bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring virtual reality object perception following sensory-motor interactions with different visuo-haptic collider properties
Authors: Girondini Matteo , Montanaro Massimo , Gallace Alberto
Published: May 2024

Interacting with the environment often requires the integration of visual and haptic information. Notably, perceiving external objects depends on how our brain binds sensory inputs into a unitary experience. The feedback provided by objects when we interact (through our movements) with them might then influence our perception. In VR, the interaction with an object can be dissociated by the size of the object itself by means of ‘colliders’ (interactive spaces surrounding the objects). The present study investigates possible after-effects in size discrimination for virtual objects after exposure to a prolonged interaction characterized by visual and haptic incongruencies. A total of 96 participants participated in this virtual reality study. Participants were distributed into four groups, in which they were required to perform a size discrimination task between two cubes before and after 15 min of a visuomotor task involving the interaction with the same virtual cubes. Each group interacted with a different cube where the visual (normal vs. small collider) and the virtual cube's haptic (vibration vs. no vibration) features were manipulated. The quality of interaction (number of touches and trials performed) was used as a dependent variable to investigate the performance in the visuomotor task. To measure bias in size perception, we compared changes in point of subjective equality (PSE) before and after the task in the four groups. The results showed that a small visual collider decreased manipulation performance, regardless of the presence or not of the haptic signal. However, change in PSE was found only in the group exposed to the small visual collider with haptic feedback, leading to increased perception of the cube size. This after-effect was absent in the only visual incongruency condition, suggesting that haptic information and multisensory integration played a crucial role in inducing perceptual changes. The results are discussed considering the recent findings in visual-haptic integration during multisensory information processing in real and virtual environments.
Performance of IRI 2016 model in predicting total electron content (TEC) compared with GPS-TEC over East Africa during 2019–2021
Authors: Sulungu Emmanuel D.
Published: May 2024

This study evaluated the applicability of IRI-2016 model in predicting GPS TEC using the monthly means of the five (5) quiet days for equinoxes and solstices months. GPS-derived TEC data were obtained from the IGS network of ground based dual frequency GPS receivers from three stations [(KYN3 0.53° S, 38.53° E; Geom. Lat. 3.91.63° S), (MBAR 0.60° S, 30.74° E; Geom. Lat. 2.76° S) and HOID 1.45° S, 31.34° E; Geom. Lat. 3.71° S]. All the three options for topside Ne of IRI-2016 model and ABT-2009 for bottomside thickness have been used to compute the IRI TEC. The results were compared with the GPS TEC measurements. Correlation Coefficients between the two sets of data, the Root-Mean Square Errors of the IRI-TEC from the GPS-TEC, and the percentage RMSE of the IRI-TEC from the GPS-TEC have been computed. In general, the IRI-2016 model underestimated GPS-TEC during the nighttime, whereas the model overestimated GPS-TEC values during the daytime. At most of the stations and during all seasons where data were available, correlation coefficient was above 0.9, which is quite strong. The variation of O/N2 ratio may potentially be the cause of the IRI TEC deviation from the GPS TEC. This variation arises from lower thermosphere plasma drift that moves upward.
A non-invasive tool to collect small intestine content in post weaning pigs: validation study
Authors: García Viñado Inés , Correa Federico , Trevisi Paolo , Bee Giuseppe , Ollagnier Catherine
Published: May 2024

The Capsule for Sampling (CapSa) is an ingestible capsule that collects small intestine content while transiting through the natural digestive pathway. In this study, 14 Swiss Large White pigs weighing less than 12 kg (Category < 12 kg) and 12 weighing between 12 and 20 kg (Category [12–20 kg]) were given two CapSas and monitored for three days. The animals were euthanized for post-mortem sampling, allowing us to directly obtain gut microbiota samples from the gastrointestinal tract. This post-mortem approach enabled a direct comparison between the microbial content from the gut and the samples collected via the CapSas, and it also facilitated precise identification of the CapSas’ sampling sites within the gastrointestinal tract. For the category under 12 kg, only 2.3% of the administered CapSas were recovered from the feces. In contrast, in the 12–20 kg category, 62.5% of the CapSas were successfully retrieved from the feces within 48 h. Of these recovered CapSas, 73.3%—equating to 11 capsules from eight pigs—had a pH > 5.5 and were therefore selected for microbiome analysis. Bacterial composition of the CapSas was compared with that of the three segments of the small intestine, the large intestine and feces of the corresponding pig. The results were tested using a PERMANOVA model (Adonis) including sample type as a factor, and then pairwise comparisons were made. The bacterial composition found in the CapSas differed from that of the large intestine and feces (P < 0.01), while it did not differ from the first segment of the small intestine (P > 0.10). This study provides evidence that the CapSa effectively samples the intestinal microbiota from the upper section of the small intestine in post-weaning pigs. Furthermore, it was found that the collection of CapSas could only be successfully achieved in pigs classified within the heavier weight category.
A novel low-cost uterine balloon tamponade kit to tackle maternal mortality in low-resource settings
Authors: Candidori Sara , Osouli Kasra , Graziosi Serena , Zanini Alberto Antonio , Costantino Maria Laura , De Gaetano Francesco
Published: May 2024

