bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of linguistic factors in the retention of verbatim information in reading: An eye-tracking study on L1 and L2 German
Authors: Opitz Andreas , Bordag Denisa , Furgoni Alberto
Published: April 2024

We investigated the retention of surface linguistic information during reading using eye-tracking. Departing from a research tradition that examines differences between meaning retention and verbatim memory, we focused on how different linguistic factors affect the retention of surface linguistic information. We examined three grammatical alternations in German that differed in involvement of changes in morpho-syntax and/or information structure, while their propositional meaning is unaffected: voice (active vs. passive), adverb positioning, different realizations of conditional clauses. Single sentences were presented and repeated, either identical or modified according to the grammatical alternation (with controlled interval between them). Results for native (N = 60) and non-native (N = 58) German participants show longer fixation durations for modified versus unmodified sentences when information structural changes are involved (voice, adverb position). In contrast, mere surface grammatical changes without a functional component (conditional clauses) did not lead to different reading behavior. Sensitivity to the manipulation was not influenced by language (L1, L2) or repetition interval. The study provides novel evidence that linguistic factors affect verbatim retention and highlights the importance of eye-tracking as a sensitive measure of implicit memory.
‘I can still swing a spade’: a qualitative exploratory study of gardening groups for people with dementia
Authors: Foster-Collins Helen , Calitri Raff , Tarrant Mark , Orr Noreen , Whear Rebecca , Lamont Ruth A.
Published: April 2024

This exploratory qualitative study aimed to evidence how community-based gardening groups can be used to support the psychological, physical and social health of those living with dementia. The views of people living with dementia in the community, care partners and group leaders were sought to better understand the benefits gained from gardening groups, as well as the features of gardening groups that are cited as enabling positive outcomes. Going beyond the existing single-group studies in this area, this research aimed to identify common themes across multiple gardening groups. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six group leaders, three people living with dementia and ten care partners from seven gardening groups, either in person or remotely. Thematic analysis of the interview transcripts highlighted broad enablers – ‘the garden setting’, ‘features of activities’ and ‘organisational components’ – that were cited as facilitating a range of positive wellbeing outcomes, creating an environment that provides ‘physical and cognitive benefits’, ‘affirmation of identity’, ‘social connection’ and ‘benefits for care partners and others’. The wide-ranging benefits and enablers cited by participants within this research support the use of gardening groups as community-based interventions to reinforce positive psychological, physical and social outcomes for people with dementia. Themes also provide a clear framework for the design, implementation and evaluation of future gardening groups.
‘The boots will be on the coffin!’: multiple meanings of ageing for older people playing walking football
Authors: Thomas Gareth M.
Published: April 2024

A narrative of decline dominates the ageing process in the Global North. At the same time, older people have shared more positive stories of ageing, particularly with respect to their leisure practices. I explore this tension by drawing on an interview-based study with people playing walking football in the United Kingdom. My contention is that older people express multiple meanings of ageing that disturb deficit-focused cultural scripts of later-life, albeit in ways that can be fraught with tensions and contradictions. First, I explore how older people cultivate an alternate identity departing from assumptions of loneliness and degradation, with walking football providing an opportunity to develop friendships and a sense of belonging. Second, older people emphasise their own (good) health and the embodied demands of walking football, yet in doing so, can reinforce ageist discourses by distinguishing themselves from the inactive and isolated (older) other. Third, older people reflect on their current and future involvement in walking football in positive ways. However, through attending to the temporal character of their experiences, I show how, whilst older people express a desire to continue participation, this is threatened by the realities of their ageing bodies in ways that align with deficit framings of later-life. I conclude by calling for recognising the multiplicity of older people's experiences and exercising caution about reproducing over-simplistic and sweeping celebrations of ageing.
Assessing medical devices: a qualitative study from the validate perspective
Authors: Bloemen Bart , Oortwijn Wija
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Our objective was to explore procedures and methods used at health technology assessment (HTA) agencies for assessing medical devices and the underlying views of HTA practitioners about appropriate methodology to identify challenges in adopting new methodologies for assessing devices. We focused on the role of normative commitments of HTA practitioners in the adoption of new methods.

Methods

An online survey, including questions on procedures, scoping, and assessments of medical devices, was sent to members of the International Network of Agencies for Health Technology Assessment. Interviews were conducted with survey respondents and HTA practitioners involved in assessments of transcatheter aortic valve implantation to gain an in-depth understanding of choices made and views about assessing medical devices. Survey and interview questions were inspired by the “values in doing assessments of health technologies” approach towards HTA, which states that HTA addresses value-laden questions and information.

Results

The current practice of assessing medical devices at HTA agencies is predominantly based on procedures, methods, and epistemological principles developed for assessments of drugs. Both practical factors (available time, demands of decision-makers, existing legal frameworks, and HTA guidelines), as well as commitments of HTA practitioners to principles of evidence-based medicine, make the adoption of a new methodology difficult.

