bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Target-induced hot spot construction for sensitive and selective surface-enhanced Raman scattering detection of matrix metalloproteinase MMP-9
Authors: Jin Huihui , Liu Tianqing , Sun Dan
Published: January 2024

Studies have found that matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) plays a significant role in cancer cell invasion, metastasis, and tumor growth. But it is a challenge to go for highly sensitive and selective detection and targeting of MMP-9 due to the similar structure and function of the MMP proteins family. Herein, a novel surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensing strategy was developed based on the aptamer-induced SERS “hot spot” formation for the extremely sensitive and selective determination of MMP-9. To develop the nanosensor, one group of gold nanospheres was modified with MMP-9 aptamer and its complementary strand DNA1, while DNA2 (complementary to DNA1) and the probe molecule 5,5′-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) were grafted on the surface of the other group of gold nanospheres. In the absence of MMP-9, DTNB located on the 13-nm gold nanospheres has only generated a very weak SERS signal. However, when MMP-9 is present, the aptamer preferentially binds to the MMP-9 to construct MMP-9–aptamer complex. The bare DNA1 can recognize and bind to DNA2, which causes them to move in close proximity and create a SERS hot spot effect. Due to this action, the SERS signal of DTNB located at the nanoparticle gap is greatly enhanced, achieving highly sensitive detection of MMP-9. Since the hot spot effect is caused by the aptamer that specifically recognizes MMP-9, the approach exhibits excellent selectivity for MMP-9 detection. Based on the benefits of both high sensitivity and excellent selectivity, this method was used to distinguish the difference in MMP-9 levels between normal and cancer cells as well as the expression of MMP-9 from cancer cells with different degrees of metastasis. In addition, this strategy can accurately reflect the dynamic changes in intracellular MMP-9 levels, stimulated by the MMP-9 activator and inhibitor. This strategy is expected to be transformed into a new technique for diagnosis of specific cancers related to MMP-9 and assessing the extent of cancer occurrence, development and metastasis.

Graphical Abstract
Design of effective suction force sensible vacuum gripper by a 6-axis force sensor
Authors: Izumi Sou , Ikemoto Shuhei
Published: January 2024

This study proposes a vacuum gripper that can measure the effective suction force applied to an object using a 6-axis force sensor. The object falling in a vacuum gripper occurs when a gap between the object and the pad no longer allows the negative pressure in the chamber. This is rephrased as the absence of a compression force between the object and the pad. Therefore, the force distribution that the attached object pushes the pad during suction reflects the external force, i.e. the effective suction force, required to remove the object. To confirm the validity of the developed vacuum gripper, we conducted an experiment where the developed vacuum gripper sucks a flat plate. As a result, we confirmed that the 6-axis force sensor’s signals mean the effective suction force by applying an external force to remove the place.
Status of the invasion of Carpobrotus edulis in Uruguay based on citizen science records
Authors: Grattarola Florencia , Rodríguez-Tricot Lucía , Zarucki Matías , Laufer Gabriel
Published: January 2024

Carpobrotus edulis, a highly invasive plant species repeatedly introduced along the Atlantic coast of South America, poses a significant threat to the ecological integrity of coastal dune ecosystems in Uruguay. This study used 15 years of iNaturalist records to assess the magnitude of Carpobrotus invasion, focusing on its distribution, abundance, and reproductive phenology. Through the analysis of georeferenced and dated data, we determined that Carpobrotus has spread extensively, covering a 10-km-wide coastal area and occupying approximately 220 km along the Atlantic coast and the outer Rio de la Plata estuary. Records have increased in the last three years, with a summer prevalence of 52.9%, due to higher activity on the platform. The species exhibited two flowering peaks in spring and autumn, suggesting an extended reproductive period. The widespread presence of this species in both natural and urbanized areas highlights the urgent need for effective management strategies to mitigate its impact on native biodiversity. Utilizing citizen science platforms like iNaturalist has been instrumental in monitoring and documenting processes of invasion. However, further investigations are necessary, particularly in less sampled regions, to fully understand the extent of Carpobrotus invasion. To protect the country’s coastal ecosystems, it is crucial for local authorities to reassess current practices related to non-native species ornamental planting. By addressing the invasion of C. edulis, the ecological integrity of coastal dune ecosystems can be preserved, ensuring the survival of native flora and fauna along Uruguay’s Atlantic coast.
Emotion Recognition Deficits in Children and Adolescents with Psychopathic Traits: A Systematic Review
Authors: Díaz-Vázquez Beatriz , López-Romero Laura , Romero Estrella
Published: January 2024

