bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computation of invariant sets for discrete‐time uncertain systems
Authors: Khalife Elias , Abou Jaoude Dany , Farhood Mazen , Garoche Pierre‐Loic
Published: June 2023

This article proposes novel methods for the computation of state and output bounding sets for discrete‐time uncertain systems. The systems under consideration are formed from the interconnection of a nominal linear time‐invariant system and an uncertainty operator that is known to lie within a prespecified set. The set of allowable uncertainties is described by a pointwise integral quadratic constraint (IQC), that is, a quadratic constraint that holds for all time‐steps. Examples of pointwise IQCs characterizing common uncertainty sets are provided. The exogenous input to the system is assumed to lie in a given polytope or ellipsoid for all time‐steps. The proposed methods are illustrated via an example.
Effect of Methyl Groups on Formation of Ordered or Layered Graphitic Materials from Aromatic Molecules
Authors: Jana Asmita , Kearney Logan T. , Naskar Amit K. , Grossman Jeffrey C. , Ferralis Nicola
Published: June 2023

Developing functionally complex carbon materials from small aromatic molecules requires an understanding of how the chemistry and structure of its constituent molecules evolve and crosslink, to achieve a tailorable set of functional properties. Here, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are used to isolate the effect of methyl groups on condensation reactions during the oxidative process and evaluate the impact on elastic modulus by considering three monodisperse pyrene‐based systems with increasing methyl group fraction. A parameter to quantify the reaction progression is designed by computing the number of new covalent bonds formed. Utilizing the previously developed MD framework, it is found that increasing methylation leads to an almost doubling of bond formation, a larger fraction of the new bonds oriented in the direction of tensile stress, and a higher basal plane alignment of the precursor molecules along the direction of tensile stress, resulting in enhanced tensile modulus. Additionally, via experiments, it is demonstrated that precursors with a higher fraction of methyl groups result in a higher alignment of molecules. Moreover, increased methylation results in the lower spread of single molecule alignment which may lead to smaller variations in tensile modulus and more consistent properties in carbon materials derived from methyl‐rich precursors.
Spontaneous Dewetting of Au‐Thin Layers on Oxide‐ and Fluorine‐Terminated Single Crystalline Anatase and Efficient Use in Photocatalytic H2 Production
Authors: Zhou Xin , Wu Si‐Ming , Schmuki Patrik
Published: June 2023

In the present work, the spontaneous dewetting of thin Au layers on single crystalline anatase nanosheets into narrow‐disperse Au nanoparticles is investigated. Patterns of the Au particles can be formed on the main facets of anatase that provide a high co‐catalytic activity for photocatalytic generation of H2. Dewetting is distinctly influenced by the respective facets (001) and (101), the deposit thickness, and secondary thermal dewetting, but most strongly by the surface termination of the nanosheets. Fluoride termination not only leads to an enhanced Au‐phobic behavior but strongly affects the co‐catalytic activity for photocatalytic generation of H2. While fluoride termination with or without Au decoration is detrimental for hole transfer, the interplay of the Au co‐catalyst and surface fluoride yields highly beneficial effect for electron transfer. This results in a three‐times higher photocatalytic H2 production for the F‐terminated surface. The findings suggest that dewetting of Au on surface fluorinated TiO2 is an effective way to modulate surface dewetting and achieve a strongly enhanced photocatalytic activity.
A Strongly Coupled Ag(S)@NiO/Nickel Foam Electrode Induced by Laser Direct Writing for Hydrogen Evolution at Ultrahigh Current Densities with Long‐Term Durability
Authors: Zhang Jingtong , Li Xiaodong , Zhang Xilin , Cheng Chuanqi , Xiao Liyang , Zhou Miao , Dong Cunku , Liu Hui , Du Xiwen , Yang Jing
Published: June 2023

Highly active, durable, and cost‐effective electrodes for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at ultrahigh current densities (≥1 A cm−2) are extremely demanded for industrial high‐rate hydrogen production, but challenging. Here, a robust strongly coupled Ag(S)@NiO/nickel foam (NF) electrode is reported. Taking advantage of millisecond laser direct writing in liquid nitrogen technique, lattice‐matched and coherent interfaces are formed between Ag nanoparticles with stacking faults (denoted by Ag(S)) and NiO nanosheets, leading to strong interfacial electronic coupling, not only promoting H2O adsorption and dissociation on Ni2+ but also enhancing H* adsorption on intrinsically inactive but most electrically conductive Ag. Strong chemical bonding is established at NiO/NF interface, guaranteeing rapid electron transfer and excellent mechanical durability under high‐rate hydrogen evolution. The physicochemically stable electrode achieves record‐low alkaline HER overpotential of 167 and 180 mV at 1 and 1.5 A cm−2, respectively, along with negligible activity decay after 120 h test at ≈1.5 A cm−2, surpassing reported non‐platinum group metal electrocatalysts.
Application of 5G telesurgery in urology
Authors: Meng Fanshuo , Chu Guangdi , Zhang Zhao , Yuan Hang , Li Chengjun , Niu Haitao
Published: June 2023

