bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Yukikaze's War
Authors: Walker Brett L.
Published: June 2024

Only one elite Imperial Japanese Navy destroyer survived the cruel ocean battlefields of World War II. This is her story. Brett Walker, historian and captain, delves into questions of mechanics, armaments, navigation, training, and even indoctrination, illustrating the daily realities of war for Yukikaze and her crew. By shifting our perspective of the Pacific War away from grand Imperial strategies, and toward the intricacies of fighting on the water, Walker allows us to see the war from Yukikaze's bridge during the most harrowing battles, from Midway to Okinawa. Walker uncovers the ordinary sailor's experience, and we see sailors fight while deep-running currents of Japanese history unfold before their war-weary eyes. As memories of World War II fade, Yukikaze's story becomes ever more important, providing valuable lessons in our contemporary world of looming energy shortfalls, menacing climate uncertainties, and aggressive totalitarian regimes.
Relative Roles of Plume and Coastal Forcing on Exchange Flow Variability of a Glacial Fjord
Authors: Sanchez Robert , Straneo Fiammetta , Hughes Kenneth , Barbour Philip , Shroyer Emily
Published: June 2024

Glacial fjord circulation determines the import of oceanic heat to the Greenland Ice Sheet and the export of ice sheet meltwater to the ocean. However, limited observations and the presence of both glacial and coastal forcing—such as coastal‐trapped waves—make uncovering the physical mechanisms controlling fjord‐shelf exchange difficult. Here we use multi‐year, high‐resolution, realistically forced numerical simulations of Sermilik Fjord in southeast Greenland to evaluate the exchange flow. We compare models, with and without a plume, to differentiate between the exchange flow driven by shelf variability and that driven by subglacial discharge. We use the Total Exchange Flow framework to quantify the exchange volume transports. We find that a decline in offshore wind stress from January through July drives a seasonal reversal in the exchange flow increasing the presence of warm Atlantic Water at depth. We also find that including glacial plumes doubles the exchange flow in the summer. Our results show that the plume‐driven circulation is more effective at renewal with a flushing time 1/3 that of the shelf‐driven circulation near the fjord head.
Phytoplankton Responses to Mesoscale and Submesoscale Processes in a Tropical Meander
Authors: Pereira Filipe , da Silveira Ilson C. A. , Tandon Amit , Franks Peter J. S. , Luko Caique D. , Santos Daniel M. C. , Pompeu Mayza , Michelazzo Luan S. , Chuqui Mateus G. , Brandini Frederico P.
Published: June 2024

The mesoscale activity of western boundary currents can induce changes in the oligotrophic conditions of the oceanic subtropical gyres. Off SE Brazil, recurrent meanders in the Brazil Current can modulate the pelagic ecosystem through eddy‐induced upwelling, as well as drive coastal upwelling and cross‐shelf exchanges. Despite their relevance, direct measurements of such meanders are scarce. At the end of the Spring of 2019, we acquired measurements of both physical and biogeochemical properties along a transect through one of these features, with 5–10 km spacing between stations. Displacements of the isopycnals at the meander edges arose from submesoscale filaments along the meander's rim, associated with the signature of shelf water masses. Chlorophyll distributions along the transect indicated phytoplankton responses to the different dynamic regimes in the meander: eddy stirring in the surface mixed layers versus eddy pumping in the subsurface waters, and mesoscale dynamics in the meander center versus submesoscale dynamics in its periphery. Subsurface phytoplankton biomass was enhanced in the meander center, likely due to eddy pumping raising the nutricline into the euphotic zone. Eddy pumping also appears to have contributed to a shift in the phytoplankton community composition to larger organisms. Our results indicate that the physical dynamics create different habitats across the meander, leading to spatial patchiness in the chlorophyll distributions, with different types of organisms in distinct parts of the meander.
Quantitative Assessment of Factors Contributing to Variations in Sea Surface pCO2 in the Pacific Sector of the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Tozawa Manami , Nomura Daiki , Matsuura Mirai , Hatta Mariko , Fujiwara Amane , Yasunaka Sayaka , Murata Akihiko
Published: June 2024

To quantitatively assess seasonal variations in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) in the Pacific sector of the Arctic Ocean (Canada Basin and Chukchi Sea) in 2021, water temperature, salinity, chlorophyll‐a, pCO2, dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), total alkalinity (TA), and nutrients were measured. During summer 2021, surface water pCO2 in our study area (315 ± 41 μatm) was undersaturated with respect to the atmosphere (404 ± 4 μatm), and the ocean was a sink for atmospheric CO2 (−10.5 ± 11.0 mmol C m−2 day−1). Using DIC, TA, and nutrients in the temperature minimum layer, we estimated the under‐ice pCO2 in the water during the previous winter and calculated changes in pCO2 (δpCO2) due to temperature changes, freshwater inflow, biological activity, and other factors (gas exchange and advection) from winter to summer. In the Chukchi Sea, biological activity and temperature changes had significant impacts on pCO2, whereas in the Canada Basin, the influx of freshwater caused a significant decrease in pCO2. Our results suggested that different types of freshwaters had different effects on pCO2, with sea ice meltwater having a greater effect on reducing pCO2 than river water or snowmelt water. We therefore emphasize the importance of freshwater type and proportion, as well as freshwater supply, for prediction of future pCO2 changes.
Unusually high thermal conductivity in suspended monolayer MoSi2N4
Authors: He Chengjian , Xu Chuan , Chen Chen , Tong Jinmeng , Zhou Tianya , Sun Su , Liu Zhibo , Cheng Hui-Ming , Ren Wencai
Published: June 2024

