bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Blanketing Sporadic‐E Layer and Associated Tidal Periodicities Over a Brazilian Station Undergoing a Transition From Low Latitude to Midlatitude
Authors: Moro J. , Xu J. , Bageston J. V. , Denardini C. M. , Andrioli V. F. , Resende L. C. A. , Da Silva L. A. , Li H. , Liu Z. , Wang C. , Schuch N. J.
Published: November 2023

Analyses on a complete year of Digisonde data are conducted to investigate the sporadic‐E (Es) layers over Santa Maria (29.7°S, 53.8°W, dip lat.: −37°), Brazil. This region is undergoing a transition from low latitude to midlatitude within the South American Magnetic Anomaly (SAMA), which provides a key motivation to explore their behavior and the associated tidal periodicities. The Es are classified into four types: flat (Esf), low (Esl), high (Esh), and cusp (Esc). The diurnal and seasonal variations of their top (ftEs) and blanketing (fbEs) frequencies and virtual height (h′Es) are examined. The frequency parameters show the presence of intense Es during equinoxes besides summer. It is also remarkable that the higher values of mean h′Es during winter compared to the other seasons during daytime. These observations differ from previous theories about midlatitude Es layers. The diurnal occurrence rates of the Esb types exhibited distinct dependencies on both local time and seasons. The Esh and Esc were observed exclusively during the daytime, with the former dominating the occurrences in all seasons. To investigate any tidal periodicities embedded in the ftEs, fbEs, and h′Es time series, the Lomb‐Scargle technique was employed. The analysis revealed the presence of 24‐, 12‐, 8‐, and 6‐hr periodicities in both fbEs and h′Es when considering the entire year of data. However, when the data are fractioned into seasons, the predominant periodicities were found to be 24‐ and 12‐hr cycles. Furthermore, when considering the different Esb types, the Lomb‐Scargle analysis indicated varying periodicities.
Modeling and Evaluating Power Grid Resilience Under Extreme Space Weather
Authors: Gao Dong‐Xing , Miao Xiao‐Qing , Wang Yan‐Ling , Zhang Qing‐He , Xing Zan‐Yang , Balan Nanan
Published: November 2023

The geomagnetically induced current (GIC) produced during extreme geomagnetic storms can easily lead to large‐scale blackouts in China due to the increase in the scale of its electric power grid. A power grid's resilience is its capability to resist various natural hazards, withstand primary failures, and quickly resume normal operation. To avoid power grid damages, this study developed a resilient power grid, incorporating failure, power flow calculation and recovery models under a uniform induced geoelectric field. We chose a system's performance loss as the resilience evaluation indicator, which intuitively reflected a system's loss under GIC. In addition, the recovery model was optimized using a genetic algorithm, and two resilience improvement measures were proposed. The IEEE‐RTS‐79 system, consisting of 10 generators, 24 buses and 5 transformers, was chosen as an example to verify the feasibility of this study. The results show that the genetic algorithm and optimization measures effectively enhanced the system's resilience indicator and provided a reference for preventing system damages under GIC and quick recovery after possible failures.
The Global Spectrum of Seafloor Morphology on Mid‐Ocean Ridge Flanks Related to Magma Supply
Authors: Tucholke Brian E. , Parnell‐Turner Ross , Smith Deborah K.
Published: November 2023

Magma supply likely exerts primary control on seafloor morphology of oceanic crust, but most studies have related morphology to spreading rate. Here we examine global patterns of morphology on mid‐ocean ridge (MOR) flanks in relation to magma supply derived from residual mantle Bouguer gravity anomaly (proxy for relative crustal thickness) and spreading rate. We use multibeam bathymetry to characterize morphology using both qualitative (descriptive) and quantitative approaches, and we compare results to both magma supply and spreading rate. Morphology becomes more isotropic and abyssal hills are more irregular and discontinuous as magma supply decreases, while roughness, area of steeper slopes, and anomalous fabric orientation increase. We interpret these changes to reflect changing magma distribution along‐axis, from large‐volume and spatially extensive to progressively reduced, increasingly localized, and more irregularly emplaced. Observed relations between crustal thickness and morphology imply that average thickness of purely magmatic crust in the Atlantic and parts of the Indian ridge system is significantly less than average seismically determined crust. Thus seismically defined crustal thickness in those regions likely includes significant non‐magmatic components such as serpentinized mantle. Excepting regions of extensive mantle exposure, most morphologic parameters that we examined are sensitive to estimated magma supply but not necessarily to spreading rate alone. We summarize our results in schematic models that relate morphologic variations to changes in magma supply and mantle serpentinization throughout the global MOR system. Finally, we note that combined qualitative and quantitative results of our study may be useful for developing automated morphologic classification schemes.
Reasons for Low Fraction of Arctic Stratospheric Cloud in 2014/2015 Winter
Authors: Zhao Zhixin , Wang Wencai , Wang Yuwei , Sheng Lifang , Zhou Yang , Teng Shiwen
Published: November 2023

Polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) play a key role in Arctic amplification and stratospheric ozone destruction in polar regions. In this paper, we used the CALIPSO data to analyze the spatiotemporal distribution of Arctic PSCs from 2006 to 2021. We found that Arctic PSCs mainly appear in December, peak in late December and early January, disappearing in late February and early March. PSCs can extend from heights near the tropopause to over 25 km. However, there is the lowest fraction of PSCs in the 2014/2015 winter. This study found that the temperature in the 2014/2015 winter was warmer than the 15‐year average temperature, with the lowest temperature slightly below the PSCs formation temperature of about 5 K. The formation of the Ural blocking high accompanied by the poleward propagation of the planetary wave caused a sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) event on 3 January 2015, during which the warm air entered the polar vortex and divided it into two lobes. Additionally, a reduction in SO2 column mass density before the SSW event resulted PSCs occurring with a frequency of only 0.148 and dissipating rapidly in December. Moreover, the concentration of H2O and HNO3 in the gravitational settling process of PSCs decreased by 20–50%, the reduction of condensation nuclei made PSCs with the highest frequency of 0.074 in February appear briefly and then disappear. The chemical and dynamic analysis of PSCs formation is needed to further understand the spatiotemporal distribution of Arctic PSCs and to better predict future Arctic amplification and ozone destruction.
The impact of genetic risk for schizophrenia on eating disorder clinical presentations
Authors: Zhang Ruyue , Kuja-Halkola Ralf , Borg Stina , Leppä Virpi , Thornton Laura M. , Birgegård Andreas , Bulik Cynthia M. , Bergen Sarah E.
Published: November 2023

A growing body of literature recognizes associations between eating disorders (EDs) and schizophrenia and suggests that familial liability to schizophrenia in individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) reveals distinct patterns of clinical outcomes. To further investigate the influence of schizophrenia genetic liability among individuals with EDs, we evaluated the associations between schizophrenia polygenic risk scores (PRS) and clinical presentations of individuals with EDs including their overall health condition and ED-related symptoms. Using data from two previous studies of the genetics of EDs comprising 3,573 Anorexia Nervosa Genetics Initiative (ANGI) cases and 696 Binge Eating Genetics Initiative (BEGIN) cases born after 1973 and linked to the Swedish National Patient Register, we examined the association of schizophrenia PRS on ED clinical features, psychiatric comorbidities, and somatic and mental health burden. Among ANGI cases, higher schizophrenia PRS was statistically significantly associated with higher risk of major depressive disorder (MDD) measured by hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) (HR [95% CI]: 1.07 [1.02, 1.13]) and substance abuse disorder (SUD) (HR [95% CI]: 1.14 [1.03, 1.25]) after applying multiple testing correction. Additionally, higher schizophrenia PRS was associated with decreased clinical impairment assessment scores (−0.56, 95% CI: [−1.04, −0.08]) at the conventional significance level (p < 0.05). Further, in BEGIN cases, higher schizophrenia PRS was statistically significantly associated with earlier age at first ED symptom (−0.35 year, 95% CI: [−0.64, −0.06]), higher ED symptom scores (0.16, 95% CI: [0.04, 0.29]), higher risk of MDD (HR [95% CI]: 1.18 [1.04, 1.34]) and SUD (HR [95% CI]: 1.36 [1.07, 1.73]). Similar, but attenuated, patterns held in the subgroup of exclusively AN vs other eating disorder (OED) cases. These results suggest a similar pattern of influence of schizophrenia PRS for AN and OED cases in terms of psychiatric comorbidities, but a different pattern in terms of ED-related clinical features. The disparity of the effect of schizophrenia PRS on AN vs OED merits further investigation.
Aspirin and cancer treatment: systematic reviews and meta-analyses of evidence: for and against
Authors: Elwood Peter , Morgan Gareth , Watkins John , Protty Majd , Mason Malcolm , Adams Richard , Dolwani Sunil , Pickering Janet , Delon Christine , Longley Marcus
Published: November 2023

Aspirin as a possible treatment of cancer has been of increasing interest for over 50 years, but the balance of the risks and benefits remains a point of contention. We summarise the valid published evidence ‘for’ and ‘against’ the use of aspirin as a cancer treatment and we present what we believe are relevant ethical implications. Reasons for aspirin include the benefits of aspirin taken by patients with cancer upon relevant biological cancer mechanisms. These explain the observed reductions in metastatic cancer and vascular complications in cancer patients. Meta-analyses of 118 observational studies of mortality in cancer patients give evidence consistent with reductions of about 20% in mortality associated with aspirin use. Reasons against aspirin use include increased risk of a gastrointestinal bleed though there appears to be no valid evidence that aspirin is responsible for fatal gastrointestinal bleeding. Few trials have been reported and there are inconsistencies in the results. In conclusion, given the relative safety and the favourable effects of aspirin, its use in cancer seems justified, and ethical implications of this imply that cancer patients should be informed of the present evidence and encouraged to raise the topic with their healthcare team.
Arsenic trioxide extends survival of Li–Fraumeni syndrome mimicking mouse
Authors: Li Jiabing , Xiao Shujun , Shi Fangfang , Song Huaxin , Wu Jiaqi , Zheng Derun , Chen Xueqin , Tan Kai , Lu Min
Published: November 2023

Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is characterized by germline mutations occurring on one allele of genome guardian TP53. It is a severe cancer predisposition syndrome with a poor prognosis, partly due to the frequent development of subsequent primary tumors following DNA-damaging therapies. Here we explored, for the first time, the effectiveness of mutant p53 rescue compound in treating LFS-mimicking mice harboring a deleterious p53 mutation. Among the ten p53 hotspot mutations in IARC LFS cohorts, R282W is one of the mutations predicting the poorest survival prognosis and the earliest tumor onset. Among the six clinical-stage mutant p53 rescue compounds, arsenic trioxide (ATO) effectively restored transactivation activity to p53-R282W. We thus constructed a heterozygous Trp53 R279W (corresponding to human R282W) mouse model for the ATO treatment study. The p53R279W/+ (W/+) mice exhibited tumor onset and overall survival well mimicking the ones of human LFS. Further, 35 mg/L ATO addition in drink water significantly extended the median survival of W/+ mice (from 460 to 596 days, hazard ratio = 0.4003, P = 0.0008). In the isolated tumors from ATO-treated W/+ mice, the representative p53 targets including Cdkn1a, Mdm2, and Tigar were significantly upregulated, accompanying with a decreased level of the proliferation marker Ki67 and increased level of apoptosis marker TUNEL. Together, the non-genotoxic treatment of p53 rescue compound ATO holds promise as an alternative for LFS therapeutic.
A 39 kb structural variant causing Lynch Syndrome detected by optical genome mapping and nanopore sequencing
Authors: Bjørnstad Pål Marius , Aaløkken Ragnhild , Åsheim June , Sundaram Arvind Y. M. , Felde Caroline N. , Østby G. Henriette , Dalland Marianne , Sjursen Wenche , Carrizosa Christian , Vigeland Magnus D. , Sorte Hanne S. , Sheng Ying , Ariansen Sarah L. , Grindedal Eli Marie , Gilfillan Gregor D.
Published: November 2023

Lynch Syndrome (LS) is a hereditary cancer syndrome caused by pathogenic germline variants in one of the four mismatch repair (MMR) genes MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2. It is characterized by a significantly increased risk of multiple cancer types, particularly colorectal and endometrial cancer, with autosomal dominant inheritance. Access to precise and sensitive methods for genetic testing is important, as early detection and prevention of cancer is possible when the variant is known. We present here two unrelated Norwegian families with family histories strongly suggestive of LS, where immunohistochemical and microsatellite instability analyses indicated presence of a pathogenic variant in MSH2, but targeted exon sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) were negative. Using Bionano optical genome mapping, we detected a 39 kb insertion in the MSH2 gene. Precise mapping of the insertion breakpoints and inserted sequence was performed by low-coverage whole-genome sequencing with an Oxford Nanopore MinION. The same variant was present in both families, and later found in other families from the same region of Norway, indicative of a founder event. To our knowledge, this is the first diagnosis of LS caused by a structural variant using these technologies. We suggest that structural variant detection be performed when LS is suspected but not confirmed with first-tier standard genetic testing.
Charge-loop current order and Z3 nematicity mediated by bond order fluctuations in kagome metals
Authors: Tazai Rina , Yamakawa Youichi , Kontani Hiroshi
Published: November 2023

Recent experiments on geometrically frustrated kagome metal AV3Sb5 (A = K, Rb, Cs) have revealed the emergence of the charge loop current (cLC) order near the bond order (BO) phase. However, the origin of the cLC and its interplay with other phases have been uncovered. Here, we propose a novel mechanism of the cLC state, by focusing on the BO phase common in kagome metals. The BO fluctuations in kagome metals, which emerges due to the Coulomb interaction and the electron-phonon coupling, mediate the odd-parity particle-hole condensation that gives rise to the topological current order. Furthermore, the predicted cLC+BO phase gives rise to the Z3-nematic state in addition to the giant anomalous Hall effect. The present theory predicts the close relationship between the cLC, the BO, and the nematicity, which is significant to understand the cascade of quantum electron states in kagome metals. The present scenario provides a natural understanding.
Observation of coordinated RNA folding events by systematic cotranscriptional RNA structure probing
Authors: Szyjka Courtney E. , Strobel Eric J.
Published: November 2023

RNA begins to fold as it is transcribed by an RNA polymerase. Consequently, RNA folding is constrained by the direction and rate of transcription. Understanding how RNA folds into secondary and tertiary structures therefore requires methods for determining the structure of cotranscriptional folding intermediates. Cotranscriptional RNA chemical probing methods accomplish this by systematically probing the structure of nascent RNA that is displayed from an RNA polymerase. Here, we describe a concise, high-resolution cotranscriptional RNA chemical probing procedure called variable length Transcription Elongation Complex RNA structure probing (TECprobe-VL). We demonstrate the accuracy and resolution of TECprobe-VL by replicating and extending previous analyses of ZTP and fluoride riboswitch folding and mapping the folding pathway of a ppGpp-sensing riboswitch. In each system, we show that TECprobe-VL identifies coordinated cotranscriptional folding events that mediate transcription antitermination. Our findings establish TECprobe-VL as an accessible method for mapping cotranscriptional RNA folding pathways.
Brain methylome remodeling selectively regulates neuronal activity genes linking to emotional behaviors in mice exposed to maternal immune activation
Authors: Ma Li , Wang Feng , Li Yangping , Wang Jing , Chang Qing , Du Yuanning , Sadan Jotham , Zhao Zhen , Fan Guoping , Yao Bing , Chen Jian-Fu
Published: November 2023

How early life experience is translated into storable epigenetic information leading to behavioral changes remains poorly understood. Here we found that Zika virus (ZIKV) induced-maternal immune activation (MIA) imparts offspring with anxiety- and depression-like behavior. By integrating bulk and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) with genome-wide 5hmC (5-hydroxymethylcytosine) profiling and 5mC (5-methylcytosine) profiling in prefrontal cortex (PFC) of ZIKV-affected male offspring mice, we revealed an overall loss of 5hmC and an increase of 5mC levels in intragenic regions, associated with transcriptional changes in neuropsychiatric disorder-related genes. In contrast to their rapid initiation and inactivation in normal conditions, immediate-early genes (IEGs) remain a sustained upregulation with enriched expression in excitatory neurons, which is coupled with increased 5hmC and decreased 5mC levels of IEGs in ZIKV-affected male offspring. Thus, MIA induces maladaptive methylome remodeling in brain and selectively regulates neuronal activity gene methylation linking to emotional behavioral abnormalities in offspring.
Integrating spatial and single-cell transcriptomics data using deep generative models with SpatialScope
Authors: Wan Xiaomeng , Xiao Jiashun , Tam Sindy Sing Ting , Cai Mingxuan , Sugimura Ryohichi , Wang Yang , Wan Xiang , Lin Zhixiang , Wu Angela Ruohao , Yang Can
Published: November 2023

