bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The molecular pathogenesis of repeat expansion diseases
Authors: Fujino Yuzo , Nagai Yoshitaka
Published: December 2021

Expanded short tandem repeats in the genome cause various monogenic diseases, particularly neurological disorders. Since the discovery of a CGG repeat expansion in the FMR1 gene in 1991, more than 40 repeat expansion diseases have been identified to date. In the coding repeat expansion diseases, in which the expanded repeat sequence is located in the coding regions of genes, the toxicity of repeat polypeptides, particularly misfolding and aggregation of proteins containing an expanded polyglutamine tract, have been the focus of investigation. On the other hand, in the non-coding repeat expansion diseases, in which the expanded repeat sequence is located in introns or untranslated regions, the toxicity of repeat RNAs has been the focus of investigation. Recently, these repeat RNAs were demonstrated to be translated into repeat polypeptides by the novel mechanism of repeat-associated non-AUG translation, which has extended the research direction of the pathological mechanisms of this disease entity to include polypeptide toxicity. Thus, a common pathogenesis has been suggested for both coding and non-coding repeat expansion diseases. In this review, we briefly outline the major pathogenic mechanisms of repeat expansion diseases, including a loss-of-function mechanism caused by repeat expansion, repeat RNA toxicity caused by RNA foci formation and protein sequestration, and toxicity by repeat polypeptides. We also discuss perturbation of the physiological liquid-liquid phase separation state caused by these repeat RNAs and repeat polypeptides, as well as potential therapeutic approaches against repeat expansion diseases.
Exploring the multifunctionality of SR proteins
Authors: Slišković Irena , Eich Hannah , Müller-McNicoll Michaela
Published: December 2021

Members of the arginine–serine-rich protein family (SR proteins) are multifunctional RNA-binding proteins that have emerged as key determinants for mRNP formation, identity and fate. They bind to pre-mRNAs early during transcription in the nucleus and accompany bound transcripts until they are translated or degraded in the cytoplasm. SR proteins are mostly known for their essential roles in constitutive splicing and as regulators of alternative splicing. However, many additional activities of individual SR proteins, beyond splicing, have been reported in recent years. We will summarize the different functions of SR proteins and discuss how multifunctionality can be achieved. We will also highlight the difficulties of studying highly versatile SR proteins and propose approaches to disentangle their activities, which is transferrable to other multifunctional RBPs.
Reading Comprehension and Processing Time When People With Aphasia Use Text-to-Speech Technology With Personalized Supports and Features
Authors: Knollman-Porter Kelly , Brown Jessica A. , Hux Karen , Wallace Sarah E. , Crittenden Allison
Published: December 2021

Background:

Person-centered approaches promote consistent use of supportive technology and feelings of empowerment for people with disabilities. Feature personalization is an aspect of person-centered approaches that can affect the benefit people with aphasia (PWA) derive from using text-to-speech (TTS) technology as a reading support.

Aims:

This study's primary purpose was to compare the comprehension and processing time of PWA when performing TTS-supported reading with preferred settings for voice, speech output rate, highlighting type, and highlighting color versus unsupported reading. A secondary aim was to examine initial support and feature preference selections, preference changes following TTS exposure, and anticipated functional reading activities for utilizing TTS technology.

Method and Procedure:

Twenty PWA read passages either via written text or text combined with TTS output using personally selected supports and features. Participants answered comprehension questions, reevaluated their preference selections, and provided feedback both about feature selections and possible future TTS technology uses.

Outcomes and Results:

Comprehension accuracy did not vary significantly between reading conditions; however, processing time was significantly less in the TTS-supported condition, thus suggesting TTS support promoted greater reading speed without compromising comprehension. Most participants preferred the TTS condition and several anticipated benefits when reading lengthy and difficult materials. Alterations to initial settings were relatively rare.

Conclusions:

Personalizing TTS systems is relevant to person-centered interventions. Reading with desired TTS system supports and features promotes improved reading efficiency by PWA compared with reading without TTS support. Attending to client preferences is important when customizing and implementing TTS technology as a reading support.
Optimal reactive power planning using oppositional grey wolf optimization by considering bus vulnerability analysis
Authors: Babu Rohit , Raj Saurav , Dey Bishwajit , Bhattacharyya Biplab
Published: December 2021

Power system instability primarily results from the deviation of the frequency from its predefined rated value. This deviation causes voltage collapse, which further leads to sudden blackouts of the power system network. It is often triggered by a lack of reactive capacity. The solution to the reactive capacity problem can be obtained in two stages. In the first stage, the vulnerable buses, also known as ‘weak buses’, where voltage failure might occur are identified, and the Var compensating devices are mounted at those locations. The proposed approach utilizes three simple vulnerable bus detection methods: the fast voltage stability index, line stability index, and voltage collapse proximity index (VCPI). In the second stage, various optimization algorithms are implemented to determine the optimal setting of Var sources, such as particle swarm optimization, differential evolution, the whale optimization algorithm, the grasshopper optimization algorithm, the salp swarm algorithm, grey wolf optimization, and oppositional grey wolf optimization (OGWO). The results indicate that the best approach to poor bus recognition is the VCPI, and the OGWO technique provides a much less expensive system than other optimization strategies used for problems of optimal reactive power planning.
Near-IR narrow-band imaging with CIRCE at the Gran Telescopio Canarias: Searching for Lyα-emitters atz ∼ 9.3
Authors: Cabello C. , Gallego J. , Cardiel N. , Pascual S. , Guzmán R. , Herrero A. , Manrique A. , Marín-Franch A. , Mas-Hesse J. M. , Rodríguez-Espinosa J. M. , Salvador-Solé E.
Published: December 2021

Context.Identifying very high-redshift galaxies is crucial for understanding the formation and evolution of galaxies. However, many questions still remain, and the uncertainty on the epoch of reionization is large. In this approach, some models allow a double-reionization scenario, although the number of confirmed detections at very highzis still too low to serve as observational proof.

