bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards Responsive Spiroborate‐Based Assemblies of Podand‐Type Ligands Functionalized with Two Terminal/Peripheral Catecholate Moieties in the Presence of Alkali Cations
Authors: Florent Maxime , Witt Florine , Fluck Audrey , Kyritsakas Nathalie , Planeix Jean‐Marc , Guenet Aurélie , Hosseini Mir Wais
Published: November 2023

The synthesis of two ligands bearing two terminal catecholate binding sites connected by an oligo(ethyleneglycol) bridge of two distinct lengths and their self‐assembly upon boron coordination and alkali cation binding (M=Li, Na, K, Cs) are reported. Attempts to synthesize positional isomers of the ligands are also described. Binding of the four alkali cations M+ through M−O interactions was studied depending on the length of the oligo(ethyleneglycol) chain in solution by 1H and DOSY NMR, mass spectrometry (MS) and in the solid‐state by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) on single crystals. MS spectrometry as well as 1H NMR revealed the presence of monomeric and oligomeric spiroborate compounds. Two monomeric macrocycles could be characterized by XRD, entrapping either lithium or cesium cations within the spiroborate macrocycle.
Developing a predictive model for mortality in patients with cognitive impairment
Authors: Sugimoto Taiki , Sakurai Takashi , Noguchi Taiji , Komatsu Ayane , Nakagawa Takeshi , Ueda Ikue , Osawa Aiko , Lee Sangyoon , Shimada Hiroyuki , Kuroda Yujiro , Fujita Kosuke , Matsumoto Nanae , Uchida Kazuaki , Kishino Yoshinobu , Ono Rei , Arai Hidenori , Saito Tami
Published: November 2023

Objectives

We developed a predictive model for all‐cause mortality and examined the risk factors for cause‐specific mortality among people with cognitive impairment in a Japanese memory clinic‐based cohort (2010–2018).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included people aged ≥65 years with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. The survival status was assessed based on the response of participants or their close relatives via a postal survey. Potential predictors including demographic and lifestyle‐related factors, functional status, and behavioral and psychological status were assessed at the first visit at the memory clinic. A backward stepwise Cox regression model was used to select predictors, and a predictive model was developed using a regression coefficient‐based scoring approach. The discrimination and calibration were assessed via Harrell's C‐statistic and a calibration plot, respectively.

Results

A total of 2610 patients aged ≥65 years (men, 38.3%) were analyzed. Over a mean follow‐up of 4.1 years, 544 patients (20.8%) died. Nine predictors were selected from the sociodemographic and clinical variables: age, sex, body mass index, gait performance, physical activity, and ability for instrumental activities of daily living, cognitive function, and self‐reported comorbidities (pulmonary disease and diabetes). The model showed good discrimination and calibration for 1–5‐year mortality (Harrell's C‐statistic, 0.739–0.779). Some predictors were specifically associated with cause‐specific mortality.

Conclusions

This predictive model has good discriminative ability for 1‐ to 5‐year mortality and can be easily implemented for people with mild cognitive impairment and all stages of dementia referred to a memory clinic.
Bayesian longitudinal tensor response regression for modeling neuroplasticity
Authors: Kundu Suprateek , Reinhardt Alec , Song Serena , Han Joo , Meadows M. Lawson , Crosson Bruce , Krishnamurthy Venkatagiri
Published: November 2023

A major interest in longitudinal neuroimaging studies involves investigating voxel‐level neuroplasticity due to treatment and other factors across visits. However, traditional voxel‐wise methods are beset with several pitfalls, which can compromise the accuracy of these approaches. We propose a novel Bayesian tensor response regression approach for longitudinal imaging data, which pools information across spatially distributed voxels to infer significant changes while adjusting for covariates. The proposed method, which is implemented using Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling, utilizes low‐rank decomposition to reduce dimensionality and preserve spatial configurations of voxels when estimating coefficients. It also enables feature selection via joint credible regions which respect the shape of the posterior distributions for more accurate inference. In addition to group level inferences, the method is able to infer individual‐level neuroplasticity, allowing for examination of personalized disease or recovery trajectories. The advantages of the proposed approach in terms of prediction and feature selection over voxel‐wise regression are highlighted via extensive simulation studies. Subsequently, we apply the approach to a longitudinal Aphasia dataset consisting of task functional MRI images from a group of subjects who were administered either a control intervention or intention treatment at baseline and were followed up over subsequent visits. Our analysis revealed that while the control therapy showed long‐term increases in brain activity, the intention treatment produced predominantly short‐term changes, both of which were concentrated in distinct localized regions. In contrast, the voxel‐wise regression failed to detect any significant neuroplasticity after multiplicity adjustments, which is biologically implausible and implies lack of power.
Identifying potential predictable indicators for the management of tertiary hospitals
Authors: Cossio‐Gil Yolima , Pérez‐Sádaba Francisco Javier , Ribera Jaume , Giménez Emmanuel , Marte Luís , Ramos Rosa , Aurin Eva , Peterlunger Michael , Steinbrink Jens , Bottinelli Elena Angela Maria , Nelson Nina , Seveke Lynn , Garin Noe , Velasco Cesar
Published: November 2023

Background

The European University Hospitals Alliance (EUHA) recognises the need to move from the classical approach of measuring key performance indicators (KPIs) to an anticipative approach based on predictable indicators to take decisions (Key Decision Indicators, KDIs). It might help managers to anticipate poor results before they occur to prevent or correct them early.

