bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Roof type classification with innovative machine learning approaches
Authors: Ölçer Naim , Ölçer Didem , Sümer Emre
Published: January 2023

Recently, convolutional neural network-based methods have been used extensively for roof type classification on images taken from space. The most important problem with classification processes using these methods is that it requires a large amount of training data. Usually, one or a few images are enough for a human to recognise an object. The one-shot learning approach, like the human brain, aims to effect learning about object categories with just one or a few training examples per class, rather than using huge amounts of data. In this study, roof-type classification was carried out with a few training examples using the one-time learning approach and the so-called Siamese neural network method. The images used for training were artificially produced due to the difficulty of finding roof data. A data set consisting of real roof images was used for the test. The test and training data set consisted of three different types: flat, gable and hip. Finally, a convolutional neural network-based model and a Siamese neural network model were trained with the same data set and the test results were compared with each other. When testing the Siamese neural network model, which was trained with artificially produced images, with real roof images, an average classification success of 66% was achieved.
Pedestrian walking speed monitoring at street scale by an in-flight drone
Authors: Jiao Dan , Fei Teng
Published: January 2023

The walking speed of pedestrians is not only a reflection of one’s physiological condition and health status but also a key parameter in the evaluation of the service level of urban facilities and traffic engineering applications, which is important for urban design and planning. Currently, the three main ways to obtain walking speed are based on trails, wearable devices, and images. The first two cannot be popularized in larger open areas, while the image-based approach requires multiple cameras to cooperate in order to extract the walking speed of an entire street, which is costly. In this study, a method for extracting the pedestrian walking speed at a street scale from in-flight drone video is proposed. Pedestrians are detected and tracked by You Only Look Once version 5 (YOLOv5) and Simple Online and Realtime Tracking with a Deep Association Metric (DeepSORT) algorithms in the video taken from a flying unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The distance that pedestrians traveled related to the ground per fixed time interval is calculated using a combined algorithm of Scale-Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) and random sample consensus (RANSAC) followed by a geometric correction algorithm. Compared to ground truth values, it shows that 90.5% of the corrected walking speed predictions have an absolute error of less than 0.1 m/s. Overall, the method we have proposed is accurate and feasible. A particular advantage of this method is the ability to accurately predict the walking speed of pedestrians without keeping the flight speed of the UAV constant, facilitating accurate measurements by non-specialist technicians. In addition, because of the unrestricted flight range of the UAV, the method can be applied to the entire scale of the street, which assists in a better understanding of how the settings and layouts of urban affect people’s behavior.
Genome-wide in silico identification of glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene family members in fig (Ficus carica L.) and expression characteristics during fruit color development
Authors: Liu Longbo , Zheng Shuxuan , Yang Dekun , Zheng Jie
Published: January 2023

Glutathione S-transferase (GSTs), a large and diverse group of multi-functional enzymes (EC 2.5.1.18), are associated with cellular detoxification, various biotic and abiotic stress responses, as well as secondary metabolites transportation. Here, 53 members of the FcGST gene family were screened from the genome database of fig (Ficus carica), which were further classified into five subfamilies, and the tau and phi were the major subfamilies. These genes were unevenly distributed over all the 13 chromosomes, and 12 tandem and one segmental duplication may contribute to this family expansion. Syntenic analysis revealed that FcGST shared closer genetic evolutionary origin relationship with species from the Ficus genus of the Moraceae family, such as F. microcarpa and F. hispida. The FcGST members of the same subfamily shared similar gene structure and motif distribution. The α helices were the chief structure element in predicted secondary and tertiary structure of FcGSTs proteins. GO and KEGG indicated that FcGSTs play multiple roles in glutathione metabolism and stress reactions as well as flavonoid metabolism. Predictive promoter analysis indicated that FcGSTs gene may be responsive to light, hormone, stress stimulation, development signaling, and regulated by MYB or WRKY. RNA-seq analysis showed that several FcGSTs that mainly expressed in the female flower tissue and peel during ‘Purple-Peel’ fig fruit development. Compared with ‘Green Peel’, FcGSTF1, and FcGSTU5/6/7 exhibited high expression abundance in the mature fruit purple peel. Additionally, results of phylogenetic sequences analysis, multiple sequences alignment, and anthocyanin content together showed that the expression changes of FcGSTF1, and FcGSTU5/6/7 may play crucial roles in fruit peel color alteration during fruit ripening. Our study provides a comprehensive overview of the GST gene family in fig, thus facilitating the further clarification of the molecular function and breeding utilization.
Association between periodontitis and COVID-19 infection: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Meng Zhaoqiang , Ma Yujia , Li Wenjing , Deng Xuliang
Published: January 2023

Background and Objective

Epidemiological studies report associations between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and periodontitis; however, causality has not been proven. The aim of this study is to assess the associations between COVID-19 susceptibility and periodontitis with two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses.

Methods

A two-sample summary MR analysis was performed using data for outcome and exposure from the OpenGWAS database on people of European descent. Periodontal complex traits (PCTs) were chosen as a proxy for the periodontitis phenotype. The causal association between PCT3 (Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans), PCT5 (Porphyromonas gingivalis), and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and COVID-19 were considered. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) data with the two largest sample sizes were selected as COVID-19 outcomes (datasets ebi-a-GCST010776 and ebi-a-GCST010777). Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with PCT3, PCT5, and GCF IL-1β at statistical significance at genome-wide level (P < 5 × 10−8) were identified as genetic instruments. We used two-sample summary MR methods and tested the existence of a pleiotropic effect with MR-Egger.

