bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SG-APSIC1206: Effectiveness of sterilization practice in reprocessing medical devices among different multidisciplinary tertiary-care hospitals in Dhaka City
Authors: Zaman Sifat Uz , Adnan Nihad
Published: March 2023

Objectives: Sterilization failure is one of the main causes of surgical-site infections. We assessed the effectiveness of the sterilization process of surgical instruments to determine the reasons for sterilization failure. Methods: In total, 100 sterilization cycles were observed from February 4, 2022, to September 5, 2022, in hospitals in Dhaka City. We used sterilization quality assurance monitoring tools (ie, biological indicators) for rapid steam and ethylene oxide sterilization methods. Tests were performed using an automatic reading machine, chemical indicator strips, and indicator tape for both steam and ethylene oxide methods. For laboratory testing and data collection, APSIC guidelines were followed. All samples were incubated for 48 hours to cross check the accuracy of the auto-reader result. Results: All ethylene oxide sterilization cycles were 100% successful, as shown by the rapid biological indicator (auto-reader), chemical indicator strips, and indicator tape. However, 22% sterilization failure occurred with steam sterilization, which was confirmed by the auto-reader, chemical indicator strips, and indicator tape. All biological samples showed no growth after 48 hours of incubation, except the sample from steam sterilization, which did show growth after 48 hours of incubation. Conclusions: We detected 22% steam sterilization failure, and serious harm to patients could occur if these surgical instruments were used for surgery. Process recall would not have been not possible if rapid biological indicator tests had not been performed and other chemical monitoring tools had not been used. The regular use of monitoring tools according to guidelines can be a reliable solution to reduce surgical site infections caused by inappropriate sterilization of surgical instruments.
How Digital Platforms Organize Immaturity: A Sociosymbolic Framework of Platform Power
Authors: Harracá Martín , Castelló Itziar , Gawer Annabelle
Published: March 2023

The power of the digital platforms and the increasing scope of their control over individuals and institutions have begun to generate societal concern. However, the ways in which digital platforms exercise power and organize immaturity—defined as the erosion of the individual’s capacity for public use of reason—have not yet been theorized sufficiently. Drawing on Bourdieu’s concepts of field, capitals, and habitus, we take a sociosymbolic perspective on platforms’ power dynamics, characterizing the digital habitus and identifying specific forms of platform power and counterpower accumulation. We make two main contributions. First, we expand the concept of organized immaturity by adopting a sociological perspective, from which we develop a novel sociosymbolic view of platforms’ power dynamics. Our framework explains fundamental aspects of immaturity, such as self-infliction and emergence. Second, we contribute to the platform literature by developing a three-phase model of platform power dynamics over time.
Modelling the induction, thrust and power of a yaw-misaligned actuator disk
Authors: Heck K.S. , Johlas H.M. , Howland M.F.
Published: March 2023

Collective wind farm flow control, where wind turbines are operated in an individually suboptimal strategy to benefit the aggregate farm, has demonstrated potential to reduce wake interactions and increase farm energy production. However, existing wake models used for flow control often estimate the thrust and power of yaw-misaligned turbines using simplified empirical expressions that require expensive calibration data and do not extrapolate accurately between turbine models. The thrust, wake velocity deficit, wake deflection and power of a yawed wind turbine depend on its induced velocity. Here, we extend classical one-dimensional momentum theory to model the induction of a yaw-misaligned actuator disk. Analytical expressions for the induction, thrust, initial wake velocities and power are developed as a function of the yaw angle (

$\gamma$

) and thrust coefficient. The analytical model is validated against large eddy simulations of a yawed actuator disk. Because the induction depends on the yaw and thrust coefficient, the power generated by a yawed actuator disk will always be greater than a

$\cos ^3(\gamma )$

model suggests. The power lost due to yaw misalignment depends on the thrust coefficient. An analytical expression for the thrust coefficient that maximizes power, depending on the yaw, is developed and validated. Finally, using the developed induction model as an initial condition for a turbulent far-wake model, we demonstrate how combining wake steering and thrust (induction) control can increase array power, compared to either independent steering or induction control, due to the joint dependence of the induction on the thrust coefficient and yaw angle.
Laryngeal realism and the voicing contrast in Khuzestani Arabic stops
Authors: Bahrani Nawal , Kulikov Vladimir
Published: March 2023

In laryngeal realism (LR), laryngeal specification of stops is explained by direct maps of cues (e.g. VOT) onto privative phonological laryngeal features [voice] or [spread glottis]. Phonetic realization of the segments and speakers’ ‘control’ (e.g. the degree of intervocalic voicing and speech rate manipulation effects on VOT duration) are used as diagnostics of phonological specification. Similar to some Arabic vernacular dialects (e.g. Qatari Arabic), Khuzestani Arabic in Iran presents a case where three voiced stops /b d ɡ/ are in contrast with voiceless stops /p t k/, but two voiceless guttural plosives /tˁ q/ have no voiced homorganic counterparts. In this paper we examine the phonetic realization of voicing in these stops at word-initial and intervocalic position, as well as the effects of speech rate manipulation on VOT and closure voicing. The data came from 12 native speakers recorded in Khorramshahr, Iran. Our findings suggest an over-specified voicing system in this Arabic variety. We found that voiced /b d ɡ/ were produced with voicing lead in initial position and complete closure voicing word medially, voiceless /p t k/ had long lag VOT, while guttural /tˁ q/ had short lag VOT. Speech rate manipulation revealed that only duration of (pre)voicing and duration of aspiration increased in slower speech. Also, f0, F1, and F2 were measured at vowel onset to evaluate the glottal state in production of stops. The results support the predictions of LR that voiced stops are specified by [voice], voiceless stops are [sg], while gutturals lack underlying specification for voice.
SHARP TEST FOR EQUILIBRIUM UNIQUENESS IN DISCRETE GAMES WITH PRIVATE INFORMATION AND COMMON KNOWLEDGE UNOBSERVED HETEROGENEITY
Authors: Marcoux Mathieu
Published: March 2023

