bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust in-vehicle heartbeat detection using multimodal signal fusion
Authors: Warnecke Joana M. , Lasenby Joan , Deserno Thomas M.
Published: November 2023

A medical check-up during driving enables the early detection of diseases. Heartbeat irregularities indicate possible cardiovascular diseases, which can be determined with continuous health monitoring. Therefore, we develop a redundant sensor system based on electrocardiography (ECG) and photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors attached to the steering wheel, a red, green, and blue (RGB) camera behind the steering wheel. For the video, we integrate the face recognition engine SeetaFace to detect landmarks of face segments continuously. Based on the green channel, we derive colour changes and, subsequently, the heartbeat. We record the ECG, PPG, video, and reference ECG with body electrodes of 19 volunteers during different driving scenarios, each lasting 15 min: city, highway, and countryside. We combine early, signal-based late, and sensor-based late fusion with a hybrid convolutional neural network (CNN) and integrated majority voting to deliver the final heartbeats that we compare to the reference ECG. Based on the measured and the reference heartbeat positions, the usable time was 51.75%, 58.62%, and 55.96% for the driving scenarios city, highway, and countryside, respectively, with the hybrid algorithm and combination of ECG and PPG. In conclusion, the findings suggest that approximately half the driving time can be utilised for in-vehicle heartbeat monitoring.
Outbursts from an ice-marginal lake in Antarctica in 1969–1971 and 2017, revealed by aerial photographs and satellite data
Authors: Hata Shuntaro , Kawamata Moto , Doi Koichiro
Published: November 2023

The liquid water around the Antarctic Ice Sheet plays a key role in modulating both the vulnerability of ice shelves to hydrofracturing and ice discharge from outlet glaciers. Therefore, it needs to be adequately constrained for precise future projections of ice-mass loss and global sea-level rise. Although glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) pose one of the greatest risks in glacierized mountainous regions, any long-term monitoring of Antarctic ice-marginal lakes and their associated potential for GLOFs has been neglected until recently owing to the limited number of such events reported in Antarctica. Here we present direct evidence of repeated GLOFs from Lake Kaminotani-Ike, an ice-sheet-dammed lake in East Antarctica, via an analysis of historical aerial photographs and recent satellite data. Two GLOFs occurred in 1969–1971 and 2017, with discharge volumes of (8.6 ± 1.5) × 107 and (7.1 ± 0.4) × 107 m3, respectively, making them two of the largest GLOFs in Antarctica. A southerly oceanward pathway beneath the ice sheet is the most likely drainage route of these GLOF events based on the available surface- and bed-elevation datasets. Furthermore, the 2017 event occurred during the austral winter, thereby implying the possibility of year-round active subglacial networks in Antarctica. Our results highlight that studies on Antarctic ice-marginal lakes provide an opportunity to better understand Antarctic hydrological processes and emphasize the need for both detailed monitoring of ice-marginal lakes and detailed surveying of the subglacial environments of the Antarctic Ice Sheet.
EpCAM-positive circulating tumor cells and serum AFP levels predict outcome after curative resection of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kocheise Lorenz , Schoenlein Martin , Behrends Berit , Joerg Vincent , Casar Christian , Fruendt Thorben W. , Renné Thomas , Heumann Asmus , Li Jun , Huber Samuel , Lohse Ansgar W. , Pantel Klaus , Riethdorf Sabine , Wege Henning , Schulze Kornelius , von Felden Johann
Published: November 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has high recurrence rates exceeding 50% despite curative resection. The serum biomarker alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a well-known prognostic marker for HCC. EpCAM-positive circulating tumor cells (CTC) have a high predictive value for early HCC recurrence after curatively intended resection, most likely indicating micro-metastases at the time of resection. However, sensitivity remains low. The objective of this study was to evaluate a composite test comprising both CTC and AFP to identify patients at high risk for early HCC recurrence. We prospectively enrolled 58 patients undergoing curative intended resection for HCC at a tertiary referral center. Blood specimens were obtained prior to resection and analyzed for EpCAM-positive CTC and serum AFP levels. A positive result was defined as either detection of CTC or AFP levels ≥ 400 ng/ml. Eight patients tested positive for CTC, seven for AFP, and two for both markers. A positive composite test was significantly associated with shorter early recurrence-free survival (5 vs. 16 months, p = 0.005), time to recurrence (5 vs. 16 months, p = 0.011), and overall survival (37 vs. not reached, p = 0.034). Combining CTC and AFP identified patients with poor outcome after surgical resection, for whom adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapies may be particularly desirable.
Metal surface defect detection based on improved YOLOv5
Authors: Zhou Chuande , Lu Zhenyu , Lv Zhongliang , Meng Minghui , Tan Yonghu , Xia Kewen , Liu Kang , Zuo Hailun
Published: November 2023

During the production of metal material, various complex defects may come into being on the surface, together with large amount of background texture information, causing false or missing detection in the process of small defect detection. To resolve those problems, this paper introduces a new model which combines the advantages of CSPlayer module and Global Attention Enhancement Mechanism based on the YOLOv5s model. First of all, we replace C3 module with CSPlayer module to augment the neural network model, so as to improve its flexibility and adaptability. Then, we introduce the Global Attention Mechanism (GAM) and build the generalized additive model. In the meanwhile, the attention weights of all dimensions are weighted and averaged as output to promote the detection speed and accuracy. The results of the experiment in which the GC10-DET augmented dataset is involved, show that the improved algorithm model performs better than YOLOv5s in precision, mAP@0.5 and mAP@0.5: 0.95 by 5.3%, 1.4% and 1.7% respectively, and it also has a higher reasoning speed.
Expression prevalence and dynamics of GPCR somatostatin receptors 2 and 3 as cancer biomarkers beyond NET: a paired immunohistochemistry approach
Authors: Oron-Herman Mor , Kirmayer David , Lupp Amelie , Schulz Stefan , Kostenich Genady , Afargan Michel
Published: November 2023

