bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Convergent evolution of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants leading to the emergence of BQ.1.1 variant
Authors: Ito Jumpei , Suzuki Rigel , Uriu Keiya , Itakura Yukari , Zahradnik Jiri , Kimura Kanako Terakado , Deguchi Sayaka , Wang Lei , Lytras Spyros , Tamura Tomokazu , Kida Izumi , Nasser Hesham , Shofa Maya , Begum Mst Monira , Tsuda Masumi , Oda Yoshitaka , Suzuki Tateki , Sasaki Jiei , Sasaki-Tabata Kaori , Fujita Shigeru , Yoshimatsu Kumiko , Ito Hayato , Nao Naganori , Asakura Hiroyuki , Nagashima Mami , Sadamasu Kenji , Yoshimura Kazuhisa , Yamamoto Yuki , Nagamoto Tetsuharu , Kuramochi Jin , Schreiber Gideon ,   The Genotype to Phenotype Japan (G2P-Japan) Consortium, Suzuki Saori , Kato Marie , Ferdous Zannatul , Mouri Hiromi , Shishido Kenji , Misawa Naoko , Kimura Izumi , Kosugi Yusuke , Lin Pan , Suganami Mai , Chiba Mika , Yoshimura Ryo , Yasuda Kyoko , Iida Keiko , Ohsumi Naomi , Strange Adam P. , Sauter Daniel , Nakagawa So , Wu Jiaqi , Watanabe Yukio , Sakamoto Ayaka , Yasuhara Naoko , Nakajima Yukari , Yajima Hisano , Shirakawa Kotaro , Takaori-Kondo Akifumi , Nagata Kayoko , Kazuma Yasuhiro , Nomura Ryosuke , Horisawa Yoshihito , Tashiro Yusuke , Kawa Yugo , Irie Takashi , Kawabata Ryoko , Shimizu Ryo , Takahashi Otowa , Ichihara Kimiko , Motozono Chihiro , Toyoda Mako , Ueno Takamasa , Shibatani Yuki , Nishiuchi Tomoko , Saito Akatsuki , Matsuno Keita , Takayama Kazuo , Hashiguchi Takao , Tanaka Shinya , Fukuhara Takasuke , Ikeda Terumasa , Sato Kei
Published: May 2023

In late 2022, various Omicron subvariants emerged and cocirculated worldwide. These variants convergently acquired amino acid substitutions at critical residues in the spike protein, including residues R346, K444, L452, N460, and F486. Here, we characterize the convergent evolution of Omicron subvariants and the properties of one recent lineage of concern, BQ.1.1. Our phylogenetic analysis suggests that these five substitutions are recurrently acquired, particularly in younger Omicron lineages. Epidemic dynamics modelling suggests that the five substitutions increase viral fitness, and a large proportion of the fitness variation within Omicron lineages can be explained by these substitutions. Compared to BA.5, BQ.1.1 evades breakthrough BA.2 and BA.5 infection sera more efficiently, as demonstrated by neutralization assays. The pathogenicity of BQ.1.1 in hamsters is lower than that of BA.5. Our multiscale investigations illuminate the evolutionary rules governing the convergent evolution for known Omicron lineages as of 2022.
In-plane hyperbolic polariton tuners in terahertz and long-wave infrared regimes
Authors: Huang Wuchao , Folland Thomas G. , Sun Fengsheng , Zheng Zebo , Xu Ningsheng , Xing Qiaoxia , Jiang Jingyao , Chen Huanjun , Caldwell Joshua D. , Yan Hugen , Deng Shaozhi
Published: May 2023

One of the main bottlenecks in the development of terahertz (THz) and long-wave infrared (LWIR) technologies is the limited intrinsic response of traditional materials. Hyperbolic phonon polaritons (HPhPs) of van der Waals semiconductors couple strongly with THz and LWIR radiation. However, the mismatch of photon − polariton momentum makes far-field excitation of HPhPs challenging. Here, we propose an In-Plane Hyperbolic Polariton Tuner that is based on patterning van der Waals semiconductors, here α-MoO3, into ribbon arrays. We demonstrate that such tuners respond directly to far-field excitation and give rise to LWIR and THz resonances with high quality factors up to 300, which are strongly dependent on in-plane hyperbolic polariton of the patterned α-MoO3. We further show that with this tuner, intensity regulation of reflected and transmitted electromagnetic waves, as well as their wavelength and polarization selection can be achieved. Our results can help the development of THz and LWIR miniaturized devices.
Cap analogs with a hydrophobic photocleavable tag enable facile purification of fully capped mRNA with various cap structures
Authors: Inagaki Masahito , Abe Naoko , Li Zhenmin , Nakashima Yuko , Acharyya Susit , Ogawa Kazuya , Kawaguchi Daisuke , Hiraoka Haruka , Banno Ayaka , Meng Zheyu , Tada Mizuki , Ishida Tatsuma , Lyu Pingxue , Kokubo Kengo , Murase Hirotaka , Hashiya Fumitaka , Kimura Yasuaki , Uchida Satoshi , Abe Hiroshi
Published: May 2023

Starting with the clinical application of two vaccines in 2020, mRNA therapeutics are currently being investigated for a variety of applications. Removing immunogenic uncapped mRNA from transcribed mRNA is critical in mRNA research and clinical applications. Commonly used capping methods provide maximum capping efficiency of around 80–90% for widely used Cap-0- and Cap-1-type mRNAs. However, uncapped and capped mRNA possesses almost identical physicochemical properties, posing challenges to their physical separation. In this work, we develop hydrophobic photocaged tag-modified cap analogs, which separate capped mRNA from uncapped mRNA by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Subsequent photo-irradiation recovers footprint-free native capped mRNA. This approach provides 100% capping efficiency even in Cap-2-type mRNA with versatility applicable to 650 nt and 4,247 nt mRNA. We find that the Cap-2-type mRNA shows up to 3- to 4-fold higher translation activity in cultured cells and animals than the Cap-1-type mRNA prepared by the standard capping method.
Alternative promoters in CpG depleted regions are prevalently associated with epigenetic misregulation of liver cancer transcriptomes
Authors: Nepal Chirag , Andersen Jesper B.
Published: May 2023

