing consistency, fluency, and rhetorical skills), conclusively demonstrate that our approach considerably enhances the quality of machine-generated long-form text. Through this research, we aim to inspire further innovations in sentence-level search-based text generation algorithms.
Catheter-related bloodstream infections in patients receiving hemodialysis in a single Philippine tertiary-care center
Authors: Mantaring Dan Meynard , Rollan Rohana Elise , Abad Cybele
Published: September 2023

Background: Information regarding catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) among patients on hemodialysis in the Philippines is lacking. Objective: In this study, we described the clinical profile, CRBSI incidence density, and outcomes of patients in a single-center hemodialysis unit. Methods: A retrospective review of patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) through a central venous catheter (CVC) from January 2016 to December 2020 in a tertiary-care, private hospital was performed. Baseline demographic data were recorded, and CRBSI incidence density rates (no. of CRBSIs per 1,000 catheter days) were calculated. Results: Of 868 hemodialysis patients (57%), 499 used a CVC and were followed for 182,135 catheter days. Half were male (248 of 499, 49.7%) with a median age of 62 years (range, 24–90). Only 48 (9.6%) of 499 developed CRBSI, with an overall CRBSI incidence of 2.63 per 1,000 catheter days. Of those with CRBSI, 31 (64.6%) of 48 were female. The median age was 74.5 years (range, 30–90). Hypertension (40 of 48, 83.3%) and diabetes mellitus (26 of 48, 54.2%) were frequent comorbidities. Fever with chills was the most common symptom, occurring in 30 (62.5%) of 48 patients. Both gram-positive (n = 24) and gram-negative (n = 25) organisms were isolated. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common gram-positive isolate (14 of 25, 56%); isolates from the order Enterobacterales (12 of 24, 50%) were the most common gram-negative organisms. More CRBSIs occurred among those with a nontunneled versus tunneled CVCs (28 vs 20). The median time to CRBSI occurrence was 7 weeks (range, 0.43–280) from CVC insertion. The most common empiric treatment was either vancomycin (n = 28) or piperacillin-tazobactam (n = 26), which were also used in combination (11 of 28, 39.3%). Treatment involved CVC removal in most patients (34 of 48, 70.8%), either alone (n = 1), or with systemic antibiotic therapy (SAT; n = 16), or SAT plus antibiotic lock therapy (ALT; n = 17). The remainder (14 of 48, 29.2%) retained their CVCs because of difficult access, and received both SAT and ALT. Attributable mortality (6 of 9, 33%) and overall mortality (9 of 48, 18.5%) were high. Mortality of those whose CVC was retained was lower compared to those whose line was removed: (3 of 9, 33%) versus (6 of 9, 66%). Conclusions: The overall CRBSI rate in our hemodialysis unit was low and occurred more commonly in the older age group with a nontunneled CVC. Both gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens were common. CRBSI was associated with high attributable mortality. Successful treatment often required CVC, SAT, and ALT. However, CVC retention was a viable option in some patients with specific limiting factors such as difficult access.

Disclosures: None
3D printers in hospitals: Reducing bacterial contamination on 3D-printed material
Authors: Jackson Katelin , Call Douglas , Lofgren Eric
Published: September 2023

