bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measles Infection Dose Responses: Insights from Mathematical Modeling
Authors: Anelone Anet J. N. , Clapham Hannah E.
Published: June 2024

How viral infections develop can change based on the number of viruses initially entering the body. The understanding of the impacts of infection doses remains incomplete, in part due to challenging constraints, and a lack of research. Gaining more insights is crucial regarding the measles virus (MV). The higher the MV infection dose, the earlier the peak of acute viremia, but the magnitude of the peak viremia remains almost constant. Measles is highly contagious, causes immunosuppression such as lymphopenia, and contributes substantially to childhood morbidity and mortality. This work investigated mechanisms underlying the observed wild-type measles infection dose responses in cynomolgus monkeys. We fitted longitudinal data on viremia using maximum likelihood estimation, and used the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) to evaluate relevant biological hypotheses and their respective model parameterizations. The lowest AIC indicates a linear relationship between the infection dose, the initial viral load, and the initial number of activated MV-specific T cells. Early peak viremia is associated with high initial number of activated MV-specific T cells. Thus, when MV infection dose increases, the initial viremia and associated immune cell stimulation increase, and reduce the time it takes for T cell killing to be sufficient, thereby allowing dose-independent peaks for viremia, MV-specific T cells, and lymphocyte depletion. Together, these results suggest that the development of measles depends on virus-host interactions at the start and the efficiency of viral control by cellular immunity. These relationships are additional motivations for prevention, vaccination, and early treatment for measles.

Graphical abstract

"Image missing"Measles infection dose responses: insights from mathematical modeling. Top: Model-data fits for acute viremia in response to changes in measles infection doses.$$10^4$$104,$$10^3$$103,$$10^2$$102, 10 and 1 TCID$$_{50}$$50correspond to red diamonds, blue stars, orange triangles, magenta dots, and green squares respectively. The solid lines represent the trajectories generated by the proposed model parameterization. The shapes represent data. The dark grey dotted dashed line represents the limit of detection < 0.3. Bottom: Cartoon illustrating that when the measles infection dose increases, the stimulation of the measles-specific cellular immune responses increases early on post-infection. This enhanced immune response reduces the time required to clear the infectious viral load and helps maintain similar levels of viral loads and lymphocyte depletion irrespective of the initial dose.
Water Productivity and Irrigation Water Demand of Potatoes in Brandenburg (Germany) Between 1902 and 2020
Authors: Drastig Katrin , Zimmermann Beate , Ammon Christian , Jacobs Helen
Published: June 2024

The aim of this publication was the derivation of reference values of the water productivity of fresh matter of potatoes (WPFM) with and without irrigation for Brandenburg (Germany). Furthermore, reference values of the irrigation water demand (IWD) were derived. For this purpose, the AgroHyd Farmmodel was used. Calculations were performed within two time periods, 1901–2010 and 2000–2020. The relationships between the traits were detected. The calculations were made for each county of Brandenburg. The water productivity of irrigated potatoes (WPirri) varied between 6.66 and 9.19 kg FM m−3. The irrigation water demand (IWD) of potatoes in each county varied between 173 and 212 mm. In the last 20 years, the trend of the irrigation water demand became positive. Irrigation water seems to be not always able to satisfy the water demand of the potatoes—the yield and, closely associated with the yield, the WPirri decreased. Water productivity of rainfed potatoes (WPnoirri) decreased with increasing precipitation (P). High yields and low water inputs leading to a higher WPnon-irri seem to be not realistic. The high yields during high IWD seemed to be only possible with irrigation. The focus for improving the water productivity has to be put on the large differences in water productivity between the counties. In counties with lower P and lower available water capacity, the increase of irrigation water use to increase WP should be planned carefully.

Graphical Abstract
Audio-based event detection in the operating room
Authors: Fuchtmann Jonas , Riedel Thomas , Berlet Maximilian , Jell Alissa , Wegener Luca , Wagner Lars , Graf Simone , Wilhelm Dirk , Ostler-Mildner Daniel
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Even though workflow analysis in the operating room has come a long way, current systems are still limited to research. In the quest for a robust, universal setup, hardly any attention has been given to the dimension of audio despite its numerous advantages, such as low costs, location, and sight independence, or little required processing power.

Methodology

We present an approach for audio-based event detection that solely relies on two microphones capturing the sound in the operating room. Therefore, a new data set was created with over 63 h of audio recorded and annotated at the University Hospital rechts der Isar. Sound files were labeled, preprocessed, augmented, and subsequently converted to log-mel-spectrograms that served as a visual input for an event classification using pretrained convolutional neural networks.

Results

Comparing multiple architectures, we were able to show that even lightweight models, such as MobileNet, can already provide promising results. Data augmentation additionally improved the classification of 11 defined classes, including inter alia different types of coagulation, operating table movements as well as an idle class. With the newly created audio data set, an overall accuracy of 90%, a precision of 91% and a F1-score of 91% were achieved, demonstrating the feasibility of an audio-based event recognition in the operating room.