The 3.1 target of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations aims to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030. The last updates on this target show a significant stagnation in the data, thus reducing the chance of meeting it. What makes this negative result even more serious is that these maternal deaths could be avoided through prevention and the wider use of pharmacological strategies and devices to stop postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). PPH is the leading obstetric cause of maternal mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Despite low-cost devices based on the uterine balloon tamponade (UBT) technique are already available, they are not safe enough to guarantee the complete stop of the bleeding. When effective, they are too expensive, especially for LMICs. To address this issue, this study presents the design, mechanical characterisation and technology assessment performed to validate a novel low-cost UBT kit, particularly a novel component, i.e., the connector, which guarantees the kit’s effectiveness and represents the main novelty. Results proved the device’s effectiveness in stopping PPH in a simulated scenario. Moreover, economic and manufacturing evaluations demonstrated its potential to be adopted in LMICs.
Unraveling the phylogenetics of genetically closely related species, Haemaphysalis japonica and Haemaphysalis megaspinosa, using entire tick mitogenomes and microbiomes
Authors: Moustafa Mohamed Abdallah Mohamed , Mohamed Wessam M. A. , Chatanga Elisha , Naguib Doaa , Matsuno Keita , Gofton Alexander W. , Barker Stephen C. , Nonaka Nariaki , Nakao Ryo
Published: May 2024

Ticks have a profound impact on public health. Haemaphysalis is one of the most widespread genera in Asia, including Japan. The taxonomy and genetic differentiation of Haemaphysalis spp. is challenging. For instance, previous studies struggled to distinguish Haemaphysalis japonica and Haemaphysalis megaspinosa due to the dearth of nucleotide sequence polymorphisms in widely used barcoding genes. The classification of H. japonica japonica and its related sub-species Haemaphysalis japonica douglasi or Haemaphysalis jezoensis is also confused due to their high morphological similarity and a lack of molecular data that support the current classification. We used mitogenomes and microbiomes of H. japonica and H. megaspinosa to gain deeper insights into the phylogenetic relationships and genetic divergence between two species. Phylogenetic analyses of concatenated nucleotide sequences of protein-coding genes and ribosomal DNA genes distinguished H. japonica and H. megaspinosa as monophyletic clades, with further subdivision within the H. japonica clade. The 16S rRNA and NAD5 genes were valuable markers for distinguishing H. japonica and H. megaspinosa. Population genetic structure analyses indicated that genetic variation within populations accounted for a large proportion of the total variation compared to variation between populations. Microbiome analyses revealed differences in alpha and beta diversity between H. japonica and H. megaspinosa: H. japonica had the higher diversity. Coxiella sp., a likely endosymbiont, was found in both Haemaphysalis species. The abundance profiles of likely endosymbionts, pathogens, and commensals differed between H. japonica and H. megaspinosa: H. megaspinosa was more diverse.
MRI-based radiomics for predicting histology in malignant salivary gland tumors: methodology and “proof of principle”
Authors: Khodabakhshi Zahra , Motisi Laura , Bink Andrea , Broglie Martina A. , Rupp Niels J. , Fleischmann Maximilian , von der Grün Jens , Guckenberger Matthias , Tanadini-Lang Stephanie , Balermpas Panagiotis
Published: May 2024

Defining the exact histological features of salivary gland malignancies before treatment remains an unsolved problem that compromises the ability to tailor further therapeutic steps individually. Radiomics, a new methodology to extract quantitative information from medical images, could contribute to characterizing the individual cancer phenotype already before treatment in a fast and non-invasive way. Consequently, the standardization and implementation of radiomic analysis in the clinical routine work to predict histology of salivary gland cancer (SGC) could also provide improvements in clinical decision-making. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential of radiomic features as imaging biomarker to distinguish between high grade and low-grade salivary gland malignancies. We have also investigated the effect of image and feature level harmonization on the performance of radiomic models. For this study, our dual center cohort consisted of 126 patients, with histologically proven SGC, who underwent curative-intent treatment in two tertiary oncology centers. We extracted and analyzed the radiomics features of 120 pre-therapeutic MRI images with gadolinium (T1 sequences), and correlated those with the definitive post-operative histology. In our study the best radiomic model achieved average AUC of 0.66 and balanced accuracy of 0.63. According to the results, there is significant difference between the performance of models based on MRI intensity normalized images + harmonized features and other models (pvalue < 0.05) which indicates that in case of dealing with heterogeneous dataset, applying the harmonization methods is beneficial. Among radiomic features minimum intensity from first order, and gray level-variance from texture category were frequently selected during multivariate analysis which indicate the potential of these features as being used as imaging biomarker. The present bicentric study presents for the first time the feasibility of implementing MR-based, handcrafted radiomics, based on T1 contrast-enhanced sequences and the ComBat harmonization method in an effort to predict the formal grading of salivary gland carcinoma with satisfactory performance.
Investigation of heat stress responses and adaptation mechanisms by integrative metabolome and transcriptome analysis in tea plants (Camellia sinensis)
Authors: Huang Feiyi , Lei Yu , Duan Jihua , Kang Yankai , Luo Yi , Ding Ding , Chen Yingyu , Li Saijun
Published: May 2024

