bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanism and origins of cobalt-catalyzed ligand-controlled regiodivergent C–H functionalization of aldehydes with enynes
Authors: Zhang Jing-Wen , Liu Xiao-Jun , Zhang Jian , Liu Jian-Biao
Published: September 2023

Mechanistic studies reveal that σ-bond metathesis is more challenging and its feasibility is highly dependent on the ligand bite angle.
Investigation of polyethylene glycol (PEG) assisted solvothermal synthesis of CuCoO2 nanosheets for efficient oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Ma Shiyu , Bai Jilin , Sun Li , Zhao Lihong , Tan Hao , Liu Lifeng , Peng Zhigang , Zhao Xiujian , Xiong Dehua
Published: September 2023

The incorporation of PEG-400 reduced the size and increased the specific surface area of CuCoO2 nanosheets during a solvothermal reaction, which leads to it exhibiting an enhanced oxygen evolution reaction performance in alkaline water splitting.
Correction: Iron-doped bimetallic boride Fe-Ni2B/NF-x nanoparticles toward efficient oxygen evolution reaction at a large current density
Authors: Zhang Yajuan , Xu Hui , Shi Xingwei , Ma Shengyue
Published: September 2023

Correction for ‘Iron-doped bimetallic boride Fe-Ni2B/NF-x nanoparticles toward efficient oxygen evolution reaction at a large current density’ by Yajuan Zhang et al., Dalton Trans., 2023, 52, 9077–9083, https://doi.org/10.1039/d3dt00845b.
Celebrating the 30th anniversary of a pioneering microfluidics paper
Authors: Fan Z. Hugh , Harrison D. Jed
Published: September 2023

We mark the 30th anniversary of the Science paper by Harrison et al. that is often credited for helping establish microfluidics as a research field.
Synthesis and application of spermine-based amphiphilic poly(β-amino ester)s for siRNA delivery
Authors: Jin Yao , Adams Friederike , Nguyen Anny , Sturm Sebastian , Carnerio Simone , Müller-Caspary Knut , Merkel Olivia M.
Published: September 2023

Spermine-based amphiphilic poly(β-amino ester)s efficiently deliver short interfering RNA (siRNA) intracellularly for RNA interference (RNAi) of disease-related genes in human cells.
Correction: Self-quenched ferrocenyl diketopyrrolopyrrole organic nanoparticles with amplifying photothermal effect for cancer therapy
Authors: Liang Pingping , Tang Qianyun , Cai Yu , Liu Gongyuan , Si Weili , Shao Jinjun , Huang Wei , Zhang Qi , Dong Xiaochen
Published: September 2023

Correction for ‘Self-quenched ferrocenyl diketopyrrolopyrrole organic nanoparticles with amplifying photothermal effect for cancer therapy’ by Pingping Liang et al., Chem. Sci., 2017, 8, 7457–7463, https://doi.org/10.1039/C7SC03351F.
Visible-light driven fumarate synthesis from pyruvate and gaseous CO2 with a hybrid system of photocatalytic NADH regeneration and dual biocatalysts
Authors: Takeuchi Mika , Amao Yutaka
Published: September 2023

Visible-light driven fumarate synthesis from pyruvate and gaseous CO2 with a hybrid system of photocatalytic NADH regeneration and dual biocatalysts (malate dehydrogenase and fumarase) was developed.
Fast and simple preparation of microparticles of KHCO3 by a freeze-dissolving method with single solvent or additional antisolvent
Authors: Luo Jiaqi , Su Qifan , Yu Qiushuo , Zhai Xinyue , Zou Yuan , Yang Huaiyu
Published: September 2023

The freeze-dissolving in antisolvent and in saturated solution methods can both produce KHCO3 microparticles with only 1% period and 1% energy as traditional freeze-drying method. The freeze-dissolving in saturated solution has wider applications.
The highly selective conversion of lignin models and organosolv lignin to amines over a Ru/C catalyst
Authors: Xie Jin , Wu Xiaojing , Zhang Jieyun , Dai Xin , Li Zelong , Li Can
Published: September 2023

This work has realized the direct conversion of lignin models and realistic lignin to amines with Ru/C as catalyst.
[12]aneN3-modified camptothecin and PEGylated AIEgens co-assembly into core–shell nanoparticles with ROS/NTR dual-response for enhanced cancer therapy
Authors: Sun Xue-Yi , Liang Ya-Xuan , Gao Yi-Nan , Zhang Xi , Liu Rui , Tang Quan , Lu Zhong-Lin , Liu Yang
Published: September 2023

A novel dual-responsive core–shell nanoparticle (NP) system was successfully constructed for cancer treatment with synergistic drug/gene therapies.
Exploring release mechanisms by disrupting π–π stacking regions in stable micelles
Authors: Zhang Fusheng , Pei Gongcui , Huang Baihao , Xu Jianchang , Zhang Lijuan
Published: September 2023

π–π stacking strategies can enhance the stability performance of delivery platforms but are often led to incomplete drug release performance, even with the help of crosslinking strategies. A collaborated strategy is proposed to improve drug release.
The MPIfR-MeerKAT Galactic Plane Survey
Authors: Colom i Bernadich M. , Balakrishnan V. , Barr E. , Berezina M. , Burgay M. , Buchner S. , Champion D. J. , Chen W. , Desvignes G. , Freire P. C. C. , Grunthal K. , Kramer M. , Men Y. , Padmanabh P. V. , Parthasarathy A. , Pillay D. , Rammala I. , Sengupta S. , Venkatraman Krishnan V.
Published: September 2023

