bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revisiting reward impairments in schizophrenia spectrum disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis for neuroimaging findings
Authors: Wang Xuan , Zhang Yinghao , Huang Jia , Wang Yi , Niu Yanzhe , Lui Simon S. Y. , Hui Li , Chan Raymond C. K.
Published: March 2023

Background

Abnormal reward functioning is central to anhedonia and amotivation symptoms of schizophrenia (SCZ). Reward processing encompasses a series of psychological components. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the brain dysfunction related to reward processing of individuals with SCZ spectrum disorders and risks, covering multiple reward components.

Methods

After a systematic literature search, 37 neuroimaging studies were identified and divided into four groups based on their target psychology components (i.e. reward anticipation, reward consumption, reward learning, effort computation). Whole-brain Seed-based d Mapping (SDM) meta-analyses were conducted for all included studies and each component.

Results

The meta-analysis for all reward-related studies revealed reduced functional activation across the SCZ spectrum in the striatum, orbital frontal cortex, cingulate cortex, and cerebellar areas. Meanwhile, distinct abnormal patterns were found for reward anticipation (decreased activation of the cingulate cortex and striatum), reward consumption (decreased activation of cerebellum IV/V areas, insula and inferior frontal gyri), and reward learning processing (decreased activation of the striatum, thalamus, cerebellar Crus I, cingulate cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, and parietal and occipital areas). Lastly, our qualitative review suggested that decreased activation of the ventral striatum and anterior cingulate cortex was also involved in effort computation.

Conclusions

These results provide deep insights on the component-based neuro-psychopathological mechanisms for anhedonia and amotivation symptoms of the SCZ spectrum.
Towards the conceptual design of ML-enhanced products: the UX value framework and the CoMLUX design process
Authors: Sun Lingyun , Li Zhuoshu , Zhou Zhibin , Lou Shanghua , Li Wenan , Zhang Yuyang
Published: March 2023

With the increasing utilization of machine learning (ML) to enhance products’ capabilities, the design research community has begun to explore how to support the conceptual design of ML-enhanced products. However, UX value creation of ML-enhanced products is still challenging because of ML's unique characteristics and numerous complex factors in conceptual design. To help designers create UX value for ML-enhanced products, we developed the UX value framework and the CoMLUX design process. The proposed framework describes how ML, stakeholders, and context co-create the UX value of ML-enhanced products, and identifies the growability and opacity of ML, helping designers systematically understand the co-creators while avoiding cognitive overload. The CoMLUX design process provides practical guidance for designing ML-enhanced products with growability and transparency. At last, we demonstrate the usage methods of the framework and process in an actual project and summarize the inspirations and limitations of our work.
“Doing the nation”-the representation of national identity: evidence from Chinese Confucius Institutes in Thailand
Authors: Li Jiangyu , Xv Chong
Published: March 2023

This article examines the extent to which overseas Chinese educators at Confucius Institutes (CIs) in Thailand act as representatives and practitioners of Chinese national identity. Though working for the state, CI teachers promote Chinese language and culture according to their own perceptions. In this paper, participatory observation and in-depth interviews were employed to assess how CI teachers in Thailand articulate their Chineseness and national identity. The findings show that (1) banal national sentiment was an important expression of the CI teachers' national identity, in terms of psychological attachment and ingrained behaviors; (2) pragmatic identity politics are used to distinguish various contributors to the CI; (3) the materialization of Chinese national identity recontextualizes the country via national symbols and cultural activities. The intricacy of the everyday activities of CI teachers illuminates the trans-nationalization and localization of Chinese national identity, which constitute the “doing” of the nation that the imaginary Chinese community in Thailand represents not just a government-endorsed national identity but also the CI teachers' creation of tradition.
Plasma state supervision utilizing millimeter wave radar systems
Authors: Schenkel Francesca , Baer Christoph , Rolfes Ilona , Schulz Christian
Published: March 2023

This work introduces a method for plasma state supervision, based on a frequency-modulated continuous wave radar sensor and a suitable signal evaluation enabling a continuous supervision method for the plasma state. Highly precise phase evaluation of the signal allows us to detect and visualize smallest changes in the plasma state. Assuming the plasma to act like a frequency-dependent dielectric material, the propagation of the electromagnetic wave depends on the plasma state and hence, also the measured phase. Broadband measurements are carried out at center frequencies of 80 and 140 GHz in a low-pressure plasma. The radar-based setup can be used for a very flexible application, capable for spatially resolved measurements in the plasma bulk. At the same time, the high measurement rate allows for quasi real-time monitoring, so that transient processes in the plasma are recorded. Due to the simple setup, this approach is most suitable for industrial applications to improve process control. The chosen different frequencies will show a change in the influence of the plasma on the electromagnetic wave demonstrating the advantages of multi-frequency approaches in future applications.
Gas Emissions and Subsurface Architecture of Fault‐Controlled Geothermal Systems: A Case Study of the North Abaya Geothermal Area
Authors: Hutchison William , Ogilvie Euan R. D. , Birhane Yafet G. , Barry Peter H. , Fischer Tobias P. , Ballentine Chris J. , Hillegonds Darren J. , Biggs Juliet , Albino Fabien , Cervantes Chelsea , Guðbrandsson Snorri
Published: March 2023

