bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short-term ocular dominance plasticity is not modulated by visual cortex tDCS but increases with length of monocular deprivation
Authors: Chen Xiaoxin , Bobier William , Thompson Benjamin 
Published: April 2023

AbstractTranscranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the occipital lobe may modulate visual cortex neuroplasticity. We assessed the acute effect of visual cortex anodal (a-)tDCS on ocular dominance plasticity induced by short-term monocular deprivation (MD), a well-established technique for inducing homeostatic plasticity in the visual system. In Experiment 1, active or sham visual cortex tDCS was applied during the last 20 min of 2-h MD following a within-subjects design (n = 17). Ocular dominance was measured using two computerized tests. The magnitude of ocular dominance plasticity was unaffected by a-tDCS. In Experiment 2 (n = 9), we investigated whether a ceiling effect of MD was masking the effect of active tDCS. We replicated Experiment 1 but used only 30 min of MD. The magnitude of ocular dominance plasticity was decreased with the shorter intervention, but there was still no effect of active a-tDCS. Within the constraints of our experimental design and a-tDCS parameters, visual cortex a-tDCS did not modulate the homeostatic mechanisms that drive ocular dominance plasticity in participants with normal binocular vision.
Effect of degumming degree on the structure and tensile properties of RSF/RSS composite films prepared by one-step extraction
Authors: Li Meng , Tian Wei , Yu Yangxiao , Zhang Yao , Zhang Boyu , Xu Jianmei , Wang Jiannan 
Published: April 2023

AbstractRegenerated silk fibroin (RSF) and regenerated sericin (RSS) have attracted much attention for tissue engineering due to excellent biocompatibility and controllable degradation. However, pure RSF films prepared by existing methods are brittle, which limits applications in the field of high-strength and/or flexible tissues (e.g. cornea, periosteum and dura). A series of RSF/RSS composite films were developed from solutions prepared by dissolving silks with different degumming rates. The molecular conformation, crystalline structure and tensile properties of the films and the effect of sericin content on the structure and properties were investigated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction results revealed more β-sheets in films prepared by boiling water degumming than in Na2CO3-degummed RSFCfilm. Analysis of mechanical properties showed that the breaking strength (3.56 MPa) and elongation (50.51%) of boiling water-degummed RSF/RSS film were significantly increased compared with RSFCfilm (2.60 MPa and 32.31%), and the flexibility of films could be further improved by appropriately reducing the degumming rate.
Contribution of HIF-1α/BNIP3-mediated autophagy to lipid accumulation during irinotecan-induced liver injury
Authors: Shi Congjian , Zhang Zhenghong , Xu Renfeng , Zhang Yan , Wang Zhengchao 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIrinotecan is a topoisomerase I inhibitor which has been widely used to combat several solid tumors, whereas irinotecan therapy can induce liver injury. Liver injury generally leads to tissue hypoxia, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), a pivotal transcription factor, mediates adaptive pathophysiological responses to lower oxygen condition. Previous studies have reported a relationship between HIF-1α and autophagy, and autophagy impairment is a common characteristic in a variety of diseases. Here, irinotecan (50 mg/kg) was employed on mice, and HepG2 and L-02 cells were cultured with irinotecan (10, 20 and 40 μM). In vivo study, we found that irinotecan treatment increased final liver index, serum aminotransferase level and hepatic lipid accumulation. Impaired autophagic flux and activation of HIF-1α/BNIP3 pathway were also demonstrated in the liver of irinotecan-treated mice. Moreover, irinotecan treatment significantly deteriorated hepatic oxidative stress, evidenced by increased MDA and ROS contents, as well as decreased GSH-Px, SOD and CAT contents. Interestingly, protein levels of NLRP3, cleaved-caspase 1 and IL-1β were enhanced in the liver of mice injected with irinotecan. In vitro study, irinotecan-treated HepG2 and L-02 cells also showed impaired autophagic flux, while HIF-1α inhibition efficaciously removed the accumulated autophagosomes induced by irinotecan. Additionally, irinotecan treatment aggravated lipid accumulation in HepG2 and L-02 cells, and HIF-1α inhibition reversed the effect of irinotecan. Furthermore, HIF-1α inhibition weakened irinotecan-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation in HepG2 cells. Taken together, our results suggest that irinotecan induces liver injury by orchestrating autophagy via HIF-1α/BNIP3 pathway, and HIF-1α inhibition could alleviate irinotecan-induced lipid accumulation in HepG2 and L-02 cells, which will provide a new clue and direction for the prevention of side effects of clinical chemotherapy drugs.
