bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A mosquito mouthpart-like bionic neural probe
Authors: Zhou Yu , Yang Huiran , Wang Xueying , Yang Heng , Sun Ke , Zhou Zhitao , Sun Liuyang , Zhao Jianlong , Tao Tiger H. , Wei Xiaoling
Published: July 2023

Advancements in microscale electrode technology have revolutionized the field of neuroscience and clinical applications by offering high temporal and spatial resolution of recording and stimulation. Flexible neural probes, with their mechanical compliance to brain tissue, have been shown to be superior to rigid devices in terms of stability and longevity in chronic recordings. Shuttle devices are commonly used to assist flexible probe implantation; however, the protective membrane of the brain still makes penetration difficult. Hidden damage to brain vessels during implantation is a significant risk. Inspired by the anatomy of the mosquito mouthparts, we present a biomimetic neuroprobe system that integrates high-sensitivity sensors with a high-fidelity multichannel flexible electrode array. This customizable system achieves distributed and minimally invasive implantation across brain regions. Most importantly, the system’s nonvisual monitoring capability provides an early warning detection for intracranial soft tissues, such as vessels, reducing the potential for injury during implantation. The neural probe system demonstrates exceptional sensitivity and adaptability to environmental stimuli, as well as outstanding performance in postoperative and chronic recordings. These findings suggest that our biomimetic neural-probe device offers promising potential for future applications in neuroscience and brain-machine interfaces.
Unveiling common psychological characteristics of proneness to aggression and general psychopathology in a large community youth cohort
Authors: Wong Ting Yat , Fang Zhiqian , Cheung Charlton , Wong Corine S. M. , Suen Yi Nam , Hui Christy L. M. , Lee Edwin H. M. , Lui Simon S. Y. , Chan Sherry K. W. , Chang Wing Chung , Sham Pak Chung , Chen Eric Y. H.
Published: July 2023

Elevated aggression in individuals with psychiatric disorders is frequently reported yet aggressive acts among people with mental illness are often intertwined with proneness to aggression and other risk factors. Evidence has suggested that both general psychopathology and proneness to aggression may share common psychological characteristics. This study aims to investigate the complex relationship between general psychopathology, proneness to aggression, and their contributing factors in community youth. Here, we first examined the association between proneness to aggression and the level of general psychopathology in 2184 community youths (male: 41.2%). To identify common characteristics, we trained machine learning models using LASSO based on 230 features covering sociodemographic, cognitive functions, lifestyle, well-being, and psychological characteristics to predict levels of general psychopathology and proneness to aggression. A subsequent Gaussian Graph Model (GGM) was fitted to understand the relationships between the general psychopathology, proneness to aggression, and selected features. We showed that proneness to aggression was associated with a higher level of general psychopathology (discovery:r = 0.56, 95% CI: [0.52–0.59]; holdout:r = 0.60, 95% CI: [0.54–0.65]). The LASSO model trained on the discovery dataset for general psychopathology was able to predict proneness to aggression in the holdout dataset with a moderate correlation coefficient of 0.606. Similarly, the model trained on the proneness to aggression in the discovery dataset was able to predict general psychopathology in the holdout dataset with a correlation coefficient of 0.717. These results suggest that there is substantial shared information between the two outcomes. The GGM model revealed that isolation and impulsivity factors were directly associated with both general psychopathology and proneness to aggression. These results revealed shared psychological characteristics of general psychopathology and proneness to aggression in a community sample of youths.
Nonlinear feedforward enabling quantum computation
Authors: Sakaguchi Atsushi , Konno Shunya , Hanamura Fumiya , Asavanant Warit , Takase Kan , Ogawa Hisashi , Marek Petr , Filip Radim , Yoshikawa Jun-ichi , Huntington Elanor , Yonezawa Hidehiro , Furusawa Akira
Published: July 2023

Measurement-based quantum computation with optical time-domain multiplexing is a promising method to realize a quantum computer from the viewpoint of scalability. Fault tolerance and universality are also realizable by preparing appropriate resource quantum states and electro-optical feedforward that is altered based on measurement results. While linear feedforward has been realized and become a common experimental technique, nonlinear feedforward was unrealized until now. In this paper, we demonstrate that a fast and flexible nonlinear feedforward realizes the essential measurement required for fault-tolerant and universal quantum computation. Using non-Gaussian ancillary states, we observed 10% reduction of the measurement excess noise relative to classical vacuum ancilla.
The effect of environmental information on evolution of cooperation in stochastic games
Authors: Kleshnina Maria , Hilbe Christian , Šimsa Štěpán , Chatterjee Krishnendu , Nowak Martin A.
Published: July 2023

