bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A puzzling insensitivity of magnon spin diffusion to the presence of 180-degree domain walls
Authors: Li Ruofan , Riddiford Lauren J. , Chai Yahong , Dai Minyi , Zhong Hai , Li Bo , Li Peng , Yi Di , Zhang Yuejie , Broadway David A. , Dubois Adrien E. E. , Maletinsky Patrick , Hu Jiamian , Suzuki Yuri , Ralph Daniel C. , Nan Tianxiang
Published: April 2023

We present room-temperature measurements of magnon spin diffusion in epitaxial ferrimagnetic insulator MgAl0.5Fe1.5O4 (MAFO) thin films near zero applied magnetic field where the sample forms a multi-domain state. Due to a weak uniaxial magnetic anisotropy, the domains are separated primarily by 180° domain walls. We find, surprisingly, that the presence of the domain walls has very little effect on the spin diffusion – nonlocal spin transport signals in the multi-domain state retain at least 95% of the maximum signal strength measured for the spatially-uniform magnetic state, over distances at least five times the typical domain size. This result is in conflict with simple models of interactions between magnons and static domain walls, which predict that the spin polarization carried by the magnons reverses upon passage through a 180° domain wall.
Clinico-imaging features of subjects at risk of Lewy body disease in NaT-PROBE baseline analysis
Authors: Hattori Makoto , Hiraga Keita , Satake Yuki , Tsuboi Takashi , Tamakoshi Daigo , Sato Maki , Yokoi Katsunori , Suzuki Keisuke , Arahata Yutaka , Hori Akihiro , Kawashima Motoshi , Shimizu Hideaki , Matsuda Hiroshi , Kato Katsuhiko , Washimi Yukihiko , Katsuno Masahisa
Published: April 2023

Individuals with prodromal symptoms of Lewy body disease (LBD), such as rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD), often showed imaging defects similar to patients with Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. We examined dopamine transporter (DaT) single-photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT) and metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy in 69 high-risk subjects with ≥2 prodromal symptoms (dysautonomia, hyposmia, and probable RBD) and 32 low-risk subjects without prodromal symptoms, whom were identified through a questionnaire survey of health checkup examinees. The high-risk subjects had significantly worse scores on Stroop test, line orientation test, and the Odor Stick Identification Test for Japanese than the low-risk subjects. The prevalence of abnormalities on DaT-SPECT was higher in the high-risk group than in the low-risk group (24.6% vs. 6.3%, p = 0.030). A decreased uptake on DaT-SPECT was associated with motor impairment, and MIBG scintigraphy defects were associated with hyposmia. The simultaneous evaluation of DaT-SPECT and MIBG scintigraphy may capture a wide range of individuals with prodromal LBD.
De novo design of protein interactions with learned surface fingerprints
Authors: Gainza Pablo , Wehrle Sarah , Van Hall-Beauvais Alexandra , Marchand Anthony , Scheck Andreas , Harteveld Zander , Buckley Stephen , Ni Dongchun , Tan Shuguang , Sverrisson Freyr , Goverde Casper , Turelli Priscilla , Raclot Charlène , Teslenko Alexandra , Pacesa Martin , Rosset Stéphane , Georgeon Sandrine , Marsden Jane , Petruzzella Aaron , Liu Kefang , Xu Zepeng , Chai Yan , Han Pu , Gao George F. , Oricchio Elisa , Fierz Beat , Trono Didier , Stahlberg Henning , Bronstein Michael , Correia Bruno E.
Published: April 2023

Physical interactions between proteins are essential for most biological processes governing life1. However, the molecular determinants of such interactions have been challenging to understand, even as genomic, proteomic and structural data increase. This knowledge gap has been a major obstacle for the comprehensive understanding of cellular protein–protein interaction networks and for the de novo design of protein binders that are crucial for synthetic biology and translational applications2–9. Here we use a geometric deep-learning framework operating on protein surfaces that generates fingerprints to describe geometric and chemical features that are critical to drive protein–protein interactions10. We hypothesized that these fingerprints capture the key aspects of molecular recognition that represent a new paradigm in the computational design of novel protein interactions. As a proof of principle, we computationally designed several de novo protein binders to engage four protein targets: SARS-CoV-2 spike, PD-1, PD-L1 and CTLA-4. Several designs were experimentally optimized, whereas others were generated purely in silico, reaching nanomolar affinity with structural and mutational characterization showing highly accurate predictions. Overall, our surface-centric approach captures the physical and chemical determinants of molecular recognition, enabling an approach for the de novo design of protein interactions and, more broadly, of artificial proteins with function.
An eleven-gene risk model associated with lymph node metastasis predicts overall survival in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhao Yan , Shi Wei , Tang Qiong
Published: April 2023

