bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlated collective excitation and quantum entanglement between two Rydberg superatoms in steady state
Authors: Bai Jian-Nan , Han Song , Chen Jian-Di , Han Hai-Yan , Yan Dong ,   School of Science and Key Laboratory of Materials Design and Quantum Simulation, Changchun University, Changchun 130022, China,   School of Automotive Engineering, Jilin Communications Polytechnic, Changchun 130015, China
Published: April 2023

Owing to the unique physical characteristics of Rydberg atoms, which play an important role in quantum information and quantum computation, the theoretical and applied research of Rydberg atoms have become the hot spots of scientific research in recent years. With the large polarizability of Rydberg atoms, even a small electric field could cause a considerable electric dipole moment, resulting in a strong dipole-dipole interaction between Rydberg atoms. The multiple excitations of the Rydberg states are strongly inhibited because of the strong dipole interaction between atoms within a mesoscopic interaction (blockade) region. We call this phenomenon the dipole blockade effect. The dipole blockade effect makes it possible to build single-photon quantum devices, implement quantum gates, generate quantum entanglement, and simulate many-body quantum problems, etc.

A Rydberg atomic ensemble in the same blockade region can be regarded as a superatom. In the same way, if these atoms trapped in two optical dipole traps, each sub-ensemble can be considered as a sub-superatom which is closely related to the superatom. According to the fact that two Rydberg sub-superatoms can be strongly correlated due to sharing no more than one excited Rydberg atom, we study correlated collective excitation and quantum entanglement between two Rydberg sub-superatoms in a steady state. With the superatom model, the problem of exponentially increasing system size with the number of atoms can be circumvented to a certain extent in studying many-body physics. By solving the two-body Lindblad’s master equation accurately, we obtain the analytical expressions for the collective excitation probabilities of the two sub-superatoms, and the concurrence measuring the bipartite entanglement between them. Our results show that they are all sensitive to the number of atoms in each Rydberg superatom: the bigger (including more atoms) the Rydberg superatom, the higher the collective Rydberg excitation probability is. And that the maximally entangled state can only be obtained with two equal-sized Rydberg superatoms. When this condition is fulfilled, the mesoscopic entanglement can be generated by adding the number of atoms in each Rydberg superatom. This may provide an attractive platform for studying the quantum-classical correspondence and have potential promising applications in quantum information processing.
Macrophages regulate gastrointestinal motility through complement component 1q
Authors: Pendse Mihir , De Selle Haley , Vo Nguyen , Quinn Gabriella , Dende Chaitanya , Li Yun , Salinas Cristine N , Srinivasan Tarun , Propheter Daniel C , Crofts Alexander A , Koo Eugene , Hassell Brian , Ruhn Kelly A , Raj Prithvi , Obata Yuuki , Hooper Lora V
Published: April 2023

Peristaltic movement of the intestine propels food down the length of the gastrointestinal tract to promote nutrient absorption. Interactions between intestinal macrophages and the enteric nervous system regulate gastrointestinal motility, yet we have an incomplete understanding of the molecular mediators of this crosstalk. Here, we identify complement component 1q (C1q) as a macrophage product that regulates gut motility. Macrophages were the predominant source of C1q in the mouse intestine and most extraintestinal tissues. Although C1q mediates the complement-mediated killing of bacteria in the bloodstream, we found that C1q was not essential for the immune defense of the intestine. Instead, C1q-expressing macrophages were located in the intestinal submucosal and myenteric plexuses where they were closely associated with enteric neurons and expressed surface markers characteristic of nerve-adjacent macrophages in other tissues. Mice with a macrophage-specific deletion of C1qa showed changes in enteric neuronal gene expression, increased neurogenic activity of peristalsis, and accelerated intestinal transit. Our findings identify C1q as a key regulator of gastrointestinal motility and provide enhanced insight into the crosstalk between macrophages and the enteric nervous system.
Phylodynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in France, Europe, and the world in 2020
Authors: Coppée Romain , Blanquart François , Jary Aude , Leducq Valentin , Ferré Valentine Marie , Franco Yusti Anna Maria , Daniel Léna , Charpentier Charlotte , Lebourgeois Samuel , Zafilaza Karen , Calvez Vincent , Descamps Diane , Marcelin Anne-Geneviève , Visseaux Benoit , Bridier-Nahmias Antoine
Published: April 2023