The MPIfR-MeerKAT Galactic Plane survey atL-band (MMGPS-L) is the most sensitive pulsar survey in the Southern Hemisphere, providing 78 discoveries in an area of 900 sq. deg. Here, we present a follow-up study of one of these new discoveries, PSR J1208−5936, a 28.71-ms recycled pulsar in a double neutron star system with an orbital period ofPb = 0.632 days and an eccentricity ofe = 0.348, merging within the Hubble time. Through timing of almost one year of observations, we detected the relativistic advance of periastron (ω̇ = 0.918(1) deg yr−1), resulting in a total system mass ofMt = 2.586(5) M⊙. We also achieved low-significance constraints on the amplitude of the Einstein delay and Shapiro delay, in turn yielding constraints on the pulsar mass (Mp = 1.26−0.25+0.13 M⊙), the companion mass (Mc = 1.32−0.13+0.25 M⊙), and the inclination angle (i = 57 ± 12°). This system is highly eccentric compared to other Galactic field double neutron stars with similar periods, possibly hinting at a larger-than-usual supernova kick during the formation of the second-born neutron star. The binary will merge within 7.2(2) Gyr due to the emission of gravitational waves, making it a progenitor of the neutron star merger events seen by ground-based gravitational wave observatories. With the improved sensitivity of the MMGPS-L, we updated the Milky Way neutron star merger rate to beRMWnew = 25−9+19Myr−1within 90% credible intervals, which is lower than previous studies based on known Galactic binaries owing to the lack of further detections despite the highly sensitive nature of the survey. This implies a local cosmic neutron star merger rate ofRlocalnew = 293−103+222Gpc−3yr−1, which is consistent with LIGO and Virgo O3 observations. With this, we also predict the observation of 10−4+8neutron star merger events during the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA O4 run. We predict the uncertainties on the component masses and the inclination angle will be reduced to 5 × 10−3 M⊙and 0.4° after two decades of timing, and that in at least a decade from now the detection ofṖband the sky proper motion will serve to make an independent constraint of the distance to the system.
Liebe Leserinnen und Leser der Klinischen Neurophysiologie,
Authors: Baumgartner Christoph
Published: September 2023

die Internationale Liga gegen Epilepsie (ILAE) hat seit mehr als 40 Jahren
unterschiedliche Vorschläge zur Klassifikation von epileptischen
Anfällen, von Epilepsien und von Epilepsiesyndromen publiziert, die
zahllose, zum Teil kontroversielle Diskussionen nach sich gezogen haben.
Demgemäß wurden diese Vorschläge auch mehrfach modifiziert.
Im Positionspapier der ILAE zur Klassifikation der Epilepsien aus dem Jahr 2017
wurden 3 diagnostische Stufen definiert, nämlich (1) die Anfallsform, (2)
die Art der Epilepsie und (3) das Epilepsiesyndrom.
Hyperammonämie bei einem Neugeborenen
Authors: Keller Anke
Published: September 2023

Diese Arbeit behandelt die stationäre Aufnahme eines Neugeborenen mit Hyperammonämie auf die Kinderintensivstation des Universitätsklinikums Leipzig anhand eines Fallbeispiels. Dabei werden die Krankheitsbilder erläutert, deren Leitsymptom die Hyperammonämie im Neugeborenenalter ist. Die Symptome und Diagnostik als Abgrenzung zur Neugeborenensepsis, die Akuttherapie mit der Entgiftung über die Nierenersatztherapie und die Langzeittherapie mit der Prognose der Kinder werden kurz beschrieben. Es wurde je eine Verfahrensanweisung erstellt, die bei zukünftigen stationären Aufnahmen solcher Patienten die einzelnen Berufsgruppen im Behandlungsteam – Arzt/Pflegende – unterstützen wird.
Three Lower Lip Sinuses with Congenital Bands Holding Upper and Lower Jaw Together in a Case of Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Majumdar B.K. , Roy Collin , Chowdhury Siti Roy
Published: September 2023

A case of congenital fibrous band holding upper and lower jaw together along with lower lip sinuses in a case of bilateral cleft lip and palate is presented.
Management of Choronic Plantar Ulcers in Leprosy by Flap Surgery
Authors: Rath B.K. , Das B.K. , Das J.M. , Kumar P.P.
Published: September 2023

Thirty three cases of chronic plantar ulcers due to leprosy were treated by flap surgery and the result analysed. It was observed that local skin flap were suitable for small defects especially in the forefoot. Muscle flaps were most suitable for ulcers of heel. The best procedure currently available to reconstruct ulcers in the weight bearing areas was provided by myocutaneous flaps. Fascio-cutaneous flaps were found useful for covering large defects. Cross-leg and Cross-foot flaps were not suitable for weight-bearing areas and were associated with prolonged immobilisation.
Direct Sagittal Computed Tomography of Temporomandibular Joint
Authors: Pant M.C. , Chandra Ramesh , Agarwal G.N. , Pradhan R. , Chowdhry Manoj , Srivastava P.K.
Published: September 2023

