bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of target anisotropy on harmonic measure and mean first-passage time
Authors: Chaigneau Adrien , Grebenkov Denis S 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
We investigate the influence of target anisotropy on two characteristics of diffusion-controlled reactions: harmonic measure density and mean first-passage time. First, we compute the volume-averaged harmonic measure density on prolate and oblate spheroidal targets inside a confining domain in three dimensions. This allows us to investigate the accessibility of the target points to Brownian motion. In particular, we study the effects of confinement and target anisotropy. The limits of a segment and a disk are also discussed. Second, we derive an explicit expression of the mean first-passage time to such targets and analyze the effect of anisotropy. In particular, we illustrate the accuracy of the capacitance approximation for small targets.
Effect of rare–earth (Ce, La) compounds on the microstructure, mechanical and electrochemical corrosion characteristics of electroplated Ni films
Authors: Chen Haixiang , Wang Kun , Wang Zhanshan 
Published: May 2023

AbstractFor optimizing the microstructure and performance of Ni–electroplating film, the soluble rare–Earth (RE) compounds CeCl3or LaCl3were introduced, which were electrodeposited on Cu substrate by direct current (DC) and pulse current (PC) methods, respectively. The surface characteristics of morphology, composition, and phase of obtained different deposits were investigated, and the relationship between the structure and the performance of internal stress, hardness, and electrochemical responses was discussed. The results show that both RE compounds were conducive to eliminating the surface pits by inhibiting the hydrogen evolution reaction, while did not co–deposit into the Ni film. Moreover, the preferred orientation of Ni (111) crystalline plane was altered into Ni (200) by LaCl3, and its combination with PC–electrodeposition further had a better grain refinement effect than CeCl3. Due to the formation of a relatively dense and fine deposit, the PC–electrodeposited Ni/LaCl3film exhibited the highest hardness of 320 HV, lowest tensile stress of 55 MPa, and best electrochemical passivation protection, which effectively improved the comprehensive performance of Ni film and demonstrated a good prospect for industrial applications.
Layer-dependent Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction and field-free topological magnetism in two-dimensional Janus MnSTe
Authors: Ga Yonglong , Yu Dongxing , Wang Liming , Li Peng , Liang Jinghua , Yang Hongxin 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Magnetic skyrmions, as topologically protected whirl-like solitons, have been the subject of growing interest in non-volatile spintronic memories and logic devices. Recently, much effort has been devoted to searching for skyrmion host materials in two-dimensional (2D) systems, where intrinsic inversion symmetry breaking and a large Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction (DMI) are desirable to realize a field-free skyrmion state. Among these systems, 2D magnetic Janus materials have become important candidates for inducing a sizable DMI and chiral spin textures. Herein, we demonstrate that layer-dependent DMI and field-free magnetic skyrmions can exist in multilayer MnSTe. Moreover, strong interlayer exchange coupling and Bethe–Slater curve-like behaviors arising from the Mn–Mn double exchange mechanism are found in bilayer MnSTe. We also uncover that the distribution of DMIs in multilayer MnSTe can be understood as making a significant contribution to the intermediate DMI using the three-site Fert–Lévy model. Our results unveil great potential for designing skyrmion-based spintronic devices in multilayer 2D materials.
Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of direct blue 71 dye using TiO2-PAA-GO composite in aqueous solution
Authors: Thi Quynh Anh Nguyen , Ngoc Ha Minh , Van Noi Nguyen , Huu Van Nguyen 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
In this work, we successfully synthesized a TiO2-PAA-GO hydrogel photocatalyst (GO: graphene oxide; PAA: poly acrylic acid) using a hydrothermal method. The XRD, FTIR, SEM, and XPS results demonstrated the formation of cross-link bond within the TiO2, GO, and PAA nanocomposite. TiO2 nanomaterials, with a particle size of approximately 5 nm, were uniformly distributed on GO layer, and have a high surface area (156 m2 g−1). We then applied the TiO2-PAA-GO composite to remove direct blue 71 (DB-71) from water, achieving up to 98.16% removal. This success was due to (i) the reduction in bandgap energy, (ii) reduced electron and hole recombination, (iii) increased output of generated electrons, and (iv) high specific surface area. We also investigated the efficiency of DB-71 degradation, considering the initial concentration of DB-71, pH, contact time, catalyst mass, and the role of reactive radicals. After six reaction cycles, over 95% of the DB-71 was removed from the aqueous medium using the TiO2-GO-PAA photocatalyst.
Solamargine enhanced gefitinib antitumor effect via regulating MALAT1/miR-141-3p/Sp1/IGFBP1 signaling pathway in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Tang Qing , Zhou Qichun , Li Jing , Yang Xiaobing , Wang Rui , Wang Xi , Xu Mengfei , Han Ling , Wu Wanyin , Wang Sumei 
Published: May 2023