Aims.The main goal of this project is studying whether we can search for Lyman-αemitters (LAEs) atz ∼ 9 using a narrow-band (NB) filter that was specifically designed by our team and was built for this experiment.

Methods.We used the NB technique to select candidates by measuring the flux excess due to the Lyαemission. The observations were taken with an NB filter (full width at half minimum of 11 nm and central wavelengthλc =  1.257 μm) and the CIRCE near-infrared camera for the Gran Telescopio Canarias. We describe a data reduction procedure that was especially optimized to minimize instrumental effects. With a total exposure time of 18.3 h, the final NB image covers an area of ∼6.7 arcmin2, which corresponds to a comoving volume of 1.1 × 103Mpc3atz = 9.3.

Results.We pushed the source detection to its limit, which allows us to analyze an initial sample of 97 objects. We detail the different criteria we applied to select the candidates. The criteria included visual verifications in different photometric bands. None of the objects resembled a reliable LAE, however, and we found no robust candidate down to an emission-line flux of 2.9 × 10−16erg s−1cm−2, which corresponds to a Lyαluminosity limit of 3 × 1044erg s−1. We derive an upper limit on the Lyαluminosity function atz ∼ 9 that agrees well with previous constraints. We conclude that deeper and wider surveys are needed to study the LAE population at the cosmic dawn.
Flux rope and dynamics of the heliospheric current sheet
Authors: Réville V. , Fargette N. , Rouillard A. P. , Lavraud B. , Velli M. , Strugarek A. , Parenti S. , Brun A. S. , Shi C. , Kouloumvakos A. , Poirier N. , Pinto R. F. , Louarn P. , Fedorov A. , Owen C. J. , Génot V. , Horbury T. S. , Laker R. , O’Brien H. , Angelini V. , Fauchon-Jones E. , Kasper J. C.
Published: December 2021

Context. Solar Orbiter and Parker Solar Probe jointly observed the solar wind for the first time in June 2020, capturing data from very different solar wind streams: calm, Alfvénic wind and also highly dynamic large-scale structures.

Context. Our aim is to understand the origin and characteristics of the highly dynamic solar wind observed by the two probes, particularly in the vicinity of the heliospheric current sheet (HCS).

Methods. We analyzed the plasma data obtained by Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter in situ during the month of June 2020. We used the Alfvén-wave turbulence magnetohydrodynamic solar wind model WindPredict-AW and we performed two 3D simulations based on ADAPT solar magnetograms for this period.

Results. We show that the dynamic regions measured by both spacecraft are pervaded by flux ropes close to the HCS. These flux ropes are also present in the simulations, forming at the tip of helmet streamers, that is, at the base of the heliospheric current sheet. The formation mechanism involves a pressure-driven instability followed by a fast tearing reconnection process. We further characterize the 3D spatial structure of helmet streamer born flux ropes, which appears in the simulations to be related to the network of quasi-separatrices.
Discovery of the elusive thioketenylium, HCCS+, in TMC-1
Authors: Cabezas C. , Agúndez M. , Marcelino N. , Tercero B. , Endo Y. , Fuentetaja R. , Pardo J. R. , de Vicente P. , Cernicharo J.
Published: December 2021

We report the detection in TMC-1 of the cation HCCS+ (X̃ 3Σ−), which is the protonated form of the widespread radical CCS. This is the first time that a protonated radical has been detected in a cold dark cloud. Twenty-six hyperfine components from twelve rotational transitions have been observed with the Yebes 40 m and IRAM 30m radio telescopes. We confidently assign the characteristic rotational spectrum pattern to HCCS+ based on the good agreement between the astronomical and theoretical spectroscopic parameters. The column density of HCCS+ is (1.1 ± 0.1)×1012 cm−2, and the CCS/HCCS+ abundance ratio is 50 ± 10, which is very similar to that of CS/HCS+ (35 ± 8) and CCCS/HCCCS+ (65 ± 20). From a state-of-the-art gas-phase chemical model, we conclude that HCCS+ is mostly formed by reactions of proton transfer from abundant cations such as HCO+, H3O+, and H3+ to the radical CCS.
Anti-inflammatory Strategies in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Bugger Heiko , Zirlik Andreas
Published: December 2021