The rapid emergence of spatial transcriptomics (ST) technologies is revolutionizing our understanding of tissue spatial architecture and biology. Although current ST methods, whether based on next-generation sequencing (seq-based approaches) or fluorescence in situ hybridization (image-based approaches), offer valuable insights, they face limitations either in cellular resolution or transcriptome-wide profiling. To address these limitations, we present SpatialScope, a unified approach integrating scRNA-seq reference data and ST data using deep generative models. With innovation in model and algorithm designs, SpatialScope not only enhances seq-based ST data to achieve single-cell resolution, but also accurately infers transcriptome-wide expression levels for image-based ST data. We demonstrate SpatialScope’s utility through simulation studies and real data analysis from both seq-based and image-based ST approaches. SpatialScope provides spatial characterization of tissue structures at transcriptome-wide single-cell resolution, facilitating downstream analysis, including detecting cellular communication through ligand-receptor interactions, localizing cellular subtypes, and identifying spatially differentially expressed genes.
Non-canonical pathway for Rb inactivation and external signaling coordinate cell-cycle entry without CDK4/6 activity
Authors: Zhang Mimi , Kim Sungsoo , Yang Hee Won
Published: November 2023

Cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) are critical for initiating cell proliferation by inactivating the retinoblastoma (Rb) protein. However, mammalian cells can bypass CDK4/6 for Rb inactivation. Here we show a non-canonical pathway for Rb inactivation and its interplay with external signals. We find that the non-phosphorylated Rb protein in quiescent cells is intrinsically unstable, offering an alternative mechanism for initiating E2F activity. Nevertheless, this pathway incompletely induces Rb-protein loss, resulting in minimal E2F activity. To trigger cell proliferation, upregulation of mitogenic signaling is required for stabilizing c-Myc, thereby augmenting E2F activity. Concurrently, stress signaling promotes Cip/Kip levels, competitively regulating cell proliferation with mitogenic signaling. In cancer, driver mutations elevate c-Myc levels, facilitating adaptation to CDK4/6 inhibitors. Differentiated cells, despite Rb-protein loss, maintain quiescence through the modulation of c-Myc and Cip/Kip levels. Our findings provide mechanistic insights into an alternative model of cell-cycle entry and the maintenance of quiescence.
Placental Streptococcus agalactiae DNA is associated with neonatal unit admission and foetal pro-inflammatory cytokines in term infants
Authors: Gaccioli Francesca , Stephens Katie , Sovio Ulla , Jessop Flora , Wong Hilary S. , Lager Susanne , Cook Emma , de Goffau Marcus C. , Le Doare Kirsty , Peacock Sharon J. , Parkhill Julian , Charnock-Jones D. Stephen , Smith Gordon C. S.
Published: November 2023

Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus; GBS) is a common cause of sepsis in neonates. Previous work detected GBS DNA in the placenta in ~5% of women before the onset of labour, but the clinical significance of this finding is unknown. Here we re-analysed this dataset as a case control study of neonatal unit (NNU) admission. Of 436 infants born at term (≥37 weeks of gestation), 7/30 with placental GBS and 34/406 without placental GBS were admitted to the NNU (odds ratio (OR) 3.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3–7.8). We then performed a validation study using non-overlapping subjects from the same cohort. This included a further 239 cases of term NNU admission and 686 term controls: 16/36 with placental GBS and 223/889 without GBS were admitted to the NNU (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.2–4.6). Of the 36 infants with placental GBS, 10 were admitted to the NNU with evidence of probable but culture-negative sepsis (OR 4.8, 95% CI 2.2–10.3), 2 were admitted with proven GBS sepsis (OR 66.6, 95% CI 7.3–963.7), 6 were admitted and had chorioamnionitis (inflammation of the foetal membranes) (OR 5.3, 95% CI 2.0–13.4), and 5 were admitted and had funisitis (inflammation of the umbilical cord) (OR 6.7, 95% CI 12.5–17.7). Foetal cytokine storm (two or more pro-inflammatory cytokines >10 times median control levels in umbilical cord blood) was present in 36% of infants with placental GBS DNA and 4% of cases where the placenta was negative (OR 14.2, 95% CI 3.6–60.8). Overall, ~1 in 200 term births had GBS detected in the placenta, which was associated with infant NNU admission and morbidity.
A dynamic and collaborative database for morphogeometric information of trilobites
Authors: Serra Fernanda , Balseiro Diego , Monnet Claude , Randolfe Enrique , Bignon Arnaud , Rustán Juan J. , Bault Valentin , Muñoz Diego F. , Vaccari N. Emilio , Martinetto Malena , Crônier Catherine , Waisfeld Beatriz G.
Published: November 2023