This paper proposes a test of the single equilibrium in the data assumption commonly maintained when estimating static discrete games of incomplete information. By allowing for discrete common knowledge payoff-relevant unobserved heterogeneity, the test generalizes existing methods attributing all correlation between players’ decisions to multiple equilibria. It does not require the estimation of payoffs and is therefore useful in empirical applications leveraging multiple equilibria to identify the model’s primitives. The procedure boils down to testing the emptiness of the set of data generating processes that can rationalize the sample through a single equilibrium and a finite mixture over unobserved heterogeneity. Under verifiable conditions, this testable implication is generically sufficient for degenerate equilibrium selection. The main identifying assumption is the existence of an observable variable that plays the role of a proxy for the unobservable heterogeneity. Examples of such proxies are provided based on empirical applications from the existing literature.
The Australian public worries more about losing species than the costs of keeping them
Authors: Zander Kerstin K , Burton Michael , Pandit Ram , Garnett Stephen T
Published: March 2023

Government conservation measures will always depend on public support. While more has been learnt about which species the public values and which conservation measures are socially acceptable, less is known about the criteria that the public thinks government should consider when making conservation investment decisions. This study uses a stated preference best–worst scaling method to gauge the views of a sample of the Australian public on what they think government should consider when allocating funding to threatened species conservation. We found that the three most important factors were the risk that a species might become extinct, the likelihood that a conservation intervention might be effective and the risk of unintended consequences for other species that could potentially arise if the measure was implemented. Costs of conservation measures and the degree to which the society accepts these costs were considered much less important. The latter aspect was consistent with the high level of trust that respondents placed in the judgement of experts and scientists concerning threatened species conservation. We conclude that the Australian Government has a societal mandate to spend more money on threatened species conservation, provided that there is little risk and that it is backed up by science.
‘The rain soaked sky is leaden’: Welsh Identity and Dystopian Impulses inThe Doctor of Myddfai
Authors: Jones Nicholas
Published: March 2023

The Doctor of Myddfai(1995), Peter Maxwell Davies's third full-scale opera and his first collaboration with David Pountney, is a work that occupies an important position within the composer's output for the opera house and theatre. However, whereas a significant amount of scholarly attention has been afforded to Davies's music-theatre works of the 1960s and the operasTaverner(1962–8) andResurrection(1986–7),The Doctor of Myddfaihas been somewhat neglected by comparison. This article examines the opera from two perspectives. The first addresses the work's dystopian setting and argues that key issues highlighted in the libretto – especially in relation to certain political concerns and environmental anxieties – have a strong contemporary resonance. The second focuses on the opera's articulation of Welsh identity, particularly through the use of Welsh folklore, native landscape and place, and indigenous musical signifiers. The intersection of these two elements – the work's celebration of Welshness and its dystopian qualities – imbues the opera with an intrinsic yet highly productive sense of tension and opposition: characteristics that drive the work towards its compelling conclusion.
Risk factors for long post-operative hospital stays after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery in full-term neonates
Authors: Asfari Ahmed , Borasino Santiago , Mendoza Erika , Hock Kristal M. , Huskey Jordan L. , Rahman A.K.M. Fazlur , Zaccagni Hayden , Byrnes Jonathan W.
Published: March 2023

Background:

Long hospital stays for neonates following cardiac surgery can be detrimental to short- and long-term outcomes. Furthermore, it can impact resource allocation within heart centres' daily operations. We aimed to explore multiple clinical variables and complications that can influence and predict the post-operative hospital length of stay.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective observational review of the full-term neonates (<30 days old) who had cardiac surgery in a tertiary paediatric cardiac surgery centre – assessment of multiple clinical variables and their association with post-operative hospital length of stay.

Results:

A total of 273 neonates were screened with a mortality rate of 8%. The survivors (number = 251) were analysed; 83% had at least one complication. The median post-operative hospital length of stay was 19.5 days (interquartile range 10.5, 31.6 days). The median post-operative hospital length of stay was significantly different among patients with complications (21.5 days, 10.5, 34.6 days) versus the no-complication group (14 days, 9.6, 19.5 days), p < 0.01. Among the non-modifiable variables, gastrostomy, tracheostomy, syndromes, and single ventricle physiology are significantly associated with longer post-operative hospital length of stay. Among the modifiable variables, deep vein thrombosis and cardiac arrest were associated with extended post-operative hospital length of stay.

