bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Annotation of DOM metabolomes with an ultrahigh resolution mass spectrometry molecular formula library
Authors: Coffey Nicole R , Dewey Christian , Manning Kieran , Corilo Yuri , Kew William , Babcock-Adams Lydia , McKenna Amy M , Stuart Rhona K , Boiteau Rene M
Published: May 2024

Increased accessibility of liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) metabolomics instrumentation and software have expanded their use in studies of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and exometabolites released by microbes. Current strategies to annotate metabolomes generally rely on matching tandem MS/MS spectra to databases of authentic standards. However, spectral matching approaches typically have low annotation rates for DOM. An alternative approach is to annotate molecular formula based on accurate mass and isotopic fine structure measurements that can be obtained from state-of-the-art ultrahigh resolution Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS), but instrument accessibility for large metabolomic studies is generally limited. Here, we describe a strategy to annotate exometabolomes obtained from lower resolution LC-MS systems by matching metabolomic features to a molecular formula library generated for a representative sample analyzed by LC-21T FT-ICR MS. The molecular formula library approach successfully annotated 53% of exometabolome features of the marine diatomPhaeodactylum tricornutum– a nearly ten-fold increase over the 6% annotation rate achieved using a conventional MS/MS approach. There was 94% agreement between assigned formula that were annotated with both approaches, and mass error analysis of the discrepancies suggested that the FT-ICR MS formula assignments were more reliable. Differences in the exometabolome ofP. tricornutumgrown under iron replete and iron limited conditions revealed 668 significant metabolites, including a suite of peptide-like molecules released byP. tricornutumin response to iron deficiency. These findings demonstrate the utility of FT-ICR MS formula libraries for extending the accuracy and comprehensiveness of metabolome annotations.
ATP-Independent Water-Soluble Luciferins Enable Non-Invasive High-Speed Video-Rate Bioluminescence Imaging of Mice
Authors: Tian Xiaodong , Zhang Yiyu , Ai Hui-wang
Published: May 2024

NanoLuc luciferase and its derivatives are attractive bioluminescent reporters recognized for their efficient photon production and ATP independence. However, utilizing them forin vivoimaging poses notable challenges. Low substrate solubility has been a prominent problem, limitingin vivobrightness, while substrate instability hampers consistent results and handling. To address these issues, we developed a range of caged PEGylated luciferins with improved stability and water solubility of up to 25 mM, resulting in substantial bioluminescence increases in mouse models. This advancement has created the brightest and most sensitive luciferase-luciferin combination, enabling high-speed video-rate imaging of freely moving mice with brain-expressed luciferase. Furthermore, we developed a bioluminescent Ca2+indicator with exceptional sensitivity to physiological Ca2+changes and paired it with a new substrate to showcase non-invasive, video-rate imaging of Ca2+activity in a defined brain region in awake mice. These innovative substrates and the Ca2+indicator are poised to become invaluable resources for biological and biomedical fields.
A system for functional studies of the major virulence factor of malaria parasites
Authors: Cronshagen Jakob , Allweier Johannes , Mesén-Ramírez Paolo , Stäcker Jan , Vaaben Anna Viktoria , Ramón-Zamorano Gala , Naranjo-Prado Isabel , Ofori Susann , Jansen Pascal WTC , Hornebeck Joëlle , Kieferle Florian , Murk Agnes , Martin Elicia , Castro-Peña Carolina , Bártfai Richárd , Lavstsen Thomas , Bruchhaus Iris , Spielmann Tobias
Published: May 2024

PfEMP1 is a variable antigen displayed on erythrocytes infected with the malaria parasitePlasmodium falciparum. PfEMP1 mediates binding of the infected cell to the endothelium of blood vessels, a cause of severe malaria. Each parasite encodes ∼60 different PfEMP1 variants but only one is expressed at a time. Switching between variants underlies immune evasion in the host and variant-specific severity of disease. PfEMP1 is difficult to study due to expression heterogeneity between parasites which also renders genetic modification approaches ineffective. Here, we used selection linked integration (SLI) to generate parasites all expressing the same PfEMP1 variant and genome edit the expressed locus. Moving this system from the reference strain 3D7 to IT4 resulted in PfEMP1 expressor parasites with effective receptor binding capacities. We also introduce a second version of SLI (SLI2) to introduce additional genome edits. Using these systems, we study PfEMP1 trafficking, generate cell lines binding to all major endothelial receptors, survey the protein environment from functional PfEMP1 in the host cell and identify new proteins needed for PfEMP1 mediated sequestration. These findings show the usefulness of the system to study the key virulence factor of malaria parasites.
ZN
lattice gauge theories with matter fields
Authors: Roy Kaustubh , König Elio J.
Published: May 2024

