bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal Performance of Perovskite‐Based Photovoltaics for Operation in Low Earth Orbit
Authors: Krause Timothy S. , VanSant Kaitlyn T. , Lininger Andrew , Crowley Kyle , Peshek Timothy J. , McMillon-Brown Lyndsey
Published: August 2023

Perovskite‐based photovoltaics are attractive for applications in space. The space environment is harsh with ionizing radiation, atomic oxygen, UV radiation, extreme temperatures, and thermal cycling. Herein, the thermal performance of perovskite active layer and perovskite photovoltaic devices in low earth orbit is analyzed. A 1 μm silicon oxide layer coupled with 500 nm zirconia thin film aid in cell thermal management is determined. The residual stresses between various layers in a device are modeled and it is proved that thermally induced mechanical failure of the perovskite (time years) is unlikely during operating lifetime of any mission. Target power conversion efficiencies are also shared to manage maximum operating temperature of a perovskite‐based device.
Ein Säugling mit Fieber und Durchfall
Authors: Oberwegner S. , Haag L. , Simon S. , Marschal M. , Wilke M.
Published: August 2023

Ein 5 Monate altes Mädchen wurde mit anhaltend hohem Fieber in der Klinik vorgestellt. Außer Erbrechen und Diarrhö in der Anamnese und leicht erhöhten Entzündungswerten fanden sich keine klinischen Auffälligkeiten. Das Kind wurde zur Überwachung stationär aufgenommen und am nächsten Tag in gutem Allgemeinzustand unter Fortführung der oralen Antibiotikatherapie entlassen. Eine bei Aufnahme abgenommene Blutkultur wurde mit dem Nachweis von Salmonella Sandiego überraschend positiv. Eine telefonische Rücksprache mit der Familie ergab, dass die Familie mehrere Schlangen besitzt, welche als wichtige Quelle von invasiven Salmonellenerkrankungen bei Menschen gelten. Die Patientin war weiterhin in gutem Allgemeinzustand, sodass die orale antibiotische Therapie fortgeführt wurde. Dieser Fall weist darauf hin, dass bei unklarem Fieber auch an ungewöhnliche Infektionsquellen (wie „Haustiere“) gedacht werden sollte.
COVID-19 related change in breast cancer diagnosis, stage, treatment, and case volume: 2019–2021
Authors: Malmgren Judith A. , Guo Boya , Atwood Mary K. , Hallam Paula , Roberts Laura A. , Kaplan Henry G.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Evaluate the COVID-19 pandemic impact on breast cancer detection method, stage and treatment before, during and after health care restrictions.

Methods

In a retrospective tertiary cancer care center cohort, first primary breast cancer (BC) patients, years 2019–2021, were reviewed (n = 1787). Chi-square statistical comparisons of detection method (patient (PtD)/mammography (MamD), Stage (0-IV) and treatment by pre-pandemic time 1: 2019 + Q1 2020; peak-pandemic time 2: Q2-Q4 2020; pandemic time 3: Q1-Q4 2021 (Q = quarter) periods and logistic regression for odds ratios were used.

Results

BC case volume decreased 22% in 2020 (N = 533) (p = .001). MamD declined from 64% pre-pandemic to 58% peak-pandemic, and increased to 71% in 2021 (p < .001). PtD increased from 30 to 36% peak-pandemic and declined to 25% in 2021 (p < .001). Diagnosis of Stage 0/I BC declined peak-pandemic when screening mammography was curtailed due to lock-down mandates but rebounded above pre-pandemic levels in 2021. In adjusted regression, peak-pandemic stage 0/I BC diagnosis decreased 24% (OR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.60, 0.96, p = .021) and increased 34% in 2021 (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.70, p = .014). Peak-pandemic neoadjuvant therapy increased from 33 to 38% (p < .001), primarily for surgical delay cases.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic restricted health-care access, reduced mammography screening and created surgical delays. During the peak-pandemic time, due to restricted or no access to mammography screening, we observed a decrease in stage 0/I BC by number and proportion. Continued low case numbers represent a need to re-establish screening behavior and staffing.
Inexact proximal Newton methods in Hilbert spaces
Authors: Pötzl Bastian , Schiela Anton , Jaap Patrick
Published: August 2023

We consider proximal Newton methods with an inexact computation of update steps. To this end, we introduce two inexactness criteria which characterize sufficient accuracy of these update step and with the aid of these investigate global convergence and local acceleration of our method. The inexactness criteria are designed to be adequate for the Hilbert space framework we find ourselves in while traditional inexactness criteria from smooth Newton or finite dimensional proximal Newton methods appear to be inefficient in this scenario. The performance of the method and its gain in effectiveness in contrast to the exact case are showcased considering a simple model problem in function space.
Private simultaneous messages based on quadratic residues
Authors: Shinagawa Kazumasa , Eriguchi Reo , Satake Shohei , Nuida Koji
Published: August 2023

Private Simultaneous Messages (PSM) model is a minimal model for secure multiparty computation. Feige, Kilian, and Naor (STOC 1994) and Ishai (Cryptology and Information Security Series 2013) constructed PSM protocols based on quadratic residues. In this paper, we define QR-PSM protocols as a generalization of these protocols. A QR-PSM protocol is a PSM protocol whose decoding function outputs the quadratic residuosity modulo p of what is computed from messages. We design a QR-PSM protocol for any symmetric function $$f: \{0,1\}^n \rightarrow \{0,1\}$$

f
:

