bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preterm birth associated alterations in brain structure, cognitive functioning and behavior in children from the ABCD dataset
Authors: Ji Weibin , Li Guanya , Jiang Fukun , Zhang Yaqi , Wu Feifei , Zhang Wenchao , Hu Yang , Wang Jia , Wei Xiaorong , Li Yuefeng , Manza Peter , Tomasi Dardo , Gao Xinbo , Wang Gene-Jack , Zhang Yi , Volkow Nora D
Published: June 2023

Background

Preterm birth is a global health problem and associated with increased risk of long-term developmental impairments, but findings on the adverse outcomes of prematurity have been inconsistent.

Methods

Data were obtained from the baseline session of the ongoing longitudinal Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study. We identified 1706 preterm children and 1865 matched individuals as Control group and compared brain structure (MRI data), cognitive function and mental health symptoms.

Results

Results showed that preterm children had higher psychopathological risk and lower cognitive function scores compared to controls. Structural MRI analysis indicated that preterm children had higher cortical thickness in the medial orbitofrontal cortex, parahippocampal gyrus, temporal and occipital gyrus; smaller volumes in the temporal and parietal gyrus, cerebellum, insula and thalamus; and smaller fiber tract volumes in the fornix and parahippocampal-cingulum bundle. Partial correlation analyses showed that gestational age and birth weight were associated with ADHD symptoms, picvocab, flanker, reading, fluid cognition composite, crystallized cognition composite and total cognition composite scores, and measures of brain structure in regions involved with emotional regulation, attention and cognition.

Conclusions

These findings suggest a complex interplay between psychopathological risk and cognitive deficits in preterm children that is associated with changes in regional brain volumes, cortical thickness, and structural connectivity among cortical and limbic brain regions critical for cognition and emotional well-being.
Polarization in public attitudes toward end-of-life decisions in Israel – A cross-sectional study
Authors: Bodas Moran , Ziv Arnona , Rubin Carmit , Oberman Bernice , Tawil Yoel , Shaulov Adir , Kaplan Giora , Velan Baruch
Published: June 2023

Objectives

End-of-life (EoL) processes are a complex socio-normative and ethical phenomenon. This study aimed to generate a database of public opinion in Israel concerning EoL processes and decisions and to identify differences in attitudes across subgroups in the population, particularly based on experience as a family caregiver of a dying patient.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was performed in late March 2022. The study utilized an online sample of 605 adults over the age of 50 including those who accompanied a loved one to their death in the last 3 years. Participants were requested to provide their opinions and attitudes on several aspects of EoL decisions, including truth-telling, medically assisted dying, EoL procedures, pre-death actions, and family caregivers’ engagement.

Results

While only 27% and ∼30% of participants support artificial respiration or feeding (respectively) of terminally ill patients, 66% support analgesic treatment, even at the risk of shortening life. The data show an association between religiosity and agreement with life-extending procedures. For example, while 83% of seculars support medically assisted dying, only 59% and 26% of traditional and religious respondents support it. However, no statistically significant differences were observed in support of family involvement in EoL process in any sociodemographic variable.

Significance of results

The results of this study suggest that the Israeli public is relatively polarized on several issues about EoL processes, specifically patient autonomy and medically assisted dying. Yet, at the same time, there is a consensus among the Israeli public about certain EoL elements, particularly the importance of family caregivers in the EoL decision-making process.
Combining ability, heterosis, and heterobeltiosis to select highly productive F1 hybrids of habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.)
Authors: Rodríguez-Llanes Yaritza , Pérez-Brito Daisy , Guzmán-Antonio Adolfo , Mijangos-Cortés Javier O. , Iglesias-Andreu Lourdes G. , Canto- Flick Adriana , Avilés-Viñas Susana A. , Pijeira-Fernández Gema , Santana-Buzzy Nancy
Published: June 2023

Selection of lines from segregating generations and breeding hybrids to exploit heterosis or heterobeltiosis is an effective tool for improving economically important traits in the genus Capsicum. The objective of this study was to identify high potential parents to obtain high-yielding F1 hybrids using a Line × Tester (8 × 2) mating design in the Habanero pepper improvement programme. Ten parents and 16 hybrids were evaluated in order to determine their values of general combining ability, specific combining ability, heterosis, and heterobeltiosis. Parent NKA-11 had the highest values of GCA for different quantitative variables of the fruit, which does it suitable for future improvement works, and tester RNJ-04 showed the highest value of GCA for fruit length. The quantitative variables evaluated confirm a significant genetic variability among the Habanero pepper genotypes studied. The best hybrids were NEK-03xRNJ-04, NBA-06xRNJ-04, AKN-07xRNJ-04, and RKI-10xRNJ-04, which showed their high productive potential with values between 3.13 and 4.92 Kg/Pta, a quality, that would open to them the national market for fresh consumption. Based on the GCA values of the parents and heterosis of the progenies, it is concluded hybridization would be the most appropriate genetic improvement method to increase both yield (YP) and the number of fruits for plant.
Energy Conversion by Magnetic Reconnection in Multiple Ion Temperature Plasmas
Authors: Dargent J. , Toledo‐Redondo S. , Divin A. , Innocenti M. E.
Published: June 2023

