bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Study on the Outcome of Trauma Patients Transferred by Doctor Helicopters and Ground Ambulance in South Korea
Authors: Lee Kang Hyun , Lee Jeong Il
Published: November 2022

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to analyze the cost-effectiveness of helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) for its economic operations in South Korea.

Methods:

This study targeted trauma patients that were transported by either HEMS or ground emergency medical services (GEMS) from the scene of an accident to a regional emergency medical center. From this patient population, severe trauma patients (injury severity score ISS ≥ 16 points) with a distance travelled from the scene of the injury to the hospital that was 30 km or longer and with analyzable outcome data were extracted and included in this study. Cost-effectiveness was analyzed from survival and efficiency based on medical costs incurred from the pre-hospital setting to hospital discharge. This study included a total of 34 HEMS and 105 GEMS patients with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 16 points from a pool of 357 potential patients.

Results:

The survival-to-discharge rate of HEMS was 29 of 34 patients (85.3%) and was significantly higher than that of GEMS, where only 66 of 105 patients (62.8%) survived to discharge (P = 0.024). The expected and the actual mortality was higher in HEMS than it was in GEMS. Statistical significant difference in cost was found between the 2 groups (P = 0.002).

Conclusions:

The results of the present study indicate the increased discharge rate, survival rate and reduced in hospital mortality of HEMS with reduced admission time. This result association leads to reasonable cost effectiveness and efficient estimates overall.
Evolution of two counter-rotating vortices in a stratified turbulent environment
Authors: Bin Yuanwei , Yang Xiang I.A. , Yang Yantao , Ni Rui , Shi Yipeng
Published: November 2022

We conduct direct numerical simulations and study the evolution of a pair of counter-rotating vortices in a stratified and turbulent environment beyond the first vortex linking (which is due to the Crow instability). The initial position of the two vortices is perpendicular to the direction of thermal stratification. We vary the Froude number, the background turbulence intensity and the Reynolds number, covering strong, weak and neutral stratification; low, moderate and high background turbulence; and low and moderate Reynolds numbers. We observe a second vortex linking in a weakly stratified environment for the first time. The second vortex linking is followed by turbulence bursts that lead to the rapid decay of the residual vortices after the first vortex linking, leading to a short-living vortex pair. This challenges the conventional view that residual vortices have a long life span, which is true only in an unstratified environment. In addition to the second vortex linking, we observe the following. First, strong background turbulence quickly breaks the two vortices. Second, the two vortices induce secondary and tertiary vortices and lose energy to gravitational waves in a strongly stratified (

$Fr\leqslant 0.7$

) environment.
Culture, Identity, and the State in Cuba
Authors: Grenier Yvon
Published: November 2022

This essay reviews the following books:

The Cuba Reader: History, Culture, Politics. 2nd ed., revised and updated. Edited by Aviva Chomsky, Barry Carr, Alfredo Prieto, and Pamela Maria Smorkaloff. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2019. Pp. xi + 744. $32.95 paperback. ISBN: 9781478003939.

Picturing Cuba: Art, Culture, and Identity on the Island and in the Diaspora. Edited by Jorge Duany. Gainesville: University Press of Florida, 2019. Pp. xii + 320. $35.00 paperback. ISBN: 9781683402091.

The Cuban Hustle: Culture, Politics, Everyday Life. By Sujatha Fernandes. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2020. Pp. ix + 184. $24.95 paperback. ISBN: 9781478009641.

Entangled Terrains and Identities in Cuba: Memories of Guantánamo. By Asa McKercher and Catherine Krull. Lanham, MD: Lexington Books, 2019. Pp. xxiv + 188. $90.00 hardcover. ISBN: 9781793602770.

El árbol de las revoluciones: Ideas y poder en América Latina. By Rafael Rojas. Madrid: Turner, 2021. Pp. 302. ISBN: 9788418895029.

Beyond Cuban Waters: África, La Yuma, and the Island’s Global Imagination. By Paul Ryer. Nashville: Vanderbilt University Press, 2018. Pp. x + 240. $39.95 paperback. ISBN: 9780826521194.

Dancing with the Revolution: Power, Politics, and Privilege in Cuba. By Elizabeth B. Schwall. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 2021. Pp. xi + 298. $34.95 paperback. ISBN: 9781469662978.
A GLANCE TO THE FRAGMENTA MEMBRANEA MANUSCRIPT COLLECTION THROUGH FTIR AND RADIOCARBON ANALYSES
Authors: Kasso T M , Kytökari M , Oinonen M , Mizohata K , Tahkokallio J , Heikkilä T
Published: November 2022

The Fragmenta membranea manuscript fragment collection at the National Library of Finland has proved challenging to date using only traditional paleography. Therefore, radiocarbon dates can contribute to the understanding of these fragments by offering a parallel natural scientific timeline for the parchment the manuscripts are written on. In this study, we apply our previously developed method for radiocarbon dating medieval manuscripts made of parchment. In total 35 datings were made from 14 separate assemblages of manuscripts, being the first systematic wide-scale application of radiocarbon dating to a collection of medieval manuscripts in order to improve their chronological proxy. Additionally, due to the fragmentary and sometimes poor condition of the manuscript fragments of Fragmenta membranea analyzed in this study, we used Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to evaluate the quality of the collagen and the presence of contaminants in the fragments affecting the radiocarbon dates. We report out radiocarbon dating results and FTIR screenings for each sample and for each manuscript assemblage, and discuss the applicability of our method in further studies of applying radiocarbon dating on objects of cultural historical interest and value. The results indicate an essential role of high-quality samples and multiple measurements to interpret the radiocarbon dating results.
The Trouble with Sumner Welles: Sexuality, Race, and the Limits of Mythmaking in Queer History
Authors: PARKES CHRIS
Published: November 2022