Background: COVID-19 has presented hospitals with unique challenges. An SHEA Research Network survey showed that 40% reported “limited” or worse levels of personal protective equipment (PPE) and that 13% were self-producing PPE to address those deficits, including 3D-printed items. However, we do not know how efficiently, if at all, 3D-printed materials can be disinfected. Additionally, 2 filaments, PLACTIVE and PUREMENT, claim to be antimicrobial; they use copper nanocomposites and silver ions to reduce bacterial populations. We assessed how PLACTIVE and PUREMENT may be contaminated and how well they reduce contamination, and how readily polylactic acid (PLA), a standard 3D-printed material, may be disinfected. Methods: We grew methicillin-resistant and -susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae on 3D-printed disks and conducted bacterial survival assays to determine whether bacteria grow on PLA, PLACTIVE, and PUREMENT. We performed a time series (with 3- and 24-hour dry times) followed by serial dilutions to attain colony-forming unit (CFU) averages for each strain per disk. To determine whether 3D-printed material can be cleaned, we used 70% EtOH on PLA only. We conducted the same time series followed by a disinfectant time series (with dry times 30 seconds, 2.5, minutes, 5 minutes, and 10 minutes). Again, serial dilutions were performed to attain the PLA CFU averages with disinfectant. The CFU averages from the control group (PLA) and testing group (PLACTIVE and PUREMENT) were compared to see how well the antimicrobial material decreased bacterial load. We also compared the CFU averages of PLA with and without disinfectant to see how well 70% EtOH decreased bacterial load. Results: 3D-printed material is readily contaminated with bacteria common in hospitals and can sustain that contamination. Antimicrobial materials, PLACTIVE and PUREMENT, had lower levels of bacterial contamination when compared to PLA. However, disinfected disks had lower overall CFU averages than those that were not, but the level of disinfection was variable and bacterial populations recovered hours after disinfection application. Conclusions: Proper disinfection and using appropriate 3D-printed materials are essential to limiting bacterial contamination. 3D printers and their products can be invaluable for hospitals, especially when supplies are low and healthcare worker safety is paramount. Environmental services should be made aware of the presence of antimicrobial 3D-printed materials, and patients should be discouraged from printing their own items for use in hospital environments.

Disclosures: None
The Evolve to Next-Gen ACT Network: An evolving open-access, real-world data resource primed for real-world evidence research across the Clinical and Translational Science Award Consortium
Authors: Morrato Elaine H. , Lennox Lindsay A. , Dearing James W. , Coughlan Anne T. , Gano Elaina S. , McFadden Doug , Mora Nallely , Pincus Harold Alan , Firestein Gary S. , Toto Robert , Reis Steven E.
Published: September 2023

The ACT Network was funded by NIH to provide investigators from across the Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Consortium the ability to directly query national federated electronic health record (EHR) data for cohort discovery and feasibility assessment of multi-site studies. NIH refunded the program for expanded research application to become “Evolve to Next-Gen ACT” (ENACT). In parallel, the US Food and Drug Administration has been evaluating the use of real-world data (RWD), including EHR data, as sources of real-world evidence (RWE) for its regulatory decisions involving drug and biological products. Using insights from implementation science, six lessons learned from ACT for developing and sustaining RWD/RWE infrastructures and networks across the CTSA Consortium are presented in order to inform ENACT’s development from the outset. Lessons include intentional institutional relationship management, end-user engagement, beta-testing, and customer-driven adaptation. The ENACT team is also conducting customer discovery interviews with CTSA hub and investigators using Innovation-Corps@NCATS (I-Corps™) methodology for biomedical entrepreneurs to uncover unmet RWD needs. Possible ENACT value proposition hypotheses are presented by stage of research. Developing evidence about methods for sustaining academically derived data infrastructures and support can advance the science of translation and support our nation’s RWD/RWE research capacity.
Medical Assistance in the De-Occupied Ukrainian Territory
Authors: Mazurenko Oleg V. , Roshchin Georgiy G. , Slychko Ivan Yo
Published: September 2023

Introduction:

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has affected more people and destroyed a local public health facility. When some territories in Ukraine were de-occupied, national and international mobile clinics (MCs) were involved for medical assistance to local inhabitants. Knowledge about population health, medical, and humanitarian needs after they have been de-occupied has to improve planning for health system response.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to summarized the MC experience at the first month after the area was de-occupied, as well as to show out-patient visits and to identify a need for medicines and medical equipment in the MC.

Methods:

The information related to the missions was obtained by direct observation and estimation on empirical data gathering in the field during a twelve-day mission in April-May 2022. All patients were divided by age, sex, and diseases according to the International Classification of Diseases-10 (ICD-10). During the twelve-day MC mission, medical assistance was provided for 478 out-patients. Descriptive statistical methods were undertaken using Microsoft Office 2019, Excel with data analysis.