Magnetic reconnection is a process that converts magnetic energy into kinetic energy, both bulk and thermal. We study the energy partition in magnetotail reconnection in the presence of cold ion populations of ionospheric origin using kinetic simulations. We compare two simulations with one or two ion populations, but same ion moments. The ion distribution in the simulation with cold ions therefore corresponds to a non‐Maxwellian distribution with a large tail. The global energy budget does not change in the two cases, but when focusing on sub‐populations, the hot ion population (i.e., the tail of the velocity distribution function) gains more energy than the cold ion population (i.e., the core of the distribution). Hot and cold ions also gain different percentages of bulk and thermal energy.
Near Infrared Spectral Radiance at Multiple Wavelengths From Io's Volcanoes 1: The Low Spatial Resolution Night‐Time Galileo NIMS Data Set
Authors: Davies Ashley Gerard , Veeder Glenn J.
Published: June 2023

We have calculated surface‐leaving spectral radiances for 285 detections of volcanic thermal emission from Io observations made by the Galileo Near Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (NIMS) in the 0.7‐ – 5.2‐μm wavelength range, the first such analysis of the entire low‐spatial‐resolution night‐time data set. Most of these detections are of 53 individual hot‐spots. We establish that 4.8‐μm spectral radiance is a good proxy for total thermal emission from a hot spot. Many detections reported here have not been previously modeled. This set of hot‐spot detections is derived from NIMS night‐time observations obtained between June 1996 (orbit G1) and October 2001 (Orbit I32), where the hot‐spot is sub‐pixel. Modeling of the spectra yields total thermal emission from each volcano in each observation, as well as the 2:5‐μm spectral radiance ratio and radiant flux density. Surface‐leaving spectral radiance is derived at 2.0, 3.5, 3.8, 4.8, and 5.0 μm allowing direct comparison with data obtained by other spacecraft and ground‐based telescope data. The most energetic volcanic eruptions are identified. We find an unusual number of sources in a C30 observation suggesting that a vigorous volcanic activity was taking place simultaneously in multiple locations, possibly tidally controlled.
Multi-dimensional band structure spectroscopy in the synthetic frequency dimension
Authors: Cheng Dali , Lustig Eran , Wang Kai , Fan Shanhui
Published: June 2023

The concept of synthetic dimensions in photonics provides a versatile platform in exploring multi-dimensional physics. Many of these physics are characterized by band structures in more than one dimensions. Existing efforts on band structure measurements in the photonic synthetic frequency dimension however are limited to either one-dimensional Brillouin zones or one-dimensional subsets of multi-dimensional Brillouin zones. Here we theoretically propose and experimentally demonstrate a method to fully measure multi-dimensional band structures in the synthetic frequency dimension. We use a single photonic resonator under dynamical modulation to create a multi-dimensional synthetic frequency lattice. We show that the band structure of such a lattice over the entire multi-dimensional Brillouin zone can be measured by introducing a gauge potential into the lattice Hamiltonian. Using this method, we perform experimental measurements of two-dimensional band structures of a Hermitian and a non-Hermitian Hamiltonian. The measurements reveal some of the general properties of point-gap topology of the non-Hermitian Hamiltonian in more than one dimensions. Our results demonstrate experimental capabilities to fully characterize high-dimensional physical phenomena in the photonic synthetic frequency dimension.
Trimethoprim resistance in surface and wastewater is mediated by contrasting variants of thedfrBgene
Authors: Kneis David , Lemay-St-Denis Claudèle , Cellier-Goetghebeur Stella , Elena Alan X , Berendonk Thomas U , Pelletier Joelle N , Heß Stefanie
Published: June 2023

Trimethoprim (TMP) is a low-cost, widely prescribed antibiotic. Its effectiveness is increasingly challenged by the spread of genes coding for TMP-resistant dihydrofolate reductases: dfrA, and the lesser-known, evolutionarily unrelated dfrB. Despite recent reports of novel variants conferring high level TMP resistance (dfrB10 to dfrB21), the prevalence of dfrB is still unknown due to underreporting, heterogeneity of the analyzed genetic material in terms of isolation sources, and limited bioinformatic processing. In this study, we explored a coherent set of shotgun metagenomic sequences to quantitatively estimate the abundance of dfrB gene variants in aquatic environments. Specifically, we scanned sequences originating from influents and effluents of municipal sewage treatment plants as well as river-borne microbiomes. Our analyses reveal an increased prevalence of dfrB1, dfrB2, dfrB3, dfrB4, dfrB5, and dfrB7 in wastewater microbiomes as compared to freshwater. These gene variants were frequently found in genomic neighborship with other resistance genes, transposable elements, and integrons, indicating their mobility. By contrast, the relative abundances of the more recently discovered variants dfrB9, dfrB10, and dfrB13 were significantly higher in freshwater than in wastewater microbiomes. Moreover, their direct neighborship with other resistance genes or markers of mobile genetic elements was significantly less likely. Our findings suggest that natural freshwater communities form a major reservoir of the recently discovered dfrB gene variants. Their proliferation and mobilization in response to the exposure of freshwater communities to selective TMP concentrations may promote the prevalence of high-level TMP resistance and thus limit the future effectiveness of antimicrobial therapies.
Alterations of auditory-evoked gamma oscillations are more pronounced than alterations of spontaneous power of gamma oscillation in early stages of schizophrenia
Authors: Tada Mariko , Kirihara Kenji , Koshiyama Daisuke , Nagai Tatsuya , Fujiouka Mao , Usui Kaori , Satomura Yoshihiro , Koike Shinsuke , Sawada Kingo , Matsuoka Jun , Morita Kentaro , Araki Tsuyoshi , Kasai Kiyoto
Published: June 2023