Direct sagittal scanning of TMJ with the help of computed tomography gives better information about the osseous alteration of mandibular condyle and temporal bone, joint space narrowing, meniscal configuration and range of movements. The use of 25 cm thick foam between the head rest and the patients's head was found to be simple, inexpensive and helpful in evaluating the various disorders of the temporo-mandibular joint.
Conservative Treatment for a Mallet Finger Deformity (A Review of 50 Cases)
Authors: Mulay Shobhana , Pandya Narendra , Khullodkar A.S.
Published: September 2023

50 cases of Mallet finger deformity were treated with a small splint restricting the D.I.P. joint. We found the method simple, giving satisfactory results.
Island Nasolabial Flap
Authors: Bhattacharya S. , Jaiswal M.S.D. , Misra N.C.
Published: September 2023

The island nasolabial flap was used for the reconstruction of buccal and alar defects in 10 patients. Alar defects produced after ablating small basal cell carcinomas were covered by superiorly based island nasolabial flap and buccal defects caused by incising oral submucous fibrosis and defects following excision of verrucous carcinoma were reconstructed by inferiorly based island nasolabial flap. The incorporation of the underlying vessel in the flap and selective defattening of the flap and it's pedicle by microdissection greatly aids in increasing it's arc of rotation and improving it's maneuverability.
Deep-focus handheld camera captures clear 3D dental images
Authors: Thompson Avery
Published: September 2023

Solid immersion microlens arrays provide larger depth of field, increased contrast for detailed handheld imaging.
Quantum state engineering in a three-level system with periodical Gaussian pulses
Authors: Yuan Cheng , Ran Qiu-Yue , Gao Xiao-Qing , Ianconescu Reuven , He Ze-Long , Ran Du
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we propose a scheme to achieve selective population transfer in a Λ-type three-level atomic system with a train of periodical Gaussian pulses. Based on temporal constructive quantum interference between the sequential transitions and subsequent coherent accumulations, the selective population transfer can be achieved with the pulse train, without satisfying the requirement of two-photon resonance condition. It can be understood as a result of the formation of a comb-like structure of the pulse train spectrum in time domain. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the scheme is robust against the wave-form deformation of single pulse while sensitive to the pulse train repetition period. Due to the Gaussian waveform of the laser field been readily implemented in experiments, the scheme holds great practicality for quantum state engineering in quantum information processing.
Molecular-frame photoelectron angular distributions during double core-hole generation in
O2
and
N2
molecules
Authors: Rezvan Dmitrii V , Novikovskiy Nikolay M , Haubenreißer Daniel M , Lagutin Boris M , Demekhin Philipp V
Published: September 2023

Angular distributions of photoelectrons emitted upon double core-hole (DCH) generation in nitrogen and oxygen molecules are studied theoretically in the frame of a molecular reference. The respective electronic structure calculations are performed by the single center method for photoelectron kinetic energies up to 40 eV in the relaxed-core Hartree–Fock approximation. The molecular frame photoelectron angular distributions are computed for single-site and two-site DCH creation processes and further analyzed for different orientations of the molecular axis with respect to the electric field vector of linearly polarized incident light and for localized or delocalized emitting atomic site scenarios. The present theoretical results provide reliable predictions for future experiments with high-repetition free-electron lasers.
Precise plane registration with multiple geometric feature matching and weighted least squares estimation
Authors: Ma Kaixuan , Liu Rufei , Li Zeyu , Wang Fei , Li Ming
Published: September 2023

Point cloud registration is a fundamental problem for 3D laser scanning technology, which is extensively applied in geographic entity modelling such as 3D reconstruction of urban roads and buildings. Registration accuracy is one of the main focuses for these applications. However, noisy points, limited overlap, varying data sources, and differing measuring accuracy may cause changes between point cloud sets and reduce registration accuracy. This paper introduces an automatic plane registration method for urban roads and building scenes, which does not need manual on-site deployment. Firstly, plane primitives are extracted using voxel-based filtering region growth. Next, corresponding planes for the extracted primitives are identified by leveraging saliency features and constructing adjacency matrices. Finally, plane registration is achieved using a weighted plane coordinate conversion model. Through real-world scene experimentation, an overall accuracy of 10 cm and a segmental registration accuracy of 5–6 cm is achieved with our method, outperforming both feature point-based and global point cloud registration approaches in terms of efficiency and accuracy.
Monocular free-head gaze tracking method for driving electric sickbed
Authors: Hu Jiahui , Lu Yonghua , Zhang Jinhai , Xu Jiajun , Yang Haozheng
Published: September 2023

Building a free-head gaze tracking model with high accuracy, simple equipment, and not limited to wearing glasses is a challenge. In this paper, a monocular free-head gaze-tracking method based on machine learning are proposed. Two lightweight, high-precision and real-time gaze-tracking models are constructed, which can measure the 2D gaze point and 3D gaze direction respectively. In addition, we combined our gaze-tracking technology with electric sickbed to create an eye-gaze control based electric sickbed system that allows the patient to control the sickbed with their eyes. The experimental results show that the measurement errors of the two models on the MPIIGaze dataset are 4.84 cm and 4.8∘ respectively. After commissioning, user feedback has shown that this eye-gaze controlled electric sickbed system can enhance the lives of patients.
Feature fusion-based fiber-optic distributed acoustic sensing signal identification method
Authors: Wang Xiaodong , Wang Chang , Zhang Faxiang , Jiang Shaodong , Sun Zhihui , Zhang Hongyu , Duan Zhenhui , Liu Zhaoying
Published: September 2023

