bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The chemotherapeutic drug CX-5461 is a potent mutagen in cultured human cells
Authors: Koh Gene Ching Chiek , Boushaki Soraya , Zhao Salome Jingchen , Pregnall Andrew Marcel , Sadiyah Firas , Badja Cherif , Memari Yasin , Georgakopoulos-Soares Ilias , Nik-Zainal Serena
Published: November 2023

The chemotherapeutic agent CX-5461, or pidnarulex, has been fast-tracked by the United States Food and Drug Administration for early-stage clinical studies of BRCA1-, BRCA2- and PALB2-mutated cancers. It is under investigation in phase I and II trials. Here, we find that, although CX-5461 exhibits synthetic lethality in BRCA1-/BRCA2-deficient cells, it also causes extensive, nonselective, collateral mutagenesis in all three cell lines tested, to magnitudes that exceed known environmental carcinogens.
StayGold variants for molecular fusion and membrane-targeting applications
Authors: Ando Ryoko , Shimozono Satoshi , Ago Hideo , Takagi Masatoshi , Sugiyama Mayu , Kurokawa Hiroshi , Hirano Masahiko , Niino Yusuke , Ueno Go , Ishidate Fumiyoshi , Fujiwara Takahiro , Okada Yasushi , Yamamoto Masaki , Miyawaki Atsushi
Published: November 2023

Although StayGold is a bright and highly photostable fluorescent protein, its propensity for obligate dimer formation may hinder applications in molecular fusion and membrane targeting. To attain monovalent as well as bright and photostable labeling, we engineered tandem dimers of StayGold to promote dispersibility. On the basis of the crystal structure of this fluorescent protein, we disrupted the dimerization to generate a monomeric variant that offers improved photostability and brightness compared to StayGold. We applied the new monovalent StayGold tools to live-cell imaging experiments using spinning-disk laser-scanning confocal microscopy or structured illumination microscopy. We achieved cell-wide, high-spatiotemporal resolution and sustained imaging of dynamic subcellular events, including the targeting of endogenous condensin I to mitotic chromosomes, the movement of the Golgi apparatus and its membranous derivatives along microtubule networks, the distribution of cortical filamentous actin and the remolding of cristae membranes within mobile mitochondria.
System-wide analysis of RNA and protein subcellular localization dynamics
Authors: Villanueva Eneko , Smith Tom , Pizzinga Mariavittoria , Elzek Mohamed , Queiroz Rayner M. L. , Harvey Robert F. , Breckels Lisa M. , Crook Oliver M. , Monti Mie , Dezi Veronica , Willis Anne E. , Lilley Kathryn S.
Published: November 2023

Although the subcellular dynamics of RNA and proteins are key determinants of cell homeostasis, their characterization is still challenging. Here we present an integrative framework to simultaneously interrogate the dynamics of the transcriptome and proteome at subcellular resolution by combining two methods: localization of RNA (LoRNA) and a streamlined density-based localization of proteins by isotope tagging (dLOPIT) to map RNA and protein to organelles (nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria) and membraneless compartments (cytosol, nucleolus and cytosolic granules). Interrogating all RNA subcellular locations at once enables system-wide quantification of the proportional distribution of RNA. We obtain a cell-wide overview of localization dynamics for 31,839 transcripts and 5,314 proteins during the unfolded protein response, revealing that endoplasmic reticulum-localized transcripts are more efficiently recruited to cytosolic granules than cytosolic RNAs, and that the translation initiation factor eIF3d is key to sustaining cytoskeletal function. Overall, we provide the most comprehensive overview so far of RNA and protein subcellular localization dynamics.
Relationship between klotho and physical function in healthy aging
Authors: Arroyo Eliott , Leber Cecilia A. , Burney Heather N. , Narayanan Gayatri , Moorthi Ranjani , Avin Keith G. , Warden Stuart J. , Moe Sharon M. , Lim Kenneth
Published: November 2023

Epidemiological studies have reported a strong association between circulating Klotho and physical function; however, the cohorts were comprised of older adults with multiple comorbidities. Herein, we examined the relationship between Klotho and physical function in a community-based cohort of healthy adults. In this cross-sectional study, serum Klotho was measured in 80 adults who visited the Musculoskeletal Function, Imaging, and Tissue Resource Core of the Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health. Participants (n = 20, 10 [50%] men per group) were chosen into four age groups: 20–34, 35–49, 50–64, and ≥ 65 years, and were further grouped based on performance (low vs. high) on grip strength and chair stand tests. Klotho levels were lower in the ≥ 65 years group (703.0 [189.3] pg/mL; p = 0.022) and the 50–64 years group (722.6 [190.5] pg/mL; p = 0.045) compared to 20–34 years (916.1 [284.8] pg/mL). No differences were observed in Klotho between the low and high performers. The ≥ 65 years group walked a shorter distance during the 6-min walk test (6MWT) compared to 20–34 years (p = 0.005). Klotho was correlated with age (p < 0.001), body fat (p = 0.037), and 6MWT distance (p = 0.022). Klotho levels decline as early as the fifth decade of life, potentially before the onset of age-related impairment in exercise capacity.
Understanding the impact of acne vulgaris and associated psychological distress on self-esteem and quality of life via regression modeling with CADI, DLQI, and WHOQoL
Authors: Morshed A. S. M. , Noor Towhida , Uddin Ahmed Md Ashraf , Mili Fahmida Sultana , Ikram Shuma , Rahman Mashiqur , Ahmed Shamim , Uddin Mohammad Borhan
Published: November 2023