The fifth generation of mobile communication technology (5G technology) features large system capacity, fast data transmission rate, support for large‐scale device connection, low latency, and high reliability. With the development and popularization of 5G technology, it is also widely used in medicine. In recent years, 5G telesurgery has been paid attention to and made continuous progress, and the research related to its combination with urology has also made significant achievements. We collect the combination of 5G technology and urology improves the uneven distribution of medical resources, provides timely, high‐quality remote surgical interventions for urology patients, reduces the financial burden on patients, surgical complications, and the difficulty of accessing medical care from a distance, and brings new opportunities for medical development.
How Did It Come to Be? Circular Economy as Collective Stakeholder Action
Authors: Albareda Laura , Kimpimäki Jaan-Pauli
Published: June 2023

In this chapter, we provide a preliminary understanding of collective stakeholder action (CSA), drawing on the literature on stakeholder engagement and the theory of collective action. We conceptualise CSA as a process in which connecting and influential stakeholders engage with businesses, advancing the development of and experimentation with novel business practices towards a circular economy. Empirically, we study organisational narratives as a temporal discursive construction about the concept of a circular economy and how the focal stakeholders have contributed to its development. As the primary finding of our study, we identify four key sub-processes driving the process of CSA at large: (i) pragmatic translation, (ii) collective definition, (iii) amplification and legitimisation and (iv) building institutional infrastructure. Connecting stakeholders bridge actor groups and build coalitions around focal issues, while influential stakeholders help these coalitions obtain legitimacy and institutional support through performative refinements of core issues and understandings. Our conceptualisation of CSA contributes to the perspective of stakeholder engagement as part of collective action processes. In such processes, joint efforts are undertaken based on the initiative of focal stakeholders bringing together groups of firms, as opposed to focal firms bringing together groups of stakeholders. Our findings show that connecting stakeholders are in key positions to initiate CSA processes, while influential stakeholders are necessary to ensure successful completion.
The accuracy of the FIT in detecting advanced neoplasm is highest in young people aged 40 to 49 years: an analysis based on sex and age
Authors: Zhao Kailong , Wang Shuyuan , Yuan Zhen , Pang Wenwen , Yan Suying , Liu Xinyu , Wang Wanting , Yi Ben , Han Qiurong , Yao Yao , Liu Yanfei , Chu Tianhao , Feng Zhiqiang , Zhang Qinghuai , Zhang Xipeng , Zhang Chunze
Published: June 2023

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers and is associated with high incidence and mortality rates worldwide. CRC has caused a tremendous loss of human health and wealth. The incidence and mortality of colorectal carcinoma are increasing in young adults. Early cancer detection and prevention are made possible through screening. At present, the faecal immunochemical test (FIT) is a noninvasive method that can be used for the large-scale clinical screening of CRC status. Therefore, this study, based on CRC screening results in Tianjin from 2012 to 2020, was conducted to analyse the major differences in diagnostic performance parameters according to sex and age.

Methods

This study was based on 39,991 colonoscopies performed for individuals in the Tianjin CRC screening program from 2012 to 2020. Of these individuals, they had complete FIT and colonoscopy results. The differences in FIT results were analysed by sex and age.

Results

According to this study, males were generally more likely to develop advanced neoplasms (ANs) than females, and the prevalence increased with age. Males with negative FIT results were more likely to have advanced neoplasms than females with positive results. The accuracy of the FIT in detecting ANs in each age group was 54.9%, 45.5%, 48.6% and 49.5% in the 40–49, 50–59, 60–69, and ≥ 70 age groups, respectively.

Conclusions

The FIT detected ANs with highest accuracy in the 40–49 age group. Our research can provide guidance to formulate CRC screening strategies.
A Population-Based Cohort Study on Efficacy and Safety of Bariatric Surgery in Young Adults Versus Adults
Authors: van de Pas Kelly G. H. , Esfandiyari Noushi Aliyar , Janssen Loes , Vreugdenhil Anita C. E. , Leclercq Wouter K. G. , van Dielen François M. H. ,   Dutch Audit for Treatment of Obesity Research Group, van Acker G. J. D. , Apers J. A. , Berends F. , de Brauw L. M. , Bruinsma F. F. E. , de Castro S. M. M. , Damen S. L. , Jonker F. , Faneyte I. F. , Greve J. W. M. , van ’t Hof G. , Klaassen R. A. , Lagae E. A. G. L. , Langenhoff B. S. , Liem R. S. L. , Luijten A. A. P. M. , Nienhuijs S. W. , Smeenk R. M. , Smeets S. J. M. , Vening W. , Wiezer M. J. , de Witte E.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Bariatric surgery is the most effective
treatment for severe obesity in adults and has shown promising results in young adults. Lack of insight regarding efficacy and safety outcomes might result in delayed bariatric surgery utilization in young adults. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of bariatric surgery in young adults compared to adults.

Methods

This is a nationwide population-based cohort study utilizing data from the Dutch Audit Treatment of Obesity (DATO). Young adults (aged 18–25 years) and adults (aged 35–55 years) who underwent primary Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG) were included. Primary outcome was percentage total weight loss (%TWL) until five years postoperatively.

