bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Minimum quality regulations and the demand for childcare labor
Authors: Ali Umair , Herbst Chris M. , Makridis Christos A.
Published: January 2024

Minimum quality regulations are often justified in the childcare market because of the presence of information frictions between parents and providers. However, regulations can also have unintended consequences for the quantity and quality of services provided. In this paper, we merge new data on states’ childcare regulations for maximum classroom group sizes and child‐to‐staff ratios with the universe of online job postings to study the impact of regulations on the demand for and characteristics of childcare labor. Our identification strategy exploits the unprecedented variation in regulatory reform during the COVID‐19 pandemic, relying on changes both within states over time and across children's age groups. We find evidence that these regulations reduce the number of childcare job postings and encourage providers to substitute away from higher‐skilled postings, thereby increasing the number of positions that are out‐of‐compliance with states’ teacher education requirements. In sum, the results imply that childcare regulations may reduce the demand for childcare labor, while simultaneously altering the composition of the workforce.
Long noncoding nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1_2 is a promising biomarker for childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Li Shipeng , Wang Xia , Zhao Xiaozhen , Deng Jianghong , Kuang Weiying , Zhang Junmei , Tan Xiaohua , Li Chao , Li Caifeng
Published: January 2024

Importance

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a diffuse connective tissue disease with complex clinical manifestations and prolonged course. The early diagnosis and condition monitoring of SLE are crucial to disease prognosis.

Objective

To assess the diagnostic value of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) in childhood‐onset SLE (cSLE).

Methods

Fifty‐seven children diagnosed with SLE, 40 children diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and 40 healthy children were included. Peripheral blood samples from each patient were collected. A quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to confirm the expression of lncNEAT1_1 and lncNEAT1_2 in peripheral blood. Associations among parameters were analyzed using the Mann‐Whitney U test or independent sample t‐test.

Results

The expression of both lncNEAT1_1 and lncNEAT1_2 in patients with cSLE were significantly higher than that of healthy control and patients with JIA. Receiver operating characteristic curves revealed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.633 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.524–0.742; P = 0.024) for lncNEAT1_1. The AUC of lncNEAT1_2 was 0.812 (95% CI, 0.727–0.897; P < 0.0001) to discriminate individuals with cSLE from health control and children with JIA with a sensitivity of 0.622 and a specificity of 0.925. Moreover, lncNEAT1_2 expression was higher in patients with cSLE presenting with fever, lupus nephritis, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, active disease activity, and decreased C3 level, compared with those without these conditions. However, no similar correlation was observed for lncNEAT1_1.

Interpretation

The expression of lncNEAT1_2 was significantly elevated in children with SLE, especially those with fever, renal involvement, and low C3 levels. These findings suggest that lncNEAT1_2 may represent a potential biomarker for cSLE.
Synaptic Behaviors Mimicked in Low‐Voltage P‐Type CuI Neuromorphic Transistors
Authors: Jiang Guanggang , Dou Wei , Gan Xiaomin , Hou Wei , Tang Dongsheng
Published: January 2024

Neurons are the basic units of the human brain that receive and process external stimuli. The synapse is a vital part of the connection between neurons. Short‐term plasticity (STP) allows synapses to perform neural signal processing and neural computation. Herein, low‐voltage (1 V) electrical‐double‐layer (EDL) p‐channel CuI neuromorphic transistors are fabricated by a simple solution method to mimic this type of synaptic function, and chitosan is used as the gate dielectric. It exhibits short‐term memory functions similar to biological synapses. Its electrical properties and STP by electrical impulses are investigated. A current on/off ratio of 2 × 104, a subthreshold swing of 82 mV dec−1, and a saturation field‐effect mobility of 0.12 cm2 V−1 s−1 are obtained in this synaptic transistor. Such low‐voltage EDL p‐type CuI thin‐film transistors gated by chitosan can be used as artificial synapses, and excitatory postsynaptic current and STP function analogous to human learning behavior are demonstrated. In these results, new ways are provided to enhance the functionality of next‐generation synaptic devices.
Robust switching control design using Lur'e Lyapunov functions
Authors: Ndoye Aboubacar , Trégouët Jean‐François
Published: January 2024

This article addresses the problem of robust output regulation for uncertain switched systems. A general result is first proposed for the case of uncertain and nonlinear systems. In order to cope with model uncertainties, the proposed approach implements the internal model principle. Local asymptotic stability of the closed‐loop system as well as zero steady state error on the controlled output are proven using Lur'e Lyapunov functions. Then, this result is specialized to the linear case. Sufficient conditions ensuring global or local stability of the closed loop system are provided. Furthermore, a constructive method based on LMI is presented. When only local stability is achieved, outcomes of this procedure are not only the controller gains, but also an estimation of the robust domain of attraction. Finally, illustrative examples are proposed, showing the efficiency of the proposed methods.
Maximizing visible Raman resolution of nanodiamond grains fabricated by coaxial arc plasma deposition through oxygen plasma etching optimization
Authors: Valappil Sreenath Mylo , Zkria Abdelrahman , Sittimart Phongsaphak , Ohmagari Shinya , Yoshitake Tsuyoshi
Published: January 2024

