bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current Standards, Multidisciplinary Approaches, and Future Directions in the Management of Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Wheless Margaret , Agarwal Rajiv , Goff Laura , Lockney Natalie , Padmanabhan Chandrasekhar , Heumann Thatcher
Published: January 2024

Opinion statement

Biliary tract cancers are molecularly and anatomically diverse cancers which include intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, extrahepatic (perihilar and distal) cholangiocarcinoma, and gallbladder cancer. While recognized as distinct entities, the rarer incidence of these cancers combined with diagnostic challenges in classifying anatomic origin has resulted in clinical trials and guideline recommended strategies being generalized patients with all types of biliary tract cancer. In this review, we delve into the unique aspects, subtype-specific clinical trial outcomes, and multidisciplinary management of patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. When resectable, definitive surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy (sometimes with selective radiation/chemoradiation) is current standard of care. Due to high recurrence rates, there is growing interest in the use of upfront/neoadjuvant therapy to improve surgical outcomes and to downstage patients who may not initially be resectable. Select patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma are being successfully treated with novel approaches such as liver transplant. In the advanced disease setting, combination gemcitabine and cisplatin remains the standard base for systemic therapy and was recently improved upon with the addition of immune checkpoint blockade to the chemotherapy doublet in the recently reported TOPAZ-1 and KEYNOTE-966 trials. Second-line all-comer treatments for these patients remain limited in both options and efficacy, so clinical trial participation should be strongly considered. With increased use of molecular testing, detection of actionable mutations and opportunities to receive indicated targeted therapies are on the rise and are the most significant driver of improved survival for patients with advanced stage disease. Though these targeted therapies are currently reserved for the second or later line, future trials are looking at moving these to earlier treatment settings and use in combination with chemotherapy and immunotherapy. In addition to cross-disciplinary management with surgical, medical, and radiation oncology, patient-centered care should also include collaboration with advanced endoscopists, palliative care specialists, and nutritionists to improve global patient outcomes.
The relationship between physical activity, self-efficacy and quality of life in colorectal cancer survivors: a multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Hu Yuru , Wang Lijun , Su Guoqiang , Chen Bo , Ruan Zheng , Yang Jinqiu , Shen Qu
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the current situation and factors influencing physical activity, self-efficacy, and quality of life in Chinese colorectal cancer survivors. Additionally, this study explored the associations between physical activity, self-efficacy, and quality of life.

Methods

A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 173 colorectal cancer survivors with a mean age of 59 years. Self-reported data on basic demographic characteristics, physical activity, self-efficacy, and quality of life were collected.

Results

Among 173 colorectal cancer survivors, 90 (52.0%) were engaged in manual work. The self-efficacy score was found to be 25.99 ± 7.10, while the global health status score was 54.96 ± 21.56. Global health status was associated with sex, residence, chemoradiotherapy, and monthly income (p < 0.01). The self-efficacy score exhibited a significant positive correlation with quality of life, while demonstrating a negative correlation with symptom scores (p < 0.01). Recreational PA scores were positively associated with global health status (P < 0.05). Self-efficacy, recreational physical activity during winter, and whether the participants underwent chemoradiotherapy explained 29.3% of the variance in quality of life among colorectal cancer survivors.

Conclusions

Colorectal cancer survivors exhibited low levels of physical activity, self-efficacy, and quality of life. Their health is influenced by self-efficacy, recreational physical activity, and chemoradiotherapy. When developing intervention plans for colorectal cancer survivorship, it is crucial to consider survivors' self-efficacy and the type of physical activity in which they engage.
Vitality, viability, long-term clonogenic survival, cytotoxicity, cytostasis and lethality: what do they mean when testing new investigational oncology drugs?
Authors: Forgie Benjamin N. , Prakash Rewati , Goyeneche Alicia A. , Telleria Carlos M.
Published: January 2024

In the field of experimental therapeutics for oncology purposes researchers are continuously evaluating the toxicity of novel treatment approaches against cancer cells. Within this topic of research, it is highly critical to define parameters of toxicity that denote when cancer cells are perturbed in their functionality by a new investigational drug. As the goal for these approaches is to achieve cellular demise, then what approaches to use and what do they mean in terms of assessing such cell death is of critical importance. In this comment article we highlight the definition of vitality and differentiate it from viability, and further define clonogenic survival in a chronic fashion. Additionally, we highly recommend the use of the term cytotoxicity as a general descriptor indicating toxicity towards a cell, but within that we encourage to sub-classify it as either cytostasis (i.e., when a treatment does not allow a cell to grow but it does not kill it either), or lethality (when a cell dies in response to the treatment). A more precise use of these terms should help advance the field of experimental therapeutics in oncology towards better defining the mechanisms of action of novel investigational drugs.
Does Childhood Trauma Predict Impulsive Spending in Later Life? An Analysis of the Mediating Roles of Impulsivity and Emotion Regulation
Authors: Richardson Thomas , Egglishaw Annelise , Sood Monica
Published: January 2024