Extreme high temperature has deleterious impact on the yield and quality of tea production, which has aroused the attention of growers and breeders. However, the mechanisms by which tea plant varieties respond to extreme environmental heat is not clear. In this study, we analyzed physiological indices, metabolites and transcriptome differences in three different heat-tolerant tea plant F1 hybrid progenies. Results showed that the antioxidant enzyme activity, proline, and malondialdehyde were significantly decreased in heat-sensitive ‘FWS’ variety, and the accumulation of reactive oxygen molecules such as H2O2 and O2− was remarkably increased during heat stress. Metabolomic analysis was used to investigate the metabolite accumulation pattern of different varieties in response to heat stress. The result showed that a total of 810 metabolites were identified and more than 300 metabolites were differentially accumulated. Transcriptional profiling of three tea varieties found that such genes encoding proteins with chaperon domains were preferentially expressed in heat-tolerant varieties under heat stress, including universal stress protein (USP32, USP-like), chaperonin-like protein 2 (CLP2), small heat shock protein (HSP18.1), and late embryogenesis abundant protein (LEA5). Combining metabolomic with transcriptomic analyses discovered that the flavonoids biosynthesis pathway was affected by heat stress and most flavonols were up-regulated in heat-tolerant varieties, which owe to the preferential expression of key FLS genes controlling flavonol biosynthesis. Take together, molecular chaperons, or chaperon-like proteins, flavonols accumulation collaboratively contributed to the heat stress adaptation in tea plant. The present study elucidated the differences in metabolite accumulation and gene expression patterns among three different heat-tolerant tea varieties under extreme ambient high temperatures, which helps to reveal the regulatory mechanisms of tea plant adaptation to heat stress, and provides a reference for the breeding of heat-tolerant tea plant varieties.
Prediction method for the tension force of support ropes in flexible rockfall barriers based on full-scale experiments and numerical analysis
Authors: Qi Xin , Zhao Lei , Meng Qing-Cheng
Published: May 2024

This paper proposes a prediction method for the tension force of support ropes in flexible rockfall barriers. The method is based on two full-scale model tests with an impact energy of 3000 kJ, as well as 36 set numerical models featuring varying lengths and impact energies. From the results of full scale tests and numerical models, it is inferred that the tension force at the end of the support rope is significantly less than that at the point of impact, exhibiting an approximate Gaussian attenuation distribution with propagation distance. To account for the attenuation of tensile forces in support ropes, a tensile attenuation coefficient is defined. Through comparative analysis of data obtained from 36 models with varying impact energies and propagation distances, the average attenuation coefficient for the upper support rope is determined to be approximately 0.7, while the average coefficient for the lower support rope is around 0.8. Utilizing the least squares method, a prediction method for the tension force of support ropes in flexible rockfall barriers is established. This method takes into account both the propagation distance and impact energy, enabling accurate predictions of the tensile behavior of the ropes under different conditions. This prediction model provides valuable insights for engineers in the design and optimization of these flexible barriers for rockfall mitigation.
Enhancing surface drainage mapping in eastern Canada with deep learning applied to LiDAR-derived elevation data
Authors: Bilodeau Mathieu F. , Esau Travis J. , Zaman Qamar U. , Heung Brandon , Farooque Aitazaz A.
Published: May 2024

Agricultural dykelands in Nova Scotia rely heavily on a surface drainage technique called land forming, which is used to alter the topography of fields to improve drainage. The presence of land-formed fields provides useful information to better understand land utilization on these lands vulnerable to rising sea levels. Current field boundaries delineation and classification methods, such as manual digitalization and traditional segmentation techniques, are labour-intensive and often require manual and time-consuming parameter selection. In recent years, deep learning (DL) techniques, including convolutional neural networks and Mask R-CNN, have shown promising results in object recognition, image classification, and segmentation tasks. However, there is a gap in applying these techniques to detecting surface drainage patterns on agricultural fields. This paper develops and tests a Mask R-CNN model for detecting land-formed fields on agricultural dykelands using LiDAR-derived elevation data. Specifically, our approach focuses on identifying groups of pixels as cohesive objects within the imagery, a method that represents a significant advancement over pixel-by-pixel classification techniques. The DL model developed in this study demonstrated a strong overall performance, with a mean Average Precision (mAP) of 0.89 across Intersection over Union (IoU) thresholds from 0.5 to 0.95, indicating its effectiveness in detecting land-formed fields. Results also revealed that 53% of Nova Scotia’s dykelands are being used for agricultural purposes and approximately 75% (6924 hectares) of these fields were land-formed. By applying deep learning techniques to LiDAR-derived elevation data, this study offers novel insights into surface drainage mapping, enhancing the capability for precise and efficient agricultural land management in regions vulnerable to environmental changes.
Circadian rhythm and surface activity in soil-dwelling caecilians (Amphibia: Gymnophiona)
Authors: Prakash Avanthika , Gower David J. , Vengot Ranjith , Kotharambath Ramachandran
Published: May 2024

