bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shape Programming of Porous Bilayer Hydrogel Structures
Authors: Wan Huanhuan , Chang Jiaying , Ye Fuhua , Fan Zhichao
Published: May 2024

Shape-programmable materials have garnered significant attention for their ability to morph into complex three-dimensional (3D) configurations under external stimuli, with critical applications in the fields of biomedical engineering, soft robotics, and sensing technologies. A current challenge lies in determining the geometric parameters of the initial two-dimensional (2D) structure and the intensity of the external stimulus required to achieve a target 3D shape. In this work, we introduce a novel inverse design strategy based on hole-pattern engineering. Utilizing a temperature-sensitive bilayer hydrogel with differing coefficients of thermal expansion in each layer, we achieve controlled bending deformations by varying the porosity distribution in one of the layers. Drawing on the Timoshenko theory on bimetallic beam, we establish a quantitative relationship between the relative density and curvature, allowing for the hole distribution of the initial structure to be tailored to the desired curvature. We demonstrate the efficacy of our inverse design approach with several prototypical 3D structures, including variable-curvature strip and ellipsoidal surface, validated through finite element simulations and experimental trials. This strategy paves the way for advanced fabrication techniques in developing smart materials and devices with programmable shapes.
Comparative Study of Straight and Venturi Channel Cross Sections of Microchannel Heat Exchangers
Authors: Pandey Vishwas Kumar , Negi Vinay Pratap Singh , Ranganayakulu Chennu
Published: May 2024

This study provides extensive research on fluid flow and heat transfer for four-layered ceramic-compact counterflow microchannel heat exchangers (CFMCHE) using CFD-ACE®, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) package. The goal is to build and expand upon previous studies in this area to identify a more efficient channel shape or cross section for better performance of the microchannel through numerical analysis under the same operating conditions. To develop the methodology for numerical analysis, a three-dimensional (3D) computational model of the CFMCHE was developed and validated with published and experimentally tested results with a percentage difference in outlet temperatures of 3–5% for hot fluids and 6–12% for cold fluids across the entire design of experiments (DoEs). Microchannel heat exchangers (MCHEs) exhibit high heat-transfer rates and area-to-volume ratios, making them suitable for industrial applications. In this study, various design options for channel cross sections in a venturi shape were assessed numerically using a validated methodology in a segmented venturi CFMCHE to enhance performance. The steady-state performance of the Venturi CFMCHE was compared to that of the straight CFMCHE baseline design under the same bucket volume, area, and operating conditions. It was found that the venturi CFMCHE showed a ∼4–9% improvement as compared to the straight CFMCHE, but same time the pumping power was also 15–40% under the same operating conditions. Making the right choice regarding feasibility often involves weighing the pros and cons. The high-power requirements are manageable in terms of the cost of high thermal performance for ground applications, such as power plants, industrial refrigeration, and air-conditioning. However, for aviation, space, and automobiles, weight/power requirements are given more weight than thermal performance. Therefore, the Venturi CFMCHE can be used for ground applications, whereas the straight CFMCHE can be used for aviation, space, and automobile applications. When the Goodness factor is plotted for all configurations for all operating conditions, it is also concluded that an improvement of ∼7.5% is observed in the two design configurations with the Venturi channel (20pc_TOP_BTM_Step and 40pc_BTM_Step) with respect to the straight channel. This implies that these two best designs can be used for all applications over the straight-channel CFMCHE.
Decision-related activity and movement selection in primate visual cortex
Authors: Laamerad Pooya , Liu Liu D. , Pack Christopher C.
Published: May 2024

Fluctuations in the activity of sensory neurons often predict perceptual decisions. This connection can be quantified with a metric called choice probability (CP), and there is a longstanding debate about whether CP reflects a causal influence on decisions or an echo of decision-making activity elsewhere in the brain. Here, we show that CP can reflect a third variable, namely, the movement used to indicate the decision. In a standard visual motion discrimination task, neurons in the middle temporal (MT) area of primate cortex responded more strongly during trials that involved a saccade toward their receptive fields. This variability accounted for much of the CP observed across the neuronal population, and it arose through training. Moreover, pharmacological inactivation of MT biased behavioral responses away from the corresponding visual field locations. These results demonstrate that training on a task with fixed sensorimotor contingencies introduces movement-related activity in sensory brain regions and that this plasticity can shape the neural circuitry of perceptual decision-making.
Reconfigurable origami-inspired multistable metamorphous structures
Authors: Wang Chunlong , Guo Hongwei , Liu Rongqiang , Deng Zongquan , Chen Yan , You Zhong
Published: May 2024

