bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multicenter study of the efficacy and safety of oral ciprofloxacin in the treatment of chronic suppurative otitis media in adults
Authors: Gehanno P. ,   The French Study Group
Published: September 2022

Chronic suppurative otitis media is a common and potentially dangerous clinical condition that is difficult to treat because the most common infecting organisms are often resistant to many antibiotics. Recently, fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin have provided a new therapeutic possibility, offering a wide range of antibacterial activity and proven concentration in the middle ear. Therefore in the current study, we assessed the efficacy and safety of oral ciprofloxacin (500 mg twice daily for 10 days) in the treatment of suppurative chronic otitis media in adults. One hundred sixty‐four patients were enrolled during a 3‐month period by 49 ear, nose, and throat physicians in general practice. The mean duration of symptoms was 158 months, with the acute exacerbation lasting 72.5 days.Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, andProteus mirabiliswere most commonly isolated. At the end of treatment, the otorrhea had disappeared in 104 of the 155 (67.1%) evaluated patients. The bacteriologic eradication rate was 64.5%. After 4 weeks of follow‐up care, 93.2% of patients had no recurrence of infection. In 4 patients, treatment was discontinued prematurely after an adverse event. We conclude that ciprofloxacin is an effective and well‐tolerated general practice treatment for suppurative chronic otitis media in adults. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1997;117:83–90.)
Ultrastructural Changes in Primary Endings of Deaf White Cats
Authors: Huchton David M. , Pongstaporn Tan , Niparko John K. , Ryugo David K.
Published: September 2022

Changes in brain structure occur as a consequence of altered experience. During maturation of the auditory nervous system, sensory deprivation is known to cause cell loss, abnormal axonal projections, and synaptic alterations. These animal data may be relevant to clinical observations that cochlear implants provide superior benefit for individuals who become deaf postlingually compared with those who become deaf prelingually. That is, implantation appears most efficacious if it occurs after functional connections are established but before deprivation‐induced changes in the central auditory system. After this period, synaptic reorganization may underlie the diminished effectiveness of cochlear implants.
Perineural Spread of Facial Squamous Cell Carcinoma to the Vestibulocochlear Nerve
Authors: Murofushi Toshihisa , Pohl David V. , Halmagyi G. Michael
Published: September 2022

Perineural spread of facial squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a well‐recognized cause of trigeminal and of facial nerve palsies.1 Vestibulocochlear nerve involvement by perineural spread has not been convincingly demonstrated. Here we report a patient with perineural spread of facial SCC not only to the trigeminal and facial nerves but also to the ipsilateral vestibulocochlear nerve. The anatomic and pathophysiologic basis of this spread is discussed.
Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy by Head and Neck Surgeons
Authors: Urban Kimberly G. , Terris David J.
Published: September 2022

The endoscopic placement of percutaneous gastrostomy tubes has been an accepted technique for several years but has traditionally been performed by gastroenterologists and general surgeons. Fluoroscopically guided tube placement is now performed by radiologists. Head and neck surgeons have been slow to adopt the responsibility for placing percutaneous gastrostomy tubes despite the fact that most are proficient in both rigid and flexible esophagoscopy and trained in the Seldinger technique. We report on 41 percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomies performed in 39 patients by the Head and Neck Service at Stanford Medical Center between July 1, 1992, and August 30, 1995. There were 28 (71.8%) male and 11 (28.2%) female patients. Eleven (28.2%) procedures were performed in patients at the time of major head and neck resections. Another seven (17.9%) patients underwent percutaneous gastrostomy tube placement at the time of their initial staging panendoscopy before receiving chemotherapy and radiation. Fifteen (38.5%) procedures were performed for severe postsurgical dysphagia. Six (15.4%) patients had neurologic dysfunction, and this procedure was often performed in conjunction with tracheostomy. There were no major complications. Two patients had to undergo intraoperative tube replacement at 7 months and 18 months for chronic infection and tube damage, respectively. The only other complication was local irritation at the surgical site, which occurred in 2 (5.1%) patients. Our experience with percutaneous gastrostomy tube placement confirms that this is a procedure that can be safely performed by head and neck surgeons and should be part of otolaryngology‐head and neck surgery training. The ability to provide comprehensive care of head and neck cancer patients as well as a means of supplemental feeding in conjunction with performing tracheostomy in neurologically impaired patients will no doubt improve the service that our specialty can provide.
Speech Recognition with the MPEAK and SPEAK Speech‐Coding Strategies of the Nucleus Cochlear Implant*
Authors: Holden Laura K. , Skinner Margaret W. , Holden Timothy A.
Published: September 2022

The Spectra 22 Speech Processor and spectral peak (SPEAK) speech‐coding strategy provide Nucleus 22 Channel Cochlear Implant (Cochlear, Corp., Englewood, Colo.) users with a better understanding of speech than the previous Mini Speech Processor and Multipeak (MPEAK) speech‐coding strategy. On the NU‐6 Monosyllabic Word Test, subjects scored 13% higher for words and 14% higher for phonemes with the SPEAK strategy than with the MPEAK strategy. On the Connected Speech Test and the CID Everyday Sentence Test, subjects scored 32% and 37% higher, respectively, with SPEAK than with MPEAK.
Ovine Fetal Laryngeal Chemoreflex Thresholds and Respiratory Effects
Authors: Chan Kenneth , Kullama Linda K. , Day Linda , Ogundipe Anthony , Ross Michael G.
Published: September 2022