East Africa hosts significant reserves of untapped geothermal energy. Exploration has focused on geologically young (<1 Ma) silicic calderas, yet there are many sites of geothermal potential where there is no clear link to an active volcano. The origin and architecture of these systems are poorly understood. Here, we combine remote sensing and field observations to investigate a fault‐controlled geothermal play located north of Lake Abaya in the Main Ethiopian Rift. Soil gas CO2 and temperature surveys were used to examine permeable pathways and showed elevated values along a ∼110 m high fault, which marks the western edge of the Abaya graben. Ground temperatures are particularly elevated where multiple intersecting faults form a wedged horst structure. This illustrates that both deep penetrating graben bounding faults and near‐surface fault intersections control the ascent of hydrothermal fluids and gases. Total CO2 emissions along the graben fault are ∼300 t d−1; a value comparable to the total CO2 emission from silicic caldera volcanoes. Fumarole gases show δ13C of −6.4‰ to −3.8‰ and air‐corrected 3He/4He values of 3.84–4.11 RA, indicating a magmatic source originating from an admixture of upper mantle and crustal helium. Although our model of the North Abaya geothermal system requires a deep intrusive heat source, we find no ground deformation evidence for volcanic unrest or recent volcanism along the graben fault. This represents a key advantage over the active silicic calderas that typically host these resources and suggests that fault‐controlled geothermal systems offer viable prospects for geothermal exploration.
Yearly Variations in Nutrient Supply in the East China Sea Due To the Zhejiang Coastal Upwelling and Kuroshio Intrusion
Authors: Luo Yifei , Shi Jie , Guo Xinyu , Mao Xinyan , Yao Peng , Zhao Bin , Chen Lin , Wang Yucheng
Published: March 2023

The East China Sea (ECS) is a marginal sea with high productivity, especially in summer. In the Zhejiang coastal region of ECS, the large phytoplankton biomass in summer is attributed to the nutrients pumped up by Zhejiang coastal upwelling (ZCU), and oceanic nutrients supplied by the Kuroshio intrusion (KI) onto continental ECS. However, the yearly variations in these two processes are not consistent, which complicates coastal nutrient supplies. In this study, to understand the contributions of ZCU and KI to the nutrient supplies, nutrient concentrations, and phytoplankton biomass in ECS as well as their yearly variations, a physical‐biochemical coupled model was applied. According to model results and observations, the years 2013 and 2018 were identified as strong and weak ZCU years during 2010–2018 period, respectively. In 2013, nutrient and chlorophyll‐a concentrations were higher than 2018 in nearshore areas, but nutrient concentrations were lower than 2018 at the bottom of wide offshore areas. Strong wind stress in 2013 induced strong ZCU and shoreward net nutrient flux along the 60‐m isobath, which was seaward in 2018. The fewer nutrient supplies from KI in the spring of 2013 decreased the nutrient concentrations at the bottom of offshore areas, but its influence on nearshore nutrient concentrations was not as obvious as that caused by ZCU. Phytoplankton biomass in the nearshore and offshore areas reflected different mechanisms of nutrient supplies. In conclusion, the intensity of ZCU, rather than KI, is the principal factor influencing the coastal primary productivity of ECS in summer.
Understanding the Diurnal Cycle of Midlatitude Sporadic E. The Role of Metal Atoms
Authors: Haldoupis Christos , Haralambous Haris , Meek Chris , Mathews John D.
Published: March 2023

Midlatitude ionosonde observations show that there is a sporadic E (Es) diurnal cycle that starts in higher altitudes at sunrise. This property is labeled as the “Sporadic E sunrise effect.” Given that sporadic E layers are composed of metal ions, the sunrise effect implies that metal atom solar photoionization could play a role in the diurnal variability of sporadic E occurrence. This possibility is endorsed by Arecibo's incoherent scatter radar observations, showing that weak ion layers at lowest E and uppermost D region heights appear at sunrise to live during the daytime, apparently coming out of nighttime metal atom mesospheric layers. The solar photoionization of metal atoms increases the abundance of metal ions available for Es layer generation during the daytime, whereas this effect is absent at nighttime. This can explain why sporadic E layers start or intensify at sunrise all year round and why Es activity maximizes during sunlit hours, as has been reported in many ionosonde and satellite radio occultation studies. The significance of metal atom solar photoionization on the regular diurnal variation of Es went unnoticed, despite existing evidence for a long time. The present paper provides a base for a better physical understanding of the pronounced 24‐hr periodicity in Es layer intensity and places a step toward the improvement of simulation models for the predictions of sporadic E layer characteristics.
A meta-analysis on the changes of BMI during an inpatient treatment with different follow-up lengths (short and long term) compared with the outpatient phase in obese patients
Authors: Rondanelli Mariangela , Gasparri Clara , Rigon Chiara , Ferraris Cinzia , Riva Antonella , Petrangolini Giovanna , Peroni Gabriella , Faliva Milena Anna , Naso Maurizio , Perna Simone
Published: March 2023

Background

The management of obesity should be multidimensional based on the choice of the treatment and the intensity of the therapeutic-rehabilitative intervention. This meta-analysis aims to compare the changes on body weight and body mass index (BMI) during an inpatient treatment (hospitalized weight loss programs with different durations in terms of weeks) compared with the outpatient phase.

Methods

The data obtained from the studies on inpatients have been layered into two categories: short term (studies with follow-up of max 6 months) and long term (studies with follow-up up to 24 months). Furthermore, this study evaluates which of the two approaches show the best impact on weight loss and BMI during 2 follow-ups at 6 to 24 months.