Although France was one of the most affected European countries by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the dynamics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) movement within France, but also involving France in Europe and in the world, remain only partially characterized in this timeframe. Here, we analyzed GISAID deposited sequences from January 1 to December 31, 2020 (n = 638,706 sequences at the time of writing). To tackle the challenging number of sequences without the bias of analyzing a single subsample of sequences, we produced 100 subsamples of sequences and related phylogenetic trees from the whole dataset for different geographic scales (worldwide, European countries, and French administrative regions) and time periods (from January 1 to July 25, 2020, and from July 26 to December 31, 2020). We applied a maximum likelihood discrete trait phylogeographic method to date exchange events (i.e., a transition from one location to another one), to estimate the geographic spread of SARS-CoV-2 transmissions and lineages into, from and within France, Europe, and the world. The results unraveled two different patterns of exchange events between the first and second half of 2020. Throughout the year, Europe was systematically associated with most of the intercontinental exchanges. SARS-CoV-2 was mainly introduced into France from North America and Europe (mostly by Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Germany) during the first European epidemic wave. During the second wave, exchange events were limited to neighboring countries without strong intercontinental movement, but Russia widely exported the virus into Europe during the summer of 2020. France mostly exported B.1 and B.1.160 lineages, respectively, during the first and second European epidemic waves. At the level of French administrative regions, the Paris area was the main exporter during the first wave. But, for the second epidemic wave, it equally contributed to virus spread with Lyon area, the second most populated urban area after Paris in France. The main circulating lineages were similarly distributed among the French regions. To conclude, by enabling the inclusion of tens of thousands of viral sequences, this original phylodynamic method enabled us to robustly describe SARS-CoV-2 geographic spread through France, Europe, and worldwide in 2020.
PTH regulates osteogenesis and suppresses adipogenesis through Zfp467 in a feed-forward, PTH1R-cyclic AMP-dependent manner
Authors: Liu Hanghang , Wada Akane , Le Isabella , Le Phuong T , Lee Andrew WF , Zhou Jun , Gori Francesca , Baron Roland , Rosen Clifford J
Published: April 2023

Conditional deletion of the PTH1R in mesenchymal progenitors reduces osteoblast differentiation, enhances marrow adipogenesis, and increases zinc finger protein 467 (Zfp467) expression. In contrast, genetic loss of Zfp467 increased Pth1r expression and shifts mesenchymal progenitor cell fate toward osteogenesis and higher bone mass. PTH1R and ZFP467 could constitute a feedback loop that facilitates PTH-induced osteogenesis and that conditional deletion of Zfp467 in osteogenic precursors would lead to high bone mass in mice. Prrx1Cre; Zfp467fl/fl but not AdipoqCre; Zfp467fl/fl mice exhibit high bone mass and greater osteogenic differentiation similar to the Zfp467-/- mice. qPCR results revealed that PTH suppressed Zfp467 expression primarily via the cyclic AMP/PKA pathway. Not surprisingly, PKA activation inhibited the expression of Zfp467 and gene silencing of Pth1r caused an increase in Zfp467 mRNA transcription. Dual fluorescence reporter assays and confocal immunofluorescence demonstrated that genetic deletion of Zfp467 resulted in higher nuclear translocation of NFκB1 that binds to the P2 promoter of the Pth1r and increased its transcription. As expected, Zfp467-/- cells had enhanced production of cyclic AMP and increased glycolysis in response to exogenous PTH. Additionally, the osteogenic response to PTH was also enhanced in Zfp467-/- COBs, and the pro-osteogenic effect of Zfp467 deletion was blocked by gene silencing of Pth1r or a PKA inhibitor. In conclusion, our findings suggest that loss or PTH1R-mediated repression of Zfp467 results in a pathway that increases Pth1r transcription via NFκB1 and thus cellular responsiveness to PTH/PTHrP, ultimately leading to enhanced bone formation.
Comparable in vivo joint kinematics between self-reported stable and unstable knees after TKA can be explained by muscular adaptation strategies: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Rao Longfeng , Horn Nils , Meister Nadja , Preiss Stefan , Taylor William R , Santuz Alessandro , Schütz Pascal
Published: April 2023

Background:

Postoperative knee instability is one of the major reasons accounting for unsatisfactory outcomes, as well as a major failure mechanism leading to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) revision. Nevertheless, subjective knee instability is not well defined clinically, plausibly because the relationships between instability and implant kinematics during functional activities of daily living remain unclear. Although muscles play a critical role in supporting the dynamic stability of the knee joint, the influence of joint instability on muscle synergy patterns is poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the impact of self-reported joint instability on tibiofemoral kinematics and muscle synergy patterns after TKA during functional gait activities of daily living.

Methods:

Tibiofemoral kinematics and muscle synergy patterns were examined during level walking, downhill walking, and stair descent in eight self-reported unstable knees after TKA (3M:5F, 68.9 ± 8.3 years, body mass index [BMI] 26.1 ± 3.2 kg/m2, 31.9 ± 20.4 months postoperatively), and compared against 10 stable TKA knees (7M:3F, 62.6 ± 6.8 years, 33.9 ± 8.5 months postoperatively, BMI 29.4 ± 4.8 kg/m2). For each knee joint, clinical assessments of postoperative outcome were performed, while joint kinematics were evaluated using moving video-fluoroscopy, and muscle synergy patterns were recorded using electromyography.

Results:

Our results reveal that average condylar A-P translations, rotations, as well as their ranges of motion were comparable between stable and unstable groups. However, the unstable group exhibited more heterogeneous muscle synergy patterns and prolonged activation of knee flexors compared to the stable group. In addition, subjects who reported instability events during measurement showed distinct, subject-specific tibiofemoral kinematic patterns in the early/mid-swing phase of gait.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that accurate movement analysis is sensitive for detecting acute instability events, but might be less robust in identifying general joint instability. Conversely, muscle synergy patterns seem to be able to identify muscular adaptation associated with underlying chronic knee instability.