Objective

This paper aims to identify potential KDIs and to prioritize those most relevant for high complexity hospitals.

Methods

A narrative review was performed to identify KPIs with the potential to become KDIs. Then, two surveys were conducted with EUHA hospital managers (n = 51) to assess potential KDIs according to their relevance for decision‐making (Value) and their availability and effort required to be predicted (Feasibility). Potential KDIs are prioritized for testing as predictable indicators and developing in the short term if they were classified as highly Value and Feasible.

Results

The narrative review identified 45 potential KDIs out of 153 indicators and 11 were prioritized. Of nine EUHA hospitals, 25 members from seven answered, prioritizing KDIs related to the emergency department (ED), hospitalisation and surgical processes (n = 8), infrastructure and resources (n = 2) and health outcomes and quality (n = 1). The highest scores in this group were for those related to ED. The results were homogeneous among the different hospitals.

Conclusions

Potential KDIs related to care processes and hospital patient flow was the most prioritized ones to test as being predictable. KDIs represent a new approach to decision‐making, whose potential to be predicted could impact the planning and management of hospital resources and, therefore, healthcare quality.
Pathogenic alterations in PIK3CA and KMT2C are frequent and independent prognostic factors in anal squamous cell carcinoma treated with salvage abdominoperineal resection
Authors: Hamza Abderaouf , Masliah‐Planchon Julien , Neuzillet Cindy , Lefèvre Jérémie H. , Svrcek Magali , Vacher Sophie , Bourneix Christine , Delaye Matthieu , Goéré Diane , Dartigues Peggy , Samalin Emmanuelle , Hilmi Marc , Lazartigues Julien , Girard Elodie , Emile Jean‐François , Rigault Eugénie , Dangles‐Marie Virginie , Rioux‐Leclercq Nathalie , de la Fouchardière Christelle , Tougeron David , Casadei‐Gardini Andrea , Mariani Pascale , Peschaud Frédérique , Cacheux Wulfran , Lièvre Astrid , Bièche Ivan
Published: November 2023

The management of anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) has yet to experience the transformative impact of precision medicine. Conducting genomic analyses may uncover novel prognostic biomarkers and offer potential directions for the development of targeted therapies. To that end, we assessed the prognostic and theragnostic implications of pathogenic variants identified in 571 cancer‐related genes from surgical samples collected from a homogeneous, multicentric French cohort of 158 ASCC patients who underwent abdominoperineal resection treatment. Alterations in PI3K/AKT/mTOR, chromatin remodeling, and Notch pathways were frequent in HPV‐positive tumors, while HPV‐negative tumors often harbored variants in cell cycle regulation and genome integrity maintenance genes (e.g., frequent TP53 and TERT promoter mutations). In patients with HPV‐positive tumors, KMT2C and PIK3CA exon 9/20 pathogenic variants were associated with worse overall survival in multivariate analysis (Hazard ratio (HR)KMT2C = 2.54, 95%CI = [1.25,5.17], P value = .010; HRPIK3CA = 2.43, 95%CI = [1.3,4.56], P value = .006). Alterations with theragnostic value in another cancer type was detected in 43% of patients. These results suggest that PIK3CA and KMT2C pathogenic variants are independent prognostic factors in patients with ASCC with HPV‐positive tumors treated by abdominoperineal resection. And, importantly, the high prevalence of alterations bearing potential theragnostic value strongly supports the use of genomic profiling to allow patient enrollment in precision medicine clinical trials.
Receptor interacting protein kinase‐3 mediates both myopathy and cardiomyopathy in preclinical animal models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Bencze Maximilien , Periou Baptiste , Punzón Isabel , Barthélémy Inès , Taglietti Valentina , Hou Cyrielle , Zaidan Louai , Kefi Kaouthar , Blot Stéphane , Agbulut Onnik , Gervais Marianne , Derumeaux Geneviève , Authier François‐Jérôme , Tiret Laurent , Relaix Fréderic
Published: November 2023

Background

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive muscle degenerative disorder, culminating in a complete loss of ambulation, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and a fatal cardiorespiratory failure.

Necroptosis is the form of necrosis that is dependent upon the receptor‐interacting protein kinase (RIPK) 3; it is involved in several inflammatory and neurodegenerative conditions. We previously identified RIPK3 as a key player in the acute myonecrosis affecting the hindlimb muscles of the mdx dystrophic mouse model. Whether necroptosis also mediates respiratory and heart disorders in DMD is currently unknown.

Methods

Evidence of activation of the necroptotic axis was examined in dystrophic tissues from Golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) dogs and R‐DMDdel52 rats. A functional assessment of the involvement of necroptosis in dystrophic animals was performed on mdx mice that were genetically depleted for RIPK3. Dystrophic mice aged from 12 to 18 months were analysed by histology and molecular biology to compare the phenotype of muscles from mdxRipk3+/+and mdxRipk3−/− mice. Heart function was also examined by echocardiography in 40‐week‐old mice.