Many human interactions feature the characteristics of social dilemmas where individual actions have consequences for the group and the environment. The feedback between behavior and environment can be studied with the framework of stochastic games. In stochastic games, the state of the environment can change, depending on the choices made by group members. Past work suggests that such feedback can reinforce cooperative behaviors. In particular, cooperation can evolve in stochastic games even if it is infeasible in each separate repeated game. In stochastic games, participants have an interest in conditioning their strategies on the state of the environment. Yet in many applications, precise information about the state could be scarce. Here, we study how the availability of information (or lack thereof) shapes evolution of cooperation. Already for simple examples of two state games we find surprising effects. In some cases, cooperation is only possible if there is precise information about the state of the environment. In other cases, cooperation is most abundant when there is no information about the state of the environment. We systematically analyze all stochastic games of a given complexity class, to determine when receiving information about the environment is better, neutral, or worse for evolution of cooperation.
Cytosolic Ptbp2 modulates axon growth in motoneurons through axonal localization and translation of Hnrnpr
Authors: Salehi Saeede , Zare Abdolhossein , Prezza Gianluca , Bader Jakob , Schneider Cornelius , Fischer Utz , Meissner Felix , Mann Matthias , Briese Michael , Sendtner Michael
Published: July 2023

The neuronal RNA-binding protein Ptbp2 regulates neuronal differentiation by modulating alternative splicing programs in the nucleus. Such programs contribute to axonogenesis by adjusting the levels of protein isoforms involved in axon growth and branching. While its functions in alternative splicing have been described in detail, cytosolic roles of Ptbp2 for axon growth have remained elusive. Here, we show that Ptbp2 is located in the cytosol including axons and growth cones of motoneurons, and that depletion of cytosolic Ptbp2 affects axon growth. We identify Ptbp2 as a major interactor of the 3’ UTR of Hnrnpr mRNA encoding the RNA-binding protein hnRNP R. Axonal localization of Hnrnpr mRNA and local synthesis of hnRNP R protein are strongly reduced when Ptbp2 is depleted, leading to defective axon growth. Ptbp2 regulates hnRNP R translation by mediating the association of Hnrnpr with ribosomes in a manner dependent on the translation factor eIF5A2. Our data thus suggest a mechanism whereby cytosolic Ptbp2 modulates axon growth by fine-tuning the mRNA transport and local synthesis of an RNA-binding protein.
All-polymer organic solar cells with nano-to-micron hierarchical morphology and large light receiving angle
Authors: Zeng Rui , Zhu Lei , Zhang Ming , Zhong Wenkai , Zhou Guanqing , Zhuang Jiaxing , Hao Tianyu , Zhou Zichun , Zhou Libo , Hartmann Nicolai , Xue Xiaonan , Jing Hao , Han Fei , Bai Yiming , Wu Hongbo , Tang Zheng , Zou Yecheng , Zhu Haiming , Chen Chun-Chao , Zhang Yongming , Liu Feng
Published: July 2023

Distributed photovoltaics in living environment harvest the sunlight in different incident angles throughout the day. The development of planer solar cells with large light-receiving angle can reduce the requirements in installation form factor and is therefore urgently required. Here, thin film organic photovoltaics with nano-sized phase separation integrated in micro-sized surface topology is demonstrated as an ideal solution to proposed applications. All-polymer solar cells, by means of a newly developed sequential processing, show large magnitude hierarchical morphology with facilitated exciton-to-carrier conversion. The nano fibrilar donor-acceptor network and micron-scale optical field trapping structure in combination contributes to an efficiency of 19.06% (certified 18.59%), which is the highest value to date for all-polymer solar cells. Furthermore, the micron-sized surface topology also contributes to a large light-receiving angle. A 30% improvement of power gain is achieved for the hierarchical morphology comparing to the flat-morphology devices. These inspiring results show that all-polymer solar cell with hierarchical features are particularly suitable for the commercial applications of distributed photovoltaics due to its low installation requirement.
Dual-bionic superwetting gears with liquid directional steering for oil-water separation
Authors: Liu Zhuoxing , Zhan Zidong , Shen Tao , Li Ning , Zhang Chengqi , Yu Cunlong , Li Chuxin , Si Yifan , Jiang Lei , Dong Zhichao
Published: July 2023

Developing an effective and sustainable method for separating and purifying oily wastewater is a significant challenge. Conventional separation membrane and sponge systems are limited in their long-term usage due to weak antifouling abilities and poor processing capacity for systems with multiple oils. In this study, we present a dual-bionic superwetting gears overflow system with liquid steering abilities, which enables the separation of oil-in-water emulsions into pure phases. This is achieved through the synergistic effect of surface superwettability and complementary topological structures. By applying the surface energy matching principle, water and oil in the mixture rapidly and continuously spread on preferential gear surfaces, forming distinct liquid films that repel each other. The topological structures of the gears facilitate the overflow and rapid transfer of the liquid films, resulting in a high separation flux with the assistance of rotational motion. Importantly, this separation model mitigates the decrease in separation flux caused by fouling and maintains a consistently high separation efficiency for multiple oils with varying densities and surface tensions.
A model for organization and regulation of nuclear condensates by gene activity
Authors: Schede Halima H. , Natarajan Pradeep , Chakraborty Arup K. , Shrinivas Krishna
Published: July 2023