Results

A total of 2,822 (10.3%) young adults and 24,497 (89.7%) adults were included. The follow-up rates of the young adults were lower up to five years postoperatively (46.2% versus 56.7% three years postoperatively; p < 0.001). Young adults who underwent RYGB showed superior %TWL compared to adults until four years postoperatively (33.0 ± 9.4 versus 31.2 ± 8.7 three years after surgery; p < 0.001). Young adults who underwent SG showed superior %TWL until five years postoperatively (29.9 ± 10.9 versus 26.2 ± 9.7 three years after surgery; p < 0.001). Postoperative complications ≤ 30 days were more prevalent among adults, 5.3% versus 3.5% (p < 0.001). No differences were found in the long term complications. Young adults revealed more improvement of hypertension (93.6% versus 78.9%), dyslipidemia (84.7% versus 69.2%) and musculoskeletal pain (84.6% versus 72.3%).

Conclusion

Bariatric surgery appears to be at least as safe and effective in young adults as in adults. Based on these findings the reluctance towards bariatric surgery in the younger age group seems unfounded.

Graphical Abstract
Lernen, Arbeiten, Leben
Authors: Beierle Sarah
Published: June 2023

Der Beitrag behandelt die Frage, wie junge Menschen in der beruflichen Ausbildung ihre veränderten Alltagswelten wahrnehmen. Anhand von zwölf explorativen qualitativen Interviews wurden Herausforderungen und Lernerfahrungen sowie der Einfluss auf die Freizeitgestaltung der Befragten herausgearbeitet. Dabei wurden auch die Auswirkungen der Kontaktbeschränkungen der Covid-19-Pandemie, welche die Ausbildung der Befragten gänzlich begleitete, berücksichtigt. Aus den Ergebnissen wurden Hinweise abgeleitet, wie Auszubildende über die Vermittlung von fachlichem Wissen hinaus unterstützt werden können.
Effects of Land Use Changes Across Different Urbanization Periods on Summer Rainfall in the Pearl River Delta Core Area
Authors: Yao Zhijun , Huang Guoru
Published: June 2023

The Pearl River Delta (PRD) is one of the three urban agglomerations in China that have experienced rapid development. For this study, a core area of the PRD was identified, comprising the highly urbanized areas of Guangzhou, Foshan, Zhongshan, Zhuhai, Shenzhen, and Dongguan Cities. The expansion of these urban areas was tracked across three time periods—the year population urbanization rate exceeded 70% (2000), 18 years before (1982), and 18 years after (2018). This study used the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to explore summer rainfall changes across different urbanization periods in the PRD core area. The results show that urban land expansion mainly occurred in the post urbanization period. Rainfall changes across different urbanization periods were roughly consistent with previously observed spatial and temporal changes accompanying urban expansion in the PRD core area. Extreme rainfall mainly increased in the post urbanization period, shifting rainstorm center towards the PRD core area. Further causal analysis revealed that land use changes affected rainfall by altering thermodynamics and water vapor transfer. The urban expansion changed the surface energy balance, resulting in increased surface heating and heat island effects. The heat island effects thickened the planetary boundary layer and increased vertical wind speeds, which initiated dry island effects, thereby causing more water vapor transportation to the atmosphere. Consequently, rainstorms and extreme rainfall events have become concentrated in urban areas.
Comparative analysis of residential building envelopes newly implementing the building insulation code in Damascus
Authors: Khaddour L. A.
Published: June 2023

The selection of envelope construction technique has the highest impact on sustaining indoor thermal comfort while reducing energy consumed for heating and cooling. Numerous insulation codes are implemented worldwide to improve building envelope modification. Each country has set envelope transmittances criteria, materials, techniques and simulation tools differently based on its climate zones and construction sector adaptability. The housing sector in Syria is the focus of energy conservation being responsible of half of the energy consumption in the country. Syrian post-conflict residential buildings are challenged by the new implementation of Building Insulation Code. This code has opted for a “fabric first” dwellings design approach with mandatory U-value standards. Hence, like many energy-related regulations in Syria it has been dropped because the construction sector has not been able to cope with them, forced by speculators to keep costs low. Another reason is that building thermal performance modeling has not been used to comply with the new insulation code in Syria. The research aims to examine the potential relevance of the Insulation Code in informing post-war social housing envelope structures in Damascus. It evaluates compliant building envelope structures compared to conventional building in terms of transmittance properties, simulated thermal loads (IESVE) and cost–energy trade-off. The research findings reveal an improvement in U-values of 78.5%, 31.5%, 92.7% and 90.2% achieved in compliant cases 1, 3, 4 and 5, respectively, compared to conventional case-2. The simulation demonstrated best improvement in total heating loads up to 85% achieved in case-4. Hence, the improved U-value lead to improvement in winter heating loads but overheating in summertime. The simulation was found useful but not enough to optimize envelope performance through interdisciplinary decision that contributes positively to Syrian post-war circumstances. The cost analysis found an increase in wall initial construction costs, amounting to 36.4%, 27.3%, 54.6% and 45.5% in cases 1, 3, 4 and 5 with long payback periods. These findings spark a new agenda for Insulation Code improvement. The proposed simplified criteria offer practitioners more understanding to customize their own list of envelope structure parameters based on the climatic zone resulting in a shift in envelope selection from input to a more output oriented.
Defending the de dicto approach to the non-identity problem
Authors: Räsänen Joona
Published: June 2023