Results

RIPK3 expression in sartorius and biceps femoris muscles from GRMD dogs positively correlated to myonecrosis levels (r = 0.81; P = 0.0076). RIPK3 was also found elevated in the diaphragm (P ≤ 0.05). In the slow‐progressing heart phenotype of GRMD dogs, the phosphorylated form of RIPK1 at the Serine 161 site was dramatically increased in cardiomyocytes. A similar p‐RIPK1 upregulation characterized the cardiomyocytes of the severe DMDdel52 rat model, associated with a marked overexpression of Ripk1 (P = 0.007) and Ripk3 (P = 0.008), indicating primed activation of the necroptotic pathway in the dystrophic heart. MdxRipk3−/− mice displayed decreased compensatory hypertrophy of the heart (P = 0.014), and echocardiography showed a 19% increase in the relative wall thickness (P < 0.05) and 29% reduction in the left ventricle mass (P = 0.0144). Besides, mdxRipk3−/− mice presented no evidence of a regenerative default or sarcopenia in skeletal muscles, moreover around 50% less affected by fibrosis (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our data highlight molecular and histological evidence that the necroptotic pathway is activated in degenerative tissues from dystrophic animal models, including the diaphragm and the heart. We also provide the genetic proof of concept that selective inhibition of necroptosis in dystrophic condition improves both histological features of muscles and cardiac function, suggesting that prevention of necroptosis is susceptible to providing multiorgan beneficial effects for DMD.
Advances in imaging of the lacrimal gland in Sjögren's syndrome: A narrative review
Authors: Zhong Wenxing , Zhang Hua , Ran Haitao
Published: November 2023

Due to lymphocytic infiltration of the salivary and lacrimal glands, Sjogren's syndrome (SS), a systemic autoimmune illness that mostly affects the exocrine glands, causes dry mouth (xerostomia) and dry eyes (xerophthalmia). Additionally, SS is associated with various comorbidities such as cardiovascular diseases, infections, musculoskeletal diseases, and cancers. Among patients with SS, xerophthalmia frequently arises as a complication, leading to insufficient tear production or rapid tear evaporation, thereby causing discomfort, irritation, and a gritty sensation in the eyes. This article aims to examine recent advancements in the imaging of the lacrimal gland in Sjögren's syndrome and briefly discusses the utilization of various imaging examinations for the lacrimal gland in this particular disease.
Change in HIV‐related characteristics of children hospitalised with infectious diseases in Western Cape, South Africa, 2008–2021: a time trend analysis
Authors: de Beer Shani T. , Slogrove Amy L. , Eley Brian , Ingle Suzanne M. , Jones Hayley E. , Phelanyane Florence , Anderson Kim , Kalk Emma , Boulle Andrew , Davies Mary‐Ann
Published: November 2023

Introduction

With the scaling up of vertical HIV transmission prevention programmes, the HIV‐related population profile of children in South Africa has shifted. We described temporal changes in HIV‐related characteristics of children, aged ≤3 years (up to the third birthday), with infectious disease hospitalisations across the Western Cape province.

Methods

We used routinely collected electronic data to identify children born in the Western Cape with infectious disease hospital records for lower respiratory tract infections, diarrhoea, meningitis and tuberculous meningitis, from 2008 to 2021. Linked maternal and child unique identifiers were used to extract pregnancy, HIV‐related, laboratory, pharmacy and hospitalisation data. We described temporal changes in child HIV exposure and acquisition status, timing of maternal HIV diagnosis and antiretroviral therapy (ART) start, infant exposure to maternal ART and timing thereof, and maternal CD4 and HIV viral load closest to delivery. We used logistic and multinomial regression to assess changes in characteristics between the Pre‐Option B+ (2008–2013), Option B+ (2013–2016) and Universal ART periods (2016–2021).

Results

Among 52,811 children aged ≤3 years with hospitalisations, the proportion living with HIV dreased from 7.0% (2008) to 1.1% (2021), while those exposed to HIV and uninfected increased from 14.0% (2008) to 16.1% (2021) with a peak of 18.3% in 2017. Among mothers with HIV (n = 9873), the proportion diagnosed with HIV and starting ART before pregnancy increased from 20.2% to 69.2% and 5.8% to 59.0%, respectively, between 2008 and 2021. Children hospitalised during the Universal ART period had eight times higher odds (Odds Ratio: 8.41; 95% CI: 7.36–9.61) of exposure to maternal ART versus children admitted Pre‐Option B+. Among mothers of children exposed to HIV and uninfected with CD4 records (n = 7523), the proportion with CD4 <350 cells/μl decreased from 90.6% (2008) to 27.8% (2021).

Conclusions

In recent years, among children hospitalised with infectious diseases, there were fewer children with perinatally acquired HIV, while an increased proportion of those without HIV acquisition are exposed to maternal HIV and ART. There is a need to look beyond paediatric HIV prevalence and consider child exposure to HIV and ART among children without HIV, when assessing the HIV epidemic's impact on child health services.
Children of a syndemic: co‐occurring and mutually reinforcing adverse child health exposures in a prospective cohort of HIV‐affected mother‐infant dyads in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: le Roux Stanzi M. , Abrams Elaine J. , Zerbe Allison , Phillips Tamsin K. , Myer Landon
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Several HIV‐related syndemics have been described among adults. We investigated syndemic vulnerability to hazardous drinking (HD), intimate partner violence (IPV) and household food insecurity (HFIS) in breastfed children born without HIV in urban South Africa. We compared those who were perinatally HIV exposed (CHEU) to those who were not (CHU), under conditions of universal maternal antiretroviral therapy (ART) and breastfeeding.