Conclusion

With this first proof of concept, we demonstrated that audio events can serve as a meaningful source of information that goes beyond spoken language and can easily be integrated into future workflow recognition pipelines using computational inexpensive architectures.
Dual and generalized dual cones in Banach spaces
Authors: Khan Akhtar A. , Kong Dezhou , Li Jinlu
Published: June 2024

This paper proposes and analyzes the notion of dual cones associated with the metric projection and generalized projection in Banach spaces. We show that the dual cones, related to the metric projection and generalized metric projection, lose many important properties in transitioning from Hilbert spaces to Banach spaces. We also propose and analyze the notions of faces and visions in Banach spaces and relate them to metric projection and generalized projection. We provide many illustrative examples to give insight into the given results
Reduced 30-day in-hospital but increased long-term mortality for weekend vs weekday acute medical admission
Authors: Conway Richard , Low Candice , Byrne Declan , O’Riordan Deirdre , Silke Bernard
Published: June 2024

Background

Acute medical admission at the weekend has been reported to be associated with increased mortality. We aimed to assess 30-day in-hospital mortality and subsequent follow-up of all community deaths following discharge for acute medical admission to our institution over 21 years.

Methods

We employed a database of all acute medical admissions to our institution over 21 years (2002–2023). We compared 30-day in-hospital mortality by weekend (Saturday/Sunday) or weekday (Tuesday/Wednesday) admission. Outcome post-discharge was determined from the National Death Register to December 2021. Predictors of 30-day in-hospital and long-term mortality were analysed by logistic regression or Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

The study population consisted of 109,232 admissions in 57,059 patients. A weekend admission was associated with a reduced 30-day in-hospital mortality, odds ratio (OR) 0.70 (95%CI 0.65, 0.76). Major predictors of 30-day in-hospital mortality were acute illness severity score (AISS) OR 6.9 (95%CI 5.5, 8.6) and comorbidity score OR 2.4 (95%CI 1.2, 4.6). At a median follow-up of 5.9 years post-discharge, 19.0% had died. The strongest long-term predictor of mortality was admission AISS OR 6.7 (95%CI 4.6, 9.9). The overall survival half-life after hospital discharge was 16.6 years. Survival was significantly worse for weekend admissions at 20.8 years compared to weekday admissions at 13.3 years.

Conclusion

Weekend admission of acute medical patients is associated with reduced 30-day in-hospital mortality but reduced long-term survival.
Protein Disulfide Isomerase Endoplasmic Reticulum Protein 57 (ERp57) is Protective Against ALS-Associated Mutant TDP-43 in Neuronal Cells
Authors: Parakh Sonam , Perri Emma R. , Vidal Marta , Takalloo Zeinab , Jagaraj Cyril J. , Mehta Prachi , Yang Shu , Thomas Colleen J. , Blair Ian P. , Hong Yuning , Atkin Julie D.
Published: June 2024

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a severe neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons. Pathological forms of Tar-DNA binding protein-43 (TDP-43), involving its mislocalisation to the cytoplasm and the formation of misfolded inclusions, are present in almost all ALS cases (97%), and ~ 50% cases of the related condition, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), highlighting its importance in neurodegeneration. Previous studies have shown that endoplasmic reticulum protein 57 (ERp57), a member of the protein disulphide isomerase (PDI) family of redox chaperones, is protective against ALS-linked mutant superoxide dismutase (SOD1) in neuronal cells and transgenic SOD1G93A mouse models. However, it remains unclear whether ERp57 is protective against pathological TDP-43 in ALS. Here, we demonstrate that ERp57 is protective against key features of TDP-43 pathology in neuronal cells. ERp57 inhibited the mislocalisation of TDP-43M337V from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. In addition, ERp57 inhibited the number of inclusions formed by ALS-associated variant TDP-43M337V and reduced the size of these inclusions. ERp57 was also protective against ER stress and induction of apoptosis. Furthermore, ERp57 modulated the steady-state expression levels of TDP-43. This study therefore demonstrates a novel mechanism of action of ERp57 in ALS. It also implies that ERp57 may have potential as a novel therapeutic target to prevent the TDP-43 pathology associated with neurodegeneration.
Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Accessibility: An Area Deprivation Index (ADI) Analysis of National Basketball Association (NBA) Players' Profiles
Authors: Ho Brandon R. , Valenzuela Joshua A. , Markes Alexander R. , Pandya Nirav K.
Published: June 2024

Purpose of Review

Youth sports are increasingly shifting towards a “pay to play” model which has introduced financial barriers to participation. The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is the main organization for club basketball, serving as a platform where young athletes can compete beyond the recreational level. Outside the realm of athletes who have access to state-of-the-art facilities and top-tier coaching, the pathway to playing basketball at the next level may be predominantly available to those who can afford the considerable costs of AAU participation. The objective of this study is to determine the accessibility of AAU teams of active National Basketball Association (NBA) players through use of the Area Deprivation Index (ADI).

Recent Findings

We identified 114 AAU teams with physical addresses for 250 (50%) currently active domestic NBA players. The State ADI of the high schools as well as national and state ADIs of prior AAU teams of active NBA players were significantly skewed toward lower ADI rankings (higher socioeconomic status) (p < 0.05). The mean distance between high school location and AAU location was 170 miles.

