bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automatic Brain Categorization of Discrete Auditory Emotion Expressions
Authors: Talwar Siddharth , Barbero Francesca M. , Calce Roberta P. , Collignon Olivier
Published: August 2023

Seamlessly extracting emotional information from voices is crucial for efficient interpersonal communication. However, it remains unclear how the brain categorizes vocal expressions of emotion beyond the processing of their acoustic features. In our study, we developed a new approach combining electroencephalographic recordings (EEG) in humans with a frequency-tagging paradigm to ‘tag’ automatic neural responses to specific categories of emotion expressions. Participants were presented with a periodic stream of heterogeneous non-verbal emotional vocalizations belonging to five emotion categories: anger, disgust, fear, happiness and sadness at 2.5 Hz (stimuli length of 350 ms with a 50 ms silent gap between stimuli). Importantly, unknown to the participant, a specific emotion category appeared at a target presentation rate of 0.83 Hz that would elicit an additional response in the EEG spectrum only if the brain discriminates the target emotion category from other emotion categories and generalizes across heterogeneous exemplars of the target emotion category. Stimuli were matched across emotion categories for harmonicity-to-noise ratio, spectral center of gravity and pitch. Additionally, participants were presented with a scrambled version of the stimuli with identical spectral content and periodicity but disrupted intelligibility. Both types of sequences had comparable envelopes and early auditory peripheral processing computed via the simulation of the cochlear response. We observed that in addition to the responses at the general presentation frequency (2.5 Hz) in both intact and scrambled sequences, a greater peak in the EEG spectrum at the target emotion presentation rate (0.83 Hz) and its harmonics emerged in the intact sequence in comparison to the scrambled sequence. The greater response at the target frequency in the intact sequence, together with our stimuli matching procedure, suggest that the categorical brain response elicited by a specific emotion is at least partially independent from the low-level acoustic features of the sounds. Moreover, responses at the fearful and happy vocalizations presentation rates elicited different topographies and different temporal dynamics, suggesting that different discrete emotions are represented differently in the brain. Our paradigm revealed the brain’s ability to automatically categorize non-verbal vocal emotion expressions objectively (at a predefined frequency of interest), behavior-free, rapidly (in few minutes of recording time) and robustly (with a high signal-to-noise ratio), making it a useful tool to study vocal emotion processing and auditory categorization in general and in populations where behavioral assessments are more challenging.
Ultrasound and clinicopathological characteristics-based model for prediction of pathologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in HER2-positive breast cancer: a case–control study
Authors: Sui Lin , Yan Yuqi , Jiang Tian , Ou Di , Chen Chen , Lai Min , Ni Chen , Zhu Xi , Wang Liping , Yang Chen , Li Wei , Yao Jincao , Xu Dong
Published: August 2023

Background

The objective of this study was to develop a model combining ultrasound (US) and clinicopathological characteristics to predict the pathologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer.

Materials and methods

This is a retrospective study that included 248 patients with HER2-positive breast cancer who underwent NACT from March 2018 to March 2022. US and clinicopathological characteristics were collected from all patients in this study, and characteristics obtained using univariate analysis at p < 0.1 were subjected to multivariate analysis and then the conventional US and clinicopathological characteristics independently associated with pathologic complete response (pCR) from the analysis were used to develop US models, clinicopathological models, and their combined models by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity to assess their predictive efficacy.

Results

The combined model had an AUC of 0.808, a sensitivity of 88.72%, a specificity of 60.87%, and an accuracy of 75.81% in predicting pCR of HER2-positive breast cancer after NACT, which was significantly better than the clinicopathological model (AUC = 0.656) and the US model (AUC = 0.769). In addition, six characteristics were screened as independent predictors, namely the Clinical T stage, Clinical N stage, PR status, posterior acoustic, margin, and calcification.

Conclusion

The conventional US combined with clinicopathological characteristics to construct a combined model has a good diagnostic effect in predicting pCR in HER2-positive breast cancer and is expected to be a useful tool to assist clinicians in effectively determining the efficacy of NACT in HER2-positive breast cancer patients.
The prognostic impact of right ventricular-pulmonary arterial coupling in heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Anastasiou Vasileios , Papazoglou Andreas S. , Moysidis Dimitrios V. , Daios Stylianos , Barmpagiannos Konstantinos , Gossios Thomas , Efthimiadis Georgios K. , Karamitsos Theodoros , Ziakas Antonios , Kamperidis Vasileios
Published: August 2023

The echocardiographic tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion/pulmonary artery systolic pressure (TAPSE/PASP) ratio is a non-invasive surrogate of right ventricular-pulmonary arterial (RV-PA) coupling which corresponds well with the respective invasively derived index. Recently, a wealth of observational data has arisen, outlining its prognostic value in heart failure (HF) patients. To systematically appraise and quantitatively synthesize the evidence of the prognostic value of TAPSE/PASP ratio in left-sided HF regardless of etiology or left ventricular ejection fraction. A systematic literature review was conducted in electronic databases to identify studies reporting the association of TAPSE/PASP ratio with outcomes in patients with HF and, when appropriate, a random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to quantify the unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios [(a)HRs] for all-cause death and the composite outcome of all-cause death or HF hospitalization. Eighteen studies were deemed eligible encompassing 8,699 HF patients. The applied cut-off value for RV-PA uncoupling varied substantially from 0.27 to 0.58 mm/mmHg, and in most studies values lower than the applied cutoff conveyed dismal prognosis. Eleven studies reported appropriate data for meta-analysis. TAPSE/PASP reduction by 1 mm/mmHg was independently associated with all-cause death (pooled aHR=1.32 [1.06-1.65]; p=0.01; I2=56%) and the composite outcome (pooled aHR=3.48 [1.67-7.25]; p<0.001; I2=0%). When a TAPSE/PASP cutoff value of 0.36 mm/mmHg was applied it yielded independent association with all-cause death (pooled aHR=2.84 [2.22-3.64]; p<0.001; I2=82%). RV-PA coupling assessed by echocardiographic TAPSE/PASP ratio appears to be an independent outcome predictor for HF patients.
A new Modified Heterocyclic-Magnetite Chitosan Nanocomposite for Efficient Alizarin Red Dye Removal: Adsorption Analysis and Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Abuessawy Asmaa , Fouda Amr , Abdel-Rahman Adel A.-H. , Hawata Mohamed A. , Hamad Nora A.
Published: August 2023