Several animal models of schizophrenia and patients with chronic schizophrenia have shown increased spontaneous power of gamma oscillations. However, the most robust alterations of gamma oscillations in patients with schizophrenia are reduced auditory–oscillatory responses. We hypothesized that patients with early-stage schizophrenia would have increased spontaneous power of gamma oscillations and reduced auditory–oscillatory responses. This study included 77 participants, including 27 ultra-high-risk (UHR) individuals, 19 patients with recent-onset schizophrenia (ROS), and 31 healthy controls (HCs). The auditory steady-state response (ASSR) and spontaneous power of gamma oscillations measured as induced power during the ASSR period were calculated using electroencephalography during 40-Hz auditory click-trains. The ASSRs were lower in the UHR and ROS groups than in the HC group, whereas the spontaneous power of gamma oscillations in the UHR and ROS groups did not significantly differ from power in the HC group. Both early-latency (0–100 ms) and late-latency (300–400 ms) ASSRs were significantly reduced and negatively correlated with the spontaneous power of gamma oscillations in the ROS group. In contrast, UHR individuals exhibited reduced late-latency ASSR and a correlation between the unchanged early-latency ASSR and the spontaneous power of gamma oscillations. ASSR was positively correlated with the hallucinatory behavior score in the ROS group. Correlation patterns between the ASSR and spontaneous power of gamma oscillations differed between the UHR and ROS groups, suggesting that the neural dynamics involved in non-stimulus-locked/task modulation change with disease progression and may be disrupted after psychosis onset.
Caspase-1 affects chronic restraint stress-induced depression-like behaviors by modifying GABAergic dysfunction in the hippocampus
Authors: Li Mingxing , Sun Xuejiao , Wang Zongqin , Li Yi
Published: June 2023

Major depression disorder (MDD) is one of the most common psychiatric disorders and one of the leading causes of disability in worldwide. Both inflammation and GABAergic dysfunction have been implicated in the pathophysiology of MDD. Caspase-1, a classic inflammatory caspase, regulates AMPARs-mediated glutamatergic neurotransmission. However, the role of caspase-1 in chronic stress-induced GABAergic dysfunction remains largely unknown. In this study, we found that serum and hippocampal caspase-1-IL-1β levels increased significantly in chronic restraint stress (CRS) mice, and a significant negative correlation occurred between levels of caspase-1 and depression-like behaviors. Furthermore, CRS significantly decreased GAD67 mRNA levels and GABAergic neurotransmission accompanied by the reduction of GABA concentration, reduced the amplitude and frequency of mIPSCs inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) and the decreased surface expression of GABAARs γ2 subunit in the hippocampus. Genetic deficiency of caspase-1 not only blocked CRS-induced depression-like behaviors, but also alleviated CRS-induced impairments in GABAergic neurotransmission. Finally, reexpression of caspase-1 in the hippocampus of Caspase-1−/− mice increased susceptibility to stress-induced anxiety- and depression-like behaviors through inhibiting GAD67 expression and GABAARs-mediated synaptic transmission. Our study suggests that CRS dysregulates GABAergic neurotransmission via increasing the levels of caspase-1-mediated neuroinflammation in the hippocampus, ultimately leading to depression-like behaviors. This work illustrates that targeting caspase-1 may provide potential therapeutic benefits to stress-related GABAergic dysfunction in the pathogenesis of MDD.
Morphologic analysis of the foveal avascular zone for prediction of postoperative visual acuity in advanced idiopathic epiretinal membrane
Authors: Kim Gee-Hyun , Hwang Bo-Een , Chun Heejeong , Kim Joo Young , Kim Rae Young , Kim Mirinae , Park Young-Geun , Park Young-Hoon
Published: June 2023

To investigate the preoperative morphology of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) for prediction of the postoperative visual acuity in advanced idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM). 28 patients (28 eyes) with unilateral idiopathic ERM who underwent pars plana vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling were included. Superficial FAZ was measured preoperatively in both eyes using optical coherence tomography angiography. Area, perimeter, and circularity of FAZ were achieved, and the differences between the ERM eyes and the contralateral eyes were evaluated to analyze the degree of FAZ distortion in diseased eyes. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central foveal thickness (CFT) were measured at baseline and more than 6 months after surgery. The correlations of the preoperative FAZ with BCVA and CFT were assessed. The FAZ in the eyes with ERM was significantly reduced, and the BCVA was significantly correlated with the FAZ area (FAZa) (P = 0.001) and the FAZ perimeter (FAZp) (P < 0.001) before surgery. LogMAR BCVA and CFT were significantly improved from 0.550 ± 0.221 to 0.354 ± 0.229 (P = 0.008), and from 524.393 ± 93.575 µm to 400.071 ± 75.979 µm (P < 0.001) after surgery. The preoperative FAZa and FAZp were significantly associated with letter score gain (P < 0.001, P < 0.001) and the postoperative final BCVA (P = 0.026, P = 0.006). The preoperative FAZp had correlation with ratio of postoperative to preoperative CFT (P = 0.016). The preoperative FAZp is a predictor of visual acuity and morphological prognosis after surgery in advanced idiopathic ERM.
A semi-empirical approach to calibrate simulation models for semiconductor devices
Authors: Jaiswal Rahul , Martínez-Ramón Manel , Busani Tito
Published: June 2023