Modern morphometric-based approaches provide valuable metrics to quantify and understand macroevolutionary and macroecological patterns and processes. Here we describe TriloMorph, an openly accessible database for morpho-geometric information of trilobites, together with a landmark acquisition protocol. In addition to morphological traits, the database contains contextual data on chronostratigraphic age, geographic location, taxonomic information and lithology of landmarked specimens. In this first version, the dataset has broad taxonomic and temporal coverage and comprises more than 55% of all trilobite genera and 85% of families recorded in the Paleobiology Database through the Devonian. We provide a release of geometric morphometric data of 277 specimens linked to published references. Additionally, we established a Github repository for constant input of morphometric data by multiple contributors and present R functions that help with data retrieval and analysis. This is the first attempt of an online, dynamic and collaborative morphometric repository. By bringing this information into a single open database we enhance the possibility of performing global palaeobiological research, providing a major complement to current occurrence-based databases.
Positron emission tomography dataset of [11C]carbon dioxide storage in coal for geo-sequestration application
Authors: Jing Yu , Kumaran Aaron Uthaia , Stimson Damion Howard Read , Mardon Karine , Najdovski Ljubco , Armstrong Ryan T. , Mostaghimi Peyman
Published: November 2023

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging has demonstrated its capability in providing time-lapse fluid flow visualisation for improving the understanding of flow properties of geologic media. To investigate the process of CO2 geo-sequestration using PET imaging technology, [11C]CO2 is the most optimal and direct radiotracer. However, it has not been extensively used due to the short half-life of Carbon-11 (20.4 minutes). In this work, a novel laboratory protocol is developed to use [11C]CO2 as radiolabelled tracer to visualise and quantify in-situ CO2 adsorption, spreading, diffusion, and advection flow in coal. This protocol consists of generation and delivering of [11C]CO2, lab-based PET scanning, subsequent micro-CT scanning, and data processing. The lab-based PET scanning setup integrates in-situ core flooding tests with PET scanning. The real-time PET images are acquired under different storage conditions, including early gas production stage, depleted stage, and late storage stage. These datasets can be used to study across-scale theoretical and experimental study of CO2 flow behaviour in coal with the application to CO2 geo-sequestration.
Characteristic dynamic functional connectivity during sevoflurane-induced general anesthesia
Authors: Miao Jingya , Tantawi Mohamed , Alizadeh Mahdi , Thalheimer Sara , Vedaei Faezeh , Romo Victor , Mohamed Feroze B. , Wu Chengyuan
Published: November 2023

General anesthesia (GA) during surgery is commonly maintained by inhalational sevoflurane. Previous resting state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) studies have demonstrated suppressed functional connectivity (FC) of the entire brain networks, especially the default mode networks, transitioning from the awake to GA condition. However, accuracy and reliability were limited by previous administration methods (e.g. face mask) and short rs-fMRI scans. Therefore, in this study, a clinical scenario of epilepsy patients undergoing laser interstitial thermal therapy was leveraged to acquire 15 min of rs-fMRI while under general endotracheal anesthesia to maximize the accuracy of sevoflurane level. Nine recruited patients had fMRI acquired during awake and under GA, of which seven were included in both static and dynamic FC analyses. Group independent component analysis and a sliding-window method followed by k-means clustering were applied to identify four dynamic brain states, which characterized subtypes of FC patterns. Our results showed that a low-FC brain state was characteristic of the GA condition as a single featuring state during the entire rs-fMRI session; In contrast, the awake condition exhibited frequent fluctuations between three distinct brain states, one of which was a highly synchronized brain state not seen in GA. In conclusion, our study revealed remarkable dynamic connectivity changes from awake to GA condition and demonstrated the advantages of dynamic FC analysis for future studies in the assessments of the effects of GA on brain functional activities.
Morphological characteristics of coronoid process and revisiting definition of coronoid hyperplasia
Authors: Shujaat Sohaib , Politis Constantinus , Van Den Bogaert Tom , Vueghs Pieter , Smeets Maximiliaan , Verhelst Pieter-Jan , Grymonprez Edouard , Jacobs Reinhilde
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study was to assess the morphological characteristics of the coronoid process (CP) and define coronoid hyperplasia (CH) using cadaveric mandibles of a Caucasian population. A sample of 151 adult dry cadaveric mandibles (302 CPs) was acquired. Three distances were measured, which included the width, height, and length of CP. The surface area measurements involved area A: above the width distance line; area B: between incisura mandibulae—Alveolar ridge line and width distance line; area C: between distance lines of width and height. Finally, angulations of the CP and gonial angles were identified. Both length and surface area A + B acted as hyperplastic indicators. Based on the selection criteria, a sample of 197 CPs was included. The hooked shape (59%) was most commonly observed. No significant difference existed between left and right sides (p > 0.05). The mean values of length and surface area A + B were 2.2 ± 0.3 cm and 3.3 ± 0.8 cm2, and any values above 2.7 cm (n = 5 CPs- 2.5%) and 5.0 cm2 (n = 9 CPs- 4.6%) were described as hyperplastic, respectively. The presented data could act as quantitative reference for differentiating between normal and hyperplastic conditions.
Gender inequality in cum laude distinctions for PhD students
Authors: Bol Thijs
Published: November 2023

Resource allocation in academia is highly skewed, and peer evaluation is the main method used to distribute scarce resources. A large literature documents gender inequality in evaluation, and the explanation for this inequality is homophily: male evaluators give more favorable ratings to male candidates. We investigate this by focusing on cum laude distinctions for PhD students in the Netherlands, a distinction that is only awarded to 5 percent of all dissertations and has as its sole goal to distinguish the top from the rest. Using data from over 5000 PhD recipients of a large Dutch university for the period 2011–2021, we find that female PhD students were almost two times less likely to get a cum laude distinction than their male counterparts, even when they had the same doctoral advisor. This gender gap is largest when dissertations are evaluated by all-male committees and decreases as evaluation committees include more female members.
Salpa genome and developmental transcriptome analyses reveal molecular flexibility enabling reproductive success in a rapidly changing environment
Authors: Castellano Kate R. , Batta-Lona Paola , Bucklin Ann , O’Neill Rachel J.
Published: November 2023