Alizarin Red (AR) is one of the most colored hazardous industrial dyes. For effective removal of AR, a new sorbent of modified heterocyclic-magnetite chitosan nanocomposite labeled as AOC@MC was synthesized and characterized by FTIR, TGA, XRD, BET, TEM,SAED pattern and SEM-EDX. Effect of contact time, pH, adsorbent dosage, initial Alizarine Red concentration and temperature was investigated. The maximum AR removal was 98.9% and attained at optimum conditions which were pH = 3.0, contact time = 50 min., and adsorbent dosage = 0.03 g/L. The findings revealed that at pH 3 and 30 °C, the maximum adsorption capacity was approximately 162 mg/g. Within 50 min, equilibrium adsorption was attained. A pseudo-second-order equation might be used to fit the kinetic data that was acquired at the optimal pH level of 3. Langmuir adsorption isotherms could accurately represent the adsorption process. The antimicrobial properties of the functionalized sorbent AOC@MC and its heterocyclic base AOC were characterized by determining the zone of inhibition (ZOI) against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia as a model for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria respectively. AOC@MC exhibits promising activity with clear zones of 20.1 ± 0.2 and 17.6 ± 0.4 mm for S. aureus and K. pneumonia respectively. Overall, the modified sorbent AOC@MC was efficient on AR dye removal and antibacterial activity compared to the corresponding heterocyclic compound AOC.
Safety, feasibility, and quality of thulium laser en-bloc resection for treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Assem Ahmed , Kassem Ayman , Sherif Mohamed , Lotfi Amr , Abdelwahed Mohamed
Published: August 2023

Background

Trans-Urethral Resection of Bladder Tumors (TURBT) is a critical step in diagnosis, staging and treatment of bladder tumors. Conventional TURBT (cTURBT) involves the electro-resection of the tumor into small fragments. This technique leads to concerns about the completeness of resection, under-staging, bleeding, cancer cell implantation, and most importantly, risk of tumour recurrence. To circumvent this, laser en-bloc resection of bladder tumors has been introduced.

Objectives

Assessment of the safety, feasibility, and quality of Thulium Laser En-bloc Resection of Tumors (TmL-ERBT) for treatment of Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC) in various urinary bladder walls as a primary endpoint. The secondary endpoints were to investigate the feasibility of thulium laser use in the re-staging cystoscopy and to evaluate the learning curve of TmL-ERBT.

Methods

This is a prospective observational study including all newly diagnosed patients, above 18 years old, with a urinary bladder mass ≤ 4 cm in maximal dimension (measured via bladder ultrasound or CT or MRI). All patients underwent TmL-ERBT under regional anaesthesia in a lithotomy position. All intraoperative complications such as obturator nerve reflex, bladder perforation, and significant bleeding were recorded. Postoperative variables such as the mean catheterization time, bladder irrigation fluid volume and duration, and the mean of hospital stay as well as the postoperative complications were recorded. All patients were risk stratified and managed according to EUA guidelines then followed by a surveillance regimen per 3 months for 6 months.

Results

The study included 23 patients with a mean age of 53 ± 15.8 years. While 15 patients (65%) had a single tumor, the rest had multiple tumors, ranging from 2 to 3 in number with a total of 36 lesions. No cases required conversion to cTURBT and none of them experienced obturator nerve reflex or bladder perforation. Only one patient (4.3%) had an attack of clot urine retention. The mean hospitalization time was 31.2 ± 14.4 h and the mean catheterization time was 20.4 ± 13.3 h. The Detrusor muscle was present in 20 patients (87%) and the remaining 3 patients required a re-staging cystoscopy which was performed efficiently using thulium laser. None of the treated patients developed tumour recurrence during the follow-up period. In analysis, the duration of complete resection of 2–4 cm tumours was 23–27 min after the 7th case with a resection rate of 0.12–0.15 cm/min.

Conclusion

TmL-ERBT is safe and feasible for complete resection of NMIBC with a short learning curve and adequate cancer control.
Kriterien der Übergangsempfehlung bei Kindern mit sonderpädagogischem Förderbedarf: Die Bedeutung kindbezogener, familiärer und schulstruktureller Merkmale im Vergleich
Authors: Lintorf Katrin , Schürer Sina
Published: August 2023

