bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis disease course in immunosuppressed populations
Authors: Erickson Ericka L , Freeman Taylor E , Sun Shuai , Koch Brandon , Allen David Z , Sethia Rishabh , deSilva Brad , Matrka Laura
Published: October 2023

Objective

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is a benign manifestation of human papillomavirus types 6 and 11 in the respiratory tract. Disease is recurrent, and factors predicting these recurrences and severity of disease are incompletely characterised. This retrospective cohort study examined the relationship of immunosuppression with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis morbidity.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of 97 adult patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis treated at a tertiary referral centre from 2005 to 2020 was conducted. Measures assessed included inter-surgical interval, Voice Handicap Index (‘VHI-10’) and anatomical Derkay scores.

Results

Bivariate analyses comparing average inter-surgical interval, Voice Handicap Index and Derkay scores in immunosuppressed and healthy patients were insignificant. When controlling for diabetes mellitus and comparing immunosuppressed to healthy patients, inter-surgical interval and Voice Handicap Index change were insignificant (p = 0.458 and p = 0.465, respectively).

Conclusion

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis morbidity for immunosuppressed patients did not significantly differ from that of immunocompetent patients.
The Cretan way of war: status, violence and values from the Classical period to the Roman conquest
Authors: Lewis David
Published: October 2023

The tactics of Cretan citizen armies differed markedly from those utilized in most regions of the Classical and Hellenistic Greek world: instead of fighting in phalanxes, Cretans fought in open order, specializing in archery, skirmishing, ambushes and night actions. These tactics (and the cultural attitudes that went with them) were disparaged by mainland Greeks such as Polybios and explained in terms of moral deviancy: a sign of the duplicitous nature of the Cretans. This article demonstrates that these descriptions of Cretan tactics and behaviours are factual, but argues against the idea that they derive from moral deviancy. Rather, they represent the outcome of a different line of historical development than that followed in mainland Greece. Cretan tactics and attitudes stand far closer to those described by archaic poets (especially Homer, Archilochos and Kallinos); in this regard, Cretan city states displayed strong continuities with archaic social practices and values, detectable in other areas of Cretan society and culture. The stability of Cretan sociopolitical organization from the late seventh century down to the Roman conquest fostered the endurance of such practices and attitudes, leading to cultural divergence from mainland Greece and, accordingly, a generally hostile representation of Cretans in our main historiographical sources.
The coloniality of the religious terrorism thesis
Authors: Khan Rabea M.
Published: October 2023

A dominant narrative, produced and reproduced especially by terrorism scholars, holds that terrorism in its worst form is religious. The most dangerous and non-negotiable form of terrorism, in other words, is the religious kind. At the same time, there is a recurring implication, proposed by many terrorism scholars and reflected in public discourse, that terrorism, no matter its official designation, is always inherently ‘religious’ or ‘religious-like’. Both this implication and the dominant narrative about the uniquely dangerous character of ‘religious terrorism’ – which I summarise as the Religious Terrorism Thesis – builds on colonial knowledge and assumptions about ‘religion’. Religion is also, as I argue, written into the category ‘terrorism’ and enables its negative discursive power and the colonial imagination of ‘terrorism’ as racialised and a system-threat to (Western) modernity. Terrorism, therefore, can never constitute a neutral signifier of a specific kind of political violence. Instead, it functions as a negative ideograph to Western societies, which means it functions to uphold the project of Western modernity/coloniality. The Religious Terrorism Thesis, which I identify as the foundation for the dominant discourse on terrorism today, is a crucial element of coloniality and justifies many controversial and contemporary counterterrorism practices.
Using SNP addresses for Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 in routine veterinary outbreak detection
Authors: Bettridge J. M. , Snow L. C. , Tang Y. , Petrovska L. , Lawes J. , Smith R. P.
Published: October 2023

SNP addresses are a pathogen typing method based on whole-genome sequences (WGSs), assigning groups at seven different levels of genetic similarity. Public health surveillance uses it for several gastro-intestinal infections; this work trialled its use in veterinary surveillance for salmonella outbreak detection. Comparisons were made between temporal and spatio-temporal cluster detection models that either defined cases by their SNP address or by phage type, using historical data sets. Clusters of SNP incidents were effectively detected by both methods, but spatio-temporal models consistently detected these clusters earlier than the corresponding temporal models. Unlike phage type, SNP addresses appeared spatially and temporally limited, which facilitated the differentiation of novel, stable, or expanding clusters in spatio-temporal models. Furthermore, these models flagged spatio-temporal clusters containing only two to three cases at first detection, compared with a median of seven cases in phage-type models. The large number of SNP addresses will require automated methods to implement these detection models routinely. Further work is required to explore how temporal changes and different host species may impact the sensitivity and specificity of cluster detection. In conclusion, given validation with more sequencing data, SNP addresses are likely to be a valuable addition to early warning systems in veterinary surveillance.
The Constructed Desert: A Sacred Cultural Landscape at Har Tzuriaz, Negev, Israel
Authors: Schwimer Lior , Galili Roy , Porat Naomi , Bar-Oz Guy , Nadel Dani , Rosen Steven A
Published: October 2023