Semiconductor device optimization using computer-based prototyping techniques like simulation or machine learning digital twins can be time and resource efficient compared to the conventional strategy of iterating over device design variations by fabricating the actual device. Ideally, simulation models require perfect calibration of material parameters for the model to represent a particular semiconductor device. This calibration process itself can require characterization information of the device and its precursors and extensive expert knowledge of non characterizable parameters and their tuning. We propose a hybrid method to calibrate multiple simulation models for a device using minimal characterization data and machine learning-based prediction models. A photovoltaic device is chosen as the example for this technique where optical and electrical simulation models of an industrially manufactured silicon solar cell are calibrated and the simulated device performance is compared with the measurement data from the physical device.
Initial study on an expert system for spine diseases screening using inertial measurement unit
Authors: Pelc Mariusz , Vilimkova Kahankova Radana , Blaszczyszyn Monika , Mikolajewski Dariusz , Konieczny Mariusz , Khoma Volodymir , Bara Gregor , Zygarlicki Jaroslaw , Martinek Radek , Gupta Munish K. , Gorzelanczyk Edward Jacek , Pawłowski Mateusz , Czapiga Bogdan , Zygarlicka Malgorzata , Kawala-Sterniuk Aleksandra
Published: June 2023

In recent times, widely understood spine diseases have advanced to one of the most urgetn problems where quick diagnosis and treatment are needed. To diagnose its specifics (e.g. to decide whether this is a scoliosis or sagittal imbalance) and assess its extend, various kind of imaging diagnostic methods (such as X-Ray, CT, MRI scan or ST) are used. However, despite their common use, some may be regarded as (to a level) invasive methods and there are cases where there are contraindications to using them. Besides, which is even more of a problem, these are very expensive methods and whilst their use for pure diagnostic purposes is absolutely valid, then due to their cost, they cannot rather be considered as tools which would be equally valid for bad posture screening programs purposes. This paper provides an initial evaluation of the alternative approach to the spine diseases diagnostic/screening using inertial measurement unit and we propose policy-based computing as the core for the inference systems. Although the methodology presented herein is potentially applicable to a variety of spine diseases, in the nearest future we will focus specifically on sagittal imbalance detection.
Maternal exposure to childhood maltreatment and adverse birth outcomes
Authors: Keenan-Devlin Lauren S. , Borders Ann E. B. , Freedman Alexa , Miller Gregory E. , Grobman William , Entringer Sonja , Simhan Hyagriv , Wadhwa Pathik , Buss Claudia
Published: June 2023

Exposure to traumatic events during pregnancy may influence pregnancy and birth outcomes. Growing evidence suggests that exposure to traumatic events well before pregnancy, such as childhood maltreatment (CM), also may influence the course of pregnancy and risk of adverse birth outcomes. We aimed to estimate associations between maternal CM exposure and small-for-gestational-age birth (SGA) and preterm birth (PTB) in a diverse US sample, and to examine whether common CM-associated health and behavioral sequelae either moderate or mediate these associations. The Measurement of Maternal Stress (MOMS) Study was a prospective cohort study that enrolled 744 healthy English-speaking participants ≥ 18 years with a singleton pregnancy, who were < 21 weeks at enrollment, between 2013 and 2015. CM was measured via the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and participants above the moderate/severe cut-off for any of the five childhood abuse and neglect scales were assigned to the CM-exposed group. Common CM-associated health (obesity, depressive symptoms, hypertensive disorders) and behavioral (substance use) sequelae were obtained from standardized questionnaires and medical records. The main outcomes included PTB (gestational age < 37 weeks at birth) and SGA (birthweight < 10%ile for gestational age) abstracted from the medical record. Multivariable logisitic regression was used to test associations between CM, sequeale, and birth outcomes, and both moderation and mediation by CM-related sequelae were tested. Data were available for 657/744 participants. Any CM exposure was reported by 32% of participants. Risk for SGA birth was 61% higher among those in the CM group compared to the non-CM group (14.1% vs. 7.6%), and each subsequent form of CM that an individual was exposed to corresponded with a 27% increased risk for SGA (aOR 1.27, 95% CI 1.05, 1.53). There was no significant association between CM and PTB (9.3% vs. 13.0%, aOR 1.07, 95% CI 0.58, 1.97). Of these sequelae only hypertensive disorders were associated with both CM and SGA and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy did not mediate the association between CM and SGA. Our findings indicate that maternal CM exposure is associated with increased risk for SGA birth and highlight the importance of investigating the mechanisms whereby childhood adversity sets the trajectory for long-term and intergenerational health issues.
Subjectively intense odor does not affect dream emotions during rapid eye movement sleep
Authors: Okabe Satomi , Abe Takashi
Published: June 2023