Atherosclerotic vascular disease and its related complications are the major cause of mortality in Western societies. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the arterial wall triggered by traditional and nontraditional risk factors and mediated by inflammatory and immune responses. Recent clinical trials provided compelling evidence corroborating that atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease and demonstrated efficacy of anti-inflammatory interventions in reducing cardiovascular events and mortality. Traditional risk factors drive vascular inflammation, further justifying the instrumental role of intensified risk factor management in attenuating and preventing atherosclerotic disease and complications. Promising therapeutic approaches specifically related to inhibition of inflammation span traditional anti-inflammatory drugs, specific immunomodulation, and development of vaccination against atherosclerotic disease. Here, we review the inflammatory component in atherogenesis, the available evidence from clinical trials evaluating efficacy of therapeutic anti-inflammatory interventions in patients with high cardiovascular risk, and discuss potential future targets for anti-inflammatory or immune modulatory treatment in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Single-Dose Ibuprofen-Arginine as a Preventive for Pain, Edema, and Trismus After Impacted Lower Third Molar Surgery: A Randomized Split-Mouth Clinical Trial
Authors: Ramos Edith Umasi , Benetti Luan Pier , Oliveira Júlio César Silva , Bassi Ana Paula Farnezi
Published: December 2021

Objective We examined if the association of ibuprofen with arginine has a better anti-inflammatory effect on pain, edema, and trismus after surgery of the impacted mandibular third molar than ibuprofen alone.

Materials and Methods The study included 21 patients, 18 to 30 years of age, each with an impacted, and bilateral and symmetric third molar (total n = 21) that required transalveolar extraction. Patients were randomly assigned numbers from 1 to 21. Group A received ibuprofen-arginine as preoperative medication, while Group B received only ibuprofen. Both groups received the same postoperative medications: amoxicillin + acetaminophen. All patients were evaluated for pain at 6, 12, and 24 hours. They were evaluated for edema and trismus before surgery; immediately after surgery; and at 24, 48, and 72 hours postoperatively. Postoperative pain scores used the visual analog scale (BS-11). For facial edema and trismus, linear measurements used the method modified by Gabka and Matsumura.

Statistical Analysis For the evaluation of data between Group A and Group B, we used the statistical software SPSS version 22. The Shapiro-Wilk, analysis of variance, the Bonferroni comparisons, and the Wilcoxon test were used. All tests were based on a significance level of 0.05.

Results The study results reveal that the facial edema scores of Group A and Group B presented statistically significant differences (p < 0.05), while for postoperative trismus, there was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) between the scores of Group A and Group B.

Conclusion As a conclusion, we can state that the use of ibuprofen-arginine allows for significantly better control of pain and edema, and shows a tendency toward better recovery from trismus, although without statistical significance. Based on this, we can assert that arginine improves the anti-inflammatory power of ibuprofen, thus generating better tissue healing after surgery of the impacted third molar.
A Mobile, Electronic Health Record-Connected Application for Managing Team Workflows in Inpatient Care
Authors: Soegaard Ballester Jacqueline M. , Bass Geoffrey D. , Urbani Richard , Fala Glenn , Patel Rutvij , Leri Damien , Steinkamp Jackson M. , Denson Joshua L. , Rosin Roy , Adusumalli Srinath , Hanson Clarence William , Koppel Ross , Airan-Javia Subha
Published: December 2021

Background Clinical workflows require the ability to synthesize and act on existing and emerging patient information. While offering multiple benefits, in many circumstances electronic health records (EHRs) do not adequately support these needs.

Objectives We sought to design, build, and implement an EHR-connected rounding and handoff tool with real-time data that supports care plan organization and team-based care. This article first describes our process, from ideation and development through implementation; and second, the research findings of objective use, efficacy, and efficiency, along with qualitative assessments of user experience.

Methods Guided by user-centered design and Agile development methodologies, our interdisciplinary team designed and built Carelign as a responsive web application, accessible from any mobile or desktop device, that gathers and integrates data from a health care institution's information systems. Implementation and iterative improvements spanned January to July 2016. We assessed acceptance via usage metrics, user observations, time–motion studies, and user surveys.

Results By July 2016, Carelign was implemented on 152 of 169 total inpatient services across three hospitals staffing 1,616 hospital beds. Acceptance was near-immediate: in July 2016, 3,275 average unique weekly users generated 26,981 average weekly access sessions; these metrics remained steady over the following 4 years. In 2016 and 2018 surveys, users positively rated Carelign's workflow integration, support of clinical activities, and overall impact on work life.

Conclusion User-focused design, multidisciplinary development teams, and rapid iteration enabled creation, adoption, and sustained use of a patient-centered digital workflow tool that supports diverse users' and teams' evolving care plan organization needs.
Review of Perioperative Prophylactic Antibiotic Use during Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy and Subsequent Surgical Site Infection Development at a Single Children's Hospital
Authors: Briggs Kayla B. , Fraser James A. , Svetanoff Wendy Jo , Staszak Jessica K. , Snyder Charles L. , Aguayo Pablo , Juang David , Rentea Rebecca M. , Hendrickson Richard J. , Fraser Jason D. , St Peter Shawn D. , Oyetunji Tolulope A.
Published: December 2021

Objectives With the rise of antibiotic resistance, the use of prophylactic preoperative antibiotics (PPA) has been questioned in cases with low rates of surgical site infection (SSI). We report PPA usage and SSI rates after elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy at our institution.

Materials and Methods A retrospective review of children younger than 18 years who underwent elective outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy between July 2010 and August 2020 was performed. Demographic, preoperative work-up, antibiotic use, intraoperative characteristics, and SSI data were collected via chart review. SSI was defined as clinical signs of infection that required antibiotics within 30 days of surgery.