Acne vulgaris (AV) is a psychosomatic disorder and can negatively affect individuals, especially in terms of psychological well-being, self-esteem, and quality of life (QoL). The current study aimed to investigate the association between AV and psychological health, as well as the influence of acne and psychological distress in predicting patients' self-esteem and QoL. This cross-sectional study included 150 patients clinically diagnosed with AV. The severity of acne was measured using GAGS, and following that, patients were instructed to complete the following forms: DASS-21, RSES, CADI, DLQI, and WHOQoL. Female AV patients had significantly higher depression (p = 0.003, t = 3.025) and anxiety (p < 0.001, t = 3.683). Pearson's correlation analysis indicated a strong, positive, and significant correlation between having acne and experiencing depression (r = 0.630), anxiety (r = 0.661), and stress (r = 0.758) (p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis suggested acne and associated psychological distress had a significant and negative impact on the patient's self-esteem and quality of life. This study highlights the multifaceted consequences of AV and the need to manage its psychological distress. It emphasizes the need for holistic patient care that addresses acne's physical and emotional aspects, with the ultimate goal of enhancing well-being and QoL.
A machine learning-assisted system to predict thyrotoxicosis using patients’ heart rate monitoring data: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Shin Kyubo , Kim Jongchan , Park Jaemin , Oh Tae Jung , Kong Sung Hye , Ahn Chang Ho , Moon Joon Ho , Kim Min Joo , Moon Jae Hoon
Published: November 2023

Previous studies have shown a correlation between resting heart rate (HR) measured by wearable devices and serum free thyroxine concentration in patients with thyroid dysfunction. We have developed a machine learning (ML)-assisted system that uses HR data collected from wearable devices to predict the occurrence of thyrotoxicosis in patients. HR monitoring data were collected using a wearable device for a period of 4 months in 175 patients with thyroid dysfunction. During this period, 3 or 4 thyroid function tests (TFTs) were performed on each patient at intervals of at least one month. The HR data collected during the 10 days prior to each TFT were paired with the corresponding TFT results, resulting in a total of 662 pairs of data. Our ML-assisted system predicted thyrotoxicosis of a patient at a given time point based on HR data and their HR-TFT data pair at another time point. Our ML-assisted system divided the 662 cases into either thyrotoxicosis and non-thyrotoxicosis and the performance was calculated based on the TFT results. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of our system for predicting thyrotoxicosis were 86.14%, 85.92%, 52.41%, and 97.18%, respectively. When subclinical thyrotoxicosis was excluded from the analysis, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of our system for predicting thyrotoxicosis were 86.14%, 98.28%, 94.57%, and 95.32%, respectively. Our ML-assisted system used the change in mean, relative standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis of HR while sleeping, and the Jensen–Shannon divergence of sleep HR and TFT distribution as major parameters for predicting thyrotoxicosis. Our ML-assisted system has demonstrated reasonably accurate predictions of thyrotoxicosis in patients with thyroid dysfunction, and the accuracy could be further improved by gathering more data. This predictive system has the potential to monitor the thyroid function status of patients with thyroid dysfunction by collecting heart rate data, and to determine the optimal timing for blood tests and treatment intervention.
The effects of exposure to O2- and HOCl-nanobubble water on human salivary microbiota
Authors: Sagara Ken , Kataoka Shota , Yoshida Akihiro , Ansai Toshihiro
Published: November 2023

Nanobubbles of gas remain dissolved in water for longer periods than ordinary bubbles, and exhibit unique physicochemical and biological properties. As a result, nanobubble water (NBW) is finding widespread use many applications, such as cleaning in the industry and purification of lake water. The ozone NBW (O3-NBW), in particular, has been used in clinical dentistry; however, it has several disadvantages, including the instability of ozone, which is spontaneously converted to molecular oxygen (O3 to O2), and its broad range of antibacterial activity, which can disrupt the oral microbiota. Therefore, the use of NBW in dental medicine requires greater evaluation. Here, we examined the effects of oxygen and hypochlorite NBW (O2-NBW and HOCl-NBW, respectively) on the microbiota in human saliva in 16 male patients (35–75 years old; median: 53.5 years) using multiple assays, including next generation sequencing analysis. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed no significant changes in both alpha-diversity and beta-diversity. Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) revealed two subclusters in both unweighted and weighted UniFrac distances. Overall, the results revealed that HOCl-NBW exposure of saliva may lead to inhibition or delay in oral biofilm formation while maintaining the balance of the oral microbiome. These results can lead to the development of a novel type of mouthrinse for prevention of oral infectious diseases.
Heterogeneous slab thermal dehydration driving warm subduction zone earthquakes
Authors: Zhu Ye , Ji Yingfeng , Liu Lijun , Zhu Weiling , Qu Rui , Xie Chaodi , Faheem Haris , Yoshioka Shoichi , Ding Lin
Published: November 2023

Changing thermal regime is one of the key mechanisms driving seismogenic behaviors at cold megathrusts, but it is difficult to interpret warm subduction zones such as Vanuatu for the temperatures are higher than that accommodates shallow brittle failures. We construct a 3-D thermomechanical model to clarify the thermal structure that controls tectonic seismicity in Vanuatu and predict a warm circumstance associated with abundant seismicity. Results reveal a heterogeneous slab ranging from 300 °C to over 900 °C from the Moho to subvolcanic depth. The subduction seismicity corresponds well to the plate interface where dynamic thermal dehydration is focused. The transformation from hydrated basalts to eclogites along the slab facilitates the occurrence of intense earthquakes and slips. Multistage mineralogical metamorphism affects the dynamic stability of megathrusts and favors the generation of active interplate large events. Therefore, slab thermal dehydration plays a greater role than slab temperature condition in influencing the subduction earthquake distribution in warm subduction systems.
Spent shell as a calcium source for constructing calcium vanadate for high-performance Zn-ion batteries
Authors: Gao Ningze , Li Feng , Wang Zhiyuan , Kong Xianghua , Wang Lei , Gu Yuanxiang , Bai Maojuan
Published: November 2023