Origami-inspired metamorphous structures can adjust their shapes and mechanical behaviors according to operational requirements. However, they are typically composed of nonrigid origami, where required facet deformation complicates actuation and makes them highly material dependent. In this study, we present a type of origami metamorphous structure composed of modular bistable units, each of which is a rigid origami. The elasticity within the origami creases and switching of mountain and valley crease lines enable it to have bistability. The resultant metamorphous structure has multistability, allowing it to switch among multifarious configurations with programmable profiles. This concept was validated by potential energy analysis and experiments. Using this concept, we developed a robotic limb capable of both lifting and gripping through configuration changes. Furthermore, we used the origami units to construct a metamaterial whose properties could change with the variation of configurations. These examples demonstrate the concept’s remarkable versatility and potential for many applications.
Evidence of scaling advantage for the quantum approximate optimization algorithm on a classically intractable problem
Authors: Shaydulin Ruslan , Li Changhao , Chakrabarti Shouvanik , DeCross Matthew , Herman Dylan , Kumar Niraj , Larson Jeffrey , Lykov Danylo , Minssen Pierre , Sun Yue , Alexeev Yuri , Dreiling Joan M. , Gaebler John P. , Gatterman Thomas M. , Gerber Justin A. , Gilmore Kevin , Gresh Dan , Hewitt Nathan , Horst Chandler V. , Hu Shaohan , Johansen Jacob , Matheny Mitchell , Mengle Tanner , Mills Michael , Moses Steven A. , Neyenhuis Brian , Siegfried Peter , Yalovetzky Romina , Pistoia Marco
Published: May 2024

The quantum approximate optimization algorithm (QAOA) is a leading candidate algorithm for solving optimization problems on quantum computers. However, the potential of QAOA to tackle classically intractable problems remains unclear. Here, we perform an extensive numerical investigation of QAOA on the low autocorrelation binary sequences (LABS) problem, which is classically intractable even for moderately sized instances. We perform noiseless simulations with up to 40 qubits and observe that the runtime of QAOA with fixed parameters scales better than branch-and-bound solvers, which are the state-of-the-art exact solvers for LABS. The combination of QAOA with quantum minimum finding gives the best empirical scaling of any algorithm for the LABS problem. We demonstrate experimental progress in executing QAOA for the LABS problem using an algorithm-specific error detection scheme on Quantinuum trapped-ion processors. Our results provide evidence for the utility of QAOA as an algorithmic component that enables quantum speedups.
Terahertz emission from diamond nitrogen-vacancy centers
Authors: Kollarics Sándor , Márkus Bence Gábor , Kucsera Robin , Thiering Gergő , Gali Ádám , Németh Gergely , Kamarás Katalin , Forró László , Simon Ferenc
Published: May 2024

Coherent light sources emitting in the terahertz range are highly sought after for fundamental research and applications. Terahertz lasers rely on achieving population inversion. We demonstrate the generation of terahertz radiation using nitrogen-vacancy centers in a diamond single crystal. Population inversion is achieved through the Zeeman splitting of the
S
= 1 state in 15 tesla, resulting in a splitting of 0.42 terahertz, where the middle

S
z

= 0 sublevel is selectively pumped by visible light. To detect the terahertz radiation, we use a phase-sensitive terahertz setup, optimized for electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements. We determine the spin-lattice relaxation time up to 15 tesla using the light-induced ESR measurement, which shows the dominance of phonon-mediated relaxation and the high efficacy of the population inversion. The terahertz radiation is tunable by the magnetic field, thus these findings may lead to the next generation of tunable coherent terahertz sources.
Mesostriatal dopamine is sensitive to changes in specific cue-reward contingencies
Authors: Garr Eric , Cheng Yifeng , Jeong Huijeong , Brooke Sara , Castell Laia , Bal Aneesh , Magnard Robin , Namboodiri Vijay Mohan K. , Janak Patricia H.
Published: May 2024

Learning causal relationships relies on understanding how often one event precedes another. To investigate how dopamine neuron activity and neurotransmitter release change when a retrospective relationship is degraded for a specific pair of events, we used outcome-selective Pavlovian contingency degradation in rats. Conditioned responding was attenuated for the cue-reward contingency that was degraded, as was dopamine neuron activity in the midbrain and dopamine release in the ventral striatum in response to the cue and subsequent reward. Contingency degradation also abolished the trial-by-trial history dependence of the dopamine responses at the time of trial outcome. This profile of changes in cue- and reward-evoked responding is not easily explained by a standard reinforcement learning model. An alternative model based on learning causal relationships was better able to capture dopamine responses during contingency degradation, as well as conditioned behavior following optogenetic manipulations of dopamine during noncontingent rewards. Our results suggest that mesostriatal dopamine encodes the contingencies between meaningful events during learning.
Microsaccade-inspired event camera for robotics
Authors: He Botao , Wang Ze , Zhou Yuan , Chen Jingxi , Singh Chahat Deep , Li Haojia , Gao Yuman , Shen Shaojie , Wang Kaiwei , Cao Yanjun , Xu Chao , Aloimonos Yiannis , Gao Fei , Fermüller Cornelia
Published: May 2024

Neuromorphic vision sensors or event cameras have made the visual perception of extremely low reaction time possible, opening new avenues for high-dynamic robotics applications. These event cameras’ output is dependent on both motion and texture. However, the event camera fails to capture object edges that are parallel to the camera motion. This is a problem intrinsic to the sensor and therefore challenging to solve algorithmically. Human vision deals with perceptual fading using the active mechanism of small involuntary eye movements, the most prominent ones called microsaccades. By moving the eyes constantly and slightly during fixation, microsaccades can substantially maintain texture stability and persistence. Inspired by microsaccades, we designed an event-based perception system capable of simultaneously maintaining low reaction time and stable texture. In this design, a rotating wedge prism was mounted in front of the aperture of an event camera to redirect light and trigger events. The geometrical optics of the rotating wedge prism allows for algorithmic compensation of the additional rotational motion, resulting in a stable texture appearance and high informational output independent of external motion. The hardware device and software solution are integrated into a system, which we call artificial microsaccade–enhanced event camera (AMI-EV). Benchmark comparisons validated the superior data quality of AMI-EV recordings in scenarios where both standard cameras and event cameras fail to deliver. Various real-world experiments demonstrated the potential of the system to facilitate robotics perception both for low-level and high-level vision tasks.
Avian eye–inspired perovskite artificial vision system for foveated and multispectral imaging
Authors: Park Jinhong , Kim Min Seok , Kim Joonsoo , Chang Sehui , Lee Mincheol , Lee Gil Ju , Song Young Min , Kim Dae-Hyeong
Published: May 2024

