bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spartans in the ancient Greek novels
Authors: Jolowicz Daniel
Published: September 2023

Characters in the Greek novels comprise a dizzying array of identities, but one group of people who have received barely any attention are Spartans. They appear only in Chariton of Aphrodisias and Xenophon of Ephesus, where analysis of their presence sheds crucial light on the novels’ literary and sociocultural agendas. After an introduction (section I), section II discusses Chaereas’ self-characterization as the Spartan Leonidas in book 7 of Chariton’sChaereas and Callirhoein the context of Imperial-period Sparta: its institutions (the Leonideia festival), prosopography (the Euryclid dynasty) and reputation for military greatness. I link these elements to the ‘kinsman of Brasidas’ in book 8, who can be directly connected to an Imperial-period descendant of Brasidas in Plutarch’sSayings of Kings and Commanders, as well as to Thucydides’ Brasidas. Section III explores the Spartan identity of Aegialeus and Thelxinoe, the protagonists of an inset story told to Habrocomes in book 5 of Xenophon’sEphesiaca. Details of their lives correspond closely to Spartan cultural phenomena familiar from Plutarch’sLife of Lycurgus, especially in connection with marriage customs. This has consequences for the evaluation of Xenophon as a witty and sophisticated novelist, and for his compositional date. Section IV draws out the significant parallels between the depiction of Spartans in Chariton and Xenophon, which form the basis of proposals regarding their literary and chronological relationships.
“You Needed to Accept the Situation”: Resilience of Nursing Home Residents in Times of COVID-19
Authors: De Witte Jasper , Noten Suzie , Vinckers Floor , Stoop Annerieke , Hovenga Nina , Landeweer Elleke , Van Regenmortel Tine
Published: September 2023

The restrictive measures taken by nursing homes during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 (e.g., quarantine) may have been important stressors for which residents needed resilience to safeguard their well-being. Based on 30 semi-structured interviews with nursing home residents and close relatives, this study explored the lived experiences with respect to the restrictive measures. The data were collected in psychogeriatric, somatic, and mixed wards in The Netherlands and Flanders, Belgium. The restrictive measures were important stressors for residents, indicated by feelings of loneliness, sadness, and powerlessness. To deal with these measures, residents used various resources, which were determined by factors in the individual (e.g., health), interactional (e.g., possibilities for social interactions) and contextual (e.g. nursing home policy) domains. Because the lived experiences with respect to the restrictive measures seemed to relate to the resilience of nursing home residents, it is crucial to reinforce resources in the individual, interactional, and contextual domains.
Prospection of ISSR primers and population genetic characterization of Paratecoma peroba (Record) Kuhlm.
Authors: França Tábatta Caroline Cerri , Silva Júnior Adelson Lemes da , Tavares Leticia Rigo , Souza Lucimara Cruz de , Miranda Fábio Demolinari de , Caldeira Marcos Vinicius Winckler
Published: September 2023

The objective of this study is to prospect ISSR primers (Inter Simple Sequence Repeats) and, further genetic characterization in Paratecoma peroba. For this, leaf samples of 20 individuals were collected in a forest fragment, located in a private area, close to the Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Espírito Santo, in the city of Alegre, ES, Brazil. For this, 43 ISSR primers were tested, and 10 primers were selected, which provided a total of 91 bands, with 57 polymorphic bands, resulting in 62.63% polymorphism. The polymorphic information content (PIC = 0.27) indicated moderate informativeness of the primers and, therefore, they are efficient in studies with the species. However, the values found for genetic parameters such as the number of observed (AO = 1.68) and effective (AE = 1.41) alleles and, the genetic diversity indices of Nei (H* = 0.23) and Shannon (I* = 0.35) indicate the occurrence of homozygous loci and low genetic diversity in the population. On the other hand, the genetic structure evaluated by the Bayesian approach revealed the formation of three genetic groups distributed in all sampled individuals, inferring once again about the occurrence of loci in homozygosity. Therefore, the connection of neighbouring fragments and the establishment of individuals obtained from other sources could increase the genetic diversity of the population and reduce the possible effects of depression by inbreeding and genetic drift.
Herbicides for monochoria (Monochoria vaginalis) control in transplanted rice
Authors: Hazrati Zahra , Yaghoubi Bijan , Hosseini Pershang , Chauhan Bhagirath Singh
Published: September 2023