Shell powder is used for the first time as a raw material to synthesize calcium vanadate nanomaterials as a cathode for aqueous zinc ion batteries, which exhibit superior electrochemical performance.
Fabrication of multi-functional molecular tunnelling junctions by click chemistry
Authors: Chen Ningyue , Yang Zhenyu , Lin Jin-Liang , Zhou Ziming , Xie Yu , Wang Lejia , Li Yuan
Published: November 2023

Utilizing the click chemistry to create multifunctional molecular junctions on SAMs offers a versatile platform for advanced molecular electronics.
Co-doped RuO2 nanoparticles with enhanced catalytic activity and stability for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Zhang Wei , Luo Jiabing , Tang Han , Wang Shutao , Li Wenle , Zhang Jun , Zhou Yan
Published: November 2023

Efficient and durable electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) play an important role in the use of hydrogen energy.
Strong green upconversion emission from submicron spindle-shaped SrMoO4:Yb3+,Er3+
Authors: Abeywickrama Thulitha M. , Mao Yuanbing
Published: November 2023

Green upconversion luminescence from Yb3+ and Er3+ co-doped SrMoO4 submicron spindles was greatly enhanced by molten salt annealing.
Biocompatibility assessment of chemically modified GONRs with hemoglobin and histopathological studies for its toxicity evaluation
Authors: Chaudhary Karan , Dhama Nitanshu , Rarokar Nilesh , Chaudhary Ratiram G. , Tangde Vijay M. , Masram Dhanraj T.
Published: November 2023

The evaluation of biocompatibility of Ni-S-GNR with hemoglobin confirmed its binding interactions and influence on the protein structure. Histopathological studies revealed non-toxicity of Ni-S-GNR towards cells.
The control of nitric oxide dynamics and interaction with substituted zinc-phthalocyanines
Authors: Ben Brahim Nassim , Touaiti Sarra , Sellés Julien , Lambry Jean-Christophe , Negrerie Michel
Published: November 2023

Time-resolved spectroscopy from picosecond to millisecond reveals that nitric oxide (NO) dynamics dramatically depends on the nature of external groups grafted to Zn-phthlalocyanine. The experimental results were rationalized by DFT calculations.
Alkaline earth metals: homometallic bonding
Authors: Boronski Josef T.
Published: November 2023

A discussion of the nature of homometallic alkaline earth bonding is presented, recent synthetic advances are described, and future directions are considered.
The arsenic-lowering effect of inulin-type prebiotics in end-stage renal disease: a randomized crossover trial
Authors: Li Li , Zhao Jing , Wang Jinxue , Xiong Qianqian , Lin Xuechun , Guo Xiaolei , Peng Fan , Liang Wangqun , Zuo Xuezhi , Ying Chenjiang
Published: November 2023

The 10 g d−1 inulin-type fructans significantly reduced the circulating arsenic retention in end-stage renal disease by increasing the arsenic clearance rate through urine and dialysis.
Bayesian estimation to deconvolute single-particle ICP-MS data with a mixed Poisson distribution
Authors: Suzuki Yoshinari , Kondo Midori , Harimoto Masae , Okamoto Yusuke , Tanaka Yu-ki , Ogra Yasumitsu , Akiyama Hiroshi
Published: November 2023

Model parameters (mean particle-event intensity and frequency, etc.) were directly estimated using the Bayesian method without summing particle-event intensities. Model parameters were transformed to NP information.
Correction: Enhanced cardiomyocyte structural and functional anisotropy through synergetic combination of topographical, conductive, and mechanical stimulation
Authors: Kim Jongyun , Shanmugasundaram Arunkumar , Lee Cheong Bin , Kim Jae Rim , Park Jeong Jae , Kim Eung-Sam , Lee Bong-Kee , Lee Dong-Weon
Published: November 2023

Correction for ‘Enhanced cardiomyocyte structural and functional anisotropy through synergetic combination of topographical, conductive, and mechanical stimulation’ by Jongyun Kim et al., Lab Chip, 2023, 23, 4540–4551, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3LC00451A.
Cocktail effect in high-entropy perovskite oxide for boosting alkaline oxygen evolution
Authors: Hao Jiace , Ma Fengjun , Chen Yu , Lu Shuanglong , Duan Fang , Du Mingliang , Wang Chenglong , Zhang Wenchao , Zhu Han
Published: November 2023

The cocktail effect in La0.5Sr0.5Mn0.15Fe0.15Co0.4Ni0.15Cu0.15O3 perovskite oxide hollow nanofibers leads to an excellent intrinsic activity for the alkaline oxygen evolution reaction (OER) with a small overpotential of 309 mV (10 mA cm−2).
O–H bond activation of β,γ-unsaturated oximes via hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) and photoredox dual catalysis
Authors: Yi Liang , Zhu Chen , Chen Xiangyu , Yue Huifeng , Ji Tengfei , Ma Yiqiao , Cao Yuanyuan , Kancherla Rajesh , Rueping Magnus
Published: November 2023