Past and present cultures perceive their natural landscape as an integral and vital component of their complex worlds, while particular landscape features and associated monuments built in selected locales become sacred and revered through stories, legends and rituals embedded in mundane and ceremonial events. The hyper-arid Har Tzuriaz area in the southern Negev, Israel, offers a case study of culture-geographic continuities over a chronologically cumulative archaeological sequence. The large set of well-preserved structures located adjacent to water sources, a massive escarpment and a major desert crossroads includes campsites, cult sites, rock-art sites, cairn fields and one desert kite (a large game trap). Cultural continuities and change can be traced from the sixth millennium bce through recent times, reflecting a dynamic system of meanings and interpretations of both the natural and the built landscape within one particular sacred area in the desert. These phenomena are exemplified in archaeological analyses of an open-air shrine, burial cairns, an isolated desert kite and a precise engraving of that kite dated 5000 years later, all in the general context of a dense concentration of surveyed sites.
Dilations and information flow axioms in categorical probability
Authors: Fritz Tobias , Gonda Tomáš , Houghton-Larsen Nicholas Gauguin , Lorenzin Antonio , Perrone Paolo , Stein Dario
Published: October 2023

We study the positivity and causality axioms for Markov categories as properties of dilations and information flow and also develop variations thereof for arbitrary semicartesian monoidal categories. These help us show that being a positive Markov category is merely an additional property of a symmetric monoidal category (rather than extra structure). We also characterize the positivity of representable Markov categories and prove that causality implies positivity, but not conversely. Finally, we note that positivity fails for quasi-Borel spaces and interpret this failure as a privacy property of probabilistic name generation.
Efficient rectifier circuit operating at N78 and N79 sub-6 GHz 5G bands for microwave energy-harvesting and power transfer applications
Authors: Halimi Md. Ahsan , Khan Taimoor , Kishk Ahmed A. , Antar Yahia M.M.
Published: October 2023

The microwave energy-harvesting (MEH) and microwave power transfer (MPT) technologies have become the most emerging areas of research nowadays. The microwave rectifier circuit is the bottleneck of both the MEH and MPT systems. The efficiency of the system depends on the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the rectifier. Due to the recent advancement of the fifth-generation communication system, it is desirable to propose an efficient rectifier operating at sub-6 GHz 5G bands. A dual-band rectifier circuit is designed and demonstrated for MEH/MPT purposes, specifically at sub-6 GHz 5G frequency bands. The dual-band matching is achieved by using a stepped impedance transmission line. The rectifier covers N78 (3.3–3.6 GHz) and N79 (4.8–5.0 GHz) bands. Peak PCE of 67.6% @ 3.5 GHz and 56.8% @ 4.9 GHz are achieved. For validation purpose, the rectifier is fabricated and characterized and measured results show good agreement with simulated results.
Different 2D and 3D mask constraints synthesis for large array pattern shaping
Authors: Abdulqader Ahmed Jameel
Published: October 2023

In this article, different 2D and 3D mask styles for synthesizing large array pattern shaping to meet the requirements of modern applications are realized. The composition of the different beam pattern shaping is achieved by comparing the array factor with the proposed masks whose details (upper and lower borders) are predefined according to the designer. The generated pattern shapes are as follows: unscanned 2D single-pencil beam, scanned 2D pencil beam, 2D multi-beam scanning, 2D wide flat beam with little ripple, unscanned 3D single-pencil beam, 3D multi-beam scanning, and footprint (or contour) pattern for linear and planar arrays. The process of constructing these patterns is followed by predicting the amplitude-only weights (i.e., the phase weighting is considered zero in all computations) of the elements using the particle swarm optimization algorithm. In all proposed masks, different sidelobe levels are controlled, ranging from −20 to −100 dB. Also, the radiated beamwidth is controlled, ranging from 0.1334 rad (7.6 deg.) to 0.4 rad (23 deg.). The analysis and construction of linear and planar array arrangements depend on the formulation of antenna array theory through the implementation of the proposed (estimated) equations using MATLAB code. The simulation results showed the effectiveness of the proposed methods in controlling the pattern shape according to the required modern trends.
LIFANA – toward developing a meal recommender system as a dietary support app for the elderly
Authors: Bohn Torsten , Ferrini Krizia , Stahl Christoph
Published: October 2023

Abstract: Background: Though a variety of eHealth/mHealth dietary solutions exist, many are ill-adapted to the target population and local eating habits. A specific need exists for the elderly, a growing vulnerable population with limited digital literacy. The LIFANA project aimed at developing a mobile nutrition solution, i.e. a dietary meal-recommender app for personalized meal planning useful for the elderly. Methods: In addition to considering age, gender, and physical activity, the app assured sufficient intake of calories and proteins. The solution was optimized to consider local eating culture in Portugal (PT)/The Netherlands (NL) where it was tested. Recipes (>300) were included and aligned with national food composition dietary databases (FCDBs) to analyse their nutritional values for meal planning. Individual dietary preferences, food restrictions (i.e., allergies), and budget considerations were included in the user profile. The development process involved user integration, including focus groups and usability evaluations, followed by longer field trials in Portugal (n=53 participants, age 60–81 y, 14 months) and the Netherlands (n=107, age 52–86 y, 3 months). Endpoints regarding acceptance/usage frequency, anthropometric measures and (in PT) blood pressure and body fat were collected. Results: 23/34 elderly finalized the trials in PT/NL. No significant changes in anthropometry or other assessed markers, including blood pressure, were observed. 9% (NL) and 47% (PT) of users reported that they would consider using the solution if it were on the market. Conclusions: Via an iterative adaptive process, a dietary app was developed and improved that demonstrated acceptance/user-friendliness comparable to other tools available on the market and allowed – despite the COVID crisis – for stable anthropometric markers and blood pressure. However, it was also observed that additional features, such as a link to an online shopping app, and closer personal follow-up was associated with increased usability and acceptance of the solution and thus further personalization and nudges are warranted to increase employment of such dietary apps.
Land Surface Modeling in the Himalayas: On the Importance of Evaporative Fluxes for the Water Balance of a High‐Elevation Catchment
Authors: Buri Pascal , Fatichi Simone , Shaw Thomas E. , Miles Evan S. , McCarthy Michael J. , Fyffe Catriona L. , Fugger Stefan , Ren Shaoting , Kneib Marin , Jouberton Achille , Steiner Jakob , Fujita Koji , Pellicciotti Francesca
Published: October 2023