Motivated by the exotic phenomenology of certain quantum materials and recent advances in programmable quantum emulators, we here study fermions and bosons in ZN lattice gauge theories. We introduce a family of exactly soluble models, and characterize their orthogonal (semi)metallic ground states, the excitation spectrum, and the correlation functions. We further study integrability-breaking perturbations using an appropriately derived set of Feynman diagrammatic rules and borrowing physics associated to Anderson's orthogonality catastrophe. In the context of the ground states, we revisit Luttinger's theorem following Oshikawa's flux insertion argument and furthermore demonstrate the existence of a Luttinger surface of zeros in the fermionic Green's function. Upon inclusion of perturbations, we address the transition from the orthogonal metal to the normal state by condensation of certain excitations in the gauge sectors, so-called “e particles.” We furthermore discuss the effect of dynamics in the dual “m-particle” excitations, which ultimately leads to the formation of charge-neutral hadronic N-particle bound states. We present analytical arguments for the most important phases and estimates for phase boundaries of the model. Specifically, and in sharp distinction to quasi-one-dimensional ZN lattice gauge theories, renormalization group arguments imply that the phase diagram does not include an emergent deconfining U(1) phase in the limit of large number of fermion flavors. Therefore, in regards to lattice QED problems, ZN quantum emulators with N<∞ can at best be used for approximate solutions at intermediate length scales.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Doubly heavy dibaryons as seen by string theory
Authors: Andreev Oleg
Published: May 2024

We propose the stringy description of the system consisting of two heavy and four light quarks in the case of two light flavors of equal mass. As an application, we consider the three low-lying Born-Oppenheimer potentials as a function of the heavy quark separation. Our analysis shows that the ground state potential is described in terms of both hadroquarkonia and hadronic molecules. A connected string configuration makes the dominant contribution to the potential of an excited state at small separations, and for separations larger than 0.1 fm, it exhibits the diquark-diquark-diquark structure [Qq][Qq][qq]. For better understanding the quark organization inside the system, we introduce several critical separations related to the processes of string reconnection, breaking and junction annihilation. We also discuss the simplest string configurations including the five-string junctions and their implications for the system, in particular the emergence of composite quark objects different from diquarks and the process of junction fusion.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Energy Dissipation of Fast Electrons in Polymethylmethacrylate: Toward a Universal Curve for Electron-Beam Attenuation in Solids between
∼0  eV
and Relativistic Energies
Authors: Werner Wolfgang S. M. , Simperl Florian , Blödorn Felix , Brunner Julian , Kero Johannes , Bellissimo Alessandra , Ridzel Olga
Published: May 2024

Spectroscopy of correlated electron pairs was employed to investigate the energy dissipation process, as well as the transport and the emission of low-energy electrons on a polymethylmethacrylate surface, providing secondary electron spectra causally related to the energy loss of the primary. Two groups are identified in the cascade of slow electrons, corresponding to different stages in the energy dissipation process. The characteristic lengths for attenuation due to collective excitations and momentum relaxation are quantified for both groups and are found to be distinctly different: λ1=(12±2)  Å and λ2=(62±11)  Å. The results strongly contradict the commonly employed model of exponential attenuation with the electron inelastic mean free path as characteristic length, but they essentially agree with a theory used for decades in astrophysics and neutron transport, albeit with characteristic lengths expressed in units of angstroms rather than light-years.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Ultrafast Electron-Electron Scattering in Metallic Phase of
2H−NbSe2
Probed by High Harmonic Generation
Authors: Takeda K. S. , Uchida K. , Nagai K. , Kusaba S. , Takahashi S. , Tanaka K.
Published: May 2024

Electron-electron scattering on the order of a few to tens of femtoseconds plays a crucial role in the ultrafast electron dynamics of conventional metals. When mid-infrared light is used for driving and the period of light field is comparable to the scattering time in metals, unique light-driven states and nonlinear optical responses associated with the scattering process are expected to occur. Here, we use high-harmonics spectroscopy to investigate the effect of electron-electron scattering on the electron dynamics in thin film 2H−NbSe2 driven by a mid-infrared field. We observed odd-order high harmonics up to 9th order as well as a broadband emission from hot electrons in the energy range from 1.5 to 4.0 eV. The electron-electron scattering time in 2H-NbSe2 was estimated from the broadband emission to be almost the same as the period of the mid-infrared light field. A comparison between experimental results and a numerical calculation reveals that competition and cooperation between the driving and scattering enhances the nonperturbative behavior of high harmonics in metals, causing a highly nonequilibrium electronic state corresponding to several thousand Kelvin.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Comparative study on compact quantum circuits of hybrid quantum-classical algorithms for quantum impurity models
Authors: Sakurai Rihito , Backhouse Oliver J. , Booth George H. , Mizukami Wataru , Shinaoka Hiroshi
Published: May 2024

