bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilizing epigenetics to study the shared nature of development and biological aging across the lifespan
Authors: Raffington Laurel
Published: March 2024

Recently, biological aging has been quantified in DNA-methylation samples of older adults and applied as so-called “methylation profile scores” (MPSs) in separate target samples, including samples of children. This nascent research indicates that (1) biological aging can be quantified early in the life course, decades before the onset of aging-related disease, (2) is affected by common environmental predictors of childhood development, and (3) shows overlap with “developmental processes” (e.g., puberty). Because the MPSs were computed using algorithms developed in adults, these studies indicate a molecular link between childhood environments, development, and adult biological aging. Yet, if MPSs can be used to connect development and aging, previous research has only traveled one way, deriving MPSs developed in adults and applying them to samples of children. Researchers have not yet quantified epigenetic measures that reflect the pace of child development, and tested whether resulting MPSs are associated with physical and psychological aging. In this perspective I posit that combining measures of biological aging with new quantifications of child development has the power to address fundamental questions about life span: How are development and experience in childhood related to biological aging in adulthood? And what is aging?
Highly reversible extrinsic electrocaloric effects over a wide temperature range in epitaxially strained SrTiO3 films
Authors: Zhang S. , Deliyore-Ramírez J. , Deng S. , Nair B. , Pesquera D. , Jing Q. , Vickers M. E. , Crossley S. , Ghidini M. , Guzmán-Verri G. G. , Moya X. , Mathur N. D.
Published: March 2024

Electrocaloric effects have been experimentally studied in ferroelectrics and incipient ferroelectrics, but not incipient ferroelectrics driven ferroelectric using strain. Here we use optimally oriented interdigitated surface electrodes to investigate extrinsic electrocaloric effects in low-loss epitaxial SrTiO3 films near the broad second-order 243 K ferroelectric phase transition created by biaxial in-plane coherent tensile strain from DyScO3 substrates. Our extrinsic electrocaloric effects are an order of magnitude larger than the corresponding effects in bulk SrTiO3 over a wide range of temperatures including room temperature, and unlike electrocaloric effects associated with first-order transitions they are highly reversible in unipolar applied fields. Additionally, the canonical Landau description for strained SrTiO3 films works well if we set the low-temperature zero-field polarization along one of the in-plane pseudocubic <100> directions. In future, similar strain engineering could be exploited for other films, multilayers and bulk samples to increase the range of electrocaloric materials for energy efficient cooling.
Spatial and temporal analysis of haemorrhagic septicaemia outbreaks in India over three decades (1987–2016)
Authors: Chanda Mohammed Mudassar , Purse Bethan V. , Hemadri Divakar , Patil Sharanagouda S. , Yogisharadhya Revanaiah , Prajapati Awadhesh , Shivachandra Sathish Bhadravati
Published: March 2024

Haemorrhagic septicaemia (HS) is an economically important disease affecting cattle and buffaloes and the livelihoods of small-holder farmers that depend upon them. The disease is caused by Gram-negative bacterium, Pasteurella multocida, and is considered to be endemic in many states of India with more than 25,000 outbreaks in the past three decades. Currently, there is no national policy for control of HS in India. In this study, we analysed thirty year (1987–2016) monthly data on HS outbreaks using different statistical and mathematical methods to identify spatial variability and temporal patterns (seasonality, periodicity). There was zonal variation in the trend and seasonality of HS outbreaks. Overall, South zone reported maximum proportion of the outbreaks (70.2%), followed by East zone (7.2%), Central zone (6.4%), North zone (5.6%), West zone (5.5%) and North-East zone (4.9%). Annual state level analysis indicated that the reporting of HS outbreaks started at different years independently and there was no apparent transmission between the states. The results of the current study are useful for the policy makers to design national control programme on HS in India and implement state specific strategies. Further, our study and strategies could aid in implementation of similar approaches in HS endemic tropical countries around the world.
A longitudinal causal graph analysis investigating modifiable risk factors and obesity in a European cohort of children and adolescents
Authors: Foraita Ronja , Witte Janine , Börnhorst Claudia , Gwozdz Wencke , Pala Valeria , Lissner Lauren , Lauria Fabio , Reisch Lucia A. , Molnár Dénes , De Henauw Stefaan , Moreno Luis , Veidebaum Toomas , Tornaritis Michael , Pigeot Iris , Didelez Vanessa
Published: March 2024

Childhood obesity is a complex disorder that appears to be influenced by an interacting system of many factors. Taking this complexity into account, we aim to investigate the causal structure underlying childhood obesity. Our focus is on identifying potential early, direct or indirect, causes of obesity which may be promising targets for prevention strategies. Using a causal discovery algorithm, we estimate a cohort causal graph (CCG) over the life course from childhood to adolescence. We adapt a popular method, the so-called PC-algorithm, to deal with missing values by multiple imputation, with mixed discrete and continuous variables, and that takes background knowledge such as the time-structure of cohort data into account. The algorithm is then applied to learn the causal structure among 51 variables including obesity, early life factors, diet, lifestyle, insulin resistance, puberty stage and cultural background of 5112 children from the European IDEFICS/I.Family cohort across three waves (2007–2014). The robustness of the learned causal structure is addressed in a series of alternative and sensitivity analyses; in particular, we use bootstrap resamples to assess the stability of aspects of the learned CCG. Our results suggest some but only indirect possible causal paths from early modifiable risk factors, such as audio-visual media consumption and physical activity, to obesity (measured by age- and sex-adjusted BMI z-scores) 6 years later.
Association of HLA-DRB1 locus with treatment response to abatacept or TNF inhibitors in patients with seropositive rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Cha Soojin , Bang So-Young , Joo Young Bin , Cho Soo-Kyung , Choi Chan-Bum , Sung Yoon-Kyoung , Kim Tae-Hwan , Jun Jae-Bum , Yoo Dae Hyun , Lee Hye-Soon , Bae Sang-Cheol
Published: March 2024