The degree to which burrowing, soil-dwelling caecilian amphibians spend time on the surface is little studied, and circadian rhythm has not been investigated in multiple species of this order or by manipulating light–dark cycles. We studied surface-activity rhythm of the Indian caecilians Ichthyophis cf. longicephalus and Uraeotyphlus cf. oxyurus (Ichthyophiidae) and Gegeneophis tejaswini (Grandisoniidae), under LD, DD and DL cycles. We examined daily surface activity and the role of light–dark cycles as a zeitgeber. All three species were strictly nocturnal and G. tejaswini displayed the least surface activity. Four out of thirteen individuals, two I. cf. longicephalus, one G. tejaswini and one U. cf. oxyurus, displayed a more or less distinct surface-activity rhythm in all three cycles, and for the nine other animals the activity patterns were not evident. An approximately 24 h free-run period was observed in the three species. When the light–dark cycle was inverted, surface activity in the three species shifted to the dark phase. The findings of this study suggest that caecilians have a weak circadian surface-activity rhythm, and that the absence of light can act as a prominent zeitgeber in these burrowing, limbless amphibians.
Association of large core middle cerebral artery stroke and hemorrhagic transformation with hospitalization outcomes
Authors: Pohlmann Jack E. , Kim Ivy So Yeon , Brush Benjamin , Sambhu Krishna M. , Conti Lucas , Saglam Hanife , Milos Katie , Yu Lillian , Cronin Michael F. M. , Balogun Oluwafemi , Chatzidakis Stefanos , Zhang Yihan , Trinquart Ludovic , Huang Qiuxi , Smirnakis Stelios M. , Benjamin Emelia J. , Dupuis Josée , Greer David M. , Ong Charlene J.
Published: May 2024

Historically, investigators have not differentiated between patients with and without hemorrhagic transformation (HT) in large core ischemic stroke at risk for life-threatening mass effect (LTME) from cerebral edema. Our objective was to determine whether LTME occurs faster in those with HT compared to those without. We conducted a two-center retrospective study of patients with ≥ 1/2 MCA territory infarct between 2006 and 2021. We tested the association of time-to-LTME and HT subtype (parenchymal, petechial) using Cox regression, controlling for age, mean arterial pressure, glucose, tissue plasminogen activator, mechanical thrombectomy, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, antiplatelets, anticoagulation, temperature, and stroke side. Secondary and exploratory outcomes included mass effect-related death, all-cause death, disposition, and decompressive hemicraniectomy. Of 840 patients, 358 (42.6%) had no HT, 403 (48.0%) patients had petechial HT, and 79 (9.4%) patients had parenchymal HT. LTME occurred in 317 (37.7%) and 100 (11.9%) had mass effect-related deaths. Parenchymal (HR 8.24, 95% CI 5.46–12.42, p < 0.01) and petechial HT (HR 2.47, 95% CI 1.92–3.17, p < 0.01) were significantly associated with time-to-LTME and mass effect-related death. Understanding different risk factors and sequelae of mass effect with and without HT is critical for informed clinical decisions.
Eplerenone reduces lymphangiogenesis in the contralateral kidneys of UUO rats
Authors: Hao Juan , Qiang Panpan , Fan Lili , Xiong Yunzhao , Chang Yi , Yang Fan , Wang Xiangting , Shimosawa Tatsuo , Mu Shengyu , Xu Qingyou
Published: May 2024

Inflammation and fibrosis often occur in the kidney after acute injury, resulting in chronic kidney disease and consequent renal failure. Recent studies have indicated that lymphangiogenesis can drive renal inflammation and fibrosis in injured kidneys. However, whether and how this pathogenesis affects the contralateral kidney remain largely unknown. In our study, we uncovered a mechanism by which the contralateral kidney responded to injury. We found that the activation of mineralocorticoid receptors and the increase in vascular endothelial growth factor C in the contralateral kidney after unilateral ureteral obstruction could promote lymphangiogenesis. Furthermore, mineralocorticoid receptor activation in lymphatic endothelial cells resulted in the secretion of myofibroblast markers, thereby contributing to renal fibrosis. We observed that this process could be attenuated by administering the mineralocorticoid receptor blocker eplerenone, which, prevented the development of fibrotic injury in the contralateral kidneys of rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction. These findings offer valuable insights into the intricate mechanisms underlying kidney injury and may have implications for the development of therapeutic strategies to mitigate renal fibrosis in the context of kidney disease.
Association between eyeball asymmetry and offset of openings in optic nerve head canal assessed by posterior polar eyeball topography
Authors: Lee Kyoung Min , Rhim Jung Hyo , Ahn Hyoung Jun , Kim Martha , Oh Sohee , Park Sun-Won , Kim Seok Hwan
Published: May 2024

We investigated three-dimensional (3D) eyeball protrusion and its association with the offset between the lamina cribrosa (LC) and Bruch’s membrane opening (BMO). 3D-MRI scans were taken from 93 subjects (186 eyes). An ellipsoid was fitted along the posterior 2/3 contour of each eyeball. Eyeball asymmetry with focal bulging was determined by the existence of an adjacent outward protrusion/reciprocal inward depression pair, and the angular deviation of the outermost protruded point (OPP) was measured from the nasal side of the fovea-BMO axis. The LC/BMO offset was evaluated by measuring the central retinal vascular trunk (CRVT) location from the BMO center: (1) the angular deviation and (2) the offset index as the ratio between the CRVT-BMO center distance and the BMO radius in the same direction. Seventy-nine eyes (42%) were classified as having eyeball asymmetry, which had a more superior LC/BMO offset (P < 0.001) and a larger offset index (P = 0.002). In those eyes, the angular deviation of the OPP showed a significant correlation with that of the LC/BMO offset (r = -0.724, P < 0.001), as did protrusion depth with the offset index (r = 0.291, P = 0.009). The presence of eyeball asymmetry was associated with superior LC/BMO offset (P = 0.004) and larger offset index (P = 0.009). Superior LC/BMO offset was associated with older age (P < 0.001), shorter axial length (P < 0.001) and inferior location of OPP (P < 0.001). The location and extent of focal bulging were closely associated with those of LC/BMO offset. This indicates that focal bulging during expansion might be associated with diverse directionality of LC/BMO offset.
Porphyrins with combinations of 4-carboxyphenyl and 4-hydroxyphenyl substituents in meso-positions as anti-HIV-1 agents
Authors: Sharma Debdulal , Singh Aradhana , Safi Sanaullah , Gaur Ritu , Sengupta Devashish
Published: May 2024