Two-dimensional semiconductors with high thermal conductivity and charge carrier mobility are of great importance for next-generation electronic and optoelectronic devices. However, constrained by the long-held Slack’s criteria, the reported two-dimensional semiconductors such as monolayers of MoS2, WS2, MoSe2, WSe2 and black phosphorus suffer from much lower thermal conductivity than silicon (~142 W·m–1·K–1) because of the complex crystal structure, large average atomic mass and relatively weak chemical bonds. Despite the more complex crystal structure, the recently emerging monolayer MoSi2N4 semiconductor has been predicted to have high thermal conductivity and charge carrier mobility simultaneously. In this work, using a noncontact optothermal Raman technique, we experimentally measure a high thermal conductivity of ~173 W·m–1·K–1 at room temperature for suspended monolayer MoSi2N4 grown by chemical vapor deposition. First-principles calculations reveal that such unusually high thermal conductivity benefits from the high Debye temperature and small Grüneisen parameter of MoSi2N4, both of which are strongly dependent on the high Young’s modulus induced by the outmost Si-N bilayers. Our study not only establishes monolayer MoSi2N4 as a benchmark 2D semiconductor for next-generation electronic and optoelectronic devices, but also provides an insight into the design of 2D materials for efficient heat conduction.
Single-cell analysis reveals a subpopulation of adipose progenitor cells that impairs glucose homeostasis
Authors: Wang Hongdong , Du Yanhua , Huang Shanshan , Sun Xitai , Ye Youqiong , Sun Haixiang , Chu Xuehui , Shan Xiaodong , Yuan Yue , Shen Lei , Bi Yan
Published: June 2024

Adipose progenitor cells (APCs) are heterogeneous stromal cells and help to maintain metabolic homeostasis. However, the influence of obesity on human APC heterogeneity and the role of APC subpopulations on regulating glucose homeostasis remain unknown. Here, we find that APCs in human visceral adipose tissue contain four subsets. The composition and functionality of APCs are altered in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). CD9+CD55low APCs are the subset which is significantly increased in T2D patients. Transplantation of these cells from T2D patients into adipose tissue causes glycemic disturbance. Mechanistically, CD9+CD55low APCs promote T2D development through producing bioactive proteins to form a detrimental niche, leading to upregulation of adipocyte lipolysis. Depletion of pathogenic APCs by inducing intracellular diphtheria toxin A expression or using a hunter-killer peptide improves obesity-related glycemic disturbance. Collectively, our data provide deeper insights in human APC functionality and highlights APCs as a potential therapeutic target to combat T2D. All mice utilized in this study are male.
Collective chiroptical activity through the interplay of excitonic and charge-transfer effects in localized plasmonic fields
Authors: Li Huacheng , Xu Xin , Guan Rongcheng , Movsesyan Artur , Lu Zhenni , Xu Qiliang , Jiang Ziyun , Yang Yurong , Khan Majid , Wen Jin , Wu Hongwei , de la Moya Santiago , Markovich Gil , Hu Huatian , Wang Zhiming , Guo Qiang , Yi Tao , Govorov Alexander O. , Tang Zhiyong , Lan Xiang
Published: June 2024

The collective light-matter interaction of chiral supramolecular aggregates or molecular ensembles with confined light fields remains a mystery beyond the current theoretical description. Here, we programmably and accurately build models of chiral plasmonic complexes, aiming to uncover the entangled effects of excitonic correlations, intra- and intermolecular charge transfer, and localized surface plasmon resonances. The intricate interplay of multiple chirality origins has proven to be strongly dependent on the site-specificity of chiral molecules on plasmonic nanoparticle surfaces spanning the nanometer to sub-nanometer scale. This dependence is manifested as a distinct circular dichroism response that varies in spectral asymmetry/splitting, signal intensity, and internal ratio of intensity. The inhomogeneity of the surface-localized plasmonic field is revealed to affect excitonic and charge-transfer mixed intermolecular couplings, which are inherent to chirality generation and amplification. Our findings contribute to the development of hybrid classical-quantum theoretical frameworks and the harnessing of spin-charge transport for emergent applications.
A rare oasis effect for forage fauna in oceanic eddies at the global scale
Authors: Receveur Aurore , Menkes Christophe , Lengaigne Matthieu , Ariza Alejandro , Bertrand Arnaud , Dutheil Cyril , Cravatte Sophie , Allain Valérie , Barbin Laure , Lebourges-Dhaussy Anne , Lehodey Patrick , Nicol Simon
Published: June 2024

Oceanic eddies are recognized as pivotal components in marine ecosystems, believed to concentrate a wide range of marine life spanning from phytoplankton to top predators. Previous studies have posited that marine predators are drawn to these eddies due to an aggregation of their forage fauna. In this study, we examine the response of forage fauna, detected by shipboard acoustics, across a broad sample of a thousand eddies across the world’s oceans. While our findings show an impact of eddies on surface temperatures and phytoplankton in most cases, they reveal that only a minority (13%) exhibit significant effects on forage fauna, with only 6% demonstrating an oasis effect. We also show that an oasis effect can occur both in anticyclonic and cyclonic eddies, and that the few high-impact eddies are marked by high eddy amplitude and strong water-mass-trapping. Our study underscores the nuanced and complex nature of the aggregating role of oceanic eddies, highlighting the need for further research to elucidate how these structures attract marine predators.
Non-equilibrium quantum domain reconfiguration dynamics in a two-dimensional electronic crystal and a quantum annealer
Authors: Vodeb Jaka , Diego Michele , Vaskivskyi Yevhenii , Logaric Leonard , Gerasimenko Yaroslav , Kabanov Viktor , Lipovsek Benjamin , Topic Marko , Mihailovic Dragan
Published: June 2024