The strongest genetic risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been known as HLA-DRB1 based on amino acid positions 11, 71, and 74. This study analyzed the association between specific HLA-DRB1 locus and treatment response to abatacept or TNF inhibitors (TNFi) in patients with seropositive RA. A total of 374 Korean RA patients were treated with abatacept (n = 110) or TNFi (n = 264). Associations between HLA-DRB1 and treatment response after 6 months were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Seropositive RA patients with HLA-DRB1 shared epitope (SE) had a favorable response to abatacept (OR = 3.67, P = 0.067) and an inversely associated response to TNFi (OR 0.57, P = 0.058) based on EULAR response criteria, but the difference was not statistically significant in comparison to those without SE. In analyses using amino acid positions of HLA-DRB1, a significant association was found between valine at amino acid position 11 of SE and good response to abatacept (OR = 6.46, P = 5.4 × 10–3). The VRA haplotype also showed a good response to abatacept (OR = 4.56, P = 0.013), but not to TNFi. Our results suggest that treatment response to abatacept or TNFi may differ depending on HLA-DRB1 locus in seropositive RA, providing valuable insights for selecting optimal therapy.
Smoothed particle hydrodynamics based FSI simulation of the native and mechanical heart valves in a patient-specific aortic model
Authors: Laha Sumanta , Fourtakas Georgios , Das Prasanta K. , Keshmiri Amir
Published: March 2024

The failure of the aortic heart valve is common, resulting in deterioration of the pumping function of the heart. For the end stage valve failure, bi-leaflet mechanical valve (most popular artificial valve) is implanted. However, due to its non-physiological behaviour, a significant alteration is observed in the normal haemodynamics of the aorta. While in-vivo experimentation of a human heart valve (native and artificial) is a formidable task, in-silico study using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with fluid structure interaction (FSI) is an effective and economic tool for investigating the haemodynamics of natural and artificial heart valves. In the present work, a haemodynamic model of a natural and mechanical heart valve has been developed using meshless particle-based smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH). In order to further enhance its clinical relevance, this study employs a patient-specific vascular geometry and presents a successful validation against traditional finite volume method and 4D magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. The results have demonstrated that SPH is ideally suited to simulate the heart valve function due to its Lagrangian description of motion, which is a favourable feature for FSI. In addition, a novel methodology for the estimation of the wall shear stress (WSS) and other related haemodynamic parameters have been proposed from the SPH perspective. Finally, a detailed comparison of the haemodynamic parameters has been carried out for both native and mechanical aortic valve, with a particular emphasis on the clinical risks associated with the mechanical valve.
Pseudomonas syringae infectivity correlates to altered transcript and metabolite levels of Arabidopsis mediator mutants
Authors: Blomberg Jeanette , Tasselius Viktor , Vergara Alexander , Karamat Fazeelat , Imran Qari Muhammad , Strand Åsa , Rosvall Martin , Björklund Stefan
Published: March 2024

Rapid metabolic responses to pathogens are essential for plant survival and depend on numerous transcription factors. Mediator is the major transcriptional co-regulator for integration and transmission of signals from transcriptional regulators to RNA polymerase II. Using four Arabidopsis Mediator mutants, med16, med18, med25 and cdk8, we studied how differences in regulation of their transcript and metabolite levels correlate to their responses to Pseudomonas syringae infection. We found that med16 and cdk8 were susceptible, while med25 showed increased resistance. Glucosinolate, phytoalexin and carbohydrate levels were reduced already before infection in med16 and cdk8, but increased in med25, which also displayed increased benzenoids levels. Early after infection, wild type plants showed reduced glucosinolate and nucleoside levels, but increases in amino acids, benzenoids, oxylipins and the phytoalexin camalexin. The Mediator mutants showed altered levels of these metabolites and in regulation of genes encoding key enzymes for their metabolism. At later stage, mutants displayed defective levels of specific amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids and jasmonates which correlated to their infection response phenotypes. Our results reveal that MED16, MED25 and CDK8 are required for a proper, coordinated transcriptional response of genes which encode enzymes involved in important metabolic pathways for Arabidopsis responses to Pseudomonas syringae infections.
People with genetic kidney diseases on kidney replacement therapy have different clinical outcomes compared to people with other kidney diseases
Authors: Han Helen Y. , Vangaveti Venkat , Jose Matthew , Ng Monica Suet Ying , Mallett Andrew John
Published: March 2024