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) occupies major causes of tumor death. Identifying potential prognostic risk genes is crucial to predict the overall survival of patients with LUAD. In this study, we constructed and proved an 11-gene risk signature. This prognostic signature divided LUAD patients into low- and high-risk groups. The model outperformed in prognostic accuracy at varying follow-up times (AUC for 3 years: 0.699, 5 years: 0.713, and 7 years: 0.716). Two GEO datasets also indicate the great accuracy of the risk signature (AUC = 782 and 771, respectively). Multivariate analysis identified 4 independent risk factors including stage N (HR 1.320, 95% CI 1.102–1.581, P = 0.003), stage T (HR 3.159, 95% CI 1.920–3.959, P < 0.001), tumor status (HR 5.688, 95% CI 3.883–8.334, P < 0.001), and the 11-gene risk model (HR 2.823, 95% CI 1.928–4.133, P < 0.001). The performance of the nomogram was good in the TCGA database (AUC = 0.806, 0.798, and 0.818 for 3-, 5- and 7-year survival). The subgroup analysis in different age, gender, tumor status, clinical stage, and recurrence stratifications indicated that the accuracy was high in different subgroups (all P < 0.05). Briefly, our work established an 11-gene risk model and a nomogram merging the model with clinicopathological characteristics to facilitate individual prediction of LUAD patients for clinicians.
Liquid crystal-assisted optical biosensor for early-stage diagnosis of mammary glands using HER-2
Authors: Pourasl Mehri H. , Vahedi Ali , Tajalli Habib , Khalilzadeh Balal , Bayat Farzaneh
Published: April 2023

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers and the second leading cause of cancer mortality among women around the world. The purpose of this study is to present a non-labeled liquid crystal (LC) biosensor, based on the inherent feature of nematic LCs, for the evaluation of BC using the human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) biomarker. The mechanism of this sensing is supported by surface modification with dimethyloctadecyl [3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl] ammonium chloride (DMOAP) encouraging the long alkyl chains that induce a homeotropic orientation of the LC molecules at the interface. To enhance the binding efficacy of more HER-2 antibody (Ab) on LC aligning agents, a simple ultraviolet radiation-assisted method was also used to increase functional groups on the DMOAP coated slides, thereby improving binding affinity and efficiency onto HER-2 Abs. The designed biosensor makes use of the specific binding of HER-2 protein to HER-2 Ab and disruption of the orientation of LCs. This orientation change leads to a transition of the optical appearance from dark to birefringent, enabling the detection of HER-2. This novel biosensor exhibits a linear optical response to HER-2 concentration in the wide dynamic range of 10–6–102 ng/mL, with an ultra-low detection limit of 1 fg/mL. As a proof of concept, the designed LC biosensor was successfully investigated for the quantification of HER-2 protein in patients suffering from BC. Owing to the sensitivity, selectivity, and label-free detection, this biosensor may amplify the application of LC-based biosensors for the detection of most types of cancers.
Transfer-recursive-ensemble learning for multi-day COVID-19 prediction in India using recurrent neural networks
Authors: Chakraborty Debasrita , Goswami Debayan , Ghosh Susmita , Ghosh Ashish , Chan Jonathan H. , Wang Lipo
Published: April 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has put a huge challenge on the Indian health infrastructure. With a larger number of people getting affected during the second wave, hospitals were overburdened, running out of supplies and oxygen. Hence, predicting new COVID-19 cases, new deaths, and total active cases multiple days in advance can aid better utilization of scarce medical resources and prudent pandemic-related decision-making. The proposed method uses gated recurrent unit networks as the main predicting model. A study is conducted by building four models pre-trained on COVID-19 data from four different countries (United States of America, Brazil, Spain, and Bangladesh) and fine-tuned on India’s data. Since the four countries chosen have experienced different types of infection curves, the pre-training provides a transfer learning to the models incorporating diverse situations into account. Each of the four models then gives 7-day ahead predictions using the recursive learning method for the Indian test data. The final prediction comes from an ensemble of the predictions of the different models. This method with two countries, Spain and Bangladesh, is seen to achieve the best performance amongst all the combinations as well as compared to other traditional regression models.
Clinically differential diagnosis of human granulocytic anaplasmosis and severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome
Authors: Kim Dong-Min , Yu Byung Jun , Kim Da Young , Seo Jun-Won , Yun Na-Ra , Kim Choon Mee , Kim Young Keun , Jung Sook In , Kim Uh Jin , Kim Seong Eun , Kim Hyun ah , Kim Eu Suk , Hur Jian , Lee Sun Hee , Jeong Hye Won , Heo Jung Yeon , Jung Dong Sik , Kim Jieun , Park Sun Hee , Kwak Yee Gyung , Lee Sujin , Lim Seungjin , Chatterjee Shilpa
Published: April 2023

This study analyzed HGA and SFTS in patients with suspected tick-borne infection by focusing on key differences that clinicians can easily recognize. A retrospective analysis was performed on confirmed patients with HGA or SFTS in 21 Korean hospitals from 2013 to 2020. A scoring system was developed by multivariate regression analysis and accuracy assessment of clinically easily discriminable parameters was performed. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that sex (especially male sex) (odds ratio [OR] 11.45, P = 0.012), neutropenia (< 1500) (OR 41.64, P < 0.001), prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (OR 80.133, P < 0.001), and normal C-reactive protein concentration (≤ 1.0 mg/dL; OR 166.855, P = 0.001) were significantly associated with SFTS but not with HGA. Each factor, such as meaningful variables, was given 1 point, and a receiver-operating characteristic curve with a cutoff value (> 1) in a 5-point scoring system (0–4 points) was analyzed to evaluate the accuracy of differentiation between HGA and SFTS. The system showed 94.5% sensitivity, 92.6% specificity, and an area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of 0.971 (0.949–0.9). Where HGA and SFTS are endemic, the scoring system based on these four parameters such as sex, neutrophil count, activated partial thromboplastin time, and C-reactive protein concentration will facilitate the differential diagnosis of HGA and SFTS in the emergency room in patients with suspected tick-borne infectious diseases.
Analysis of cardiac single-cell RNA-sequencing data can be improved by the use of artificial-intelligence-based tools
Authors: Nguyen Thanh , Wei Yuhua , Nakada Yuji , Chen Jake Y. , Zhou Yang , Walcott Gregory , Zhang Jianyi
Published: April 2023