Relaxation dynamics of complex many-body quantum systems trapped into metastable states is a very active field of research from both the theoretical and experimental point of view with implications in a wide array of topics from macroscopic quantum tunnelling and nucleosynthesis to non-equilibrium superconductivity and energy-efficient memory devices. In this work, we investigate quantum domain reconfiguration dynamics in the electronic superlattice of a quantum material using time-resolved scanning tunneling microscopy and unveil a crossover from temperature to noisy quantum fluctuation dominated dynamics. The process is modeled using a programmable superconducting quantum annealer in which qubit interconnections correspond directly to the microscopic interactions between electrons in the quantum material. Crucially, the dynamics of both the experiment and quantum simulation is driven by spectrally similar pink noise. We find that the simulations reproduce the emergent time evolution and temperature dependence of the experimentally observed electronic domain dynamics.
Reservoir-computing based associative memory and itinerancy for complex dynamical attractors
Authors: Kong Ling-Wei , Brewer Gene A. , Lai Ying-Cheng
Published: June 2024

Traditional neural network models of associative memories were used to store and retrieve static patterns. We develop reservoir-computing based memories for complex dynamical attractors, under two common recalling scenarios in neuropsychology: location-addressable with an index channel and content-addressable without such a channel. We demonstrate that, for location-addressable retrieval, a single reservoir computing machine can memorize a large number of periodic and chaotic attractors, each retrievable with a specific index value. We articulate control strategies to achieve successful switching among the attractors, unveil the mechanism behind failed switching, and uncover various scaling behaviors between the number of stored attractors and the reservoir network size. For content-addressable retrieval, we exploit multistability with cue signals, where the stored attractors coexist in the high-dimensional phase space of the reservoir network. As the length of the cue signal increases through a critical value, a high success rate can be achieved. The work provides foundational insights into developing long-term memories and itinerancy for complex dynamical patterns.
Genetic determinants of host- and virus-derived insertions for hepatitis E virus replication
Authors: Wißing Michael Hermann , Meister Toni Luise , Nocke Maximilian Klaus , Gömer André , Masovic Mejrema , Knegendorf Leonard , Brüggemann Yannick , Bader Verian , Siddharta Anindya , Bock Claus-Thomas , Ploss Alexander , Kenney Scott P. , Winklhofer Konstanze F. , Behrendt Patrick , Wedemeyer Heiner , Steinmann Eike , Todt Daniel
Published: June 2024

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a long-neglected RNA virus and the major causative agent of acute viral hepatitis in humans. Recent data suggest that HEV has a very heterogeneous hypervariable region (HVR), which can tolerate major genomic rearrangements. In this study, we identify insertions of previously undescribed sequence snippets in serum samples of a ribavirin treatment failure patient. These insertions increase viral replication while not affecting sensitivity towards ribavirin in a subgenomic replicon assay. All insertions contain a predicted nuclear localization sequence and alanine scanning mutagenesis of lysine residues in the HVR influences viral replication. Sequential replacement of lysine residues additionally alters intracellular localization in a fluorescence dye-coupled construct. Furthermore, distinct sequence patterns outside the HVR are identified as viral determinants that recapitulate the enhancing effect. In conclusion, patient-derived insertions can increase HEV replication and synergistically acting viral determinants in and outside the HVR are described. These results will help to understand the underlying principles of viral adaptation by viral- and host-sequence snatching during the clinical course of infection.
CO2 electrolysis to multi-carbon products in strong acid at ampere-current levels on La-Cu spheres with channels
Authors: Feng Jiaqi , Wu Limin , Song Xinning , Zhang Libing , Jia Shunhan , Ma Xiaodong , Tan Xingxing , Kang Xinchen , Zhu Qinggong , Sun Xiaofu , Han Buxing
Published: June 2024

Achieving satisfactory multi-carbon (C2+) products selectivity and current density under acidic condition is a key issue for practical application of electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), but is challenging. Herein, we demonstrate that combining microenvironment modulation by porous channel structure and intrinsic catalytic activity enhancement via doping effect could promote efficient CO2RR toward C2+ products in acidic electrolyte (pH ≤ 1). The La-doped Cu hollow sphere with channels exhibits a C2+ products Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 86.2% with a partial current density of −775.8 mA cm−2. CO2 single-pass conversion efficiency for C2+ products can reach 52.8% at −900 mA cm−2. Moreover, the catalyst still maintains a high C2+ FE of 81.3% at −1 A cm−2. The channel structure plays a crucial role in accumulating K+ and OH- species near the catalyst surface and within the channels, which effectively suppresses the undesired hydrogen evolution and promotes C–C coupling. Additionally, the La doping enhances the generation of *CO intermediate, and also facilitates C2+ products formation.
Emergence of antiferromagnetic correlations and Kondolike features in a model for infinite layer nickelates
Authors: Liu Fangze , Peng Cheng , Huang Edwin W. , Moritz Brian , Jia Chunjing , Devereaux Thomas P.
Published: June 2024

We report a determinant quantum Monte Carlo study of a two-band model, inspired by infinite-layer nickelates, focusing on the influence of interlayer hybridization between $$3{d}_{{x}^{2}-{y}^{2}}$$