Transcriptional regulation is commonly governed by alternative promoters. However, the regulatory architecture in alternative and reference promoters, and how they differ, remains elusive. In 100 CAGE-seq libraries from hepatocellular carcinoma patients, here we annotate 4083 alternative promoters in 2926 multi-promoter genes, which are largely undetected in normal livers. These genes are enriched in oncogenic processes and predominantly show association with overall survival. Alternative promoters are narrow nucleosome depleted regions, CpG island depleted, and enriched for tissue-specific transcription factors. Globally tumors lose DNA methylation. We show hierarchical retention of intragenic DNA methylation with CG-poor regions rapidly losing methylation, while CG-rich regions retain it, a process mediated by differential SETD2, H3K36me3, DNMT3B, and TET1 binding. This mechanism is validated in SETD2 knockdown cells and SETD2-mutated patients. Selective DNA methylation loss in CG-poor regions makes the chromatin accessible for alternative transcription. We show alternative promoters can control tumor transcriptomes and their regulatory architecture.
Allocating capital-associated CO2 emissions along the full lifespan of capital investments helps diffuse emission responsibility
Authors: Ye Quanliang , Krol Maarten S. , Shan Yuli , Schyns Joep F. , Berger Markus , Hubacek Klaus
Published: May 2023

Capital assets such as machinery and infrastructure contribute substantially to CO2 emissions over their lifetime. Unique features of capital assets such as their long durability complicate the assignment of capital-associated CO2 emissions to final beneficiaries. Whereas conventional approaches allocate emissions required to produce capital assets to the year of formation, we propose an alternative perspective through allocating required emissions from the production of assets over their entire lifespans. We show that allocating CO2 emissions embodied in capital assets over time relieves emission responsibility for the year of formation, with 25‒46% reductions from conventional emission accounts. This temporal allocation, although virtual, is important for assessing the equity of CO2 emissions across generations due to the inertia of capital assets. To re-allocate emission responsibilities to the future, we design three capital investment scenarios with different investment purposes until 2030. Overall, the existing capital in 2017 will still carry approximately 10% responsibilities of China’s CO2 emissions in 2030, and could reach more than 40% for capital-intensive service sectors.
Neonatal immune challenge poses a sex-specific risk for epigenetic microglial reprogramming and behavioral impairment
Authors: Schwabenland Marius , Mossad Omar , Sievert Annika , Peres Adam G. , Ringel Elena , Baasch Sebastian , Kolter Julia , Cascone Giulia , Dokalis Nikolaos , Vlachos Andreas , Ruzsics Zsolt , Henneke Philipp , Prinz Marco , Blank Thomas
Published: May 2023

While the precise processes underlying a sex bias in the development of central nervous system (CNS) disorders are unknown, there is growing evidence that an early life immune activation can contribute to the disease pathogenesis. When we mimicked an early systemic viral infection or applied murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) systemically in neonatal female and male mice, only male adolescent mice presented behavioral deficits, including reduced social behavior and cognition. This was paralleled by an increased amount of infiltrating T cells in the brain parenchyma, enhanced interferon-γ (IFNγ) signaling, and epigenetic reprogramming of microglial cells. These microglial cells showed increased phagocytic activity, which resulted in abnormal loss of excitatory synapses within the hippocampal brain region. None of these alterations were seen in female adolescent mice. Our findings underscore the early postnatal period’s susceptibility to cause sex-dependent long-term CNS deficiencies following infections.
Solvent control of water O−H bonds for highly reversible zinc ion batteries
Authors: Wang Yanyan , Wang Zhijie , Pang Wei Kong , Lie Wilford , Yuwono Jodie A. , Liang Gemeng , Liu Sailin , Angelo Anita M. D’ , Deng Jiaojiao , Fan Yameng , Davey Kenneth , Li Baohua , Guo Zaiping
Published: May 2023

Aqueous Zn-ion batteries have attracted increasing research interest; however, the development of these batteries has been hindered by several challenges, including dendrite growth, Zn corrosion, cathode material degradation, limited temperature adaptability and electrochemical stability window, which are associated with water activity and the solvation structure of electrolytes. Here we report that water activity is suppressed by increasing the electron density of the water protons through interactions with highly polar dimethylacetamide and trimethyl phosphate molecules. Meanwhile, the Zn corrosion in the hybrid electrolyte is mitigated, and the electrochemical stability window and the operating temperature of the electrolyte are extended. The dimethylacetamide alters the surface energy of Zn, guiding the (002) plane dominated deposition of Zn. Molecular dynamics simulation evidences Zn2+ions are solvated with fewer water molecules, resulting in lower lattice strain in the NaV3O8·1.5H2O cathode during the insertion of hydrated Zn2+ions, boosting the lifespan of Zn|| NaV3O8·1.5H2O cell to 3000 cycles.
Mantle heterogeneity caused by trapped water in the Southwest Basin of the South China Sea
Authors: Tian Jinyu , Ma Zhitu , Lin Jian , Xu Min , Yu Xun , Le Ba Manh , Zhang Xubo , Zhang Fan , Guo Laiyin
Published: May 2023