{
0
,
1
}

n

→

{
0
,
1
}

of communication complexity $$O(n^2)$$

O
(

n
2

)

. As far as we know, it is the most efficient PSM protocol for symmetric functions since the previously known best PSM protocol was of $$O(n^2\log n)$$

O
(

n
2

log
n
)

(Beimel et al., CRYPTO 2014). We also study the sizes of the underlying finite fields $$\mathbb {F}_p$$

F
p

in the protocols since the communication complexity of a QR-PSM protocol is proportional to the bit length of the prime p. We show that there is a prime $$p \le (1+o(1))N^22^{2N-2}$$

p
≤

(
1
+
o

(
1
)

)

N
2

2

2
N
-
2

such that any length-N pattern of quadratic (non)residues appears modulo p (and hence it can be used for general QR-PSM protocols), which improves the Peralta’s known result (Mathematics of Computation 1992) by a constant factor $$(1+\sqrt{2})^2$$

(
1
+

2

)

2

.
The professional identities of prospective mathematics teachers who teach through programming
Authors: Kaufmann Odd Tore , Maugesten Marianne , Meaney Tamsin
Published: August 2023

As has been the case in many countries around the world, the new Norwegian curriculum from 2020 included programming as part of mathematics education. However, little is known about how prospective teachers perceive this addition in regard to their developing professional identities. When the results from an electronic survey of 394 prospective teachers showed unexpected findings, five of the subjects were asked to participate in a focus group interview in order to explore some of these results. The focus group interview was conducted to understand how prospective teachers considered the past, present and future aspects of their professional identities as teachers of mathematics through programming. The results reveal that, although the prospective teachers had little experience of programming, they were positive regarding its implementation in mathematics lessons because they identified themselves as digital natives; they therefore believed that learning to program would be easy. They aligned themselves with their students, as masters of technology, in contrast to their future colleagues, whom they implicitly described as digital immigrants. The findings of this study have implications for teacher education. Even if the prospective teachers have a positive attitude toward programming and consider themselves digitally competent, a limited understanding of how programming can be integrated into their mathematics teaching will affect the identities that they see for themselves as teachers who teach mathematics through programming.
Expert adoption of composite indices: a randomized experiment on migrant resettlement decisions in Bangladesh
Authors: Kolstad Ivar , Karim Azreen , Lujala Päivi , Wiig Arne
Published: August 2023

In settings where complex social decisions are made, information is often aggregated into indices to facilitate decision making. The value added of such composite indices depends, inter alia, on the extent to which decision makers trust and make use of them. This paper presents a randomized experiment on the use of an index designed to inform migrant resettlement decisions, using 410 graduate students in Bangladesh as respondents. Respondents were randomly assigned to control and treatment conditions. In the control group, respondents faced a discrete choice experiment where they were asked to allocate 1000 migrants between two locations described by five attributes (availability of cropland, distance to hospital, distance to school, poverty incidence, frequency of floods, droughts and cyclones). In the treatment group, respondents also had access to the migrant resettlement index for the two locations. Results show that the resettlement index is used by the respondents, and mechanism analyses suggest this is due to perceptions of improved benefits to costs from using the index to make decisions. Results from the control group also suggest that past adverse environmental events are particularly important for resettlement decisions, but less so for respondents who grew up in areas where such events were frequent.
Hot and dry compound events in South America: present climate and future projections, and their association with the Pacific Ocean
Authors: Collazo Soledad , Barrucand Mariana , Rusticucci Matilde
Published: August 2023

Compound hot and dry events can cause greater impacts than those generated by individual extreme events. Understanding the physical mechanisms that lead to their development is particularly important for an early warning. The aim of this study is to assess the ability of global climate models (GCMs) to simulate hot/dry compound events in South America (SA) during the historical period 1979–2014, in comparison with observational and reanalysis datasets. Additionally, this work seeks to investigate the potential changes in these events under two future climate scenarios for the period 2065–2100. Furthermore, we analyze the spatial patterns of sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) in the Pacific Ocean associated with these events in tropical and extratropical SA. In the historical period, reanalysis tends to overestimate the number of hot/dry events, while the ensemble median of GCMs performs better than the individual ones. The future projections under the high emissions scenario show longer heat waves, but a low model agreement about the number of compound events in tropical SA. For southern SA, an increase in the annual frequency of compound events is projected, and more than two hot/dry events per year are expected to occur relative to the 1979–2014 baseline. Finally, we find that compound events in tropical SA are favored during the El Niño phase, even though two other SSTA patterns have gained prominence in recent years. In southern SA, hot/dry events are associated with the negative phase of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation and the La Niña phase.
Recent Advances in the Comprehension and Regulation of Lattice Oxygen Oxidation Mechanism in Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Liu Xiaokang , He Zexing , Ajmal Muhammad , Shi Chengxiang , Gao Ruijie , Pan Lun , Huang Zhen-Feng , Zhang Xiangwen , Zou Ji-Jun
Published: August 2023