Predicting the properties of strongly correlated materials is a significant challenge in condensed matter theory. The widely used dynamical mean-field theory faces difficulty in solving quantum impurity models numerically. Hybrid quantum-classical algorithms such as variational quantum eigensolvers emerge as a potential solution for quantum impurity models. A common challenge in these algorithms is the rapid growth of the number of variational parameters with the number of spin-orbitals in the impurity. In our approach to this problem, we develop compact using a combination of two different strategies. First, we employ a compact physics-inspired , k-unitary cluster Jastrow , developed in the field of quantum chemistry. Second, we eliminate largely redundant variational parameters of physics-inspired associated with bath sites based on physical intuition. This is based on the fact that a quantum impurity model with a star-like geometry has no direct hopping between bath sites. We benchmark the accuracy of these for both ground-state energy and dynamic quantities by solving typical quantum impurity models with and without shot noise. The results suggest that we can maintain the accuracy of ground-state energy while we drop the number of variational parameters associated with bath sites. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a moment expansion, when combined with the proposed , can calculate the imaginary-time Green's functions under the influence of shot noise. This study demonstrates the potential for addressing complex impurity models in large-scale quantum simulations with fewer variational parameters without sacrificing accuracy.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Frustration-induced quantum criticality in Ni-doped CePdAl as revealed by the
µSR
technique
Authors: Ishant I. , Shiroka T. , Stockert O. , Fritsch V. , Majumder M.
Published: May 2024

In CePdAl, the 4f moments of cerium arrange to form a geometrically frustrated kagome lattice. Due to frustration, in addition to Kondo and Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida interactions, this metallic system shows a long-range magnetic order (LRO) with a TN of only 2.7 K. Upon Ni doping at the Pd sites, TN is further suppressed, to reach zero at a critical concentration xc≈0.15. Here, by using muon-spin relaxation and rotation (µSR), we investigate CePd1−xNixAl at a local level for five different Ni concentrations, both above and below xc. Like the parent CePdAl compound, for x=0.05, we observe an incommensurate LRO, which turns into a quasistatic magnetic order for x=0.1 and 0.14. More interestingly, away from xc, for x=0.16 and 0.18, we still observe a non-Fermi-liquid (NFL) regime, evidenced by a power-law divergence of the longitudinal relaxation at low temperatures. In this case, longitudinal field measurements exhibit a time-field scaling, indicative of cooperative spin dynamics that persists for x>xc. Furthermore, like the externally applied pressure, the chemical pressure induced by Ni doping suppresses the region below T*, characterized by a spin-liquid-like dynamical behavior. Our results suggest that the magnetic properties of CePdAl are similarly affected by the hydrostatic and the chemical pressure. We also confirm that the unusual NFL regime (compared with conventional quantum critical systems) is due to the presence of frustration that persists up to the highest Ni concentrations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Coalescing clusters unveil regimes of frictional fluid mechanics
Authors: Yue Haicen , Burton Justin C. , Sussman Daniel M.
Published: May 2024

The coalescence of droplets is essential in a host of biological and industrial processes, where it can be a crucial limiting factor and a convenient tool to probe material properties. Controlling and understanding this phenomenon relies on theoretical models of droplet coalescence, and classical solutions for the time evolution of contacting drops (such as analytical solutions to the Stokes equation) have proven invaluable for understanding the behavior of many simple liquids. In many systems, especially biological systems on substrates, there are an increasing number of examples of discrepancies between known solutions to continuum models and experimental results. By combining computational and theoretical analyses, we show that there is an unexplored family of dry hydrodynamic or frictional coalescence processes: those governed by a highly dissipative coupling to the environment. This leads to a universality class of coalescing behavior, with unique scaling laws and time-invariant parametrizations for the time evolution of coalescing drops. To demonstrate this, we combine particle-based simulations and both continuum and boundary-integral solutions to hydrodynamic equations, which we then understand in the context of a generalized Navier-Stokes-like equation. Our work suggests a theoretical basis for further studies of coalescence, as well as other fluidlike phenomena in these friction-dominated systems, and significantly alters the interpretation of related experimental measurements.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Data-Driven Compression of Electron-Phonon Interactions
Authors: Luo Yao , Desai Dhruv , Chang Benjamin K. , Park Jinsoo , Bernardi Marco
Published: May 2024

First-principles calculations of electron interactions in materials have seen rapid progress in recent years, with electron-phonon (e−ph) interactions being a prime example. However, these techniques use large matrices encoding the interactions on dense momentum grids, which reduces computational efficiency and obscures interpretability. For e−ph interactions, existing interpolation techniques leverage locality in real space, but the high dimensionality of the data remains a bottleneck to balance cost and accuracy. Here we show an efficient way to compress e−ph interactions based on singular value decomposition (SVD), a widely used matrix and image compression technique. Leveraging (un)constrained SVD methods, we accurately predict material properties related to e−ph interactions—including charge mobility, spin relaxation times, band renormalization, and superconducting critical temperature—while using only a small fraction (1%–2%) of the interaction data. These findings unveil the hidden low-dimensional nature of e−ph interactions. Furthermore, they accelerate state-of-the-art first-principles e−ph calculations by about 2 orders of magnitude without sacrificing accuracy. Our Pareto-optimal parametrization of e−ph interactions can be readily generalized to electron-electron and electron-defect interactions, as well as to other couplings, advancing quantitative studies of condensed matter.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Socio-cognitive mindfulness is a well-being booster: a serial mediation model to test the mindfulness reappraisal hypothesis with managers
Authors: Junça Silva Ana
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between mindfulness and two types of well-being, namely subjective and psychological well-being, particularly in a managerial context. The mindfulness-to-meaning theory (MMT) suggests that the practice of mindfulness might lead individuals to reevaluate and find greater meaning in their experiences, ultimately contributing to increased well-being. Accordingly, we argue that mindfulness boosts well-being because it may potentially lead managers to reappraise what surrounds them, making them experience more frequent positive affect.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-wave survey with a two-week interval was used to gather quantitative data. An overall sample of 1,260 managers with and without experience with mindfulness took part in the study.