Children and adolescents with psychopathic traits show deficits in emotion recognition, but there is no consensus as to the extent of their generalizability or about the variables that may be moderating the process. The present Systematic Review brings together the existing scientific corpus on the subject and attempts to answer these questions through an exhaustive review of the existing literature according to PRISMA 2020 statement. Results confirmed the existence of pervasive deficits in emotion recognition and, more specifically, on distress emotions (e.g., fear), a deficit that transcends all modalities of emotion presentation and all emotional stimuli used. Moreover, they supported the key role of attention to relevant areas that provide emotional cues (e.g., eye-region) and point out differences according to the presence of disruptive behavior and based on the psychopathy dimension examined. This evidence could advance the current knowledge on developmental models of psychopathic traits. Yet, homogenization of the conditions of research in this area should be prioritized to be able to draw more robust and generalizable conclusions.
miRNAs in pancreatic cancer progression and metastasis
Authors: Mok Ellie T. Y. , Chitty Jessica L. , Cox Thomas R.
Published: January 2024

Small non-coding RNA or microRNA (miRNA) are critical regulators of eukaryotic cells. Dysregulation of miRNA expression and function has been linked to a variety of diseases including cancer. They play a complex role in cancers, having both tumour suppressor and promoter properties. In addition, a single miRNA can be involved in regulating several mRNAs or many miRNAs can regulate a single mRNA, therefore assessing these roles is essential to a better understanding in cancer initiation and development. Pancreatic cancer is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide, in part due to the lack of diagnostic tools and limited treatment options. The most common form of pancreatic cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), is characterised by major genetic mutations that drive cancer initiation and progression. The regulation or interaction of miRNAs with these cancer driving mutations suggests a strong link between the two. Understanding this link between miRNA and PDAC progression may give rise to novel treatments or diagnostic tools. This review summarises the role of miRNAs in PDAC, the downstream signalling pathways that they play a role in, how these are being used and studied as therapeutic targets as well as prognostic/diagnostic tools to improve the clinical outcome of PDAC.
Soluble molecular switches in electrospun nanofibers
Authors: Brehme Jules , Kilic Maximilian Seydi , Pawlak Justus , Renz Franz , Sindelar Ralf Franz
Published: January 2024

Compounds that exhibit the spin crossover effect are known to show a change of spin states through external stimuli. This reversible switching of spin states is accompanied by a change of the properties of the compound. Complexes, like iron (II)-triazole complexes, that exhibit this behavior at ambient temperature are often discussed for potential applications. In previous studies we synthesized iron (II)-triazole complexes and implemented them into electrospun nanofibers. We used Mössbauer spectroscopy in first studies to prove a successful implementation with maintaining spin crossover properties. Further studies from us showed that it is possible to use different electrospinning methods to either do a implementation or a deposition of the synthesized solid SCO material into or onto the polymer nanofibers. We now used a solvent in which both, the used iron (II)-triazole complex [Fe(atrz)3](2 ns)2 and three different polymers (Polyacrylonitrile, Polymethylmethacrylate and Polyvinylpyrrolidone), are soluble. This shall lead to a higher homogeneous distribution of the complex along the nanofibers. Mössbauer spectroscopy and other measurements are therefore in use to show a successful implementation without any significant changes to the complex.
The success of Quercus ilex plantations in agricultural fields in eastern Spain
Authors: García-Fayos P. , Molina M. J. , Espigares T. , Tormo J. , Orduna Y. , Nicolau J. M. , López-Gurillo B. , Moreno de las Heras M. , Bochet E.
Published: January 2024