Results

Inverse-variance weighted (IVW) estimates showed that there was a positive association between COVID-19 risk and periodontitis (ebi-a-GCST010776: odds ratio [OR] = 1.02 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.00–1.05), P = 0.0171; ebi-a-GCST010777: OR = 1.03 (95% CI, 1.00–1.05), P = 0.0397). The weighted median also showed directionally similar estimates. Exploration of the causal associations between other PCTs and COVID-19 identified a slight effect of local inflammatory response (GCF IL-1β) on COVID-19 risk across the two datasets (ebi-a-GCST010776: IVW OR = 1.02 (95% CI, [1.01–1.03]), P < 0.001; ebi-a-GCST010777: IVW OR = 1.03 (95% CI, [1.02–1.04]), P < 0.001). The intercepts of MR-Egger yielded no proof for significant directional pleiotropy for either dataset (ebi-a-GCST010776: P = 0.7660; ebi-a-GCST010777: P = 0.6017).

Conclusions

The findings suggests that periodontitis and the higher GCF IL-1β levels is causally related to increase susceptibility of COVID-19. However, given the limitations of our study, the well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm its findings, which may represent a new non-pharmaceutical intervention for preventing COVID-19.
Face matching and metacognition: investigating individual differences and a training intervention
Authors: Kramer Robin S. S.
Published: January 2023

Background

Although researchers have begun to consider metacognitive insight during face matching, little is known about the underlying mechanism. Here, I investigated whether objective ability, as well as self-assessed ability, were able to predict metacognitive performance, that is, the ability to differentiate correct and incorrect responses in terms of confidence. In addition, I considered whether a training intervention resulted in improvements to both face matching performance and metacognitive insight.

Methods

In this experiment (N = 220), participants completed a face matching task, with either a diagnostic feature training course or a control course presented at the halfway point. In addition, a second face matching task, as well as a self-report questionnaire regarding ability, were completed to provide measures of objective and self-assessed ability respectively.

Results

Higher self-assessed ability with faces, as well as higher objective ability with face matching, predicted better metacognitive performance, i.e., greater confidence in correct, in comparison with incorrect, responses. This pattern of results was evident both when objective ability was measured through performance on the same task used to measure metacognitive insight and when a different task was used. Finally, the training intervention failed to produce improvements in face matching performance and showed no evidence of altering metacognitive ability.

Discussion

The current work begins to address the mechanism underlying individual differences in metacognitive insight during face matching. Although support was provided for a competence-based account, where better face matchers showed greater performance on the task and were more successful in monitoring their performance, further work might focus on decoupling task performance and competence in order to more conclusively explain why some people are more insightful than others.
Some considerations about intonation patterns of vocatives in Romanian language
Authors:   Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Bibiri Anca-Diana , Mocanu Mihaela ,   Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi
Published: January 2023

This paper focuses on an analysis of the intonation patterns of different types of vocatives in Romanian language. We present the main characteristics of the tonal patterns observed in the vocative constructions instances of isolated vocatives and contexts in which vocatives occur in different positions: initial, middle, and final. Our analysis, in the framework of AM phonology with ToBI conventions, reveals that most of isolated vocatives are realized as L+H*(!)H% (vocative chant), and L+H* L% (insistent call). For non-isolated vocatives the most frequent contours are labeled as L+H* L% and H+L* L%. Cross-linguistically, our findings show that Romanian vocatives display the same pattern as other Romance languages.
Is there a prosodic accommodation in the final falling contours of Pola Siero’s absolute interrogatives?
Authors:   University of Zürich, Bleortu Cristina
Published: January 2023

This paper investigates the final Pola de Siero’s contours in absolute interrogatives. We carried out 24 surveys of situations using the methodology of Interactive Atlas of Spanish Intonation, with examples of various intonation contours, which are employed to encode different semantic nuances. The 24 subjects of our corpus were selected taking into account three social variables (age, education and sex)2. We aim to address one question in this study: is there a correlation between social factors and the final contours of Pola de Siero in absolute interrogatives? We found that 21 informants in our survey show a tendency towards the final falling contours in absolute interrogatives, a salient feature of northern Spanish, which contrasts with the final rises in Standard Peninsular Spanish (three informants). As a consequence of this, we could say that this prosodic feature is a relevant one in our corpus and that it seems there is not an Asturian prosodic accommodation in absolute interrogatives; this pattern is not acquired by Spanish speakers who have family in Burgos or Valladolid.
An information structure view on Romance yes-no question contours
Authors:   Institute of Computer Science, Romanian Academy, Iasi Branch, Jitca Doina
Published: January 2023

The paper presents an information structure (IS) analysis of YNQ contours of nine Romance languages from a psycholinguistic perspective. The contours are presented in Frota & Prieto (2015). The psychological IS model defines four IS categories for describing IS partitions of information units and rules for the nuclear stress identification. Information units are contrast units (CUs) generated by the speech production mechanism at the cortex level in order to pair words/word groups within speech data flow. The contrast is an IS functional one at the information packaging level and is conveyed at the prosodic level by contrasted tonal features of IS functional elements. CU_predicate-CU_argument and CU_theme-CU_rheme are the two structural dimensions of IS partitions. The model formulates two IS-based nuclear stress rules that we have used in Romance YNQ contour analysis in order to identify nucleus (focus) of IS partitions that is an important factor to discriminate between different contour types: information seeking YNQ, confirmation seeking YNQ, or echo YNQ within the nine Romance languages.
A logística inversa dos óleos de gorduras residuais na produção de um biodiesel sustentável: uma revisão
Authors: Saltarin Manuel Jose , Silva Marcelo Santana , Martins Luís Oscar Silva , Rocha Angela Machado , Fernandes Fábio Matos , Hocevar Luciano Sergio , Freires Francisco Gaudencio Mendonca , Torres Ednildo Andrade
Published: January 2023