High Mountain Asia (HMA) is among the most vulnerable water towers globally and yet future projections of water availability in and from its high‐mountain catchments remain uncertain, as their hydrologic response to ongoing environmental changes is complex. Mechanistic modeling approaches incorporating cryospheric, hydrological, and vegetation processes in high spatial, temporal, and physical detail have never been applied for high‐elevation catchments of HMA. We use a land surface model at high spatial and temporal resolution (100 m and hourly) to simulate the coupled dynamics of energy, water, and vegetation for the 350 km2 Langtang catchment (Nepal). We compare our model outputs for one hydrological year against a large set of observations to gain insight into the partitioning of the water balance at the subseasonal scale and across elevation bands. During the simulated hydrological year, we find that evapotranspiration is a key component of the total water balance, as it causes about the equivalent of 20% of all the available precipitation or 154% of the water production from glacier melt in the basin to return directly to the atmosphere. The depletion of the cryospheric water budget is dominated by snow melt, but at high elevations is primarily dictated by snow and ice sublimation. Snow sublimation is the dominant vapor flux (49%) at the catchment scale, accounting for the equivalent of 11% of snowfall, 17% of snowmelt, and 75% of ice melt, respectively. We conclude that simulations should consider sublimation and other evaporative fluxes explicitly, as otherwise water balance estimates can be ill‐quantified.
Impact of Legislated and Best Available Emission Control Measures on UK Particulate Matter Pollution, Premature Mortality, and Nitrogen‐Sensitive Habitats
Authors: Marais Eloise A. , Kelly Jamie M. , Vohra Karn , Li Yifan , Lu Gongda , Hina Naila , Rowe Ed C.
Published: October 2023

Past emission controls in the UK have substantially reduced precursor emissions of health‐hazardous fine particles (PM2.5) and nitrogen pollution detrimental to ecosystems. Still, 79% of the UK exceeds the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline for annual mean PM2.5 of 5 μg m−3 and there is no enforcement of controls on agricultural sources of ammonia (NH3). NH3 is a phytotoxin and an increasingly large contributor to PM2.5 and nitrogen deposited to sensitive habitats. Here we use emissions projections, the GEOS‐Chem model, high‐resolution data sets, and contemporary exposure‐risk relationships to assess potential human and ecosystem health co‐benefits in 2030 relative to the present day of adopting legislated or best available emission control measures. We estimate that present‐day annual adult premature mortality attributable to exposure to PM2.5 is 48,625 (95% confidence interval: 45,188–52,595), that harmful amounts of reactive nitrogen deposit to almost all (95%) sensitive habitat areas, and that 75% of ambient NH3 exceeds levels safe for bryophytes and lichens. Legal measures decrease the extent of the UK above the WHO guideline to 58% and avoid 6,800 premature deaths by 2030. This improves with best available measures to 36% of the UK and 13,300 avoided deaths. Both legal and best available measures are insufficient at reducing the extent of damage of nitrogen pollution to sensitive habitats. Far more ambitious reductions in nitrogen emissions (>80%) than is achievable with best available measures (34%) are required to halve the amount of excess nitrogen deposited to sensitive habitats.
Pressurizing Magma Within Heterogeneous Crust: A Case Study at the Socorro Magma Body, New Mexico, USA
Authors: Block Grant A. , Roy Mousumi , Graves Emily , Grapenthin Ronni
Published: October 2023

Surface deformation plays a key role in illuminating magma transport at active volcanoes, however, unambiguous separation of deep and shallow transport remains elusive. The Socorro Magma Body (SMB) lacks an upper crustal magma transport system, allowing us to link geodetic measurements with predictions of numerical models investigating rheologic heterogeneities and magma‐mush interaction in the mid‐/lower crust. New InSAR observations confirm that a pattern of central surface uplift surrounded by a region of subsidence (previously coined “sombrero” deformation) has persisted over >100 years at the SMB. Our models suggest this pattern may reflect the presence of a large (>100 km width), weaker‐than‐ambient, compliant region (CR) surrounding the mid‐crustal magma body. Interactions between a pressurizing (e.g., due to melt injection and/or volatile exsolution) sill‐like magma body and CR drive the sombrero pattern, depending on both viscoelastic relaxation and pressurization timescales, explaining its rare observation and transient nature.
High prevalence but lack of awareness of hypertension in South Africa, particularly among men and young adults
Authors: Woodiwiss Angela J. , Orchard Ane , Mels Catharina M. C. , Uys Aletta S. , Nkeh-Chungag Benedicta N. , Kolkenbeck-Ruh Andrea , Ware Lisa J. , Yates Samantha , Jones Erika S. W. , Peterson Vernice R. , Poulter Neil R.
Published: October 2023