AbstractLung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) showed great therapeutic efficacy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. However, acquired resistance severely limits the clinical application and efficacy of EGFR-TKIs. In the current study, we found that solamargine (SM), a natural alkaloid derived from the fruit of Lycium tomato lobelia, has been found to inhibit the progression of NSCLC and enhance the anticancer effect of EGFR-TKIs. In brief, SM significantly inhibited the cell viability of NSCLC cells and enhanced the anticancer effect of gefitinib (GFTN) and erlotinib (ERL). Mechanistically, SM decreased the expression of MALAT1 and induced miR-141-3p, whereas reduced SP1 protein levels. Interestingly, both MALAT1 and Sp1 have classical and conservative binding sites of miR-141-3p in their 3ʹ-UTR regions. Silence of MALAT1 and overexpression of miR-141-3p both decreased the protein expression of Sp1. Subsequently, promoter activity and protein expression of IGFBP1 were upregulated by SM, which was not observed in cells with SP1 overexpression. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of SM on cell growth was significantly blocked by knockdown of IGFBP1 expression. More importantly, the combination of SM and GFTN synergistically inhibited the progression of lung cancer. Similar results were observed in experiments in vivo. Finally, the clinical relevance of MALAT1, Sp1 and IGFBP1 was further validated using bioinformatics analysis. Taken together, we confirmed that SM significantly enhanced the anticancer effect of EGFR-TKIs by regulating the MALAT1/miR-141-3p/Sp1/IGFBP1 signaling pathway. This study unravels a novel mechanism and suggests a new potential NSCLC-associated therapy.
Validity of chronometric TMS for probing the time-course of word production: a modified replication
Authors: Jodzio Adrian , Piai Vitória , Verhagen Lennart , Cameron Ian , Indefrey Peter 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
In the present study, we used chronometric TMS to probe the time-course of 3 brain regions during a picture naming task. The left inferior frontal gyrus, left posterior middle temporal gyrus, and left posterior superior temporal gyrus were all separately stimulated in 1 of 5 time-windows (225, 300, 375, 450, and 525 ms) from picture onset. We found posterior temporal areas to be causally involved in picture naming in earlier time-windows, whereas all 3 regions appear to be involved in the later time-windows. However, chronometric TMS produces nonspecific effects that may impact behavior, and furthermore, the time-course of any given process is a product of both the involved processing stages along with individual variation in the duration of each stage. We therefore extend previous work in the field by accounting for both individual variations in naming latencies and directly testing for nonspecific effects of TMS. Our findings reveal that both factors influence behavioral outcomes at the group level, underlining the importance of accounting for individual variations in naming latencies, especially for late processing stages closer to articulation, and recognizing the presence of nonspecific effects of TMS. The paper advances key considerations and avenues for future work using chronometric TMS to study overt production.
The role of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in control of skin sympathetic nerve activity in humans
Authors: Wong Rebecca , Sesa-Ashton Gianni , Datta Sudipta , McCarthy Brendan , Henderson Luke A , Dawood Tye , Macefield Vaughan G 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) is primarily involved in higher order executive functions, with there being evidence of lateralization. Brain imaging studies have revealed its link to the generation of skin sympathetic nerve activity (SSNA), which is elevated in states of emotional arousal or anxiety. However, no studies have directly explored dlPFC influences on SSNA. Transcranial alternating current stimulation (−2 to 2 mA, 0.08 Hz, 100 cycles) was applied between the left or right dlPFC and nasion via surface electrodes. Spontaneous bursts of SSNA were recorded from the common peroneal nerve via a tungsten microelectrode in 21 healthy participants. The modulation index was calculated for each stimulation paradigm by constructing cross-correlation histograms between SSNA and the sinusoidal stimulus. Stimulation of the dlPFC caused significant modulation of SSNA, but there was no significant difference in the median modulation index across sides. Stimulation also caused cyclic modulation of skin blood flow and sweat release. We have shown for the first time that stimulation of the dlPFC causes modulation of SSNA, also reflected in the effector-organ responses. This supports a role for the dlPFC in the control of SSNA, which likely contributes to the ability of emotions to bring about cutaneous vasoconstriction and sweat release.