Fiber-optic distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) systems based on phase-sensitive optical time-domain reflection technology have been widely used for perimeter security and oil and gas pipeline safety monitoring. To address the problem of low recognition accuracy of high-sampling-rate long-sequence signal data (length greater than or equal to 1000 points) collected by the DAS system, we propose a CDIL-CBAM-BiLSTM network model based on feature fusion. The model uses a modified circular dilated convolutional neural network to extract detailed temporal structure information from each signal node, and combines it with bidirectional long short-term memory network using feature fusion to dig deeper into the data. Meanwhile, a convolutional block attention module was introduced to improve the model performance. The experimental results based on 5040 training samples and 2160 test samples show that the proposed model can achieve an average recognition accuracy of more than 99

%

for six real disturbance events under perimeter security scenarios, and the recognition time was less than 2 ms. In addition, our method achieved the highest recognition accuracy compared with other methods used in the experiments and can be extended to other areas, such as pipeline safety monitoring and industrial inspection measurements.
Engineering phase and density of Bose–Einstein condensates in curved waveguides with toroidal topology
Authors: Nikolaieva Yelyzaveta , Salasnich Luca , Yakimenko Alexander
Published: September 2023

We investigate the effects of ellipticity-induced curvature on atomic Bose–Einstein condensates confined in quasi-one-dimensional closed-loop waveguides. Our theoretical study reveals intriguing phenomena arising from the interplay between curvature and interactions. Density modulations are observed in regions of high curvature, but these modulations are suppressed by strong repulsive interactions. Additionally, we observe phase accumulation in regions with the lowest curvature when the waveguide with superflow has high eccentricity. Furthermore, waveguides hosting vortices exhibit dynamic transformations between states with different angular momenta. These findings provide insights into the behavior of atomic condensates in curved waveguides, with implications for fundamental physics and quantum technologies. The interplay between curvature and interactions offers opportunities for exploring novel quantum phenomena and engineering quantum states in confined geometries.
Impact of rare earth oxide on ZnFe2O4: structural, magnetic properties, and hyperthermia efficiency
Authors: Roumaih Kh , Ali I A , Hussein Shaban I
Published: September 2023

ZnFe2O4/Yb2O3 (ZF/Yb) and ZnFe2O4/Sm2O3 (ZF/Sm) were prepared by the sol–gel method. XRD pattern of sample ZF shows a clear cubic spinel structure (space group fd-3m). The XRD confirmed the presence of ZF along with Yb in the ZF/Yb. In the case of ZF/Sm, the raw materials interact with each other and produce ZF alongside ZnO and SmFeO3. The SEM and TEM indicate that all compounds were at the nanoscale. The particle size for ZF is 19.6 nm, and those for ZF/Yb and ZF/SM are 29.5 nm and 30.7nm, respectively. A vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) confirmed the ferrimagnetic ordering of these samples. A distinct, potent, sweeping, and asymmetric line was observed in the X-band electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra of all samples. The VSM and ESR show that the internal interactions between ZF and rare earth oxides, and the particle size play a role in the magnetic properties. The specific absorption rate (SAR) parameters showed that the temperature increased linearly with time, and in only 25 s, the temperature reached 45 °C for the ZF sample.
Analysis of a regional metrology organization key comparison: model-based unilateral degrees of equivalence
Authors: Cox Maurice , Shirono Katsuhiro
Published: September 2023

A statistical testing method is developed to analyze a Regional Metrology Organization (RMO) key comparison (KC) with linking to the corresponding KC conducted by the International Committee of Weights and Measures (CIPM). We establish a statistical model to which a generalized least-squares method is applied to determine a linking invariant, ensuring that the CIPM KC reference value is unchanged by the analysis. The proposed method generally gives different unilateral and bilateral degrees of equivalence (DOEs) from those assessed by other methods. The approach accounts for uncertainty information provided by all participating laboratories and correlation information provided by the linking laboratories. Since decisions are made on the basis of calculated DOEs, we emphasize that it is valuable to have adequate knowledge of the properties of methods used for analyzing the results from an RMO KC.
The ink-jet printed flexible interdigital capacitors: manufacturing and ageing tests
Authors: Kiliszkiewicz Milena , Jasińska Laura , Dziedzic Andrzej
Published: September 2023

Correct operation of electronic circuits (including those made with the ink-jet printing technique) requires the electrical parameters of the structures to be constant or to be changeable, but in a predictable way. Due to that, the flexible, ink-jet printed interdigital capacitors (IDSs) were made and then tested in various conditions. We used the conductive silver-based Amepox AX JP-60n ink. As a substrate, we chose the transparent, flexible Melinex OD foil with a thickness of 125 µm. The IDCs were designed and their capacitances were simulated using Comsol Multiphysics Software. Then the test structures were fabricated by the ink-jet printing process using Dimatix DMP 2831 printer. The printed structures were subjected to environmental exposures in a climate chamber to check the influence of temperature and humidity on the tested samples. The IDCs were also subjected to cyclic bending and straightening tests to analyze the outflow of tensile forces on the printed structures, which are exposed to the common factors, that could diminish the quality of the printed and flexible devices. Due to the small capacitance values of the designed and made IDSs, the measurements showed the key importance of the measuring table on which flexible substrates with IDC capacitors were placed for their capacitance value. Performed tests also demonstrated that in most cases, the capacitors are characterized by an increase in capacitance by a few to a dozen or so % after the ageing tests. Obtained results could be a good groundwork for further research, that will include ways of preventing the creation of discontinuities—or minimizing their impact on the printed device performance.
Femtosecond laser direct writing of functional stimulus-responsive structures and applications
Authors: Zhang Yuxuan , Wu Dong , Zhang Yachao , Bian Yucheng , Wang Chaowei , Li Jiawen , Chu Jiaru , Hu Yanlei
Published: September 2023