Condensation by phase separation has recently emerged as a mechanism underlying many nuclear compartments essential for cellular functions. Nuclear condensates enrich nucleic acids and proteins, localize to specific genomic regions, and often promote gene expression. How diverse properties of nuclear condensates are shaped by gene organization and activity is poorly understood. Here, we develop a physics-based model to interrogate how spatially-varying transcription activity impacts condensate properties and dynamics. Our model predicts that spatial clustering of active genes can enable precise localization and de novo nucleation of condensates. Strong clustering and high activity results in aspherical condensate morphologies. Condensates can flow towards distant gene clusters and competition between multiple clusters lead to stretched morphologies and activity-dependent repositioning. Overall, our model predicts and recapitulates morphological and dynamical features of diverse nuclear condensates and offers a unified mechanistic framework to study the interplay between non-equilibrium processes, spatially-varying transcription, and multicomponent condensates in cell biology.
A protein kinase coordinates cycles of autophagy and glutaminolysis in invasive hyphae of the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae within rice cells
Authors: Li Gang , Gong Ziwen , Dulal Nawaraj , Marroquin-Guzman Margarita , Rocha Raquel O. , Richter Michael , Wilson Richard A.
Published: July 2023

The blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae produces invasive hyphae in living rice cells during early infection, separated from the host cytoplasm by plant-derived interfacial membranes. However, the mechanisms underpinning this intracellular biotrophic growth phase are poorly understood. Here, we show that the M. oryzae serine/threonine protein kinase Rim15 promotes biotrophic growth by coordinating cycles of autophagy and glutaminolysis in invasive hyphae. Alongside inducing autophagy, Rim15 phosphorylates NAD-dependent glutamate dehydrogenase, resulting in increased levels of α-ketoglutarate that reactivate target-of-rapamycin (TOR) kinase signaling, which inhibits autophagy. Deleting RIM15 attenuates invasive hyphal growth and triggers plant immunity; exogenous addition of α-ketoglutarate prevents these effects, while glucose addition only suppresses host defenses. Our results indicate that Rim15-dependent cycles of autophagic flux liberate α-ketoglutarate – via glutaminolysis – to reactivate TOR signaling and fuel biotrophic growth while conserving glucose for antioxidation-mediated host innate immunity suppression.
Controlled alignment of supermoiré lattice in double-aligned graphene heterostructures
Authors: Hu Junxiong , Tan Junyou , Al Ezzi Mohammed M. , Chattopadhyay Udvas , Gou Jian , Zheng Yuntian , Wang Zihao , Chen Jiayu , Thottathil Reshmi , Luo Jiangbo , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Wee Andrew Thye Shen , Adam Shaffique , Ariando A.
Published: July 2023

The supermoiré lattice, built by stacking two moiré patterns, provides a platform for creating flat mini-bands and studying electron correlations. An ultimate challenge in assembling a graphene supermoiré lattice is in the deterministic control of its rotational alignment, which is made highly aleatory due to the random nature of the edge chirality and crystal symmetry. Employing the so-called “golden rule of three”, here we present an experimental strategy to overcome this challenge and realize the controlled alignment of double-aligned hBN/graphene/hBN supermoiré lattice, where the twist angles between graphene and top/bottom hBN are both close to zero. Remarkably, we find that the crystallographic edge of neighboring graphite can be used to better guide the stacking alignment, as demonstrated by the controlled production of 20 moiré samples with an accuracy better than ~ 0.2°. Finally, we extend our technique to low-angle twisted bilayer graphene and ABC-stacked trilayer graphene, providing a strategy for flat-band engineering in these moiré materials.
Infinite-layer nickelates as Ni-eg Hund’s metals
Authors: Kang Byungkyun , Melnick Corey , Semon Patrick , Ryee Siheon , Han Myung Joon , Kotliar Gabriel , Choi Sangkook
Published: July 2023

The recent and exciting discovery of superconductivity in the hole-doped infinite-layer nickelate Nd1−δSrδNiO2draws strong attention to correlated quantum materials. From a theoretical view point, this class of unconventional superconducting materials provides an opportunity to unveil a physics hidden in correlated quantum materials. Here we study the temperature and doping dependence of the local spectrum as well as the charge, spin and orbital susceptibilities from first principles. By using ab initio LQSGW+DMFT methodology, we show that onsite Hund’s coupling in Ni-dorbitals gives rise to multiple signatures of Hund’s metallic phase in Ni-egorbitals. The proposed picture of the nickelates as aneg(two orbital) Hund’s metal differs from the picture of the Fe-based superconductors as a five orbital Hund’s metal as well as the picture of the cuprates as doped charge transfer insulators. Our finding uncover a new class of the Hund’s metals and has potential implications for the broad range of correlated two orbital systems away from half-filling.
Regeneration of tracheal neotissue in partially decellularized scaffolds
Authors: Tan Zheng Hong , Dharmadhikari Sayali , Liu Lumei , Yu Jane , Shontz Kimberly M. , Stack Jacob T. , Breuer Christopher K. , Reynolds Susan D. , Chiang Tendy
Published: July 2023

Extensive tracheal injury or disease can be life-threatening but there is currently no standard of care. Regenerative medicine offers a potential solution to long-segment tracheal defects through the creation of scaffolds that support the generation of healthy neotissue. We developed decellularized tracheal grafts (PDTG) by removing the cells of the epithelium and lamina propria while preserving donor cartilage. We previously demonstrated that PDTG support regeneration of host-derived neotissue. Here, we use a combination of microsurgical, immunofluorescent, and transcriptomic approaches to compare PDTG neotissue with the native airway and surgical controls. We report that PDTG neotissue is composed of native tracheal cell types and that the neoepithelium and microvasculature persisted for at least 6 months. Vascular perfusion of PDTG was established within 2 weeks and the graft recruited multipotential airway stem cells that exhibit normal proliferation and differentiation. Hence, PDTG neotissue recapitulates the structure and function of the host trachea and has the potential to regenerate.
From mobile crowdsourcing to crowd-trusted food price in Nigeria: statistical pre-processing and post-sampling
Authors: Arbia Giuseppe , Solano-Hermosilla Gloria , Nardelli Vincenzo , Micale Fabio , Genovese Giampiero , Amerise Ilaria Lucrezia , Adewopo Julius
Published: July 2023