Avian eyes have deep central foveae as a result of extensive evolution. Deep foveae efficiently refract incident light, creating a magnified image of the target object and making it easier to track object motion. These features are essential for detecting and tracking remote objects in dynamic environments. Furthermore, avian eyes respond to a wide spectrum of light, including visible and ultraviolet light, allowing them to efficiently distinguish the target object from complex backgrounds. Despite notable advances in artificial vision systems that mimic animal vision, the exceptional object detection and targeting capabilities of avian eyes via foveated and multispectral imaging remain underexplored. Here, we present an artificial vision system that capitalizes on these aspects of avian vision. We introduce an artificial fovea and vertically stacked perovskite photodetector arrays whose designs were optimized by theoretical simulations for the demonstration of foveated and multispectral imaging. The artificial vision system successfully identifies colored and mixed-color objects and detects remote objects through foveated imaging. The potential for use in uncrewed aerial vehicles that need to detect, track, and recognize distant targets in dynamic environments is also discussed. Our avian eye–inspired perovskite artificial vision system marks a notable advance in bioinspired artificial visions.
An ALK2 inhibitor, BLU-782, prevents heterotopic ossification in a mouse model of fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva
Authors: Davis Alison J. , Brooijmans Natasja , Brubaker Jason D. , Stevison Faith , LaBranche Timothy P. , Albayya Faris , Fleming Paul , Hodous Brian L. , Kim Joseph L. , Kim Sean , Lobbardi Riadh , Palmer Michael , Sheets Michael P. , Vassiliadis John , Wang Ruduan , Williams Brett D. , Wilson Douglas , Xu Lan , Zhu Xing Julia , Bouchard Keith , Hunter Jeffrey W. , Graul Chris , Greenblatt Elliot , Hussein Amira , Lyon Morgan , Russo Joelle , Stewart Rachel , Dorsch Marion , Guzi Timothy J. , Kadambi Vivek , Lengauer Christoph , Garner Andrew P.
Published: May 2024

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare genetic disease driven by gain-of-function variants in activin receptor–like kinase 2 (ALK2), the most common variant being ALK2
R206H
. In FOP, ALK2 variants display increased and dysregulated signaling through the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway resulting in progressive and permanent replacement of skeletal muscle and connective tissues with heterotopic bone, ultimately leading to severe debilitation and premature death. Here, we describe the discovery of BLU-782 (IPN60130), a small-molecule ALK2
R206H
inhibitor developed for the treatment of FOP. A small-molecule library was screened in a biochemical ALK2 binding assay to identify potent ALK2 binding compounds. Iterative rounds of structure-guided drug design were used to optimize compounds for ALK2
R206H
binding, ALK2 selectivity, and other desirable pharmacokinetic properties. BLU-782 preferentially bound to ALK2
R206H
with high affinity, inhibiting signaling from ALK2
R206H
and other rare FOP variants in cells in vitro without affecting signaling of closely related homologs ALK1, ALK3, and ALK6. In vivo efficacy of BLU-782 was demonstrated using a conditional knock-in ALK2
R206H
mouse model, where prophylactic oral dosing reduced edema and prevented cartilage and heterotopic ossification (HO) in both muscle and bone injury models. BLU-782 treatment preserved the normal muscle-healing response in ALK2
R206H
mice. Delayed dosing revealed a short 2-day window after injury when BLU-782 treatment prevented HO in ALK2
R206H
mice, but dosing delays of 4 days or longer abrogated HO prevention. Together, these data suggest that BLU-782 may be a candidate for prevention of HO in FOP.
Hexestrol, an estrogen receptor agonist, inhibits Lassa virus entry
Authors: Zhang Zihan , Takenaga Toru , Fehling Sarah Katharina , Igarashi Manabu , Hirokawa Takatsugu , Muramoto Yukiko , Yamauchi Koji , Onishi Chiho , Nakano Masahiro , Urata Shuzo , Groseth Allison , Strecker Thomas , Noda Takeshi
Published: May 2024

Lassa virus (LASV) is the causative agent of human Lassa fever which in severe cases manifests as hemorrhagic fever leading to thousands of deaths annually. However, no approved vaccines or antiviral drugs are currently available. Recently, we screened approximately 2,500 compounds using a recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) expressing LASV glycoprotein GP (VSV-LASVGP) and identified a P-glycoprotein inhibitor as a potential LASV entry inhibitor. Here, we show that another identified candidate, hexestrol (HES), an estrogen receptor agonist, is also a LASV entry inhibitor. HES inhibited VSV-LASVGP replication with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC
50
) of 0.63 µM. Importantly, HES also inhibited authentic LASV replication with IC
50
values of 0.31 µM–0.61 µM. Time-of-addition and cell-based membrane fusion assays suggested that HES inhibits the membrane fusion step during virus entry. Alternative estrogen receptor agonists did not inhibit VSV-LASVGP replication, suggesting that the estrogen receptor itself is unlikely to be involved in the antiviral activity of HES. Generation of a HES-resistant mutant revealed that the phenylalanine at amino acid position 446 (F446) of LASVGP, which is located in the transmembrane region, conferred resistance to HES. Although mutation of F446 enhanced the membrane fusion activity of LASVGP, it exhibited reduced VSV-LASVGP replication, most likely due to the instability of the pre-fusion state of LASVGP. Collectively, our results demonstrated that HES is a promising anti-LASV drug that acts by inhibiting the membrane fusion step of LASV entry. This study also highlights the importance of the LASVGP transmembrane region as a target for anti-LASV drugs.

