bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence and reporting standards in N-of-1 medical studies: a systematic review
Authors: Natesan Batley Prathiba , McClure Erica B. , Brewer Brandy , Contractor Ateka A. , Batley Nicholas John , Hedges Larry Vernon , Chin Stephanie
Published: July 2023

N-of-1 trials, a special case of Single Case Experimental Designs (SCEDs), are prominent in clinical medical research and specifically psychiatry due to the growing significance of precision/personalized medicine. It is imperative that these clinical trials be conducted, and their data analyzed, using the highest standards to guard against threats to validity. This systematic review examined publications of medical N-of-1 trials to examine whether they meet (a) the evidence standards and (b) the criteria for demonstrating evidence of a relation between an independent and an outcome variable per the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) standards for SCEDs. We also examined the appropriateness of the data analytic techniques in the special context of N-of-1 designs. We searched for empirical journal articles that used N-of-1 design and published between 2013 and 2022 in PubMed and Web of Science. Protocols or methodological papers and studies that did not manipulate a medical condition were excluded. We reviewed 115 articles; 4 (3.48%) articles met all WWC evidence standards. Most (99.1%) failed to report an appropriate design-comparable effect size; neither did they report a confidence/credible interval, and 47.9% reported neither the raw data rendering meta-analysis impossible. Most (83.8%) ignored autocorrelation and did not meet distributional assumptions (65.8%). These methodological problems could lead to significantly inaccurate effect sizes. It is necessary to implement stricter guidelines for the clinical conduct and analyses of medical N-of-1 trials. Reporting neither raw data nor design-comparable effect sizes renders meta-analysis impossible and is antithetical to the spirit of open science.
Chromatin regulators in the TBX1 network confer risk for conotruncal heart defects in 22q11.2DS
Authors: Zhao Yingjie , Wang Yujue , Shi Lijie , McDonald-McGinn Donna M. , Crowley T. Blaine , McGinn Daniel E. , Tran Oanh T. , Miller Daniella , Lin Jhih-Rong , Zackai Elaine , Johnston H. Richard , Chow Eva W. C. , Vorstman Jacob A. S. , Vingerhoets Claudia , van Amelsvoort Therese , Gothelf Doron , Swillen Ann , Breckpot Jeroen , Vermeesch Joris R. , Eliez Stephan , Schneider Maude , van den Bree Marianne B. M. , Owen Michael J. , Kates Wendy R. , Repetto Gabriela M. , Shashi Vandana , Schoch Kelly , Bearden Carrie E. , Digilio M. Cristina , Unolt Marta , Putotto Carolina , Marino Bruno , Pontillo Maria , Armando Marco , Vicari Stefano , Angkustsiri Kathleen , Campbell Linda , Busa Tiffany , Heine-Suñer Damian , Murphy Kieran C. , Murphy Declan , García-Miñaúr Sixto , Fernández Luis ,   International 22q11.2 Brain and Behavior Consortium (IBBC), Busa Tiffany , Zhang Zhengdong D. , Goldmuntz Elizabeth , Gur Raquel E. , Emanuel Beverly S. , Zheng Deyou , Marshall Christian R. , Bassett Anne S. , Wang Tao , Morrow Bernice E.
Published: July 2023

Congenital heart disease (CHD) affecting the conotruncal region of the heart, occurs in 40–50% of patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS). This syndrome is a rare disorder with relative genetic homogeneity that can facilitate identification of genetic modifiers. Haploinsufficiency of TBX1, encoding a T-box transcription factor, is one of the main genes responsible for the etiology of the syndrome. We suggest that genetic modifiers of conotruncal defects in patients with 22q11.2DS may be in the TBX1 gene network. To identify genetic modifiers, we analyzed rare, predicted damaging variants in whole genome sequence of 456 cases with conotruncal defects and 537 controls, with 22q11.2DS. We then performed gene set approaches and identified chromatin regulatory genes as modifiers. Chromatin genes with recurrent damaging variants include EP400, KAT6A, KMT2C, KMT2D, NSD1, CHD7 and PHF21A. In total, we identified 37 chromatin regulatory genes, that may increase risk for conotruncal heart defects in 8.5% of 22q11.2DS cases. Many of these genes were identified as risk factors for sporadic CHD in the general population. These genes are co-expressed in cardiac progenitor cells with TBX1, suggesting that they may be in the same genetic network. The genes KAT6A, KMT2C, CHD7 and EZH2, have been previously shown to genetically interact with TBX1 in mouse models. Our findings indicate that disturbance of chromatin regulatory genes impact the TBX1 gene network serving as genetic modifiers of 22q11.2DS and sporadic CHD, suggesting that there are some shared mechanisms involving the TBX1 gene network in the etiology of CHD.
Shared social identity and media transmission of trauma
Authors: Relihan Daniel P. , Jones Nickolas M. , Holman E. Alison , Silver Roxane Cohen
Published: July 2023