We sought to investigate whether adverse childhood experiences increase impulsive spending in later life, and whether emotion dysregulation and impulsivity mediate this association. Limited research has examined associations between these factors, and examining the mechanisms involved may inform interventions for impulsive spending. This study used a cross-sectional, correlational design including 189 adult participants who completed an online survey assessing childhood trauma, adverse childhood experiences, impulsive spending, impulsivity, and emotion dysregulation. Greater adverse childhood experiences and childhood trauma were positively correlated with impulsive spending, as well as general impulsivity and emotion dysregulation. Mediation analyses indicated that emotion dysregulation and greater impulsivity accounted for the positive relationship between childhood trauma and impulse spending. Adverse childhood experiences and childhood trauma are associated with increased risk of impulse spending in adulthood via elevated general impulsivity and emotion dysregulation.
Identifying and Extracting Rare Diseases and Their Phenotypes with Large Language Models
Authors: Shyr Cathy , Hu Yan , Bastarache Lisa , Cheng Alex , Hamid Rizwan , Harris Paul , Xu Hua
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Phenotyping is critical for informing rare disease diagnosis and treatment, but disease phenotypes are often embedded in unstructured text. While natural language processing (NLP) can automate extraction, a major bottleneck is developing annotated corpora. Recently, prompt learning with large language models (LLMs) has been shown to lead to generalizable results without any (zero-shot) or few annotated samples (few-shot), but none have explored this for rare diseases. Our work is the first to study prompt learning for identifying and extracting rare disease phenotypes in the zero- and few-shot settings.

Methods

We compared the performance of prompt learning with ChatGPT and fine-tuning with BioClinicalBERT. We engineered novel prompts for ChatGPT to identify and extract rare diseases and their phenotypes (e.g., diseases, symptoms, and signs), established a benchmark for evaluating its performance, and conducted an in-depth error analysis.

Results

Overall, fine-tuning BioClinicalBERT resulted in higher performance (F1 of 0.689) than ChatGPT (F1 of 0.472 and 0.610 in the zero- and few-shot settings, respectively). However, ChatGPT achieved higher accuracy for rare diseases and signs in the one-shot setting (F1 of 0.778 and 0.725). Conversational, sentence-based prompts generally achieved higher accuracy than structured lists.

Conclusion

Prompt learning using ChatGPT has the potential to match or outperform fine-tuning BioClinicalBERT at extracting rare diseases and signs with just one annotated sample. Given its accessibility, ChatGPT could be leveraged to extract these entities without relying on a large, annotated corpus. While LLMs can support rare disease phenotyping, researchers should critically evaluate model outputs to ensure phenotyping accuracy.
Planetary Health in der Allgemeinmedizin
Authors: Lenzer Benedikt , Muche-Borowski Cathleen , Bühn Stefanie , Schwienhorst-Stich Eva-Maria
Published: January 2024

Die so genannten planetaren Krisen Klimawandel, Biodiversitätsverlust und Verschmutzung führen zu schwerwiegenden gesundheitlichen und gesellschaftlichen Folgen, von denen vulnerable Gruppen besonders betroffen sind. Dies hat zur Weiterentwicklung von Public- und Global- zu Planetary Health geführt. Im Fokus stehen die Zusammenhänge zwischen Umwelt, Gesellschaft und der Gesundheit aller Lebewesen. Das breit aufgegriffene Konzept versteht sich transdisziplinär und auch als sozialgesellschaftliche Bewegung. Dieser Artikel zeigt die durch Umweltveränderungen hervorgerufenen Probleme und Handlungsfelder im Gesundheitssystem insbesondere für die Allgemeinmedizin auf und möchte zur Diskussion anregen. Die Integration von Planetary Health wird in der Allgemeinmedizin wichtiger, da hier umweltbedingte Gesundheitsfolgen unmittelbar spürbar sind und gleichzeitig in der Stärkung der Primärversorgung große Chancen für Adaptation und Mitigation liegen. Mehrere Ansätze von Planetary Health und Allgemeinmedizin decken sich in Bezug auf die Anpassung an Umweltfolgen, die Vorbereitung auf weitere Krisen sowie die Stärkung von Gesundheitsförderung und Prävention. Allerdings entstehen durch die allgemeinmedizinische Versorgung selbst hohe Umweltbelastungen. Eine auf Nachhaltigkeit ausgerichtete Praxisführung ist deshalb notwendig. Mit der Integration von Planetary Health in Leitlinien könnten zukünftig wichtige Aspekte in den allgemeinmedizinischen Alltag einziehen. Besonderen Stellenwert haben hier die klima- und umweltsensible Gesundheitsberatung und Prävention. Um den notwendigen Wandel in Medizin und Gesellschaft voranzubringen, sind Wissensvermittlung zu Planetary Health sowie weitere gesellschaftlich-politische Impulse aus der Medizin heraus notwendig.
Taxation and policyholder behavior: the case of guaranteed minimum accumulation benefits
Authors: Alonso-García Jennifer , Sherris Michael , Thirurajah Samuel , Ziveyi Jonathan
Published: January 2024