Dreams experienced during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep have emotional features. Intervention methods for dream affectivity have recently garnered interest; we previously demonstrated that negative dreams were induced during REM sleep by exposure to favorable or familiar odors. However, the underlying mechanisms behind this phenomenon remain unclear. Thus, to address this gap, we investigated whether more intense odors could induce negative dreams, as odors tend to be perceived as more intense when they are preferred or familiar. Contrary to our hypothesis, the results of our study indicated that subjective intense odors did not induce negative dreams. We initially anticipated stronger odors to have a greater impact on dream emotionality, as they stimulate the brain more intensely. Notably, during arousal, weak odors tended to evoke a more potent olfactory response, while strong odors tended to produce a weaker response. To investigate whether this difference influenced the effects on dreams, we compared the respiratory activities of the strongly and weakly perceived odor groups; however, no significant differences were observed. Our findings suggest that subjectively perceived strong odors are unlikely to affect dream emotionality and may be processed differently than favorable or familiar odors.
Overwintering and breeding patterns of monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) in coastal plain habitats of the southeastern USA
Authors: Kendrick Michael R. , McCord John W.
Published: June 2023

Understanding variability in species’ traits can inform our understanding of their ecology and aid in the development of management and conservation strategies. Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) are native to the western hemisphere and are well-known for their long-distance migrations but have experienced significant population declines in recent decades. Here we use a 5-year capture-mark-recapture dataset to compare monarch distributions, mating activity, and larval host plant use between two coastal plain habitats in South Carolina, USA. We observed seasonally specific habitat use, with maritime habitats serving as overwintering areas while nearby inland swamps support significant breeding in spring, summer, and fall seasons due to an abundance of aquatic milkweed (Asclepias perennis). We also observed mating activity by fall migrating monarchs and their use of swallow-wort (Pattalias palustre) in the spring as an important larval host plant in maritime habitats. This phenology and habitat use of monarchs diverges from established paradigms and suggest that a distinct population segment of monarchs may exist, with significance for understanding the conservation status of monarch butterflies and associated habitats in eastern North America. Further research should explore how monarchs along the Atlantic coast of North America relate to other eastern monarch populations.
Energy metabolism and thermoregulation during sleep in young and old females
Authors: Seol Jaehoon , Kokudo Chihiro , Park Insung , Zhang Simeng , Yajima Katsuhiko , Okura Tomohiro , Tokuyama Kumpei
Published: June 2023

Core body temperature (CBT) shows a diurnal rhythm, and the nocturnal decrease in CBT is blunted in older people. The physiological mechanisms responsible for the blunted nocturnal decrease in CBT in older people remain to be revealed. The aim of this study was to compare heat production and heat dissipation in young and old subjects during sleep, as assessed by indirect calorimetry and the distal–proximal temperature gradient (DPG) of skin temperature. A complete dataset of 9 young (23.3 ± 1.1 years) and 8 old (72.1 ± 2.5 years) females was analyzed. CBT and energy metabolism were monitored during sleep using an ingestible temperature sensor in a metabolic chamber maintained at 25 °C. Skin temperature was measured at proximal and distal parts of the body. CBT, distal skin temperature, and DPG in older subjects were higher than in young subjects. Protein oxidation was similar between the two groups, but fat oxidation was lower and carbohydrate oxidation was higher in old subjects compared to young subjects. On the other hand, energy expenditure was similar between the two age groups. Thus, the elevated CBT in older subjects was not attributed to deteriorated heat dissipation or enhanced heat production, suggesting an alternative explanation such as deteriorated evaporative heat loss in old subjects.
Stability bearing capacity of concrete filled steel tubular columns subjected to long-term load
Authors: Lai Xiuying , Gao Huabin , Yang Zhen , Zheng Juan , Chen Zhaoyu , Lin Fuming
Published: June 2023

Concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) are commonly used in modern building and bridge applications. Despite their popularity, studies on the investigation of the influence of long-term load on the stability bearing capacity of such elements are scarce. This study investigates how the key parameters including slenderness ratio (λ), axial load ratio (m), and eccentricity ratio (e/r) affect the stability bearing capacity of a CFST column under sustained load. Twenty three CFST columns were fabricated to investigate the effect of long-term load on the stability bearing capacity. Fourteen specimens were subjected to constant compressive loading for 462 days and then tested for failure. The remaining 9 were companion load-free specimens. A three-stage finite element method was used to predict the stability bearing capacity after creep. The results indicate that the stability bearing capacity of CFST columns decrease after being subjected to long-term load. Both the experimental and numerical results indicated that the load of steel tube for long-term load specimens reaching up to the elastic–plastic and plastic process was lower than that of the load-free specimens. Moreover, the corresponding strain of the creep specimens was greater than that of the load-free specimens when the member reached the maximum load. Benchmarking analyses have shown that the creep reduction coefficient (kcr) proposed for CFST columns can be used to predict the reduction of stability bearing capacity after creep. Furthermore, a collected database comprising 49 CFST specimens subjected to long-term load was used to investigate the proposed formulae for kcr. The results show that the formulae were consistent with the experiment results.
A novel retinoic acid drug, EYE-502, inhibits choroidal neovascularization by targeting endothelial cells and pericytes
Authors: Shen Yaming , Xu Miao , Ren Ling , Li Xiumiao , Han Xiaoyan , Cao Xin , Yao Jin , Yan Biao
Published: June 2023