Results A total of 502 patients met the inclusion criteria; 50% were preoperatively diagnosed with symptomatic cholelithiasis, 47% with biliary dyskinesia, 2% with hyperkinetic gallbladder, and 1% with gallbladder polyp(s). The majority were female (78%) and Caucasian (80%). In total, 60% (n = 301) of patients received PPA, while 40% (n = 201) did not; 1.3% (n = 4) of those who received PPA developed SSI, compared with 5.5% (n = 11) of those who did not receive PPA (p = 0.01). Though PPA use was associated with a 77% reduction in the risk of SSI in multivariate analysis (p = 0.01), all SSIs were superficial. One child required readmission for intravenous antibiotics, while the remainder were treated with outpatient antibiotics. Gender, age, body mass index, ethnicity, and preoperative diagnosis did not influence the likelihood of receiving PPA.

Conclusion Given the relatively low morbidity of the superficial SSI, conservative use of PPA is advised to avoid contributing to antibiotic resistance.
Percutaneous Cryoanalgesia: A New Strategy for Pain Management in Pectus Excavatum Surgery
Authors: Velayos María , Alonso Mercedes , Delgado-Miguel Carlos , Estefanía-Fernández Karla , Muñoz-Serrano Antonio J. , Santamaría Manuel V. López , Reinoso-Barbero Francisco , De La Torre Carlos A.
Published: December 2021

Introduction In recent years, pain protocols for pectus excavatum (PE) have incorporated cryoanalgesia through thoracoscopic approach. Since 2019, ultrasound-guided percutaneous cryoanalgesia (PCr) has been applied at our institution, either on the same day as the Nuss procedure or 48 hours before surgery. We carried out a preliminary retrospective review of patients with PE in whom PCr prior to surgery was performed at our institution between 2019 and 2021.

Materials and Methods Two groups were evaluated: PCr on the same day (PCrSD) and PCr 48 hours before surgery (PCr48). Despite PCr, patients were treated with “patient-controlled analgesia” (PCA) with opioids for at least 24 hours, switching to conventional intravenous analgesia and oral analgesia in the following days. Demographic, clinical-radiological variables, PCA opioid use, pain grade according to the visual analog scale (VAS), and length of stay (LOS) were compared between the groups. A total of 20 patients were included (12 with PCrSD and 8 with PCr48), without significant differences in demographics or clinical-radiological variables. The overall median time of PCr was 65 minutes (55–127), with no differences between the groups.

Results PCr48 group presented with significantly lower median number of hours of continuous PCA (24 vs. 32 hours; p = 0.031), lower median number of rescue boluses (11 vs. 18; p = 0.042), lower median VAS in the early postoperative hours (2 vs. 5.5; p = 0.043), and lower median LOS (3.5 vs. 5 days).

Conclusion PCr performed 48 hours prior to surgery is more effective in terms of PCA requirements, VAS, and LOS when compared with cryoanalgesia on the same day.
Retrograde Placement of Ring-Bolster Retained Tubes Facilitates Gastrostomy to Gastrojejunostomy Revision in Children with Esophageal Pathology and Microgastria
Authors: Parra Jorge , Jeyakumar Arthie , Chick Jeffrey Forris Beecham , Smith Caitlin A. , Bertino Frederic J. , Monroe Eric J.
Published: December 2021

Techniques for gastrostomy revision to gastrojejunostomy within the pediatric population, who have failed initial tube placement due to obstructive pathologies, have not been well established. Novel techniques are required to improve outcomes for these patients, and these techniques must be evaluated for both viability and safety. This article describes a technique utilized for gastrostomy to gastrojejunostomy revision and the outcomes for three pediatric patients.
Characteristics and outcomes of patients receiving review requests for pre-medical emergency team deterioration: a cohort study
Authors: Currey Judy , Macaulay Matthew , Jones Daryl , Considine Julie
Published: December 2021

Objective The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology of pre-medical emergency team (pre-MET) reviews, including patient characteristics, the frequency and nature of triggers and interventions and in-hospital outcomes. Methods An exploratory retrospective cohort study was performed using a medical record audit. Fifty orthopaedic and general medicine patients at a hospital in Melbourne, Australia, with requests for pre-MET reviews in 2016 were included. Descriptive analyses were performed. Results The median patient age was 80 years (interquartile range 19 years). Most patients were female (64%), general medical patients (82%), with limitation of medical treatment orders (52%) and modified pre-MET triggers (42%). Documented pre-MET reviews occurred for 68% of requests. Tachypnoea (24%) and staff worry (24%) were the most common pre-MET triggers. One-third of patients received two clinical interventions. One in five patients had repeat requests for a pre-MET review within 12 h. In-hospital mortality was 12%. Conclusions Most requests for pre-MET reviews related to older female patients. Clinician adherence to pre-MET policy was variable. Multicentre studies are needed to inform improvements to pre-MET strategies. What is known about the topic? Australian hospitals have introduced multi-tiered rapid response systems (RRSs) that consist of pre-MET review to comply with accreditation standards. Pre-MET reviews are triggered by early signs of clinical deterioration and are provided by admitting medical teams or senior nurses. There is limited understanding of the characteristics and outcomes of patients receiving pre-MET reviews for early clinical deterioration. What does this paper add? In a cohort of orthopaedic and general medicine patients, most patients receiving requests for pre-MET reviews were older, female medical patients, with existing modifications to pre-MET triggers. Most requests for pre-MET review were for tachypnoea or staff worry; the latter included clinical problems not addressed by predefined organisational triggers. One in five patients continued to deteriorate within 12 h of the pre-MET request. Clinician adherence to pre-MET policy varied. What are the implications for practitioners? Patients in this study frequently deteriorated in ways that did not breach predefined pre-MET triggers, demonstrating that pre-MET requests are made for a range of clinical concerns. Doctors and nurses must be vigilant for ongoing clinical deterioration in patients receiving requests for pre-MET reviews. Reflecting the timing of the recent introduction of the pre-MET review system, variable adherence to pre-MET policy raises questions about clinicians’ awareness of and responsibilities in this RRS tier, the impact of workloads on RRS response capability and the suitability of existing escalation policies. Evaluation of the implementation of pre-MET review is warranted.
Managing the misuse potential and risk of psychological harm from gabapentinoids in primary care in New Zealand
Authors: Aindow Shaun , Crossin Rose , Toop Les , Hudson Ben
Published: December 2021