Diverse natural organisms possess stimulus-responsive structures to adapt to the surrounding environment. Inspired by nature, researchers have developed various smart stimulus-responsive structures with adjustable properties and functions to address the demands of ever-changing application environments that are becoming more intricate. Among many fabrication methods for stimulus-responsive structures, femtosecond laser direct writing (FsLDW) has received increasing attention because of its high precision, simplicity, true three-dimensional machining ability, and wide applicability to almost all materials. This paper systematically outlines state-of-the-art research on stimulus-responsive structures prepared by FsLDW. Based on the introduction of femtosecond laser-matter interaction and mainstream FsLDW-based manufacturing strategies, different stimulating factors that can trigger structural responses of prepared intelligent structures, such as magnetic field, light, temperature, pH, and humidity, are emphatically summarized. Various applications of functional structures with stimuli-responsive dynamic behaviors fabricated by FsLDW, as well as the present obstacles and forthcoming development opportunities, are discussed.
Multiple highly expressed phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase genes have divergent enzyme kinetic properties in two C4 grasses
Authors: DiMario Robert J , Kophs Ashley N , Apalla Anthony J A , Schnable James N , Cousins Asaph B
Published: September 2023

Background and Aims

Phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) carboxylase (PEPC) catalyses the irreversible carboxylation of PEP with bicarbonate to produce oxaloacetate. This reaction powers the carbon-concentrating mechanism (CCM) in plants that perform C4 photosynthesis. This CCM is generally driven by a single PEPC gene product that is highly expressed in the cytosol of mesophyll cells. We found two C4 grasses, Panicum miliaceum and Echinochloa colona, that each have two highly expressed PEPC genes. We characterized the kinetic properties of the two most abundant PEPCs in E. colona and P. miliaceum to better understand how the enzyme’s amino acid structure influences its function.

Methods

Coding sequences of the two most abundant PEPC proteins in E. colona and P. miliaceum were synthesized by GenScript and were inserted into bacteria expression plasmids. Point mutations resulting in substitutions at conserved amino acid residues (e.g. N-terminal serine and residue 890) were created via site-directed PCR mutagenesis. The kinetic properties of semi-purified plant PEPCs from Escherichia coli were analysed using membrane-inlet mass spectrometry and a spectrophotometric enzyme-coupled reaction.

Key Results

The two most abundant P. miliaceum PEPCs (PmPPC1 and PmPPC2) have similar sequence identities (>95 %), and as a result had similar kinetic properties. The two most abundant E. colona PEPCs (EcPPC1 and EcPPC2) had identities of ~78 % and had significantly different kinetic properties. The PmPPCs and EcPPCs had different responses to allosteric inhibitors and activators, and substitutions at the conserved N-terminal serine and residue 890 resulted in significantly altered responses to allosteric regulators.

Conclusions

The two, significantly expressed C4Ppc genes in P. miliaceum were probably the result of genomes combining from two closely related C4Panicum species. We found natural variation in PEPC’s sensitivity to allosteric inhibition that seems to bypass the conserved 890 residue, suggesting alternative evolutionary pathways for increased malate tolerance and other kinetic properties.
Abnormal higher-order network interactions in Parkinson’s disease visual hallucinations
Authors: Tan Joshua B , Müller Eli J , Orlando Isabella F , Taylor Natasha L , Margulies Daniel S , Szeto Jennifer , Lewis Simon J G , Shine James M , O’Callaghan Claire
Published: September 2023

Visual hallucinations in Parkinson’s disease can be viewed from a systems-level perspective, whereby dysfunctional communication between brain networks responsible for perception predisposes a person to hallucinate. To this end, abnormal functional interactions between higher-order and primary sensory networks have been implicated in the pathophysiology of visual hallucinations in Parkinson’s disease, however the precise signatures remain to be determined. Dimensionality reduction techniques offer a novel means for simplifying the interpretation of multidimensional brain imaging data, identifying hierarchical patterns in the data that are driven by both within- and between-functional network changes. Here, we applied two complementary non-linear dimensionality reduction techniques—diffusion-map embedding and t-distributed stochastic neighbour embedding (t-SNE)—to resting state functional MRI data, in order to characterize the altered functional hierarchy associated with susceptibility to visual hallucinations.

Our study involved 77 people with Parkinson’s disease (31 with hallucinations; 46 without hallucinations) and 19 age-matched healthy control subjects. In patients with visual hallucinations, we found compression of the unimodal-heteromodal gradient consistent with increased functional integration between sensory and higher order networks. This was mirrored in a traditional functional connectivity analysis, which showed increased connectivity between the visual and default mode networks in the hallucinating group. Together, these results suggest a route by which higher-order regions may have excessive influence over earlier sensory processes, as proposed by theoretical models of hallucinations across disorders. By contrast, the t-SNE analysis identified distinct alterations in prefrontal regions, suggesting an additional layer of complexity in the functional brain network abnormalities implicated in hallucinations, which was not apparent in traditional functional connectivity analyses.

