bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Designing highly delocalized solitons by harnessing
the structural parity of π-conjugated polymers
Authors: Ecija David , Biswas Kalyan , Janeiro Jesús , Gallardo Aurelio , Lozano Marco , Barragán Ana , Álvarez Berta , Soler-Polo Diego , Stetsovych Oleksandr , Solé Andrés Pinar , Gallego José María , Pérez Dolores , Miranda Rodolfo , Urgel José , Jelinek Pavel , Peña Diego 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

π-Conjugated polymers play a crucial role in modern organic optoelectronics and spintronics. However, a key aspect remains unexplored: how to make a π-conjugated polymer able to host intrinsic solitons just by chemical design without the need of external doping.
Exploiting on-surface synthesis and to address such challenge, we present a novel chemical reaction based on the regio- and stereo-selective coupling of indenyl moieties for fabricating π-conjugated acenoindenylidene polymers on Au(111) surface, which feature a longitudinal polyacetylene backbone. We address an aspect of polymer design that was experimentally overlooked, namely the relation between structural parity and electronic properties. We discover that odd-membered polymers exhibit an in-gap soliton state, which, thanks to their low bandgaps, spatially extends several nanometers along the longitudinal polyacetylene backbone. Our findings pave the way for the design of π-conjugated polymers that feature highly delocalized quasiparticles simply through chemical design by exploiting structural parity, while eliminating the need for doping.
Recovery of pathogens with implementation of a weight-based algorithm for pediatric blood cultures: an observational intervention study
Authors: Mortensen Nicolay , Kristiansen Martin Skaranger , Tellefsen Odd Alexander , Köpp Unni-Mette Stamnes 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Recovering pathogenic bacteria and yeast from pediatric blood cultures and reliably distinguishing between pathogens and contaminants are likely to be improved by increasing the volume of blood submitted to microbiology laboratories for culturing beyond the low volumes that have historically have been used. The primary aim of this study was to assess whether implementation of a weight-based algorithm for determining the volume of blood submitted for culturing might increase the pathogen recovery rate.
Secondary aims were to: 1) evaluate the effects of the algorithm on the blood culture contamination rate; 2) determine whether pathogens might be found more often than contaminants in several as opposed to single bottles when more than one bottle is submitted; and 3) describe the microbiological findings for pathogens and contaminants in blood cultures by applying a clinical definition of true blood culture positivity.
Methods
A pre-post comparison of positivity and contamination rates after increasing the blood volume and number of blood culture bottles was performed, on the basis of a clinical classification of blood culture findings as pathogens vs contaminants.
Results
We examined 5327 blood cultures, including 186 with growth (123 true positives and 63 contaminated). The rate of true positive blood cultures significantly increased from 1.6% (42/2553) pre to 2.9% (81/2774, p=.002) post intervention. The proportion of contaminated cultures among all positive cultures decreased from 45% (35/77) pre to 26% (28/109, p=.005) post intervention. A microorganism that grew in a single bottle was considered a contaminant in 8/23 cases, whereas a microorganism that grew in at least two bottles was considered a contaminant in 1/49 (p<.001) cases. According to common classification criteria relying primarily on the identity of the microorganism, 14% (17/123) of the recovered pathogens would otherwise have been classified as contaminants.
Conclusions
Increasing the volume of blood in pediatric blood cultures according to a weight-based algorithm increases the pathogen recovery rate and decreases the proportion of contaminated cultures.
Effect of Dorsal Capsular Imbrication on Intraoperative DRUJ Instability following Arthroscopic TFCC Repair Surgery
Authors: Yeh Chen-Wei , Hsu Cheng-En , Lee Alvin Kai-Xing , Ho Tsung-Yo , Wang Wei-Chih , Wei Bor-Han , Chiu Yung-Cheng 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) stability during unrestricted forearm rotation relies on several factors, including the integrity of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), the interosseous membrane, the bony configuration of the sigmoid notch, DRUJ capsule, and the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon with its subsheath. There are currently numerous reported surgical approaches for TFCC repair, however, postoperative DRUJ instability rates are still reported to be around 8 to 12%. As the integrity and strength of the TFCC is crucial for DRUJ stability, it is thus critical to identify if intraoperative dorsal capsular imbrication can further enhance DRUJ stability for improved functional outcomes.