Findings

Structural equation modeling showed that mindfulness had a direct and positive relationship with both subjective and psychological well-being. Furthermore, both processes – positive reappraisal and positive affect – mediated the path from mindfulness to both forms of well-being.

Practical implications

The findings emphasize the importance of creating training strategies that develop managers’ ability to positively reappraise daily events and occurrences, which may trigger more frequently positive affective experiences. Therefore, promoting mindfulness training at the workplace may develop mindful employees, especially by working on specific strategies, such as positive reappraisal, which may be a promising empirical-based strategy to enhance well-being.

Originality/value

This study adds knowledge about how mindfulness can contribute to well-being and contributes to expanding the mindfulness-to-meaning theory by adding positive affective experiences as an additional mechanism in the relationship between mindfulness and well-being. Specifically, it demonstrates that the practice of mindfulness helps managers to positively reappraise their surroundings, which results in more frequent experiences of positive affect.
Experience management in hospitality and tourism: reflections and implications for future research
Authors: Agapito Dora , Sigala Marianna
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a critical reflection on the management of experiences in hospitality and tourism (H&T). The paper investigates the evolution of experience research, while discussing the emerging challenges and opportunities for management.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a critical and reflective approach for providing future directions of experience research. Three major fields are identified to discuss advances, challenges and opportunities in experience research: conceptualization and dimensions of experiences; relational network for experience management; and theoretical and methodological approaches.

Findings

The paper proposes a mindset shift to guide experience research, but also to redirect and research thinking and managerial practices about the role of experiences in the economy and society. This proposed humanized perspective to experience research and management is deemed important given the contemporary socio-economic, environmental and technological challenges of the environment.

Research limitations/implications

This paper identifies a set of theoretical and managerial implications to help scholars and professionals alike to implement the humanized perspective to experience research. Implications relate to conceptualization, relational network and theoretical and methodological approaches in experience research.

Originality/value

This study critically assesses research challenges and opportunities around customer experience management (CEM) in H&T contexts. This reflective and critical look at customer experiences not only informs future research for advancing knowledge and practice but also proposes a mindset shift about the role and nature of CEM in the society and economy.
Queer representation in children’s books beyond two moms or two dads
Authors: Olson Peter C.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This article aims to help educators provide a holistic view of the LGBTQ community by highlighting children’s books that include non-parental LGBTQ characters.

Design/methodology/approach

The author selected over 80 children’s books honored by the American Library Association’s Rainbow Book List. Twenty-two books were analyzed that contain examples of LGBTQ adults existing beyond the homonormative nuclear family, e.g. two same-sex parents raising children.

Findings

The author discusses various ways of living represented in these books, such as chosen families, extended families, romantic partnerships and singlehood.

Originality/value

With the increased number of high-quality LGBTQ-inclusive children’s books published in the past decade, this study provides the foundation for educators to select various texts that reveal diverse representations of LGBTQ individuals.
Human centered digital transformation in travel: a horizon 2050 paper
Authors: Inversini Alessandro
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The impact of digital technology in the wider travel field has been substantial and significant, changing both the competitive landscape of businesses and the behavior of travelers. However, we are now on the cusp of new digital developments encompassing cloud computing, blockchain, internet of things (IoT) and above all, artificial intelligence (AI), which are predicted to disrupt the business and consumer sides of several industries – travel included. This study aims to frame this upcoming digital transformation in travel within a human-centered approach where the critical understanding of digital humanism principles will enrich social scientists’ research agenda in the coming years.

Design/methodology/approach

The viewpoint follows a structure based on (i) setting the scene for the rise of digital transformation, (ii) the historical perspective on digital transformation in travel, (iii) the pandemic’s impact and (iv) future development and research agenda.

Findings

It is only by fostering a human-centered digital transformation perspective that social science researchers in travel can realize the “high-tech for high-touch” promise of fostering a human-to-human encounter empowered and possibly hampered, by digital technologies. This work proposes to start from the concepts of digital technology control, participation, education and ethics to design a research agenda with a 2050 horizon.