This paper considers variable annuity (VA) contracts embedded with guaranteed minimum accumulation benefit (GMAB) riders when policyholder’s proceeds are taxed upon early surrender or maturity. These contracts promise the return of the premium paid by the policyholder, or a higher rolled-up value, at the end of the investment period. A partial differential equation valuation framework which exploits the numerical method of lines is used to determine fair fees that render the policyholder and insurer breakeven. Two taxation regimes are considered: one where capital gains are allowed to offset losses and a second where gains do not offset losses. Most insurance providers highlight the tax-deferred features of VA contracts. We show that the regime under which the insured is taxed significantly impacts prices. If losses are allowed to offset gains then this enhances the market, increasing the policyholder’s willingness to participate in the market compared to the case when losses are not allowed to offset gains. With fair fees from the policyholder’s perspective, we show that the net profit is generally positive for insurance companies offering the contract as a naked option without any hedge. We also show how investment policy, as reflected in the Sharpe ratio, impacts and interacts with policyholder persistency.
Flow instability in high-Prandtl-number liquid bridges with fully temperature-dependent thermophysical properties
Authors: Stojanović Mario , Romanò Francesco , Kuhlmann Hendrik C.
Published: January 2024

The axisymmetric steady two-phase flow of a differentially heated thermocapillary liquid bridge in air and its linear stability is investigated numerically, taking into account dynamic interfacial deformations in the basic flow. Since most experiments require a high temperature difference to drive the flow into the three-dimensional regime, the temperature dependence of the material properties must be taken into account. Three different models are investigated for a high-Prandtl-number thermocapillary liquid bridge with nominal Prandtl number

${\textit {Pr}}=28.8$

: the Oberbeck–Boussinesq (OB) approximation, a linear temperature dependence of all material properties and a full nonlinear temperature dependence of all material properties. For all models, critical Reynolds numbers are computed as functions of the volume of the liquid bridge, its aspect ratio, its dimensional size and as a function of the strength of a forced axial flow in the ambient air. Under most circumstances the OB approximation overpredicts and the linear model underpredicts the critical Reynolds number, compared with the model based on the full temperature dependence of the material properties. Among the main influence factors are the proper selection of the reference temperature and, at larger temperature differences, the temperature dependence of the viscosity of the liquid.
Nowhere scattered multiplier algebras
Authors: Vilalta Eduard
Published: January 2024

We study sufficient conditions under which a nowhere scattered

$\mathrm {C}^*$

-algebra

$A$

has a nowhere scattered multiplier algebra

$\mathcal {M}(A)$

, that is, we study when

$\mathcal {M}(A)$

has no nonzero, elementary ideal-quotients. In particular, we prove that a

$\sigma$

-unital

$\mathrm {C}^*$

-algebra

$A$

of

(i)

finite nuclear dimension, or

(ii)

real rank zero, or

(iii)

stable rank one with

$k$

-comparison,

is nowhere scattered if and only if

$\mathcal {M}(A)$

is.
Dispelling the Fantasy of Innocence: Complicity and the Cultivation of Transgression in Settler Colonial Contexts
Authors: Allard-Tremblay Yann
Published: January 2024

This article critically engages with the Canadian framing of settler colonial/decolonial politics in terms of guilt and innocence. I argue that centring innocence, even as something to be snatched away from settlers, as with the theorization of settler moves to innocence, can corrupt the practice of moral responsibility. Furthermore, I argue that the desire for and expectation of innocence, in the face of structural injustices such as settler colonialism, are illusionary and that complicity is widespread. In contrast, I follow Iris Marion Young's focus on political responsibility, but I argue that public collective actions need not be as centred as she suggests. Given the nature of settler colonialism and of coloniality, I argue for the acknowledgment of the political significance of daily individual acts and for the cultivation of dispositions that disrupt unjust structures, such as a disposition to transgress.
Weight change in people with depression and the risk of dementia: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Kim Hyewon , Jung Jin Hyung , Han Kyungdo , Jeon Hong Jin
Published: January 2024

Background

Depression is a risk factor for dementia and weight change can appear as a symptom of depression. However, the association between weight change after the diagnosis of depression and the risk of dementia is poorly established. This study aimed to investigate the association between weight change before and after a diagnosis of depression with the subsequent risk of dementia.

Methods

The National Health Insurance Sharing Service database was used. 1 308 730 patients aged ⩾40 years diagnosed with depression were identified to be eligible. Weight changes after their depression diagnosis were categorized and subsequent incidence of dementia was followed up.

Results

During an average follow-up period of 5.2 years (s.d., 2.0 years), 69 373 subjects were newly diagnosed with all-cause dementia (56 351 were Alzheimer's disease and 6877 were vascular dementia). Regarding all outcomes, compared to those with a minimal weight change (−5 to 5%), all groups with weight gain or loss showed increased risks of dementia after adjusting potential risk factors for dementia, in all analysis models with a dose–response relationship, showing a U-shaped association.