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) enables researchers to identify and characterize populations and subpopulations of different cell types in hearts recovering from myocardial infarction (MI) by characterizing the transcriptomes in thousands of individual cells. However, the effectiveness of the currently available tools for processing and interpreting these immense datasets is limited. We incorporated three Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques into a toolkit for evaluating scRNAseq data: AI Autoencoding separates data from different cell types and subpopulations of cell types (cluster analysis); AI Sparse Modeling identifies genes and signaling mechanisms that are differentially activated between subpopulations (pathway/gene set enrichment analysis), and AI Semisupervised Learning tracks the transformation of cells from one subpopulation into another (trajectory analysis). Autoencoding was often used in data denoising; yet, in our pipeline, Autoencoding was exclusively used for cell embedding and clustering. The performance of our AI scRNAseq toolkit and other highly cited non-AI tools was evaluated with three scRNAseq datasets obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Autoencoder was the only tool to identify differences between the cardiomyocyte subpopulations found in mice that underwent MI or sham-MI surgery on postnatal day (P) 1. Statistically significant differences between cardiomyocytes from P1-MI mice and mice that underwent MI on P8 were identified for six cell-cycle phases and five signaling pathways when the data were analyzed via Sparse Modeling, compared to just one cell-cycle phase and one pathway when the data were analyzed with non-AI techniques. Only Semisupervised Learning detected trajectories between the predominant cardiomyocyte clusters in hearts collected on P28 from pigs that underwent apical resection (AR) on P1, and on P30 from pigs that underwent AR on P1 and MI on P28. In another dataset, the pig scRNAseq data were collected after the injection of CCND2-overexpression Human-induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived cardiomyocytes (CCND2hiPSC) into injured P28 pig heart; only the AI-based technique could demonstrate that the host cardiomyocytes increase proliferating by through the HIPPO/YAP and MAPK signaling pathways. For the cluster, pathway/gene set enrichment, and trajectory analysis of scRNAseq datasets generated from studies of myocardial regeneration in mice and pigs, our AI-based toolkit identified results that non-AI techniques did not discover. These different results were validated and were important in explaining myocardial regeneration.
Exploring the vaccine-induced immunity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in healthcare workers
Authors: Lim Yong Kwan , Kweon Oh Joo , Choi Yoojeong , Yoon Sumi , Kim Tae-Hyoung , Lee Mi-Kyung
Published: April 2023

We aimed to analyze the kinetics of T-cell-mediated and B-cell-mediated humoral immune responses against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) before and after booster vaccination, as well as the impacts of the in vitro test results the type of vaccination on the prediction of SARS-CoV-2 infection. A total of 240 healthcare workers vaccinated twice were serially tested using an interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) and a neutralizing antibody (nAb). At the end of the study, we investigated the history of SARS-CoV-2 infection of all the enrolled participants to analyze the effects of the test results and the type of vaccination on SARS-CoV-2 infection. Overall, the positive rates were 52.3% and 80.0% for IGRA and 84.6% and 100% for the nAb test before and after booster vaccination, respectively. However, the positive rates were 52.8% for IGRA and 100% for nAb 3 months after booster vaccination. The in vitro test results and the type of vaccination were not associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The antibody response caused by the SARS-CoV-2 vaccination lasted more than 6 months, although the response of the T-cells disappeared rapidly after 3 months. However, these in vitro results and the type of vaccination cannot be used for predicting the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Neonatal and developmental outcomes of very preterm twins according to the chorionicity and weight discordance
Authors: Lim Soo Yeon , Shin Seung Han , Yang Hyo Ju , Park Seul Gi , Kim Ee-Kyung , Kim Han-Suk , Jun Jong Kwan
Published: April 2023

Perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies are determined by several factors, such as gestational age (GA), chorionicity, and discordance at birth. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the association of chorionicity and discordance with neonatal and neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm twin infants from uncomplicated pregnancy. Data of very preterm twin infants who were both live-born between 2014 and 2019 on the chorionicity of the twin, diagnosis of the twin-to-twin syndrome (TTTS), weight discordance at birth, and neonatal and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 24 months of corrected age (CA) were collected. Of the 204 twin infants analyzed, 136 were dichorionic (DC) and 68 were monochorionic (MC), including 15 pairs with TTTS. After adjusting for GA, brain injury, including severe intraventricular hemorrhage and periventricular leukomalacia, was mostly found in the MC with TTTS group, with a higher incidence of cerebral palsy and motor delay at CA 24 months. After excluding TTTS, multivariable analysis showed no association between chorionicity and neonatal and developmental outcomes, whereas small infants among co-twins (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.33, 95% confidence interval 1.03–10.74) and greater discordance (%) of weight at birth (aOR 1.04, 1.00–1.07) were associated with neurodevelopmental impairment. Monochorionicity might not determine adverse outcomes among very preterm twins from uncomplicated pregnancy.
Optimism persists when walking in unpredictable environments
Authors: Bucklin Mary A. , Deol Jasjit , Brown Geoffrey , Perreault Eric J. , Gordon Keith E.
Published: April 2023

