bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The novel and slowest arterial pressure waves: clinical implications in children with congenital heart disease following cardiovascular surgery
Authors: Ma Li , Yu Linyang , Liu Yingying , Lin Rouyi , Feng Jinqing , Cui Yanqin , Li Jianbin , Li Lijuan , Ning Shuyao , Zou Minghui , Huang Guodong , Wang Huaizhen , Chen Xinxin , Li Jia
Published: October 2024

Objectives:

Certain rhythmic arterial pressure waves in humans and animals have been noticed for over one century. We found the novel and slowest arterial pressure waves in children following surgical repair for CHD, and examined their characteristics and clinical implications.

Methods:

We enrolled 212 children with 22 types of CHD within postoperative 48 h. We monitored haemodynamics (blood pressure, cardiac cycle efficiency, dP/dTmax), cerebral (ScO2), and renal (SrO2) oxygen saturation every 6 s. Electroencephalogram was continuously monitored. Mean blood flow velocity (Vm) of the middle cerebral artery was measured at 24 h.

Results:

We found the waves with a frequency of ∼ 90 s immediately following surgical repair in 46 patients in 12 types of CHD (21.7%), being most prevalent in patients with aortic arch abnormalities (Aorta Group, n = 24, 42.3%) or ventricular septal defect (Ventricular Septal Defect Group, n = 12, 23.5%). In Aorta and Ventricular Septal Defect Groups, the occurrence of the waves was associated with lower blood pressures, dP/dTmax, cardiac cycle efficiency, ScO2, SrO2, Vm, worse electroencephalogram background abnormalities, higher number of electroencephalogram sharp waves, and serum lactate (Ps <0.0001–0.07), and were accompanied with fluctuations of ScO2 and SrO2 in 80.6% and 69.6% of patients, respectively.

Conclusions:

The waves observed in children following cardiovascular surgery are the slowest ever reported, occurring most frequently in patients with aortic arch abnormalities or ventricular septal defect. While the occurrence of the waves was associated with statistically worse and fluctuated ScO2 and SrO2, worse systemic haemodynamics, and electroencephalogram abnormalities, at present these waves have no known clinical relevance.
Caring for Hindu patients at the end-of-life: A narrative review
Authors: Raval Raniga Brinda , Kumar Savannah , McAteer Martin Rebecca , Blinderman Craig D.
Published: October 2024

Objectives

This paper reviews the existing literature to identify specific challenges that may arise in the context of providing palliative and end-of-life (EOL) care for Hindu patients in the physical, psychological, and spiritual domains. We offer practical strategies where appropriate to mitigate some of these challenges. We review how the Hindu faith impacts EOL decision-making, including the role of the family in decision-making, completion of advance directives, pain management, and decisions around artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Methods

The PubMed, MEDLINE Complete, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched for articles using the search strings combinations of keywords such as Palliative care, Hindu, Hinduism, End of Life Care, India, Spirituality, and South Asian. Once inclusion criteria were applied, 40 manuscripts were eligible for review.

Results

Our results are organized into the following 4 sections – how Hindu religious or spiritual beliefs intersect with the physical, psychological, and spiritual domains: and decision-making at the EOL.

Significance of results

Hindu beliefs, in particular the role of karma, were shown to impact decision-making regarding pain management, ANH and CPR, and advance directive completion. The complexity of Hindu thought leaves a significant role for interpretation and flexibility for individual factors in decision-making at the EOL.
Thiamine deficiency as a differential diagnosis for severe fatigue in terminally ill cancer patients
Authors: Onishi Hideki , Sato Hiroko , Uchida Nozomu , Yoshioka Akira , Sato Izumi , Onizawa Nobuyuki , Ito Hiroshi , Ishida Mayumi
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Patients with advanced cancer present various symptoms as their disease progresses. Among these, fatigue is a frequent symptom in patients with advanced cancer and is associated with decreased quality of life (QOL). However, there are few reports regarding its association with thiamine deficiency (TD).

Methods

We report a case in which we found TD in a patient with advanced lung cancer who presented with weight loss, significant fatigue, and appeared to have a worsening general condition, for whom symptoms were dramatically improved within a short period of time by intravenous administration of thiamine.

Results

The patient was a 76-year-old woman who had been diagnosed with lung cancer and liver metastases 6 months earlier. Due to interstitial pneumonia, she was not a candidate for chemotherapy and so palliative care was started. At 8 months after initial diagnosis, the patient complained of fatigue during a medical examination, so a blood sample was taken. A week later, she visited the hospital with a cane. She felt extremely fatigued and was unable to stand, but results from the previous blood test revealed that a TD. The fatigue disappeared 15 minutes after intravenous administration of thiamine and she was able to return home without the cane.