Methods
A retrospective study was performed on patients who underwent arthroscopic TFCC repair between 2016 and 2021. Inclusion criteria comprised a symptomatic ulna fovea sign for over 6 months and dorsal DRUJ subluxation on magnetic resonance imaging. A total of 225 patients were assessed to be suitable and recruited for our study. 135 patients underwent our arthroscopic “cross-form TFCC repair” without dorsal capsular imbrication (CR) and 90 patients underwent our arthroscopic “cross-form TFCC repair” with dorsal capsular imbrication for augmentation of DRUJ stability (DCI). Pain visual analog scale score (VAS), grip strength, modified Mayo Wrist Score (MMWS), wrist range of motion (ROM), and patient-reported outcomes (PRO) were evaluated, and all patients were follow-up for a minimum of 3 years postoperatively.
Results
Both groups showed significant improvements in pain VAS score, grip strength, wrist ROM, MMWS, and PRO between the preoperative and postoperative periods (p < 0.05). Significantly lower recurrent DRUJ instability was noted in the DCI group (3.7% vs 1.1%, p < 0.05). Re-operative rates were also noted to be lower in the DCI group (2.2% vs 1.1%). However, the DCI group was found to have inferior ROM as compared to the CR group.
Conclusion
Dorsal DRUJ capsular imbrication effectively reduces postoperative DRUJ instability and reoperation rates, enhances grip strength, and maintains wrist ROM in patients with a positive intra-operative ballottement test after arthroscopic TFCC repair.
Expression genome-wide association study reveals key regulatory variants associated with metabolism and immunity in four porcine tissues
Authors: Farhangi Samin , Gòdia Marta , Derks Martijn F.L. , Harlizius Barbara , Dibbits Bert , González-Prendes Rayner , Crooijmans Richard P.M.A. , Madsen Ole , Groenen Martien A.M. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: Integration of high throughput DNA genotyping and RNA-sequencing data enables the discovery of genomic regions that regulate gene expression, known as expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL). In pigs, efforts to date have been mainly focussing on purebred lines for traits with commercial relevance as growth and meat quality. However, little is known on genetic variants and mechanisms associated with the robustness of an animal, thus its overall health status. Here, the liver, lung, spleen, and muscle transcriptomes of 100 three-way crossbred female finishers were studied, with the aim of identifying novel eQTL regulatory regions and transcription factors (TFs) associated with regulation of porcine metabolism and health-related traits. Results: An expression genome-wide association study with 535,896 genotypes and the expression of 12,680 genes in liver, 13,310 genes in lung, 12,650 genes in spleen, and 12,595 genes in muscle resulted in 4,293, 10,630, 4,533, and 6,871 eQTL regions for each of these tissues, respectively. Although only a small fraction of the eQTLs was annotated ascis-eQTLs, these presented a higher number of polymorphisms per region and significantly stronger associations with their target gene compared totrans-eQTLs. Between 20 to 115 eQTL hotspots were identified across the four tissues. Interestingly, these were all enriched for immune-related biological processes. In spleen, two TFs were identified:ERFandZNF45, with key roles in regulation of gene expression. Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive analysis with more than 26,000 eQTL regions identified that are now publicly available. The genomic regions and their variants were mostly associated with tissue-specific regulatory roles. However, some shared regions provide new insights into the complex regulation of genes and their interactions that are involved with important traits related to metabolism and immunity.