IMPORTANCE

Lassa virus (LASV), the causative agent of Lassa fever, is the most devastating mammarenavirus with respect to its impact on public health in West Africa. However, no approved antiviral drugs or vaccines are currently available. Here, we identified hexestrol (HES), an estrogen receptor agonist, as the potential antiviral candidate drug. We showed that the estrogen receptor itself is not involved in the antiviral activity. HES directly bound to LASVGP and blocked membrane fusion, thereby inhibiting LASV infection. Through the generation of a HES-resistant virus, we found that phenylalanine at position 446 (F446) within the LASVGP transmembrane region plays a crucial role in the antiviral activity of HES. The mutation at F446 caused reduced virus replication, likely due to the instability of the pre-fusion state of LASVGP. These findings highlight the potential of HES as a promising candidate for the development of antiviral compounds targeting LASV.
The complete genome sequence of
Sedimentibacter
sp. strain MB35-C1, isolated from the sewage sludge
Authors: Zhang Rui , Wu Chih-Hung , Shih Chao-Jen , Wu Yen-Chi , Lai Shu-Jung , You Yi-Ting , Chen Sheng-Chung
Published: May 2024

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
Sedimentibacter
sp. strain MB35-C1, which was isolated from sewage sludge at the Wastewater Treatment Plant of Sanming Steel Co. Ltd. in Fujian, China. The resulting genome of strain MB35-C1 is a single contig of 3,621,605 bp.
Complete genome sequences of
Cytobacillus
sp.,
Domibacillus
sp.,
Enterobacter
sp.,
Neisseria
sp.,
Pseudomonas
sp., and
Streptococcus
sp. strains from human clinical infections collected at diagnostic units in 2020
Authors: Szarvas Judit , Nag Sidsel , Otani Saria , Birkedahl Laura Elmlund Kohl , Møller Frederik Duus , Asante-Sefa Solomon , Daley Denise , Gustafson Natalie Weiler , Møller Mie , Onipede Anthony , Tafaj Silva , Aarestrup Frank M.
Published: May 2024

Members of
Bacillota
and
Pseudomonadota
phyla are frequently considered bacterial infectious agents in humans. As part of a large sequencing project of clinically relevant pathogens, we hybrid-assembled complete genomes of
Cytobacillus
,
Domibacillus
,
Enterobacter
,
Neisseria
,
Pseudomonas,
and
Streptococcus
species isolated from clinical specimens.
The complete genome sequence of
Paludicola
sp. MB14-C6, isolated from the lake waters of Donghu, Wuhan City, China
Authors: Zhao Jingjing , Shih Chao-Jen , Wu Yen-Chi , Lai Shu-Jung , You Yi-Ting , Chen Sheng-Chung
Published: May 2024

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
Paludicola
sp. strain MB14-C6, which was isolated from the lake waters of Donghu, situated at Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The genome of strain MB14-C6 was chosen for further species delineation and comparative genomic analysis.
Immunoinhibitory effects of anti-tuberculosis therapy induce the host vulnerability to tuberculosis recurrence
Authors: Pahuja Isha , Ghoshal Antara , Okieh Ahmed Abdallah , Verma Akanksha , Negi Kriti , Agarwal Meetu , Chandra Nidhi Subhash , Sharma Saurabh Kumar , Bhaskar Ashima , Dwivedi Ved Prakash
Published: May 2024

The host immune responses play a pivotal role in the establishment of long-term memory responses, which effectively aids in infection clearance. However, the prevailing anti-tuberculosis therapy, while aiming to combat tuberculosis (TB), also debilitates innate and adaptive immune components of the host. In this study, we explored how the front-line anti-TB drugs impact the host immune cells by modulating multiple signaling pathways and subsequently leading to disease relapse. Administration of these drugs led to a reduction in innate immune activation and also the cytokines required to trigger protective T cell responses. Moreover, these drugs led to activation-induced cell death in the mycobacterial-specific T cell leading to a reduced killing capacity. Furthermore, these drugs stalled the T cell differentiation into memory subsets by modulating the activation of STAT3, STAT4, FOXO1, and NFκB transcription factors and hampering the Th1 and Th17-mediated long-term host protective memory responses. These findings suggest the urgent need to augment directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS) therapy with immunomodulatory agents to mitigate the adverse effects linked to the treatment.