Significance of results

Fatigue is a frequent symptom in advanced cancer patients, and TD may be the underlying cause. Inclusion of TD in the differential diagnosis may contribute to improving patient QOL.
Reconstruction of the Hydro‐Thermal Behavior of Regulated River Networks of the Columbia River Basin Using Satellite Remote Sensing and Data‐Driven Techniques
Authors: Darkwah G. K. , Hossain Faisal , Tchervenski Victoria , Holtgrieve Gordon , Graves David , Seaton Charles , Minocha Sanchit , Das Pritam , Khan Shahzaib , Suresh Sarath
Published: October 2024

The use of satellite‐based thermal infrared remote sensing has facilitated the assessment of surface water temperature on a large scale. However, the inherent limitations of this remote sensing technique make it difficult to assess rivers unless ambient conditions are cloud‐free, devoid of steep terrain and the rivers are at least 60 m wide. To address these challenges that limit the spatiotemporal continuity of satellite‐based hydro‐thermal data, we harnessed the extensive coverage from the Landsat missions' thermal infrared sensors and data‐driven techniques to estimate surface water temperature of rivers. Out of the tested data‐driven techniques, we selected the Random Forest Regressor as our prime non‐linear approach for estimation of surface water temperature in rivers. Using the selected technique, proposed as THORR (Thermal History of Regulated Rivers), we successfully reconstructed a multi‐decadal, continuous spatiotemporal surface water temperature record for regulated rivers in the Columbia River Basin. Using 42 years of data, the surface water temperature could be predicted on average with 0.71° C of absolute error regardless of the dam's potential thermal influence in the downstream reaches. The reconstructed hydro‐thermal behavior generated from THORR revealed a long‐term downstream warming trend along the Columbia River. The open‐source THORR tool can be extended to any river system around the world that is not gauged with in‐situ temperature measurements for the reconstruction of hydro‐thermal behavior.
Multi‐Stage Magmatism During Slab Exhumation Drives the Geochemical Evolution of Continental Crust: Insights From Paleozoic Granitoids in South Altyn, Western China
Authors: Tian Long , Liu Liang , Chen Danling , Cao Yuting , Gai Yongsheng , Ma Tuo , Wang Qian , Kang Lei
Published: October 2024

The present continental crust is characterized by a felsic upper crust and a mafic lower crust, resulting from significant geochemical differentiation over geological time. While various processes have been proposed to explain this differentiation, subduction zones remain pivotal regions for understanding the compositional evolution of continental crust. This study focuses on the South Altyn (SA) continental subduction‐collision belt in western China, a unique setting that experienced ultra‐deep (>300 km) continental subduction followed by multi‐stage exhumation. We present a comprehensive study of four granitoid suites from Tatelekebulake (TTLK) area in SA: biotite granite (BG), monzogranite (MG), K‐feldspar granite (KG), and leucogranite (LG). Comprehensive studies on petrology, geochemistry and zircon U‐Pb dating show that these granitoids formed at 494, 451, 414, and 418 Ma, respectively, and originated from protoliths with affinity to the subducted continental crust in SA. Phase equilibrium modeling suggests that BG formed at ∼800°C and 0.6 GPa, while the MG, KG, and LG formed by differentiation crystallization of the BG magma under progressively decreasing temperature and pressure conditions (750°C, 0.5 GPa; 740–700°C, 0.2 GPa; and 700–640°C, 0.1 GPa, respectively). These results, combined with previous studies, allow us to reconstruct the tectonic processes of continental exhumation and subsequent orogenic collapse in SA during the Early Paleozoic. Importantly, our findings reveal that magmatism derived from partial melting of subducted continental crust can promote the geochemical evolution of continental crust toward more felsic compositions, even in the absence of significant crustal growth or mantle‐derived magmatism. This study provides a valuable case for understanding the compositional evolution of continental crust in deep subduction zones and challenges conventional models that rely heavily on arc magmatism for crustal differentiation. Moreover, our results contribute to a broader understanding of crustal evolution processes in collisional orogens worldwide and highlight the importance of recycling and differentiation of subducted continental material in shaping crustal compositions.
Patterns of Plio‐Pleistocene Ice Volume Variability Recorded by the Large‐Magnitude Explosive Eruptions From the Kamchatka‐Kurile Volcanic Arc
Authors: Straub Susanne M. , Reilly Brendan , Raymo Maureen E. , Gómez‐Tuena Arturo , Wang Kuo‐Lung , Widom Elisabeth , Kuentz David , Arculus Richard J.
Published: October 2024

Marine fallout ash beds can provide continuous, time‐precise records of highly explosive arc volcanism that can be linked with the climate record. An evaluation of revised Plio‐Pleistocene (0–4 Myr) tephrostratigraphies from Ocean Drilling Program Sites 881, 882, and 884 confirms cyclicity of the Kamchatka‐Kurile arc volcanism and a marked increase just after the intensification of the Northern Hemisphere glaciation at 2.73 Ma. The compositional constancy of the Kamchatka‐Kurile volcano‐magma systems through time points to external modulation of volcanic cyclicity and frequency. The stacked tephra record reveals periodic peaks in arc volcanicity at ∼0.3, ∼1.0, ∼1.6, ∼2.5, and ∼3.8 Myr that coincide with maxima of the global ice volume variability that have been linked with the amplitude modulation of the precession (0.3, 1.0 Myr) and obliquity (1.6, 2.5 and 3.8 Myr) bands. A simple model of a decreasing obliquity variance across the mid‐Pleistocene Transition at constant precession variance produces an excellent correlation of ash bed cycles with the variability of global benthic δ18O (r2 = 0.75), which implies that climate, and not direct orbital forcing, modulates Kamchatka‐Kurile arc volcanism. The rising influence of precession variance in the Kamchatka‐Kurile ash bed record after the mid‐Pleistocene Transition contrasts with the dominant 100 kyr signal in the benthic δ18O global ice volume variability, which may either reflect limitations of the ash bed record or an regional rather than global influence of ice volume variability. Our results indicate that climate influences the Kamchatka‐Kurile arc volcanism, which may influence climate only by feedback.
Air and Surface Temperatures Differently Drive Terrestrial Carbon and Water Cycles in the High Latitudes
Authors: Tang Jing , Chen Shouzhi , Martín Belda David , Rinnan Riikka , Körner Christian , Fu Yongshuo H.
Published: October 2024