Funding:

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
Remote sensing image analysis and prediction based on improved Pix2Pix model for water environment protection of smart cities
Authors: Wang Li , Li Wenhao , Wang Xiaoyi , Xu Jiping
Published: April 2023

Background

As an important part of smart cities, smart water environmental protection has become an important way to solve water environmental pollution problems. It is proposed in this article to develop a water quality remote sensing image analysis and prediction method based on the improved Pix2Pix (3D-GAN) model to overcome the problems associated with water environment prediction of smart cities based on remote sensing image data having low accuracy in predicting image information, as well as being difficult to train.

Methods

Firstly, due to inversion differences and weather conditions, water quality remote sensing images are not perfect, which leads to the creation of time series data that cannot be used directly in prediction modeling. Therefore, a method for preprocessing time series of remote sensing images has been proposed in this article. The original remote sensing image was unified by pixel substitution, the image was repaired by spatial weight matrix, and the time series data was supplemented by linear interpolation. Secondly, in order to enhance the ability of the prediction model to process spatial-temporal data and improve the prediction accuracy of remote sensing images, the convolutional gated recurrent unit network is concatenated with the U-net network as the generator of the improved Pix2Pix model. At the same time, the channel attention mechanism is introduced into the convolutional gated recurrent unit network to enhance the ability of extracting image time series information, and the residual structure is introduced into the downsampling of the U-net network to avoid gradient explosion or disappearance. After that, the remote sensing images of historical moments are superimposed on the channels as labels and sent to the discriminator for adversarial training. The improved Pix2Pix model no longer translates images, but can predict two dimensions of space and one dimension of time, so it is actually a 3D-GAN model. Third, remote sensing image inversion data of chlorophyll-a concentrations in the Taihu Lake basin are used to verify and predict the water environment at future moments.

Results

The results show that the mean value of structural similarity, peak signal-to-noise ratio, cosine similarity, and mutual information between the predicted value of the proposed method and the real remote sensing image is higher than that of existing methods, which indicates that the proposed method is effective in predicting water environment of smart cities.
Composition, abundance and biodiversity of terrestrial arthropods in pastures and their relationship with landscaping plants
Authors:   National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, RDA Korea, Republic of, Eo Jinu , Kim Myung-Hyun ,   National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, RDA Korea, Republic of, Choi Soon-Kun ,   National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, RDA Korea, Republic of, Bang Hea-Son ,   National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, RDA Korea, Republic of
Published: April 2023

We investigated the association of landscaping plants with the communities of ground-dwelling arthropods within pastures and tested the hypothesis that arthropod biodiversity increases with vegetation heterogeneity. The community characterization and biodiversity of arthropods in a pasture were compared with those within communities with landscaping plants, including forest remnants, Forsythia koreana and Prunus serotina. The total abundance of mites was greater within the forest remnants than within the pasture; however, the abundance of insects and spiders did not differ. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling and the multiresponse permutation procedure revealed that the community composition of insects and spiders differed according to vegetation type. The abundance of Teleogryllus emma was highest within the forest remnant community, which suggested the species’ dependency on vegetation type. Species richness and the Shannon index of insects increased within F. koreana but not within P. serotina compared with the pasture. This suggested that belts of shrubs might have a greater promoting effect on insect biodiversity than belts of trees. Species richness of spiders did not differ by vegetation type. The total number of insect and spider species within the study area increased by 2.8 and 3.5 times, respectively, by establishing three types of vegetation. These results suggested that increasing vegetation heterogeneity by establishing landscaping plants is a good option for conserving insect and spider biodiversity in pastures.
Breastmilk Jaundice – Could it be more Common than We Realize?
Authors: Asinobi Isaac Nwabueze
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Breastmilk jaundice is a benign often undiagnosed condition, occurring in healthy, term exclusively breastfed neonates. It is characterized by unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia usually appearing from the second week of life, but sometimes within the first week of life, and persisting for more than two weeks. It’s specific aetiology is multifactorial and remains a topic of debate. Controversies also exist regarding the best treatment option. The American Academy of Paediatricians recommends continuation of breastfeeding with temporary addition of formula.

Aim: This series aims to increase awareness of this condition.

Presentation of Cases: Three cases of unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia persisting for greater than two weeks, in term, healthy, exclusively breastfed infants in Enugu State, South-East Nigeria are reported. Investigations did not reveal pathological jaundice, and all cases received phototherapy. In the three cases however, the most significant reduction in serum bilirubin occurred after temporary cessation of breastfeeding, with commencement of formula feeds, and subsequent recommencement of breastfeeding.

Discussion: The three cases reported fulfil established criteria for recognizing breastmilk jaundice. This condition is largely underdiagnosed, with no recent reports in literature. The aetiology remains a subject of research. However, several genetic and environmental factors have been suggested. Though the total bilirubin did not reach the American Academy of Paediatrics thresholds for phototherapy in any of the cases, this treatment modality was still used. In addition, in variance to recommendations of the American Academy of Paediatricians, all cases were treated by breastfeeding cessation instead of mixed feeding.

Conclusion: Breastmilk jaundice is largely not remembered as a cause of prolonged jaundice. Its awareness and treatment would greatly reduce both parental anxiety and unnecessary treatment given to babies.
A Woman With Recurrent Syncope and Malar Flush in the Setting of a Left Atrial Echogenic Mass
Authors: Dong Zhenyu , Lu Yanmei , Tang Baopeng
Published: April 2023

This case report discusses a diagnosis of myxomatous left atrial tumor in a middle-aged woman who presented for evaluation of syncope.
Publication Trends of Qualitative Research in Dermatology
Authors: Pascual Micah G. , Morris Megan A. , Kohn Lucinda L.
Published: April 2023

Importance

Qualitative studies serve as a tool for dermatologists and researchers in dermatology to engage with and understand perspectives of populations with different cultures and backgrounds.