Humans continuously modulate their control strategies during walking based on their ability to anticipate disturbances. However, how people adapt and use motor plans to create stable walking in unpredictable environments is not well understood. Our purpose was to investigate how people adapt motor plans when walking in a novel and unpredictable environment. We evaluated the whole-body center of mass (COM) trajectory of participants as they performed repetitions of a discrete goal-directed walking task during which a laterally-directed force field was applied to the COM. The force field was proportional in magnitude to forward walking velocity and randomly directed towards either the right or left each trial. We hypothesized that people would adapt a control strategy to reduce the COM lateral deviations created by the unpredictable force field. In support of our hypothesis, we found that with practice the magnitude of COM lateral deviation was reduced by 28% (force field left) and 44% (force field right). Participants adapted two distinct unilateral strategies, implemented regardless of if the force field was applied to the right or to the left, that collectively created a bilateral resistance to the unpredictable force field. These strategies included an anticipatory postural adjustment to resist against forces applied to the left, and a more lateral first step to resist against forces applied to the right. In addition, during catch trials when the force field was unexpectedly removed, participants exhibited trajectories similar to baseline trials. These findings were consistent with an impedance control strategy that provides a robust resistance to unpredictable perturbations. However, we also found evidence that participants made predictive adaptations in response to their immediate experience that persisted for three trials. Due to the unpredictable nature of the force field, this predictive strategy would sometimes result in greater lateral deviations when the prediction was incorrect. The presence of these competing control strategies may have long term benefits by allowing the nervous system to identify the best overall control strategy to use in a novel environment.
Gait-phase specific transverse-plane momenta generation during pre-planned and late-cued 90 degree turns while walking
Authors: Tillman Mitchell , Molino Janine , Zaferiou Antonia M.
Published: April 2023

Turning while walking is ubiquitous and requires linear and angular momenta generation to redirect the body’s trajectory and rotate towards the new direction of travel. This study examined strategies that healthy young adults used during each gait phase to generate transverse-plane momenta during pre-planned and late-cued 90° turns. During leftward turns, we expected that momenta would be generated most during the gait phases known to generate leftward linear and angular momenta during straight line gait. We found distinct roles of gait phases towards generating momenta during turns that partially supported our hypotheses. Supporting one hypothesis, the change in transverse-plane angular momentum and average moment were greater during double support with the left foot in front vs. other gait phases. Also, the change in leftward linear momentum and average leftward force were greater during right single support vs. other gait phases during straight-line gait and late-cued turns. However, during pre-planned turns, the average leftward force was not significantly greater during right single support vs. other gait phases. Overall, transverse-plane angular momentum generation during turns is similar to its generation during straight-line gait, suggesting that healthy young adults can leverage momenta control strategies used during straight-line gait during turns.
Psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of the Herth Hope Index (HHI) in Chinese children with cancer
Authors: Liu Qi , Yuen John Wai-Man , Ho Ka-Yan , Lam Katherine-Ka-Wai , Lam Winsome , Cheng Huilin , Yang Dong Liang , Ching Shirley-Siu-Yin , Wong Frances-Kam-Yuet
Published: April 2023

Hope plays an extremely important role in protecting childhood cancer patients from psychological distress caused by cancer. The availability of a valid and reliable instrument that can accurately assess hope is crucial for the development of interventions to enhance hope among childhood cancer patients. This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Herth Hope Index (HHI). Chinese childhood cancer patients aged 8–17 years (n = 412) were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. Participants completed the Chinese translated version of the HHI, the Center for Epidemiology Studies Depression Scale for Children and the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory 3.0 Cancer Module. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted to assess the structural validity of the HHI. Content validity, convergent validity, internal consistency, and test–retest reliability at 2 weeks were also examined. The content validity index for items ranged from 0.8 to 1.0, and that for the scale was 0.9, demonstrating appropriate content validity. There was a positive correlation between HHI and Center for Epidemiology Studies Depression Scale for Children scores and a negative correlation between HHI and Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory 3.0 Cancer Module scores. The results indicated that the Chinese version of the HHI showed reasonable convergent validity and discriminant validity. Exploratory factor analysis yielded a three-factor model, which could explain 82.74% of the total variance. The confirmatory factor analysis results showed that χ2/df was 2.20, comparative fit index was 0.98, goodness of fit index was 0.94, and root-mean-square error of approximation was 0.07. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.78, indicating good internal consistency. The findings of the study showed that the Chinese version of the HHI (11-item) is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing hope among Chinese childhood cancer patients. Evidence-based interventions can be provided to enhance hope in this population.
Extensive experimental investigation on the effect of thermal treatment and lateral pressure on the shear behavior of intact mudstone
Authors: Alneasan Mahmoud , Alzo’ubi Abdel Kareem
Published: April 2023