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death in South Africa (SA) and high blood pressure (BP) is the primary risk factor. However, hypertension prevalence is high, BP control is poor and CV events occur at a younger age than in Europe or America. Increasing screening, raising awareness and improving management of hypertension are critical to prevent CVD in SA. May Measurement Month (MMM) is a global initiative of the International Society of Hypertension aimed at raising awareness of high BP. As part of the MMM campaign, in SA (2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021), BP measurements and a cross-sectional survey of volunteers aged ≥ 18years were performed. Of 11,320 individuals (age 36.6 ± 16.8years) screened, 29.7% had hypertension (systolic BP/diastolic BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg or antihypertensive medication use) and the prevalence was higher (p < 0.0001) in men (35.6%) than in women (26.3%). Of those with hypertension, only 54.3% were aware and 46.8% were receiving antihypertensive medication, and 53.7% of these had controlled BP. In men with hypertension, awareness (45.2%, treatment (38.2%) and controlled BP on antihypertensive medication (45.2%) were lower (p < 0.0001) than in women (awareness: 60.8%; treatment: 53.5%; controlled BP: 58.3%). In young participants (age < 40years), 15.6% had hypertension, 18.6% of these were on treatment but 76.0% were not aware, and only 57.7% had controlled BP. The high prevalence of hypertension, but low levels of awareness, treatment, and BP control in SA, especially in young adults and men, highlight the need for systematic BP screening programmes and improvements in education and management of hypertension.
Neuron-secreted NLGN3 ameliorates ischemic brain injury via activating Gαi1/3-Akt signaling
Authors: Chen Zhi-guo , Shi Xin , Zhang Xian-xian , Yang Fang-Fang , Li Ke-ran , Fang Qi , Cao Cong , Chen Xiong-hui , Peng Ya
Published: October 2023

We here tested the potential activity and the underlying mechanisms of neuroligin-3 (NLGN3) against ischemia-reperfusion-induced neuronal cell injury. In SH-SY5Y neuronal cells and primary murine cortical neurons, NLGN3 activated Akt-mTOR and Erk signalings, and inhibited oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD)/re-oxygenation (OGD/R)-induced cytotoxicity. Akt activation was required for NLGN3-induced neuroprotection. Gαi1/3 mediated NLGN3-induced downstream signaling activation. NLGN3-induced Akt-S6K1 activation was largely inhibited by Gαi1/3 silencing or knockout. Significantly, NLGN3-induced neuroprotection against OGD/R was almost abolished by Gαi1/3 silencing or knockout. In vivo, the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) procedure induced NLGN3 cleavage and secretion, and increased its expression and Akt activation in mouse brain tissues. ADAM10 (A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase 10) inhibition blocked MCAO-induced NLGN3 cleavage and secretion, exacerbating ischemic brain injury in mice. Neuronal silencing of NLGN3 or Gαi1/3 in mice also inhibited Akt activation and intensified MCAO-induced ischemic brain injury. Conversely, neuronal overexpression of NLGN3 increased Akt activation and alleviated MCAO-induced ischemic brain injury. Together, NLGN3 activates Gαi1/3-Akt signaling to protect neuronal cells from ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Lamin A upregulation reorganizes the genome during rod photoreceptor degeneration
Authors: Herrera Ivana , Fernandes José Alex Lourenço , Shir-Mohammadi Khatereh , Levesque Jasmine , Mattar Pierre
Published: October 2023

Neurodegenerative diseases are accompanied by dynamic changes in gene expression, including the upregulation of hallmark stress-responsive genes. While the transcriptional pathways that impart adaptive and maladaptive gene expression signatures have been the focus of intense study, the role of higher order nuclear organization in this process is less clear. Here, we examine the role of the nuclear lamina in genome organization during the degeneration of rod photoreceptors. Two proteins had previously been shown to be necessary and sufficient to tether heterochromatin at the nuclear envelope. The lamin B receptor (Lbr) is expressed during development, but downregulates upon rod differentiation. A second tether is the intermediate filament lamin A (LA), which is not normally expressed in murine rods. Here, we show that in therd1model of retinitis pigmentosa, LA ectopically upregulates in rod photoreceptors at the onset of degeneration. LA upregulation correlated with increased heterochromatin tethering at the nuclear periphery inrd1rods, suggesting that LA reorganizes the nucleus. To determine how heterochromatin tethering affects the genome, we used in vivo electroporation to misexpress LA or Lbr in mature rods in the absence of degeneration, resulting in the restoration of conventional nuclear architecture. Using scRNA-seq, we show that reorganizing the nucleus via LA/Lbr misexpression has relatively minor effects on rod gene expression. Next, using ATAC-seq, we show that LA and Lbr both lead to marked increases in genome accessibility. Novel ATAC-seq peaks tended to be associated with stress-responsive genes. Together, our data reveal that heterochromatin tethers have a global effect on genome accessibility, and suggest that heterochromatin tethering primes the photoreceptor genome to respond to stress.
Microwave excitation of atomic scale superconducting bound states
Authors: Siebrecht Janis , Huang Haonan , Kot Piotr , Drost Robert , Padurariu Ciprian , Kubala Björn , Ankerhold Joachim , Cuevas Juan Carlos , Ast Christian R.
Published: October 2023