Conclusions

Weight change as a symptom of depression could be a predictor for the future development of dementia.
‘Exeter Riddle 4’ and Two Other Bell Riddles
Authors: Mogford Neville
Published: January 2024

In early medieval England, the ringing of bells served a wide range of functions. This article argues that a detailed understanding of bells and their everyday use can help to explain the intricate narratives and elaborate language of three Latin and Old English riddles. The first, the late antique ‘Riddle 80’ by Symphosius, describes a dinner bell and the idle chatter of a drunken party. The second, Tatwine of Canterbury’s ‘Riddle 7’, presents a funeral bell hanging in a tower as a deposed emperor who is hung and beaten. The third, the well-known ‘Exeter Riddle 4’, presents an everyday monastic bell as if it were an obedient monk, and it casts their relationship as interdependent and symbiotic. The bell solution has been heavily disputed. However, when the riddle is read alongside the rich context of monastic culture, and with careful attention to linguistic detail, this solution is confirmed.
Mobility Aircrew Fatigue Perceptions and Mitigation	Strategies
Authors: Morris Megan B. , Veksler Bella Z. , Krusmark Michael A. , Gunzelmann Glenn , Gaines Alex R. , Jantscher Helen L.
Published: January 2024

Abstract: Mobility aircrew operate in unique, high-tempo environments resulting in susceptibility to fatigue. In the current study we examined fatigue perceptions and mitigation strategies before and during mission execution with questionnaires from 44 volunteers from a US Air Force air mobility squadron. Results suggest that fatigue is a serious safety-of-flight concern for the community; however, crews generally did not reference the available fatigue risk management (FRM) tool for missions. Aircrew member characteristics were associated with differences in fatigue-related perceptions and mitigation strategies. Crews used various personal fatigue mitigation strategies and had habitual stimulant and depressant consumption during missions based on daily routines. We discuss implications of these findings for FRM tools.
Interactions Between Internal Solitary Waves and Sea Ice
Authors: Hartharn‐Evans Samuel G. , Carr Magda , Stastna Marek
Published: January 2024

Internal Solitary Waves (ISWs) that form on internal density interfaces in the ocean are responsible for the horizontal transport and vertical mixing of heat, nutrients, and other water properties. The waves also induce fluid motion that can induce stresses and motion on floating structures, such as sea ice. This study investigates ISW‐sea ice interactions. Using laboratory experiments, ISWs generated via the lock gate technique are observed interacting with weighted floats of varying sizes. The motion of these floats can be modeled effectively, simply as the average velocity of the fluid under the float, and it is found that when floats are small relative to the wavelength, they behave in the same manner as a fluid particle, but as floats become bigger relative to the wavelength, the maximum velocity decreases, and interaction time increases. This phenomenon is explained simply by the wave‐induced flow as opposed to energy transfer arguments. By using this model with a large sample of theoretical waves, the float motion is parameterized based on the float length and wave parameters. Whilst small floats do not disrupt the flow patterns, the wave‐induced flow under larger floats forms a pair of counter‐rotating vortices at each end of the float. The formation and evolution of these flow features arise as a result of boundary layer separation with the horizontal wave‐induced flow relative to the float velocity. This reveals complex dynamics due to the non‐stationary behavior of both the float and flow.
Study on Test‐Mass Charging for Taiji Gravitational Wave Observatory
Authors: Han Ruilong , Cai Minghui , Yang Tao , Xu Liangliang , Xia Qing , Jia Xinyu , Gao Dawei , Li Mengyao , Zhang Longlong , Li Hongwei , Han Jianwei
Published: January 2024

Taiji is proposed as a space‐based gravitational wave (GW) observatory consisting of three spacecraft in a heliocentric orbit meanwhile with the distance of 3 million kilometers ahead of the Earth at about 20°. Free‐falling test masses (TMs) are a key component of the interferometer for space‐based GW detection in the 0.1mHz–1 Hz frequency range. Exposure to energetic particles in the space environment can lead to charging of the TMs and thus cause additional electrostatic forces and Lorentz forces that limit the sensitivity of the interferometer and may affect the quality of the scientific data. This study aims to model the charging of TMs during Galactic cosmic rays and solar proton events (SPEs) using the Monte Carlo simulation toolkit meanwhile with constructing the sophisticated 3D spacecraft. The results show that the total net charging rates are 34.48 +e/s and 33.85 +e/s on TM1 and TM2 during the solar minimum, and 9.58 +e/s on TM1 and 9.65 +e/s on TM2 during the solar maximum. We confirm that no matter for solar minimum or solar maximum, protons contribute to the largest proportion of the TMs charging rate. Furthermore, charging for five typical SPEs is also investigated, and the maximum TMs charging rate reaches 76,674 +e/s, indicating that sporadic SPEs have a high risk for TMs charging. Finally, the charging rates of a TM imitation are tested on ground by the 30–50 MeV proton irradiation experiment, and the experimental results show good consistence with the simulation results with the error <10%.
WWOX promotes osteosarcoma development via upregulation of Myc
Authors: Akkawi Rania , Hidmi Osama , Haj-Yahia Ameen , Monin Jonathon , Diment Judith , Drier Yotam , Stein Gary S. , Aqeilan Rami I.
Published: January 2024