Am Ende einer inklusiven Grundschulzeit können Kinder mit sonderpädagogischem Förderbedarf (SPF) in die 5. Klasse einer Regel- oder Förderschule wechseln. In vielen Bundesländern liegt die Entscheidung darüber bei den Eltern. Die Lehrkräfte beraten sie dabei und sprechen eine Empfehlung aus, der die Eltern oftmals auch dann folgen, wenn diese für sie unverbindlich ist. Für Kinder ohne SPF weist die Empfehlung entgegen rechtlichen Vorgaben nicht nur einen Zusammenhang mit kindbezogenen, sondern auch mit familiären sowie schulstrukturellen Merkmalen auf und führt daher zu sozialer und regionaler Ungleichheit am Grundschulübergang. Für Kinder mit SPF ist dies unerforscht. In leitfadengestützten narrativ-episodischen Interviews wurden 12 Regel- bzw. Sonderpädagog/innen aus Nordrhein-Westfalen zum Übergang eines Kindes mit SPF befragt. In der inhaltsanalytischen Auswertung erwiesen sich alle drei Kategorien von Kriterien als empfehlungsrelevant, dies jedoch in unterschiedlicher Gewichtung und in Abhängigkeit von der empfohlenen Schulart (inklusiv vs. exklusiv). Schulstrukturelle Kriterien (v. a. Fördermöglichkeiten an der Regelschule) spielten unerwarteterweise eine ebenso große Rolle für die Empfehlung wie kindbezogene Kriterien (v. a. Leistung, Arbeitsverhalten, Persönlichkeitsmerkmale). Familiäre Kriterien (v. a. Unterstützungsmöglichkeiten) kamen weit weniger zur Sprache, waren aber vor allem bei der Empfehlung einer Förderschule relevant. Die Ergebnisse werden vor dem Hintergrund sozialer und regionaler Bildungsungleichheit diskutiert.
Eine Analyse des Studienerfolgs im Masterstudium auf der Basis von Umfrage- und administrativen Prüfungsdaten: Ein Vergleich von fünf Masterstudiengängen am Fachbereich Wirtschaftswissenschaft der Freien Universität Berlin
Authors: Rendtel Ulrich , Lee Yeonjoo , Gerks Hartmut
Published: August 2023

In einer Umfrage unter den neu immatrikulierten Master-Studierenden wurden unter anderem der soziale Hintergrund, die Studienfinanzierung und die Motivation für den gewählten Studiengang erfragt. Durch die Verknüpfung von administrativen Prüfungsdaten mit den neuen Umfragedaten wird die Analyse der Studienverläufe und des Studienerfolgs im Zusammenhang mit individuellen Merkmalen ermöglicht. Damit vermeiden wir die Schwachstellen üblicher studentischer Befragungen mit hohem Non-response und Erinnerungsfehlern. Dieser Ansatz wird hier zum Vergleich von fünf Masterstudiengängen am Fachbereich (FB) Wirtschaftswissenschaft der Freien Universität Berlin (FU Berlin) benutzt. Nach der ersten Befragung wurden die Studierenden über die ersten 6 Fachsemester hinsichtlich des Erwerbs von Leistungspunkten (LP), dem Abschluss ihres Masterstudiums sowie den dabei erzielten Noten begleitet.

In den verknüpften Daten konnte ein Erfolgsbias der teilnahmebereiten Studierenden der Kohorte festgestellt werden, der aber durch eine geeignete Gewichtung über die Responserate gut beherrschbar ist. Wir vergleichen die Studiengänge in verschiedenen Phasen: Studieneingangsphase, Erreichen der Regelstudienzeit und Abschluss bis zum 6 Fachsemester. Weiterhin wird der Einfluss von Hintergrundmerkmalen auf die erreichte Note beim Studienabschluss untersucht. In der Studieneingangsphase ergeben sich deutliche Unterschiede zwischen den Studiengängen. Konditioniert man allerdings auf den Studienerfolg im ersten Semester, so verschwinden diese Unterschiede für die zweite Studienphase und den Abschluss des Studiums. Überraschend ist der geringe Einfluss der Bachelor-Note auf den Studienerfolg und die erzielte Master-Note. Die Ergebnisse zeigen die Möglichkeit auf, einen möglichen Studienabbruch schon relativ sicher anhand der erzielten LP in der Studieneingangsphase zu erkennen.
Doing Digitality in Family
Authors: Michel Maja
Published: August 2023

Der Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit familialen Alltagspraktiken, die sich aus der Nutzung digitaler Dinge ergeben. Um diese Praktiken systematisch betrachten zu können, werden die Begriffe Digitalisierung und Digitalität mithilfe der Heuristik Doing Digitality in einer spezifischen Form unterschieden und auf die Familie als sozialpädagogischen Ort angewandt. Daraus ableitend können digitale Familienpraktiken wie z. B. Sharenting, bei der Eltern Informationen über sich selbst und ihre Kinder online teilen, in den Blick genommen werden.
The Effect of taVNS on the Cerebello-Thalamo-Cortical Pathway: a TMS Study
Authors: van Midden Vesna M. , Pirtošek Zvezdan , Kojović Maja
Published: August 2023

fMRI studies show activation of cerebellum during transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (taVNS); however, there is no evidence whether taVNS induced activation of the cerebellum translates to the cerebellar closed loops involved in motor functions. We assessed the propensity of taVNS at 25 Hz (taVNS25) and 100 Hz (taVNS100) to modulate cerebello-thalamo-cortical pathways using transcranial magnetic stimulation. In our double blind within-subjects study thirty-two participants completed one visit during which cerebellar brain inhibition (CBI) was assessed at baseline (no stimulation) and in a randomized order during taVNS100, taVNS25, and sham taVNS (xVNS). Generalized linear mixed models with gamma distribution were built to assess the effect of taVNS on CBI. The estimated marginal means of linear trends during each taVNS condition were computed and compared in a pairwise fashion with Benjamini-Hochberg correction for multiple comparisons. CBI significantly increased during taVNS100 compared to taVNS25 and xVNS (p = 0.0003 and p = 0.0465, respectively). The taVNS current intensity and CBI conditioning stimulus intensity had no significant effect on CBI. taVNS has a frequency dependent propensity to modulate the cerebello-thalamo-cortical pathway. The cerebellum participates in closed-loop circuits involved in motor, cognitive, and affective operations and may serve as an entry for modulating effects of taVNS.
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ELF051 Alleviates Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea by Regulating Intestinal Inflammation and Gut Microbiota
Authors: Liang Wei , Gao Yansong , Zhao Yujuan , Gao Lei , Zhao Zijian , He Zhongmei , Li Shengyu
Published: August 2023