3

d

x

2

−

y

2

orbitals derived from Ni (or Ni and O) in one layer and rare-earth (R) 5d orbitals in the other layer, hereafter the Ni and R layers, respectively. For a filling with one electron shared between the two layers on average, interlayer hybridization leads to “self-doped" holes in the Ni layer and the absence of antiferromagnetic ordering, but rather the appearance of spin-density and charge-density stripe-like states. As the interlayer hybridization increases, both the Ni and R layers develop antiferromagnetic correlations, even though either layer individually remains away from half-filling. For hybridization within an intermediate range, roughly comparable to the intralayer nearest-neighbor hopping tNi, the model develops signatures of Kondo-like physics.
Multi-center Korean cohort study based on RNA-sequencing data targeting COPD patients
Authors: Seo Minseok , Park Sinwoo , Kim WooJin , Jung Ji Ye , Bak So Hyeon , Silverman Edwin K. , Park Jinkyeong
Published: June 2024

In 2023, WHO ranked chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as the third leading cause of death, with 3.23 million fatalities in 2019. The intricate nature of the disease, which is influenced by genetics, environment, and lifestyle, is evident. The effect of air pollution and changes in atmospheric substances because of global warming highlight the need for this research. These environmental shifts are associated with the emergence of various respiratory infections such as COVID-19. RNA sequencing is pivotal in airway diseases, including COPD, as it enables comprehensive transcriptome analysis, biomarker discovery, and uncovers novel pathways. It facilitates personalized medicine by tracking dynamic changes in gene expression in response to various triggers. However, the limited research on East Asian populations may overlook the unique nuances of COPD development and progression. Bridging this gap and using peripheral blood samples for systemic analysis are crucial for comprehensive and globally applicable COPD diagnosis and treatment.
The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 8: investigating its cutoff scores in relevance to loneliness and burnout among dementia family caregivers
Authors: Ali Amira Mohammed , Alkhamees Abdulmajeed A. , Hallit Souheil , Al-Dwaikat Tariq N. , Khatatbeh Haitham , Al-Dossary Saeed A.
Published: June 2024

The global trend of advanced aging comes at the cost of amplified onset of age-related diseases. Dementia is a common multifactorial age-related neurodegenerative disorder, which manifests with progressive declines in cognitive functioning and ability to perform activities of daily living. As polices discourage institutionalized care, family members act as primary caregivers and endure increased vulnerability to physical and mental health problems secondary to care-related changes in life routine and relationships. Targeting clinically significant distress at earlier stages through valid brief measures may promote caregivers’ wellbeing and dementia care continuity/quality. This study aimed to determine the optimal cutoff score of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 8-items (DASS-8) in a convenience sample of 571 European caregivers (Mean age = 53 ± 12 years, Italian = 74.4%, Swiss = 25.6%) through three methods. K-means clustering classified the sample into high- and low-distress clusters based on DASS-8 score of 19. Receiver operator curve (ROC) analysis using 48 and 7 cutoffs of the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) and the Three-Item University of California, Los Angeles, Loneliness Scale-version 3 (UCLALS3), revealed two DASS-8 cutoffs (12.5 and 14.5, area under the curve (AUC) = 0.85 and 0.92, p values < .001, 95% CI 0.82–0.88 and 0.89 to 0.94, sensitivity = 0.81 and 0.78, specificity = 0.76 and 0.89, Youden index = 0.57 and 0.67, respectively). Decision modeling produced two DASS-8 cutoffs (9.5 and 14.5) for predicting low and high caregiving burden and loneliness, respectively. According to the median of all DASS-8 cutoffs (14.5) the prevalence of mental distress was 50.8%. Distress correlated with key mental problems such as burnout and loneliness—in path analysis, DASS-8 scores were predicted by the ZBI, UCLALS3, care dependency, and receiving help with care, especially among older, female, and spouse caregivers. Further diagnostic workup should follow to confirm psycho-pathogenicity among caregivers with DASS-8 scores above 14.5. Investigations of the DASS-8 in other countries/populations may confirm the validity of this cutoff score.
Factors associated with the use of benzodiazepine and opioid prescription drug in the student population: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Thomas Charlotte , Dondaine Thibaut , Caron Clément , Bastien Axel , Chérot Nathalie , Deheul Sylvie , Gautier Sophie , Cottencin Olivier , Moreau-Crépeaux Sophie , Bordet Régis , Carton Louise
Published: June 2024

The misuse of benzodiazepines and opioid medications is frequent in students. To improve our understanding of this behavior, we aimed to identify factors associated with separate and concomitant use of these substances. Anonymous self-reported questionnaires were e-mailed to students enrolled at a French university between March and July 2021, covering: sociodemographic characteristics, academics, psychoactive substance use, ADHD symptomatology (adulthood and childhood), and psychiatric/psychological or addiction follow-up. Factors associated with the use of benzodiazepines and opioid medications included female sex (OR = 1.41 [1.08; 1.86]) and OR = 1.38 [1.06; 1.79], respectively), older age (OR = 1.65 [1.04; 2.6] and OR = 2.17 [1.4; 3.36], respectively), current psychiatric/psychological follow-up (OR = 6.53 [5.18; 8.24] and OR= 1.5 [1.12; 2.0], respectively), ADHD symptomatology (OR= 2.33 [1.71;3.16] and OR= 1.61 [1.15; 2.24], respectively), polyconsumption (tobacco use for benzodiazepine users, OR = 1.38 [1.04; 1.82]; alcohol use OR = 1.67 [1.17; 2.39] and tobacco use OR = 1.62 [1.23; 2.14] for opioid users). These factors were even more strongly associated with the concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioid medications: older age (OR = 3.64 [2.22; 5.99]), female sex (OR = 1.54 [1.1; 2.14]), grade repetition (OR = 1.7 [1.14; 2.54]), psychiatric/psychological follow-up (OR = 4.51 [3.35;6.06]), ADHD symptomatology (OR = 5.3 [3.69; 7.63]), polyconsumption (tobacco use OR = 2.05 [1.39; 3] and cannabis use, OR = 2.07 [1.97; 4.16]. The factors associated with the use of benzodiazepines and prescription opioids identified in this study could lead to the development of targeted prevention methods.
DNA damage and repair in patients undergoing myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography
Authors: De Lorenzo Andrea , dos Santos Fernandes Maria Clara , Romeiro Francisco , Arpini Anna Paula , Dias Glauber Monteiro
Published: June 2024