High‐latitude vegetation experience different temperatures than the ambient air temperature. While lacking a regional plant temperature product, we drove the dynamic ecosystem model, LPJ‐GUESS, with widely used ERA5‐land surface temperature (Tsurf, at radiative equilibrium) and air temperature to understand ecosystem process responses to these two temperatures. We show that tundra plants' growth is stimulated by warmer Tsurf in the summer, but in the boreal forests, colder Tsurf in the non‐summer months constrains leaf development and enzyme activity the following growing season. Tsurf drives higher productivity of tundra plant individuals but leads to less productive individuals in the boreal forest, although with compensatory changes (almost 68%) in vegetation structure. We demonstrate the importance of forcing temperature in simulating high‐latitude ecosystem processes and call for a community effort to measure plant temperatures across canopy heights and seasons to reduce uncertainties in estimating high‐latitude plant responses and feedback to climate.
Climate Change Impact on “Outdoor Days” Over the United States
Authors: Choi Yeon‐Woo , Khalifa Muhammad , Eltahir Elfatih A. B.
Published: October 2024

The scientific discourse on climate change throughout the US has primarily revolved around changes in mean climate and/or climate extremes. However, little is known about the impacts of climate change on mild weather conditions despite its significant relevance to quality of life. Here, we adopt the concept of “outdoor days” defined as those relatively pleasant days when most people may enjoy outdoor activities (Choi et al., 2024). We project how climate change reshapes seasonality of US outdoor days: relatively large drops in summer, late spring, and early fall; and a significant increase in winter. However, annual outdoor days are projected to change slightly, with notable exceptions. We project relatively large drops in southeast (−23%), south (−19%), and Ohio Valley (−19%), and a significant increase in northwest (14%) toward the end of the century. Our findings have implications for quality of life in different regions, and for nation‐wide travel and tourism.
The 2022 February 15 Solar Energetic Particle Event at Mars: A Synergistic Study Combining Multiple Radiation Detectors on the Surface and in Orbit of Mars With Models
Authors: Zhang Jian , Guo Jingnan , Zhang Yongjie , Cao Yihang , Dobynde Mikhail I. , Li Cunhui , Yu Yuhong , Wang Yuming , Tang Shuwen , Qian Yi , Zhao Hongyun , Sun Zhiyu , Wang Yi , Wimmer‐Schweingruber Robert F.
Published: October 2024

On 2022‐02‐15, solar eruptions caused one of the most intensive Solar Particle Events (SPEs) in Solar Cycle 25 observed at various heliospheric locations. This study focuses on the enhancements of energetic proton flux observed by multiple detectors located at the orbit and on the surface of Mars. We carry out the first analysis by the Mars Energetic Particle Analyzer (MEPA) instrument on board the Chinese Tianwen‐1 spacecraft (TW‐1) at Mars orbit which also serves to validate the instrument's capability to measure protons of up to 100 MeV. We reconstruct the event spectrum up to 1 GeV and further model the event doses at Mars's orbit and surface which are then validated against the corresponding dosimetry data. Our study utilizes all available radiation detectors at Mars, advances our understanding of Mars's radiation environment induced by large SPEs, and emphasizes the necessity of continuous and synergistic radiation monitoring at Mars.
An integrative single-cell atlas for exploring the cellular and temporal specificity of genes related to neurological disorders during human brain development
Authors: Kim Seoyeon , Lee Jihae , Koh In Gyeong , Ji Jungeun , Kim Hyun Jung , Kim Eunha , Park Jihwan , Park Jong-Eun , An Joon-Yong
Published: October 2024

Single-cell technologies have enhanced comprehensive knowledge regarding the human brain by facilitating an extensive transcriptomic census across diverse brain regions. Nevertheless, understanding the cellular and temporal specificity of neurological disorders remains ambiguous due to developmental variations. To address this gap, we illustrated the dynamics of disorder risk gene expression under development by integrating multiple single-cell RNA sequencing datasets. We constructed a comprehensive single-cell atlas of the developing human brain, encompassing 393,060 single cells across diverse developmental stages. Temporal analysis revealed the distinct expression patterns of disorder risk genes, including those associated with autism, highlighting their temporal regulation in different neuronal and glial lineages. We identified distinct neuronal lineages that diverged across developmental stages, each exhibiting temporal-specific expression patterns of disorder-related genes. Lineages of nonneuronal cells determined by molecular profiles also showed temporal-specific expression, indicating a link between cellular maturation and the risk of disorder. Furthermore, we explored the regulatory mechanisms involved in early brain development, revealing enriched patterns of fetal cell types associated with neuronal disorders indicative of the prenatal stage’s influence on disease determination. Our findings facilitate unbiased comparisons of cell type‒disorder associations and provide insight into dynamic alterations in risk genes during development, paving the way for a deeper understanding of neurological disorders.
PBLD promotes IRF3 mediated the type I interferon (IFN-I) response and apoptosis to inhibit viral replication
Authors: Zhu Hongchao , Hou Peili , Chu Fengyun , Li Xingyu , Zhang Wenjia , Sun Xiaonan , Liu Yu , Zhao Guimin , Gao Yuwei , He Daniel Chang , Wang Hongmei , He Hongbin
Published: October 2024