Is it wrong to create a blind child, for example by in vitro fertilization, if you could create a sighted child instead? Intuitively many people believe it is wrong, but this belief is difficult to justify. When there is a possibility to create and select either ‘blind’ or ‘sighted’ embryos choosing a set of ‘blind’ embryos seems to harm no-one since choosing ‘sighted’ embryos would create a different child altogether. So when the parents choose ‘blind’ embryos, they give some specific individual a life that is the only option for her. Because her life is worth living (as blind peoples’ lives are), the parents have not wronged the child by creating her. This is the reasoning behind the famous non-identity problem. I suggest that the non-identity problem is based on a misunderstanding. I claim that when choosing a ‘blind’ embryo, prospective parents harm ‘their child’, whoever she or he will be. Put another way: parents harm their child in the de dicto sense and that is morally wrong.
COVID-19, absence from work and coping strategies with income loss in Bangladesh
Authors: Tijdens Kea , van Klaveren Maarten , Adib Ahmed , Ceccon Daniela , Chowdhury Tahreen Tahrima
Published: June 2023

Has workplace closure due to lockdown policies to control the spread of COVID-19 affected workplace hygiene, absenteeism, income loss and coping strategies in Bangladesh? Drawing on face-to-face interviews of 1,894 employees in tea, construction, ready-made garment (RMG) and leather sectors in September–October 2020, the study shows poor supply of disinfectant and sanitizer. Absenteeism was high in April 2020 in all sectors except tea but dropped later on. Two in three workers reported income losses, due to workplace closure. 20% of workers with reduced wages received governmental food distribution and 4% cash assistance, pointing to poor implementation and rise in poverty.
Foot and Ankle Injuries in Elite South African Cricketers: A Descriptive Analysis of Injury Surveillance Data
Authors: Olivier Benita , Naude Jaco , Mnguni Nkazimulo , Thotse Mmathapelo , Phalandwa Prudence , Ferrao Paulo , Saragas Nikiforos P.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Injury surveillance is an important part of injury risk reduction in the sporting population. This study describes the type, side (dominant or non-dominant), occurrence, impact, activity of onset, and severity of foot and ankle injuries in elite South African male and female cricketers.

Methods

Foot and ankle injuries sustained by elite cricket players between 2018 and 2021, obtained from the records of Cricket South Africa, were descriptively analysed.

Results

A total of 104 foot and ankle injuries in 82 players were recorded. The majority (n = 100; 96%) of injuries were on the non-dominant side. Bowling (n = 31; 30%) and fielding (n = 20; 19%) contributed to most injuries. The majority were first-time (n = 83; 80%) and non-impact injuries (n = 62; 60%). Fifty percent (n = 52) of injuries rendered players unable to participate in at least one match or practice session. Lateral ankle ligament injury was the most common injury sustained (n = 36; 35%).

Conclusion

The findings from this study can inform future researchers and assist healthcare service needs relating to injury risk reduction and management programmes. Effective rehabilitation programmes may reduce the risk of reinjury. Ideally, these programmes need to be role specific.
The Critical Subject and the Subject of Critique in International Law and Technology
Authors: Gordon Geoff , Mignot-Mahdavi Rebecca , Van Den Meerssche Dimitri
Published: June 2023

The making of legal subjects has long been a crucial terrain for critical theory, also in relation to international law, where both emancipatory promises and expressions of power or discipline are tied to how subjects are recognized and enacted. International law's modes of subject-making have therefore been an important site of aspiration, struggle, and critique. While some have celebrated the rise of the individual on the stage of international law, the liberal ideal of legal and political subjectivity lingering in these celebratory accounts has been confronted by different strands of feminist, post-colonial, and Marxist critique. With proliferating use of digital technologies in practices of (global) governance, the making of legal subjects has taken novel forms. Big data manufacture subjects in ways that spark new legal anxieties and destabilize or problematize established patterns of critical engagement. In data-driven practices that we will describe, subjects are no longer exclusively enacted as abstract autonomous entities or classified along stable criteria (of difference or enmity). Sustained by tools of pattern recognition and technologies for the “unsupervised uncovering of correlations,” nascent forms of global governance by data produce subjects as transient clusters of attributes and data points within transient clusters of attributes and data points—bundles of vectors within vectors, only tentatively and temporarily tied together. In this essay, we map out how this mode of subject-making has become prevalent in different domains of international legal practice. We trace these dynamics to changes in the exercise of state sovereignty and the technoscopic regimes—assemblages for information flow, processing, retention, and surveillance—that states rely on.
Ordering and ageing properties of developed sequential order statistics governed by the Archimedean copula
Authors: Sahoo Tanmay , Hazra Nil Kamal
Published: June 2023

Developed sequential order statistics (DSOS) are very useful in modeling the lifetimes of systems with dependent components, where the failure of one component affects the performance of remaining surviving components. We study some stochastic comparison results for DSOS in both one-sample and two-sample scenarios. Furthermore, we study various ageing properties of DSOS. We state many useful results for generalized order statistics as well as ordinary order statistics with dependent random variables. At the end, some numerical examples are given to illustrate the proposed results.
Electromagnetic field generated by tsunamigenic seabed deformation
Authors: Renzi E. , Mazza M.G.
Published: June 2023