In newborn infants, laryngeal contact with solutions of low chloride concentration or pH evokes swallowing, laryngeal adduction, and respiratory inhibition (laryngeal chemoreflex). To determine whether the laryngeal chemoreflex is present during fetal life and its effect on fetal respiratory activity, eight time‐bred ewes (128 ± 2 days) were prepared with fetal electrocortical diaphragm and esophageal electrodes and a nasopharyngeal catheter. After a 60‐minute control period, increasing volumes (0.1 to 1.0 ml/kg) of 0.15 mol/L NaCl or distilled water (0.05 to 1.0 ml/kg) and decreasing concentrations of NaCl (0.15 to 0.02 mol/L) at a fixed volume (0.3 ml/kg) were sequentially administered through the nasopharyngeal catheter (38° C). The minimum water volume that stimulated swallowing was significantly less than the minimum 0.15 mol/L NaCl volume (0.10 ± 0.02 vs. 0.70 ± 0.05 ml/kg). The maximum NaCl concentration that stimulated swallowing was 0.04 ± 0.01 mol/L. During the control period, respiratory activity averaged 14.6 ± 0.7 breaths/minute and did not change during absent swallow responses or isotonic saline‐induced swallows. However, respiratory activity significantly decreased during water (4.7 ± 0.6 breaths/minute) and hypotonic saline‐induced swallow responses (3.7 ± 0.7 breaths/minute). Fetal electrocortical activity did not change during absent or stimulated swallows. We conclude that laryngeal water or hypotonic saline solution may stimulate fetal swallowing and suppress fetal respiratory activity, similar to the newborn laryngeal chemoreflex. We speculate that an exaggeration of the laryngeal chemoreflex apnea response in the newborn may predispose to sudden infant death syndrome.
Clinical use of Three‐Dimensional Video Measurements of Eye Movements
Authors: Merfeld Daniel M. , Black F. Owen , Wade Steven
Published: September 2022

Noninvasive measurements of three‐dimensional eye position can be accurately achieved with video methods. A case study showing the potential clinical benefit of these enhanced measurements is presented along with some thoughts about technological advances, essential for clinical application, that are likely to occur in the next several years. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1998;118:S35‐S38)
Clinical Correlations with Allelotype in Supraglottic Squamous Cancer
Authors: Scholnick Steven B. , El‐Mofty Samir K. , Shaw Martha E. , Sunwoo John B. , Haughey Bruce H. , Sun Paul C. , Piccirillo Jay F. , Zequeira Maria R.
Published: September 2022

Frequent allelic loss at a genetically polymorphic locus in tumors is an established marker for the presence of a tumor suppressor gene in the neighboring chromosomal region. This technique can be used to identify novel tumor suppressor genes and to monitor their status before the cloning of the gene itself. We have used the polymerase chain reaction and microsatellite loci on all 39 nonacrocentric autosomal chromosomal arms to identify sites of frequent allelic loss in squamous cell carcinomas of the supraglottic larynx. Our allelotype identified seven chromosomal arms (3p, 5q, 8p, 9p, 9q, 13q, and 17p) likely to contain tumor suppressor genes frequently inactivated during squamous tumorigenesis in the larynx. We tested for associations between allelic losses on these chromosomal arms and the clinical and histopathologic features of these tumors. There were no correlations with either T or N classifications. Allelic loss on chromosomal arm 13q is significantly associated with a number of histopathologic features characteristic of poorly differentiated or histologically aggressive tumors. Allelic loss on this arm also exhibits statistical trends toward association with early tumor recurrence and poor survival. The association with survival was substantiated by a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model.
A choking(?) engine of war: Human agency in military targeting reconsidered
Authors: Danielsson Anna , Ljungkvist Kristin
Published: September 2022

This article explores the question of human agency in military targeting. Targeting is one of the key drivers of war. When studied by academic disciplines, much interest has been devoted to the ethics and effects of military targeting. Less debated, but focused here, is the question of the conditions of human agency within military targeting. In the literature that does exist on this topic, there is a questioning of the traditional conception of human agency but at the same time a lack of closer conceptualisation of different kinds of articulations of human agency in the targeting process. In this article, we propose a recentring of human agency in critical scholarship on military targeting. With inspiration from Theodore Schatzki's work on ‘practice’, by analytically approaching targeting as a practice, and through various examples from Operation Iraqi Freedom, the article develops and illustrates a framework for the conceptualisation of human agencies in targeting. This framework distinguishes articulations of agency based on whether they furthered the (temporary) ordering of the targeting practice or challenged its internal organising elements. The study of military targeting is significant not least since the phenomenon is one of the key ‘engines’ and drivers of war's constant becoming.
Reconsidering the History of Political Economy
Authors: Kumekawa Ian
Published: September 2022

