bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geometric design of Cu2Se-based thermoelectric device for enhancing power generation
Authors: Son Jae Sung , Choo Seungjun , Lee Jungsoo , Sisik Bengisu , Jung Sung-Jin , Kim Keonkuk , Yang Seong Eun , Jo Seungki , Nam Changhyeon , Ahn Sangjoon , Lee Ho Seong , Chae Han Gi , Kim Seong Keun , LeBlanc Saniya 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Waste heat, an abundant energy source generated by both industries and nature, has the potential to be harnessed into electricity via thermoelectric power generation. The performance of thermoelectric modules, typically composed of cuboid-shaped materials, depends on both the materials’ intrinsic properties and the temperature difference created. Despite significant advancements in the development of efficient materials, macroscopic thermal designs capable of accommodating larger temperature differences have been largely underexplored because of the challenges associated with processing bulk thermoelectric materials. Herein, we present the design strategy for Cu2Se thermoelectric materials for high-temperature power generation using a combination of finite element modelling and 3D printing. The macroscopic geometries and microscopic defects in Cu2Se materials are precisely engineered by optimising the 3D printing and post-treatment processes, leading to significant enhancements in the material efficiency and temperature difference within devices, where the hourglass geometry exhibits maximised output powers. The proposed approach paves the way for designing efficient thermoelectric power generators.
Molecular basis for proofreading by the unique exonuclease domain of Family-D DNA polymerases
Authors: Sauguet Ludovic , Betancurt-Anzola Leonardo , Martinez-Carranza Markel , Delarue Marc , Zatopek Kelly , Gardner Andrew 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Replicative DNA polymerases duplicate entire genomes at high fidelity. This feature is shared among the three domains of life and is facilitated by their dual polymerase and exonuclease activities. Family D replicative DNA polymerases (PolD), found exclusively in Archaea, contain an unusual RNA polymerase-like catalytic core, and a unique Mre11-like proofreading active site. Here, we present cryo-EM structures of PolD trapped in a proofreading mode, revealing an unanticipated correction mechanism that extends the repertoire of protein domains known to be involved in DNA proofreading. Based on our experimental structures, mutants of PolD were designed and their contribution to mismatch bypass and exonuclease kinetics was determined. This study sheds light on the convergent evolution of structurally distinct families of DNA polymerases, and the domain acquisition and exchange mechanism that occurred during the evolution of the replisome in the three domains of life.
Do the elderly and those with comorbid chronic physical conditions have improved access to outpatient psychotherapy post structural reforms in Germany? Results of the ES-RiP study
Authors: Jedamzik Johanna , Kampling Hanna , Christoffer Andrea , Szardenings Carsten , Heuft Gereon , Friederich Hans-Christoph , Kruse Johannes 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background:
In 2017, a reform of the German outpatient psychotherapy guideline was carried out, aiming to reduce waiting times and facilitate low-threshold access. This study analyzes the extent to which the implementation of the two new service elements ‘psychotherapeutic consultation times’ and ‘acute short-term psychotherapeutic interventions’ improved psychotherapeutic care for patients with mental disorders and chronic physical conditions (cMPs), for patients with mental disorders without chronic physical conditions (MnoP), and elderly patients.
Methods:
In a quantitative secondary analysis we analyzed health insurance data of patients with psychotherapy billing codes obtained from the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV) for the years 2015-2019, evaluating descriptive statistical parameters for specific patient groups and care services.
Results:
Between 2015 and 2019, the number of mentally ill receiving psychotherapy at least once in the corresponding year increased by 30.7%. Among these, the proportion of cMPs-patients increased from 26.8% to 28.2% (+1.4%), while that of MnoP-patients decreased from 68.3% to 66.4% (-1.9%). The number of elderly people receiving treatment also increased.
Conclusion:
Since increases and decreases in the percentage shares occur evenly over the years investigated, it is questionable whether the reform in 2017 has had a direct influence on these changes.
Registration:
Approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Justus Liebig University Giessen and Marburg – Faculty of Medicine (approval number: AZ 107/20; 6th October 2020). The Study is registered by Register-ID DRKS00020344.