Recent studies have implicated the phenazine biosynthesis-like domain-containing protein (PBLD) in the negative regulation of the development and progression of various cancers. However, its function in viral infection remains unknown. In this study, we found that PBLD plays important roles in multiple virus infections including BPIV3, SeV, VSV, and HSV-1. Our study revealed that PBLD enhances the expression of type I interferon (IFN-I) and ISGs through interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3). Further study indicated that PBLD promotes transcriptional phosphorylation of IRF3 (S385/386), thereby facilitating virus-induced IFN-I production. Interestingly, PBLD mediates virus-triggered mitochondrial apoptosis through its dependence on IRF3 (K313/315). Mechanistically, PBLD facilitated virus-induced apoptosis by recruiting the Puma protein to the mitochondria via IRF3. Additionally, we performed mutational analyses of IRF3, showing that its loss of either transcriptional or apoptotic function markedly increased viral replication. Moreover, macrophages with PBLD deficiency during viral infection exhibited decreased the IFN-I and ISGs expression, exacerbating viral infection. Importantly, mice deficient in PBLD exhibited increased viral replication and susceptibility to SeV infection, leading to decreased survival. Notably, Cedrelone, a chemical activator of PBLD, has the ability to reduce SeV replication. Collectively, we first discovered the new function of PBLD in viral infection, broadening our understanding of potential therapeutic targets and offering new insights for antiviral drug development.
TRIB3 inhibition by palbociclib sensitizes prostate cancer to ferroptosis via downregulating SOX2/SLC7A11 expression
Authors: Zhang Yangyi , Liu Chenyu , Yang Yalan , Ren He , Ren Tianyi , Huang Yinuo , Zhang Shinan , Sun Qiang , Huang Hongyan
Published: October 2024

Palbociclib is a CDK4/6 inhibitor approved for the treatment of breast cancer by suppressing cell proliferation. However, monotherapy with palbociclib was discouraging in prostate cancer, calling for a mechanism-based effective therapy. In this study, we reported in prostate cancer that palbociclib is a potent sensitizer of ferroptosis, which is worked out by downregulating the expression of TRIB3, a gene highly expressed in prostate cancer. Specifically, TRIB3 knockdown augmented the response of prostate cancer cells to ferroptosis inducers, whereas, TRIB3 overexpression rescued prostate cancer cells from palbociclib-induced ferroptosis. Mechanistically, TRIB3 inhibition by palbociclib resulted in downregulation of SOX2, which subsequently led to compromised expression of SLC7A11, a cystine/glutamate antiporter that counteracts ferroptosis. Functionally, a combined treatment of palbociclib with ferroptosis inducer significantly suppressed prostate cancer growth in a xenograft tumor model. Together, these results uncover an essential role of TRIB3/SOX2/SLC7A11 axis in palbociclib-induced ferroptosis, suggesting palbociclib a promising targeted therapy in combine with ferroptosis induction for the treatment of prostate cancer.
Whole-genome sequencing in 333,100 individuals reveals rare non-coding single variant and aggregate associations with height
Authors: Hawkes Gareth , Beaumont Robin N. , Li Zilin , Mandla Ravi , Li Xihao , Albert Christine M. , Arnett Donna K. , Ashley-Koch Allison E. , Ashrani Aneel A. , Barnes Kathleen C. , Boerwinkle Eric , Brody Jennifer A. , Carson April P. , Chami Nathalie , Chen Yii-Der Ida , Chung Mina K. , Curran Joanne E. , Darbar Dawood , Ellinor Patrick T. , Fornage Myrian , Gordeuk Victor R. , Guo Xiuqing , He Jiang , Hwu Chii-Min , Kalyani Rita R. , Kaplan Robert , Kardia Sharon L. R. , Kooperberg Charles , Loos Ruth J. F. , Lubitz Steven A. , Minster Ryan L. , Naseri Take , Viali Satupa’itea , Mitchell Braxton D. , Murabito Joanne M. , Palmer Nicholette D. , Psaty Bruce M. , Redline Susan , Shoemaker M. Benjamin , Silverman Edwin K. , Telen Marilyn J. , Weiss Scott T. , Yanek Lisa R. , Zhou Hufeng ,   NHLBI Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) Consortium, Liu Ching-Ti , North Kari E. , Justice Anne E. , Locke Jonathan M. , Owens Nick , Murray Anna , Patel Kashyap , Frayling Timothy M. , Wright Caroline F. , Wood Andrew R. , Lin Xihong , Manning Alisa , Weedon Michael N.
Published: October 2024

The role of rare non-coding variation in complex human phenotypes is still largely unknown. To elucidate the impact of rare variants in regulatory elements, we performed a whole-genome sequencing association analysis for height using 333,100 individuals from three datasets: UK Biobank (N = 200,003), TOPMed (N = 87,652) and All of Us (N = 45,445). We performed rare ( < 0.1% minor-allele-frequency) single-variant and aggregate testing of non-coding variants in regulatory regions based on proximal-regulatory, intergenic-regulatory and deep-intronic annotation. We observed 29 independent variants associated with height at P < $$6\times {10}^{-10}$$
6
×