Among the nondestructive carbon material characterization tools, the prominence of visible Raman spectroscopy has surged remarkably for many years due to its ability to explore a diverse array of carbon bonding configurations. However, to fully unlock the distinctive features concealed within carbon composite materials, additional specimen treatments or precise spectroscope calibrations are necessary. In the same regard, the tiny diamond grain size (5–10 nm) and the pronounced amount of sp2 carbon in the ultrananocrystalline diamond film represent major challenges in visible light excitation. In this work, we employ calibrated oxygen plasma reactive ion etching conditions to manifest the nanodiamond visible Raman signature from ultrananocrystalline diamond/amorphous carbon composite (UNCD/a‐C) films fabricated by coaxial arc plasma deposition. Upon plasma etching, the broad defect band in the visible Raman spectra converged toward the diamond characteristic Raman peak at 1332 cm−1. A detailed explanation of band components of the Raman spectra is extracted through peak fitting procedures. The results of Raman spectroscopy are further correlated with the electrical characteristics of the nitrogen‐doped UNCD/a‐C films due to the optimized oxygen plasma etching processes.
Surface science insight note: A linear algebraic approach to elucidate native films on Fe3O4 surface
Authors: Bargiela Pascal , Fernandez Vincent , Morgan David , Fairley Neal , Baltrusaitis Jonas
Published: January 2024

Standard materials are often used to obtain spectra that can be compared to those from unknown samples. Spectra measured from these known substances are also used as a means of computing sensitivity factors to allow quantification by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of less well‐defined materials. Spectra from known materials also provide line shapes suitable for inclusion in spectral models which, when fitted to spectra, permit the chemical state for a sample to be assessed. Both types of information depend on isolating photoemission signals from the inelastically scattered signal. In this Insight note, technical issues associated with the use of XPS of as received Fe3O4 powder sample surface are discussed. The Insight note is designed to show how linear algebraic techniques applied to data collected from a sample marketed as pure Fe3O4 powder are used to verify that XPS has been performed on chemistry representative of the sample. The methods described in this Insight note can further be utilized in elucidating complex XPS data obtained from thin films formed or evolved during cyclic/non‐steady use of complex (electro)catalyst surfaces, especially in the presence of contaminants.
Understanding the hydrolysis mechanism of cyanogen chloride on copper and chromium surfaces
Authors: Yang Ze , Li Xin , Zhang Lingxuan , Zhao Ting , Wu Yue , Xue Yan , Jin Yanren , Zhao Tong , Cao Zhuo , Gao Wang
Published: January 2024

Cyanogen chloride (CNCl) is a highly toxic agent, but there is currently a lack of research on the catalytic hydrolysis reaction of CNCl on metal surfaces. The low efficiency and unclear mechanism of CNCl hydrolysis reaction have hampered the development and enhancement of protective equipment. In this work, we focused on investigating the adsorption behavior and hydrolysis mechanism of CNCl on copper and chromium surfaces through first‐principle methods. Our findings revealed the most stable adsorption configuration of CNCl on metal surfaces and its terminal flipping behavior during the hydrolysis process. Subsequently, we designed and studied a series of CNCl hydrolysis reaction pathways, primarily involving C‐terminal intermediates. Notably, the adsorption energy of CN* displayed strong linear scaling relationships with that of other key reaction intermediates, directly influencing the activity and selectivity of CNCl hydrolysis. By employing the adsorption energy expression based on the intrinsic properties of substrates and adsorbates, we extended them to identify the adsorption energies of various complex reaction intermediates involved in CNCl hydrolysis. This comprehensive understanding of the reaction mechanism on metal surfaces provides a theoretical foundation and innovative perspective for the further exploration of CNCl hydrolysis catalysts.
Role of Non‐Covalent Interactions on Acid Strength Measurement of Liquid Acids using Phosphine Oxide NMR Probe
Authors: Narayan Tumulu Goutam , Kotak Karan , Goyal Pavitra , Pagaria Shreya , Mahajani Sanjay M. , Mohan Ojus
Published: January 2024

The 31P NMR Chemical Shifts(δP) of Trimethylphosphine Oxide (TMPO) conjugated with ten common liquid molecular acids have been calculated employing the Density Functional Theory (DFT) based computational method. These shifts have been correlated with the intrinsic acid strength parameter, Deprotonation Energy (DPE), of the underlying acids and the complexation energy of TMPO (ΔΕ). The acids, anions, and conjugated complexes were modeled with PW91 functional and 6‐31++G(d,p) basis set. The NMR calculations were performed on the relaxed structures as single‐point calculations using the Gauge Including Atomic Orbital (GIAO) method at the MP2 level and TZVP basis set. Poor linearity was observed in the correlation of δP with respect to DPE (R2=0.867), while strong linearity was seen with the complexation energy ΔΕ (R2=0.967). We have hypothesized the unreliable modeling of anions and Non‐Covalent Interactions (NCI) to be the factors affecting the linear trend of δP with respect to DPE. To support our hypothesis, we have presented Reduced Density Gradient (RDG) Maps and 31P NMR Tensor spatial orientation data of the Acid‐TMPO conjugates.
Ultrafast and Durable Sodium‐Ion Storage of Pseudocapacitive VN@C Hybrid Nanorods from Metal–Organic Framework
Authors: Fang Yan , Li Li , Gan Yang , Gu Jiajun , Zhang Wang , Liu Jianjun , Zhang Di , Liu Qinglei
Published: January 2024