Probiotics are widely recognized for their ability to prevent and therapy antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD). This study was designed to evaluate Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ELF051 ability to prevent colon inflammation and its effect on gut microbial composition in a mouse model of AAD. The mice were intragastrically administered triple antibiotics for 7 days and then subjected to L. plantarum ELF051 for 14 days. The administration of L. plantarum ELF051 ameliorated the pathological changes in the colon tissue, downregulated interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and upregulated IL-10, and increased the intestinal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) level. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ELF051 also regulated the Toll-like receptor/myeloid differentiation primary response 88/nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB) and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/ NF-κB (PI3K/AKT/ NF-κB) inflammatory signaling pathways. 16S rRNA analyses showed that L. plantarum ELF051 increased the abundance and diversity of gut bacteria, restoring gut microbiota imbalance. A Spearman’s rank correlation analysis showed that lactobacilli are closely associated with inflammatory markers and SCFAs. This work demonstrated that L. plantarum ELF051 can attenuate antibiotic-induced intestinal inflammation in a mouse AAD model by suppressing the pro-inflammatory response and modulating the gut microbiota.
Are European Blue Economy ambitions in conflict with European environmental visions?
Authors: Andersen Jesper H. , Al-Hamdani Zyad , Carstensen Jacob , Edelvang Karen , Egekvist Josefine , Kaae Berit C. , Hammer Kathrine J. , Therese Harvey Eva , Leth Jørgen O. , McClintock Will , Murray Ciarán , Olafsson Anton S. , Olsen Jeppe , Sveegaard Signe , Tougaard Jakob
Published: August 2023

We report the outcomes of a comprehensive study of the potential consequences of the implementation of the EU Maritime Spatial Planning Directive (MSPD) in Danish waters. The analyses are anchored in a framework developed in support of data-driven Ecosystem-Based Maritime Spatial Planning. The data for the models include not only human stressors but also information on the distribution of ecosystem components ranging from planktonic communities over benthic communities to fish, seabirds and marine mammals. We have established a baseline, based on state-of-the-art data sets, with respect to combined effects upon ecosystem components. Future scenarios for the developments in human stressors were estimated for 2030 and 2050 based on information on existing policies, strategies and plans and were compared to the baseline. In addition, we developed a scenario for implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), i.e. working towards meeting the objectives of Good Environmental Status. Our results indicate that (1) combined human stressors will possibly increase in 2030 and 2050 compared to the baseline, (2) increased combined human stressors are likely to lead to a worsening of the environmental and ecological status sensu the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the Water Framework Directive (WFD), and (3) the MSPD implementation process appears to conflict with the MSFD and WFD objectives. Accordingly, we are sceptical of claims of an untapped potential for Blue Growth in Danish marine waters.
Endosonographic monitoring of Sphinkeeper® prostheses movements: does physical activity have an impact?
Authors: Dawoud Christopher , Gidl Daniel , Widmann Kerstin Melanie , Pereyra David , Harpain Felix , Kama Berfin , Riss Stefan
Published: August 2023

The Sphinkeeper® procedure for treating faecal incontinence (FI) may be associated with potential implant migration (IM) and dislocation (ID), with considerable variations regarding their occurrence and effects on consecutive functional outcome. This study assessed IM and ID following the Sphinkeeper® procedure and its correlation with physical activity. This was a prospective observational clinical study of ten patients undergoing Sphinkeeper® operation due to FI between August 2020 and November 2020 at the Medical University of Vienna. Patients were followed-up after 1, 2, 3 and 6 months and 1 year postoperatively. Each follow-up visit included endosonographic monitoring of protheses location and manometric examinations. Additionally, functional outcome and physical activity were assessed using validated standardized questionnaires. The median number of prostheses implanted was 10 (IQR 9–10). The St. Mark’s incontinence (SMS) score improved significantly until the last follow-up (p = 0.049), without observing a significant effect on the physical SF-12 score. The median rate of implants leading to IM and ID was 3 (range 1–4) and 2 (range 1–2) after 3 months of follow-up. A strong association of deltaSMS with number of dislocated prostheses at one month after Sphinkeeper® implantation was observed (r = 0.654, p = 0.078). Physical activity, assessed by the international physical activity questionnaire, did not have an impact on the correct prosthesis placement (1 month: p = 0.527; 2 months: p = 0.886; 3 months: p = 0.180; 6 months: p = 0.111). IM and ID of Sphinkeeper® prostheses occurred frequently early after surgery and affected functional outcome negatively. Physical activity did not have an influence on the implants displacement.
Two pyrrole acids isolated from Phyllanthus emblica L. and their bioactivities
Authors: Wang Shu-Hui , Guo Cong , Cui Wen-Jin , Xu Qing-Xia , Zhang Jun , Jiang Jin-Zhu , Liu Yan , Chen Sha , Chen Chang , Cheng Jin-Tang , Liu An
Published: August 2023

An undescribed pyrrole acid, 1-(4′-methoxy-4′-oxobutyl)-1 H-pyrrole-2,5-dicarboxylic acid (1) and one known pyrrole acid (2) were isolated from the fruits of Phyllanthus emblica. The structures of these compounds were elucidated via the comprehensive analyses of IR, HRESIMS, 1D and 2D spectroscopic data. A series of biological assays revealed that compounds 1 and 2 could inhibit LPS-induced over-production of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-6 (IL-6), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) by reducing the phosphorylation of extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) in RAW 264.7 cells. Additionally, compounds 1 and 2 were found to reduce lipid deposition and increase the mRNA expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 in oxidized low-density lipoprotein-treated RAW264.7 macrophages.

