bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circular undular hydraulic jumps in turbulent free-surface flows
Authors: Murschenhofer Dominik
Published: June 2022

Near-critical turbulent axisymmetric free-surface flow over a horizontal bottom is investigated. Assuming that undular hydraulic jumps occur at large radii, an asymptotic analysis of the governing equations is performed in the double limit of very large Reynolds numbers and Froude numbers close to the critical value 1. The results are kept free of turbulence modelling due to a specific coupling of the two limiting processes. The final result of the asymptotic analysis is a new steady-state version of an extended Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) equation for the free-surface elevation. The extended KdV equation is derived as a uniformly valid differential equation, describing the flow near the origin of the undular jump as well as far downstream. Numerical solutions of the extended KdV equation show that circular undular jumps can develop if the reference state is located in the region where the effect due to axisymmetry prevails over the effect of friction. In this case, the solution oscillates over a very long distance until the accumulating friction effects force a breakdown. The comparison between the theories of undular jumps in turbulent and inviscid flows shows that friction is of minor importance near the development of the undular jump. However, friction has to be taken into account to describe the flow further downstream. Remarkably, the extended KdV equation is valid and yields undular solutions for both turbulent source and sink flow.
pCLE detects mucosal neoplastic vascular pattern in gastric linitis plastica
Authors: Fornasarig Mara , Capuano Alessandra , Maiero Stefania , Pivetta Eliana , Canzonieri Vincenzo , Belluco Claudio , Mongiat Maurizio , Cannizzaro Renato , Spessotto Paola
Published: June 2022

Linitis plastica (LP) is a very aggressive and rare carcinoma with a scirrhous stroma that affects the submucosal and muscular layers of the stomach even without mucosal alterations. Lack of timely diagnosis is a crucial problem related to its prognosis and treatment. In this study, we investigated the LP-associated vascular pattern as a possible means to improve the diagnosis of these patients. During standard endoscopy, mucosal architecture, tortuosity and enlargement of vessels, as well as the presence of vascular leakage and efficiency of the blood flow were assessed in six LP patients using probe-based Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy (pCLE). In all LP patients, we detected abnormal changes in vasculature. The aberrant features of the vascular network were common to all LP patients examined and consisted of vessel enlargement, tortuosity, and leakage associated with the affected submucosal layer. This is the first study to highlight the presence of marked vascularization associated with LP, characterized by the presence of abnormal and non-functional vessels, similar to what is observed in neoplastic tissues. Therefore, the analysis of LP by pCLE may provide a new endoscopic approach and strategy to better define these patients.
Patterns of genomic diversity and linkage disequilibrium across the disjunct range of the Australian forest tree Eucalyptus globulus
Authors: Butler Jakob B. , Freeman Jules S. , Potts Brad M. , Vaillancourt René E. , Kahrood Hossein V. , Ades Peter K. , Rigault Philippe , Tibbits Josquin F. G.
Published: June 2022

The evolutionary trajectory of a population both influences and is influenced by characteristics of its genome. A disjunct population, for example is likely to exhibit genomic features distinct from those of continuous populations, reflecting its specific evolutionary history and influencing future recombination outcomes. We examined genetic diversity, population differentiation and linkage disequilibrium (LD) across the highly disjunct native range of the Australian forest tree Eucalyptus globulus, using 203,337 SNPs genotyped in 136 trees spanning seven races. We found support for four broad genetic groups, with moderate FST, high allelic diversity and genome-wide LD decaying to an r2 of 0.2 within 4 kb on average. These results are broadly similar to those reported previously in Eucalyptus species and support the ‘ring’ model of migration proposed for E. globulus. However, two of the races (Otways and South-eastern Tasmania) exhibited a much slower decay of LD with physical distance than the others and were also the most differentiated and least diverse, which may reflect the effects of selective sweeps and/or genetic bottlenecks experienced in their evolutionary history. We also show that FST and rates of LD vary within and between chromosomes across all races, suggestive of recombination outcomes influenced by genomic features, hybridization or selection. The results obtained from studying this species serve to illustrate the genomic effects of population disjunction and further contribute to the characterisation of genomes of woody genera.
Facilitating maintenance of stormwater ponds: comparison of analytical methods for determination of metal pollution
Authors: Gavrić Snežana , Flanagan Kelsey , Österlund Heléne , Blecken Godecke-Tobias , Viklander Maria
Published: June 2022

Stormwater ponds are widely used for controlling runoff quality through the sedimentation of particles and associated pollutants. Their maintenance requires regular removal and disposal of accumulated material. This necessitates an assessment of material hazardousness, including potential hazard due to its contamination by metals. Here we analyze 32 stormwater pond sediment samples from 17 facilities using several chemical analysis methods (total extraction, sequential extraction, diffusive gradients in thin-films DGT, and pore water extraction) in order to consider the complementarity and comparability of the different approaches. No clear relationship was found between analyses that have the potential to measure similar metal fractions (DGT and either fraction 1 of the sequential extraction (adsorbed and exchangeable metals and carbonates) or pore water concentrations). Loss on ignition (LOI) had a significant positive correlation with an indicator of the environmental risk developed in this paper (∑ranks) that incorporates different metals, speciations, and environmental endpoints. Large variations in metal levels were observed between ponds. As clustering was limited between the different analyses, a comprehensive analysis of different parameters is still needed to fully understand metal speciation and bioavailability.
Nattokinase attenuates bisphenol A or gamma irradiation-mediated hepatic and neural toxicity by activation of Nrf2 and suppression of inflammatory mediators in rats
Authors: Elbakry Mustafa M. M. , Mansour Somaya Z. , Helal Hamed , Ahmed Esraa S. A.
Published: June 2022