Vanadium nitride (VN) is a promising electrode material for sodium‐ion storage due to its multivalent states and high electrical conductivity. However, its electrochemical performance has not been fully explored and the storage mechanism remains to be clarified up to date. Here, the possibility of VN/carbon hybrid nanorods synthesized from a metal–organic framework for ultrafast and durable sodium‐ion storage is demonstrated. The VN/carbon electrode delivers a high specific capacity (352 mA h g−1), fast‐charging capability (within 47.5 s), and ultralong cycling stability (10 000 cycles) for sodium‐ion storage. In situ XRD characterization and density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that surface‐redox reactions at vanadium sites are the dominant sodium‐ion storage mechanism. An energy‐power balanced hybrid capacitor device is verified by assembling the VN/carbon anode and active carbon cathode, and it shows a maximum energy density of 103 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 113 W kg−1.
Amorphous Engineering of Scalable Metal‐Organic Framework‐Derived Electrocatalyst for Highly Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Li Yuwen , Wu Yuhang , Li Tongtong , Yao Yue , Cai Haotian , Gao Junkuo , Qian Guodong
Published: January 2024

The engineering of amorphous metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) offers potential opportunities for the construction of electrocatalysts for efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, highly efficient OER performance and durability in alkaline electrolyte are discovered for MOF‐derived amorphous and porous electrocatalysts, which are synthesized in a brief procedure and can be facilely produced in scalable quantities. The structural inheritance of MOF amorphous catalysts is significant for the retention of catalytic sites and the diffusion of electrolytes, and the presence of Fe sites can change the electronic structure and effectively control the adsorption behavior of important intermediates, accelerating reaction kinetics. The obtained amorphous A‐FeNi can be transformed from FeNi‐MOF effortlessly and instantly, and it only needs low overpotentials of 152 and 232 mV at 10 and 100 mA cm−2 with a Tafel slope of 17 mV dec−1 in 1 m KOH for OER. Moreover, A‐FeNi possesses high corrosion resistance and durability, therefore A‐FeNi can work continually for at least 400 h at 100 mA cm−2. This work may pave a new avenue for the design of MOFs‐related amorphous electrocatalyst.
Manganese Oxide Hydrogel for Efficient Removal of Volatile Organic Compound in the Photothermal Water Purification
Authors: Wu Jia‐Li , Xu Lei , Han Sheng‐Jie , Labiadh Lazhar , Fu Ming‐Lai , Yuan Baoling
Published: January 2024

In recent years, the photothermal evaporation technology that effectively solves the problem of fresh water shortage has attracted great interest, but the problem is that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) always enter the condensate with vapor during the evaporation process, so the combination of photothermal evaporation and photocatalysis is considered. Herein, narrow‐bandgap β‐MnO2 is selected as the material for photothermal evaporation and catalysis, and a β‐MnO2 porous hydrogel (β‐MnO2‐PH) interfacial evaporator with high evaporation efficiency and catalytic degradation of organic pollutants is designed using porous and hydrophilic hydrogels as carriers. The optimized evaporation rate can reach 3.5 kg m−2 h−1 and achieve high light absorption of 93.4% in the full spectral range. This is better than the performance of most MnO2‐based solar evaporator reported so far. In addition, β‐MnO2‐PH has the function of photocatalytic purification and effectively degrades VOCs such as phenol. By combining photothermal action of evaporator with photocatalytic performance, it provides unlimited potential application in solar desalination and industrial wastewater treatment.
Dephosphorization Kinetics of Hot Metal at Low Slag Basicity and Low Temperature under the Different Fe2O3 Addition Amounts
Authors: Zhang Runhao , Yang Jian , Xu Longyun , Wang Liang , Sun Han , Yang Wenkui , Gao Jinqiao
Published: January 2024

In this article, the influence of the Fe2O3 addition amount on the dephosphorization kinetics of hot metal at the low slag basicity (CaO/SiO2) of about 1.6 and low temperature of 1623 K is investigated with laboratorial experiments and the kinetic model. Si and P contents in the hot metal during the whole dephosphorization process, and the endpoint FeO content in the slag, show good agreements between the calculated results with the kinetic model and experimental results. The peak value of dephosphorization rate linearly increases from 8.35 × 10−5 to 4.52 × 10−4 mass% s−1 when the weight ratio of Fe2O3 is increased from 5 to 10/100 g hot metal. With the increase in Fe2O3 addition amount, the mass transfer coefficient in the hot metal phase (km) and that in the slag phase (ks) and dephosphorization rate constant (k) all increase. The value of km is found to be 4.34 times that of ks. During the dephosphorization process, the rate‐controlling step converts from the mass transfer in slag phase to the mass transfer in hot metal phase in less than 10 min. With the increase in Fe2O3 addition amount, the value of interfacial oxygen activity of increases from 0.0102 to 0.0201.
A Novel Classification Method for Carbide Grade by Using a New Shape Factor with Stress Distribution Analysis
Authors: Yao Jinxin , Cheng Congqian , Fang Yuanyuan , Liu Wei , Cao Tieshan , Wang Shouchun , Li Yanxin , Meng Xianming , Zhang Sai , Zhao Jie
Published: January 2024