Despite increasing awareness of genetic kidney disease prevalence, there is limited population-level information about long term outcomes of people with genetic kidney disease receiving kidney replacement therapy. This analysis included people who commenced kidney replacement therapy between 1989 and 2020 as recorded in the Australian and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant registry. Genetic kidney diseases were subclassified as majority and minority monogenic. Non-genetic kidney diseases were included as the comparator group. Primary outcome measures were 10-year mortality and 10-year graft failure. Cox proportional hazard regression were used to calculate unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios (AHRs) for primary outcomes. There were 59,231 people in the dialysis subgroup and 21,860 people in the transplant subgroup. People on dialysis with genetic kidney diseases had reduced 10-year mortality risk (majority monogenic AHR: 0.70, 95% CI 0.66–0.76; minority monogenic AHR 0.86, 95% CI 0.80–0.92). This reduced 10-year mortality risk continued after kidney transplantation (majority monogenic AHR: 0.82, 95% CI 0.71–0.93; minority monogenic AHR 0.80, 95% CI 0.68–0.95). Majority monogenic genetic kidney diseases were associated with reduced 10-year graft failure compared to minority monogenic genetic kidney diseases and other kidney diseases (majority monogenic AHR 0.69, 95% CI 0.59–0.79). This binational registry analysis identified that people with genetic kidney disease have different mortality and graft failure risks compared to people with other kidney diseases.
Nivolumab plus ipilimumab versus the EXTREME regimen in recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: a cost-effectiveness analysis
Authors: Ye Dongmei , Liang Xueyan , Chen Xiaoyu , Li Yan
Published: March 2024

In the CheckMate 651 study, nivolumab plus ipilimumab versus EXTREME (cisplatin/carboplatin + cetuximab + fluorouracil) regimen was compared for effectiveness. It is not known whether these immunotherapy agents are cost-effective for recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (R/M SCCHN). The purpose of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of nivolumab plus ipilimumab with EXTREME in the first-line setting from the standpoint of third-party payers in the United States. The projecting of costs and outcomes over 15 years was done using a three-state partitioned survival model discounted by 3% per year. Long-term extrapolation of CheckMate 651 was used to model progression-free survival and overall survival (OS). The incremental net health benefit (INHB), incremental net monetary benefit (INMB), quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) were calculated. The uncertainty and stability of the model were accounted for via one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. As compared with nivolumab plus ipilimumab, EXTREME was associated with an increase of 0.154 life-years and 0.076 QALYs, as well as a cost increase of $572 per patient. The corresponding ICERs were $7545/QALY along with the values of INMB and INHB were $113,267 and 0.076 QALYs, respectively, at a willingness to pay (WTP) threshold of $150,000/QALY. The probability of nivolumab plus ipilimumab being cost-effective was > 99% in patients with combined positive score (CPS) ≥ 1, CPS 1–19, or CPS ≥ 20. Moreover, hazard ratio for OS and body weight were the most sensitive parameters for the model. According to sensitivity analyses, these results were generally robust. In overall populations with R/M SCCHN, the EXTREME regimen is cost-effective compared with nivolumab plus ipilimumab. Given a WTP threshold of $150,000 per QALY, the probability of the EXTREME regiment being cost-effective compared with nivolumab and ipilimumab, was 64%. Importantly, there was heterogeneity in the cost-effectiveness probabilities, based on primary sites and expression levels of PD-L1. Therefore, tailored treatment based on individual patient and clinical characteristics, remains important, and may impact the cost-effectiveness of the regimens under study.
Complexity synchronization in emergent intelligence
Authors: Mahmoodi Korosh , Kerick Scott E. , Franaszczuk Piotr J. , Parsons Thomas D. , Grigolini Paolo , West Bruce J.
Published: March 2024

In this work, we use a simple multi-agent-based-model (MABM) of a social network, implementing selfish algorithm (SA) agents, to create an adaptive environment and show, using a modified diffusion entropy analysis (DEA), that the mutual-adaptive interaction between the parts of such a network manifests complexity synchronization (CS). CS has been shown to exist by processing simultaneously measured time series from among organ-networks (ONs) of the brain (neurophysiology), lungs (respiration), and heart (cardiovascular reactivity) and to be explained theoretically as a synchronization of the multifractal dimension (MFD) scaling parameters characterizing each time series. Herein, we find the same kind of CS in the emergent intelligence of groups formed in a self-organized social interaction without macroscopic control but with biased self-interest between two groups of agents playing an anti-coordination game. This computational result strongly suggests the existence of the same CS in real-world social phenomena and in human–machine interactions as that found empirically in ONs.
The comparative study of chronically ill and healthy children and adolescents in the light of their general mental health
Authors: Boris Péter , Kovács Karolina Eszter , Nagy Beáta Erika
Published: March 2024