Prior AAU teams of currently active NBA players are more frequently located in areas of higher socioeconomic status with nearly 50% being within the top 3rd lower state decile as measured by the area deprivation index. Similarly, we found the high schools these players attended, as a proxy for areas they grew up in, were also more frequently located in areas of higher socioeconomic status.
End-users’ satisfaction and adoption regarding the implementation of a technology solution for screening and counselling individuals with suspicious COVID-19: a cross-section study
Authors: Marinelli Pamela , Saragiotto Bruno Tirotti , Oliveira Rafael Felipe Ferreira , de Oliveira Lisandra Almeida , Fagundes Felipe Ribeiro Cabral , Hespanhol Luiz
Published: June 2024

Purpose

We evaluated the end-users’ satisfaction and the adoption of a technology solution embedding a clinical decision algorithm for screening and counselling individuals with suspicious COVID-19.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study. Data was collected by the startup company Hi! Healthcare Intelligence. Satisfaction was measured using two questions presenting answer options as Likert scales of eleven points (from 0 to 10), in which 0 indicated low satisfaction and 10 indicated high satisfaction. We measured ‘general satisfaction’ through the average of questions 1 and 2. Descriptive analyses were used to summarize the data.

Results

The average satisfaction regarding the experience in using the technology solution and regarding the ‘recommendation for a friend or family’ was 7.94 (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.60 to 8.28) and 8.14 (95% CI 7.80 to 8.48), respectively. ‘General satisfaction’ was 8.04 (95% CI 7.70 to 8.37). The adoption regarding the implementation of the technology solution was 24.5% (n = 265).

Conclusion

The technology solution embedding a clinical decision algorithm for screening and counselling individuals with suspicious COVID-19 presented high satisfaction. One in four (¼) individuals interested in using the technology solution actually adopted it by following the clinical decision algorithm until the end, when counselling was provided.
Prognostic and immunological significance of metastasis-associated protein 3 in patients with thymic epithelial tumors
Authors: Li Jinping , Deng Zhenyan , Liu Yu , Jin Jiamin , Xie Chichu , Gan Jinfeng
Published: June 2024

Background

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown promising anticancer activity and have recently been proposed as a therapy for thymic epithelial tumors (TETs); however, this treatment is only effective for a subgroup of TET patients. Thus, this study aims to identify the potential genes implicated in the regulation of cancer immunity in TETs.

Methods

The TETs RNA-seq and clinical data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The clinical significance of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in TETs was evaluated. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify the immune response-related hub genes. The expression of metastasis-associated protein 3 (MTA3) in TETs was investigated in public datasets and a patient cohort. Kaplan‒Meier curves were generated to analyze the prognostic value of various factors. The Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER2.0) was used to estimate the relevance of MTA3 to immune cell infiltration. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and pathway enrichment analysis were applied to explore the MTA3-related pathways.

Results

The TME was found to be clinically significant in TETs. Moreover, MTA3 was identified as a key gene associated with the immune score, and lower MTA3 expression was linked to poor TME and reduced cytotoxic activity in TETs. Furthermore, MTA3 was found to be deregulated in TETs, predictive of poor prognosis. MTA3 was also significantly associated with the infiltration levels of various immune cell types and highly correlated with their corresponding markers. Notably, MTA3 was positively associated with various immune response pathways.

Conclusion

MTA3 is clinically significant in TETs and correlated with immune cell infiltration. Thus, MTA3 might be a biomarker for predicting the prognosis and immune status of TET patients.
Observed patterns of free-floating car-sharing use
Authors: Fabra Natalia , Pintassilgo Catarina , Souza Mateus
Published: June 2024

Free-floating car-sharing (FFCS) services allow users to rent electric vehicles by the minute without restrictions on pick-up or drop-off locations within the service area of the rental company. Beyond enlarging the choice set of mobility options, FFCS may reduce congestion and emissions in cities, depending on the service’s usage and substitution patterns. In this paper, we shed light on this by analyzing the universe of FFCS trips conducted through a leading company in Madrid during 2019. We correlate FFCS usage patterns with data on traffic conditions, demographics, and public transit availability across the city. We find complementarities between FFCS and public transport in middle-income areas with scarce public transport options. Moreover, we find that the use of FFCS peaks earlier than overall traffic and is broadly used during the summer months. This suggests that FFCS may have smoothed road traffic in Madrid, contributing to a reduction in overall congestion.
Recent advances in the application of [2 + 2] cycloaddition in the chemical synthesis of cyclobutane-containing natural products
Authors: Hou Song-Yu , Yan Bing-Chao , Sun Han-Dong , Puno Pema-Tenzin
Published: June 2024

Cyclobutanes are distributed widely in a large class of natural products featuring diverse pharmaceutical activities and intricate structural frameworks. The [2 + 2] cycloaddition is unequivocally the primary and most commonly used method for synthesizing cyclobutanes. In this review, we have summarized the application of the [2 + 2] cycloaddition with different reaction mechanisms in the chemical synthesis of selected cyclobutane-containing natural products over the past decade.