Magnetic impurities on superconductors lead to bound states within the superconducting gap, so called Yu-Shiba-Rusinov (YSR) states. They are parity protected, which enhances their lifetime, but makes it more difficult to excite them. Here, we realize the excitation of YSR states by microwaves facilitated by the tunnel coupling to another superconducting electrode in a scanning tunneling microscope (STM). We identify the excitation process through a family of anomalous microwave-assisted tunneling peaks originating from a second-order resonant Andreev process, in which the microwave excites the YSR state triggering a tunneling event transferring a total of two charges. We vary the amplitude and the frequency of the microwave to identify the energy threshold and the evolution of this excitation process. Our work sets an experimental basis and proof-of-principle for the manipulation of YSR states using microwaves with an outlook towards YSR qubits.
A microfluidic transistor for automatic control of liquids
Authors: Gopinathan Kaustav A. , Mishra Avanish , Mutlu Baris R. , Edd Jon F. , Toner Mehmet
Published: October 2023

Microfluidics have enabled notable advances in molecular biology1,2, synthetic chemistry3,4, diagnostics5,6 and tissue engineering7. However, there has long been a critical need in the field to manipulate fluids and suspended matter with the precision, modularity and scalability of electronic circuits8–10. Just as the electronic transistor enabled unprecedented advances in the automatic control of electricity on an electronic chip, a microfluidic analogue to the transistor could enable improvements in the automatic control of reagents, droplets and single cells on a microfluidic chip. Previous works on creating a microfluidic analogue to the electronic transistor11–13 did not replicate the transistor’s saturation behaviour, and could not achieve proportional amplification14, which is fundamental to modern circuit design15. Here we exploit the fluidic phenomenon of flow limitation16 to develop a microfluidic element capable of proportional amplification with flow–pressure characteristics completely analogous to the current–voltage characteristics of the electronic transistor. We then use this microfluidic transistor to directly translate fundamental electronic circuits into the fluidic domain, including the amplifier, regulator, level shifter, logic gate and latch. We also combine these building blocks to create more complex fluidic controllers, such as timers and clocks. Finally, we demonstrate a particle dispenser circuit that senses single suspended particles, performs signal processing and accordingly controls the movement of each particle in a deterministic fashion without electronics. By leveraging the vast repertoire of electronic circuit design, microfluidic-transistor-based circuits enable fluidic automatic controllers to manipulate liquids and single suspended particles for lab-on-a-chip platforms.
On-surface synthesis of a doubly anti-aromatic carbon allotrope
Authors: Gao Yueze , Albrecht Florian , Rončević Igor , Ettedgui Isaac , Kumar Paramveer , Scriven Lorel M. , Christensen Kirsten E. , Mishra Shantanu , Righetti Luca , Rossmannek Max , Tavernelli Ivano , Anderson Harry L. , Gross Leo
Published: October 2023

Synthetic carbon allotropes such as graphene1, carbon nanotubes2 and fullerenes3 have revolutionized materials science and led to new technologies. Many hypothetical carbon allotropes have been discussed4, but few have been studied experimentally. Recently, unconventional synthetic strategies such as dynamic covalent chemistry5 and on-surface synthesis6 have been used to create new forms of carbon, including γ-graphyne7, fullerene polymers8, biphenylene networks9 and cyclocarbons10,11. Cyclo[N]carbons are molecular rings consisting of N carbon atoms12,13; the three that have been reported to date (N = 10, 14 and 18)10,11 are doubly aromatic, which prompts the question: is it possible to prepare doubly anti-aromatic versions? Here we report the synthesis and characterization of an anti-aromatic carbon allotrope, cyclo[16]carbon, by using tip-induced on-surface chemistry6. In addition to structural information from atomic force microscopy, we probed its electronic structure by recording orbital density maps14 with scanning tunnelling microscopy. The observation of bond-length alternation in cyclo[16]carbon confirms its double anti-aromaticity, in concordance with theory. The simple structure of C16 renders it an interesting model system for studying the limits of aromaticity, and its high reactivity makes it a promising precursor to novel carbon allotropes15.
Structures of a sperm-specific solute carrier gated by voltage and cAMP
Authors: Kalienkova Valeria , Peter Martin F. , Rheinberger Jan , Paulino Cristina
Published: October 2023