10

−
10

after conditioning on previously reported variants, with effect sizes ranging from −7cm to +4.7 cm. We also identified and replicated non-coding aggregate-based associations proximal to HMGA1 containing variants associated with a 5 cm taller height and of highly-conserved variants in MIR497HG on chromosome 17. We have developed an approach for identifying non-coding rare variants in regulatory regions with large effects from whole-genome sequencing data associated with complex traits.
Neural pathways and computations that achieve stable contrast processing tuned to natural scenes
Authors: Gür Burak , Ramirez Luisa , Cornean Jacqueline , Thurn Freya , Molina-Obando Sebastian , Ramos-Traslosheros Giordano , Silies Marion
Published: October 2024

Natural scenes are highly dynamic, challenging the reliability of visual processing. Yet, humans and many animals perform accurate visual behaviors, whereas computer vision devices struggle with rapidly changing background luminance. How does animal vision achieve this? Here, we reveal the algorithms and mechanisms of rapid luminance gain control in Drosophila, resulting in stable visual processing. We identify specific transmedullary neurons as the site of luminance gain control, which pass this property to direction-selective cells. The circuitry further involves wide-field neurons, matching computational predictions that local spatial pooling drive optimal contrast processing in natural scenes when light conditions change rapidly. Experiments and theory argue that a spatially pooled luminance signal achieves luminance gain control via divisive normalization. This process relies on shunting inhibition using the glutamate-gated chloride channel GluClα. Our work describes how the fly robustly processes visual information in dynamically changing natural scenes, a common challenge of all visual systems.
In-situ electrochemical reconstruction and modulation of adsorbed hydrogen coverage in cobalt/ruthenium-based catalyst boost electroreduction of nitrate to ammonia
Authors: Zhang Jian , Quast Thomas , Eid Bashir , Chen Yen-Ting , Zerdoumi Ridha , Dieckhöfer Stefan , Junqueira João R. C. , Seisel Sabine , Schuhmann Wolfgang
Published: October 2024

The electroreduction of nitrate offers a promising, sustainable, and decentralized route to generate valuable ammonia. However, a key challenge in the nitrate reduction reaction is the energy efficiency of the reaction, which requires both a high ammonia yield rate and a high Faradaic efficiency of ammonia at a low working potential (≥−0.2 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode). We propose a bimetallic Co–B/Ru12 electrocatalyst which utilizes complementary effects of Co–B and Ru to modulate the quantity of adsorbed hydrogen and to favor the specific hydrogenation for initiating nitrate reduction reaction at a low overpotential. This effect enables the catalyst to achieve a Faradaic efficiency for ammonia of 90.4 ± 9.2% and a remarkable half-cell energy efficiency of 40.9 ± 4% at 0 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode. The in-situ electrochemical reconstruction of the catalyst contributes to boosting the ammonia yield rate to a high level of 15.0 ± 0.7 mg h−1 cm−2 at −0.2 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode. More importantly, by employing single-entity electrochemistry coupled with identical location transmission electron microscopy, we gain systematic insights into the correlation between the increase in the catalyst’s active sites and its structural transformations during the nitrate reduction reaction.
Lack of SMARCB1 expression characterizes a subset of human and murine peripheral T-cell lymphomas
Authors: Fischer Anja , Albert Thomas K. , Moreno Natalia , Interlandi Marta , Mormann Jana , Glaser Selina , Patil Paurnima , de Faria Flavia W. , Richter Mathis , Verma Archana , Balbach Sebastian T. , Wagener Rabea , Bens Susanne , Dahlum Sonja , Göbel Carolin , Münter Daniel , Inserte Clara , Graf Monika , Kremer Eva , Melcher Viktoria , Di Stefano Gioia , Santi Raffaella , Chan Alexander , Dogan Ahmet , Bush Jonathan , Hasselblatt Martin , Cheng Sylvia , Spetalen Signe , Fosså Alexander , Hartmann Wolfgang , Herbrüggen Heidi , Robert Stella , Oyen Florian , Dugas Martin , Walter Carolin , Sandmann Sarah , Varghese Julian , Rossig Claudia , Schüller Ulrich , Tzankov Alexandar , Pedersen Martin B. , d’Amore Francesco A. , Mellgren Karin , Kontny Udo , Kancherla Venkatesh , Veloza Luis , Missiaglia Edoardo , Fataccioli Virginie , Gaulard Philippe , Burkhardt Birgit , Soehnlein Oliver , Klapper Wolfram , de Leval Laurence , Siebert Reiner , Kerl Kornelius
Published: October 2024

Peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS) is a heterogeneous group of malignancies with poor outcome. Here, we identify a subgroup, PTCL-NOSSMARCB1-, which is characterized by the lack of the SMARCB1 protein and occurs more frequently in young patients. Human and murine PTCL-NOSSMARCB1- show similar DNA methylation profiles, with hypermethylation of T-cell-related genes and hypomethylation of genes involved in myeloid development. Single-cell analyses of human and murine tumors revealed a rich and complex network of interactions between tumor cells and an immunosuppressive and exhausted tumor microenvironment (TME). In a drug screen, we identified histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) as a class of drugs effective against PTCL-NOSSmarcb1-. In vivo treatment of mouse tumors with SAHA, a pan-HDACi, triggered remodeling of the TME, promoting replenishment of lymphoid compartments and reversal of the exhaustion phenotype. These results provide a rationale for further exploration of HDACi combination therapies targeting PTCL-NOSSMARCB1- within the TME.
Machine learning assisted screening of two dimensional chalcogenide ferromagnetic materials with Dzyaloshinskii Moriya interaction
Authors: Han Peng , Zhang Jingtong , Shi Shengbin , Zhao Yunhong , Zhang Yajun , Wang Jie
Published: October 2024