Children's hospitalisation is difficult for the family and the immediate environment. In these cases, the provision of psychological support is particularly important. Chronically ill children who are regularly hospitalised are in a particularly difficult situation, often feeling vulnerable. Our research aims to explore and analyse in detail the psychological state, attitudes and mental health of chronically ill children and to compare patient groups (children receiving care in pulmonology, gastroenterology, onco-haematology and rehabilitation) to understand the interacting factors, which may be of great importance for quality patient care and for measures to improve patient care in the future. We studied chronically ill children (N = 107) aged 10 to 18 years (M = 14.3; SD = 2.0), cared for by the Department of Paediatric Rehabilitation, Paediatric Psychiatry and Psychosomatics of the University of Debrecen Clinical Centre, the second largest paediatric institution in Hungary. In our survey, sociodemographic questions, the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, the Satisfaction With Life Scale, the Cantril Ladder, the Non-Productive Thoughts Questionnaire, the Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire, the Drawing version of Pictorial Representation of Illness Self-Measure (PRISM-D), the Beck Depression Inventory—Shortened Scale, the Illness Intrusiveness Ratings Scale, the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Questionnaire—Child Version and the Strength and Difficulty Questionnaire were applied. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to examine differences between groups, and Pearson rank correlation analysis was used to measure the relationships between individual variables. The results show significant differences between patient groups in terms of resilience, depression, nonproductive thoughts, problematic internet use, anxiety and coping, but no consistent pattern in the development of scores. In addition, for some psychological correlates, the role of sociodemographic background also showed significant results. The practical utility of our study is that using questionnaire methods to map patient satisfaction, compliance, and patient attitudes will provide regarding the factors that influence the mental health status of children living with chronic illnesses. In the light of this, additional methods and tools can be included to improve the quality of healthcare and to develop a set of procedures that will serve the intended purpose.
Enhancing the evaluation of acute ischemic stroke risk in individuals with non-valvular atrial fibrillation by including laboratory indicators
Authors: Hou Xin , Zhang Xiaohong
Published: March 2024

To investigate the clinical significance of the CHA2DS2-VASc-60 score, lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)], red blood cell distribution width (RDW), and their combined effect in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) who experience acute ischemic stroke (AIS). This retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of hospitalized patients with NVAF at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University between April 1, 2020, and April 1, 2023. Based on the diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), the patients were divided into two groups: the AIS group (150 cases of NVAF patients with comorbid AIS) and the non-AIS group (163 cases of NVAF patients without AIS). We performed CHA2DS2-VASc-60 scoring for all patients and collected their laboratory indicators and echocardiographic indicators during hospitalization. The study comprised 313 individuals with NVAF in total. There is a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in the comparison of CHA2DS2-VASc-60 score (5.68 ± 1.12 vs. 3.67 ± 1.47), Lp(a) [23.98 (13.28, 42.22) vs. 14.32 (7.96, 21.91)] and RDW (13.67 ± 1.25 vs. 12.94 ± 0.76) between NVAF patients with and without concomitant AIS. The results of the Spearman correlation analysis demonstrate a positive association between Lp(a) and RDW levels and both the CHA2DS2-VASc score and the CHA2DS2-VASc-60 score in patients with NVAF. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that CHA2DS2-VASc-60 score [OR = 6.549, 95% CI: 4.110–10.433, P < 0.05], Lp(a) [OR = 1.023, 95% CI: 1.005–1.041, P < 0.05], and RDW [OR = 1.644, 95% CI: 1.071–2.525, P < 0.05] were independent risk factors for AIS in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves showed that the area under the curve of CHA2DS2-VASc-60 score, Lp(a), RDW, and CHA2DS2-VASc-60 score combined with Lp(a) and RDW predicted that NVAF patients with AIS were 0.881 [95% CI: 0.804–0.906], 0.685 [95% CI: 0.626–0.744], 0.695 [95% CI: 0.637–0.754], and 0.906 [95% CI: 0.845–0.921], respectively. The CHA2DS2-VASc-60 score, Lp(a), and RDW were significantly increased in NVAF patients with AIS, which were independent risk factors for NVAF patients with AIS. The combination of the three has a high predictive capacity for NVAF patients with AIS.
Dysphagia in patients with severe COVID-19: a retrospective study
Authors: Asayama Rie , Tanaka-Nishikubo Kaori , Okada Masahiro , Mukai Naoki , Annen Suguru , Matsumoto Hironori , Takeba Jun , Sato Norio , Hato Naohito
Published: March 2024

To investigate dysphagia after extubation in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We retrospectively examined patients with severe COVID-19 treated in our hospital between August 2021 and March 2022. Feeding outcomes were categorized into two groups—(1) total oral intake, and (2) difficulty in oral intake. To assess the feeding outcome, we used modified water-swallowing test (MWST) for all patients. However, in cases where aspiration or recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy was suspected, we conducted the fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing after MWST. Patient data were collected from medical records. Forty-six patients with severe COVID-19 were included. Among the 46 patients, 14 (30.4%) experienced difficulties with oral intake. Older age, longer length of hospitalization, duration of mechanical ventilation, tracheostomy, diabetes, and higher serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) at the time of intubation were associated with difficulty in oral intake. The rate of difficulty with oral intake in patients with severe COVID-19 was 30.4%, which is not as high as reported in previous studies. Older age, longer duration of mechanical ventilation, tracheostomy, diabetes, and higher levels of CRP and PCT were associated with the prevalence of oral intake difficulty, suggesting that early attention should be paid to high-risk patients who have preexisting deterioration of swallowing function due to aging and comorbidities, or who have prolonged intubation or tracheostomy to prevent aspiration pneumonia.
Frost protection mechanism based on rubber airbag interlayered composite lining system for cold-region tunnels
Authors: Xu Yuping , Liu Yang , Qiu Wenge
Published: March 2024