The carbide gradation related to geometry size and local stress concentration sensitivity significantly impacts the performance of the carburized 16Cr3NiWMoVNbE steel. The conventional metallurgical graphic comparison method by manual comparison is not capable of grading the carbide gradation automatically. A novel method is thus introduced to automatically evaluate the carbide grade by using a new shape factor φsc with stress distribution analysis instead of using the circularity or roundness shape factor which only considers the geometry shape of carbide particles. The logarithm of the stress concentration factor ln(K) is linearly related to the logarithm of the shape factor ln(φsc). The gradient b of the fitted straight line shows sensitivity to the carbide grade. The gradients are b1 = 0.039, b3 = 0.049, and b5 = 0.055 for the three carbide classes from low to high. Furthermore, there is also a linear relationship between hardness in different grades of carbide microstructure and the gradient b.
Evaluation of the seismic performance of novel bundled connections precast shear walls under cyclic loading
Authors: Feng Jian , Yu Zihao , Liu Guang , Fan Xiao , Zhang Qian , Cai Jianguo
Published: January 2024

This study proposes a novel precast shear wall connection method for connecting upper and lower wall panels. The vertical steel bars within the lower prefabricated wall panels are bundled and extended into pre‐designed holes within the upper prefabricated shear walls. Subsequently, high‐performance grouting materials are utilized to fill these pre‐designed holes. Cyclic load tests were conducted on all full‐scale specimens to evaluate the seismic performance of the proposed novel connected precast shear walls and compared with the seismic performance of the cast‐in‐place shear wall specimens. The findings reveal that the proposed novel precast shear wall connection method performs comparably to cast‐in‐situ shear walls, exhibiting almost identical results in terms of load‐bearing capacity, stiffness, and ductility. Furthermore, investigations into the removal and retention of metal bellows within the prefabricated holes, as well as the effects of additional reinforcement on the top of these holes, demonstrated no significant improvement in seismic performance. Finally, the reliability of the connection method was verified by analyzing the strain changes of the vertical steel bars in the precast holes of the precast shear wall. This study can provide a reference for promoting new connections in prefabricated structures.
The impact of microplastics on yield and economic losses in selected agricultural food commodities
Authors: Sutanto Adi , Widodo Wahyu , Rahayu Imbang Dwi , Sustiyana Sustiyana , Nazizah Fitrotin , Iswahyudi Iswahyudi , Bakhtiar Ary
Published: January 2024

In the realm of the global economy, agriculture holds a prominent status, acting as a vital source of employment and revenue for nations. Despite its crucial role, the agricultural sector contends with recurrent annual losses attributable to market fluctuations. One noteworthy contributor to the decline in agricultural productivity is the adverse impact of microplastics (MPs). This study aims to estimate the production losses suffered by key crops—rice, wheat, maize, tomato, and peas—due to MPs, along with the resulting economic consequences arising from the direct damage inflicted by MPs. To assess production losses caused by MPs, secondary data from diverse sources were employed for five plant varieties. The economic losses resulting from MPs were calculated for the period spanning 2017–2023, with cumulative data aggregated from all states. The study's findings indicate that the presence of MPs corresponds to an annual global output decline ranging from 0.4% to 34.7%. This decline translates to a reduction of approximately 0.01 million to 66.97 million tons per year in the production of food, fiber, and biofuels. The aggregate yearly economic losses are estimated at around USD 46.5 billion. These findings carry substantial implications for governmental policy in the agricultural domain, underscoring the necessity for current statistics on global losses incurred due to MPs. Moreover, they emphasize the importance of implementing a systematic surveillance system to monitor such losses effectively.
Simplicity of AdS super Yang-Mills at one loop
Authors: Huang Zhongjie , Wang Bo , Yuan Ellis Ye , Zhou Xinan
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We perform a systematic bootstrap analysis of four-point one-loop Mellin amplitudes for super gluons in AdS5 × S3 with arbitrary Kaluza-Klein weights. The analysis produces the general expressions for these amplitudes at extremalities two and three, as well as analytic results for many other special cases. From these results we observe remarkable simplicity. We find that the Mellin amplitudes always contain only simultaneous poles in two Mellin-Mandelstam variables, extending a previous observation in the simplest case with the lowest Kaluza-Klein weights. Moreover, we discover a substantial extension of the implication of the eight-dimensional hidden conformal symmetry, which goes far beyond the Mellin poles associated with the leading logarithmic singularities. This leaves only a small finite set of poles which can be determined on a case-by-case basis from the contributions of protected operators in the OPE.
Conformal perturbation theory on K3: the quartic Gepner point
Authors: Keller Christoph A.
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The Gepner model (2)4 describes the sigma model of the Fermat quartic K3 surface. Moving through the nearby moduli space using conformal perturbation theory, we investigate how the conformal weights of its fields change at first and second order and find approximate minima. This serves as a toy model for a mechanism that could produce new chiral fields and possibly new nearby rational CFTs.
Targeted mutagenesis in mice via an engineered AsCas12f1 system
Authors: Fan Peng , Wang Hejun , Zhao Feiyu , Zhang Tao , Li Jinze , Sun Xiaodi , Yu Yongduo , Xiong Haoyang , Lai Liangxue , Sui Tingting
Published: January 2024

SpCas9 and AsCas12a are widely utilized as genome editing tools in human cells, but their applications are largely limited by their bulky size. Recently, AsCas12f1 protein, with a small size (422 amino acids), has been demonstrated to be capable of cleaving double-stranded DNA protospacer adjacent motif (PAM). However, low editing efficiency and large differences in activity against different genomic loci have been a limitation in its application. Here, we show that engineered AsCas12f1 sgRNA has significantly improved the editing efficiency in human cells and mouse embryos. Moreover, we successfully generated three stable mouse mutant disease models using the engineered CRISPR-AsCas12f1 system in this study. Collectively, our work uncovers the engineered AsCas12f1 system expands mini CRISPR toolbox, providing a remarkable promise for therapeutic applications.
Radiochemotherapy and interstitial brachytherapy for cervical cancer: clinical results and patient-reported outcome measures
Authors: Alfrink Johanna , Aigner Thomas , Zoche Hermann , Distel Luitpold , Grabenbauer Gerhard G.
Published: January 2024

Objective

To evaluate clinical results and long-term patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) on quality of life in cervical cancer patients following radiochemotherapy (RCT) and brachytherapy (BT) as definitive treatment.

