bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transforming “white elephants” into positive legacies for cities: An assessment of the sustainability of winter Olympic venues and its implications
Authors: Tang Chengcai , Xu Shiyi , Xiao Xiaoyue
Published: January 2024

As major attractions for host cities, mega‐event venues have the potential to generate revenue and attract new events, create job and business opportunities, and drive urban innovation and transformation. However, they are often criticized for being unsustainable due to high resource and energy consumption, potential environmental pollution, large construction and operating costs, and insufficient usage post‐event. Winter Olympic venues, in particular, are frequently situated in ecologically sensitive areas and are more exclusive, leading to higher maintenance and conversion costs as well as greater ecological risks. Until now, studies examining the sustainability of large‐scale winter venues have been lacking. In this study, a multi‐dimensional conceptual model was developed to include ecological, social, and economic aspects, and the scorecard method was used to quantitatively evaluate the sustainability of venues from six Winter Olympic Games held between 1998 and 2018. The results show that the overall sustainability of the venues is at a medium level, with relatively high ecological sustainability. Additionally, the sustainability of the venues has improved over time, while the economic dimension of sustainability has decreased. Furthermore, indicators that hinder the sustainability of Winter Olympic venues were identified, and strategies from ecological, social, and economic dimensions were proposed to improve their sustainability. This study enriched the knowledge of Olympic legacies and sustainable venues, providing theoretical implications for the assessment of venue sustainability and practical implications for the construction and utilization of sports facilities as sustainable city infrastructure.
Sleep disorders during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Results from the second phase of web‐based EPICOVID19 study
Authors: Trevisan Caterina , De Vincentis Antonio , Noale Marianna , Maggi Stefania , Antonelli Incalzi Raffaele , Pedone Claudio , Prinelli Federica , Giacomelli Andrea , Fortunato Loredana , Molinaro Sabrina , Cori Liliana , Adorni Fulvio ,   EPICOVID19 Working Group
Published: January 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic has induced significant impairments, including sleep disturbances. The present study aimed to explore the impact of fear in relation to stress on sleep disorders among Italian adults and older participants in the second phase of the EPICOVID19 web‐based survey (January‐February 2021). Sleep disturbances during the pandemic were evaluated using the Jenkins Sleep Scale, perceived stress through the 10‐item Perceived Stress Scale and fear of contagion and about economic and job situation with four ad hoc items. The strength of the pathways between stress, sleep disturbances and fear was explored using structural equation modelling, hypothesising that stress was related to sleep disturbances and that fear was associated with both stress and sleep problems. Out of 41,473 participants (74.7% women; mean age 49.7 ± 13.1 years), 8.1% reported sleep disturbances and were more frequently women, employed in a work category at risk of infection or unemployed, and showed higher deprivation scores. Considering an a priori hypotheses model defining sleep and stress scores as endogenous variables and fear as an exogenous variable, we found that fear was associated with sleep problems and stress, and stress was associated with sleep problems; almost half of the total impact of fear on sleep quality was mediated by stress. The impact of stress on sleep quality was more evident in the younger age group, among individuals with a lower socioeconomic status and healthcare workers. Fear related to COVID‐19 seem to be associated with sleep disturbances directly and indirectly through stress.
Capsaicin Enhanced the Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy Against Osteosarcoma via a Pro‐Death Strategy by Inducing Ferroptosis and Alleviating Hypoxia
Authors: Wang Yang , Zhou Xueru , Yao Li , Hu Qin , Liu Haoran , Zhao Guosheng , Wang Kai , Zeng Jun , Sun Mingwei , Lv Chuanzhu
Published: January 2024

Ferroptosis, a novel form of nonapoptotic cell death, can effectively enhance photodynamic therapy (PDT) performance by disrupting intracellular redox homeostasis and promoting apoptosis. However, the extremely hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME) together with highly expressed hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) presents a considerable challenge for clinical PDT against osteosarcoma (OS). Hence, an innovative nanoplatform that enhances antitumor PDT by inducing ferroptosis and alleviating hypoxia is fabricated. Capsaicin (CAP) is widely reported to specifically activate transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel, trigger an increase in intracellular Ca2+concentration, which is closely linked with ferroptosis, and participate in decreased oxygen consumption by inhibiting HIF‐1α in tumor cells, potentiating PDT antitumor efficiency. Thus, CAP and the photosensitizer IR780 are coencapsulated into highly biocompatible human serum albumin (HSA) to construct a nanoplatform (CI@HSA NPs) for synergistic tumor treatment under near‐infrared (NIR) irradiation. Furthermore, the potential underlying signaling pathways of the combination therapy are investigated. CI@HSA NPs achieve real‐time dynamic distribution monitoring and exhibit excellent antitumor efficacy with superior biosafety in vivo. Overall, this work highlights a promising NIR imaging‐guided “pro‐death” strategy to overcome the limitations of PDT for OS by promoting ferroptosis and alleviating hypoxia, providing inspiration and support for future innovative tumor therapy approaches.
A Sandwich Structure Ag/MgFe2O4‐Deposited Surface Carbonized Wood for Integrated Solar Steam Generation and Photoreduction of Cr(VI)
Authors: Luo Suyue , Liu Zhenzhong , Yin Xinran , Lin Zuopeng , Zhang Shuo , Chen Junfeng , Guo Minghui
Published: January 2024