Methods

A prospective cohort of pregnant women living with HIV (WLHIV), and without HIV, were enrolled and followed with their infants for 12 months postpartum (2013–2017). All WLHIV initiated antenatal efavirenz‐based ART. Measurements of growth (∼3 monthly), infectious cause hospitalisation, ambulatory childhood illness (2‐week recall) and neurodevelopment (BSID‐III, measured at ∼12 months’ age) were compared across bio‐social strata using generalised linear regression models, with interaction terms; maternal data included interview‐based measures for HD (AUDIT‐C), IPV (WHO VAW) and HFIS.

Results

Among 872 breastfeeding mother‐infant pairs (n = 461 CHEU, n = 411 CHU), WLHIV (vs. HIV negative) reported more unemployment (279/461, 60% vs. 217/411, 53%; p = 0.02), incomplete secondary education (347/461, 75% vs. 227/411, 55%; p < 0.0001), HD (25%, 117/459 vs. 7%, 30/411; p < 0.0001) and IPV (22%, 101/457 vs. 8%, 32/411; p < 0.0001) at enrolment; and HFIS at 12 months (45%, 172/386 vs. 30%, 105/352; p > 0.0001). There were positive interactions between maternal HIV and other characteristics. Compared to food secure CHU, the mean difference (95% CI) in weight‐for‐age Z‐score (WAZ) was 0.06 (−0.14; 0.25) for food insecure CHU; −0.26 (−0.42; −0.10) for food secure CHEU; and −0.43 (−0.61; −0.25), for food insecure CHEU. Results were similar for underweight (WAZ < −2), infectious‐cause hospitalisation, cognitive and motor delay. HIV‐IPV interactions were evident for ambulatory diarrhoea and motor delay. There were HIV‐HD interactions for odds of underweight, stunting, cognitive and motor delay. Compared to HD‐unexposed CHU, the odds ratios (95% CI) of underweight were 2.31 (1.11; 4.82) for HD‐exposed CHU; 3.57 (0.84; 15.13) for HD‐unexposed CHEU and 6.01 (2.22; 16.22) for HD‐exposed CHEU.

Conclusions

These data suggest that maternal HIV‐related syndemics may partly drive excess CHEU health risks, highlighting an urgent need for holistic maternal and family care and support alongside ART to optimise the health of CHEU.
High‐Performance Silicon Photonic Filter Using Subwavelength‐Structure Multimode Waveguide Gratings
Authors: Liu Dajian , He Jianghao , Zhu Mingyu , Xiang Yuluan , Zhang Long , Zhang Ming , Xu Yang , Dai Daoxin
Published: November 2023

On‐chip photonic filters are one of the most important elements for spectrum manipulation in various optical systems, including wavelength‐division multiplexing and spectrum analysis. Currently, it is still very challenging to achieve scalable photonic filters with flexibly‐designed bandwidths, low excess losses, flat tops, and ultra‐wide free‐spectral ranges (FSRs). Here an unprecedented silicon photonic filter is proposed and demonstrated with high performances by using apodised antisymmetric multimode subwavelength gratings (MSWGs) structures. For the present silicon photonic filter, the MSWGs enable the index engineering in the Bragg lattice, which easily manipulates the coupling coefficient, the local effective index, and the mode profile flexibly. As a result, the strong side lobes of the grating filter are efficiently suppressed, while the bandwidth can be designed flexibly and the FSR is free. The fabricated silicon photonic filter is FSR‐free and shows a low excess loss of <1 dB and a high sidelobe suppression ratio of 20–40 dB.
HOW LEADERS CAN BUILD COMMON UNDERSTANDING, PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY, AND PROSOCIAL PURPOSE
Authors: Burkus David
Published: November 2023

The author, an “organizational psychologist by training, and now a writer and keynote speaker who helps organizations understand and apply evidence‐based leadership insights,” discusses the importance of teams and especially team cultures. He notes that “creating high‐performing teams through culture is the goal, but many of us are uncertain about the approach.” He explains common or shared understanding, illustrated with an example from Chris Hadfield’s leadership during Expedition 35 on the International Space Station (ISS). He builds on Amy Edmondson’s psychological safety construct, with an example from Maggie Wilderotter, who turned around Frontier Communications in 2004. Another construct is prosocial purpose, building on the research of Wharton professor Adam Grant. Within this example the author explores KPMG and two of its highly successful internal campaigns, the “10,000 Stories Challenge,” and “We Shape History.” One positive result from the campaigns: “KPMG ascended seventeen places on Fortune magazine’s list of the 100 Best Companies To Work For, surpassing all other “big four” accounting firms.” Regarding leadership behavior within teamwork, the author cautions that “leaders who advocate for teamwork but fail to acknowledge their own imperfections (and thus the team’s growth opportunities) quickly lose credibility and the trust of their team.”
Comparative Lipidomics and Metabolomics Reveal the Underlying Mechanisms of Taurine in the Alleviation of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Using the Aged Laying Hen Model
Authors: Yu Zhengwang , Cheng Manman , Luo Shimei , Wei Jingjing , Song Tieping , Gong Yanzhang , Zhou Zhongxin
Published: November 2023

Scope

Aged laying hen is recently suggested as a more attractive animal model than rodent for studying nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) of humans. This study aims to reveal effects and metabolic regulation mechanisms of taurine alleviating NAFLD by using the aged laying hen model.