Graphical abstract
Distress Characteristics in Embankment-Bridge Transition Section of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway in Permafrost Regions
Authors: He Peifeng , Niu Fujun , Huang Yunhui , Zhang Saize , Jiao Chenglong
Published: August 2023

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway has been operating safely for 16 years in the permafrost zone and the railroad subgrade is generally stable by adopting the cooling roadbed techniques. However, settlement caused by the degradation of subgrade permafrost in the embankment-bridge transition sections (EBTS) is one of the most representative and severe distresses. A field survey on 440 bridges (including 880 EBTSs) was carried out employing terrestrial laser scanning and ground-penetrating radar for comprehensively assessing all EBTSs in the permafrost zone. The results show that the types of distresses of EBTSs were differential settlement, upheaval mounds of the protection-cone slopes, subsidence of the protection-cone slopes, surface cracks of the protection cones and longitudinal and transverse dislocation of the wing walls. The occurrence rates of these distresses were 78.93, 3.47, 11.56, 3.36, 21.18 and 4.56%, respectively. The most serious problem was differential settlement, and the average differential settlement amount (ADSA) was 15.3 cm. Furthermore, the relationships between differential settlement and 11 influencing factors were examined. The results indicate that ADSA is greater on the northern side of a bridge than on the southern side and on the sunny slope than on the shady slope. It is also greater in the high-temperature permafrost region than in the low-temperature permafrost region and in the high-ice content area than in the low-ice content area. The EBTSs are more influenced by ice content than by ground temperature. The ADSA increases when the embankment height increases, the particle size of subgrade soil decreases and the surface vegetation cover decreases.
Eosinophilic esophagitis—from definition to therapy
Authors: von Arnim Ulrike
Published: August 2023

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic immune-mediated disorder that is characterized clinically by symptoms of esophageal dysfunction and histologically by a dense eosinophilic inflammation of the esophagus. This article provides an overview of the current knowledge in the field of EoE. EoE has seen significant progress in its understanding, including its definition, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment. Consensus criteria have been established for diagnosing EoE, with symptoms commonly including dysphagia, food impaction, and reflux-like symptoms. Diagnosis involves clinical evaluation, endoscopy, and histological assessment. Therapeutic strategies for EoE aim to alleviate symptoms, induce and maintain remission, and prevent complications. These strategies include dietary modifications, pharmacotherapy, and endoscopic interventions. Treatment choice depends on disease severity, patient preferences, and comorbidities. Despite progress, challenges persist in EoE management. Long-term outcomes and optimal treatment duration are still under investigation. Research efforts focus on identifying predictive markers for treatment response and developing personalized approaches. In conclusion, EoE is a chronic, progressive and recurrent disease with various clinical manifestations and treatment options. Improved understanding has led to better diagnostic criteria and therapeutic strategies. However, further research is necessary to enhance our understanding of disease pathogenesis, refine treatment algorithms, and optimize long-term outcomes for individuals with EoE.
Synergistic “Anchor-Capture” Enabled by Amino and Carboxyl for Constructing Robust Interface of Zn Anode
Authors: Luo Zhen , Xia Yufan , Chen Shuang , Wu Xingxing , Zeng Ran , Zhang Xuan , Pan Hongge , Yan Mi , Shi Tingting , Tao Kai , Xu Ben Bin , Jiang Yinzhu
Published: August 2023

While the rechargeable aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) have been recognized as one of the most viable batteries for scale-up application, the instability on Zn anode–electrolyte interface bottleneck the further development dramatically. Herein, we utilize the amino acid glycine (Gly) as an electrolyte additive to stabilize the Zn anode–electrolyte interface. The unique interfacial chemistry is facilitated by the synergistic “anchor-capture” effect of polar groups in Gly molecule, manifested by simultaneously coupling the amino to anchor on the surface of Zn anode and the carboxyl to capture Zn2+ in the local region. As such, this robust anode–electrolyte interface inhibits the disordered migration of Zn2+, and effectively suppresses both side reactions and dendrite growth. The reversibility of Zn anode achieves a significant improvement with an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.22% at 1 mA cm−2 and 0.5 mAh cm−2 over 500 cycles. Even at a high Zn utilization rate (depth of discharge, DODZn) of 68%, a steady cycle life up to 200 h is obtained for ultrathin Zn foils (20 μm). The superior rate capability and long-term cycle stability of Zn–MnO2 full cells further prove the effectiveness of Gly in stabilizing Zn anode. This work sheds light on additive designing from the specific roles of polar groups for AZIBs.
Feasible Resolution of Angular Displacement Measurement by an Optical Angle Sensor Based on Laser Autocollimation
Authors: Lim Hyunsung , Shimizu Yuki
Published: August 2023