Political economy, as a field of study, now generally refers to work on the interplay of state actors and the macroeconomy. As practiced by economists, political scientists, and legal scholars, political economy concerns the behavior of central bankers, the impacts of changes in the tax code, world trade negotiations. It has to do with policy. But to historians of economics, the term “political economy” is more likely to call to mind thinkers who engaged in economic reasoning a century or more ago: Adam Smith, Jean-Baptiste Say, Karl Marx. For many historians of economics, “political economy” functions as a shorthand: “economics” avant la lettre. Evoking a time before the formal disciplinization of “economics,” “political economy” suggests a more humanistic perspective, “economics” a more scientistic one. Whereas the term “economics” has been used to refer to an academic discipline, practiced by disinterested intellectuals, the term “political economy,” in both its usages, highlights the close connection between economic ideas and political action.
Massive Stars May Commit Grand Theft Planet
Authors: Cartier Kimberly
Published: September 2022

New simulations show that planets around young, massive stars may have been captured or stolen rather than homegrown.
Slantwise Convection in the Irminger Sea
Authors: Le Bras I. A.‐A. , Callies J. , Straneo F. , Biló T. C. , Holte J. , Johnson H. L.
Published: September 2022

The subpolar North Atlantic is a site of significant carbon dioxide, oxygen, and heat exchange with the atmosphere. This exchange, which regulates transient climate change and prevents large‐scale hypoxia throughout the North Atlantic, is thought to be mediated by vertical mixing in the ocean's surface mixed layer. Here we present observational evidence that waters deeper than the conventionally defined mixed layer are affected directly by atmospheric forcing in this region. When northerly winds blow along the Irminger Sea's western boundary current, the Ekman response pushes denser water over lighter water, potentially triggering slantwise convection. We estimate that this down‐front wind forcing is four times stronger than air–sea heat flux buoyancy forcing and can mix waters to several times the conventionally defined mixed layer depth. Slantwise convection is not included in most large‐scale ocean models, which likely limits their ability to accurately represent subpolar water mass transformations and deep ocean ventilation.
Regulatory chromatin rewiring promotes metabolic switching during adaptation to oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase inhibition
Authors: Ogden Samuel , Carys Kashmala , Ahmed Ibrahim , Bruce Jason , Sharrocks Andrew D.
Published: September 2022

Oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) patients show poor survival rates and there are few targeted molecular therapies available. However, components of the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) driven pathways are commonly mutated in OAC, typified by high frequency amplifications of the RTK ERBB2. ERBB2 can be therapeutically targeted, but this has limited clinical benefit due to the acquisition of drug resistance. Here we examined how OAC cells adapt to ERBB2 inhibition as they transition to a drug resistant state. ERBB2 inhibition triggers widespread remodelling of the accessible chromatin landscape and the underlying gene regulatory networks. The transcriptional regulators HNF4A and PPARGC1A play a key role in this network rewiring. Initially, inhibition of cell cycle associated gene expression programmes is observed, with compensatory increases in the programmes driving changes in metabolic activity. Both PPARGC1A and HNF4A are required for the acquisition of resistance to ERBB2 inhibition and PPARGC1A is instrumental in promoting a switch to dependency on oxidative phosphorylation. Our work therefore reveals the molecular pathways that support the acquisition of a resistant state and points to potential new therapeutic strategies to combat cellular adaptation and ensuing drug resistance.
Histocompatibility Minor 13 (HM13), targeted by miR-760, exerts oncogenic role in breast cancer by suppressing autophagy and activating PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway
Authors: Yang Haiyan , Li Zhi , Wang Zhangwei , Zhang Xu , Dai Xinyuan , Zhou Guoren , Ding Qiang
Published: September 2022

Histocompatibility Minor 13 (HM13) is reported to participate in regulating multiple cancers. In the present study, we uncovered that HM13 was highly expressed in breast cancer and correlated with worse prognosis. Downregulation of HM13 could suppress breast cancer cell proliferation and metastasis abilities. Tumorigenicity mediated by HM13 was also observed in the xenograft model. Knockdown of HM13 could activate autophagy by inducing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Moreover, further experiments demonstrated that downregulated HM13 could inhibit PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway. We then verified that HM13 was a direct target of miR-760 functioned as a tumor -suppressor in breast cancer. And the tumor suppressive effects of miR-760 could be partially reversed by HM13. Taken together, these findings elucidated that HM13, targeted by miR-760, could play an oncogenic role in breast cancer by inducing autophagic inhibition and facilitating PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway. Our findings suggested HM13 could act as a novel therapeutic target candidate for breast cancer and supported the idea that autophagy inducers might represent a new approach to treat breast cancer.
Interplays of glucose metabolism and KRAS mutation in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Yu-Huei , Hu Chun-Mei , Hsu Yuan-Sheng , Lee Wen-Hwa
Published: September 2022