Magnetic skyrmions are potential candidates for high-density storage and logic devices because of their inherent topological stability and nanoscale size. Two-dimensional (2D) Janus transition metal chalcogenides (TMDs) are widely used to induce skyrmions due to the breaking of inversion symmetry. However, the experimental synthesis of Janus TMDs is rare, which indicates that the Janus configuration might not be the most stable MXY structure. Here, through machine-learning-assisted high-throughput first-principles calculations, we demonstrate that not all MXY compounds can be stabilized in Janus layered structure and a large proportion prefer to form other configurations with lower energy than the Janus configuration. Interestingly, these new configurations exhibit a strong Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction (DMI), which can generate and stabilize skyrmions even under a strong magnetic field. This work provides not only an efficient method for obtaining ferromagnetic materials with strong DMI but also a theoretical guidance for the synthesis of TMDs via experiments.
High-fidelity spin readout via the double latching mechanism
Authors: Kiyama Haruki , van Hien Danny , Ludwig Arne , Wieck Andreas D. , Oiwa Akira
Published: October 2024

Projective measurement of single-electron spins, or spin readout, is among the most fundamental technologies for spin-based quantum information processing. Implementing spin readout with both high-fidelity and scalability is indispensable for developing fault-tolerant quantum computers in large-scale spin-qubit arrays. To achieve high fidelity, a latching mechanism is useful. However, the fidelity can be decreased by spin relaxation and charge state leakage, and the scalability is currently challenging. Here, we propose and demonstrate a double-latching high-fidelity spin readout scheme, which suppresses errors via an additional latching process. We experimentally show that the double-latching mechanism provides significantly higher fidelity than the conventional latching mechanism and estimate a potential spin readout fidelity of 99.94% using highly spin-dependent tunnel rates. Due to isolation from error-inducing processes, the double-latching mechanism combined with scalable charge readout is expected to be useful for large-scale spin-qubit arrays while maintaining high fidelity.
A systematic review of observational practice for adaptation of reaching movements
Authors: Rudisch Julian , Holzhauer Luis K. H. , Kravanja Karmen , Hamker Fred H. , Voelcker-Rehage Claudia
Published: October 2024

Observational practice is discussed as a substitute for physical practice for motor learning and adaptation. We systematically reviewed the literature on observational practice in reaching and aiming tasks. Our objectives were to identify (i) performance differences between observational and physical practice; (ii) factors that contribute to adaptation following observational practice; and (iii) the neural correlates of observational practice. We found 18 studies, all investigated adaptation of reaching in visuomotor rotations or force-field perturbations. Results of the studies showed that observational practice led to adaptation in both, visuomotor rotation and force-field paradigms (d = −2.16 as compared to no practice). However, direct effects were considerably smaller as compared to physical practice (d = 4.38) and aftereffects were absent, suggesting that observational practice informed inverse, but not forward modes. Contrarily, neurophysiological evidence in this review showed that observational and physical practice involved similar brain regions.
Global 3D rocket launch and re-entry air pollutant and CO2 emissions at the onset of the megaconstellation era
Authors: Barker Connor R. , Marais Eloise A. , McDowell Jonathan C.
Published: October 2024

Satellite megaconstellation (SMC) missions are spurring rapid growth in rocket launches and anthropogenic re-entries. These events inject pollutants and carbon dioxide (CO2) in all atmospheric layers, affecting climate and stratospheric ozone. Quantification of these and other environmental impacts requires reliable inventories of emissions. We present a global, hourly, 3D, multi-year inventory of air pollutant emissions and CO2 from rocket launches and object re-entries spanning the inception and growth of SMCs (2020–2022). We use multiple reliable sources to compile information needed to build the inventory and conduct rigorous and innovative cross-checks and validations against launch livestreams and past studies. Our inventory accounts for rocket plume afterburning effects, applies object-specific ablation profiles to re-entering objects, and quantifies unablated mass of objects returning to Earth. We also identify all launches and objects associated with SMC missions, accounting for 37–41% of emissions of black carbon particles, carbon monoxide, and CO2 by 2022. The data are provided in formats for ease-of-use in atmospheric chemistry and climate models to inform regulation and space sustainability policies.
Limitations of effective medium models for tissue phantoms in the THz frequency range
Authors: Saxena Sonal , Bench Ciaran , Garg Diksha , Boardman Patric , Mrnka Michal , Penketh Harry , Stone Nicholas , Hendry Euan
Published: October 2024

The absorption of terahertz (THz) radiation by water molecules facilitates its application to several biomedical applications such as cancer detection. Therefore, it is critical for the THz technologies to be characterised with water content in a sample. In this paper, we analyse gelatine phantoms in the THz frequency range, with continuously varying hydration levels as they dry over time. Water molecules in close proximity to the protein molecule, termed ‘bound water’, feature properties different from the ‘free water’ molecules at larger distances. We find that a common model for predicting electromagnetic properties of phantoms and tissue samples, which assumes that only the free water varies with hydration while the bound water remains constant, does not agree well with measured results. To gain insight into this behaviour, we simultaneously measured the phantom in Raman spectroscopy, which shows a continuously varying concentration of bound water with hydration level. It follows from this investigation, that the permittivity contributions of neither the biomolecules nor water are expected to be linear with water density. This means that the often used, simple effective medium model will not be accurate for many biological tissues or phantoms.
Radiation image reconstruction and uncertainty quantification using a Gaussian process prior
Authors: Lee Jaewon , Joshi Tenzing H. , Bandstra Mark S. , Gunter Donald L. , Quiter Brian J. , Cooper Reynold J. , Vetter Kai
Published: October 2024