Graphical Abstract
Biodegradation behavior of wool and other textile fibers in aerobic composting conditions
Authors: Collie S. , Brorens P. , Hassan M. , Fowler I.
Published: June 2024

Pollution of the environment by microscopic fragments of plastic is a growing environmental concern. A category of this pollution is fiber fragments from textiles, a source of which is believed to be fibers released by clothing made of synthetic fibers during laundering. These fragments could enter the environment at the end of the textile’s useful life if it is not re-used or recycled. Disposal of biodegradable fibers could be achieved by industrial composting, but natural fibers are sometimes modified during manufacturing in ways that might influence biodegradation. The composting behavior of fabrics made with unmodified and chemically modified wool fibers (chlorine-Hercosett treated), regenerated cellulose, and several synthetic fibers was compared in industrial composting conditions according to an established standard test method. The fabrics were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray and electron microscopy. The regenerated cellulose (viscose rayon) biodegraded to the greatest extent in the test, and both types of wool also biodegraded readily. All three synthetic fibers had no biodegradation. The machine-washable wool biodegraded more rapidly than unmodified wool and analysis of residues at the conclusion of the test indicated that it did not generate non-degradable fiber fragments. The epicuticle of unmodified wool is covered with a hydrophobic layer, which may resist microbial attack, but with time this slowly degraded. Conversely, the machine-washable wool is hydrophilic and therefore was easier for microbes to attack. If not re-used, commercial, machine-washable wool textiles can be readily disposed of in industrial composting conditions.
Remembering Uri: An Unforgettable Teacher, Colleague and Friend
Authors: Hoyles Celia , Noss Richard , Sfard Anna , Sinclair Nathalie , Zaslavsky Orit , Yerushalmy Michal
Published: June 2024

This is one of two contributions written to commemorate Professor Uri Leron, who became Associate Editor of what was then the International Journal for Computers and Mathematical Learning, a journal founded by Seymour Papert, and upon which Digital Experiences in Mathematics Education builds on. One contribution addresses Leron’s biographical aspects and commemorative stories authored by former graduate students. This is the second contribution that includes memories from colleagues and former Editorial Board members.
Chassis concept of the individually steerable five-link suspension: a novel approach to maximize the road wheel angle to improve vehicle agility
Authors: Schmitz Thomas
Published: June 2024

The Institute of Vehicle Systems Engineering at Ulm University of Applied Sciences is currently developing the autonomous concept vehicle Nimbulus-e in the strategic field “Intelligent Commercial Vehicles” with the aim of maneuvering as agilely as possible in confined spaces. To achieve high agility under the conditions mentioned, large road wheel steering angles are necessary. As part of the basic vehicle concept, the first step is to select a suitable chassis for this purpose. Conventional suspensions cannot be applied due to the mechanical connection of the tie rod to the steering knuckle limiting the road wheel angles. Therefore, the approaches published so far for individual chassis concepts with large steering angles are analyzed and evaluated for use. In this paper, the concept of a novel individually steerable five-link suspension is described. The concept includes a vehicle body mounted steering actuator connected to the chassis via a self-locking worm gear. Due to the body mounted connection of the steering actuator, it does not contribute to the unsprung mass. An analysis of the kinematic and elastokinematic properties and the achievable road wheel steering angle is presented. In the Nimbulus e concept vehicle, the individually steerable corner module is used on both the front and the rear axle. The system is driven by four wheel hub motors. This means that eight control variables are available for the vehicle.
A deep learning-based compression and classification technique for whole slide histopathology images
Authors: Barsi Agnes , Nayak Suvendu Chandan , Parida Sasmita , Shukla Raj Mani
Published: June 2024

This paper presents an autoencoder-based neural network architecture to compress histopathological images while retaining the denser and more meaningful representation of the original images. Current research into improving compression algorithms is focused on methods allowing lower compression rates for Regions of Interest (ROI-based approaches). Neural networks are great at extracting meaningful semantic representations from images and, therefore can select the regions to be considered of interest for the compression process. In this work, we focus on the compression of whole slide histopathology images. The objective is to build an ensemble of neural networks that enables a compressive autoencoder in a supervised fashion to retain a denser and more meaningful representation of the input histology images. Our proposed system is a simple and novel method to supervise compressive neural networks. We test the compressed images using transfer learning-based classifiers and show that they provide promising accuracy and classification performance.
More Than a Name: The Importance of Cultural Names and Identity in Professional Sport
Authors: Borell Phillip , Enari Dion
Published: June 2024

Indigenous athletes have long been subject to racism throughout sporting systems. Such examples include being racially abused by opposition athletes and fans. For Indigenous peoples, their names carry their identity and history of generations; connecting them to their ancestors. Sadly, in some instances their esteemed names and identities have been bastardised intentionally. One incident includes an influential sport commentator making fun of an Indigenous name on air. Her inability to pronounce Indigenous names and their defensive mechanism of making fun of them, has added to the ongoing mistreatment of Indigenous athletes in sport. Another incident involving a highly regarded, sport coach, echoed racist behaviour by renaming an Indigenous athlete in his new team; because he did not want to learn how to pronounce his name, a name given to the athlete by his parents and gifted by his tūpuna (ancestors). These high profile examples demonstrate an ignorance to properly acknowledge the demographic who make up almost half of the playing contracts in this sport. This article will draw from the research of two Indigenous sport academics to address the importance of Indigenous identity for athletes as well as pushing-back against racism in professional sport. We advocate for the inclusion of our ancestral wisdom and the honouring of our names be etched in the fabric of professional sport.
Differences in characteristics and outcomes of older patients hospitalized for COVID-19 after introduction of vaccination
Authors: Smits Rosalinde A. L. , van Raaij Bas F. M. , Trompet Stella , van der Linden Carolien M. J. , van der Bol Jessica M. , Jansen Steffy W. M. , Polinder-Bos Harmke A. , Willems Hanna C. , van de Glind Esther M. M. , Minnema Julia , Tap Lisanne , Mooijaart Simon P.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to investigate characteristics and outcomes in vaccinated and unvaccinated older patients hospitalized for COVID-19 infection.