Methods and results

Liver histomorphology and biochemical indices show 0.02% taurine effectively alleviated fat deposition and liver damage. Comparative liver lipidomics and gene expressions analyses reveal taurine promoted lipolysis, fatty acids oxidation, lipids transport, and reduced oxidative stress in liver. Furthermore, comparative serum metabolomics screen six core metabolites negatively correlated with NAFLD, including linoleic acid, gamma‐linolenic acid, pantothenate, L‐methionine, 2‐methylbutyroylcarnitine, L‐carnitine; and two core metabolites positively correlated with NAFLD, including lysophosphatidylcholine (14:0/0:0) and lysophosphatidylcholine (16:0/0:0). Metabolic pathway analysis reveals taurine mainly regulated linoleic acid metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism, carnitine metabolism, pantothenic acid and coenzyme A biosynthesis metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism to up‐adjust levels of six negatively correlated metabolites and down‐adjust two positively correlated metabolites for alleviating NAFLD of aged hens.

Conclusion

This study firstly reveals underlying metabolic mechanisms of taurine alleviating NAFLD using the aged hen model, thereby laying the foundation for taurine's application in the prevention of NAFLD in both human and poultry.
Effect of rock nonlinear mechanical behavior on plastic zone around deeply buried tunnel: An efficient semi‐analytical solution
Authors: Xiao Yingming , Qiao Yafei , He Manchao , Peng Menglong , Zhu Chun
Published: November 2023

Adopting the novel proposed unified strain‐hardening and strain‐softening (UHS) model and finite difference method, an efficient semi‐analytical solution is proposed to study the influence of the nonlinear behavior of rock on ground reaction. The proposed solution eliminates stress vibrations of the classical method that occurred in the strain‐hardening zone, because it judges the elastic or plastic state of the calculation nodes before calculating the ground reaction; compared with the iterative solution, the proposed solution avoids iteratively solving for the plastic internal variables at each calculated node, resulting in that its computational efficiency is improved by more than 10 times. The proposed solution was verified by comparing it with the iterative solution, and numerical solution. Moreover, the effects of initial yield strength, peak strength, residual strength, and supporting pressure on ground reaction after tunnel excavation are studied. The results show that increasing the initial yield strength and residual strength will obviously decrease the plastic zone (PZ) and sub‐zones. The peak strength of rock has limited influence on the radius of PZ, which mainly adjusts the ratio of each sub‐zone in PZ. In addition, increasing the support pressure is an effective means to control the radius of PZ and sub‐zones in deep buried tunnels.
Two‐dimensional Ti3C2Tx (MXene)‐multiwalled carbon nanotubes reinforced ethyl methyl acrylate/ethylene octene copolymer binary blend hybrid nanocomposites with enhanced thermal and dielectric properties
Authors: Malik Rajasmita , Parida R. K. , Parida B. N. , Nayak Nimai C.
Published: November 2023

Polymer composites with high dielectric constant and minimal dielectric losses have wide ranging prospects for advanced applications in the flexible electronics and electrical industry. In this study, we used the advantages of carbonaceous hybrid nanofillers to develop a flexible dielectric material. Herein, a set of hybrid nanocomposites were successfully fabricated by incorporating the Ti3C2Tx (MXene) and MWCNTs (multi‐walled carbon nanotubes) hybrid mixture as the conductive moiety into the poly(ethylene‐co‐methyl acrylate) (EMA)/ethylene‐octene co‐polymer (EOC) binary blend as the matrices using solution mixing technique followed by compression molding. As prepared, EMA/EOC/Ti3C2Tx/MWCNTs hybrid composites have been characterized by FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) spectroscopy, XRD (X‐ray diffraction), TGA (thermogravimetric analysis), FESEM (field emission scanning electron microscopy), and DSC (differential scanning calorimetry). We studied the effects of Ti3C2Tx and MWCNTs contents in the hybrid composites on the thermal, dielectric, and electrical properties. Among all the 15 wt% hybrid mixture containing 2 wt% MWCNTs loaded composite has the highest dielectric constant (ℇr = 122.21) and the lowest dissipation loss (tan δ = 0.030) at 100 Hz. The present studies recommend the EMA/EOC/Ti3C2Tx/MWCNTs hybrid composites can be used in smart and flexible electronic storage material.

Highlights

EMA‐EOC blend composites with hybrid Ti3C2Tx/MWCNTs were processed.

2.5 wt% MWCNTs loaded hybrid composite shows excellent thermal stability.

Composite with 2 wt% MWCNTs has ℇ' = 122.21 and tanδ = 0.03 at 100 Hz.

2.5 wt% MWCNTs composite has electrical conductivity of 3.26 × 10−8 Ω−1 m−1.

This composite can be used in smart and flexible electronic storage material.
Nowcasting convective activity for the Sahel: A simple probabilistic approach using real‐time and historical satellite data on cloud‐top temperature
Authors: Anderson Seonaid R. , Cole Steven J. , Klein Cornelia , Taylor Christopher M. , Diop Cheikh Abdoulahat , Kamara Mouhamadou
Published: November 2023