Biodiesel está se tornando rapidamente uma alternativa popular frente aos combustíveis fósseis, pelo fato de ser renovável e gerar menores emissões de gases tóxicos. A cadeia de produção do biodiesel envolve muitos processos, dentre eles allguns são complexos exigindo uma melhor gestão e necessidade de otimização. Isto inclui a melhoria da cadeia de abastecimento para atingir um processo sustentável e de menor custo atrelado. Sendo assim, é necessário esforços para manter o biodiesel na matriz energética do país, entre estes, a contribuição de pesquisadores. O óleo de gordura residual surge como alternativa interessante para a produção de biodiesel, pelo fato de não fazer parte da cadeia alimentar, por seu baixo custo e porque sua transformação em energia é considerada como uma técnica eficaz para a gestão de resíduos, já que seu descarte nas redes de esgoto ocasiona problemas ambientais. O principal obstáculo que enfrenta atualmente na sua utilização como fonte de matéria prima é o gargalo existente na sua coleta. Neste artigo é apresentado o panorama da coleta do OGR, no qual serve como suporte para a produção de um biodiesel mais sustentável na utilização de um resíduo como matéria-prima. Ressaltando a necessidade da conscientização pública sobre a coleta do OGR e seus benefícios na produção do biodiesel.
Front Line Demonstrations – An Effective of Upscaling Improved Varieties of Onion Variety Agrifound Dark Red in Mahaboobnagar District of Telangana, India
Authors: Saritha K. , Bhatt P. Spandana , Sireesha D.
Published: January 2023

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is one of the important commercial vegetable crops grown in India. One of the main limitations in onion production is cultivar strength. After evaluating the Agrifound dark red onion cultivar, its production and productivity is more than the native onion grown, Between 2012 and 2014, various locations in Mahaboobnagar district of Telangana. The Front-Line demonstration (FLD) of Agri found dark red variety was carried out, Demonstrations focused on maximum productivity per unit area and farmer feedback on cultivar performance. It was observed that the improved onion variety Agrifound dark red recorded a higher yield by 20.3% (2170 kg/ha) over the local check (1800 kg/ha). Further, the technology gap (average 32.3q/ha), technology index (12.9%) and extension gap (37) were also considerably higher in Agrifound Dark red.  It is concluded that a wide gap existed in potential and demonstration yield in high yielding Agrifound Dark red variety due to technology and extension gap in Mahaboobnagar district of Telangana. FLD has proven to be the best vehicle for introducing new onion varieties, increasing production to increase yield and income, and generating income for local onion growers.
Next Year
Authors: Menzin Eleanor R.
Published: January 2023

In this narrative medicine essay, a pediatrician whose youngest child will start college next fall contemplates how she will shift focus on her career without competing interests.
Sequential, Multiple Assignment, Randomized Trial Designs
Authors: Kidwell Kelley M. , Almirall Daniel
Published: January 2023

This JAMA Guide to Statistics and Methods explains sequential, multiple assignment, randomized trial (SMART) study designs, in which some or all participants are randomized at 2 or more decision points depending on the participant’s response to prior treatment.
Stability and reproducibility comparisons between deep inspiration breath‐hold techniques for left‐sided breast cancer patients: A prospective study
Authors: Parsons David , Joo Mindy , Iqbal Zohaib , Godley Andrew , Kim Nathan , Spangler Ann , Albuquerque Kevin , Sawant Amit , Zhao Bo , Gu Xuejun , Rahimi Asal
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Deep inspiration breath‐hold (DIBH) is crucial in reducing the lung and cardiac dose for treatment of left‐sided breast cancer. We compared the stability and reproducibility of two DIBH techniques: Active Breathing Coordinator (ABC) and VisionRT (VRT).

Materials and Methods

We examined intra‐ and inter‐fraction positional variation of the left lung. Eight left‐sided breast cancer patients were monitored with electronic portal imaging during breath‐hold (BH) at every fraction. For each patient, half of the fractions were treated using ABC and the other half with VRT, with an equal amount starting with either ABC or VRT. The lung in each portal image was delineated, and the variation of its area was evaluated. Intrafraction stability was evaluated as the mean coefficient of variation (CV) of the lung area for the supraclavicular (SCV) and left lateral (LLat) field over the course of treatment. Reproducibility was the CV for the first image of each fraction. Daily session time and total imaging monitor units (MU) used in patient positioning were recorded.

Results

The mean intrafraction stability across all patients for the LLat field was 1.3 ± 0.7% and 1.5 ± 0.9% for VRT and ABC, respectively. Similarly, this was 1.5 ± 0.7% and 1.6 ± 0.8% for VRT and ABC, respectively, for the SCV field. The mean interfraction reproducibility for the LLat field was 11.0 ± 3.4% and 14.9 ± 6.0% for VRT and ABC, respectively. Similarly, this was 13.0 ± 2.5% and 14.8 ± 9% for VRT and ABC, respectively, for the SCV. No difference was observed in the number of verification images required for either technique.