Osteosarcoma is an aggressive bone tumor that primarily affects children and adolescents. This malignancy is highly aggressive, associated with poor clinical outcomes, and primarily metastasizes to the lungs. Due to its rarity and biological heterogeneity, limited studies on its molecular basis exist, hindering the development of effective therapies. The WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) is frequently altered in human osteosarcoma. Combined deletion of Wwox and Trp53 using Osterix1-Cre transgenic mice has been shown to accelerate osteosarcoma development. In this study, we generated a traceable osteosarcoma mouse model harboring the deletion of Trp53 alone (single-knockout) or combined deletion of Wwox/Trp53 (double-knockout) and expressing a tdTomato reporter. By tracking Tomato expression at different time points, we detected the early presence of tdTomato-positive cells in the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells of non-osteosarcoma-bearing mice (young BM). We found that double-knockout young BM cells, but not single-knockout young BM cells, exhibited tumorigenic traits both in vitro and in vivo. Molecular and cellular characterization of these double-knockout young BM cells revealed their resemblance to osteosarcoma tumor cells. Interestingly, one of the observed significant transcriptomic changes in double-knockout young BM cells was the upregulation of Myc and its target genes compared to single-knockout young BM cells. Intriguingly, Myc-chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing revealed its increased enrichment on Myc targets, which were upregulated in double-knockout young BM cells. Restoration of WWOX in double-knockout young BM cells reduced Myc protein levels. As a prototype target, we demonstrated the upregulation of MCM7, a known Myc target, in double-knockout young BM relative to single-knockout young BM cells. Inhibition of MCM7 expression using simvastatin resulted in reduced proliferation and tumor cell growth of double-knockout young BM cells. Our findings reveal BM mesenchymal stem cells as a platform to study osteosarcoma and Myc and its targets as WWOX effectors and early molecular events during osteosarcomagenesis.
Temporally-coordinated bivalent histone modifications of BCG1 enable fungal invasion and immune evasion
Authors: Zhao Xiaozhen , Wang Yiming , Yuan Bingqin , Zhao Hanxi , Wang Yujie , Tan Zheng , Wang Zhiyuan , Wu Huijun , Li Gang , Song Wei , Gupta Ravi , Tsuda Kenichi , Ma Zhonghua , Gao Xuewen , Gu Qin
Published: January 2024

Bivalent histone modifications, including functionally opposite H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 marks simultaneously on the same nucleosome, control various cellular processes by fine-tuning the gene expression in eukaryotes. However, the role of bivalent histone modifications in fungal virulence remains elusive. By mapping the genome-wide landscape of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 dynamic modifications in Fusarium graminearum (Fg) during invasion, we identify the infection-related bivalent chromatin-marked genes (BCGs). BCG1 gene, which encodes a secreted Fusarium-specific xylanase containing a G/Q-rich motif, displays the highest increase of bivalent modification during Fg infection. We report that the G/Q-rich motif of BCG1 is a stimulator of its xylanase activity and is essential for the full virulence of Fg. Intriguingly, this G/Q-rich motif is recognized by pattern-recognition receptors to trigger plant immunity. We discover that Fg employs H3K4me3 modification to induce BCG1 expression required for host cell wall degradation. After breaching the cell wall barrier, this active chromatin state is reset to bivalency by co-modifying with H3K27me3, which enables epigenetic silencing of BCG1 to escape from host immune surveillance. Collectively, our study highlights how fungal pathogens deploy bivalent epigenetic modification to achieve temporally-coordinated activation and suppression of a critical fungal gene, thereby facilitating successful infection and host immune evasion.
Nuclear membrane protein SUN2 promotes replication of flaviviruses through modulating cytoskeleton reorganization mediated by NS1
Authors: Huang Yanxia , Peng Qinyu , Tian Xu , Chen Cancan , Zhu Xuanfeng , Huang Changbai , Huo Zhiting , Liu Yang , Yang Chao , Liu Chao , Zhang Ping
Published: January 2024

Cytoskeleton is extensively recruited by flaviviruses for their infection. In this study, we uncovered an essential role of a nuclear membrane protein, SAD1/UNC84 domain protein 2 (SUN2) linking cytoskeleton and nucleoskeleton in the flavivirus replication. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of SUN2, but not SUN1, significantly reduces the replication of Zika virus (ZIKV), dengue virus (DENV), and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). In contrast, SUN2 does not affect the infection of non-flaviviridae RNA viruses. All three regions of SUN2 are required for its proviral effect. Mechanistically, SUN2 facilitates rearrangement of cytoskeleton and formation of replication organelles induced by viral infection, and hence promotes viral RNA synthesis. SUN2 is required for the interaction between cytoskeleton actin and ZIKV nonstructural protein 1 (NS1). Expression of dominant negative Nesprin-1 and Nesprin-2, which connect SUN2 to cytoskeleton proteins, alleviates the interaction between actin and NS1 and reduces viral replication levels. In a neonatal mouse infection model, SUN2 knockout dramatically alleviates the in vivo ZIKV replication and development of neuropathology. This work elucidates that recruitment of cytoskeleton proteins by flavivirus is coordinated by nuclear membrane proteins SUN2 and Nesprins, providing evidence for a link between nuclear membrane proteins and flavivirus infection.
Dynamic response of a large-diameter end-bearing pile in permafrost
Authors: Li Qiang , Zhang Yongyuan , Chen Chen , Wen Minjie , Guan Wenjie , Duan Weiwei
Published: January 2024