In Iran, monochoria is a noxious weed in fields of transplanted rice. Two field experiments were conducted to assess the efficacy of soil-applied and foliar-applied herbicides to control monochoria in transplanted rice. Prepackaged herbicides (triafamone plus ethoxysulfuron applied at 40 g ai ha−1, pyrazosulfuron-ethyl plus pretilachlor applied at 382.5 g ai ha−1, and pendimethalin plus clomazone applied at 1,200 g ai ha−1) reduced monochoria biomass by 100%, 100%, and 14%, respectively; and a single application of flucetosulfuron at 30 g ai ha−1, pendimethalin at 990 g ai ha−1, thiobencarb at 2,750 g ai ha−1, and pretilachlor at 1,000 g ai ha−1 reduced monochoria biomass by 100%, 99%, 75%, and 56%, respectively, compared with a nontreated control. Tank-mixed bensulfuron-methyl at 45 g ai ha−1 applied with pretilachlor, thiobencarb, or pendimethalin provided 100% control of monochoria. Rice height, and straw and grain yield were greater after herbicide treatments than those of the nontreated and hand-weeded controls, indicating the advantages of chemical control of monochoria over manual weeding. Full-season monochoria interference reduced rice grain yield by 32%. In the second study, the herbicides triafamone plus ethoxysulfuron, flucetosulfuron, 2,4-D at 1,080 g ai ha−1, dicamba plus 2,4-D at 928 g ai ha−1, bispyribac-sodium at 31.25 g ai ha−1, bentazon plus MCPA at 1,150 g ai ha−1, pyribenzoxim at 30 g ai ha−1, and propanil at 5,400 g ai ha−1 applied to foliage at 4- to 5-leaf seedlings of monochoria provided ≥97% control and prevented 100% of its regrowth, with the exception of propanil. This study shows that monochoria control can be achieved by using a variety of residual and foliar-applied herbicides with different mechanisms of action.
Effects of Competence Feedback on Psychotherapy Trainees’ Self-Perceived Competence, Professional Self-Confidence, and Self-Disclosure
Authors: Weck Florian , Junga Yvonne M. , Hahn Daniela , Witthöft Michael
Published: September 2023

Abstract: Background: Feedback is considered one of the most important strategies in psychotherapy training. Objective: We investigated the effect of competence feedback on therapist self-perceived competence, professional self-confidence, and tendency to self-disclosure in supervision. Method: Master-level psychotherapy trainees ( N = 67) were randomly assigned to a competence feedback group (CFG) or a control group (CG). Trainees in CFG repeatedly received feedback regarding their therapeutic competencies during cognitive behavioral therapy for 114 patients with a major depressive disorder. Feedback was provided by licensed psychotherapists, based on video tapes of the treatments. Trainees’ therapeutic competencies, professional self-confidence, and tendency to self-disclosure in supervision were evaluated by self-report questionnaires. Results: Self-perceived competence improved significantly more in the CFG than in the CG. Professional self-confidence improved overall, but no differences between CFG and CG were found. Self-disclosure did not change significantly in general. Conclusion: We conclude that specific training strategies are necessary for achieving specific training aims.
Observations of Internal Tides at the Vitória‐Trindade Ridge, South Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Toffoli Marcelo R. , Paiva Afonso M. , Costa Vladimir S. , Mill Guilherme N.
Published: September 2023

The Vitória‐Trindade Ridge (VTR) has been shown, based on satellite altimetry, to be an important region for the generation of internal tides (ITs) that radiate southward and northward into the South Atlantic Ocean. Here, nearly 1 year of unprecedented high‐density in situ velocity and temperature data collected at this undersampled region, were used to investigate and quantify the IT properties and variability. About 90% of the total tidal energy can be accounted for by the IT in the semidiurnal band. The data depict a dominant surface‐intensified mode‐1 vertical structure associated with progressive baroclinic waves, with a less prominent mode‐2 growing in importance from January to June. Values of energy conversion from the barotropic to the baroclinic semidiurnal tides are comparable to other important sites of IT generation in the world ocean. Energy conversion and the highly coherent energy fluxes are strongly related with the spring‐neap cycle, indicative that the observed IT are predominantly generated at the observational site. Fluxes and conversion are modulated by significant changes in the vertical stratification of the upper ocean, which are observed to occur during the different months of observations.
Parametrization of Energetic Ion and Electron Fluxes in the Near‐Earth Magnetotail
Authors: Gao Luphi , Vainchtein Dmitri , Artemyev Anton , Gabrielse Christine , Runov Andrei , Kellerman Adam
Published: September 2023

The near‐Earth plasma sheet region is the main source of energetic (tens to hundreds keV) ion and electron populations transported by convection and injections into the inner magnetosphere. Energetic ions from the plasma sheet contribute to the ring current, whereas energetic electrons contribute to the radiation belt seed population for further acceleration to relativistic energies. Near‐Earth plasma sheet energetic fluxes have been traditionally used to set boundary conditions for radiation belt and ring current models. This study provides an empirical parametrization for ∼75 keV flux intensity as a function of the geomagnetic activity index auroral electrojet and the equatorial magnetic field Bz. Such parametrization includes the dynamic magnetic field configuration in the near‐Earth plasma sheet and may be merged with empirical magnetic field models. We also provide models extending this parametrization to the [20, 300] keV of electron energy range and [75, 300] keV of ion energy range. The parametrization is developed based on THEMIS and Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite measurements, and verified by comparison with MMS measurements in the near‐Earth plasma sheet. This parametrization incorporates meso‐scale transient flux variations associated with Bz perturbations into ring current and radiation belt simulations.
Plasma Pressure Distribution of Ions and Electrons in the Inner Magnetosphere During CIR Driven Storms Observed During Arase Era
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Miyoshi Y. , Jordanova V. K. , Kistler L. M. , Park I. , Jun C. , Hori T. , Asamura K. , Shreedevi P. R. , Yokota S. , Kasahara S. , Kazama Y. , Wang S.‐Y. , Tam Sunny W. Y. , Chang Tzu‐Fang , Mitani T. , Higashio N. , Keika K. , Matsuoka A. , Imajo S. , Shinohara I.
Published: September 2023