Interventions:

All out-patients were evaluated clinically. Personal medical cards were completed for each patient. Glucose testing as well as tests for coronavirus disease 2019/COVID-19 had been done, if it was necessary. All sick persons were treated for their disease.

Results:

The priority needs for emergency and primary medical care, medicines, and hygienic and sanitation supplies after the area was de-occupied were fixed. The most frequent reasons for visiting the МС were: hypertension (27.6%), musculoskeletal-related (arthritis) diseases (26.9%), heart and peripheral vascular diseases (12.1%), upper gastrointestinal disorder (5.4%), upper respiratory infection (5.0%), and diabetes Type-2 (3.7%). Other diagnoses such as lower respiratory tract infection, diagnoses of the digestive system (hemorrhoids and perianal venous thrombosis), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/COPD or asthma, eye diseases, gynecology-related condition, menstrual condition, and urinary tract disorder were distributed almost equally (0.21%-2.51%) among the patient population.

Conclusions:

In the de-occupied territories, a health responder could be ready for medical assistance to patients with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) as well as to support a person with psychological reactions who asked for sedatives and sleep-inducing medicines. These data clearly demonstrate that MCs must be equipped by blood pressure (BP) monitor, stethoscope, pulse oximeter, and diabetes testing kit glucose with essential medicines. This study improves health response planning for local civilian populations in de-occupied territory.
Household food insecurity in South Africa from 1999 to 2021: a metrics perspective
Authors: van den Berg Louise , Walsh Corinna May
Published: September 2023

Objective:

To review and synthesize studies on household food security in South Africa.

Design:

Systematic mapping review of metrics (methodological review).

Setting:

Electronic databases, including EBSCOHost, Scopus and Web of Science, were searched for studies and reports on household food security in South Africa, reporting household food security published between 1999 and 2021. Searching, selecting and reporting were performed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement.

Participants:

South African households

Results:

Forty-eight articles reporting on six national surveys (one repeated annually since 2002) and forty sub-national studies meeting the inclusion criteria were selected. Various metrics, with different recall periods and ways of categorizing food security levels, were identified. Surveys that used similar metrics showed that the percentage of South African households that have experienced food insecurity and hunger has decreased over the review period yet remains concerning. However, the multitude of metrics used to assess the different components and levels of food security limits the comparability of the results to evaluate the scope and scale of the problem.

Conclusions:

There is growing support for developing multi-variable approaches for food security research in sub-Saharan Africa. Future research should focus on finding the most appropriate combination of complementary metrics that would allow comparable data while holistically capturing food security and providing insight into the causes and consequences.
Low-Tech, Energy-Free Tool Collects and Cleans Fog Water
Authors: Cartier Kimberly
Published: September 2023

A new fog harvester could benefit communities that lack access to clean freshwater.
Plio‐Pleistocene Southwest African Hydroclimate Modulated by Benguela and Indian Ocean Temperatures
Authors: Rubbelke Claire B. , Bhattacharya Tripti , Feng Ran , Burls Natalie J. , Knapp Scott , McClymont Erin L.
Published: September 2023

Future projections of southwestern African hydroclimate are highly uncertain. However, insights from past warm climates, like the Pliocene, can reveal mechanisms of future change and help benchmark models. Using leaf wax hydrogen isotopes to reconstruct precipitation (δDp) from Namibia over the past 5 million years, we find a long‐term depletion trend (−50‰). Empirical mode decomposition indicates this trend is linked to sea surface temperatures (SSTs) within the Benguela Upwelling System, but modulated by Indian Ocean SSTs on shorter timescales. The influence of SSTs on reconstructed regional hydroclimate is similar to that observed during modern Benguela Nio events, which bring extreme flooding to the region. Isotope‐enabled simulations and PlioMIP2 results suggest that capturing a Benguela Nio‐like state is key to accurately simulating Pliocene, and future, regional hydroclimate. This has implications for future regional climate, since an increased frequency of Benguela Nios poses risk to the ecosystems and industries in the region.
Receiver Function Adjoint Tomography for Three‐Dimensional High‐Resolution Seismic Array Imaging: Methodology and Applications in Southeastern Tibet
Authors: Xu Mijian , Wang Kai , Chen Jing , Yu Dayong , Tong Ping
Published: September 2023