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive and deadliest cancer worldwide. The primary reasons for this are the lack of early detection methods and targeted therapy. Emerging evidence highlights the metabolic addiction of cancer cells as a potential target to combat PDAC. Oncogenic mutations ofKRASare the most common triggers that drive glucose uptake and utilization via metabolic reprogramming to support PDAC growth. Conversely, high glucose levels in the pancreatic microenvironment trigger genome instability andde novomutations, includingKRASG12D, in pancreatic cells through metabolic reprogramming. Here, we review convergent and diverse metabolic networks related to oncogenicKRASmutations between PDAC initiation and progression, emphasizing the interplay among oncogenic mutations, glucose metabolic reprogramming, and the tumor microenvironment. Recognizing cancer-related glucose metabolism will provide a better strategy to prevent and treat the high risk PDAC population.
RNF4~RGMb~BMP6 axis required for osteogenic differentiation and cancer cell survival
Authors: Novak Rostislav , Ahmad Yamen Abu , Timaner Michael , Bitman-Lotan Eliya , Oknin-Vaisman Avital , Horwitz Roi , Hartmann Oliver , Reissland Michaela , Buck Viktoria , Rosenfeldt Mathias , Nikomarov David , Diefenbacher Markus Elmar , Shaked Yuval , Orian Amir
Published: September 2022

Molecular understanding of osteogenic differentiation (OD) of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) is important for regenerative medicine and has direct implications for cancer. We report that the RNF4 ubiquitin ligase is essential for OD of hBMSCs, and that RNF4-deficient hBMSCs remain as stalled progenitors. Remarkably, incubation of RNF4-deficient hBMSCs in conditioned media of differentiating hBMSCs restored OD. Transcriptional analysis of RNF4-dependent gene signatures identified two secreted factors that act downstream of RNF4 promoting OD: (1) BMP6 and (2) the BMP6 co-receptor, RGMb (Dragon). Indeed, knockdown of either RGMb or BMP6 in hBMSCs halted OD, while only the combined co-addition of purified RGMb and BMP6 proteins to RNF4-deficient hBMSCs fully restored OD. Moreover, we found that the RNF4-RGMb-BMP6 axis is essential for survival and tumorigenicity of osteosarcoma and therapy-resistant melanoma cells. Importantly, patient-derived sarcomas such as osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, liposarcomas, and leiomyosarcomas exhibit high levels of RNF4 and BMP6, which are associated with reduced patient survival. Overall, we discovered that the RNF4~BMP6~RGMb axis is required for both OD and tumorigenesis.
Pathological variants in genes associated with disorders of sex development and central causes of hypogonadism in a whole-genome reference panel of 8380 Japanese individuals
Authors: Shiga Naomi , Yamaguchi-Kabata Yumi , Igeta Saori , Yasuda Jun , Tadaka Shu , Minato Takamichi , Watanabe Zen , Kanno Junko , Tamiya Gen , Fuse Nobuo , Kinoshita Kengo , Kure Shigeo , Kondo Akiko , Tachibana Masahito , Yamamoto Masayuki , Yaegashi Nobuo , Sugawara Junichi
Published: September 2022

Disorders of sex development (DSD) comprises a congenital condition in which chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomical sex development is atypical. In this study, we screened for pathogenic variants in 32 genes associated with DSDs and central causes of hypogonadism (CHG) in a whole-genome reference panel including 8380 Japanese individuals constructed by Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization. Candidate pathogenic (P) or likely pathogenic (LP) variants were extracted from the ClinVar, InterVar, and Human Gene Mutation databases. Ninety-one candidate pathological variants were found in 25 genes; 28 novel candidate variants were identified. Nearly 1 in 40 (either ClinVar or InterVar P or LP) to 157 (both ClinVar and InterVar P or LP) individuals were found to be carriers of recessive DSD and CHG alleles. In these data, genes implicated in gonadal dysfunction did not show loss-of-function variants, with a relatively high tendency of intolerance for haploinsufficiency based on pLI and Episcore, both of which can be used for estimating haploinsufficiency. We report the types and frequencies of causative variants for DSD and CHG in the general Japanese population. This study furthers our understanding of the genetic causes and helps to refine genetic counseling of DSD and CHG.
A wind environment and Lorentz factors of tens explain gamma-ray bursts X-ray plateau
Authors: Dereli-Bégué Hüsne , Pe’er Asaf , Ryde Felix , Oates Samantha R. , Zhang Bing , Dainotti Maria G.
Published: September 2022

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are known to have the most relativistic jets, with initial Lorentz factors in the order of a few hundreds. Many GRBs display an early X-ray light-curve plateau, which was not theoretically expected and therefore puzzled the community for many years. Here, we show that this observed signal is naturally obtained within the classical GRB fireball model, provided that the initial Lorentz factor is rather a few tens, and the expansion occurs into a medium-low density wind. The range of Lorentz factors in GRB jets is thus much wider than previously thought and bridges an observational gap between mildly relativistic jets inferred in active galactic nuclei, to highly relativistic jets deduced in few extreme GRBs. Furthermore, long GRB progenitors are either not Wolf-Rayet stars, or the wind properties during the final stellar evolution phase are different than at earlier times. Our model has predictions that can be tested to verify or reject it in the future, such as lack of GeV emission, lack of strong thermal component and long (few seconds) variability during the prompt phase characterizing plateau bursts.
Genomic and biological study of fusion genes as resistance mechanisms to EGFR inhibitors
Authors: Kobayashi Yoshihisa , Oxnard Geoffrey R. , Cohen Elizabeth F. , Mahadevan Navin R. , Alessi Joao V. , Hung Yin P. , Bertram Arrien A. , Heppner David E. , Ribeiro Mauricio F. , Sacardo Karina P. , Saddi Rodrigo , Macedo Mariana P. , Blasco Rafael B. , Li Jiaqi , Kurppa Kari J. , Nguyen Tom , Voligny Emma , Ananda Guruprasad , Chiarle Roberto , Katz Artur , Tolstorukov Michael Y. , Sholl Lynette M. , Jänne Pasi A.
Published: September 2022