Timely and reliable monitoring of food market prices at high spatial and temporal resolution is essential to understanding market and food security developments and supporting timely policy and decision-making. Mostly, decisions rely on price expectations, which are updated with new information releases. Therefore, increasing the availability and timeliness of price information has become a national and international priority. We present two new datasets in which mobile app-based crowdsourced daily price observations, voluntarily submitted by self-selected participants, are validated in real-time within spatio-temporal markets (pre-processed data). Then, they are reweighted weekly using their geo-location to resemble a formal sample design and allow for more reliable statistical inference (post-sampled data). Using real-time data collected in Nigeria, we assess the accuracy and propose that our reweighted estimates are more accurate with respect to the unweighted version. Results have important implications for governments, food chain actors, researchers and other organisations.
Magnetic resonance imaging datasets with anatomical fiducials for quality control and registration
Authors: Taha Alaa , Gilmore Greydon , Abbass Mohamad , Kai Jason , Kuehn Tristan , Demarco John , Gupta Geetika , Zajner Chris , Cao Daniel , Chevalier Ryan , Ahmed Abrar , Hadi Ali , Karat Bradley G. , Stanley Olivia W. , Park Patrick J. , Ferko Kayla M. , Hemachandra Dimuthu , Vassallo Reid , Jach Magdalena , Thurairajah Arun , Wong Sandy , Tenorio Mauricio C. , Ogunsanya Feyi , Khan Ali R. , Lau Jonathan C.
Published: July 2023

Tools available for reproducible, quantitative assessment of brain correspondence have been limited. We previously validated the anatomical fiducial (AFID) placement protocol for point-based assessment of image registration with millimetric (mm) accuracy. In this data descriptor, we release curated AFID placements for some of the most commonly used structural magnetic resonance imaging datasets and templates. The release of our accurate placements allows for rapid quality control of image registration, teaching neuroanatomy, and clinical applications such as disease diagnosis and surgical targeting. We release placements on individual subjects from four datasets (N = 132 subjects for a total of 15,232 fiducials) and 14 brain templates (4,288 fiducials), totalling more than 300 human rater hours of annotation. We also validate human rater accuracy of released placements to be within 1 – 2 mm (using more than 45,000 Euclidean distances), consistent with prior studies. Our data is compliant with the Brain Imaging Data Structure allowing for facile incorporation into neuroimaging analysis pipelines.
A haplotype-resolved genome assembly of Rhododendron vialii based on PacBio HiFi reads and Hi-C data
Authors: Chang Yuhang , Zhang Rengang , Ma Yongpeng , Sun Weibang
Published: July 2023

Rhododendron vialii(subgen.Azaleastrum) is an evergreen shrub with high ornamental value. This species has been listed as a plant species with extremely small populations (PSESP) for urgent protection by China’s Yunnan provincial government in 2021, due to anthropogenic habitat fragmentation. However, limited genomic resources hinder scientifically understanding of genetic threats that the species is currently facing. In this study, we assembled a high-quality haplotype-resolved genome ofR.vialiibased on PacBio HiFi long reads and Hi-C reads. The assembly contains two haploid genomes with sizes 532.73 Mb and 521.98 Mb, with contig N50 length of 35.67 Mb and 34.70 Mb, respectively. About 99.92% of the assembled sequences could be anchored to 26 pseudochromosomes, and 14 gapless assembled chromosomes were included in this assembly. Additionally, 60,926 protein-coding genes were identified, of which 93.82% were functionally annotated. This is the first reported genome ofR.vialii, and hopefully it will lay the foundations for further research into the conservation genomics and horticultural domestication of this ornamentally important species.
Molecular system for an exponentially fast growing programmable synthetic polymer
Authors: Dabby Nadine , Barr Alan , Chen Ho-Lin
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we demonstrate a molecular system for the first active self-assembly linear DNA polymer that exhibits programmable molecular exponential growth in real time, also the first to implement “internal” parallel insertion that does not rely on adding successive layers to “external” edges for growth. Approaches like this can produce enhanced exponential growth behavior that is less limited by volume and external surface interference, for an early step toward efficiently building two and three dimensional shapes in logarithmic time. We experimentally demonstrate the division of these polymers via the addition of a single DNA complex that competes with the insertion mechanism and results in the exponential growth of a population of polymers per unit time. In the supplementary material, we note that an “extension” beyond conventional Turing machine theory is needed to theoretically analyze exponential growth itself in programmable physical systems. Sequential physical Turing Machines that run a roughly constant number of Turing steps per unit time cannot achieve an exponential growth of structure per time. In contrast, the “active” self-assembly model in this paper, computationally equivalent to a Push-Down Automaton, is exponentially fast when implemented in molecules, but is taxonomically less powerful than a Turing machine. In this sense, a physical Push-Down Automaton can be more powerful than a sequential physical Turing Machine, even though the Turing Machine can compute any computable function. A need for an “extended” computational/physical theory arises, described in the supplementary material section S1.
Excess manganese increases photosynthetic activity via enhanced reducing center and antenna plasticity in Chlorella vulgaris
Authors: Smythers Amanda L. , Crislip Jessica R. , Slone Danielle R. , Flinn Brendin B. , Chaffins Jeffrey E. , Camp Kristen A. , McFeeley Eli W. , Kolling Derrick R. J.
Published: July 2023