Results

The analysis, which included seven studies (977 patients), revealed that the subjects underwent a short hospitalization had greater benefit, compared to those who were followed for a long time. The meta-analyzed mean differences for random effect (MD) showed a statistically significant decrease on BMI of −1.42 kg/m2(95% CI: −2.48 to −0.35;P = 0.009) and on body weight −6.94 (95% CI: −10.71 to −3.17;P = 0.0003) for subjects who carry out a short hospitalization compared to outpatients. No reduction of body weight (p = 0.07) and BMI (p = 0.9) for subjects who undergo a long hospitalization compared to an outpatient.

Conclusions

A short-term inpatients multidisciplinary weight loss program could be the best choice for the management of obesity and its related comorbidities; on the contrary, if the follow-up is of long duration, the significance is not confirmed. The hospitalization at the beginning of any obesity treatment is significantly better than only outpatients treatment.
Commercial influenza vaccines vary in HA-complex structure and in induction of cross-reactive HA antibodies
Authors: Myers Mallory L. , Gallagher John R. , Kim Alexander J. , Payne Walker H. , Maldonado-Puga Samantha , Assimakopoulos Haralabos , Bock Kevin W. , Torian Udana , Moore Ian N. , Harris Audray K.
Published: March 2023

Influenza virus infects millions of people annually and can cause global pandemics. Hemagglutinin (HA) is the primary component of commercial influenza vaccines (CIV), and antibody titer to HA is a primary correlate of protection. Continual antigenic variation of HA requires that CIVs are reformulated yearly. Structural organization of HA complexes have not previously been correlated with induction of broadly reactive antibodies, yet CIV formulations vary in how HA is organized. Using electron microscopy to study four current CIVs, we find structures including: individual HAs, starfish structures with up to 12 HA molecules, and novel spiked-nanodisc structures that display over 50 HA molecules along the complex’s perimeter. CIV containing these spiked nanodiscs elicit the highest levels of heterosubtypic cross-reactive antibodies in female mice. Here, we report that HA structural organization can be an important CIV parameter and can be associated with the induction of cross-reactive antibodies to conserved HA epitopes.
Elevation-dependent intensification of fire danger in the western United States
Authors: Alizadeh Mohammad Reza , Abatzoglou John T. , Adamowski Jan , Modaresi Rad Arash , AghaKouchak Amir , Pausata Francesco S. R. , Sadegh Mojtaba
Published: March 2023

Studies have identified elevation-dependent warming trends, but investigations of such trends in fire danger are absent in the literature. Here, we demonstrate that while there have been widespread increases in fire danger across the mountainous western US from 1979 to 2020, trends were most acute at high-elevation regions above 3000 m. The greatest increase in the number of days conducive to large fires occurred at 2500–3000 m, adding 63 critical fire danger days between 1979 and 2020. This includes 22 critical fire danger days occurring outside the warm season (May–September). Furthermore, our findings indicate increased elevational synchronization of fire danger in western US mountains, which can facilitate increased geographic opportunities for ignitions and fire spread that further complicate fire management operations. We hypothesize that several physical mechanisms underpinned the observed trends, including elevationally disparate impacts of earlier snowmelt, intensified land-atmosphere feedbacks, irrigation, and aerosols, in addition to widespread warming/drying.
Primitive haematopoiesis in the human placenta gives rise to macrophages with epigenetically silenced HLA-DR
Authors: Thomas Jake R. , Appios Anna , Calderbank Emily F. , Yoshida Nagisa , Zhao Xiaohui , Hamilton Russell S. , Moffett Ashley , Sharkey Andrew , Laurenti Elisa , Hanna Courtney W. , McGovern Naomi
Published: March 2023

The earliest macrophages are generated during embryonic development from erythro-myeloid progenitors (EMPs) via primitive haematopoiesis. Although this process is thought to be spatially restricted to the yolk sac in the mouse, in humans, it remains poorly understood. Human foetal placental macrophages, or Hofbauer cells (HBC), arise during the primitive haematopoietic wave ~18 days post conception and lack expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II. Here, we identify a population of placental erythro-myeloid progenitors (PEMPs) in the early human placenta that have conserved features of primitive yolk sac EMPs, including the lack ofHLFexpression. Using in vitro culture experiments we demonstrate that PEMP generate HBC-like cells lacking HLA-DR expression. We find the absence of HLA-DR in primitive macrophages is mediated via epigenetic silencing of class II transactivator, CIITA, the master regulator of HLA class II gene expression. These findings establish the human placenta as an additional site of primitive haematopoiesis.
The in vivo measurement of replication fork velocity and pausing by lag-time analysis
Authors: Huang Dean , Johnson Anna E. , Sim Brandon S. , Lo Teresa W. , Merrikh Houra , Wiggins Paul A.
Published: March 2023