As patient exposure to ionizing radiation from medical imaging and its risks are continuing issues, this study aimed to evaluate DNA damage and repair markers after myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (MPS). Thirty-two patients undergoing Tc-99m sestamibi MPS were studied. Peripheral blood was collected before radiotracer injection at rest and 60–90 min after injection. The comet assay (single-cell gel electrophoresis) was performed with peripheral blood cells to detect DNA strand breaks. Three descriptors were evaluated: the percentage of DNA in the comet tail, tail length, and tail moment (the product of DNA tail percentage and tail length). Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was performed to evaluate the expression of five genes related to signaling pathways in response to DNA damage and repair (ATM, ATR, BRCA1, CDKN1A, and XPC). Mann–Whitney’s test was employed for statistical analysis; p < 0.05 was considered significant. Mean Tc-99m sestamibi dose was 15.1 mCi. After radiotracer injection, comparing post-exposure to pre-exposure samples of each of the 32 patients, no statistically significant differences of the DNA percentage in the tail, tail length or tail moment were found. qPCR revealed increased expression of BRCA1 and XPC, without any significant difference regarding the other genes. No significant increase in DNA strand breaks was detected after a single radiotracer injection for MPS. There was activation of only two repair genes, which may indicate that, in the current patient sample, the effects of ionizing radiation on the DNA were not large enough to trigger intense repair responses, suggesting the absence of significant DNA damage.
Motor imagery drives the effects of combined action observation and motor imagery on corticospinal excitability for coordinative lower-limb actions
Authors: Grilc Neza , Valappil Ashika Chembila , Tillin Neale A. , Mian Omar S. , Wright David J. , Holmes Paul S. , Castelli Federico , Bruton Adam M.
Published: June 2024

Combined action observation and motor imagery (AOMI) facilitates corticospinal excitability (CSE) and may potentially induce plastic-like changes in the brain in a similar manner to physical practice. This study used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to explore changes in CSE for AOMI of coordinative lower-limb actions. Twenty-four healthy adults completed two baseline (BLH, BLNH) and three AOMI conditions, where they observed a knee extension while simultaneously imagining the same action (AOMICONG), plantarflexion (AOMICOOR-FUNC), or dorsiflexion (AOMICOOR-MOVE). Motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitudes were recorded as a marker of CSE for all conditions from two knee extensor, one dorsi flexor, and two plantar flexor muscles following TMS to the right leg representation of the left primary motor cortex. A main effect for experimental condition was reported for all three muscle groups. MEP amplitudes were significantly greater in the AOMICONG condition compared to the BLNH condition (p = .04) for the knee extensors, AOMICOOR-FUNC condition compared to the BLH condition (p = .03) for the plantar flexors, and AOMICOOR-MOVE condition compared to the two baseline conditions for the dorsi flexors (ps ≤ .01). The study findings support the notion that changes in CSE are driven by the imagined actions during coordinative AOMI.
Genomic profiles of Japanese patients with vulvar squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Fujii Erisa , Kato Mayumi Kobayashi , Yamaguchi Maiko , Higuchi Daiki , Koyama Takafumi , Komatsu Masaaki , Hamamoto Ryuji , Ishikawa Mitsuya , Kato Tomoyasu , Kohno Takashi , Shiraishi Kouya , Yoshida Hiroshi
Published: June 2024