Using Arase observations of the inner magnetosphere during 26 CIR‐driven geomagnetic storms with minimum Sym‐H between −33 and −86 nT, we investigated ring current pressure development of ions (H+, He+, O+) and electron during prestorm, main, early recovery and late recovery phases as a function of L‐shell and magnetic local time. It is found that during the main and early recovery phase of the storms the ion pressure is asymmetric in the inner magnetosphere, leading to a strong partial ring current. The ion pressure becomes symmetric during the late recovery phase. H+ ions with energies of ∼20–50 keV and ∼50–100 keV contribute more to the ring current pressure during the main phase and early/late recovery phase, respectively. O+ ions with energies of ∼10–20 keV contribute significantly during main and early recovery phase. These are consistent with previous studies. The electron pressure was found to be asymmetric during the main, early recovery and late recovery phase. The electron pressure peaks from midnight to the dawn sector. Electrons with energy of <50 keV contribute to the ring current pressure during the main and early recovery phase of the storms. Overall, the electron contribution to the total ring current is found to be ∼11% during the main and early recovery phases. However, the electron contribution is found to be significant (∼22%) in the 03–09 MLT sector during the main and early recovery phase. The results indicate an important role of electrons in the ring current build up.
Enrichment of anchoring sites by introducing supramolecular halogen bonds for the efficient perovskite nanocrystal LEDs
Authors: Lu Po , Li Ting , Lu Min , Ruan Cheng , Sun Siqi , Wu Zhennan , Zhong Yuan , Zhang Fujun , Gao Yanbo , Huang Yaowei , Wang Yang , Hu Junhua , Yan Fengping , Zhang Yu
Published: September 2023

Considering the multi-functionalization of ligands, it is crucial for ligand molecular design to reveal the landscape of anchoring sites. Here, a typical triphenylphosphine (TPP) ligand was employed to explore its effect on the surface of CsPbI3 perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs). Except for the conventionally considered P-Pb coordination, an P-I supramolecular halogen bonding was also found on the NC surface. The coexistence of the above two types of bonding significantly increased the formation energy of iodine vacancy defects and improved the photoluminescence quantum yield of PNCs up to 93%. Meanwhile, the direct interaction of P and I enhanced the stability of the Pb-I octahedra and dramatically inhibited the migration of I ions. Furthermore, the introduction of additional benzene rings (2-(Diphenylphosphino)-biphenyl (DPB)) increased the delocalized properties of the PNC surface and significantly improved the charge transport of the PNCs. As a result, the DPB passivated CsPbI3 NCs based top-emitting LEDs exhibite a peak external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 22.8%, a maximum luminance of 15, 204 cd m−2, and an extremely low-efficiency roll-off of 2.6% at the current density of 500 mA cm−2.
Impact of transient acquired hypermutability on the inter- and intra-species competitiveness of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: On Yue Yuan , Figueroa Wendy , Fan Catherine , Ho Pok-Man , Bényei Éva Bernadett , Weimann Aaron , Ruis Christopher , Floto Andres R , Welch Martin
Published: September 2023

Once acquired, hypermutation is unrelenting, and in the long-term, leads to impaired fitness due to its cumulative impact on the genome. This raises the question of why hypermutators arise so frequently in microbial ecosystems. In this work, we explore this problem by examining how the transient acquisition of hypermutability affects inter- and intra-species competitiveness, and the response to environmental insults such as antibiotic challenge. We do this by engineering Pseudomonas aeruginosa to allow the expression of an important mismatch repair gene, mutS, to be experimentally controlled over a wide dynamic range. We show that high levels of mutS expression induce genomic stasis (hypomutation), whereas lower levels of induction lead to progressively higher rates of mutation. Whole-genome sequence analyses confirmed that the mutational spectrum of the inducible hypermutator is similar to the distinctive profile associated with mutS mutants obtained from the airways of people with cystic fibrosis (CF). The acquisition of hypermutability conferred a distinct temporal fitness advantage over the wild-type P. aeruginosa progenitor strain, in both the presence and the absence of an antibiotic selection pressure. However, over a similar time-scale, acquisition of hypermutability had little impact on the population dynamics of P. aeruginosa when grown in the presence of a competing species (Staphylococcus aureus). These data indicate that in the short term, acquired hypermutability primarily confers a competitive intra-species fitness advantage.
A systematic review of dentists' psychological wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Lefkowitz Brett , Houdmont Jonathan , Knight Alec
Published: September 2023

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic presented significant challenges to healthcare workers worldwide, including the effect on the psychological wellbeing of dentists.

AimsTo evaluate the impact of the early phases of the pandemic on the psychological health, long-term wellbeing and clinical service provision of dentists, as well as the identification of the key risk and protective factors for adverse mental health outcomes (MHOs) in this group.

MethodsA systematic review of cross-sectional studies (n = 53) from public and private dentistry sectors was employed to delineate the risk and protective factors for adverse MHOs.