An important step towards understanding the mechanistic basis of the central dogma is the quantitative characterization of the dynamics of nucleic-acid-bound molecular motors in the context of the living cell. To capture these dynamics, we develop lag-time analysis, a method for measuring in vivo dynamics. Using this approach, we provide quantitative locus-specific measurements of fork velocity, in units of kilobases per second, as well as replisome pause durations, some with the precision of seconds. The measured fork velocity is observed to be both locus and time dependent, even in wild-type cells. In this work, we quantitatively characterize known phenomena, detect brief, locus-specific pauses at ribosomal DNA loci in wild-type cells, and observe temporal fork velocity oscillations in three highly-divergent bacterial species.
19.31% binary organic solar cell and low non-radiative recombination enabled by non-monotonic intermediate state transition
Authors: Fu Jiehao , Fong Patrick W. K. , Liu Heng , Huang Chieh-Szu , Lu Xinhui , Lu Shirong , Abdelsamie Maged , Kodalle Tim , Sutter-Fella Carolin M. , Yang Yang , Li Gang
Published: March 2023

Non-fullerene acceptors based organic solar cells represent the frontier of the field, owing to both the materials and morphology manipulation innovations. Non-radiative recombination loss suppression and performance boosting are in the center of organic solar cell research. Here, we developed a non-monotonic intermediate state manipulation strategy for state-of-the-art organic solar cells by employing 1,3,5-trichlorobenzene as crystallization regulator, which optimizes the film crystallization process, regulates the self-organization of bulk-heterojunction in a non-monotonic manner, i.e., first enhancing and then relaxing the molecular aggregation. As a result, the excessive aggregation of non-fullerene acceptors is avoided and we have achieved efficient organic solar cells with reduced non-radiative recombination loss. In PM6:BTP-eC9 organic solar cell, our strategy successfully offers a record binary organic solar cell efficiency of 19.31% (18.93% certified) with very low non-radiative recombination loss of 0.190 eV. And lower non-radiative recombination loss of 0.168 eV is further achieved in PM1:BTP-eC9 organic solar cell (19.10% efficiency), giving great promise to future organic solar cell research.
Cardiometabolic function in retired night shift workers and retired day workers
Authors: Chin Brian N. , Lehrer H. Matthew , Tracy Eunjin Lee , Barinas-Mitchell Emma , Wilckens Kristine A. , Carroll Lucas W. , Buysse Daniel J. , Hall Martica H.
Published: March 2023

Night shift work is associated with poor cardiometabolic outcomes, even post-retirement. However, the characteristics of cardiometabolic function in retired night shift workers (RNSW) compared to retired day workers (RDW) are not well-understood. Rigorous characterization of cardiometabolic dysfunction in RNSW and RDW will inform targeted risk stratification for RNSW. This observational study evaluated whether RNSW (n = 71) had poorer cardiometabolic function than RDW (n = 83). We conducted a multimodal assessment of cardiometabolic function including metabolic syndrome prevalence, brachial artery flow-mediated dilation, and carotid intima-media thickness. Main analyses tested overall group differences. Sex-stratified follow-up analyses tested group differences separately in men and women. RNSW had 2.6-times higher odds of metabolic syndrome prevalence than RDW in
unadjusted analyses (95% CI  [1.1,6.3]); this association was not significant when adjusting for age, race and education. RNSW and RDW (Mage = 68.4; 55% female) did not differ in percent flow-mediated dilation or carotid intima-media thickness. In sex-stratified analyses, women RNSW had 3.3-times higher odds of having high body mass index than women RDW (95% CI  [1.2,10.4]). Men RNSW had 3.9-times higher odds of having high triglycerides than men RDW (95% CI [1.1,14.2]). No other group differences were observed. We found mixed evidence that night shift work exposure was associated with cardiometabolic dysfunction in retirement, possibly in a sex-specific manner.
ABCB1 expression is increased in human first trimester placenta from pregnant women classified as overweight or obese
Authors: Justesen Signe , Bilde Katrine , Olesen Rasmus H. , Pedersen Lars H. , Ernst Erik , Larsen Agnete
Published: March 2023

Obesity has become a global health challenge also affecting reproductive health. In pregnant women, obesity increases the risk of complications such as preterm birth, macrosomia, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia. Moreover, obesity is associated with long-term adverse effects for the offspring, including increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases and neurodevelopmental difficulties. The underlying mechanisms are far from understood, but placental function is essential for pregnancy outcome. Transporter proteins P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and Breast Cancer Resistance Protein (BCRP) are important for trans-placental transport of endogenous substances like lipids and cortisol, a key hormone in tissue maturation. They also hold a protective function protecting the fetus from xenobiotics (e.g. pharmaceuticals). Animal studies suggest that maternal nutritional status can affect expression of placental transporters, but little is known about the effect on the human placenta, especially in early pregnancy. Here, we investigated if overweight and obesity in pregnant women altered mRNA expression of ABCB1 encoding P-gp or ABCG2 encoding BCRP in first trimester human placenta. With informed consent, 75 first trimester placental samples were obtained from women voluntarily seeking surgical abortion (< gestational week 12) (approval no.: 20060063). Villous samples (average gestational age 9.35 weeks) were used for qPCR analysis. For a subset (n = 38), additional villi were snap-frozen for protein analysis. Maternal BMI was defined at the time of termination of pregnancy. Compared to women with BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m2 (n = 34), ABCB1 mRNA expression was significantly increased in placenta samples from women classified as overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2, n = 18) (p = 0.040) and women classified as obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, n = 23) (p = 0.003). Albeit P-gp expression did not show statistically significant difference between groups, the effect of increasing BMI was the same in male and female pregnancies. To investigate if the P-gp increase was compensated, we determined the expression of ABCG2 which was unaffected by maternal obesity (p = 0.291). Maternal BMI affects ABCB1 but not ABCG2 mRNA expression in first trimester human placenta. Further studies of early placental function are needed to understand how the expression of placental transport proteins is regulated by maternal factors such as nutritional status and determine the potential consequences for placental–fetal interaction.
A double-spiral maze and hi-resolution tracking pipeline to study dispersal by groups of minute insects
Authors: Cointe M. , Burte V. , Perez G. , Mailleret L. , Calcagno V.
Published: March 2023