Objective

To assess (1) current approaches to qualitative dermatologic research and (2) the publication trends of these studies with the aim to inform researchers regarding qualitative research and its significance and applicability in the field of dermatology.

Evidence Review

A scoping review was conducted in which PubMed and CINAHL Plus were searched usingdermatology AND qualitative,dermatology, and 7 qualitative methods terms. Studies were selected for inclusion using 3 levels of screening. Level 1 excluded articles published in a language other than English. Level 2 excluded articles of studies involving mixed methods, quantitative methods, systematic review, and meta-analysis. Level 3 excluded articles that were not specific to general dermatology, medical dermatology, pediatric dermatology, dermatologic surgery, dermatopathology, or education and training associated with dermatology. Finally, all duplicates were removed. The searches were conducted from July 23 to 28, 2022. All articles obtained from PubMed and CINAHL Plus searches were recorded in REDCap.

Findings

A total of 1398 articles were reviewed, and of these, 249 (17.8%) were qualitative dermatology studies. Common qualitative methods included content analysis (58 [23.3%]) and grounded theory/constant comparison (35 [14.1%]). Individual interviews were the most common data collection method (198 [79.5%]), and patients (174 [69.9%]) were the most common participant type. Patient experience (137 [55.0%]) was the most common investigated topic. Overall, 131 qualitative studies (52.6%) in dermatology were published in dermatology journals, and 120 qualitative studies (48.2%) in dermatology were published between 2020 and 2022.

Conclusions and Relevance

Qualitative research in dermatology is becoming more prevalent. There is value in qualitative research, and we encourage researchers in dermatology to incorporate qualitative methods in their studies.
Identification and functional comparison of novel alternatively spliced isoforms of human YAP
Authors: Liu Lianlian , Zhang Junlei , Wang Jiaqi , Tian Yanping , Wang Jiali , Xu Yixiao , Cheng Yuda , Yu Meng , Wang Jiangjun , Yang Yi , Wang Xueyue , Yang Ran , Wu Wei , Zhang Chen , Hu Yan , Jian Rui , Xiao Lan , Ruan Yan
Published: April 2023

As a key effector of the Hippo pathway, yes‐associated protein (YAP) is a major regulator of cell proliferation and apoptosis. In this study, 23 hYAP isoforms were identified in HEK293 cells, with 14 isoforms being reported for the first time. These isoforms were classified into hYAP‐a and hYAP‐b isoforms based on the variation in exon 1. The two groups of isoforms showed distinctly different subcellular localizations. hYAP‐a isoforms could activate TEAD‐ or P73‐mediated transcription, affect the proliferation rate, and enhance the cellular chemosensitivity of HEK293 cells. Moreover, different activation abilities and pro‐cytotoxic effects were observed among hYAP‐a isoforms. However, hYAP‐b isoforms were not found to exert any significant biological effects. Our findings add to the knowledge of YAP gene structure and protein‐coding capacity and will help in the elucidation of the function and related molecular mechanisms of the Hippo‐YAP signaling pathway.
Investigation on favorable pressure gradient in an atmospheric boundary layer wind tunnel using large‐eddy simulation and its impact on wind field and surface pressure measurement
Authors: Zhang Bingchao , Ooka Ryozo , Kikumoto Hideki , Tse Tim K. T.
Published: April 2023

A constant cross‐section wind tunnel usually experiences a negative pressure gradient (ie, favorable pressure gradient, FPG), resulting in a certain degree of discrepancy between the simulated and idealized atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) flows. To investigate its impact, three large‐eddy simulation (LES) cases were conducted in this study: one simply reproduced a wind tunnel, one removed the FPG by adjusting the ceiling height, and one reduced the FPG by canceling unnecessary boundary layers associated with the tunnel sidewalls and ceiling. The required ceiling height in the second case was estimated based on the pressure gradient in the first case. The FPG was found mainly generated by the contraction effect induced by the boundary layers over the tunnel walls because it can be largely removed in the third case. In addition, we investigated the mean and standard deviation of the surrounding wind field and surface pressure coefficient of an isolated square‐section building model. Because the FPG in the macroscale ABL is negligible compared with the adverse pressure gradient in the microscale near‐wall boundary layers of the building, the influence of the FPG is negligible in a wind tunnel experiment conducted in a relatively large wind tunnel with a safe blockage ratio.
Combination Therapy of Lox Inhibitor and Stimuli‐Responsive Drug for Mechanochemically Synergistic Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Zhu Shanshan , Zhang Tian , Gao Huan , Jin Guorui , Yang Jin , He Xiaocong , Guo Hui , Xu Feng
Published: April 2023