Splenic-preserving laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy Kimura technique versus Warshaw technique: study protocol for a single-center, patient-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Cai Yu , Chen Qiangxin , Fu Yangzhi , Chen Zixin , Cheng Ke , Gao Pan , Cai He , Meng Lingwei , Wu Shangdi , Li Jun , Zhang Jing , Xia Qi , Ouyang Guo , Li Yongbin , You Jiaying , Wang Xin , Wu Zhong , Cai Yunqiang , Peng Bing 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (LSPDP) has widely been used to manage benign and low-grade malignant tumors of the body and tail of the pancreas. Two commonly employed procedures are the Kimura and Warshaw techniques. However, the comparative benefits of these techniques for patient outcomes remain unclear. Consequently, we have undertaken a randomized controlled clinical trial to comprehensively compare the advantages and disadvantages of the laparoscopic Kimura and Warshaw techniques, and here we present the protocol of this clinical trial.
Methods
This trial is a single-center, parallel-group, patient-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial. Patients diagnosed with benign or low-grade malignant tumors of the body and tail of the pancreas are recruited. Patients in the test group underwent the laparoscopic Kimura technique, while patients in the control group underwent the laparoscopic Warshaw technique. The primary outcome for short- and long-term follow-up are intraoperative blood loss, and perigastric varices, respectively. Secondary outcomes include spleen preservation, conversion, postoperative mortality, pancreatic fistula, delayed gastric emptying, abdominal infection, reoperation, and splenic infarction.
Conclusion
A prospective interventional clinical randomized controlled trial (RCT) is expected to elucidate the benefits and drawbacks of the laparoscopic Kimura technique compared to the Warshaw technique for managing benign and low-grade malignant tumors of the body and tail of the pancreas.
Trial registration: ChiCTR2200057763
Harnessing Synthetic Active Particles for Physical Reservoir Computing
Authors: Cichos Frank , Wang Xiangzun 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The processing of information is an indispensable property of living systems realized by networks of active processes with enormous complexity. They have inspired many variants of modern machine learning one of them being reservoir computing, in which stimulating a network of nodes with fading memory enables computations and complex predictions. Reservoirs are implemented on computer hardware, but also on unconventional physical substrates such as mechanical oscillators, spins, or bacteria often summarized as physical reservoir computing.
Here we demonstrate physical reservoir computing with a synthetic active microparticle system that self-organizes from an active and passive component into inherently noisy nonlinear dynamical units. The self-organization and dynamical response of the unit is the result of a delayed propulsion of the microswimmer to a passive target. A reservoir of such units with a self-coupling via the delayed response can perform predictive tasks despite the strong noise resulting from the Brownian motion of the microswimmers. To achieve efficient noise suppression, we introduce a special architecture that uses historical reservoir states for output. Our results pave the way for the study of information processing in synthetic self-organized active particle systems.
The deep water oxygen deficit in stratified shallow seas is mediated by diapycnal mixing
Authors: Rippeth Tom , Shen Sijing , Lincoln Ben , Scannell Brian , Meng Xin , Hopkins Joanne , Sharples Jonathan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Seasonally stratified shelf seas are amongst the most biologically productive on the planet. A consequence is that the deeper waters can become oxygen deficient in late summer, with predictions that global warming will accelerate this deficiency. Here we integrate novel turbulence timeseries with vertical profiles of water column properties from a seasonal stratified shelf sea to estimate oxygen and biogeochemical fluxes. The profiles reveal a significant subsurface chlorophyll maximum (SCM). We show for the first time that the associated mid-water oxygen maximum supports both upward and downwards O2 fluxes. The upward flux will out-gas to the atmosphere whilst the downward flux will partially off-set the deep water O2 deficit. These new results show that the fluxes are sensitive to both the water column structure and mixing rates indicating that the development of the seasonal O2 deficit is mediated by diapcynal mixing. Analysis of current shear indicate that whilst tidal mixing supports the downward flux, the upwards flux is dominated by wind driven near-inertial shear. Summer storminess therefore plays an important role in determining the development of the deep water O2 deficit.