To solve the problem of freezing damage in cold-region tunnels, this study proposed a rubber airbag interlayered composite lining system, and tested its performance of buffering, pressure adjustment, waterproofing, and heat preservation by simulating a low-temperature environment in an artificial freezing chamber. The experiment results show that the frost-heaving force exerted on the lining can always be lower than 1.69 kPa by constantly adjusting the airbag pressure, and the maximum frost-heaving force can reach 28.25 kPa without the airbag. In addition, the airbag also has good waterproof performance. Finally, the airbag can significantly improve the temperature field of the surrounding rock and reduce the freezing depth (6.75 cm < 17.25 cm). The insulation effect of the airbag is positively correlated with its thickness and negatively correlated with the thermal conductivity of the filling gas. The insulation effect of CO2 is better than that of air. The rubber airbag interlayered composite lining system provides a new scheme for freezing damage control in cold-region tunnels.
Elevated PDE4C level serves as a candidate diagnostic biomarker and correlates with poor survival in thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Wang Ying , Zhang Yongsheng , Li Yanyan , Huang Jing
Published: March 2024

Thyroid carcinoma (THCA) is the most common endocrine cancer. Phosphodiesterase (PDE) 4 enzyme family, as specific regulator of cyclic adenosine monophosphate, may play a important role in THCA. However, few studies on PDE4 enzyme family in THCA have been reported yet. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically analyze the changes of PDE4 enzyme family in THCA, and look for potential target for THCA therapy. We systematically analyzed the expression differences, prognostic value, genetic alteration, methylation modification, and the correlation with tumor immune microenvironment of PDE4 family in THCA using several public databases, including TCGA, GEO, GSCA, TNMplot, cBioPortal, DiseaseMeth and TIMER. Besides, functional enrichment analysis and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of PDE4 family was investigated using Metascape and STRING databases. The expression levels of PDE4A, PDE4B and PDE4D were down-regulated in THCA patients at different cancer stages, while the expression level of PDE4C was significantly up-regulated. Moreover, THCA patients with higher PDE4C expression had shorter progress free survival compared with those with lower PDE4C expression. The low genomic alteration frequencies and mildly increased methylation levels of PDE4 family were found in THCA patients. Except for PDE4A, the expression levels of PDE4B, PDE4C and PDE4D could affect many immune cells infiltration during THCA progression. Four PDE4 subtypes were all enriched in cAMP catabolic process. Nevertheless, PDE4C was not enriched in the cAMP binding signal pathway, and PDE4B was not enriched in the G alphas signaling events. Notably, PDE4C participated in cAMP metabolic process by regulating adenylate cyclases (ADCYs), which involved ADCY1, ADCY5, ADCY6, ADCY8 and ADCY9. The findings of this study provide a partial basis for the role of PDE4 family in the occurrence and development of THCA. In addition, this study also suggested that PDE4C might be a potential prognostic marker of THCA, which could serve as a reference for future basic and clinical research.
Propensity to trust shapes perceptions of comforting touch between trustworthy human and robot partners
Authors: Valori Irene , Fan Yichen , Jung Merel M. , Fairhurst Merle T.
Published: March 2024

Touching a friend to comfort or be comforted is a common prosocial behaviour, firmly based in mutual trust. Emphasising the interactive nature of trust and touch, we suggest that vulnerability, reciprocity and individual differences shape trust and perceptions of touch. We further investigate whether these elements also apply to companion robots. Participants (n = 152) were exposed to four comics depicting human–human or human–robot exchanges. Across conditions, one character was sad, the other initiated touch to comfort them, and the touchee reciprocated the touch. Participants first rated trustworthiness of a certain character (human or robot in a vulnerable or comforting role), then evaluated the two touch phases (initiation and reciprocity) in terms of interaction realism, touch appropriateness and pleasantness, affective state (valence and arousal) attributed to the characters. Results support an interactive account of trust and touch, with humans being equally trustworthy when comforting or showing vulnerability, and reciprocity of touch buffering sadness. Although these phenomena seem unique to humans, propensity to trust technology reduces the gap between how humans and robots are perceived. Two distinct trust systems emerge: one for human interactions and another for social technologies, both necessitating trust as a fundamental prerequisite for meaningful physical contact.
Clot time ratio (CTR) and treatment outcomes in Apixaban-treated atrial fibrillation patients
Authors: Onelöv Liselotte , Božič-Mijovski Mojca , Mavri Alenka
Published: March 2024

There are clinical situations where information about the anticoagulant effects of Apixaban could be useful. Specialised methods for measuring Apixaban concentrations are not available at all medical laboratories while methods for measuring the functional effects of Apixaban, using clot time ratio (CTR), can be performed in most medical laboratories around the clock using well-established measurement procedures. The aim of this study was to investigate CTR in trough and peak samples during Apixaban treatment of atrial fibrillation and to correlate the findings to bleeds and thrombotic events. Three trough- and three peak samples from 61 patients (31 on Apixaban 5 mg twice daily and 30 on Apixaban 2.5 mg twice daily) were analysed with MRX PT DOAC. Patients were followed for 30 + /-15 months, and bleeds and thrombotic events were documented. The effect of Apixaban could be measured with MRX PT DOAC and there was a statistically significant difference between CTR in trough samples compared to peak samples (p < 0.001). A total of 21 patients suffered bleeds during follow-up; two patients suffered major bleeds, and 19 suffered minor bleeds. Patients with major bleeds had both mean peak- and mean trough CTR above the respective first to third quartile (Q1–Q3) range. Four patients suffered thromboembolic events. Generally, the peak CTRs were below or in the lower end of the peak Q1–Q3 for these patients. The new test MRX PT DOAC can be used to measure the effect of Apixaban during the treatment of atrial fibrillation. High mean peak- and mean trough CTR were seen in 2 patients with major bleeds, and low peak CTR was seen in 4 patients with thromboembolic events.
Hyperforce balance via thermal Noether invariance of any observable
Authors: Robitschko Silas , Sammüller Florian , Schmidt Matthias , Hermann Sophie
Published: March 2024