Vertically dynamic model of a large-diameter pile in frozen soil is established, in which the frozen soil is described to a saturated frozen porous media, and the large diameter end-bearing pile is simplified to a one-dimensional rod considering the influence of the transverse inertia effect. Analytical solutions of the longitudinal coupling vibration between the end-bearing pile and the frozen soil are obtained using Helmholtz decomposition and variable separation methods in the frequency domain. By comparing the dynamic responses of the longitudinal vibration of the large diameter end-bearing pile with the traditionally one-dimensional pile, as well as the impedance factor of the frozen soil layer induced by the pile vibration, these demonstrate the influence of the transverse inertia effect on the high frequency vibration of large diameter pile is significant, and the influence on the pile with a smaller slenderness ratio is larger. The temperature and the Poisson’s ratio also have significant effects on the vertical vibration of large diameter piles in frozen soil, which cannot be ignored in the analysis.
Clinical and digital assessment of tooth wear
Authors: Al-Seelawi Zahra , Hermann Nuno V. , Peutzfeldt Anne , Baram Sara , Bakke Merete , Sonnesen Liselotte , Tsakanikou Angeliki , Rahiotis Christos , Benetti Ana R.
Published: January 2024

The aim of this study was to compare the assessment of tooth wear performed on digital models with the one conducted at the clinical examination. Seventy-eight volunteers (29 males and 49 females, age range 20–30 years) with at least 24 teeth, normal oral function, and a neutral transverse relationship were examined. During the clinical examination, dental wear was registered according to the Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) index. Subsequently, the BEWE index was blindly applied by two examiners on digital models obtained from the volunteers. Data were analyzed using weighted Cohen’s kappa coefficient and correlation tests with a confidence interval of 95%. All volunteers showed signs of tooth wear. Anterior teeth showed increased severity of tooth wear than first molars. Early loss of tooth substance could be identified on the digital models, including in areas with challenging direct intraoral visual access. Approximately 50% of the scores based on clinical examination agreed with those based on examination of digital models (k = 0.543, p < 0.01). A moderate, positive correlation was observed between scores registered clinically and on digital models (Spearman's rho = 0.560, p < 0.001). Considering the rather low agreement between the clinical and digital scores, alternatives to using BEWE on digital models are needed.
Physical fitness is related to concentration performance in adolescents
Authors: Altermann Wolfgang , Gröpel Peter
Published: January 2024

The aim of this study was to test the relationship between physical fitness and attention in a sample of adolescents. The hypothesis was that the overall fitness as well as its single components (speed, endurance, strength, coordination, and flexibility) would be positively related to participants’ performance in a test of attention. Participants were adolescent students (N = 140) aged 15 to 18 years. Physical fitness was measured with the German Motor Test. Attention was assessed with the d2-Test of Attention. Overall, physical fitness explained 26% of the variance in the attentional test performance. Endurance, strength, coordination, and flexibility were all positively linked to participants’ attention, whereas speed was unrelated to attention. Endurance and flexibility better predicted how fast participants processed the test items, while strength and coordination better predicted the accuracy with which the participants detected the targets. Better physical fitness seems to be an advantage for adolescents’ cognitive performance.
Effect of intensity of sedimentary cover deformation on hydrocarbon accumulation in Dongying Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, China
Authors: Zhou Weiwei , Zhao Changqi , Chang He
Published: January 2024

The developmental phase of the fault deformation zone denotes the zone of weak deformation (with strong concealment) that evolves within the sedimentary cover of the basin. Recent studies have unveiled the objectively existing tectonic phenomenon of weakly deformed tectonic belts within the sedimentary basin cover, closely intertwined with oil and gas accumulation. To elucidate the deformation intensity and hydrocarbon accumulation scale within the cap cover deformation zone, a pivotal concern in oil and gas geology, this study focuses on the Dongying Sag. The structural physical simulation experiment method, incorporating variable caprock thickness and variable shear strength, is employed to scrutinize the impact of basement fault strike-slip activity on the development of faults in the sedimentary caprock of the basin and dyed oil is charged. In conjunction with sag examples, Early R shear single-channel migration-isolated aggregation, Early and mid-term R shear main channel migration-geese and beaded aggregation, P shear main channel migration-intermittent zonal aggregation, Full channel migration-continuous belt aggregation accumulation models of basement faults are established. It is emphasized that the R shear pressurized deformation section and the R and P shear intersection section in the deformation zone are favorable target areas for oil and gas exploration.
Exploring the versatility of sesquiterpene biosynthesis in guava plants: a comparative genome-wide analysis of two cultivars
Authors: Canal Drielli , dos Santos Pedro Henrique Dias , de Avelar Carpinetti Paola , Silva Matheus Alves , Fernandes Miquéias , Brustolini Otávio José Bernardes , Ferreira Adésio , da Silva Ferreira Marcia Flores
Published: January 2024