Relationship between free-time physical activity and sleep quality in Brazilian university students
Authors: Santos Mayara , Sirtoli Rafaela , Rodrigues Renne , López-Gil José Francisco , Martínez-Vizcaíno Vicente , Guidoni Camilo Molino , Mesas Arthur Eumann 
Published: April 2023

AbstractPoor sleep quality and low or no free-time physical activity (FTPA) practice are highly prevalent among university students, but the association between these conditions is still unclear. This cross-sectional study analyzed the relationship between FTPA and sleep quality. An online questionnaire was conducted with university students from a public university in southern Brazil in 2019. The weekly frequency of FTPA was self-reported, and sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Logistic regression and ANCOVA models were performed and adjusted for confounders. Among the 2,626 students analyzed, 52.2% did not practice the FTPA, and 75.6% had poor sleep quality (PSQI > 5). In the adjusted analysis, practicing FTPA 4–7 times/week was associated with poor sleep quality (odds ratio = 0.71; 95% confidence interval = 0.52, 0.97) compared with not practicing FTPA. In addition, those who practiced FTPA had significantly lower means of the global PSQI, subjective sleep quality and duration, sleep disturbances, and daytime dysfunction scores than those who did not practice FTPA. In conclusion, the FTPA may contribute to better sleep quality among university students.
Research on gearbox temperature field image fault diagnosis method based on transfer learning and deep belief network
Authors: Lu Xi , Li Pan 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis paper applies thermal imaging technology to gearbox fault diagnosis. The temperature field calculation model is established to obtain the temperature field images of various faults. A deep learning network model combining transfer learning of convolutional neural network with supervised training and unsupervised training of deep belief network is proposed. The model requires one-fifth of the training time of the convolutional neural network model. The data set used for training the deep learning network model is expanded by using the temperature field simulation image of the gearbox. The results show that the network model has over 97% accuracy for the diagnosis of simulation faults. The finite element model of gearbox can be modified with experimental data to obtain more accurate thermal images, and this method can be better used in practice.
Clinical features of anterior blepharitis after cataract surgery
Authors: Sakimoto Tohru , Sugiura Takeshi 
Published: April 2023

AbstractWe evaluated the clinical features of postoperative anterior blepharitis following cataract surgery and the efficacy of topical azithromycin retrospectively. Thirty eyes of 30 patients with a clinical diagnosis of anterior blepharitis by 6 months postoperatively among those who underwent cataract surgery at our institution between November 2020 and June 2022 were included. The diagnosis of anterior blepharitis and the assessment of objective and subjective findings were based on the American Academy of Ophthalmology Blepharitis Preferred Practice Pattern®. Azithromycin eye drops were prescribed for all patients, and findings and symptoms before and after the drops were reviewed. The time of onset ranged from 2 weeks to 6 months after cataract surgery, with the most common onset at 2 to 3 months postoperatively (mean time of onset 79.4 ± 39.6 days). The type of anterior blepharitis was staphylococcal blepharitis in 26 eyes and seborrheic blepharitis in 4 eyes, while mixed type with posterior blepharitis was noted in 6 eyes. Symptoms at the time of examination included irritation (including foreign body sensation) in 24 eyes, tearing in 4 eyes, and redness in 3 eyes. The findings and symptoms of anterior blepharitis were alleviated or resolved with azithromycin eye drops in 26 of the 30 eyes, but the blepharitis recurred in 6 of these eyes, requiring azithromycin eye drops to be re-prescribed. The onset of anterior blepharitis after cataract surgery may be related to a gradual decrease in postoperative eye drops. Patients tended to complain of irritation and foreign body sensation, and azithromycin eye drops were effective in such cases.