We propose a complete framework for Bayesian image reconstruction and uncertainty quantification based on a Gaussian process prior (GPP) to overcome limitations of maximum likelihood expectation maximization (ML-EM) image reconstruction algorithm. The prior distribution is constructed with a zero-mean Gaussian process (GP) with a choice of a covariance function, and a link function is used to map the Gaussian process to an image. Unlike many other maximum a posteriori approaches, our method offers highly interpretable hyperparamters that are selected automatically with the empirical Bayes method. Furthermore, the GP covariance function can be modified to incorporate a priori structural priors, enabling multi-modality imaging or contextual data fusion. Lastly, we illustrate that our approach lends itself to Bayesian uncertainty quantification techniques, such as the preconditioned Crank–Nicolson method and the Laplace approximation. The proposed framework is general and can be employed in most radiation image reconstruction problems, and we demonstrate it with simulated free-moving single detector radiation source imaging scenarios. We compare the reconstruction results from GPP and ML-EM, and show that the proposed method can significantly improve the image quality over ML-EM, all the while providing greater understanding of the source distribution via the uncertainty quantification capability. Furthermore, significant improvement of the image quality by incorporating a structural prior is illustrated.
Effects of blinded and nonblinded sequential human redundancy on inspection effort and inspection outcome in low prevalence visual search
Authors: Cymek Dietlind Helene
Published: October 2024

Human redundancy is often used in safety–critical domains to help protect against errors. For example, mammograms are read by two radiologists, or the dose of a drug is calculated by two physicians who perform the task redundantly one after the other. However, the expected reliability gain may be compromised by social loafing (SL), i.e., a reduction of individual effort caused by the team setting. In two laboratory studies, we therefore investigated whether different forms of human redundancy cause SL and impact task outcome. In each experiment, about 20 participants inspected images alone for rare targets, while 40 participants worked in teams of two, either performing the first or second inspection. We measured effort using inspection time and inspection area, and measured task outcome using the number of detected targets and false alarms. While there was no transfer of target marks in experiment 1 (blinded redundancy), the second inspectors in experiment 2 saw marks set during the first inspection (nonblinded redundancy). In experiment 1, data revealed no indications of SL but increased time, area covered, detections and false alarms for team-based relative to solo performance. In experiment 2, teams clearly adapted their inspection intensity. The second inspectors searched the images significantly shorter than the first inspectors. While detected targets did not differ between the two redundant groups, the second inspectors were found to produce significantly fewer false alarms than the first inspectors. However, the advantage of detected targets and area coverage still favored the teams. Thus, the principle of redundancy was effective in both forms of sequential redundancy, even if it led to different behaviors and perceptions at the individual level.
Persistence of post-stress blood pressure elevation requires activation of astrocytes
Authors: Hasebe Yohei , Yokota Shigefumi , Fukushi Isato , Takeda Kotaro , Yoshizawa Masashi , Onimaru Hiroshi , Kono Yosuke , Sugama Shuei , Uchiyama Makoto , Koizumi Keiichi , Horiuchi Jouji , Kakinuma Yoshihiko , Pokorski Mieczyslaw , Toda Takako , Izumizaki Masahiko , Mori Yasuo , Sugita Kanji , Okada Yasumasa
Published: October 2024

The reflexive excitation of the sympathetic nervous system in response to psychological stress leads to elevated blood pressure, a condition that persists even after the stress has been alleviated. This sustained increase in blood pressure, which may contribute to the pathophysiology of hypertension, could be linked to neural plasticity in sympathetic nervous activity. Given the critical role of astrocytes in various forms of neural plasticity, we investigated their involvement in maintaining elevated blood pressure during the post-stress phase. Specifically, we examined the effects of arundic acid, an astrocytic inhibitor, on blood pressure and heart rate responses to air-jet stress. First, we confirmed that the inhibitory effect of arundic acid is specific to astrocytes. Using c-Fos immunohistology, we then observed that psychological stress activates neurons in cardiovascular brain regions, and that this stress-induced neuronal activation was suppressed by arundic acid pre-treatment in rats. By evaluating astrocytic process thickness, we also confirmed that astrocytes in the cardiovascular brain regions were activated by stress, and this activation was blocked by arundic acid pre-treatment. Next, we conducted blood pressure measurements on unanesthetized, unrestrained rats. Air-jet stress elevated blood pressure, which remained high for a significant period during the post-stress phase. However, pre-treatment with arundic acid, which inhibited astrocytic activation, suppressed stress-induced blood pressure elevation both during and after stress. In contrast, arundic acid had no significant impact on heart rate. These findings suggest that both neurons and astrocytes play integral roles in stress-induced blood pressure elevation and its persistence after stress, offering new insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying hypertension.
A systematic review and quality assessment of economic evaluations of kidney replacement therapies in end-stage kidney disease
Authors: Nyokabi Patricia , Youngkong Sitaporn , Bagepally Bhavani Shankara , Okech Tabitha , Chaikledkaew Usa , McKay Gareth J , Attia John , Thakkinstian Ammarin
Published: October 2024