Minute insects such as parasitic micro-wasps have high basic and applied importance for their widespread use as biocontrol agents. Their dispersal is a phenotype of particular interest. Classically, it is evaluated using field releases, but those are time consuming, costly, and their results highly variable, preventing high-throughput and repeatability. Alternatively, dispersal can be studied using small-scale assays, but those neglect important higher-scale processes. Consequently, proper evaluation of dispersal is often complicated or lacking in academic studies and biocontrol breeding programs. Here we introduce a new method, the double-spiral maze, that allows the study of spatial propagation of groups of micro-wasps at relevant scales (several hours and meters), retaining high throughput and experimental power. The method records the location of every individual at every time, enabling accurate estimates of diffusion coefficients or other dispersal metrics. We describe this affordable, scalable, and easy-to-implement method, and illustrate its application with a species of agricultural interest.
Regional differences in epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy in lung cancer treatment using a national database in Japan
Authors: Matsumoto Hiromi , Kobayashi Nobuaki , Shinoda Satoru , Goto Atsushi , Kaneko Ayami , Fukuda Nobuhiko , Kamimaki Chisato , Kubo Sousuke , Watanabe Keisuke , Horita Nobuyuki , Hara Yu , Ishikawa Yoshihiro , Kaneko Takeshi
Published: March 2023

Epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) are extensively used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); hence, equal access to them is important. Therefore, this study aimed to identify regional differences in the prescription of EGFR-TKIs and the factors contributing to these differences. In this ecological study, we collected data using the National Database Open Data and the National Cancer Registry. The standardized claim ratio (SCR) was used as an indicator of the number of EGFR-TKI prescriptions. Additionally, we examined the association between SCR and various factors to identify the factors associated with this difference. The average SCR for the top three provinces was 153.4, while the average for the bottom three provinces was 61.6. Multivariate analysis used for evaluating the association of SCR with variables revealed that the number of designated cancer hospitals and radiation therapies were independent factors associated with the SCR of EGFR-TKIs. There were significant regional differences in the prescriptions of EGFR-TKIs in Japan based on the number of coordinated designated cancer hospitals and the number of patients receiving radiotherapy alone. These findings emphasize the need to implement policies to increase the number of hospitals to reduce regional differences.
Utilizing genetic code expansion to modify N-TIMP2 specificity towards MMP-2, MMP-9, and MMP-14
Authors: Hayun Hezi , Coban Matt , Bhagat Ashok Kumar , Ozer Eden , Alfonta Lital , Caulfield Thomas R. , Radisky Evette S. , Papo Niv
Published: March 2023

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) regulate the degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components in biological processes. MMP activity is controlled by natural tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) that non-selectively inhibit the function of multiple MMPs via interaction with the MMPs' Zn2+-containing catalytic pocket. Recent studies suggest that TIMPs engineered to confer MMP specificity could be exploited for therapeutic purposes, but obtaining specific TIMP-2 inhibitors has proved to be challenging. Here, in an effort to improve MMP specificity, we incorporated the metal-binding non-canonical amino acids (NCAAs), 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) and (8-hydroxyquinolin-3-yl)alanine (HqAla), into the MMP-inhibitory N-terminal domain of TIMP2 (N-TIMP2) at selected positions that interact with the catalytic Zn2+ ion (S2, S69, A70, L100) or with a structural Ca2+ ion (Y36). Evaluation of the inhibitory potency of the NCAA-containing variants towards MMP-2, MMP-9 and MMP-14 in vitro revealed that most showed a significant loss of inhibitory activity towards MMP-14, but not towards MMP-2 and MMP-9, resulting in increased specificity towards the latter proteases. Substitutions at S69 conferred the best improvement in selectivity for both L-DOPA and HqAla variants. Molecular modeling provided an indication of how MMP-2 and MMP-9 are better able to accommodate the bulky NCAA substituents at the intermolecular interface with N-TIMP2. The models also showed that, rather than coordinating to Zn2+, the NCAA side chains formed stabilizing polar interactions at the intermolecular interface with MMP-2 and MMP-9. Our findings illustrate how incorporation of NCAAs can be used to probe—and possibly exploit—differential tolerance for substitution within closely related protein–protein complexes as a means to improve specificity.
Dynamics of non-household contacts during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 in the Netherlands
Authors: Backer Jantien A. , Bogaardt Laurens , Beutels Philippe , Coletti Pietro , Edmunds W. John , Gimma Amy , van Hagen Cheyenne C. E. , Hens Niel , Jarvis Christopher I. , Vos Eric R. A. , Wambua James , Wong Denise , van Zandvoort Kevin , Wallinga Jacco
Published: March 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic was in 2020 and 2021 for a large part mitigated by reducing contacts in the general population. To monitor how these contacts changed over the course of the pandemic in the Netherlands, a longitudinal survey was conducted where participants reported on their at-risk contacts every two weeks, as part of the European CoMix survey. The survey included 1659 participants from April to August 2020 and 2514 participants from December 2020 to September 2021. We categorized the number of unique contacted persons excluding household members, reported per participant per day into six activity levels, defined as 0, 1, 2, 3–4, 5–9 and 10 or more reported contacts. After correcting for age, vaccination status, risk status for severe outcome of infection, and frequency of participation, activity levels increased over time, coinciding with relaxation of COVID-19 control measures.
Fixed-point iterative linear inverse solver with extended precision
Authors: Zhu Zheyuan , Klein Andrew B. , Li Guifang , Pang Sean
Published: March 2023