The clinical significance of gene fusions detected by DNA-based next generation sequencing remains unclear as resistance mechanisms to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors in EGFR mutant non-small cell lung cancer. By studying EGFR inhibitor-resistant patients treated with a combination of an EGFR inhibitor and a drug targeting the putative resistance-causing fusion oncogene, we identify patients who benefit and those who do not from this treatment approach. Through evaluation including RNA-seq of potential drug resistance-imparting fusion oncogenes in 504 patients with EGFR mutant lung cancer, we identify only a minority of them as functional, potentially capable of imparting EGFR inhibitor resistance. We further functionally validate fusion oncogenes in vitro using CRISPR-based editing of EGFR mutant cell lines and use these models to identify known and unknown drug resistance mechanisms to combination therapies. Collectively, our results partially reveal the complex nature of fusion oncogenes as potential drug resistance mechanisms and highlight approaches that can be undertaken to determine their functional significance.
Square-root higher-order Weyl semimetals
Authors: Song Lingling , Yang Huanhuan , Cao Yunshan , Yan Peng
Published: September 2022

The mathematical foundation of quantum mechanics is built on linear algebra, while the application of nonlinear operators can lead to outstanding discoveries under some circumstances, such as the prediction of positron, a direct outcome of the Dirac equation which stems from the square-root of the Klein-Gordon equation. In this article, we propose a model of square-root higher-order Weyl semimetal (SHOWS) by inheriting features from its parent Hamiltonians. It is found that the SHOWS hosts both “Fermi-arc” surface and hinge states that respectively connect the projection of the Weyl points on the side surface and arris. We theoretically construct and experimentally observe the exotic SHOWS state in three-dimensional (3D) stacked electric circuits with honeycomb-kagome hybridizations and double-helix interlayer couplings. Our results open the door for realizing the square-root topology in 3D solid-state platforms.
Field-induced orientational switching produces vertically aligned Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets
Authors: Lee Changjae , Park Soon Mo , Kim Soobin , Choi Yun-Seok , Park Geonhyeong , Kang Yun Chan , Koo Chong Min , Kim Seon Joon , Yoon Dong Ki
Published: September 2022

Controlling the orientation of two-dimensional materials is essential to optimize or tune their functional properties. In particular, aligning MXene, a two-dimensional carbide and/or nitride material, has recently received much attention due to its high conductivity and high-density surface functional group properties that can easily vary based on its arranged directions. However, erecting 2D materials vertically can be challenging, given their thinness of few nanometres. Here, vertical alignment of Ti3C2Tx MXene sheets is achieved by applying an in-plane electric field, which is directly observed using polarised optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The electric field-induced vertical alignment parallel to the applied alternating-current field is demonstrated to be reversible in the absence of a field, back to a random orientation distribution. Interdigitated electrodes with uniaxially aligned MXene nanosheets are demonstrated. These can be further modulated to achieve various patterns using diversified electrode substrates. Anisotropic electrical conductivity is also observed in the uniaxially aligned MXene nanosheet film, which is quite different from the randomly oriented ones. The proposed orientation-controlling technique demonstrates potential for many applications including sensors, membranes, polarisers, and general energy applications.
Vacancy driven surface disorder catalyzes anisotropic evaporation of ZnO (0001) polar surface
Authors: Wang Zhen , Byun Jinho , Lee Subin , Seo Jinsol , Park Bumsu , Kim Jong Chan , Jeong Hu Young , Bang Junhyeok , Lee Jaekwang , Oh Sang Ho
Published: September 2022

The evaporation and crystal growth rates of ZnO are highly anisotropic and are fastest on the Zn-terminated ZnO (0001) polar surface. Herein, we study this behavior by direct atomic-scale observations and simulations of the dynamic processes of the ZnO (0001) polar surface during evaporation. The evaporation of the (0001) polar surface is accelerated dramatically at around 300 °C with the spontaneous formation of a few nanometer-thick quasi-liquid layer. This structurally disordered and chemically Zn-deficient quasi-liquid is derived from the formation and inward diffusion of Zn vacancies that stabilize the (0001) polar surface. The quasi-liquid controls the dissociative evaporation of ZnO with establishing steady state reactions with Zn and O2 vapors and the underlying ZnO crystal; while the quasi-liquid catalyzes the disordering of ZnO lattice by injecting Zn vacancies, it facilitates the desorption of O2 molecules. This study reveals that the polarity-driven surface disorder is the key structural feature driving the fast anisotropic evaporation and crystal growth of ZnO nanostructures along the [0001] direction.
A miniaturized bionic ocean-battery mimicking the structure of marine microbial ecosystems
Authors: Zhu Huawei , Xu Liru , Luan Guodong , Zhan Tao , Kang Zepeng , Li Chunli , Lu Xuefeng , Zhang Xueli , Zhu Zhiguang , Zhang Yanping , Li Yin
Published: September 2022