Water electrolysis, a process for producing green hydrogen from renewable energy, plays a crucial role in the transition toward a sustainable energy landscape and the realization of the hydrogen economy. Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a critical step in water electrolysis and is often limited by its slow kinetics. Two main mechanisms, namely the adsorbate evolution mechanism (AEM) and lattice oxygen oxidation mechanism (LOM), are commonly considered in the context of OER. However, designing efficient catalysts based on either the AEM or the LOM remains a topic of debate, and there is no consensus on whether activity and stability are directly related to a certain mechanism. Considering the above, we discuss the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of AEM and LOM. Additionally, we provide insights on leveraging the LOM to develop highly active and stable OER catalysts in future. For instance, it is essential to accurately differentiate between reversible and irreversible lattice oxygen redox reactions to elucidate the LOM. Furthermore, we discuss strategies for effectively activating lattice oxygen to achieve controllable steady-state exchange between lattice oxygen and an electrolyte (OH− or H2O). Additionally, we discuss the use of in situ characterization techniques and theoretical calculations as promising avenues for further elucidating the LOM.
Mapping Surface Water Presence and Hyporheic Flow Properties of Headwater Stream Networks With Multispectral Satellite Imagery
Authors: Dralle D. N. , Lapides D. A. , Rempe D. M. , Hahm W. J.
Published: August 2023

Growth and contraction of headwater stream networks determine habitat extent, and open a window to the hyporheic zone. A fundamental challenge is observation of this process: wetted channel extent is dynamic in space and time, with wetted channel length varying by orders of magnitude over the course of a single storm event in headwater catchments. To date, observational data sets are produced from boots‐on‐the‐ground campaigns, drone imaging, or flow presence sensors, which are often laborious and limited in their spatial and temporal extents. Here, we evaluate satellite imagery as a means to detect wetted channel extent via machine learning methods trained on local surveys of wetted channel extent. Even where channel features are smaller than the imagery's spatial resolution, the presence of surface water may be imprinted upon the spectral signature of an individual pixel. For two catchments in northern California with minimal riparian canopy cover and highly dynamic wetted channel extent, we train a random forest model on RapidEye imagery captured contemporaneously with the existing surveys to predict wetted channel extent (accuracy >91%). The model is used to produce length‐discharge (L‐Q) relations and to calculate spatially distributed estimates of channel hyporheic flow capacity and exchange. A sharp break in hyporheic flow capacity occurs from main stem channels to lower order tributaries, resulting in a stepped L‐Q relationship that cannot be captured by traditionally used power law models. Remotely sensed imagery is a powerful tool for mapping wetted channels at high spatial resolution.
Respiration Patterns in the Dark Ocean
Authors: Sulpis Olivier , Trossman David S. , Holzer Mark , Jeansson Emil , Lauvset Siv K. , Middelburg Jack J.
Published: August 2023

In the dark ocean, respiring organisms are the main sink for dissolved oxygen. The respiration rate in a given seawater volume can be quantified through dissolved oxygen drawdown or organic matter consumption as a function of time. Estimates of dissolved oxygen utilization rates (OUR) abound in the literature, but are typically obtained using proxies of questionable accuracy, often with low vertical resolution, and neglecting key regions such as the Southern and Indian oceans. Respiration rates based on particulate (POC) or dissolved (DOC) organic carbon are also sparsely observed and for DOC are unavailable in many regions. Consequently, the relative contributions of POC or DOC as a respiration substrate in the dark ocean are unknown. Here, we use recent datasets of true oxygen utilization, seawater age, and DOC to derive OUR and DOC consumption‐rate profiles in 10 oceanic regions. We demonstrate that although DOC and POC consumption rates are globally consistent with OUR, they underestimate OUR in the deep, suggesting strong oxygen utilization at the seafloor. In the abyss, we find a negative correlation of the DOC consumption rate with seawater age, suggesting that DOC reactivity decreases along the deep branch of the conveyor circulation. Our results highlight that benthic organisms are sensitive to perturbations in the surface production of organic matter and to large‐scale circulation changes that affect its supply to the abyss.
Thoracic adipose tissue contributes to severe virus infection of the lung
Authors: Hornung Franziska , Schulz Luise , Köse-Vogel Nilay , Häder Antje , Grießhammer Jana , Wittschieber Daniel , Autsch Angelina , Ehrhardt Christina , Mall Gita , Löffler Bettina , Deinhardt-Emmer Stefanie
Published: August 2023

Objective

Obesity is an independent risk factor for severe influenza virus and COVID-19 infections. There might be an interplay between adipose tissue and respiratory pathogens, although the mechanism is unknown. Proinflammatory factors secreted by the adipose tissue are often discussed to serve as indirect contributor to virus infection. However, the direct potential of adipose tissue to serve as a viral niche has not yet been investigated.

Methods

Two murine obesity models (DIO and ob/ob) were infected with influenza A virus (IAV) and monitored for 3 weeks. p.i. Lung and adipose tissue were harvested, and the viral load was analysed. Direct replication of IAV in vitro was investigated in human derived primary adipocytes and macrophages. The indirect impact of the secretory products of adipocytes during infection was analysed in a co-culture system with lung fibroblasts. Moreover, lung and adipose tissue was harvested from deceased patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant. Additionally, replication of SARS-CoV-2 alpha, delta, and omicron variants was investigated in vitro in adipocytes and macrophages.

Results

Both murine obesity models presented high IAV titers compared to non-obese mice. Interestingly, adipose tissue adjacent to the lungs was a focal point for influenza virus replication in mice. We further detected IAV replication and antiviral response in human adipocytes. Co-cultivation of adipocytes and lung fibroblasts led to increased IL-8 concentration during infection. Though we observed SARS-CoV-2 in the thoracic adipose tissue of COVID-19 patients, no active replication was found in adipocytes in vitro. However, SARS-CoV-2 was detected in the macrophages and this finding was associated with increased inflammation.