Conclusions:

Complications following cardiac surgery can be associated with longer hospital stay. Some complications are modifiable. Deep vein thrombosis and cardiac arrest are among the complications that were associated with longer hospital stay and offer a direct opportunity for prevention which may be reflected in better outcomes and shorter hospital stay.
Cognition in adults with borderline personality disorder
Authors: Aslan Ibrahim H. , Grant Jon E. , Chamberlain Samuel R.
Published: March 2023

Objective

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a common and disabling mental health disorder and has detrimental effects on affected individuals across multiple domains. We aimed to investigate whether individuals with BPD differ from control subjects in terms of cognitive functions, and to see if there is a relationship between cognitive functions, impulsivity, and BPD symptom severity.

Methods

BPD individuals (n = 26; mean age = 26.7; 69.2% female) and controls (n = 58; mean age = 25.3; 51.7% female) were enrolled. Intra/Extra-Dimensional Set Shift (IED) and One Touch Stockings of Cambridge (OTS) tasks from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) were used to assess cognitive functions. Barratt Impulsivity Scale-version 11 (BIS−11) was administered to measure impulsivity and both the Zanarini Scale for Borderline Personality Disorder self-report and the clinician-administered versions were used to assess BPD symptom severity.

Results

BPD group showed significantly impaired cognitive performance on the IED task versus controls, but there was not a significant difference in the OTS task. BPD symptom severity was positively correlated with trait (BIS-11) impulsivity and no correlation was found between BPD symptom severity and cognitive functions.

Conclusions

This study suggests people with BPD experience impaired cognitive flexibility and heightened impulsivity. Only impulsivity appeared to be directly related to symptom severity, perhaps indicating that cognitive inflexibility could be a vulnerability marker. Future research should focus on a longitudinal approach to extend clinical and theoretical knowledge in this area.
Home Education in England: A Loose Thread in the Child Safeguarding Net?
Authors: Purcell Carl , Baginsky Mary , Manthorpe Jill , Driscoll Jenny
Published: March 2023

For a small number of parents home education is a preferred alternative to school and in England more parents are taking up this option. This has refuelled a long-running debate about the adequacy of a regulatory framework under which parents are not required to register their children as home educated and provision is not routinely monitored. This article highlights concerns regarding the ability of local authorities to fulfil their duty to safeguard these children, drawing on interviews with sixty-eight officials working in twenty local authorities, national surveys of local education and safeguarding agencies and interviews with thirty-eight staff working in twenty-five schools. We argue that, although the Government’s Department of Education is committed to introducing compulsory registration of home-educated children, more is needed to strengthen local authority powers and to address the reasons why some parents choose, or feel pressured, to take their children out of school.
Dynamics of the December 2020 Ash‐Poor Plume Formed by Lava‐Water Interaction at the Summit of Kīlauea Volcano, Hawaiʻi
Authors: Cahalan Ryan C. , Mastin Larry G. , Van Eaton Alexa R. , Hurwitz Shaul , Smith Adam B. , Dufek Josef , Solovitz Stephen A. , Patrick Matt , Schmith Johanne , Parcheta Carolyn , Thelen Weston A. , Downs Drew T.
Published: March 2023

On 20 December 2020, after more than 2 years of quiescence at Kīlauea Volcano, Hawaiʻi, renewed volcanic activity in the summit crater caused boiling of the water lake over a period of ∼90 min. The resulting water‐rich, electrified plume rose to 11–13 km above sea level, which is among the highest plumes on record for Kīlauea. Although conventional models would infer a high mass flux from explosive magma‐water interaction, the plume was not associated with an infrasound signal indicative of “explosive” activity, nor did it produce a measurable ash‐fall deposit. We use multisensor data to characterize lava‐water interaction and plume generation during this opening phase of the 2020–21 eruption. Satellite, weather radar, and eyewitness observations revealed that the plume was rich in water vapor and hydrometeors but transported less ash than expected from its maximum height. Volcanic lightning flashes detected by ground‐based cameras were confined to freezing altitudes of the upper cloud, suggesting that the ice formation drove the electrification of this plume. The low acoustic energy from lava‐water interaction points to a weakly explosive style of hydrovolcanism. Heat transfer calculations show that the lava to water heat flux was sufficient to boil the lake within 90 min. Limited mixing of lava and water inhibited major steam explosions and fine fragmentation. Results from one‐dimensional plume modeling suggest that the models may underpredict plume height due to overestimation of crosswind air‐entrainment. Our findings shed light on an unusual style of volcanism in which weakly explosive lava‐water interaction generated an outsized plume.
Multi‐Model Ensembles for Upper Atmosphere Models
Authors: Elvidge S. , Granados S. R. , Angling M. J. , Brown M. K. , Themens D. R. , Wood A. G.
Published: March 2023

Multi‐model ensembles (MMEs) are used to improve the forecasts of thermospheric neutral densities. A variety of algorithms for constructing the model weights for the MMEs are described and have been implemented including: performance weighting, independence weighting, and non‐negative least squares. Using both empirical and physics‐based models, compared against in situ Challenging Minisatellite Payload (CHAMP) observations, the skill of each MME weighting approach has been tested in both solar minimum and maximum conditions. In both cases the MME performs better than any individual model. A non‐negative least squares weighting for the MME on a set of bias corrected models provides a 68% and 50% reduction in the mean square error compared to the best model (Jacchia‐Bowman 2008) in the solar minimum and maximum cases, respectively.
Inhibition of ERK1/2 signaling prevents bone marrow fibrosis by reducing osteopontin plasma levels in a myelofibrosis mouse model
Authors: Bianchi Elisa , Rontauroli Sebastiano , Tavernari Lara , Mirabile Margherita , Pedrazzi Francesca , Genovese Elena , Sartini Stefano , Dall’Ora Massimiliano , Grisendi Giulia , Fabbiani Luca , Maccaferri Monica , Carretta Chiara , Parenti Sandra , Fantini Sebastian , Bartalucci Niccolò , Calabresi Laura , Balliu Manjola , Guglielmelli Paola , Potenza Leonardo , Tagliafico Enrico , Losi Lorena , Dominici Massimo , Luppi Mario , Vannucchi Alessandro Maria , Manfredini Rossella
Published: March 2023