A new technique for P‐wave receiver function (PRF) inversion, within the framework of wave equation‐based adjoint tomography and referred to as receiver function adjoint tomography (RFAT), has been developed to obtain models of Vp, Vs, and density. This innovative technique fits the synthetic PRFs with observed PRFs and can better image the lateral variations of Vs from the crust to the uppermost mantle than traditional 1‐D PRF inversion. We utilized RFAT to perform high‐resolution imaging beneath a dense seismic array in Southeastern Tibet, revealing low‐velocity zones extending from the uppermost mantle to the crust, as well as an eastward dipping Moho under the Red River Fault (RRF). Our inversion results provide direct evidence for the existence of a distinct asthenospheric upwelling channel beneath the RRF, and further highlight the effectiveness of RFAT for accurately imaging subsurface structures.
Deep Learning Improves Reconstruction of Ocean Vertical Velocity
Authors: Zhu Ruichen , Li Yanqin , Chen Zhaohui , Du Tianshi , Zhang Yueqi , Li Zhuoran , Jing Zhiyou , Yang Haiyuan , Jing Zhao , Wu Lixin
Published: September 2023

Ocean vertical velocity (w) plays a key role in regulating the exchanges of mass, heat and nutrients between the surface and deep ocean. However, direct observation remains difficult due to its small magnitude and large spatiotemporal variability. Therefore, w fields are generally diagnosed using dynamic‐based methods. In this study, we developed a deep neural network (DNN) to reconstruct three‐dimensional fields of ocean vertical velocity based on sea surface height (SSH) fields. Compared to dynamic‐based methods, the DNN shows improved performance in the w reconstruction within upper 500 m in terms of higher correlation and less error. Remarkably, the DNN requires only a ∼45 × 45 km size SSH image as input to estimate w at the center. This suggests that the DNN has great potential for w reconstruction in the future combined with high‐resolution observations such as the Surface Water and Ocean Topography mission.
Majorana zero modes in Y-shape interacting Kitaev wires
Authors: Pandey Bradraj , Kaushal Nitin , Alvarez Gonzalo , Dagotto Elbio
Published: September 2023

Motivated by the recent experimental realization of minimal Kitaev chains using quantum dots, we investigate the Majorana zero modes (MZM) in Y-shape Kitaev wires. We solve the associated Kitaev models analytically at the sweet spot (th = Δ) and derive the exact form of MZM wave-functions in this geometry. We observed exotic multi-site MZMs located near the junction center, on the nearby edge sites of each leg. This result is important for potential braiding of Majoranas and the performance of Y-junctions made from arrays of quantum dots. Furthermore, we study the stability of local (single-site) and multi-site MZMs modes in the presence of Coulomb repulsion, using density matrix renormalization group theory. Our local density-of-states calculation shows that these multi-site MZMs are as equally topologically protected as the single-site MZMs when in the presence of Coulomb repulsion or when away from the sweet-spot.
An engineered periosteum for efficient delivery of rhBMP-2 and mesenchymal progenitor cells during bone regeneration
Authors: Romero-Torrecilla Juan Antonio , Lamo-Espinosa José María , Ripalda-Cemboráin Purificación , López-Martínez Tania , Abizanda Gloria , Riera-Álvarez Luis , de Galarreta-Moriones Sergio Ruiz , López-Barberena Asier , Rodríguez-Flórez Naiara , Elizalde Reyes , Jayawarna Vineetha , Valdés-Fernández José , de Anleo Miguel Echanove-González , Childs Peter , de Juan-Pardo Elena , Salmeron-Sanchez Manuel , Prósper Felipe , Muiños-López Emma , Granero-Moltó Froilán
Published: September 2023