The severe deterioration of the marine ecosystem significantly negatively impacts the performance of solar‐driven steam generation (SSG) and the quality of the obtained freshwater. Herein, a bifunctional Ag/MgFe2O4@SCW reactor with a sandwich structure is designed for efficient SSG and Cr(VI) reduction, which is constructed via in situ deposit Ag nanoparticles (NPs) and MgFe2O4 onto surface carbonized wood (SCW). Owing to the advanced sandwich structure and strong interfacial interactions between each component, an ultra‐high evaporation rate of 1.55 kg m−2 h−1 and the efficiency of 88.6% are achieved using Ag/MgFe2O4@SCW under 1 sun. The system exhibits the long‐term evaporation performance in the simulated sewage and strong acid/base solutions along with water‐harvesting capacity in outdoor solar desalination. The quality of distilled water after desalination of actual seawater and NaCl solutions with different concentrations meets the WHO‐recommended drinkable water standards. Furthermore, Ag/MgFe2O4@SCW shows outstanding antibacterial property, self‐desalting capacity, as well as reusability and structure stability. Most importantly, the fast carrier separation endows Ag/MgFe2O4@SCW with superior photocatalytic activity and Cr(VI) photoreduction of up to 96.1% after 180 min of illumination. The bifunctional Ag/MgFe2O4@SCW reactor provides an advanced synergistic mechanism for improving SSG and photocatalytic performance, while being promising for solar‐powered production of clean water.
Choline Derivative as a Multifunctional Interfacial Bridge through Synergistic Effects for Improving the Efficiency and Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Meng Xiangxin , Sun Qing , Shen Bo , Hu Die , Kang Bonan , Silva S. Ravi P. , Wang Lijun
Published: January 2024

The interfacial carrier non‐radiative recombination caused by buried defects in electron transport layer (ETL) material and the energy barrier severely hinders further improvement in efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). In this study, the effect of the SnO2 ETL doped with choline chloride (CC), acetylcholine chloride (AC), and phosphocholine chloride sodium salt (PCSS) are investigated. These dopants modify the interface between SnO2 ETL and perovskite layer, acting as a bridge through synergistic effects to form uniform ETL films, enhance the interface contact, and passivate defects. Ultimately, compared with CC (which with ─OH) and AC (which with C═O), the PCSS with P═O and sodium ions groups is more beneficial for improving performance. The device based on PCSS‐doped SnO2 ETL achieves an efficiency of 23.06% with a high VOC of 1.2 V, which is considerably higher than the control device (20.55%). Moreover, after aging for 500 h at a temperature of 25 °C and relative humidity (RH) of 30–40%, the unsealed device based on SnO2‐PCSS ETL maintains 94% of its initial efficiency, while the control device only 80%. This study provides a meaningful reference for the design and selection of ideal pre‐buried additive molecules.
Synthesis and Electrocatalytic Applications of Layer‐Structured Metal Chalcogenides Composites
Authors: Qian Yongteng , Zhang Fangfang , Luo Xiaohui , Zhong Yijun , Kang Dae Joon , Hu Yong
Published: January 2024

Featured with the attractive properties such as large surface area, unique atomic layer thickness, excellent electronic conductivity, and superior catalytic activity, layered metal chalcogenides (LMCs) have received considerable research attention in electrocatalytic applications. In this review, the approaches developed to synthesize LMCs‐based electrocatalysts are summarized. Recent progress in LMCs‐based composites for electrochemical energy conversion applications including oxygen reduction reaction, carbon dioxide reduction reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, hydrogen evolution reaction, overall water splitting, and nitrogen reduction reaction is reviewed, and the potential opportunities and practical obstacles for the development of LMCs‐based composites as high‐performing active substances for electrocatalytic applications are also discussed. This review may provide an inspiring guidance for developing high‐performance LMCs for electrochemical energy conversion applications.
A Delicate Balance Between Spin‐Wave Mediated Weak Localization and Electron‐Phonon Scattering in the Design of Zero Temperature Coefficient of Resistivity
Authors: Yuan Xiuliang , Sun Ying , Guo Huaiming , Du Yi , Shi Kewen , Hao Weichang , Wang Cong
Published: January 2024

Zero thermal coefficients of resistivity (ZTCR) materials exhibit minimal changes in resistance with temperature variations, making them essential in modern advanced technologies. The current ZTCR materials, which are based on the resistivity saturation effect of heavy metals, tend to function at elevated temperatures because the mean free path approaches the lower limit of the semiclassical Boltzmann theory when the temperature is sufficiently high. ZTCR materials working at low‐temperatures are difficult to achieve due to electron‐phonon scattering, which results in increased resistivity according to Bloch's theory. In this work, the ZTCR behavior at low‐temperatures is realized in pre‐microstrained Mn3NiN. The delicate balance between the resistivity contribution from electron‐phonon scattering and spin‐wave mediated weak localization is well revealed. A remarkable temperature coefficient of resistivity (TCR) value as low as 1.9 ppm K−1(50 K ≤ T ≤ 200 K) is obtained, which is significantly superior to the threshold value of ZTCR behavior and the application standard of commercial ZTCR materials. The demonstration provides a unique paradigm in the design of ZTCR materials through the contraction effects of two opposite conductance mechanisms with positive and negative thermal coefficients of resistivity.
Supramolecular Self‐Assembly of Proteins Promoted by Hybrid Polyoxometalates
Authors: Salazar Marcano David E. , Lentink Sarah , Chen Jieh‐Jang , Anyushin Alexander V. , Moussawi Mhamad Aly , Bustos Jenna , Van Meerbeek Bart , Nyman May , Parac‐Vogt Tatjana N.
Published: January 2024