Past, present, and future heat-related mortality in Germany
Authors: Wang Junyu , Nikolaou Nikolaos , Heiden Matthias an der , Irrgang Christopher 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Heat has become a leading cause of preventable deaths during summer. Understanding the link between high temperatures and excess mortality is crucial for designing effective prevention and adaptation plans. Yet, data analyses are challenging due to non-linear heat-mortality dynamics and oftentimes fragmented data archives over different agglomeration levels. We introduced a multi-scale machine learning model to estimate heat-related mortality with variable temporal and spatial resolution. This approach allows to estimate heat-related mortality at different scales, such as regional heat risk during a specific heatwave, annual and nation-wide heat risk, or future heat risk under climate change. Using Germany as a case study, we calculated heat-related excess mortality rates at the district level and visualized local health risks during a selected heatwave. Overall, we estimated 48,000 heat-related deaths in Germany during the last decade (2014-2023), whereof most cases can be attributed to individual heatwaves. In 2023, the heatwave of July 7--14 contributed approximately 1,100 cases (28%) to a total of approximately 3,900 heat-related deaths of the whole year. Combining our model with shared socio-economic pathways (SSPs) of future climate change provides evidence that heat-related mortality in Germany could further increase by a factor of 2.5 (SSP245) to 9 (SSP370) without adaptation to the extreme heat. Our approach is a valuable tool for climate-driven public health strategies, aiding in the identification of local risks during heatwaves and long-term resilience planning.
Unveiling the ceRNA networks influence on innervation-associated bone tissue: non-coding RNA functions in bone metabolism
Authors: Wu Ziqian , Shi Jingcun , Zhang Yuhan , Zhang Bingqing , Wang Jieyu , Wang Lei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms of innervation-associated competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) in grafted bone, a subject remaining uncharted in the field of bone innervation. Osteoporosis is a prevalent complication following mandibular reconstruction, significantly affecting the success rate and quality of life of patients with postoperative implants. Utilizing transcriptome sequencing technology, we examined innervation-nurtured bone (IN), reestablished nerve-supply graft bone (RN), and nerve-impaired graft bone (NI). We concentrated on the differential expression of Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in these bone samples. We identified differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs), circRNAs (DECs), and miRNAs (DEMs), with significant expression discrepancies. Transcriptome sequencing revealed differential expression of DECs, DEMs, and DELs between IN vs. RN, RN vs. NI, and NI vs. IN. We performed Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analyses on the differentially expressed miRNAs and circRNAs between the IN and NI groups. Additionally, we determine the GO as well as KEGG pathways by Gene Set Enrichment (GSEA). Meanwhile through the construction of a ceRNA network using Cytoscape 3.10.1, we observed the regulatory relationship between innervation and bone metabolism and gained insights into the molecular interactions. Based on these analyses, we established a novel lncRNA/circRNA-associated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network. In conclusion, we identified differential genes in IN, NI, and RN samples, and performed GO and KEGG analysis while constructed a bone tissue ceRNA network between IN vs. NI. This study may provide a theoretical foundation for understanding the role of nerves in grafted bone.
Whole-exome sequencing identifies a CD38 variant in a Chinese family with Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Authors: Chen Xi , Xie Li , Wu Wanchun , Jiang Ming , Cui Yi , Zou Liqun 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) exhibits genetic susceptibility, but little is known about the pathogenic genes associated with the disease. Here, we present a case of two siblings from a consanguineous Chinese family who were both diagnosed with nodular sclerosis classical HL. The sister and brother were diagnosed at the ages of 22 and 29, respectively, both presenting with involvement of the neck and mediastinal lymph nodes, and poor response or relapse shortly after first-line treatment. Whole-exome sequencing of the four family members revealed a novel pathogenic missense mutation in the CD38 gene (c.418C > T, p.Arg140Trp), which was found to be inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Thus, in this study, we identified an additional pathogenic genetic variant for HL, which will contribute to the understanding of the genetic molecular mechanisms underlying the disease.