Sumner Welles occupies a queer place in American history. Despite his prominence, his reputation among diplomatic historians has been overshadowed by the sex scandal that occasioned his demise. Conversely, he has attracted cursory attention from scholars of the history of sexuality. This article examines that historiographic dialectic. By analyzing literature about Welles, conducting a close reading of sources that catalogued Welles's sexuality, and applying an intersectional lens to the scandal that ended his career, this article seeks to redress historiographic misunderstandings and omissions about Welles. Additionally, this article explores ethical questions historians must contend with when analyzing historical queer figures.
Manipulation under anaesthesia of fractured nasal bones – a 10-year retrospective study
Authors: Gokani S A , Sadik H S , Espehana A , Jegatheeswaran L , Luke L , Philpott C , Nassif R
Published: November 2022

Background

Nasal bone fractures are treated by manipulation under general or local anaesthesia procedures. Data on long-term benefits of manipulation under local anaesthesia are limited. This study aimed to quantify the proportion of patients requiring septoplasty or septorhinoplasty after manipulation under general and local anaesthesia procedures.

Methods

Anonymised data were collected from electronic records of all patients who underwent manipulation under anaesthesia at our centre over a 10-year period, including demographics, manipulation under anaesthesia timing and further surgery requirements.

Results

The study identified 625 manipulation under general anaesthesia and 52 manipulation under local anaesthesia procedures. Manipulation under local anaesthesia procedures were performed earlier (local anaesthesia = 9 days, general anaesthesia = 15 days; p < 0.05) and were more likely to achieve manipulation (local anaesthesia = 83 per cent, general anaesthesia = 76 per cent; p < 0.05). There was no difference between techniques in the percentage of patients requiring further surgery.

Conclusion

This paper describes a large cohort of patients who underwent manipulation under anaesthesia over a 10-year period. Manipulation under local anaesthesia procedures have increased since the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, and the results are comparable to manipulation under general anaesthesia, with reduced delays between injury and manipulation.
Defining the Bounds of Using Radioactive Isotope Tracers to Sense Past Groundwater Recharge Under Transient State Conditions
Authors: Chmielarski M. , Dogramaci S. , Cook P. G. , McCallum J. L.
Published: November 2022

Analyzing groundwater systems in transient state is essential for understanding the response of groundwater recharge to changing environments. Radioactive isotopes have long been used to track recharge behavior, typically under steady state conditions. This study tests the limitations of using radioactive isotopes in confined aquifers and under transient conditions to sense changes in groundwater recharge rates over time. Four system parameters determine the bounds of this approach: the isotope half‐life, the Péclet number (Pe), and mobile‐immobile zone interactions. This study revealed that in confined groundwater systems where Pe ≥ 10, isotopes reflect transience when the half‐life matches the water travel time down the flow path or the time elapsed from the change in velocity. This response is evident regardless of mobile‐immobile interaction, suggesting that appropriate isotope selection is key to establishing past recharge regardless of aquifer lithology or geometry.
Abrupt Contraction of the Indo‐East Asian Monsoons Ended the Holocene Humid Period
Authors: Goldsmith Yonaton , Xu Hai , Torfstein Adi , Lan Jianghu , Song Yunping , Zhang Jin , Zhou Kang'en , Cheng Jun , Enzel Yehouda
Published: November 2022

Rain‐belt migration, and in particular monsoon migration, are a cardinal, yet under‐constrained aspect of climate change. Here, we present a new lake‐level record from a closed‐basin lake in northern China and a compilation of available lake level records from closed‐basin lakes located at the northern margins of East Asian and Indian monsoon regions. These data show that ca. 6 ka ago, changes in water availability, as recorded by the surface areas of the closed‐basin lakes, shrunk dramatically, within a few decades, and have not been restored to their pre‐6 ka sizes since. These data imply that the Indo‐East Asian monsoon systems underwent a large coeval southward contraction, which preceded the gradual decline in insolation forcing, and abruptly ended the Holocene Humid Period (HHP). This new compilation enables to constrain potential feedback mechanisms involved in the early termination of the HHP at the monsoon fringes.
Vigorous New Particle Formation Above Polluted Boundary Layer in the North China Plain
Authors: Lai Shiyi , Huang Xin , Qi Ximeng , Chen Liangduo , Ren Chuanhua , Wang Zilin , Wang Jinbo , Lou Sijia , Chi Xuguang , Gao Yang , Hai Shangfei , Petäjä Tuukka , Kerminen Veli‐Matti , Kulmala Markku , Ding Aijun
Published: November 2022

Atmospheric new particle formation (NPF) is vital in climate and air pollution for its contribution to aerosols and cloud condensation nuclei; however, a vertical understanding of NPF is still limited. Here, simultaneous observations at two altitudes were conducted over the North China Plain. Despite a high aerosol loading during cold season, NPF is still frequently observed. The upper‐air NPF is increasingly intensive and starts earlier as haze pollution deteriorated, and the onset time gap could exceed 3 hr. To understand the factors modulating NPF vertically, we updated the meteorology‐chemistry model by incorporating state‐of‐the‐art nucleation schemes and performed highly vertical‐resolved simulations. It is revealed that vertical disparities in NPF are attributed to the pronounced stratification of sulfur dioxide, ozone, and particulate matter. As the evolution of the boundary layer, strong NPF in the upper air elevates the near‐surface nucleation‐mode particles. This work sheds more light on the vertical structure of NPF.
First‐Order River Delta Morphology Is Explained by the Sediment Flux Balance From Rivers, Waves, and Tides
Authors: Broaddus C. M. , Vulis L. M. , Nienhuis J. H. , Tejedor A. , Brown J. , Foufoula‐Georgiou E. , Edmonds D. A.
Published: November 2022