Materials and methods

Between 2003 and 2023, a total of 132 patients with advanced cervical cancer were evaluated for possible treatment. Patients treated by postoperative RCT, palliative radiotherapy, and those treated for recurrent disease were excluded. Thus, 46 patients receiving standard RCT and BT as their curative treatment were included in this study. PROMs were assessed prospectively by patients’ self-completion of the EORTC-QLQ-C30 and EORTC-QLQ-CX24 questionnaires.

Results

Five-year overall survival (OS), distant metastases-free survival (DMFS), and pelvic tumor-free survival rates (PTFS) were 53%, 54%, and 83%, respectively. A significant impact on OS was seen for FIGO (International Federation of Gynecologic Oncology) stage (IIB–IIIA: 79% vs. IIIB–IVA: 33%, p = 0.015), for overall treatment time (OTT; 50–65 d: 64% vs. > 65 d: 38%, p = 0.004), and for rectal D2cc (≤ 73 Gy: 50% vs. > 73 Gy: 38%, p = 0.046). The identical parameters were significantly associated with DMFS (FIGO stage: p = 0.012, OTT: p = 0.008, D2cc: p = 0.024). No parameters with a significant influence on PTFS were seen. In multivariate analysis, an impact of FIGO stage on OS (p = 0.05) and DMFS (p = 0.014) was detected, and of rectal D2cc on DMFS (p = 0.031). The overall QoL score was 63/100. Cognitive function was the least impaired (84/100), while role functioning was the worst (67/100). On the symptom scale, insomnia (46/100), fatigue (41/100), dyspnea (32/100), pain (26/100), and financial difficulties (25/100) were scored the worst. According to EORTC-QLQ-CX24, peripheral neuropathy (36/100) and lymphedema (32/100) occurred most frequently. Impaired sexual/vaginal functioning (32/100) and body image (22/100) were also frequently recorded.

Conclusion

In patients with advanced cervical cancer, a combination of RCT and BT remains an excellent treatment option. In terms of patient-reported long-term quality of life, specific support is needed to alleviate symptoms including lymphedema, peripheral neuropathy, and impaired sexual activity.
Gopakumar–Vafa Type Invariants of Holomorphic Symplectic 4-Folds
Authors: Cao Yalong , Oberdieck Georg , Toda Yukinobu
Published: January 2024

Using reduced Gromov–Witten theory, we define new invariants which capture the enumerative geometry of curves on holomorphic symplectic 4-folds. The invariants are analogous to the BPS counts of Gopakumar and Vafa for Calabi–Yau 3-folds, Klemm and Pandharipande for Calabi–Yau 4-folds, and Pandharipande and Zinger for Calabi–Yau 5-folds. We conjecture that our invariants are integers and give a sheaf-theoretic interpretation in terms of reduced 4-dimensional Donaldson–Thomas invariants of one-dimensional stable sheaves. We check our conjectures for the product of two K3 surfaces and for the cotangent bundle of $${\mathbb {P}}^2$$

P

2

. Modulo the conjectural holomorphic anomaly equation, we compute our invariants also for the Hilbert scheme of two points on a K3 surface. This yields a conjectural formula for the number of isolated genus 2 curves of minimal degree on a very general hyperkähler 4-fold of $$K3^{[2]}$$

K

3

[
2
]

-type. The formula may be viewed as a 4-dimensional analogue of the classical Yau–Zaslow formula concerning counts of rational curves on K3 surfaces. In the course of our computations, we also derive a new closed formula for the Fujiki constants of the Chern classes of tangent bundles of both Hilbert schemes of points on K3 surfaces and generalized Kummer varieties.
Adipose-derived stem cell exosomes promote tumor characterization and immunosuppressive microenvironment in breast cancer
Authors: Zhu Qin , Cao Yukun , Yuan Jiaqi , Hu Yu
Published: January 2024