Nattokinase (NK), a protease enzyme produced by Bacillus subtilis, has various biological effects such as lipid-lowering activity, antihypertensive, antiplatelet/anticoagulant, and neuroprotective effects. Exposure to environmental toxicants such as bisphenol A (BPA) or γ-radiation (IR) causes multi-organ toxicity through several mechanisms such as impairment of oxidative status, signaling pathways, and hepatic and neuronal functions as well as disruption of the inflammatory responses. Therefore, this study is designed to evaluate the ameliorative effect of NK against BPA- or IR-induced liver and brain damage in rats. Serum ammonia level and liver function tests were measured in addition to brain oxidative stress markers, amyloid-beta, tau protein, and neuroinflammatory mediators. Moreover, relative quantification of brain nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) genes, as well as apoptotic markers in brain tissue, was carried out in addition to histopathological examination. The results showed that NK improved liver functions, impaired oxidative status, the cholinergic deficits, and minified the misfolded proteins aggregates. Furthermore, NK alleviated the neuroinflammation via modulating NF-κB/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and glial cell activation in addition to their antiapoptotic effect. Collectively, the current results revealed the protective effect of NK against hepatic and neurotoxicity derived from BPA or IR.
Visceral artery aneurysmal lesion of the omentum – a rare cause of spontaneous fatal intra-abdominal hemorrhage
Authors: McClintock Claire M. , Byard Roger W , Sebben Ruben , Langlois Neil E. I.
Published: June 2022

We report unexpected death of a 72-year-old man due to a hemoperitoneum (1.9 L of blood in the abdominal cavity). Postmortem examination revealed that the cause of the hemorrhage was an arterial aneurysmal lesion in the greater omentum. The lesion measured 4 × 4 × 6 cm with a generally smooth wall, but with a focal area of rupture within a hemorrhagic region measuring 1 × 2 cm. There was a substantial feeding artery. Histological examination revealed features in keeping with a pseudoaneurysm, but also with some features of a true aneurysm. There was no history of trauma and the rupture of the aneurysmal lesion that had caused the hematoperitoneum was considered to be spontaneous. Prior to his death the deceased had attended hospital for epigastric pain, which was attributed to dyspepsia, but otherwise he had not had symptoms prior to his death.
Deciphering field-based evidences for crop allelopathy in weed regulation. A review
Authors: Mahé Inès , Chauvel Bruno , Colbach Nathalie , Cordeau Stéphane , Gfeller Aurélie , Reiss Antje , Moreau Delphine
Published: June 2022

It is now essential to reduce the negative impacts of weed management and especially herbicide use. Weed-suppressive crop species/varieties hold promise for integrated and sustainable weed regulation. Competition for resources and allelopathy are the two main underlying mechanisms. Unlike competition, which is well studied and established, allelopathy by living crops remains a contentious mechanism. A major difficulty to demonstrate the effects of allelopathy in the field is to dissociate them from those of competition. Here, we systematically and quantitatively review the literature, searching for field-based evidence of the role of allelopathy (by root exudation of living crops) in weed regulation, independently of competition, focusing on studies comparing different varieties of a given crop species. Our critical literature analysis also aims to identify weaknesses and strengths in methodology, providing insights on optimal experimental designs and avenues for future research. Our main conclusions are: (1) in most articles, the role of crop competition is disregarded or not exhaustively studied. Consequently, contrary to authors’ conclusions, it cannot be determined whether weed regulation is due to allelopathy and/or to competition. (2) Few articles provided convincing evidence of the presence/absence of allelopathy in the field. (3) To further investigate allelopathy in the field we recommend to (i) finely characterize crop competition by measuring traits in the field, (ii) assess crop allelopathic potential with complementary experiments in controlled conditions or by quantifying allelochemicals in the field, and (iii) quantify the contribution of each studied trait/mechanism in explaining weed regulation in the field with multiple regression models. In conclusion, the consistent use of the suggested guidelines, as well as alternative approaches (e.g., creation of varieties with deactivated allelopathic functions, development of process-based simulation models), may provide a basis for quantifying the role of allelopathy in the field and, subsequently, for designing weed management strategies promoting weed biological regulation.
Mountain pastures increase the resilience of livestock farming to extreme events in the Ariège department, France
Authors: Mayer Andreas , Egger Claudine , Loyau Adeline , Plutzar Christoph , Schmeller Dirk S. , Gaube Veronika
Published: June 2022