Clonal myeloproliferation and development of bone marrow (BM) fibrosis are the major pathogenetic events in myelofibrosis (MF). The identification of novel antifibrotic strategies is of utmost importance since the effectiveness of current therapies in reverting BM fibrosis is debated. We previously demonstrated that osteopontin (OPN) has a profibrotic role in MF by promoting mesenchymal stromal cells proliferation and collagen production. Moreover, increased plasma OPN correlated with higher BM fibrosis grade and inferior overall survival in MF patients. To understand whether OPN is a druggable target in MF, we assessed putative inhibitors of OPN expression in vitro and identified ERK1/2 as a major regulator of OPN production. Increased OPN plasma levels were associated with BM fibrosis development in the Romiplostim-induced MF mouse model. Moreover, ERK1/2 inhibition led to a remarkable reduction of OPN production and BM fibrosis in Romiplostim-treated mice. Strikingly, the antifibrotic effect of ERK1/2 inhibition can be mainly ascribed to the reduced OPN production since it could be recapitulated through the administration of anti-OPN neutralizing antibody. Our results demonstrate that OPN is a novel druggable target in MF and pave the way to antifibrotic therapies based on the inhibition of ERK1/2-driven OPN production or the neutralization of OPN activity.
All-optical image classification through unknown random diffusers using a single-pixel diffractive network
Authors: Bai Bijie , Li Yuhang , Luo Yi , Li Xurong , Çetintaş Ege , Jarrahi Mona , Ozcan Aydogan
Published: March 2023

Classification of an object behind a random and unknown scattering medium sets a challenging task for computational imaging and machine vision fields. Recent deep learning-based approaches demonstrated the classification of objects using diffuser-distorted patterns collected by an image sensor. These methods demand relatively large-scale computing using deep neural networks running on digital computers. Here, we present an all-optical processor to directly classify unknown objects through unknown, random phase diffusers using broadband illumination detected with a single pixel. A set of transmissive diffractive layers, optimized using deep learning, forms a physical network that all-optically maps the spatial information of an input object behind a random diffuser into the power spectrum of the output light detected through a single pixel at the output plane of the diffractive network. We numerically demonstrated the accuracy of this framework using broadband radiation to classify unknown handwritten digits through random new diffusers, never used during the training phase, and achieved a blind testing accuracy of 87.74 ± 1.12%. We also experimentally validated our single-pixel broadband diffractive network by classifying handwritten digits “0” and “1” through a random diffuser using terahertz waves and a 3D-printed diffractive network. This single-pixel all-optical object classification system through random diffusers is based on passive diffractive layers that process broadband input light and can operate at any part of the electromagnetic spectrum by simply scaling the diffractive features proportional to the wavelength range of interest. These results have various potential applications in, e.g., biomedical imaging, security, robotics, and autonomous driving.
Severity of cystoid macular oedema in preterm infants observed using hand-held spectral domain optical coherence tomography improves weekly with postmenstrual age
Authors: Anwar Samira , Nath Mintu , Gottlob Irene , Proudlock F. A.
Published: March 2023

Objective

To investigate the relationship between cystoid macular oedema (CMO) measured in preterm infants using hand-held spectral domain optical coherence tomography (HH SD-OCT), with gestational age at birth (GA), birthweight (BW), diagnosis of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and the presence or absence of the external limiting membrane (ELM).

Methods

We conducted a prospective mixed cross-sectional/longitudinal observational study of 112 participants (23 to 36 weeks GA; n = 25 with, and n = 87 without, CMO). Retinal images were acquired using 344 HH SD-OCT (n = 66 with and n = 278 without, CMO) between 31 to 44 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA). CMO type (‘fovea’ and ‘dome’) was measured using thickness, width, area and peak.

Results

CMO was observed in 22.9% of preterm infants, and 19.2% of images. The mean values for  thickness, width, area and peak of ‘dome’ CMO were 128.47 µm (SD +/- 34.23), 3624.45 µm (SD +/- 1323.03), 0.49 mm2 (SD +/- 0.28) and 279.81 µm (SD +/- 13.57) respectively. The mean values for  thickness, width, area and peak of ‘fovea’ CMO were 64.37 µm (SD +/- 17.11), 2226.28 µm (SD +/- 1123.82), 0.16 mm2 (SD +/- 0.11) and 95.03 µm (SD +/- 26.99) respectively. Thickness, area width and peak were significantly greater for ‘dome CMO compared with ‘fovea’ CMO (P < 0.0001 for thickness, area and peak; P < 0.01 for width). Area and width significantly decreased with PMA for ‘dome’ and ‘fovea’ CMO (p = 0.0028; p < 0.001 respectively). No association was found between the presence of ROP and the detection of CMO or detection of CMO with absence of ELM.