During bone regeneration, the periosteum acts as a carrier for key regenerative cues, delivering osteochondroprogenitor cells and crucial growth factors to the injured bone. We developed a biocompatible, 3D polycaprolactone (PCL) melt electro-written membrane to act as a mimetic periosteum. Poly (ethyl acrylate) coating of the PCL membrane allowed functionalization, mediated by fibronectin and low dose recombinant human BMP-2 (rhBMP-2) (10-25 μg/ml), resulting in efficient, sustained osteoinduction in vitro. In vivo, rhBMP-2 functionalized mimetic periosteum demonstrated regenerative potential in the treatment of rat critical-size femoral defects with highly efficient healing and functional recovery (80%-93%). Mimetic periosteum has also proven to be efficient for cell delivery, as observed through the migration of transplanted periosteum-derived mesenchymal cells to the bone defect and their survival. Ultimately, mimetic periosteum demonstrated its ability to deliver key stem cells and morphogens to an injured site, exposing a therapeutic and translational potential in vivo when combined with unprecedentedly low rhBMP-2 doses.
Finding normal-to-better neurocognitive indexes in individuals with schizotypal traits using a social role task
Authors: Diao Mingyi , Demchenko Ilya , Asare Gifty , Quan Jingyan , Debruille J. Bruno
Published: September 2023

Schizophrenia patients make more errors and have longer reaction times (RTs) than healthy controls in most cognitive tasks. Deficits are also observed in subclinical participants having high scores on the schizotypal personality questionnaire (SPQ). They are accompanied by smaller amplitudes of the event-related brain potentials (ERPs) that index attention and semantic- and working-memory. These functions are thus thought to be impaired in individuals having various schizophrenia attributes (SzAs). Nevertheless, normal RTs were recently found in SzAs during a particular self-referential task where half of the stimuli were names of extraordinary social roles (e.g., genius). Each name (ordinary or extraordinary) was presented individually, and participants were asked to decide whether or not they would consider themselves performing the role at any moment of their lives. To further test an absence of cognitive deficits in this task, the ERPs elicited by names of social roles were also examined in 175 healthy participants. The absence of longer RTs in high- than in low-SPQs was replicated. Moreover, the ERPs of high SPQs had larger occipital N1s, larger P2s and larger occipital N400s than those of low SPQs while late positive potentials (LPPs) were of similar amplitudes. Such results are consistent with clinical observations of greater attention and faster processing of stimuli related to extraordinary/delusional beliefs. Further studies should test whether the cognitive deficits found in SzAs are due to the use of tasks and stimuli that are less within their focus of interest than within that of healthy controls.
Shared metabolic shifts in endothelial cells in stroke and Alzheimer’s disease revealed by integrated analysis
Authors: Guo Guangyu , Fan Liyuan , Yan Yingxue , Xu Yunhao , Deng Zhifen , Tian Miaomiao , Geng Yaoqi , Xia Zongping , Xu Yuming
Published: September 2023

Since metabolic dysregulation is a hallmark of both stroke and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), mining shared metabolic patterns in these diseases will help to identify their possible pathogenic mechanisms and potential intervention targets. However, a systematic integration analysis of the metabolic networks of the these diseases is still lacking. In this study, we integrated single-cell RNA sequencing datasets of ischemic stroke (IS), hemorrhagic stroke (HS) and AD models to construct metabolic flux profiles at the single-cell level. We discovered that the three disorders cause shared metabolic shifts in endothelial cells. These altered metabolic modules were mainly enriched in the transporter-related pathways and were predicted to potentially lead to a decrease in metabolites such as pyruvate and fumarate. We further found that Lef1, Elk3 and Fosl1 may be upstream transcriptional regulators causing metabolic shifts and may be possible targets for interventions that halt the course of neurodegeneration.
Data correction and verification of thermal simulation experiments under the influence of bulging belly
Authors: Zheng Bing , Xu Dong , Zou Zhipeng , Wang Yiqun , Guo Longxin , Zhao Hongyang , Ju Dongying
Published: September 2023