Mountain pastures are embedded in highly sensitive mountain ecosystems and provide forage for livestock during summer. In years when forage in the lowlands becomes scarce due to over-grazing and land degradation, or climate-related extreme events such as droughts, increasing stocking densities or expanding grazed areas in mountain pastures provide an additional and cost-efficient forage source. Their utilization highly depends on the management decisions of farmers and practices on their own agricultural land. To predict future land use and concomitant ecological impacts, it is crucial to understand the complex interplay between the decisions of farmers as well as the socio-economic and climatic environment. To understand these interactions, we use the agent-based part of the SECLAND model to analyze the future systemic feedback between climate change, land owner’s decisions on land use, and land use change on agricultural land and mountain pastures in the department of Ariège, France. We develop three land use scenarios for a sustainability-driven, a business-as-usual, and a scenario driven by fossil-fueled economic growth. In all scenarios, 32–46% of farms cease to exist, while active farms intensify their land use. On mountain pastures, results show increasing stocking densities up to the maximum carrying capacity of 0.3 livestock units per hectare, especially under the scenario with strong climate change effects and increased extreme events. Additionally, these patterns are strongly shaped by farm succession, vegetation regrowth on unused mountain pastures, and the search for cost-efficient forage resources. Such high stocking densities on mountain pastures increase the pressure on the ecosystem through manure droppings and the introduction of alien microbes, calling for considerate management to avoid conflicting situations. Agent-based models such as that used in this study enable researchers to untangle the described complex interactions between grazing livestock, and the utilization of lowland and mountain pastures in European mountain agroecosystems.
Tumor Molecular Profiling in Hispanics: Moving Towards Precision Oncology and Health Equity
Authors: Mendez Rodríguez Sariemma , Rodríguez-Hernández Aida M. , Torres-Torres Gabriela , Centeno-Girona Hilmaris , Cruz-Correa Marcia
Published: June 2022

Background

Tumor molecular profiling techniques, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) to identify somatic genetic alterations, allow physicians to have a better understanding of the affected carcinogenic pathways and guide targeted therapy. The objective of our study was to characterize common somatic alterations and carcinogenic pathways among Puerto Rican Hispanics with solid tumors.

Methods

We conducted a single-institution, retrospective study to characterize molecular tumor profiles using a 592-gene NGS platform. Actionable mutations with current or developing therapies targeting affected genes/pathways were highlighted.

Results

Tumors from 50 Hispanic patients were evaluated using CARIS Life Science© NGS testing. The median age of our study population was 55 (range 21–84); 54% (n = 27) were males. The primary tumor sites were colorectal (n = 24), gastric (n = 5), breast (n = 4), and lung (n = 3). The most common genetic mutations identified were in TP53 (44%), APC (38%), and KRAS (32%); followed by alterations in EGFR (4%), HER2 (6%), and homologous recombinant deficiency genes (BRCA2, 6%). Genetic alterations were found in multiple signaling pathways particularly in the cell cycle control pathway, MAPK and Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathways. Targetable biomarkers were identified in 27/50 (54.0%) of tumors.

Discussion

Molecular profiling techniques, such as next-generation sequencing, have substantially expanded access to alterations in the cancer genome. Our findings demonstrated important actionable mutations in most of the tumors evaluated and support the integration of somatic mutation profiling in the evaluation of Hispanic cancer patients with advanced cancer to help guide therapeutic options.
Sorption kinetics of 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene to biochars produced at various temperatures
Authors: Zhu Hongxia , Liu Xianyu , Jiang Yuan , Lin Daohui , Yang Kun
Published: June 2022

Sorption kinetics of organic compounds on biochars is important for understanding the retardation of mobility and bioavailability of organic compounds. Herein, sorption kinetics of 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene on biochars prepared from 200 to 700 °C was investigated to explore the sorption process. Loose partition matrix and condensed partition matrix were formed at relatively low and moderate temperatures, respectively. However, biochars produced at relatively high temperatures formed rich pore structures. Therefore, sorption equilibrium time of 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene increased with increasing preparation temperature from 200 to 350 °C due to the slower diffusion rate in the more condensed matrix, and then decreased when preparation temperature was higher than 400 °C because of the faster adsorption rate in the greater number of pores. Linear positive relationship between matrix diffusion rates of 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene on biochars prepared at 200, 250, 300, 350 °C and H/C ratios of biochars was observed, suggesting that the inhibition of partition process was caused by the condensed matrix in biochars. Linear positive relationships between adsorption rates (i.e., fast outer diffusion rate and slow pore diffusion rate) of 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene on biochars prepared at 400, 450, 550, 700 °C and graphite defects of biochars were observed, because the increase of graphite defects of biochars could promote the adsorption by increasing the quantity of fast diffusion channels and sorption sites. This study reveals the underlying mechanisms of sorption kinetics for organic compounds with relatively large size on biochars, which has potential guidance for the application of biochars and prediction of the environmental risks of organic compounds.

Graphical Abstract
Lung Cancer Patients’ Characteristics and Comorbidities Using the Korean National Hospital Discharge In-depth Injury Survey Data
Authors: Lee Kyunghee , Kang Sunghong , Hwang Jieun
Published: June 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of lung cancer and comorbidities in Korea and analyze the lung cancer patient’s characteristics and their comorbidities over the past 12 years. This study also aimed to investigate factors related to death as treatment outcome in discharged lung cancer patients.