Conclusions

There is a broad recognition that assessments of medical devices may need changes in HTA methodology. In order to realize this, the HTA community may require both a discussion on the role, responsibility, and goals of HTA, and resulting changes in institutional context to adopt new methodologies.
Neuroimaging evidence dissociates forced and free language selection during bilingual speech production
Authors: Zhang Yong , Zhao Jia , Huang Hua , Zhang Zhiwei , Wu Shuqiong , Qiu Jiang , Wu Yan Jing
Published: April 2024

Bilinguals may choose to speak a language either at their own will or in response to an external demand, but the underlying neural mechanisms in the two contexts is poorly understood. In the present study, Chinese–English bilinguals named pairs of pictures in three conditions: during forced-switch, the naming language altered between pictures 1 and 2. During non-switch, the naming language used was the same. During free-naming, either the same or different languages were used at participants' own will. While behavioural switching costs were observed during free-naming and forced-switching, neuroimaging results showed that forced language selection (i.e., forced-switch and non-switch) is associated with left-lateralized frontal activations, which have been implicated in inhibitory control. Free language selection (i.e., free-naming), however, was associated with fronto-parietal activations, which have been implicated in self-initiated behaviours. These findings offer new insights into the neural differentiation of language control in forced and free language selection contexts.
The role of vitamin D in outcomes of critical care in COVID-19 patients: evidence from an umbrella meta-analysis of interventional and observational studies
Authors: Jamilian Abdolreza , Ghalichi Faezeh , Hamedi Kalajahi Fatemeh , Radkhah Nima , Jourabchi Neda , Musazadeh Vali , Amini-Salehi Ehsan , Zarezadeh Meysam , Ostadrahimi Alireza
Published: April 2024

Objectives:

Several meta-analyses have suggested the beneficial effect of vitamin D on patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2. This umbrella meta-analysis aims to evaluate influence of vitamin D supplementation on clinical outcomes and the mortality rate of COVID-19 patients.

Design:

Present study was designed as an umbrella meta-analysis. The following international databases were systematically searched till March 2023: Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Embase.

Settings:

Random-effects model was employed to perform meta-analysis. Using AMSTAR critical evaluation tools, the methodological quality of the included meta-analyses was evaluated.

Participants:

Adult patients suffering from COVID-19 were studied.

Results:

Overall, 13 meta-analyses summarising data from 4 randomised controlled trial and 9 observational studies were identified in this umbrella review. Our findings revealed that vitamin D supplementation and status significantly reduced mortality of COVID-19 [Interventional studies: (ES = 0·42; 95 % CI: 0·10, 0·75, P < 0·001; I2 = 20·4 %, P = 0·285) and observational studies (ES = 1·99; 95 % CI: 1·37, 2·62, P < 0·001; I2 = 00·0 %, P = 0·944). Also, vitamin D deficiency increased the risk of infection and disease severity among patients.

Conclusion:

Overall, vitamin D status is a critical factor influencing the mortality rate, disease severity, admission to intensive care unit and being detached from mechanical ventilation. It is vital to monitor the vitamin D status in all patients with critical conditions including COVID patients.
A Comprehensive Seismic Monitoring of the Pillar Threatening the World Cultural Heritage Site Chauvet‐Pont d'Arc Cave, Toward Rock Damage Assessment
Authors: Guillemot A. , Audin L. , Larose É. , Baillet L. , Guéguen P. , Jaillet S. , Delannoy J.‐J.
Published: April 2024

Fragile geological features must undergo frequent structural health assessments to prevent catastrophic failure events. The mechanical behavior of natural sites is largely guided by vibrations of the earth and environmental exposure, but damage is rarely assessed, except empirically. The Chauvet‐Pont d’Arc cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, represents a shining example of fragility that would benefit from monitoring. It is overhung by a rock column known as Abraham's pillar that extends out from the cliff like a natural tuning fork. For this study, we monitored dancing movements of this pillar for over 2 years to analyze its elastic response to weather conditions. Using ambient‐seismic‐noise‐based methods, we identified the pillar's first two natural resonance modes. Through extensive monitoring of the site, we observed the striking temporal evolution of these two resonance frequencies on hourly, daily, seasonal, and pluriannual scales in response to changes in air temperature and insolation. Based on thermo‐acousto‐elastic modeling with a simplified 3D geometric structure, we determined how thermally‐induced stress stiffening affects the rock material, by applying convective and radiative heat fluxes to the model. From the results obtained, we suggest a novel quantitative method based on daily observations that can estimate the level of damage within the rock material. Our work provides a foundation for distinguishing between reversible processes and damage for hazard studies in the frame of climate change. Such knowledge is crucial not only for the preservation of heritage sites but also for enhancing risk assessment protocols and informing conservation efforts worldwide.
Comprehensive Impact of Changing Siberian Wildfire Severities on Air Quality, Climate, and Economy: MIROC5 Global Climate Model’s Sensitivity Assessments
Authors: Yasunari Teppei J. , Narita Daiju , Takemura Toshihiko , Wakabayashi Shigeto , Takeshima Akira
Published: April 2024

Wildfires emit atmospheric aerosols, affecting climate and air quality. Siberia is a known source region of wildfires. However, comprehensive knowledge regarding the impact associated with particulate matter pollution due to Siberian wildfires on climate and air quality and their effects on mortality and the economy under present and near‐future warmer atmospheric conditions remains poor. Thus, we performed model sensitivity experiments (atmospheric model and coupled atmosphere‐ocean model settings) simulating the effects of changing Siberian wildfire emissions under the present and near‐future climate conditions, using the Model for Interdisciplinary Research on Climate version 5 (MIROC5). Increased Siberian wildfire smoke likely caused a cooling effect in broad areas of the Northern Hemisphere and worsened the air quality near the source and in the downwind region (i.e., East Asia). The more Siberian wildfires occur, the more air pollution is present in those regions, which likely increases mortality and welfare losses there. However, the total impact of changing temperature on the gross domestic product under present and near‐future climate conditions is ambiguous. Our comprehensive results on the air quality changes due to Siberian wildfires under present and near‐future climate conditions suggest that increased efforts to limit the aerosol impact of Siberian wildfires are crucial to prevent possible excess mortality and economic losses.
Antecedent Conditions Mitigate Carbon Loss During Flash Drought Events
Authors: Parazoo Nicholas , Osman Mahmoud , Pascolini‐Campbell Madeleine , Byrne Brendan
Published: April 2024