A series of 4-carboxyphenyl/4-hydroxyphenyl meso-substituted porphyrins were synthesized, purified, and characterized. The compounds exhibited anti-HIV-1 activities, in vitro, under both non-photodynamic (non-PDT) and photodynamic (PDT) conditions. Specifically, the porphyrins inhibited HIV-1 virus entry, with c-PB2(OH)2 and PB(OH)3 showing significant anti-HIV-1 activity. All of the porphyrins inhibited HIV-1 subtype B and C virus entry under PDT conditions. Our study demonstrated that the compounds bearing combinations of 4-carboxyphenyl/4-hydroxyphenyl moieties were not toxic even at higher concentrations, as compared to the reference porphyrins 5,10,15,20-tetra-(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin (TCPP) and 5,10,15,20-tetra-(4-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin (THPP), under PDT conditions. This study underscores the promising potential of these compounds as HIV entry inhibitors in both non-PDT and PDT scenarios.
RETFound-enhanced community-based fundus disease screening: real-world evidence and decision curve analysis
Authors: Zhang Juzhao , Lin Senlin , Cheng Tianhao , Xu Yi , Lu Lina , He Jiangnan , Yu Tao , Peng Yajun , Zhang Yuejie , Zou Haidong , Ma Yingyan
Published: May 2024

Visual impairments and blindness are major public health concerns globally. Effective eye disease screening aided by artificial intelligence (AI) is a promising countermeasure, although it is challenged by practical constraints such as poor image quality in community screening. The recently developed ophthalmic foundation model RETFound has shown higher accuracy in retinal image recognition tasks. This study developed an RETFound-enhanced deep learning (DL) model for multiple-eye disease screening using real-world images from community screenings. Our results revealed that our DL model improved the sensitivity and specificity by over 15% compared with commercial models. Our model also shows better generalisation ability than AI models developed using traditional processes. Additionally, decision curve analysis underscores the higher net benefit of employing our model in both urban and rural settings in China. These findings indicate that the RETFound-enhanced DL model can achieve a higher net benefit in community-based screening, advocating its adoption in low- and middle-income countries to address global eye health challenges.
Optimized model architectures for deep learning on genomic data
Authors: Gündüz Hüseyin Anil , Mreches René , Moosbauer Julia , Robertson Gary , To Xiao-Yin , Franzosa Eric A. , Huttenhower Curtis , Rezaei Mina , McHardy Alice C. , Bischl Bernd , Münch Philipp C. , Binder Martin
Published: May 2024

The success of deep learning in various applications depends on task-specific architecture design choices, including the types, hyperparameters, and number of layers. In computational biology, there is no consensus on the optimal architecture design, and decisions are often made using insights from more well-established fields such as computer vision. These may not consider the domain-specific characteristics of genome sequences, potentially limiting performance. Here, we present GenomeNet-Architect, a neural architecture design framework that automatically optimizes deep learning models for genome sequence data. It optimizes the overall layout of the architecture, with a search space specifically designed for genomics. Additionally, it optimizes hyperparameters of individual layers and the model training procedure. On a viral classification task, GenomeNet-Architect reduced the read-level misclassification rate by 19%, with 67% faster inference and 83% fewer parameters, and achieved similar contig-level accuracy with ~100 times fewer parameters compared to the best-performing deep learning baselines.
Challenges for exploiting nanomagnet properties on surfaces
Authors: Gabarró-Riera Guillem , Sañudo E. Carolina
Published: May 2024

Molecular complexes with single-molecule magnet (SMM) or qubit properties, commonly called molecular nanomagnets, are great candidates for information storage or quantum information processing technologies. However, the implementation of molecular nanomagnets in devices for the above-mentioned applications requires controlled surface deposition and addressing the nanomagnets' properties on the surface. This Perspectives paper gives a brief overview of molecular properties on a surface relevant for magnetic molecules and how they are affected when the molecules interact with a surface; then, we focus on systems of increasing complexity, where the relevant SMMs and qubit properties have been observed for the molecules deposited on surfaces; finally, future perspectives, including possible ways of overcoming the problems encountered so far are discussed.
Combined Earth observations reveal the sequence of conditions leading to a large algal bloom in Lake Geneva
Authors: Irani Rahaghi Abolfazl , Odermatt Daniel , Anneville Orlane , Sepúlveda Steiner Oscar , Reiss Rafael Sebastian , Amadori Marina , Toffolon Marco , Jacquet Stéphan , Harmel Tristan , Werther Mortimer , Soulignac Frédéric , Dambrine Etienne , Jézéquel Didier , Hatté Christine , Tran-Khac Viet , Rasconi Serena , Rimet Frédéric , Bouffard Damien
Published: May 2024