Conclusions

Our study revealed that thoracic adipose tissue contributes to respiratory virus infection. Besides indirect induction of proinflammatory factors during infection, adipocytes and macrophages within the tissue can directly support viral replication.
Being overweight worsens the relationship between urinary sodium excretion and albuminuria: the Wakuya study
Authors: Tagawa Kaname , Tsuru Yusuke , Yokoi Katsumi , Aonuma Takanori , Hashimoto Junichiro
Published: August 2023

Background/objectives

(Micro)albuminuria (a manifestation of renal microvascular damage) is an independent predictor of mortality risk, even when the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio is ≥ 10 mg/g in the general population. Excessive sodium intake and obesity are strong predictors of cardiovascular disease. However, the effect of obesity on the relationship between sodium intake and albuminuria is not fully understood.

Subjects/methods

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the cross-sectional relationships among dietary sodium intake, obesity, and albuminuria in a general population cohort. Subjects were 928 apparently healthy adults. Body mass index was calculated using the height and body weight. Urinary sodium/creatinine and albumin/creatinine ratios were measured in spot urine samples. Estimated 24-h urinary sodium/creatinine ratio (e24UNa/Cr) was assessed using age, height, body weight, and spot urinary sodium/creatinine ratio.

Results

Both the body mass index and e24UNa/Cr positively correlated with the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (both, P < 0.001), and had a synergistic effect on increasing urinary albumin/creatinine ratio independent of age, sex, mean arterial pressure, and diabetes (interaction P = 0.04). When subjects were divided into 6 groups according to the tertiles of e24UNa/Cr and body mass index < (normal-weight) or ≥ 25 (overweight), the prevalence rate of urinary albumin/creatinine ratio ≥ 10 mg/g increased with rising e24UNa/Cr and being overweight (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

An increase in body mass index increases the positive association between urinary sodium excretion and (micro)albuminuria in the general population. Excess sodium intake may strengthen cardiovascular risk by increasing (micro)albuminuria, particularly in overweight individuals.
Biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in spaceflight is minimized on lubricant impregnated surfaces
Authors: Flores Pamela , McBride Samantha A. , Galazka Jonathan M. , Varanasi Kripa K. , Zea Luis
Published: August 2023

The undesirable, yet inevitable, presence of bacterial biofilms in spacecraft poses a risk to the proper functioning of systems and to astronauts’ health. To mitigate the risks that arise from them, it is important to understand biofilms’ behavior in microgravity. As part of the Space Biofilms project, biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were grown in spaceflight over material surfaces. Stainless Steel 316 (SS316) and passivated SS316 were tested for their relevance as spaceflight hardware components, while a lubricant impregnated surface (LIS) was tested as potential biofilm control strategy. The morphology and gene expression of biofilms were characterized. Biofilms in microgravity are less robust than on Earth. LIS strongly inhibits biofilm formation compared to SS. Furthermore, this effect is even greater in spaceflight than on Earth, making LIS a promising option for spacecraft use. Transcriptomic profiles for the different conditions are presented, and potential mechanisms of biofilm reduction on LIS are discussed.
Recent advances in flexible noninvasive electrodes for surface electromyography acquisition
Authors: Cheng Lian , Li Jun , Guo Aiying , Zhang Jianhua
Published: August 2023

Surface electromyography (sEMG) is used to detect and analyze human muscle biopotential. Recently, flexible noninvasive electrodes (FNEs) have emerged to extract bioelectrical signals from individual bodies. For FNEs to be deployed as a central component of physiological signal acquisition, the quest for elevated signal-to-noise ratio and density is compelling owing to the small amplitude of sEMG. Herein, we review recent progress in FNEs for sEMG acquisition. We summarize the needed properties of FNEs, compare the differences between passive electrodes and active electrodes and exemplify applications of FNEs. We also conclude the current challenges and future opportunities in sEMG acquisition.
Transient naive reprogramming corrects hiPS cells functionally and epigenetically
Authors: Buckberry Sam , Liu Xiaodong , Poppe Daniel , Tan Jia Ping , Sun Guizhi , Chen Joseph , Nguyen Trung Viet , de Mendoza Alex , Pflueger Jahnvi , Frazer Thomas , Vargas-Landín Dulce B. , Paynter Jacob M. , Smits Nathan , Liu Ning , Ouyang John F. , Rossello Fernando J. , Chy Hun S. , Rackham Owen J. L. , Laslett Andrew L. , Breen James , Faulkner Geoffrey J. , Nefzger Christian M. , Polo Jose M. , Lister Ryan
Published: August 2023