Flash flooding from intense rainfall frequently results in major damage and loss of life across Africa. In the Sahel, automatic prediction and warning systems for these events, driven by Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCSs), are limited, and Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) forecasts continue to have little skill. The ground observation network is also sparse, and very few operational meteorological radars exist to facilitate conventional nowcasting approaches. Focusing on the western Sahel, we present a novel approach for producing probabilistic nowcasts of convective activity out to six hours ahead, using the current location of observed convection. Convective parts of the MCS, associated with extreme and heavy precipitation, are identified from 16 years of Meteosat Second Generation thermal–infrared cloud‐top temperature data, and an offline database of location‐conditioned probabilities calculated. From this database, real‐time nowcasts can be quickly produced with minimal calculation. The nowcasts give the probability of convection occurring within a square neighbourhood surrounding each grid point, accounting for the inherent unpredictability of convection at small scales. Compared to a climatological reference, formal verification approaches show the nowcasts to be skilful at predicting convective activity over the study region, for all times of day and out to the six‐hour lead time considered. The nowcasts are also skilful at capturing extreme 24‐hour rain gauge accumulations over Dakar, Senegal. The nowcast skill peaks in the afternoon, with a minimum in the evening. We find that the optimum neighbourhood size varies with lead time, from 10 km at the nowcast origin to around 100 km at a six‐hour lead time. This simple and skilful nowcasting method could be highly valuable for operational warnings across West Africa and other regions with long‐lived thunderstorms, and help to reduce the impacts from heavy rainfall and flooding.
Exploring the Advantages of Layout Procedure with Fully‐Connected Quantum Computing Technologies
Authors: Russo Andrea , Simoni Mario , Volpe Deborah , Cirillo Giovanni A. , Graziano Mariagrazia
Published: November 2023

Even though quantum algorithms are designed using an idealised high‐level quantum circuit description, the execution on real devices must consider the backend physical properties. Contemporary noisy intermediate‐scale quantum (NISQ) computers are characterized by limited inter‐qubit connectivity and an exclusive set of native gates, whose execution is affected by non‐negligible errors and non‐idealities. Quantum compilation, consisting of logic and layout synthesis, aims to recast the original circuit description to the target hardware by solving the coupling‐constraint and to minimize the execution time and the error rate. While a previous article addresses the first phase, the second one is the aim of this manuscript. Currently available layout tools mainly target superconducting technology. This article tries to match the unmet need for a layout synthesis library supporting a wider range of technologies. The most promising algorithms already present in the state of the art are adapted to extend the compatibility to all the supported technologies, and new approaches, which exploit the awareness of the coupling strength in fully‐connected topologies, are proposed. The integrated procedures are benchmarked against IBM's Qiskit and Cambridge Quantum Computing's compilation toolchains, and even though these strategies can be further improved, the results are encouraging.
Exploring the Intersection of Brain–Computer Interfaces and Quantum Sensing: A Review of Research Progress and Future Trends
Authors: Liao Kun , Yang Zhaochu , Tao Dong , Zhao Libo , Pires Nuno , Dorao Carlos Alberto , Stokke Bjørn Torger , Roseng Lars Eric , Liu Wen , Jiang Zhuangde
Published: November 2023

Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) can revolutionize how humans interact with technology, but several scientific and technological challenges must be addressed to realize their full potential. Recent developments in quantum‐based sensing methods offer promising solutions to some of these challenges. This review provides an overview of the progress, challenges, and prospects of BCIs research and discuss the feasibility of integrating quantum sensor technology in BCI systems. The applications of quantum sensing in BCIs research are reviewed and the solution based on quantum sensor technology to overcome some of the challenges associated with BCI systems is proposed. The potential of quantum sensor technology for the future development of BCIs is emphasized. Overall, this review highlights quantum sensor technology's significant potential for future development of BCI.
Ingenious Synergy of a Pathology‐Specific Biomimetic Multifunctional Nanoplatform for Targeted Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Xu Hong , Wang Yuemin , Rong Xiao , Wang Duan , Xie Jinwei , Huang Zeyu , Zeng Weinan , Fu Xiaoxue , Li Jianshu , Zhou Zongke
Published: November 2023

Based on the pathological characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis, including the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), inflammatory responses, and osteoclast differentiation, a biomimetic multifunctional nanomedicine (M‐M@I) is designed. Iguratimod (IGU) is loaded, which inhibits inflammatory responses and osteoclast differentiation, into mesoporous polydopamine (MPDA), which scavenges ROS. Subsequently, the nanoparticles are coated with a cell membrane of macrophages to achieve actively targeted delivery of the nanoparticles to inflamed joints. It is shown that the M‐M@I nanoparticles are taken up well by lipopolysaccharide‐induced RAW 264.7 macrophages or bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDMs). In vitro, the M‐M@I nanoparticles effectively scavenge ROS, downregulate genes related to inflammation promotion and osteoclast differentiation, and reduce the proinflammatory cytokines and osteoclast‐related enzymes. They also reduce the polarization of macrophages to a pro‐inflammatory M1 phenotype and inhibit differentiation into osteoclasts. In mice with collagen‐induced arthritis, the M‐M@I nanoparticles accumulate at arthritic sites and circulate longer, significantly mitigating arthritis symptoms and bone destruction. These results suggest that the pathology‐specific biomimetic multifunctional nanoparticles are effective against rheumatoid arthritis, and they validate the approach of developing multifunctional therapies that target various pathological processes simultaneously.
Emerging optogenetics technologies in biomedical applications
Authors: Ren Haozhen , Cheng Yi , Wen Gaolin , Wang Jinglin , Zhou Min
Published: November 2023