Fibrinolytic-deficiencies predispose hosts to septicemia from a catheter-associated UTI.
Authors: Flores-Mireles Ana , Molina Jonathan , Kohler Kurt , Gager Christopher , Andersen Marissa , Wongso Ellsa , Lucas Elizabeth , Paik Andrew , Xu Wei , Donahue Deborah , Bergeron Karla , Klim Aleksandra , Caparon Michael , Hultgren Scott , Desai Alana , Ploplis Victoria , Flick Matthew , Castellino Francis J 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are amongst the most common nosocomial infections worldwide and are difficult to treat due to multi-drug resistance development among the CAUTI-related pathogens. Importantly, CAUTI often leads to secondary bloodstream infections and death. A major challenge is to predict when patients will develop CAUTIs and which populations are at-risk for bloodstream infections. Catheter-induced inflammation promotes fibrinogen (Fg) and fibrin accumulation in the bladder which are exploited as a biofilm formation platform by CAUTI pathogens. Using our established mouse model of CAUTI, we identified that host populations exhibiting either genetic or acquired fibrinolytic-deficiencies, inducing fibrin deposition in the catheterized bladder, are predisposed to severe CAUTI and septicemia by diverse uropathogens in mono- and poly-microbial infections. Furthermore, we found that E. faecalis, a prevalent CAUTI pathogen, uses the secreted protease, SprE, to induce fibrin accumulation and create a niche ideal for growth, biofilm formation, and persistence during CAUTI.
Scalable Quantum State Tomography with Locally Purified Density Operators and Local Measurements
Authors: Yang Shuo , Guo Yuchen 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Understanding quantum systems holds significant importance for assessing the performance of quantum hardware and software, as well as exploring quantum control and quantum sensing. An efficient representation of quantum states enables realizing quantum state tomography with minimal measurements. In this study, we propose a new approach to state tomography that uses tensor network representations of mixed states through locally purified density operators and employs a classical optimization algorithm requiring only local measurements. Through numerical simulations of one-dimensional pure and mixed states and two-dimensional random tensor network states up to size $8\times 8$, we demonstrate the efficiency, accuracy, and robustness of our proposed methods. Experiments on the IBM Quantum platform complement these numerical simulations. Our study opens new avenues in quantum state tomography for two-dimensional systems using tensor network formalism.
Exposure to low levels of antidiabetic glibenclamide had no evident adverse effects on intestinal microbial composition and metabolic profiles in amphibian larvae
Authors: Liu Jia-Hui , Meng Qin-Yuan , Chen Yu , Yang Jia-Meng , Gao Jian-Fang , Lu Hongliang 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Unmetabolized human pharmaceuticals may enter aquatic environments, and potentially exert adverse effects on the survival of non-target organisms. Here, Pelophylax nigromaculatus tadpoles were exposed to different concentrations of antidiabetic glibenclamide (GLB) for 30 days to evaluate its potential ecotoxicological effects in amphibians. The mortality rate of GLB-exposed groups appeared to be lower than that of the control group. Despite not being statistically significant, there was a tendency for a decrease in intestinal microbial diversity after exposure. The abundance of Firmicutes was shown to decrease, but those of other phyla did not in GLB-exposed tadpoles. Some potentially pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Clostridium, Bilophila, Hafnia) decrease unexpectedly, while some beneficial bacteria (e.g., Akkermansia, Faecalibacterium) increased in GLB-exposed tadpoles. Accordingly, GLB-induced changes in intestinal microbial compositions did not seem harmful to animal health. Moreover, minor changes in a few intestinal metabolites were observed after GLB exposure. Overall, our results suggested that exposure to low levels of GLB did not necessarily exert an adverse impact on aquatic organisms.