Flash droughts– the rapid drying of land and intensification of drought conditions—have devasting impacts to natural resources, food supplies, and the economy. Less is currently known about the drivers of flash droughts and their impact on landscape carbon losses. We leverage carbon and water cycle data from NASA OCO‐2 and Soil Moisture Active and Passive missions to quantify flash drought impacts on U.S. carbon exchange. On average, pre‐onset carbon uptake fully offsets post‐onset losses, creating a carbon neutral biosphere over a ±3 month period surrounding flash drought onset. This contrasts with ecosystem models, which underestimate pre‐onset uptake and overestimate post‐onset loss. Furthermore, spaceborne observations of solar induced fluorescence (SIF) provide a reliable indicator of flash droughts at lead times of 2–3 months, due to feedbacks between vegetation growth and soil water loss. This study is expected to improve understanding of flash drought impacts on carbon exchange, and facilitate flash drought early warning.
Expressing Gratitude to Reviewers: A Message From the Editors of Reviews of Geophysics for 2023
Authors: Duan Qingyun , Acocella Valerio , Carlton Ann Marie , D’Odorico Paolo , Florindo Fabio , Gettelman Andrew , Halakas Jasper , Harris Ruth , Mollenhauer Gesine , Robock Alan , Stirling Claudine , Yokoyama Yusuke
Published: April 2024

On behalf of the authors and readers of Reviews of Geophysics (RoG), the American Geophysical Union, and the broader scientific community, the editors wish to wholeheartedly thank those who reviewed manuscripts for RoG in 2023.
Blood pressure screening in Mata Sector, a rural area of Rwanda
Authors: Hunjan Isabella , Umulisa Alice , Parati Gianfranco , Bianchetti Mario G. , Milani Gregorio P. , Muvunyi Bienvenu , Ntaganda Evariste , Radovanovic Dragana , Stroppa Clara , Suter Paolo , Muggli Franco
Published: April 2024

In rural sub-Saharan Africa, knowledge of non-communicable diseases such as high blood pressure (BP) is rather limited. This report provides information about a BP screening in Mata Sector, a rural region in Southern Province of Rwanda. Community-based, house-to-house screening was performed between February and July 2020 on more than 7000 inhabitants. The screening was conducted by a local team composed by 20 community health care workers, five community health care supervisors, and one nurse with hypertension surveillance training. BP and heart rate were recorded after 5 min of resting, using a validated automated oscillometric OMRON M6 IT-HEM-7322-E monitor with Intelli Wrap Cuff (HEM-FL31-E) technology. The mean of the second and third value was retained. BP was normal (<140/90 mm Hg) in 6340 (88%) and elevated in 863 (12%) participants with 95% of unawareness. Grade 1 (140–159/90–99 mm Hg) hypertensive BP readings were detected in 697 (81%), grade 2 (160–179/100–109 mm Hg) in 134 (16%), and grade 3 (≥180/≥110 mm Hg) in 32 (3.7%) individuals. The prevalence of hypertensive readings was significantly age-dependent. Additionally, a slightly greater proportion of participants with high BP (14% versus 11%) had a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25.0 kg/m2. Also resting heart rate was higher in individuals with high BP (82 versus 77 beats/min). Although individuals identified with occasionally elevated BP values need further confirmatory measurements to establish the diagnosis of hypertension, these data suggest that high BP represents a noteworthy and preventable reason of concern within sub-Saharan Africa.
The impact of psychosocial adversity on brain and behaviour: an overview of existing knowledge and directions for future research
Authors: Vaidya Nilakshi , Marquand Andre F. , Nees Frauke , Siehl Sebastian , Schumann Gunter
Published: April 2024

Environmental experiences play a critical role in shaping the structure and function of the brain. Its plasticity in response to different external stimuli has been the focus of research efforts for decades. In this review, we explore the effects of adversity on brain’s structure and function and its implications for brain development, adaptation, and the emergence of mental health disorders. We are focusing on adverse events that emerge from the immediate surroundings of an individual, i.e., microenvironment. They include childhood maltreatment, peer victimisation, social isolation, affective loss, domestic conflict, and poverty. We also take into consideration exposure to environmental toxins. Converging evidence suggests that different types of adversity may share common underlying mechanisms while also exhibiting unique pathways. However, they are often studied in isolation, limiting our understanding of their combined effects and the interconnected nature of their impact. The integration of large, deep-phenotyping datasets and collaborative efforts can provide sufficient power to analyse high dimensional environmental profiles and advance the systematic mapping of neuronal mechanisms. This review provides a background for future research, highlighting the importance of understanding the cumulative impact of various adversities, through data-driven approaches and integrative multimodal analysis techniques.
How does the macroenvironment influence brain and behaviour—a review of current status and future perspectives
Authors: Polemiti Elli , Hese Sören , Schepanski Kerstin , Yuan Jiacan ,   environMENTAL consortium, Schumann Gunter
Published: April 2024