Originality/value

This work has been designed to shift the attention of researchers toward a human-centered digital transformation approach to reflect on the human-machine relationship for a better society. Due to its inner characteristics the travel field can foster a reflection on this topic by reaffirming the centrality of human beings and their authorship in the travel product creation.
In vitro effects and mathematical modelling of CTCE‐9908 (a chemokine receptor 4 antagonist) on melanoma cell survival
Authors: Basson Charlise , Phiri Avulundiah Edwin , Gandhi Manjunath , Anguelov Roumen , Serem June Cheptoo , Bipath Priyesh , Hlophe Yvette Nkondo
Published: May 2024

CTCE‐9908, a CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) antagonist, prevents CXCR4 phosphorylation and inhibits the interaction with chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) and downstream signalling pathways associated with metastasis. This study evaluated the in vitro effects of CTCE‐9908 on B16 F10 melanoma cells with the use of mathematical modelling. Crystal violet staining was used to construct a mathematical model of CTCE‐9908 B16 F10 (melanoma) and RAW 264.7 (non‐cancerous macrophage) cell lines on cell viability to predict the half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). Morphological changes were assessed using transmission electron microscopy. Flow cytometry was used to assess changes in cell cycle distribution, apoptosis via caspase‐3, cell survival via extracellular signal‐regulated kinase1/2 activation, CXCR4 activation and CXCL12 expression. Mathematical modelling predicted IC50 values from 0 to 100 h. At IC50, similar cytotoxicity between the two cell lines and ultrastructural morphological changes indicative of cell death were observed. At a concentration 10 times lower than IC50, CTCE‐9908 induced inhibition of cell survival (p = 0.0133) in B16 F10 cells but did not affect caspase‐3 or cell cycle distribution in either cell line. This study predicts CTCE‐9908 IC50 values at various time points using mathematical modelling, revealing cytotoxicity in melanoma and non‐cancerous cells. CTCE‐9908 significantly inhibited melanoma cell survival at a concentration 10 times lower than the IC50 in B16 F10 cells but not RAW 264.7 cells. However, CTCE‐9908 did not affect CXCR4 phosphorylation, apoptosis,\ or cell cycle distribution in either cell line.
Changes in right ventricular dimensions, function, and pulmonary circulation loading according to the degree of interdialytic weight gain in maintenance hemodialysis patients
Authors: Anastasiou Vasileios , Theodorakopoulou Marieta P. , Kamperidis Vasileios , Daios Stylianos , Tsilonis Konstantinos , Alexandrou Maria‐Eleni , Moysidis Dimitrios V. , Boutou Afroditi , Giannakoulas George , Ziakas Antonios , Sarafidis Pantelis
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate changes in echocardiographic right ventricular (RV) indices in relation to the degree of fluid accumulation between hemodialysis sessions, evaluated according to the recommended threshold of interdialytic‐weight‐gain corrected for dry weight (IDWG%).

Methods

A post‐hoc analysis was performed using data from 41 maintenance hemodialysis patients. Patients were divided into a higher (>4.5%) and a lower (<4.5%) IDWG% group and underwent an echocardiographic assessment at the start and the end of the 3‐day and the 2‐day interdialytic interval.

Results

RV systolic pressure (RVSP) increments were more pronounced in the higher compared to the lower IDWG% group (16.43 ± 5.37 vs. 14.11 ± 13.38 mm Hg respectively, p = 0.015) over the 3‐day interval, while changes in RV filling pressures, did not differ significantly between the groups (p = 0.84).

Conclusions

During the 3‐day interdialytic interval, pulmonary circulation is particularly overloaded in patients with fluid accumulation higher than the recommended thresholds, as evidenced by higher RVSP elevations.
Expanding the applications of the standardized streamflow index through regionalization
Authors: Anderson Elliot S. , Schilling Keith E.
Published: May 2024

The Standardized Streamflow Index (SSI) has frequently been used to quantify drought by comparing periods of streamflow against a river's historical values. This study expands upon previous SSI methodologies by creating a more flexible, regionalized version of the metric for Iowa, a Midwestern state located in the central United States. Five drought regions were developed for Iowa that largely correspond to the state's Major Land Resource Areas. Several United States Geological Survey gauges were identified within each drought region and streamflow data were used to calculate daily water yields from 1960 to the present. SSI values calculated for both individual river sites and the entire drought region provide insights into the relative dryness of Iowa watersheds over the past several decades. The SSI methodology can be used to evaluate river dryness with limited data records and water yields of specific streams can be compared to each other and across the overall region. This study demonstrates the potential for developing versions of the SSI that enable real‐time calculations at a daily scale at locations with limited historical streamflow data. The new SSI metric may be a valuable tool for decision‐makers as state and federal agencies continue to identify and manage drought.
NanoImprint: A DNA methylation tool for clinical interpretation and diagnosis of common imprinting disorders using nanopore long‐read sequencing
Authors: Bækgaard Caroline Hey , Lester Emilie Boye , Møller‐Larsen Steffen , Lauridsen Mathilde Faurholdt , Larsen Martin Jakob
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Long‐read whole genome sequencing like Oxford Nanopore Technology, is increasingly being introduced in clinical settings. With its ability to simultaneously call sequence variation and DNA modifications including 5‐methylcytosine, nanopore is a promising technology to improve diagnostics of imprinting disorders.

Methods

Currently, no tools to analyze DNA methylation patterns at known clinically relevant imprinted regions are available. Here we present NanoImprint, which generates an easily interpretable report, based on long‐read nanopore sequencing, to use for identifying clinical relevant abnormalities in methylation levels at 14 imprinted regions and diagnosis of common imprinting disorders.