When an individual or group trauma becomes a shared public experience through widespread media coverage (e.g., mass violence, being publicly outed), sharing a social identity with a targeted individual or group of victims may amplify feelings of personal vulnerability. This heightened perceived threat may draw people to engage with trauma-related media because of increased vigilance for self-relevant threats, which can, in turn, amplify distress. We studied this possibility among two U.S. national samples following the 2016 Pulse nightclub massacre in Orlando, FL (N = 4675) and the 2018 Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and Judge Brett Kavanaugh Supreme Court Senate hearings (N = 4894). Participants who shared LGBT or Hispanic identities with Pulse massacre victims reported greater exposure to massacre-related media and acute stress. Participants who shared Dr. Blasey Ford’s identities as a victim of interpersonal violence and a Democrat reported more hearings-related media exposure and acute stress. Indirect effects of shared single identity on acute stress through self-reported event-related media exposure emerged in both studies. Results for sharing dual identities with victims were mixed. These findings have implications for media use and public health.
Effective SARS-CoV-2 replication of monolayers of intestinal epithelial cells differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Minami Shohei , Matsumoto Naomi , Omori Hiroko , Nakamura Yutaka , Tamiya Shigeyuki , Nouda Ryotaro , Nurdin Jeffery A. , Yamasaki Moeko , Kotaki Tomohiro , Kanai Yuta , Okamoto Toru , Tachibana Taro , Ushijima Hiroshi , Kobayashi Takeshi , Sato Shintaro
Published: July 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes severe acute respiratory symptoms in humans. Controlling the coronavirus disease pandemic is a worldwide priority. The number of SARS-CoV-2 studies has dramatically increased, and the requirement for analytical tools is higher than ever. Here, we propose monolayered-intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) instead of three-dimensional cultured intestinal organoids as a suitable tool to study SARS-CoV-2 infection. Differentiated IEC monolayers express high levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), host factors essential for SARS-CoV-2 infection. SARS-CoV-2 efficiently grows in IEC monolayers. Using this propagation system, we confirm that TMPRSS2 inhibition blocked SARS-CoV-2 infection in IECs. Hence, our iPSC-derived IEC monolayers are suitable for SARS-CoV-2 research under physiologically relevant conditions.
Identification of genes associated with the regulation of cold tolerance and the RNA movement in the grafted apple
Authors: Lee Youngsuk , Hoang Nam V. , Do Van Giap , Foster Toshi M. , McGhie Tony K. , Kim Seonae , Yang Sang Jin , Park Ju-Hyeon , Park Jongsung , Lee Ji-Young
Published: July 2023

In grafted apple, rootstock-derived signals influence scion cold tolerance by initiating physiological changes to survive over the winter. To understand the underlying molecular interactions between scion and rootstock responsive to cold, we developed transcriptomics and metabolomics data in the stems of two scion/rootstock combinations, ‘Gala’/‘G202’ (cold resistant rootstock) and ‘Gala’/‘M9’ (cold susceptible rootstock). Outer layers of scion and rootstock stem, including vascular tissues, were collected from the field-grown grafted apple during the winter. The clustering of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and gene ontology enrichment indicated distinct expression dynamics in the two graft combinations, which supports the dependency of scion cold tolerance on the rootstock genotypes. We identified 544 potentially mobile mRNAs of DEGs showing highly-correlated seasonal dynamics between scion and rootstock. The mobility of a subset of 544 mRNAs was validated by translocated genome-wide variants and the measurements of selected RNA mobility in tobacco and Arabidopsis. We detected orthologous genes of potentially mobile mRNAs in Arabidopsis thaliana, which belong to cold regulatory networks with RNA mobility. Together, our study provides a comprehensive insight into gene interactions and signal exchange between scion and rootstock responsive to cold. This will serve for future research to enhance cold tolerance of grafted tree crops.
Antimicrobial resistance and virulence of subgingival staphylococci isolated from periodontal health and diseases
Authors: Colombo Ana Paula Vieira , do Souto Renata Martins , Araújo Lélia Lima , Espíndola Laís Christina Pontes , Hartenbach Fátima Aparecida R. R. , Magalhães Clarissa Bichara , da Silva Oliveira Alves Gabrielle , Lourenço Talita Gomes Baêta , da Silva-Boghossian Carina Maciel
Published: July 2023

The dysbiotic biofilm of periodontitis may function as a reservoir for opportunistic human pathogens of clinical relevance. This study explored the virulence and antimicrobial susceptibility of staphylococci isolated from the subgingival biofilm of individuals with different periodontal conditions. Subgingival biofilm was obtained from 142 individuals with periodontal health, 101 with gingivitis and 302 with periodontitis, and cultivated on selective media. Isolated strains were identified by mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by disk diffusion. The mecA and virulence genes were surveyed by PCR. Differences among groups regarding species, virulence and antimicrobial resistance were examined by Chi-square, Kruskal–Wallis or Mann–Whitney tests. The overall prevalence of subgingival staphylococci was 46%, especially in severe periodontitis (> 60%; p < 0.01). S. epidermidis (59%) and S. aureus (22%) were the predominant species across groups. S. condimenti, S. hominis, S. simulans and S. xylosus were identified only in periodontitis. High rates of resistance/reduced sensitivity were found for penicillin (60%), amoxicillin (55%) and azithromycin (37%), but multidrug resistance was observed in 12% of the isolates. Over 70% of the mecA + strains in periodontitis were isolated from severe disease. Higher detection rates of fnB + isolates were observed in periodontitis compared to health and gingivitis, whereas luxF/luxS-pvl + strains were associated with sites with deep pockets and attachment loss (p < 0.05). Penicillin-resistant staphylococci is highly prevalent in the subgingival biofilm regardless of the periodontal status. Strains carrying virulence genes related to tissue adhesion/invasion, inflammation and cytotoxicity support the pathogenic potential of these opportunists in the periodontal microenvironment.
Lambda-cyhalothrin-induced pancreatic toxicity in adult albino rats
Authors: Sakr Samar , Rashad Walaa A.
Published: July 2023

Lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT) is one of the most frequently utilized pyrethroids. This study aimed to explore the toxic effects of subacute exposure to LCT on the pancreas and the hepatic glucose metabolism in adult male albino rats. 20 rats were equally grouped into; Control group and LCT group. The latter received LCT (61.2 mg/kg b.wt.), orally on a daily basis for 28 days. At the end of experiment, blood samples were collected for the determination of serum glucose and insulin levels. Pancreases were harvested and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA); catalase (CAT); superoxide dismutase (SOD); reduced glutathione (GSH); tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α); interleukin-6 (IL-6); nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2); heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1); and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) were assessed. Also, liver samples were analyzed for the activity of glucose metabolism enzymes, glycogen content, and pyruvate and lactate concentrations. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations of pancreatic tissues were undertaken as well. Results revealed hyperglycemia, hypoinsulinemia, increased MDA, TNF-α, IL-6, and NF-κB levels, in association with reduced CAT, SOD, GSH, Nrf2, and HO-1 levels in LCT group. Liver analyses demonstrated a clear disturbance in the hepatic enzymes of glucose metabolism, diminished glycogen content, decreased pyruvate, and increased lactate concentrations. Besides, pancreatic islets displayed degenerative changes and β-cells loss. Immunohistochemistry revealed diminished area percentage (%) of insulin and Nrf2 and increased TNF-α immunoreaction. In conclusion, subacute exposure to LCT induces pancreatic toxicity, mostly via oxidative and inflammatory mechanisms, and dysregulates hepatic glucose metabolism in albino rats.
Optimized minimal genome-wide human sgRNA library
Authors: Zhou Yangfan , Wang Lixia , Lu Zhike , Yu Zhenxing , Ma Lijia
Published: July 2023

Genome-wide clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based knockout screening is revolting the genetic analysis of a cellular or molecular phenotype in question but is challenged by the large size of single-guide RNA (sgRNA) library. Here we designed a minimal genome-wide human sgRNA library, H-mLib, which is composed of 21,159 sgRNA pairs assembled based on a dedicated selection strategy from all potential SpCas9/sgRNAs in the human genome. These sgRNA pairs were cloned into a dual-gRNA vector each targeting one gene, resulting in a compact library size nearly identical to the number of human protein-coding genes. The performance of the H-mLib was benchmarked to other CRISPR libraries in a proliferation screening conducted in K562 cells. We also identified groups of core essential genes and cell-type specific essential genes by comparing the screening results from the K562 and Jurkat cells. Together, the H-mLib exemplified high specificity and sensitivity in identifying essential genes while containing minimal library complexity, emphasizing its advantages and applications in CRISPR screening with limited cell numbers.
A synchronized estimation of hourly surface concentrations of six criteria air pollutants with GEMS data
Authors: Yang Qianqian , Kim Jhoon , Cho Yeseul , Lee Won-Jin , Lee Dong-Won , Yuan Qiangqiang , Wang Fan , Zhou Chenhong , Zhang Xiaorui , Xiao Xiang , Guo Meiyu , Guo Yike , Carmichael Gregory R. , Gao Meng
Published: July 2023

Machine learning is widely used to infer ground-level concentrations of air pollutants from satellite observations. However, a single pollutant is commonly targeted in previous explorations, which would lead to duplication of efforts and ignoration of interactions considering the interactive nature of air pollutants and their common influencing factors. We aim to build a unified model to offer a synchronized estimation of ground-level air pollution levels. We constructed a multi-output random forest (MORF) model and achieved simultaneous estimation of hourly concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, CO, and SO2in China, benefiting from the world’s first geostationary air-quality monitoring instrument Geostationary Environment Monitoring Spectrometer. MORF yielded a high accuracy with cross-validated R2reaching 0.94. Meanwhile, model efficiency was significantly improved compared to single-output models. Based on retrieved results, the spatial distributions, seasonality, and diurnal variations of six air pollutants were analyzed and two typical pollution events were tracked.
A high-quality genome assembly highlights the evolutionary history of the great bustard (Otis tarda, Otidiformes)
Authors: Luo Haoran , Jiang Xinrui , Li Boping , Wu Jiahong , Shen Jiexin , Xu Zaoxu , Zhou Xiaoping , Hou Minghao , Huang Zhen , Ou Xiaobin , Xu Luohao
Published: July 2023

Conservation genomics often relies on non-invasive methods to obtain DNA fragments which limit the power of multi-omic analyses for threatened species. Here, we report multi-omic analyses based on a well-preserved great bustard individual (Otis tarda, Otidiformes) that was found dead in the mountainous region in Gansu, China. We generate a near-complete genome assembly containing only 18 gaps scattering in 8 out of the 40 assembled chromosomes. We characterize the DNA methylation landscape which is correlated with GC content and gene expression. Our phylogenomic analysis suggests Otidiformes and Musophagiformes are sister groups that diverged from each other 46.3 million years ago. The genetic diversity of great bustard is found the lowest among the four available Otidiformes genomes, possibly due to population declines during past glacial periods. As one of the heaviest migratory birds, great bustard possesses several expanded gene families related to cardiac contraction, actin contraction, calcium ion signaling transduction, as well as positively selected genes enriched for metabolism. Finally, we identify an extremely young evolutionary stratum on the sex chromosome, a rare case among birds. Together, our study provides insights into the conservation genomics, adaption and chromosome evolution of the great bustard.
Upper ocean warming and sea ice reduction in the East Greenland Current from 2003 to 2019
Authors: de Steur Laura , Sumata Hiroshi , Divine Dmitry V. , Granskog Mats A. , Pavlova Olga
Published: July 2023