Methods

A retrospective multicentre cohort study among patients aged ≥70 years hospitalized for COVID-19 infection.

Results

263 vaccinated and 82 unvaccinated patients were included. Vaccinated patients were older (median age 79 vs. 76 years; p < 0.001), more patients were male (66.2% vs. 53.7%; p = 0.040), had more comorbidities [median Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) 2 vs. 1; p 0.016] and were frailer [Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) ≥ 4 68% vs. 49%; p 0.015]. Vaccinated patients were admitted earlier after symptom onset (median 5 days vs. 7 days) but were equally ill at time of hospital admission. After correction for frailty, comorbidity and disease severity, risk of in-hospital mortality was three times lower for vaccinated patients (HR 0.30 95% CI 0.16–0.56; p < 0.001) compared to unvaccinated patients.

Conclusion

Vaccinated patients had lower risk of in-hospital mortality than unvaccinated patients with COVID-19 infection. These findings suggest that vaccinated patients benefit from the protective effect of the vaccine against death during hospital stay, outweighing the increased mortality risk that is associated with older age, greater frailty and more numerous comorbidities. This could be an encouragement for older people to receive age-appropriate vaccines, although no definite conclusions can be drawn for this was no intervention study.
Research Characteristics and Approaches Taken to Follow up with Students Exposed to Bullying: A Scoping Review
Authors: Moi Anna Lange , Fandrem Hildegunn , Næss Kari-Anne Bottegård , Finne Johannes Nilsson
Published: June 2024

This scoping review enhances the understanding of follow-up actions taken to reduce consequences from bullying, in terms of both what such actions currently entail and what they can or should encompass. Based on a comprehensive literature search of six databases, the review examines 20 peer-reviewed articles. The results highlight that there has been little empirical research on follow-up actions towards students exposed to bullying, but the existing research has been conducted worldwide and at different educational levels. When synthesized, follow-up work is not a unified concept within the literature. The examined studies were predominantly quantitative and experimental, using richly diverse measurements primarily assessing different mental health outcomes through self-report questionnaires. No common timepoint for initiate follow-up actions was shared amongst the authors. The most commonly used approach within follow-up work was to offer psychosocial support to reduce the impact of bullying on students. Less attention has been given to systemic work, particularly in the classroom environment, and to studies combining systemic and individual support. Thus, this overview contributes to the knowledge on how follow-up actions are understood and used in research and identifies important areas of focus for further research aiming to prevent prolonged consequences from bullying.
A Common OXTR Risk Variant Alters Regulation of Gene Expression by DNA Hydroxymethylation in Pregnant Human Myometrium
Authors: Danoff Joshua S. , Lillard Travis S. , Myatt Leslie , Connelly Jessica J. , Erickson Elise N.
Published: June 2024

Postpartum hemorrhage, or excessive bleeding after birth, is a leading cause of maternal morbidity. A major cause of postpartum hemorrhage is uterine atony, tiring of the uterus which leads to ineffective contractions. Uterine contractions depend on oxytocin signaling in the myometrium, which in turn depends on expression of the oxytocin receptor (OXTR). Both genetic and epigenetic factors related to the oxytocin receptor are associated with risk of postpartum hemorrhage, but a mechanism relating these factors to oxytocin receptor activity in myometrium remains unclear. We report a genetic by epigenetic interaction whereby the relationship between DNA hydroxymethylation and OXTR gene expression depends on a common OXTR gene variant (rs53576). We also provide evidence that a similar genetic by epigenetic interaction using blood-derived DNA methylation is associated with relevant clinical outcomes: quantity of oxytocin administration and odds for postpartum hemorrhage. These results provide new avenues for predicting how women will respond to pharmacological agents in the prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage.
Light soaking of hydrogenated amorphous silicon: a short review
Authors: Wang Na , Meng Fanying , Zhang Liping , Liu Zhengxin , Liu Wenzhu
Published: June 2024

Hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) has a long history in the development of photovoltaics, especially in the research field of a-Si:H thin-film solar cells and crystalline/amorphous silicon heterojunction solar cells. More than 40 years ago, Staebler and Wronski reported conductance decrease of a-Si:H induced by light soaking. This phenomenon has been widely investigated for electronic applications. In contrast to that, we found light soaking can also improve dark conductance of a-Si:H when boron or phosphorus atoms are doped into the amorphous network. Here we survey these two photoelectronic effects, and discuss their implementations to silicon solar cells.
Cystinosis — a review of disease pathogenesis, management, and future treatment options
Authors: Devitt Lauren
Published: June 2024