REPAIR_GETUG P16 - Relapse in previously irradiated Prostate bed: a phase I/II study of stereotactic Ablative reirradiation potentiated by Metformine study protocol
Authors: Joly Alexandre , Blanc-Lapierre Audrey , Rio Emmanuel , Vaugier Loig , Supiot Stéphane , Guimas Valentine 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Introduction: Salvage prostatic bed radiotherapy (PBRT) is a standard in case of biochemical recurrence following radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer. The management of isolated prostatic bed recurrence following RP and PBRT is debated. Reirradiation within stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) guided by metabolic imaging could be a relevant option in this case. In parallel, metformin, an economically viable and well-tolerated oral antidiabetic agent, has demonstrated its radiosensitizing properties. This phase I/II clinical trial aims to i) determine the optimal dose for SBRT reirradiation, ii) conduct safety assessments, and iii) evaluate the efficacy of the metformin and SBRT combination.
Methods and Analysis: We conduct a prospective, non-randomized, open-label, multicenter, dose escalation, phase I/II study involving a minimum of 44 patients. Eligible patients must have biochemical recurrence (PSA > 0.2 ng/ml and confirmed ascending trend in at least 2 successive assays), occurring at least 2 years after PBRT and prior RP for prostate cancer (including low, intermediate, and high risk with a single risk factor) and no CTCAE grade >=3 toxicity following PBRT. The recurrence should be visible on MRI and/or PET Choline and/or PET PSMA, without evidence of pelvic lymph node recurrence or metastatic disease. The primary objective of the phase I is to determine the optimal SBRT dose (5×6, 6×6, or 5×5 Gy) based on dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). The dose will be chosen using a time-to-event continual reassessment method based on DLT, defined as CTCAE grade ≥3 gastrointestinal or genitourinary toxicity, or any other grade 4 adverse event. The primary outcome of the phase II is to estimate the efficacy of SBRT in combination with metformin in terms of biological relapse-free survival (bRFS) rate at 3 years. Secondary outcomes include 5-year bRFS rate, early/late genitourinary and gastrointestinal toxicities, quality of life, biochemical response rate, clinical progression-free survival, and overall survival.
Ethics and Dissemination: Ethical approval has been obtained from the Ethics committee "SUD EST III Bron" and the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines (ANSM). The study's findings will be disseminated through publications and conference presentations.
Identification and Validation of Autophagy-Related Genes in Hirschsprung’s Disease
Authors: Yao Ting , Hao Zenghui , Fan Wei , Han Jinbao , Wang Shuyu , Jiang Zaiqun , Wang Yunting , Xu Zhilin 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is a congenital disorder characterized by aganglionosis in the intermuscular and submucosal nerve plexus of the intestines, resulting in impaired gastrointestinal function. The exact etiology and pathogenesis of HSCR are yet not fully understood. Accumulating evidence suggests that autophagy plays an important role in the pathogenesis of HSCR, but its specific mechanism needs to be further studied.
Methods
This study used the online Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) microarray expression profiling datasets GSE96854 and GSE98502. R software was used to identify autophagy-related genes that displayed potential differential expression in HSCR. The differentially expressed autophagy-related genes were analyzed using correlation analysis, tissue-specific gene expression profiling, gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Finally, HSCR specimens were utilized for in vitro verification of mRNA levels of key genes using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).
Results
A total of 20 autophagy-related genes exhibiting differential expression were identified, comprising 15 up-regulated and five down-regulated genes. Enrichment analysis with the GO and KEGG pathways revealed significant enrichment in pathways associated with the regulation of autophagy, specifically macroautophagy. By conducting PPI network analysis and constructing key modules, we identified nine hub genes. Subsequently, the consistency between SIRT1 expression in the HSCR model and bioinformatics analysis of mRNA chip results was confirmed through qRT-PCR validation.
Conclusion
Through bioinformatics analysis, we identified 20 potential autophagy-related genes associated with HSCR. Among them, the upregulation of SIRT1 expression may impact the occurrence and progression of HSCR by regulating autophagy pathways. This provides a fresh outlook on the etiology of Hirschsprung's disease.
Assessment of artificial intelligence model and manual morphokinetic annotation system as embryo grading methods for successful live birth prediction: a retrospective monocentric study
Authors: Papamentzelopoulou Myrto , Prifti Ilectra-Niki , Mavrogianni Despoina , Tseva Thomais , Soyhan Ntilay , Athanasiou Aikaterini , Athanasiou Antonia , Athanasiou Adamantios , Vogiatzi Paraskevi , Konomos George , Loutradis Dimitrios , Sakellariou Maria 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Purpose
The introduction of the time-lapse monitoring system (TMS) and the development of predictive algorithms could contribute to the optimal embryos selection for transfer. Therefore, the present study aims at investigating the efficiency of KIDScore and iDAScore systems for blastocyst stage embryos in predicting live birth events.