The coupling environment of temperature (T) and lateral pressure at great depths promotes intact rocks to shear failure, posing a serious threat to underground engineering. Temperature effect on shear behaviour is of particular importance due to the possible mineralogical alterations in mineral composition, especially in clay-rich rocks such as mudstone that has a great affinity for water. Accordingly, the effect of thermal treatment on the shear behaviour of intact mudstone was investigated, in this study, using the Short Core in Compression (SSC) method. Three temperatures of RT, 250 and 500 °C, and four lateral pressures of 0.0, 0.5, 2.0, and 4.0 MPa were adopted. Numerical and experimental observations showed that the resulting fractures in SCC samples are shear and by increasing the lateral pressure, shear failure is promoted. Compared with other rock types such as granite and sandstone, shear properties in mudstone have only one positive trend with temperature increase up to 500 °C, by increasing T from RT to 500 °C, mode II fracture toughness, peak friction angle, and the cohesion increased by about 15 to 47%, 4.9%, and 47.7%, respectively. The bilinear Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion can be used to model the peak shear strength behaviour of intact mudstone before and after thermal treatment.
Anthropogenic influence on extreme temperature and precipitation in Central Asia
Authors: Fallah Bijan , Russo Emmanuele , Menz Christoph , Hoffmann Peter , Didovets Iulii , Hattermann Fred F.
Published: April 2023

We investigate the contribution of anthropogenic forcing to the extreme temperature and precipitation events in Central Asia (CA) during the last 60 years. We bias-adjust and downscale two Inter-Sectoral Impact Model Intercomparison Project (ISIMIP) ensemble outputs, with natural (labelled as hist-nat, driven only by solar and volcanic forcing) and natural plus anthropogenic forcing (labelled as hist, driven by all-forcings), to $$0.25^{\circ } \times 0.25 ^{\circ }$$

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spatial resolution. Each ensemble contains six models from ISIMIP, based on the Coupled Model Inter-comparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6). The presented downscaling methodology is necessary to create a reliable climate state for regional climate impact studies. Our analysis shows a higher risk of extreme heat events (factor 4 in signal-to-noise ratio) over large parts of CA due to anthropogenic influence. Furthermore, a higher likelihood of extreme precipitation over CA, especially over Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, can be attributed to anthropogenic forcing (over 100$$\%$$
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changes in intensity and 20$$\%$$
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in frequency). Given that these regions show a high risk of rainfall-triggered landslides and floods during historical times, we report that human-induced climate warming can contribute to extreme precipitation events over vulnerable areas of CA. Our high-resolution data set can be used in impact studies focusing on the attribution of extreme events in CA and is freely available to the scientific community.
Identification of oxidative stress-related genes differentially expressed in Alzheimer’s disease and construction of a hub gene-based diagnostic model
Authors: Zhang Yanting , Kiryu Hisanori
Published: April 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent dementia disorder globally, and there are still no effective interventions for slowing or stopping the underlying pathogenic mechanisms. There is strong evidence implicating neural oxidative stress (OS) and ensuing neuroinflammation in the progressive neurodegeneration observed in the AD brain both during and prior to symptom emergence. Thus, OS-related biomarkers may be valuable for prognosis and provide clues to therapeutic targets during the early presymptomatic phase. In the current study, we gathered brain RNA-seq data of AD patients and matched controls from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) to identify differentially expressed OS-related genes (OSRGs). These OSRGs were analyzed for cellular functions using the Gene Ontology (GO) database and used to construct a weighted gene co-expression network (WGCN) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were then constructed to identify network hub genes. A diagnostic model was established based on these hub genes using Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) and ROC analyses. Immune-related functions were examined by assessing correlations between hub gene expression and immune cell brain infiltration scores. Further, target drugs were predicted using the Drug-Gene Interaction database, while regulatory miRNAs and transcription factors were predicted using miRNet. In total, 156 candidate genes were identified among 11046 differentially expressed genes, 7098 genes in WGCN modules, and 446 OSRGs, and 5 hub genes (MAPK9, FOXO1, BCL2, ETS1, and SP1) were identified by ROC curve analyses. These hub genes were enriched in GO annotations “Alzheimer’s disease pathway,” “Parkinson’s Disease,” “Ribosome,” and “Chronic myeloid leukemia.” In addition, 78 drugs were predicted to target FOXO1, SP1, MAPK9, and BCL2, including fluorouracil, cyclophosphamide, and epirubicin. A hub gene-miRNA regulatory network with 43 miRNAs and hub gene-transcription factor (TF) network with 36 TFs were also generated. These hub genes may serve as biomarkers for AD diagnosis and provide clues to novel potential treatment targets.
Mycoplasma fermentans infection induces human necrotic neuronal cell death via IFITM3-mediated amyloid-β (1–42) deposition
Authors: Sim Kyu-Young , Byeon Yeongseon , Bae So-Eun , Yang Taewoo , Lee Cho-Rong , Park Sung-Gyoo
Published: April 2023

Mycoplasma fermentans is a proposed risk factor of several neurological diseases that has been detected in necrotic brain lesions of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients, implying brain invasiveness. However, the pathogenic roles of M. fermentans in neuronal cells have not been investigated. In this study, we found that M. fermentans can infect and replicate in human neuronal cells, inducing necrotic cell death. Necrotic neuronal cell death was accompanied by intracellular amyloid-β (1–42) deposition, and targeted depletion of amyloid precursor protein by a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) abolished necrotic neuronal cell death. Differential gene expression analysis by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) showed that interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) was dramatically upregulated by M. fermentans infection, and knockdown of IFITM3 abolished both amyloid-β (1–42) deposition and necrotic cell death. A toll-like receptor 4 antagonist inhibited M. fermentans infection-mediated IFITM3 upregulation. M. fermentans infection also induced necrotic neuronal cell death in the brain organoid. Thus, neuronal cell infection by M. fermentans directly induces necrotic cell death through IFITM3-mediated amyloid-β deposition. Our results suggest that M. fermentans is involved in neurological disease development and progression through necrotic neuronal cell death.
Metabolomics analysis of dietary restriction results in a longer lifespan due to alters of amino acid levels in larval hemolymph of Bombyx mori
Authors: Wang Meixian , Shen Yichen , Tan Zhicheng , Yasen Ayinuer , Fan Bingyan , Shen Xingjia
Published: April 2023