Cystinosis is a rare autosomal recessive disease characterised by an accumulation of cystine in the lysosomes. It is caused by pathogenic variants of the cystinosin gene (CTNS), which interrupts the transport of cystine from the lysosomes into the cytosol. Intra-lysosomal cystine accumulation leads to subsequent cellular dysfunction. Cystinosis has an incidence of 0.5–1/100,000 live births. There are three forms of cystinosis: nephropathic cystinosis, juvenile cystinosis, and ocular cystinosis, with nephropathic cystinosis being the most prevalent disease subtype. Renal impairment is the most common manifestation of disease. Extrarenal manifestations of cystinosis include hypothyroidism, diabetes, and hypogonadism. The current treatment for cystinosis is cysteamine, a cystine-depleting agent. This is not a curative treatment and only aims to slow the progression of disease. A total of 90% of cystinosis patients progress to kidney failure within the first 20 years of life. Kidney transplantation is the only option available to patients once the disease has progressed to this stage. This review highlights the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of cystinosis, as well as potential future treatment options.
Human health risk assessment of microbial contamination and trace metals in water and soils of Chileka Township, Blantyre, Malawi
Authors: Dzinjalamala Gunseyo Dickson , Kaonga Chikumbusko Chiziwa , Kumwenda Save , Kosamu Ishmael Bobby Mphangwe , Thulu Fabiano Gibson Daud , Chitete-Mawenda Upile , Makwinja Rodgers , Kanyerere Thokozani , Sakugawa Hiroshi
Published: June 2024

This study assessed nutrients and microbial contamination in water and soil samples from Chileka Township, Blantyre City, Malawi. Elevated total and fecal coliforms (1300 cfu/100 mL and 290 cfu/100 mL) in groundwater (GW), and (34,000 cfu/100 mL and 8000 cfu/100 mL) in surface water (SW) were found, representing a risk of exposure to water-borne disease. While the criteria in the Malawi Standard for raw groundwater was mostly met, water from only 20% of the boreholes complied with the WHO requirements. Nitrate (NO3─) and Cl─ (47.8 mg/L and 263 mg/L) exceeded the WHO limits in GW. Cadmium (Cd) occurred in a few cases at concentrations up to 0.217 mg/L and 0.138 mg/L in GW and SW. Lead (Pb) and Cr were below detection limits, while Mn (0.319 mg/L and 0.640 mg/L) in GW and SW, and Fe (6.92 mg/L) in SW compromised taste. Though bacteriologically unfit for raw consumption by humans, both GW and SW chemically met FAO-acceptable limits for irrigation, and standards for livestock watering. The NO3─ and PO43─ maximum concentrations in soil were 58.9 mg/kg and 506 mg/kg, respectively. Lead (Pb) and Cd were not detected whereas Cr, Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe in soil were 27.7 mg/kg, 190 mg/kg, 60.4 mg/kg, 1307 mg/kg and 6552 mg/kg, respectively. Magnesium (Mg), Ca, Na and K were 20,523 mg/kg, 22,334 mg/kg, 544 mg/kg and 5758 mg/kg, respectively in soil. The human health risk assessment results, on the other hand, showed that at least 30% (6 out of 20) of the GW samples and 60% (3 out 8) of the SW samples had HI > 1 for adults, children and infants, indicating existence of non-carcinogenic risk. Similarly, at least 15% (3 out 20) of the GW samples and 18% (1 out of 8) of the SW samples had CR > 0.001 for adults, children and infants, suggesting a risk of developing cancer during a lifetime due to Cd exposure. Though both GW and SW are generally of good chemical quality, chronic exposure to nitrate and cadmium is a health risk in the area. The current trace metal levels are not worrisome, but soil nitrate and phosphate may need regular monitoring.
Crustal Structure, Deformational History, and Tectonic Origin of the Bahamas Carbonate Platform
Authors: Shipper Kenneth , Mann Paul
Published: June 2024

The 2–10‐km‐thick, mainly carbonate cap of the 14,000 km2 Bahamas carbonate platform (BCP) has impeded imaging of its underlying crustal structure. The deeper structure of the BCP records both its Mesozoic rift and hotspot history and its later deformation related to its Paleogene collision with the Great Arc of the Caribbean (GAC). We use regional gravity data to model the crustal structure, type, and deformational processes of the BCP by: (a) integrating publicly available seismic data; (b) inverting the Moho along 2D regional gravity transects across the collisional zone; (c) modeling flexural uplift of a forebulge that reflects the attempted subduction of the BCP beneath the GAC; and (d) using downhole temperatures and radiogenic heat production in 1D basin models to differentiate crustal types related to the Mesozoic rift history. We interpret three crustal domains underlying the BCP: (a) 27–12‐km‐thick, rifted, and thinned continental crust of the northern Bahamas between the Blake Plateau and Exuma Sound; (b) 24–12‐km‐thick, volcanically‐thickened oceanic crust related to the Triassic‐Jurassic Bahamas hotspot in the central Bahamas southeast of Long Island; and (c) 20–12‐km‐thick, thickened oceanic crust north of Hispaniola. We propose that these crustal types reflect northwest‐southeastward, Triassic‐Jurassic rifting of the Bahamas region during the breakup of Pangea and accompanying magmatic activity related to the Triassic‐Jurassic Bahamas hotspot and early oceanic spreading. Growth of the BCP during the Cretaceous in this area was followed by Late Cretaceous‐Paleogene subduction‐related flexure and terminal Paleogene collision between the GAC and the BCP.
Mapping Glacier Structure in Inaccessible Areas From Turning Seismic Sources Into a Dense Seismic Array
Authors: Nanni Ugo , Roux Philippe , Gimbert Florent
Published: June 2024