We present a novel quantitative test of a 50‐year‐old hypothesis which asserts that river delta morphology is determined by the balance between river and marine influence. We define three metrics to capture the first‐order morphology of deltas (shoreline roughness, number of distributary channel mouths, and presence/absence of spits), and use a recently developed sediment flux framework to quantify the river‐marine influence. Through analysis of simulated and field deltas we quantitatively demonstrate the relationship between sediment flux balance and delta morphology and show that the flux balance accounts for at least 35% of the variance in the number of distributary channel mouths and 42% of the variance in the shoreline roughness for real‐world and simulated deltas. We identify a tipping point in the flux balance where wave influence halts distributary channel formation and show how this explains morphological transitions in real world deltas.
Transition in Optical and Radio Features During the Early Development of Negative Intracloud Leader
Authors: Huang Anjing , Cummer Steven A. , Pu Yunjiao , Chanrion Olivier A. , Neubert Torsten , Reglero Victor , Østgaard Nikolai
Published: November 2022

What happens when the upward in‐cloud (IC) breakdown transitions into horizontally expanding extension? Optical observations of this transition in IC lightning have not previously been reported. We identify the radio and optical signatures of this transition in low‐frequency (LF) magnetic, very high frequency interferometric and space‐borne optical measurements. For initial IC development in stratiform clouds, the ratio of 337/777.4 nm radiance is above unity prior to the transition but is almost always below unity after the transition. In particular, the 337 nm radiance drops significantly while the 777.4 nm radiance remains almost invariant after the transition, suggesting when the dominant illumination process of IC leaders changes from cold streamer discharges to a likely stepped leader. Furthermore, this transition in the LF and optical measurements resembles the reported changes in the cloud‐to‐ground measurements from initial leader to stepped leader, indicating that the initial leader may be physically different from the stepped leader.
Powering Earth's Ancient Dynamo With Silicon Precipitation
Authors: Wilson Alfred J. , Pozzo Monica , Alfè Dario , Walker Andrew M. , Greenwood Sam , Pommier Anne , Davies Christopher J.
Published: November 2022

Earth's core has produced a global magnetic field for at least the last 3.5 Gyrs, presently sustained by inner core (IC) growth. Models of the core with high thermal conductivity suggest potentially insufficient power available for the geodynamo prior to IC formation ∼1 Ga. Precipitation of silicon from the liquid core might offer an alternative power source for the ancient magnetic field, although few estimates of the silicon partition coefficient exist for conditions of the early core. We present the first ab initio determination of the silicon partition coefficient at core‐mantle boundary conditions and use these results to confirm a thermodynamic description of partitioning that is integrated into a model of coupled core‐mantle thermal evolution. We show that models including precipitation of silicon can satisfy constraints of IC size, mantle convective heat flux, mantle temperature and a persistent ancient geodynamo, and favor an oxygen poor initial core composition.
Unraveling the Critical Geomagnetic Conditions Controlling the Upper Limit of Electron Fluxes in the Earth's Outer Radiation Belt
Authors: Hua Man , Bortnik Jacob , Chu Xiangning , Aryan Homayon , Ma Qianli
Published: November 2022

We investigate the statistical distribution of the upper limit of outer radiation belt electron fluxes during active times using 5‐year measurements from Van Allen Probes. The upper flux limit at different energies peaks around L ∼ 4.7, with larger flux variation at higher energies >1 MeV compared to energies at hundreds of keV. Based on the correlation analysis between maximum fluxes and various time‐integrated geomagnetic indices, including SYM‐H, AE, and AL, we reveal that maximum fluxes strongly correlate to cumulative effects of substorms instead of storms, with the strongest dependence on the time‐integrated AL (Int(AL)). We investigate the correlation coefficients (CC) between maximum fluxes and time‐integrated substorm indices at different time lags and identify the time lag corresponding to the best CC. Finally, we develop a prediction model of maximum fluxes using only Int(AL) as input, which shows CC of ∼0.80 and allows future forecasts of extreme cases of outer belt electrons.
Martian Atmospheric Temperature and Density Profiles During the First Year of NOMAD/TGO Solar Occultation Measurements
Authors: López‐Valverde Miguel Angel , Funke Bernd , Brines Adrian , Stolzenbach Aurèlien , Modak Ashimananda , Hill Brittany , González‐Galindo Francisco , Thomas Ian , Trompet Loic , Aoki Shohei , Villanueva Gerónimo , Liuzzi Giuliano , Erwin Justin , Grabowski Udo , Forget Francois , López‐Moreno José Juan , Rodriguez‐Gómez Julio , Ristic Bojan , Daerden Frank , Bellucci Giancarlo , Patel Manish , Vandaele Ann‐Carine ,   the NOMAD team
Published: November 2022