Dietary restriction (DR) has been a very important discovery in modern aging biology research. Its remarkable anti-aging effect has been proved in a variety of organisms, including members of Lepidoptera, but mechanisms by which DR increases longevity are not fully understood. By using the silkworm (Bombyx mori), a model of lepidopteran insect, we established a DR model, isolated hemolymph from fifth instar larvae and employed LC–MS/MS metabolomics to analyze the effect of DR on the endogenous metabolites of silkworm, and tried to clarify the mechanism of DR to prolong lifespan. We identified the potential biomarkers by analyzing the metabolites of the DR and control groups. Then, we constructed relevant metabolic pathways and networks with MetaboAnalyst. DR significantly prolonged the lifespan of silkworm. The differential metabolites between the DR and control groups were mainly organic acids (including amino acid), and amines. These metabolites are involved in metabolic pathways such as amino acid metabolism. Further analysis showed that, the levels of 17 amino acids were significantly changed in the DR group, indicating that the prolonged lifespan was mainly due to changes in amino acid metabolism. Furthermore, we identified 41 and 28 unique differential metabolites in males and females, respectively, demonstrating sex differences in biological responses to DR. The DR group showed higher antioxidant capacity and lower lipid peroxidation and inflammatory precursors, with differences between the sexes. These results provide evidence for various DR anti-aging mechanisms at the metabolic level and novel reference for the future development of DR-simulating drugs or foods.
Accuracy of hemodynamic parameters derived by GE E-PiCCO in comparison with PiCCO® in patients admitted to the intensive care unit
Authors: Putko Katarzyna , Erber Johanna , Wagner Franziska , Busch Daniel , Schuster Hannah , Schmid Roland M. , Lahmer Tobias , Rasch Sebastian
Published: April 2023

To evaluate the agreement and accuracy of a novel advanced hemodynamic monitoring (AHM) device, the GE E-PiCCO module, with the well-established PiCCO® device in intensive care patients using pulse contour analysis (PCA) and transpulmonary thermodilution (TPTD). A total of 108 measurements were performed in 15 patients with AHM. Each of the 27 measurement sequences (one to four per patient) consisted of a femoral and a jugular indicator injection via central venous catheters (CVC) and measurement using both PiCCO (PiCCO® Jug and Fem) and GE E-PiCCO (GE E-PiCCO Jug and Fem) devices. For statistical analysis, Bland–Altman plots were used to compare the estimated values derived from both devices. The cardiac index measured via PCA (CIpc) and TPTD (CItd) was the only parameter that fulfilled all a priori-defined criteria based on bias and the limits of agreement (LoA) by the Bland–Altman method as well as the percentage error by Critchley and Critchley for all three comparison pairs (GE E-PiCCO Jug vs. PiCCO® Jug, GE E-PiCCO Fem vs. PiCCO® Fem, and GE E-PiCCO Fem vs. GE E-PiCCO Jug), while the GE E-PiCCO did not accurately estimate EVLWI, SVRI, SVV, and PPV values measured via the jugular and femoral CVC compared with values assessed by PiCCO®. Consequently, measurement discrepancy should be considered on evaluation and interpretation of the hemodynamic status of patients admitted to the ICU when using the GE E-PiCCO module instead of the PiCCO® device.
A molecular dynamics study of phospholipid membrane electroporation induced by bipolar pulses with different intervals
Authors: Guo Fei , Zhou Jiong , Wang Ji , Qian Kun , Qu Hongchun
Published: April 2023

The mechanism of changes in cell electroporation (EP) during the intervals of bipolar pulses is still unclear, and few studies have investigated the effect of the intervals at the molecular level.
Preparation and application of high-brightness red carbon quantum dots for pH and oxidized l-glutathione dual response
Authors: Du Yuwei , Cao Lei , Li Xinlu , Zhu Tongtong , Yan Ruhong , Dong Wen-Fei , Li Li
Published: April 2023

A new sensing platform based on red emitting carbon dots has been developed, which has promising potential for use in targeting nucleolus and lysosomes, as well as pH sensing in vivo and zebrafish bioimaging.
PDDA induced step-pyramidal growth of nickel–platinum (Ni–Pt) nanoparticles for enhanced 4-nitrophenol reduction
Authors: Bazán-Díaz Lourdes , Pérez Ariadna , Bogireddy Naveen Kumar Reddy , Velázquez-Salazar J. Jesús , Betancourt Israel , José-Yacamán Miguel , Herrera-Becerra Raúl , Mendoza-Cruz Rubén
Published: April 2023

Herein, we report the synthesis of novel platinum-based nanoparticles with step-pyramidal growth induced by poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA), which present outstanding activity for 4-nitrophenol reduction due to their complex shape.
Defect passivation via a multifunctional organic additive toward efficient and stable inverted perovskite solar cells
Authors: Qiu Chufeng , Song Jiaxing , Wu Yan , Yin Xinxing , Hu Lin , Su Zhen , Jin Yingzhi , Wang Wentao , Wang Hao , Li Zaifang
Published: April 2023