Photosynthesis relies on many easily oxidizable/reducible transition metals found in the metalloenzymes that make up much of the photosynthetic electron transport chain (ETC). One of these is manganese, an essential cofactor of photosystem II (PSII) and a component of the oxygen-evolving complex, the only biological entity capable of oxidizing water. Additionally, manganese is a cofactor in enzymatic antioxidants, notably the superoxide dismutases—which are localized to the chloroplastic membrane. However, unlike other metals found in the photosynthetic ETC, previous research has shown exposure to excess manganese enhances photosynthetic activity rather than diminishing it. In this study, the impact of PSII heterogeneity on overall performance was investigated using chlorophyll fluorescence, a rapid, non-invasive technique that probed for overall photosynthetic efficiency, reducing site activity, and antenna size and distribution. These measurements unveiled an enhanced plasticity of PSII following excess manganese exposure, in which overall performance and reducing center activity increased while antenna size and proportion of PSIIβ centers decreased. This enhanced activity suggests manganese may hold the key to improving photosynthetic efficiency beyond that which is observed in nature.
Mitochondrial impairment but not peripheral inflammation predicts greater Gulf War illness severity
Authors: Golomb Beatrice A. , Sanchez Baez Roel , Schilling Jan M. , Dhanani Mehul , Fannon McKenzie J. , Berg Brinton K. , Miller Bruce J. , Taub Pam R. , Patel Hemal H.
Published: July 2023

Gulf War illness (GWI) is an important exemplar of environmentally-triggered chronic multisymptom illness, and a potential model for accelerated aging. Inflammation is the main hypothesized mechanism for GWI, with mitochondrial impairment also proposed. No study has directly assessed mitochondrial respiratory chain function (MRCF) on muscle biopsy in veterans with GWI (VGWI). We recruited 42 participants, half VGWI, with biopsy material successfully secured in 36. Impaired MRCF indexed by complex I and II oxidative phosphorylation with glucose as a fuel source (CI&CIIOXPHOS) related significantly or borderline significantly in the predicted direction to 17 of 20 symptoms in the combined sample. Lower CI&CIIOXPHOS significantly predicted GWI severity in the combined sample and in VGWI separately, with or without adjustment for hsCRP. Higher-hsCRP (peripheral inflammation) related strongly to lower-MRCF (particularly fatty acid oxidation (FAO) indices) in VGWI, but not in controls. Despite this, whereas greater MRCF-impairment predicted greater GWI symptoms and severity, greater inflammation did not. Surprisingly, adjusted for MRCF, higher hsCRP significantly predicted lesser symptom severity in VGWI selectively. Findings comport with a hypothesis in which the increased inflammation observed in GWI is driven by FAO-defect-induced mitochondrial apoptosis. In conclusion, impaired mitochondrial function—but not peripheral inflammation—predicts greater GWI symptoms and severity.
Development of a nomogram prediction model for gait speed trajectories in persons with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Liu Peiyuan , Wang Cui , Chen Hongbo , Shang Shaomei
Published: July 2023

To examine heterogeneous trajectories of 8-year gait speed among patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and to develop a nomogram prediction model. We analyzed data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) assessed at baseline and follow-up over 8 years (n = 1289). Gait speed was measured by the 20-m walk test. The gait speed trajectories among patients with KOA were explored by latent class growth analysis. A nomogram prediction model was created based on multivariable logistic regression. Three gait speed trajectories were identified: the fast gait speed group (30.4%), moderate gait speed group (50.5%) and slow gait speed group (19.1%). Age ≥ 60 years, female, non-white, nonmarried, annual income < $50,000, obesity, depressive symptoms, comorbidity and WOMAC pain score ≥ 5 were risk factors for the slow gait trajectory. The area under the ROC curve of the prediction model was 0.775 (95% CI 0.742–0.808). In the external validation cohort, the AUC was 0.773 (95% CI 0.697–0.848). Heterogeneous trajectories existed in the gait speed of patients with KOA and could be predicted by multiple factors. Risk factors should be earlier identified, and targeted intervention should be carried out to improve physical function of KOA patients.
Introduction and behavioral validation of the climate change distress and impairment scale
Authors: Hepp Johanna , Klein Sina A. , Horsten Luisa K. , Urbild Jana , Lane Sean P.
Published: July 2023