Controlling the formation of supramolecular protein assemblies and endowing them with new properties that can lead to novel functional materials is an important but challenging task. In this work, a new hybrid polyoxometalate is designed to induce controlled intermolecular bridging between biotin‐binding proteins. Such bridging interactions lead to the formation of supramolecular protein assemblies incorporating metal‐oxo clusters that go from several nanometers in diameter up to the micron range. Insights into the self‐assembly process and the nature of the resulting biohybrid materials are obtained by a combination of Small Angle X‐ray Scattering (SAXS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), along with fluorescence, UV–vis, and Circular Dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. The formation of hybrid supramolecular assemblies is determined to be driven by biotin binding to the protein and electrostatic interactions between the anionic metal‐oxo cluster and the protein, both of which also influence the stability of the resulting assemblies. As a result, the rate of formation, size, and stability of the supramolecular assemblies can be tuned by controlling the electrostatic interactions between the cluster and the protein (e.g., through varying the ionic strength of the solution), thereby paving the way toward biomaterials with tunable assembly and disassembly properties.
Enhancing Electrochemical Reactivity with Magnetic Fields: Unraveling the Role of Magneto‐Electrochemistry
Authors: Mitra Koushik , Adalder Ashadul , Mandal Sumit , Ghorai Uttam Kumar
Published: January 2024

Electrocatalysis performs a vital role in numerous energy transformation and repository mechanics, including power cells, Electric field‐assisted catalysis, and batteries. It is crucial to investigate new methods to improve electrocatalytic performance if effective and long‐lasting power systems are developed. The modulation of catalytic activity and selectivity by external magnetic fields over electrochemical processes has received a lot of interest lately. How the use of various magnetic fields in electrocatalysis has great promise for building effective and selective catalysts, opening the door for the advancement of sophisticated energy conversion is discussed. Furthermore, the challenges and possibilities of incorporating magnetic fields into electrocatalytic systems and suggestions for future research areas are discussed.
Controllable Circularly Polarized Luminescence with High Dissymmetry Factor via Co‐Assembly of Achiral Dyes in Liquid Crystal Polymer Films
Authors: Chen Lianjie , Yuan Jianan , He Xiaojie , Zheng Feng , Lu Xuemin , Xiang Shuangfei , Lu Qinghua
Published: January 2024

Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) materials are highly demanded due to their great potential in optoelectronic and chiroptical elements. However, the preparation of CPL films with high luminescence dissymmetry factors (glum) remains a formidable task, which impedes their practical application in film‐based devices. Herein, a facile strategy to prepare solid CPL film with a high glum through exogenous chiral induction and amplification of liquid crystal polymers is proposed. Amplification and reversion of the CPL appear when the films are annealed at the chiral nematic liquid crystalline temperature and the maximal glum up to 0.30 due to the enhancement of selective reflection. Thermal annealing treatment at different liquid crystalline states facilitates the formation of the chiral liquid phase and adjusts the circularly polarized emission. This work not only provides a straightforward and versatile platform to construct organic films capable of exhibiting strong circularly polarized emission but also is helpful in understanding the exact mechanism for the liquid crystal enhancement of CPL performance.
Towards automatically identifying the co‐change of production and test code
Authors: Huang Yuan , Tang Zhicao , Chen Xiangping , Zhou Xiaocong
Published: January 2024

In software evolution, keeping the test code co‐change with the production code is important, because the outdated test code may not work and is ineffective in revealing faults in the production code. However, due to the tight development time, the production and test code may not be co‐changed immediately by developers. For example, we analysed the top 1003 popular Java projects on GitHub and found that nearly 9.3% of cases (i.e., 464,417) did not update their production and test code at the same time, that is, the production code is updated first, and then the test code is updated at intervals. The result indicates that much test code will not be updated in time. In this paper, we propose a novel approach, Jtup, to remind developers to co‐change the production code and test code in time. Specifically, we first define the co‐changed production and test code as a positive instance, while unchanged test code (i.e., production code changed and test code unchanged) as a negative instance. Then, we extract multidimensional features from the production code to characterize the possibility of their co‐change, including code change features, code complexity features, and code semantic features. Finally, several machine learning‐based methods are employed to identify the co‐changed production and test code. We conduct comprehensive experiments on 20 datasets, and the results show that the Accuracy, Precision, and Recall achieved by Jtup are 76.7%, 78.1%, and 77.4%, which outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art method.
Genome‐wide association mapping for field spot blotch resistance in South Asian spring wheat genotypes
Authors: Kamble Umesh , He Xinyao , Navathe Sudhir , Kumar Manjeet , Patial Madhu , Kabir Muhammad Rezaul , Singh Gyanendra , Singh Gyanendra Pratap , Joshi Arun Kumar , Singh Pawan Kumar
Published: January 2024