Water is the most common volatile component inside the Earth. A substantial amount of water can be carried down to the interior of the Earth by subducting plates. However, how the subducted water evolves after the subducting slab breaks off remains poorly understood. Here we use the data from a passive seismic experiment using ocean bottom seismometers (OBSs) together with the land stations to determine the high-resolution, three-dimensional seismic structure of the Southwest Sub-basin (SWSB) of the South China Sea (SCS). At depths below 40 km, the mantle shear velocity (Vsv) beneath the northern side of the SWSB is similar to that of the conventional oceanic pyrolite mantle, but roughly 3% shear-velocity reduction is found beneath the southern side of the SWSB. Results of thermal dynamic modeling reveal that the observed shear-velocity reduction could be explained by the presence of 150–300 ppm of water and 5–10% of lower continental crust. The inferred high-water content at the southern side of the SWSB is consistent with a model in which the Proto-SCS plate subducted southward prior to and during the formation of the SCS basin, releasing water into the upper mantle of the SWSB.
Task-specific modulation of corticospinal neuron activity during motor learning in mice
Authors: Serradj Najet , Marino Francesca , Moreno-López Yunuen , Bernstein Amanda , Agger Sydney , Soliman Marwa , Sloan Andrew , Hollis Edmund
Published: May 2023

Motor skill learning relies on the plasticity of the primary motor cortex as task acquisition drives cortical motor network remodeling. Large-scale cortical remodeling of evoked motor outputs occurs during the learning of corticospinal-dependent prehension behavior, but not simple, non-dexterous tasks. Here we determine the response of corticospinal neurons to two distinct motor training paradigms and assess the role of corticospinal neurons in the execution of a task requiring precise modulation of forelimb movement and one that does not. In vivo calcium imaging in mice revealed temporal coding of corticospinal activity coincident with the development of precise prehension movements, but not more simplistic movement patterns. Transection of the corticospinal tract and optogenetic regulation of corticospinal activity show the necessity for patterned corticospinal network activity in the execution of precise movements but not simplistic ones. Our findings reveal a critical role for corticospinal network modulation in the learning and execution of precise motor movements.
Many-body screening effects in liquid water
Authors: Reshetnyak Igor , Lorin Arnaud , Pasquarello Alfredo
Published: May 2023

The screening arising from many-body excitations is a crucial quantity for describing absorption and inelastic X-ray scattering (IXS) of materials. Similarly, the electron screening plays a critical role in state-of-the-art approaches for determining the fundamental band gap. However, ab initio studies of the screening in liquid water have remained limited. Here, we use a combined analysis based on the Bethe-Salpeter equation and time-dependent density functional theory. We first show that absorption spectra at near-edge energies are insufficient to assess the accuracy by which the screening is described. Next, when the energy range under scrutiny is extended, we instead find that the IXS spectra are highly sensitive and allow for the selection of the optimal theoretical scheme. This leads to good agreement with experiment over a large range of transferred energies and momenta, and enables establishing the elusive fundamental band gap of liquid water at 9.3 eV.
An annotated human blastocyst dataset to benchmark deep learning architectures for in vitro fertilization
Authors: Kromp Florian , Wagner Raphael , Balaban Basak , Cottin Véronique , Cuevas-Saiz Irene , Schachner Clara , Fancsovits Peter , Fawzy Mohamed , Fischer Lukas , Findikli Necati , Kovačič Borut , Ljiljak Dejan , Martínez-Rodero Iris , Parmegiani Lodovico , Shebl Omar , Min Xie , Ebner Thomas
Published: May 2023

Medical Assisted Reproduction proved its efficacy to treat the vast majority forms of infertility. One of the key procedures in this treatment is the selection and transfer of the embryo with the highest developmental potential. To assess this potential, clinical embryologists routinely work with static images (morphological assessment) or short video sequences (time-lapse annotation). Recently, Artificial Intelligence models were utilized to support the embryo selection procedure. Even though they have proven their great potential in different in vitro fertilization settings, there is still considerable room for improvement. To support the advancement of algorithms in this research field, we built a dataset consisting of static blastocyst images and additional annotations. As such, Gardner criteria annotations, depicting a morphological blastocyst rating scheme, and collected clinical parameters are provided. The presented dataset is intended to be used to train deep learning models on static morphological images to predict Gardner’s criteria and clinical outcomes such as live birth. A benchmark of human expert’s performance in annotating Gardner criteria is provided.
Chunking as a rational solution to the speed–accuracy trade-off in a serial reaction time task
Authors: Wu Shuchen , Éltető Noémi , Dasgupta Ishita , Schulz Eric
Published: May 2023

When exposed to perceptual and motor sequences, people are able to gradually identify patterns within and form a compact internal description of the sequence. One proposal of how sequences can be compressed is people’s ability to form chunks. We study people’s chunking behavior in a serial reaction time task. We relate chunk representation with sequence statistics and task demands, and propose a rational model of chunking that rearranges and concatenates its representation to jointly optimize for accuracy and speed. Our model predicts that participants should chunk more if chunks are indeed part of the generative model underlying a task and should, on average, learn longer chunks when optimizing for speed than optimizing for accuracy. We test these predictions in two experiments. In the first experiment, participants learn sequences with underlying chunks. In the second experiment, participants were instructed to act either as fast or as accurately as possible. The results of both experiments confirmed our model’s predictions. Taken together, these results shed new light on the benefits of chunking and pave the way for future studies on step-wise representation learning in structured domains.
MSRDL: Deep learning framework for service recommendation in mashup creation
Authors: Yu Ting , Liu Hailin , Zhang Lihua , Liu Hongbing
Published: May 2023