ResultsSelf-reports from these studies (1 December 2019 to 31 December 2021), involving 45,671 dentists worldwide were analysed. Study findings were classified according to their psychological impact (as risk or protective factors), categorised as 'operational' or 'organisational' and subdivided into 'psychosocial', 'occupational', 'sociodemographic' and 'environmental' elements. A GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) certainty of evidence score was calculated for all the identified factors.

ConclusionsThis review confirmed the negative impact of the pandemic on the MHOs of dentists worldwide. Pivotal risk factors included fear of infection, transmission to families, lack of personal protective equipment and possible direct contact with infected patients. Enhanced infection control protocols, individual resilience and organisational support were identified as important protective factors.
Structural basis of nucleosome deacetylation and DNA linker tightening by Rpd3S histone deacetylase complex
Authors: Dong Shuqi , Li Huadong , Wang Meilin , Rasheed Nadia , Zou Binqian , Gao Xijie , Guan Jiali , Li Weijie , Zhang Jiale , Wang Chi , Zhou Ningkun , Shi Xue , Li Mei , Zhou Min , Huang Junfeng , Li He , Zhang Ying , Wong Koon Ho , Zhang Xiaofei , Chao William Chong Hang , He Jun
Published: September 2023

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, cryptic transcription at the coding region is prevented by the activity of Sin3 histone deacetylase (HDAC) complex Rpd3S, which is carried by the transcribing RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) to deacetylate and stabilize chromatin. Despite its fundamental importance, the mechanisms by which Rpd3S deacetylates nucleosomes and regulates chromatin dynamics remain elusive. Here, we determined several cryo-EM structures of Rpd3S in complex with nucleosome core particles (NCPs), including the H3/H4 deacetylation states, the alternative deacetylation state, the linker tightening state, and a state in which Rpd3S co-exists with the Hho1 linker histone on NCP. These structures suggest that Rpd3S utilizes a conserved Sin3 basic surface to navigate through the nucleosomal DNA, guided by its interactions with H3K36 methylation and the extra-nucleosomal DNA linkers, to target acetylated H3K9 and sample other histone tails. Furthermore, our structures illustrate that Rpd3S reconfigures the DNA linkers and acts in concert with Hho1 to engage the NCP, potentially unraveling how Rpd3S and Hho1 work in tandem for gene silencing.
CRUSTY: a versatile web platform for the rapid analysis and visualization of high-dimensional flow cytometry data
Authors: Puccio Simone , Grillo Giorgio , Alvisi Giorgia , Scirgolea Caterina , Galletti Giovanni , Mazza Emilia Maria Cristina , Consiglio Arianna , De Simone Gabriele , Licciulli Flavio , Lugli Enrico
Published: September 2023

Flow cytometry (FCM) can investigate dozens of parameters from millions of cells and hundreds of specimens in a short time and at a reasonable cost, but the amount of data that is generated is considerable. Computational approaches are useful to identify novel subpopulations and molecular biomarkers, but generally require deep expertize in bioinformatics and the use of different platforms. To overcome these limitations, we introduce CRUSTY, an interactive, user-friendly webtool incorporating the most popular algorithms for FCM data analysis, and capable of visualizing graphical and tabular results and automatically generating publication-quality figures within minutes. CRUSTY also hosts an interactive interface for the exploration of results in real time. Thus, CRUSTY enables a large number of users to mine complex datasets and reduce the time required for data exploration and interpretation. CRUSTY is accessible at https://crusty.humanitas.it/.
Metagenomic sequencing of post-mortem tissue samples for the identification of pathogens associated with neonatal deaths
Authors: Baillie Vicky L. , Madhi Shabir A. , Ahyong Vida , Olwagen Courtney P.
Published: September 2023

Postmortem minimally invasive tissue sampling together with the detailed review of clinical records has been shown to be highly successful in determining the cause of neonatal deaths. However, conventional tests including traditional culture methods and nucleic acid amplification tests have periodically proven to be insufficient to detect the causative agent in the infectious deaths. In this study, metagenomic next generation sequencing was used to explore for putative pathogens associated with neonatal deaths in post-mortem blood and lung tissue samples, in Soweto, South Africa. Here we show that the metagenomic sequencing results corroborate the findings using conventional methods of culture and nucleic acid amplifications tests on post-mortem samples in detecting the pathogens attributed in the causal pathway of death in 90% (18/20) of the decedents. Furthermore, metagenomic sequencing detected a putative pathogen, including Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Serratia marcescens, in a further nine of 11 (81%) cases where no causative pathogen was identified. The antimicrobial susceptibility profile was also determined by the metagenomic sequencing for all pathogens with numerous multi drug resistant organism identified. In conclusion, metagenomic sequencing is able to successfully identify pathogens contributing to infection associated deaths on postmortem blood and tissue samples.
The Oncology Biomarker Discovery framework reveals cetuximab and bevacizumab response patterns in metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Ohnmacht Alexander J. , Stahler Arndt , Stintzing Sebastian , Modest Dominik P. , Holch Julian W. , Westphalen C. Benedikt , Hölzel Linus , Schübel Marisa K. , Galhoz Ana , Farnoud Ali , Ud-Dean Minhaz , Vehling-Kaiser Ursula , Decker Thomas , Moehler Markus , Heinig Matthias , Heinemann Volker , Menden Michael P.
Published: September 2023