During the thermal simulation compression test, the formation of an obvious bulge in the specimen leads to a certain deviation between the calculated and actual values of the true stress. The finite element method was used to simulate the single-pass compression of specimens of 34CrNi3MoV steel and obtain the actual nonuniform deformation of the bulging belly during the compression process, and the results were applied to correct experimental flow curves. The results showed that the deformation conditions had a significant influence on the nonuniformity of the specimen deformation during the compression process, and all the modified flow curves were lower than the original ones. The size of the bulge and the metal flow line in the finite element simulation were consistent with the test results. The load value obtained by using the modified flow curve was similar to the load value measured in the test, which indicated that the modified flow curve was very close to the real flow force curve of the material. The method used to modify the flow force curve is simple and practical.
Concept of a fully-implantable system to monitor tumor recurrence
Authors: Schaufler Anna , Sanin Ahmed Y. , Sandalcioglu I. Erol , Hartmann Karl , Croner Roland S. , Perrakis Aristotelis , Wartmann Thomas , Boese Axel , Kahlert Ulf D. , Fischer Igor
Published: September 2023

Current treatment for glioblastoma includes tumor resection followed by radiation, chemotherapy, and periodic post-operative examinations. Despite combination therapies, patients face a poor prognosis and eventual recurrence, which often occurs at the resection site. With standard MRI imaging surveillance, histologic changes may be overlooked or misinterpreted, leading to erroneous conclusions about the course of adjuvant therapy and subsequent interventions. To address these challenges, we propose an implantable system for accurate continuous recurrence monitoring that employs optical sensing of fluorescently labeled cancer cells and is implanted in the resection cavity during the final stage of tumor resection. We demonstrate the feasibility of the sensing principle using miniaturized system components, optical tissue phantoms, and porcine brain tissue in a series of experimental trials. Subsequently, the system electronics are extended to include circuitry for wireless energy transfer and power management and verified through electromagnetic field, circuit simulations and test of an evaluation board. Finally, a holistic conceptual system design is presented and visualized. This novel approach to monitor glioblastoma patients is intended to early detect recurrent cancerous tissue and enable personalization and optimization of therapy thus potentially improving overall prognosis.
Assessment of health risks associated with heavy metal concentration in seafood from North-Western Croatia
Authors: Traven Luka , Marinac-Pupavac Sandra , Žurga Paula , Linšak Željko , Pavičić Žeželj Sandra , Glad Marin , Vukić Lušić Darija
Published: September 2023

The following study aims at assessing the health risks associated with the consumption of the most commonly consumed seafood in the north-western part of Croatia due to the presence of heavy metals. Samples of seafood were collected and analysed for lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) content. Analyses of Cd and Pb were carried out by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) whereas Hg content was measured using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Metal concentrations were in the following order Hg > Pb > Cd for the gilthead seabream, European hake, sardines, and tuna fish whereas in the Patagonian squid cadmium (Cd) was the heavy metal with the highest concentration, with the order of other metals being Cd > Hg > Pb. The heavy metal concentrations have been used to address the health risks using the Estimated Weekly Intake (EWI), Target Hazard Quotients (THQ), and Hazard Indices (HI). The findings revealed that the concentrations of the tested heavy metals, expressed on a per wet weight basis, did not exceed the Maximum Residue Levels (MRL) for those compounds mandated by national Croatian legislation. However, the HI for Hg was above 1, indicating a risk of adverse health effects due to the presence of this heavy metal in the consumed seafood. We conclude that the consumption of certain type of seafood such as the tuna fish should be limited when sensitive segments of the population such as children, elderly and pregnant women are concerned. Our results strongly advocate for a more stringent seafood quality control in the region.
Electron beam driven ion-acoustic solitary waves in plasmas with two kappa-distributed electrons
Authors: Hatami M. M.
Published: September 2023