IMPORTANCE

As a central component of TB eradication initiatives, directly observed treatment, short-course (DOTS) therapy imparts immune-dampening effects during the course of treatment. This approach undermines the host immune system by delaying the activation process and lowering the immune response. In our investigation, we have unveiled the impact of DOTS on specific immune cell populations. Notably, the signaling pathways involving STAT3 and STAT4 critical for memory responses and NFκβ associated with pro-inflammation were substantially declined due to the therapy. Consequently, these drugs exhibit limited effectiveness in preventing recurrence of the disease. These observations highlight the imperative integration of immunomodulators to manage TB infection.
An Example of a Relatively Maximal Nonpronormal Subgroup of Odd Order in a Finite Simple Group
Authors: Zhang X. , Su L. , Revin D. O.
Published: May 2024

We prove the existence of a triple $ ({\mathfrak{X}},G,H) $, where $ {\mathfrak{X}} $
is a class of finite groups consisting of groups of odd order which is complete
(i.e., closed under subgroups, homomorphic images, and extensions),
$ G $ is a finite simple group, $ H $ is an $ {\mathfrak{X}} $-maximal subgroup in $ G $,
and $ H $ is not pronormal in $ G $.
Retinotopic cortical mapping in objective functional monitoring of macular therapy
Authors: Ritter Markus , Hummer Allan , Pawloff Maximilian , Ledolter Anna A , Linhardt David , Woletz Michael , Deak Gabor Gyoergy , Sacu Stefan , Ristl Robin , Ramazanova Dariga , Holder Graham E , Windischberger Christian , Schmidt-Erfurth Ursula Margarethe
Published: May 2024

Background/Aims

To determine the suitability of functional MRI (fMRI) as an objective measure of macular function following therapeutic intervention; conventional psychophysical measures rely heavily on patient compliance.

Methods

Twenty patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) were studied with high-resolution fMRI, visual acuity, reading accuracy and speed, contrast sensitivity (CS) and microperimetry (MP) before and after 3 monthly intravitreal injections of ranibizumab. Population-receptive field retinotopic maps calculated from fMRI data were compared with psychophysical measures and optical coherence tomography.

Results

Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) responders (≥5 letters) showed an increase of 29.5% in activated brain area, while non-responders showed a decrease of 0.8%. Radial histograms over eccentricity allowed quantification of the absolute number of significant voxels and thus differences before and after treatment. Responders showed increases in foveal (α<0.5°) activation, while non-responders did not. Absence of intraretinal fluid and preservation of outer retinal layers was associated with higher numbers of active V1 voxels and better BCVA. Higher voxel numbers were associated with improved reading performance and, less marked, with BCVA, CS and MP.

Conclusion

The data show that retinotopic mapping using fMRI can successfully be applied objectively to evaluate the therapeutic response in nAMD patients treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. This demonstrates the ability of retinotopic mapping to provide an objective assessment of functional recovery at a cortical level; the technique can therefore be applied, in other degenerative macular diseases, to the assessment of potential therapeutic interventions such as gene therapy or cell replacement therapy.
Posner-Schlossman Syndrome European Study Group: study protocol and baseline patients characteristics of a multicentre study
Authors: Interlandi Emanuela , Cimino Luca , Accorinti Massimo , Miserocchi Elisabetta , Latanza Loredana , Allegri Pia , Mora Paolo , Fonollosa Alex , Adan Alfredo , Pavesio Carlos , De Marco Rocco , Gandolfi Stefano A , Nucci Paolo , De Luca Marco , Gozzi Fabrizio , Visioli Giacomo , Rissotto Federico , Rissotto Roberta , Bellucci Carlo , Cachero Josè Manuel , Pellegrini Francesco , Li Calzi Gaia , Sainz de la Maza Maite , Cirillo Pasquale , Mastrofilippo Valentina , Sacchi Matteo
Published: May 2024

Background

The aim of the Posner-Schlossman Syndrome European Study Group (PSS-ESG) is to acquire a comprehensive dataset of European patients with PSS. Here, we present the first report on the study protocol and the clinical findings of the patients at baseline.

Methods

The PSS-ESG is a retrospective, multicentre study designed to evaluate patients with PSS. The study, designed and driven by a European Expert Committee includes three datasets: (1) the baseline, (2) the follow-up and (3) the intraocular pressure (IOP)/glaucoma dataset.

Results

A total of 11 centres adhered to the PSS-ESG and 107 patients were included (68 males, 39 females) mostly Caucasian (93.4%). At uveitis onset, the patient’s age ranged between 11 and 76 years, (mean age: 42±15 years).

Best-corrected visual acuity was >0.5 in 80.3% of the eyes, IOP was >40 mm Hg in 44% of the eyes. Keratic precipitates were found in 78.5% of the eyes. No flare or cells in anterior chamber were detected in 56% and 53% of the cases, respectively. PCR analysis on aqueous sample was positive for cytomegalovirus-DNA in 50.6% out of the 81 tested patients.