We derive a mathematical model of an electromagnetic (EM) field generated by tsunamigenic seabed deformation over an ocean of constant depth. We solve the governing Maxwell equations for the EM field, coupled with a potential flow model of Cauchy–Poisson type for the transient fluid motion forced by seabed deformation. Our new model advances previous studies, where simplified formulae without direct forcing were assumed for the wave field. Using complex integration and large-time asymptotics, we obtain a novel analytical solution for the magnetic field propagating at large distance from the seabed deformation in two dimensions. We show that this magnetic field is made of two terms, one proportional to an Airy function, and thus propagating similarly to the surface gravity wave, and one proportional to a Scorer function, which exhibits a phase lag with respect to the surface gravity wave. Such a phase lag explains the time difference between the arrival of the EM field and the surface gravity wave generated by seabed deformation, which were observed in recent measurements and numerical results. Finally, we discuss the opportunity to detect EM fields as precursors of surface gravity waves in tsunami early warning systems. We introduce a novel non-dimensional parameter to identify the propagation regime of the magnetic field, i.e. self-induction versus diffusion-dominated. We show that tsunami early warning via EM field is possible for diffusion-dominated regimes when the water depth is less than 2 km. Our findings provide a rigorous analytical explanation of existing observations and numerical results.
The glass half-full or half-empty: a within-subject comparison of solution-focused versus problem-focused client descriptions on therapist emotions and hope for treatment
Authors: Geschwind Nicole , Dunn Barnaby D.
Published: June 2023

Background:

Intake assessments vary in their focus on strengths and solutions compared with problems. They provide therapists with first impressions of their clients. Research shows that first impressions may have strong and lasting effects.

Aims:

To compare how solution- versus problem-focused case descriptions influence therapists’ emotions and initial expectations for successfully working with a client.

Methods:

Vignettes describing clients were manipulated to focus either on solutions and strengths, or on problems. In a within-subject experimental design, 33 (Sample 1) and 29 (Sample 2) trainee therapists each read four case descriptions (two solution-focused and two problem-focused vignettes; order fully counterbalanced). After each vignette, participants rated their affect and expectations for successfully working with the client.

Results:

In both samples, solution-focused vignettes were associated with significantly higher levels of positive affect and positive expectations for treatment, and with significantly lower levels of negative affect, compared with problem-focused vignettes. Effect size differences between conditions were generally large (Cohen’s d between .63 and 1.22).

Conclusions:

Focusing on clients’ goals, their strengths, and actively highlighting better moments and areas of problem-free functioning may increase therapists’ positive emotions and their hope for clients’ successful treatment. A next step is to examine the degree to which these positive short-term effects are, in turn, predictive of better clinical outcomes in therapy. Future research could additionally examine whether supporting therapists to frame clients’ initial assessments in solution-focused ways may be one way to contribute to workforce well-being.
Surrogate‐Model Assisted Plausibility‐Check, Calibration, and Posterior‐Distribution Evaluation of Subsurface‐Flow Models
Authors: Allgeier Jonas , Cirpka Olaf A.
Published: June 2023

Modern physics‐based subsurface‐flow models often require many parameters and computationally costly simulations. This prohibits traditional ensemble‐based conditioning. We expedite the calibration of such models by using surrogate/proxy models based on Gaussian Process Regression (GPR). In an iterative procedure, we use the proxy models to (a) estimate the direction of steepest descent, (b) propose only parameter combinations for full‐model runs that are likely to lead to plausible results, and (c) preselect proposed parameter combinations by their predicted performance. This method yields an ensemble of full‐model runs covering the full plausible parameter space, but at higher resolution close to the optimum. This is the basis for Markov‐Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulations using GPR to estimate the posterior parameter distribution. We tested several variants of the scheme on a 3‐D variably‐saturated steady‐state subsurface‐flow model and compared it to a Neural Posterior Estimation (NPE) scheme, which requires samples of the prior distribution only. While the estimated posterior distributions of the two approaches were similar, the GPR‐based MCMC approach reproduced the data better than samples from the NPE‐based posterior distributions.
Light people: Prof. Evelyn Hu’s adventure: from semiconductors to quantum – from industry to academia
Authors: Wan Yating , Guo Chenzi
Published: June 2023

Editorial

As part of our Light People series, we are delighted to have invited Prof. Evelyn Hu, a highly accomplished scientist from Harvard University, to share with us her personal journey. Prof. Hu’s remarkable contributions in both academia and industry have taken her from industry giants to academia’s most prestigious institutions, traversing various research frontiers that have played a critical role in the ongoing digital revolution. Through this interview, we aim to offer the Light community valuable insights into nanophotonics, quantum engineering, and Prof. Hu’s research methodology and life philosophy, while also celebrating her outstanding achievements as a female role model. Ultimately, our goal is to inspire more women to pursue careers in this important and rapidly expanding field, which has a profound impact on all sectors of society. The following is a summary of an interview with Professor Evelyn Hu, available in the Supplementary Information.
Brain macrophage development, diversity and dysregulation in health and disease
Authors: Silvin Aymeric , Qian Jiawen , Ginhoux Florent
Published: June 2023