Conclusions

The stability and reproducibility were found to be comparable between ABC and VRT. ABC can have larger interfractional variation with less feedback to the treating therapist compared to VRT as shown in the increase in geometric misses at the matchline.
The phenotypic and genotypic features of Chinese patients with oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy
Authors: Lin Feng , Yang Kang , Lin Min‐ting , Zheng Fu‐ze , Chen Long , Ding Yuan‐liang , Ye Zhi‐xian , Lin Xin , Wang Ning , Wang Zhi‐qiang
Published: January 2023

Objective

Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) is a late‐onset inherited neuromuscular disorder, with progressive ptosis and dysphagia as common manifestations. To date, OPMD has rarely been reported among East Asians. The present study summarizes the phenotypic and genotypic features of Chinese patients with OPMD.

Methods

Twenty‐one patients with molecularly confirmed OPMD from 9 unrelated families were identified by direct sequencing of the polyadenlyate binding protein nuclear‐1 (PABPN1) gene. Immunofluorescence staining of muscle biopsies was conducted to identify the components of protein degradation pathways involved in OPMD.

Results

In our cohort, the genetically confirmed OPMD group had a mean age at onset of 50.6 ± 4.2 years (range 45–60 years). Ptosis (42.9%) was the most common initial symptom; patients with ptosis as the first symptom subsequently developed dysphagia within a median time of 5.5 years (range 1–19 years). Evidence of external ophthalmoplegia was found in 38.1% of patients. A total of 33.3% of the patients developed muscle weakness at a median age at onset of 66 years (range 50–70 years), with neck flexor involvement in all patients. Five genotypes were observed in our cohort, including classical (GCG)9–11 repeats in 7 families and non‐GCG elongations with additional GCA expansions in 2 families. OPMD muscle biopsies revealed rimmed vacuoles and intranuclear filamentous inclusions. The PABPN1 protein showed substantial accumulation in the nuclei of muscle fiber aggregates and closely colocalized with p62, LC3B and FK2.

Interpretation

Our findings indicate wide genetic heterogeneity in OPMD in the Chinese population and demonstrate abnormalities in protein degradation pathways in this disease.
Utilizing the Sensitization Effect for Direct Laser Writing in a Novel Photoresist Based on the Chitin Monomer N‐acetyl‐D‐glucosamine
Authors: Meiers Dominic T. , Rothammer Maximilian , Maier Maximilian , Zollfrank Cordt , von Freymann Georg
Published: January 2023

The great flexibility of direct laser writing (DLW) arises from the possibility to fabricate precise three‐dimensional structures on very small scales as well as the broad range of applicable materials. However, there is still a vast number of promising materials, which are currently inaccessible requiring the continuous development of novel photoresists. Herein, a new bio‐sourced resist is reported that uses the monomeric unit of chitin, N‐acetyl‐D‐glucosamine, paving the way from existing hydrogel resists based on animal carbohydrates to a new class of non‐hydrogel ones. In addition, it is shown that the combined use of two photoinitiators is advantageous over the use of a single one. In this approach, the first photoinitiator is a good two‐photon absorber at the applied wavelength, while the second photoinitiator exhibits poor two‐photon absorbtion abilities, but is better suited for cross‐linking of the monomer. The first photoinitiator absorbs the light acting as a sensitizer and transfers the energy to the second initiator, which subsequently forms a radical and initializes the polymerization. This sensitization effect enables a new route to utilize reactive photointiators with a small two‐photon absorption cross section for DLW without changing their chemical structure.
A Scalable Synthesis of Chiral Himbert Diene Ligands for Asymmetric Catalysis
Authors: Rit Raja K. , Li Hongyi , Argent Stephen P. , Wheelhouse Katherine M. , Woodward Simon , Lam Hon Wai
Published: January 2023

Chiral dienes are important ligands in asymmetric catalysis but they are less accessible than other commonly used ligands such as chiral bisphosphines. Here, we show that intramolecular [4+2] cycloaddition of a simply attained chiral allenecarboxanilide readily affords pseudoenantiomeric bicyclo[2.2.2]octa‐2,5‐dienes containing an alkenyl bromide, which can be readily functionalized to give diverse chiral diene ligands. The synthesis is straightforward and easily conducted on multigram scales. These ligands exhibit high performance in nine types of enantioselective Rh(I)‐catalyzed 1,4‐addition or 1,2‐addition reactions.

magnified image
Experimental verification of the additivity between the barrel droplet's drag force and the fiber number
Authors: Wang Chaolei , Wang Zhenbo , Sun Zhiqian , Zhu Liyun , Li Yijie , Zou Jianhua , Dong Zhilong , Wang Ziyi , Xu Xiaogang
Published: January 2023