ABSTRACT Gabapentinoid prescribing is increasing in New Zealand. International evidence suggests that this prescribing trend is followed by increasing harms, including misuse, dependence, overdose, and psychological harms including suicidal thoughts or behaviours. However, there is limited guidance for prescribers on how to manage these potential harms. Here, we summarise the current international literature and identify three main risk factors that can be used for screening purposes when considering prescribing a gabapentinoid, to identify patients that may be at greater risk of harm. Based on current knowledge of harms, we provide guidance to prescribers on monitoring patients taking gabapentinoids. Finally, we summarise the evidence regarding tapering, and highlight key knowledge gaps including other interventions, referral, and data from primary care populations.
Biota of subtropical Oxisols under no-tillage with application of liquid cattle manure
Authors: Soares Stallone da Costa , Barizão Caroline Silvano , Vezzani Fabiane Machado , Favaretto Nerilde , Cherobim Verediana Fernanda , Dieckow Jeferson , Pauletti Volnei , Barth Gabriel
Published: December 2021

Context Organic amendments in agricultural systems benefit the soil biota; however, their consecutive use can interfere negatively with the biota diversity and functionality. Aims This study evaluated the biomass and microbial activity and the epiedaphic fauna response of soil with consecutive liquid cattle manure (LCM) addition (4 years) in no-tillage. Methods The experiment was run in two Oxisol textures: sandy clay loam and clayey. The treatments were the control (un-manured) and three LCM doses: 60, 120 and 180 m−3 ha−1 year−1, distributed in a completely randomised block design with four replications. Microbial biomass carbon (MBC), soil microbial respiration (SMR), and microbial quotient (qMIC) were performed in the 0–5 cm layer. The epiedaphic fauna was captured by traps and abundance and ecological indices were evaluated in spring  and autumn seasons. Key results In sandy clay loam soil, the MBC and SMR increased up to 180 m−3 ha−1 year−1 in both spring and autumn, while in clayey soil, only the SMR increased up in the spring. The most representative groups of the epiedaphic fauna were Collembola, Acarine, Coleoptera, and Hymenoptera. The Collembola population was predominant in both soils and seasons. Conclusions Consecutive annual applications of LCM in no-tillage had a greater positive impact in the soil biota in the sandy clay loam soil and in the spring season and did not negatively affect the ecological functioning of the soil biota system. Implications Application of liquid cattle manure may be beneficial for the sustainability of the agroecosystem and as a highly available and low-cost waste, it may be an alternative for replacing chemical fertilisers.
Microenvironment-mediated cancer dormancy: Insights from metastability theory
Authors: Bakhshandeh Sadra , Werner Carsten , Fratzl Peter , Cipitria Amaia
Published: December 2021

Dormancy is an evolutionarily conserved protective mechanism widely observed in nature. A pathological example is found during cancer metastasis, where cancer cells disseminate from the primary tumor, home to secondary organs, and enter a growth-arrested state, which could last for decades. Recent studies have pointed toward the microenvironment being heavily involved in inducing, preserving, or ceasing this dormant state, with a strong focus on identifying specific molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways. Increasing evidence now suggests the existence of an interplay between intracellular as well as extracellular biochemical and mechanical cues in guiding such processes. Despite the inherent complexities associated with dormancy, proliferation, and growth of cancer cells and tumor tissues, viewing these phenomena from a physical perspective allows for a more global description, independent from many details of the systems. Building on the analogies between tissues and fluids and thermodynamic phase separation concepts, we classify a number of proposed mechanisms in terms of a thermodynamic metastability of the tumor with respect to growth. This can be governed by interaction with the microenvironment in the form of adherence (wetting) to a substrate or by mechanical confinement of the surrounding extracellular matrix. By drawing parallels with clinical and experimental data, we advance the notion that the local energy minima, or metastable states, emerging in the tissue droplet growth kinetics can be associated with a dormant state. Despite its simplicity, the provided framework captures several aspects associated with cancer dormancy and tumor growth.
Neuronal ROS-induced glial lipid droplet formation is altered by loss of Alzheimer’s disease–associated genes
Authors: Moulton Matthew J. , Barish Scott , Ralhan Isha , Chang Jinlan , Goodman Lindsey D. , Harland Jake G. , Marcogliese Paul C. , Johansson Jan O. , Ioannou Maria S. , Bellen Hugo J.
Published: December 2021