Solving linear systems, often accomplished by iterative algorithms, is a ubiquitous task in science and engineering. To accommodate the dynamic range and precision requirements, these iterative solvers are carried out on floating-point processing units, which are not efficient in handling large-scale matrix multiplications and inversions. Low-precision, fixed-point digital or analog processors consume only a fraction of the energy per operation than their floating-point counterparts, yet their current usages exclude iterative solvers due to the cumulative computational errors arising from fixed-point arithmetic. In this work, we show that for a simple iterative algorithm, such as Richardson iteration, using a fixed-point processor can provide the same convergence rate and achieve solutions beyond its native precision when combined with residual iteration. These results indicate that power-efficient computing platforms consisting of analog computing devices can be used to solve a broad range of problems without compromising the speed or precision.
Oxidation of ethylene by Cu/TiO2: reducibility of Cu2+ in TiO2 as a possible descriptor of catalytic efficiency
Authors: Rajendran K. , Sharma Mandeep , Jaison Augustine , Ankitha Menon , Tiwari Ankit D. , Vinod C. P. , Jagadeesan Dinesh
Published: March 2023

Catalytic oxidation using non-noble metal-based catalysts is a promising approach to mitigate pollution due to VOCs in the air.
Molecular electrocatalysts for rapid and selective reduction of nitrogenous waste to ammonia
Authors: Jiang Zhan , Wang Yamin , Lin Zhicao , Yuan Yubo , Zhang Xiao , Tang Yirong , Wang Hongxuan , Li Huan , Jin Chuyao , Liang Yongye
Published: March 2023

Metal phthalocyanines are molecularly engineered as efficient electrocatalysts for reducing nitrate or nitrite wastes to ammonia at high production rates with high selectivities.
High-DNA integrity sperm selection using rheotaxis and boundary following behavior in a microfluidic chip
Authors: Zeaei Soroush , Zabetian Targhi Mohammad , Halvaei Iman , Nosrati Reza
Published: March 2023

A microfluidic chip capable of separating 16 000 motile sperm with high DNA integrity using rheotaxis activated by boomerang-shaped microchannels.
Palladium-catalyzed intramolecular oxypalladation-initiated cascade: solvent-dependent chemodivergent approach to functionalized benzazepines and tetrahydroquinolines
Authors: Gupta Anish , Jandial Tanvi , Karuppasamy Muthu , Bhuvanesh Nattamai , Nagarajan Subbiah , Maheswari C. Uma , Sridharan Vellaisamy
Published: March 2023

A palladium-catalyzed, solvent-dependent, intramolecular oxypalladation-initiated chemodivergent approach was established for the synthesis of functionalized benzazepines and tetrahydroquinolines.
Facile and template-free synthesis of robust, highly active and easily recyclable submicrometer-sized hierarchical TS-1 aggregates composed of ultra-small nanocrystallites (<50 nm)
Authors: Li Linghao , Wang Wei , Huang Jian , Dun Rongmin , Lu Bowen , Liu Yiwei , Wu Jingxian , Yang Siyu , Hua Zile
Published: March 2023

Submicrometer-sized hierarchical TS-1 aggregates were synthesized by freeze-drying of precursors and routine steam assisted crystallization. The catalysts exhibited easy isolation and high activity in the oxidative desulfurization of fuel oils.
An adsorptive photo-Fenton-like removal of 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one by NH2-MIL-53(Fe) under simulated solar light
Authors: Sun Peifu , Zhang Xiao , Guo Zhiren , Liu Xinyue , Lan Yuanming , Zhang Dongxiang , Li Hansheng , Li Jinying , Liu Helei , Xu Xiyan
Published: March 2023

Schematic diagram of the BIT adsorptive photo-Fenton-like degradation mechanism over NH2-MIL-53(Fe) under solar light irradiation.
Nickel-catalyzed reductive coupling of arylcarboxylic acid 2-pyridyl esters with alkyl methanesulfonates: access to alkyl aryl ketones
Authors: Yu Hang , Wang Zhong-Xia
Published: March 2023

A nickel-catalyzed reductive coupling reaction of arylcarboxylic acid 2-pyridyl esters with primary and secondary alkyl methanesulfonates results in alkyl aryl ketones.
Kinetic resolution of sulfoxides with high enantioselectivity using a new homologue of methionine sulfoxide reductase B
Authors: Zhao Yuyan , Jiang Xu , Zhou Shihuan , Tian Jin , Yang Piao , Chen Yanli , Zhang Quan , Xu Xianlin , Chen Yongzheng , Yang Jiawei
Published: March 2023

A range of sulfoxides including aromatic, heteroaromatic, alkyl and thioalkyl sulfoxides in theSconfiguration were prepared through kinetic resolution catalyzed by a new MsrB enzyme.
Ti3AlC2 MAX phase conversion to a novel 2D titanium carbo-oxide by an eco-friendly and low-cost method: highly selective gas sensing and supercapacitor evaluations
Authors: Lontio Fomekong Roussin , Azadmanjiri Jalal , Matsoso Joyce Boitumelo , Serra Marco , Akir Sana , Dekanovsky Lukáš , Luxa Jan , Vejmelková Eva , Sofer Zdeněk
Published: March 2023