In recent years, service-oriented computing technology has developed rapidly. The growing number of services increases the choice burden of software developers when developing service-based systems, such as mashups or applications. How to recommend appropriate services for developers to create mashups has become a basic problem in service-oriented recommendation systems. To solve this problem, people have proposed various methods to recommend services to match the requirements of the new mashups and achieved great success. However, there are also some challenges in feature utilization and text requirement understanding. Therefore, we propose a Mashup-oriented Service Recommendation framework based on Deep Learning, called MSRDL. A content component was designed in MSRDL to generate the representation of mashups and services. Besides, an interaction component was created in MSRDL to model the invocation records between mashups and services. The output features of the two parts are further integrated into MLP to obtain the service recommendation lists. Experimental results on ProgrammableWeb datasets show that our method is superior to the state-of-the-art methods.
Associations of active commuting to school in childhood and physical activity in adulthood
Authors: Kaseva Kaisa , Lounassalo Irinja , Yang Xiaolin , Kukko Tuomas , Hakonen Harto , Kulmala Janne , Pahkala Katja , Rovio Suvi , Hirvensalo Mirja , Raitakari Olli , Tammelin Tuija H. , Salin Kasper
Published: May 2023

This study examined whether active commuting to school in childhood and adolescence predicted active commuting to work and overall physical activity (PA) in adulthood. Participants from the Young Finns Study (N = 2436) were aged 9–18 years in 1980 and followed up until 2018/2020. Their commuting modes to school were assessed with a self-reported questionnaire in 1980. Adulthood PA was assessed through self-reports regarding commuting modes to work (2001–2018), leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) (2001–2018), and objectively measured daily steps (2007–2018/2020). Associations between childhood commuting and adulthood PA were evaluated using regression analyses and multilevel models. Demographic, socioeconomic and environmental covariates were adjusted for in the analyses. Active commuting to school in childhood contributed favourably to LTPA in 2001 (B = .38, p < .001), in 2007 (B = .35, p < .001), and in 2018 (B = .28, p < .01). Active commuting in childhood was associated with higher number of daily aerobic steps (B = 299.00, p = .03) and daily aerobic steps during weekdays in 2011 (B = 312.15, p = .03). In 2018, active commuting associated favourably with daily aerobic steps (B = 370.42, p < .01), daily aerobic steps during weekdays (B = 347.65, p = .01), daily steps during weekends (B = 628.49, p = .02), and daily aerobic steps during weekends (B = 402.69, p = .03). Covariate adjustments attenuated the associations excluding the one between active commuting and LTPA in 2007 (B = .36, p = .01) and daily steps during weekends in 2018 (B = 782.25, p = .04). Active commuting to school in childhood might be one of the PA modes that contribute to PA in adulthood and is therefore encouraged to be promoted from an early age.
Component wave calculation and analysis of the acoustic field in a borehole within a three-phase porous medium
Authors: Liu Lin , Zhang Xiumei , Wang Xiuming , He Xiao , Chen Hao
Published: May 2023

The knowledge of acoustic wave propagation in a borehole embedded in gas hydrate-bearing sediments is of great significance for the exploitation of gas hydrate. A gas hydrate-bearing sediment is a typical three-phase porous medium containing two solids and one fluid. However, until now, the borehole acoustic wavefield and its component waves within such a porous medium have never been calculated. In this work, a real-axis integration method is proposed to calculate the borehole acoustic field embedded in a three-phase porous medium based on the Biot-type three-phase theory. Meanwhile, a component wave approach, combined with the branch-cut integral method and the residue theorem, including residues at leaky poles is proposed to study the borehole wave propagation of a three-phase porous medium. The branch points and poles of the potential acoustic wave function are obtained, which correspond to the normal and leaky modes on various Riemann sheets. On this basis, the excitation intensity and waveforms of each component are obtained. The result shows that the waveform summed up from all individual waves agrees well with the full waveform calculated by real-axis integration, which provides a theoretical basis for the subsequent inversion of reservoir parameters by using the information of various mode waves.
Sputum handling for rheology
Authors: Esteban Enjuto Lydia , Robert de Saint Vincent Matthieu , Maurin Max , Degano Bruno , Bodiguel Hugues
Published: May 2023

The rheology of sputum is viewed as a powerful emerging biophysical marker for monitoring muco-obstructive pulmonary diseases such as cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-CF bronchiectasis (NCFB). However, there is no unified practice to process sputa from collection to analysis, which can lead to highly variable, and sometimes inconsistent results. The main objective of this study is to bring light into the handling of sputum samples to establish a standardised and robust protocol before rheological measurements. Sputum collected from 22 CF and 10 NCFB adults, was divided into control (vortexed and fresh: non-heated and non-frozen) and three treated conditions (either non-vortexed, heated or frozen). In addition, 6 CF expectorations were used to study the dynamics of ageing over 24 h. Sputum’s mechanical properties were measured with a rotational rheometer to obtain their properties at rest, elastic ($$G'$$

G
′

) and viscous moduli ($$G''$$

G

′
′

), and at the onset of flow, critical deformation ($$\gamma _c$$

γ
c

) and critical stress ($$\sigma _c$$

σ
c

). We demonstrate that heating sputum is completely destructive while freezing sputa at $$-80\,\,^{\circ }\hbox {C}$$

-
80

∘

C

has no discernible effect on their rheology. We also show that the variability of rheological measurements largely resulted from the sample’s macroscopic heterogeneity, and can be greatly reduced by non-destructive vortex homogenisation. Finally, we observed contrasted ageing effects as a fonction of purulence: while the viscoelasticity of purulent samples reduced by half within 6 h after collection, semi-purulent samples did not evolve. These results guide towards a robust unified protocol for simple sputum handling in rheometry. We therefore suggest to vortex and snap freeze sputum samples immediately after collection when direct testing is not possible.
Equivalent running leg lengths require prosthetic legs to be longer than biological legs during standing
Authors: Zhang-Lea Janet H. , Tacca Joshua R. , Beck Owen N. , Taboga Paolo , Grabowski Alena M.
Published: May 2023