Somatostatin receptors are clinically validated GPCR biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment of various neuroendocrine tumors (NET). Among the five somatostatin receptors, SST2 and SST3 are associated with apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, making these receptor subtypes better differentiated targets in precision oncology. In this study we performed immunohistochemistry of paired tissue microarrays containing 1125 cores, representing 43 tumor types, each stained for SST2 and SST3. A 12-point immunoreactive scoring (IRS) range was used for interpretation of the staining results. We analyzed the results twice, using the conventional positivity IRS cutoffs ≥ 3 and more stringent ≥ 6. Evaluation of receptors expression dynamics was performed for tumor-nodes-metastases (TNM) defined subgroups (ovarian and hepatocellular adenocarcinomas) as a function of their tumor stage. Our results indicate that two-thirds of tested cores exhibit clinically significant expression of at least SST2 or SST3 (IRS ≥ 6). The expression prevalence of both receptors tends to decline with tumor progression. However, an unexpected upregulation of both SST2 and SST3 reemerged in metastases suggesting conserved receptors genetic potential during tumor life cycle. We suggest that SST2 and SST3 should be further explored as potential biomarkers and therapeutic tools for maximizing the efficiency of somatostatin-based precision oncology of solid tumors beyond NET.
Health hazards of particles in additive manufacturing: a cross-disciplinary study on reactivity, toxicity and occupational exposure to two nickel-based alloys
Authors: Karlsson Hanna L. , Vallabani N. V. Srikanth , Wang Xuying , Assenhöj Maria , Ljunggren Stefan , Karlsson Helen , Odnevall Inger
Published: November 2023

The increasing use of additive manufacturing (AM) techniques (e.g., 3D-printing) offers many advantages but at the same time presents some challenges. One concern is the possible exposure and health risk related to metal containing particles of different sizes. Using the nickel-based alloys Hastelloy X (HX) and Inconel 939 (IN939) as a case, the aim of this cross-disciplinary study was to increase the understanding on possible health hazards and exposure. This was done by performing in-depth characterization of virgin, reused and condensate powders, testing in vitro toxicity (cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, oxidative stress), and measuring occupational airborne exposure. The results showed limited metal release from both HX and IN939, and slightly different surface composition of reused compared to virgin powders. No or small effects on the cultured lung cells were observed when tested up to 100 µg/mL. Particle background levels in the printing facilities were generally low, but high transient peaks were observed in relation to sieving. Furthermore, during post processing with grinding, high levels of nanoparticles (> 100,000 particles/cm3) were noted. Urine metal levels in AM operators did not exceed biomonitoring action limits. Future studies should focus on understanding the toxicity of the nanoparticles formed during printing and post-processing.
Impact of a history of cardiovascular disease and physical activity habits on the incidence of functional disability
Authors: Kodera Remi , Fujihara Kazuya , Koyama Tetsuya , Shiozaki Haruka , Mutsuma Yurie , Yagyuda Noriko , Hatta Mariko , Tsuruoka Kahori , Takeda Yasunada , Araki Atsushi , Sone Hirohito
Published: November 2023

We examined the impact of a history of coronary artery disease (CAD) or cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and physical activity habits on functional disability among community-dwelling Japanese adults. This population-based retrospective cohort study included 10,661 people aged 39–98 years in Japan (5054, men). Median follow-up was 3.7 years. During the study period, 209 functional disabilities occurred in the overall study population. In multivariable analysis, a history of CVD (hazard ratio [HR] 1.57 [95% CI: 1.00–2.45]) and no physical activity habit (HR 1.74 [1.27–2.39]) presented increased risks for functional disability. HRs for functional disability among patients with a CVD history with and without a physical activity habit were 1.68 (0.75–3.74) and 2.65 (1.49–4.71), respectively, compared with individuals without a history of CVD with a physical activity habit. Similar results were observed for CAD. We found no significant difference in the incidence of functional disability between the group with a history of CAD or CVD and physical activity habits and the group with no history of CAD or CVD and without physical activity habits. Physical activity habits had a favorable influence on avoiding functional disability regardless of a history of CAD or CVD. Future prospective studies are needed to clarify these associations.
Efficacy and safety of 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 (5-HT3) receptor antagonists in augmentation with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in the treatment of moderate to severe obsessive–compulsive disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Eissazade Negin , Mosavari Hesam , Eghdami Shayan , Boroon Mahsa , Ashrafi Faria , Shalbafan Mohammadreza
Published: November 2023