The sea ice extent and sea ice thickness in the Arctic Ocean have declined consistently in the last decades. The loss of sea ice as well as warmer inflowing Atlantic Water have major consequences for the Arctic Ocean heat content and the watermasses flowing out from the Arctic. Sustained observations from ocean moorings show that the upper ocean temperature across the Arctic outflow with the East Greenland Current in the Fram Strait has increased significantly between 2003 and 2019. Polar Water contains more heat in summer due to lower sea ice concentration and longer periods of open water upstream. Warm returning Atlantic Water has a greater presence in the central Fram Strait in winter since 2015, impacting winter sea ice thickness and extent. Combined, these processes result in a reduced sea ice cover downstream along the whole east coast of Greenland with inevitable consequences for winter-time ocean convection and ecosystem functioning.
Integration of a chiral phosphine ligand and ionic liquids: sustainable and functionally enhanced BINAP-based chiral Ru(ii) catalysts for enantioselective hydrogenation of β-keto esters
Authors: Wang Fan , Zhang Shuai , Huang Sen , Zhu Lin , Song Hongbing , Xie Congxia , Jin Xin
Published: July 2023

Sustainable and functionally enhanced BINAP-based chiral Ru(ii) catalysts for enantioselective hydrogenation of β-keto esters.
Adhesion and friction behaviors of a γ-Fe/diamond heterogeneous contact interface: a density functional theory study
Authors: He Qizhen , Rao Lixiang , Song Wenwei , Liu Hailiang , Zhang Silong , Ren Xuejun , Yang Qingxiang
Published: July 2023

The properties of Fe/C heterogeneous interface are calculated by first principles. The adhesion and sliding mechanism of Fe/C interface is revealed, which provides a theoretical reference for reducing adhesive wear during diamond cutting ferrous metals.
Changing the paradigm in modelling the Bray–Liebhafsky oscillatory chemical reaction
Authors: Stanisavljev Dragomir , Taylor Annette Fiona , Bubanja Itana Nuša
Published: July 2023

Energetic triggering of oscillations in Bray–Liebhafsky reaction by collapsing unstable gas cavities.
The chemical inventory of the inner regions of planet-forming disks – the JWST/MINDS program
Authors: Kamp Inga , Henning Thomas , Arabhavi Aditya M. , Bettoni Giulio , Christiaens Valentin , Gasman Danny , Grant Sierra L. , Morales-Calderón Maria , Tabone Benoît , Abergel Alain , Absil Olivier , Argyriou Ioannis , Barrado David , Boccaletti Anthony , Bouwman Jeroen , Caratti o Garatti Alessio , van Dishoeck Ewine F. , Geers Vincent , Glauser Adrian M. , Güdel Manuel , Guadarrama Rodrigo , Jang Hyerin , Kanwar Jayatee , Lagage Pierre-Olivier , Lahuis Fred , Mueller Michael , Nehmé Cyrine , Olofsson Göran , Pantin Eric , Pawellek Nicole , Perotti Giulia , Ray Tom P. , Rodgers-Lee Donna , Samland Matthias , Scheithauer Silvia , Schreiber Jürgen , Schwarz Kamber , Temmink Milou , Vandenbussche Bart , Vlasblom Marissa , Waelkens Christoffel , Waters L. B. F. M. , Wright Gillian
Published: July 2023

The Mid-InfraRed Instrument/Medium-Resolution Spectrometer (MIRI/MRS) on board the James Webb Space Telescope reveals the rich and diverse chemistry in the planet forming regions around Sun-like and low-mass stars.
High-performance asymmetric electrode structured light-stimulated synaptic transistor for artificial neural networks
Authors: Ran Yixin , Lu Wanlong , Wang Xin , Qin Zongze , Qin Xinsu , Lu Guanyu , Hu Zhen , Zhu Yuanwei , Bu Laju , Lu Guanghao
Published: July 2023

In this work, an asymmetric electrode structure of the light-stimulated synaptic transistor (As-LSST) is present. The As-LSST has excellent electrical characteristics, photosensitivity, low power and multiple biosynaptic functions.
Flower-like manganese and phosphorus co-doped MoS2with high 1T phase content as a supercapacitor electrode material
Authors: Li Yunan , Wang Xiaotian , Meng Jiayin , Song Meng , Jiao Mingli , Qin Qi , Mi Liwei
Published: July 2023

Flower-like MnP–MoS2was fabricated using manganese chloride and sodium hypophosphite as dopants, which exhibited superior specific capacitance and rate capability.
An endoplasmic reticulum-targeting iridium(iii) complex induces immunogenic cell death in melanoma cells and enhances anti-PD-1 immunotherapy by remodeling tumor microenvironment
Authors: Rong Yi , Fan Zhongxian , Yu Zhijie , Wei Li , Shen Han , Huang Huaiyi , Hao Xiaojuan , Zhao Zizhuo , Wang Jinquan
Published: July 2023

IrC induces immunogenic cell death in melanoma cells and enhances anti-PD-1 immunotherapy by remodeling the tumor microenvironment in mice.
Two-dimensional conductive metal–organic frameworks as efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution and reduction reactions
Authors: Zhou Yanan , Sheng Li , Chen Lanlan , Luo Qiquan , Zhao Wenhui , Zhang Wenhua , Yang Jinlong
Published: July 2023