Freshwater algae exhibit complex dynamics, particularly in meso-oligotrophic lakes with sudden and dramatic increases in algal biomass following long periods of low background concentration. While the fundamental prerequisites for algal blooms, namely light and nutrient availability, are well-known, their specific causation involves an intricate chain of conditions. Here we examine a recent massive Uroglena bloom in Lake Geneva (Switzerland/France). We show that a certain sequence of meteorological conditions triggered this specific algal bloom event: heavy rainfall promoting excessive organic matter and nutrients loading, followed by wind-induced coastal upwelling, and a prolonged period of warm, calm weather. The combination of satellite remote sensing, in-situ measurements, ad-hoc biogeochemical analyses, and three-dimensional modeling proved invaluable in unraveling the complex dynamics of algal blooms highlighting the substantial role of littoral-pelagic connectivities in large low-nutrient lakes. These findings underscore the advantages of state-of-the-art multidisciplinary approaches for an improved understanding of dynamic systems as a whole.
Ultra-low power, high-data rate, fully on-chip radio frequency on-off keying receiver for internet-of-things applications
Authors: Boora Aasish , Thangarasu Bharatha Kumar , Yeo Kiat Seng
Published: May 2024

Despite the enormous potential of energy-efficient receivers for wireless sensor networks, the large power consumption or limited data rate support impedes its extensive applications. Here, we present an energy-efficient, ultra-low power, higher data rate supporting, completely on-chip radio-frequency receiver frontend for on-off keying modulated signals in the 2.4 GHz industrial, scientific, and medical band. This compact-sized receiver is achieved by implementing temperature-resilient oscillator, pseudo-differential mixer, and a wideband detector while avoiding bulky external components such as bulk-acoustic wave resonators, crystal oscillators. Measurement results demonstrate that the proposed on-off keying receiver can decode low power level radio-frequency signals up to 5 Mbps data rate while consuming only 178 µW power. This work also demonstrates support for lower data rates at reduced power. Since the proposed receiver operates in different power modes, it can be integrated in diverse applications including internet-of-things devices and continuously monitoring biomedical/wearable implants.
Personalized coronary and myocardial blood flow models incorporating CT perfusion imaging and synthetic vascular trees
Authors: Menon Karthik , Khan Muhammed Owais , Sexton Zachary A. , Richter Jakob , Nguyen Patricia K. , Malik Sachin B. , Boyd Jack , Nieman Koen , Marsden Alison L.
Published: May 2024

Computational simulations of coronary artery blood flow, using anatomical models based on clinical imaging, are an emerging non-invasive tool for personalized treatment planning. However, current simulations contend with two related challenges – incomplete anatomies in image-based models due to the exclusion of arteries smaller than the imaging resolution, and the lack of personalized flow distributions informed by patient-specific imaging. We introduce a data-enabled, personalized and multi-scale flow simulation framework spanning large coronary arteries to myocardial microvasculature. It includes image-based coronary anatomies combined with synthetic vasculature for arteries below the imaging resolution, myocardial blood flow simulated using Darcy models, and systemic circulation represented as lumped-parameter networks. We propose an optimization-based method to personalize multiscale coronary flow simulations by assimilating clinical CT myocardial perfusion imaging and cardiac function measurements to yield patient-specific flow distributions and model parameters. Using this proof-of-concept study on a cohort of six patients, we reveal substantial differences in flow distributions and clinical diagnosis metrics between the proposed personalized framework and empirical methods based purely on anatomy; these errors cannot be predicted a priori. This suggests virtual treatment planning tools would benefit from increased personalization informed by emerging imaging methods.
The association between polyunsaturated fatty acids and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a meta-analysis
Authors: Piao Zhe , Chai Bowen , Wu Yuxiao , Diao Houze , He Qingzhen , Zheng Qingzhao , Yan Feifei , Cui Weiwei
Published: May 2024

Flow diagram of the literature search and selection (polyunsaturated fatty acids and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
Protective effect of provitamin A dietary carotenoid intake on overweight/obesity and their relation to inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers – a case-control study
Authors: Koós Natália , Vahid Farhad , Bohn Torsten
Published: May 2024

The relation of dietary carotenoids, risk of overweight/obesity and markers of oxidative stress appears influenced by the type of carotenoids which in turn are related to dietary patterns. Lycopene intake is associated rather with a westernized diet.
Intrinsically thermally conductive polymers
Authors: Roy Rupam , Stevens Kaden C. , Treaster Kiana A. , Sumerlin Brent S. , McGaughey Alan J. H. , Malen Jonathan A. , Evans Austin M.
Published: May 2024

Polymers are conventionally thought to be thermal insulators, but it is known that some macromolecules host high thermal conductivities. This work reviews the chemostructural features that yield intrinsically thermally conductive polymers.
Engineered nanomicelles targeting proliferation and angiogenesis inhibit tumour progression by impairing the synthesis of ceramide-1-phosphate
Authors: Yadav Poonam , Rana Kajal , Chakraborty Ruchira , Khan Ali , Mehta Devashish , Jain Dolly , Aggarwal Bharti , Jha Somesh K. , Dasgupta Ujjaini , Bajaj Avinash
Published: May 2024

Tumour cells secrete various proangiogenic factors like VEGF, PDGF, and EGF that result in the formation of highly vascularized tumours with an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment.
Pregelatinized hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate-reinforced calcium sulfate bone cement for bleeding bone treatment
Authors: Liu Peng , Wang Jinwen , Wang Yinan , Bai Yanjie , Zhou Huan , Yang Lei
Published: May 2024