Chemotherapy based on small molecule drugs, hormones, cycline kinase inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies has been widely used for breast cancer treatment in the clinic but with limited efficacy, due to the poor specificity and tumor microenvironment (TME)‐caused diffusion barrier. Although monotherapies targeting biochemical cues or physical cues in the TME have been developed, none of them can cope with the complex TME, while mechanochemical combination therapy remains largely to be explored. Herein, a combination therapy strategy based on an extracellular matrix (ECM) modulator and TME‐responsive drug for the first attempt of mechanochemically synergistic treatment of breast cancer is developed. Specifically, based on overexpressed NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in breast cancer, a TME‐responsive drug (NQO1‐SN38) is designed and it is combined with the inhibitor (i.e., β‐Aminopropionitrile, BAPN) for Lysyl oxidases (Lox) that contributes to the tumor stiffness, for mechanochemical therapy. It is demonstrated that NQO1 can trigger the degradation of NQO1‐SN38 and release SN38, showing nearly twice tumor inhibition efficiency compared with SN38 treatment in vitro. Lox inhibition with BAPN significantly reduces collagen deposition and enhances drug penetration in tumor heterospheroids in vitro. It is further demonstrated that the mechanochemical therapy showed outstanding therapeutic efficacy in vivo, providing a promising approach for breast cancer therapy.
YAG:Ce PiGF@Alumina‐Substrate in a Reflection Mode for High‐Brightness Laser‐Driven Projection Display
Authors: Yang Zezhong , Zheng Song , Pang Tao , Liao Shengxiang , Zhu Jiwen , Lin Jidong , Huang Feng , Zheng Yuanhui , Chen Daqin
Published: April 2023

Laser‐driven projector puts forward urgent demand for light‐conversion materials to achieve high‐quality image display. Herein, a composite structure phosphor‐in‐glass film (PiGF) is fabricated via screen‐printing YAG:Ce and low‐melting glass on the alumina substrate. Benefited from well‐retained optical properties of YAG:Ce in amorphous glass and high thermal conductivity of substrate, PiGF can produce desirable luminous flux of 7169 lm and luminous efficiency of 192 lm W−1 at saturation threshold of 13.25 W mm−2. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that thermal management by using a cool fan with aluminum heat sink is essential to reduce heat aggregation and improve white‐light stability of PiGF‐based laser lighting source operated in a reflective mode. Accordingly, a PiGF‐converted laser projection system is successfully designed for the first time, showing more vivid and brighter display feature benefited from high laser‐driven luminance of LCD screen (2180 cd m−2). This work highlights the practical application of PiGF@alumina‐substrate composite as an efficient laser‐driven color converter in high‐brightness projection display.
Dynamics of Moiré Exciton in a Twisted MoSe2/WSe2 Heterobilayer
Authors: Kim Heejun , Aino Kumpei , Shinokita Keisuke , Zhang Wenjin , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Matsuda Kazunari
Published: April 2023

Moiré potential by stacking two monolayers with slightly different lattice mismatches acts as periodic quantum confinement for optically generated excitons and provides spatially ordered 0D quantum systems. Fundamental studies on intrinsic optical phenomena in the moiré exciton are conducted; however, the excitonic states and, particularly, the dynamic properties of moiré excitons are underexplored. In this study, the unrevealed structures of moiré exciton states and their intriguing dynamics in twisted MoSe2/WSe2 heterobilayers are experimentally investigated by photoluminescence spectroscopy. Phonon‐mediated momentum dark exciton state above bright exciton state with splitting energy of ≈8 meV inside moiré potential is observed. Additionally, it is demonstrated that the dynamics of moiré excitons are determined by the radiative recombination process of bright moiré excitons at low temperatures (<20 K) and phonon‐assisted non‐radiative processes from the lowest bright to dark moiré exciton state at high temperatures (>30 K). Furthermore, additional peaks at the high‐energy side under high‐power excitation conditions are observed, which indicates emission from the triplet bright moiré exciton state with a longer decay time of 700 ns. Experimental evidence of the bright and dark exciton states within the moiré potential might provide novel platforms for quantum optics applications using moiré superlattices.
Adhesive Composite Hydrogel Patch Based on a Polyaspartamide Derivative to Treat Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Park Nuri , Kim Ye Eun , Kim Ji‐Heung , Kim Jaeyun
Published: April 2023

Transdermal patches offer significant advantages as a drug delivery system due to their ability to bypass first‐pass metabolism, sustain drug release, and provide predetermined dose and application area. However, to be effective, transdermal patches must have optimal adhesion and drug‐loading capacity. In this study, an adhesive composite hydrogel patch consisting of poly(N‐2,3‐dihydroxypropyl aspartamide) (PDHPA), a polyaspartamide derivative, and mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) are developed. To prepare the hydrogel, boric acid (BA) is utilized as a crosslinker to form reversible bonds between multiple hydroxyl groups in the polymer and BA. The PDHPA‐BA hydrogel exhibits dynamic reversibility, self‐healing properties, and a pH‐dependent sol–gel transition. The addition of MSNs with abundant hydroxyl groups improves the mechanical performance, adhesion properties, and self‐healing rate of the PDHPA‐BA hydrogel. In addition, MSNs enable the loading of hydrophobic drugs, such as dexamethasone (Dex), onto the hydrogel. Using the Dex‐loaded adhesive composite hydrogel as a transdermal patch, the severity of atopic dermatitis in a mouse model indicated by suppression of dermatitis score, epidermal thickness, number of mast cells, and serum interleukin‐4 levels is successfully reduced. These results suggest that the composite hydrogel patch is a highly promising transdermal drug delivery system for effectively treating inflammatory skin diseases.
Spin‐Momentum Locking and Ultrafast Spin‐Charge Conversion in Ultrathin Epitaxial Bi1 − xSbx Topological Insulator
Authors: Rongione E. , Baringthon L. , She D. , Patriarche G. , Lebrun R. , Lemaître A. , Morassi M. , Reyren N. , Mičica M. , Mangeney J. , Tignon J. , Bertran F. , Dhillon S. , Le Févre P. , Jaffrès H. , George J.‐M.
Published: April 2023