Marine microbial ecosystems can be viewed as a huge ocean-battery charged by solar energy. It provides a model for fabricating bio-solar cell, a bioelectrochemical system that converts light into electricity. Here, we fabricate a bio-solar cell consisting of a four-species microbial community by mimicking the ecological structure of marine microbial ecosystems. We demonstrate such ecological structure consisting of primary producer, primary degrader, and ultimate consumers is essential for achieving high power density and stability. Furthermore, the four-species microbial community is assembled into a spatial-temporally compacted cell using conductive hydrogel as a sediment-like anaerobic matrix, forming a miniaturized bionic ocean-battery. This battery directly converts light into electricity with a maximum power of 380 μW and stably operates for over one month. Reproducing the photoelectric conversion function of marine microbial ecosystems in this bionic battery overcomes the sluggish and network-like electron transfer, showing the biotechnological potential of synthetic microbial ecology.
Oscillating light engine realized by photothermal solvent evaporation
Authors: Li Jingjing , Mou Linlin , Liu Zunfeng , Zhou Xiang , Chen Yongsheng
Published: September 2022

Continuous mechanical work output can be generated by using combustion engines and electric motors, as well as actuators, through on/off control via external stimuli. Solar energy has been used to generate electricity and heat in human daily life; however, the direct conversion of solar energy to continuous mechanical work has not been realized. In this work, a solar engine is developed using an oscillating actuator, which is realized through an alternating volume decrease of each side of a polypropylene/carbon black polymer film induced by photothermal-derived solvent evaporation. The anisotropic solvent evaporation and fast gradient diffusion in the polymer film sustains oscillating bending actuation under the illumination of divergent light. This light-driven oscillator shows excellent oscillation performance, excellent loading capability, and high energy conversion efficiency, and it can never stop with solvent supply. The oscillator can cyclically lift up a load and output work, exhibiting a maximum specific work of 30.9 × 10−5 J g−1 and a maximum specific power of 15.4 × 10−5 W g−1 under infrared light. This work can inspire the development of autonomous devices and provide a design strategy for solar engines.
DNA methylation signatures of Alzheimer’s disease neuropathology in the cortex are primarily driven by variation in non-neuronal cell-types
Authors: Shireby Gemma , Dempster Emma L. , Policicchio Stefania , Smith Rebecca G. , Pishva Ehsan , Chioza Barry , Davies Jonathan P. , Burrage Joe , Lunnon Katie , Seiler Vellame Dorothea , Love Seth , Thomas Alan , Brookes Keeley , Morgan Kevin , Francis Paul , Hannon Eilis , Mill Jonathan
Published: September 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease characterized by the progressive accumulation of amyloid-beta and neurofibrillary tangles of tau in the neocortex. We profiled DNA methylation in two regions of the cortex from 631 donors, performing an epigenome-wide association study of multiple measures of AD neuropathology. We meta-analyzed our results with those from previous studies of DNA methylation in AD cortex (totaln = 2013 donors), identifying 334 cortical differentially methylated positions (DMPs) associated with AD pathology including methylomic variation at loci not previously implicated in dementia. We subsequently profiled DNA methylation in NeuN+ (neuronal-enriched), SOX10+ (oligodendrocyte-enriched) and NeuN–/SOX10– (microglia- and astrocyte-enriched) nuclei, finding that the majority of DMPs identified in ‘bulk’ cortex tissue reflect DNA methylation differences occurring in non-neuronal cells. Our study highlights the power of utilizing multiple measures of neuropathology to identify epigenetic signatures of AD and the importance of characterizing disease-associated variation in purified cell-types.
In-depth insights into cervicovaginal microbial communities and hrHPV infections using high-resolution microbiome profiling
Authors: Molina Mariano A. , Andralojc Karolina M. , Huynen Martijn A. , Leenders William P. J. , Melchers Willem J. G.
Published: September 2022

The cervicovaginal microbiome (CVM) correlates with women’s cervical health, and variations in its composition are associated with high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infection outcomes. Cervicovaginal microbes have been grouped into five community state types (CSTs) based on microbial community composition and abundance. However, studying the impact of CSTs in health and disease is challenging because the current sequencing technologies have limited confident discrimination between closely related and yet functionally different bacterial species. Circular probe-based RNA sequencing (ciRNAseq) achieves high-resolution microbiome profiling and therefore provides in-depth and unambiguous knowledge about the composition of the CVM. Based on ciRNAseq profiling of a large cohort of cervical smears (n = 541), we here define subgroups of CSTs I, III, and IV based on intra-CST differences with respect to abundances of Lactobacillus acidophilus (CSTs I-A vs. I-B and CSTs III-A vs. III-B), Lactobacillus iners (CSTs I-A vs. I-B and CSTs III-A vs. III-B), and Megasphaera genomosp type 1 (CSTs IV-A vs. IV-B). Our results further support the existence of subgroups of CST IV-C that are dominant for non-Lactobacillus species and have intermediate microbial diversity. We also show that CST V is associated with uninfected conditions, and CST IV-A associates with hrHPV-induced cervical disease. In conclusion, we characterized new subdivisions of cervicovaginal CSTs, which may further advance our understanding of women’s cervical health and hrHPV-related progression to disease.
Predicting solid state material platforms for quantum technologies
Authors: Hebnes Oliver Lerstøl , Bathen Marianne Etzelmüller , Schøyen Øyvind Sigmundson , Winther-Larsen Sebastian G. , Vines Lasse , Hjorth-Jensen Morten
Published: September 2022