Conclusions

HH -OCT in preterm infants demonstrates that the severity of CMO appearance improves each week for both fovea and dome CMO.
Existence of processes violating causal inequalities on time-delocalised subsystems
Authors: Wechs Julian , Branciard Cyril , Oreshkov Ognyan
Published: March 2023

It has been shown that it is theoretically possible for there to exist quantum and classical processes in which the operations performed by separate parties do not occur in a well-defined causal order. A central question is whether and how such processes can be realised in practice. In order to provide a rigorous framework for the notion that certain such processes have a realisation in standard quantum theory, the concept of time-delocalised quantum subsystem has been introduced. In this paper, we show that realisations on time-delocalised subsystems exist for all unitary extensions of tripartite processes. This class contains processes that violate causal inequalities, i.e., that can generate correlations that witness the incompatibility with definite causal order in a device-independent manner, and whose realisability has been a central open problem. We consider a known example of such a tripartite classical process that has a unitary extension, and study its realisation on time-delocalised subsystems. We then discuss this finding with regard to the assumptions that underlie causal inequalities, and argue that they are indeed a meaningful concept to show the absence of a definite causal order between the variables of interest.
Efficient in planta production of amidated antimicrobial peptides that are active against drug-resistant ESKAPE pathogens
Authors: Chaudhary Shahid , Ali Zahir , Tehseen Muhammad , Haney Evan F. , Pantoja-Angles Aarón , Alshehri Salwa , Wang Tiannyu , Clancy Gerard J. , Ayach Maya , Hauser Charlotte , Hong Pei-Ying , Hamdan Samir M. , Hancock Robert E. W. , Mahfouz Magdy
Published: March 2023

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising next-generation antibiotics that can be used to combat drug-resistant pathogens. However, the high cost involved in AMP synthesis and their short plasma half-life render their clinical translation a challenge. To address these shortcomings, we report efficient production of bioactive amidated AMPs by transient expression of glycine-extended AMPs in Nicotiana benthamiana line expressing the mammalian enzyme peptidylglycine α-amidating mono-oxygenase (PAM). Cationic AMPs accumulate to substantial levels in PAM transgenic plants compare to nontransgenic N. benthamiana. Moreover, AMPs purified from plants exhibit robust killing activity against six highly virulent and antibiotic resistant ESKAPE pathogens, prevent their biofilm formation, analogous to their synthetic counterparts and synergize with antibiotics. We also perform a base case techno-economic analysis of our platform, demonstrating the potential economic advantages and scalability for industrial use. Taken together, our experimental data and techno-economic analysis demonstrate the potential use of plant chassis for large-scale production of clinical-grade AMPs.
A contractile injection system is required for developmentally regulated cell death in Streptomyces coelicolor
Authors: Vladimirov Maria , Zhang Ruo Xi , Mak Stefanie , Nodwell Justin R. , Davidson Alan R.
Published: March 2023

Diverse bacterial species produce extracellular contractile injection systems (eCISs). Although closely related to contractile phage tails, eCISs can inject toxic proteins into eukaryotic cells. Thus, these systems are commonly viewed as cytotoxic defense mechanisms that are not central to other aspects of bacterial biology. Here, we provide evidence that eCISs appear to participate in the complex developmental process of the bacterium Streptomyces coelicolor. In particular, we show that S. coelicolor produces eCIS particles during its normal growth cycle, and that strains lacking functional eCIS particles exhibit pronounced alterations in their developmental program. Furthermore, eCIS-deficient mutants display reduced levels of cell death and altered morphology during growth in liquid media. Our results suggest that the main role of eCISs in S. coelicolor is to modulate the developmental switch that leads to aerial hyphae formation and sporulation, rather than to attack other species.
Limits to the strain engineering of layered square-planar nickelate thin films
Authors: Ferenc Segedin Dan , Goodge Berit H. , Pan Grace A. , Song Qi , LaBollita Harrison , Jung Myung-Chul , El-Sherif Hesham , Doyle Spencer , Turkiewicz Ari , Taylor Nicole K. , Mason Jarad A. , N’Diaye Alpha T. , Paik Hanjong , El Baggari Ismail , Botana Antia S. , Kourkoutis Lena F. , Brooks Charles M. , Mundy Julia A.
Published: March 2023

The layered square-planar nickelates, Ndn+1NinO2n+2, are an appealing system to tune the electronic properties of square-planar nickelates via dimensionality; indeed, superconductivity was recently observed in Nd6Ni5O12 thin films. Here, we investigate the role of epitaxial strain in the competing requirements for the synthesis of the n = 3 Ruddlesden-Popper compound, Nd4Ni3O10, and subsequent reduction to the square-planar phase, Nd4Ni3O8. We synthesize our highest quality Nd4Ni3O10 films under compressive strain on LaAlO3 (001), while Nd4Ni3O10 on NdGaO3 (110) exhibits tensile strain-induced rock salt faults but retains bulk-like transport properties. A high density of extended defects forms in Nd4Ni3O10 on SrTiO3 (001). Films reduced on LaAlO3 become insulating and form compressive strain-induced c-axis canting defects, while Nd4Ni3O8 films on NdGaO3 are metallic. This work provides a pathway to the synthesis of Ndn+1NinO2n+2 thin films and sets limits on the ability to strain engineer these compounds via epitaxy.
Heterogeneous intercalated metal-organic framework active materials for fast-charging non-aqueous Li-ion capacitors
Authors: Ogihara Nobuhiro , Hasegawa Masaki , Kumagai Hitoshi , Mikita Riho , Nagasako Naoyuki
Published: March 2023