Methods

This study analyzed the data obtained from the Korean National Hospital Discharge In-depth Injury Survey from 2006 to 2017. The quantity of discharged lung cancer patients was assessed by year. Comorbidities were limited to those included in the Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI). A Chi-square test was performed to determine statistically significant differences in the distributions of the ECI and ECI scores according to the presence or absence of metastatic cancer. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze factors related to death as treatment outcome.

Results

From 2006 to 2017, the number of discharged male and female patients with lung cancer increased from 31,720 to 42,016 and 10,897 to 18,197, respectively. The increase in the number of lung cancer patients was greater in women than in men (67.0% vs. 32.5%, respectively). The most common associated comorbidities were hypertension, diabetes, and chronic pulmonary disease. The factors related to death as treatment outcome were found to include sex, admission route, number of hospital beds, length of stay, presence or absence of metastatic cancer, and ECI score.

Conclusion

The number of lung cancer patients in Korea has increased, and a high proportion of these patients have chronic diseases, which negatively would impact the treatment and outcome of lung cancer patients as well as their quality of life. Thus, the management of chronic diseases needs to be prioritized in patients with lung cancer.
Time of Historicism, Print Revival, and Parsi Patronage of Architecture, 1887–1936
Authors: Grigor Talinn
Published: June 2022

Focusing on the decades between 1887 and 1936, this article examines the relationship between the Parsi-Iranian network of the printed text—often sustained by abundant visual evidence—and the built environment that then returned onto the published pages of printed books and periodicals. It examines several seminal Parsi and Iranian texts, all of which were published in the Bombay-based Parsi press, containing images of outstanding architectural edifices erected in Iran with Parsi financing to map the broader political discourse on modern reform through the strategy of an artistic revival. The piece foregrounds the codependence of Parsi patronage of print and built architecture. Architecture itself is treated as a text that aimed to ground the instability of language and identity in solid foundations. This codependent relation helped support a modernist discourse on Iranian nationalist rebirth.
Presidential Electoral Cycles and Corruption Charges
Authors: Amick Joe , Bukovansky Mlada , Liu Amy H.
Published: June 2022

Anti-corruption efforts are inherently political. Corruption charges can be levied against political opponents as an instrument of repression; they can also be used against troublesome allies in the same party coalition to further consolidate power. In this paper, we focus on Indonesia and ask: Do major corruption charges follow a presidential electoral cycle—and if so, how? We contend charges against prominent members of the government coalition are more likely to happen before an election, allowing the government to replace intra-party rivals with loyal allies. Conversely, charges against prominent opposition members are more likely to happen after an election when fears of retaliation are low, opportunities for credit-claiming are high, and there is an incentive to remove veto players who may inhibit implementing the government's agenda. To test this argument, we use an original, newly assembled dataset of all major corruption charges—i.e., those involving high-profile politicians and garnering international attention—in Indonesia from 1998–2015 as reported in the Associated Press. We find a significant and robust relationship between the electoral calendar and major corruption charges. This relationship is robust across presidential administrations. These results yield insights into how anti-corruption efforts can become a political tool and counsel caution about the effectiveness of “good governance,” especially in new democracies. Finally, we discuss how contextual political factors external to Indonesia's anti-corruption commission, reinforce this empirical pattern.
“A Feminism For the Many”: Response to the Comments
Authors: Cobble Dorothy Sue
Published: June 2022

For the Many: American Feminists and the Global Fight for Democratic Equalityrecasts American feminism as a global story and reclaims the fight for economic justice and social democracy as a majority tradition of women's politics. This rejoinder by the author ofFor the Manyis the concluding essay in a review dossier on the book. Cobble discusses the book's origins and its contributions to global history, women's history, and political history. She engages with comments and queries from dossier reviewers, a diverse group of historians of Latin America, South Asia, Africa, and Europe. Topics include, among others, the unfinished struggle to revalue care and social reproduction, the influence of India on US feminism, Black internationalism and full-rights feminism, varieties of socialism, rethinking Cold War frameworks, and feminist perspectives on eugenics, race, and sexuality.
Participation without Contestation: NGOs’ Autonomy and Advocacy in China
Authors: Su Zheng , Ma Shiqi , Zhang Changdong
Published: June 2022

How do non-governmental organizations (NGOs) advocate public policies? What impacts their advocacy strategies? Although scholars have addressed these questions in a democratic context, less is known about NGO advocacy under powerful authoritarian regimes. Using China as a case study, we develop an institutional explanation of NGOs’ policy advocacy patterns and explore the impacts of NGO autonomy. Using a unique dataset of registered NGOs in three Chinese provinces, we find that NGOs with more autonomy tend to conduct direct negotiations with the government more actively (more political advocacy). However, these more autonomous NGOs are likely to be more hesitant to mobilize society from the bottom up (less social advocacy). These findings enrich our knowledge of social actors’ roles in the policymaking process in China.
Barriers and enablers to menu planning guideline implementation in Australian childcare centres and the role of government support services
Authors: Elford Audrey , Spence Alison , Wakem Amy , Campbell Karen J , Love Penelope
Published: June 2022

Objective:

To explore government support service access, perceived barriers/enablers to menu planning and menu compliance in long day care (LDC) centres in Victoria, Australia, where the Victorian Government-funded Healthy Eating Advisory Service (HEAS) is available to provide free LDC menu planning support.