Semiconductor materials provide a compelling platform for quantum technologies (QT). However, identifying promising material hosts among the plethora of candidates is a major challenge. Therefore, we have developed a framework for the automated discovery of semiconductor platforms for QT using material informatics and machine learning methods. Different approaches were implemented to label data for training the supervised machine learning (ML) algorithms logistic regression, decision trees, random forests and gradient boosting. We find that an empirical approach relying exclusively on findings from the literature yields a clear separation between predicted suitable and unsuitable candidates. In contrast to expectations from the literature focusing on band gap and ionic character as important properties for QT compatibility, the ML methods highlight features related to symmetry and crystal structure, including bond length, orientation and radial distribution, as influential when predicting a material as suitable for QT.
Axial impairment and falls in Parkinson’s disease: 15 years of subthalamic deep brain stimulation
Authors: Zampogna Alessandro , Cavallieri Francesco , Bove Francesco , Suppa Antonio , Castrioto Anna , Meoni Sara , Pélissier Pierre , Schmitt Emmanuelle , Bichon Amélie , Lhommée Eugénie , Kistner Andrea , Chabardès Stephan , Seigneuret Eric , Fraix Valerie , Moro Elena
Published: September 2022

In this retrospective study, we longitudinally analyzed axial impairment and falls in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS). Axial scores and falling frequency were examined at baseline, and 1, 10, and 15 years after surgery. Preoperative demographic and clinical data, including PD duration and severity, phenotype, motor and cognitive scales, medications, and vascular changes on neuroimaging were examined as possible risk factors through Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses. Of 302 individuals examined before and at 1 year after surgery, 102 and 57 were available also at 10 and 15 years of follow-up, respectively. Axial scores were similar at baseline and at 1 year but worsened at 10 and 15 years. The prevalence rate of frequent fallers progressively increased from baseline to 15 years. Preoperative axial scores, frontal dysfunction and age at PD onset were risk factors for axial impairment progression after surgery. Axial scores, akinetic/rigid phenotype, age at disease onset and disease duration at surgery predicted frequent falls. Overall, axial signs progressively worsened over the long-term period following STN-DBS, likely related to the progression of PD, especially in a subgroup of subjects with specific risk factors.
A comprehensive genomic and transcriptomic dataset of triple-negative breast cancers
Authors: Chen Qingwang , Liu Yaqing , Gao Yuechen , Zhang Ruolan , Hou Wanwan , Cao Zehui , Jiang Yi-Zhou , Zheng Yuanting , Shi Leming , Ma Ding , Yang Jingcheng , Shao Zhi-Ming , Yu Ying
Published: September 2022

Molecular subtyping of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is essential for understanding the mechanisms and discovering actionable targets of this highly heterogeneous type of breast cancer. We previously performed a large single-center and multiomics study consisting of genomics, transcriptomics, and clinical information from 465 patients with primary TNBC. To facilitate reusing this unique dataset, we provided a detailed description of the dataset with special attention to data quality in this study. The multiomics data were generally of high quality, but a few sequencing data had quality issues and should be noted in subsequent data reuse. Furthermore, we reconduct data analyses with updated pipelines and the updated version of the human reference genome from hg19 to hg38. The updated profiles were in good concordance with those previously published in terms of gene quantification, variant calling, and copy number alteration. Additionally, we developed a user-friendly web-based database for convenient access and interactive exploration of the dataset. Our work will facilitate reusing the dataset, maximize the values of data and further accelerate cancer research.
Biosynthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles by Caricaceae (Papaya) shell extracts for antifungal application
Authors: Saka Abel , Shifera Yohannes , Jule Leta Tesfaye , Badassa Bayissa , Nagaprasad N , Shanmugam R , Priyanka Dwarampudi L , Seenivasan Venkatesh , Ramaswamy Krishnaraj
Published: September 2022

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) were prepared byCaricaceae(Papaya) Shell extracts. The Nanoparticles were analyzed by UV–Vis spectrums, X-ray diffractions, and energy-dispersive X-rays spectroscopy analyses with a scanning electron microscope. An antifungal study was carried out for TiO2NP in contradiction of S.sclerotiorums, R.necatrixsand Fusarium classes that verified a sophisticated inhibitions ratio for S.sclerotiorums(60.5%). Germs of pea were individually preserved with numerous concentrations of TiO2NPs. An experience of TiO2NPs (20%, 40%, 80% and 100%), as well as mechanisms that instigated momentous alterations in seed germinations, roots interval, shoot lengths, and antioxidant enzymes, were investigated. Associated with controls, the supreme seeds germinations, roots and plant growth were perceived with the treatments of TiO2NPs. Super-oxide dis-mutase and catalase activities increased because of TiO2NPs treatments. This advocates that TiO2Nanoparticles may considerably change antioxidant metabolisms in seed germinations.
Energy-efficient production of vaccine protein against porcine edema disease from transgenic lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)
Authors: Yokoyama Asuka , Oiwa Seika , Matsui Takeshi , Sawada Kazutoshi , Tasaka Yasushi , Matsumura Takeshi
Published: September 2022