Noether invariance in statistical mechanics provides fundamental connections between the symmetries of a physical system and its conservation laws and sum rules. The latter are exact identities that involve statistically averaged forces and force correlations and they are derived from statistical mechanical functionals. However, the implications for more general observables and order parameters are unclear. Here, we demonstrate that thermally averaged classical phase space functions are associated with exact hyperforce sum rules that follow from translational Noether invariance. Both global and locally resolved identities hold and they relate the mean gradient of a phase-space function to its negative mean product with the total force. Similar to Hirschfelder’s hypervirial theorem, the hyperforce sum rules apply to arbitrary observables in equilibrium. Exact hierarchies of higher-order sum rules follow iteratively. As applications we investigate via computer simulations the emerging one-body force fluctuation profiles in confined liquids. These local correlators quantify spatially inhomogeneous self-organization and their measurement allows for the development of stringent convergence tests and enhanced sampling schemes in complex systems.
Disease staging of Alzheimer’s disease using a CSF-based biomarker model
Authors: Salvadó Gemma , Horie Kanta , Barthélemy Nicolas R. , Vogel Jacob W. , Pichet Binette Alexa , Chen Charles D. , Aschenbrenner Andrew J. , Gordon Brian A. , Benzinger Tammie L. S. , Holtzman David M. , Morris John C. , Palmqvist Sebastian , Stomrud Erik , Janelidze Shorena , Ossenkoppele Rik , Schindler Suzanne E. , Bateman Randall J. , Hansson Oskar
Published: March 2024

Biological staging of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) may improve diagnostic and prognostic workup of dementia in clinical practice and the design of clinical trials. In this study, we used the Subtype and Stage Inference (SuStaIn) algorithm to establish a robust biological staging model for AD using cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers. Our analysis involved 426 participants from BioFINDER-2 and was validated in 222 participants from the Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center cohort. SuStaIn identified a singular biomarker sequence and revealed that five CSF biomarkers effectively constituted a reliable staging model (ordered: Aβ42/40, pT217/T217, pT205/T205, MTBR-tau243 and non-phosphorylated mid-region tau). The CSF stages (0–5) demonstrated a correlation with increased abnormalities in other AD-related biomarkers, such as Aβ-PET and tau-PET, and aligned with longitudinal biomarker changes reflective of AD progression. Higher CSF stages at baseline were associated with an elevated hazard ratio of clinical decline. This study highlights a common molecular pathway underlying AD pathophysiology across all patients, suggesting that a single CSF collection can accurately indicate the presence of AD pathologies and characterize the stage of disease progression. The proposed staging model has implications for enhancing diagnostic and prognostic assessments in both clinical practice and the design of clinical trials.
The growth factor EPIREGULIN promotes basal progenitor cell proliferation in the developing neocortex
Authors: Cubillos Paula , Ditzer Nora , Kolodziejczyk Annika , Schwenk Gustav , Hoffmann Janine , Schütze Theresa M , Derihaci Razvan P , Birdir Cahit , Köllner Johannes EM , Petzold Andreas , Sarov Mihail , Martin Ulrich , Long Katherine R , Wimberger Pauline , Albert Mareike
Published: March 2024

Neocortex expansion during evolution is linked to higher numbers of neurons, which are thought to result from increased proliferative capacity and neurogenic potential of basal progenitor cells during development. Here, we show that EREG, encoding the growth factor EPIREGULIN, is expressed in the human developing neocortex and in gorilla cerebral organoids, but not in the mouse neocortex. Addition of EPIREGULIN to the mouse neocortex increases proliferation of basal progenitor cells, whereas EREG ablation in human cortical organoids reduces proliferation in the subventricular zone. Treatment of cortical organoids with EPIREGULIN promotes a further increase in proliferation of gorilla but not of human basal progenitor cells. EPIREGULIN competes with the epidermal growth factor (EGF) to promote proliferation, and inhibition of the EGF receptor abrogates the EPIREGULIN-mediated increase in basal progenitor cells. Finally, we identify putative cis-regulatory elements that may contribute to the observed inter-species differences in EREG expression. Our findings suggest that species-specific regulation of EPIREGULIN expression may contribute to the increased neocortex size of primates by providing a tunable pro-proliferative signal to basal progenitor cells in the subventricular zone.
Non-enzymatic biosensor based on F,S-doped carbon dots/copper nanoarchitecture applied in the simultaneous electrochemical determination of NADH, dopamine, and uric acid in plasma
Authors: de Souza Octávio P. L. , Tiba Daniel Y. , Ferreira Joao H. A. , Lieb Laura C. , Canevari Thiago C.
Published: March 2024