New 2D titanium carbo-oxide layered structure with a suitable interlayer spacing is prepared by a simple one-pot and eco-friendly solvothermal method for highly selective methanol sensing and supercapacitor applications.
Highly efficient near-infrared thermally activated delayed fluorescence organic light-emitting diodes with emission beyond 800 nm
Authors: Liang Jing-Xing , Tang Yukun , Wang Xiaofei , Zhang Kai , Shih Yu-wei , Chen Chia-Hsun , Chiu Tien-Lung , Li Pei Jin , Lee Jiun-Haw , Wang Chuan-Kui , Wu Chung-Chih , Fan Jian
Published: March 2023

Near-infrared emission was achievedviathe intermolecular through-space electronic coupling and intramolecular charge transfer.
Perspectives of Emergency Physicians, Primary Care Physicians, and Otolaryngologists on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Vertigo
Authors: Dede Melike Nur , Başoğlu Yuşa , Yilmaz Berrin , Şerbetçioğlu Mustafa Bülent
Published: March 2023

Purpose:

This study aimed to explore the differences in diagnosis (Dix–Hallpike test; the head impulse, nystagmus, and the test of skew [HINTS] procedures; imaging modalities; and audiological battery) and treatment (pharmacological treatments and the Epley maneuver) of acute vertigo (AV) by examining the perspectives of otolaryngologists, emergency physicians (EPs), and primary care physicians (PCPs).

Method:

A total of 123 physicians (otolaryngologists [
n
= 40], EPs [
n
= 41], PCPs [
n
= 42]) were included in this study. This study was conducted using an online questionnaire created in Google Forms. The questionnaire included five demographic questions and eight questions assessing the diagnosis and treatment of four case scenarios (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo [BPPV], vestibular neuronitis, Meniere's disease [MD], and vertebrobasilar insufficiency). Multiple-response and chi-square tests were used to analyze the data.

Results:

In the case of BPPV, 82.5% of otolaryngologists, 73.2% of EPs, and 59.6% of PCPs preferred the “Dix–Hallpike maneuver” (
p
= .067). In addition, 72.5% of otolaryngologists, 48.8% of EPs, and 47.6% of PCPs preferred the Epley maneuver for treatment in a case with BPPV (
p
= .032). It was found that physicians preferred the most (18.9%) “videonystagmography (VNG)-caloric” test for diagnosis in the MD case. There was a statistically significant difference in the intravenous serum therapy and rest, and Epley maneuver preferences of physicians for the treatment of cases with MD (
p
= .002 and
p
= .046).

Conclusions:

In this study, significant differences were found in the AV care provided by different specialties. Standardized education systems for AV (symposiums, congresses, scientific activities, etc., with multidisciplinary participation) may be beneficial for improving the diagnosis and treatment process of AV in our country.
What Plays a Role in Perceived Confidence for Managing Pediatric Feeding Disorders in the Public School
Authors: Neubauer Natalie P. , Singleton Nina Capone
Published: March 2023

Purpose:

This study examined public school (PS) speech-language pathologists' (SLPs') perceived confidence in managing pediatric feeding disorders (PFDs). Perceived confidence is a rater's self-reported assurance level to manage PFDs. The study then looked for relationships between personal and professional factors that might account for perceived confidence. Geographic location as well as administrative supports and resources were also examined.

Method:

Participants were PS SLPs from across the United States who were recruited via American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Special Interest Groups. This study measured perceived confidence with a 5-point Likert-type scale for 17 roles and responsibilities in PFD management. Pearson and Spearman correlations were used to identify relationships with personal and professional characteristics.

Results:

PS SLPs perceived themselves as having low confidence in managing PFDs. Personal and professional characteristics account for low perceived confidence (e.g., number of graduate courses, clinical experience with swallowing and feeding in early intervention or medical settings, managing swallowing and feeding currently, having more administrative support).

Conclusions:

This study provided a more representative sample (i.e., geographic regions) of PS SLPs. Perceived confidence in PFD management is linked to factors that can be modified through personal and professional changes.
Development of Novel Speech Stimuli With Phonetic Coverage and Phonemic Balance
Authors: Gurevich Naomi , Kim Heejin
Published: March 2023

Purpose:

Gurevich and Kim (2022) call for new speech materials that provide not only phonemic but also allophonic coverage so that production and perception of consonants can be examined as a function of their positional contexts. The purpose of this work was to construct such materials.

Method:

A total of 466 allowable contexts for the 24 English consonants were determined by considering positional contexts in terms of word and syllable positions, lexical stress, and proximity to other phonemes. These contexts were filled using 308 unique tokens composed of frequent content words ensuring both phonemic and allophonic coverages. In addition, the words were combined into 37 declarative and interrogative phrases to incorporate prosodic elements of speech. Twenty healthy adults were recorded reading these phrases to assess time and effort required for the task.

Results:

The newly constructed speech materials achieved high-overall phonetic coverage at 83.05% of all allowable English contexts, including coverage of consonant categories and positional contexts of particular importance for clinical and research purposes. Moreover, these materials attained the balance of consonant frequencies in typical spoken English. This was achieved with 37 phrases that take an average of 3 min, 6 s to read at an average of 5.02 s per phrase.