The incidence of vulvar carcinoma varies by race; however, it is a rare disease, and its genomic profiles remain largely unknown. This study examined the characteristics of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) in Japanese patients, focusing on genomic profiles and potential racial disparities. The study included two Japanese groups: the National Cancer Center Hospital (NCCH) group comprised 19 patients diagnosed between 2015 and 2023, and the Center for Cancer Genomics and Advanced Therapeutics group comprised 29 patients diagnosed between 2019 and 2022. Somatic mutations were identified by targeted or panel sequencing, and TP53 was identified as the most common mutation (52–81%), followed by HRAS (7–26%), CDKN2A (21–24%), and PIK3CA (5–10%). The mutation frequencies, except for TP53, were similar to those of Caucasian cohorts. In the NCCH group, 16 patients of HPV-independent tumors were identified by immunohistochemistry and genotyping. Univariate analysis revealed that TP53-mutated patients were associated with a poor prognosis (log-rank test, P = 0.089). Japanese VSCC mutations resembled those of Caucasian vulvar carcinomas, and TP53 mutations predicted prognosis regardless of ethnicity. The present findings suggest potential molecular-targeted therapies for select VSCC patients.
Microbial metabolite sodium butyrate enhances the anti-tumor efficacy of 5-fluorouracil against colorectal cancer by modulating PINK1/Parkin signaling and intestinal flora
Authors: Li Yangbo , He Pengzhan , Chen Ying , Hu Jiaming , Deng Beiying , Liu Chuan , Yu Baoping , Dong Weiguo
Published: June 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent global health issue, with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) being a commonly used chemotherapeutic agent for its treatment. However, the efficacy of 5-FU is often hindered by drug tolerance. Sodium butyrate (NaB), a derivative of intestinal flora, has demonstrated anti-cancer properties both in vitro and in vivo through pro-apoptotic effects and has shown promise in improving outcomes when used in conjunction with traditional chemotherapy agents. This study seeks to evaluate the impact and potential mechanisms of NaB in combination with 5-FU on CRC. We employed a comprehensive set of assays, including CCK-8, EdU staining, Hoechst 33258 staining, flow cytometry, ROS assay, MMP assay, immunofluorescence, and mitophagy assay, to detect the effect of NaB on the biological function of CRC cells in vitro. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to verify the above experimental results. The xenograft tumor model was established to evaluate the in vivo anti-CRC activity of NaB. Subsequently, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to analyze the intestinal flora. The findings of our study demonstrate that sodium butyrate (NaB) exerts inhibitory effects on tumor cell proliferation and promotes tumor cell apoptosis in vitro, while also impeding tumor progression in vivo through the enhancement of the mitophagy pathway. Furthermore, the combined treatment of NaB and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) yielded superior therapeutic outcomes compared to monotherapy with either agent. Moreover, this combination therapy resulted in the specific enrichment of Bacteroides, LigiLactobacillus, butyric acid-producing bacteria, and acetic acid-producing bacteria in the intestinal microbiota. The improvement in the intestinal microbiota contributed to enhanced therapeutic outcomes and reduced the adverse effects of 5-FU. Taken together, these findings indicate that NaB, a histone acetylation inhibitor synthesized through intestinal flora fermentation, has the potential to significantly enhance the therapeutic efficacy of 5-FU in CRC treatment and improve the prognosis of CRC patients.
Optimal rainfall threshold for monsoon rice production in India varies across space and time
Authors: Maiti Arabinda , Hasan Md Kamrul , Sannigrahi Srikanta , Bar Somnath , Chakraborti Suman , Mahto Shanti Shwarup , Chatterjee Sumanta , Pramanik Suvamoy , Pilla Francesco , Auerbach Jeremy , Sonnentag Oliver , Song Conghe , Zhang Qi
Published: June 2024

Climate change affects Indian agriculture, which depends heavily on the spatiotemporal distribution of monsoon rainfall. Despite the nonlinear relationship between crop yield and rainfall, little is known about the optimal rainfall threshold, particularly for monsoon rice. Here, we investigate the responses of rice yield to monsoon rainfall in India by analyzing historical rice production statistics and climate data from 1990 to 2017. Results show that excessive and deficit rainfall reduces rice yield by 33.7% and 19%, respectively. The overall optimal rainfall threshold nationwide is 1621 ± 34 mm beyond which rice yield declines by 6.4 kg per hectare per 100 mm of rainfall, while the identifiable thresholds vary spatially across 14 states. The temporal variations in rice yield are influenced by rainfall anomalies featured by El Niño-Southern Oscillation events.
Perceptions of the determinants of health across income and urbanicity levels in eight countries
Authors: Abdalla Salma M. , Assefa Ethan , Rosenberg Samuel B. , Hernandez Mark , Koya Shaffi Fazaludeen , Galea Sandro
Published: June 2024

Background

A clear understanding of public perceptions of the social determinants of health remains lacking. This paper aimed to describe the relationship between income and urbanicity levels and public views of the determinants of health in eight middle-and high-income countries that varied across multiple characteristics.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional online survey in Brazil, China, Germany, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, and the United States. Respondents were asked to select what they considered to be most important for health out of a list of ten determinants. We stratified the results by income and urbanicity levels and tested significance of differences between groups using two-tailed χ2 tests. Multivariable logistic regression models tested associations between demographic factors and the likelihood of respondents selecting the genetics, healthcare, income and wealth, or social support determinants.

Results

Here we show 8753 respondents across eight countries. Rankings of determinants are similar across income groups, except for two determinants. Respondents in the highest income group rank genetics in higher proportions (32.4%, 95%CI: 29.0%,35.8%) compared to other income groups. Conversely, those in lowest income group rank social support more frequently (27.9%, 95%CI: 25.3%,30.7%) than other income groups.

Those living in urban settings rank healthcare in higher proportions (61.2%, 95%CI: 59.0%,63.4%) compared to non-urban respondents; meanwhile, higher proportions (26.6%, 95%CI: 24.9%,28.3%) of non-urban respondents rank social support as important for health compared to urban respondents.

Conclusion

Demographic factors play a role in shaping public views of what affects health. Advancing public understanding about determinants of health requires tailoring public health messaging to account for socioeconomic position within a population.
Mendelian randomization reveals interactions of the blood proteome and immunome in mitral valve prolapse
Authors: Minvielle Moncla Louis-Hippolyte , Briend Mewen , Sokhna Sylla Mame , Mathieu Samuel , Rufiange Anne , Bossé Yohan , Mathieu Patrick
Published: June 2024

Background

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a common heart disorder characterized by an excessive production of proteoglycans and extracellular matrix in mitral valve leaflets. Large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS) underlined that MVP is heritable. The molecular underpinnings of the disease remain largely unknown.