Significance

Multiple studies have implicated dozens of risk loci that may be associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but common mechanisms underlying how they may contribute to disease onset or progression remain elusive. This study identifies cell-specific roles for
Drosophila
orthologs of AD risk genes in lipid droplet formation that, when disrupted, lead to neurodegeneration. Our work reinforces a critical role for the sequestration of peroxidated lipids in glia, and places Apolipoprotein E ε4 (APOE4) with other AD risk factors in the transfer process of lipids from neurons to glia to form lipid droplets.
Defined core–shell particles as the key to complex interfacial self-assembly
Authors: Menath Johannes , Eatson Jack , Brilmayer Robert , Andrieu-Brunsen Annette , Buzza D. Martin A. , Vogel Nicolas
Published: December 2021

Significance

The spontaneous self-organization of matter is ubiquitous in nature and an attractive technological approach to create defined nanostructured materials from the bottom-up. Spherical colloidal particles are among the most widely used building blocks, but their self-assembly is limited to hexagonal symmetries as the densest sphere packing. Here, we demonstrate that this limitation in structural versatility can be overcome using soft core–shell particles self-assembling at a liquid interface. The propensity of the polymer shell to spread at such interfaces allows tailoring their interactions, which in turn affords a complex, nonintuitive phase behavior upon compression. The observed structures agree with theoretical predictions of particles interacting via two length-scale Jagla potentials, which have been predicted decades ago but remained elusive in experiments.
You earn what you weigh: the effect of physical constitution and type of job on remuneration in a simulated personnel selection context (Ganas lo que pesas: el efecto de la complexión física y el tipo de trabajo sobre la remuneración en un contexto simulado de selección de personal)
Authors: Cárdaba Miguel A. M. , Requero Blanca , Antoñanzas Gabriela , Sáenz Brenda , Santos David
Published: December 2021

Overweight people suffer from workplace discrimination, and they also tend to be perceived as less competent yet warmer than people with an average physical constitution. This study uses an experimental between-subjects design to investigate whether the greater warmth perceived in overweight people may become a beneficial factor (e.g., by receiving higher remuneration) when applying for certain jobs where warmth is an important dimension. The results indicated that for a job where likeability and warmth are important (party entertainer), the candidate received higher remuneration when they were presented as an overweight person than when they were presented as having an average physical constitution. Finally, we discuss the possible implications of this study for hiring departments, as well as possible strategies to lower workplace discrimination as a consequence of physical constitution.
Measuring functions and structure of environmental attitudes from environmental educators in public sanitation (Medición de las funciones y la estructura de las actitudes ambientales de los educadores ambientales en el ámbito del saneamiento público)
Authors: Schutz-dos-Santos Igor , Kuhnen Ariane
Published: December 2021

Environmental education towards sanitation can be effective to promote water conservation in a cycle of use framework. Considering attitudes as main determinants of pro-environmental behaviour and the need to expand knowledge from an educator’s point of view, this research aimed to comprehend the relations between environmental education and the development of environmental attitudes from sanitation workers. Group differences in activity execution and age were investigated. A mixed-method research design was conducted in a Brazilian sanitation company, CASAN, in two phases. In phase 1, 119 workers from treatment plants where environmental education is performed were submitted a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Environmental Attitudes Inventory. Data submitted to descriptive and comparative analyses indicated higher levels for preservation and general environmental attitudes for younger workers. In phase 2, 19 environmental educators were interviewed and their data submitted to content analysis to verify attitude functions. Participants confirmed the importance of performing activities for environmental attitudes development; institutional determinants were discussed, considering workers’ role in the promotion of natural resources conservation and adequate sanitation.
Psychometric properties of two psychological restoration scales: translation, adaptation and validity evidences of the Brazilian versions (Propiedades psicométricas de dos escalas de restauración psicológica: traducción, adaptación y validez de las versiones brasileñas)
Authors: Felappi Jéssica F. , Bedin Lívia M. , Terlau Wiltrud , Kötter Theo
Published: December 2021

Restorative environments refer to settings that allow for the recovery of depleted psychological resources. The potential to promote restoration can vary from place to place according to a setting’s characteristics. Two scales, Perceived Restorativeness Scale and Restoration Outcome Scale, have been applied to measure the restorativeness of places and restorative outcomes in the Global North. This study aims to translate, adapt and analyse the psychometric properties of these scales for their application in Brazil and to test their convergent validity. Our sample is composed of 566 adults (50.7% male) from the cities of Porto Alegre and São Paulo, with ages ranging from 18 to 85 years old. Both scales presented adequate internal consistency and model fit indexes. Moreover, the scales’ fit indexes were considered adequate regardless of participants’ gender and city of residence, which were tested through multigroup confirmatory factor analyses. With this contribution, we expect to help the expansion of research on restorative environments in the poorly studied Global South.
An Alternative Operation Scheme to Improve the Efficiency of a Stark Decelerator
Authors: Du Mei , Zhang Dongdong , Ding Dajun
Published: December 2021