RhO4-HTC and RhN2O2-HTC based on 2D conductive MOFs are screened out as potential OER and ORR bifunctional electrocatalysts by using DFT calculations.
Direct transfer of a trifluoromethylsulfinyl group by a general reagent N-trifluoromethylsulfinylphthalimide under a catalytic or stoichiometric Lewis acid or Lewis base
Authors: Yang Liuqing , Wang Shuo , Liang Fangcan , Han Ying , Li Yilong , Shan Dingjian , Liu Lulu , Wang Qingling , Zhu Dianhu
Published: July 2023

A method was developed for direct transfer of the trifluoromethylsulfinyl group to a wide range of nucleophiles by a general reagent N-trifluoromethylsulfinylphthalimide, via the activation of a catalytic or stoichiometric Lewis acid or Lewis base.
Facile synthesis of new N-(aminocycloalkylene)amino acid compounds using chiral triflate esters with N-Boc-aminopyrrolidines and N-Boc-aminopiperidines
Authors: Matulevičiūtė Gita , Kleizienė Neringa , Račkauskienė Greta , Martynaitis Vytas , Bieliauskas Aurimas , Šachlevičiūtė Urtė , Jankauskas Rokas , Bartkus Martynas R. , Sløk Frank A. , Šačkus Algirdas
Published: July 2023

In this study, we prepared a series of new N-(aminocycloalkylene)amino acid derivatives for use in chiral building blocks.
Improved supercapacitor performances by adding carbonized C60-based nanospheres to PVA/TEMPO-cellulose hydrogel-based electrolyte
Authors: Jia Han , Shahi Sabina , Shrestha Lok Kumar , Ariga Katsuhiko , Michinobu Tsuyoshi
Published: July 2023

Carbonized C60 nanospheres efficiently improve the mechanical properties and supercapacitor performance when they are added to a poly(vinyl alcohol)/TEMPO-cellulose hydrogel-based electrolyte.
Renewable fuel intermediates from furfural over copper-loaded mesoporous aldol condensation catalysts
Authors: Gandhi Priyanga , Saha Biswajit , Vedachalam Sundaramurthy , Dalai Ajay K.
Published: July 2023

The conversion of biomass into fuels or fuel intermediates is a useful technique to reduce the dependency on fossil fuels.
Conjugation of bone grafts with NO-delivery dinitrosyl iron complexes promotes synergistic osteogenesis and angiogenesis in rat calvaria bone defects
Authors: Chang Shih-Hao , Hsiao Hui-Yi , Chen Yi-Hong , Cheng Ming-Huei , Liu Jia-Wei , Huang Hsiao-Jo , Chou Yu-Ting , Amer Tarik Abdelkareem Mostafa , Vijayaraghavan Priya , Palanisamy Sathyadevi , Wang Yun-Ming , Lu Tsai-Te
Published: July 2023

Through conjugation of osteoconductive bone graft materials with biomimetic dinitrosyl iron complexes (DNICs), spatiotemporal control over NO delivery activates synergistic osteogenesis and angiogenesis for the treatment of rat calvaria bone defects.
Two-dimensional TiO nanosheets with photothermal effects for wound sterilization
Authors: Zhang Wei , Chen Hongrang , Tian Haotian , Niu Qiang , Xing Jianghao , Wang Tao , Chen Xulin , Wang Xianwen
Published: July 2023

With high NIR light absorption and sharp nanosheet edges, TiO NSs have excellent mechanical and photothermal bactericidal properties, which is the only report to date on titanium-based oxides in wound healing.
Global prospective case series of ERCPs using a single-use duodenoscope
Authors: Bruno Marco J. , Beyna Torsten , Carr-Locke David , Chahal Prabhleen , Costamagna Guido , Devereaux Benedict , Giovannini Marc , Goenka Mahesh K. , Khor Christopher , Lau James , May Gary , Muthusamy V. Raman , Patel Sandeep , Petersen Bret T. , Pleskow Douglas K. , Raijman Isaac , Reddy D. Nageshwar , Repici Alessandro , Ross Andrew S. , Sejpal Divyesh V. , Sherman Stuart , Siddiqui Uzma D. , Ziady Christopher , Peetermans Joyce A. , Rousseau Matthew J. , Slivka Adam ,   EXALT Single-use Duodenoscope Study Group
Published: July 2023

Background The first commercialized single-use duodenoscope was cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration in December 2019. Data regarding endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) using a single-use duodenoscope are needed on a broader range of cases conducted by endoscopists with varying levels of experience in a wide range of geographic areas.

Methods 61 endoscopists at 22 academic centers in 11 countries performed ERCP procedures in adult patients aged ≥ 18. Outcomes included ERCP completion for the intended indication, rate of crossover to a reusable endoscope, device performance ratings, and serious adverse events (SAEs).

Results Among 551 patients, 236 (42.8 %) were aged > 65, 281 (51.0 %) were men, and 256 (46.5 %) had their procedure as an inpatient. ERCPs included 196 (35.6 %) with American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy complexity of grades 3–4. A total of 529 ERCPs (96.0 %) were completed: 503 (91.3 %) using only the single-use duodenoscope, and 26 (4.7 %) with crossover to a reusable endoscope. There were 22 ERCPs (4.0 %) that were not completed, of which 11 (2.0 %) included a crossover and 11 (2.0 %) were aborted cases (no crossover). Median ERCP completion time was 24.0 minutes. Median overall satisfaction with the single-use duodenoscope was 8.0 (scale of 1 to 10 [best]). SAEs were reported in 43 patients (7.8 %), including 17 (3.1 %) who developed post-ERCP pancreatitis.