The feasible resolution of angular displacement measurement by an optical angle sensor based on laser autocollimation is investigated. Improving the sensor sensitivity while maintaining the noise level of the sensor signal as low as possible is necessary to achieve high-resolution angular displacement measurement. In this paper, the contribution of each component, such as a photodiode, a trans-impedance amplifier, and an analog-to-digital converter in the optical angle sensor, to the noise level of the sensor signal is first estimated on the basis of theoretical equations. The feasible sensitivity of the optical angle sensor is also estimated in numerical calculations. The sensitivity of a photodiode element at the edge of its photosensitive area is evaluated in experiments to realize the estimation of the angle sensor sensitivity. Experimental results are applied to the numerical calculations. The influences of the measurement laser beam diameter, the spot diameter of the focused laser beam on the photosensitive area, and the focal length of the collimator objective of the optical angle sensor are also considered in the numerical calculations. Finally, a prototype optical setup is developed. Experiments are performed to demonstrate that a compact optical angle sensor based on laser autocollimation with a collimator objective having a focal length shorter than 100 mm can achieve a resolution beyond 0.001 arc-second with a bandwidth of 1 kHz. This resolution is better than those achieved by commercial autocollimators employing an image sensor or a position-sensitive detector. The industrial contribution of this paper lies in the detailed breakdown of noise components in the readout signal of an angle sensor in a practical condition and the systematic estimation of its feasible resolution as well as its sensitivity.
Interpretation of the North‐South Asymmetric Oxygen Aurora Morphology on Europa Using Test Particle Simulation
Authors: Satoh Shinnosuke , Tsuchiya Fuminori , Sakai Shotaro , Kasaba Yasumasa , Yasuda Rikuto , Kimura Tomoki
Published: August 2023

Several observations using the Hubble Space Telescope reported that the brightness morphology of the oxygen OI] 135.6 nm emissions on Europa's atmosphere has a north‐south asymmetry which changes with the position of Europa with respect to the Jovian magnetospheric plasma sheet. Similar north‐south asymmetry of Io's auroral limb glow has been explained by higher electron flux into the atmosphere on the hemisphere that faces the plasma sheet center. This explanation, however, has not yet been evaluated for the case of Europa quantitatively. In this study, we used a test particle simulation for the Jovian magnetospheric electrons to estimate the brightness of the 135.6 nm aurora in Europa's atmosphere and evaluate the cause of the north‐south asymmetry with the previously suggested idea, in which the strong deceleration of the magnetospheric flux tube results in the inhomogeneous electron flux into Europa's atmosphere (the “slow‐down effect”). Our simulation successfully recreates the systematically changing north‐south asymmetry of Europa's oxygen aurora brightness using the “slow‐down effect.” With deceleration into 10% of the background plasma flow, the maximum north‐to‐south brightness ratio is estimated at 2.17 and 2.56 on the trailing (plasma‐upstream) and leading (downstream) side, respectively. However, the previously observed brightness ratio is larger on the trailing side (up to ∼5). The results indicate that additional model scenarios are required to fully explain the north‐south asymmetry of Europa's oxygen aurora morphology.
Bias in Flood Hazard Grid Aggregation
Authors: Bryant Seth , Kreibich Heidi , Merz Bruno
Published: August 2023

Reducing flood risk through disaster planning and risk management requires accurate estimates of exposure, damage, casualties, and environmental impacts. Models can provide such information; however, computational or data constraints often lead to the construction of such models by aggregating high‐resolution flood hazard grids to a coarser resolution, the effect of which is poorly understood. Through the application of a novel spatial classification framework, we derive closed‐form solutions for the location (e.g., flood margins) and direction of bias from flood grid aggregation independent of any study region. These solutions show bias of some key metric will always be present in regions with marginal inundation; for example, inundation area will be positively biased when water depth grids are aggregated and volume will be negatively biased when water surface elevation grids are aggregated through averaging. In a separate computational analysis, we employ the same framework to a 2018 flood and successfully reproduce the findings of our study‐region‐independent derivation. Extending the investigation to the exposure of buildings, we find regions with marginal inundation are an order of magnitude more sensitive to aggregation errors, highlighting the importance of understanding such artifacts for flood risk modelers. Of the two aggregation routines considered, averaging water surface elevation grids better preserved flood depths at buildings than averaging of water depth grids. This work provides insight into, and recommendations for, aggregating grids used by flood risk models.
Pacific decadal oscillation causes fewer near-equatorial cyclones in the North Indian Ocean
Authors: Roose Shinto , Ajayamohan R. S. , Ray Pallav , Xie Shang-Ping , Sabeerali C. T. , Mohapatra M. , Taraphdar S. , Mohanakumar K. , Rajeevan M.
Published: August 2023

Tropical cyclones do not form easily near the equator but can intensify rapidly, leaving little time for preparation. We investigate the number of near-equatorial (originating between 5°N and 11°N) tropical cyclones over the north Indian Ocean during post-monsoon season (October to December) over the past 60 years. The study reveals a marked 43% decline in the number of such cyclones in recent decades (1981–2010) compared to earlier (1951–1980). Here, we show this decline in tropical cyclone frequency is primarily due to the weakened low-level vorticity modulated by the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and increased vertical wind shear. In the presence of low-latitude basin-wide warming and a favorable phase of the PDO, both the intensity and frequency of such cyclones are expected to increase. Such dramatic and unique changes in tropical cyclonic activity due to the interplay between natural variability and climate change call for appropriate planning and mitigation strategies.
Controlling the propagation asymmetry of hyperbolic shear polaritons in beta-gallium oxide
Authors: Matson Joseph , Wasserroth Sören , Ni Xiang , Obst Maximilian , Diaz-Granados Katja , Carini Giulia , Renzi Enrico Maria , Galiffi Emanuele , Folland Thomas G. , Eng Lukas M. , Michael Klopf J. , Mastel Stefan , Armster Sean , Gambin Vincent , Wolf Martin , Kehr Susanne C. , Alù Andrea , Paarmann Alexander , Caldwell Joshua D.
Published: August 2023