Precision medicine has revolutionised cancer treatments; however, actionable biomarkers remain scarce. To address this, we develop the Oncology Biomarker Discovery (OncoBird) framework for analysing the molecular and biomarker landscape of randomised controlled clinical trials. OncoBird identifies biomarkers based on single genes or mutually exclusive genetic alterations in isolation or in the context of tumour subtypes, and finally, assesses predictive components by their treatment interactions. Here, we utilise the open-label, randomised phase III trial (FIRE-3, AIO KRK-0306) in metastatic colorectal carcinoma patients, who received either cetuximab or bevacizumab in combination with 5-fluorouracil, folinic acid and irinotecan (FOLFIRI). We systematically identify five biomarkers with predictive components, e.g., patients with tumours that carry chr20q amplifications or lack mutually exclusive ERK signalling mutations benefited from cetuximab compared to bevacizumab. In summary, OncoBird characterises the molecular landscape and outlines actionable biomarkers, which generalises to any molecularly characterised randomised controlled trial.
Dopamine regulates decision thresholds in human reinforcement learning in males
Authors: Chakroun Karima , Wiehler Antonius , Wagner Ben , Mathar David , Ganzer Florian , van Eimeren Thilo , Sommer Tobias , Peters Jan
Published: September 2023

Dopamine fundamentally contributes to reinforcement learning, but recent accounts also suggest a contribution to specific action selection mechanisms and the regulation of response vigour. Here, we examine dopaminergic mechanisms underlying human reinforcement learning and action selection via a combined pharmacological neuroimaging approach in male human volunteers (n = 31, within-subjects; Placebo, 150 mg of the dopamine precursor L-dopa, 2 mg of the D2 receptor antagonist Haloperidol). We found little credible evidence for previously reported beneficial effects of L-dopa vs. Haloperidol on learning from gains and altered neural prediction error signals, which may be partly due to differences experimental design and/or drug dosages. Reinforcement learning drift diffusion models account for learning-related changes in accuracy and response times, and reveal consistent decision threshold reductions under both drugs, in line with the idea that lower dosages of D2 receptor antagonists increase striatal DA release via an autoreceptor-mediated feedback mechanism. These results are in line with the idea that dopamine regulates decision thresholds during reinforcement learning, and may help to bridge action selection and response vigor accounts of dopamine.
PO2/TransformON, an ontology for data integration on food, feed, bioproducts and biowaste engineering
Authors: Weber Magalie , Buche Patrice , Ibanescu Liliana , Dervaux Stéphane , Guillemin Hervé , Cufi Julien , Visalli Michel , Guichard Elisabeth , Pénicaud Caroline
Published: September 2023

We are witnessing an acceleration of the global drive to converge consumption and production patterns towards a more circular and sustainable approach to the food system. To address the challenge of reconnecting agriculture, environment, food and health, collections of large datasets must be exploited. However, building high-capacity data-sharing networks means unlocking the information silos that are caused by a multiplicity of local data dictionaries. To solve the data harmonization problem, we proposed an ontology on food, feed, bioproducts, and biowastes engineering for data integration in a circular bioeconomy and nexus-oriented approach. This ontology is based on a core model representing a generic process, the Process and Observation Ontology (PO2), which has been specialized to provide the vocabulary necessary to describe any biomass transformation process and to characterize the food, bioproducts, and wastes derived from these processes. Much of this vocabulary comes from transforming authoritative references such as the European food classification system (FoodEx2), the European Waste Catalogue, and other international nomenclatures into a semantic, world wide web consortium (W3C) format that provides system interoperability and software-driven intelligence. We showed the relevance of this new domain ontology PO2/TransformON through several concrete use cases in the fields of process engineering, bio-based composite making, food ecodesign, and relations with consumer’s perception and preferences. Further works will aim to align with other ontologies to create an ontology network for bridging the gap between upstream and downstream processes in the food system.
Shared and distinct neural correlates of first and second language morphological processing in bilingual brain
Authors: Gao Fei , Hua Lin , Armada-da-Silva Paulo , Zhang Juan , Li Defeng , Chen Zhiyi , Wang Chengwen , Du Meng , Yuan Zhen
Published: September 2023