Understanding glaciers structural heterogeneity is crucial for assessing their fate. Yet, places where structure changes are strong, such as crevasses fields, are often inaccessible for direct instrumentation. To overcome this limitation, we introduce an innovative technique that transforms seismic sources, here generated by crevasses, into virtual receivers using source‐to‐receiver spatial reciprocity. We demonstrate that phase interference patterns between well‐localized seismic sources can be leveraged to retrieve phase velocity maps using Seismic Michelson Interferometry. The obtained phase velocity exhibits sensitivity to changes in glacier structure, offering insights into the origins of mechanical property changes, with spatial resolution surpassing traditional methods by a factor of five. In particular, we observe sharp variations in phase velocity related to strongly damaged subsurface areas indicating a complex 3‐D medium. Applying this method more systematically and in other contexts will enhance our understanding of the structure of glaciers and other seismogenic environments.
What Controls Near‐Surface Relative Humidity Over the Ocean?
Authors: Shakespeare Callum J. , Roderick Michael L.
Published: June 2024

Observations and models show that near‐surface relative humidity is nearly constant at ∼80% over the ocean in the current climate, and almost invariant in the global mean in projected future climates. Here, this behavior is investigated through the development of a simple theoretical model for near‐surface relative humidity by considering the moisture balance above a uniform ocean surface. The relative humidity is predicted to depend on only the near‐surface wind speed, air‐surface temperature difference, surface wetness and large‐scale moisture convergence. Although developed in the context of moist over‐ocean convection, the theory is able to determine the relative humidity in a suite of idealized simulations over both wet and dry surfaces with a root‐mean‐square error of less than 3%. The theory also predicts the climatology of relative humidity over the ocean with a root‐mean‐square error of less than 3%. The theory thus provides a theoretical basis for investigating changes in relative humidity over the ocean, water vapor feedbacks and the water cycle in current and future climates.
Cold Electron Temperature in the Inner Magnetosphere Estimated Through the Dispersion Relation of ECH Waves From the Arase Satellite Observations
Authors: Taki Tomoe , Kurita Satoshi , Kojima Hirotsugu , Kasahara Yoshiya , Matsuda Shoya , Matsuoka Ayako , Kazama Yoichi , Jun Chae‐Woo , Wang Shiang‐Yu , Tam Sunny W. Y. , Chang Tzu‐Fang , Wang Bo‐Jhou , Miyoshi Yoshizumi , Shinohara Iku
Published: June 2024

We have analyzed Electrostatic Electron Cyclotron Harmonic (ECH) waves observed using interferometry observation mode performed by the Arase satellite to estimate low‐energy electron temperatures. Interferometry can be used to calculate velocities, but the Arase satellite can only perform interferometry observations in a one‐dimensional direction. We proposed a method to estimate the wave vector of the observed ECH waves from the observed electric fields and calculated the phase velocity for each frequency. We determined the particle parameters from the particle detector and the upper hybrid resonance and estimated the unknown low‐energy electron temperature from the agreement between the observed ECH dispersion relation and the theoretical dispersion curves. We performed our analysis for six events and found that the low‐energy electron temperature in the observed region is on the order of 1 eV.
ULF Wave Transport of Relativistic Electrons in the Van Allen Belts: Criteria for Transition to Radial Diffusion
Authors: Li Zhi‐Gu , Mann Ian R. , Ozeke Louis G. , Olifer Leonid , Degeling Alexander W.
Published: June 2024

Relativistic electrons in the radiation belts can be transported as a result of wave‐particle interactions (WPI) with ultra‐low frequency (ULF) waves. Such WPI are often assumed to be diffusive, parametric models for the radial diffusion coefficient often being used to assess the rates of radial transport. However, these WPI transition from initially coherent interactions to the diffusive regime over a finite time, this time depending on the ULF wave power spectral density, and local resonance conditions. Further, in the real system on the timescales of a single storm, interactions with finite discrete modes may be more realistic. Here, we use a particle‐tracing model to simulate the dynamics of outer radiation belt electrons in the presence of a finite number of discrete frequency modes. We characterize the point of the onset of diffusion as a transition from separate discrete interactions in terms of wave parameters by using the “two‐thirds” overlap criterion (Lichtenberg & Lieberman, 1992, https://doi.org/10.1007/978‐1‐4757‐2184‐3), a comparison between the distance between, and the widths of, the electron's primary resonant islands in phase space. Further, we find the particle decorrelation time in our model system with typical parameters to be on the timescale of hours, which only afterward can the system be modeled by one‐dimensional radial diffusion. Direct comparison of particle transport rates in our model with previous analytic diffusion coefficient formulations show good agreement at times beyond the decorrelation time. These results are critical for determining the time periods and conditions under which ULF wave radial diffusion theory can be applied.
An ultra-deep TSV technique enabled by the dual catalysis-based electroless plating of combined barrier and seed layers
Authors: Su Yuwen , Ding Yingtao , Xiao Lei , Zhang Ziyue , Yan Yangyang , Liu Zhifang , Chen Zhiming , Xie Huikai
Published: June 2024