The environment influences brain and mental health, both detrimentally and beneficially. Existing research has emphasised the individual psychosocial ‘microenvironment’. Less attention has been paid to ‘macroenvironmental’ challenges, including climate change, pollution, urbanicity, and socioeconomic disparity. Notably, the implications of climate and pollution on brain and mental health have only recently gained prominence. With the advent of large-scale big-data cohorts and an increasingly dense mapping of macroenvironmental parameters, we are now in a position to characterise the relation between macroenvironment, brain, and behaviour across different geographic and cultural locations globally. This review synthesises findings from recent epidemiological and neuroimaging studies, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing evidence between the macroenvironment and the structure and functions of the brain, with a particular emphasis on its implications for mental illness. We discuss putative underlying mechanisms and address the most common exposures of the macroenvironment. Finally, we identify critical areas for future research to enhance our understanding of the aetiology of mental illness and to inform effective interventions for healthier environments and mental health promotion.
Thy1-ApoE4/C/EBPβ double transgenic mice act as a sporadic model with Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Qian Zhengjiang , Wang ZhiHao , Li Bowei , Meng Xin , Kuang Zhonghua , Li Yanjiao , Yang Yongfeng , Ye Keqiang
Published: April 2024

Early onset familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD) with APP, PS1/2 (presenilins) mutation accounts for only a small portion of AD cases, and most are late-onset sporadic. However, majority of AD mouse models are developed to mimic the genetic cause of human AD by overexpressing mutated forms of human APP, PS1/2, and/or Tau protein, though there is no Tau mutation in AD, and no single mouse model recapitulates all aspects of AD pathology. Here, we report Thy1-ApoE4/C/EBPβ double transgenic mouse model that demonstrates key AD pathologies in an age-dependent manner in absence of any human APP or PS1/2 mutation. Using the clinical diagnosis criteria, we show that this mouse model exhibits tempo-spatial features in AD patient brains, including progressive cognitive decline associated with brain atrophy, which is accompanied with extensive neuronal degeneration. Remarkably, the mice display gradual Aβ aggregation and neurofibrillary tangles formation in the brain validated by Aβ PET and Tau PET. Moreover, the mice reveal widespread neuroinflammation as shown in AD brains. Hence, Thy1-ApoE4/C/EBPβ mouse model acts as a sporadic AD mouse model, reconstituting the major AD pathologies.
Real world study of sacituzumab govitecan in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer in the United Kingdom
Authors: Hanna Daire , Merrick Sophie , Ghose Aruni , Devlin Michael John , Yang Dorothy D. , Phillips Edward , Okines Alicia , Chopra Neha , Papadimatraki Elisavet , Ross Kirsty , Macpherson Iain , Boh Zhuang Y. , Michie Caroline O. , Swampillai Angela , Gupta Sunnia , Robinson Tim , Germain Lewis , Twelves Chris , Atkinson Charlotte , Konstantis Apostolos , Riddle Pippa , Cresti Nicola , Naik Jay D. , Borley Annabel , Guppy Amy , Schmid Peter , Phillips Melissa
Published: April 2024

Background

Treatment options for pre-treated patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) remain limited. This is the first study to assess the real-world safety and efficacy of sacituzumab govitecan (SG) in the UK.

Methods

Data was retrospectively collected from 16 tertiary UK cancer centres. Pts had a diagnosis of mTNBC, received at least two prior lines of treatment (with at least one being in the metastatic setting) and received at least one dose of SG.

Results

132 pts were included. Median age was 56 years (28–91). All patients were ECOG performance status (PS) 0-3 (PS0; 39, PS1; 76, PS2; 16, PS3;1). 75% (99/132) of pts had visceral metastases including 18% (24/132) of pts with CNS disease. Median PFS (mPFS) was 5.2 months (95% CI 4.5–6.6) with a median OS (mOS) of 8.7 months (95% CI 6.8-NA). The most common adverse events (AEs) were fatigue (all grade; 82%, G3/4; 14%), neutropenia (all grade; 55%, G3/4; 29%), diarrhoea (all grade; 58%, G3/4, 15%), and nausea (all grade; 38%, G3/4; 3%). SG dose reduction was required in 54% of pts.

Conclusion

This study supports significant anti-tumour activity in heavily pre-treated pts with mTNBC. Toxicity data aligns with clinical trial experience.
Risk of cancer history in cardiovascular disease among individuals with hypertension
Authors: Suzuki Yuta , Kaneko Hidehiro , Okada Akira , Fujiu Katsuhito , Takeda Norifumi , Morita Hiroyuki , Nishiyama Akira , Yano Yuichiro , Node Koichi , Yasunaga Hideo , Komuro Issei
Published: April 2024