Together, the results confirm abnormal brain organization associated with the hallucinating phenotype in Parkinson’s disease and highlight the utility of applying convergent dimensionality reduction techniques to investigate complex clinical symptoms. In addition, the patterns we describe in Parkinson’s disease converge with those seen in other conditions, suggesting that reduced hierarchical differentiation across sensory-perceptual systems may be a common transdiagnostic vulnerability in neuropsychiatric disorders with perceptual disturbances.
Development and Validation of a Method for Trace Level Zinc Quantification in Pharmaceutical Zinc Supplements Using a Carboxyl Functional Group Packed Column and Refractive Index Detector
Authors: Vanga Nagavardhana Reddy , Kesamsetty Venkata Ratnam , Ummiti Kumaraswamy , Ratnakaram Venkata Nadh , Bapatu Hanimi Reddy
Published: September 2023

Background

Zinc helps with cell division, growth, wound healing, and carbohydrate breakdown. Humanbeings have to obtain zinc from food or supplements because our bodies do not produce it naturally. In view of the greater advantages (such as low cost, time of analysis, and stability-indicating) compared to other quantification methods (titration, ion chromatography, Atomic absorption spectroscopy) proposed in the literature, a refractive index detector coupled with HPLC has been used in quantification of zinc.

Objective

The goal of this research is to develop and validate a sensitive, low-cost, high-resolution, and stability- indicating method for detecting and quantifying zinc levels in zinc supplement pharmaceutical products (injectables, tablets, and capsules).

Methods

A novel isocratic reverse-phase HPLC method with a refractive index detector (with sensitivity 64, detector temperature 35°C, and positive polarity) was developed using a carboxyl functional group packed column and 0.8% (v/v) formic acid as the mobile phase to detect and quantify zinc content.

Results

The reported method has a good optimal sensitivity (LOQ: 0.006 mg/mL and LOD: 0.002 mg/mL). The correlation coefficient (r) obtained from the zinc calibration plot was greater than 0.998, indicating that the method was linear and that there was a strong correlation between zinc concentration (0.006 mg/mL to 0.375 mg/mL) and peak response. The accuracy at LOQ level was found to be 95–105% and 97–103% at the remaining levels (50, 100, and 150%).

Conclusion

The proposed method was successfully developed and validated as per International council for harmonisation (ICH) guidelines. Therefore, this method can be used for the quantitative testing of zinc in the QC laboratory.

Highlights

A novel method was developed for zinc levels determination in pharmaceutical products using HPLC with a refractive index detector. The present approach has a quick run time of 10 min and is inexpensive.
Biosynthesis, enzymology, and future of eunicellane diterpenoids
Authors: Li Zining , Rudolf Jeffrey D
Published: September 2023

Eunicellane diterpenoids are a remarkable family of terpene natural products and have been of high interest for over five decades. Widely distributed in soft corals and rare in plants, eunicellanes were also recently identified in actinobacteria. These terpenoids have foundational 6/10-bicyclic frameworks that are frequently oxidized into structures containing transannular ether bridges. Interest in their unique structures and promising biological activities, such as the paclitaxel-like activities of eleutherobin and the sarcodictyins, has led to advancements in natural product isolation, total synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and drug lead development. Until recently, however, there was little known about the biosynthesis and enzymology of these natural products, but several recent studies in both bacteria and coral have opened up the field. This review summarizes recent advancements in the biosynthesis and enzymology of eunicellane diterpenoids and highlights future research prospects in the field.

One-Sentence Summary

A summary of recent advancements in the biosynthesis and enzymology of eunicellane diterpenoids, a structurally unique and biologically active family of natural products found in coral, plants, and bacteria.
Molecular features of prostate cancer after neoadjuvant therapy in the phase 3 CALGB 90203 trial
Authors: Sumiyoshi Takayuki , Wang Xiaofei , Warner Evan W , Sboner Andrea , Annala Matti , Sigouros Michael , Beja Kevin , Mizuno Kei , Ku Shengyu , Fazli Ladan , Eastham James , Taplin Mary-Ellen , Simko Jeffrey , Halabi Susan , Morris Michael J , Gleave Martin E , Wyatt Alexander W , Beltran Himisha
Published: September 2023

Background

The phase 3 CALGB 90203 (Alliance) trial evaluated neoadjuvant chemohormonal therapy for high-risk localized prostate cancer before radical prostatectomy. We dissected the molecular features of post-treated tumors with long-term clinical outcomes to explore mechanisms of response and resistance to chemohormonal therapy.

Methods

We evaluated 471 radical prostatectomy tumors, including 294 samples from 166 patients treated with 6 cycles of docetaxel plus androgen deprivation therapy before radical prostatectomy and 177 samples from 97 patients in the control arm (radical prostatectomy alone). Targeted DNA sequencing and RNA expression of tumor foci and adjacent noncancer regions were analyzed in conjunction with pathologic changes and clinical outcomes.