Results and conclusion

NanoImprint outputs a summarizing table and visualization plots displays methylation frequency (%) and chromosomal positions for all regions, with phased data color‐coded for the two alleles. We demonstrate the utility of NanoImprint using three imprinting disorder samples from patients with Beckwith‐Wiedemann syndrome (BWS), Angelman syndrome (AS) and Prader‐Willi syndrome (PWS). NanoImprint script is available from https://github.com/carolinehey/NanoImprint.
Plasma pentraxin‐3 levels and its role in childhood obesity—Is it anti‐inflammatory? A matched group study
Authors: Uysal Merve , Mete Burak , Kara Ertan , Demirhindi Hakan , Haytoglu Zeliha , Yuksel Bilgin , Turan İhsan , Daglioglu Gülçin , Dogus Yusuf
Published: May 2024

Objective

Obesity has been associated with chronic low‐grade systemic inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the relationship of pentraxin‐3 (PTX‐3) with anthropometric measurements, dietary content and physical activity level in children.

Design

A matched group study.

Patients

This study was conducted with 91 children aged 6–17 years, divided into two groups: “non‐obese group” (Body Mass Index Standard Deviation Score [BMI SDS] <95th percentile) and “obese group” (BMI SDS ≥95th percentile).

Measurements

Plasma PTX‐3 levels.

Results

The mean age of 91 children included in the study was 12.34 ± 2.86 years. Plasma PTX‐3 levels were significantly higher in obese children (p = .028). No significant correlation was found between BMI SDS and plasma PTX‐3 values, but a weak positive correlation was found when physical activity level was controlled (r = .176, p = .049). In addition, it was found that fat mass was a partial mediator of plasma PTX‐3 level, and an increase in the amount of subcutaneous adipose tissue negatively affected plasma PTX‐3 level. Plasma PTX‐3 level showed a weak positive correlation (r = .223, p = .017) with physical activity score and dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid intake, while a weak negative correlation with neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio. One unit increase in physical activity score or polyunsaturated fatty acid level caused 0.730 and 2.061 unit increases in plasma PTX‐3 level, respectively; while one unit increase in dietary fat intake caused 0.413‐unit decrease.

Conclusion

There was an indirect relationship between the amount of subcutaneous adipose tissue and PTX‐3 level. The results of our study suggested that plasma PTX‐3 was associated with lower levels of inflammation in children.
Implementing innovations in US transplantation system
Authors: Tayur Sridhar
Published: May 2024

Can private jets help save lives? Yes. Can short videos nudge next‐of‐kin to donate more? Also, yes. How has an outsider to the transplantation system, with no previous knowledge or expertise in (any aspect of) healthcare, managed to make a difference? Is imagination really more important than knowledge? In this invited article, I will briefly describe two innovations—OrganJet and Nudge Videos—that I have implemented in the US Transplantation System that have extended the lives of many.
Emigrant voyages from the UK to North America and Australasia, 1853–1913
Authors: Hatton Timothy J.
Published: May 2024

Studies of the determinants of emigration from Europe from 1850 to 1913 include the gains to migrants but often neglect the costs. One component of those costs is earnings forgone on the voyage. In this paper, I present new data on the voyage times for emigrants from the UK traveling to the United States and to Australia. Between 1853–7 and 1909–13 the voyage time from Liverpool to New York fell from 38 days to just 8 days (or 79 per cent). Over the same years, the emigrant voyage to Sydney fell by more in absolute terms, from 105 days to 46, but by less in relative terms (56 per cent). Differences in profiles of travel times are explained with a focus on the transition from sailing to steam ships and (for Australia) the use of the Suez Canal. Data series for fare prices and foregone wage costs during transit are combined to create new series on the ‘total’ cost of emigrant voyages. Econometric analysis of the determinants of UK emigration to the United States, Canada, and Australia supports the view that time costs mattered.
Psychopathological characteristics in ultra‐high risk for psychosis with and without comorbid ADHD
Authors: Ribolsi Michele , Prosperi Porta Davide , Sacco Roberto , Di Lorenzo Giorgio , Fiori Nastro Federico , Albergo Giuliano , Di Lazzaro Vincenzo , Costa Anna
Published: May 2024

Aim

This study investigates the psychopathological characteristics of a sample of individuals at ultra‐high risk for psychosis with and without comorbid attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Methods

Twenty‐eight subjects (aged 13–21 years; 13 females) with attenuated psychosis syndrome (APS) were recruited in a cross‐sectional study and divided into two groups, each with 14 patients, according to the presence or absence of ADHD.

Results

The APS group showed a significantly higher prevalence of negative symptoms than the APS + ADHD group. Other characteristics investigated (positive symptoms, aberrant salience, psychotic‐like experiences and prodromal symptoms) did not differ between groups.