Hypertension is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although cancer has recently been increasingly recognized as a novel risk factor for CVD events, little is known about whether co-morbid cancer in individuals with hypertension could further increase the risk of CVD events. We sought to determine the association between the cancer history and the risk of CVD in individuals with hypertension. We retrospectively analyzed a large cohort of 747,620 individuals diagnosed with hypertension from January 2005 through May 2022 using the JMDC Claims Database. Composite CVD events, including myocardial infarction (MI), angina pectoris (AP), stroke, heart failure (HF), and atrial fibrillation (AF), were recorded, and a Cox proportional hazard regression was done to estimate hazard ratios (HR) based on the history of cancer and chemotherapy. 26,531 individuals had a history of cancer. During the mean follow-up period of 1269 ± 962 days, 67,154 composite CVD events were recorded. Compared with individuals without a cancer history, cancer survivors had a higher risk of developing composite CVD events (HR: 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17–1.26). The HRs (95% CIs) associated with cancer history for MI, AP, stroke, HF, and AF were 1.07 (0.90–1.27), 1.13 (1.06–1.20), 1.14 (1.06–1.24), 1.31 (1.25–1.38), and 1.22 (1.10–1.35), respectively. Lastly, individuals who had received chemotherapy for cancer had a particularly higher risk of developing CVD compared to those who did not undergo chemotherapy. A history of cancer was associated with a greater risk of developing CVD among individuals with hypertension.
Overlapping Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis household transmission and mobile genetic element exchange
Authors: Xie Ouli , Zachreson Cameron , Tonkin-Hill Gerry , Price David J. , Lacey Jake A. , Morris Jacqueline M. , McDonald Malcolm I. , Bowen Asha C. , Giffard Philip M. , Currie Bart J. , Carapetis Jonathan R. , Holt Deborah C. , Bentley Stephen D. , Davies Mark R. , Tong Steven Y. C.
Published: April 2024

Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (SDSE) and Streptococcus pyogenes share skin and throat niches with extensive genomic homology and horizontal gene transfer (HGT) possibly underlying shared disease phenotypes. It is unknown if cross-species transmission interaction occurs. Here, we conduct a genomic analysis of a longitudinal household survey in remote Australian First Nations communities for patterns of cross-species transmission interaction and HGT. Collected from 4547 person-consultations, we analyse 294 SDSE and 315 S. pyogenes genomes. We find SDSE and S. pyogenes transmission intersects extensively among households and show that patterns of co-occurrence and transmission links are consistent with independent transmission without inter-species interference. We identify at least one of three near-identical cross-species mobile genetic elements (MGEs) carrying antimicrobial resistance or streptodornase virulence genes in 55 (19%) SDSE and 23 (7%) S. pyogenes isolates. These findings demonstrate co-circulation of both pathogens and HGT in communities with a high burden of streptococcal disease, supporting a need to integrate SDSE and S. pyogenes surveillance and control efforts.
Energy-efficient superparamagnetic Ising machine and its application to traveling salesman problems
Authors: Si Jia , Yang Shuhan , Cen Yunuo , Chen Jiaer , Huang Yingna , Yao Zhaoyang , Kim Dong-Jun , Cai Kaiming , Yoo Jerald , Fong Xuanyao , Yang Hyunsoo
Published: April 2024

The growth of artificial intelligence leads to a computational burden in solving non-deterministic polynomial-time (NP)-hard problems. The Ising computer, which aims to solve NP-hard problems faces challenges such as high power consumption and limited scalability. Here, we experimentally present an Ising annealing computer based on 80 superparamagnetic tunnel junctions (SMTJs) with all-to-all connections, which solves a 70-city traveling salesman problem (TSP, 4761-node Ising problem). By taking advantage of the intrinsic randomness of SMTJs, implementing global annealing scheme, and using efficient algorithm, our SMTJ-based Ising annealer outperforms other Ising schemes in terms of power consumption and energy efficiency. Additionally, our approach provides a promising way to solve complex problems with limited hardware resources. Moreover, we propose a cross-bar array architecture for scalable integration using conventional magnetic random-access memories. Our results demonstrate that the SMTJ-based Ising computer with high energy efficiency, speed, and scalability is a strong candidate for future unconventional computing schemes.
Dearomatization drives complexity generation in freshwater organic matter
Authors: Li Siyu , Harir Mourad , Bastviken David , Schmitt-Kopplin Philippe , Gonsior Michael , Enrich-Prast Alex , Valle Juliana , Hertkorn Norbert
Published: April 2024

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is one of the most complex, dynamic and abundant sources of organic carbon, but its chemical reactivity remains uncertain1–3. Greater insights into DOM structural features could facilitate understanding its synthesis, turnover and processing in the global carbon cycle4,5. Here we use complementary multiplicity-edited 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra to quantify key substructures assembling the carbon skeletons of DOM from four main Amazon rivers and two mid-size Swedish boreal lakes. We find that one type of reaction mechanism, oxidative dearomatization (ODA), widely used in organic synthetic chemistry to create natural product scaffolds6–10, is probably a key driver for generating structural diversity during processing of DOM that are rich in suitable polyphenolic precursor molecules. Our data suggest a high abundance of tetrahedral quaternary carbons bound to one oxygen and three carbon atoms (OCqC3 units). These units are rare in common biomolecules but could be readily produced by ODA of lignin-derived and tannin-derived polyphenols. Tautomerization of (poly)phenols by ODA creates non-planar cyclohexadienones, which are subject to immediate and parallel cycloadditions. This combination leads to a proliferation of structural diversity of DOM compounds from early stages of DOM processing, with an increase in oxygenated aliphatic structures. Overall, we propose that ODA is a key reaction mechanism for complexity acceleration in the processing of DOM molecules, creation of new oxygenated aliphatic molecules and that it could be prevalent in nature.
High carrier mobility along the [111] orientation in Cu2O photoelectrodes
Authors: Pan Linfeng , Dai Linjie , Burton Oliver J. , Chen Lu , Andrei Virgil , Zhang Youcheng , Ren Dan , Cheng Jinshui , Wu Linxiao , Frohna Kyle , Abfalterer Anna , Yang Terry Chien-Jen , Niu Wenzhe , Xia Meng , Hofmann Stephan , Dyson Paul J. , Reisner Erwin , Sirringhaus Henning , Luo Jingshan , Hagfeldt Anders , Grätzel Michael , Stranks Samuel D.
Published: April 2024