Efficient and stable Cs/FA-based inverted PSCs were developed by introducing a multifunctional group molecule as the additive for defect passivation.
Selective synthesis of two-dimensional semiconductive coordination polymers with silver–sulfur network
Authors: Akiyoshi Ryohei , Saeki Akinori , Ogasawara Kazuyoshi , Yoshikawa Hirofumi , Nakamura Yuiga , Tanaka Daisuke
Published: April 2023

We report the selective synthesis of 2D semiconductive coordination polymers with a (–Ag–S–)nnetwork.
The shape effect and its consequences for polar surfaces and for heterogeneous catalysis
Authors: Springborg Michael , Zhou Meijuan , Kirtman Bernard
Published: April 2023

The existence of a so far unrecognized shape effect is demonstrated and examples of its consequences are presented. According to this effect, properties of macroscopic crystalline materials may change when changing the overall shape of the system.
In silicocharacterization of nanoparticles
Authors: Kirchhoff Björn , Jung Christoph , Gaissmaier Daniel , Braunwarth Laura , Fantauzzi Donato , Jacob Timo
Published: April 2023

This tutorial-review article introduces and compares various ways of analyzing simulations of nanoparticle model systems. Code examples are providedviaan online tutorial.
A one-dimensional cobalt-based coordination polymer as a cathode material of lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Shen Daozhen , Sha Yanyong , Chen Chen , Chen Xiaojuan , Jiang Qingyan , Liu Hongjiang , Liu Wenlong , Liu Qi
Published: April 2023

A 1D cobalt-based MOF [Co(4-DTBPT)(DMF)2(H2O)2](4-DTBPT)(Co-DTBPT) was synthesized. The lithium-ion battery based Co-DTBPT cathode exhibits excellent cycling stability.
Experimental and theoretical magnetostructural studies on discrete heterometallic cyanide-bridged dinuclear FeIIIMnII and tetranuclear FeIII2CuII2 complexes bearing tripodal pyrazolyl borate and tetradentate phenolate-based ligands
Authors: Kumar Akhilesh , Rajput Amit , Kaur Pawanjeet , Verma Indresh , Erande Rohan D. , Javed Saleem , Kłak Julia , Alrebei Shefa’ F. , Mota Antonio J. , Colacio Enrique , Arora Himanshu
Published: April 2023

We report a combined computational and experimental magnetostructural correlation in dinuclear FeIIIMnII and tetranuclear FeIII2CuII2 complexes.
Identification and screening of novel diterpenoids from roasted arabica coffee in the regulation of lipid content in white adipocytes
Authors: Wang Qian , Hu Guilin , Lu Qian , Hong Defu , Al-Romaima Abdulbaset , Qiu Minghua , Xiong Wenyong
Published: April 2023

Novel diterpenoids of roasted arabica coffee attenuate lipid content of white adipocytes via Akt/mTOR/GSK3β pathway.
Single-iron, cobalt, nickel, and copper-atom catalysts for the selective reduction of oxygen to H2O2
Authors: Ye Cuizhu , Zhou Yongfang , Li Hongying , Shen Yi
Published: April 2023

A series of single metal atom catalysts anchored into N-doped carbon nanosheets are evaluated for H2O2 electrosynthesisviaoxygen reduction. The Cu/NCNSs exhibits the best catalytic performance in alkaline media with nearly 100% H2O2 selectivity.
Active-site-enriched Cu-doped Ni–Fe layered double hydroxide nanosheets for boosting the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Ye Zhenyu , Wang Peijia , Zhong Wenjie , Zheng Xiaohang , Cai Wei
Published: April 2023

In this study, porous Cu-doped NiFe-LDH nanosheets were synthesized through a cation exchange method, and exhibited highly competitive OER catalytic activity and stability.
Investigation of Mn and Ca promoter effects in iron-based catalysts: CO hydrogenation reaction
Authors: Jabalameli Mahin , Zamani Yahya , Baniyaghoob Sahar , Shirazi Laleh
Published: April 2023

Cu–Fe catalysts incorporated with different amounts of Ca and Mn promoters were prepared using a wet-impregnation method and applied in the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis reaction.
A sigh-performance hydrogen gas sensor based on Ag/Pd nanoparticle-functionalized ZnO nanoplates
Authors: Nguyet To Thi , Thanh Le Dang Thi , Van Duy Nguyen , Xuan Chu Thi , Ingebrandt Sven , Vu Xuan Thang , Hoa Nguyen Duc
Published: April 2023

The Ag/Pd–ZnO nanoplates exhibit 47 folds enhancement response to hydrogen gas. This demonstrates the catalyst phenomenon of Ag/Pd nanoparticles on the hydrogen sensing performance.
Taming the parent oxoborane
Authors: Kundu Gargi , Amrutha P. R. , Raj K. Vipin , Tothadi Srinu , Vanka Kumar , Sen Sakya S.
Published: April 2023

Addition of water to a 3c–2e boron gallium hydrido compound results in capturing of the parent oxoborane moiety, B(H)O. The latter reacts with another molecule of water to give a boracarboxylic acid derivative.
Priming the future leaders for scientific and technological exploits: Zikas International School, Kaduna, Nigeria, welcomes PEAN for the Science Incubation Project
Authors: David Kenneth Bitrus , Bitrus Godwin Gajere , Umaru Elijah Sunom
Published: April 2023