The helicity of three‐dimensional (3D) topological insulator surface states has drawn significant attention in spintronics owing to spin‐momentum locking where the carriers' spin is oriented perpendicular to their momentum. This property can provide an efficient method to convert charge currents into spin currents, and vice‐versa, through the Rashba–Edelstein effect. However, experimental signatures of these surface states to the spin‐charge conversion are extremely difficult to disentangle from bulk state contributions. Here, spin‐ and angle‐resolved photo‐emission spectroscopy, and time‐resolved THz emission spectroscopy are combined to categorically demonstrate that spin‐charge conversion arises mainly from the surface state in Bi1 − xSbx ultrathin films, down to few nanometers where confinement effects emerge. This large conversion efficiency is correlated, typically at the level of the bulk spin Hall effect from heavy metals, to the complex Fermi surface obtained from theoretical calculations of the inverse Rashba–Edelstein response. Both surface state robustness and sizeable conversion efficiency in epitaxial Bi1 − xSbx thin films bring new perspectives for ultra‐low power magnetic random‐access memories and broadband THz generation.
Electrocatalytic Reduction of CO2 to Value‐Added Chemicals via C–C/N Coupling
Authors: Liu Junling , Zhang Xuejing , Yang Rui , Yang Yongan , Wang Xi
Published: April 2023

The efficient conversion and utilization of CO2 is imminent due to the increase of global CO2 emissions year by year, so the strategy of electrocatalytic CO2 reduction to high value‐added chemicals comes into being. The CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) can yield diversified products, including C1 (like CO, CH4, etc.), C2 (like C2H4, C2H5OH, etc.), and other multicarbon compounds. Thereinto, selective transformation to C2 compounds is relatively significative by reason of high industrial value but being greatly challenging, particularly involving complex CC coupling. Herein, the reaction mechanisms of several C2 products (including C2H4, C2H5OH, and H2C2O4) and corresponding latest research progress are summarized and discussed. Besides, N atoms, from N2, nitrates, and nitrites, are integrated into CO2RR to yield nitrogen‐containing organics (like urea, amides, and amines), broadening the application field of CO2RR. Therefore, the part on the electrocatalytic coupling of CO2 and nitrogen sources (including N2, NO3−, NO2−) by CN bonds is also delved in this review, including recent advances, reaction mechanisms, and related key intermediates.
Minsight: A Fingertip‐Sized Vision‐Based Tactile Sensor for Robotic Manipulation
Authors: Andrussow Iris , Sun Huanbo , Kuchenbecker Katherine J. , Martius Georg
Published: April 2023

Intelligent interaction with the physical world requires perceptual abilities beyond vision and hearing; vibrant tactile sensing is essential for autonomous robots to dexterously manipulate unfamiliar objects or safely contact humans. Therefore, robotic manipulators need high‐resolution touch sensors that are compact, robust, inexpensive, and efficient. The soft vision‐based haptic sensor presented herein is a miniaturized and optimized version of the previously published sensor Insight. Minsight has the size and shape of a human fingertip and uses machine learning methods to output high‐resolution maps of 3D contact force vectors at 60 Hz. Experiments confirm its excellent sensing performance, with a mean absolute force error of 0.07 N and contact location error of 0.6 mm across its surface area. Minsight's utility is shown in two robotic tasks on a 3‐DoF manipulator. First, closed‐loop force control enables the robot to track the movements of a human finger based only on tactile data. Second, the informative value of the sensor output is shown by detecting whether a hard lump is embedded within a soft elastomer with an accuracy of 98%. These findings indicate that Minsight can give robots the detailed fingertip touch sensing needed for dexterous manipulation and physical human–robot interaction.
Somatic symptoms, pain, catastrophizing and the association with disability among children with heritable connective tissue disorders
Authors: de Koning Lisanne E. , Warnink‐Kavelaars Jessica , van Rossum Marion A. , Bosman Diederik , Menke Leonie A. , Malfait Fransiska , de Boer Rosa , Oosterlaan Jaap , Engelbert Raoul H. H. , Rombaut Lies ,   And the Pediatric Heritable Connective Tissue Disorders Study Group
Published: April 2023