Solar fuels offer a promising approach to provide sustainable fuels by harnessing sunlight1,2. Following a decade of advancement, Cu2O photocathodes are capable of delivering a performance comparable to that of photoelectrodes with established photovoltaic materials3–5. However, considerable bulk charge carrier recombination that is poorly understood still limits further advances in performance6. Here we demonstrate performance of Cu2O photocathodes beyond the state-of-the-art by exploiting a new conceptual understanding of carrier recombination and transport in single-crystal Cu2O thin films. Using ambient liquid-phase epitaxy, we present a new method to grow single-crystal Cu2O samples with three crystal orientations. Broadband femtosecond transient reflection spectroscopy measurements were used to quantify anisotropic optoelectronic properties, through which the carrier mobility along the [111] direction was found to be an order of magnitude higher than those along other orientations. Driven by these findings, we developed a polycrystalline Cu2O photocathode with an extraordinarily pure (111) orientation and (111) terminating facets using a simple and low-cost method, which delivers 7 mA cm−2 current density (more than 70% improvement compared to that of state-of-the-art electrodeposited devices) at 0.5 V versus a reversible hydrogen electrode under air mass 1.5 G illumination, and stable operation over at least 120 h.
Emx2 underlies the development and evolution of marsupial gliding membranes
Authors: Moreno Jorge A. , Dudchenko Olga , Feigin Charles Y. , Mereby Sarah A. , Chen Zhuoxin , Ramos Raul , Almet Axel A. , Sen Harsha , Brack Benjamin J. , Johnson Matthew R. , Li Sha , Wang Wei , Gaska Jenna M. , Ploss Alexander , Weisz David , Omer Arina D. , Yao Weijie , Colaric Zane , Kaur Parwinder , Leger Judy St. , Nie Qing , Mena Alexandria , Flanagan Joseph P. , Keller Greta , Sanger Thomas , Ostrow Bruce , Plikus Maksim V. , Kvon Evgeny Z. , Aiden Erez Lieberman , Mallarino Ricardo
Published: April 2024

Phenotypic variation among species is a product of evolutionary changes to developmental programs1,2. However, how these changes generate novel morphological traits remains largely unclear. Here we studied the genomic and developmental basis of the mammalian gliding membrane, or patagium—an adaptative trait that has repeatedly evolved in different lineages, including in closely related marsupial species. Through comparative genomic analysis of 15 marsupial genomes, both from gliding and non-gliding species, we find that the Emx2 locus experienced lineage-specific patterns of accelerated cis-regulatory evolution in gliding species. By combining epigenomics, transcriptomics and in-pouch marsupial transgenics, we show that Emx2 is a critical upstream regulator of patagium development. Moreover, we identify different cis-regulatory elements that may be responsible for driving increased Emx2 expression levels in gliding species. Lastly, using mouse functional experiments, we find evidence that Emx2 expression patterns in gliders may have been modified from a pre-existing program found in all mammals. Together, our results suggest that patagia repeatedly originated through a process of convergent genomic evolution, whereby regulation of Emx2 was altered by distinct cis-regulatory elements in independently evolved species. Thus, different regulatory elements targeting the same key developmental gene may constitute an effective strategy by which natural selection has harnessed regulatory evolution in marsupial genomes to generate phenotypic novelty.
Network of large pedigrees reveals social practices of Avar communities
Authors: Gnecchi-Ruscone Guido Alberto , Rácz Zsófia , Samu Levente , Szeniczey Tamás , Faragó Norbert , Knipper Corina , Friedrich Ronny , Zlámalová Denisa , Traverso Luca , Liccardo Salvatore , Wabnitz Sandra , Popli Divyaratan , Wang Ke , Radzeviciute Rita , Gulyás Bence , Koncz István , Balogh Csilla , Lezsák Gabriella M. , Mácsai Viktor , Bunbury Magdalena M. E. , Spekker Olga , le Roux Petrus , Szécsényi-Nagy Anna , Mende Balázs Gusztáv , Colleran Heidi , Hajdu Tamás , Geary Patrick , Pohl Walter , Vida Tivadar , Krause Johannes , Hofmanová Zuzana
Published: April 2024