Conclusions

The different profiles of negative symptoms in the APS with or without ADHD might suggest the presence of a specific subtype among individuals at ultra‐high risk for psychosis. Longitudinal studies with larger samples will provide information about the role of negative symptoms in determining conversion to full psychosis in those people with ‘pure’ APS and those with APS + ADHD.
Enhancing pulse energy‐storage properties of BaTiO3‐based ceramics using novel glass additive
Authors: Yan Guiwei , Sun Jun , Fang Bijun , Zhang Shuai , Lu Xiaolong , Ding Jianning
Published: May 2024

A novel glass additive of 10Bi2O3‒5Li2O‒7.5Na2O‒7.5K2O‒21Nb2O5‒20.5SiO2‒10.5BaO‒11SrO‒4.5Al2O3‒0.5La2O3‒2TiO2 was melted to improve the energy‐storage properties of (Ba0.94Li0.02La0.04)(Mg0.04Ti0.96)O3 (BLLMT) ceramics (BLLMT‒x wt% G), which overcomes the paradox between polarization and voltage endurance. The dielectric constant and resistance of BLLMT ceramics are improved by glass modification, while the grain size decreases. Consequently, excellent breakdown strength of 565.9 kV/cm is obtained, and the difference between maximum polarization and remnant polarization reaches up to 22.14 µC/cm2. Weibull distribution and finite element simulation prove that grain boundary density, grain size, resistance, and bandgap width have significant effects on the breakdown strength. Finally, outstanding energy‐storage density of 4.82 J/cm3 is obtained at x = 2, accompanied with an excellent pulse discharged energy density of 3.42 J/cm3, current density of 1226.12 A/cm2, and power density of 337.19 MW/cm3. Excellent temperature stability is gained with the variation of the pulse discharged energy density less than 10% at 20°C‒140°C. The outstanding pulse energy‐storage parameters are related to phase structure, small grain size, high grain boundary density, formation of liquid phase, increased ceramic resistance, and destroyed long‐range ordered ferroelectrics. This work provides a novel idea for fabricating glass to obtain excellent energy‐storage performance and promotes practical application of BaTiO3 ceramics.
Treatment of peri‐implantitis with a flapless surgical access combined with implant surface decontamination and adjunctive systemic antibiotics: A retrospective case series study
Authors: Carrillo de Albornoz Ana , Montero Eduardo , Alonso‐Español Andrea , Sanz Mariano , Sanz‐Sánchez Ignacio
Published: May 2024

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of a flapless surgical approach in the treatment of peri‐implantitis and to explore the factors influencing its outcome.

Materials and Methods

The present retrospective study evaluated patients with at least one implant diagnosed with peri‐implantitis and treated with a flapless surgical access, with or without systemic antimicrobials, curettage and, when needed, prostheses modification. Clinical and radiographic parameters were assessed at baseline and at 3 months and at least 12 months. The primary outcome was disease resolution (≤1 bleeding sites, probing depth [PD] ≤5 mm, no bone loss >0.5 mm). Multilevel regression analyses were used to identify predictors influencing the probability of attaining disease resolution.

Results

One hundred and seventeen patients with 338 implants were included. Disease resolution was attained in 54.4% of the 338 implants receiving flapless surgical access. At the end of the follow‐up period, 111 patients (94.9%) with 295 implants (87.3%) did not require any further treatment, with 81.4% of these implants presenting PD ≤ 5 mm. History of periodontitis and PD at baseline were identified as negative predictors, while compliance with supportive peri‐implant care, a machined surface and the adjunctive use of systemic azithromycin or metronidazole were identified as positive predictive factors for disease resolution.

Conclusions

A flapless surgical approach led to disease resolution in 54.4% of the implants with peri‐implantitis. Several risk/protective predictors for disease resolution were identified.
Grand Challenges Viewed through the Pragmatist Lens of the Economies of Worth: A Multidisciplinary Review and Framework for the Conduct of Moral Work in Pluralistic Settings
Authors: Cloutier Charlotte , Desjardins Francis , Rouleau Linda
Published: May 2024

A fast‐growing number of organization and management scholars are responding to calls to conduct research on grand challenges (GCs). Few among these, however, question the core assumptions that underpin their efforts. In this paper we argue that the intractability of GCs stems from a failure to recognize the fundamentally pragmatic, plural, and moral character of these problems, which generate conflicts between groups over what is the ‘right’ or most appropriate course of action to pursue. A theoretical lens frequently used across many disciplines to make sense of problems such as these is Boltanski and Thévenot's (1991, 2006) economies of worth (EoW). On this premise, we undertake a multidisciplinary review of articles that use the EoW for studying GCs. Based on our analysis, we develop a pragmatist framework that articulates the practices that underpin the conduct of ‘moral work’ that organizational actors engage in as they seek to agree on a common sense of justice in GC contexts. Our framework provides a useful roadmap for scholars interested in applying a pragmatist perspective to our understanding of GCs, and by so doing, explore different, more socially just, and potentially more impactful ways of tackling them.
Effect of prosthetic management and its timing on otological and audiological outcomes in infants with cleft lip and palate: A clinical trial
Authors: Aboelsayed Kamel M. S. , Abdel Razek Mahmoud Khamis , Assal Samir , Habib Ahmed M. A. , Negm Rana A.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To evaluate how prosthetic management affects the otological and audiological state of infants with cleft lip and palate by preventing or treating otitis media (OM).