Cells undergo a major epigenome reconfiguration when reprogrammed to human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPS cells). However, the epigenomes of hiPS cells and human embryonic stem (hES) cells differ significantly, which affects hiPS cell function1–8. These differences include epigenetic memory and aberrations that emerge during reprogramming, for which the mechanisms remain unknown. Here we characterized the persistence and emergence of these epigenetic differences by performing genome-wide DNA methylation profiling throughout primed and naive reprogramming of human somatic cells to hiPS cells. We found that reprogramming-induced epigenetic aberrations emerge midway through primed reprogramming, whereas DNA demethylation begins early in naive reprogramming. Using this knowledge, we developed a transient-naive-treatment (TNT) reprogramming strategy that emulates the embryonic epigenetic reset. We show that the epigenetic memory in hiPS cells is concentrated in cell of origin-dependent repressive chromatin marked by H3K9me3, lamin-B1 and aberrant CpH methylation. TNT reprogramming reconfigures these domains to a hES cell-like state and does not disrupt genomic imprinting. Using an isogenic system, we demonstrate that TNT reprogramming can correct the transposable element overexpression and differential gene expression seen in conventional hiPS cells, and that TNT-reprogrammed hiPS and hES cells show similar differentiation efficiencies. Moreover, TNT reprogramming enhances the differentiation of hiPS cells derived from multiple cell types. Thus, TNT reprogramming corrects epigenetic memory and aberrations, producing hiPS cells that are molecularly and functionally more similar to hES cells than conventional hiPS cells. We foresee TNT reprogramming becoming a new standard for biomedical and therapeutic applications and providing a novel system for studying epigenetic memory.
Nuclear genetic control of mtDNA copy number and heteroplasmy in humans
Authors: Gupta Rahul , Kanai Masahiro , Durham Timothy J. , Tsuo Kristin , McCoy Jason G. , Kotrys Anna V. , Zhou Wei , Chinnery Patrick F. , Karczewski Konrad J. , Calvo Sarah E. , Neale Benjamin M. , Mootha Vamsi K.
Published: August 2023

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a maternally inherited, high-copy-number genome required for oxidative phosphorylation1. Heteroplasmy refers to the presence of a mixture of mtDNA alleles in an individual and has been associated with disease and ageing. Mechanisms underlying common variation in human heteroplasmy, and the influence of the nuclear genome on this variation, remain insufficiently explored. Here we quantify mtDNA copy number (mtCN) and heteroplasmy using blood-derived whole-genome sequences from 274,832 individuals and perform genome-wide association studies to identify associated nuclear loci. Following blood cell composition correction, we find that mtCN declines linearly with age and is associated with variants at 92 nuclear loci. We observe that nearly everyone harbours heteroplasmic mtDNA variants obeying two principles: (1) heteroplasmic single nucleotide variants tend to arise somatically and accumulate sharply after the age of 70 years, whereas (2) heteroplasmic indels are maternally inherited as mixtures with relative levels associated with 42 nuclear loci involved in mtDNA replication, maintenance and novel pathways. These loci may act by conferring a replicative advantage to certain mtDNA alleles. As an illustrative example, we identify a length variant carried by more than 50% of humans at position chrM:302 within a G-quadruplex previously proposed to mediate mtDNA transcription/replication switching2,3. We find that this variant exerts cis-acting genetic control over mtDNA abundance and is itself associated in-trans with nuclear loci encoding machinery for this regulatory switch. Our study suggests that common variation in the nuclear genome can shape variation in mtCN and heteroplasmy dynamics across the human population.
Endothelial sensing of AHR ligands regulates intestinal homeostasis
Authors: Wiggins Benjamin G. , Wang Yi-Fang , Burke Alice , Grunberg Nil , Vlachaki Walker Julia M. , Dore Marian , Chahrour Catherine , Pennycook Betheney R. , Sanchez-Garrido Julia , Vernia Santiago , Barr Alexis R. , Frankel Gad , Birdsey Graeme M. , Randi Anna M. , Schiering Chris
Published: August 2023

Endothelial cells line the blood and lymphatic vasculature, and act as an essential physical barrier, control nutrient transport, facilitate tissue immunosurveillance and coordinate angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis1,2. In the intestine, dietary and microbial cues are particularly important in the regulation of organ homeostasis. However, whether enteric endothelial cells actively sense and integrate such signals is currently unknown. Here we show that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) acts as a critical node for endothelial cell sensing of dietary metabolites in adult mice and human primary endothelial cells. We first established a comprehensive single-cell endothelial atlas of the mouse small intestine, uncovering the cellular complexity and functional heterogeneity of blood and lymphatic endothelial cells. Analyses of AHR-mediated responses at single-cell resolution identified tissue-protective transcriptional signatures and regulatory networks promoting cellular quiescence and vascular normalcy at steady state. Endothelial AHR deficiency in adult mice resulted in dysregulated inflammatory responses and the initiation of proliferative pathways. Furthermore, endothelial sensing of dietary AHR ligands was required for optimal protection against enteric infection. In human endothelial cells, AHR signalling promoted quiescence and restrained activation by inflammatory mediators. Together, our data provide a comprehensive dissection of the effect of environmental sensing across the spectrum of enteric endothelia, demonstrating that endothelial AHR signalling integrates dietary cues to maintain tissue homeostasis by promoting endothelial cell quiescence and vascular normalcy.
Estimating excess mortality due to female genital mutilation
Authors: Ghosh Arpita , Flowe Heather , Rockey James
Published: August 2023

Globally, over 200 million women and girls have been subjected to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). This practice, illegal in most countries, often happens in unsanitary conditions and without clinical supervision with consequent bleeding and infection. However, little is known about its contribution to the global epidemiology of child mortality. We matched data on the proportion of girls of a given age group subject to FGM to age-gender-year specific mortality rates during 1990–2020 in 15 countries where FGM is practised. We used fixed-effects regressions to separate the effect of FGM on mortality-rates from variation in mortality in that country in that year. Using our estimated effect, we calculated total annual excess mortality due to FGM. Our estimates imply that a 50% increase in the number of girls subject to FGM increases their 5-year mortality rate by 0.075 percentage point (95% CI $$0\cdot 065$$