Induced membrane technique combined with a retrograde intramedullary nail for the treatment of infected bone defects of the ankle
Authors: Fu Jingshu , Wang Xiaohua , Wang Shulin , Chen Zenggang , Shen Jie , Li Zhengyun , Xie Zhao 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIn this study, we treated infected ankle bone defects with the induced membrane two-stage technique. The ankle was fused with a retrograde intramedullary nail in the second stage, and the aim of this study was to observe the clinical effect. We retrospectively enrolled patients with infected bone defects of the ankle admitted to our hospital between July 2016 and July 2018. In the first stage, the ankle was temporarily stabilized with a locking plate, and antibiotic bone cement was used to fill the defects after debridement. In the second stage, the plate and cement were removed, the ankle was stabilized with a retrograde nail, and tibiotalar-calcaneal fusion was performed. Then, autologous bone was used to rebuild the defects. The infection control rate, fusion success rate and complications were observed. Fifteen patients were enrolled in the study with an average follow-up of 30 months. Among them, there were 11 males and 4 females. The average bone defect length after debridement was 5.3 cm (2.1–8.7 cm). Finally, 13 patients (86.6%) achieved bone union without recurrence of infection, and 2 patients experienced recurrence after bone grafting. The average ankle-hindfoot function score (AOFAS) increased from 29.75 ± 4.37 to 81.06 ± 4.72 at the last follow-up. The induced membrane technique combined with a retrograde intramedullary nail for the treatment of infected bone defects of the ankle after thorough debridement is an effective treatment method.
Where to place methane monitoring sites in China to better assist carbon management
Authors: Zhang Xiaorui , Zhou Chenhong , Zhang Yuzhong , Lu Xiao , Xiao Xiang , Wang Fan , Song Jun , Guo Yike , Leung Kenneth K. M. , Cao Junji , Gao Meng 
Published: April 2023

AbstractMethane (CH4) is the second most potent greenhouse gas (GHG), and China emerges as the largest anthropogenic CH4 emitter by country. Current limited CH4 monitoring systems in China are unfortunately inadequate to support carbon management. Here we use the Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF) coupled with a GHG module and satellite constrained emissions to simulate the spatiotemporal distribution of CH4 over East Asia in 2017. Model evaluations using both satellite retrievals and ground-based observations indicate reliable performance. We further inter-compare four proper orthogonal decomposition (POD)-based sensor placement algorithms and find they are able to capture main spatial features of surface CH4 under an oversampled condition. The QR pivot algorithm exhibits superiority in capturing high CH4, and it offers the best reconstruction with both high efficiency and accuracy. Areas with high CH4 concentrations and intense anthropogenic activities remain underrepresented by current CH4 sampling studies, leading to notable reconstruction error over central and eastern China. Optimal planning of 160 sensors guided by the QR pivot algorithm can yield reasonable reconstruction performance and costs of site construction. Our results can provide valuable references for future planning of CH4 monitoring sites.
Genome-wide cross-trait analysis and Mendelian randomization reveal a shared genetic etiology and causality between COVID-19 and venous thromboembolism
Authors: Huang Xin , Yao Minhao , Tian Peixin , Wong Jason Y. Y. , Li Zilin , Liu Zhonghua , Zhao Jie V. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractVenous thromboembolism occurs in up to one-third of patients with COVID-19. Venous thromboembolism and COVID-19 may share a common genetic architecture, which has not been clarified. To fill this gap, we leverage summary-level genetic data from the latest COVID‐19 host genetics consortium and UK Biobank and examine the shared genetic etiology and causal relationship between COVID-19 and venous thromboembolism. The cross-trait and co-localization analyses identify 2, 3, and 4 shared loci between venous thromboembolism and severe COVID-19, COVID-19 hospitalization, SARS-CoV-2 infection respectively, which are mapped to ABO, ADAMTS13, FUT2 genes involved in coagulation functions. Enrichment analysis supports shared biological processes between COVID-19 and venous thromboembolism related to coagulation and immunity. Bi-directional Mendelian randomization suggests that venous thromboembolism was associated with higher risk of three COVID-19 traits, and SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with a higher risk of venous thromboembolism. Our study provides timely evidence for the genetic etiology between COVID-19 and venous thromboembolism (VTE). Our findings contribute to the understanding of COVID-19 and VTE etiology and provide insights into the prevention and comorbidity management of COVID-19.