Design:

This is a cross-sectional study design. Data were collected from online surveys with the option of uploading 2 weeks of menus and recipes. Menu compliance was scored for quantity, quality and variety. Barriers/enablers to menu planning guideline implementation were determined using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Independent t tests, one-way ANOVA and chi-square tests assessed relationships between characteristics, barriers/enablers and menu scores.

Setting:

Eighty-nine LDC centres that prepare food onsite.

Participants:

LDC staff responsible for menu planning (n 89) and menus from eighteen centres.

Results:

Fifty-five per cent of centres had accessed HEAS. Of eighteen provided menus, only one menu was compliant with menu planning guidelines. HEAS access was associated with higher average scores in four of seven TDF domains, namely knowledge/awareness, skills/role, reinforcement/influence and optimism/intent. There were no correlations between menu score and barriers/enablers; however, menu quality scores were higher for those accessing HEAS.

Conclusions:

Childcare-specific government support services may be an important public health nutrition strategy and may improve menu planning guideline implementation as well as menu quality; however, this does not necessarily translate into menu compliance. Research should confirm these findings in larger studies to ascertain uptake of these services. Public health efforts should focus on exploring barriers and enablers to uptake of government support services to increase reach and acceptability.
The ferns in a new Middle Jurassic locality from the Otlaltepec Formation, Puebla, Mexico
Authors: MORALES-TOLEDO Jeronimo , MENDOZA-RUIZ Aniceto C. , CEVALLOS-FERRIZ Sergio R. S.
Published: June 2022

Mesozoic ferns from Mexico have been the subject of serious academic endeavours since the beginning of the 20th Century, to understand these plants at the time of their peak diversity. Most findings have been made in a set of Middle Jurassic Basins of the Mixtec Terrain in the Oaxaca State. However, fossil ferns are scarce in other assemblages, so further identification of this group has been infrequent. Here we describe six new and recently collected fossil plants from the Middle Jurassic Otlaltepec Formation, Puebla. Based on their fertile and vegetative fronds, we propose the new genus Paralophosoria Morales-Toledo, Mendoza-Ruiz & Cevallos-Ferriz, gen. nov. in the Dicksoniaceae, represented by Paralophosoria jurassica, Morales-Toledo, Mendoza-Ruiz & Cevallos-Ferriz, sp. nov., and identify the following genera: cf. Aspidistes, Sphenopteris, Spiropteris. A fern with uncertain affinities was also described. This work contributes to the understanding of fern diversity in low latitudes during the Middle Jurassic in Mexico.
Pediatric Symptom Checklist-17
Authors: Li Nan , Tan Mei , Thuma Philip E. , Grigorenko Elena L.
Published: June 2022

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Pediatric Symptom Checklist-17 (PSC-17) in a sample of children orphaned or made vulnerable (OVC) by HIV in Zambia. Caregivers of 1,076 OVC (55.1% boys; Mage = 12.91 years) completed the PSC-17. Competing models, including confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), hierarchical CFA, bifactor CFA, exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM), and bifactor ESEM, were tested to evaluate the optimal factor structure of the PSC-17. Results showed that the bifactor ESEM provided the best approximation of the PSC-17 data with a well-defined general psychosocial problems factor explaining 72% of the reliable variance in the total score and an internalizing factor containing 63% of the reliable variance unique from the general factor. The observed overall psychosocial problems score was associated with lower academic achievement and working memory (with small effect sizes), supporting the discriminant validity of score interpretation. Results of multiple indicators multiple causes (MIMIC) analyses revealed that all items functioned equivalently across child gender and age.
Evidence for moiré intralayer excitons in twisted WSe2/WSe2 homobilayer superlattices
Authors: Wu Biao , Zheng Haihong , Li Shaofei , Ding Junnan , He Jun , Zeng Yujia , Chen Keqiu , Liu Zongwen , Chen Shula , Pan Anlian , Liu Yanping
Published: June 2022

Recent advances in twisted van der Waals heterostructure superlattices have emerged as a powerful and attractive platform for exploring novel condensed matter physics due to the interplay between the moiré potential and Coulomb interactions. The moiré superlattices act as a periodic confinement potential in space to capture interlayer excitons (IXs), resulting in moiré exciton arrays, which provide opportunities for quantum emitters and many-body physics. The observation of moiré IXs in twisted transition-metal dichalcogenide (TMD) heterostructures has recently been widely reported. However, the capture and study of the moiré intralayer excitons based on TMD twisted homobilayer (T-HB) remain elusive. Here, we report the observation of moiré intralayer excitons in a WSe2/WSe2 T-HB with a small twist angle by measuring PL spectrum. The multiple split peaks with an energy range of 1.55–1.73 eV are different from that of the monolayer WSe2 exciton peaks. The split peaks were caused by the trapping of intralayer excitons via the moiré potential. The confinement effect of the moiré potential on the moiré intralayer excitons was further demonstrated by the changing of temperature, laser power, and valley polarization. Our findings provide a new avenue for exploring new correlated quantum phenomena and their applications.
Fecal microbiota transplantation from patients with rheumatoid arthritis causes depression-like behaviors in mice through abnormal T cells activation
Authors: Pu Yaoyu , Zhang Qiuping , Tang Zhigang , Lu Chenyang , Wu Liang , Zhong Yutong , Chen Yuehong , Hashimoto Kenji , Luo Yubin , Liu Yi
Published: June 2022