We aimed to determine a method for prescribing a standing prosthetic leg length (ProsL) that results in an equivalent running biological leg length (BioL) for athletes with unilateral (UTTA) and bilateral transtibial amputations (BTTA). We measured standing leg length of ten non-amputee (NA) athletes, ten athletes with UTTA, and five athletes with BTTA. All athletes performed treadmill running trials from 3 m/s to their maximum speed. We calculated standing and running BioL and ProsL lengths and assessed the running-to-standing leg length ratio (Lratio) at three instances during ground contact: touchdown, mid-stance, and take-off. Athletes with UTTA had 2.4 cm longer standing ProsL than BioL length (p = 0.030), but their ProsL length were up to 3.3 cm shorter at touchdown and 4.1 cm shorter at mid-stance than BioL, at 3–11.5 m/s. At touchdown, mid-stance, and take-off, athletes with BTTA had 0.01–0.05 lower Lratio at 3 m/s (p < 0.001) and 0.03–0.07 lower Lratio at 10 m/s (p < 0.001) in their ProsL compared to the BioL of NA athletes. During running, ProsL were consistently shorter than BioL. To achieve equivalent running leg lengths at touchdown and take-off, athletes with UTTA should set their running-specific prosthesis height so that their standing ProsL length is 2.8–4.5% longer than their BioL length, and athletes with BTTA should set their running-specific prosthesis height so that their standing ProsL lengths are at least 2.1–3.9% longer than their presumed BioL length. Setting ProsL length to match presumed biological dimensions during standing results in shorter legs during running.
Elevated serum uric acid is associated with infertility in women living in America
Authors: Hong Xiang , Zhao Fanqi , Wang Wei , Wu Jingying , Zhu Xiaoqi , Wang Bei
Published: May 2023

Excessive uric acid levels may affect several organs and systems in the body. There is limited evidence of the effects of high serum uric acid levels on the female reproductive system. This study used the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database to explore the relationship between serum uric acid and female infertility. This cross-sectional study included a total of 2197 eligible subjects using data from NHANES 2013-March 2020 pre-pandemic data. Self-reported infertility (ever experiencing an inability to conceive after 12 months of trying to become pregnant) was the main outcome. Logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline were used to analyze the relationship between serum uric acid and female infertility, and stratified analysis was carried out. A total of 295 women self-reported infertility (13.43%). The median uric acid level for all study subjects was 4.4 mg/dL (interquartile range [IQR]: 3.7, 5.1). Serum uric acid levels were higher in the infertility group than in the control group (4.7 mg/dL [IQR: 4.0, 5.3] vs. 4.4 mg/dL [IQR: 3.7, 5.1], P < 0.001). After adjusting for age, race, marital status, smoking, alcohol, history of pregnancy, history of diabetes, history of hypertension, fasting glucose, total cholesterol, creatinine in refrigerated serum, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, direct high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glycohemoglobin, and body mass index confounders, women with serum uric acid levels at Q3 (4.4–5.1 mg/dL) had a 73% (odds ratio [OR] = 1.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18, 2.54, P = 0.005) higher risk of infertility, and women with uric acid levels at Q4 (5.1–18.0 mg/dL) had an 83% (OR = 1.83, 95% CI 1.22, 2.75, P = 0.003) increased risk of infertility compared to women at Q1 (1.6–3.7 mg/dL). The restricted cubic spline also showed that when serum uric acid levels exceeded the reference value, the risk of infertility gradually increased. We also performed a sensitivity analysis based on the complete dataset and found that the results were robust. Higher serum uric acid levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of female infertility. Women planning a pregnancy should have increased serum uric acid monitoring.
Cross talk between bacterial and human gene networks enriched using ncRNAs in IBD disease
Authors: Elahimanesh Mohammad , Najafi Mohammad
Published: May 2023

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a long-term inflammatory immune-mediated gut illness with several extra-intestinal complications. The aims of this study were to identify a novel network-based meta-analysis approach on the basis of the combinations of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from microarray data, to enrich the functional modules from human protein–protein interaction (PPI) and gene ontology (GO) data, and to profile the ncRNAs on the genes involved in IBD. The gene expression profiles of GSE126124, GSE87473, GSE75214, and GSE95095 are obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database based on the study criteria between 2017 and 2022. The DEGs were screened by the R software. DEGs were then used to examine gene ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. The ncRNAs including the miRNAs and ceRNAs were predicted on the PPIs visualized using Cytoscape. Enrichment analysis of genes with differential expression (n = 342) using KEGG and GO showed that the signaling pathways related with staphylococcus aureus and pertussis bacterial infections may stimulate the immune system and exacerbate IBD via the interaction with human proteins including Fibrinogen gamma chain (FGG), Keratin 10 (KRT10), and Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4). By building a ceRNA network, lncRNA XIST and NEAT1 were determined by affecting common miRNAs, hsa-miR-6875-5p, hsa-miR-1908-5p, hsa-miR-186-5p, hsa-miR-6763-5p, hsa-miR-4436a, and hsa-miR-520a-5p. Additionally, the chromosome regions including NM_001039703 and NM_006267, which produce the most potent circRNAs play a significant role in the ceRNA network of IBD. Also, we predicted the siRNAs that would be most effective against the bacterial genes in staphylococcus aureus and pertussis infections. These findings suggested that three genes (FGG, KRT10, and TLR4), six miRNAs (hsa-miR-6875-5p, hsa-miR-1908-5p, hsa-miR-186-5p, hsa-miR-4436a, hsa-miR-520a-5p, and hsa-miR-6763-5p), two lncRNAs (XIST and NEAT1), and chromosomal regions including NM_001039703 and NM_006267 with the production of the most effective circRNAs are involved in the ncRNA-associated ceRNA network of IBD. These ncRNA profiles are related to the described gene functions and may play therapeutic targets in controlling inflammatory bowel disease.
Atrial high-rate episodes intensify R2CHA2DS2-VASc score for prognostic stratification in pacemaker patients
Authors: Li Yi-Pan , Chen Ju-Yi , Chen Tse-Wei , Lu Wei-Da
Published: May 2023