Ocean warming favors pelagic tunicates, such as salps, that exhibit increasingly frequent and rapid population blooms, impacting trophic dynamics and composition and human marine-dependent activities. Salp blooms are a result of their successful reproductive life history, alternating seasonally between asexual and sexual protogynous (i.e. sequential) hermaphroditic stages. While predicting future salp bloom frequency and intensity relies on an understanding of the transitions during the sexual stage from female through parturition and subsequent sex change to male, these transitions have not been explored at the molecular level. Here we report the development of the first complete genome of S. thompsoni and the North Atlantic sister species S. aspera. Genome and comparative analyses reveal an abundance of repeats and G-quadruplex (G4) motifs, a highly stable secondary structure, distributed throughout both salp genomes, a feature shared with other tunicates that perform alternating sexual-asexual reproductive strategies. Transcriptional analyses across sexual reproductive stages for S. thompsoni revealed genes associated with male sex differentiation and spermatogenesis are expressed as early as birth and before parturition, inconsistent with previous descriptions of sequential sexual differentiation in salps. Our findings suggest salp are poised for reproductive success at birth, increasing the potential for bloom formation as ocean temperatures rise.
A study of text-theoretical approach to S-box construction with image encryption applications
Authors: Mahboob Abid , Nadeem Muhammad , Rasheed Muhammad Waheed
Published: November 2023

Data protection is regarded as one of the biggest issues facing companies that have been using public data for a long time. Numerous encryption techniques have been used to address these issues and safeguard data from any malicious attempts and assaults. A substitution box (S-box) is the basic component for modern block ciphers, which helps to ensure robust security of plain data while encryption and permits its lawful decipherment. The goal of this paper is to recommend an effective, original, and straightforward technique for the creation of robust S-boxes. A sample S-box is generated in the proposed work using the word “UNITY” but other words can also be used to generate many powerful S-boxes. The ASCII code is used to translate the word “UNITY” into binary form, after which a distinct matrix is constructed for each character of the word. In the next phase, a linear fractional transformation is constructed using these matrices, which is then utilized to generate the S-box. The constructed S-box was then evaluated against typical security standards to support its high cryptographic authority. The generated S-box's statistical and algebraic resilience is demonstrated by its very low linear probability and differential probability scores of 0.125 and 0.039, respectively, and a high non-linearity score of 111.5. To evaluate the effectiveness of the image encryption scheme, digital images are encoded using the created S-box. The performance and comparative research demonstrate that the suggested S-box is a real candidate for applications in the field of image encryption and has a stronger performance base.
Effect of laser fluence on the optoelectronic properties of nanostructured GaN/porous silicon prepared by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Fakhri Makram A. , Jabbar Haneen D. , AbdulRazzaq Mohammed Jalal , Salim Evan T. , Azzahrani Ahmad S. , Ibrahim Raed Khalid , Ismail Raid A.
Published: November 2023

In this study, the fabrication of nanostructured GaN/porous Si by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) was demonstrated. The porous silicon was prepared using laser-assisted electrochemical etching (LAECE). The structural, optical, and electrical properties of GaN films were investigated as a function of laser fluence. XRD studies revealed that the GaN films deposited on porous silicon were nanocrystalline, exhibiting a hexagonal wurtzite structure along the (100) plane. Spectroscopic property results revealed that the photoluminescence PL emission peaks of the gallium nitride over porous silicon (GaN/PSi) sample prepared at 795 mJ/mm2 were centered at 260 nm and 624 nm. According to topographical and morphological analyses, the deposited film consisted of spherical grains with an average diameter of 178.8 nm and a surface roughness of 50.61 nm. The surface of the prepared films exhibited a cauliflower-like morphology. The main figures of merit of the nanostructured GaN/P-Si photodetectors were studied in the spectral range of 350–850 nm. The responsivity, detectivity, and external quantum efficiency of the photodetector at 575 nm under − 3 V were 19.86 A/W, 8.9 × 1012 Jones, and 50.89%, respectively. Furthermore, the photodetector prepared at a laser fluence of 795 mJ/mm2 demonstrates a switching characteristic, where the rise time and fall time are measured to be 363 and 711 μs, respectively.
Norepinephrine prevents hypotension in older patients under spinal anesthesia with intravenous propofol sedation: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kim Hyungtae , Lee Sooho , Koh Won Uk , Cho Jooyeon , Park Sung Wook , Kim Keon Sik , Ro Young-Jin , Kim Ha-Jung
Published: November 2023

Reducing hypotension is crucial as hypotension is the most common side effect of spinal anesthesia, and in older patients with various comorbidities, it can lead to fatality. We hypothesized that continuous infusion of norepinephrine could effectively prevent hypotension in older patients undergoing hip surgery under spinal anesthesia with propofol sedation. The study randomly assigned patients aged ≥ 70 years to either a control (Group C, n = 35) or a norepinephrine group (Group N, n = 35). After spinal anesthesia, continuous infusion of propofol and normal saline or norepinephrine was initiated. The number of hypotensive episodes, the primary outcome, as well as other intraoperative hemodynamic events and postoperative complications were compared. In total, 67 patients were included in the final analysis. The number of hypotensive episodes was significantly higher in Group C than in Group N (p < 0.001). Furthermore, Group C required a greater amount of fluid to maintain normovolemia (p = 0.008) and showed less urine output (p = 0.019). However, there was no difference in postoperative complications between the two groups. Continuous intravenous infusion of prophylactic norepinephrine prevented hypotensive episodes, reduced the requirement of fluid, and increased the urine output in older patients undergoing unilateral hip surgery under spinal anesthesia with propofol sedation.