Depression is common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, the precise mechanisms underlying a link between depression and RA remain unclear. Accumulating evidence suggests the role of gut–microbiota–brain axis in depression. In this study, we investigated whether collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice produce depression-like behaviors and abnormal composition of gut microbiota. Furthermore, we investigated whether fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from RA patients causes depression-like phenotypes in antibiotic cocktail (ABX)-treated mice. CIA mice displayed depression-like behaviors, increased blood levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6), decreased expression of synaptic proteins in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), and abnormal composition of gut microbiota. Furthermore, FMT from RA patients caused depression-like phenotypes, alterations of gut microbiota composition, increased levels of IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and downregulation of synaptic proteins in the PFC compared to FMT from healthy controls. There were correlations between relative abundance of microbiota and plasma cytokines, expression of synaptic proteins in the PFC or depression-like behaviors. Interestingly, FMT from RA patients induced T cells differentiation in Peyer’s patches and spleen. Reduced percentage of Treg cells with an increase of Th1/Th2 index was observed in the mice after FMT from RA patients. These findings suggest that CIA mice exhibit depression-like behaviors, systemic inflammation, and abnormal composition of gut microbiota, and that FMT from RA patients produces depression-like behaviors in ABX-treated mice via T cells differentiation. Therefore, abnormalities in gut microbiota in RA patients may contribute to depression via gut–microbiota–brain axis.
Whole genome sequencing reveals hidden transmission of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales
Authors: Marimuthu Kalisvar , Venkatachalam Indumathi , Koh Vanessa , Harbarth Stephan , Perencevich Eli , Cherng Benjamin Pei Zhi , Fong Raymond Kok Choon , Pada Surinder Kaur , Ooi Say Tat , Smitasin Nares , Thoon Koh Cheng , Tambyah Paul Anantharajah , Hsu Li Yang , Koh Tse Hsien , De Partha Pratim , Tan Thean Yen , Chan Douglas , Deepak Rama Narayana , Tee Nancy Wen Sim , Kwa Andrea , Cai Yiying , Teo Yik-Ying , Thevasagayam Natascha May , Prakki Sai Rama Sridatta , Xu Weizhen , Khong Wei Xin , Henderson David , Stoesser Nicole , Eyre David W. , Crook Derrick , Ang Michelle , Lin Raymond Tzer Pin , Chow Angela , Cook Alex R. , Teo Jeanette , Ng Oon Tek ,   Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Singapore (CaPES) Study Group, Marimuthu Kalisvar , Venkatachalam Indumathi , Cherng Benjamin Pei Zhi , Fong Raymond Kok Choon , Pada Surinder Kaur , Ooi Say Tat , Smitasin Nares , Thoon Koh Cheng , Hsu Li Yang , Koh Tse Hsien , De Partha Pratim , Tan Thean Yen , Chan Douglas , Deepak Rama Narayana , Tee Nancy Wen Sim , Ang Michelle , Lin Raymond Tzer Pin , Teo Jeanette , Ng Oon Tek
Published: June 2022

Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) infection control practices are based on the paradigm that detected carriers in the hospital transmit to other patients who stay in the same ward. The role of plasmid-mediated transmission at population level remains largely unknown. In this retrospective cohort study over 4.7 years involving all multi-disciplinary public hospitals in Singapore, we analysed 779 patients who acquired CPE (1215 CPE isolates) detected by clinical or surveillance cultures. 42.0% met putative clonal transmission criteria, 44.8% met putative plasmid-mediated transmission criteria and 13.2% were unlinked. Only putative clonal transmissions associated with direct ward contact decreased in the second half of the study. Both putative clonal and plasmid-mediated transmission associated with indirect (no temporal overlap in patients’ admission period) ward and hospital contact did not decrease during the study period. Indirect ward and hospital contact were identified as independent risk factors associated with clonal transmission. In conclusion, undetected CPE reservoirs continue to evade hospital infection prevention measures. New measures are needed to address plasmid-mediated transmission, which accounted for 50% of CPE dissemination.
Effects of sex, age, choice of surgical orthodontic treatment, and skeletal pattern on the psychological assessments of orthodontic patients
Authors: Hino Sayaka , Maeda-Iino Aya , Yagi Takakazu , Nakagawa Shoko , Miyawaki Shouichi
Published: June 2022