Conclusions

The PSS-ESG is the first multicentre study aimed to collect a comprehensive dataset of patients with PSS in non-Asian countries. A middlde-aged Caucasian male with a low-grade anterior chamber inflammation, keratic precipitates, preserved visual acuity and marked increased in IOP seemed to be the standard PSS patient across the 11 uveitis and glaucoma centres participating in the PSS-ESG.
Use of the phrase ‘pyramidal weakness’ within the past 100 years
Authors: Szmidel Matthew , Ma Henry , Phan Thanh
Published: May 2024

The concept of 'pyramidal weakness' denotes that neurological examination findings can be localised to the central nervous system (CNS), and implying a specific pattern of motor weakness involving upper limb extensors and lower limb flexors. However, other weakness patterns have been observed in CNS lesions. We aim to investigate the pattern of weakness observed in CNS lesions and explore the use of the phrase 'pyramidal weakness' over time. We searched Medline, PubMed, and Google Scholar up to January 1st, 2022, using keywords such as ‘distal weakness,’ ‘upper limb flexion,’ ‘lower limb extension,’ ‘pyramidal weakness,’ and related terms. The inclusion criteria were papers relating to brain or spinal cord lesions and terms inferring their presence or the description of a motor weakness pattern. We identified 117 studies since 1889, of which 29.9% of publications described weakness in upper limb extensors and lower limb flexors, and 26.5% reported distal weakness. We found an early reference to 'pyramidal weakness' in 1922 in the context of unilateral weakness in encephalitis with no description of the upper limb extensor and lower limb flexor pattern. Since 1988, 'pyramidal weakness' has become associated with weakness in upper limb extensors and lower limb flexors. The phrase 'pyramidal weakness', used in its current format, has been more frequent since the 1980s. Distal weakness and upper limb extensor and lower limb flexor weakness have been associated with CNS lesions.
Gender differences in the association between physical activity and cognitive subdomains among elders with type 2 diabetes and mild cognitive impairment: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Xie Jinjin , You Yue , Zheng Peiyun , Chen Yannan , Guo Shuai , Xu Ying , Huang Jia , Liu Zhizhen , Tao Jing
Published: May 2024

Objectives

The objective of this study was to evaluate the gender differences in the correlation between physical activity (PA) and cognitive subdomains in elderly individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

The research was carried out in communities located in Fuzhou, Fujian Province and Beijing Municipality.

Participants

Community-dwelling elders with T2D and MCI aged 60 years or older were eligible for this study.

Primary outcome measures and analyses

The weekly PA score was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The cognitive subdomains were evaluated through a battery of cognitive assessments, including the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Trail Making Test Part B, Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) and the Stroop Color-Word Test (SCWT). Multiple linear regression models were employed to examine the association between PA and cognitive subdomains in both male and female individuals.

Results

In older men, higher total IPAQ score was positively correlated with higher RAVLT (P=0.011) and SCWT (P=0.049). There was a significant interaction between the total PA score and gender in relation to RAVLT (P=0.008) and SCWT (P=0.027). Moreover, there was a positive correlation between moderate-vigorous PA level and RAVLT in older men (P=0.007). Additionally, a positive correlation was found between moderate-vigorous PA level and DSST in older women (P=0.038).

Conclusion

In older individuals with T2D and MCI, the association between PA and cognitive subdomains differs between men and women. This discrepancy may impact the customisation of exercise recommendations.
Efficacy and safety of acupuncture therapy for Parkinson’s disease with neuropsychiatric symptoms: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tan Weiqiang , Liu Qing , Cen Mingjun , Leong Ian I , Pan Zhaoquan , Liao Muxi , Zhuang Lixing
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are common non-motor symptoms among patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and significantly impact their overall quality of life detrimentally. Several studies have reported the clinical effect of acupuncture therapy in treating NPS in PD. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the potential inclusion of acupuncture therapy as an integral component of complementary treatment for PD with NPS.

Methods and analysis

From their inception until 1 December 2023, we will search eight databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science Periodical Database, Chinese Citation Database and China Biology Medicine disc for randomised controlled trials examining the effectiveness of acupuncture for PD with NPS. Literature screening and data extraction will be carried out independently by the authors. RevMan V.5.3 software will be used for meta-analysis, while the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool will assess the potential for bias.

Ethics and dissemination

This systematic review protocol does not require ethical approval because it does not include private information or data of participants. This article will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022324494
Donafenib as neoadjuvant therapy in locally advanced thyroid cancer: protocol for the DONATHYCA phase II prospective single-arm trial in China
Authors: Yu Jianhong , Liu Hui , Wu Yu
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The invasion of important structures in locally advanced thyroid cancer (LATC) hinders radical resection, increases the risk of recurrence and even prevents surgery. Creating the opportunity for radical operation in patients with LATC is critical for improving their prognosis. Multitarget tyrosine kinase inhibitors were used as neoadjuvant therapy in several studies. Donafenib produced survival benefits over placebo in Chinese patients with radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer in a recent study, but its efficacy in the neoadjuvant setting remains unknown. This study thus aims to assess the efficacy and safety of donafenib as neoadjuvant therapy in LATC.