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) occurs in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and often leads to permanent visual impairment. Intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents is the gold standard for the treatment of CNV. However, anti-VEGF treatment did not always cause vision improvement and sometimes had detrimental effects on normal retinal tissues. Herein, we identified a novel retinoic acid drug, EYE-502, which had great therapeutic effects on CNV. Administration of EYE-502 could inhibit VEGF-induced dysfunction of endothelial cells (ECs) and reduce platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced recruitment of pericytes to ECs in vitro. Administration of EYE-502 could reduce the area of choroidal sprouting and laser-induced CNV, exhibiting similar anti-angiogenic effects as aflibercept. Moreover, administration of EYE-502 could reduce pericyte coverage in the sprouting vessels and choroidal neovascularization. Mechanistically, EYE-502 primarily bound to retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and exerted the anti-angiogenic effects by targeting ECs and pericytes via affecting the activation of Wnt/β-catenin and PDGF/PDGFR/PI3K/Akt signaling. Taken together, this study reports a novel retinoic acid drug, EYE-502, which can exert the anti-angiogenic effects by simultaneous targeting of ECs and pericytes.
Stereotactic body radiation therapy for stage I medically operable non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Kocak Uzel Esengul , Bagci Kilic Melisa , Morcali Hasan , Uzel Omer
Published: June 2023

Stereotactic ablative body radiation therapy (SBRT) has emerged as the standard treatment for inoperable patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In the current study, we retrospectively analyzed a medically operable patient cohort with stage I NSCLC who refused surgery and subsequently underwent SBRT. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were calculated. Between April 2014 and July 2020, 55 patients were enrolled to the study. Forty (72.7%) patients were male, with a mean age of 69.85 ± 4.65 years (range 59–78 years). ECOG performance status were 0 and 1, except for one case. At the time of analysis, 8 deaths were observed. Of these, 25% (n = 2) died due to cardiac events, 12.5% (n = 1) due to pulmonary causes, 12.5% (n = 1) due to lung cancer-related causes, and the cause of death was unknown for 50% (n = 4). The pulmonary causes and cardiac events were not associated with radiation-induced toxicity. The median survival time was 34 months, with a range of 12 to 44 months. 2-year OS and PFS were 97% and 98%, 3-year OS and PFS were 82% and 77%, respectively. Treatment with SBRT was well tolerated and no grade 3 and 4 treatment-related adverse events were observed. SBRT seems to be a well- tolerated and effective alternative for patients with operable early-stage NSCLC.
Iron-doped Co3O4 catalysts prepared by a surfactant-assisted method as effective catalysts for malic acid oxidative decarboxylation
Authors: Mitran Gheorghiţa , Neaţu Ştefan , Pavel Octavian Dumitru , Urdă Adriana , Mirea Anca G. , Florea Mihaela , Neaţu Florentina
Published: June 2023

Iron-doped Co3O4 oxides prepared by a surfactant-assisted method exhibited good catalytic activity in malic acid conversion, and the oxygen defects associated with the presence of Co2+ played a key role in catalyst activation for pyruvic acid production.
Bimetallic UiO-66-NH2(Zr–Hf) synergistic photocatalytic and piezoelectric effects for the degradation of rhodamine B
Authors: Wang Yinuo , Zhang Nannan , Wang Ruoheng , He Yingjie , Zhou Hengqing , Li Xiao , Gao Guoqi , Sun Huajun , Liu Xiaofang
Published: June 2023

Bimetallic UiO-66-NH2(Zr–Hf) MOFs are prepared under aqueous conditions, and can rapidly and efficiently degrade high concentrations of rhodamine B by synergistic piezo-photocatalysis.
Oxido- and mixed-ligand peroxido complexes of niobium(v) as potent phosphatase inhibitors and efficient catalysts for eco-friendly styrene epoxidation
Authors: Talukdar Hiya , Gogoi Sandhya Rani , Sultana Sazida Yasmin , Begum Reshma , Dowerah Dikshita , Sarma Bipul , Islam Nashreen S.
Published: June 2023

Synthesis and characterization of tris(maltolato)oxidoniobium(V) and triperoxidoniobium(V) complexes with maltol or deferiprone as co-ligand, and their activities as phosphatase inhibitors and potential oxidation catalysts are described.
From cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene (CAAC) precursors to fluorinating reagents. Experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Gruden Evelin , Prinčič Griša Grigorij , Hočevar Jan , Iskra Jernej , Kvíčala Jaroslav , Tavčar Gašper
Published: June 2023

A series of CAAC-based fluoride compounds has been prepared. Structural relationship between the compounds was investigated by DFT calculations, while their fluoride donating ability was tested on various organic substrates.
Uncovering the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of phenolic-enriched maple syrup extract in lipopolysaccharide-induced peritonitis in mice: insights from data-independent acquisition proteomics analysis
Authors: Puopolo Tess , Li Huifang , Ma Hang , Schrader Joseph M. , Liu Chang , Seeram Navindra P.
Published: June 2023

Phenolic-enriched maple syrup extract (MSX) alleviates inflammation in lipopolysaccharide-induced peritonitis by modulating signaling pathways and inflammatory markers, revealing its therapeutic potential.
Switching between DNA binding modes with a photo- and redox-active DNA-targeting ligand, part II: the influence of the substitution pattern
Authors: Dohmen Christoph , Ihmels Heiko
Published: June 2023

A disulfide-functionalized photochromic system enables the control of DNA-binding properties by a combination of a photocycloaddition reaction, the redox reactions of the disulfide functionality, and an irreversible chemical degradation.
Adhesion and mechanical properties of poly(dimethylsiloxane) bottlebrush elastomers
Authors: Kim Hyemin , Watkins James J. , Crosby Alfred J.
Published: June 2023