Structural anisotropy in crystals is crucial for controlling light propagation, particularly in the infrared spectral regime where optical frequencies overlap with crystalline lattice resonances, enabling light-matter coupled quasiparticles called phonon polaritons (PhPs). Exploring PhPs in anisotropic materials like hBN and MoO3 has led to advancements in light confinement and manipulation. In a recent study, PhPs in the monoclinic crystal β-Ga2O3 (bGO) were shown to exhibit strongly asymmetric propagation with a frequency dispersive optical axis. Here, using scanning near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM), we directly image the symmetry-broken propagation of hyperbolic shear polaritons in bGO. Further, we demonstrate the control and enhancement of shear-induced propagation asymmetry by varying the incident laser orientation and polariton momentum using different sizes of nano-antennas. Finally, we observe significant rotation of the hyperbola axis by changing the frequency of incident light. Our findings lay the groundwork for the widespread utilization and implementation of polaritons in low-symmetry crystals.
Translocator protein is a marker of activated microglia in rodent models but not human neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Nutma Erik , Fancy Nurun , Weinert Maria , Tsartsalis Stergios , Marzin Manuel C. , Muirhead Robert C. J. , Falk Irene , Breur Marjolein , de Bruin Joy , Hollaus David , Pieterman Robin , Anink Jasper , Story David , Chandran Siddharthan , Tang Jiabin , Trolese Maria C. , Saito Takashi , Saido Takaomi C. , Wiltshire Katharine H. , Beltran-Lobo Paula , Phillips Alexandra , Antel Jack , Healy Luke , Dorion Marie-France , Galloway Dylan A. , Benoit Rochelle Y. , Amossé Quentin , Ceyzériat Kelly , Badina Aurélien M. , Kövari Enikö , Bendotti Caterina , Aronica Eleonora , Radulescu Carola I. , Wong Jia Hui , Barron Anna M. , Smith Amy M. , Barnes Samuel J. , Hampton David W. , van der Valk Paul , Jacobson Steven , Howell Owain W. , Baker David , Kipp Markus , Kaddatz Hannes , Tournier Benjamin B. , Millet Philippe , Matthews Paul M. , Moore Craig S. , Amor Sandra , Owen David R.
Published: August 2023

Microglial activation plays central roles in neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. Positron emission tomography (PET) targeting 18 kDa Translocator Protein (TSPO) is widely used for localising inflammation in vivo, but its quantitative interpretation remains uncertain. We show that TSPO expression increases in activated microglia in mouse brain disease models but does not change in a non-human primate disease model or in common neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory human diseases. We describe genetic divergence in the TSPO gene promoter, consistent with the hypothesis that the increase in TSPO expression in activated myeloid cells depends on the transcription factor AP1 and is unique to a subset of rodent species within theMuroideasuperfamily. Finally, we identify LCP2 and TFEC as potential markers of microglial activation in humans. These data emphasise that TSPO expression in human myeloid cells is related to different phenomena than in mice, and that TSPO-PET signals in humans reflect the density of inflammatory cells rather than activation state.
CircRREB1 mediates lipid metabolism related senescent phenotypes in chondrocytes through FASN post-translational modifications
Authors: Gong Zhe , Zhu Jinjin , Chen Junxin , Feng Fan , Zhang Haitao , Zhang Zheyuan , Song Chenxin , Liang Kaiyu , Yang Shuhui , Fan Shunwu , Fang Xiangqian , Shen Shuying
Published: August 2023

Osteoarthritis is a prevalent age-related disease characterized by dysregulation of extracellular matrix metabolism, lipid metabolism, and upregulation of senescence-associated secretory phenotypes. Herein, we clarify that CircRREB1 is highly expressed in secondary generation chondrocytes and its deficiency can alleviate FASN related senescent phenotypes and osteoarthritis progression. CircRREB1 impedes proteasome-mediated degradation of FASN by inhibiting acetylation-mediated ubiquitination. Meanwhile, CircRREB1 induces RanBP2-mediated SUMOylation of FASN and enhances its protein stability. CircRREB1-FASN axis inhibits FGF18 and FGFR3 mediated PI3K-AKT signal transduction, then increased p21 expression. Intra-articular injection of adenovirus–CircRreb1 reverses the protective effects in CircRreb1 deficiency mice. Further therapeutic interventions could have beneficial effects in identifying CircRREB1 as a potential prognostic and therapeutic target for age-related OA.
Synthesis, structural analysis, and properties of highly twisted alkenes 13,13’-bis(dibenzo[a,i]fluorenylidene) and its derivatives
Authors: Kang Hao-Wen , Liu Yu-Chiao , Shao Wei-Kai , Wei Yu-Chen , Hsieh Chi-Tien , Chen Bo-Han , Lu Chih-Hsuan , Yang Shang-Da , Cheng Mu-Jeng , Chou Pi-Tai , Chiang Ming-Hsi , Wu Yao-Ting
Published: August 2023