Brain macrophages include microglia in the parenchyma, border-associated macrophages in the meningeal-choroid plexus-perivascular space, and monocyte-derived macrophages that infiltrate the brain under various disease conditions. The vast heterogeneity of these cells has been elucidated over the last decade using revolutionary multiomics technologies. As such, we can now start to define these various macrophage populations according to their ontogeny and their diverse functional programs during brain development, homeostasis and disease pathogenesis. In this review, we first outline the critical roles played by brain macrophages during development and healthy aging. We then discuss how brain macrophages might undergo reprogramming and contribute to neurodegenerative disorders, autoimmune diseases, and glioma. Finally, we speculate about the most recent and ongoing discoveries that are prompting translational attempts to leverage brain macrophages as prognostic markers or therapeutic targets for diseases that affect the brain.
The long non-coding RNA NEAT1 is a ΔNp63 target gene modulating epidermal differentiation
Authors: Fierro Claudia , Gatti Veronica , La Banca Veronica , De Domenico Sara , Scalera Stefano , Corleone Giacomo , Fanciulli Maurizio , De Nicola Francesca , Mauriello Alessandro , Montanaro Manuela , Calin George A. , Melino Gerry , Peschiaroli Angelo
Published: June 2023

The transcription factor ΔNp63 regulates epithelial stem cell function and maintains the integrity of stratified epithelial tissues by acting as transcriptional repressor or activator towards a distinct subset of protein-coding genes and microRNAs. However, our knowledge of the functional link between ∆Np63 transcriptional activity and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) expression is quite limited. Here, we show that in proliferating human keratinocytes ∆Np63 represses the expression of the lncRNA NEAT1 by recruiting the histone deacetylase HDAC1 to the proximal promoter of NEAT1 genomic locus. Upon induction of differentiation, ∆Np63 down-regulation is associated by a marked increase of NEAT1 RNA levels, resulting in an increased assembly of paraspeckles foci both in vitro and in human skin tissues. RNA-seq analysis associated with global DNA binding profile (ChIRP-seq) revealed that NEAT1 associates with the promoter of key epithelial transcription factors sustaining their expression during epidermal differentiation. These molecular events might explain the inability of NEAT1-depleted keratinocytes to undergo the proper formation of epidermal layers. Collectively, these data uncover the lncRNA NEAT1 as an additional player of the intricate network orchestrating epidermal morphogenesis.
Integrated halide perovskite photoelectrochemical cells with solar-driven water-splitting efficiency of 20.8%
Authors: Fehr Austin M. K. , Agrawal Ayush , Mandani Faiz , Conrad Christian L. , Jiang Qi , Park So Yeon , Alley Olivia , Li Bor , Sidhik Siraj , Metcalf Isaac , Botello Christopher , Young James L. , Even Jacky , Blancon Jean Christophe , Deutsch Todd G. , Zhu Kai , Albrecht Steve , Toma Francesca M. , Wong Michael , Mohite Aditya D.
Published: June 2023

Achieving high solar-to-hydrogen (STH) efficiency concomitant with long-term durability using low-cost, scalable photo-absorbers is a long-standing challenge. Here we report the design and fabrication of a conductive adhesive-barrier (CAB) that translates >99% of photoelectric power to chemical reactions. The CAB enables halide perovskite-based photoelectrochemical cells with two different architectures that exhibit record STH efficiencies. The first, a co-planar photocathode-photoanode architecture, achieved an STH efficiency of 13.4% and 16.3 h to t60, solely limited by the hygroscopic hole transport layer in the n-i-p device. The second was formed using a monolithic stacked silicon-perovskite tandem, with a peak STH efficiency of 20.8% and 102 h of continuous operation before t60 under AM 1.5G illumination. These advances will lead to efficient, durable, and low-cost solar-driven water-splitting technology with multifunctional barriers.
Coexisting ecotypes in long-term evolution emerged from interacting trade-offs
Authors: Mukherjee Avik , Ealy Jade , Huang Yanqing , Benites Nina Catherine , Polk Mark , Basan Markus
Published: June 2023

Evolution of complex communities of coexisting microbes remains poorly understood. The long-term evolution experiment on Escherichia coli (LTEE) revealed the spontaneous emergence of stable coexistence of multiple ecotypes, which persisted for more than 14,000 generations of continuous evolution. Here, using a combination of experiments and computer simulations, we show that the emergence and persistence of this phenomenon can be explained by the combination of two interacting trade-offs, rooted in biochemical constraints: First, faster growth is enabled by higher fermentation and obligate acetate excretion. Second, faster growth results in longer lag times when utilizing acetate after glucose is depleted. This combination creates an ecological niche for a slower-growing ecotype, specialized in switching to acetate. These findings demonstrate that trade-offs can give rise to surprisingly complex communities with evolutionarily stable coexistence of multiple variants in even the simplest environments.
Histone exchange sensors reveal variant specific dynamics in mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Dunjić Marko , Jonas Felix , Yaakov Gilad , More Roye , Mayshar Yoav , Rais Yoach , Orenbuch Ayelet-Hashahar , Cheng Saifeng , Barkai Naama , Stelzer Yonatan
Published: June 2023