Activating O–H bonds in β,γ-unsaturated oximes is challenging due to high redox potential. Our method combines HAT and photoredox catalysis to allow the synthesis of diverse heterocycles using various radical acceptors. Mechanistic studies support the HAT process in O–H bond activation.
1H-NMR studies on the volume phase transition of DNA-modified pNipmam microgels
Authors: Hengsbach Rebecca , Fink Gerhard , Simon Ulrich
Published: November 2023

DNA functionalized pNipmam microgels, which have recently been introduced, are examined at different concentrations of sodium chloride and in PBS solutions via temperature dependent 1H-NMR measurements and are compared to pure pNipmam microgels.
Soft glassy materials with tunable extensibility
Authors: Sen Samya , Fernandes Rubens R. , Ewoldt Randy H.
Published: November 2023

We introduce Boger yield-stress fluids, a distinct class of model soft matter where extensional rheology can be varied with minimal change to the nonlinear shear properties, enabling fundamental studies with extensible viscoplastic fluids.
Finite size effects during the penetration of objects in a granular medium
Authors: Paume Valentin , Aussillous Pascale , Pouliquen Olivier
Published: November 2023

In many industrial or geotechnical applications, objects move through a granular medium, and predicting the force during the motion is an issue. Here we show how this force depends on the size ratio between the intruder and the grains.
Emerging roles for tumor stroma in antigen presentation and anti-cancer immunity
Authors: Papadas Athanasios , Huang Yun , Cicala Alexander , Dou Yaling , Fields Matteo , Gibbons Alicia , Hong Duncan , Lagal Daniel J. , Quintana Victoria , Rizo Alejandro , Zomalan Brolyn , Asimakopoulos Fotis
Published: November 2023

Advances in immunotherapy in the last decade have revolutionized treatment paradigms across multiple cancer diagnoses. However, only a minority of patients derive durable benefit and progress with traditional approaches, such as cancer vaccines, remains unsatisfactory. A key to overcoming these barriers resides with a deeper understanding of tumor antigen presentation and the complex and dynamic heterogeneity of tumor-infiltrating antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Reminiscent of the ‘second touch' hypothesis proposed by Klaus Ley for CD4+ T cell differentiation, the acquisition of full effector potential by lymph node- primed CD8+ T cells requires a second round of co-stimulation at the site where the antigen originated, i.e. the tumor bed. The tumor stroma holds a prime role in this process by hosting specialized APC niches, apparently distinct from tertiary lymphoid structures, that support second antigenic touch encounters and CD8+ T cell effector proliferation and differentiation. We propose that APC within second-touch niches become licensed for co-stimulation through stromal-derived instructive signals emulating embryonic or wound-healing provisional matrix remodeling. These immunostimulatory roles of stroma contrast with its widely accepted view as a physical and functional ‘immune barrier'. Stromal control of antigen presentation makes evolutionary sense as the host stroma-tumor interface constitutes the prime line of homeostatic ‘defense' against the emerging tumor. In this review, we outline how stroma-derived signals and cells regulate tumor antigen presentation and T-cell effector differentiation in the tumor bed. The re-definition of tumor stroma as immune rheostat rather than as inflexible immune barrier harbors significant untapped therapeutic opportunity.
Leptin antagonism attenuates hypertension and renal injury in an experimental model of autoimmune disease
Authors: Kalusche William J. , Case Clinton T. , Taylor Erin B.
Published: November 2023

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that is characterized by B- and T-lymphocyte dysfunction and altered cytokine production, including elevated levels of the adipocytokine leptin. Leptin has various immunomodulatory properties, including promoting the expansion of proinflammatory T lymphocytes and the proliferation and survival of B cells. In the present study, we hypothesized that leptin antagonism would improve B- and T-cell dysfunction and attenuate hypertension in an experimental model of SLE, the NZBWF1 mouse. To test this hypothesis, 28-week-old female control and SLE mice were administered 5 mg/kg of murine leptin superantagonist (LA) or vehicle via ip injection every other day for four weeks. Analysis of peripheral blood immune cell populations showed no changes in total CD45R+ B and CD3+ T cell percentages after treatment with LA. However, SLE mice treated with LA had an improved CD4/CD8 ratio and decreased CD3+CD4−CD8− double negative (DN) T cells. Blood pressure was higher in SLE than in control, and treatment with LA decreased blood pressure in SLE mice. Treatment with LA also delayed the onset of albuminuria and decreased glomerulosclerosis in SLE mice. Renal immune cell infiltration was significantly higher in SLE mice as compared with control, but LA treatment was associated with decreased levels of renal CD4+ T cells. In conclusion, these data suggest that leptin plays a pathogenic role in the development of hypertension in SLE, in part, by promoting the expansion of inflammatory DN T cells and the infiltration of T cells into the kidneys.
HYPERION
Authors: Tripodi R. , Scholtz J. , Maiolino R. , Fujimoto S. , Carniani S. , Silverman J. D. , Feruglio C. , Ginolfi M. , Zappacosta L. , Costa T. , Jones G. C. , Piconcelli E. , Bischetti M. , Fiore F.
Published: November 2023