Research on the single fiber scale has an essential application value in the coalescence field. The study of the droplets' behavior on the fiber junctions can provide support data for optimizing the coalescer's drainage performance on the macroscopic scale. However, relevant research focusing on the force change of droplets during the transition from a single fiber to multifiber is relatively scarce. The droplet migration platform was built using the Lavision particle image velocimetry system, which can observe the behavior of droplets on fibers. The force and fiber number relationship were analyzed when the droplets were separated from the fiber junctions. Two detachment modes were observed during separation. Furthermore, the drag force satisfied the additivity theorem by increasing the number of fibers under the same detachment mode. In addition, the minimum Reynolds number prediction model was established under two separation forms, which had good prediction compared to the experimental data.
Aromatic volatile organic compounds absorption with phenyl‐based deep eutectic solvents: A molecular thermodynamics and dynamics study
Authors: Yu Gangqiang , Gajardo‐Parra Nicolás F. , Chen Min , Chen Biaohua , Sadowski Gabriele , Held Christoph
Published: January 2023

The suitability of phenyl‐based deep eutectic solvents (DESs) as absorbents for toluene absorption was investigated by means of thermodynamic modeling and molecular dynamics (MD). The thermodynamic models perturbed‐chain statistical associating fluid theory (PC‐SAFT) and conductor‐like screening model for real solvents (COSMO‐RS) were used to predict the vapor–liquid equilibrium of DES–toluene systems. PC‐SAFT yielded quantitative results even without using any binary fitting parameters. Among the five DESs studied in this work, [TEBAC][PhOH] consisting of triethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (TEBAC) and phenol (PhOH), was considered as the most suitable absorbent. Systems with [TEBAC][PhOH] had lowest equilibrium pressures of the considered DES–toluene mixtures, the best thermodynamic characteristics (i.e., Henry's law constant, excess enthalpy, Gibbs free energy of solvation of toluene), and the highest self‐diffusion coefficient of toluene. The molecular‐level mechanism was explored by MD simulations, indicating that [TEBAC][PhOH] has the strongest interaction of DES–toluene compared to the other DESs under study. This work provides guidance to rationally design novel DESs for efficient aromatic volatile organic compounds absorption.
Perception of strength, attractiveness and aggressiveness of Maasai male faces calibrated to handgrip strength: Evidence from a European sample
Authors: Windhager Sonja , Ottendorfer Theresa , Mabulla Audax , Butovskaya Marina , Fink Bernhard , Schaefer Katrin
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Previous research showed that male and female members of the Maasai from Northern Tanzania judge images of facial morphs calibrated to greater handgrip strength (HGS) higher on strength and attractiveness, but lower on aggressiveness than those calibrated to lower HGS. The accurate assessment of male physical strength from facial information may be adaptive as suggested by the evidence on health and fitness‐related benefits linked to high muscular strength.

Methods

This study extends previous work by obtaining European female (n = 220) and male (n = 51) assessments of HGS‐calibrated Maasai male faces. Participants rated five facial morphs for strength, attractiveness, and aggressiveness on computer screens.

Results

Perceived physical strength increased with morphs calibrated to higher HGS. The lowest and highest HGS morphs were judged lower in attractiveness than the others, and rated aggressiveness decreased in morphs calibrated to higher HGS.

Conclusions

Given the high similarity between the current study findings and those previously reported from intra‐population assessments of Maasai faces calibrated to HGS, we suggest that strength and aggressiveness perceptions of facial features associated with male physical strength may be universal. Attractiveness assessments of strength‐related information in the faces of (very) strong men were less consistent across populations, possibly attributable to cultural and ecological contexts.
A novel histological staging of hippocampal sclerosis that is evident in gray matter loss in vivo
Authors: Ortega‐Cruz Diana , Uceda‐Heras Alicia , Iglesias Juan Eugenio , Zea‐Sevilla María Ascensión , Strange Bryan , Rabano Alberto
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Hippocampal sclerosis of aging (HS) is defined by end‐stage histological findings, strongly associated with limbic‐predominant age‐related TAR DNA‐binding protein 43 (TDP‐43) encephalopathy (LATE). We aimed to characterize features of early HS to refine the understanding of its role within combined pathology.

Methods

We studied 159 brain donations from the multimodal Vallecas Alzheimer's Center Study. A staging system (0 to IV) was developed to account for HS progression and analyzed in relation to pre‐mortem cognitive and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data.

Results

Our HS staging system displayed a significant correlation with disease duration, cognitive performance, and combined neuropathologies, especially with LATE. Two‐level assessment along the hippocampal longitudinal axis revealed an anterior‐posterior gradient of HS severity. In vivo MRI showed focally reduced hippocampal gray matter density as a function of HS staging.

Discussion

The association of this staging system with clinical progression and structural differences supports its utility in the characterization and potential in vivo monitoring of HS.

Highlights

The definition of hippocampal sclerosis of aging (HS) is currently limited to an end‐stage pathological fingerprint.

We characterize early HS histological features to define a complete staging system.

The proposed staging displays a parallel but not identical progression to limbic‐predominant age‐related TAR DNA‐binding protein 43 (TDP‐43) encephalopathy (LATE).

The proposed staging
also reflects the expected demographic and cognitive differences associated with HS.

In vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed focal hippocampal gray matter loss as a function of HS staging.
Complementary Design in Multicomponent Electrocatalysts for Electrochemical Nitrogen Reduction: Beyond the Leverage in Activity and Selectivity
Authors: Qiang Siyu , Wu Fan , Yu Jianyong , Liu Yi‐Tao , Ding Bin
Published: January 2023

Electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (eNRR) is promising in place of the Haber–Bosch process for artificial N2fixation. However, the high activity and selectivity of eNRR are challenging to achieve simultaneously due to the scaling relations. Such “leverage” between activity and selectivity has severely restricted eNRR. To overcome this bottleneck, the complementary design of electronic structures in multicomponent electrocatalysts has been recently pursued, aiming to maximize the advantages of each component and optimize the multistep reactions, which has stood at the cutting edge in this aspect. Here, we present a minireview of the design, performance, and mechanism of multicomponent electrocatalysts with complementary electronic structures. We particularly emphasize the interactions between N2and elements fromd‐,p‐, ands‐blocks, which are essential for understanding how these electrocatalysts are beyond the “leverage” between activity and selectivity.
Ultra‐schnelle Präparation großflächiger Graphdiin‐basierter Membranen mittels Alkin‐Oberflächenmodifizierung
Authors: Yang Xingda , Qu Zhou , Li Sen , Peng Manhua , Li Chunxi , Hua Ruimao , Fan Hongwei , Caro Jürgen , Meng Hong
Published: January 2023

Graphdiine (engl. graphdiynes=GDYs) sind zweidimensionale graphenähnliche Kohlenstoffsysteme und gelten aufgrund ihrer einzigartigen physikalisch‐chemischen Eigenschaften als potenzielles Membranmaterial. Die Maßstabvergrößerung der Präparation von GDY‐Membranen ist jedoch eine technologische Herausforderung. Wir berichten hier über eine einfache und effiziente alkinierte oberflächenvermittelte Strategie zur Herstellung von wasserstoffsubstituierten Graphdiin[1c] (HsGDY)‐Membranen auf kommerziellen Aluminiumoxidrohren, die zuvor Alkin‐modifiziert wurden. Die Oberflächenalkinierung der Keramik erlaubt eine oberflächenbegrenzte Kupplungsreaktion in Gegenwart eines Kupferkatalysators und ermöglicht so das epitaktische Wachstum von HsGDY im Nanomaßstab. Eine kontinuierliche und ultradünne HsGDY‐Membran (∼100 nm) kann innerhalb von 15 min hergestellt werden. Die resultierenden Membranen weisen eine sehr hohe Molekularsiebung zusammen mit hervorragender Wasserpermeanz (ca. 1100 L m−2 h−1 MPa−1) auf und zeigen aufgrund der superhydrophilen Oberfläche und hydrophoben Porenwände ein stabiles Trennverhalten in der Cross‐Flow‐Nanofiltration.
Understanding Synergistic Catalysis on Cu‐Se Dual Atom Sites viaOperandoX‐ray Absorption Spectroscopy in Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Sun Zhiguo , Zhang Huijuan , Cao Linlin , Liu Xiaokang , Wu Dan , Shen Xinyi , Zhang Xue , Chen Zihang , Ru Sen , Zhu Xiangyu , Xia Zhiyuan , Luo Qiquan , Xu Faqiang , Yao Tao
Published: January 2023

The construction and understanding of synergy in well‐defined dual‐atom active sites is an available avenue to promote multistep tandem catalytic reactions. Herein, we construct a dual‐hetero‐atom catalyst that comprises adjacent Cu‐N4and Se‐C3active sites for efficient oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity.OperandoX‐ray absorption spectroscopy coupled with theoretical calculations provide in‐depth insights into this dual‐atom synergy mechanism for ORR under realistic device operation conditions. The heteroatom Se modulator can efficiently polarize the charge distribution around symmetrical Cu‐N4moieties, and serve as synergistic site to facilitate the second oxygen reduction step simultaneously, in which the key OOH*‐(Cu1‐N4) transforms to O*‐(Se1‐C2) intermediate on the dual‐atom sites. Therefore, this designed catalyst achieves satisfied alkaline ORR activity with a half‐wave potential of 0.905 V vs. RHE and a maximum power density of 206.5 mW cm−2in Zn‐air battery.
Macromolecular Information Transfer
Authors: Samokhvalova Svetlana , Lutz Jean‐François
Published: January 2023

Macromolecular information transfer can be defined as the process by which a coded monomer sequence is communicated from one macromolecule to another. In such a transfer process, the information sequence can be kept identical, transformed into a complementary sequence or even translated into a different molecular language. Such mechanisms are crucial in biology and take place in DNA→DNA replication, DNA→RNA transcription and RNA→protein translation. In fact, there would be no life on Earth without macromolecular information transfer. Mimicking such processes with synthetic macromolecules would also be of major scientific relevance because it would open up new avenues for technological applications (e.g. data storage and processing) but also for the creation of artificial life. In this important context, this minireview summarizes recent research about information transfer in synthetic oligomers and polymers. Medium‐ and long‐term perspectives are also discussed.
Synthesis and Reactivity of a Cyclooctatetraene‐Like Polyphosphorus Ligand Complex [Cyclo‐P8]
Authors: Riesinger Christoph , Dielmann Fabian , Szlosek Robert , Virovets Alexander V. , Scheer Manfred
Published: January 2023