Governmental agencies and the medical and psychological professions are calling for a greater focus on the negative mental health effects of climate change (CC). As a first step, the field needs measures to distinguish affective/emotional distress due to CC from impairment that requires further scientific and diagnostic attention and that may require treatment in the future. To this end, we constructed the climate change distress and impairment scale, which distinguishes CC distress (spanning anger, anxiety, and sadness) from impairment. In four studies (N = 1699), we developed and validated English and German versions of the scale. Across samples, spanning 2021–2022, CC distress was at least moderate, while we observed general moderate to high levels of distress and low to moderate levels of impairment. In three English-speaking samples, younger individuals and women were most affected by CC distress, whereas this was not the case in a German-speaking sample, suggesting sociopolitical influencing factors. We demonstrate convergent validity with previous measures and discriminant validity for general negative affectivity and depressive and generalized anxiety disorder symptoms, which underlines that CC distress is not in itself pathological. Employing a fully incentivized social dilemma paradigm, we demonstrate that CC distress and (to a lesser degree) CC impairment predict pro-environmental behavior, underscoring them as possible drivers, and targets, of climate-change mitigation efforts.
Antigen test swabs are comparable to nasopharyngeal swabs for sequencing of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Hassouneh Sayf Al-Deen , Trujillo Alexa , Ali Sobur , Cella Eleonora , Johnston Catherine , DeRuff Katherine C. , Sabeti Pardis C. , Azarian Taj
Published: July 2023

Viral genomic surveillance has been integral in the global response to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Surveillance efforts rely on the availability of representative clinical specimens from ongoing testing activities. However, testing practices have recently shifted due to the widespread availability and use of rapid antigen tests, which could lead to gaps in future monitoring efforts. As such, genomic surveillance strategies must adapt to include laboratory workflows that are robust to sample type. To that end, we compare the results of RT-qPCR and viral genome sequencing using samples from positive BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Card swabs (N = 555) to those obtained from nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs used for nucleic acid amplification testing (N = 135). We show that swabs obtained from antigen cards are comparable in performance to samples from NP swabs, providing a viable alternative and allowing for the potential expansion of viral genomic surveillance to outpatient clinic as well as other settings where rapid antigen tests are often used.
Hydrogen peroxide from l-amino acid oxidase of king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) venom attenuates Pseudomonas biofilms
Authors: Singkham-In Uthaibhorn , Thaveekarn Wichit , Noiphrom Jureeporn , Khow Orawan , Ponwaranon Surada , Issara-Amphorn Jiraphorn , Sitprija Visith , Leelahavanichkul Asada
Published: July 2023

Because of the high incidence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms-related nosocomial infections, venoms from common Thai snakes were tested. Although venoms from king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah; OH) and green pit viper (Trimeresurus albolabris) showed the broadest antibacterial spectrum, OH venom demonstrated more profound anti-biofilm activities against P. aeruginosa. Additionally, purified l-amino acid oxidase from OH venom (OH-LAAO), using a three-step chromatography and protein identification, reduced biofilm mass as indicated by the downregulation of several genes, including the genes for biofilm synthesis (algD and pslB) and biofilm regulators (algU, gacA, and siaD). Moreover, OH-LAAO disrupted Pseudomonas-preformed biofilms via upregulation of several genes for biofilm dispersion (nbdA, bdlA, and dipA) and biofilm degradation (endA and pslG), resulting in a reduction of the biofilm biomass. Due to the antimicrobial effects and anti-biofilm activities (reduced production plus increased dispersion) neutralized by catalase, a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-degrading enzyme, the enhanced H2O2 by OH venom might be one of the anti-biofilm mechanisms. Hence, OH-LAAO was proposed as a novel agent against Pseudomonas biofilms for either treatment or prevention. More studies are interesting.
Recruitment and migration patterns reveal a key role for seed banks in the meta-population dynamics of an aquatic plant
Authors: Tomowski Maxi , Lozada-Gobilard Sissi , Jeltsch Florian , Tiedemann Ralph
Published: July 2023

Progressive habitat fragmentation threatens plant species with narrow habitat requirements. While local environmental conditions define population growth rates and recruitment success at the patch level, dispersal is critical for population viability at the landscape scale. Identifying the dynamics of plant meta-populations is often confounded by the uncertainty about soil-stored population compartments. We combined a landscape-scale assessment of an amphibious plant’s population structure with measurements of dispersal complexity in time to track dispersal and putative shifts in functional connectivity. Using 13 microsatellite markers, we analyzed the genetic structure of extant Oenanthe aquatica populations and their soil seed banks in a kettle hole system to uncover hidden connectivity among populations in time and space. Considerable spatial genetic structure and isolation-by-distance suggest limited gene flow between sites. Spatial isolation and patch size showed minor effects on genetic diversity. Genetic similarity found among extant populations and their seed banks suggests increased local recruitment, despite some evidence of migration and recent colonization. Results indicate stepping-stone dispersal across adjacent populations. Among permanent and ephemeral demes the resulting meta-population demography could be determined by source-sink dynamics. Overall, these spatiotemporal connectivity patterns support mainland-island dynamics in our system, highlighting the importance of persistent seed banks as enduring sources of genetic diversity.
Identification of subject-specific responses to footwear during running
Authors: Horst Fabian , Hoitz Fabian , Slijepcevic Djordje , Schons Nicolas , Beckmann Hendrik , Nigg Benno M. , Schöllhorn Wolfgang I.
Published: July 2023