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is the fourth most common mental disorder, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the cornerstone of its pharmacological treatment. About 40–60% of the cases are treatment-refractory, and this makes searching for second-line treatment necessary. 5-Hydroxytryptamine-3 (5-HT3) antagonists are among the many medications that have been used in augmentation with SSRIs. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we assessed the efficacy and safety of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists in augmentation with SSRIs in treating moderate to severe OCD. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane library, and Google Scholar for relevant trials published up to December 2022. The effect size was the mean difference in Yale-Brown obsessive compulsive scale (Y-BOCS) scores before and after receiving 5-HT3 receptor antagonist drugs in augmentation with SSRIs in moderate to severe OCD patients. We included 6 randomized-controlled trails (RCTs) with 334 patients assessing the effect of the augmentation of SSRIs with ondansetron, granisetron, and tropisetron on treating moderate to severe OCD. Our results were in favor of the experimental group in total (Z = 8.37, P < 0.00001), in the compulsion subgroup (Z = 5.22, P < 0.00001), and in the obsession subgroup (Z = 8.33, P < 0.00001). They are well-tolerated, and have mild side effects and do not result in withdrawal. Augmentation of 5-HT3 antagonists with SSRIs can be beneficial in treating moderate to severe OCD. Further multi-center trials under adequate conditions in longer periods are needed to help come up with a comprehensive action plan.
MESIA: multi-epigenome sample integration approach for precise peak calling
Authors: Park Seung Gwa , Kim Woo-Jin , Moon Jae-I , Kim Ki-Tae , Ryoo Hyun-Mo
Published: November 2023

The assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing (ATAC-seq) is the most widely used method for measuring chromatin accessibility. Researchers have included multi-sample replication in ATAC-seq experimental designs. In epigenomic analysis, researchers should measure subtle changes in the peak by considering the read depth of individual samples. It is important to determine whether the peaks of each replication have an integrative meaning for the region of interest observed during multi-sample integration. We developed multi-epigenome sample integration approach for precise peak calling (MESIA), which integrates replication with high representativeness and reproducibility in multi-sample replication and determines the optimal peak. After identifying the reproducibility between all replications, our method integrated multiple samples determined as representative replicates. MESIA detected 6.06 times more peaks, and the value of the peaks was 1.32 times higher than the previously used method. MESIA is a shell-script-based open-source code that provides researchers involved in the epigenome with comprehensive insights.
Understanding the social determinants of child mortality in Latin America over the last two decades: a machine learning approach
Authors: Chivardi Carlos , Zamudio Sosa Alejandro , Cavalcanti Daniella Medeiros , Ordoñez José Alejandro , Diaz Juan Felipe , Zuluaga Daniela , Almeida Cristina , Serván-Mori Edson , Hessel Philipp , Moncayo Ana L. , Rasella Davide
Published: November 2023

The reduction of child mortality rates remains a significant global public health challenge, particularly in regions with high levels of inequality such as Latin America. We used machine learning (ML) algorithms to explore the relationship between social determinants and child under-5 mortality rates (U5MR) in Brazil, Ecuador, and Mexico over two decades. We created a municipal-level cohort from 2000 to 2019 and trained a random forest model (RF) to estimate the relative importance of social determinants in predicting U5MR. We conducted a sensitivity analysis training two more ML models and presenting the mean square error, root mean square error, and median absolute deviation. Our findings indicate that poverty, illiteracy, and the Gini index were the most important variables for predicting U5MR according to the RF. Furthermore, non-linear relationships were found mainly for Gini index and U5MR. Our study suggests that long-term public policies to reduce U5MR in Latin America should focus on reducing poverty, illiteracy, and socioeconomic inequalities. This research provides important insights into the relationships between social determinants and child mortality rates in Latin America. The use of ML algorithms, combined with large longitudinal data, allowed us to evaluate the effects of social determinants on health more carefully than traditional models.
Practical prototype for energy management system in smart microgrid considering uncertainties and energy theft
Authors: Saeed Mohammed A. , Sedhom Bishoy E. , Elbaghdadi Abdelrahman S. , Fadl Ahmed W. , Abdelwahab Mohammed S. , Elden Menna H. , Alhasnawi Bilal Naji , Eladl Abdelfattah A.
Published: November 2023

The conventional electrical grid faces significant issues, which this paper aims to address one of most of them using a proposed prototype of a smart microgrid energy management system. In addition to relying too heavily on fossil fuels, electricity theft is another great issue. The proposed energy management system can simultaneously detect electricity theft and implement demand response tactics by employing time-of-use pricing principles and comparing real electricity consumption with grid data. The system uses the Al-Biruni earth radius (BER) optimization algorithm to make smart choices about how to distribute the load, intending to reduce energy consumption and costs without sacrificing comfort. As a bonus, it considers limitations imposed by battery charging/discharging and decentralized power generation. Incorporating sensors and SCADA-based monitoring, the system provides accurate measurement and management of energy usage through load monitoring and control. An intuitive mobile app also helps consumers connect, allowing for more active participation and better control over energy use. Extensive field testing of the prototype shows that by moving loads from peak period to another off-peak period, electricity expenditures can be reduced by up to 48.45%. The energy theft value was calculated to be 1199 W, proving that the system's theft detection model was effective.
Development of an early alert model for pandemic situations in Germany
Authors: Wang Danqi , Lentzen Manuel , Botz Jonas , Valderrama Diego , Deplante Lucille , Perrio Jules , Génin Marie , Thommes Edward , Coudeville Laurent , Fröhlich Holger
Published: November 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has pointed out the need for new technical approaches to increase the preparedness of healthcare systems. One important measure is to develop innovative early warning systems. Along those lines, we first compiled a corpus of relevant COVID-19 related symptoms with the help of a disease ontology, text mining and statistical analysis. Subsequently, we applied statistical and machine learning (ML) techniques to time series data of symptom related Google searches and tweets spanning the time period from March 2020 to June 2022. In conclusion, we found that a long-short-term memory (LSTM) jointly trained on COVID-19 symptoms related Google Trends and Twitter data was able to accurately forecast up-trends in classical surveillance data (confirmed cases and hospitalization rates) 14 days ahead. In both cases, F1 scores were above 98% and 97%, respectively, hence demonstrating the potential of using digital traces for building an early alert system for pandemics in Germany.
Randomised clinical trial for morphological changes of trabecular meshwork between Kahook dual-blade goniotomy and ab interno trabeculotomy with a microhook
Authors: Arimura Shogo , Iwasaki Kentaro , Orii Yusuke , Komori Ryohei , Takamura Yoshihiro , Inatani Masaru
Published: November 2023