We present ALMA deep observations of the [CII] 158 μm emission line and the continuum at 253 GHz and 99 GHz towards SDSS J0100+2802 at z ≃ 6.3, the most luminous quasi-stellar object (QSO) at z > 6. J0100+2802 belongs to the HYPERION sample of luminous QSOs at z ∼ 6 − 7.5. The observations have a 2.2 arcsec resolution in band 3 and a 0.9 arcsec resolution in band 6, and are optimized to detect extended emission around the QSO. We detect an interacting, tidally disrupted companion both in [CII], peaking at z ∼ 6.332, and in continuum, stretching on scales up to 20 kpc from the quasar, with a knotty morphology. The higher velocity dispersion in the direction of the companion emission and the complex morphology of the tidally stretched galaxy suggest a possible ongoing or future merger. For the newly detected companion, we derive the range of the dust mass, Mdust = (0.3 − 2.6)×107 M⊙, and of the star formation rate, SFR  =  [35 − 344] M⊙, obtained from the modelling of its cold dust spectral energy distribution. This shows that both the QSO and its companion are gas-rich and that a major merger may be at the origin of the boosted star formation. This close interacting companion is undetected by deep JWST imaging observations, showing the effectiveness of ALMA in detecting dust-obscured sources, especially in the vicinity of optically bright quasars. We also detect a broad blueshifted component in the [CII] spectrum, which we interpret as a gaseous outflow for which we estimate a mass outflow rate in the range Ṁout = (118 − 269) M⊙ yr−1. J0100+2802 was recently found to reside in a strong overdensity, however this close companion remained undetected by both previous higher resolution ALMA observations and by JWST-NIRCAM imaging. Our results highlight the importance of deep medium-resolution ALMA observations for the study of QSOs and their environment in the Epoch of Reionisation.
The LORELI database: 21 cm signal inference with 3D radiative hydrodynamics simulations
Authors: Meriot R. , Semelin B.
Published: November 2023

The Square Kilometer Array is expected to measure the 21 cm signal from the Epoch of Reionization (EoR) in the coming decade, and its pathfinders may provide a statistical detection even earlier. The currently reported upper limits provide tentative constraints on the astrophysical parameters of the models of the EoR. In order to interpret such data with 3D radiative hydrodynamics simulations using Bayesian inference, we present the latest developments of the LICORICE code. Relying on an implementation of the halo conditional mass function to account for unresolved star formation, this code now allows accurate simulations of the EoR at 2563 resolution. We use this version of LICORICE to produce the first iteration of LORELI, a public dataset now containing hundreds of 21 cm signals computed from radiative hydrodynamics simulations. We train a neural network on LORELI to provide a fast emulator of the LICORICE power spectra, LOREMU, which has ∼5% rms error relative to the simulated signals. LOREMU is used in a Markov chain Monte Carlo framework to perform Bayesian inference, first on a mock observation composed of a simulated signal and thermal noise corresponding to 100 h observations with the SKA. We then apply our inference pipeline to the latest measurements from the HERA interferometer. We report constraints on the X-ray emissivity, and confirm that cold reionization scenarios are unlikely to accurately represent our Universe.
Exploring the nature of ultra-luminous X-ray sources across stellar population ages using detailed binary evolution calculations
Authors: Misra Devina , Kovlakas Konstantinos , Fragos Tassos , Andrews Jeff J. , Bavera Simone S. , Zapartas Emmanouil , Xing Zepei , Dotter Aaron , Rocha Kyle Akira , Srivastava Philipp M. , Sun Meng
Published: November 2023

Context. Ultra-luminous X-ray sources (ULXs) are sources observed to have extreme X-ray luminosities exceeding the Eddington limit of a stellar-mass black hole (BH). A fraction of ULXs show X-ray pulsations, which are evidence for accreting neutron stars (NSs). Theoretical studies have suggested that NSs, rather than BHs, dominate the compact objects of intrinsic ULX populations, even though the majority of the observed sample is non-pulsating, implying that X-ray pulses from many NS ULXs are unobservable.

Aims. We simulate populations of X-ray binaries covering a range of starburst ages spanning from 5 to 1000 Myr with the aim of comparing the properties of observed ULXs at the different ages. Additionally, we compare two models describing different assumptions for the physical processes governing binary evolution.

Methods. We used the new population synthesis code POSYDON to generate multiple populations of ULXs spanning multiple burst ages. We employed a model for geometrically beamed emission from a super-Eddington accretion disk in order to estimate the luminosities of ULXs. Following theoretical predictions for the alignment of the spin axis of an NS with the accretion disk due to mass transfer, we estimated the required mass to be accreted by the NSs in the ULX populations so that the alignment suppresses observable X-ray pulses.

Results. While we find that the properties of ULX populations are sensitive to model assumptions, there are certain trends that the populations follow. Generally, young and old stellar populations are dominated by BH and NS accretors, respectively. The donor stars go from being massive H-rich main-sequence stars in young populations (< 100 Myr) to low-mass post-main sequence H-rich stars in older populations (> 100 Myr), with stripped He-rich giant donors dominating the populations at around 100 Myr. In addition, we find that NS ULXs exhibit stronger geometrical beaming than BH ULXs, leading to an underrepresentation of NS accretors in observed populations. Coupled with our finding that X-ray pulses are suppressed in at least 60% of the NS ULXs, we suggest that the observed fraction of ULXs with detectable X-ray pulses is very small, in agreement with observations.

Conclusions. We show that geometrical beaming and the mass-accretion phase are critical aspects of understanding ULX observations. Our results suggest that even though most ULXs have accreting NSs, those with observable X-ray pulses would be very few.
Methodology for obtaining the relative orbit and individual masses of Gaia astrometric binaries
Authors: Pérez-Couto X. , Docobo J. Á. , Campo P. P.
Published: November 2023

Context. The recent Gaia Data Release 3 has revealed a catalogue of more than eight hundred thousand binary systems. The release provides orbital solutions for half of the systems, with the majority of them being unresolved astrometric binaries. However, some astrophysical parameters are still unknown for most of them, such as the spectral type and the mass of each companion, since they can only be derived from the relative orbit and spectroscopic data.