From ad 567–568, at the onset of the Avar period, populations from the Eurasian Steppe settled in the Carpathian Basin for approximately 250 years1. Extensive sampling for archaeogenomics (424 individuals) and isotopes, combined with archaeological, anthropological and historical contextualization of four Avar-period cemeteries, allowed for a detailed description of the genomic structure of these communities and their kinship and social practices. We present a set of large pedigrees, reconstructed using ancient DNA, spanning nine generations and comprising around 300 individuals. We uncover a strict patrilineal kinship system, in which patrilocality and female exogamy were the norm and multiple reproductive partnering and levirate unions were common. The absence of consanguinity indicates that this society maintained a detailed memory of ancestry over generations. These kinship practices correspond with previous evidence from historical sources and anthropological research on Eurasian Steppe societies2. Network analyses of identity-by-descent DNA connections suggest that social cohesion between communities was maintained via female exogamy. Finally, despite the absence of major ancestry shifts, the level of resolution of our analyses allowed us to detect genetic discontinuity caused by the replacement of a community at one of the sites. This was paralleled with changes in the archaeological record and was probably a result of local political realignment.
A high-density and high-confinement tokamak plasma regime for fusion energy
Authors: Ding S. , Garofalo A. M. , Wang H. Q. , Weisberg D. B. , Li Z. Y. , Jian X. , Eldon D. , Victor B. S. , Marinoni A. , Hu Q. M. , Carvalho I. S. , Odstrčil T. , Wang L. , Hyatt A. W. , Osborne T. H. , Gong X. Z. , Qian J. P. , Huang J. , McClenaghan J. , Holcomb C. T. , Hanson J. M.
Published: April 2024

The tokamak approach, utilizing a toroidal magnetic field configuration to confine a hot plasma, is one of the most promising designs for developing reactors that can exploit nuclear fusion to generate electrical energy1,2. To reach the goal of an economical reactor, most tokamak reactor designs3–10 simultaneously require reaching a plasma line-averaged density above an empirical limit—the so-called Greenwald density11—and attaining an energy confinement quality better than the standard high-confinement mode12,13. However, such an operating regime has never been verified in experiments. In addition, a long-standing challenge in the high-confinement mode has been the compatibility between a high-performance core and avoiding large, transient edge perturbations that can cause very high heat loads on the plasma-facing-components in tokamaks. Here we report the demonstration of stable tokamak plasmas with a line-averaged density approximately 20% above the Greenwald density and an energy confinement quality of approximately 50% better than the standard high-confinement mode, which was realized by taking advantage of the enhanced suppression of turbulent transport granted by high density-gradients in the high-poloidal-beta scenario14,15. Furthermore, our experimental results show an integration of very low edge transient perturbations with the high normalized density and confinement core. The operating regime we report supports some critical requirements in many fusion reactor designs all over the world and opens a potential avenue to an operating point for producing economically attractive fusion energy.
Probing entanglement in a 2D hard-core Bose–Hubbard lattice
Authors: Karamlou Amir H. , Rosen Ilan T. , Muschinske Sarah E. , Barrett Cora N. , Di Paolo Agustin , Ding Leon , Harrington Patrick M. , Hays Max , Das Rabindra , Kim David K. , Niedzielski Bethany M. , Schuldt Meghan , Serniak Kyle , Schwartz Mollie E. , Yoder Jonilyn L. , Gustavsson Simon , Yanay Yariv , Grover Jeffrey A. , Oliver William D.
Published: April 2024

Entanglement and its propagation are central to understanding many physical properties of quantum systems1–3. Notably, within closed quantum many-body systems, entanglement is believed to yield emergent thermodynamic behaviour4–7. However, a universal understanding remains challenging owing to the non-integrability and computational intractability of most large-scale quantum systems. Quantum hardware platforms provide a means to study the formation and scaling of entanglement in interacting many-body systems8–14. Here we use a controllable 4 × 4 array of superconducting qubits to emulate a 2D hard-core Bose–Hubbard (HCBH) lattice. We generate superposition states by simultaneously driving all lattice sites and extract correlation lengths and entanglement entropy across its many-body energy spectrum. We observe volume-law entanglement scaling for states at the centre of the spectrum and a crossover to the onset of area-law scaling near its edges.
Mechanism of single-stranded DNA annealing by RAD52–RPA complex
Authors: Liang Chih-Chao , Greenhough Luke A. , Masino Laura , Maslen Sarah , Bajrami Ilirjana , Tuppi Marcel , Skehel Mark , Taylor Ian A. , West Stephen C.
Published: April 2024

RAD52 is important for the repair of DNA double-stranded breaks1,2, mitotic DNA synthesis3–5 and alternative telomere length maintenance6,7. Central to these functions, RAD52 promotes the annealing of complementary single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)8,9 and provides an alternative to BRCA2/RAD51-dependent homologous recombination repair10. Inactivation of RAD52 in homologous-recombination-deficient BRCA1- or BRCA2-defective cells is synthetically lethal11,12, and aberrant expression of RAD52 is associated with poor cancer prognosis13,14. As a consequence, RAD52 is an attractive therapeutic target against homologous-recombination-deficient breast, ovarian and prostate cancers15–17. Here we describe the structure of RAD52 and define the mechanism of annealing. As reported previously18–20, RAD52 forms undecameric (11-subunit) ring structures, but these rings do not represent the active form of the enzyme. Instead, cryo-electron microscopy and biochemical analyses revealed that ssDNA annealing is driven by RAD52 open rings in association with replication protein-A (RPA). Atomic models of the RAD52–ssDNA complex show that ssDNA sits in a positively charged channel around the ring. Annealing is driven by the RAD52 N-terminal domains, whereas the C-terminal regions modulate the open-ring conformation and RPA interaction. RPA associates with RAD52 at the site of ring opening with critical interactions occurring between the RPA-interacting domain of RAD52 and the winged helix domain of RPA2. Our studies provide structural snapshots throughout the annealing process and define the molecular mechanism of ssDNA annealing by the RAD52–RPA complex.
The Imperial College Storm Model (IRIS) Dataset
Authors: Sparks Nathan , Toumi Ralf
Published: April 2024