Results

Tumor fraction estimated from DNA sequencing was significantly lower in post-treated tumor tissues after chemohormonal therapy compared with controls. Higher tumor fraction after chemohormonal therapy was associated with aggressive pathologic features and poor outcomes, including prostate-specific antigen–progression-free survival. SPOP alterations were infrequently detected after chemohormonal therapy, while TP53 alterations were enriched and associated with shorter overall survival. Residual tumor fraction after chemohormonal therapy was linked to higher expression of androgen receptor–regulated genes, cell cycle genes, and neuroendocrine genes, suggesting persistent populations of active prostate cancer cells. Supervised clustering of post–treated high-tumor-fraction tissues identified a group of patients with elevated cell cycle–related gene expression and poor clinical outcomes. 

Conclusions

Distinct recurrent prostate cancer genomic and transcriptomic features are observed after exposure to docetaxel and androgen deprivation therapy. Tumor fraction assessed by DNA sequencing quantifies pathologic response and could be a useful trial endpoint or prognostic biomarker. TP53 alterations and high cell cycle transcriptomic activity are linked to aggressive residual disease, despite potent chemohormonal therapy.
Large-Scale Cretaceous Adakitic Magmatism Induced by Water-Fluxed Melting of Continental Crust during the North China Craton Destruction
Authors: Xue Shuo , Zhang Wanzhu , Ling Ming-Xing , Sun Weidong , Ding Xing
Published: September 2023

The mechanism behind the destabilization of the North China Craton (NCC) remains a contentious topic among researchers. Large-scale Cretaceous adakitic magmatism in the NCC offers insights into the decratonization process. This study focuses on the Huashan and Laoniushan plutons located in the Lesser Qinling on the southern margin of the NCC and compiles published data for coeval adakitic rocks to investigate the role of water in adakitic rock petrogenesis during the peak destruction of NCC. Both the Huashan and Laoniushan plutons exhibit adakitic signatures, including high Sr (193–1080 ppm), low Yb (<14.8 ppm) and Y (<1.24 ppm) concentrations, as well as high Sr/Y (18–100) and La/Yb (24–58) ratios. The zircon Hf–O isotope compositions suggest that the primary source for the Huashan and Laoniushan plutons is the mafic lower crust of NCC. Nevertheless, there are significant differences in trace element characteristics between the two plutons. Specifically, the Huashan pluton displays higher Na2O/K2O ratios, lower levels of Rb, Rb/Sr, Nb, Ta content, and a weak Eu anomaly in comparison to the Laoniushan pluton. These variations in geochemical attributes cannot be accounted for by mechanisms like mantle-derived magma mixing, crustal contamination, or fractional crystallization processes. Instead, these disparities are attributed to distinct modes of crustal anatexis, involving both water-fluxed and dehydration melting. Subsequently, we conducted thermodynamic simulations of the melting process of mafic lower crust under different pressure (0.5–1.5 GPa) and water content conditions (1–3 wt.%). The simulation results suggest that the Huashan pluton is most likely formed through water-fluxed melting in a scenario with normal crustal thickness (1 GPa). On the other hand, the Laoniushan pluton might have originated from dehydration melting under normal crustal thickness and pressure conditions. Notably, high pressure (>1.5 GPa) is not necessary for the formation of intracontinental adakitic rocks. The release of water from metasomatized lithospheric mantle and subsequent hydration of the lower continental crust triggers extensive adakitic magmatism in the NCC. These findings emphasize the significance of deep water cycling in understanding large-scale magmatic events and illuminate the decratonization mechanism.
Effects of childhood trauma on aggressive behaviors and hippocampal function: the modulation of COMT haplotypes
Authors: Wang Chao , Zhu Linfei , Zheng Wenyu , Peng Hanyuzhu , Wang Jiaojian , Cui Yue , Liu Bing , Jiang Tianzi
Published: September 2023

Background

Aggression is a commonly hostile behavior linked to the hippocampal activity. Childhood trauma (CT) exposure has been associated with altered sensitization of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and hippocampal volume，which could increase violent aggressive behaviors. Additionally, Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), the major dopamine metabolism enzyme, is implicated in stress responsivity, including aggression. Hence, CT exposure may affect aggression through the effect on the hippocampal function, which might also be modulated by the COMT variations.

Objectives

This study examined whether both CT and haplotypes of COMT moderate hippocampal function and thus affect human aggressive behavior.

Methods

We obtained bilateral hippocampal functional connectivity maps using resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data. COMT haplotype estimation was performed using Haploview 4.2 and PHASE 2.1. Then we constructed a moderated mediation model to study the effect of the CTQ × COMT on aggressive behavior.

Results

Three major haplotypes were generated from thirteen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the COMT gene and formed three haplotypes corresponding to high, medium, and low enzymatic activity of COMT. The results showed interactive relationships between the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and COMT with respect to the functional connectivity (FC) of the bilateral hippocampus (HIP)-orbital frontal cortex (OFC). Specifically, CT experience predicted lower negative HIP-OFC coupling in the APS and HPS haplotypes corresponding to the medium and high enzymatic activity of COMT, but greater FC in the LPS haplotypes corresponding to the low enzymatic activity. We also observed a conditional mediation effect of the right HIP-OFC coupling in the link between COMT and aggressive behavior that was moderated by CT experience.