Placing a stronger focus on subject-specific responses to footwear may lead to a better functional understanding of footwear’s effect on running and its influence on comfort perception, performance, and pathogenesis of injuries. We investigated subject-specific responses to different footwear conditions within ground reaction force (GRF) data during running using a machine learning-based approach. We conducted our investigation in three steps, guided by the following hypotheses: (I) For each subject x footwear combination, unique GRF patterns can be identified. (II) For each subject, unique GRF characteristics can be identified across footwear conditions. (III) For each footwear condition, unique GRF characteristics can be identified across subjects. Thirty male subjects ran ten times at their preferred (self-selected) speed on a level and approximately 15 m long runway in four footwear conditions (barefoot and three standardised running shoes). We recorded three-dimensional GRFs for one right-foot stance phase per running trial and classified the GRFs using support vector machines. The highest median prediction accuracy of 96.2% was found for the subject x footwear classification (hypothesis I). Across footwear conditions, subjects could be discriminated with a median prediction accuracy of 80.0%. Across subjects, footwear conditions could be discriminated with a median prediction accuracy of 87.8%. Our results suggest that, during running, responses to footwear are unique to each subject and footwear design. As a result, considering subject-specific responses can contribute to a more differentiated functional understanding of footwear effects. Incorporating holistic analyses of biomechanical data is auspicious for the evaluation of (subject-specific) footwear effects, as unique interactions between subjects and footwear manifest in versatile ways. The applied machine learning methods have demonstrated their great potential to fathom subject-specific responses when evaluating and recommending footwear.
Solubility of hesperidin drug in aqueous biodegradable acidic choline chloride-based deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Shekaari Hemayat , Zafarani-Moattar Mohammed Taghi , Mokhtarpour Masumeh , Faraji Saeid
Published: July 2023

Important efforts have been made over the past years to improve the drug acts, which leads to the discovery of novel drug preparations and delivery systems. The selection of suitable green solvents for novel drug discovery and drug delivery depends on a molecular-level understanding of the interaction between drug molecules and the solvents. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are already used in sustainable extraction methods of natural products for their very high solvent power, high chemical and thermal stability, non-toxicity, and non-flammable. The thermodynamic investigation provides deep and complete knowledge of interactions and the choice of appropriate and suitable production compounds in pharmaceutical fields. Particularly, the analysis of drugs+DESs in aqueous media is a central issue in many types of research. This research is aimed to determine hesperidin (HES) solubility in water and DES solvents [choline chloride/citric acid (ChCl/CA), choline chloride/oxalic acid (ChCl/OA), choline chloride/malonic acid (ChCl/MA), and choline chloride/lactic acid (ChCl/LA)] at temperature range (298.15–313.15 K). Furthermore, the measured solubility data of HES in studied aqueous DESs solutions was fitted by models of Van’t Hoff–Jouyban–Acree and Modified Apelblat–Jouyban–Acree. Finally, the Hansen solubility parameters as thermodynamic aspect for analyzing the dissolution processes for the four investigated aqueous DESs solutions were estimated.
Adaptable control policies for variable liquid chromatography columns using deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Andersson David , Edlund Christoffer , Corbett Brandon , Sjögren Rickard
Published: July 2023

Controlling chromatography systems for downstream processing of biotherapeutics is challenging because of the highly nonlinear behavior of feed components and complex interactions with binding phases. This challenge is exacerbated by the highly variable binding properties of the chromatography columns. Furthermore, the inability to collect information inside chromatography columns makes real-time control even more problematic. Typical static control policies either perform sub optimally on average owing to column variability or need to be adapted for each column requiring expensive experimentation. Exploiting the recent advances in simulation-based data generation and deep reinforcement learning, we present an adaptable control policy that is learned in a data-driven manner. Our controller learns a control policy by directly manipulating the inlet and outlet flow rates to optimize a reward function that specifies the desired outcome. Training our controller on columns with high variability enables us to create a single policy that adapts to multiple variable columns. Moreover, we show that our learned policy achieves higher productivity, albeit with a somewhat lower purity, than a human-designed benchmark policy. Our study shows that deep reinforcement learning offers a promising route to develop adaptable control policies for more efficient liquid chromatography processing.
Impact of diabesity phenotype on cardiovascular diseases, major cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality
Authors: Mehrabani-Zeinabad Kamran , Haghighatdoost Fahimeh , Mohammadifard Noushin , Najafian Jamshid , Sadeghi Masoumeh , Boshtam Maryam , Roohafza Hamidreza , Nouri Fatemeh , Aune Dagfinn , Sarrafzadegan Nizal
Published: July 2023