Materials and Methods

Thirty infants with cleft lip and palate (L/P) were assigned to three equal groups according to the age of prosthetic intervention; Group I: immediately after birth, Group II: 2 months old, Group III: 5 months old. Assessment of middle ear function by tympanometry and hearing quality by auditory brainstem response (ABR) under natural sleep was conducted before and after prosthetic treatment every month till 10 months of age. Data from the study groups were compared.

Results

No statistically significant differences were found between Gp I and Gp II in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th months for right and left ears (p > 0.05). In the 5th month, statistically significant differences between the three groups were found in tympanometry for right (p = 0.011) and left (p = 0.024) ears also, in ABR for right (p = 0.007) and left (p = 0.011) ears. Tympanometric readings starting from the 6th till the 10th month showed no statistically significant differences between the three groups (p >0.05). The final ABR outcomes of the 10th month indicated statistically significant differences between the three groups for both ears (p = 0.027).

Conclusions

Early prosthetic care could delay the development of OM, so it could potentially improve the otological and audiological state in infants with cleft L/P. However, prosthetic treatment may not be able to completely prevent or eliminate middle ear disorders.
A long journey to the colon: The role of the small intestine microbiota in intestinal disease
Authors: Shealy Nicolas G. , Baltagulov Madi , Byndloss Mariana X.
Published: May 2024

The small intestine represents a complex and understudied gut niche with significant implications for human health. Indeed, many infectious and non‐infectious diseases center within the small intestine and present similar clinical manifestations to large intestinal disease, complicating non‐invasive diagnosis and treatment. One major neglected aspect of small intestinal diseases is the feedback relationship with the resident collection of commensal organisms, the gut microbiota. Studies focused on microbiota–host interactions in the small intestine in the context of infectious and non‐infectious diseases are required to identify potential therapeutic targets dissimilar from those used for large bowel diseases. While sparsely populated, the small intestine represents a stringent commensal bacterial microenvironment the host relies upon for nutrient acquisition and protection against invading pathogens (colonization resistance). Indeed, recent evidence suggests that disruptions to host–microbiota interactions in the small intestine impact enteric bacterial pathogenesis and susceptibility to non‐infectious enteric diseases. In this review, we focus on the microbiota's impact on small intestine function and the pathogenesis of infectious and non‐infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. We also discuss gaps in knowledge on the role of commensal microorganisms in proximal GI tract function during health and disease.
Live to fight another day: The bacterial nucleoid under stress
Authors: Walker Azra M. , Abbondanzieri Elio A. , Meyer Anne S.
Published: May 2024

The bacterial chromosome is both highly supercoiled and bound by an ensemble of proteins and RNA, causing the DNA to form a compact structure termed the nucleoid. The nucleoid serves to condense, protect, and control access to the bacterial chromosome through a variety of mechanisms that remain incompletely understood. The nucleoid is also a dynamic structure, able to change both in size and composition. The dynamic nature of the bacterial nucleoid is particularly apparent when studying the effects of various stresses on bacteria, which require cells to protect their DNA and alter patterns of transcription. Stresses can lead to large changes in the organization and composition of the nucleoid on timescales as short as a few minutes. Here, we summarize some of the recent advances in our understanding of how stress can alter the organization of bacterial chromosomes.
The comprehensive incidence and risk factors of fracture in kidney transplant recipients: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Jia Lei , Chao Sheng , Yang Qizhen , Chen Qian , Yuan Zhihui , Chen Luobei , Zhang Tao , Zhu Kejing , Niu Yulin
Published: May 2024

Aim

Kidney transplant recipients are at high risk of fracture due to many factors such as nutritional status, hyperparathyroidism, acidosis and steroid administration. The current meta‐analysis aimed to comprehensively analyse the incidence and risk factors of fracture in kidney transplant recipients.

Methods

A systematic search on Embase, Web of Science, PubMed and Cochrane Library until November 2023 was performed. RStudio software was used to analyse data.

Results

Twenty‐eight eligible studies containing 310 530 kidney transplant recipients were included in the analysis. The pooled incidence of fracture was 10% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7%–13%) generally. When divided by regions, it was further observed that the pooled incidence of fracture was 13% (95% CI: 9%–17%) in Europe, 11% (95% CI: 6%–16%) in North America, 7% (95% CI: 3%–11%) in Asia. Regarding the risk factors, pooled analysis revealed that age of recipient (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.17–1.91), female sex (HR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.36–1.53), pretransplantation diabetes (HR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.58–1.97), pretransplantation fracture history (HR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.86–2.78), dialysis duration (HR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01–1.17) and deceased donor (HR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.05–1.39) related to higher risk of fracture. The general quality of included studies was acceptable, and no publication bias existed except for the analysis between age of recipient and fracture incidence; further trim and fill method indicated age of recipient showed a correlation trend with the fracture incidence without the statistical significance.

Conclusion

The pooled incidence of fracture reaches 10% in kidney transplant recipients, which relates to age of recipient, female sex, pretransplantation diabetes or fracture history, dialysis duration and decease donor.

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