While morphology constitutes a crucial component of the human language system, the neural bases of morphological processing in the human brain remains to be elucidated. The current study aims at exploring the extent to which the second language (L2) morphological processing would resemble or differ from that of their first language (L1) in adult Chinese-English bilinguals. Bilingual participants were asked to complete a morphological priming lexical decision task drawing on derivational morphology, which is present for both Chinese and English, when their electrophysiological and optical responses were recorded concurrently. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) revealed a neural dissociation between morphological and semantic priming effects in the left fronto-temporal network, while L1 Chinese engaged enhanced activation in the left prefrontal cortex for morphological parsing relative to L2 English. In the early stage of lexical processing, cross-language morphological processing manifested a difference in degree, not in kind, as revealed by the early left anterior negativity (ELAN) effect. In addition, L1 and L2 shared both early and late structural parsing processes (P250 and 300 ~ 500 ms negativity, respectively). Therefore, the current results support a unified competition model for bilingual development, where bilinguals would primarily employ L1 neural resources for L2 morphological representation and processing.
Symmetric inheritance of parental histones governs epigenome maintenance and embryonic stem cell identity
Authors: Wenger Alice , Biran Alva , Alcaraz Nicolas , Redó-Riveiro Alba , Sell Annika Charlotte , Krautz Robert , Flury Valentin , Reverón-Gómez Nazaret , Solis-Mezarino Victor , Völker-Albert Moritz , Imhof Axel , Andersson Robin , Brickman Joshua M. , Groth Anja
Published: September 2023

Modified parental histones are segregated symmetrically to daughter DNA strands during replication and can be inherited through mitosis. How this may sustain the epigenome and cell identity remains unknown. Here we show that transmission of histone-based information during DNA replication maintains epigenome fidelity and embryonic stem cell plasticity. Asymmetric segregation of parental histones H3–H4 in MCM2-2A mutants compromised mitotic inheritance of histone modifications and globally altered the epigenome. This included widespread spurious deposition of repressive modifications, suggesting elevated epigenetic noise. Moreover, H3K9me3 loss at repeats caused derepression and H3K27me3 redistribution across bivalent promoters correlated with misexpression of developmental genes. MCM2-2A mutation challenged dynamic transitions in cellular states across the cell cycle, enhancing naïve pluripotency and reducing lineage priming in G1. Furthermore, developmental competence was diminished, correlating with impaired exit from pluripotency. Collectively, this argues that epigenetic inheritance of histone modifications maintains a correctly balanced and dynamic chromatin landscape able to support mammalian cell differentiation.
Exploring the role and mechanism of Astragalus membranaceus and radix paeoniae rubra in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis through network pharmacology and experimental validation
Authors: Jiang Huanyu , Zhou Rui , An Liping , Guo Junfeng , Hou Xinhui , Tang Jiao , Wang Fei , Du Quanyu
Published: September 2023

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive fibrotic disease with an unclear etiology and no effective treatment. This study aims to elucidate the pathogenic mechanism networks involving multiple targets and pathways in IPF. Extracts and metabolites of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) and Radix paeoniae rubra (RPR), two well-known traditional Chinese medicines, have demonstrated therapeutic effects on IPF. However, the underlying mechanisms of AM and RPR remain unclear. Utilizing network pharmacology analysis, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with IPF were obtained from the GEO database. Targets of AM and RPR were identified using the TCM Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform and SwissTargetPrediction. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was subsequently constructed and analyzed using the STRING database and Cytoscape software. Gene ontology enrichment analysis and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analysis were conducted using Metascape. Additionally, a component-target-pathway network and a Sankey diagram were employed to identify the main active components, and molecular docking was performed between these components and proteins encoded by key targets. Finally, in vivo studies were conducted based on network pharmacology. A total of 117 common targets between DEGs of IPF and drug targets were identified and included in the PPI network, in which AKT1, MAPK3, HSP90AA1, VEGFA, CASP3, JUN, HIF1A, CCND1, PTGS2, and MDM2 were predicted as key targets. These 117 targets were enriched in the PI3K-AKT pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway, apoptosis, and microRNAs in cancer. Astragaloside III, (R)-Isomucronulatol, Astragaloside I, Paeoniflorin, and β-sitosterol were selected as the main active components. Docking scores ranged from − 4.7 to − 10.7 kcal/mol, indicating a strong binding affinity between the main active compounds and key targets. In vivo studies have indeed shown that AM and RPR can alleviate the pathological lung fibrotic damage caused by bleomycin treatment. The treatment with AM and RPR resulted in a reduction of mRNA levels for key targets AKT1, HSP90AA1, CASP3, MAPK3, and VEGFA. Additionally, the protein expression levels of AKT1, HSP90AA1, and VEGFA were also reduced. These results support the therapeutic potential of AM and RPR in ameliorating pulmonary fibrosis and provide insight into the molecular mechanisms involved in their therapeutic effects.
Increased temporal binding during voluntary motor task under local anesthesia
Authors: Driller Karina Kirk , Fradet Camille , Mathijssen Nina , Kraan Gerald , Goossens Richard , Hayward Vincent , Hartcher-O’Brien Jess
Published: September 2023

Temporal binding refers to a systemic bias in the perceived time interval between two related events, most frequently voluntary motor actions and a subsequent sensory effect. An inevitable component of most instrumental motor actions is tactile feedback. Yet, the role of tactile feedback within this phenomenon remains largely unexplored. Here, we used local anesthesia of the index finger to temporarily inhibit incoming sensory input from the finger itself, while participants performed an interval-estimation task in which they estimated the delay between a voluntary motor action (button press) and a second sensory event (click sound). Results were compared to a control condition with intact sensation. While clear binding was present in both conditions, the effect was significantly enhanced when tactile feedback was temporarily removed via local anesthesia. The results are discussed in light of current debates surrounding the underlying mechanisms and function of this temporal bias.
Analysis of the benefit of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist treatment in premenopausal women undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Han Ruxue , Song Ziyi , Li Huiling , Wang Chaohua , Zhang Leping , Yang Xin
Published: September 2023