0
·
065

–$$0\cdot 085$$

0
·
085

). This increased mortality rate translates into an estimated 44,320 excess deaths per year across countries where FGM is practised. These estimates imply that FGM is a leading cause of the death of girls and young women in those countries where it is practised accounting for more deaths than any cause other than Enteric Infections, Respiratory Infections, or Malaria.
Oxidative stress-induced by different stressors alters kidney tissue antioxidant markers and levels of creatinine and urea: the fate of renal membrane integrity
Authors: Nwogueze Bartholomew Chukwuebuka , Ofili Isioma Mary , Nnama Tochukwu Nnamdi , Aloamaka Chukwuemeka Peter
Published: August 2023

The cellular integrity of the kidney in homeostatic regulation has constantly been compromised by oxidative stress following exposure to varying nature of stressor present within the environment. The objective of the work was to evaluate the renal effect of the different stressor stimuli applied. Twenty-four adult female rats weighing averagely 160–200 g and within the ages of 12–14 weeks were used for experiment-1, while 12 offspring were utilized for experiment-2. Three stress models namely; restraint, mirror chamber and cat intruder stressors were used. Tissues were isolated from the animal and homogenized for tissue antioxidant assay. Serum was collected for assays of urea and creatinine for the kidney function test using ELISA. Data collected were analyzed for Mean ± SEM using One Way ANOVA. The present study revealed that exposure of rats to different stressors reduced relative kidney weights but did not significantly alter serum creatinine concentration in the Wistar rats, although the concentrations were slightly increased compared to controls. Urea concentration was significantly (p < 0.05) increased in rats exposed to restraint and intruder stressors. Exposure to a mirror chamber stressor did not significantly alter urea concentration. Offspring from parents of stressed female rats exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) increase in serum urea level, minimal increase in serum creatinine levels. GSH and GST levels showed no significant difference when compared to control group, whereas, GPx were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased irrespective of the stressor applied. SOD activity were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in the group exposed to restraint or cat intruder stressor. CAT activities were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in the rats exposed to restraint or cat intruder stressor. In all, the different stress model altered the antioxidant capacity of the kidney tissues. Exposure of rats to a stressful condition of the different nature of stressor has the tendency of compromising the functional integrity of the kidney, thus, with the potency of complicating female renal function.
Genome-wide association studies and fine-mapping identify genomic loci for n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in Hispanic American and African American cohorts
Authors: Yang Chaojie , Veenstra Jenna , Bartz Traci M. , Pahl Matthew C. , Hallmark Brian , Chen Yii-Der Ida , Westra Jason , Steffen Lyn M. , Brown Christopher D. , Siscovick David , Tsai Michael Y. , Wood Alexis C. , Rich Stephen S. , Smith Caren E. , O’Connor Timothy D. , Mozaffarian Dariush , Grant Struan F. A. , Chilton Floyd H. , Tintle Nathan L. , Lemaitre Rozenn N. , Manichaikul Ani
Published: August 2023

Omega-3 (n-3) and omega-6 (n-6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play critical roles in human health. Prior genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of n-3 and n-6 PUFAs in European Americans from the CHARGE Consortium have documented strong genetic signals in/near the FADS locus on chromosome 11. We performed a GWAS of four n-3 and four n-6 PUFAs in Hispanic American (n = 1454) and African American (n = 2278) participants from three CHARGE cohorts. Applying a genome-wide significance threshold of P < 5 × 10−8, we confirmed association of the FADS signal and found evidence of two additional signals (in DAGLA and BEST1) within 200 kb of the originally reported FADS signal. Outside of the FADS region, we identified novel signals for arachidonic acid (AA) in Hispanic Americans located in/near genes including TMX2, SLC29A2, ANKRD13D and POLD4, and spanning a > 9 Mb region on chromosome 11 (57.5 Mb ~ 67.1 Mb). Among these novel signals, we found associations unique to Hispanic Americans, including rs28364240, a POLD4 missense variant for AA that is common in CHARGE Hispanic Americans but absent in other race/ancestry groups. Our study sheds light on the genetics of PUFAs and the value of investigating complex trait genetics across diverse ancestry populations.
Circularly polarized chemiluminescence from planar chiral bis(adamantylidene-1,2-dioxetane)s
Authors: Shi Minglin , Xie Mo , Wan Shigang , Zou Chao , Liu Yuliang , Zhou Xinyan , Yang Peng , Chang Xiaoyong , Lu Wei
Published: August 2023

Circularly polarized chemiluminescence triggered by fluoride was demonstrated with bis(adamantylidene-1,2-dioxetane) conjugated to a planar chiral scaffold of [2.2]paracyclophane.
V-shaped chiral hosts based on π-extended hematoxylin
Authors: Ma Mingfang , Dong Liuyang , Luo Bo , Hao Aiyou , Xing Pengyao
Published: August 2023

Hematoxylin has a V-shaped chiral geometry, but its potential in chiroptical self-assembled materials is underdeveloped.
Mimicking the C2 molecule: M2B2 and M3B2+ clusters (M = Li, Na) and the reactivity of the N-heterocyclic carbene bound Li2B2 complex
Authors: Liu Yu-qian , Yan Gai-ru , Cui Li-juan , Yan Bing , Pan Sudip , Cui Zhong-hua
Published: August 2023