The aim of the present study was to investigate the nature and prevalence of nonspecific somatic symptoms, pain and catastrophizing in children with Heritable Connective Tissue Disorders (HCTD), and to determine their association with disability. This observational, multicenter study included 127 children, aged 4–18 years, with Marfan syndrome (MFS) (59%), Loeys‐Dietz syndrome (LDS) (8%), Ehlers‐Danlos syndromes (EDS) (12%) and hypermobile Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome (hEDS) (23%). The assessments included the Children's Somatization Inventory or parent proxy (CSI, PCSI), pain visual‐analogue scale (VAS), SUPERKIDZ body diagram, Pain Catastrophizing Scale Child or parent proxy (PCS‐C, PCS‐P) and Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ‐30). Data from children aged ≥8 years were compared to normative data. In children ≥ 8 years (n = 90), pain was present in 59%, with a median of 4 (IQR = 3–9) pain areas. Compared to normative data, the HCTD group reported significantly higher on the CSI (p ≤ 0.001, d = 0.85), VAS pain intensity (p ≤ 0.001, d = 1.22) and CHAQ‐30 (p ≤ 0.001, d = 1.16) and lower on the PCS‐C (p = 0.017, d = −0.82) and PCS‐P (p ≤ 0.001, d = −0.49). The intensity of nonspecific somatic symptoms and pain explained 45% of the variance in disability (r2 = 0.45 F(2,48) = 19.70, p ≤ 0.001). In children ≤ 7 years (n = 37),   pain was present in 35% with a median of 5(IQR = 1–13) pain areas. The mean(SD) VAS scores for pain intensity was 1.5(2.9). Functional disability was moderately correlated to the number of pain areas (r = 0.56, p ≤ 0.001), intensity of nonspecific somatic symptoms (r = 0.63, p ≤ 0.001) and pain (r = 0.83, p ≤ 0.001). In conclusion, this study supports the need for comprehensive assessment of nonspecific somatic symptoms, pain, and disability in children with HCTD to allow tailored treatment.
Construction of Spiro[4.5]decanes via Annulations of Azadienes with Nazarov Reagent and DFT Studies
Authors: Wang Wenyang , Wang Ying , Zhao Xiaowei , Yuan Wenjiao , Zhang Lei , Meng Xiangtai
Published: April 2023

A NaH‐promoted domino reaction between azadiene bearing an indene moiety with Nazarov reagent was developed. A variety of spiro[4.5]decane derivatives were obtained via [4+2] cycloaddition with good yields and high diastereoselectivity. The domino strategy benefited from mild reaction conditions and very broad substrate scope. Furthermore, a gram‐scale experiment and a transformation of the product were carried out. Lastly, density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been performed to verify the proposed reaction mechanism and analyze the observed diastereoselectivity.
Post‐Translational Modifications of the DUX4 Protein Impact Toxic Function in FSHD Cell Models
Authors: Knox Renatta N. , Eidahl Jocelyn O. , Wallace Lindsay M. , Choudury Sarah G. , Rashnonejad Afrooz , Daman Katelyn , Guggenbiller Matthew J. , Saad Nizar Y. , Hoover Michael E. , Zhang Liwen , Branson Owen E. , Emerson Charles P. , Freitas Michael A. , Harper Scott Q.
Published: April 2023

Objective

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is caused by abnormal de‐repression of the myotoxic transcription factor DUX4. Although the transcriptional targets of DUX4 are known, the regulation of DUX4 protein and the molecular consequences of this regulation are unclear. Here, we used in vitro models of FSHD to identify and characterize DUX4 post‐translational modifications (PTMs) and their impact on the toxic function of DUX4.

Methods

We immunoprecipitated DUX4 protein and performed mass spectrometry to identify PTMs. We then characterized DUX4 PTMs and potential enzyme modifiers using mutagenesis, proteomics, and biochemical assays in HEK293 and human myoblast cell lines.

Results

We identified 17 DUX4 amino acids with PTMs, and generated 55 DUX4 mutants designed to prevent or mimic PTMs. Five mutants protected cells against DUX4‐mediated toxicity and reduced the ability of DUX4 to transactivate FSHD biomarkers. These mutagenesis results suggested that DUX4 toxicity could be counteracted by serine/threonine phosphorylation and/or inhibition of arginine methylation. We therefore sought to identify modifying enzymes that could play a role in regulating DUX4 PTMs. We found several enzymes capable of modifying DUX4 protein in vitro, and confirmed that protein kinase A (PKA) and protein arginine methyltransferase (PRMT1) interact with DUX4.

Interpretation

These results support that DUX4 is regulated by PTMs and set a foundation for developing FSHD drug screens based mechanistically on DUX4 PTMs and modifying enzymes. ANN NEUROL 2023;94:398–413
Palladium‐Catalyzed Enantio‐ and Regioselective Ring‐Opening Hydrophosphinylation of Methylenecyclopropanes
Authors: Zhou Jian , Meng Ling , Lin Shujuan , Cai Baohua , Wang Jun (Joelle)
Published: April 2023

Transition metal‐catalyzed hydrofunctionalization of methylenecyclopropanes (MCPs) has presented a considerable challenge due to the difficult manipulation of regioselectivity and complicated reaction patterns. Herein, we report a straightforward Pd‐catalyzed ring‐opening hydrophosphinylation reaction of MCPs via highly selective C−C bond cleavage. This method allows for rapid and efficient access to a wide range of chiral allylic phosphine oxides in good yields and high enantioselectivities. Additionally, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to elucidate the reaction mechanism and the origin of enantioselectivity.
Processing and characterizing repulping reject of liquid package board
Authors: Jönkkäri Ilari , Mäki‐Tulokas Sandra , Niini Arvo , Saarimäki Eetta , Sarlin Essi
Published: April 2023