Spot blotch caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana ((Sacc.) Shoemaker) (teleomorph: Cochliobolus sativus [Ito and Kuribayashi] Drechsler ex Dastur) is an economically important disease of warm and humid regions. The present study focused on identifying resistant genotypes and single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers associated with spot blotch resistance in a panel of 174 bread spring wheat lines using field screening and genome‐wide association mapping strategies. Field experiments were conducted in Agua Fria, Mexico, during the 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 cropping seasons. A wide range of phenotypic variation was observed among genotypes tested during both years. Twenty SNP markers showed significant association with spot blotch resistance on 15 chromosomes, namely, 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 2D, 3A, 3B, 4B, 4D, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B. Of these, two consistently significant SNPs on 5A, TA003225‐0566 and TA003225‐1427, may represent a new resistance quantitative trait loci. Further, in the proximity of Tsn1 on 5B, AX‐94435238 was the most stable and consistent in both years. The identified genomic regions could be deployed to develop spot blotch‐resistant genotypes, particularly in the spot blotch‐vulnerable wheat growing areas.
Assessing the performance of polyphosphate accumulating organisms in a full‐scale side‐stream enhanced biological phosphorous removal
Authors: Aghilinasrollahabadi Khashayar , Saffari Ghandehari Shahrzad , Kjellerup Birthe Veno , Nguyen Caroline , Saavedra Yerman , Li Guangbin
Published: January 2024

Phosphorous (P) removal in wastewater treatment is essential to prevent eutrophication in water bodies. Side‐stream enhanced biological phosphorous removal (S2EBPR) is utilized to improve biological P removal by recirculating internal streams within a side‐stream reactor to generate biodegradable carbon (C) for polyphosphate accumulating organisms (PAOs). In this study, a full‐scale S2EBPR system in a water resource recovery facility (WRRF) was evaluated for 5 months. Batch experiments revealed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.91) between temperature and C consumption rate (3.56–8.18 mg‐COD/g‐VSS/h) in the system, with temperature ranging from 14°C to 18°C. The anaerobic P‐release to COD‐uptake ratio decreased from 0.93 to 0.25 mg‐P/mg‐COD as the temperature increased, suggesting competition between PAOs and other C‐consumers, such as heterotrophic microorganisms, to uptake bioavailable C. Microbial community analysis did not show a strong relationship between abundance and activity of PAO in the tested WRRF. An assessment of the economic feasibility was performed to compare the costs and benefits of a full scale WRRF with and without implementation of the S2EBPR technology. The results showed the higher capital costs required for S2EBPR were estimated to be compensated after 5 and 11 years of operation, respectively, compared to chemical precipitation and conventional EBPR. The results from this study can assist in the decision‐making process for upgrading a conventional EBPR or chemical P removal process to S2EBPR.

Practitioner Points

Implementation of S2EBPR presents adaptable configurations, exhibiting advantages over conventional setups in addressing prevalent challenges associated with phosphorous removal.

A full‐scale S2EBPR WRRF was monitored over 5 months, and activity tests were used to measure the kinetic parameters.

The seasonal changes impact the kinetic parameters of PAOs in the S2EBPR process, with elevated temperatures raising the carbon demand.

PAOs abundance showed no strong correlation with their activity in the full‐scale S2EBPR process in the tested WRRF.

Feasibility assessment shows that the benefits from S2EBPR operation can offset upgrading costs from conventional BPR or chemical precipitation.
Surgical strategy in lithium‐associated hyperparathyroidism: A population‐based study
Authors: Nilsson I.‐L. , Thorsteinsson D. , Nylén C. , Koman A. , Granath Fredrik , Bränström R.
Published: January 2024

Background

The extent of parathyroidectomy (PTX) recommendation in patients with lithium‐associated hyperparathyroidism (LAH) remains controversial. The primary objectives of this study were to analyze extent of surgery, complications, and long‐term outcomes.

Methods

A population‐based study, including all primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) patients who underwent PTX in Sweden between 2008 and 2017. Data on exhibited lithium prescriptions, morbidity, surgical approach, and outcomes were collected from relevant national registers and the Scandinavian Quality Register of Thyroid, Parathyroid, and Adrenal Surgery. Patients with lithium exposure before PTX were defined as having LAH. Descriptive summary statistics and regression models were used to evaluate differences in comorbidities, surgical approach, and outcomes between LAH and PHPT not exposed to lithium (non‐LAH).

Results

Lithium exposure was significantly more common among PHPT (n = 202, 2.3%) than in controls (n = 416, 0.5%); OR 5.0 (95% CI 4.2–5.9). The risk of LAH correlated to the length of lithium exposure. In the LAH‐group, the surgical procedures were more extensive and associated with a higher risk of postoperative bleeding, wound infections, persistent hypercalcemia, and hypocalcemia that remained after adjustment for the higher percentage of multiglandular disease. However, the cumulative risk of re‐admission for PHPT was similar the first years after PTX and primarily elevated for patients with >5 years duration of lithium exposure prior to surgery.

Conclusions

The findings support the perception of LAH as a complex entity. We recommend a functionally oriented approach, aimed to obtain and maintain normocalcemia for as long as possible, minimizing the risk of permanent hypoparathyroidism, and accepting some risk of recurrence.
Mechanical Behavior and Failure Analysis of Diaphragm in Diaphragm Compressor for Hydrogen Refueling Station
Authors: Liu Xiao-Ming , Liu Zhilong , Yu Yang , Wang Shunzeng
Published: January 2024