The thermolysis of Cp′′′Ta(CO)4 with white phosphorus (P4) gives access to [{Cp′′′Ta}2(μ,η2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 1 : 1‐P8)] (A), representing the first complex containing a cyclooctatetraene‐like (COT) cyclo‐P8 ligand. While ring sizes of n >6 have remained elusive for cyclo‐Pn structural motifs, the choice of the transition metal, co‐ligand and reaction conditions allowed the isolation of A. Reactivity investigations reveal its versatile coordination behaviour as well as its redox properties. Oxidation leads to dimerization to afford [{Cp′′′Ta}4(μ4,η2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 1 : 1 : 1 : 1‐P16)][TEF]2 (4, TEF=[Al(OC{CF3}3)4]−). Reduction, however, leads to the fission of one P−P bond in A followed by rapid dimerization to form [K@[2.2.2]cryptand]2[{Cp′′′Ta}4(μ4,η2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 1 : 1 : 1 : 1‐P16)] (5), which features an unprecedented chain‐type P16 ligand. Lastly, A serves as a P2 synthon, via ring contraction to the triple‐decker complex [{Cp′′′Ta}2(μ,η6 : 6‐P6)] (B).
Multifunctional poly(vinylidene fluoride–co‐hexafluoropropylene) ‐ zinc stannate nanocomposite for high energy density capacitors and piezo‐phototronic switching
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Mandal Dipankar
Published: January 2023

Electroactive multifunctional nanocomposite films of poly(vinylidene fluoride – co ‐ hexafluoropropylene) (P(VDF‐HFP)) and different zinc stannate (ZnSnO3) filler concentrations were processed by hot pressing to achieve multilayer structure formation. A notable increase in the dielectric constant (K ≈ 30 at 1 kHz) was achieved in the three‐layered hot‐pressed composite film. The resultant relaxation time, that is, the time required to reach the remnant polarization (Pr) from saturation polarization (Ps) of hot‐pressed films reduced to 1/20th time to that of its single‐layer film. Furthermore, ferroelectric loop data of hot‐pressed structure shows the lower value of remnant polarization (0.20 μC/cm2) as compared to nanocomposite film (0.28 μC/cm2) under similar measurement conditions, which further leads to an increase in energy density (2900 mJ/cm3 at 250 MV/m vs 500 mJ/cm3 at 150 MV/m). The study shows the dependency of energy storage and remnant polarization on the relaxation time of dielectric that can be further explored to enhance the energy density of dielectric capacitors. Thereafter, the multifunctional nature of nanocomposite film is shown by coupling semiconducting, light and piezoelectric effects in piezo‐phototronic switching under tensile and compressive strain in dark and light conditions.
In Situ Reconstructed Mo‐doped Amorphous FeOOH Boosts the Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Jia Zhichao , Lyu Xiang , Zhao Mingsheng , Dang Jianan , Zhu Linge , Guo Xiaowei , Wang Xiaobing , Bai Zhengyu , Yang Lin
Published: January 2023

Developing a fast and highly active oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst to change energy kinetics technology is essential for making clean energy. Herein, we prepare three‐dimensional (3D) hollow Mo‐doped amorphous FeOOH (Mo‐FeOOH) based on the precatalyst MoS2/FeC2O4 via in situ reconstruction strategy. Mo‐FeOOH exhibits promising OER performance. Specifically, it has an overpotential of 285 mV and a durability of 15 h at 10 mA cm−2. Characterizations indicate that Mo was included inside the FeOOH lattice, and it not only modifies the electronic energy levels of FeOOH but also effectively raises the inherent activity of FeOOH for OER. Additionally, in situ Raman analysis indicates that FeC2O4 gradually transforms into the FeOOH active site throughout the OER process. This study provides ideas for designing in situ reconstruction strategies to prepare heteroatom doping catalysts for high electrochemical activity.
Enhancing recombinant protein and viral vector production in mammalian cells by targeting the YTHDF readers of N6‐methyladenosine in mRNA
Authors: Lao Nga , Barron Niall
Published: January 2023

N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant internal modification on eukaryotic mRNA and has been implicated in a wide range of fundamental cellular processes. This modification is regulated and interpreted by a set of writer, eraser, and reader proteins. To date, there have been no reports on the potential of mRNA epigenetic regulators to influence recombinant protein expression in mammalian cells. In this study, the potential of manipulating the expression of the m6A YTH domain‐containing readers, YTHDF1, 2 and 3 to improve recombinant protein yield based on their role in regulating mRNA stability and promoting translation were evaluated. Using siRNA‐mediated gene depletion, cDNA over‐expression, and methylation‐specific RNA immunoprecipitation, it is demonstrated that (i) knock‐down of YTHDF2 enhances (~2‐fold) the levels of recombinant protein derived from GFP and EPO transgenes in CHO cells; (ii) the effects of YTHDF2 depletion on transgene expression is m6A‐mediated; and (iii) YTHDF2 depletion, or over‐expression of YTHDF1 increases viral protein expression and yield of infectious lentiviral (LV) particles (~2–3‐fold) in HEK293 cells. We conclude that various transgenes can be subjected to regulation by m6A regulators in mammalian cell lines and that these findings demonstrate the utility of epitranscriptomic‐based approaches to host cell line engineering for improved recombinant protein and viral vector production.
An effective and stability‐indicating method development and optimization utilizing the Box–Behnken design for the simultaneous determination of acetaminophen, caffeine, and aspirin in tablet formulation
Authors: Yenda Parvateesam , Katari Naresh Kumar , Ettaboina Santhosh Kumar , Satheesh Balasubramanian , Muchakayala Siva Krishna , Gundla Rambabu
Published: January 2023