Optogenetics is a cutting‐edge technology that merges light control and genetics to achieve targeted control of tissue cells. Compared to traditional methods, optogenetics offers several advantages in terms of time and space precision, accuracy, and reduced damage to the research object. Currently, optogenetics is primarily used in pathway research, drug screening, gene expression regulation, and the stimulation of molecule release to treat various diseases. The selection of light‐sensitive proteins is the most crucial aspect of optogenetic technology; structural changes occur or downstream channels are activated to achieve signal transmission or factor release, allowing efficient and controllable disease treatment. In this review, we examine the extensive research conducted in the field of biomedicine concerning optogenetics, including the selection of light‐sensitive proteins, the study of carriers and delivery devices, and the application of disease treatment. Additionally, we offer critical insights and future implications of optogenetics in the realm of clinical medicine.
Holographic CFTs on AdSd × Sn and conformal defects
Authors: Ghodsi Ahmad , Kiritsis Elias , Nitti Francesco
Published: November 2023

Abstract

We consider (d+n+1)-dimensional solutions of Einstein gravity with constant negative curvature. Regular solutions of this type are expected to be dual to the ground states of (d + n)-dimensional holographic CFTs on AdSd × Sn. Their only dimensionless parameter is the ratio of radii of curvatures of AdSd and Sn. The same solutions may also be dual to (d − 1)-dimensional conformal defects in holographic QFTd+n. We solve the gravity equations with an associated conifold ansatz, and we classify all solutions both singular and regular by a combination of analytical and numerical techniques. There are no solutions, regular or singular, with two boundaries along the holographic direction. Out of the infinite class of regular solutions, only one is diffeomorphic to AdSd+n+1 and another to AdSd × AdSn+1. For the regular solutions, we compute the on-shell action as a function of the relevant parameters.
Theory dependence of black hole interior reconstruction and the extended strong subadditivity
Authors: Kashyap Sitender Pratap , Pius Roji , Ramchander Manish
Published: November 2023

Abstract

An AdS eternal black hole in equilibrium with a finite temperature bath presents a Hawking-like information paradox due to a continuous exchange of radiation with the bath. The non-perturbative gravitational effect, the replica wormhole, cures this paradox by introducing a non-trivial entanglement wedge for the bath after Page time. In this paper, we analyse the theory dependence of this non-perturbative effect by randomising the boundary conditions of some of the bulk matter fields. We explicitly analyse this in JT gravity by introducing a matter CFT in the AdS region with random boundary conditions at the AdS boundary that are drawn from a distribution. Using the island formula and the extended strong subadditivity due to Carlen and Lieb, we show that at late times the black hole interior is contained inside the entanglement wedge of a reference Hilbert space that encodes the information about the random boundary conditions. Consequently, the reconstruction of the black hole interior from the radiation, in particular the region near the singularity, requires a detailed knowledge of the theory.
On Discrete Groups of Euclidean Isometries: Representation Theory, Harmonic Analysis and Splitting Properties
Authors: Schmidt Bernd , Steinbach Martin
Published: November 2023

We study structural properties and the harmonic analysis of discrete subgroups of the Euclidean group. In particular, we 1. obtain an efficient description of their dual space, 2. develop Fourier analysis methods for periodic mappings on them, and 3. prove a Schur-Zassenhaus type splitting result.
Causal relationship between psychiatric traits and temporomandibular disorders: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Xiang Yulin , Song Jukun , Liang Ying , Sun Jiaxin , Zheng Zhijun
Published: November 2023

Objectives

This study was to investigate the causal relationship between temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and psychiatric disorders by Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

Materials and methods

A two-sample bidirectional MR analysis was adopted to systematically explore the causal relationship between TMD and eight psychiatric traits, including anxiety disorder (AD), panic disorder (PD), major depressive disorder (MDD), neuroticism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), bipolar disorder (BIP), and schizophrenia (SCZ). Inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted median, and MR-Egger regression were used in my study. Furthermore, we also performed three sensitivity analyses to illustrate the reliability of the analysis.

Results

Two psychiatric traits have risk effects on TMD: PD (OR = 1.118, 95% CI: 1.047–1.194, P = 8.161 × 10−4, MDD (OR = 1.961, 95% CI: 1.450–2.653, P = 1.230 × 10−5). Despite not surpassing the strict Bonferroni correction applied (P > 0.00625), we could think that there was a suggestive causal effect of neuroticism and SCZ increasing the risk of TMD. On the reverse MR analysis, we found no significant evidence of causal effects of TMD on these psychiatric traits. Except for heterogeneity in the causal analysis for SCZ on TMD, no heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy were detected in the other analyses.

Conclusions

Our two-sample MR study has provided further evidence of PD and MDD being related to a higher risk of TMD.

Clinical relevance

These findings highlight the importance of closely monitoring mental traits during future TMD treatments to prevent an increased risk of TMD.
Circulating autoantibodies to alpha-enolase (ENO1) and far upstream element-binding protein 1 (FUBP1) are negative prognostic factors for pancreatic cancer patient survival
Authors: Curcio Claudia , Rosso Tiziana , Brugiapaglia Silvia , Guadagnin Giorgia , Giordano Daniele , Castellino Bruno , Satolli Maria Antonietta , Spadi Rosella , Campra Donata , Moro Francesco , Papotti Mauro Giulio , Bertero Luca , Cassoni Paola , De Angelis Claudio , Langella Serena , Ferrero Alessandro , Armentano Serena , Bellotti Giovanna , Fenocchio Elisabetta , Nuzzo Annamaria , Ciccone Giovannino , Novelli Francesco
Published: November 2023