Conclusions In academic medical centers over a wide geographic distribution, endoscopists with varying levels of experience using the first marketed single-use duodenoscope had good ERCP procedural success and reported high performance ratings for this device.
Social inequality of urban park use during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Yu Ling , Zhao Pengjun , Tang Junqing , Pang Liang , Gong Zhaoya
Published: July 2023

Although many studies have examined social inequalities related to urban parks, there is limited knowledge about the social inequalities of urban park use during crises. By integrating a large amount of mobile phone data and e-commerce user data, this study tracked 81,350 anonymized individuals’ urban park use behavior in Shenzhen, China, from 2019 to 2021, covering a period before and after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results reveal that while most of the parks saw a reduction of over 50% in the number of visitors, some parks, especially relatively small and remote parks, had more visitors after the pandemic began than before. In addition, COVID-19 has caused residents’ urban parks use time to decrease and such impacts are more severe in vulnerable groups (e.g., females, the elderly, juveniles, and low-income groups). Moreover, there are significant inequalities in urban park use between rich and poor communities, and COVID-19 has slightly exacerbated these inequalities. The study highlighted that integrating mobile phone data with e-commerce data is an effective way to unveil the complex social inequalities behind human behavior. Findings could help to improve social equality in urban park use as well as providing insights for evidence-informed decision-making in post-pandemic recovery and future crises.
The role of exact exchange on the structure of water dimer radical cation: Hydrogen bond vs hemibond
Authors: Busch Michael , Sotoudeh Mohsen
Published: July 2023

Understanding the structure and chemical bonding in water dimers is central to the study of many (photo-)electrochemical oxidation reactions. Two structures of the water dimer radical cation, namely, proton-transfer and hemi-bonded structures, have been suggested using density functional theory (DFT) and coupled cluster singles, doubles, and perturbative triples [CCSD(T)]. Both structures are identified by us as local minima, and their relative stability strongly depends on the level of theory. The exact exchange correlates linearly to the energy difference between both local minima. DFT functionals with less than 20 percent exact exchange predict the hemi-bonded structure to be more stable, while more than 20 percent of the exact exchange stabilizes the proton-transfer structure. The latter structure is also confirmed by CCSD(T) benchmark computations. These computations, furthermore, indicate that the oxidized water dimer consists of a hydronium cation (H3O+) and an HO· radical. These results are reproduced by DFT functionals with more than 50% of exact exchange (BHandH, M06-2X, and M06-HF). The transition barrier for the interconversion from the proton-transfer to the hemi-bonded structure is 0.6 eV, while the reverse reaction has a barrier of 0.1 eV.
A nanoribbon device for analog phase change memory targeting neural network applications
Authors: Li Xin , Zhao Ruizhe , Tong Hao , Miao Xiangshui
Published: July 2023

Phase change memory (PCM) is one of the most mature technologies for non-von Neumann computing. However, abrupt amorphization becomes a barrier for training artificial neural networks, due to limitations of the inherent operational mechanism of phase change materials. The devices can achieve a gradual conductance change in the crystallization process, while the conductance change for amorphization process is much more abrupt. This work presents a possible explanation for the RESET abrupt change issue in T-shaped devices, based on the analysis of the volume and connectivity of the amorphous and crystalline regions. Using this model, a nanoribbon device for analog PCM targeting neural network applications is designed, fabricated, and characterized. The designed device can realize a gradual RESET without changing the amplitude and width of RESET pulses. Using a nanoribbon device as a single synapse in the designed array reduces the number of SET operations needed to achieve the same accuracy in convolutional neural network simulation by 75%, which implies a significant reduction in power and time consumption. This work provides an effective way to implement gradual RESET for PCM devices.
Effect of doping SrTiO3 with Nb studied with wide-range spectroscopic ellipsometry
Authors: Nepomniashchaia N. , Vetokhina V. , Chvostova D. , Bryknar Z. , Tyunina M. , Dejneka A.
Published: July 2023

The low-temperature optical properties of a SrTiO3 crystal doped with 0.7% wt. Nb and a pure SrTiO3 reference crystal were studied using spectroscopic ellipsometry. The optical constants and dielectric functions were obtained in the spectral range of 0.8–8.8 eV at temperatures from 10 to 300 K, and the optical conductivity was obtained in the spectral range of 0.03–1 eV at 300 K. Analysis of the optical conductivity spectra in the infrared spectral range confirmed the presence of free electrons and additional absorption hump between 0.1 and 0.4 eV (806 and 3226 cm−1) in doped SrTiO3 and optical phonons in both doped and undoped SrTiO3. The performed analysis of optical absorption spectra in the range 0.8–8.8 eV revealed frustration of the indirect bandgap and an increase in the direct bandgap energy by ∼0.03 eV in Nb-doped SrTiO3, compared to undoped SrTiO3 over the whole temperature range. The energies of the peaks’ maxima of the dielectric function spectra did not significantly differ for doped and pure SrTiO3. For both Nb-doped and pure SrTiO3, temperature dependence of the direct bandgap energy and that of the index of refraction showed inflection between 100 and 150 K, which may be considered evidence of an antiferrodistortive phase transition from a cubic to a tetragonal structure.
Efficient asymmetrical transmission through a metagrating for underwater acoustic waves
Authors: Kourchi Hasna , Bernard Simon , Chati Farid , Léon Fernand
Published: July 2023