Patients with device detected atrial high-rate episodes (AHRE) have an increased risk of MACE. The R2CHA2DS2-VASc, CHADS2, R2CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc score have been investigated for predicting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in different groups of patients. We aimed to evaluate the R2CHA2DS2-VASc score in combination with AHRE ≥ 6 min for predicting MACE in patients with dual-chamber PPM but no prior atrial fibrillation (AF). We retrospectively enrolled 376 consecutive patients undergoing dual-chamber PPM implantation and no prior AF. The primary endpoint was subsequent MACE. For all patients in the cohort, CHADS2, R2CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, R2CHA2DS2-VASc scores and AHRE ≥ or < 6 min were determined. AHRE was recorded as a heart rate > 175 bpm (Medtronic) or > 200 bpm (Biotronik) lasting ≥ 30 s. Multivariate Cox regression analysis with time-dependent covariates was used to determine the independent predictors of MACE. ROC-AUC analysis was performed for CHADS2, R2CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, and R2CHA2DS2-VASc scores and then adding AHRE ≥ 6 min to the four scores. The median age was 77 years, and 107 patients (28.5%) developed AHRE ≥ 6 min. After a median follow-up of 32 months, 46 (12.2%) MACE occurred. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that R2CHA2DS2-VASc score (HR, 1.485; 95% CI, 1.212–1.818; p < 0.001) and AHRE ≥ 6 min (HR, 2.125; 95% CI, 1.162–3.887; p = 0.014) were independent predictors for MACE. The optimal R2CHA2DS2-VASc score cutoff value was 4.5 (set at ≥ 5), with the highest Youden index (AUC, 0.770; 95% CI, 0.709–0.831; p < 0.001). ROC-AUC analysis of the four risk scores separately combined with AHRE ≥ 6 min all showed better discriminatory power than the four scores alone (All Z-statistic p < 0.05). In patients with PPM who develop AHRE ≥ 6 min, it is crucial to perform risk assessment with either four scores to further stratify risk for MACE.
Exploring pharmaphylogeny from multiple perspectives: a case study on Lithospermeae
Authors: Yan Yumei , Wei Xinxin , Qiu Bin , Wang Guoping , Zhou Baochang , Zhang Mingxu , Liu Yibo , Li Siqi , Gao Bowen , Li Minhui
Published: May 2023

Lithospermeae Dumort., a tribe under the subfamily Boraginoidae, is a perennial herb containing approximately 470 species under 26 genera, primarily distributed in temperate and tropical regions. To gain a deeper understanding of the medicinal plants of Lithospermeae and better protect and develop plant medicinal resources, the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and traditional use of Lithospermeae with medicinal value were analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis was carried out based on the internal transcribed spacer sequence. Through spatial analysis and the species distribution model, the spatial distribution pattern of Lithospermeae medicinal plants was analyzed. Meanwhile, the relevant targets and pathways involved in the pharmacological effects of commonly used medicinal plants were predicted using network pharmacology to further explore the genetic origin of Lithospermeae and enrich the pharmaphylogeny of medicinal plants. In this study, the chemical composition, traditional efficacy, and modern pharmacological activity of Lithospermeae were collected for the first time and analyzed in combination with the geographical distribution model, molecular phylogeny, and network pharmacology. Based on our findings, the pharmaphylogeny of Lithospermeae was preliminarily discussed, providing the scientific basis for basic research regarding Lithospermeae. Concurrently, this study explored the relationship between the development of the regional medicinal plant industry and the protection of biodiversity. Furthermore, our findings provide direction and theoretical guidance for the study of the phylogenetic relationships in medicinal plants and the development of Lithospermeae medicinal plant resources.
Stabilization of modulation instability by control field in semiconductor quantum wells
Authors: Nath Monika , Mukherjee Rohit , Borgohain Nitu
Published: May 2023

This article explores the modulation instability of a continuous or quasi-continuous weak probe pulse in a three-level asymmetric double quantum wells under an electromagnetically induced transparency regime, controlled by a strong laser beam. The dynamics of modulation instability reveals that the instability gain as well as its bandwidth is greatly influenced by control field Rabi frequency. The probe pulse is found to be almost stable against modulation instability for higher values of control field Rabi frequency. The results of this investigation may potentially apply for oscillation free generation of supercontinuum in quantum well nanostructures.
Non-invasive identification of combined salinity stress and stalk rot disease caused by Colletotrichum graminicola in maize using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Higgins Samantha , Joshi Ritu , Juarez Isaac , Bennett John S. , Holman Aidan P. , Kolomiets Michael , Kurouski Dmitry
Published: May 2023