Aims. The purpose of this work is to develop a methodology that would allow us to obtain those fundamental stellar parameters, along with those related to the geometry and the ephemeris of the system, to find out whether it can be optically resolved.

Methods. To obtain precise values for each component, we proposed an analytic algorithm to estimate the only two possible relative orbits and pairs of masses of main sequence (MS) astrometric binaries using all the available astrometric, photometric, and spectro-scopic data from Gaia DR3. In some cases, it is possible to select the solution that is more aligned with the rest of the data.

Results. We deduced two possible values for the individual absolute magnitudes, masses, and effective temperatures for each binary, as well as the size of the telescope necessary to resolve their components. We present the workflow of our algorithm applied to the Ephemeris, Stellar Masses, and relative ORbits from GAia (ESMORGA) catalogue, along with the individual masses, absolute magnitudes, and effective temperatures derived for 49 530 binaries.
“So war Drogenszene früher” –
Drogenhilfe und Nutzung des öffentlichen Raums während der
Covid-19-Pandemie aus Sicht von Menschen, die Drogen konsumieren
Authors: Werse Bernd , Klaus Luise
Published: November 2023

Ziel Marginalisierte Konsumierende im urbanen Raum waren insbesondere zu
Beginn der Covid-19-Pandemie stark von Effekten der
Infektionsschutzmaßnahmen betroffen, u. a. durch die
Einschränkungen des öffentlichen Lebens und Angeboten zur
Schadensminderung. Neben anderen Erfahrungen und Wahrnehmungen von Betroffenen
erörtert dieser Artikel, wie durch die Pandemie die Nutzung von Harm
Reduction und des öffentlichen Raums beeinflusst wurde.

Methodik In vier deutschen Städten (Frankfurt, Darmstadt,
Nürnberg und Mannheim) wurden von März bis Juni 2021 28
Personen, die intensiv Drogen konsumieren, mittels halboffenen
leitfadengestützten qualitativen Interviews befragt. Die Daten wurden
einer thematisch-strukturierten Inhaltsanalyse unterzogen.

Ergebnisse Die meisten Befragten bestätigten die
Einschätzung, dass es durch die pandemiebedingten
Kontaktbeschränkungen besonders schwierig war, Geld für Drogen
zu beschaffen. Für Mitglieder der Szene war es oft schwierig,
Infektionsschutzmaßnahmen einzuhalten. Insbesondere die Wohnsituation
verschlechterte sich im Laufe der Pandemie. Viele Befragte hatten den Eindruck,
dass repressive Maßnahmen der Strafverfolgungsbehörden zunahmen.
Was die Beeinträchtigung von Harm-Reduction-Maßnahmen betrifft,
so fielen diese je nach Stadt und Einrichtung unterschiedlich stark aus, was
sich massiv auf Wahrnehmung und Stimmungslage der Betroffenen auswirkte.

Schlussfolgerung Nicht nur aufgrund der ohnehin prekären
Verhältnisse und der Tatsache, dass sich ein Großteil des
Szenealltags im (halb-)öffentlichen Raum abspielt, sondern auch im
Zusammenhang mit der Drogenprohibition erfuhren marginalisierte Menschen, die
Drogen konsumieren, eine strukturelle Viktimisierung durch sekundäre
Auswirkungen der Covid-19-Pandemie.
Post-parotidectomy facial nerve function: comparison between original and modified Sunnybrook Facial Grading Systems
Authors: Targino da Costa Márcia Gonçalves e Silva , Maranhão-Filho Péricles de Andrade , Santos Izabella Costa , González Carolina Rocha Aquino , Almeida Carlos Henrique Stohler de , Luiz Ronir Raggio
Published: November 2023

Background: Facial nerve dysfunction is the principal postoperative complication related to parotidectomy.

Objective: To test the hypothesis that the modified Sunnybrook Facial Grading System (mS-FGS) is superior to the original S-FGS in the assessment of facial nerve function following parotidectomy.

Methods: Prospective, longitudinal study evaluating patients with primary or metastatic parotid neoplasms undergoing parotidectomy with facial nerve-sparing between 2016 and 2020. The subjects were assessed twice, on the first postoperative day and at the first outpatient evaluation, 20-30 days post-surgery. Facial assessments were performed using the original and modified (plus showing the lower teeth) versions of the Sunnybrook System and documented by pictures and video recordings. Intra- and inter-rater agreements regarding the assessment of the new expression were analyzed.

Results: 101 patients were enrolled. In both steps, the results from the mS-FGS were significantly lower (p < 0.001). Subjects with a history of previous parotidectomy and those who underwent neck dissection had more severe facial nerve impairment. The mandibular marginal branch was the most frequently injured, affecting 68.3% of the patients on the first postoperative day and 52.5% on the first outpatient evaluation. Twenty patients (19.8%) presented an exclusive marginal mandibular branch lesion. The inter-rater agreement of the new expression assessment ranged from substantial to almost perfect. The intra-rater agreement was almost perfect (wk = 0.951).