Acoustic asymmetrical transmission is a theoretical and engineering challenge because of the reciprocity of the linear acoustic wave equation. It can be achieved by systems breaking reciprocity or by reciprocal systems relying solely on spatial symmetry breaking. Metagratings are planar structures relying on Bragg's diffraction to reroute wave energy toward a desired direction and are eventually able to achieve asymmetrical transmission when build from an asymmetrical pattern of multiple basic elements. The challenge for water-like media is to combine the geometrical complexity of the structure with good acoustic impedance contrast and practical feasibility. In this work, we build a reciprocal metagrating from brass cylinders arranged according to a numerically optimized pattern and obtain highly efficient asymmetrical transmission for underwater acoustic waves. Around 200 kHz, the structure transmits nearly all incident energy toward a 45° angle when insonified from one side, but act as a near perfect reflector when insonified from the other. The effect relies entirely on the simple phenomena of linear wave diffraction and interference. The generality and efficiency of this device could be of interest for applications in underwater acoustics or medical ultrasounds.
Strain relaxation from annealing of SiGe heterostructures for qubits
Authors: Liu Yujia , Gradwohl Kevin-Peter , Lu Chen-Hsun , Dadzis Kaspars , Yamamoto Yuji , Becker Lucas , Storck Peter , Remmele Thilo , Boeck Torsten , Richter Carsten , Albrecht Martin
Published: July 2023

The misfit dislocation formation related to plastic strain relaxation in Si or Ge quantum well layers in SiGe heterostructures for spin qubits tends to negatively affect the qubit behaviors. Therefore, it is essential to understand and then suppress the misfit dislocation formation in the quantum well layers in order to achieve high-performance qubits. In this work, we studied the misfit dislocation propagation kinetics and interactions by annealing the strained Si or Ge layers grown by molecular beam epitaxy. The annealing temperatures are from 500 to 600 °C for Si layers and from 300 to 400 °C for Ge layers. The misfit dislocations were investigated by electron channeling contrast imaging. Our results show that the misfit dislocation propagation is a thermally activated process. Alongside, the blocking and unblocking interactions during misfit dislocations were also observed. The blocking interactions will reduce the strain relaxation according to theoretical calculation. These observations imply that it is possible to suppress the misfit dislocation formation kinetically by reducing the temperatures during the SiGe heterostructure epitaxy and post-epitaxy processes for developing well-functional SiGe-based spin qubits.
Fast simulation of the E–H mode transition in Ar/O2 inductively coupled plasmas
Authors: Zhao Ming-Liang , Tong Lei , Zhang Yu-Ru , Gao Fei , Wang You-Nian
Published: July 2023

In this work, an analytical hybrid model, which consists of an analytical electromagnetic model and a global model, is developed to investigate the E to H mode transition in a planer inductively coupled plasma. By employing the hybrid model, the effect of discharge frequency, oxygen content, and gas pressure on the E to H mode transition is investigated. The results show that the electron density increases rapidly with coil current when the discharge shifts to the H mode, and the mode transition becomes smoother and occurs at lower current when the driving frequency is higher. As oxygen content increases, the electron density declines, and the threshold current for the mode transition exhibits a rising trend. The evolution of the threshold current with pressure is nonlinear; i.e., it decreases first and then increases, and the minimum value varies with discharge frequency. In addition, the plasma composition also changes during the E to H mode transition; i.e., all the charged species densities increase with coil current, except the O− density, which varies nonlinearly, and this indicates the decreasing electronegativity in the H mode. The results obtained in this work are helpful for understanding the effect of different discharAr/O2ge parameters on the E to H mode transition in Ar/O2 inductive discharges.
Compensating three-dimensional field inhomogeneity in cold atom Efimov-state search by a time-averaged optical potential
Authors: Liang Angang , Xie Yu , Huang Mingshan , Wang Bin , Zhou Shuyu , Liu Liang
Published: July 2023

The Efimov effect and its universal property are of paramount importance in quantum few-body physics. Despite this, the predicted ground state Efimov resonance has not yet been observed in 39,40,41K–87Rb mixtures within the currently available observation window. Cooling atoms in the microgravity environment of outer space might overcome this limitation, whereas the residual curvature of the strong magnetic fields may result in significant atom leakage. In this work, we propose an optical method based on far-detuned time-averaged dipole potential to counteract the three-dimensional inhomogeneous field. The target intensity distribution can be conveniently obtained by modulating the central position of the quasi-1D print beam using acoustic optical modulators. Within a volume of 300 × 300 × 400 µm3, the residual potential fluctuations can be reduced by two orders of magnitude to less than 100 pK. The proposed approach offers a realistic prospect of investigating the Efimov-type resonance in the 40K–87Rb Bose–Fermi mixture.
Spread and retraction dynamics of droplet coalescence on a rectangular pixel for organic light-emitting diode inkjet printing
Authors: Hong Jinhua , Jin Yifan , Jin Yiwei , Li Yulong , Liu Jizhong , Chen Jiankui
Published: July 2023

In organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) manufacturing, inkjet printing has rapidly become popular due to its high resolution and low cost. However, the mechanism of droplet impacting on a rectangular pixel in OLEDs inkjet printing is not yet clear. In this paper, coalescence dynamics of droplet impacting on a rectangular pixel including the spread and retraction stages is simulated by the software of fluent. In addition, a dynamic model is proposed to analyze the spread and retraction behavior of droplet impacting on a rectangular pixel. In the spread stage, the dynamic equation of spread length with respect to time is derived based on energy and mass conservation. In the retraction stage, the variational principle instead of solving the complete Navier–Stokes equation is used to simplify the calculation. On this basis, the dynamic equation of retraction length with respect to time is achieved, and the theoretical solution is in agreement with the numerical result. Finally, the influences of droplet offset, size, and initial velocity on coalescence dynamics are analyzed. Furthermore, the dynamic model proposed in this paper provides a new possibility for the coalescence of a droplet impacting on a heteromorphic microcavity instead of a flat substrate.
Prediction of transonic film cooling using the turbulent viscosity correction method
Authors: Liu Feng , Liu Cun-liang , Ye Lin , Wang Li-quan , Zhang Fan , Li Bing-ran
Published: July 2023