Conclusions

These results suggest that CT and COMT have a combined effect on aggressive behavior through hippocampal function. This mediation analysis sheds light on the influence of childhood experience on aggressive behavior in different genetic backgrounds.
Majorana quasiparticles emergent in Kitaev spin liquid
Authors: Nasu Joji
Published: September 2023

This paper reviews the nature of two quasiparticles, the Majorana fermion and vison, emergent in the Kitaev model, mainly from the theoretical point of view. We demonstrate how the fractionalization of a quantum spin into these two quasiparticles occurs and clarify their properties in the presence and absence of magnetic fields. In addition to discussions on the itinerant nature inherent to Majorana fermions, the quantum dynamics of visons induced by an applied magnetic field is revealed. Fractional quasiparticles manifest themselves in temperature evolutions of thermodynamic quantities, excitation spectra, and transport properties. The formulations for them and calculation results are shown in detail. Based on the results, we present how the signatures of fractional quasiparticles appear in physical quantities. The paper also mentions the recent developments of the experimental and theoretical works of Kitaev-related systems and presents outlooks of studies on these systems.
Personalized anomaly detection using deep active learning
Authors: Sadr Alireza Vafaei , Bassett Bruce A , Sekyi Emmanuel
Published: September 2023

Anomaly detection algorithms are typically applied to static, unchanging, data features hand-crafted by the user. But how does a user systematically craft good features for anomalies that have never been seen? Here we couple deep learning with active learning – in which an Oracle iteratively labels small amounts of data selected algorithmically over a series of rounds – to automatically and dynamically improve the data features for efficient outlier detection. This approach, Anomaly Hunt (ahunt), shows excellent performance on MNIST, CIFAR10, and Galaxy-DECaLS data, significantly outperforming both standard anomaly detection and active learning algorithms with static feature spaces. Beyond improved performance, ahunt also allows the number of anomaly classes to grow organically in response to the Oracle’s evaluations. Extensive ablation studies explore the impact of Oracle question selection strategy and loss function on performance. We illustrate how the dynamic anomaly class taxonomy represents another step towards fully personalized rankings of different anomaly classes that reflect a user’s interests, allowing the algorithm to learn to ignore statistically significant but uninteresting outliers (e.g. noise). This should prove useful in the era of massive astronomical data sets serving diverse sets of users who can only review a tiny subset of the incoming data.
Defining the physician global assessment threshold equivalent to remission in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Mucke Johanna , Düsing Christina , Filla Tim , Chehab Gamal , Schneider Matthias
Published: September 2023

Objectives

The optimal threshold of the physician global assessment (PGA) for remission in SLE has never been evaluated systematically. The aim of this study was to assess the ideal PGA threshold associated with physician remission and to investigate its impact on remission rates in our lupus cohort.

Methods

In this monocentric cross-sectional study, patients with SLE were evaluated for physician remission by asking the treating physicians whether they considered their patient to be in remission, regardless of objective remission criteria. Furthermore, two objective remission definitions were applied: (i) DORIS (Definition Of Remission In Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) remission using a PGA of <2 (0–10) (corresponding to <0.5 on a visual analogue scale 0–3 used in DORIS); and (ii) DORIS remission with omission of PGA (modDORIS). A receiver operating characteristic analysis and regression analyses were performed to assess the ideal PGA threshold and factors influencing PGA.

Results

Of the 233 patients included, 126 patients (54.0%) were in physician remission, 42.5% in DORIS remission and 67.0% in modDORIS remission. A PGA of <2 [numeric rating scale (NRS) 0–10] had the highest sensitivity (79%) and specificity (81%) for physician remission and modDORIS (area under the curve 0.85 and 0.69). PGA of patients fulfilling any of the remission definitions was associated with pain and hypocomplementemia. Damage was numerically higher in patients in modDORIS only; no association between PGA and damage was found in regression analysis.

Conclusion

Using a PGA threshold of <2 (0–10), corresponding to <0.6 (0–3), resulted in best prediction of physician remission. PGA levels seem to be influenced by pain and complement levels but not disease damage.
Strategies to Promote Maternal Health Equity
Authors: Meadows Audra R. , Byfield Renée , Bingham Debra , Diop Hafsatou
Published: September 2023

Perinatal quality improvement is a method to increase obstetric safety and promote health equity. Increasing trends of maternal deaths, life-threatening complications of pregnancy, and persistent racial inequities are unacceptable. This Narrative Review examines the role and strategies of perinatal quality initiatives and collaboratives to deliver safe and equitable maternity care and the evidence of demonstrated success. Key strategies to promote maternal equity through perinatal quality include communicating equity as a priority through leadership, leveraging data and enhancing surveillance, engaging in strategic partnerships, engaging community, educating clinicians, and implementing practice recommendations through collaboration.
Navigating Unequal Paths
Authors: Weiss Marissa Steinberg , Marsh Erica E.
Published: September 2023

Infertility is one of the most emotionally devastating conditions experienced during the reproductive window. Although not life-threatening, it significantly erodes quality of life for those with the diagnosis. Disturbingly, data demonstrate the existence of profound racial disparities that persist along the entire journey of infertility. Though most of the scientific literature emphasizes disparities in clinical outcomes after infertility treatment, it is important to recognize that these inequities are the downstream effect of a series of distinct challenges encountered by historically marginalized people on their path to parenthood. In this review, we explore the current state of knowledge concerning the inequities at each “step” in the path to overcome infertility challenges and propose solutions to create a future in which reproductive medicine is truly equitable, accessible, and supportive for everyone.