A Stark decelerator can slow down polar molecules to very low velocities. When the velocities are very low, the number of cold molecules obtained is very small. In order to obtain a higher quantity of cold molecules, inspired by the work of Reens et al. [Phys. Rev. Res. 2 (2020) 033 095], we propose an alternative method of operating a Stark decelerator. Through the trajectory simulation of OH molecules in the decelerator, we find that the number of cold molecules can be greatly increased by one order of magnitude at both low and high final velocities on a Stark decelerator consisting of around 150 electrodes. This development is due to the improved longitudinal and the transverse focusing property provided by the new switching schemes and the high-voltage configurations on the decelerator unit.
Li Plating on Carbon Electrode Surface Probed by Low-Field Dynamic Nuclear Polarization 7Li NMR
Authors: Zhang Zhekai , Tian Jiyu , Chen Junfei , He Yugui , Liu Chaoyang , Liang Xinmiao , Feng Jiwen
Published: December 2021

Lithium deposition on graphite electrode not only reduces fast-charging capability of lithium ion batteries but also causes safety trouble. Here, a low-field 7Li dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) is used to probe Li plating on the surfaces of three types of carbon electrodes: hard carbon, soft carbon and graphite. Owing to the strong Fermi contact interaction between 7Li and conduction electrons, the 7Li nuclear-magnetic-resonance (NMR) signal of Li metal deposited on electrode surface could be selectively enhanced by DNP. It is suggested that low-field 7Li DNP spectroscopy is a sensitive tool for investigating Li deposition on electrodes during charging/discharging processes.
Discovery of Two Families of Vsb-Based Compounds with V-Kagome Lattice
Authors: Yang Yuxin , Fan Wenhui , Zhang Qinghua , Chen Zhaoxu , Chen Xu , Ying Tianping , Wu Xianxin , Yang Xiaofan , Meng Fanqi , Li Gang , Li Shiyan , Gu Lin , Qian Tian , Schnyder Andreas P. , Guo Jian-gang , Chen Xiaolong
Published: December 2021

We report the structure and physical properties of two newly discovered compounds AV8Sb12 and AV6Sb6 (A = Cs, Rb), which have C
2 (space group: Cmmm) and C
3 (space group:

R

3

¯

m

) symmetry, respectively. The basic V-kagome unit appears in both compounds, but stacking differently. A V2Sb2 layer is sandwiched between two V3Sb5 layers in AV8Sb12, altering the V-kagome lattice and lowering the symmetry of kagome layer from hexagonal to orthorhombic. In AV6Sb6, the building block is a more complex slab made up of two half-V3Sb5 layers that are intercalated by Cs cations along the c-axis. Transport property measurements demonstrate that both compounds are nonmagnetic metals, with carrier concentrations at around 1021 cm−3. No superconductivity has been observed in CsV8Sb12 above 0.3 K under in situ pressure up to 46 GPa. Compared to CsV3Sb5, theoretical calculations and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy reveal a quasi-two-dimensional electronic structure in CsV8Sb12 with C
2 symmetry and no van Hove singularities near the Fermi level. Our findings will stimulate more research into V-based kagome quantum materials.
Realizing n-type gete through suppressing the formation of cation vacancies and bi-doping*
Authors: Zhang Min , Hu Chaoliang , Zhang Qi , Liu Feng , Han Shen , Fu Chenguang , Zhu Tiejun
Published: December 2021

It is known that p-type GeTe-based materials show excellent thermoelectric performance due to the favorable electronic band structure. However, n-type doping in GeTe is of challenge owing to the native Ge vacancies and high hole concentration of about 1021 cm−3. In the present work, the formation energy of cation vacancies of GeTe is increased through alloying PbSe, and further Bi-doping enables the change of carrier conduction from p-type to n-type. As a result, the n-type thermoelectric performance is obtained in GeTe-based materials. A peak zT of 0.34 at 525 K is obtained for (Ge0.6Pb0.4)0.88Bi0.12Te0.6Se0.4. These results highlight the realization of n-type doping in GeTe and pave the way for further optimization of the thermoelectric performance of n-type GeTe.
Effect of geometrical structure on transport properties of silicene nanoconstrictions*
Authors: Guo Yawen , Jiang Wenqi , Wang Xinru , Wan Fei , Wang Guanqing , Zhou G. H. , Siu Z. B. , Jalil Mansoor B. A. , Li Yuan
Published: December 2021

We study electrical modulation of transport properties of silicene nanoconstrictions with different geometrical structures. We investigate the effects of the position and width of the central scattering region on the conductance with increasing Fermi energy. It is found that the conductance significantly depends on the position and the width of the nanoconstriction. Interestingly, the symmetrical structure of the central constriction region can induce a resonance effect and significantly increase the systemʼs conductance. We also propose a novel two-channel structure with an excellent performance on the conductance compared to the one-channel structure with the same total width. Such geometrically-induced conductance modulation of silicene nanostructures can be achieved in practice via current nanofabrication technology.
Structures and physical properties of v-based kagome metals csv6sb6 and csv8sb12
*
Authors: Yin Qiangwei , Tu Zhijun , Gong Chunsheng , Tian Shangjie , Lei Hechang
Published: December 2021