A calcium sulfate hemihydrate and starch-based composite paste was developed as an alternative to inert bone wax for bleeding bone management.
Determining wavelength-dependent quantum yields of photodegradation: importance of experimental setup and reference values for actinometers
Authors: de Brito Anton Luana , Silverman Andrea I. , Apell Jennifer N.
Published: May 2024

Wavelength-dependent Φλ of uridine, atrazine, PNA, sulfamethoxazole, and diclofenac were determined, which can be used to characterize and model the photodegradation of chemicals of interest.
Recent advances in the environmental application of graphene-based composites
Authors: Hou Rongbo , Zhu Weiyu , Yue Yanxue , Feng Jiashuo , Ishag Alhadi , Zhang Bo , Sun Yubing
Published: May 2024

Graphene-based composites have been widely applied in environmental remediation owing to their high removal capacity.
Research progress of green antisolvent for perovskite solar cells
Authors: Gou Yunsheng , Tang Shiying , Yuan Chunlong , Zhao Pan , Chen Jingyu , Yu Hua
Published: May 2024

This review primarily discusses the effects of green antisolvent treatment on crystal growth and the nucleation crystallization mechanism on the device performance and stability of perovskite solar cells.
Superhydrophobic MOF/polymer composite with hierarchical porosity for boosting catalytic performance in an humid environment
Authors: Gao Ming-Liang , Liu Shuo , Liu Lin , Han Zheng-Bo
Published: May 2024

The superhydrophobic nanocomposite with hierarchical porosity was prepared by growing ZIF-8 nanocrystals within PDVB-vim to form ZIF-8/PDVB-vim composite. In an humid environment, the composite exhibits enhanced catalytic activity in Friedel–Crafts reaction.
Photoredox catalytic deoxygenative divergent functionalizations of alcohols assisted by N,O-heterocyclic carbenes
Authors: Wang Qiuzhu , Tian Youye , Han Dan , Xiao Wenjuan , Ma Mengtao , Zhao Binlin
Published: May 2024

A photoredox catalytic deoxygenative platform utilizing readily available alcohols was established, providing an operationally simple and practical route to deoxygenative divergent functionalizations assisted by N,O-heterocyclic carbenes.
Catalytic stereodivergent and simultaneous construction of axial and point chirality
Authors: Wang Wen-Tao , Zhang Sen , Lin Wenxuan , Luo Zhang-Hong , Hu Dan , Huang Fen , Bai Ruopeng , Lan Yu , Qian Linghui , Liao Jia-Yu
Published: May 2024

An unprecedented ligand-enabled stereodivergent construction of both N–N axial and point chirality in a single step is reported.
Palladium-catalyzed multi-component Heck alkynylcarbonylation of unactivated alkenes for synthesis of β,γ-alkynoates
Authors: Peng Xin , Hong Huanliang , Wang Li , Chen Lu , Peng Jinbao , Li Yibiao , Jiang Huanfeng
Published: May 2024

A general and unprecedented Pd-catalysed four-component inter-molecular Heck alkynylcarbonylation involving haloalkynes, alkenes, carbon monoxide and alcohols based on a molecular queuing strategy is presented.
Tailoring NiCoCu layered double hydroxide with Ag-citrate/polyaniline/functionalized SWCNTs nanocomposites for supercapacitor applications
Authors: Abdullah Syed Muhammad , Marwat Mohsin Ali , Adam Kanwar Muhammad , Din Zia Ud , Humayun Muhammad , Abdul Karim Muhammad Ramzan , Ghazanfar Esha , Bououdina Mohamed , Hamayun Umaima , Youssef Mahmoud Saber , Ali Hafiz Tauqeer
Published: May 2024

A schematic of the charge storage mechanism in a novel NiCoCu layered double hydroxide/Ag-citrate–polyaniline–functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes nanocomposite electrode material.
Correction: Innovative snail-mucus-extract (SME)-coated nanoparticles exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects for potential skin cancer prevention and treatment
Authors: Consoli Valeria , Petralia Salvatore , Vanella Luca , Gulisano Maria , Maugeri Ludovica , Satriano Cristina , Montenegro Lucia , Castellano Angela , Sorrenti Valeria
Published: May 2024

Correction for ‘Innovative snail-mucus-extract (SME)-coated nanoparticles exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects for potential skin cancer prevention and treatment’ by Valeria Consoli et al., RSC Adv., 2024, 14, 7655–7663, https://doi.org/10.1039/D4RA00291A.
Carbonyl mediated fluorescence in aceno[n]helicenones and fluoreno[n]helicenes
Authors: Šámal Michal , Sturm Ludmilla , Banasiewicz Marzena , Deperasinska Irena , Kozankiewicz Boleslaw , Morawski Olaf , Nagata Yuuya , Dechambenoit Pierre , Bock Harald , Rossel Amandine , Buděšínský Miloš , Boudier Anthony , Jančařík Andrej
Published: May 2024

Carbo[n]helicenes are poor emitters with the emission peak in purple or blue region. Attaching an aryl-carbonyl group to the helical skeleton shifts the absorption and emission to the visible region and improves the fluorescence quantum yield.
Highly chemoselective oxidative dimerization of indolosesquiterpene alkaloids: a biomimetic approach to dixiamycin
Authors: Munda Mintu , Mondal Ayan , Roy Nanda Kishore , Murmu Ranjit , Niyogi Sovan , Bisai Alakesh
Published: May 2024