Clinical trial registration number: KCT0005046 (https://cris.nih.go.kr). IRB number: 2020-0533 (Institutional Review Board of Asan Medical Center, approval date: 13/APR/2020).
Nanocomposite fibers based on cellulose acetate loaded with fullerene for cancer therapy: preparation, characterization and in-vitro evaluation
Authors: El Fawal Gomaa , Abu-Serie Marwa M. , Ali Safaa M. , Elessawy Noha A.
Published: November 2023

The current prevalence of cancerous diseases necessitates the exploration of materials that can effectively treat these conditions while minimizing the occurrence of adverse side effects. This study aims to identify materials with the potential to inhibit the metastasis of cancerous diseases within the human body while concurrently serving as therapeutic agents for their treatment. A novel approach was employed to enhance the anti-cancer properties of electrospun cellulose fibers by incorporating fullerene nanoparticles (NPs) into cellulose acetate (CA) fibers, resulting in a composite material called Fullerene@CA. This development aimed at utilizing the anti-cancer properties of fullerenes for potential therapeutic applications. This process has been demonstrated in vitro against various types of cancer, and it was found that Fullerene@CA nanocomposite fibers displayed robust anticancer activity. Cancer cells (Caco-2, MDA-MB 231, and HepG-2 cells) were inhibited by 0.3 and 0.5 mg.g−1 fullerene doses by 58.62–62.87%, 47.86–56.43%, and 48.60–57.73%, respectively. The tested cancer cells shrink and lose their spindle shape due to morphological changes. The investigation of the prepared nanocomposite reveals its impact on various genes, such as BCL2, NF-KB, p53, Bax, and p21, highlighting the therapeutic compounds' effectiveness. The experimental results demonstrated that the incorporation of NPs into CA fibers resulted in a significant improvement in their anti-cancer efficacy. Therefore, it is suggested that these modified fibers could be utilized as a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment and prevention of cancer metastasis.
The geography of technological innovation dynamics
Authors: Straccamore Matteo , Loreto Vittorio , Gravino Pietro
Published: November 2023

Cities and metropolitan areas are major drivers of creativity and innovation in all possible sectors: scientific, technological, social, artistic, etc. The critical concentration and proximity of diverse mindsets and opportunities, supported by efficient infrastructures, enable new technologies and ideas to emerge, thrive, and trigger further innovation. Though this pattern seems well established, geography’s role in the emergence and diffusion of new technologies still needs to be clarified. An additional important question concerns the identification of the technological innovation pathways of metropolitan areas. Here, we explore the factors that influence the spread of technology among metropolitan areas worldwide and how geography and political borders impact this process. Our evidence suggests that political geography has been highly important for the diffusion of technological innovation till around two decades ago, slowly declining afterwards in favour of a more global patenting ecosystem. Further, the visualisation of the evolution of countries and metropolitan areas in a 2d space of competitiveness and diversification reveals the existence of two main technological innovation pathways, discriminating between different strategies towards progress. Our work provides insights for policymakers seeking to promote economic growth and technological advancement through tailored investments in prioritarian technological innovation areas.
Vitamin D status as a predictor for liver transplant outcomes
Authors: Fotros Danial , Sohouli Mohammadhassan , Yari Zahra , Sakhdari Hanie , Shafiekhani Mojtaba , Nikoupour Hamed , Jafarzadeh Mohammad Amin , Jafari Keynoosh , Afiatjoo Seyedeh Sara , Fatemi Seyed Amirreza , Amiri Mahmoud , Eghlimi Hesameddin , Rabbani Amirhassan , Broumandnia Nasrin , Mazdeh Ghazaleh Mahdavi , Jafarian Ali , Hekmatdoost Azita
Published: November 2023

It is well known that vitamin D plays a pivotal role in immune system modulation; however, its role in liver transplantation (LT) has not yet been well elucidated. This study aimed to assess the association between vitamin D status and LT outcomes. This retrospective cohort study was conducted on 335 registered cirrhotic patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) who underwent LT during 2019–2021 and had measurement of serum vitamin D before LT. The association of vitamin D levels before LT with the odds of acute cellular rejection (ACR) and risk mortality was assessed by applying logistic and cox regression, respectively. The mean MELD-Na and serum level of vitamin D were 20.39 ± 9.36 and 21.52 ± 15.28 ng/ml, respectively. In the final adjusted model, there was a significant association between vitamin D deficiency in the pre-transplant period and odds of ACR (odds ratio [OR] 2.69; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.50–4.68). Although in the crude model, vitamin D deficiency in the pre-transplant period was significantly associated with an increased risk of mortality after two years of follow-up (Hazard ratio (HR) = 2.64, 95% CI 1.42–4.33), after adjustment for potential confounders, the association of vitamin D status and mortality became non-significant (HR = 1.46, 95% CI 0.71–3.00). The present study provides evidence that pre-transplant serum vitamin D levels may be a predictor for ACR in patients with cirrhosis undergoing LT.
Improving the performance of perovskite solar cells using a dual-hole transport layer
Authors: Song Chenghao , Du Huiwei , Xu Menglei , Yang Jie , Zhang Xinyu , Wang Jungan , Zhang Yuanfang , Gu Chengjun , Li Rui , Hong Tao , Zhang Jingji , Wang Jiangying , Ye Yongchun
Published: November 2023