Silicon interposers embedded with ultra-deep through-silicon vias (TSVs) are in great demand for the heterogeneous integration and packaging of opto-electronic chiplets and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices. Considering the cost-effective and reliable manufacturing of ultra-deep TSVs, the formation of continuous barrier and seed layers remains a crucial challenge to solve. Herein, we present a novel dual catalysis-based electroless plating (ELP) technique by tailoring polyimide (PI) liner surfaces to fabricate dense combined Ni barrier/seed layers in ultra-deep TSVs. In additional to the conventional acid catalysis procedure, a prior catalytic step in an alkaline environment is proposed to hydrolyze the PI surface into a polyamide acid (PAA) interfacial layer, resulting in additional catalysts and the formation of a dense Ni layer that can function as both a barrier layer and a seed layer, particularly at the bottom of the deep TSV. TSVs with depths larger than 500 μm and no voids are successfully fabricated in this study. The fabrication process involves low costs and temperatures. For a fabricated 530-μm-deep TSV with a diameter of 70 μm, the measured depletion capacitance and leakage current are approximately 1.3 pF and 1.7 pA at 20 V, respectively, indicating good electrical properties. The proposed fabrication strategy can provide a cost-effective and feasible solution to the challenge of manufacturing ultra-deep TSVs for modern 3D heterogeneous integration and packaging applications.
Farnesyltransferase inhibitor lonafarnib suppresses respiratory syncytial virus infection by blocking conformational change of fusion glycoprotein
Authors: Yang Qi , Xue Bao , Liu Fengjiang , Lu Yongzhi , Tang Jielin , Yan Mengrong , Wu Qiong , Chen Ruyi , Zhou Anqi , Liu Lijie , Liu Junjun , Qu Changbin , Wu Qingxin , Fu Muqing , Zhong Jiayi , Dong Jianwei , Chen Sijie , Wang Fan , Zhou Yuan , Zheng Jie , Peng Wei , Shang Jinsai , Chen Xinwen
Published: June 2024

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the major cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in young children and the elderly. There are currently no approved RSV-specific therapeutic small molecules available. Using high-throughput antiviral screening, we identified an oral drug, the prenylation inhibitor lonafarnib, which showed potent inhibition of the RSV fusion process. Lonafarnib exhibited antiviral activity against both the RSV A and B genotypes and showed low cytotoxicity in HEp-2 and human primary bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC). Time-of-addition and pseudovirus assays demonstrated that lonafarnib inhibits RSV entry, but has farnesyltransferase-independent antiviral efficacy. Cryo-electron microscopy revealed that lonafarnib binds to a triple-symmetric pocket within the central cavity of the RSV F metastable pre-fusion conformation. Mutants at the RSV F sites interacting with lonafarnib showed resistance to lonafarnib but remained fully sensitive to the neutralizing monoclonal antibody palivizumab. Furthermore, lonafarnib dose-dependently reduced the replication of RSV in BALB/c mice. Collectively, lonafarnib could be a potential fusion inhibitor for RSV infection.
Tumour cell-derived serglycin promotes IL-8 secretion of CAFs in gastric cancer
Authors: Li Xiang , Xie Guiping , Chen Jia , Wang Yaohui , Zhai Jing , Shen Lizong
Published: June 2024

Background

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs)-derived IL-8 plays important roles in chemoresistance, immunosuppression, and lymph node metastasis of gastric cancer. However, the mechanisms underlying IL-8 production in CAFs remains unclear.

Methods

DNA pulldown assay was performed to identify the transcription factors responsible for IL-8 expression in CAFs, which was further verified using CHIP-qPCR and DNA agarose gel electrophoresis assays. The cellular localisation of IL-8 was analysed using multiplex immunofluorescence (MxIF).

Results

MxIF demonstrated that IL-8 was mainly produced by CAFs in gastric cancer. Lysine[K]-specific demethylase 5B (KDM5B) was identified as an IL-8 transcription factor in CAFs, and the binding of KDM5B to phosphorylated RB1 limited the transcriptional regulation of IL-8 in gastric cancer cells. Serglycin (SRGN) secreted by tumour cells activated the CD44/c-Myc pathway to upregulate KDM5B expression, thereby promoting IL-8 production in CAFs. Furthermore, tumour-associated neutrophils (TANs)-derived regenerating family member 4 (REG4) upregulates SRGN expression by activating cAMP-responsive element binding protein 1 (CREB1) in gastric cancer cells. Thus, the SRGN-IL-8-TANs-SRGN loop, which facilitates tumour progression, has been explored in gastric cancer.

Conclusions

This study revealed the mechanisms of the preferential production of IL-8 by CAFs in gastric cancer, and paves the way for potential new therapeutic strategies for gastric cancer.