The newly characterized sperm-specific Na+/H+ exchanger stands out by its unique tripartite domain composition1,2. It unites a classical solute carrier unit with regulatory domains usually found in ion channels, namely, a voltage-sensing domain and a cyclic-nucleotide binding domain1,3, which makes it a mechanistic chimera and a secondary-active transporter activated strictly by membrane voltage. Our structures of the sea urchin SpSLC9C1 in the absence and presence of ligands reveal the overall domain arrangement and new structural coupling elements. They allow us to propose a gating model, where movements in the voltage sensor indirectly cause the release of the exchanging unit from a locked state through long-distance allosteric effects transmitted by the newly characterized coupling helices. We further propose that modulation by its ligand cyclic AMP occurs by means of disruption of the cytosolic dimer interface, which lowers the energy barrier for S4 movements in the voltage-sensing domain. As SLC9C1 members have been shown to be essential for male fertility, including in mammals2,4,5, our structure represents a potential new platform for the development of new on-demand contraceptives.
Normative spatiotemporal fetal brain maturation with satisfactory development at 2 years
Authors: Namburete Ana I. L. , Papież Bartłomiej W. , Fernandes Michelle , Wyburd Madeleine K. , Hesse Linde S. , Moser Felipe A. , Ismail Leila Cheikh , Gunier Robert B. , Squier Waney , Ohuma Eric O. , Carvalho Maria , Jaffer Yasmin , Gravett Michael , Wu Qingqing , Lambert Ann , Winsey Adele , Restrepo-Méndez María C. , Bertino Enrico , Purwar Manorama , Barros Fernando C. , Stein Alan , Noble J. Alison , Molnár Zoltán , Jenkinson Mark , Bhutta Zulfiqar A. , Papageorghiou Aris T. , Villar José , Kennedy Stephen H.
Published: October 2023

Maturation of the human fetal brain should follow precisely scheduled structural growth and folding of the cerebral cortex for optimal postnatal function1. We present a normative digital atlas of fetal brain maturation based on a prospective international cohort of healthy pregnant women2, selected using World Health Organization recommendations for growth standards3. Their fetuses were accurately dated in the first trimester, with satisfactory growth and neurodevelopment from early pregnancy to 2 years of age4,5. The atlas was produced using 1,059 optimal quality, three-dimensional ultrasound brain volumes from 899 of the fetuses and an automated analysis pipeline6–8. The atlas corresponds structurally to published magnetic resonance images9, but with finer anatomical details in deep grey matter. The between-study site variability represented less than 8.0% of the total variance of all brain measures, supporting pooling data from the eight study sites to produce patterns of normative maturation. We have thereby generated an average representation of each cerebral hemisphere between 14 and 31 weeks’ gestation with quantification of intracranial volume variability and growth patterns. Emergent asymmetries were detectable from as early as 14 weeks, with peak asymmetries in regions associated with language development and functional lateralization between 20 and 26 weeks’ gestation. These patterns were validated in 1,487 three-dimensional brain volumes from 1,295 different fetuses in the same cohort. We provide a unique spatiotemporal benchmark of fetal brain maturation from a large cohort with normative postnatal growth and neurodevelopment.
The lipolysis inhibitor acipimox reverses the cardiac phenotype induced by electronic cigarettes
Authors: Espinoza-Derout Jorge , Arambulo Jose Mari Luis , Ramirez-Trillo William , Rivera Juan Carlos , Hasan Kamrul M. , Lao Candice J. , Jordan Maria C. , Shao Xuesi M. , Roos Kenneth P. , Sinha-Hikim Amiya P. , Friedman Theodore C.
Published: October 2023

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are a prevalent alternative to conventional nicotine cigarettes among smokers and people who have never smoked. Increased concentrations of serum free fatty acids (FFAs) are crucial in generating lipotoxicity. We studied the effects of acipimox, an antilipolytic drug, on e-cigarette-induced cardiac dysfunction. C57BL/6J wild-type mice on high fat diet were treated with saline, e-cigarette with 2.4% nicotine [e-cigarette (2.4%)], and e-cigarette (2.4%) plus acipimox for 12 weeks. Fractional shortening and ejection fraction were diminished in mice exposed to e-cigarettes (2.4%) compared with saline and acipimox-treated mice. Mice exposed to e-cigarette (2.4%) had increased circulating levels of inflammatory cytokines and FFAs, which were diminished by acipimox. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis revealed that e-cigarette (2.4%)-treated mice had gene expression changes in the G2/M DNA damage checkpoint pathway that was normalized by acipimox. Accordingly, we showed that acipimox suppressed the nuclear localization of phospho-p53 induced by e-cigarette (2.4%). Additionally, e-cigarette (2.4%) increased the apurinic/apyrimidinic sites, a marker of oxidative DNA damage which was normalized by acipimox. Mice exposed to e-cigarette (2.4%) had increased cardiac Heme oxygenase 1 protein levels and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE). These markers of oxidative stress were decreased by acipimox. Therefore, inhibiting lipolysis with acipimox normalizes the physiological changes induced by e-cigarettes and the associated increase in inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and DNA damage.
Life cycle assessment of a direct air capture and storage plant in Ireland
Authors: Casaban Daniel , Tsalaporta Elena
Published: October 2023

Despite the efforts to transition to a low carbon economy, greenhouse gas emissions are surging to critical levels. Carbon dioxide removals (CDR) methods, such as direct air capture (DAC), have been gaining substantial public attention in the last few years. DAC is essential in curbing CO2 concentrations and achieving climate targets. It is said that DAC can be deployed at anywhere, but a throughout life cycle assessment (LCA) is imperative to prove its viability. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the feasibility of constructing a 1 $$\text{MT}_{{\text{CO}}_{2}}$$

MT

CO
2

plant in Ireland, using Kinsale and Corrib gas fields as storage points. The results showed that the country is an ideal candidate for scaling up this emerging industry. The efficiency is primarily influenced by the construction of the pipeline section, given a reliable sources of heat and electricity. The study highlights the significant impact of distances to the storage points on feasibility, favouring counties near of the gas fields. In conclusion, Ireland has the potential to establish its own DAC industry.
Single-detector double-beam modulation for high-sensitivity infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Kim Seong-Min , Chang Yow-Ren , Lee Young Jong
Published: October 2023