Conclusion: The adoption of the Modified Sunnybrook System, which includes evaluation of the mandibular marginal branch, increases the accuracy of post-parotidectomy facial nerve dysfunction appraisal.
Movement disorders in hereditary spastic paraplegias
Authors: Pedroso Jose Luiz , Vale Thiago Cardoso , Freitas Julian Letícia de , Araújo Filipe Miranda Milagres , Meira Alex Tiburtino , Neto Pedro Braga , França Marcondes C. , Tumas Vitor , Teive Hélio A. G. , Barsottini Orlando G. P.
Published: November 2023

Background Hereditary or familial spastic paraplegias (SPG) comprise a group of genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous diseases characterized by progressive degeneration of the corticospinal tracts. The complicated forms evolve with other various neurological signs and symptoms, including movement disorders and ataxia.

Objective To summarize the clinical descriptions of SPG that manifest with movement disorders or ataxias to assist the clinician in the task of diagnosing these diseases.

Methods We conducted a narrative review of the literature, including case reports, case series, review articles and observational studies published in English until December 2022.

Results Juvenile or early-onset parkinsonism with variable levodopa-responsiveness have been reported, mainly in SPG7 and SPG11. Dystonia can be observed in patients with SPG7, SPG11, SPG22, SPG26, SPG35, SPG48, SPG49, SPG58, SPG64 and SPG76. Tremor is not a frequent finding in patients with SPG, but it is described in different types of SPG, including SPG7, SPG9, SPG11, SPG15, and SPG76. Myoclonus is rarely described in SPG, affecting patients with SPG4, SPG7, SPG35, SPG48, and SPOAN (spastic paraplegia, optic atrophy, and neuropathy). SPG4, SPG6, SPG10, SPG27, SPG30 and SPG31 may rarely present with ataxia with cerebellar atrophy. And autosomal recessive SPG such as SPG7 and SPG11 can also present with ataxia.

Conclusion Patients with SPG may present with different forms of movement disorders such as parkinsonism, dystonia, tremor, myoclonus and ataxia. The specific movement disorder in the clinical manifestation of a patient with SPG may be a clinical clue for the diagnosis.
The numerical simulation of a four-stage linear transformer driver module based on the Preisach magnetic core model
Authors: Wan Zhenbo , Ding Weidong , Sun Fengju , Zhang Xiwen , Yuan Qi
Published: November 2023

The use of linear transformer drivers (LTDs) is widely considered the most promising technological approach for the development of future pulsed-power accelerators. In large-scale pulsed-power accelerators, abnormal conditions like switch prefire can occur frequently during tests and normal operations due to the presence of a large number of switches. The diagnosis of such faults based on signature waveforms requires further investigation. According to previous research, the characteristics of the magnetic cores greatly influence the fault waveforms. In this paper, a full-cycle mathematical model of the magnetic core is established utilizing a classical Preisach model based on experimental results. This model is coupled with the LTD circuit model in simulations, and simulation results are obtained under the condition of switch prefire. The simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental results from a four-stage LTD module with a sharing shell and de-ionized water insulated transmission line. The magnetization process of the cores is also determined under prefire conditions. Analyses of the magnetization process indicate that the completely demagnetized core shows high permeability under positive excitation and that the permeability abruptly decreases as the excitation is reversed. The hysteresis characteristics result in a phenomenon in which the output voltage in the prefired stage is almost unipolar. Finally, the features of the fault voltages captured in the experiments are also explained.
Healthcare’s new Frontier: AI-driven early cancer detection for improved well-being
Authors: Deepa R. , Arunkumar S. , Jayaraj V. , Sivasamy A.
Published: November 2023

The realm of healthcare is undergoing a revolutionary transformation through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) for early cancer detection, ushering in a new era of enhanced well-being. This review paper delves into the paradigm shift brought about by AI, highlighting its potential to identify diseases in their nascent stages, thereby revolutionizing preventive healthcare. Harnessing the computational prowess of AI, this paradigm empowers us to analyze intricate medical data, including internal imagery and health records, facilitating the identification of subtle disease markers imperceptible to the human eye. The key focus lies not only in early detection but also in ensuring diagnostic accuracy. A comprehensive analysis of various studies underscores AI’s superiority in comparison to traditional methods, manifesting in quicker and more precise identification of anomalies. This transformation translates to expedited medical interventions and improved patient outcomes. The crux of this evolution lies in AI’s capacity to redefine healthcare, transforming it into a proactive endeavor that identifies and addresses health concerns while they remain manageable.
Improving the photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) system by adding the PCM and finned tube heat exchanger
Authors: Haidy Al-Hamzawi Hassan Abdal , Shojaeefard Mohammad Hassan , Sharfabadi Mohammad Mazidi
Published: November 2023

In this study, we aimed to improve the performance of the photovoltaic-thermal (PV/T) system by incorporating phase change material (PCM) into the heat exchanger. A new design for the finned tube heat exchanger layout was introduced, and a comprehensive mathematical model was developed to analyze the heat transfer process and operational efficiency of the PV/T system. The temperature variation of the PV/T system was simulated and validated using real climatic conditions in Baghdad and Tehran. To conduct our analysis, we utilized the OpenFOAM software and enhanced our solver to accurately capture the melting process in the PCM. We also investigated the effects of wind velocity and atmospheric pressure on the performance of the PV/T system. Our findings showed that an increase in wind velocity led to an increase in PV/T efficiency, while an increase in atmospheric pressure resulted in a decrease in efficiency. Additionally, we observed that the Baghdad climate was more sensitive to variations in wind velocity compared to Tehran. In Baghdad and Tehran, the highest obtained water temperatures were 54.3 and 50.1 °C, respectively. Furthermore, a study was conducted to assess the viability of using PV/T (photovoltaic-thermal) technology for hot water production in the Multi-Effect Desalination and Adsorption Desalination cycle. The proposed PV/T system demonstrated an average performance improvement of 26% compared to traditional PV/T systems. During warmer months, the system was capable of producing 0.11 and 0.10 m3/h of potable water per month in Baghdad and Tehran, respectively. Furthermore, the system had the potential to generate 170 and 140 kW h of electricity for the respective cities.
Thermal radiation at the nanoscale and applications
Authors: Chapuis Pierre-Olivier , Lee Bong Jae , Rodriguez Alejandro
Published: November 2023