Isolation, (bio)synthetic studies and evaluation of antimicrobial properties of drimenol-type sesquiterpenes of Termitomyces fungi
Authors: Kreuzenbeck Nina B. , Dhiman Seema , Roman Dávid , Burkhardt Immo , Conlon Benjamin H. , Fricke Janis , Guo Huijuan , Blume Janis , Görls Helmar , Poulsen Michael , Dickschat Jeroen S. , Köllner Tobias G. , Arndt Hans-Dieter , Beemelmanns Christine 
Published: April 2023

AbstractMacrotermitinae termites have farmed fungi in the genus Termitomyces as a food source for millions of years. However, the biochemical mechanisms orchestrating this mutualistic relationship are largely unknown. To deduce fungal signals and ecological patterns that relate to the stability of this symbiosis, we explored the volatile organic compound (VOC) repertoire of Termitomyces from Macrotermes natalensis colonies. Results show that mushrooms emit a VOC pattern that differs from mycelium grown in fungal gardens and laboratory cultures. The abundance of sesquiterpenoids from mushrooms allowed targeted isolation of five drimane sesquiterpenes from plate cultivations. The total synthesis of one of these, drimenol, and related drimanes assisted in structural and comparative analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and antimicrobial activity testing. Enzyme candidates putatively involved in terpene biosynthesis were heterologously expressed and while these were not involved in the biosynthesis of the complete drimane skeleton, they catalyzed the formation of two structurally related monocyclic sesquiterpenes named nectrianolins.
The Extremely Brilliant Source storage ring of the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility
Authors: Raimondi Pantaleo , Benabderrahmane Chamseddine , Berkvens Paul , Biasci Jean Claude , Borowiec Pawel , Bouteille Jean-Francois , Brochard Thierry , Brookes Nicholas B. , Carmignani Nicola , Carver Lee R. , Chaize Jean-Michel , Chavanne Joel , Checchia Stefano , Chushkin Yuriy , Cianciosi Filippo , Di Michiel Marco , Dimper Rudolf , D’Elia Alessandro , Einfeld Dieter , Ewald Friederike , Farvacque Laurent , Goirand Loys , Hardy Laurent , Jacob Jorn , Jolly Laurent , Krisch Michael , Le Bec Gael , Leconte Isabelle , Liuzzo Simone M. , Maccarrone Cristian , Marchial Thierry , Martin David , Mezouar Mohamed , Nevo Christian , Perron Thomas , Plouviez Eric , Reichert Harald , Renaud Pascal , Revol Jean-Luc , Roche Benoît , Scheidt Kees-Bertus , Serriere Vincent , Sette Francesco , Susini Jean , Torino Laura , Versteegen Reine , White Simon , Zontone Federico 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe Extremely Brilliant Source (EBS) is the experimental implementation of the novel Hybrid Multi Bend Achromat (HMBA) storage ring magnetic lattice concept, which has been realised at European Synchrotron Radiation Facility. We present its successful commissioning and first operation. We highlight the strengths of the HMBA design and compare them to the previous designs, on which most operational synchrotron X-ray sources are based. We report on the EBS storage ring’s significantly improved horizontal electron beam emittance and other key beam parameters. EBS extends the reach of synchrotron X-ray science confirming the HMBA concept for future facility upgrades and new constructions.
Determining the temperature of a millikelvin scanning tunnelling microscope junction
Authors: Esat Taner , Yang Xiaosheng , Mustafayev Farhad , Soltner Helmut , Tautz F. Stefan , Temirov Ruslan 
Published: April 2023

AbstractCooling the junction of a scanning tunneling microscope to millikelvin temperatures is fundamental for high-resolution scanning tunneling spectroscopy. However, accurately determining the junction temperature has proven elusive, due to the microscopic dimension of the junction and its continuous energy exchange with the surrounding environment. Here, we employ a millikelvin scanning tunnelling microscope cooled by an adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator. Using normal-metal and superconducting tips, we perform scanning tunnelling spectroscopy on an atomically clean surface of Al(100) in a superconducting state. By varying the refrigerator temperatures between 30 mK and 1.2 K, we show that the temperature of the junction is decoupled from the temperature of the surrounding environment. To corroborate our findings, we simulate the scanning tunnelling spectroscopy data with P(E) theory and determine that the junction has a temperature of 77 mK, despite its environment being at 1.5 K.