Two-equation turbulence models, such as the k–epsilon (k–ε) and shear stress transport (SST) models, have limited accuracy in calculating film cooling effectiveness. Previous studies have focused on modifying the turbulent Prandtl number from the perspective of thermal diffusion to improve the prediction accuracy of film cooling simulations. However, the flow accuracy of the jet flow is crucial for simulating film cooling. The calculated film cooling effectiveness differs from the experimental results due to deviations in the predicted amount of mixing. This study proposes corrections to the baseline k–ω model developed by Menter. The proposed method modifies the flow field with the mass species conservation equation in the mixing region while maintaining the advantages of the original model in the nonmixing region. The principle of the corrected model is explained through comparison and analysis with the SST model. The corrected model significantly improves the mixing effect of the two fluids. The main principle behind this is that the corrected model more accurately predicts turbulence intensity in the mixing zone of the two fluids. Furthermore, this paper experimentally validates the modified model for an array of film holes with Mach numbers of 0.4 and 1.4. The proposed model shows a 24% improvement in computational accuracy compared to the SST model.
Label-free drug interaction screening via Raman microscopy
Authors: Altangerel Narangerel , Neuman Benjamin W. , Hemmer Philip R. , Yakovlev Vladislav V. , Rajil Navid , Yi Zhenhuan , Sokolov Alexei V. , Scully Marlan O.
Published: July 2023

Development of a simple, label-free screening technique capable of precisely and directly sensing interaction-in-solution over a size range from small molecules to large proteins such as antibodies could offer an important tool for researchers and pharmaceutical companies in the field of drug development. In this work, we present a thermostable Raman interaction profiling (TRIP) technique that facilitates low-concentration and low-dose screening of binding between protein and ligand in physiologically relevant conditions. TRIP was applied to eight protein–ligand systems, and produced reproducible high-resolution Raman measurements, which were analyzed by principal component analysis. TRIP was able to resolve time-depending binding between 2,4-dinitrophenol and transthyretin, and analyze biologically relevant SARS-CoV-2 spike-antibody interactions. Mixtures of the spike receptor–binding domain with neutralizing, nonbinding, or binding but nonneutralizing antibodies revealed distinct and reproducible Raman signals. TRIP holds promise for the future developments of high-throughput drug screening and real-time binding measurements between protein and drug.
Host–parasite coevolution and the stability of genetic kin recognition
Authors: Scott Thomas W. , Grafen Alan , West Stuart A.
Published: July 2023

Crozier’s paradox suggests that genetic kin recognition will not be evolutionarily stable. The problem is that more common tags (markers) are more likely to be recognized and helped. This causes common tags to increase in frequency, eliminating the genetic variability that is required for genetic kin recognition. Two potential solutions to this problem have been suggested: host–parasite coevolution and multiple social encounters. We show that the host–parasite coevolution hypothesis does not work as commonly assumed. Host–parasite coevolution only stabilizes kin recognition at a parasite resistance locus if parasites adapt rapidly to hosts and cause intermediate or high levels of damage (virulence). Additionally, when kin recognition is stabilized at a parasite resistance locus, this can have an additional cost of making hosts more susceptible to parasites. However, we show that if the genetic architecture is allowed to evolve, meaning natural selection can choose the recognition locus, genetic kin recognition is more likely to be stable. The reason for this is that host–parasite coevolution can maintain tag diversity at another (neutral) locus by genetic hitchhiking, allowing that other locus to be used for genetic kin recognition. These results suggest a way that host–parasite coevolution can resolve Crozier’s paradox, without making hosts more susceptible to parasites. However, the opportunity for multiple social encounters may provide a more robust resolution of Crozier’s paradox.
Fluctuating hydrodynamics and the Rayleigh–Plateau instability
Authors: Barker Bryn , Bell John B. , Garcia Alejandro L.
Published: July 2023

The Rayleigh–Plateau instability occurs when surface tension makes a fluid column become unstable to small perturbations. At nanometer scales, thermal fluctuations are comparable to interfacial energy densities. Consequently, at these scales, thermal fluctuations play a significant role in the dynamics of the instability. These microscopic effects have previously been investigated numerically using particle-based simulations, such as molecular dynamics (MD), and stochastic partial differential equation–based hydrodynamic models, such as stochastic lubrication theory. In this paper, we present an incompressible fluctuating hydrodynamics model with a diffuse-interface formulation for binary fluid mixtures designed for the study of stochastic interfacial phenomena. An efficient numerical algorithm is outlined and validated in numerical simulations of stable equilibrium interfaces. We present results from simulations of the Rayleigh–Plateau instability for long cylinders pinching into droplets for Ohnesorge numbers of Oh = 0.5 and 5.0. Both stochastic and perturbed deterministic simulations are analyzed and ensemble results show significant differences in the temporal evolution of the minimum radius near pinching. Short cylinders, with lengths less than their circumference, were also investigated. As previously observed in MD simulations, we find that thermal fluctuations cause these to pinch in cases where a perturbed cylinder would be stable deterministically. Finally, we show that the fluctuating hydrodynamics model can be applied to study a broader range of surface tension–driven phenomena.