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASC) or autologous fat transplantation could be used to ameliorate breast cancer postoperative deformities. This study aims to explore the action of ASC and ASC-exosomes (ASC-exos) in breast cancer characterization and tumor microenvironment immunity, which provided a new method into the application of ASC-exos. ASC were extracted from human adipose tissue for the isolation and verification of ASC-exos. ASC-exos were co-cultured with CD4+T cells, CD14+ monocytes and MCF-7 cells, respectively. The tumor formation of nude mice was also constructed. Cell characterization was determined by CCK8, scratch assay, and Transwell. Hematoxylin–eosin (HE), immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) staining were used to observe the histopathology and protein expression. CD4+T cell and CD14+ monocytes differentiation was detected by flow cytometry. Western blot, qRT-PCR and RNAseq were used to detect the action of ASC-exos on gene and protein expression. CD4+T cells could take up ASC-exos. ASC-exos inhibited Th1 and Th17 differentiation and promoted Treg differentiation of CD4+T cells. ASC-exos inhibited M1 differentiation and promoted M2 differentiation of CD14+ monocytes. ASC-exos promoted the migration, proliferation, and invasion, while inhibited apoptosis of MCF-7 cells. ASC-exos promoted the tumor formation of breast cancer. The effect of ASC-exos on tumor microenvironment immunity was in accordance with the above in vitro results. TOX, CD4 and LYZ1 genes were upregulated, while Mettl7b and Serpinb2 genes were downregulated in ASC-exos group. Human T-cell leukemia virus 1 infection pathway was significantly enriched in ASC-exos. Thus, ASC-exos promoted breast cancer characterization and tumor microenvironment immunosuppression by regulating macrophage and T cell differentiation.
Probabilistic rainy season onset prediction over the greater horn of africa based on long-range multi-model ensemble forecasts
Authors: Scheuerer Michael , Bahaga Titike K. , Segele Zewdu T. , Thorarinsdottir Thordis L.
Published: January 2024

This works proposes a probabilistic framework for rainy season onset forecasts over Greater Horn of Africa derived from bias-corrected, long range, multi-model ensemble precipitation forecasts. A careful analysis of the contribution of the different forecast systems to the overall multi-model skill shows that the improvement over the best performing individual model can largely be explained by the increased ensemble size. An alternative way of increasing ensemble size by blending a single model ensemble with climatology is explored and demonstrated to yield better probabilistic forecasts than the multi-model ensemble. Both reliability and skill of the probabilistic forecasts are better for OND onset than for MAM and JJAS onset where forecasts are found to be late biased and have only minimal skill relative to climatology. The insights gained in this study will help enhance operational subseasonal-to-seasonal forecasting in the GHA region.
Outcomes of pediatric pilonidal disease treatment: excision with off-midline flap reconstruction versus endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment
Authors: Lee William G. , Short Celia , Zhong Allen , Vojvodic Vanya , Sundin Andrew , Spurrier Ryan G. , Wang Kasper S. , Pelayo Juan Carlos
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Pilonidal disease (PD) is marked by chronic inflammation and frequent recurrence which can decrease quality of life. However, debate remains regarding the optimal treatment for PD in the pediatric population. This study compares two recommended treatment approaches—excision with off-midline flap reconstruction (OMF: Bascom cleft lift flap, modified Limberg flap) and minimally invasive endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment (EPSiT).

Methods

Single-center retrospective evaluation of patients 1–21 years of age with PD who underwent either excision with OMF reconstruction or EPSiT between 10/1/2011 and 10/31/2021. Outcomes included were disease recurrence, reoperation, and wound complication rates. Comparisons were performed using Chi-square and Mann–Whitney U tests.

Results

18 patients underwent excision/OMF reconstruction and 45 patients underwent EPSiT. The excision/OMF reconstruction cohort was predominantly male (44.4% vs 17.8% p = 0.028), with history of prior pilonidal infection (33.3% vs 6.7%; p = 0.006), and longer median operative time (60 min vs 17 min; p < 0.001). The excision/OMF reconstruction cohort had a higher rate of wound complications (22.2% vs 0%; p = 0.001), but lower rates of disease recurrence (5.6% vs 33.3%; p = 0.022) and reoperation (5.6% vs 31.1%; p = 0.031).

Conclusion

In pediatric patients with PD, excision with OMF reconstruction may decrease recurrence and reoperation rates with increased operative times and wound complication rates, compared to EPSiT.
LAA occlusion is effective and safe in very high-risk atrial fibrillation patients with prior stroke: results from the multicentre German LAARGE registry
Authors: Ansari Uzair , Brachmann Johannes , Lewalter Thorsten , Zeymer Uwe , Sievert Horst , Ledwoch Jakob , Geist Volker , Hochadel Matthias , Schneider Steffen , Senges Jochen , Akin Ibrahim , Fastner Christian
Published: January 2024

Background

Interventional left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) mitigates the risk of thromboembolic events in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with contraindication for long-term oral anticoagulation (OAC). Patients with prior stroke have a relevantly increased risk of recurrent stroke, so the effectiveness of LAAO could be reduced in this specific very high-risk patient group.

Aim

This sub-study of the LAARGE registry investigates the effectiveness and safety of LAAO for secondary prevention in nonvalvular AF patients with a history of stroke.

Methods

LAARGE is a prospective, non-randomised registry on the clinical reality of LAAO. The current sub-study employs data from index procedure and 1-year follow-up. Effectiveness and safety were assessed by documentation of all-cause mortality, non-fatal thromboembolism, procedure-related complications, and bleeding events.

Results

A total of 638 patients were consecutively included from 38 hospitals in Germany and divided into two groups: 137 patients with a history of stroke (21.5%) and 501 patients without. Successful implantation was consistent between both groups (98.5% vs. 97.4%, p = NS), while peri-procedural MACCE and other complications were rare (0% vs. 0.6% and 4.4% vs. 4.0%, respectively; each p = NS). Kaplan–Meier estimate showed no significant difference in primary effectiveness outcome measure (freedom from all-cause death or non-fatal stroke) between both groups at follow-up (87.8% vs. 87.7%, p = NS). The incidence of transient ischemic attack or systemic embolism at follow-up was low (0% vs. 0.5% and 0.9% vs. 0%, respectively; each p = NS). Severe bleeding events after hospital discharge were rare (0% vs. 0.7%, p = NS).