Deficits in proactive avoidance and neural responses to drinking motives in problem drinkers
Authors: Le Thang , Oba Takeyuki , Couch Luke , McInerney Lauren , Li Chiang-Shan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Physical pain and negative emotions represent two distinct drinking motives that contribute to harmful alcohol use. Proactive avoidance which can reduce problem drinking in response to these motives appears to be impaired in problem drinkers. However, proactive avoidance and its underlying neural deficits have not been assessed experimentally. How these deficits inter-relate with drinking motives to influence alcohol use also remains unclear. The current study leveraged neuroimaging data collected in forty-one problem and forty-one social drinkers who performed a probabilistic learning go/nogo task that involved proactive avoidance of painful outcomes. We characterized the regional brain responses to proactive avoidance and identified the neural correlates of drinking to avoid physical pain and negative emotions. Behavioral results confirmed problem drinkers’ proactive avoidance deficits in learning rate and performance accuracy, both which were associated with greater alcohol use. Imaging findings in problem drinkers showed that negative emotions as a drinking motive predicted attenuated right insula activation during proactive avoidance. In contrast, physical pain motive predicted reduced right putamen response. These regions’ activations as well as functional connectivity with the somatomotor cortex also demonstrated a negative relationship with drinking severity and positive relationship with proactive avoidance performance. Path modeling further delineated the pathways through which physical pain and negative emotions, along with alcohol use severity, influenced the neural and behavioral measures of proactive avoidance. Taken together, the current findings provide experimental evidence for proactive avoidance deficits in problem drinkers and establish the link between their neural underpinnings and alcohol misuse.
Structural design principle and experimental study of the mixed-frequency vibration tool holder
Authors: Su Fei , Liu Guangtao , Zeng Ziheng , Jiang Minhao 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Fiber-reinforced polymer and metal laminated structures are widely used in aerospace and military fields because of their excellent mechanical and physical properties. However, the materials are prone to processing defects such as burring and furry during processing. In this paper, based on the mechanism of vibration cutting, the mixed-frequency vibration tool holder (MFVT) with low-frequency and ultrasonic combined vibration is designed. The low-frequency vibration module and ultrasonic vibration module of the tool holder are designed theoretically and studied experimentally. The vibration surface model and the dynamic equation of the low-frequency vibration module are established, which lays a theoretical foundation for the design of the low-frequency vibration module. A dynamic simulation model for error analysis is established, and the effects of surface profile error, cage clearance error and spline coupling clearance error on low-frequency vibration motion curve are studied. Among them, the contour error has the greatest influence on the motion curve. Analyzing the thermal energy generation mechanism of an ultrasonic vibrator through the vibration self-heating simulation model. The impact of temperature on the operational performance of an ultrasonic vibrator was analyzed through experiments. The experimental results indicate that both the amplitude and resonant frequency of the ultrasonic vibrator decrease with the increase in temperature.
The effect of umbilical cord blood mononucleated cells on knee osteoarthritis in rabbits
Authors: 傅 玉行 , 张 Φ , 杨 勇 , 周 白水 , 杨 孟 , 朱 郭帅 , 朱 永林 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objective
To investigate the effect of umbilical cord blood-mononuclear cells (UCB-MNC) on the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in rabbits and its possible mechanism.
Methods
The rabbit knee osteoarthritis model was prepared by anterior cruciate ligament (ACLT) method. Fifty New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into the Control group, Model group, sodium hyaluronate (SH) group, platelet rich plasma (PRP) group, and UCB-MNC group. Knee cavity injection was performed once a week for 5 consecutive weeks. The gross view of the knee joint, the cartilage morphology of the knee joint, and the structural changes of the knee joint in imaging were observed by behavior, gross shape of the knee joint, HE staining, and CT. The levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in rabbit knee fluid were detected by ELISA. Western blot and QRT-PCR were used to detect the expression of MMP-13 and COL-II protein and mRNA in knee cartilage.