We demonstrated whether the difference of trabecular meshwork remodeling occur depending on the incisional cross-sectional area by comparing Kahook dual-blade goniotomy (KDB) and ab interno trabeculotomy with a microhook. Phakic eyes with primary open-angle or exfoliative glaucoma were randomised into a KDB or a microhook group. The primary outcome was an incisional cross-sectional area quantified by anterior segment optical coherence tomography. In subgroup analysis, the number of patients with the unidentifiable incisional area was compared between the groups. Secondary outcomes were the rate of intraocular pressure changes, the laser flare metre values, corneal endothelial cell densities, the number of glaucoma medications, the usage rate per glaucoma medication type and postoperative complications between the two groups. A total of 29 eyes in 29 patients in the KDB and microhook group were included respectively, with an overall mean age of 72.6 ± 8.1 years. The incisional cross-sectional area of the KDB group was significantly larger at 1 week and at 1, 6 and 12 months (p < 0.01) postoperatively. The number of patients with the nonidentified incisional area was higher at 1, 6 and 12 months postoperatively (p ≤ 0.03) in the microhook group. The flare values in the KDB group were higher than those in the microhook group at 12 months postoperatively (p = 0.02). No significant differences were observed in other secondary outcomes. Incisional cross-sectional area remains larger in eyes treated with KDB goniotomy than in those treated with ab interno trabeculotomy with the microhook, whereas KDB goniotomy did not have an advantage in controlling intraocular pressure postoperatively.

Trial registration: UMIN000041290 (UMIN, University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry of Japan; date of access and registration, 03/08/2020).
Centrosome clustering control in osteoclasts through CCR5-mediated signaling
Authors: Lee Ji-Won , Lee In-Hee , Watanabe Haruhisa , Liu Yunqing , Sawada Kazuaki , Maekawa Masashi , Uehara Shunsuke , Kobayashi Yasuhiro , Imai Yuuki , Kong Sek Won , Iimura Tadahiro
Published: November 2023

Osteoclasts uniquely resorb calcified bone matrices. To exert their function, mature osteoclasts maintain the cellular polarity and directional vesicle trafficking to and from the resorbing bone surface. However, the regulatory mechanisms and pathophysiological relevance of these processes remain largely unexplored. Bone histomorphometric analyses inCcr5-deficient mice showed abnormalities in the morphology and functional phenotype of their osteoclasts, compared to wild type mice. We observed disorganized clustering of nuclei, as well as centrosomes that organize the microtubule network, which was concomitant with impaired cathepsin K secretion in culturedCcr5-deficient osteoclasts. Intriguingly, forced expression of constitutively active Rho or Rac restored these cytoskeletal phenotypes with recovery of cathepsin K secretion. Furthermore, a gene-disease enrichment analysis identified thatPLEKHM1, a responsible gene for osteopetrosis, which regulates lysosomal trafficking in osteoclasts, was regulated by CCR5. These experimental results highlighted that CCR5-mediated signaling served as an intracellular organizer for centrosome clustering in osteoclasts, which was involved in the pathophysiology of bone metabolism.
An efficient framework for obtaining the initial cluster centers
Authors: Mishra B. K. , Mohanty Sachi Nandan , Baidyanath R. R. , Ali Shahid , Abduvalieva D. , Awwad Fuad A. , Ismail Emad A. A. , Gupta Manish
Published: November 2023

Clustering is an important tool for data mining since it can determine key patterns without any prior supervisory information. The initial selection of cluster centers plays a key role in the ultimate effect of clustering. More often researchers adopt the random approach for this purpose in an urge to get the centers in no time for speeding up their model. However, by doing this they sacrifice the true essence of subgroup formation and in numerous occasions ends up in achieving malicious clustering. Due to this reason we were inclined towards suggesting a qualitative approach for obtaining the initial cluster centers and also focused on attaining the well-separated clusters. Our initial contributions were an alteration to the classical K-Means algorithm in an attempt to obtain the near-optimal cluster centers. Few fresh approaches were earlier suggested by us namely, far efficient K-means (FEKM), modified center K-means (MCKM) and modified FEKM using Quickhull (MFQ) which resulted in producing the factual centers leading to excellent clusters formation. K-means, which randomly selects the centers, seem to meet its convergence slightly earlier than these methods, which is the latter’s only weakness. An incessant study was continued in this regard to minimize the computational efficiency of our methods and we came up with farthest leap center selection (FLCS). All these methods were thoroughly analyzed by considering the clustering effectiveness, correctness, homogeneity, completeness, complexity and their actual execution time of convergence. For this reason performance indices like Dunn’s Index, Davies–Bouldin’s Index, and silhouette coefficient were used, for correctness Rand measure was used, for homogeneity and completeness V-measure was used. Experimental results on versatile real world datasets, taken from UCI repository, suggested that both FEKM and FLCS obtain well-separated centers while the later converges earlier.
Recurrent connectivity supports higher-level visual and semantic object representations in the brain
Authors: von Seth Jacqueline , Nicholls Victoria I. , Tyler Lorraine K. , Clarke Alex
Published: November 2023