The covalent bonding pattern in B2M2 and B2M3+ mimics C2 molecule. The viability of ligand-stabilized L–B2Li2–L (L = NHC, PPh3) complexes is studied. Li2B2(NHC)2 can activate CO and CO2 to a larger extent than B2(NHC)2.
Manipulating the thermometric behaviors of Er3+/Yb3+/Ho3+-tridoped La2Mo3O12 polychromatic upconverting microparticles via adjusting spatial mode and a sensing strategy
Authors: Lv Huocheng , Lai Xiaoqing , Li Weiping , Luo Laihui , Du Peng
Published: August 2023

Er3+/Ho3+/Yb3+-tridoped La2Mo3O12 upconverting microparticles with polychromatic emissions and good thermometric properties are promising thermosensitive luminescent materials for contactless optical thermometry.
Are SAXS and SANS suitable to extract information on the role of water for electric-double-layer formation at the carbon–aqueous-electrolyte interface?
Authors: Seyffertitz Malina , Stock Sebastian , Rauscher Max Valentin , Prehal Christian , Haas Sylvio , Porcar Lionel , Paris Oskar
Published: August 2023

This study reports on the applicability of X-ray transmission, small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering and small-angle neutron scattering for investigating processes in the working electrode of an electric double-layer capacitor at different applied potentials.
Levoglucosenone to 3D-printed green materials: synthesizing sustainable and tunable monomers for eco-friendly photo-curing
Authors: Flourat Amandine L. , Pezzana Lorenzo , Belgacem Sabrina , Dosso Abdouramane , Sangermano Marco , Fadlallah Sami , Allais Florent
Published: August 2023

Novel monomers were prepared through a chemo-enzymatic route from cellulose-based levoglucosenone and polymerized via thiol-ene click-chemistry. The resulting materials proved suitable for 3D-printing, offering well-defined three-dimensional objects.
A surface-dynamic approach toward supercrystal engineering of titanium–oxo clusters
Authors: Meng Ling-Cui , Feng Zhi-Ming , Jiang Zhan-Guo , Zhan Cai-Hong
Published: August 2023

By regulating the surface dynamics of Sal-Cu/OMe-Cu motifs of a {Ti10Cu2} cluster, (Ti10Cu2)sp and (Ti10Cu2)cs have been achieved and characterized, and the results show the distinguishing electrical and catalytic properties of the two assemblies.
SMC-based immunity against extrachromosomal DNA elements
Authors: Liu Hon Wing , Roisné-Hamelin Florian , Gruber Stephan
Published: August 2023

SMC and SMC-like complexes promote chromosome folding and genome maintenance in all domains of life. Recently, they were also recognized as factors in cellular immunity against foreign DNA. In bacteria and archaea, Wadjet and Lamassu are anti-plasmid/phage defence systems, while Smc5/6 and Rad50 complexes play a role in anti-viral immunity in humans. This raises an intriguing paradox — how can the same, or closely related, complexes on one hand secure the integrity and maintenance of chromosomal DNA, while on the other recognize and restrict extrachromosomal DNA? In this minireview, we will briefly describe the latest understanding of each of these complexes in immunity including speculations on how principles of SMC(-like) function may explain how the systems recognize linear or circular forms of invading DNA.
Perfusion Education in the United States at the Turn of the Century
Authors: Stammers Alfred H.
Published: August 2023

The challenges facing institutions charged with the delivery of health care have also affected the delivery of education in the health sciences. In the 30 years since the establishment of a process for formalized perfusion education, significant changes have shaped how the fundamentals of perfusion sciences are learned. The establishment and maintenance of a profession can only be secured through the creation of standards that guide educational facilities in the delivery of formalized instruction in a discipline. Perfusion education programs continue to meet these standards but are doing so at a time where resources continue to dwindle and quantitative assessment of manpower issues are fuzzy, at best.

The peak of perfusion education programs occurred in 1994, and 5 years later only 25 programs were still accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP). In the past decade, only one new education program has sought accreditation from CAAHEP. There were 41% fewer graduates in the United States in 1998 than in 1992, which follows a 6-year trend in declining numbers of individuals entering the field of perfusion. Individual programs are challenged by the reordering of university and community hospital structures, which often results in critical reviews of resource allocation to perfusion programs.

The health of the perfusion profession remains deeply tied to the success of perfusion education programs. Likewise, the health of these programs can only be assured by means of continued solicitation of support and guidance from practitioners who serve as stewards of perfusion technology.
Investigations into the Sterility of Manually Assembled Extracorporeal Circuits with Vented Reservoirs
Authors: Searles Bruce , O’Leary Colleen E. , Pettit Dave , Alexander Scott , Picone Anthony
Published: August 2023

This study was designed to investigate the ability of an extracorporeal circuit (ECC) with a vented hard shell reservoir to remain sterile for a period of 72 h under dry conditions. The study was conducted in three phases. In Phase One: Two previously published methods for detecting contamination of the ECC were compared. A group of positive controls was collected by contaminating identical circuits with a known level of Enterobacter cloacae (ATTC: 13047) before initiating a regimen of “sample–dilute–sample” culturing. Negative controls for this phase were conducted by randomly sampling 1 L per manufacturer’s lot of lactated ringers with each detection method. Culture results suggest that large volume filtration, but not small aliquot sampling, is sensitive to extremely low levels of contamination. No growth was detected in any negative control samples.