Intercalated metal-organic frameworks (iMOFs) based on aromatic dicarboxylate are appealing negative electrode active materials for Li-based electrochemical energy storage devices. They store Li ions at approximately 0.8 V vs. Li/Li+ and, thus, avoid Li metal plating during cell operation. However, their fast-charging capability is limited. Here, to circumvent this issue, we propose iMOFs with multi-aromatic units selected using machine learning and synthesized via solution spray drying. A naphthalene-based multivariate material with nanometric thickness allows the reversible storage of Li-ions in non-aqueous Li metal cell configuration reaching 85% capacity retention at 400 mA g−1 (i.e., 30 min for full charge) and 20 °C compared to cycling at 20 mA g−1 (i.e., 10 h for full charge). The same material, tested in combination with an activated carbon-based positive electrode, enables a discharge capacity retention of about 91% after 1000 cycles at 0.15 mA cm−2 (i.e., 2 h for full charge) and 20 °C. We elucidate the charge storage mechanism and demonstrate that during Li intercalation, the distorted crystal structure promotes electron delocalization by controlling the frame vibration. As a result, a phase transition suppresses phase separation, thus, benefitting the electrode’s fast charging behavior.
Mechanism underlying delayed rectifying in human voltage-mediated activation Eag2 channel
Authors: Zhang Mingfeng , Shan Yuanyue , Pei Duanqing
Published: March 2023

The transmembrane voltage gradient is a general physico-chemical cue that regulates diverse biological function through voltage-gated ion channels. How voltage sensing mediates ion flows remains unknown at the molecular level. Here, we report six conformations of the human Eag2 (hEag2) ranging from closed, pre-open, open, and pore dilation but non-conducting states captured by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). These multiple states illuminate dynamics of the selectivity filter and ion permeation pathway with delayed rectifier properties and Cole-Moore effect at the atomic level. Mechanistically, a short S4-S5 linker is coupled with the constrict sites to mediate voltage transducing in a non-domain-swapped configuration, resulting transitions for constrict sites of F464 and Q472 from gating to open state stabilizing for voltage energy transduction. Meanwhile, an additional potassium ion occupied at positions S6 confers the delayed rectifier property and Cole-Moore effects. These results provide insight into voltage transducing and potassium current across membrane, and shed light on the long-sought Cole-Moore effects.
MAPKAPK2, a potential dynamic network biomarker of α-synuclein prior to its aggregation in PD patients
Authors: Zhong Zhenggang , Li Jiabao , Zhong Jiayuan , Huang Yilin , Hu Jiaqi , Zhang Piao , Zhang Baowen , Jin Yabin , Luo Wei , Liu Rui , Zhang Yuhu , Ling Fei
Published: March 2023

One of the important pathological features of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the pathological aggregation of α-synuclein (α-Syn) in the substantia nigra. Preventing the aggregation of α-Syn has become a potential strategy for treating PD. However, the molecular mechanism of α-Syn aggregation is unclear. In this study, using the dynamic network biomarker (DNB) method, we first identified the critical time point when α-Syn undergoes pathological aggregation based on a SH-SY5Y cell model and found that DNB genes encode transcription factors that regulated target genes that were differentially expressed. Interestingly, we found that these DNB genes and their neighbouring genes were significantly enriched in the cellular senescence pathway and thus proposed that the DNB genes HSF1 and MAPKAPK2 regulate the expression of the neighbouring gene SERPINE1. Notably, in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data obtained from substantia nigra, prefrontal cortex and peripheral blood samples, the expression level of MAPKAPK2 was significantly higher in PD patients than in healthy people, suggesting that MAPKAPK2 has potential as an early diagnostic biomarker of diseases related to pathological aggregation of α-Syn, such as PD. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying the pathological aggregation of α-Syn.
Metabolomics integrated with machine learning to discriminate the geographic origin of Rougui Wuyi rock tea
Authors: Peng Yifei , Zheng Chao , Guo Shuang , Gao Fuquan , Wang Xiaxia , Du Zhenghua , Gao Feng , Su Feng , Zhang Wenjing , Yu Xueling , Liu Guoying , Liu Baoshun , Wu Chengjian , Sun Yun , Yang Zhenbiao , Hao Zhilong , Yu Xiaomin
Published: March 2023

The geographic origin of agri-food products contributes greatly to their quality and market value. Here, we developed a robust method combining metabolomics and machine learning (ML) to authenticate the geographic origin of Wuyi rock tea, a premium oolong tea. The volatiles of 333 tea samples (174 from the core region and 159 from the non-core region) were profiled using gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry and a series of ML algorithms were tested. Wuyi rock tea from the two regions featured distinct aroma profiles. Multilayer Perceptron achieved the best performance with an average accuracy of 92.7% on the training data using 176 volatile features. The model was benchmarked with two independent test sets, showing over 90% accuracy. Gradient Boosting algorithm yielded the best accuracy (89.6%) when using only 30 volatile features. The proposed methodology holds great promise for its broader applications in identifying the geographic origins of other valuable agri-food products.
Synthetic multiantigen MVA vaccine COH04S1 and variant-specific derivatives protect Syrian hamsters from SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants
Authors: Wussow Felix , Kha Mindy , Kim Taehyun , Ly Minh , Yll-Pico Marcal , Kar Swagata , Lewis Mark G. , Chiuppesi Flavia , Diamond Don J.
Published: March 2023