Eviction of histones from nucleosomes and their exchange with newly synthesized or alternative variants is a central epigenetic determinant. Here, we define the genome-wide occupancy and exchange pattern of canonical and non-canonical histone variants in mouse embryonic stem cells by genetically encoded exchange sensors. While exchange of all measured variants scales with transcription, we describe variant-specific associations with transcription elongation and Polycomb binding. We found considerable exchange of H3.1 and H2B variants in heterochromatin and repeat elements, contrasting the occupancy and little exchange of H3.3 in these regions. This unexpected association between H3.3 occupancy and exchange of canonical variants is also evident in active promoters and enhancers, and further validated by reduced H3.1 dynamics following depletion of H3.3-specific chaperone, HIRA. Finally, analyzing transgenic mice harboring H3.1 or H3.3 sensors demonstrates the vast potential of this system for studying histone exchange and its impact on gene expression regulation in vivo.
NOD1 mediates interleukin-18 processing in epithelial cells responding to Helicobacter pylori infection in mice
Authors: Tran L. S. , Ying L. , D’Costa K. , Wray-McCann G. , Kerr G. , Le L. , Allison C. C. , Ferrand J. , Chaudhry H. , Emery J. , De Paoli A. , Colon N. , Creed S. , Kaparakis-Liaskos M. , Como J. , Dowling J. K. , Johanesen P. A. , Kufer T. A. , Pedersen J. S. , Mansell A. , Philpott D. J. , Elgass K. D. , Abud H. E. , Nachbur U. , Croker B. A. , Masters S. L. , Ferrero R. L.
Published: June 2023

The interleukin-1 family members, IL-1β and IL-18, are processed into their biologically active forms by multi-protein complexes, known as inflammasomes. Although the inflammasome pathways that mediate IL-1β processing in myeloid cells have been defined, those involved in IL-18 processing, particularly in non-myeloid cells, are still not well understood. Here we report that the host defence molecule NOD1 regulates IL-18 processing in mouse epithelial cells in response to the mucosal pathogen, Helicobacter pylori. Specifically, NOD1 in epithelial cells mediates IL-18 processing and maturation via interactions with caspase-1, instead of the canonical inflammasome pathway involving RIPK2, NF-κB, NLRP3 and ASC. NOD1 activation and IL-18 then help maintain epithelial homoeostasis to mediate protection against pre-neoplastic changes induced by gastric H. pylori infection in vivo. Our findings thus demonstrate a function for NOD1 in epithelial cell production of bioactive IL-18 and protection against H. pylori-induced pathology.
The transcriptional landscape and diagnostic potential of long non-coding RNAs in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Meng , Bao Siqi , Gong Tongyang , Wang Qiang , Sun Jie , Li Jiaqi , Lu Minyi , Sun Wanyuan , Su Jianzhong , Chen Hongyan , Liu Zhihua
Published: June 2023

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a deadly cancer with no clinically relevant biomarkers for early detection. Here, we comprehensively characterized the transcriptional landscape of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in paired tumor and normal tissue specimens from 93 ESCC patients, and identified six key malignancy-specific lncRNAs that were integrated into a Multi-LncRNA Malignancy Risk Probability model (MLMRPscore). The MLMRPscore performed robustly in distinguishing ESCC from normal controls in multiple in-house and external multicenter validation cohorts, including early-stage I/II cancer. In addition, five candidate lncRNAs were confirmed to have non-invasive diagnostic potential in our institute plasma cohort, showing superior or comparable diagnostic accuracy to current clinical serological markers. Overall, this study highlights the profound and robust dysregulation of lncRNAs in ESCC and demonstrates the potential of lncRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers for the early detection of ESCC.
AAV11 enables efficient retrograde targeting of projection neurons and enhances astrocyte-directed transduction
Authors: Han Zengpeng , Luo Nengsong , Ma Wenyu , Liu Xiaodong , Cai Yuxiang , Kou Jiaxin , Wang Jie , Li Lei , Peng Siqi , Xu Zihong , Zhang Wen , Qiu Yuxiang , Wu Yang , Ye Chaohui , Lin Kunzhang , Xu Fuqiang
Published: June 2023

Viral tracers that enable efficient retrograde labeling of projection neurons are powerful vehicles for structural and functional dissections of the neural circuit and for the treatment of brain diseases. Currently, some recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) based on capsid engineering are widely used for retrograde tracing, but display undesirable brain area selectivity due to inefficient retrograde transduction in certain neural connections. Here we developed an easily editable toolkit to produce high titer AAV11 and demonstrated that it exhibits potent and stringent retrograde labeling of projection neurons in adult male wild-type or Cre transgenic mice. AAV11 can function as a powerful retrograde viral tracer complementary to AAV2-retro in multiple neural connections. In combination with fiber photometry, AAV11 can be used to monitor neuronal activities in the functional network by retrograde delivering calcium-sensitive indicator under the control of a neuron-specific promoter or the Cre-lox system. Furthermore, we showed that GfaABC1D promoter embedding AAV11 is superior to AAV8 and AAV5 in astrocytic tropism in vivo, combined with bidirectional multi-vector axoastrocytic labeling, AAV11 can be used to study neuron-astrocyte connection. Finally, we showed that AAV11 allows for analyzing circuit connectivity difference in the brains of the Alzheimer’s disease and control mice. These properties make AAV11 a promising tool for mapping and manipulating neural circuits and for gene therapy of some neurological and neurodegenerative disorders.
Dual-functional metalenses for the polarization-controlled generation of focalized vector beams in the telecom infrared
Authors: Vogliardi Andrea , Ruffato Gianluca , Dal Zilio Simone , Bonaldo Daniele , Romanato Filippo
Published: June 2023