Food security is an emerging problem that is faced by our civilization. There are millions of people around the world suffering from various kinds of malnutrition. The number of people that starve will only increase considering the continuous growth of the world’s population. The problem of food security can be addressed by timely detection and identification biotic and abiotic stresses in plants that drastically reduce the crop yield. A growing body of evidence suggests that Raman spectroscopy (RS), an emerging analytical technique, can be used for the confirmatory and non-invasive diagnostics of plant stresses. However, it remains unclear whether RS can efficiently disentangle biotic and abiotic stresses, as well as detect both of them simultaneously in plants. In this work, we modeled a stalk rot disease in corn by inoculating the plant stalks with Colletotrichum graminicola. In parallel, we subjected plants to salt stress, as well as challenging plants with both stalk rot disease and salinity stress simultaneously. After the stresses were introduced, Raman spectra were collected from the stalks to reveal stress-specific changes in the plant biochemistry. We found that RS was able to differentiate between stalk rot disease and salinity stresses with 100% accuracy, as well as predict presence of both of those stresses in plants on early and late stages. These results demonstrate that RS is a robust and reliable approach that can be used for confirmatory, non-destructive and label-free diagnostics of biotic and abiotic stresses in plants.
Strong conformable structure via tension activated kirigami
Authors: Corrigan Tom , Fleming Patrick , Eldredge Charlie , Langer-Anderson Delony
Published: May 2023

Kirigami, the art of cutting and folding sheets, provides a way to deploy three-dimensional shapes from flat material. Known for centuries by artists and the subject of recent research, practical application of kirigami is limited by the complexity of the folding step. Recently, a kirigami pattern based on staggered slits has been used for expanded metal gratings and packaging material, having the practical advantage of deploying with simple tension rather than complex folding. Here, we introduce a tension activated kirigami pattern that drives flat material into rows of vertical, accordion-like, folded walls. This array of walls has a stiffness and strength comparable to a full honeycomb core, yet it self-deploys under tension. The structure is also conformable, allowing it to wrap around objects. These attributes enable a step forward for low-cost structural panels and a sustainable alternative to plastic cushion wrap.
Genetic or therapeutic neutralization of ALK1 reduces LDL transcytosis and atherosclerosis in mice
Authors: Lee Sungwoon , Schleer Hubertus , Park Hyojin , Jang Erika , Boyer Michael , Tao Bo , Gamez-Mendez Ana , Singh Abhishek , Folta-Stogniew Ewa , Zhang Xinbo , Qin Lingfeng , Xiao Xue , Xu Lin , Zhang Junhui , Hu Xiaoyue , Pashos Evanthia , Tellides George , Shaul Philip W. , Lee Warren L. , Fernandez-Hernando Carlos , Eichmann Anne , Sessa William C.
Published: May 2023

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) accumulation in the arterial wall contributes to atherosclerosis initiation and progression1. Activin A receptor-like type 1 (ACVRL1, called activin-like kinase receptor (ALK1)) is a recently identified receptor that mediates LDL entry and transcytosis in endothelial cells (ECs)2,3. However, the role of this pathway in vivo is not yet known. In the present study, we show that genetic deletion of ALK1 in arterial ECs of mice substantially limits LDL accumulation, macrophage infiltration and atherosclerosis without affecting cholesterol or triglyceride levels. Moreover, a selective monoclonal antibody binding ALK1 efficiently blocked LDL transcytosis, but not bone morphogenetic protein-9 (BMP9) signaling, dramatically reducing plaque formation in LDL receptor knockout mice fed a high-fat diet. Thus, our results demonstrate that blocking LDL transcytosis into the endothelium may be a promising therapeutic strategy that targets the initiating event of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Improving the robustness of analog deep neural networks through a Bayes-optimized noise injection approach
Authors: Ye Nanyang , Cao Linfeng , Yang Liujia , Zhang Ziqing , Fang Zhicheng , Gu Qinying , Yang Guang-Zhong
Published: May 2023

Analog deep neural networks (DNNs) provide a promising solution, especially for deployment on resource-limited platforms, for example in mobile settings. However, the practicability of analog DNNs has been limited by their instability due to multi-factor reasons from manufacturing, thermal noise, etc. Here, we present a theoretically guaranteed noise injection approach to improve the robustness of analog DNNs without any hardware modifications or sacrifice of accuracy, which proves that within a certain range of parameter perturbations, the prediction results would not change. Experimental results demonstrate that our algorithmic framework can outperform state-of-the-art methods on tasks including image classification, object detection, and large-scale point cloud object detection in autonomous driving by a factor of 10 to 100. Together, our results may serve as a way to ensure the robustness of analog deep neural network systems, especially for safety-critical applications.
An enhanced fluorescent sensor system based on molecularly imprinted polymer chips with silver nanoparticles for highly-sensitive zearalenone analysis
Authors: Yarynka Daria , Chegel Volodymyr , Piletska Elena , Piletsky Sergey , Dubey Larysa , Dubey Igor , Nikolaiev Roman , Brovko Oleksandr , Sergeyeva Tetyana
Published: May 2023

A novel enhanced fluorescent sensor system for zearalenone analysis in flour samples is presented.
Implantable neural electrodes: from preparation optimization to application
Authors: Zhang Beilin , Xie Ruijie , Jiang Jiamin , Hao Shiping , Fang Bin , Zhang Jiaxin , Bai Hua , Peng Bo , Li Lin , Liu Zhiyuan , Fu Li
Published: May 2023

Implantable neural electrodes are important tools for interfacing with the neural system for recording and stimulation.
Capillary-driven microfluidics: impacts of 3D manufacturing on bioanalytical devices
Authors: Azizian Pooya , Casals-Terré Jasmina , Ricart Jordi , Cabot Joan M.
Published: May 2023