Conclusions

Patients with prior stroke demonstrated similar effectiveness and safety profile for LAAO as compared to patients without prior stroke. LAAO could serve as a feasible alternative to OAC for secondary stroke prevention in this selected group of nonvalvular AF patients.

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier

NCT02230748.

Graphical Abstract
Raman developmental markers in root cell walls are associated with lodging tendency in tef
Authors: Diehn Sabrina , Kirby Noa , Ben-Zeev Shiran , Alemu Muluken Demelie , Saranga Yehoshua , Elbaum Rivka
Published: January 2024

Main conclusion

Using Raman micro-spectroscopy on tef roots, we could monitor cell wall maturation in lines with varied genetic lodging tendency. We describe the developing cell wall composition in root endodermis and cylinder tissue.

Tef [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] is an important staple crop in Ethiopia and Eritrea, producing gluten-free and protein-rich grains. However, this crop is not adapted to modern farming practices due to high lodging susceptibility, which prevents the application of mechanical harvest. Lodging describes the displacement of roots (root lodging) or fracture of culms (stem lodging), forcing plants to bend or fall from their vertical position, causing significant yield losses. In this study, we aimed to understand the microstructural properties of crown roots, underlining tef tolerance/susceptibility to lodging. We analyzed plants at 5 and 10 weeks after emergence and compared trellised to lodged plants. Root cross sections from different tef genotypes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, micro-computed tomography, and Raman micro-spectroscopy. Lodging susceptible genotypes exhibited early tissue maturation, including developed aerenchyma, intensive lignification, and lignin with high levels of crosslinks. A comparison between trellised and lodged plants suggested that lodging itself does not affect the histology of root tissue. Furthermore, cell wall composition along plant maturation was typical to each of the tested genotypes independently of trellising. Our results suggest that it is possible to select lines that exhibit slow maturation of crown roots. Such lines are predicted to show reduction in lodging and facilitate mechanical harvest.
A biostimulant yeast, Hanseniaspora opuntiae, modifies Arabidopsis thaliana root architecture and improves the plant defense response against Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Maruri-López Israel , Romero-Contreras Yordan J. , Napsucialy-Mendivil Selene , González-Pérez Enrique , Aviles-Baltazar Norma Yaniri , Chávez-Martínez Ana Isabel , Flores-Cuevas Everardo Jair , Schwan-Estrada Kátia Regina Freitas , Dubrovsky Joseph G. , Jiménez-Bremont Juan Francisco , Serrano Mario
Published: January 2024

Main conclusion

The biostimulant Hanseniaspora opuntiae regulates Arabidopsis thaliana root development and resistance to Botrytis cinerea.

Beneficial microbes can increase plant nutrient accessibility and uptake, promote abiotic stress tolerance, and enhance disease resistance, while pathogenic microorganisms cause plant disease, affecting cellular homeostasis and leading to cell death in the most critical cases. Commonly, plants use specialized pattern recognition receptors to perceive beneficial or pathogen microorganisms. Although bacteria have been the most studied plant-associated beneficial microbes, the analysis of yeasts is receiving less attention. This study assessed the role of Hanseniaspora opuntiae, a fermentative yeast isolated from cacao musts, during Arabidopsis thaliana growth, development, and defense response to fungal pathogens. We evaluated the A. thaliana–H. opuntiae interaction using direct and indirect in vitro systems. Arabidopsis growth was significantly increased seven days post-inoculation with H. opuntiae during indirect interaction. Moreover, we observed that H. opuntiae cells had a strong auxin-like effect in A. thaliana root development during in vitro interaction. We show that 3-methyl-1-butanol and ethanol are the main volatile compounds produced by H. opuntiae. Subsequently, it was determined that A. thaliana plants inoculated with H. opuntiae have a long-lasting and systemic effect against Botrytis cinerea infection, but independently of auxin, ethylene, salicylic acid, or jasmonic acid pathways. Our results demonstrate that H. opuntiae is an important biostimulant that acts by regulating plant development and pathogen resistance through different hormone-related responses.
The triad of knowledge, regular medical consultation, and recommendations for enhanced breast cancer screening intention in Morocco
Authors: Ouzennou Nadia , Aboufaras Mohamed , Nacer Nezha , Mejdouli Hicham , Chouikh Jaouad , Rkha Samia
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The low rate of breast cancer screening in Morocco is linked to delayed diagnosis and increased mortality rates. Furthermore, there is a lack of research on the association between screening intention and knowledge levels. Our objective was to assess the level of knowledge regarding breast cancer and screening, identify the determinants of this knowledge, and determine predictive factors for screening intention.

Methods

A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 1014 women in the city of Essaouira, Morocco, during the years 2018–2020. A stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors using SPSS software.

Results

We found an above-average level of knowledge (67%). These knowledge levels were associated with several personal characteristics. Moreover, these knowledge levels proved to be powerful predictive factors for the intention to undergo screening, along with regular medical consultations and recommendations to undergo screening.