We aimed to examine the effects of sex, age, choice of surgical orthodontic treatment, and skeletal pattern on psychological assessment scores of orthodontic patients before edgewise treatment. They completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)-II, and the psychological domain of the World Health Organization Quality of Life 26 (Psych-QOL) for assessment of anxiety, depression, and body image, respectively. No significant effects on psychological assessment scores due to sex or age differences were found. Surgical orthodontic treatment patients and patients with skeletal Class III had significantly higher STAI-Trait and/or BDI-II scores and lower Psych-QOL score. Based on the linear mixed-effects model, the choice of surgical orthodontic treatment had a significant effect on the STAI-Trait, BDI-II, and Psych-QOL scores. No significant interaction effect was found between the choice of surgical orthodontic treatment and the skeletal pattern by ANB angle. Patients with skeletal Class I or III who chose surgical orthodontic treatment had higher STAI-Trait and/or BDI-II scores and/or lower body image score, respectively. These results suggest that patients who chose surgical orthodontic treatment, particularly those with skeletal Class I and III, may be more prone to experience anxiety and depression and have body image dissatisfaction.
The impact of ultra-high-density mapping on long-term outcome after catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Schleberger Ruben , Schwarzl Jana M. , Moser Julia , Nies Moritz , Höller Alexandra , Münkler Paula , Dinshaw Leon , Jungen Christiane , Lemoine Marc D. , Maury Philippe , Sacher Frederic , Martin Claire A. , Wong Tom , Estner Heidi L. , Jaïs Pierre , Willems Stephan , Eickholt Christian , Meyer Christian
Published: June 2022

Ultra-high-density (UHD) mapping can improve scar area detection and fast activation mapping in patients undergoing catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT). The aim of the present study was to compare the outcome after VT ablation guided by UHD and conventional point-by-point 3D-mapping. The acute and long-term ablation outcome of 61 consecutive patients with UHD mapping (64-electrode mini-basket catheter) was compared to 61 consecutive patients with conventional point-by-point 3D-mapping using a 3.5 mm tip catheter. Patients, whose ablation was guided by UHD mapping had an improved 24-months outcome in comparison to patients with conventional mapping (cumulative incidence estimate of the combination of recurrence or disease-related death of 52.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) [36.9–65.7]; recurrence: n = 25; disease-related death: n = 4) versus 69.6% (95% CI [55.9–79.8]); recurrence: n = 31; disease-related death n = 11). In a cause-specific Cox proportional hazards model, UHD mapping (hazard ratio (HR) 0.623; 95% CI [0.390–0.995]; P = 0.048) and left ventricular ejection fraction > 30% (HR 0.485; 95% CI [0.290–0.813]; P = 0.006) were independently associated with lower rates of recurrence or disease-related death. Other procedural parameters were similar in both groups. In conclusion, UHD mapping during VT ablation was associated with fewer VT recurrences or disease-related deaths during long-term follow-up in comparison to conventional point-by-point mapping. Complication rates and other procedural parameters were similar in both groups.
Difference in the alveolar bone remodeling between the adolescents and adults during upper incisor retraction: a retrospective study
Authors: Zheng Ya , Zhu Chenjing , Zhu Meng , Lei Lang
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study was to compare the difference of alveolar bone remodeling between the adolescents and adults in the maxillary incisor area during retraction. This retrospective study included 72 female patients who needed moderate anchorage to correct the bimaxillary protrusion. Subjects were further divided into the minor group (n = 36, 11–16 years old) and adult group (n = 36, 18–35 years old). Digital lateral cephalography and cone beam CT scanning were taken in each patient before (T0) and after treatment (T1). Cephalometry was conducted to assess incisor retraction, while alveolar bone thickness (ABT), alveolar bone distance (ABD), and alveolar bone area (ABA) were detected to assess changes in the alveolar bone. No difference in the inclination of upper incisors was observed at both T0 and T1 between two groups. Changes in the alveolar bone showed a similar tendency with bone apposition on the labial side and bone resorption on the palatal side in both groups. Less increase in the labial ABT (T1–T0) and more decrease in the palatal ABT (T1–T0) was found in the adult group, leading to less total ABT in the adult group. Higher reduction in ABD (T1–T0) was found in the adult group. Moreover, more decrease in the ABA (T1–T0) was found in the adult group. Adult patients have less alveolar bone support after treatment when compared with young adolescents. Orthodontists should take the age into consideration to reduce the potential periodontal risks during the treatment planning.
Music reading experience modulates eye movement pattern in English reading but not in Chinese reading
Authors: Liao Weiyan , Li Sara Tze Kwan , Hsiao Janet Hui-wen
Published: June 2022

Here we tested the hypothesis that in Chinese-English bilinguals, music reading experience may modulate eye movement planning in reading English but not Chinese sentences due to the similarity in perceptual demands on processing sequential symbol strings separated by spaces between music notation and English sentence reading. Chinese–English bilingual musicians and non-musicians read legal, semantically incorrect, and syntactically (and semantically) incorrect sentences in both English and Chinese. In English reading, musicians showed more dispersed eye movement patterns in reading syntactically incorrect sentences than legal sentences, whereas non-musicians did not. This effect was not observed in Chinese reading. Musicians also had shorter saccade lengths when viewing syntactically incorrect than correct musical notations and sentences in an unfamiliar alphabetic language (Tibetan), whereas non-musicians did not. Thus, musicians’ eye movement planning was disturbed by syntactic violations in both music and English reading but not in Chinese reading, and this effect was generalized to an unfamiliar alphabetic language. These results suggested that music reading experience may modulate perceptual processes in reading differentially in bilinguals’ two languages, depending on their processing similarities.
Identification of hub pathways and drug candidates in gastric cancer through systems biology
Authors: Salarikia Seyed Reza , Kashkooli Mohammad , Taghipour Mohammad Javad , Malekpour Mahdi , Negahdaripour Manica
Published: June 2022