Liquid package board (LPB) packages typically have the smallest global warming potential compared to other package solutions, but recycling of the integrated plastic and aluminum fractions of the packages is still limited. In the fiber recycling process the plastic and aluminum fractions with some residual fibers are concentrated to the repulping reject (Polyal). This study investigates composition and properties of repulping rejects from recycling of separately collected LPB packages. The rejects were modified in different ways, hot pressed, grinded and finally compounded with a twin screw extruder. Compositions of the compounds were characterized with Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and their properties were studied with tensile testing and melt flow rate (MFR) measurements. All studied compounds had relatively good processability and mechanical properties. Properties of compounds were improved by extraction of residual fibers and melt filtering of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) flakes. Especially melt filtering offered a significant improvement in strain at break from 11% to 33%. It was also found that high density polyethylene (HDPE) should be extracted from the reject and recycled separately since the extraction is relatively easy, does not cause drastic changes in the compound properties and recycled HDPE has more potential applications than the Polyal compounds.
Does business commitment to sustainability increase job seekers' perceptions of organisational attractiveness? The role of organisational prestige and cultural masculinity
Authors: Carballo‐Penela Adolfo , Ruzo‐Sanmartín Emilio , Sousa Carlos M. P.
Published: April 2023

This study analyses how recruiting messages showing commitment to sustainability influence job seekers' perceptions of organisational attractiveness. To address a call from prior research, we propose that organisational prestige mediates the positive relationship between commitment to sustainability and attractiveness. As job seekers from different cultures can have different responses to companies' information, the moderating role of the masculinity dimension of national culture is also examined. In a study of 412 job seekers from four different countries, experimental manipulation was used to assess perceptions of different recruiting messages containing information on business sustainability. Results support the proposed relationships. Theoretical and practical contributions include the integration of signalling and social identity theories to considering a wide variety of mechanisms which show how individuals are attracted to organisations and useful information for helping managers to recruit young talent. Using a sample of young part‐time job seekers is a limitation of this work.
Polysulfide Adsorption by Iron Oxide and Chromium Oxide: Effects on Cycle Life and Redox Kinetics of Lithium‐Sulfur Cells
Authors: Hirt Sebastian Daniel , Schleich Sabrina , Sous Pascal , Wennig Sebastian , Oberschachtsiek Bernd , Hoster Harry Ernst
Published: April 2023

Lithium‐sulfur batteries have the potential to replace lithium‐ion batteries in the future due to their high theoretical capacity and energy density but suffer from low cycling stability caused by the polysulfide shuttle. This work demonstrates a reduction of the polysulfide shuttle and increased cycling stability by using iron oxide and chromium oxide as additives for a simply fabricated lithium sulfide cathode. Adsorption isotherms were recorded, and monolayer adsorption capacities were determined for a better understanding of the interactions between transition metal oxides and polysulfides. A significant reduction of the shuttle mechanism can be deduced from the cyclization experiments. Similarly, the catalytic influence of chromium oxide and iron oxide on the oxidation could be shown by cyclic voltammetry.
NEW TYPE OF COMPOSITE ARCH ELEMENT USING COMPOSITE DOWELS: APPLICATION IN RAILWAY NETWORK ARCH BRIDGE
Authors: Sęk R. , Pilujski B. , Sobala D. , Lorenc W.
Published: April 2023

This paper presents a new type of composite element using composite dowels that was developed for the purposes of the railway bridge over the Vistula River in Krakow, Poland. The structure is the world's first arch bridge using cold‐bent HD rolled sections; hence the idea of a new type of composite connection between arch and tie is new as well, thus a new type of composite arch emerges. The concept, design and construction experience are presented herein.
VARIABLE STIFFNESS REDUCTION FACTOR FOR STABILITY DESIGN OF STEEL‐CONCRETE COMPOSITE COLUMNS
Authors: Denavit Mark D.
Published: April 2023

In United States practice, the strength of composite columns is assessed with available strengths that are computed considering member length effects. This approach has advantages; however, developing axial compression‐bending moment interaction diagrams that account for member length effects is not a straightforward task. Current methods result in unconservative error for highly slender members with large bending moments. While it is theoretically possible to develop more accurate interaction diagrams, a simpler approach, and one which more directly addresses the cause of the unconservative error, is to improve the accuracy of the stiffness used in the elastic analyses to determine required strengths. In this work, new recommendations are developed for this stiffness for steel‐concrete composite columns. The recommended stiffness is a function of required axial compression and bending moment, which increases accuracy and enables improved available strength calculations, resulting in more efficient designs.
BEHAVIOUR AND DESIGN OF HIGH‐PERFORMANCE STEEL AND STEEL‐CONCRETE COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
Authors: Li D. , Uy B. , Huang Z. , Khan M.
Published: April 2023

Owing to the significant benefits, an increasing popularity to adopt the high‐strength materials in the construction industry was witnessed over the recent years. With it comes a series of studies that investigated the mechanical performance of high‐strength steel components, which aimed to encourage a more widespread utilisation in engineering practice. Many of the previous research relating to high‐strength steel/composite structures have been focused on hot‐rolled and cold‐formed sections, whereas applications have been focused on thick and fabricated components in mostly high‐rise and heavily loaded structures. Therefore, a research program funded by the Australian Research Council was initiated in 2018 and comprehensive experimental and numerical studies were performed over the past three years. This paper summarises the major findings on high‐strength bolts, as well as fabricated high‐ and ultra‐high‐strength steel/composite structural members.