Conclusions:

Compared with the commonly used standard reading passages examined in Gurevich and Kim (2022), the newly constructed materials provide significantly superior phonetic coverage, including important linguistic features known to affect production and perception of consonants. The new materials are therefore well suited for eliciting speech representative of General American English for investigating consonant production and perception.
Anatomical Step-by-Step Dissection of Complex Skull Base Approaches for Trainees: Surgical Anatomy of the Frontotemporal and Orbitozygomatic Craniotomies
Authors: Carlstrom Lucas P. , Graffeo Christopher S. , Leonel Luciano CPC , Perry Avital , Link Michael J. , Peris-Celda Maria
Published: March 2023

Introduction Although many neuroanatomic atlases have been published, few have detailed complex cranial approaches and pertinent anatomic considerations in a stepwise fashion intended for rapid comprehension by neurosurgery students, residents, and fellows.

Methods Five sides of formalin-fixed latex-injected specimens were dissected under microscopic magnification. The frontotemporal and orbitozygomatic approaches were performed by neurosurgical residents and fellows at different training levels with limited previous experience in anatomical dissection mentored by the senior authors (M.P.C. and M.J.L.). Meticulous surgical anatomic dissections were performed until sufficient visual and technical completion was attained, with parameters of effectively demonstrating key surgical steps for educational training purposes. Following the completion of dissection and three-dimensional photography, illustrative case examples were reviewed to demonstrate the relative benefits and optimal applications of each approach.

Results The frontotemporal and orbitozygomatic approaches afford excellent access to anterior and middle skull base pathologies, as well as the exposure of the infratemporal fossa. Key considerations include head positioning, skin incision, scalp retraction, fat pad dissection and facial nerve protection, true or false MacCarty keyhole fashioning, sphenoid wing drilling and anterior clinoidectomy, completion of the craniotomy and accessory orbital osteotomy cuts, dural opening, and intradural neurovascular access.

Conclusion The frontotemporal and orbitozygomatic approaches are core craniotomies that offer distinct advantages for complex cranial operations. Learning and internalizing their key steps and nuanced applications in a clinical context is critical for trainees of many levels. The orbitozygomatic craniotomy in particular is a versatile but challenging approach; operative-style laboratory dissection is an essential component of its mastery and one that will be powerfully enhanced by the current work.
Practical and Scalable Total Syntheses of (+)-Dysidavarones A–C
Authors: Chong Chuanke , Lu Zhaoyong , Kuang Yang , Chang Le , Wang Bingjian , Kang Jingyi
Published: March 2023

A practical and scalable enantioselective total syntheses of the marine anticancer sesquiterpene quinone meroterpenoids (+)-dysidavarones A–C has been accomplished. The central bridged bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane structure of dysidavarones was efficiently established by a one-pot intermolecular diastereoselective alkylation and intramolecular α-arylation of a Wieland–Miescher ketone derivative with a substituted benzylic bromide, without protection of the more-reactive C(4) carbonyl group. (+)-Dysidavarones A and ‘E’ were prepared on a 150-mg scale, demonstrating the efficiency and reliability of our synthetic route and providing sufficient amounts of the dysidavarones for further bioactivity evaluation.
Dynamics, interference effects, and multistability in a Lorenz-like system of a classical wave–particle entity in a periodic potential
Authors: Perks J. , Valani R. N.
Published: March 2023

A classical wave–particle entity (WPE) can be realized experimentally as a droplet walking on the free surface of a vertically vibrating liquid bath, with the droplet’s horizontal walking motion guided by its self-generated wave field. These self-propelled WPEs have been shown to exhibit analogs of several quantum and optical phenomena. Using an idealized theoretical model that takes the form of a Lorenz-like system, we theoretically and numerically explore the dynamics of such a one-dimensional WPE in a sinusoidal potential. We find steady states of the system that correspond to a stationary WPE as well as a rich array of unsteady motions, such as back-and-forth oscillating walkers, runaway oscillating walkers, and various types of irregular walkers. In the parameter space formed by the dimensionless parameters of the applied sinusoidal potential, we observe patterns of alternating unsteady behaviors suggesting interference effects. Additionally, in certain regions of the parameter space, we also identify multistability in the particle’s long-term behavior that depends on the initial conditions. We make analogies between the identified behaviors in the WPE system and Bragg’s reflection of light as well as electron motion in crystals.
Molecular vibrations in the presence of velocity-dependent forces
Authors: Tellgren Erik I. , Culpitt Tanner , Peters Laurens D. M. , Helgaker Trygve
Published: March 2023

A semiclassical theory of small oscillations is developed for nuclei that are subject to velocity-dependent forces in addition to the usual interatomic forces. When the velocity-dependent forces are due to a strong magnetic field, novel effects arise—for example, the coupling of vibrational, rotational, and translational modes. The theory is first developed using Newtonian mechanics and we provide a simple quantification of the coupling between these types of modes. We also discuss the mathematical structure of the problem, which turns out to be a quadratic eigenvalue problem rather than a standard eigenvalue problem. The theory is then re-derived using the Hamiltonian formalism, which brings additional insight, including a close analogy to the quantum-mechanical treatment of the problem. Finally, we provide numerical examples for the H2, HT, and HCN molecules in a strong magnetic field.