Diaphragm compressor is widely used to pressurize hydrogen and is one of the key equipment in hydrogen refueling station. And the Diaphragm is one of the wearing parts of diaphragm compressor. The failure of the diaphragm makes the maintenance cost of diaphragm compressor high. Because of the large deflection of the diaphragm in the diaphragm compressor, its mechanical behavior has strong nonlinear characteristics, especially after considering the constraints on the diaphragm by the cavity of the cylinder head, it is difficult to accurately calculate with the analytical method. Therefore, considering the constraint condition of the cylinder, the finite element model of the diaphragm working in the diaphragm compressor is established. By the calculations of the diaphragm deformation and stress, the fractures of the hydrogen side of the diaphragm in the fault cases are analyzed. The results of static structure analysis and dynamic analysis are compared with diaphragm fault cases respectively, which shows the necessity of dynamic analysis in the failure analysis of diaphragm. Besides, the mechanical behavior of the diaphragm’s deformation indicates that the inertial effect of the diaphragm and collision between the diaphragm and the cavity cannot be ignored.
The ρ(770, 1450) → ωπ contributions for three-body decays $$ B\to {\overline{D}}^{\left(\ast \right)}\omega \pi $$
Authors: Ren Yu-Shan , Ma Ai-Jun , Wang Wen-Fei
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The decays $$ B\to {\overline{D}}^{\left(\ast \right)}\omega \pi $$
B
→

D
¯

∗

ωπ
are very important for the investigation of ρ excitations and the test of factorization hypothesis for B meson decays. The $$ {B}^{+}\to {\overline{D}}^{\left(\ast \right)0}\omega {\pi}^{+} $$

B
+

→

D
¯

∗

0

ω

π
+

and B0 → D(*)−ωπ+ have been measured by different collaborations but without any predictions for their observables on theoretical side. In this work, we study the contributions of ρ(770, 1450) → ωπ for the cascade decays $$ {B}^{+}\to {\overline{D}}^{\left(\ast \right)0}{\rho}^{+}\to {\overline{D}}^{\left(\ast \right)0}\omega {\pi}^{+} $$

B
+

→

D
¯

∗

0

ρ
+

→

D
¯

∗

0

ω

π
+

, B0 → D(*)−ρ+ → D(*)−ωπ+ and $$ {B}_s^0\to {D}_s^{\left(\ast \right)-}{\rho}^{+}\to {D}^{\left(\ast \right)-}\omega {\pi}^{+} $$

B
s
0

→

D
s

∗

−

ρ
+

→

D

∗

−

ω

π
+

. We introduce ρ(770, 1450) → ωπ subprocesses into the distribution amplitudes for ωπ system via the vector form factor Fωπ(s) and then predict the branching fractions for the first time for concerned quasi-two-body decays with ρ(770, 1450) → ωπ, as well as the corresponding longitudinal polarization fractions ΓL/Γ for the cases with the vector $$ {\overline{D}}^{\ast 0} $$

D
¯

∗
0

or $$ {D}_{(s)}^{\ast -} $$

D

s

∗
−

in their final states. The branching fractions of these quasi-two-body decays are predicted at the order of 10−3, which can be detected at the LHCb and Belle-II experiments. The predictions for the decays B0 → D*−ρ(770)+ → D*−ωπ+ and B0 → D*−ρ(1450)+ → D*−ωπ+ agree well with the measurements from Belle Collaboration. In order to avoid the pollution from annihilation Feynman diagrams, we recommend to take the $$ {B}_s^0\to {D}_s^{\ast -}\rho {\left(770,1450\right)}^{+} $$

B
s
0

→

D
s

∗
−

ρ

770
1450

+

decays, which have only emission diagrams at quark level, to test the factorization hypothesis for B decays.
Increasing HbA1c is associated with reduced CD8+ T cell functionality in response to influenza virus in a TCR-dependent manner in individuals with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Hulme Katina D. , Tong Zhen Wei Marcus , Rowntree Louise C. , van de Sandt Carolien E. , Ronacher Katharina , Grant Emma J. , Dorey Emily S. , Gallo Linda A. , Gras Stephanie , Kedzierska Katherine , Barrett Helen L. , Short Kirsty R.
Published: January 2024

Diabetes mellitus is on the rise globally and is a known susceptibility factor for severe influenza virus infections. However, the mechanisms by which diabetes increases the severity of an influenza virus infection are yet to be fully defined. Diabetes mellitus is hallmarked by high glucose concentrations in the blood. We hypothesized that these high glucose concentrations affect the functionality of CD8+ T cells, which play a key role eliminating virus-infected cells and have been shown to decrease influenza disease severity. To study the effect of hyperglycemia on CD8+ T cell function, we stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from donors with and without diabetes with influenza A virus, anti-CD3/anti-CD28-coated beads, PMA and ionomycin (PMA/I), or an influenza viral peptide pool. After stimulation, cells were assessed for functionality [as defined by expression of IFN-γ, TNF-α, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1β, and lysosomal-associated membrane protein-1 (CD107a)] using flow cytometry. Our results showed that increasing HbA1c correlated with a reduction in TNF-α production by CD8+ T cells in response to influenza stimulation in a TCR-specific manner. This was not associated with any changes to CD8+ T cell subsets. We conclude that hyperglycemia impairs CD8+ T cell function to influenza virus infection, which may be linked with the increased risk of severe influenza in patients with diabetes.
Overexpressing lipid raft protein STOML2 modulates the tumor microenvironment via NF-κB signaling in colorectal cancer
Authors: Gong Hui , Chen Shaojing , Liu Shuguang , Hu Qianying , Li Yixuan , Li Yifan , Li Guiqiu , Huang Kaimeng , Li Riqing , Fang Lishan
Published: January 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is characterized by a complex tumor inflammatory microenvironment, while angiogenesis and immunosuppression frequently occur concomitantly. However, the exact mechanism that controls angiogenesis and immunosuppression in CRC microenvironment remains unclear. Herein, we found that expression levels of lipid raft protein STOML2 were increased in CRC and were associated with advanced disease stage and poor survival outcomes. Intriguingly, we revealed that STOML2 is essential for CRC tumor inflammatory microenvironment, which induces angiogenesis and facilitates tumor immune escape simultaneously both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, tumors with STOML2 overexpression showed effective response to anti-angiogenesis treatment and immunotherapy in vivo. Mechanistically, STOML2 regulates CRC proliferation, angiogenesis, and immune escape through activated NF-κB signaling pathway via binding to TRADD protein, resulting in upregulation of CCND1, VEGF, and PD-L1. Furthermore, treatment with NF-κB inhibitor dramatically reversed the ability of proliferation and angiogenesis. Clinically, we also observed a strong positive correlation between STOML2 expression and Ki67, CD31, VEGFC and PD-1 of CD8+T cell expression. Taken together, our results provided novel insights into the role of STOML2 in CRC inflammatory microenvironment, which may present a therapeutic opportunity for CRC.
Polynomial Equations for Additive Functions I: The Inner Parameter Case
Authors: Gselmann Eszter , Kiss Gergely
Published: January 2024