The Pharmafluence Education Advancement Network (PEAN), a Nigerian youth-led organization aimed at promoting access to quality education, organized a science outreach program for high school students dubbed Science Incubation Project (SIP) 1.0. The outreach event was sponsored by the Biochemical Society, UK, and had the participation of PEAN committee members, school staff, media reporters and 136 students. The objective of the outreach event was to ignite a passion for science among the students and improve their reading culture and mentorship and encourage a healthy lifestyle. The program involved two experiments: making DNA bracelets and the Dice Roll Choices game of epigenetics, which demonstrated the impact of lifestyle choices on genetic labelling.
Pilot Cap Acoustic Transparency for Pediatric Amplification Devices
Authors: Scherer Kimberly , Christianson Erin , Wang Xing , White Ruthie , Dunnell Janet
Published: April 2023

Purpose:

Consistent hearing device use in young children with hearing loss is challenging for families. A hearing aid accessory, called a pilot cap, is often recommended to families to help mitigate the issues around device retention. Although pilot caps are commonly suggested to families, there is sparse data available about how acoustically transparent they are when used with a hearing aid. The purpose of this study was to measure the acoustic transparency when a hearing aid functions under a pilot cap accessory.

Method:

The Verifit 2 Hearing Aid Analyzer and the Speech Intelligibility Index (SII) were used to measure acoustic transparency related to access of aided speech. Measurements involved four hearing aids that are commonly fit on pediatric patients and four different commercially available pilot caps. SII data were collected at two intensity levels for four simulated sensorineural hearing losses (SNHLs). Response differences between acoustic measurements with a hearing aid plus a pilot cap compared with the hearing aid alone (control) were collected.

Results:

A total of 80 SII measurements were made. There were 16 SII measurements of the hearing aid alone (control conditions) and 64 SII measurements with combinations of the hearing aids and pilot caps selected for this study. For each hearing aid, there was no significant difference between the SII measurements collected for the hearing aid alone and the hearing aid plus a pilot cap. Additionally, there was no significant difference between the different pilot caps used with each hearing aid tested.

Conclusions:

Pilot cap use with the four types of hearing aids in this study results in no significant differences in acoustic transparency compared with the control condition. The data in this study support the use of the pilot caps for hearing device retention in children with hearing loss.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.22647217
Speech Motor Profiles in Primary Progressive Aphasia
Authors: Staiger Anja , Schroeter Matthias L. , Ziegler Wolfram , Pino Danièle , Regenbrecht Frank , Schölderle Theresa , Rieger Theresa , Riedl Lina , Müller-Sarnowski Felix , Diehl-Schmid Janine
Published: April 2023

Purpose:

Previous research on motor speech disorders (MSDs) in primary progressive aphasia (PPA) has largely focused on patients with the nonfluent/agrammatic variant of PPA (nfvPPA), with few systematic descriptions of MSDs in variants other than nfvPPA. There has also been an emphasis on studying apraxia of speech, whereas less is known about dysarthria or other forms of MSDs. This study aimed to examine the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of MSDs in a prospective sample of individuals with PPA independent of subtype.

Method:

We included 38 participants with a root diagnosis of PPA according to current consensus criteria, including one case with primary progressive apraxia of speech. Speech tasks comprised various speech modalities and levels of complexity. Expert raters used a novel protocol for auditory speech analyses covering all major dimensions of speech.

Results:

Of the participants, 47.4% presented with some form of MSD. Individual speech motor profiles varied widely with respect to the different speech dimensions. Besides apraxia of speech, we observed different dysarthria syndromes, special forms of MSDs (e.g., neurogenic stuttering), and mixed forms. Degrees of severity ranged from mild to severe. We also observed MSDs in patients whose speech and language profiles were incompatible with nfvPPA.

Conclusions:

The results confirm that MSDs are common in PPA and can manifest in different syndromes. The findings emphasize that future studies of MSDs in PPA should be extended to all clinical variants and should take into account the qualitative characteristics of motor speech dysfunction across speech dimensions.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.22555534
Focusing Our Attention on Socially Responsive Professional Education to Serve Ethnogeriatric Populations With Neurogenic Communication Disorders in the United States
Authors: Centeno José G. , Obler Loraine K. , Collins Linda , Wallace Gloriajean , Fleming Valarie B. , Guendouzi Jacqueline
Published: April 2023

Purpose:

This viewpoint discusses a plausible framework to educate future speech-language pathologists (SLPs) as socially responsive practitioners who serve and advocate for the burgeoning vulnerable ethnogeriatric populations with neurogenic communication disorders.

Method:

We provide an overview of the demographic, epidemiological, and biopsychosocial context that supports the implementation of equity-based, population-grounded educational approaches for speech-language pathology services in ethnogeriatric neurorehabilitation caseloads and discuss a plausible perspective based on the educational social determinants of health (SDOH) framework by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.

Results:

The NASEM's three-domain SDOH educational perspective integrates education, community, and organization to create a self-reinforcing pedagogical coproduction that, grounded in the synergized partnerships of educational institutions, engaged communities, and organizational leadership, aims to address systemic drivers of health perpetuating ethnoracial disparities in health, care, and outcomes.

Conclusion:

Exponentially growing vulnerable ethnogeriatric populations with age-related neurogenic communication disorders warrant the implementation of health equity education strategies to train technically prepared, socially conscious SLPs as service providers and advocates.