In Phase Two: 19 ECC consisting of a membrane oxygenator, vented hardshell reservoir, arterial filter, and PVC tubing were removed from their sterile packages, assembled, and left unprotected in the moderate traffic environment of a research laboratory. The circuits were then primed with Lactated Ringer’s solution. The prime solution was sampled for aerobic contamination by large volume filtration. None of the 19 samples detected contamination.

In Phase Three: 43 ECC identical to the Phase Two circuits were assembled and left unprotected in the substerile pump room. The circuits were then primed, circulated, and cultured as in Phase Two. One of the 43 samples was discarded because of a recognized break in aseptic technique during sample collection. None of the remaining samples detected contamination. Mathematical calculations of binomial probabilities suggest that the chance of an open ECC developing a detectable level of contamination within 72 h of its dry assembly is insignificant.
Plasmapheresis During Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Proposed Treatment For Presensitized Cardiac Transplantation Patients
Authors: Larson Douglas F. , Elkund Diane K. , Arabia Francisco , Copeland Jack G.
Published: August 2023

Potential thoracic organ transplantation recipients who have positive cytotoxic antibody screens as quantified panel reactive antibodies (PRA) are at risk for immediate or long-term immunologic events that may affect the donor organ. The patient population at risk includes those who are supported with cardiac assist devices, multiparous women, and individuals receiving numerous homologous blood products. We treated three highly positive PRA patients with intraoperative plasmapheresis coupled to the cardiopulmonary bypass system to remove sufficient cytotoxic antibody. Upon the availability of donor hearts of an unknown HLA type, intraoperative plasmapheresis was performed using a Cobe Spectra Plasmapheresis system coupled to a Terumo CXSX18 oxygenator system. Three plasma volume exchanges of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) were performed while the patients were on cardiopulmonary bypass. One to one and one-half plasma volume exchange plasmaphereses were performed with a declining schedule for the next 30 days post-transplantation in combination with aggressive B-cell specific immunosuppressive therapy. The three patients are NYHA functional class I and free of rejection at 6 months post-transplantation. In conclusion, intraoperative plasmapheresis is effective and safe for the patient who would not be otherwise transplanted because of markedly elevated PRAs.
In Vitro Evaluation of the Medtronic™ Cardioplegia Safety System®
Authors: Trowbridge Cody C. , Woods Kimberly R. , Muhle Michelle L. , Niimi Kevin S. , Tremain Kimberly D. , Jiang Jun , Stammers Alfred H.
Published: August 2023

Myocardial preservation demands the precise and accurate delivery of cardioplegic solutions to provide nutritive delivery and metabolic waste removal. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance characteristics of the Medtronic® CSS™ Cardioplegia Safety System in an in vitro setting.

The CSS™ was evaluated under the following conditions: blood to crystalloid ratios of 1:0, 1:1, 4:1, 8:1, 0:1; potassium concentrations of 10, 20, and 40 mEq L−1; volumetric delivery collection at 100, 250, 500, 750, and 990 mL/min; pressure accuracy at 100 and 300 mmHg; and system safety mechanisms. Measured and predicted values from the CSS were compared using one way ANOVA, with statistical significance accepted at p ≤ 0.05.

The measured values for the tested ratios and volume collections were all within the manufacturer’s technical parameters. Potassium concentration results were all within expected values except at 100 mL/min, where the measured value of 17.1 ± 2.1 mmol was lower than the expected 20.0 ± 0.2 mmol (p < .034). As flow rates changed, the CSS line pressure error was constant (0.5 to 3.7%), and the only significant difference was observed at 100 mmHg, 500 mL/min (102.3 ± 1.7 vs. 100.0 ± 0.0 mmHg, P < .003). The device performed accurately and reliably under all simulated safety conditions, including bubble detection, over pressurization and battery backup. In conclusion, the performance of the CSS was within the manufacturer’s specifications for the majority of the tested conditions and operated safely when challenged under varying conditions.
Heparin Use in Pediatric Bypass—Empirical Regimen (ACT) vs. Heparin Concentration: A Multicenter Trial
Authors: Olshove Vincent , Tallman Richard
Published: August 2023

There are two common approaches to heparin administration for pediatric bypass: one involves the empirical dosing of heparin based on the activated clotting time (ACT), and the other on heparin concentration. It has been observed that heparin requirements are substantially greater when maintaining a concentration as opposed to an ACT. This study gathered heparin administration data from five pediatric centers, two using an empirical regimen and ACT technique and three using heparin concentration as measured by the Heparin Management System (HMS).

All patients less than or equal to 20 kg were evaluated and grouped by technique. There were 49 patients in the HMS group and 46 in the ACT group.

There was no significant difference between groups for patient weight, bypass time, postheparin ACT, bypass ACT, protamine dose, or 24-h blood loss (mL/kg/24). There was a significant difference (p < .01) for prime heparin (4.7 ± 1.3 units/cc HMS vs. 1.9 ± 0.4 units/cc ACT), heparin loading dose (476.5 ± 175.3 units/kg HMS vs. 384.6 ± 54.3 units/kg ACT), and total heparin (16.6 ± 6.7 units/kg/min HMS vs. 9.5 ± 5.9 units/kg/min ACT). The use of the HMS for heparin management in pediatric bypass required more heparin but no difference in protamine use or 24-h blood loss.