Methods

We interrogated cross-modality data totaling more than 500,000 subjects including GWAS, 4809 molecules of the blood proteome, and genome-wide expression of mitral valves to identify candidate drivers of MVP. Data were investigated through Mendelian randomization, network analysis, ligand-receptor inference and digital cell quantification.

Results

In this study, Mendelian randomization identify that 33 blood proteins, enriched in networks for immunity, are associated with the risk of MVP. MVP- associated blood proteins are enriched in ligands for which their cognate receptors are differentially expressed in mitral valve leaflets during MVP and enriched in cardiac endothelial cells and macrophages. MVP-associated blood proteins are involved in the renewal-polarization of macrophages and regulation of adaptive immune response. Cytokine activity profiling and digital cell quantification show in MVP a shift toward cytokine signature promoting M2 macrophage polarization. Assessment of druggability identify CSF1R, CX3CR1, CCR6, IL33, MMP8, ENPEP and angiotensin receptors as actionable targets in MVP.

Conclusions

Hence, integrative analysis identifies networks of candidate molecules and cells involved in immune control and remodeling of the extracellular matrix, which drive the risk of MVP.
Wastewater-based protocols for SARS-CoV-2: insights into virus concentration, extraction, and quantitation methods from two years of public health surveillance
Authors: Antkiewicz Dagmara S. , Janssen Kayley H. , Roguet Adélaïde , Pilch Hannah E. , Fahney Rebecca B. , Mullen Paige A. , Knuth Griffin N. , Everett Devin G. , Doolittle Evelyn M. , King Kaitlyn , Wood Carter , Stanley Angellica , Hemming Jocelyn D. C. , Shafer Martin M.
Published: June 2024

A systematic analysis of widely used concentration, extraction and quantification methods, to identify which ones perform best for wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2, PMMoV and BCoV. Accuracy, sensitivity, and throughput metrics were evaluated.
Tunable bandwidth terahertz perfect absorption device based on vanadium dioxide phase transition control
Authors: Shui Bin , Yi Yingting , Ma Can , Yi Zao , Li Gongfa , Zeng Liangcai , Zeng Qingdong , Wu Pinghui , Yi Yougen
Published: June 2024

Here, a dynamically tunable ultra-wideband terahertz perfect absorption device based on the VO2 phase transition principle is proposed. The related phenomena can be explained by impedance matching theory.
Manipulating non-equilibrium diffusion-controlled reaction toward reversible alloying reactions in alkali ion batteries
Authors: Kim Gilseob , Cho Seonyong , Lyu Lulu , Park Mihui , Park Sanghyun , Kang Yong-Mook
Published: June 2024

Electrochemical alloying reaction of alloying-type anode materials for alkali-ion batteries is revealed by focusing on the underlying thermodynamics.
Manuka honey's anti-metastatic impact on colon cancer stem-like cells: unveiling its effects on epithelial–mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis and telomere length
Authors: Cianciosi Danila , Forbes-Hernandez Tamara , Armas Diaz Yasmany , Elexpuru-Zabaleta Maria , Quiles José L. , Battino Maurizio , Giampieri Francesca
Published: June 2024

Colorectal cancer often leads to metastasis, with cancer stem cells (CSCs) playing a pivotal role in this process.
In vitro gastrointestinal stability and intestinal absorption of ACE-1 and DPP4 inhibitory peptides from poultry by-product hydrolysates
Authors: Sorokina Liudmila , Solberg Nina Therese , Koga Shiori , Rønning Sissel Beate , Afseth Nils Kristian , Wilson Steven Ray , Rieder Anne , Wubshet Sileshi Gizachew
Published: June 2024

Gastrointestinal stability and intestinal absorption of the bioactive peptides from poultry by-products were studied using the INFOGEST static in vitro digestion model and intestinal Caco-2 cell monolayer, respectively.
Heterointerfacial adhesion failure mechanism of ultrahigh filler loading containing epoxy composite films for chip substrates
Authors: Ding Shanjun , Wu Xiaomeng , Zhang Xu , Gui Mengqi , Fang Zhidan , Wang Qidong
Published: June 2024

High adhesion force of chip substrates is crucial for improving chip reliability in the field of microelectronics.
Dual-targeted fluorescent probe for tracking polarity and phase transition processes during lipophagy
Authors: Liu Yang , Gong Xiao-Ting , Wang Kang-Nan , He Simeng , Wang Yumeng , Lin Qiaowen , Liu Zhiqiang , Yu Xiaoqiang , Liu Bin
Published: June 2024

The multifunctional fluorescent probe PTZ enables investigation of the LDs and lysosome interaction from both phase transition and polarity perspectives, and the homogeneous transition of LDs and lysosomes during lipophagy was discovered.
An integrated electronic skin with biaxial sensitivity from a layered biphasic liquid metal/polymer film
Authors: Chen Zixun , Peng Hao , Zhang Jiuyang
Published: June 2024

This work successfully fabricates a dual-responsively integrated electronic skin (IES) composed of biphasic LM films and PDMS foam. The recognition ability of IES for the types, strength, and area makes it of potential value in the soft electronics.
A hydrogel based on Fe(ii)-GMP demonstrates tunable emission, self-healing mechanical strength and Fenton chemistry-mediated notable antibacterial properties
Authors: Umesh  , Chandran Vysakh C. , Saha Pranay , Nath Debasish , Bera Sayan , Bhattacharya Santanu , Pal Asish
Published: June 2024

A hydrogel (Fe-1GMP) with tunable emission and mechanical strength serves as a host for controlled Fenton reaction that could be upregulated upon adding ascorbic acid (AA), demonstrating antibacterial efficacy via ROS generation.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of moiramide B derivatives
Authors: Andler Oliver , Kazmaier Uli
Published: June 2024