We present vertical profiles of temperature and density from solar occultation (SO) observations by the “Nadir and Occultation for Mars Discovery” (NOMAD) spectrometer on board the Trace Gas Orbiter during its first operational year, which covered the second half of Mars Year 34. We used calibrated transmittance spectra in 380 scans, and apply an in‐house pre‐processing to clean data systematics. Temperature and CO2 profiles up to about 90 km, with consistent hydrostatic adjustment, are obtained, after adapting an Earth‐tested retrieval scheme to Mars conditions. Both pre‐processing and retrieval are discussed to illustrate their performance and robustness. Our results reveal the large impact of the MY34 Global Dust Storm (GDS), which warmed the atmosphere at all altitudes. The large GDS aerosols opacity limited the sounding of tropospheric layers. The retrieved temperatures agree well with global climate models (GCM) at tropospheric altitudes, but NOMAD mesospheric temperatures are wavier and globally colder by 10 K in the perihelion season, particularly during the GDS and its decay phase. We observe a warm layer around 80 km during the Southern Spring, especially in the Northern Hemisphere morning terminator, associated to large thermal tides, significantly stronger than in the GCM. Cold mesospheric pockets, close to CO2 condensation temperatures, are more frequently observed than in the GCM. NOMAD CO2 densities show oscillations upon a seasonal trend that track well the latitudinal variations expected. Results uncertainties and suggestions to improve future data re‐analysis are briefly discussed.
Volcano‐Tectonic Evolution of the Christiana‐Santorini‐Kolumbo Rift Zone
Authors: Preine J. , Hübscher C. , Karstens J. , Nomikou P.
Published: November 2022

Located on the Hellenic Arc, the Christiana‐Santorini‐Kolumbo (CSK) rift zone represents one of the most active and hazardous volcano‐tectonic systems in the Mediterranean. Although this rift zone has been intensively studied, its tectonic evolution and the interplay of volcanism and tectonism are still poorly understood. In this study, we use high‐resolution reflection seismic imagery to reconstruct the opening of the rift basins. For the first time, we relate the activity of individual faults with the activity of specific volcanic centers in space and time. Our analysis shows a pre‐volcanic NNE‐SSW‐oriented paleo basin underneath the CSK volcanoes, representing a transfer zone between Pliocene ESE‐WNW‐oriented basins, which was overprinted by a NE‐SW‐oriented tectonic regime hosting Late Pliocene volcanism that initiated at the Christiana Volcano. All subsequent volcanoes evolved parallel to this trend. Two major Pleistocene tectonic pulses preceded fundamental changes in the volcanism of the CSK rift including the occurrence of widespread small‐scale volcanic centers followed by focusing of activity at Santorini with increasing explosivity. The observed correlation between changes in the tectonic system and the magmatism of the CSK volcanoes suggests a deep‐seated tectonic control of the volcanic plumbing system. In turn, our analysis reveals the absence of large‐scale faults in basin segments affected by volcanism indicating a secondary feedback mechanism on the tectonic system. A comparison with the evolution of the neighboring Kos‐Nisyros‐Yali volcanic field zone and Rhodos highlights concurrent regional volcano‐tectonic changes, suggesting a potential arc‐wide scale of the observed volcano‐tectonic interplay.
Hepatocellular carcinoma cells loss lenvatinib efficacy in vitro through autophagy and hypoxia response-derived neuropilin-1 degradation
Authors: Fernández-Palanca Paula , Payo-Serafín Tania , San-Miguel Beatriz , Méndez-Blanco Carolina , Tuñón María J. , González-Gallego Javier , Mauriz José L.
Published: November 2022

Despite pharmacological advances such as lenvatinib approval, therapeutic failure of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a big challenge due to the complexity of its underlying molecular mechanisms. Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) is a co-receptor involved in several cellular processes associated to chemoresistance development. Since both the double-edged process of autophagy and hypoxia-derived response play crucial roles in the loss of therapeutic effectiveness, herein we investigated the interplay among NRP1, autophagy and hypoxia in development of lenvatinib resistance in HCC cell lines. We first analyzed NRP1 expression levels in human HCC samples from public databases, found significantly increased NRP1 expression in human HCC samples as well as its correlation with advanced tumor and metastasis stages. Among 3 HCC cell lines (HepG2, Huh-7 and Hep3B), Hep3B and Huh-7 cells showed significantly increased NRP1 expression levels and cell migration ability together with higher susceptibility to lenvatinib. We demonstrated that NRP1 gene silencing significantly enhanced the anticancer effects of lenvatinib on Hep3B and Huh-7 cells. Furthermore, lenvatinib suppressed NRP1 expression through promoting autophagy in Hep3B and Huh-7 cells; co-treatment with bafilomycin A1 attenuated the antitumor effects of lenvatinib, and NRP1 silencing prevented this loss of in vitro effectiveness of lenvatinib even in the presence of bafilomycin A1. In addition, exposure to a hypoxic microenvironment significantly decreased NRP1 expression through autophagy in Hep3B and Huh-7 cells. Under hypoxia, HIF-1α directly modulated NRP1 expression; HIF-1α silencing not only enhanced the anticancer effects of combined lenvatinib and hypoxia, but also prevented the loss of effectiveness caused by bafilomycin A1, highlighting the potential role of HIF-1α-derived hypoxia response in the adaptive cellular response to lenvatinib and promoting resistance acquisition by autophagy modulation. Overall, NRP1 may constitute a potential therapeutic target to prevent lenvatinib failure derived from a hypoxia-associated modulation of autophagy in advanced HCC.
Genome-wide association and multi-trait analyses characterize the common genetic architecture of heart failure
Authors: Levin Michael G. , Tsao Noah L. , Singhal Pankhuri , Liu Chang , Vy Ha My T. , Paranjpe Ishan , Backman Joshua D. , Bellomo Tiffany R. , Bone William P. , Biddinger Kiran J. , Hui Qin , Dikilitas Ozan , Satterfield Benjamin A. , Yang Yifan , Morley Michael P. , Bradford Yuki , Burke Megan , Reza Nosheen , Charest Brian ,   Regeneron Genetics Center, Judy Renae L. , Puckelwartz Megan J. , Hakonarson Hakon , Khan Atlas , Kottyan Leah C. , Kullo Iftikhar , Luo Yuan , McNally Elizabeth M. , Rasmussen-Torvik Laura J. , Day Sharlene M. , Do Ron , Phillips Lawrence S. , Ellinor Patrick T. , Nadkarni Girish N. , Ritchie Marylyn D. , Arany Zoltan , Cappola Thomas P. , Margulies Kenneth B. , Aragam Krishna G. , Haggerty Christopher M. , Joseph Jacob , Sun Yan V. , Voight Benjamin F. , Damrauer Scott M.
Published: November 2022