End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is fatal without treatment by kidney replacement therapies (KRTs). However, access to these treatment modalities can be problematic given the high costs. This systematic review (SR) aims to provide an updated economic evaluation of pairwise comparisons of KRTs and the implications for the proportion of patients with access to the KRT modalities, i.e., kidney transplantation (KT), hemodialysis (HD), and peritoneal dialysis (PD). This SR was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020. We searched studies in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cost Effectiveness Analysis (CEA) registry, from inception to March 2023. Thirteen studies were included with pairwise comparisons among three KRTs, with varying proportions of patients for each modality. Seven studies were from high-income countries, including five from Europe. Summary findings are presented on a cost-effectiveness plane and incremental net benefit (INB). KT was the most cost-effective intervention across the pairwise comparisons. KT and PD were both more cost-effective alternatives to HD. HD was more costly and less effective than PD in all studies except one. Concurrent efforts to increase both KT and PD represented the best scenario to improve treatment options for ESKD patients.
LightGBM integration with modified data balancing and whale optimization algorithm for rock mass classification
Authors: Li Long
Published: October 2024

The accurate prediction of uneven rock mass classes is crucial for intelligent operation in tunnel-boring machine (TBM) tunneling. However, the classification of rock masses presents significant challenges due to the variability and complexity of geological conditions. To address these challenges, this study introduces an innovative predictive model combining the improved EWOA (IEWOA) and the light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM). The proposed IEWOA algorithm incorporates a novel parameter l for more effective position updates during the exploration stage and utilizes sine functions during the exploitation stage to optimize the search process. Additionally, the model integrates a minority class technique enhanced with a random walk strategy (MCT-RW) to extend the boundaries of minority classes, such as Classes II, IV, and V. This approach significantly improves the recall and F1-score for these rock mass classes. The proposed methodology was rigorously evaluated against other predictive algorithms, demonstrating superior performance with an accuracy of 94.74%. This innovative model not only enhances the accuracy of rock mass classification but also contributes significantly to the intelligent and efficient construction of TBM tunnels, providing a robust solution to one of the key challenges in underground engineering.
Accuracy of smartwatches for the remote assessment of exercise capacity
Authors: Jamieson Alexandra , Jones Siana , Chaturvedi Nishi , Hughes Alun D. , Orini Michele
Published: October 2024

Exercise capacity is a strong independent predictor of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. The utilization of well-established submaximal tests of exercise capacity such as the 6-min walk test (6MWT), 3-min step test (3MST) and 10-chair rise test (10CRT) in the community would improve patient care but requires remote monitoring technology. Consumer grade smartwatches provide such an opportunity, however, their accuracy in measuring physiological responses to these tests is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of consumer grade smartwatches in assessing exercise capacity to develop a framework for remote, unsupervised testing. 16 healthy adults (7 male (44%), age median 27 [interquartile range (IQR) 26,29] years) performed 6MWTs using two protocols: (1) standard—straight 30 m laps (6MWT-standard) and 2) continuous lap—circular 240 m laps around a park (6MWT-continuous lap), 3MSTs and 10CRTs. Each one of these four tests was performed three times across two clinic visits. Each participant was fitted with a Garmin Vivoactive4 and Fitbit Sense smartwatch to measure three parameters: distance, step counts and heart rate (HR) response. Reference measures were a meter-wheel, hand tally counter and ECG, respectively. Mean HR was measured at rest, peak exercise and recovery. Agreement was measured using Bland–Altman analysis for repeated measures and summarized as median absolute percentage errors (MAPE). Distance during 6MWT-continuous lap had better agreement than during 6MWT-standard for both Garmin (MAPE: 6.4% [3.0, 10.4%] versus 20.1% [13.9, 28.4%], p < 0.001) and Fitbit (8.0% [2.9, 10.1% versus 18.8% [15.2, 28.1%], p < 0.001). Garmin measured step count more accurately than Fitbit (MAPE: 1.8% [0.9, 2.9%] versus 8.0% [2.6, 12.3%], p < 0.001). Irrespective of test, both devices showed excellent accuracy in measuring HR at rest and recovery (≤ 3%), while accuracy decreased during peak exercise (Fitbit: ~ 12% and Garmin: ~ 7%). In young adults without mobility difficulties, exercise capacity can be measured remotely using standardized tests and consumer grade smartwatches.
Proteomic analysis of plasma-derived extracellular vesicles: pre- and postprandial comparisons
Authors: Garza Alejandra P. , Wider-Eberspächer Elisa , Morton Lorena , van Ham Marco , Pállinger Éva , Buzás Edit I. , Jänsch Lothar , Dunay Ildiko R.
Published: October 2024

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are key in intercellular communication, carrying biomolecules like nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins. This study investigated postprandial characteristics and proteomic profiles of blood-derived EVs in healthy individuals. Twelve participants fasted overnight before baseline assessments. After consuming a controlled isocaloric meal, EVs were isolated for proteomic and flow cytometric analysis. Plasma triacylglyceride levels confirmed fasting completion, while protein concentrations in plasma and EVs were monitored for postprandial stability. Proteomic analysis identified upregulated proteins related to transport mechanisms and epithelial/endothelial functions postprandially, indicating potential roles in physiological responses to nutritional intake. Enrichment analyses revealed vesicle-related pathways and immune system processes. Flow cytometry showed increased expression of CD324 on CD9+CD63+CD81+ large extracellular vesicles postprandially, suggesting an epithelial origin. These findings offer valuable insights into postprandial EV dynamics and their potential physiological significance, highlighting the need for stringent fasting guidelines in EV studies to account for postprandial effects on EV composition and function.