The availability of static tiny optical devices is mandatory to reduce the complexity of optical paths that typically use dynamic optical components and/or many standard elements for the generation of complex states of light, leading to unprecedented levels of miniaturization and compactness of optical systems. In particular, the design of flat and integrated optical elements capable of multiple vector beams generation with high resolution in the visible and infrared range is very attractive in many fields, from life science to information and communication technology. In this regard, we propose dual-functional transmission dielectric metalenses that act simultaneously on the dynamic and geometric phases in order to manipulate independently right-handed and left-handed circularly polarized states of light and generate focused vector beams in a compact and versatile way. In the specific, starting from the mathematical fundamentals for the compact generation of vector beams using dual-functional optical elements, we provide the numerical algorithms for the computation of metaoptics and apply those techniques to the design and fabrication of silicon metalenses which are able to generate and focus different vector beams in the telecom infrared, depending on the linear polarization state in input. This approach provides new integrated optics for applications in the fields of high-resolution microscopy, optical manipulation, and optical communications, both in the classical and single-photon regimes.
The copper chelator ammonium tetrathiomolybdate inhibits the progression of experimental endometriosis in TNFR1-deficient mice
Authors: Conforti Rocío Ayelem , Delsouc María Belén , Zabala Ana Sofia , Vallcaneras Sandra Silvina , Casais Marilina
Published: June 2023

The TNF-α/TNFR system is involved in endometriosis (EDT), a gynecologic estrogen-dependent disease. Elevated copper concentrations have also been associated with EDT, even in TNFR1-deficient mice where disease worsening occurs. We aimed to evaluate whether treatment with ammonium tetrathiomolybdate (TM, copper chelator) is beneficial in TNFR1-deficient mice presenting with worsened EDT status. Female C57BL/6 mice were divided into three groups: KO Sham, KO EDT, and KO EDT+TM. TM was administered from the 15th postoperative day, and samples were collected one month after inducing pathology. In peritoneal fluid, copper and estradiol levels were determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry and electrochemiluminescence, respectively. Lesions were processed for the analysis of cell proliferation (PCNA immunohistochemistry), expression of angiogenic markers (RT-qPCR), and oxidative stress (spectrophotometric methods). We found that EDT increased copper and estradiol levels compared to the KO Sham group, while the TM administration restored the levels of both factors. TM also reduced the volume and weight of the lesions and cell proliferation rate. Besides, TM treatment decreased the number of blood vessels and the Vegfa, Fgf2, and Pdgfb expression. Furthermore, superoxide dismutase and catalase activity decreased, and lipid peroxidation increased. TM administration inhibits EDT progression in TNFR1-deficient mice where the pathology is exacerbated.
The value of non-contrast chest CT in the prediction of myocardial injury in patients with the COVID-19 Omicron variant
Authors: Zhong Ying , Sun Zhenggang , Xu Ping , Bai Yun , Zhang Zheng , Wang Guan
Published: June 2023

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant associated myocardial injury seriously affected the patient's health. Chest computed tomography (CT) is an essential imaging diagnostic tool for evaluating lung diseases in these patients, but its value in the diagnosis of myocardial injury remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the lung lesions in patients with Omicron infection with or without myocardial injury, and to evaluate the predictive value of non-contrast chest CT in such patients with myocardial injury. We enrolled 122 consecutive hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) for non-contrast chest CT examination. These patients were divided into two groups according to whether myocardial injury occurred. Myocardial injury was defined as a Troponin I level above the 99th-percentile upper reference limit (0.04 ng/mL). The imaging manifestations of the patients’ lungs were evaluated. Myocardial CT value, left atrium (LA) size, long diameter of left ventricular (LV), and cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) were recorded. Multivariate logistic analysis was performed to identify the predictive factors associated with myocardial injury. Of 122 patients, 61 patients (50%) had myocardial injury. Compared with patients without myocardial injury, there was worse NYHA class, more critical patients, higher incidence of bronchial meteorology, larger area and percentage of lung lesions, diameters of LA, and lower myocardial CT value in the myocardial injury group (P < 0.05). Troponin I concentration in patients with myocardial injury group showed negative correlation with myocardial CT value (r = − 0.319, P = 0.012). The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that disease severity status (OR 2.279; 95% CI 1.247–4.165, P = 0.007), myocardial CT value (OR 0.849; 95% CI 0.752–0.958, P = 0.008), neutrophil count (OR 1.330; 95% CI 1.114–1.587, P = 0.002) were independent predictors of myocardial injury. The discrimination of the model was good (C-statistic = 0.845, 95% CI 0.775–0.914) and well calibrated with a Hosmer–Lemeshow test for goodness of fit (P = 0.476). Patients infected with Omicron with myocardial injury had more severe lung disease than those without myocardial injury. Non-contrast chest CT can be a useful method of detection of myocardial injury in Omicron infection patients.