Heart failure is a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, the contribution of common genetic variation to heart failure risk has not been fully elucidated, particularly in comparison to other common cardiometabolic traits. We report a multi-ancestry genome-wide association study meta-analysis of all-cause heart failure including up to 115,150 cases and 1,550,331 controls of diverse genetic ancestry, identifying 47 risk loci. We also perform multivariate genome-wide association studies that integrate heart failure with related cardiac magnetic resonance imaging endophenotypes, identifying 61 risk loci. Gene-prioritization analyses including colocalization and transcriptome-wide association studies identify known and previously unreported candidate cardiomyopathy genes and cellular processes, which we validate in gene-expression profiling of failing and healthy human hearts. Colocalization, gene expression profiling, and Mendelian randomization provide convergent evidence for the roles of BCKDHA and circulating branch-chain amino acids in heart failure and cardiac structure. Finally, proteome-wide Mendelian randomization identifies 9 circulating proteins associated with heart failure or quantitative imaging traits. These analyses highlight similarities and differences among heart failure and associated cardiovascular imaging endophenotypes, implicate common genetic variation in the pathogenesis of heart failure, and identify circulating proteins that may represent cardiomyopathy treatment targets.
Breaking through the Mermin-Wagner limit in 2D van der Waals magnets
Authors: Jenkins Sarah , Rózsa Levente , Atxitia Unai , Evans Richard F. L. , Novoselov Kostya S. , Santos Elton J. G.
Published: November 2022

The Mermin-Wagner theorem states that long-range magnetic order does not exist in one- (1D) or two-dimensional (2D) isotropic magnets with short-ranged interactions. Here we show that in finite-size 2D van der Waals magnets typically found in lab setups (within millimetres), short-range interactions can be large enough to allow the stabilisation of magnetic order at finite temperatures without any magnetic anisotropy. We demonstrate that magnetic ordering can be created in 2D flakes independent of the lattice symmetry due to the intrinsic nature of the spin exchange interactions and finite-size effects. Surprisingly we find that the crossover temperature, where the intrinsic magnetisation changes from superparamagnetic to a completely disordered paramagnetic regime, is weakly dependent on the system length, requiring giant sizes (e.g., of the order of the observable universe ~ 1026 m) to observe the vanishing of the magnetic order as expected from the Mermin-Wagner theorem. Our findings indicate exchange interactions as the main ingredient for 2D magnetism.
A Wolbachia factor for male killing in lepidopteran insects
Authors: Katsuma Susumu , Hirota Kanako , Matsuda-Imai Noriko , Fukui Takahiro , Muro Tomohiro , Nishino Kohei , Kosako Hidetaka , Shoji Keisuke , Takanashi Hideki , Fujii Takeshi , Arimura Shin-ichi , Kiuchi Takashi
Published: November 2022

Bacterial symbionts, such as Wolbachia species, can manipulate the sexual development and reproduction of their insect hosts. For example, Wolbachia infection induces male-specific death in the Asian corn borer Ostrinia furnacalis by targeting the host factor Masculinizer (Masc), an essential protein for masculinization and dosage compensation in lepidopteran insects. Here we identify a Wolbachia protein, designated Oscar, which interacts with Masc via its ankyrin repeats. Embryonic expression of Oscar inhibits Masc-induced masculinization and leads to male killing in two lepidopteran insects, O. furnacalis and the silkworm Bombyx mori. Our study identifies a mechanism by which Wolbachia induce male killing of host progeny.
H7N9 avian influenza virus infection in men is associated with testosterone depletion
Authors: Bai Tian , Chen Yongkun , Beck Sebastian , Stanelle-Bertram Stephanie , Mounogou Nancy Kouassi , Chen Tao , Dong Jie , Schneider Bettina , Jia Tingting , Yang Jing , Wang Lijie , Meinhardt Andreas , Zapf Antonia , Kreienbrock Lothar , Wang Dayan , Shu Yuelong , Gabriel Gülsah
Published: November 2022