Emerging SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants continue to disrupt COVID-19 vaccine efficacy through multiple immune mechanisms including neutralizing antibody evasion. We developed COH04S1, a synthetic modified vaccinia Ankara vector that co-expresses Wuhan-Hu-1-based spike and nucleocapsid antigens. COH04S1 demonstrated efficacy against ancestral virus and Beta and Delta variants in animal models and was safe and immunogenic in a Phase 1 clinical trial. Here, we report efficacy of COH04S1 and analogous Omicron BA.1- and Beta-specific vaccines to protect Syrian hamsters from Omicron subvariants. Despite eliciting strain-specific antibody responses, all three vaccines protect hamsters from weight loss, lower respiratory tract infection, and lung pathology following challenge with Omicron BA.1 or BA.2.12.1. While the BA.1-specifc vaccine affords consistently improved efficacy compared to COH04S1 to protect against homologous challenge with BA.1, all three vaccines confer similar protection against heterologous challenge with BA.2.12.1. These results demonstrate efficacy of COH04S1 and variant-specific derivatives to confer cross-protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants.
Negativity drives online news consumption
Authors: Robertson Claire E. , Pröllochs Nicolas , Schwarzenegger Kaoru , Pärnamets Philip , Van Bavel Jay J. , Feuerriegel Stefan
Published: March 2023

Online media is important for society in informing and shaping opinions, hence raising the question of what drives online news consumption. Here we analyse the causal effect of negative and emotional words on news consumption using a large online dataset of viral news stories. Specifically, we conducted our analyses using a series of randomized controlled trials (N = 22,743). Our dataset comprises ~105,000 different variations of news stories from Upworthy.com that generated ∼5.7 million clicks across more than 370 million overall impressions. Although positive words were slightly more prevalent than negative words, we found that negative words in news headlines increased consumption rates (and positive words decreased consumption rates). For a headline of average length, each additional negative word increased the click-through rate by 2.3%. Our results contribute to a better understanding of why users engage with online media.
Adapted clustering method for generic analysis of histological fibrosis staining as an open source tool
Authors: Remes Anca , Noormalal Marie , Schmiedel Nesrin , Frey Norbert , Frank Derk , Müller Oliver J. , Graf Markus
Published: March 2023

Pathological remodeling of the extracellular matrix is a hallmark of cardiovascular disease. Abnormal fibrosis causes cardiac dysfunction by reducing ejection fraction and impairing electrical conductance, leading to arrhythmias. Hence, accurate quantification of fibrosis deposition in histological sections is of extreme importance for preclinical and clinical studies. Current automatic tools do not perform well under variant conditions. Moreover, users do not have the option to evaluate data from staining methods of their choice according to their purpose. To overcome these challenges, we underline a novel machine learning-based tool (FibroSoft) and we show its feasibility in a model of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure in mice. Our results demonstrate that FibroSoft can identify fibrosis in diseased myocardium and the obtained results are user-independent. In addition, the results acquired using our software strongly correlate to those obtained by Western blot analysis of collagen 1 expression. Additionally, we could show that this method can be used for Masson’s Trichrome and Picosirius Red stained histological images. The evaluation of our method also indicates that it can be used for any particular histology segmentation and quantification. In conclusion, our approach provides a powerful example of the feasibility of machine learning strategies to enable automatic analysis of histological images.
A microwave scattering spectral method to detect the nanomechanical vibrations embedded in a superconducting qubit
Authors: Gao H. Y. , Wei L. F.
Published: March 2023

Nanomechanical resonators (NMRs), as the quantum mechanical sensing probers, have played the important roles for various high-precision quantum measurements. Differing from the previous emission spectral probes (i.e., the NMR modified the atomic emission), in this paper we propose an alternative approach, i.e., by probing the scattering spectra of the quantum mechanical prober coupled to the driving microwaves, to characterize the physical features of the NMR embedded in a rf-SQUID based superconducting qubit. It is shown that, from the observed specifical frequency points in the spectra, i.e., either the dips or the peaks, the vibrational features (i.e., they are classical vibration or quantum mechanical one) and the physical parameters (typically such as the vibrational frequency and displacements) of the NMR can be determined effectively. The proposal is feasible with the current technique and should be useful to design the desired NMRs for various quantum metrological applications.
Synthesis and structure–activity relationship studies of benzimidazole-thioquinoline derivatives as α-glucosidase inhibitors
Authors: Moghadam Farid Sara , Noori Milad , Nazari Montazer Mohammad , Khalili Ghomi Minoo , Mollazadeh Marjan , Dastyafteh Navid , Irajie Cambyz , Zomorodian Kamiar , Mirfazli Seyedeh Sara , Mojtabavi Somayeh , Faramarzi Mohammad Ali , Larijani Bagher , Iraji Aida , Mahdavi Mohammad
Published: March 2023