Assessing tropical cyclone risk on a global scale given the infrequency of landfalling tropical cyclones (TC) and the short period of reliable observations remains a challenge. Synthetic tropical cyclone datasets can help overcome these problems. Here we present a new global dataset created by IRIS, the ImpeRIal college Storm model. IRIS is novel because, unlike other synthetic TC models, it only simulates the decay from the point of lifetime maximum intensity. This minimises the bias in the dataset. It takes input from 42 years of observed tropical cyclones and creates a 10,000 year synthetic dataset of wind speed which is then validated against the observations. IRIS captures important statistical characteristics of the observed data. The return periods of the landfall maximum wind speed are realistic globally.
Ionic liquids adsorption and interfacial tension reduction for synthetic resinous and asphaltenic oils: salinity and pH effects
Authors: Moradi Seyed Ehsan , Hosseini Seyednooroldin , Akhlaghi Naser , Narimani Mostafa , Golab Elias Ghaleh
Published: April 2024

The effects of sulfate salts under low and high salinity conditions and pH of 3.5–11 on interfacial tension (IFT) reduction and IL adsorption using resinous (RSO) and asphaltenic (8 wt/wt%) synthetic oils are investigated. The measurements showed the increasing effect of pH on the IFT of RSO/DW from 23.5 to 27.3 mN/m (pH = 3.5 → 7) in the first place and a reducing effect (0.4 mN/m) if pH = 7 → 11. Using a high concentration of 50,000 ppm for MgSO4, and Na2SO4revealed an extensive IFT reduction for a pH value of 11 with the value of 0.20 mN/m for Na2SO4. The measured IFT values showed the significant impact of IL (500 ppm) on the IFT (minimum value of 0.01 mN/m for RSO/50,000 Na2SO4 + 500 ppm 1-decyl-3-methyl imidazolium triflate ([C10mim][TfO])) for pH = 11. The IL adsorption measurements showed the role of in-situ surfactant production (saponification process) on the 1-decyl-3-methyl imidazolium chloride ([C10mim][Cl]) and [C10mim][TfO] adsorption reduction from 3.67 to 2.33 and 4.21 to 3.34 mg IL/g rock, respectively. The performed core flooding experiments using the optimum chemical formulation showed the possibility of tertiary oil recovery with maximum oil recovery of 28.8% based on original oil in place in the presence of 500 ppm.
Protective effect of various toothpastes and mouthwashes against erosive and abrasive challenge on eroded dentin: an in vitro study
Authors: Memarpour Mahtab , Jafari Saba , Rafiee Azade , Alizadeh Marzieh , Vossoughi Mehrdad
Published: April 2024

The study aimed to compare various toothpastes and mouthwashes on permanent tooth dentin after erosive and abrasive challenges. 130 sound premolars dentin were randomly submitted to an initial erosive challenge and a cycle of erosive and abrasive challenges for five days. The five experimental groups (n = 26) were: (1) Control group (artificial saliva), (2) Elmex erosion protection toothpaste and mouthwash, (3) Vitis anticaries biorepair toothpaste and mouthwash, (4) Oral B Pro-expert toothpaste and Oral B Fluorinse mouthwash, and (5) MI Paste ONE toothpaste and Caphosol mouthwash. Microhardness, surface roughness values, and the topographical characteristics of the dentin surface were assessed. The highest percentage of recovered dentin microhardness (%RDMH) value was observed in groups 2 and 4, followed by groups 5 and 3, respectively. The %RDMH values in groups 2 and 4 did not demonstrate a significant difference (p = 0.855). The highest percentage of improvement in surface roughness was recorded in groups 2 and 4, with no significant differences (p = 0.989). The atomic force microscopy (AFM) findings were consistent with the surface roughness data. The best recovery of dentin microhardness and roughness were measured with the Elmex and Oral B toothpaste and mouthwash, followed by MI Paste ONE toothpaste and Caphosol mouthwash and Vitis anticaries biorepair toothpaste and mouthwash.
Trained neural networking framework based skin cancer diagnosis and categorization using grey wolf optimization
Authors: K. Amit Kumar , T.Y. Satheesha , Ahmed Syed Thouheed , Mathivanan Sandeep Kumar , Varadhan Sangeetha , Shah Mohd Asif
Published: April 2024

Skin Cancer is caused due to the mutational differences in epidermis hormones and patch appearances. Many studies are focused on the design and development of effective approaches in diagnosis and categorization of skin cancer. The decisions are made on independent training dataset under limited editions and scenarios. In this research, the kaggle based datasets are optimized and categorized into a labeled data array towards indexing using Federated learning (FL). The technique is developed on grey wolf optimization algorithm to assure the dataset attribute dependencies are extracted and dimensional mapping is processed. The threshold value validation of the dimensional mapping datasets is effectively optimized and trained under the neural networking framework further expanded via federated learning standards. The technique has demonstrated 95.82% accuracy under GWO technique and 94.9% on inter-combination of Trained Neural Networking (TNN) framework and Recessive Learning (RL) in accuracy.