Contact adhesion testing and dynamic mechanical analysis reveal architectural origins of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) bottlebrush elastomers (BBEs) adhesion properties.
A characterization of ASAS-SN core-collapse supernova environments with VLT+MUSE
Authors: Pessi T. , Prieto J. L. , Anderson J. P. , Galbany L. , Lyman J. D. , Kochanek C. , Dong S. , Forster F. , González-Díaz R. , Gonzalez-Gaitan S. , Gutiérrez C. P. , Holoien T. W.-S. , James P. A. , Jiménez-Palau C. , Johnston E. J. , Kuncarayakti H. , Rosales-Ortega F. , Sánchez S. F. , Schulze S. , Shappee B.
Published: June 2023

Context. The analysis of core-collapse supernova (CCSN) environments can provide important information on the life cycle of massive stars and constrain the progenitor properties of these powerful explosions. The MUSE instrument at the Very Large Telescope (VLT) enables detailed local environment constraints of the progenitors of large samples of CCSNe. Using a homogeneous SN sample from the All-Sky Automated Survey for Supernovae (ASAS-SN) survey, an untargeted and spectroscopically complete transient survey, has enabled us to perform a minimally biased statistical analysis of CCSN environments.

Aims. We analyze 111 galaxies observed by MUSE that hosted 112 CCSNe – 78 II, nine IIn, seven IIb, four Ic, seven Ib, three Ibn, two Ic-BL, one ambiguous Ibc, and one superluminous SN – detected or discovered by the ASAS-SN survey between 2014 and 2018. The majority of the galaxies were observed by the All-weather MUse Supernova Integral field Nearby Galaxies (AMUSING) survey. Here we analyze the immediate environment around the SN locations and compare the properties between the different CCSN types and their light curves.

Methods. We used stellar population synthesis and spectral fitting techniques to derive physical parameters for all H II regions detected within each galaxy, including the star formation rate (SFR), Hα equivalent width (EW), oxygen abundance, and extinction.

Results. We found that stripped-envelope supernovae (SESNe) occur in environments with a higher median SFR, Hα EW, and oxygen abundances than SNe II and SNe IIn/Ibn. Most of the distributions have no statistically significant differences, except between oxygen abundance distributions of SESNe and SNe II, and between Hα EW distributions of SESNe and SNe II. The distributions of SNe II and IIn are very similar, indicating that these events explode in similar environments. For the SESNe, SNe Ic have higher median SFRs, Hα EWs, and oxygen abundances than SNe Ib. SNe IIb have environments with similar SFRs and Hα EWs to SNe Ib, and similar oxygen abundances to SNe Ic. We also show that the postmaximum decline rate, s, of SNe II correlates with the Hα EW, and that the luminosity and the Δm15 parameter of SESNe correlate with the oxygen abundance, Hα EW, and SFR at their environments. This suggests a connection between the explosion mechanisms of these events to their environment properties.
Shear, writhe, and filaments: Turbulence in the high-latitude molecular cloud MBM 40
Authors: Monaci Marco , Magnani Loris , Shore Steven N. , Olofsson Henrik , Joy Mackenzie R.
Published: June 2023

Context.Given the structural and thermodynamical complexity of the interstellar medium (ISM), the variety of governing processes, such as stellar feedback, poses challenges to the investigation. High-latitude molecular clouds (HLMCs) with no evidence of internal star formation, as in the case of MBM 40, are excellent sites for studying the chemistry and dynamic evolution of the cold neutral ISM.

Aims.We used this high-latitude cloud as an exemplar for the dynamical and chemical processes in the diffuse interstellar medium.

Methods.We analyzed new and archival12CO,13CO, CH, HCO+, CS, H2CO, and HCN data from Five College Radio Observatory (FCRAO), Onsala Space Observatory (OSO), Arizona Radio Observatory (ARO), andW. Gordontelescope (Arecibo) combined with the Galactic Arecibo L-band Feed Array H I(GALFA-HI) H I21 cm data set, to study the chemistry, thermal state, and dynamics of MBM 40. A new dynamical analytical approach was adopted by considering each line profile as a line-of-sight probability distribution function (PDF) of the turbulence weighted by gas emissivity.

Results.The atomic and molecular gas are smoothly distributed in space and velocity. No steep transition is seen between circumcloud atomic and cloud molecular gas in either radial velocity or structure. We propose a topology of the cloud based on molecular tracers, as a contorted filamentary structure that is shaped by a broad embedding shear flow in the neutral atomic gas. A comparative examination of different molecular tracers shows that13CO, H2CO, and CS only arise from denser molecular cores, whereas12CO, CH, and HCO+trace diffuse gas with a broader range of dynamics.
Direct-to-blister smelting of copper concentrate based on a calcium ferrite slag system
Authors: Wang Linchuan , Wei Yonggang , Zhou Shiwei , Li Bo , Wang Hua
Published: June 2023