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) appears to exhibit ovarian protection during chemotherapy for malignant tumors. The purpose of this study was to analyze the benefits of GnRHa in premenopausal women undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HSCT). Candidates for myeloablative chemotherapy HSCT requiring fertility preservation in the Gynecological Endocrinology Clinic of Peking University People’s Hospital from December 2011 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients who chose to receive GnRHa treatment were given at least 2 courses of a 3.75-mg dose of a GnRHa before myeloablative chemotherapy, and patients who chose not to receive GnRHa treatment were included in the control group. All patients were monitored for menstruation return and menopause-related symptoms, and ovarian function tests [follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone, and estradiol] were performed 6–12 months after HSCT. In addition, we assessed the vaginal bleeding of patients in the laminar air-flow room (LAFR). A total of 234 cases were included in this study: 77 cases in the treatment group and 157 cases in the control group. The incidence of vaginal bleeding in the LAFR in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group (24.68% vs. 79.62%, P < 0.001). The menopausal symptoms of the patients in the treatment group were reduced after transplantation (46.75% vs. 19.75%, P < 0.001). There was no difference in visible follicles by follow-up ultrasound in the two groups after HSCT (16.88% vs. 13.38%, P = 0.474). The level of FSH at 6–12 months after transplantation was lower (98.00 mIU/ml vs. 117.53 mIU/ml, P = 0.001). The proportion of patients with FSH < 40 mIU/ml did not differ between the two groups. One patient in the treatment group recovered spontaneous menstruation, while none recovered spontaneous menstruation in the control group (1.30% vs. 0%, P = 0.329). The use of GnRHa may relieve menopause-related symptoms and reduce vaginal bleeding in the LAFR and breakthrough bleeding after transplantation. GnRHa treatment can reduce the level of FSH after myeloablative chemotherapy, but it cannot reduce the incidence of premature ovarian failure in women of reproductive age following myeloablative HSCT.
Effectiveness of physical activity interventions on reducing perceived fatigue among adults with chronic conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Barakou Ioulia , Sakalidis Kandianos Emmanouil , Abonie Ulric Sena , Finch Tracy , Hackett Katie L. , Hettinga Florentina Johanna
Published: September 2023

Fatigue is barrier of physical activity participation in adults with chronic conditions. However, physical activity alleviates fatigue symptoms. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to (1) synthesise evidence from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) exploring the effects of physical activity interventions on fatigue reduction and (2) evaluate their effectiveness. Medline/CINAHL/EMBASE/Web of Science and Scopus were searched up to June 24th, 2023. Two reviewers independently conducted study screening and selection (RCTs), extracted data and assessed risk of bias (RoB2). Outcome was the standardised mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals in fatigue between experimental and control groups. 38 articles met the inclusion criteria. Overall, physical activity interventions moderately reduced fatigue (SMD = 0.70 p < 0.0001). Interventions lasting 2–6 weeks and 16–24 weeks demonstrated the larger effects on fatigue reductions (SMD=0.86, p<0.00001; SMD=1.82, p=0.01, respectively). Interventions with 30-36 sessions showed a large effect on fatigue reduction (SMD = 0.94, p < 0.04). Resistance, aerobic cycling and combination training interventions had a large to moderate effect (SMD= 0.93, p 0.03; SMD = 0.66, p= 0.0005; SMD = 0.76, p = <0.00001, respectively). Small long-term effects were found during follow-up(SMD=0.38, p= 0.002). Notably, both short (2-6 weeks) and longer-term (16-24 weeks) interventions were effective in reducing fatigue. . Physical activity interventions moderately reduced fatigue among adults with chronic conditions. Duration, total sessions, and mode of physical activity were identified as key factors in intervention effectiveness. Further research is needed to explore the impact of physical activity interventions on fatigue.
A biological sequence comparison algorithm using quantum computers
Authors: Kösoglu-Kind Büsra , Loredo Robert , Grossi Michele , Bernecker Christian , Burks Jody M. , Buchkremer Rüdiger
Published: September 2023

Genetic information is encoded as linear sequences of nucleotides, represented by letters ranging from thousands to billions. Differences between sequences are identified through comparative approaches like sequence analysis, where variations can occur at the individual nucleotide level or collectively due to various phenomena such as recombination or deletion. Detecting these sequence differences is vital for understanding biology and medicine, but the complexity and size of genomic data require substantial classical computing power. Inspired by human visual perception and pixel representation on quantum computers, we leverage these techniques to implement pairwise sequence analysis. Our method utilizes the Flexible Representation of Quantum Images (FRQI) framework, enabling comparisons at a fine granularity to single letters or amino acids within gene sequences. This novel approach enhances accuracy and resolution, surpassing traditional methods by capturing subtle genetic variations with precision. In summary, our approach offers algorithmic advantages, including reduced time complexity, improved space efficiency, and accurate sequence comparisons. The novelty lies in applying the FRQI algorithm to compare quantum images in genome sequencing, allowing for examination at the individual letter or amino acid level. This breakthrough holds promise for advancing biological data analysis and enables a more comprehensive understanding of genetic information.
Immunological characterization and diagnostic models of RNA N6-methyladenosine regulators in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Hui Yuan , Ma Qi , Zhou Xue-Rui , Wang Huan , Dong Jian-Hua , Gao Li-Na , Zhang Tian , Li Yan-Yi , Gong Ting
Published: September 2023