A PPh3-catalyzed selective isomerisation of a nonadiynoic acid is the key step in the synthesis of an alkyne-substituted moiramide derivative, suitable for further modifications.
Controllable confinement nano-reinforced organic–inorganic cyanate ester resins with optimal modulus and dielectric properties trade-offs
Authors: Wu Yushan , Xiang Yu , Lu Hantian , Qin Faxiang , Xu Peng , Peng Hua-Xin
Published: June 2024

Nano-reinforced resins are widely used in the aerospace field, but the improvement of the mechanical properties is always low or even decreased due to the unsatisfactory dispersion and interfacial properties of nano-fillers.
Divergent functionalization of alkenes enabled by photoredox activation of CDFA and α-halo carboxylic acids
Authors: Giri Rahul , Zhilin Egor , Katayev Dmitry
Published: June 2024

The direct activation of α-halo carboxylic acids using visible-light-mediated photoredox catalysis facilitates the formation of bifunctional radical intermediates, allowing reactivity toward olefins to be fine-tuned by varying the solvent system.
Synergistically activating nucleophile strategy enabled organocatalytic asymmetric P-addition of cyclic imines
Authors: Zhang Hongkui , Tan Jian-Ping , Ren Xiaoyu , Wang Fan , Zheng Jia-Yan , He Jiajia , Feng Yu , Xu Zhipeng , Su Zhishan , Wang Tianli
Published: June 2024

An attractive organocatalytic asymmetric addition of P-nucleophiles with cyclic N-sulfonyl imines by phosphonium salt catalysis has been disclosed, offering a facile way to phosphorus-containing benzosultams in high yields and stereoselectivities.
Influence of bacterial swimming and hydrodynamics on attachment of phages
Authors: Lohrmann Christoph , Holm Christian , Datta Sujit S.
Published: June 2024

Simulations show that fluid flow suppresses viral attachment to the cell body of a swimming bacterium, but enhances attachment to the flagellar propeller—revealing a mechanism that may be exploited by viruses that target bacterial flagella.
Catalytic synthesis of renewable 2-methylfuran from furfural
Authors: Han Yuanyuan , Zhang Xing , Wang Wei , Guo Shaobo , Ji Xiaohui , Li Guangyi
Published: June 2024

The efficient catalytic selective hydrogenation of furfural to produce 2-methylfuran was accomplished through the introduction of a small quantity of hydroquinone over a monometallic catalyst comprising solely of Co and its oxides.
Decoding Age-Linked Masseter Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential Changes in Healthy, Aging Individuals
Authors: Ramesh Karan , Thirunavukkarasu Kumaran
Published: June 2024

Purpose:

The primary objective of this study was to assess how age influences masseter vestibular evoked myogenic potential (mVEMP) parameters by utilizing 500-Hz tone burst stimuli delivered through air conduction.

Method:

The study involved 110 participants ranging from 15 to 60 years of age, grouped into five categories, all of whom had no previous issues related to their vestibular system. The participants were exposed to 500-Hz tone burst stimuli at 125 dB SPL through ER-3A inserts. These stimuli were presented to one ear at a time, with alternating polarity. A Tukey's honestly significant difference test was conducted to compare rectified and unrectified amplitude, along with latencies (P11 and N21) and the asymmetric ratio across all age groups. Additionally, a multivariate analysis of variance was performed to assess the impact of sex on the study variables.

Results:

All 110 participants (220 ears) in the study provided mVEMP responses, encompassing 100% of the subjects. The results revealed a significant reduction in both amplitude and latency extension for the P11 and N21 peaks. Interestingly, P11 latency was also prolonged in the youngest participants (Group 1), suggesting ongoing maturation of the system even beyond the age of 16 years. Moreover, a significant sex difference was observed in the P11 latencies. However, there were no substantial sex differences (
p
> .05) in N1 peak latency, peak-to-peak amplitude, rectified amplitude, and asymmetric ratio.

Conclusions:

Changes in structure occur due to degeneration, and the quantity of vestibular sensory hair cells gradually diminishes with age. The rate of decline is faster in semicircular canals compared to end organs, as observed by Merchant et al. (2000). Following a linear degeneration starting at the age of 40 years, a continuous reduction in sensory cells and primary neurons takes place until approximately 40% of vestibular sensory cells are lost by the age of 75 years and insufficient maturation can lead to prolonged peaks and reduced amplitudes compared with those that are considered normal. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the age of the participants when making diagnoses and incorporate relevant correction factors based on age-related reference data.
A fault‐tolerant and scalable boosting method over vertically partitioned data
Authors: Jiang Hai , Shang Songtao , Liu Peng , Yi Tong
Published: June 2024

Vertical federated learning (VFL) can learn a common machine learning model over vertically partitioned datasets. However, VFL are faced with these thorny problems: (1) both the training and prediction are very vulnerable to stragglers; (2) most VFL methods can only support a specific machine learning model. Suppose that VFL incorporates the features of centralised learning, then the above issues can be alleviated. With that in mind, this paper proposes a new VFL scheme, called FedBoost, which makes private parties upload the compressed partial order relations to the honest but curious server before training and prediction. The server can build a machine learning model and predict samples on the union of coded data. The theoretical analysis indicates that the absence of any private party will not affect the training and prediction as long as a round of communication is achieved. Our scheme can support canonical tree‐based models such as Tree Boosting methods and Random Forests. The experimental results also demonstrate the availability of our scheme.