Visual object recognition has been traditionally conceptualised as a predominantly feedforward process through the ventral visual pathway. While feedforward artificial neural networks (ANNs) can achieve human-level classification on some image-labelling tasks, it’s unclear whether computational models of vision alone can accurately capture the evolving spatiotemporal neural dynamics. Here, we probe these dynamics using a combination of representational similarity and connectivity analyses of fMRI and MEG data recorded during the recognition of familiar, unambiguous objects. Modelling the visual and semantic properties of our stimuli using an artificial neural network as well as a semantic feature model, we find that unique aspects of the neural architecture and connectivity dynamics relate to visual and semantic object properties. Critically, we show that recurrent processing between the anterior and posterior ventral temporal cortex relates to higher-level visual properties prior to semantic object properties, in addition to semantic-related feedback from the frontal lobe to the ventral temporal lobe between 250 and 500 ms after stimulus onset. These results demonstrate the distinct contributions made by semantic object properties in explaining neural activity and connectivity, highlighting it as a core part of object recognition not fully accounted for by current biologically inspired neural networks.
Reduced neural progenitor cell count and cortical neurogenesis in guinea pigs congenitally infected with Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Grochow Thomas , Beck Britta , Rentería-Solís Zaida , Schares Gereon , Maksimov Pavlo , Strube Christina , Raqué Lisa , Kacza Johannes , Daugschies Arwid , Fietz Simone A.
Published: November 2023

Toxoplasma (T.) gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite with a worldwide distribution. Congenital infection can lead to severe pathological alterations in the brain. To examine the effects of toxoplasmosis in the fetal brain, pregnant guinea pigs are infected with T. gondii oocysts on gestation day 23 and dissected 10, 17 and 25 days afterwards. We show the neocortex to represent a target region of T. gondii and the parasite to infect neural progenitor cells (NPCs), neurons and astrocytes in the fetal brain. Importantly, we observe a significant reduction in neuron number at end-neurogenesis and find a marked reduction in NPC count, indicating that impaired neurogenesis underlies the neuronal decrease in infected fetuses. Moreover, we observe focal microglioses to be associated with T. gondii in the fetal brain. Our findings expand the understanding of the pathophysiology of congenital toxoplasmosis, especially contributing to the development of cortical malformations.
The structural basis for light acclimation in phycobilisome light harvesting systems systems in Porphyridium purpureum
Authors: Dodson Emma Joy , Ma Jianfei , Suissa Szlejf Maayan , Maroudas-Sklare Naama , Paltiel Yossi , Adir Noam , Sun Shan , Sui Sen-Fang , Keren Nir
Published: November 2023

Photosynthetic organisms adapt to changing light conditions by manipulating their light harvesting complexes. Biophysical, biochemical, physiological and genetic aspects of these processes are studied extensively. The structural basis for these studies is lacking. In this study we address this gap in knowledge by focusing on phycobilisomes (PBS), which are large structures found in cyanobacteria and red algae. In this study we focus on the phycobilisomes (PBS), which are large structures found in cyanobacteria and red algae. Specifically, we examine red algae (Porphyridium purpureum) grown under a low light intensity (LL) and a medium light intensity (ML). Using cryo-electron microscopy, we resolve the structure of ML-PBS and compare it to the LL-PBS structure. The ML-PBS is 13.6 MDa, while the LL-PBS is larger (14.7 MDa). The LL-PBS structure have a higher number of closely coupled chromophore pairs, potentially the source of the red shifted fluorescence emission from LL-PBS. Interestingly, these differences do not significantly affect fluorescence kinetics parameters. This indicates that PBS systems can maintain similar fluorescence quantum yields despite an increase in LL-PBS chromophore numbers. These findings provide a structural basis to the processes by which photosynthetic organisms adapt to changing light conditions.
Cobalt–benzimidazole swapped metal–organic macrocycle with reduced graphene oxide as a hybrid electrocatalyst for highly efficient oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Prabhu C. P. Keshavananda , Naveen Kenkera Rayappa , Hur Jaehyun
Published: November 2023

Cobalt–benzimidazole substituted metal–organic phthalocyanine combined with reduced graphene oxide was synthesized and utilized as an electrocatalyst, which exhibited improved current density and lower overpotential for oxygen evolution reaction.
Plasmonic porous micro- and nano-materials based on Au/Ag nanostructures developed for photothermal cancer therapy: challenges in clinicalization
Authors: Taheri-Ledari Reza , Ganjali Fatemeh , Zarei-Shokat Simindokht , Dinmohammadi Reihane , Asl Fereshteh Rasouli , Emami Ali , Mojtabapour Zahra Sadat , Rashvandi Zahra , Kashtiaray Amir , Jalali Farinaz , Maleki Ali
Published: November 2023