We report two new members of V-based kagome metals CsV6Sb6 and CsV8Sb12. The most striking structural feature of CsV6Sb6 is the V kagome bilayers. For CsV8Sb12, there is an intergrowth of two-dimensional V kagome layers and one-dimensional V chains, and the latter ones lead to the orthorhombic symmetry of this material. Further measurements indicate that these two materials exhibit metallic and Pauli paramagnetic behaviors. More importantly, different from CsV3Sb5, the charge density wave state and superconductivity do not emerge in CsV6Sb6 and CsV8Sb12 when temperature is above 2 K. Small magnetoresistance with saturation behavior and linear field dependence of Hall resistivity at high field and low temperature suggest that the carriers in both materials should be uncompensated with much different concentrations. The discovery of these two new V-based kagome metals sheds light on the exploration of correlated topological materials based on kagome lattice.
High-Sensitivity Tunnel Magnetoresistance Sensors Based on Double Indirect and Direct Exchange Coupling Effect*
Authors: Han Xiufeng , Zhang Yu , Wang Yizhan , Huang Li , Ma Qinli , Liu Houfang , Wan Caihua , Feng Jiafeng , Yin Lin , Yu Guoqiang , Yu Tian , Yan Yu
Published: December 2021

Detection of ultralow magnetic field requires magnetic sensors with high sensitivity and low noise level, especially for low operating frequency applications. We investigated the transport properties of tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) sensors based on the double indirect exchange coupling effect. The TMR ratio of about 150% was obtained in the magnetic tunnel junctions and linear response to an in-plane magnetic field was successfully achieved. A high sensitivity of 1.85%/Oe was achieved due to a designed soft pinned sensing layer of CoFeB/NiFe/Ru/IrMn. Furthermore, the voltage output sensitivity and the noise level of 10.7 mV/V/Oe, 10 nT/Hz1/2 at 1 Hz and 3.3 nT/Hz1/2 at 10 Hz were achieved in Full Wheatstone Bridge configuration. This kind of magnetic sensors can be used in the field of smart grid for current detection and sensing.
Time-space duality in 2D quantum gravity
Authors: Jia Ding
Published: December 2021

An important task faced by all approaches of quantum gravity is to incorporate superpositions and quantify quantum uncertainties of spacetime causal relations. We address this task in 2D. By identifying a global Z
2 symmetry of 1 + 1D quantum gravity, we show that gravitational path integral configurations come in equal amplitude pairs with timelike and spacelike relations exchanged. As a consequence, any two points are equally probable to be timelike and spacelike separated in a Universe without boundary conditions. In the context of simplicial quantum gravity we identify a local symmetry of the action which shows that even with boundary conditions causal uncertainties are generically present. Depending on the boundary conditions, causal uncertainties can still be large and even maximal.
Graphics processing unit implementation of the

F

-statistic for continuous gravitational wave searches
Authors: Dunn Liam , Clearwater Patrick , Melatos Andrew , Wette Karl
Published: December 2021

The

F

-statistic is a detection statistic used widely in searches for continuous gravitational waves with terrestrial, long-baseline interferometers. A new implementation of the

F

-statistic is presented which accelerates the existing ‘resampling’ algorithm using graphics processing units (GPUs). The new implementation runs between 10 and 100 times faster than the existing implementation on central processing units without sacrificing numerical accuracy. The utility of the GPU implementation is demonstrated on a pilot narrowband search for four newly discovered millisecond pulsars in the globular cluster Omega Centauri using data from the second Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory observing run. The computational cost is 17.2 GPU-hours using the new implementation, compared to 1092 core-hours with the existing implementation.
A measurement of the cosmic expansion within our lifetime
Authors: Melia Fulvio
Published: December 2021

The most exciting future observation in cosmology will feature a monitoring of the cosmic expansion in real time, unlike anything that has ever been attempted before. This campaign will uncover crucial physical properties of the various constituents in the universe, and perhaps answer a simpler question concerning whether or not the cosmic expansion is even accelerating. An unambiguous yes/no response to this query will significantly impact cosmology, of course, but also the standard model of particle physics. Here, we discuss—in a straightforward way—how to understand the so-called ‘redshift drift’ sought by this campaign, and why its measurement will help us refine the standard-model parameters if the answer is ‘yes.’ A ‘no’ answer, on the other hand, could be more revolutionary, in the sense that it might provide a resolution of several long-standing problems and inconsistencies in our current cosmological models. An outcome of zero redshift drift, for example, would obviate the need for a cosmological constant and render inflation completely redundant.
Dragging spin–orbit-coupled solitons by a moving optical lattice
Authors: Sakaguchi Hidetsugu , Hirano Fumihide , Malomed Boris A
Published: December 2021

It is known that the interplay of the spin–orbit-coupling (SOC) and mean-field self-attraction creates stable two-dimensional (2D) solitons (ground states) in spinor Bose–Einstein condensates. However, SOC destroys the system’s Galilean invariance, therefore moving solitons exist only in a narrow interval of velocities, outside of which the solitons suffer delocalization. We demonstrate that the application of a relatively weak moving optical lattice (OL), with the 2D or quasi-1D structure, makes it possible to greatly expand the velocity interval for stable motion of the solitons. The stability domain in the system’s parameter space is identified by means of numerical methods. In particular, the quasi-1D OL produces a stronger stabilizing effect than its full 2D counterpart. Some features of the domain are explained analytically.