To investigate the longitudinal association of different phenotypes of diabetes and obesity with the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), CVD- and all-cause mortality. A total of 5432 adults, aged ≥ 35 years and free of CVD were included in this cohort study. Diabesity phenotypes were defined in six categories based on the presence of diabetes (normal (NG), prediabetes and diabetes) and obesity (obese, non-obese). Fasting blood sugar, 2-h post prandial glucose, or using anti-diabetic medicines were used to define diabetes, and body mass index and waist circumference were used to define obesity. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for incident CVD, CVD- and all-cause mortality across these categories. After a median follow-up of 11.25 years, 819 CVD cases, 181 CVD deaths and 488 all-cause deaths occurred. In multivariable-adjusted models and irrespective of obesity definition, the phenotypes of normal glucose-obese, prediabetes-obese and pre-diabetes-non obese were not associated with CVD incidence in comparison with NG-non obese phenotype, however, the phenotypes of diabesity, either defined by general or abdominal obesity, were associated with increased risk of incident CVD events (HR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.01, 1.99, and HR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.07, 1.98, respectively). These findings were sex-specific and only in men with a phenotype of abdominal obesity-diabetes, a positive link was observed for CVD incidence (HR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.01, 2.52). No significant association was found between diabesity and death from CVD or all causes. Diabesity is a predictor of CVD and stroke incidence, but not CVD or all-cause mortality, among Iranians. This association is more pronounced amongst men than women.
Human milk unmetabolized folic acid is increased following supplementation with synthetic folic acid as compared to (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid
Authors: Cochrane Kelsey M. , Elango Rajavel , Devlin Angela M. , Hutcheon Jennifer A. , Karakochuk Crystal D.
Published: July 2023

Folic acid supplementation is recommended perinatally, but may increase unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA) in human milk; this is concerning as it is an inactive form which may be less bioavailable for the infant. “Natural” (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid [(6S)-5-MTHF] is available as an alternative to folic acid, and may prevent the accumulation of UMFA in human milk. Pregnant women (n = 60) were enrolled at 8–21 weeks of gestation and randomized to 0.6 mg/day folic acid or (6S)-5-MTHF. At ~ 1-week postpartum, participants provided a human milk specimen. Total human milk folate (nmol/L) and concentrations of UMFA (nmol/L) were quantified via LC–MS/MS. Differences between groups were evaluated using multivariable quantile/linear regression, adjusting for dietary folate, weeks supplementing, and milk collection methods. No significant difference in total milk folate was found; however, the median milk UMFA concentration was 11 nmol/L higher in those receiving folic acid versus (6S)-5-MTHF (95% CI = 6.4–17 nmol/L), with UMFA representing 28% and 2% of total milk folate. In conclusion, the form of supplemental folate had markedly differential effects on the human milk folate profile, with folic acid increasing the mean proportion of milk UMFA by ~ 14-fold. Investigation of whether increased UMFA impacts folate-related metabolism and infant health outcomes is required.
Low energy consumption form of the U-shaped plan office building in the Yangtze River Delta
Authors: Ying Xiaoyu , Huangfu Fanyu , Tao Chi
Published: July 2023

The significance of form in green building design is well recognized, as it has a substantial impact on both energy performance and construction cost. This study investigates the impact of the U-shaped plan on the energy demand, which can be flexibly applied to irregular site forms and clustered building blocks, and is widely used in existing office buildings. Specifically, we select the U-shaped plan as the object of study and collect related case data primarily from Hangzhou and Shanghai. Using Python, we generate plans based on two lengths, two angles, and depth, which serve as basic parameters and boundary conditions. The EnergyPlus platform is utilized for dynamic simulation of the energy consumption of each model, and correlation analysis using the Spearman coefficient method identifies two planar factors (depth-length ratio and modified length) that have the most significant influence on energy consumption, including five basic parameters. Regression fitting and regression evaluation of the model further identify morphological critical information in the plan. Our research reveals that the critical interval of depth-length ratio (M1) is in (0.48, 1.02), and the critical point of the modified length (M2) is 109.38 m. Furthermore, the contour plot of M1–M2–E1 is obtained, illustrating the mutual trend between morphological parameters (M1 and M2) and annual energy use intensity, which serves as a useful aid for designing low energy consumption solutions.
Rediscovery of the lost skink Proscelotes aenea and implications for conservation
Authors: Puruleia Ali , Nanvonamuquitxo Cristóvão , Ernesto Milagre , Jamal Abdurabe , Amade Iassine , Monia Wilson , Massingue Yasalde , Verburgt Luke , Faurby Søren , Antonelli Alexandre , Perrigo Allison , Farooq Harith
Published: July 2023

Biodiversity loss is recognized as a grand challenge of the twenty-first century but ascertaining when a species is “lost” can be incredibly difficult—since the absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. This may be a relatively easy task for large and conspicuous animals, but extremely difficult for those living hidden lives or at low population sizes. We showcase this challenge by focusing on Africa’s montane skink, Proscelotes aenea (Barbour & Loveridge 1928). In this study, we embarked on a year-long intensive survey to find this fossorial species in Lumbo, Northern Mozambique, the only remaining location where it may still occur but was recorded for the last time over 100 years ago. We located the species already after 20 days of intensive and targeted searching by five members of our team. The finding allowed us to describe, for the first time, details on the biology and ecology of the species, alongside photos and videos of live specimens (including a pregnant female), and to sequence DNA from the species, which we used to infer the phylogenetic placement. Our combined 12S and 16S phylogenetic analysis weakly suggest that the genus Proscelotes may not be monophyletic and therefore requires further phylogenetic work and potentially taxonomic revision. We also gathered evidence of a possible decrease in population abundance and, based on the species' ecology, we identified urbanization as a potential key threat, which could lead to the local or global extirpation of the species. We call for urgent conservation actions that help protect the future of the montane skink, and additional surveys to map its full distribution. As countries now work towards implementing the goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, our study demonstrates the need for proper investments in biodiversity inventories and monitoring in order to halt species extinctions by 2030.