Photothermal therapy (PTT) has developed in recent decades as a relatively safe method for the treatment of cancers.
Polycondensations and cyclization of poly(l-lactide) ethyl esters in the solid state
Authors: Weidner Steffen M. , Meyer Andreas , Falkenhagen Jana , Kricheldorf Hans R.
Published: November 2023

The usefulness of seven different tin catalysts, bismuth subsalicylate and titan tetra(ethoxide) for the polycondensation of ethyl l-lactate (ELA) was examined at 150 °C for 6 d.
Divergent methods for polyester and polycarbonate depolymerization with a cobalt catalyst
Authors: Knight Kai D. , Fieser Megan E.
Published: November 2023

Catalytic methods for the cyclodepolymerization and solvolysis of polyesters and polycarbonates have been realized with a molecular cobalt catalyst. Nascent strategies to modify these methods for use in mixed plastic waste streams are identified.
Regulating the microscopic structure of solutions to synthesize centimeter-sized low-dimensional CsmSbnClm+3n perovskite single crystals for visible-blind ultraviolet photodetectors
Authors: Wang Wenzhen , Xu Shanhu , Lai Ziyi , Feng Xiaoxi , Qi Huanzhen , Pan Qiutao , Yang Zichen , Kang Jiaxing , Li Yue , Shu Xin , Zhang Zifa , Zhu Yan , Bai Jiaxin , Hong Feng , Qin Juan , Xu Run , He Ying , Xu Fei , Wang Linjun
Published: November 2023

Centimeter-sized CsmSbnClm+3n single crystals were prepared by using DMSO and hydrochloric acid. The α-Cs3Sb2Cl9 photodetector exhibits excellent wavelength selectivity and fast response speed, demonstrating its great potential in UV applications.
Exceptional optical performance of the zero-dimensional hybrid cuprous halide ETPA2Cu2I4 as an X-ray scintillator
Authors: Zhan Yuxin , Cai Peiqing , Pu Xipeng , Ai Qi , Si Junjie , Yao Xin , Bai Gongxun , Liu Zugang
Published: November 2023

The crystal structure, enhanced quantum efficiency and application of [C11H26N]2Cu2I4 in the field of high-energy detection are presented.
A heterostructural MoS2QDs@UiO-66 nanocomposite for the highly efficient photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under visible light and simulated sunlight
Authors: Aboraia A. M. , Al-omoush Majd , Solayman Malak , Saad Hatem M. H. , Khabiri Gomaa , Saad Mohamed , Alsulaim Ghayah M. , Soldatov Alexander V. , Ismail Yasser A. M. , Gomaa H.
Published: November 2023

The development of recyclable photocatalysts with high activity and stability has piqued the interest of researchers in the field of wastewater treatment.
Preparation and characterization of water-reducible polyester resin based on waste PET for insulation varnish
Authors: Choe Yong-A. , Pak Ri-Bom , Kim Su-Il , Ju Kyong-Sik
Published: November 2023

Water-reducible polyester resin (WRPE) for insulation varnish was prepared from waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET), glycerol (GL), and phthalic anhydride (PA) via depolymerization and condensation.
Advancing nitrate reduction to ammonia: insights into mechanism, activity control, and catalyst design over Pt nanoparticle-based ZrO2
Authors: Mahmood Ayyaz , Perveen Fouzia , Akram Tehmina , Chen Shenggui , Irfan Ahmad , Chen Huafu
Published: November 2023

Tailoring nitrate reduction: unraveling mechanisms, modulating activity, and designing Pt nanoparticle-based ZrO2 catalysts for enhanced ammonia production.
Tailoring carboxylatopillar[5]arene-modified magnetic graphene oxide nanocomposites for the efficient removal of cationic dyes
Authors: Huang Yu , Rong Yanqin , Zhang Wenjia , Zhang Zibin , Zhang Xiaoyuan , Liang Wenting , Yang Cheng
Published: November 2023

A carboxylatopillar[5]arene-embellished (CP5) magnetic graphene oxide nanocomposite (MGO@CP5) was smoothly constructed via a mild layer-by-layer method, and further applied in the elimination of MB and BF on MGO@CP5.
From non-conductive MOF to proton-conducting metal-HOFs: a new class of reversible transformations induced by solvent-free mechanochemistry
Authors: Lupa-Myszkowska Magdalena , Oszajca Marcin , Matoga Dariusz
Published: November 2023

All coordination bridges in a non-conductive MOF are broken by force to make the material a proton conductor.
Manipulating the crystal plane angle within the primary particle arrangement for the radial ordered structure in a Ni-rich cathode
Authors: Chen Ting , Wen Chuyao , Wu Chen , Qiu Lang , Wu Zhenguo , Li Jiayang , Zhu Yanfang , Li Haoyu , Kong Qingquan , Song Yang , Wan Fang , Chen Mingzhe , Saadoune Ismael , Zhong Benhe , Dou Shixue , Xiao Yao , Guo Xiaodong
Published: November 2023

The geometric structure and arrangement of primary particles are of great significance for fine control of the radial structure in a Ni-rich cathode.
Keeping an “eye” on the experiment: computer vision for real-time monitoring and control
Authors: El-khawaldeh Rama , Guy Mason , Bork Finn , Taherimakhsousi Nina , Jones Kris N. , Hawkins Joel M. , Han Lu , Pritchard Robert P. , Cole Blaine A. , Monfette Sebastien , Hein Jason E.
Published: November 2023