Analytical techniques must be sensitive, specific, and accurate to assess the active pharmaceutical ingredients in pharmaceutical dosage forms. The quality‐by‐design (QbD) application has proven to be a practical method for magnifying HPLC operations. This article discusses the successfully developed QbD‐based stability‐indicative LC method for evaluating acetaminophen, caffeine, and aspirin (ASP) in tablet dosage form. To achieve the necessary chromatographic separation, Milli‐Q water, methanol, and glacial acetic acid were employed in the following ratios: 63:35:2 (v/v/v) for mobile phase A and 18:80:2 (v/v/v) for mobile phase B. The flow rate, column temperature, and detecting wavelength were 1.0 ml/min, 40°C, and 275 nm, respectively, and an InertSustain C18 analytical column (150 × 4.6 mm, 3 μm) was used. Linearity was between 10.0 and 150.0 μg/ml for ASP and acetaminophen and between 2.6 and 39.0 μg/ml for caffeine. The accuracy findings were more than 97%, and the correlation coefficient for all three components was found to be greater than 0.999. The validated HPLC method yielded reliable and accurate results. ASP was shown to be vulnerable to both acid and alkaline hydrolysis in the forced degradation study. The described method is capable of separating the degradants produced during stress testing and is regarded as stability indicating. The proposed method can be used for a wider range of other formulations with an appropriate diluent selection and sample preparation procedure optimization.
Studying Reversible Protein Post‐translational Modification through Co‐translational Modification
Authors: Wu Dan , Liu Tao
Published: January 2023

Understanding the post‐translational modifications of targeted proteins is of great significance for manipulating the physiological processes of eukaryotes. Chemical biology tools have been used to investigate the biological roles of those post‐translational modifications at particular sites, especially genetic code expansion technology, which can also be combined with the concept of synthetic biology to generate a genetically modified organism with a synthetic auxotroph for co‐translational modification components. In this concept, we will introduce applications, limitations, and perspectives of genetic code expansion technology for studying post‐translational modification based on recent progresses. Future perspectives of genetically modified organisms also will be discussed in regard to the application of post‐translational modification research.
Comparison of the effects of buffalo LIF and mouse LIF on the in vitro culture of buffalo spermatogonia
Authors: Liu Ya Ru , Li Wang Chang , Hu Jia Hao , Li Qi Qi , Zhang Ya Ping , Lu Ke Huan , Xu Hui Yan , Liang Xing Wei , Lu Yang Qing , Yang Xiao Gan
Published: January 2023

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is an important growth factor that supports the culture and maintenance of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) by suppressing spontaneous differentiation. Different LIF sequences may lead to differences in function. The protein sequences of buffalo LIF and mouse LIF differed by 65.5% according to MEGA software analysis. The PB‐LIF‐GFP‐Puro vector was constructed, and the CHO‐K1 cell line was established. The final LIF protein concentration in the CHO‐K1 cell culture medium was approximately 4.268 ng/mL. Here, we report that buffalo LIF effectively maintains the self‐renewal of buffalo spermatogonia during culture. Buffalo spermatogonia were cultured in conditioned medium containing no LIF (0 ng/mL), mouse LIF (1 ng/mL), mouse LIF (10 ng/mL), or buffalo LIF (1 ng/mL). Furthermore, the effects of mouse LIF and buffalo LIF culture on the maintenance of buffalo spermatogonia were determined by analyzing cell colony formation, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, cell immunofluorescence, and cell counting. The buffalo LIF (1 ng/mL) group showed similar maintenance of the proliferation of buffalo spermatogonia to that in the mouse LIF (10 ng/mL) group. These results demonstrated that the proliferation of buffalo spermatogonia can be maintained in vitro by adding a low dose of buffalo LIF. This study provides a foundation for the further optimization of in vitro buffalo SSC culture systems.
Novel dual guiding catheter technique for kissing balloon inflation in percutaneous coronary intervention for bifurcated chronic total occlusive lesion
Authors: Kawamura Yota , Yoshimachi Fuminobu , Kasai Satoshi , Ikari Yuji
Published: January 2023

Traditionally, two bigger‐sized guiding catheters (GCs) via the femoral artery have been used in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for chronic total occlusion (CTO). However, those GCs are associated with an increased incidence of bleeding. Therefore, the use of smaller GCs (e.g., 5‐Fr) may lessen the invasiveness of this procedure. However, the use of 5‐Fr GCs in PCI is complicated by device limitations. A novel technique was developed to overcome the challenges with regard to kissing balloon inflation. This approach involves simultaneous balloon inflation through a dual 5‐Fr GC technique for CTO‐PCI. In our hospital, this technique was successfully performed in 9 cases of CTO with 10 bifurcated lesions (including four left main‐related bifurcations). During the study period, there was no requirement for an additional invasive procedure or occurrence of complications related to the PCI procedure. This technique may be a good option for performing KBI during CTO‐PCI through the use of two 5‐Fr GCs.
Heart rate response during cardiopulmonary exercise in the denervated heart
Authors: Ono Ryohei , Iwahana Togo , Kato Hirotoshi , Kobayashi Yoshio
Published: January 2023

The patients after heart transplantation usually present resting tachycardia, a slower increase in heart rate (HR) at the onset of exercise, a blunted chronotropic response to exercise in general, maximal HR being attained in the recovery period rather than at peak exercise, and a slower decline in HR after exercise.
Teaching NeuroImages: Absence of bilateral internal carotid arteries with multiple aneurysms
Authors: Gao Yang , Yuan Jianhua , Wang Jian‐Zhi
Published: January 2023

Absence of bilateral internal carotid arteries is a rare congenital vascular dysplasia. We reported the case and present some typical and exquisite neuroimges for teaching.