This work presents the synthesis and characterization of an innovative F,S-doped carbon dots/CuONPs hybrid nanostructure obtained by a direct mixture between F,S-doped carbon dots obtained electrochemically and copper nitrate alcoholic solution.
The pulmonary effects of nickel-containing nanoparticles: cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, and their underlying mechanisms
Authors: Mo Yiqun , Zhang Yue , Zhang Qunwei
Published: March 2024

This review summarized the cytotoxic, genotoxic, and carcinogenic effects of Ni-containing NPs on humans, lung cells in vitro, and rodent lungs in vivo, and the underlying mechanisms. Their extra-pulmonary effects were also briefly mentioned.
Rh(iii)-catalyzed sequential spiroannulation/lactonization of 3-aryl N-sulfonyl ketimines with 4-hydroxy-2-alkynoates by C–H bond activation
Authors: Prashanth S. , Ajay Chidrawar , Nagesh Kommu , Sridhar B. , Reddy B. V. Subba
Published: March 2024

A rhodium(iii)-catalyzed C–H annulation strategy has been developed for the synthesis of a highly rigid spirobenzosultam lactones in good yields with high regioselectivity from 3-aryl N-sulfonyl ketimines and 4-hydroxy-2-alkynoates.
Visible-light-driven alkene dicarboxylation with formate and CO2 under mild conditions
Authors: Zhang Fulin , Wu Xiao-Yang , Gao Pan-Pan , Zhang Hao , Li Zhu , Ai Shangde , Li Gang
Published: March 2024

Low-cost formate salt was used as the reductant and part of the carboxyl source in a visible-light-driven dicarboxylation of diverse alkenes, including simple styrenes.
The balancing act between high electronic and low ionic transport influenced by perovskite grain boundaries
Authors: Glück Nadja , Hill Nathan S. , Giza Marcin , Hutter Eline , Grill Irene , Schlipf Johannes , Bach Udo , Müller-Buschbaum Peter , Hartschuh Achim , Bein Thomas , Savenije Tom , Docampo Pablo
Published: March 2024

Grain size and orientation's impact on charge carriers is explored via a new solvent engineering method for MAPbI3 solar cells. Drift-diffusion simulations connect s-shaped JV curves to slower ions.
Wet-etching fabrication of flexible and transparent silicon frameworks for imperceptible wearable electronics
Authors: Wei Tingyu , Shi Yihao , Zhang Bingchang , Ding Yu , Qin Jiahao , Hu Xinyue , Yu Jia , Liu Ruiyuan , Zhang Xiaohong
Published: March 2024

This work proposes a method of low-cost alkali etching to fabricate single-crystalline silicon frameworks, which will promote the research and application of silicon-based imperceptible wearable electronics.
Valorizing natural-abundant glucose to lactic acid using a MOF-808 catalyst under green hydrothermal conditions
Authors: Boonmark Sininat , Ponchai Panyapat , Adpakpang Kanyaporn , Wannapaiboon Suttipong , Thongratkaew Sutarat , Faungnawakij Kajornsak , Bureekaew Sareeya
Published: March 2024

We demonstrated that a highly robust Zr-based MOF-808, owning abundant Lewis acid Zr sites and hydroxy ions, can efficiently convert glucose to lactic acid via [3+3] C–C bond cleavage, achieving a high yield of up to 77% under hydrothermal condition.
Fluorenyl-tethered N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC): an exclusive C-donor ligand for heteroleptic calcium and strontium chemistry
Authors: Mondal Sumana , Sarkar Subham , Mandal Chhotan , Mallick Dibyendu , Mukherjee Debabrata
Published: March 2024

Exclusive C-donating ligands are rarely used with kinetically labile heavier alkaline earths (Ca, Sr, Ba).
Production of hydrogen from alcohols via homogeneous catalytic transformations mediated by molecular transition-metal complexes
Authors: Bisarya Akshara , Karim Suhana , Narjinari Himani , Banerjee Anwesha , Arora Vinay , Dhole Sunil , Dutta Arnab , Kumar Akshai
Published: March 2024

An overview of the state-of-the-art advancements is provided on the use of transition-metal based molecular catalysts to produce hydrogen from liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) derived from renewable sources such as alcohols.
Bright white light emission from lanthanide oxide LaGdO3 for LED lighting by Bi3+ to Eu3+ energy transfer
Authors: Yang Zhangyan , Lyu Zeyu , Sun Dashuai , Shen Sida , Wei Shuai , Lu Zheng , He Mingrui , Huang Zhuihao , You Hongpeng
Published: March 2024

This work reports a novel white light emission phosphor LaGdO3:Bi3+,Eu3+. A single-phased WLED device with a color-rendering index of 92.4 was successfully prepared by employing a near-ultraviolet chip and the LaGdO3:Bi3+,Eu3+ phosphors.
Catalyst screening for dehydration of primary alcohols from renewable feedstocks under formation of alkenes at energy-saving mild reaction conditions
Authors: Allahverdiyev Adil , Yang Jianing , Gröger Harald
Published: March 2024

The dehydration of 1-hexanol as example for a primary alcohol is catalyzed under mild reaction conditions at a temperature of 150–180 °C when using metal triflates. A key feature is an in situ-product removal of the formed alkenes via distillation.
Effects of polymer precursor conjugation length on the optoelectronic properties of fluorinated benzothiadiazole-based D–A systems
Authors: Mo Daize , Tong Tong , Chao Pengjie , Deng Kuirong , Zhang Qingwen
Published: March 2024