Altered neural associations with cognitive and emotional functions in cannabis dependence
Authors: Wang Xinying , Zhou Hui , Hu Yuzheng 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Negative emotional state has been found to correlate with poor cognitive performance in cannabis-dependent (CD) individuals, but not healthy controls (HCs). To examine the neural substrates underlying such unusual emotion–cognition coupling, we analyzed the behavioral and resting state fMRI data from the Human Connectome Project and found opposite brain–behavior associations in the CD and HC groups: (i) although the cognitive performance was positively correlated with the within-network functional connectivity strength and segregation (i.e. clustering coefficient and local efficiency) of the cognitive network in HCs, these correlations were inversed in CDs; (ii) although the cognitive performance was positively correlated with the within-network Granger effective connectivity strength and integration (i.e. characteristic path length) of the cognitive network in CDs, such associations were not significant in HCs. In addition, we also found that the effective connectivity strength within cognition network mediated the behavioral coupling between emotional state and cognitive performance. These results indicate a disorganization of the cognition network in CDs, and may help improve our understanding of substance use disorder.
Neural representation of perceived race mediates the opposite relationship between subcomponents of self-construals and racial outgroup punishment
Authors: Zhou Yuqing , Li Wenxin , Gao Tianyu , Pan Xinyue , Han Shihui 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Outgroup aggression characterizes intergroup conflicts in human societies. Previous research on relationships between cultural traits and outgroup aggression behavior showed inconsistent results, leaving open questions regarding whether cultural traits predict individual differences in outgroup aggression and related neural underpinnings. We conducted 2 studies to address this issue by collecting self-construal scores, EEG signals in response to Asian and White faces with painful or neutral expressions, and decisions to apply electric shocks to other-race individuals in a context of interracial conflict. We found that interdependent self-construals were well explained by 2 subcomponents, including esteem for group (EG) and relational interdependence (RI), which are related to focus on group collectives and harmonious relationships, respectively. Moreover, EG was positively associated with the decisions to punish racial outgroup targets, whereas RI was negatively related to the decisions. These opposite relationships were mediated by neural representations of perceived race at 120–160 ms after face onset. Our findings highlight the multifaceted nature of interdependent self-construal and the key role of neural representations of race in mediating the relationships of different subcomponents of cultural traits with racial outgroup punishment decisions in a context of interracial conflict.
Gene Expression in Cord Blood and Tuberculosis in Early Childhood: A Nested Case-Control Study in a South African Birth Cohort
Authors: Bobak Carly A , Botha Maresa , Workman Lesley , Hill Jane E , Nicol Mark P , Holloway John W , Stein Dan J , Martinez Leonardo , Zar Heather J 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background
Transcriptomic profiling of adults with tuberculosis (TB) has become increasingly common, predominantly for diagnostic and risk prediction purposes. However, few studies have evaluated signatures in children, particularly in identifying those at risk for developing TB disease. We investigated the relationship between gene expression obtained from umbilical cord blood and both tuberculin skin test conversion and incident TB disease through the first 5 years of life.