The rotation of a C = C bond in an alkene can be efficiently accelerated by creating the high-strain ground state and stabilizing the transition state of the process. Herein, the synthesis, structures, and properties of several highly twisted alkenes are comprehensively explored. A facile and practical synthetic approach to target molecules is developed. The twist angles and lengths of the central C = C bonds in these molecules are 36–58° and 1.40–1.43 Å, respectively, and confirmed by X-ray crystallography and DFT calculations. A quasi-planar molecular half with the π-extended substituents delivers a shallow rotational barrier (down to 2.35 kcal/mol), indicating that the rotation of the C = C bond is as facile as that of the aryl-aryl bond in 2-flourobiphenyl. Other versatile and unique properties of the studied compounds include a broad photoabsorption range (from 250 up to 1100 nm), a reduced HOMO-LUMO gap (1.26–1.68 eV), and a small singlet-triplet energy gap (3.65–5.68 kcal/mol).
Wide-range and area-selective threshold voltage tunability in ultrathin indium oxide transistors
Authors: Tseng Robert , Wang Sung-Tsun , Ahmed Tanveer , Pan Yi-Yu , Chen Shih-Chieh , Shih Che-Chi , Tsai Wu-Wei , Chen Hai-Ching , Kei Chi-Chung , Chou Tsung-Te , Hung Wen-Ching , Chen Jyh-Chen , Kuo Yi-Hou , Lin Chun-Liang , Woon Wei-Yen , Liao Szuya Sandy , Lien Der-Hsien
Published: August 2023

The scaling of transistors with thinner channel thicknesses has led to a surge in research on two-dimensional (2D) and quasi-2D semiconductors. However, modulating the threshold voltage (VT) in ultrathin transistors is challenging, as traditional doping methods are not readily applicable. In this work, we introduce a optical-thermal method, combining ultraviolet (UV) illumination and oxygen annealing, to achieve broad-range VT tunability in ultrathin In2O3. This method can achieve both positive and negative VT tuning and is reversible. The modulation of sheet carrier density, which corresponds to VT shift, is comparable to that obtained using other doping and capacitive charging techniques in other ultrathin transistors, including 2D semiconductors. With the controllability of VT, we successfully demonstrate the realization of depletion-load inverter and multi-state logic devices, as well as wafer-scale VT modulation via an automated laser system, showcasing its potential for low-power circuit design and non-von Neumann computing applications.
Understanding the passive behaviour of low-chromium high-strength Hybrid steel in corrosive environments
Authors: Örnek Cem , Payam Beste , Gloskovskii Andrei , Kazmanlı Kürşat , Mohamed Nourhan , Derin Bora , Ürgen Mustafa , Chou Chin-En , Yen Hung-Wei , Avcı Burçak , Ooi Steve
Published: August 2023

We investigated the unique passive behaviour of Hybrid steel in de-aerated sulfuric acid and aqueous sodium chloride solutions through corrosion tests, surface analysis, and thermochemical modelling. Electrochemical measurements confirmed that Hybrid steel possesses stainless steel characteristics, including passivity, breakdown, and pitting, akin to low-alloyed stainless steel. Synchrotron hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed a dynamically protective nanoscale passive film composed of Fe, Cr, Ni, and Al oxides, contributing to its stainless nature. The presence of Al and Ni enhances Cr’s role in forming a spontaneously passive and protective surface, resulting in exceptional corrosion resistance in acidic and chloride-containing solutions. Hybrid steel’s surface oxides remain robust even beyond the Cr(III)-to-Cr(VI) redox potential, distinguishing it from other stainless steels. This work demonstrates the potential for designing sustainable stainless steel with high-strength properties without requiring the conventional Cr threshold concentration of 10.5 per cent.
Widespread changes in Southern Ocean phytoplankton blooms linked to climate drivers
Authors: Thomalla Sandy J. , Nicholson Sarah-Anne , Ryan-Keogh Thomas J. , Smith Marié E.
Published: August 2023

Climate change is expected to elicit widespread alterations to nutrient and light supply, which interact to influence phytoplankton growth and their seasonal cycles. Using 25 years of satellite chlorophyll a data, we show that large regions of the Southern Ocean express significant multi-decadal trends in phenological indices that are typically larger (<50 days decade–1) than previously reported in modelling studies (<10 days decade–1). Although regionally dependent, there is an overall tendency for phytoplankton blooms to increase in amplitude, decline in seasonality, initiate later, terminate earlier and have shorter durations, except in the ice, which initiate earlier and have longer durations. Investigating relationships with prominent climate drivers highlights regional sensitivities and complexities of multiple interacting aspects of a changing climate. Seasonal adjustments of this magnitude at the base of the food web can de-synchronize energy transfer to higher trophic levels, threatening ecosystem services and impacting global climate by altering natural CO2 uptake.
Shared control of a 16 semiconductor quantum dot crossbar array
Authors: Borsoi Francesco , Hendrickx Nico W. , John Valentin , Meyer Marcel , Motz Sayr , van Riggelen Floor , Sammak Amir , de Snoo Sander L. , Scappucci Giordano , Veldhorst Menno
Published: August 2023

The efficient control of a large number of qubits is one of the most challenging aspects for practical quantum computing. Current approaches in solid-state quantum technology are based on brute-force methods, where each and every qubit requires at least one unique control line—an approach that will become unsustainable when scaling to the required millions of qubits. Here, inspired by random-access architectures in classical electronics, we introduce the shared control of semiconductor quantum dots to efficiently operate a two-dimensional crossbar array in planar germanium. We tune the entire array, comprising 16 quantum dots, to the few-hole regime. We then confine an odd number of holes in each site to isolate an unpaired spin per dot. Moving forward, we demonstrate on a vertical and a horizontal double quantum dot a method for the selective control of the interdot coupling and achieve a tunnel coupling tunability over more than 10 GHz. The operation of a quantum electronic device with fewer control terminals than tunable experimental parameters represents a compelling step forward in the construction of scalable quantum technology.