Balanced detection based on double beams is widely used to reduce common-mode noises, such as laser intensity fluctuation and irregular wavelength scanning, in absorption spectroscopy. However, employing an additional detector can increase the total system noise due to added non-negligible thermal noise of the detector, particularly with mid-infrared (IR) detectors. Herein, we demonstrate a new optical method based on double-beam modulation (DBM) that uses a single-element detector but keeps the advantage of double-beam balanced detection. The sample and reference path beams were modulated out-of-phase with each other at a high frequency, and their average and difference signals were measured by two lock-in amplifiers and converted into absorbance. DBM was coupled with our previously reported solvent absorption compensation (SAC) method to eliminate the IR absorption contribution of water in aqueous solutions. The DBM-SAC method enabled us to acquire IR absorption spectra of bovine serum albumin solutions down to 0.02 mg/mL. We investigated the noise characteristics of DBM measurements when the wavelength was either fixed or scanned. The results demonstrate that DBM can lower the limit of detection by ten times compared to the non-modulation method.
Evolutionary game theory and simulations based on doctor and patient medical malpractice under government regulation
Authors: Song Lin , Yu Zhenlei , Fang Juntao , He Qiang
Published: October 2023

Physicians-patients are the two crucial participants in medical malpractice. The government, as the central authority responsible for addressing medical malpractices, plays a pivotal role in this matter. Guided by governmental agencies, its regulations, administrative orders, and policies serve as the primary governance mechanisms to address medical malpractice, providing an effective means to balance the doctor-patient relationship and foster social harmony and stable development. A doctor-patient evolutionary game model developed based on the principles of information asymmetry and finite rationality. The study explores the strategic decision-making process of these two players within the context of medical malpractice. Through the manipulation of various parameters, the model's evolutionary equilibrium strategy is demonstrated using Vensim PLE Version 6.4 simulation. The findings reveal that government regulation, patient cognition, and the benefits associated with standardized medical practices are the pivotal factors influencing the doctor-patient evolutionary game system under government regulation. It is possible to mitigate medical malpractice through adjusting relative weights of differing strategic options, adding penalties for unlawful conduct, and normalizing malpractice charges on the basis of physicians' income from standardized practice. To effectively address medical malpractice, proposed measures include adjusting the regulatory framework, reasonably determining the strength of regulations regarding medical practitioners' illegal practices and patient medical malpractice behavior, diversifying regulatory approaches, establishing comprehensive physician–patient management systems for information to resolve medical malpractices.
Integrative application of silicon and/or proline improves Sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) production and antioxidant defense system under salt stress condition
Authors: Gou Caiming , Huang Qiulan , Rady Mostafa M. , Wang Linghui , Ihtisham Muhammad , El-awady Hamada H. , Seif Mohamed , Alazizi Esmail M. Y. , Eid Rania S. M. , Yan Kuan , Tahri Walid , Li Jia , Desoky El-Sayed M. , El-Sappah Ahmed H.
Published: October 2023

Silicon (Si) and/or proline (Pro) are natural supplements that are considered to induce plants' stress tolerance against various abiotic stresses. Sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharata) production is severely afflicted by salinity stress. Therefore, two field tests were conducted to evaluate the potential effects of Si and/or Pro (6mM) used as seed soaking (SS) and/or foliar spray (FS) on Sweet corn plant growth and yield, physio-biochemical attributes, and antioxidant defense systems grown in a saline (EC = 7.14dS m−1) soil. The Si and/or Pro significantly increased growth and yield, photosynthetic pigments, free proline, total soluble sugars (TSS), K+/Na+ratios, relative water content (RWC), membrane stability index (MSI), α-Tocopherol (α-TOC), Ascorbate (AsA), glutathione (GSH), enzymatic antioxidants activities and other anatomical features as compared to controls. In contrast, electrolytes, such as SS and/or FS under salt stress compared to controls (SS and FS using tap water) were significantly decreased. The best results were obtained when SS was combined with FS via Si or Pro. These alterations are brought about by the exogenous application of Si and/or Pro rendering these elements potentially useful in aiding sweet corn plants to acclimate successfully to saline soil.
Load sharing between synergistic muscles characterized by a ligand-binding approach and elastography
Authors: Grinspan Gustavo A. , Fernandes de Oliveira Liliam , Brandao Maria Clara , Pomi Andrés , Benech Nicolás
Published: October 2023

The skeletal muscle contraction is determined by cross-bridge formation between the myosin heads and the actin active sites. When the muscle contracts, it shortens, increasing its longitudinal shear elastic modulus ($${\mu }_{L}$$

μ
L

). Structurally, skeletal muscle can be considered analogous to the molecular receptors that form receptor–ligand complexes and exhibit specific ligand-binding dynamics. In this context, this work aims to apply elastography and the ligand-binding framework to approach the possible intrinsic mechanisms behind muscle synergism. Based on the short-range stiffness principle and the acoustic–elasticity theory, we define the coefficient $$C$$
C
, which is directly related to the fraction saturation of molecular receptors and links the relative longitudinal deformation of the muscle to its $${\mu }_{L}$$