Conclusion

Women had a high level of knowledge about breast cancer and its characteristics. These knowledge levels were strongly associated with the intention to undergo screening. However, despite this, the low participation rate encourages the reinforcement of research to align knowledge, intention, and screening practices.
3D bioprinting of microorganisms: principles and applications
Authors: Herzog Josha , Franke Lea , Lai Yingyao , Gomez Rossi Pablo , Sachtleben Janina , Weuster-Botz Dirk
Published: January 2024

In recent years, the ability to create intricate, live tissues and organs has been made possible thanks to three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting. Although tissue engineering has received a lot of attention, there is growing interest in the use of 3D bioprinting for microorganisms. Microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and algae, are essential to many industrial bioprocesses, such as bioremediation as well as the manufacture of chemicals, biomaterials, and pharmaceuticals. This review covers current developments in 3D bioprinting methods for microorganisms. We go over the bioink compositions designed to promote microbial viability and growth, taking into account factors like nutrient delivery, oxygen supply, and waste elimination. Additionally, we investigate the most important bioprinting techniques, including extrusion-based, inkjet, and laser-assisted approaches, as well as their suitability with various kinds of microorganisms. We also investigate the possible applications of 3D bioprinted microbes. These range from constructing synthetic microbial consortia for improved metabolic pathway combinations to designing spatially patterned microbial communities for enhanced bioremediation and bioprocessing. We also look at the potential for 3D bioprinting to advance microbial research, including the creation of defined microenvironments to observe microbial behavior. In conclusion, the 3D bioprinting of microorganisms marks a paradigm leap in microbial bioprocess engineering and has the potential to transform many application areas. The ability to design the spatial arrangement of various microorganisms in functional structures offers unprecedented possibilities and ultimately will drive innovation.
Different patterns of inter-annual variability in mean vessel area and tree-ring widths of beech from provenance trials in Slovenia and Hungary
Authors: Gričar Jožica , Arnič Domen , Krajnc Luka , Prislan Peter , Božič Gregor , Westergren Marjana , Mátyás Csaba , Kraigher Hojka
Published: January 2024

Key message

Studied beech provenances showed different patterns of inter-annual variability in mean vessel area and ring widths, indicating influence of intraspecific variability and diverse environment on hydraulic conductivity and carbon storage potential.

International provenance trials of ecologically and economically important tree species are crucial to deciphering the influence of environmental factors and intraspecific variability on tree growth and performance under climate change to guide assisted gene flow and assisted migration of tree provenances and species. In this context, we compared inter-annual trends in tree-ring widths (carbon sequestration potential) and vessel characteristics (conductivity optimisation) of four beech provenances in two international provenance trials, one in Slovenia (Kamenski hrib, a core beech growing site) and one in Hungary (Bucsuta, a marginal beech site) in 2009–2019. We found different patterns of inter-annual variability in mean vessel area and tree-ring widths among provenances and sites, pointing to diverse genetic background and environmental influence on these two wood-anatomical traits. The average values of the vessel area varied less between provenances at Kamenski hrib than at Bucsuta. Weather conditions differently affected tree-ring width and mean vessel area. Furthermore, the length of the period of response of vessel area to the analysed weather conditions differed in summer and winter periods. The differences in the mean vessel area within the tree ring were more pronounced in the weather-wise extreme years, regardless of the provenance. Consistent with previous studies, we confirmed that site conditions affect the climate sensitivity of trees, which is more pronounced at marginal sites or in extreme years. The findings on how different environmental conditions affect the radial growth of young beech trees of different origin are very important for future forest management.
BAG2-assisted analog layout synthesis for TSMC 65 nm and GPDK 45 nm
Authors: Bio Matthew , Scherr Wolfgang , Agbemenu A. S. , Sondón Santiago Martin , Hande Vinayak , Sturm Johannes
Published: January 2024

Analog circuit design automation remains an intense area of attention and has seen both new and existing tools continuing to be developed and targeting different phases of the analog design flow to reduce development time and cost. One of the promising tools is the Berkeley Analog Generator (BAG2) framework which is an open-source analog layout generator for automating and verifying circuit layouts. It promises a process-independent flow and it encourages design reuse due to using parameterized generators which can be scaled as required. This reduces the layout development time compared to manual handmade layouts. This work describes the effort and results of evaluating the BAG2 framework for the TSMC 65 nm and Cadence GPDK 45 nm processes. A case study is made with a number of circuits to discuss the problems in setting up and using BAG2 for the above technologies as well as the limitations and solutions required to utilize the framework effectively.
Variable-coefficient parabolic theory as a high-dimensional limit of elliptic theory
Authors: Davey Blair , Smit Vega Garcia Mariana
Published: January 2024

This paper continues the study initiated in Davey (Arch Ration Mech Anal 228:159–196, 2018), where a high-dimensional limiting technique was developed and used to prove certain parabolic theorems from their elliptic counterparts. In this article, we extend these ideas to the variable-coefficient setting. This generalized technique is demonstrated through new proofs of three important theorems for variable-coefficient heat operators, one of which establishes a result that is, to the best of our knowledge, also new. Specifically, we give new proofs of $$L^2 \rightarrow L^2$$

L
2

→

L
2

Carleman estimates and the monotonicity of Almgren-type frequency functions, and we prove a new monotonicity of Alt–Caffarelli–Friedman-type functions. The proofs in this article rely only on their related elliptic theorems and a limiting argument. That is, each parabolic theorem is proved by taking a high-dimensional limit of a related elliptic result.