Due to their high electronegativity and small atomic radius without undesirable steric hindrance, the incorporation of fluorine atoms onto a conjugated backbone has been proven to be a very effective way to tune the energy levels of organic semiconductors.
Optical color routing enabled by deep learning
Authors: Xiong Shijie , Yang Xianguang
Published: March 2024

Enhanced by diverse color sorting techniques and deep learning, color routing at the nanoscale shows great potential in the image sensing field.
Gold nanoparticles cross cell-subcellular barriers for biological regulation
Authors: Zheng Xiang , Qing Guangchao , Jia Yaru , Li Fangzhou , Xu Lanju , Liang Xing-Jie , Zhang Jinchao
Published: March 2024

Major biological barriers for nanomedicines to cross to reach target sites are the blood barrier, blood–tissue barrier, transmembrane barrier and cell-cellular barrier.
C–H activation-enabled synthesis of a piperazine-embedded azadibenzo[a,g]corannulene analogue
Authors: Huang Lin , Qiu Mengyu , Chang Zhihao , Browne Duncan L. , Huang Jianhui
Published: March 2024

The first example of an azadibenzo[a,g]corannulene analogue with an embedded piperazine ring on the flank of its polycyclic skeleton is reported.
Performance of a helical insert in a commercial tubing as a passive micromixer to produce nanoparticles using an emulsification approach
Authors: Abengochea Lucia , Pina-Artal Santiago , Gonzalez Victor , Sebastian Victor
Published: March 2024

This work highlights novel helical inserts as micromixers with interesting features: straightforward to adapt to a conventional tubing, high mixing efficiency and complete regeneration in the case of fouling as it can be disassembled from the tubing.
Fluorescent carbazole-derived α-amino acids: structural mimics of tryptophan
Authors: Clarke Rebecca , Zeng Liyao , Atkinson Bethany C. , Kadodwala Malcolm , Thomson Andrew R. , Sutherland Andrew
Published: March 2024

Unnatural α-amino acids bearing carbazole side-chains have been shown to be effective structural mimics of tryptophan in peptides and valuable fluorescent probes for the analysis of protein–protein interactions.
Identifying the charge storage mechanism in polyimide anodes for Na-ion aqueous batteries by impedance spectroscopy
Authors: Streng Raphael L. , Vagin Sergei , Guo Yuejie , Rieger Bernhard , Bandarenka Aliaksandr S.
Published: March 2024

This work proposes a new electrochemical impedance model for the redox mechanism of polyimide anodes in aqueous Na-ion batteries. It provides key insights into the discrepancy between experimental and theoretical specific capacities.
Repeating X-ray bursts: Interaction between a neutron star and clumps partially disrupted from a planet
Authors: Kurban Abdusattar , Zhou Xia , Wang Na , Huang Yong-Feng , Wang Yu-Bin , Nurmamat Nurimangul
Published: March 2024

Repeating X-ray bursts from the Galactic magnetar SGR 1806-20 have been observed with a period of 398 days. Similarly, periodic X-ray bursts from SGR 1935+2154 with a period of 238 days have also been observed. Here we argue that these X-ray bursts could be produced by the interaction of a neutron star (NS) with its planet in a highly elliptical orbit. The periastron of the planet is very close to the NS, so it would be partially disrupted by the tidal force every time it passes through the periastron. Major fragments generated in the process will fall onto the NS under the influence of gravitational perturbation. The collision of the in-falling fragments with the NS produces repeating X-ray bursts. The main features of the observed X-ray bursts, such as their energy, duration, periodicity, and activity window, can all be explained in our framework.
GMRT observations of hydroxyl megamaser (OHM) candidates from the ALFALFA survey
Authors: Wang Shouzhi , Wu Zhongzu , Zhang Bo , Sotnikova Yulia , Mufakharov Timur , Shen Zhiqiang , Chen Yongjun , Wu Jianfeng
Published: March 2024

We present the results of our observations using the Giant Meterwave Radio Telescope (GMRT) to investigate the radio continuum and hydroxyl (OH) line emission of ten OH megamaser (OHM) candidates from the Arecibo Legacy Fast ALFA (ALFALFA) survey. Among these candidates, we identified two sources, AGC 115713 and AGC 249507, displaying compact OH line emission that is spatially associated with radio continuum emission. These characteristics are aligned with the typical properties of OHM galaxies. Furthermore, the infrared (IR) properties of these two galaxies are consistent with those of known OHM galaxies. Of the two sources, AGC 249507 has been confirmed through optical redshift, whereas AGC 115713 is aligned with a WISE color selection criterion in the literature, providing additional support for this source being an OHM galaxy, rather than a nearby H I galaxy. On the contrary, no significant spectral line emission was detected in the remaining eight OHM candidates using our full GMRT dataset. This suggests that the spectral line emission initially detected by the ALFALFA survey may have been significantly resolved in the high-resolution observations used in this work. Additionally, the absence of radio continuum emission in six candidates also distinguishes them from known OHM galaxies documented in the literature. These findings support the notion that OHM emission may be distributed on a subarcsecond scale, underscoring the utility of arcsecond-scale observations in confirming OHM candidates, particularly those lacking optical redshift data.