μ
L

. We show that such a coefficient can be obtained directly from $${\mu }_{L}$$

μ
L

estimates, thus calculating it for the biceps brachii, brachioradialis, and brachialis muscles during isometric elbow flexion torque (τ) ramps. The resulting $$C\left(\tau \right)$$

C

τ

curves were analyzed by conventional characterization methods of receptor–ligand systems to study the dynamical behavior of each muscle. The results showed that, depending on muscle, $$C\left(\tau \right)$$

C

τ

exhibits typical ligand-binding dynamics during joint torque production. Therefore, the above indicates that these different behaviors describe the longitudinal shortening pattern of each muscle during load sharing. As a plausible interpretation, we suggested that this could be related to the binding kinetics of the cross-bridges during their synergistic action as torque increases. Likewise, it shows that elastography could be useful to assess contractile processes at different scales related to the change in the mechanical properties of skeletal muscle.
Anthropometric profiles and body composition of male runners at different distances
Authors: Stachoń Aleksandra , Pietraszewska Jadwiga , Burdukiewicz Anna
Published: October 2023

Anthropometric parameters are crucial prerequisite to achieve success in professional running sports. However, it is not clear how these parameters are relevant for athletes performing on a less demanding sport level as academic competitions. To help coaches and selectors working on this level, we have explored anthropometric variables and body composition in 68 academic athletes: 26 sprinters, 22 middle distance runners, and 20 long distance runners. Sprinters have a more massive body shape, shorter lower legs in relation to the length of the thigh, broader shoulders and narrower hips, greater musculature and cellular mass. A slender figure, a longer shin, and the greatest subcutaneous fat and extracellular mass characterize long-distance runners. Middle-distance runners are the slimmest, and have a narrow trunk and little subcutaneous fat. Sprinters and long-distance runners are mesomorphic, while middle-distance runners present more mixed mesomorph-ectomorph type. The principal component analysis highlighted the importance of the overall size of the body, limbs musculature and the length of the lower limb together with its segments, and also body fatness. This approach emphasized the morphological distinctiveness of runners at particular distances and allows the use of somatic features as predictors of running performance.
Construction and validation of a novel prognostic model of neutrophil‑related genes signature of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhu Qianjun , Chai Yanfei , Jin Longyu , Ma Yuchao , Lu Hongwei , Chen Yingji , Feng Wei
Published: October 2023

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains an incurable disease with a poor prognosis. This study aimed to explore neutrophil‑related genes (NRGs) and develop a prognostic signature for predicting the prognosis of LUAD. NRGs were obtained by intersecting modular genes identified by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) using bulk RNA-seq data and the marker genes of neutrophils identified from single-cell RNA-sequencing(scRNA-seq) data. Univariate Cox regression, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and multivariate Cox analyses were run to construct a prognostic signature, follow by delineation of risk groups, and external validation. Analyses of ESTIMAT, immune function, Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) scores, Immune cell Proportion Score (IPS), and immune checkpoint genes between high- and low-risk groups were performed, and then analyses of drug sensitivity to screen for sensitive anticancer drugs in high-risk groups. A total of 45 candidate NRGs were identified, of which PLTP, EREG, CD68, CD69, PLAUR, and CYP27A1 were considered to be significantly associated with prognosis in LUAD and were used to construct a prognostic signature. Correlation analysis showed significant differences in the immune landscape between high- and low-risk groups. In addition, our prognostic signature was important for predicting drug sensitivity in the high-risk group. Our study screened for NRGs in LUAD and constructed a novel and effective signature, revealing the immune landscape and providing more appropriate guidance protocols in LUAD treatment.
Patient-centric assessment of rheumatoid arthritis using a smartwatch and bespoke mobile app in a clinical setting
Authors: Hamy Valentin , Llop Christopher , Yee Christopher W. , Garcia-Gancedo Luis , Maxwell Aoife , Chen Wen Hung , Tomlinson Ryan , Bobbili Priyanka , Bendelac Julien , Landry Jessica , DerSarkissian Maral , Yenikomshian Mihran , Mody Elinor A. , Duh Mei Sheng , Williams Rachel
Published: October 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a fluctuating progressive disease requiring frequent symptom assessment for appropriate management. Continuous tracking using digital technologies may provide greater insights of a patient’s experience. This prospective study assessed the feasibility, reliability, and clinical utility of using novel digital technologies to remotely monitor participants with RA. Participants with moderate to severe RA and non-RA controls were monitored continuously for 14 days using an iPhone with an integrated bespoke application and an Apple Watch. Participants completed patient-reported outcome measures and objective guided tests designed to assess disease-related impact on physical function. The study was completed by 28 participants with RA, 28 matched controls, and 2 unmatched controls. Completion rates for all assessments were > 97% and were reproducible over time. Several guided tests distinguished between RA and control cohorts (e.g., mean lie-to-stand time [seconds]: RA: 4.77, control: 3.25; P < 0.001). Participants with RA reporting greater stiffness, pain, and fatigue had worse guided test performances (e.g., wrist movement [P < 0.001] and sit-to-stand transition time [P = 0.009]) compared with those reporting lower stiffness, pain, and fatigue. This study demonstrates that digital technologies can be used in a well-controlled, remote clinical setting to assess the daily impact of RA.