Human infections with H7N9 avian influenza A virus that emerged in East China in 2013 and caused high morbidity rates were more frequently detected in men than in women over the last five epidemic waves. However, molecular markers associated with poor disease outcomes in men are still unknown. In this study, we systematically analysed sex hormone and cytokine levels in males and females with laboratory-confirmed H7N9 influenza in comparison to H7N9-negative control groups as well as laboratory-confirmed seasonal H1N1/H3N2 influenza cases (n = 369). Multivariable analyses reveal that H7N9-infected men present with considerably reduced testosterone levels associated with a poor outcome compared to non-infected controls. Regression analyses reveal that testosterone levels in H7N9-infected men are negatively associated with the levels of several pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and IL-15. To assess whether there is a causal relationship between low testosterone levels and avian H7N9 influenza infection, we used a mouse model. In male mice, we show that respiratory H7N9 infection leads to a high viral load and inflammatory cytokine response in the testes as well as a reduction in pre-infection plasma testosterone levels. Collectively, these findings suggest that monitoring sex hormone levels may support individualized management for patients with avian influenza infections.
A fluorogenic probe for predicting treatment response in non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR-activating mutations
Authors: Deng Hui , Lei Qian , Wang Chengdi , Wang Zhoufeng , Chen Hai , Wang Gang , Yang Na , Huang Dan , Yu Quanwei , Yao Mengling , Xiao Xue , Zhu Guonian , Cheng Cheng , Li Yangqian , Li Feng , Tian Panwen , Li Weimin
Published: November 2022

Therapeutic responses of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) - tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are known to be associated with EGFR mutations. However, a proportion of NSCLCs carrying EGFR mutations still progress on EGFR-TKI underlining the imperfect correlation. Structure-function-based approaches have recently been reported to perform better in retrospectively predicting patient outcomes following EGFR-TKI treatment than exon-based method. Here, we develop a multicolor fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) with an EGFR-TKI-based fluorogenic probe (HX103) to profile active-EGFR in tumors. HX103-based FACS shows an overall agreement with gene mutations of 82.6%, sensitivity of 81.8% and specificity of 83.3% for discriminating EGFR-activating mutations from wild-type in surgical specimens from NSCLC patients. We then translate HX103 to the clinical studies for prediction of EGFR-TKI sensitivity. When integrating computed tomography imaging with HX103-based FACS, we find a high correlation between EGFR-TKI therapy response and probe labeling. These studies demonstrate HX103-based FACS provides a high predictive performance for response to EGFR-TKI, suggesting the potential utility of an EGFR-TKI-based probe in precision medicine trials to stratify NSCLC patients for EGFR-TKI treatment.
Aqueous synthesis of highly functional, hydrophobic, and chemically recyclable cellulose nanomaterials through oxime ligation
Authors: Subbotina Elena , Ram Farsa , Dvinskikh Sergey V. , Berglund Lars A. , Olsén Peter
Published: November 2022

Cellulose nanofibril (CNF) materials are candidates for the sustainable development of high mechanical performance nanomaterials. Due to inherent hydrophilicity and limited functionality range, most applications require chemical modification of CNF. However, targeted transformations directly on CNF are cumbersome due to the propensity of CNF to aggregate in non-aqueous solvents at high concentrations, complicating the choice of suitable reagents and requiring tedious separations of the final product. This work addresses this challenge by developing a general, entirely water-based, and experimentally simple methodology for functionalizing CNF, providing aliphatic, allylic, propargylic, azobenzylic, and substituted benzylic functional groups. The first step is NaIO4 oxidation to dialdehyde-CNF in the wet cake state, followed by oxime ligation with O-substituted hydroxylamines. The increased hydrolytic stability of oximes removes the need for reductive stabilization as often required for the analogous imines where aldehyde groups react with amines in water. Overall, the process provides a tailored degree of nanofibril functionalization (2–4.5 mmol/g) with the possible reversible detachment of the functionality under mildly acidic conditions, resulting in the reformation of dialdehyde CNF. The modified CNF materials were assessed for potential applications in green electronics and triboelectric nanogenerators.
Priming self-assembly pathways by stacking block copolymers
Authors: Russell Sebastian T. , Bae Suwon , Subramanian Ashwanth , Tiwale Nikhil , Doerk Gregory , Nam Chang-Yong , Fukuto Masafumi , Yager Kevin G.
Published: November 2022

Block copolymers spontaneously self-assemble into well-defined nanoscale morphologies. Yet equilibrium assembly gives rise to a limited set of structures. Non-equilibrium strategies can, in principle, expand diversity by exploiting self-assembly’s responsive nature. In this vein, we developed a pathway priming strategy combining control of thin film initial configurations and ordering history. We sequentially coat distinct materials to form prescribed initial states, and use thermal annealing to evolve these manifestly non-equilibrium states through the assembly landscape, traversing normally inaccessible transient structures. We explore the enormous associated hyperspace, spanning processing (annealing temperature and time), material (composition and molecular weight), and layering (thickness and order) dimensions. We demonstrate a library of exotic non-native morphologies, including vertically-oriented perforated lamellae, aqueduct structures (vertical lamellar walls with substrate-pinned perforations), parapets (crenellated lamellae), and networks of crisscrossing lamellae. This enhanced structural control can be used to modify functional properties, including accessing regimes that surpass their equilibrium analogs.
Dual roles and evolutionary implications of P26/poxin in antagonizing intracellular cGAS-STING and extracellular melanization immunity
Authors: Yin Mengyi , Kuang Wenhua , Wang Qianran , Wang Xi , Yuan Chuanfei , Lin Zhe , Zhang Huanyu , Deng Fei , Jiang Haobo , Gong Peng , Zou Zhen , Hu Zhihong , Wang Manli
Published: November 2022