Chemists heavily rely on visual cues for routine tasks. Here, we introduce a computer vision system to automatically monitor and control diverse workup processes based on visual aspects, advancing toward autonomous operations.
Highly efficient synthesis of zeolite chabazite using cooperative hydration-mismatched inorganic structure-directing agents
Authors: Mallette Adam J. , Espindola Gabriel , Varghese Nathan , Rimer Jeffrey D.
Published: November 2023

Coupling inorganic structure-directing agents with a second cation of different water affinity (e.g., Li+ or Sr2+) leads to cooperative pairings that dramatically reduce synthesis times required to generate zeolite chabazite.
Solar-driven CO2-to-ethanol conversion enabled by continuous CO2 transport via a superhydrophobic Cu2O nano fence
Authors: Huo Hailing , He Hua , Huang Chengxi , Guan Xin , Wu Fang , Du Yongping , Xing Hongbin , Kan Erjun , Li Ang
Published: November 2023

CO2-to-ethanol conversion is achieved using a superhydrophobic Cu2O hollow structure (O–CHS) by continuous CO2 transport, which maintains a high CO2 concentration on the catalyst surface and further lowers the energy barrier for C–C coupling.
Calcium hydride with aluminium for thermochemical energy storage applications
Authors: Desage Lucie , Humphries Terry D. , Paskevicius Mark , Buckley Craig. E.
Published: November 2023

Addition of aluminium to calcium hydride delivers excellent operating conditions for utilisation as a thermal energy storage material.
The N, P co-doped carbon-loading Ni3P@Ni heterojunction nanocomposites derived from polybenzimidazoles grafted with oxygen-phosphorus group as high-efficiency electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Wang Gang , Tang Wenshuai , Yang Shuai , Lu Mingxia , Wei Hongliang , Cui Lifeng , Chen Xiaodong
Published: November 2023

Ni3P@Ni/CNP exhibits excellent OER electrocatalytic activity. The current density of 10 mA cm−2 in 1 M KOH electrolyte only needs an overpotential of 239 mV in the presence of the catalyst, and it showed excellent stability.
Solvation structure regulation of an organic small molecule additive for dendrite-free aqueous zinc-ion batteries
Authors: Li Xiaomin , Miao Jinwei , Hu Fulong , Yan Kang , Song Lin , Fan Huiqing , Ma Longtao , Wang Weijia
Published: November 2023

FA achieves uniform zinc deposition and better low temperature performance of AZIBs by participating in Zn2+ solvation structure, interaction with H2O in electrolyte, preferentially adsorping on Zn surface, and promoting the formation of SEI.
The structural, energetic and dehydrogenation properties of pure and Ti-doped Mg(0001)/MgH2(110) interfaces
Authors: Han Bo , Jia Yuxiao , Wang Jianchuan , Xiao Xuezhang , Chen Lixin , Sun Lixian , Du Yong
Published: November 2023

Hydrogen desorption from pure and Ti-doped Mg(0001)/MgH2(110) interfaces mainly takes place by hydrogen diffusion within the interface rather than across the interface into the Mg matrix, and Ti doping can enhance the hydrogen desorption process.
Lead-free halide perovskites for high-performance thin-film flexible supercapacitor applications
Authors: Yadav Ankur , Saini Ankush , Kumar Praveen , Bag Monojit
Published: November 2023

The growing interest in smart portable electronic devices demands a flexible and lightweight power supply.
Highly crystalline polycyclic aromatic lactam-based regioregular wide-band gap polymer donors for organic solar cells
Authors: Ha Jong-Woon , Park Byoungwook , Ko Seo-Jin , Hwang Do-Hoon
Published: November 2023

The design of wide-band gap polymer donors with complementary absorption to non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) is essential to increase the photovoltaic efficiency of organic solar cells (OSCs).
A comprehensive study on the effect of molecular chain flexibility on the low-temperature curing ability of polyimides
Authors: Huang Shan , Zhang Yao , Lai Xingwang , Lv Xialei , Li Jinhui , Qiu Siyao , Zhang Guoping , Sun Rong
Published: November 2023

As stringent demands for PI materials with low-temperature curable properties have increased in the high-frequency communication era, the introduction of flexible structures has gained prominence for enhancing molecular chain mobility.
High-performance shortwave deep-UV response-enhanced photodetector based on nanoporous AlGaO/AlGaN with efficient light-harvesting
Authors: Zheng Zhihua , Zhao Yongming , Jian Pengcheng , Tan Shizhou , Wu Feng , Liu Weijie , Yang Yiming , Kim Munho , Dai Jiangnan , Chen Changqing
Published: November 2023

In this article, a photodetector (PD) based on nanoporous (NP) AlGaO/AlGaN with efficient light capture and enhanced shortwave deep-UV (DUV) response has been demonstrated.
Evaluation of nitrogen fate from land-application wastewater treatment for cheese making and vegetable processing facilities
Authors: Siemering Geoffrey S. , Arriaga Francisco J. , VanderLeest Clay P. , Naatz Sarah L.
Published: November 2023

Cheese making and vegetable processing are vital industries worldwide, but their operations generate billions of liters of wastewater annually that must be managed in an environmentally safe yet cost-effective manner.
Development of Wind‐Powered Smart Transition Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Authors: Mohanty Soumya , Pati Swagat , Kar Sanjeeb Kumar , Flah Aymen , El-Bayeh Claude Ziad , Veerendra A. S.
Published: November 2023