Methods and analysis

DONATHYCA is a prospective, exploratory, single-arm phase II study evaluating the efficacy and safety of donafenib as neoadjuvant therapy in patients with LATC. 13 patients will be enrolled. The primary endpoint is the objective response rate as per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours V.1.1. The secondary objectives include progression-free survival, the duration of response, the disease control rate, the R0/R1 resection rate, quality of life and toxicity during treatment according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events V.4.0. Patients will receive donafenib 300 mg two times a day continuously in a 21-day treatment cycle for six cycles.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Fujian Cancer Hospital (K2023-144-02) on 27 July 2023 and registered in the China Clinical Trial Registry on 20 September 2023. The results of the study will be presented at academic conferences and published in scientific publications.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2300075973
Protocol for evaluating the fitness for purpose of an artificial intelligence product for radiology reporting in the BreastScreen New South Wales breast cancer screening programme
Authors: Warner-Smith Matthew , Ren Kan , Mistry Chirag , Walton Richard , Roder David , Bhola Nalini , McGill Sarah , O’Brien Tracey A
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Radiologist shortages threaten the sustainability of breast cancer screening programmes. Artificial intelligence (AI) products that can interpret mammograms could mitigate this risk. While previous studies have suggested this technology has accuracy comparable to radiologists most have been limited by using ‘enriched’ datasets and/or not considering the interaction between the algorithm and human readers. This study will address these limitations by comparing the accuracy of a workflow using AI alongside radiologists on a large consecutive cohort of examinations from a breast cancer screening programme. The study will combine the strengths of a large retrospective design with the benefit of prospective data collection. It will test this technology without risk to screening programme participants nor the need to wait for follow-up data. With a sample of 2 years of consecutive screening examinations, it is likely the largest test of this technology to date. The study will help determine whether this technology can safely be introduced into the BreastScreen New South Wales (NSW) population-based screening programme to address radiology workforce risks without compromising cancer detection rates or increasing false-positive recalls.

Methods and analysis

A retrospective, consecutive cohort of digital mammography screens from 658 207 examinations from BreastScreen NSW will be reinterpreted by the Lunit Insight MMG AI product. The cohort includes 4383 screen-detected and 1171 interval cancers. The results will be compared with radiologist single reading and the AI results will also be used to replace the second reader in a double-reading model. New adjudication reading will be performed where the AI disagrees with the first reader. Recall rates and cancer detection rates of combined AI–radiologist reading will be compared with the rates obtained at the time of screening.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has ethical approval from the NSW Health Population Health Services Research Ethics Committee (2022/ETH02397). Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences. The findings of this evaluation will be provided to programme managers, governance bodies and other stakeholders in Australian breast cancer screening programmes.
Tectonic evolution of high-grade metamorphic tectonites of the Meelpaeg structure near Port aux Basques, southwestern Newfoundland during the Silurian Salinic and Early-to-Middle Devonian Acadian orogenies
Authors: van Staal C. R. , Lin S. , Valverde-Vaquero P. , Dunning G. , Burgess J. , Schofield D. , Joyce N.
Published: May 2024

The Meelpaeg structure in southwestern Newfoundland comprises allochthonous tectonites formed during the Salinic (D1-2) and Acadian (D3) orogenies. D1-2 occurred between 451 and 417 Ma and culminated in Barrovian metamorphism during terminal collision of the Gander margin with composite Laurentia. Collision was followed by tectonic escape of the deeply buried rocks between 417 and 412 Ma. Rocks of the Victoria arc and Exploits backarc preserved in the Port aux Basques and Grand Bay complexes were emplaced during D1 by the Grandys River shear zone, which is outlined by a narrow band of the ca. 451 Ma Port aux Basques granite, towards the southeast above the Harbour le Cou Group. The contrasting histories displayed across the Grandys River shear zone are typical of the Dog Bay Line further northeast. Salinic structures were overprinted by faults and folds formed during Acadian D3 transpression (≤412 Ma), which produced the bi-vergent Meelpaeg structure and emplacement of amphibolite facies tectonites above greenschist facies rocks along its bounding shear zones. F3 folding progressively steepened the faults, which in turn led to progressive localization of dextral strike–slip in narrow fault zones. The high grade of metamorphism in the Meelpaeg structure is attributed to protracted underthrusting of the Cabot promontory of the Gander margin beneath composite Laurentia. Salinic convergence was sinistral but became dextral during the Early Devonian, diachronous Acadian orogeny. The kinematic switch is proposed as a tool to separate Salinic from Acadian structures in the central part of the northern Appalachians.
Analysis of HERA data with a PDF parametrization inspired by quantum statistical mechanics
Authors: Bonvini Marco , Buccella Franco , Giuli Francesco , Silvetti Federico
Published: May 2024

We present a determination of the parton distribution functions (PDFs) of the proton from HERA data using a PDF parametrization inspired by a quantum statistical model of the proton dynamics. This parametrization is characterised by a very small number of parameters, yet it leads to a reasonably good description of the data, comparable with other parametrizations on the market. It may thus provide an alternative to standard parametrizations, useful for studying parametrization bias and to possibly simplify the fit procedure thanks to the small number of parameters. Interestingly, the model reproduces key physical features, such as a $$\bar{d}$$

d

¯

distribution larger than $$\bar{u}$$

u

¯

, that HERA data alone are not able to constrain when using more flexible parametrizations. Moreover, polarized distributions are described in the model by the same parameters of the unpolarized ones, giving us the possibility of extracting both types of distributions within the same fit.
Automated resummation of electroweak Sudakov logarithms in diboson production at future colliders
Authors: Denner Ansgar , Rode Stefan
Published: May 2024

At energies that are large with respect to the electroweak scale, the electroweak corrections to scattering processes involve large logarithms that have to be resummed to obtain decent predictions. Soft-collinear effective theory (SCET) has been proposed as a suitable framework to allow for this resummation, while retaining non-logarithmic corrections in a consistent way. In this paper, we investigate the approximations needed to use this approach for the calculation of electroweak corrections to off-shell diboson production at high-energy colliders. Upon implementing the method into a Monte-Carlo integration code, we provide resummed predictions for cross sections and distributions at a $$3\,\text {TeV} $$