Results
From the behavioral Lequesne MG scores, morphological HE staining Mankin's scores, the scores of model group were significantly higher compared with that of control group. The SH, PRP, and UCB-MNC group had sequentially lower scores compared to theModel group. From CT, KOA features were more pronounced in the model group compared to other groups, and there was a slight improvement in imaging knee osteoarthritis in the CB-MNC group compared to the SH and PRP groups. Compared with the control group, the Model group had increased levels of TNF-α,
Contradictory Conclusions on the Relationship Between CO2 Levels and Surface Temperature Anomalies
Authors: Takefuji Yoshiyasu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

From an astronomical perspective, climate change has a significant impact on both life and the environment on Earth. This paper examines the statistical significance of the relationship between monthly global atmospheric CO2 levels and surface temperature anomalies using NOAA datasets. The p-value is used to determine the statistical significance of the data through linear regression. The analysis is based on trusted measures from March 1958 to June 2023, the period during which NOAA has been measuring global atmospheric CO2 levels at a single point and temperature anomalies with 2592 grid points of the global surface. The results reveal contradictory conclusions with high statistical significance, depending on the investigated period. These findings suggest that global CO2 levels alone may not be sufficient to predict global surface temperature anomalies.
Integration of transcriptomics, proteomics, phosphoproteomics analysis for characterization of pulmonary arterial hypertension in Chinese people
Authors: liu tianya , Zhou Siqi , Wang Rui , Xu Xiaomei , Gao Fang , Jie Zu , Wang Zhiping 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a fatal disease, is characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling and vascular resistance. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of PAH remained to be incompletely understood.
Methods
RNA-seq, 4D Lable-free proteomics and phosphoproteomics were used to detect the levels of mRNA, proteins, and phosphoproteins in lung tissues from PAH patients, respectively. Parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) was carried out to verify the expression of the differentially expressed proteins.
Results
Totally, 967 differentially expressed genes (|log2FoldChange|>1 and p < 0.05), 764 differentially expressed proteins and 411 phosphoproteins were observed after data filtering (|log2FoldChange|>1 and p < 0.05) in lung tissues of PAH patients as compared with the control group. Integrated analysis of the three omic measures revealed that the biological processes involving inflammation, ion channel and metabolism were closely associated with PAH. Several signaling pathways, such as ferroptosis, HIF-1, PI3K-AKT, and Rap1 might be related to the development of PAH.
Conclusions
This study combined multi-omics characteristic profiling to find out the changed genes or proteins that contributed to a detailed pathogenic of PAH. It would have the benefit of looking for the novel and effective treatment targets and therapeutic drugs to PAH patients.
Functional expression of the proton sensors ASIC1a, TMEM206, and OGR1 together with BKCa channels is associated with cell volume changes and cell death under strongly acidic conditions in DAOY medulloblastoma cells
Authors: Pissas Karolos-Philippos , Gründer Stefan , Tian Yuemin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Fast growing solid tumors are frequently surrounded by an acidic microenvironment. Tumor cells employ a variety of mechanisms to survive and proliferate under these harsh conditions. In that regard, acid-sensitive membrane receptors constitute a particularly interesting target, since they can affect cellular functions through ion flow and second messenger cascades. Our knowledge of these processes remains sparse, however, especially regarding medulloblastoma, the most common pediatric CNS malignancy. In this study, using RT-qPCR, whole-cell patch clamp and Ca2+-imaging, we uncovered several ion channels and a G protein-coupled receptor, which were regulated directly or indirectly by low extracellular pH in DAOY and UW228 medulloblastoma cells. Acidification directly activated acid-sensing ion channel 1a (ASIC1a), the proton-activated Cl−channel (PAC, ASOR, or TMEM206), and the proton-activated G protein-coupled receptor OGR1. The resulting Ca2+signal secondarily activated the large conductance calcium-activated potassium channel (BKCa). Our analyses uncover a complex relationship of these transmembrane proteins in DAOY cells that resulted in cell volume changes and induced cell death under strongly acidic conditions. Collectively, our results suggest that these ion channels in concert with OGR1 may shape the growth and evolution of MB cells in their acidic microenvironment.