The aim of this sequence of work is to investigate polynomial equations satisfied by additive functions. As a result of this, new characterization theorems for homomorphisms and derivations can be given. More exactly, in this paper the following type of equation is considered $$\begin{aligned} \sum _{i=1}^{n}f_{i}(x^{p_{i}})g_{i}(x^{q_{i}})= 0 \qquad \left( x\in \mathbb {F}\right) , \end{aligned}$$

∑

i
=
1

n

f
i

(

x

p
i

)

g
i

(

x

q
i

)

=
0

x
∈
F

,

where n is a positive integer, $$\mathbb {F}\subset \mathbb {C}$$

F
⊂
C

is a field, $$f_{i}, g_{i}:\mathbb {F}\rightarrow \mathbb {C}$$

f
i

,

g
i

:
F
→
C

are additive functions and $$p_i, q_i$$

p
i

,

q
i

are positive integers for all $$i=1, \ldots , n$$

i
=
1
,
…
,
n

.
Urinary Incontinence in Midlife According to Weight Changes Across and After Childbearing Years
Authors: Taastrøm Katja , Kjeldsen Anne Cathrine , Hjorth Sarah , Gommesen Ditte , Axelsen Susanne M. , Nohr Ellen A.
Published: January 2024

Introduction and Hypothesis

The objective was to investigate how weight change across and after the childbearing years was associated with urinary incontinence (UI) in midlife.

Methods

Data were obtained from 35,645 women responding to the Maternal Follow-up questionnaire in the Danish National Birth Cohort in 2013–2014. Outcome was self-reported UI and its subtypes. Exposures were changes in body mass index (BMI) across and after the childbearing years. Adjusted odds ratios were estimated using logistic regression.

Results

At follow-up, the mean age was 44 years and 32% experienced UI. Compared with stable weight, weight gain across the childbearing years of > 1 to 3, > 3 to 5 or > 5 BMI units increased the odds of any UI by 15%, 27%, and 41% respectively. For mixed UI, the odds increased by 23%, 41%, and 68% in these groups. Weight gain after childbearing showed the same pattern, but with a higher increase in the odds of mixed UI (25%, 60%, and 95% in the respective groups). Women with any weight loss during this period had 9% lower odds of any UI than women with a stable weight.

Conclusions

Weight gain across and after childbearing increased the risk of UI in midlife, especially the subtype mixed UI. Weight loss after childbearing decreased the risk.
Uncertainty quantification for random domains using periodic random variables
Authors: Hakula Harri , Harbrecht Helmut , Kaarnioja Vesa , Kuo Frances Y. , Sloan Ian H.
Published: January 2024

We consider uncertainty quantification for the Poisson problem subject to domain uncertainty. For the stochastic parameterization of the random domain, we use the model recently introduced by Kaarnioja et al. (SIAM J. Numer. Anal., 2020) in which a countably infinite number of independent random variables enter the random field as periodic functions. We develop lattice quasi-Monte Carlo (QMC) cubature rules for computing the expected value of the solution to the Poisson problem subject to domain uncertainty. These QMC rules can be shown to exhibit higher order cubature convergence rates permitted by the periodic setting independently of the stochastic dimension of the problem. In addition, we present a complete error analysis for the problem by taking into account the approximation errors incurred by truncating the input random field to a finite number of terms and discretizing the spatial domain using finite elements. The paper concludes with numerical experiments demonstrating the theoretical error estimates.
Pharmaco-toxicological effects of the novel tryptamine hallucinogen 5-MeO-MiPT on motor, sensorimotor, physiological, and cardiorespiratory parameters in mice—from a human poisoning case to the preclinical evidence
Authors: Bassi Marta , Bilel Sabrine , Tirri Micaela , Corli Giorgia , Di Rosa Fabiana , Gregori Adolfo , Alkilany Alaaldin M. , Rachid Ousama , Roda Elisa , Zauli Giorgio , Locatelli Carlo Alessandro , Marti Matteo
Published: January 2024

Rationale

The 5-methoxy-N-methyl-N-isopropyltryptamine (5-MeO-MiPT, known online as “Moxy”) is a new psychedelic tryptamine first identified on Italian national territory in 2014. Its hallucinogen effects are broadly well-known; however, only few information is available regarding its pharmaco-toxicological effects.