Gastric cancer is the fourth cause of cancer death globally, and gastric adenocarcinoma is its most common type. Efforts for the treatment of gastric cancer have increased its median survival rate by only seven months. Due to the relatively low response of gastric cancer to surgery and adjuvant therapy, as well as the complex role of risk factors in its incidences, such as protein-pomp inhibitors (PPIs) and viral and bacterial infections, we aimed to study the pathological pathways involved in gastric cancer development and investigate possible medications by systems biology and bioinformatics tools. In this study, the protein–protein interaction network was analyzed based on microarray data, and possible effective compounds were discovered. Non-coding RNA versus coding RNA interaction network and gene-disease network were also reconstructed to better understand the underlying mechanisms. It was found that compounds such as amiloride, imatinib, omeprazole, troglitazone, pantoprazole, and fostamatinib might be effective in gastric cancer treatment. In a gene-disease network, it was indicated that diseases such as liver carcinoma, breast carcinoma, liver fibrosis, prostate cancer, ovarian carcinoma, and lung cancer were correlated with gastric adenocarcinoma through specific genes, including hgf, mt2a, mmp2, fbn1, col1a1, and col1a2. It was shown that signaling pathways such as cell cycle, cell division, and extracellular matrix organization were overexpressed, while digestion and ion transport pathways were underexpressed. Based on a multilevel systems biology analysis, hub genes in gastric adenocarcinoma showed participation in the pathways such as focal adhesion, platelet activation, gastric acid secretion, HPV infection, and cell cycle. PPIs are hypothesized to have a therapeutic effect on patients with gastric cancer. Fostamatinib seems a potential therapeutic drug in gastric cancer due to its inhibitory effect on two survival genes. However, these findings should be confirmed through experimental investigations.
Phenotypic characterization and analysis of complete genomes of two distinct strains of the proposed species “L. swaminathanii”
Authors: Hudson Lauren K. , Chaggar Harleen K. , Schamp Claire N. , Claxton Michelle L. , Bryan Daniel W. , Peters Tracey L. , Song Yaxiong , Carlin Catharine R. , den Bakker Henk C. , Denes Thomas G.
Published: June 2022

Recently, a newListeriaspecies, “Listeria swaminathanii”, was proposed. Here, we phenotypically and genotypically characterize two additional strains that were previously obtained from soil samples and compare the results to the type strain. Complete genomes for both strains were assembled from hybrid Illumina and Nanopore sequencing reads and annotated. Further genomic analysis including average nucleotide identity (ANI) and detection of mobile genetic elements and genes of interest (e.g., virulence-associated) were conducted. The strains showed 98.7–98.8% ANI with the type strain. The UTK C1-0015 genome contained a partial monocin locus and a plasmid, while the UTK C1-0024 genome contained a full monocin locus and a prophage. Phenotypic characterization consistent with those performed on the proposed type strain was conducted to assess consistency of phenotypes across a greater diversity of the proposed species (n = 3 instead of n = 1). Only a few findings were notably different from those of the type strain, such as catalase activity, glycerol metabolism, starch metabolism, and growth at 41 °C. This study further expands our understanding of this newly proposed sensu strictoListeriaspecies.
Crosslinker-free collagen gelation for corneal regeneration
Authors: Islam Mohammad Mirazul , Chivu Alexandru , AbuSamra Dina B. , Saha Amrita , Chowdhuri Sumit , Pramanik Bapan , Dohlman Claes H. , Das Debapratim , Argüeso Pablo , Rajaiya Jaya , Patra Hirak K. , Chodosh James
Published: June 2022

Development of an artificial cornea can potentially fulfil the demand of donor corneas for transplantation as the number of donors is far less than needed to treat corneal blindness. Collagen-based artificial corneas stand out as a regenerative option, having promising clinical outcomes. Collagen crosslinked with chemical crosslinkers which modify the parent functional groups of collagen. However, crosslinkers are usually cytotoxic, so crosslinkers need to be removed from implants completely before application in humans. In addition, crosslinked products are mechanically weak and susceptible to enzymatic degradation. We developed a crosslinker free supramolecular gelation strategy using pyrene conjugated dipeptide amphiphile (PyKC) consisting of lysine and cysteine; in which collagen molecules are intertwined inside the PyKC network without any functional group modification of the collagen. The newly developed collagen implants (Coll-PyKC) are optically transparent and can effectively block UV light, are mechanically and enzymatically stable, and can be sutured. The Coll-PyKC implants support the growth and function of all corneal cells, trigger anti-inflammatory differentiation while suppressing the pro-inflammatory differentiation of human monocytes. Coll-PyKC implants can restrict human adenovirus propagation. Therefore, this crosslinker-free strategy can be used for the repair, healing, and regeneration of the cornea, and potentially other damaged organs of the body.