The advances in 3D capillary-driven microfluidics for bioanalytical devices, including design and surface chemistry, are presented. Classification of capillary flow control elements is presented based on two functional steps of stop and actuation.
FRET probe for detecting two mutations in one EGFR mRNA
Authors: Thu Myat , Yanai Kouta , Shigeto Hajime , Yamamura Shohei , Watanabe Kazunori , Ohtsuki Takashi
Published: May 2023

The present probe set provides a method for detecting two mutations in a single RNA molecule (epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mRNA) via fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET).
Visible light-mediated photolysis of organic molecules: the case study of diazo compounds
Authors: Gallo Rafael D. C. , Cariello Guilherme , Goulart Tales A. C. , Jurberg Igor D.
Published: May 2023

This article discusses the photochemistry of several diazo compounds undergoing visible light-mediated photolysis to generate free carbenes (or other highly reactive intermediates), which can be sequentially trapped by different reacting partners.
Synthesis and photochemical properties of caged peroxides for photocontrol of cellular oxidative stress
Authors: Tsuji Mieko , Taira Haruno , Udagawa Taro , Aoki Tatsuya , Hirayama Tasuku , Nagasawa Hideko
Published: May 2023

We developed a caged hydroperoxide, BhcTBHP, releasing prooxidant TBHP under blue light irradiation.
Variations in the structural composition of pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylato Cu(ii) complexes with 1,2-di(4-pyridyl)ethane synthesized under different conditions
Authors: Klongdee Fatima , Chainok Kittipong , Youngme Sujittra , Boonmak Jaursup
Published: May 2023

Seven new pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylato Cu(ii) complexes with 1,2-di(4-pyridyl)ethane were successfully synthesized under various conditions. Moreover, complex 1 exhibits structural transformation through a dissolution–recrystallization process.
Computational workflows for perovskites: case study for lanthanide manganites
Authors: Kraus Peter , Raiteri Paolo , Gale Julian D.
Published: May 2023

We propose and implement an open-source computational workflow, suitable for explorative studies of perovskites. We validate said workflow on a set of lanthanide manganites, and apply it to study the defect-induced phase transition in LaMnO3.
Pushing the boundaries of VCD spectroscopy in natural product chemistry
Authors: Vermeyen Tom , Batista Andrea N. L. , Valverde Alessandra L. , Herrebout Wouter , Batista João M.
Published: May 2023

A combination of visual inspection and machine learning is used to identify IR/VCD spectral markers to determine composition and absolute configuration of terpenes in complex mixtures.
How hexafluoroisopropanol solvent promotes Diels–Alder cycloadditions:ab initiometadynamics simulations
Authors: Zhao Xia , Hu Xinmin , Lv Xiangying , Wu Yan-Bo , Bu Yuxiang , Lu Gang
Published: May 2023

Ab initiomolecular dynamics simulations under explicit solvent environments were performed to investigate the remarkable promotion effect of hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) solvent in Diels–Alder cycloadditions.
Catalytic activity of silicene biflakes for CO2 reduction: a theoretical approach
Authors: Vallejo Narváez Wilmer E. , Vera de la Garza Cesar Gabriel , Fomine Serguei
Published: May 2023

The reaction mechanism for CO2 reduction mediated by silicene biflakes shows the remarkable potential of this 2D material as a catalyst.
Highly activated oxygen redox enabling large-capacity Li-rich layered manganese-based oxide cathodes
Authors: Lin Feng , Wen Junhao , Zhu Huali , Tang Yu , Li Zihua , Li Tao , Wang Yanxia , Chen Zhaoyong
Published: May 2023

With reversible O redox and increased Ni content, a Li-rich layered Mn-based cathode achieves a high-energy-density of 947 W h kg−1.
Restrained energetic disorder for high-efficiency organic solar cells via a solid additive
Authors: Chen Zhihao , Yao Huifeng , Wang Jingwen , Zhang Jianqi , Zhang Tao , Li Zi , Qiao Jiawei , Xiu Shishuai , Hao Xiaotao , Hou Jianhui
Published: May 2023

A new morphology regulation approach using solid additive, 1,3,5-trimethoxybenzene, can restrict energetic disorder and optimize the nanoscale morphology of organic solar cells, and achieves a high power conversion efficiency of 19.30%.
Combining the targeted and untargeted screening of environmental contaminants reveals associations between PFAS exposure and vitamin D metabolism in human plasma
Authors: Carlsson Henrik , Sreenivasan Akshai Parakkal , Erngren Ida , Larsson Anders , Kultima Kim
Published: May 2023

We have developed, validated, and applied a method for the targeted and untargeted screening of environmental contaminants in human plasma using liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS).
Nanofluidic diodes based on asymmetric bio-inspired surface coatings in straight glass nanochannels
Authors: Zhou Lingyun , Eden Alexander , Chou Kuang-Hua , Huber David E. , Pennathur Sumita
Published: May 2023

Nanofluidic channels with a bio-inspired polydopamine and poly-l-lysine coating exhibit significant diodicity and are capable of exceeding 1000-fold current rectification under certain conditions.
Olive oil and body fat: a systematic review withmeta-analysis
Authors: Santos Ana Clara Neville Armond , Duarte de Souza Myrelle Louíse , Machado Adriane Moreira , Kümmel Duarte Camila
Published: May 2023

Diet composition has a great impact on body composition.
Correction: Eriodictyol: a review of its pharmacological activities and molecular mechanisms related to ischemic stroke
Authors: Guo Sa , Xing Nan , Xiang Gelin , Zhang Yi , Wang Shaohui
Published: May 2023

Correction for ‘Eriodictyol: a review of its pharmacological activities and molecular mechanisms related to ischemic stroke’ by Sa Guo et al., Food Funct., 2023, 14, 1851–1868, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2FO03417D.