Assessing different European Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism implementations and their impact on trade partners
Authors: Beaufils Timothé , Ward Hauke , Jakob Michael , Wenz Leonie 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe European Union (EU) will implement a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to reach its climate mitigation targets while avoiding the relocation of its industries to countries with less stringent climate policies (carbon leakage). The exact implementation and possible future extensions of such an EU CBAM are still being debated. Here we apply a throughflow-based accounting method on detailed trade network data to assess the coverage of different implementation options. Using a stylized comprehensive EU CBAM as benchmark, we then quantify how an EU CBAM may affect the EU’s trade partners by channeling the EU carbon price to other countries. We find that middle- and low-income countries for which the EU is an important export market would be disproportionally impacted even under conservative implementation options. We finally explore different international revenue recycling schemes to make the EU CBAM inclusive toward vulnerable countries and able to foster global climate cooperation.
Geodynamic oxidation of Archean terrestrial surfaces
Authors: Wu Xiao , Zhu Jianxi , He Hongping , Xian Haiyang , Yang Yiping , Ma Lingya , Liang Xiaoliang , Lin Xiaoju , Li Shan , Konhauser Kurt O. , Li Yiliang 
Published: April 2023

AbstractOne of the paradoxes of the Archean rock record is how evidence for oxidative continental weathering is plausible when the atmosphere lacked oxygen prior to the Great Oxidation Event ca. 2.5 billion years ago. We detected reactive oxygen species (ROS) production at various silicate-water interfaces in a simulated Archean atmosphere and calculated homolysis rates of silicon–oxygen bonds in these minerals. We find that ROS can be produced while silicates were eroded and transported by streams to depositional basins. The magnitude of ROS production increases from mafic- to felsic-silicates. During early continent formation, e.g., the Kaapvaal and Pilbara basins in the Paleoarchean, the emplacement of granitoids and their subsequent exposure to physical weathering might have annually provided at least 1.73 × 108 mol O2 before the biological O2 production. Importantly, this process could have oxidatively mobilized redox-sensitive elements to seawater, increasing the availability of bioessential nutrient elements for the Archean biosphere.
Estimating coastal flood damage costs to transit infrastructure under future sea level rise
Authors: Martello Michael V. , Whittle Andrew J. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractFuture sea level rise (SLR) and associated increases in the frequency and intensity of coastal flooding poses significant threats to coastal communities and transit systems. Yet current literature and practice lack methods for estimating flood damage costs to transit systems. Here, we construct an event-specific flood damage cost estimation framework for transit systems, simulating separately flood ingress into underground spaces. We apply this framework to the MBTA rail transit system in Boston, estimating damages under several coastal flood events with SLR and project expected annualized losses (EAL) through 2100 with uncertain SLR. We estimate EALs to the MBTA system have doubled since 2008 to $24.4 M/year and are expected to reach $58 M/year by 2030 under all SLR scenarios. Our results suggest that absent adaptation schemes, particularly at tunnel ingress locations, coastal flood risk will continue to accelerate, potentially resulting in permanent inundation of underground and low-lying sections of the transit system.
Mediterranean Sea heatwaves jeopardize greater amberjack’s (Seriola dumerili) aquaculture productivity through impacts on the fish microbiota
Authors: Sánchez-Cueto Pablo , Stavrakidis-Zachou Orestis , Clos-Garcia Marc , Bosch Montse , Papandroulakis Nikos , Lladó Salvador 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Climate change is dramatically increasing the frequency and severity of marine heatwaves (MHWs) in the Mediterranean basin, strongly affecting marine food production systems. However, how it will shape the ecology of aquaculture systems, and the cascading effects on productivity, is still a major knowledge gap. The present work aims to increase our understanding of future impacts, caused by raising water temperatures, on the interaction between water and fish microbiotas, and consequential effects upon fish growth. Thus, the bacterial communities present in the water tanks, and mucosal tissues (skin, gills and gut), of greater amberjack farmed in recirculatory aquaculture systems (RAS), at three different temperatures (24, 29 and 33 °C), were characterized in a longitudinal study. The greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili) is a teleost species with high potential for EU aquaculture diversification due to its fast growth, excellent flesh quality and global market. We show that higher water temperatures disrupt the greater amberjack’s microbiota. Our results demonstrate the causal mediation exerted by this bacterial community shifts on the reduction of fish growth. The abundance of members of the Pseudoalteromonas is positively correlated with fish performance, whereas members of the Psychrobacter, Chryseomicrobium, Paracoccus and Enterovibrio are suggested as biomarkers for dysbiosis, at higher water temperatures. Hence, opening new evidence-based avenues for the development of targeted microbiota-based biotechnological tools, designed to increase the resilience and adaptation to climate change of the Mediterranean aquaculture industry.