Methods
The present retrospective study was conducted in a private IVF Unit setting throughout a 10-month period from October 2021 to July 2022, and included the analysis of 429 embryos deriving from 91 IVF/ICSI cycles conducted due to infertility of various etiologies. Embryos incubated at the Embryoscope+ timelapse incubator were analyzed through the established scoring systems: KIDScore and iDAScore®. The main outcome measure was the comparison of the two scoring systems in terms of live birth prediction. Embryos with the higher scores at day 5 (KID5 score/iDA5 score) were transferred or cryopreserved for later use.
Results
Embryos with high KID5 and iDA5 scores positively correlated with the probability of successful live birth, with KID5 score yielding a higher efficiency in predicting a successful reproductive outcome compared to a proportionally high iDA5 score. KID5 demonstrated conservative performance in successfully predicting live birth compared to iDA5 score, indicating that an efficient prediction can be either provided by a relatively lower KID5 score or a relatively higher iDA5 score.
Conclusion
The developed artificial intelligence tools should be implemented in clinical practice in conjunction with the conventional morphological assessment for the conduction of optimized embryo transfer in terms of a successful live birth.
Burkholderia pseudomallei BipD hijacks host KLHL9/KLHL13/CUL3 E3 ligase to ubiquitinate IMMT that initiates mitophagy to evade killing
Authors: Li Qian , Nan Dongqi , Rao Chenglong , Tang Zhiheng , Yang Wenbo , Wu Pan , Chen Jiangao , Xia Yupei , Yan Jingmin , Liu Wenzheng , Hu Zhiqiang , Chen Hai , Liao Yaling , Liu Xiaoyun , Mao Xuhu 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Mitophagy is critical for mitochondrial quality control and function to clear damaged mitochondria. Here, we found that Burkholderia pseudomallei maneuvered host mitophagy for its intracellular survival through the type Ⅲ secretion system needle tip protein BipD. We identified BipD, interacting with BTB-containing proteins KLHL9 and KLHL13 by binding to the Back and Kelch domains, recruited NEDD8 family RING E3 ligase CUL3 in response to B. pseudomallei infection. Although evidently not involved in regulation of infectious diseases, KLHL9/KLHL13/CUL3 E3 ligase complex was essential for BipD-dependent ubiquitination of mitochondria in mouse macrophages. Mechanistically, we discovered the inner mitochondrial membrane IMMT via host ubiquitome profiling as a new substrate of KLHL9/KLHL13/CUL3 complex. Notably, K63-linked ubiquitination of IMMT K211 was required for initiating host mitophagy, thereby reducing mitochondrial ROS production. Together, our findings reveal a unique mechanism used by bacterial pathogens that hijacks host mitophagy for their survival.
Single-Soma Deep RNA Sequencing of Human Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons Reveals Novel Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms Underlying Somatosensation
Authors: Luo Wenqin 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

The versatility of somatosensation arises from heterogeneous dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. However, soma transcriptomes of individual human DRG (hDRG) neurons – critical information to decipher their functions – are lacking due to technical difficulties. Here, we developed a novel approach to isolate individual hDRG neuron somas for deep RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). On average, >9,000 unique genes per neuron were detected, and 16 neuronal types were identified. Cross-species analyses revealed remarkable divergence among pain-sensing neurons and the exist-ence of human-specific nociceptor types. Our deep RNA-seq dataset was especially powerful for providing insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying human somatosensation and identify-ing high potential novel drug targets. Our dataset also guided the selection of molecular markers to visualize different types of human afferents and the discovery of novel functional properties using single-cell in vivo electrophysiological recordings. In summary, by employing a novel soma se-quencing method, we generated an unprecedented hDRG neuron atlas, providing new insights into human somatosensation, establishing a critical foundation for translational work, and clarifying human species-specific properties.