Objectives

Following the seizure of this new psychoactive substances by the Arm of Carabinieri and the occurrence of a human intoxication case, in the current study we had the aim to characterize the in vivo acute effects of systemic administration of 5-MeO-MiPT (0.01–30 mg/kg i.p.) on sensorimotor (visual, acoustic, and overall tactile) responses, thermoregulation, and stimulated motor activity (drag and accelerod test) in CD-1 male mice. We also evaluated variation on sensory gating (PPI, prepulse inhibition; 0.01–10 mg/kg i.p.) and on cardiorespiratory parameters (MouseOx and BP-2000; 30 mg/kg i.p.). Lastly, we investigated the in silico ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, toxicity) profile of 5-MeO-MiPT compared to 5-methoxy-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine (5-MeO-DIPT) and N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT).

Results

This study demonstrates that 5-MeO-MiPT dose-dependently inhibits sensorimotor and PPI responses and, at high doses, induces impairment of the stimulated motor activity and cardiorespiratory changes in mice. In silico prediction shows that the 5-MeO-MiPT toxicokinetic profile shares similarities with 5-MeO-DIPT and DMT and highlights a cytochrome risk associated with this compound.

Conclusions

Consumption of 5-MeO-MiPT can affect the ability to perform activities and pose a risk to human health status, as the correspondence between the effects induced in mice and the symptoms occurred in the intoxication case suggests. However, our findings suggest that 5-MeO-MiPT should not be excluded from research in the psychiatric therapy field.
A systematic review for the evidence of recommendations and guidelines in hybrid nuclear cardiovascular imaging
Authors: Besson Florent L. , Treglia Giorgio , Bucerius Jan , Anagnostopoulos Constantinos , Buechel Ronny R. , Dweck Marc R. , Erba Paula A. , Gaemperli Oliver , Gimelli Alessia , Gheysens Olivier , Glaudemans Andor W. J. M. , Habib Gilbert , Hyafil Fabian , Lubberink Mark , Rischpler Christopher , Saraste Antti , Slart Riemer H. J. A.
Published: January 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the level of evidence of expert recommendations and guidelines for clinical indications and procedurals in hybrid nuclear cardiovascular imaging.

Methods

From inception to August 2023, a PubMed literature analysis of the latest version of guidelines for clinical hybrid cardiovascular imaging techniques including SPECT(/CT), PET(/CT), and PET(/MRI) was performed in two categories: (1) for clinical indications for all-in primary diagnosis; subgroup in prognosis and therapy evaluation; and for (2) imaging procedurals. We surveyed to what degree these followed a standard methodology to collect the data and provide levels of evidence, and for which topic systematic review evidence was executed.

Results

A total of 76 guidelines, published between 2013 and 2023, were included. The evidence of guidelines was based on systematic reviews in 7.9% of cases, non-systematic reviews in 47.4% of cases, a mix of systematic and non-systematic reviews in 19.7%, and 25% of guidelines did not report any evidence. Search strategy was reported in 36.8% of cases. Strengths of recommendation were clearly reported in 25% of guidelines. The notion of external review was explicitly reported in 23.7% of cases. Finally, the support of a methodologist was reported in 11.8% of the included guidelines.

Conclusion

The use of evidence procedures for developing for evidence-based cardiovascular hybrid imaging recommendations and guidelines is currently suboptimal, highlighting the need for more standardized methodological procedures.
Wild and captive immature orangutans differ in their non-vocal communication with others, but not with their mothers
Authors: Fröhlich Marlen , van Noordwijk Maria A. , Mitra Setia Tatang , van Schaik Carel P. , Knief Ulrich
Published: January 2024

In many group-living species, individuals are required to flexibly modify their communicative behaviour in response to current social challenges. To unravel whether sociality and communication systems co-evolve, research efforts have often targeted the links between social organisation and communicative repertoires. However, it is still unclear which social or interactional factors directly predict communicative complexity. To address this issue, we studied wild and zoo-housed immature orangutans of two species to assess the impact of the socio-ecological setting on the production of non-vocal signal repertoires. Specifically, we compared repertoire size, dyadic repertoire similarity, and number of social goals (i.e. observer’s estimate of the signaller’s intended interaction outcome) for communicative interactions with mothers versus other conspecifics, controlling for critical individual and environmental factors. In this small sample of immature orangutans, wild-captive contrasts were statistically significant only for other-directed repertoires, but not for mother-directed repertoires, and not for the number of social goals that immatures communicated towards. While the repertoires of individuals living in the same research setting were more similar than those living in contrasting settings, this difference was most pronounced for other-directed repertoires of the less socially tolerant orangutan species. These results suggest that the boosted interactional opportunities in captivity rather than mere differences in environmental affordances or communicative needs drive the wild-captive contrast in orangutan communicative repertoires. Overall, this fine-grained analysis of repertoires further underscores that not only a species’ social organisation but also the targeted audience may have a profound impact on communicative behaviour.

Significance statement

Navigating a dynamic social environment often requires flexible signal use. While it has repeatedly been shown that the social organisation and structure of species predict the complexity of their communication systems, the mechanisms underlying these relationships are largely unknown. Because targeted studies to assess this issue in great apes are difficult, we take an alternative approach here: we compare the same species living in the wild and in artificial habitats in captivity. This contrast allows a direct test of how repertoires respond to the relevant difference in socio-ecological conditions. Our results show that the diversity of interaction partners (i.e. social opportunities), but not the diversity of social goals (i.e. possible interaction outcomes) or the broader physical opportunities (i.e. safe ground use), predict the size and consistency of wild and captive signalling repertoires.
Progression of arterial calcifications: what, where, and in whom?
Authors: van der Toorn Janine E. , Vernooij Meike W. , Ikram M. Arfan , Kavousi Maryam , Bos Daniel
Published: January 2024

Objectives

There is a lack of information on the development of arteriosclerosis over time. This study aims to assess long-term sex-specific changes in arterial calcifications in five arteries, and the influence of cardiovascular risk factors hereon.