Formation and the basic features of arbitrary amplitude ion-acoustic solitary waves (IASWs) in a plasma consisting of warm positive ions, two$$\kappa$$κ-distributed electrons and an electron beam are investigated by using the Sagdeev pseudopotential approach. It is shown that the soliton existence domain (Mach number limits) sensitively depends on temperature of ions, spectral index of cool electrons and concentration of hot electron species while spectral index of hot electrons, hot-to-cool electron temperature ratio and also concentration of electron beam do not considerably affect this domain. It is also found that temperature of electron beam only affect the existence domain of rarefactive solitons. Furthermore, it is shown that considered plasma medium supports the coexistence of positive and negative IASWs. Moreover, effect of different plasma parameters such as hot-to-cool electron density ratio, ion-to-cool electron temperature ratio, beam-to-ion density ratio, hot-to-cool electron temperature ratio and superthermality index of electron species on the basic features of positive and negative IASWs is investigated numerically. Finally, the effect of plasma parameters on the parametric regime of coexistence of compressive and rarefactive IASWs is studied and, for example, effect of temperature of positive ions and number density of hot electrons on polarity of IASWs is numerically investigated.
A multimodal radiomic machine learning approach to predict the LCK expression and clinical prognosis in high-grade serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Zhan Feng , He Lidan , Yu Yuanlin , Chen Qian , Guo Yina , Wang Lili
Published: September 2023

We developed and validated a multimodal radiomic machine learning approach to noninvasively predict the expression of lymphocyte cell-specific protein-tyrosine kinase (LCK) expression and clinical prognosis of patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). We analyzed gene enrichment using 343 HGSOC cases extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas. The corresponding biomedical computed tomography images accessed from The Cancer Imaging Archive were used to construct the radiomic signature (Radscore). A radiomic nomogram was built by combining the Radscore and clinical and genetic information based on multimodal analysis. We compared the model performances and clinical practicability via area under the curve (AUC), Kaplan–Meier survival, and decision curve analyses. LCK mRNA expression was associated with the prognosis of HGSOC patients, serving as a significant prognostic marker of the immune response and immune cells infiltration. Six radiomic characteristics were chosen to predict the expression of LCK and overall survival (OS) in HGSOC patients. The logistic regression (LR) radiomic model exhibited slightly better predictive abilities than the support vector machine model, as assessed by comparing combined results. The performance of the LR radiomic model for predicting the level of LCK expression with five-fold cross-validation achieved AUCs of 0.879 and 0.834, respectively, in the training and validation sets. Decision curve analysis at 60 months demonstrated the high clinical utility of our model within thresholds of 0.25 and 0.7. The radiomic nomograms were robust and displayed effective calibration. Abnormally high expression of LCK in HGSOC patients is significantly correlated with the tumor immune microenvironment and can be used as an essential indicator for predicting the prognosis of HGSOC. The multimodal radiomic machine learning approach can capture the heterogeneity of HGSOC, noninvasively predict the expression of LCK, and replace LCK for predictive analysis, providing a new idea for predicting the clinical prognosis of HGSOC and formulating a personalized treatment plan.
Skin microbiota secretomes modulate cutaneous innate immunity against Borrelia burgdorferi s.s
Authors: Baquer F. , Jaulhac B. , Barthel C. , Paz M. , Wolfgramm J. , Müller A. , Boulanger N. , Grillon A.
Published: September 2023

In Lyme borreliosis, the skin constitutes a major interface for the host, the bacteria and the tick. Skin immunity is provided by specialized immune cells but also by the resident cells: the keratinocytes and the fibroblasts. Discoveries on the role of the microbiome in the modulation of skin inflammation and immunity have reinforced the potential importance of the skin in vector-borne diseases. In this study, we analyzed in vitro the interaction of human primary keratinocytes and fibroblasts with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto N40 in presence or absence of bacterial commensal supernatants. We aimed to highlight the role of resident skin cells and skin microbiome on the inflammation induced by B. burgdorferi s.s.. The secretomes of Staphylococcus epidermidis, Corynebacterium striatum and Cutibacterium acnes showed an overall increase in the expression of IL-8, CXCL1, MCP-1 and SOD-2 by fibroblasts, and of IL-8, CXCL1, MCP-1 and hBD-2 in the undifferentiated keratinocytes. Commensal bacteria showed a repressive effect on the expression of IL-8, CXCL1 and MCP-1 by differentiated keratinocytes. Besides the inflammatory effect observed in the presence of Borrelia on all cell types, the cutaneous microbiome appears to promote a rapid innate response of resident skin cells during the onset of Borrelia infection.