The power industry is embracing green energy solutions to meet growing demand along with advancement in its technological innovations. Among the myriad innovations, electric spring stands out as a cutting‐edge technology, embracing the concept of smart load to intelligently manage power systems. Concurrently, the emergence of electric vehicles (EVs) has paved the way for a new branch of power networks in the transport system. Ingeniously combining these two trends, a smart charging mechanism has been developed through an EV charging station within an isolated microgrid having a wind energy conversion system as the lone and primary source. To ensure optimal performance and stability, a sophisticated smoothening band charge controller has been developed. This controller enables seamless transitions between fast and slow charging modes, effectively curbing noncritical voltage fluctuations beyond permissible thresholds. In order to demonstrate the superior efficacy of the smoothening band charge controller, a comprehensive comparative study was conducted, analyzing its performance against rapid transition controllers. The results highlight the remarkable advantages of the smoothening band approach, further solidifying its significance in future smart charging systems. To validate the proposed system, rigorous testing was carried out using the state‐of‐the‐art OPAL‐RT 4510 real‐time simulator. The successful validation marks a pivotal step toward the widespread adoption of this innovative and environmentally conscious approach in the power industry.
Estimating tolerable communication delays for distributed optimization problems in control of heterogeneous multi‐agent systems
Authors: Rahimi Farshad , Mahboobi Esfanjani Reza
Published: November 2023

This study addresses the problem of distributed optimization in control of heterogeneous linear multi‐agent systems. Instead of assuming a perfect communication medium as in many existing approaches, two important issues arising from communication networks are considered. First, the existence of communication delays is assumed when each agent receives information from its neighbors. Second, since communication networks are generally unreliable, it is assumed that each agent interacts with other agents through random digraphs. Finally, delay‐dependent sufficient conditions are derived in the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) to prove convergence to optimal solutions. Numerical simulation results are analyzed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Tensor‐based matched‐field processing applied to the SWellEx‐96 data
Authors: Zhu Fangwei , Zheng Guangying , Guo Xiaowei , Wang Fangyong , Du Shuanping , Bai Linlang
Published: November 2023

This study proposed a matched field source localization method based on tensor decomposition. By considering the advantages of tensors in multidimensional data processing, a three‐dimensional tensor signal model of space‐time‐frequency is constructed, and the signal subspace is estimated using high‐order singular value decomposition. The source position is estimated by matching the measured data tensor signal subspace with the replica field tensor signal subspace. The S5 event data of SWellEx‐96 is processed by the proposed tensor‐based matched‐field processing (TMFP). The comparison with the results of conventional matched field processing shows that TMFP has a better suppression effect on ambient noise under low SNR and better source localization performance.
Weniger arbeiten, mehr verdienen?
Authors: Heeser Alexandra
Published: November 2023

Die 35-Stunden-Woche oder die Vier-Tage-Woche sind auf dem Vormarsch, um die Arbeitsbedingungen in der Pflege zu verbessern und die Work-Life-Balance der Pflegekräfte zu erhöhen – und so auch auf sein eigenes Konto als attraktiver Arbeitgeber einzuzahlen. Doch was hat es damit auf sich?
Enzymatic Kinetic Resolution (EKR) of α-Allenols Enabled by a Commercially Available Immobilized Lipase
Authors: Zhu Can , Zhang Tianyu
Published: November 2023

Enzymatic kinetic resolution (EKR) of racemates has been considered as an efficient and scalable technology to deliver enantiopure substances in an environmentally benign way. Herein, we develop a practical EKR of α-allenols enabled by a commercially available immobilized lipase, Lipozyme TL-IM. The stereoselectivity factor (S-factor) of this kinetic resolution (KR) was investigated to reach up to >1000. The robust nature of the EKR strategy is reflected by a broad scope of α-allenol substrates with the excellent control of enantioselectivity. This method offers an alternative approach to access chiral α-allenols, which can be easily transformed into many valuable oxycycles.
Relationship between Age and The Histopathological Features to Chemotherapy Response in Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Lukman Kiki , Gunawan Gun Gun , Rudiman Reno , Sribudiani Yunia , Hasibuan Lisa Y. , Dewayani Birgitta M. , Nugraha Prapanca , Primastari Etis
Published: November 2023

Introduction Chemotherapy response in early age-onset colorectal cancer patients is still controversial, and the results of chemotherapy response are unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between the age of colorectal cancer patients and histopathological features and chemotherapy response.

Methods This is a prospective observational study. The subjects in this study were colorectal cancer patients in the Digestive Surgery division at Tertiary Hospital in West Java from September 2021 to September 2022.

Results There were 86 subjects who underwent chemotherapy in accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Consisting of 39 patients of early age onset and 44 female patients. The most common histopathological feature in early age onset (EAO) and late age onset (LAO) was adenocarcinoma (25% and 46%, respectively). Stage III colorectal cancer affected 38 patients, while stage IV affected 48 patients. There was a significant relationship between early age onset and late age onset with histological features (p < 0.001). The patients with the highest chemotherapy response had stable diseases in EAO (17 patients) and LAO (20 patients). There was no statistically significant relationship between age, histological features, and stage of colorectal cancer and chemotherapy response (p > 0.05). The results of the ordinal logistic regression test showed no systematic relationship between chemotherapy response and age, histopathological features, gender, or cancer stage (p > 0.05).

Conclusion There was no association between age and histopathologic features with chemotherapy response and there is no difference in chemotherapy response between early and late age onset.