Methods
We conducted a nested case-control study in the Drakenstein Child Health Study, a longitudinal, population-based birth cohort in South Africa. We applied transcriptome-wide screens to umbilical cord blood samples from neonates born to a subset of selected mothers (N = 131). Signatures identifying tuberculin conversion and risk of subsequent TB disease were identified from genome-wide analysis of RNA expression.

Results
Gene expression signatures revealed clear differences predictive of tuberculin conversion (n = 26) and TB disease (n = 10); 114 genes were associated with tuberculin conversion and 30 genes were associated with the progression to TB disease among children with early infection. Coexpression network analysis revealed 6 modules associated with risk of TB infection or disease, including a module associated with neutrophil activation in immune response (P &lt; .0001) and defense response to bacterium (P &lt; .0001).

Conclusions
These findings suggest multiple detectable differences in gene expression at birth that were associated with risk of TB infection or disease throughout early childhood. Such measures may provide novel insights into TB pathogenesis and susceptibility.
Ultraprocessed foods and chronic kidney disease—double trouble
Authors: Avesani Carla Maria , Cuppari Lilian , Nerbass Fabiana Baggio , Lindholm Bengt , Stenvinkel Peter 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT
High energy intake combined with low physical activity generates positive energy balance, which, when maintained, favours obesity, a highly prevalent morbidity linked to development of non-communicable chronic diseases, including chronic kidney disease (CKD). Among many factors contributing to disproportionately high energy intakes, and thereby to the obesity epidemic, the type and degree of food processing play an important role. Ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) are industrialized and quite often high-energy-dense products with added sugar, salt, unhealthy fats and food additives formulated to be palatable or hyperpalatable. UPFs can trigger an addictive eating behaviour and is typically characterized by an increase in energy intake. Furthermore, high consumption of UPFs, a hallmark of a Western diet, results in diets with poor quality. A high UPF intake is associated with higher risk for CKD. In addition, UPF consumption by patients with CKD is likely to predispose and/or to exacerbate uraemic metabolic derangements, such as insulin resistance, metabolic acidosis, hypertension, dysbiosis, hyperkalaemia and hyperphosphatemia. Global sales of UPFs per capita increased in all continents in recent decades. This is an important factor responsible for the nutrition transition, with home-made meals being replaced by ready-to-eat products. In this review we discuss the potential risk of UPFs in activating hedonic eating and their main implications for health, especially for kidney health and metabolic complications of CKD. We also present various aspects of consequences of UPFs on planetary health and discuss future directions for research to bring awareness of the harms of UPFs within the CKD scenario.
The impact of in-centre haemodialysis treatment on the everyday life of older adults with end-stage kidney disease: a qualitative study
Authors: Moreels Timothy , Van de Velde Dominique , Van Duyse Stephanie , Vanden Wyngaert Karsten , Leune Tamara , Van Biesen Wim , De Vriendt Patricia 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT

Background
Older adults with end-stage kidney disease experience a diminished ability to perform the activities of their daily life. For those living at home, the initiation of in-centre haemodialysis treatment (ICHD) carries a risk of cascading functional decline leading to early nursing home placement and mortality. Research on how older adults adapt to their newly impacted daily life is scarce.

Methods
Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted using a purposeful maximum variation sample of older adult (≥65 years) ICHD patients living at home. Interviews were conducted between October and December 2018. Interview coding followed an inductive and broad-based approach. Thematic analysis was used to group meaning units into common themes and subthemes.

Results
Twenty patients (12 females) were interviewed. Analysis resulted in two main themes and seven subthemes. The first main theme showed the impact of ICHD on everyday roles and functioning through four subthemes: a stepwise decline in daily activities, managing time, role changes and an incomplete retirement. The second main theme showed potential areas of remediation through three subthemes: the social environment, developing new daily activity patterns and meaningful activities and goals.

Conclusions
The older adults experienced a process of adaptation that generally progressed from a phase of initial disruption towards a period of mere survival. Being able to accept a life on dialysis was intricately connected with the ability to perform activities that were personally meaningful. Early and continued support of meaningful activities may prove valuable in breaking or delaying the cycle of functional decline.
Left anterior minithoracotomy as a first-choice approach for isolated coronary artery bypass grafting and selective combined procedures
Authors: Babliak Oleksandr , Demianenko Volodymyr , Marchenko Anton , Babliak Dmytro , Melnyk Yevhenii , Stohov Oleksii , Revenko Katerina , Pidgayna Liliya 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Our goal was to describe the technique for and evaluate the results of the isolated coronary artery bypass grafting or combined grafting procedures with mitral valve repair/replacement and/or left ventricle aneurysm repair performed through a single left anterior minithoracotomy.