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia, and it displays both clinical and molecular variability. RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) regulators are involved in a wide range of essential cellular processes. In this study, we aimed to identify molecular signatures associated with m6A in Alzheimer's disease and use those signatures to develop a predictive model. We examined the expression patterns of m6A regulators and immune features in Alzheimer’s disease using the GSE33000 dataset. We examined the immune cell infiltration and molecular groups based on m6A-related genes in 310 Alzheimer's disease samples. The WGCNA algorithm was utilized to determine differently expressed genes within each cluster. After evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the random forest model, the support vector machine model, the generalized linear model, and eXtreme Gradient Boosting, the best machine model was selected. Methods such as nomograms, calibration curves, judgment curve analysis, and the use of independent data sets were used to verify the accuracy of the predictions made. Alzheimer's disease and non-disease Alzheimer's groups were compared to identify dysregulated m6A-related genes and activated immune responses. In Alzheimer's disease, two molecular clusters linked to m6A were identified. Immune infiltration analysis indicated substantial variation in protection between groups. Cluster 1 included processes like the Toll-like receptor signaling cascade, positive regulation of chromatin binding, and numerous malignancies; cluster 2 included processes like the cell cycle, mRNA transport, and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. With a lower residual and root mean square error and a larger area under the curve (AUC = 0.951), the Random forest machine model showed the greatest discriminative performance. The resulting random forest model was based on five genes, and it performed well (AUC = 0.894) on external validation datasets. Accuracy in predicting Alzheimer's disease subgroups was also shown by analyses of nomograms, calibration curves, and decision curves. In this research, we methodically outlined the tangled web of connections between m6A and AD and created a promising prediction model for gauging the correlation between m6A subtype risk and AD pathology.
Effect of dimethyl carbonate addition on ethanol–gasoline fuel blend
Authors: Amine Manal , Barakat Y.
Published: September 2023

The growing need for renewable and environmentally friendly sources of energy has motivated a lot of researchers to direct their efforts to meet these challenges. The use of renewable additives to gasoline, such as ethanol and methanol, has been a successful solution. However, blending ethanol into gasoline has some drawbacks, including increased gasoline volatility and significant changes in the distillation curve. This study investigated the effects of blending the eco-friendly dimethyl carbonate (DMC) with various concentrations into ethanol-gasoline fuel blend (E10) on some volatility parameters and octane number, which have not been previously reported in the literature. The fuel samples were formulated by mixing E10 with (0.0%, 2.0%, 4.0%, 6.0%, 8.0%, and 10.0%) of dimethyl carbonate. The main properties of the fuel samples were measured such as distillation curve, and octane number. The distillation process was carried out in accordance with ASTM-D86 while vapor pressure was measured in accordance with ASTM-D5191. The obtained results revealed interesting outcomes that may spark the interest of refineries in this promising fuel additive. Addition of DMC to gasoline-ethanol blend was found to have insignificant impact on the volatility of fuel. The results demonstrate that addition of ethanol to gasoline causes a significant decrease in T50 by about 20 °C, while addition of 10 volume percent of DMC to E10 causes an increase in T50 by about 2 °C. The obtained results showed also that the addition of 10 vol% of DMC to E10 fuel blend considerably increases the RON and MON by about 4 and 3.5 points, respectively.
Chemical/photochemical functionalization of polyethylene terephthalate fabric: effects on mechanical properties and bonding to nitrile rubber
Authors: Ghamarpoor Reza , Jamshidi Masoud , Sayyadian Mohammad , Razavizadeh Mahmoud
Published: September 2023

The aim of this work is to compare the effects of chemical and photochemical functionalization on the mechanical properties of PET fabric and its adhesion to nitrile rubber (NBR). The photochemical functionalization was performed by UV irradiation of PET fabric in the presence of glutaric acid peroxide at a temperature of 60 °C for different exposure times (i.e. 60, 90 and 120 min). The chemical functionalization (i.e. hydrolysis) of PET fabrics was performed by NaOH solution at a temperature of 60 °C for different times (i.e. 60, 120, 240 and 360 min). The tensile properties of the functionalized fibers were also evaluated. The functionalized PETs were evaluated for H-pull and T-peel adhesion to NBR. It was found that both treatment methods created functional groups on the PET surface. However, carboxylation of PET under GAP/UV irradiation generated much more OH groups on the PET surface (i.e. 4.5 times). The hydrolysis of PET in NaOH solution for more than 60 min caused a significant decrement in the tensile strength contrary to carboxylation under GAP/UV irradiation. It was also found that pullout and T-peel adhesions to NBR decreased in the case of hydrolysis of PET while they increased about 33 and 12% for GAP/UV irradiated PET, respectively.