3

TeV

lepton collider and a $$100\,\text {TeV} $$

100

TeV

proton collider.
Multi Higgs production via photon fusion at future multi-TeV muon colliders
Authors: Chiesa Mauro , Mele Barbara , Piccinini Fulvio
Published: May 2024

Multi-TeV muon colliders promise an unprecedented potential for exploring the particle-physics energy frontier, and, at the same time, can probe with fantastic accuracy the precise structure of the Standard Model, and in particular of the Higgs boson sector. Here we consider the possibility to measure the loop-suppressed single-, double-, triple-Higgs boson production mediated by the collinear-photon scattering in the channels $$\mu ^+\mu ^-\rightarrow \mu ^+\mu ^-\gamma ^*\gamma ^*\rightarrow \mu ^+\mu ^- \,[H,HH,HHH]$$

μ
+

μ
-

→

μ
+

μ
-

γ
∗

γ
∗

→

μ
+

μ
-

[
H
,
H
H
,
H
H
H
]

. We study total rates and kinematical distributions in the Standard Model, and compare them with the corresponding vector-boson-fusion processes $$V^*V^*\rightarrow H,HH,HHH$$

V
∗

V
∗

→
H
,
H
H
,
H
H
H

at muon collisions center-of-mass energies 1.5 TeV"Equation missing" TeV. Possible strategies for enhancing the $$\gamma \gamma \rightarrow H,HH,HHH$$

γ
γ
→
H
,
H
H
,
H
H
H

signal over the dominant vector-boson-fusion production are proposed. The sensitivity of total rates to possible anomalies in the Higgs-boson self-couplings is also discussed.
Improved analysis of double $$J/\psi $$ production in Z-boson decay
Authors: Wang Guang-Yu , Wu Xing-Gang , Zheng Xu-Chang , Yan Jiang , Zhang Jia-Wei
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we present an improved calculation for the decay rate of the rare Z-boson decay into $$J/\psi + J/\psi .$$

J
/
ψ
+
J
/
ψ
.

This decay is dominated by the photon fragmentation mechanism, i.e., the transition $$Z\rightarrow J/\psi + \gamma ^{*}$$

Z
→
J
/
ψ
+

γ

∗

followed by the fragmentation $$\gamma ^{*}\rightarrow J/\psi .$$

γ

∗

→
J
/
ψ
.

In our calculation, the amplitude of $$\gamma ^{*}\rightarrow J/\psi $$

γ

∗

→
J
/
ψ

is extracted from the measured value of $$\Gamma (J/\psi \rightarrow e^+ e^-),$$

Γ
(
J
/
ψ
→

e
+

e
-

)
,

and the amplitude of $$Z\rightarrow J/\psi + \gamma ^{*}$$

Z
→
J
/
ψ
+

γ

∗

is calculate through the light-cone approach. The higher-order QCD and relativistic corrections in the amplitude of $$\gamma ^{*}\rightarrow J/\psi $$

γ

∗

→
J
/
ψ

and the large logarithms of $$m_{_Z}^2/m_c^2$$

m

Z

2

/

m
c
2

that appear in the amplitude of $$Z\rightarrow J/\psi + \gamma ^{*}$$

Z
→
J
/
ψ
+

γ

∗

are resummed in our calculation. Besides, the non-fragmentation amplitude is calculated based on the NRQCD factorization, and the next-to-leading order QCD and relativistic corrections are included. The obtained branching fraction for this Z decay channel is $$8.66 ^{+1.48} _{-0.69}\times 10^{-11}.$$

8
.

66

-
0.69

+
1.48

×

10

-
11

.
Improved constraints for axion-like particles from 3-photon events at $$e^+e^-$$ colliders
Authors: Pustyntsev Aleksandr , Vanderhaeghen Marc
Published: May 2024

Axions and axion-like particles (ALPs) are one of the most widely discussed extensions of the Standard Model when it comes to the strong CP problem and dark matter candidates. Current experiments are focused on the indirect searches of invisible pseudoscalars in a wide parameter range. In this paper we investigate limits on ALP mass, and its couplings to photons and leptons from 3-photon annihilation at $$e^+e^-$$

e
+

e
-

colliders. We provide detailed calculations and apply them to the particular kinematics of the Belle II experiment, covering the ALP mass range from few hundred MeV to around 10 GeV. Our results, which improve upon previous analyses by also including the ALP coupling to electrons, show that such future analyses will allow to significantly extend the ALP search range and impose much more stringent restrictions on their couplings.
Graded amalgamated algebras along an ideal defined by graded 1-absorbing-like conditions
Authors: Guissi Fatima-Zahra , Mahdou Najib , Moutui Moutu Abdou Salam
Published: May 2024

Let [Formula: see text] be a group with identity and [Formula: see text] be a [Formula: see text]-graded commutative ring with nonzero identity. A proper graded ideal [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is called a graded 1-absorbing prime ideal (respectively, graded 1-absorbing primary ideal) if whenever nonunit homogeneous elements [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text], then [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] (respectively, [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the graded radical of [Formula: see text]). The purpose of this paper is to study the transfer of some graded 1-absorbing-like properties to the graded amalgamated algebra along an ideal (denoted by [Formula: see text]). Our results provide new techniques for the construction of new original examples satisfying the above-mentioned properties.