In this article, different s-substituted benzimidazole-thioquinoline derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their possible α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. The most active compound in this series, 6j (X = 4-bromobenzyl) exhibited significant potency with an IC50 value of 28.0 ± 0.6 µM compared to acarbose as the positive control with an IC50 value of 750.0 µM. The kinetic study showed a competitive inhibition pattern against α-glucosidase for the 6j derivative. Also, the molecular dynamic simulations were performed to determine key interactions between compounds and the targeted enzyme. The in silico pharmacodynamics and ADMET properties were executed to illustrate the druggability of the novel derivatives. In general, it can be concluded that these derivatives can serve as promising leads to the design of potential α-glucosidase inhibitors.
Bio-efficacy of aluminum phosphide and cypermethrin against some physiological and biochemical aspects of Chrysomya megacephala maggots
Authors: Tony Mahran , Ashry Mahmoud , Tanani Mohammad M. A. , Abdelreheem Abdelbaset M. A. , Abdel-Samad Mohammad R. K.
Published: March 2023

Carrion flies play a significant role in forensic entomotoxicology, where they are employed as alternative samples when traditional samples are unavailable. In situations of poisoned death, these toxins disrupt insect development and affect forensic entomology analyses. So, forensic entomotoxicologists must be aware of this impact. The present study aimed to determine the effects of aluminum phosphide (AlP) and cypermethrin (CP) on the biochemical parameters and antioxidant enzymes of the third instar of Chrysomya megacephala maggots. C. megacephala was reared on normal and poisoned rabbit carcasses with aluminum phosphide and cypermethrin. The third larval instar of C. megacephala was studied using by spectrophotometer for detection of total protein, (TP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione s-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA). The results indicated to significantly decrease of TP, TAC, SOD, GST and CAT and increase of AST, ALT and MDA in the maggots reared on the poisoned carcasses with AlP or CP compared with control group. In conclusion, the tested insecticides brought about a decrease antioxidant enzyme activity and increase of MDA could be involved in free radicals in C. megacephala larvae leading to oxidative stress by these insecticidal components.
Unchanged PCNA and DNMT1 dynamics during replication in DNA ligase I-deficient cells but abnormal chromatin levels of non-replicative histone H1
Authors: Bhandari Seema Khattri , Wiest Nathaniel , Sallmyr Annahita , Du Ruofei , Ferry Laure , Defossez Pierre-Antoine , Tomkinson Alan E.
Published: March 2023

DNA ligase I (LigI), the predominant enzyme that joins Okazaki fragments, interacts with PCNA and Pol δ. LigI also interacts with UHRF1, linking Okazaki fragment joining with DNA maintenance methylation. Okazaki fragments can also be joined by a relatively poorly characterized DNA ligase IIIα (LigIIIα)-dependent backup pathway. Here we examined the effect of LigI-deficiency on proteins at the replication fork. Notably, LigI-deficiency did not alter the kinetics of association of the PCNA clamp, the leading strand polymerase Pol ε, DNA maintenance methylation proteins and core histones with newly synthesized DNA. While the absence of major changes in replication and methylation proteins is consistent with the similar proliferation rate and DNA methylation levels of the LIG1 null cells compared with the parental cells, the increased levels of LigIIIα/XRCC1 and Pol δ at the replication fork and in bulk chromatin indicate that there are subtle replication defects in the absence of LigI. Interestingly, the non-replicative histone H1 variant, H1.0, is enriched in the chromatin of LigI-deficient mouse CH12F3 and human 46BR.1G1 cells. This alteration was not corrected by expression of wild type LigI, suggesting that it is a relatively stable epigenetic change that may contribute to the immunodeficiencies linked with inherited LigI-deficiency syndrome.
Characterization of pancreatic cancer with ultra-low tumor mutational burden
Authors: Imamura Taisuke , Ashida Ryo , Ohshima Keiichi , Uesaka Katsuhiko , Sugiura Teiichi , Ohgi Katsuhisa , Yamada Mihoko , Otsuka Shimpei , Hatakeyama Keiichi , Nagashima Takeshi , Sugino Takashi , Urakami Kenichi , Akiyama Yasuto , Yamaguchi Ken
Published: March 2023

In pancreatic cancer (PC), Tumor mutation burden (TMB) has been reported to be lower than in other cancers, with its clinical significance remaining unclear. We analyzed the dataset of whole-exome sequencing and gene expression profiling of 93 resected PC cases. The median TMB was 0.24. The TMB was classified as High (≥ 5.0), Low (< 5.0, ≥ 1.0), or Ultra-low (< 1.0). Nineteen samples (20%) were classified as TMB-low, and 74 (80%) were classified as TMB-ultra-low; no samples were TMB-high. TMB-ultra-low PC had significantly fewer borderline resectable lesions (P = 0.028) and fewer adenosquamous carcinomas (P = 0.003) than TBM-low PC. Furthermore, the TMB-ultra-low PC showed significantly lower detection rates of driver mutations and copy number variations. Microsatellite instability was not significantly correlated with the TMB status. The TMB-ultra-low PC had a significantly better prognosis than TBM-low PC (P = 0.023). A multivariate analysis identified TMB-ultra-low PC as an independent favorable prognostic factor (hazard ratio, 2.11; P = 0.019). A gene expression analysis showed that TMB-ultra-low PC was associated with reduced TP53 inactivation (P = 0.003) and reduced chromosomal instability (P = 0.001) compared to TBM-low PC. TMB-ultra-low PC had specific gene expression signatures and a better prognosis than TMB-low PC.