Schematic structure and improved performance of perovskite solar cells using a double-hole transport layer strategy.
Green synthesis of 3D core–shell SnS2/SnS-Cd0.5Zn0.5S multi-heterojunction for efficient photocatalytic H2 evolution
Authors: Zhao Haitao , Zhao Baohua , Liu Heyuan , Li Xiyou
Published: November 2023

The photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity of SnS2/SnS-Cd0.5Zn0.5S (SS-CZS) is significantly enhanced through the synergy of core–shell structure and muti-heterojunctions.
Highly reversible and stable Zn metal anodes realized using a trifluoroacetamide electrolyte additive
Authors: Wu Miaomiao , Wang Xingchao , Zhang Fei , Xiang Qian , Li Yan , Guo Jixi
Published: November 2023

TFA improves the deposition behavior and kinetics of Zn2+ and inhibits dendrite formation and corrosion, enabling high power/energy density of AZIBs.
Engineering hosts for Zn anodes in aqueous Zn-ion batteries
Authors: Zhu Yunhai , Liang Guojin , Cui Xun , Liu Xueqin , Zhong Haixia , Zhi Chunyi , Yang Yingkui
Published: November 2023

This review systematically summarizes the host-design strategies for Zn anodes regarding substrate and interface fabrication, aiming to provide a prospective guideline for developing high-performance Zn anodes.
Nonmonotonic relationship between the degradation of black phosphorus and its bioactivity in suppressing the centrosome polo-like kinase 1
Authors: Deng Chaofan , Ren Luyao , Yang Lin , Liu Xia , Dai Yanhui , Zhao Jian , Yue Tongtao
Published: November 2023

Molecular dynamics simulations are performed to reveal the degradation-dependent bioactivity of black phosphorus in suppressing the centrosome polo-like kinase 1.
Functionalized hexagonal boron nitride sheets and charge triggered interpenetrating polymer network based membranes work in tandem towards water remediation
Authors: Avasarala Sankeerthana , Sen Gupta Ria , Goyal Priyanka , Bose Suryasarathi
Published: November 2023

Charge triggered membranes demonstrate excellent resistance to fouling and high rejection rates towards charged dyes.
Theoretical investigation of tautomerism of 2- and 4-pyridones: origin, substituent and solvent effects
Authors: Baranac-Stojanović Marija , Aleksić Jovana , Stojanović Milovan
Published: November 2023

DFT calculations show that the tautomeric equilibria of 2- and 4-pyridones are controlled by different effects and can be modulated by substituents and medium polarity. A more polar medium favours the more polar lactam form.
Porous graphene/CNT@metal (hydr)oxide composite films achieving fast ion and electron kinetics for asymmetric supercapacitors with ultra-high volumetric performance
Authors: Qiu Chunjuan , Hou Baoquan , Jiang Lili , Shi Huimin , Chen Jie , Zhou Xiaoming , Lu Xuena , Shi Jian , Sheng Lizhi
Published: November 2023

A material structure design with 3D fast ion and electron diffusion channels for flexible supercapacitors with a high volumetric energy density.
Highly effective synthesis of mercapto-functionalized cubic silsesquioxanes as the first step in designing advanced nano-delivery systems
Authors: Hanek Kamil , Wałęsa-Chorab Monika , Żak Patrycja
Published: November 2023

An NHC–rhodium complex exhibits high catalytic activity toward the Markovnikov-selective hydrothiolation of alkynes leading to a novel class of silsesquioxanes – potential non-toxic, luminescent nanocarriers.
A novel graphene/triolein complex-based lubricant for improving high temperature water-based drilling fluid
Authors: Geng Yuan , Zhang Zhilei , Yan Zhiyuan , Yuan Yuehui , Zhou Xinyu , Yue Wen , An Yuxiu
Published: November 2023

Drilling engineering plays a pivotal role in the exploration and extraction of subsurface resources.
Dynamics of droplet motion over hydrophobic surfaces with functionalized and non-functionalized ferro particles
Authors: Hassan Ghassan , Yilbas Bekir Sami , Abubakar Abba Abdulhamid , Al-Qahtani Hussain , Al-Sharafi Abdullah
Published: November 2023

Dynamically manipulating droplet motion on hydrophobic surfaces is crucial in various fields, including biomedical, sensing, actuation, and oil–water separation applications.
Synthesis and evaluation of photophysical, electrochemical, and ROS generation properties of new chalcogen-naphthoquinones-1,2,3-triazole hybrids
Authors: Gomes Luana S. , Costa Érica O. , Duarte Thuany G. , Köhler Mateus H. , Rodrigues Bruna M. , Ferreira Vitor F. , da Silva Fernando de C. , Iglesias Bernardo A. , Nascimento Vanessa
Published: November 2023

This study heralds an advancement in the synthesis of innovative hybrids with exceptional photophysical and electrochemical properties, promising advances in this area.
One-pot synthesis of pyrazolo[4,3-d]thiazole derivatives containing α-aminophosphonate as potential Mur A inhibitors against MDR pathogens with radiosterilization and molecular modeling simulation
Authors: Ragab Ahmed , Ibrahim Seham A. , Aboul-Magd Dina S. , Baren Mohamed H.
Published: November 2023

The present study involves the synthesis of a new series of α-aminophosphonate derivatives in good yields with a simple workup via the Kabachnik–Fields reaction using lithium perchlorate (LiClO4) as a catalyst to facilitate the reaction.