P26, a homolog of the viral-encoded nuclease poxin that neutralizes the cGAS-STING innate immunity, is widely distributed in various invertebrate viruses, lepidopteran insects, and parasitoid wasps. P26/poxin from certain insect viruses also retains protease activity, though its biological role remains unknown. Given that many P26s contain a signal peptide, it is surmised that P26 may possess certain extracellular functions. Here, we report that a secretory baculoviral P26 suppresses melanization, a prominent insect innate immunity against pathogen invasion. P26 targets the cofactor of a prophenoloxidase-activating protease, and its inhibitory function is independent of nuclease activity. The analysis of P26/poxin homologs from different origins suggests that the ability to inhibit the extracellular melanization pathway is limited to P26s with a signal peptide and not shared by the homologs without it. These findings highlight the independent evolution of a single viral suppressor to perform dual roles in modulating immunity during virus-host adaptation.
The gas-phase formation mechanism of iodic acid as an atmospheric aerosol source
Authors: Finkenzeller Henning , Iyer Siddharth , He Xu-Cheng , Simon Mario , Koenig Theodore K. , Lee Christopher F. , Valiev Rashid , Hofbauer Victoria , Amorim Antonio , Baalbaki Rima , Baccarini Andrea , Beck Lisa , Bell David M. , Caudillo Lucía , Chen Dexian , Chiu Randall , Chu Biwu , Dada Lubna , Duplissy Jonathan , Heinritzi Martin , Kemppainen Deniz , Kim Changhyuk , Krechmer Jordan , Kürten Andreas , Kvashnin Alexandr , Lamkaddam Houssni , Lee Chuan Ping , Lehtipalo Katrianne , Li Zijun , Makhmutov Vladimir , Manninen Hanna E. , Marie Guillaume , Marten Ruby , Mauldin Roy L. , Mentler Bernhard , Müller Tatjana , Petäjä Tuukka , Philippov Maxim , Ranjithkumar Ananth , Rörup Birte , Shen Jiali , Stolzenburg Dominik , Tauber Christian , Tham Yee Jun , Tomé António , Vazquez-Pufleau Miguel , Wagner Andrea C. , Wang Dongyu S. , Wang Mingyi , Wang Yonghong , Weber Stefan K. , Nie Wei , Wu Yusheng , Xiao Mao , Ye Qing , Zauner-Wieczorek Marcel , Hansel Armin , Baltensperger Urs , Brioude Jérome , Curtius Joachim , Donahue Neil M. , Haddad Imad El , Flagan Richard C. , Kulmala Markku , Kirkby Jasper , Sipilä Mikko , Worsnop Douglas R. , Kurten Theo , Rissanen Matti , Volkamer Rainer
Published: November 2022

Iodine is a reactive trace element in atmospheric chemistry that destroys ozone and nucleates particles. Iodine emissions have tripled since 1950 and are projected to keep increasing with rising O3 surface concentrations. Although iodic acid (HIO3) is widespread and forms particles more efficiently than sulfuric acid, its gas-phase formation mechanism remains unresolved. Here, in CLOUD atmospheric simulation chamber experiments that generate iodine radicals at atmospherically relevant rates, we show that iodooxy hypoiodite, IOIO, is efficiently converted into HIO3 via reactions (R1) IOIO + O3 → IOIO4 and (R2) IOIO4 + H2O → HIO3 + HOI + (1)O2. The laboratory-derived reaction rate coefficients are corroborated by theory and shown to explain field observations of daytime HIO3 in the remote lower free troposphere. The mechanism provides a missing link between iodine sources and particle formation. Because particulate iodate is readily reduced, recycling iodine back into the gas phase, our results suggest a catalytic role of iodine in aerosol formation.
Scalable algorithm simplification using quantum AND logic
Authors: Chu Ji , He Xiaoyu , Zhou Yuxuan , Yuan Jiahao , Zhang Libo , Guo Qihao , Hai Yongju , Han Zhikun , Hu Chang-Kang , Huang Wenhui , Jia Hao , Jiao Dawei , Li Sai , Liu Yang , Ni Zhongchu , Nie Lifu , Pan Xianchuang , Qiu Jiawei , Wei Weiwei , Nuerbolati Wuerkaixi , Yang Zusheng , Zhang Jiajian , Zhang Zhida , Zou Wanjing , Chen Yuanzhen , Deng Xiaowei , Deng Xiuhao , Hu Ling , Li Jian , Liu Song , Lu Yao , Niu Jingjing , Tan Dian , Xu Yuan , Yan Tongxing , Zhong Youpeng , Yan Fei , Sun Xiaoming , Yu Dapeng
Published: November 2022

Implementing quantum algorithms on realistic devices requires translating high-level global operations into sequences of hardware-native logic gates, a process known as quantum compiling. Physical limitations, such as constraints in connectivity and gate alphabets, often result in unacceptable implementation costs. To enable successful near-term applications, it is crucial to optimize compilation by exploiting the capabilities of existing hardware. Here we implement a resource-efficient construction for a quantum version of AND logic that can reduce the compilation overhead, enabling the execution of key quantum circuits. On a high-scalability superconducting quantum processor, we demonstrate low-depth synthesis of high-fidelity generalized Toffoli gates with up to 8 qubits and Grover’s search algorithm in a search space of up to 64 entries. Our experimental demonstration illustrates a scalable and widely applicable approach to implementing quantum algorithms, bringing more meaningful quantum applications on noisy devices within reach.
Significance of elevated serum and hepatic NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) in hepatitis C virus-related liver disease
Authors: Aggan Hoda El , Mahmoud Sabah , Deeb Nevine El , Eleishi Islam , El-Shendidi Assem
Published: November 2022

NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) is a microbial and danger signal sensor that acts as a regulator of inflammation via activation of Caspase-1 (CASP1) and has been identified as a major contributor to human liver diseases. The present study was conducted to investigate the association between NLRP3 and the progression of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver disease. Serum NLRP3 levels were analyzed in 49 patients with chronic HCV infection and 18 healthy controls and liver tissues from 34 patients were examined to assess the protein expression of NLRP3 and its activation marker CASP1 using immunohistochemical staining. The results showed that the median serum NLRP3 levels was significantly higher in HCV-infected patients compared with healthy controls (1040 pg/ml vs 695 pg/ml respectively, P < 0.001) and were positively correlated with hepatic NLRP3 and CASP1 expression (r = 0.749, P < 0.001 and r = 0.557, P = 0.001 respectively). The NLRP3 levels in serum and the liver significantly increased with worsening liver pathology and showed positive correlations with serum aminotransferases levels, HCV viremia, and albumin-bilirubin score (P < 0.05). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed a high diagnostic performance of serum NLRP3 in determining the extent of liver necroinflammation, fibrosis, and steatosis (area under the curve = 0.951, 0.971, and 0.917 respectively, P < 0.001). In conclusion, NLRP3 plays an important role in liver disease progression during HCV infection via CASP1 activation and might be a promising therapeutic target. Serum NLRP3 could be an additional biomarker for liver inflammation and fibrosis.
Scrutinized the inherent spin half-metallicity and thermoelectric response of f-electron-based RbMO3 (M = Np, Pu) perovskites: a computational assessment
Authors: Sofi Mudasir Younis , Gupta Dinesh C.
Published: November 2022

In the hunt for novel materials, we present self-consistent ab initio simulations of the structural stability, electronic profile, and transport properties of f-electron-based RbMO3 (M = Np, Pu) perovskites within the context of density functional theory. The structural stability and thermodynamic concerns are fixed by relaxing the crystal structure and computing the energy of formation, respectively. Furthermore, the decisive physical features of given materials have been outlined using the optimised lattice constant retrieved from structural optimizations. The ground state magnetic phase stability is ascertained by minimizing Birch Murnaghan's equation of state in distinct magnetic phases, upholding the ferromagnetic phase (FM) as the ground state magnetic phase, which is further backed by positive Curie Wiess constant values. To specify the electronic structure, a mix of the two approximations GGA and GGA + mBJ has been executed, both of which assert the half-metallic character, culminating in 100% spin polarisation at the Fermi level. The study of the magnetic moment and Curie temperature of each material has further been assessed in the present study. Apart from half-metallicity, the thermoelectric response of the present materials is quantified by exploring the chemical potential dependency of several transport parameters like Seebeck coefficient, electrical and thermal conductivity, power factor, etc. Moreover, the thermoelectric competence has been tested using a zT calculation, adapting values of 1.01 and 0.987 at 300 K for RbNpO3 and RbPuO3, respectively. The high electronic zT at encompassing temperatures uncovers the significant utility of these materials in both low-and high-temperature thermoelectric device applications. In essence, the comprehensive survey of these alloys could certainly open up their possibilities in spintronics, thermoelectric, and solid-state (RTG) device applications.
Vasectomy reversal outcomes in men after testosterone therapy
Authors: Bash Jasper C. , Lo Jamie O. , Kapadia Akash A. , Mason Malachi , Hedges Jason C.
Published: November 2022

The prevalence of males on testosterone therapy (TT) seeking vasectomy reversal (VR) is rising. As medical therapy (MT) to recover spermatogenesis after TT has been previously described, our study’s objective is to present our institution’s management and outcomes of VR in men previously on TT. We performed a retrospective case series of vasectomy patients on TT with subsequent VR by a single microsurgeon between March, 2010 and March, 2022. 14 men undergoing VR during the study period met inclusion criteria. The median age at VR was 43 years with a median obstructive interval of 11 years. Median time from MT to VR was 5 months. Post-operative semen analysis was performed in 10 men and all demonstrated patency. 2 patients had very low sperm counts secondary to continuing TT following VR contrary to medical advice and 5 men with patency achieved pregnancy. Our study noted a high rate of vasovasostomy (VV) (96%) and sustained patency despite a 12-year median obstructive interval. Our findings support favorable outcomes with less stringent VV indications after MT in patients previously on TT that desire VR. The use of MT reduces the recommended wait times for VR after TT discontinuation by more than half.
Recognizing intertwined patterns using a network of spiking pattern recognition platforms
Authors: Amiri Masoud , Jafari Amir Homayoun , Makkiabadi Bahador , Nazari Soheila
Published: November 2022

Artificial intelligence computing adapted from biology is a suitable platform for the development of intelligent machines by imitating the functional mechanisms of the nervous system in creating high-level activities such as learning, decision making and cognition in today's systems. Here, the concentration is on improvement the cognitive potential of artificial intelligence network with a bio-inspired structure. In this regard, four spiking pattern recognition platforms for recognizing digits and letters of EMNIST, patterns of YALE, and ORL datasets are proposed. All networks are developed based on a similar structure in the input image coding, model of neurons (pyramidal neurons and interneurons) and synapses (excitatory AMPA and inhibitory GABA currents), and learning procedure. Networks 1–4 are trained on Digits, Letters, faces of YALE and ORL, respectively, with the proposed un-supervised, spatial–temporal, and sparse spike-based learning mechanism based on the biological observation of the brain learning. When the networks have reached the highest recognition accuracy in the relevant patterns, the main goal of the article, which is to achieve high-performance pattern recognition system with higher cognitive ability, is followed. The pattern recognition network that is able to detect the combination of multiple patterns which called intertwined patterns has not been discussed yet. Therefore, by integrating four trained spiking pattern recognition platforms in one system configuration, we are able to recognize intertwined patterns. These results are presented for the first time and could be the pioneer of a new generation of pattern recognition networks with a significant ability in smart machines.