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) has a dismal prognosis due to a lack of early diagnostic markers and effective therapy. In PDA patients, the glycolytic enzyme and plasminogen receptor alpha-enolase (ENO1) and the transcription factor far upstream element-binding protein 1 (FUBP1) are upregulated and elicit the production of autoantibodies (aAb) that discriminate healthy subjects from PDA patients, with the latter mostly directed to post-translational phosphorylated isoforms. Here, the correlation of prognosis with circulating ENO1 and FUBP1aAb, and their protein tissue expression was analyzed in PDA patients. Circulating ENO1 and FUBP1 aAb was analyzed in two cohorts of PDA patients by ELISA (n = 470), while tissues expression was observed by immunohistochemistry (n = 45). Overall survival (OS) was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method, while the Cox model was used to estimate the hazard ratios (HR) adjusted for the main prognostic factors. Logistic models were applied to assess associations between death and its risk indicators. All statistical analyses were performed with Stata version 15. Unlike ENO1 aAb, there was a significant correlation between FUBP1 aAb and FUBP1 expression in tumors (p = 0.0268). In addition, we found that high ENO1 (p = 0.016) and intermediate FUBP1 aAb levels (p = 0.013) were unfavorable prognostic factors. Notably, it was found that high anti-FUBP1 aAb level is a good prognostic marker for tail-body PDA (p = 0.016). Our results suggest that different levels of circulating aAb to ENO1 and FUBP1 predict a poor outcome in PDA patients and can be used to improve therapeutic strategies.
Weight-loss Independent Clinical and Metabolic Biomarkers Associated with Type 2 Diabetes Remission Post-bariatric/metabolic Surgery
Authors: Chaiyasoot Kusuma , Sakai Naomi S. , Zakeri Roxanna , Makaronidis Janine , Crisóstomo Luís , Alves Marco G. , Gan Wei , Firman Chloe , Jassil Friedrich C. , Hall-Craggs Margaret A. , Taylor Stuart A. , Batterham Rachel L.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Remission of type 2 diabetes (T2D) can be achieved by many, but not all, people following bariatric/metabolic surgery. The mechanisms underlying T2D remission remain incompletely understood. This observational study aimed to identify novel weight-loss independent clinical, metabolic and genetic factors that associate with T2D remission using comprehensive phenotyping.

Materials and Methods

Ten patients without T2D remission (non-remitters) were matched to 10 patients with T2D remission (remitters) for age, sex, type of surgery, body weight, BMI, post-operative weight loss, duration from surgery and duration of T2D. Detailed body composition assessed using magnetic resonance imaging, gut hormones, serum metabolomics, insulin sensitivity, and genetic risk scores for T2D and anthropometric traits were assessed.

Results

Remitters had significantly greater β-cell function and circulating acyl ghrelin levels, but lower visceral adipose tissue (VAT): subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) ratio than non-remitters. Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and VLDL particle size were the most discriminant metabolites between groups. A significant positive correlation between, VAT area, VAT:SAT ratio and circulating levels of BCAAs was observed, whereas a significant negative correlation between BCAAs and β-cell function was revealed.

Conclusion

We highlight a potentially novel relationship between VAT and BCAAs, which may play a role in glucoregulatory control. Improvement in β-cell function, and the role ghrelin plays in its recovery, is likely another key factor influencing T2D remission post-surgery. These findings suggest that adjunctive approaches that target VAT loss and restoration of BCAA metabolism might achieve higher rates of long-term T2D remission post-surgery.

Graphical Abstract
African striped mice have relatively smaller brains in the food deprived dry season than in the wet season
Authors: Mulvey Jessica , Pillay Neville , Makuya Lindelani , Rödel Heiko G. , Schradin Carsten
Published: November 2023

The ability to alter the mass of energetically consumptive organs in response to seasonal variation in nutritional access has been demonstrated in several species from temperate climates, but less so from other climate zones. We predicted that adult striped mice (Rhabdomys pumilio) from the Succulent Karoo semi-desert in South Africa have lower organ masses during the hot summer dry season with low food availability (n = 28) when compared to the food-rich wet season (n = 25) as a possible adaptation to reduced energy expenditure. Food availability in the wet season was more than twice than that of the dry season. Body mass was positively correlated with most organ masses considered, except for the spleen. Mandible length, as a non-plastic measure of body size, was positively correlated with the mass of heart and stomach. Relative to body mass and to mandible length, kidneys and the small intestine were heavier in the wet season than during the dry season in both sexes. Liver masses were greater in females (but smaller in males) during the wet season, possibly due to increased female reproductive investment during this season. Both sexes had relatively heavier brains (by 9.6% on average) during the wet season than during the dry season, which is the first indication of the Dehnel phenomenon in a rodent, in a subtropical climate, and in the southern hemisphere. Future studies will have to test whether this change in brain size is reversible. Having relatively smaller brains during the dry season could be a mechanism to reduce energy consumption. In conclusion, our study indicates that striped mice may save energy during the food restricted dry season by reducing energetically expensive organ masses, including brain mass.
Drafting the Great Army: The Political Economy of Conscription in Napoleonic France
Authors: Rouanet Louis , Piano Ennio E.
Published: November 2023

Napoléon Bonaparte revolutionized the practice of war with his reliance on a mass national army and large-scale conscription. This system faced one major obstacle: draft evasion. This article discusses Napoléon’s response to widespread draft evasion. First, we show that draft dodging rates across France varied with geographic characteristics. Second, we provide evidence that the regime adopted a strategy of discriminatory conscription enforcement by setting a lower (higher) conscription rate for those regions where the enforcement of conscription was more (less) costly. Finally, we show that this strategy resulted in a rapid fall in draft dodging rates across France.