The direct-to-blister smelting process realizes single furnace smelting from chalcocite to blister copper. This process saves the matte transport process, avoids multiple feeding in the smelting process, and has the advantages of high productivity, a short production process, and less SO2 pollution. By comparing with the phase diagram of iron silicate slag system, it shows that calcium ferrite slag system is more suitable for direct-to-blister smelting under the condition of high oxygen potential. In this study, high-grade copper concentrate was used as the raw material and direct-to-blister smelting experiments were carried out at the laboratory scale. The variation of copper recovery with CaO/Fe ratio, smelting temperature and sedimentation time was studied. The phase composition of slag and the loss of copper in slag were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy with an energy spectrometer (SEM-EDS). The results showed that by adjusting process parameters, the copper recovery can reach 90.15 wt.% and the blister copper grade is more than 98.50 wt.%. It provides a theoretical basis for the industrial application of calcium ferrite slag in direct-to-blister smelting.
Reducing exit-times of diffusions with repulsive interactions
Authors: Chaudru de Raynal Paul-Eric , Duong Manh Hong , Monmarché Pierre , Tomašević Milica , Tugaut Julian
Published: June 2023

In this work we prove a Kramers’ type law for the low-temperature behavior of the exittimes from a metastable state for a class of self-interacting nonlinear diffusion processes. Contrary to previous works, the interaction is not assumed to be convex, which means that this result covers cases where the exit-time for the interacting process is smaller than the exit-time for the associated non-interacting process. The technique of the proof is based on the fact that, under an appropriate contraction condition, the interacting process is conveniently coupled with a non-interacting (linear) Markov process where the interacting law is replaced by a constant Dirac mass at the fixed point of the deterministic zero-temperature process.
Critical Care Management of Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure: Certainties and Unknowns
Authors: Reverter Enric , Toapanta David , Bassegoda Octavi , Zapatero Juliana , Fernandez Javier
Published: June 2023

Intensive care unit (ICU) admission is frequently required in patients with decompensated cirrhosis for organ support. This entity, known as acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), is associated with high short-term mortality. ICU management of ACLF is complex, as these patients are prone to develop new organ failures and infectious or bleeding complications. Poor nutritional status, lack of effective liver support systems, and shortage of liver donors are also factors that contribute to increase their mortality. ICU therapy parallels that applied in the general ICU population in some complications but has differential characteristics in others. This review describes the current knowledge on critical care management of patients with ACLF including organ support, prognostic assessment, early liver transplantation, and futility rules. Certainties and knowledge gaps in this area are also discussed.
Management of Acutely Decompensated Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Savale Laurent , Kularatne Mithum , Roche Anne , Pichon Jérémie , Baron Audrey , Boucly Athenaïs , Sitbon Olivier , Humbert Marc
Published: June 2023

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a severe life-threatening condition associated with increased pulmonary vascular resistance and resulting right heart dysfunction. Admission to intensive care unit with acutely decompensated right heart failure is a significant negative prognostic event with a high risk of multisystem organ dysfunction and death. Presentations are heterogenous and may combine signs of both diastolic and systolic dysfunction complicating management. Renal dysfunction is often present, but other organ systems can be involved resulting in findings such as acute hepatic dysfunction or bowel wall congestion and ischemia. The goals of therapy are to rapidly reverse ventriculo-arterial decoupling and reduce right ventricular afterload to prevent progression to refractory or irreversible right heart failure. Triggering events must be investigated for and addressed urgently if identified. Volume status management is critical and both noninvasive and invasive testing can aid in prognostication and guide management, including the use of inotropes and vasopressors. In cases of refractory right heart dysfunction, consideration of urgent lung transplantation and mechanical circulatory support is necessary. These patients should be managed at expert centers in an intensive care setting with a multidisciplinary team of practitioners experienced in the management of right heart dysfunction given the high short- and long-term mortality resulting from acute decompensated right heart failure.
Piezomagnetic and electromagnetic effects in the paramagnetic phase of antiferromagnets
Authors: Zvyagin A. A. , Zvyagina G. A.
Published: June 2023

Using the Landau theory of phase transitions, it is explained how the piezomagnetic and electromagnetic effects can exist at temperatures higher than the ordering temperature in antiferromagnets.
On the nature of band splitting in Shpol’skii matrices
Authors: Curmei M. D.
Published: June 2023

This paper includes the results of the analysis of the multiplet structure in the low-temperature luminescence spectra of a large number of organic molecules in n-paraffin solutions, as well as a number of impurity aromatic molecular crystals. A new approach to the interpretation of the Shpol’skii effect is proposed, which is based on taking into account the symmetry properties of the impurity molecule and the matrix crystal. Calculated data are compared with experimental results.
Seeing and knowing
Authors: Bergqvist Henrik
Published: June 2023

The paper provides evidence against the claim that perceptual access is commonly encoded in direct evidentials. While visual, auditory, tactile and olfactory perception are conveyed by direct evidentials in contexts where such interpretations are appropriate, in others it is the speaker’s involvement, affectedness and established beliefs which are conveyed. These may be exclusive to the speaker or shared by the addressee. Instead of information source, it is argued that some direct evidentials encode the speaker’s epistemic authority regarding an event based on their primary relation to the event. Epistemic authority concerns the speaker’s rights over knowledge and is therefore a relational concept that captures some of the dynamics between speech act participants in terms of knowledge representation and attribution. Support for this argument comes from the diachronic development of direct evidentials, the effects of co-distribution between direct evidentials and person marking (egophoricity), and patterns of use. Data comes from the literature on evidentiality and frequently cited languages from Tucanoan and Quechuan languages that feature well-described, rich evidential systems.