The development of functional protein production systems using transgenic plants as hosts has been rapidly progressing in recent years. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) has been studied as one such host, and it has been reported that the biomass of lettuce per area and target protein expression level can be increased by optimizing the cultivation conditions. Therefore, we investigated methods to minimize the input light energy per target protein to reduce production costs. Herein, we examined the yield of a nontoxic B subunit of Stx2e (Stx2eB) from transgenic lettuce under various cultivation conditions. Stx2eB acts as a vaccine against swine edema disease. The effects of photon flux densities (PPFDs), photoperiod, and light source on Stx2eB production were examined and the findings suggested that 400 μmol m−2 s−1, 24 h, and white LED lamps, respectively, contributed to energy-efficient Stx2eB production. In addition, Stx2eB was produced 1.4 times more efficiently per unit area time using a high plant density (228.5 plants m−2) than a common density (30.4 plants m−2). The findings of the present study can facilitate the development of energy-efficient and low-cost production processes for vaccine protein production, considering temporal and spatial perspectives.
Nomogram for predicted probability of cervical cancer and its precursor lesions using miRNA in cervical mucus, HPV genotype and age
Authors: Kotani Kiriko , Iwata Aya , Kukimoto Iwao , Nishio Eiji , Mitani Takeji , Tsukamoto Tetsuya , Ichikawa Ryoko , Nomura Hiroyuki , Fujii Takuma
Published: September 2022

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide. Although cytology or HPV testing is available for screening, these techniques have their drawbacks and optimal screening methods are still being developed. Here, we sought to determine whether aberrant expression of miRNAs in cervical mucus could be an ancillary test for cervical neoplasms. The presence of miRNAs in 583 and 126 patients (validation and external cohorts) was determined by real-time RT-PCR. Performance of a combination with five miRNAs (miR-126-3p, -451a -144-3p, -20b-5p and -155-5p) was estimated by ROC curve analysis. Predicted probability (PP) was estimated by nomograms comprising -ΔCt values of the miRNAs, HPV genotype and age. A combination of five miRNAs showed a maximum AUC of 0.956 (95% CI: 0.933–0.980) for discriminating cancer. Low PP scores were associated with good prognosis over the 2-year observation period (p < 0.05). Accuracy for identifying cancer and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 3 + by nomogram was 0.983 and 0.966, respectively. PP was constant with different storage conditions of materials. We conclude that nomograms using miRNAs in mucus, HPV genotype and age could be useful as ancillary screening tests for cervical neoplasia.
Multi-scale-average-filter-assisted level set segmentation model with local region restoration achievements
Authors: Mabood Lutful , Badshah Noor , Ali Haider , Zakarya Muhammad , Ahmed Aftab , Khan Ayaz Ali , Rada Lavdie , Haleem Muhammad
Published: September 2022

Segmentation of noisy images having light in the background it is a challenging task for the existing segmentation approaches and methods. In this paper, we suggest a novel variational method for joint restoration and segmentation of noisy images which are having intensity and inhomogeneity in the existence of high contrast light in the background. The proposed model combines statistical local region information of circular regions centered at each pixel with a multi-phase segmentation technique enabling inhomogeneous image restoration. The proposed model is written in the fuzzy set framework and resolved through alternating direction minimization approach of multipliers. Through experiments, we have tested the performance of the suggested approach on diverse types of synthetic and real images in the existence of intensity and in-homogeneity; and evaluate the precision, as well as, the robustness of the suggested model. Furthermore, the outcomes are, then, compared with other state-of-the-art models including two-phase and multi-phase approaches and show that our method has superiority for images in the existence of noise and inhomogeneity. Our empirical evaluation and experiments, using real images, evaluate and assess the efficiency of the suggested model against several other closest rivals. We observed that the suggested model can precisely segment all the images having brightness, diffuse edges, high contrast light in the background, and inhomogeneity.
Implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on self-reported health status and noise annoyance in rural and non-rural Canada
Authors: Michaud David S. , Marro Leonora , Denning Allison , Shackleton Shelley , Toutant Nicolas , Cameron-Blake Emily , McNamee James P.
Published: September 2022

The Canadian Perspectives on Environmental Noise Survey (CPENS), conducted between April 12th, 2021 and May 25th, 2021 coincided with the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Canadians 18 years of age and older (n = 6647) reported the degree to which the pandemic affected their physical health, mental health, stress, annoyance toward environmental and indoor noise, and overall well-being. Depending on the outcome evaluated, between 18 and 67% of respondents reported the measure as “somewhat” or “much worse” due to the pandemic. Stress was most affected, followed by mental health, overall well-being, physical health, annoyance toward environmental noise and annoyance toward indoor noise. Logistic regression models indicated that province, geographic region (rural/remote, suburban, urban), age, gender, poor physical/mental health, heart disease, a history of high sleep disturbance (in general) or diagnosed sleep disorders, anxiety/depression, working/schooling from home, and being retired significantly impacted the odds of reporting a worsening by the pandemic to varying degrees and directions, depending on the outcome. Indigenous status was unrelated to any of the modelled outcomes. Future research could address some of the noted study limitations and provide the data to determine if the observations on the reported measures of health are temporary, or long-lasting.