Psidium guajava L., a fruit crop belonging to the Myrtaceae family, is highly valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties. The family exhibits a diverse chemical profile of essential oils and serves as a valuable resource due to its ecological interactions, adaptability, and dispersal capacity. The Myrtaceae family has been extensively studied for its terpenoids. Genetic studies have focused on foliar terpene yield in species from the Eucalypteae and Melaleucaceae tribes. To understand the evolutionary trends in guava breeding, this study predicted terpene synthase genes (TPS) from different cultivars. Through this analysis, 43 full-length TPS genes were identified, and approximately 77% of them exhibited relative expression in at least one of the five investigated plant tissues (root, leaf, bud, flower, and fruit) of two guava cultivars. We identified intra-species variation in the terpene profile and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in twelve TPS genes, resulting in the clustering of 62 genotypes according to their essential oil chemotypes. The high concentration of sesquiterpenes is supported by the higher number of TPS-a genes and their expression. The expansion for TPS sub-families in P. guajava occurred after the expansion of other rosids species. Providing insight into the origin of structural diversification and expansion in each clade of the TPS gene family within Myrtaceae. This study can provide insights into the diversity of genes for specialized metabolites such as terpenes, and their regulation, which can lead to a diverse chemotype of essential oil in different tissues and genotypes. This suggests a mode of enzymatic evolution that could lead to high sesquiterpene production, act as a chemical defense and contribute to the adaptive capacity of this species to different habitats.
Application of fractional-order synergetic-proportional integral controller based on PSO algorithm to improve the output power of the wind turbine power system
Authors: Benbouhenni Habib , Hamza Gasmi , Oproescu Mihai , Bizon Nicu , Thounthong Phatiphat , Colak Ilhami
Published: January 2024

It is noted that the traditional direct filed-oriented control (DFOC) is widely used in the field of electric power generation from wind due to its fast response dynamic, ease of implementation and simplicity, but this strategy is characterized by the presence of large ripples at the level of both active and reactive powers. This work presents a new algorithm for DFOC strategy of an asynchronous generator (AG) in a wind power (WP) system, which is based on the use of a new nonlinear controller called fractional-order synergetic control–fractional-order proportional-integral (FOSC–FOPI) controller, where the proposed technique parameters are calculated using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) strategy. It has been observed that the DFOC–FOSC–FOPI–PSO strategy is robust and works well in case of changing generator parameters. Three tests were performed to study the behavior of the designed technique under different working conditions, where the behavior of the DFOC–FOSC–FOPI–PSO strategy was compared with the behavior of the traditional DFOC technique in terms of power ripple ratio, overshoot, steady-state error, response time, tracking reference, and current quality. The simulation of the designed technique based on the FOSC–FOPI–PSO strategy of the AG–WP system is carried out using Matlab software, where the simulation results showed that the suggested technique is better than the classical technique (with PI controller) in terms of improving response time of active power (33.33%) and reactive power (10%) in second test, reduction of the steady-state error of reactive power (96.95%) and active power (97.14) in first test, minimization of harmonic distortion of current (96.57%) in third test and significant minimization of ripples of active power (99.67%, 44.69%, and 98.95%) and reactive power (99.25%, 53.65%, and 70.50%) in the three tests. The effectiveness of the DFOC–FOSC–FOPI–PSO strategy is very high, so it can be a reliable solution for controlling various generators.
Adaptable polyaryletherketones (PAEKs) with competing crosslinking and crystallisation mechanisms
Authors: Yi Nan , Chaplin Adam , Grasmeder John , Ghita Oana
Published: January 2024

Driven by the need to make high temperature thermoplastic polymers more processable and expand the range of applications, this study reports on the properties of a novel PAEK material developed by Victrex (Thornton Cleveleys, UK) which is capable of undergoing crosslinking or crystallisation, two competing processes that can be adapted via specific processing temperature and time conditions. The uniqueness of this PAEK material resides in its manufacturing approach, where the crosslinkers are incorporated during the polymerisation process, and its distinct properties, including a controllable viscosity that can be tuned from low to high to allow its application in complex manufacturing processes, such as thermoplastic carbon fibre manufacturing.
The effects of residual energy intake on nutrient use, methane emissions and microbial composition in dairy cows
Authors: Ahvenjärvi Seppo , Bayat Ali-Reza , Toivanen Maria , Mäntysaari Päivi , Tapio Ilma
Published: January 2024

For sustainable food production selection and breeding of feed efficient animals is crucial. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether multiparous dairy cows, ranked during their first lactation based on residual energy intake (REI) as efficient (low; L-REI) or inefficient (high; H-REI), differ in terms of nutrient use efficiency, methane emissions, rumen fermentation, and gut microbiota composition. Six L-REI and 6 H-REI cows were offered two diets with either a low or high proportion of concentrates (30 vs. 50% of DM) on two consecutive periods of 21 d. Gas exchanges, milk yield, feces and urine excretions were measured in open-circuit respiratory chambers. The results indicated that L-REI cows had higher methane yields (22.6 vs. 20.4 g/kg DM intake) and derived more energy (energy balance − 36.6 vs. − 16.9 MJ/d) and protein (N balance − 6.6 vs. 18.8 g/d) from the tissues to support similar milk yields compared to H-REI cows. Nutrient intake and digestibility were not affected by REI, and there were no interactions between REI and diet. Milk yield, milk production efficiency, and milk composition were not affected by REI except for milk urea concentration that was higher for L-REI cows (14.1 vs. 10.8 mg/100 ml). The rumen and fecal microbiota community structure and function were associated with both the diet and REI, but the diet effect was more pronounced. The current study identified several physiological mechanisms underlying the differences between high and low REI cows, but further studies are needed to distinguish the quantitative role of each mechanism.
Comparative evaluation of early diabetic outcomes in southeast asian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) versus sleeve gastrectomy (LSG)
Authors: Pang Wei Soon , Loo Guo Hou , Tan Guo Jeng , Mardan Mardiana , Rajan Reynu , Kosai Nik Ritza
Published: January 2024

Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an alarming problem globally and a growing epidemic. Metabolic surgery has been shown to be successful in treating both obesity and T2DM, usually after other treatments have failed. This study aims to compare Roux-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy in determining early diabetic outcomes in obese Malaysian patients with T2DM following surgery. A total of 172 obese patients with T2DM who were assigned to either laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) were analysed up to a year post-procedure. The patients’ T2DM severity were stratified using the Individualized Metabolic Surgery (IMS) score into mild, moderate and severe. Remission rates of diabetes were compared between surgical techniques and within diabetic severity categories. T2DM remission for patients who underwent either surgical technique for mild, moderate or severe disease was 92.9%, 56.2% and 14.7% respectively. Both surgical techniques improved T2DM control for patients in the study. Comparing baseline with results 1 year postoperatively, median HbA1c reduced from 7.40% (IQR 2.60) to 5.80% (IQR 0.80) (p < 0.001), mean total antidiabetic medications use reduced from 1.48 (SD 0.99) to 0.60 (SD 0.86) [p < 0.001], insulin usage reduced from 27.9 to 10.5% (p < 0.001), and T2DM control improved from 27.9 to 82% (p < 0.001). The patients had a median excess BMI loss of 69.4% (IQR 34%) and 53.2% (IQR 36.0%) for RYGB and SG respectively (p = 0.016). At one year following surgery, there is no difference between LRYGB and LSG in terms of diabetic remission. LSG is not inferior to LRYGB in terms of early diabetic outcomes. Milder T2DM shows a better response. LSG is a simpler procedure with a lower risk profile and should be considered as an early treatment option for obese patients with T2DM.
Naked-eye detection of plant viral disease using polymerase chain reaction amplification and DNAzyme
Authors: Fang Yongwei , Wang Chuang , Wang Yuli , Hu Jiandong , Lai Miao , Liu Pengfei , Zhang Hong
Published: January 2024

A convenient and highly sensitive biosensor for the naked-eye detection of plant viral disease is proposed by using the PCR-induced generation of DNAzyme.
Fluorine-driven amorphous solid-state polycondensation: phosgene-free synthesis of high-molecular weight polycarbonate from fluorinated carbonate
Authors: Taniguchi Taihei , Shirota Naoko , Okazoe Takashi , Matsuoka Shin-ichi , Yamamoto Katsuhiro , Suzuki Masato
Published: January 2024

This study presents amorphous solid-state polymerization (SSP) with fluorinated carbonate to realize efficient and facile synthesis of bisphenol-A (BPA) polycarbonate without using highly toxic phosgene gas.
A highly fluorescent bora[6]helicene exhibiting circularly polarized light emission
Authors: Schnitzlein Matthias , Shoyama Kazutaka , Würthner Frank
Published: January 2024

Synthesis and characterization of the first configurationally stable pristine boron-doped helicene, a bora[6]helicene, is described.
Nova 1670 (CK Vulpeculae) was a merger of a red giant with a helium white dwarf
Authors: Tylenda Romuald , Kamiński Tomek , Smolec Radek
Published: January 2024

Context. Nova 1670 is a historical transient bearing strong similarities to a recently recognized type of stellar eruption known as the red nova, which is thought to be powered by stellar mergers. The remnant of the transient, CK Vul, is observable today mainly through cool circumstellar gas and dust, and recombining plasma, but we have no direct view on the stellar object.

Aims. Within the merger hypothesis, we aim to infer the most likely configuration of the progenitor system that resulted in Nova 1670.

Methods. We collected the literature data on the physical properties of the outburst and the remnant (including their energetics), and on the chemical composition of the circumstellar material (including elemental and isotopic abundances). These data, which result from optical and submillimeter observations of the circumstellar gas of CK Vul, are summarized here. We performed simple simulations to analyze the form and the level of mixing within the material associated with the merger. We identified products of nuclear burning, among which we find ashes of hydrogen burning in the CNO cycles and in the MgAl chain, as well as signs of partial helium burning.

Results. Based primarily on the luminosity and chemical composition of the remnant, we find that the progenitor primary had to be an evolutionarily advanced red giant branch star of a mass of 1–2 M⊙. The secondary was either a very similar giant, or –more likely– a helium white dwarf. While the eruption event was mainly powered by accretion, we estimate that about 12% of total energy is likely to have come from helium burning activated during the merger. The coalescence of a first-ascent giant with a helium white dwarf created a star with a rather unique internal structure and composition, which resemble those of early R-type carbon stars.

Conclusions. Nova 1670 is the result of a merger between a helium white dwarf and a first-ascent red giant and is likely now evolving to become an early R-type carbon star.