METHODS
Perioperative data of all patients who required isolated or combined coronary grafting from July 2017 to December 2021 were observed. The focus was on 560 patients who underwent isolated or combined multivessel coronary bypass using the “Total Coronary Revascularization via left Anterior Thoracotomy” technique. The main perioperative outcomes were analysed.

RESULTS
A left anterior minithoracotomy was used in 521 (97.7%) out of 533 patients who required isolated multivessel surgical coronary revascularization and in 39 (32.5%) out of 120 patients who required combined procedures. In 39 patients, multivessel grafting was combined with 25 mitral valve and 22 left ventricular procedures. Mitral valve repair was performed through the aneurysm (n = 8) or through the interatrial septum (n = 17). Perioperative outcomes in isolated and combined groups were next: aortic cross-clamp time—71.9 (SD: 19.9) and 120 (SD: 25.8) min; cardiopulmonary bypass time—145.7 (SD: 33.5) and 216 (SD: 45.8) min; total operating time—269 (SD: 51.8) and 324 (SD: 52.1) min; intensive care unit stay—2 (2–2) and 2 (2–2) days; total hospital stay—6 (5–7) and 6 (5–7) days; and total 30-day mortality was 0.54 and 0%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS
A left anterior minithoracotomy can be effectively used as a first-choice approach to perform isolated multivessel coronary grafting and can be combined with mitral valve and/or left ventricular repair. Experience with isolated coronary grafting through an anterior minithoracotomy is required to achieve the satisfactory results in combined procedures.
Surgical and transcatheter left atrial appendage closure in patients with atrial fibrillation and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Khawaja Tasveer , Majmundar Monil , Zuzek Zachary , Arora Shilpkumar , Attizzani Guilherme F , Filby Steven J , Abu-Omar Yasir , Shishehbor Mehdi H , Mackall Judith A , Ukaigwe Anene 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background
Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are at increased stroke risk in comparison to those with non-valvular AF not affected by HCM.

Objectives
To investigate the role of left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) in patients with HCM and AF.

Methods and results
We identified patients with HCM and AF using the National Readmission Dataset. Patients were stratified based on LAAC status. The primary efficacy outcome was a composite of ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke, TIA, and all-cause mortality. The primary safety outcome was a composite of major bleeding and pericardial complications. Patients were matched using inverse probability of treatment weighting. Cox-proportional hazard regression was applied to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) on matched cohorts. We identified 71 980 patients with HCM and AF. 1351 (1.9%) patients underwent LAAC. Two hundred and eighty-seven (21.2%) underwent transcatheter LAAC. LAAC was associated with a lower risk of the primary efficacy outcome (2.5% vs. 5.4%, HR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.17–0.88; P = 0.024), the primary safety outcome (2.9% vs. 6.8%, HR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.23–0.66, P = 0.001), and reduced major bleeding. The LAAC group trended towards a lower risk of ischaemic stroke and all-cause mortality.

Conclusion
Surgical and transcatheter LAAC was associated with a lower risk of haemorrhagic stroke and major bleeding.
The conundrum of bacteria-specific antibiotics
Authors: Datta Santanu 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
There is a continual debate on the pros and cons of broad-spectrum versus pathogen-specific antibiotics. The unmet need for a solution for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has put this argument into sharper focus. A shortage of clinically differentiated antibiotics in late-stage clinical development coupled with the global unmet need in the face of the AMR onslaught has exacerbated the treatment options of drug-resistant bacterial infections. An added dimension to this problem is the current understanding of dysbiosis caused by antibiotics, often leading to negative fallout in immunocompromised patients. We attempt to deconstruct the nuances of this debate from an antibiotics discovery and a clinical standpoint.