Methods

From a population-based cohort, 807 participants (mean baseline age, 65.8; SD, 4.2) underwent a non-contrast computed tomography (CT) examination between 2003 and 2006, and after a median follow-up of 14 years. We assessed incidences and changes in volumes of coronary artery calcification (CAC), aortic arch calcification (AAC), extracranial (ECAC) and intracranial carotid artery calcification (ICAC), and vertebrobasilar artery calcification (VBAC). We investigated the simultaneous presence of severe progression (upper quartile of percentual change volumes). Associations of cardiovascular risk factors with changes in calcification volumes were assessed using multivariate linear regression models.

Results

The difference in AAC was most substantial; the median volume (mm3) increased from of 129 to 916 in men and from 93 to 839 in women. For VBAC, no change in volumes was observed though more than a quarter of participants without baseline VBAC developed VBAC during follow-up. Severe progression was most often observed in only one artery at the same time. Hypertension was most consistently associated with increase in calcifications. Associations of diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and smoking with changes in calcifications varied across arteries and sex.

Conclusions

We found a considerable incidence and increase in volumes of calcifications in different arteries, over a 14-year time interval. Cardiovascular risk factors were associated with increase of calcifications with sex-specific differential effects across arteries.

Clinical relevance statement

There is a considerable incidence and increase in volumes of calcifications in different arteries, over a 14-year time interval. Cardiovascular risk factors are associated with increase of calcifications with sex-specific differential effects across arteries; thus, assessing changes in only one artery may thus not provide a good reflection of the systemic development of arteriosclerosis.

Key Points

• Assessing change in arterial calcification in only one artery does not reflect the systemic development of arterial calcification.

• Cardiovascular risk factors are associated with progression of arterial calcifications.

• Progression of arterial calcification is sex and artery-specific.

Graphical Abstract
Viscosity effects and confined cochlea-like geometry in laser-induced cavitation dynamics
Authors: Lengert Liza , Lohmann Hinnerk , Johannsmeier Sonja , Ripken Tammo , Maier Hannes , Heisterkamp Alexander , Kalies Stefan
Published: January 2024

On the path to an optoacoustic hearing implant for stimulation of residual hearing, one possibility for tone generation in liquids is the concatenation of acoustic click events, which can be realized i. a. by the acoustic transients that accompany an optical breakdown. The application of a viscous gel is helpful in this context, as this results in an attenuation of the distortion of tone quality caused by higher harmonic components. To further understand the underlying cavitation bubble dynamics both in the viscous gel and in a confined volume that is dimensioned similarly to the human cochlea, a numerical model built in OpenFOAM was adapted and compared to additional experiments. Experimentally, the acoustic transients were generated by optical breakdown by nanosecond laser pulses with a pulse duration of 0.7 ns and a wavelength of 1064 nm. The pulses were focused on a viscous gel inside a water container. The pressure transients were measured by a needle hydrophone. The comparison of the bubble dynamics in different viscosities between the model and the experiment shows that, except for high viscosities, the experimental observations could be modeled by the simulation. We assume that the maximum size of the cavitation bubble strongly decreases with increasing viscosity, which can be used for high-frequency attenuation as reported in our previous research. In conclusion, this study aims at an application-oriented realization of the numerical cavitation bubble dynamics model to understand the experimental findings on the pathway to an optoacoustic hearing implant.
Shatavari supplementation in postmenopausal women alters the skeletal muscle proteome and pathways involved in training adaptation
Authors: O’Leary Mary F. , Jackman Sarah R. , Bowtell Joanna L.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Shatavari is an understudied, widely available herbal supplement. It contains steroidal saponins and phytoestrogens. We previously showed that six weeks of shatavari supplementation improved handgrip strength and increased markers of myosin contractile function. Mechanistic insights into shatavari’s actions are limited. Therefore, we performed proteomics on vastus lateralis (VL) samples that remained from our original study.

Methods

In a randomised double-blind trial, women (68.5 ± 6 years) ingested either placebo or shatavari (equivalent to 26,500 mg/d fresh weight) for six weeks. Tandem mass tag global proteomic analysis of VL samples was conducted (N = 7 shatavari, N = 5 placebo). Data were normalized to total peptides and scaled using a reference sample. Data were filtered using a 5% FDR. For each protein, the pre to post supplementation difference was expressed as log2 fold change. Welch’s t tests with Benjamini–Hochberg corrections were performed for each protein. Pathway enrichment (PADOG, CAMERA) was interrogated in Reactome (v85).

Results

No individual protein was significantly different between supplementation conditions. Both PADOG and CAMERA indicated that pathways related to (1) Integrin/MAPK signalling, (2) metabolism/insulin secretion; (3) cell proliferation/senescence/DNA repair/cell death; (4) haemostasis/platelets/fibrin; (5) signal transduction; (6) neutrophil degranulation and (7) chemical synapse function were significantly upregulated. CAMERA indicated pathways related to translation/amino acid metabolism, viral infection, and muscle contraction were downregulated.

Conclusion

Our analyses indicate that shatavari may support muscle adaptation responses to exercise. These data provide useful signposts for future investigation of shatavari’s utility in conserving and enhancing musculoskeletal function in older age.

Trial registration

NCT05025917 30/08/21, retrospectively registered.