A late-stage biomimetic highly chemoselective oxidative dimerization of naturally occurring indolosesquiterpene alkaloids, xiamycin A (5) and xiamycin A methylester (14), led to the concise total syntheses of dixiamycin (3) and dixiamycin methylester (15), respectively.
Hydrogen generation from atmospheric water
Authors: Guo Jining , Butson Joshua D. , Zhang Yuecheng , Hu Guoping , Fan Xiaolei , Li Gang Kevin
Published: May 2024

Green hydrogen, produced by water splitting with renewables, faces water scarcity issues. Atmospheric moisture, a stable source, offers an alternative. This article reviews technologies and challenges of using atmospheric water for H2 production.
Multifunctional PMMA intermediate layer for sequentially deposited organic photovoltaics
Authors: Wei Songtao , Li Hongxiang , Wang Ruohao , Dela Peña Top Archie , Tang Hua , Yu Hailin , Gonzalez Lopez Sandra P. , Wang Jiayu , Li Mingjie , Wu Jiaying , Lu Guanghao , Lu Shirong , Zhao Dewei , Yan Cenqi , Laquai Frédéric , Cheng Pei
Published: May 2024

Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) was optimally distributed vertically in the active layer through sequential deposition. With a maximum efficiency of 18.1%, OPVs based on PM6/PMMA/L8-BO outperformed PMMA-free devices.
The potential of zero charge and solvation effects on single-atom M–N–C catalysts for oxygen electrocatalysis
Authors: Zhang Di , Li Hao
Published: May 2024

Ab initio molecular dynamics and DFT calculations are comprehensively performed to investigate the linear correlation between the point of zero charge, solvation effects, and the binding energy of HO* adsorption on single-atom catalyst surface.
Research method and mechanism analysis of a novel high-performance quaternary Zn–Sr–Co–Sb varistor ceramic
Authors: Wang Kai , Xu Zhijun , Chu Ruiqing , Li Guorong
Published: May 2024

This paper deduced a possible mechanism to reveal the special role of each element and developed novel high-performance bismuth-free ZnO varistors with fewer dopants.
A chemometric approach for the design of lanthanum-based high entropy perovskite oxides
Authors: Betti Luca Angelo , Magnaghi Lisa Rita , Bosetti Aldo , Biesuz Raffaella , Malavasi Lorenzo
Published: May 2024

A chemometric approach was used to investigate the phase stability and oxygen non-stoichiometry of two high entropy perovskites, namely La(CrMnFeCoNi)O3 and La(CrMnFeCoZn)O3. This approach allows rapid screening to predict desired material response.
Diesel production via standalone and co-hydrotreating of catalytic fast pyrolysis oil
Authors: Chen Xiaolin , Orton Kellene A. , Mukarakate Calvin , Tuxworth Luke , Griffin Michael B. , Iisa Kristiina
Published: May 2024

High-quality sustainable diesel was produced by standalone and co-hydrotreating biomass-derived catalytic fast pyrolysis oil.
Factor annealing decoupling compositional training method for imbalanced hyperspectral image classification
Authors: Li Xiaojun , Su Yi , Yao Junping , Guo Yi , Fan Shuai
Published: May 2024

Due to differences in the quantity and size of observed targets, hyperspectral images are characterized by class imbalance. The standard deep learning classification model training scheme optimizes the overall classification error, which may lead to performance imbalance between classes in hyperspectral image classification frameworks. Therefore, a novel factor annealing decoupling compositional training method is proposed in this paper. Without requiring resampling or reweighting, it implicitly modulates the training process, so standard models can sufficiently learn the representation of the minority classes and further be trained as robust classifiers. Specifically, the label‐distribution‐aware margin loss is combined with the error‐rate‐based cross‐entropy loss via combination factor, which considers both imbalanced data representation learning and classifier overall performance. Then, a factor annealing optimization training scheme is designed to adjust the combination factor, which solves the stage division problem of two‐stage decoupling learning. Experimental results on two hyperspectral image datasets demonstrate that, as compared with other competing approaches, the proposed method can continuously and stably optimize the model parameters, achieving improvements in class average metrics and difficult classes without affecting overall classification performance.
A 4D spontaneous micro‐expression database: Establishment and evaluation
Authors: Wang Fengping , Li Jie , Qi Chun , Wang Lin , Wang Pan
Published: May 2024

Micro‐expressions are spontaneous and unconscious facial movements that reveal individuals’ genuine inner emotions. They hold significant potential in various psychological testing fields. As the face is a 3D deformation object, the emergence of facial expression leads to spatial deformation of the face. However, existing databases primarily offer 2D video sequences, limiting descriptions of 3D spatial information related to micro‐expressions. Here, a new micro‐expression database is proposed, which contains 2D image sequences and corresponding 3D point cloud sequences. These samples were classified using both an objective method based on the facial action coding system and a non‐objective emotion classification method that considers video contents and participants’ self‐reports. A variety of feature extraction techniques are applied to 2D data, including traditional algorithms and deep learning methods. Additionally, a novel local curvature‐based algorithm is developed to extract 3D spatio‐temporal deformation features from the 3D data. The authors evaluated the classification accuracies of these two features individually and their fusion results under leave‐one‐subject‐out (LOSO) and tenfold cross‐validation. The results demonstrate that fusing 3D features with 2D features results in improved recognition performance compared to using 2D features alone.