There has been a paradigm shift from the well-known laws of thermal radiation derived over a century ago, valid only when the length scales involved are much larger than the thermal wavelength (around 10 μm at room temperature), to a general framework known as fluctuational electrodynamics that allows calculations of radiative heat transfer for arbitrary sizes and length scales. Near-field radiative heat transfer and thermal emission in systems of sub-wavelength size can exhibit super-Planckian behavior, i.e., flux rates several orders of magnitude larger than that predicted by the Stefan–Boltzmann (or blackbody) limit. These effects can be combined with novel materials, e.g., low-dimensional or topological systems, to yield even larger modifications and spectral and/or directional selectivity. We introduce briefly the context and the main steps that have led to the current boom of ideas and applications. We then discuss the original and impactful works gathered in the associated Special Topic collection, which provides an overview of the flourishing field of nanoscale thermal radiation.
In silico evolution of autoinhibitory domains for a PD-L1 antagonist using deep learning models
Authors: Goudy Odessa J. , Nallathambi Amrita , Kinjo Tomoaki , Randolph Nicholas Z. , Kuhlman Brian
Published: November 2023

There has been considerable progress in the development of computational methods for designing protein–protein interactions, but engineering high-affinity binders without extensive screening and maturation remains challenging. Here, we test a protein design pipeline that uses iterative rounds of deep learning (DL)-based structure prediction (AlphaFold2) and sequence optimization (ProteinMPNN) to design autoinhibitory domains (AiDs) for a PD-L1 antagonist. With the goal of creating an anticancer agent that is inactive until reaching the tumor environment, we sought to create autoinhibited (or masked) forms of the PD-L1 antagonist that can be unmasked by tumor-enriched proteases. Twenty-three de novo designed AiDs, varying in length and topology, were fused to the antagonist with a protease-sensitive linker, and binding to PD-L1 was measured with and without protease treatment. Nine of the fusion proteins demonstrated conditional binding to PD-L1, and the top-performing AiDs were selected for further characterization as single-domain proteins. Without any experimental affinity maturation, four of the AiDs bind to the PD-L1 antagonist with equilibrium dissociation constants (K
D
s) below 150 nM, with the lowest K
D
equal to 0.9 nM. Our study demonstrates that DL-based protein modeling can be used to rapidly generate high-affinity protein binders.
Comment on ‘Quantum principle of relativity’
Authors: Horodecki Ryszard
Published: November 2023

Dragan and Ekert in the paper (2020 New. J. Phys.
22 033038) presented ‘quantum principle of relativity’ (QPR) based on Galilean principle of relativity, which involves both superluminal GS
and subluminal Gs
families of observers and argue that then they are considered on the same footing it ‘implies the emergence of non-deterministic dynamics, together with complex probability amplitudes and multiple trajectories.’ Here we discuss QPR in the context of Heisenberg’s classification of the fundamental physical theoretical models under the role universal constants of nature: Planck’s constant h and speed of light c. We point out that both the superluminal and subluminal branches are separable in the sense that there is no mathematical coherent formalism that connect both branches. This, in particular, implies that the QPR is incomplete.
Decoupling of temporal/spatial broadening effects in Doppler wind LiDAR by 2D spectral analysis
Authors: Liu 刘 Zhen 珍 , Zhang 张 Yun-Peng 云鹏 , Zhu 竹 Xiao-Peng 孝鹏 , Liu 刘 Ji-Qiao 继桥 , Bi 毕 De-Cang 德仓 , Chen 陈 Wei-Biao 卫标
Published: November 2023

Pulse echo accumulation is commonly employed in coherent Doppler wind LiDAR (light detection and ranging) under the assumption of steady wind. Here, the measured spectral data are analyzed in the time dimension and frequency dimension to cope with the temporal wind shear and achieve the optimal accumulation time. A hardware-efficient algorithm combining the interpolation and cross-correlation is used to enhance the wind retrieval accuracy by reducing the frequency sampling interval and then reduce the spectral width calculation error. Moreover, the temporal broadening effect and spatial broadening effect are decoupled according to the strategy we developed.
Dense plasma diagnostics with a Nomarski interferometer using a frequency-tripled Ti:sapphire laser
Authors: Lee H. , Roh K. , Kim S. , Suk H.
Published: November 2023

An overdense plasma is considered as a new tool for high-power laser pulse compression. For this purpose, a high density plasma was generated by illuminating an intense fs Ti:sapphire laser pulse onto a surface of an aluminum disk and its spatio-time-resolved dynamics was investigated by a Nomarski interferometer. To probe the laser-produced high density plasma, the original Ti:sapphire laser pulse with a wavelength of 800 nm was frequency-tripled and the UV laser pulse of 266 nm in wavelength was used in the interferometer. It turned out that the fs UV laser interferometer can provide a fairly high density information up to 8.5 × 1020 cm-3. Our experimental result shows that the initial high density plasma near the solid target surface expands rapidly and its density profile in space is gradually reduced to exponential in the ns time scale. This result will provide an important information towards the next step for experimental demonstration of the laser pulse compression using a plasma.