Twenty-five years after planting, we measured the survival, growth and reproduction of 153 Quercus ilex plantations promoted by the afforestation programme of the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy in agricultural fields in the east of the Iberian Peninsula, as a function of climatic aridity and stand characteristics related to water supply and competition among trees for water. Using field sampling, we found that, on average, 80% of the trees in plantations survived, more than 55% had already produced acorns and the tallest tree in each field exceeded 4 m, which are all higher values than those reported for forest plantations of this species in the same area and which represent the overcoming of the limitations imposed by climatic aridity on the natural regeneration of the species. A small proportion of the variation in all success variables was explained by water-related plantation characteristics, such as planting density, drought intensity in the year after planting, and soil permeability. However, climatic aridity only influenced the proportion of reproductive trees, but not the other variables of plantation success. However, most of the variation in planting success variables was linked to who owned the field, which nursery produced the seedlings, and the year of planting. Our results support the idea that the deep soils of agricultural fields counteract the negative effect of climatic aridity on plant performance, but that it is necessary to standardise nursery and planting practices, adapt planting density to the environmental characteristics of the site and provide irrigation supply in the early years to ensure the success of future plantations.
Common synaptic inputs and persistent inward currents of vastus lateralis motor units are reduced in older male adults
Authors: Guo Yuxiao , Jones Eleanor J. , Škarabot Jakob , Inns Thomas B. , Phillips Bethan E. , Atherton Philip J. , Piasecki Mathew
Published: January 2024

Although muscle atrophy may partially account for age-related strength decline, it is further influenced by alterations of neural input to muscle. Persistent inward currents (PIC) and the level of common synaptic inputs to motoneurons influence neuromuscular function. However, these have not yet been described in the aged human quadriceps. High-density surface electromyography (HDsEMG) signals were collected from the vastus lateralis of 15 young (mean ± SD, 23 ± 5 y) and 15 older (67 ± 9 y) men during submaximal sustained and 20-s ramped contractions. HDsEMG signals were decomposed to identify individual motor unit discharges, from which PIC amplitude and intramuscular coherence were estimated. Older participants produced significantly lower knee extensor torque (p < 0.001) and poorer force tracking ability (p < 0.001) than young. Older participants also had lower PIC amplitude (p = 0.001) and coherence estimates in the alpha frequency band (p < 0.001) during ramp contractions when compared to young. Persistent inward currents and common synaptic inputs are lower in the vastus lateralis of older males when compared to young. These data highlight altered neural input to the clinically and functionally important quadriceps, further underpinning age-related loss of function which may occur independently of the loss of muscle mass.
Concomitant Precipitation of Intermetallic β-NiAl and Carbides in a Precipitation Hardened Steel
Authors: Jakob S. , Hörnqvist Colliander M. , Kawser J. , Rashidi S. , Ooi S. W. , Thuvander M.
Published: January 2024

The investigated steel is hardened by precipitation of both intermetallic β-NiAl particles and carbides. Around peak hardness, here reached after aging at 520 °C for 6 h, the number density of β-NiAl particles is 2.4 × 1024 and 4.4 × 1023 for carbides, respectively. The carbides and β-NiAl often form co-precipitates with presumably the carbides nucleating on the β-NiAl precipitates. The secondary carbides are mainly of the Cr-rich M23C6 type in the investigated states. The steel has a good resistance against over-aging, whereby the β-NiAl coarsen considerably slower than the carbides.
Design and Optimization of an Integrated Power System of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell and Marine Low-Speed Dual-Fuel Engine
Authors: Qu Jinbo , Feng Yongming , Wu Yunjin , Zhu Yuanqing , Wu Binyang , Xiao Zhongxu
Published: January 2024

A combined system including a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and an internal combustion engine (ICE) is proposed in this paper. First, a 0-D model of SOFC and a 1-D model of ICE are built as agent models. Second, parameter analysis of the system is conducted based on SOFC and ICE models. Results show that the number of cells, current density, and fuel utilization can influence SOFC and ICE. Moreover, a deep neural network is applied as a data-driven model to conduct optimized calculations efficiently, as achieved by the particle swarm optimization algorithm in this paper. The results demonstrate that the optimal system efficiency of 51.8% can be achieved from a 22.4%/77.6% SOFC-ICE power split at 6 000 kW power output. Furthermore, promising improvements in efficiency of 5.1% are achieved compared to the original engine. Finally, a simple economic analysis model, which shows that the payback period of the optimal system is 8.41 years, is proposed in this paper.
Evaluation of different fractionation methods for the simultaneous protein and carbohydrate extraction from microalgae
Authors: Martins Pedro L. , Duarte Luís C. , Pereira Helena , Reis Alberto , Carvalheiro Florbela
Published: January 2024

The production of high-value products from microalgae, one of the preferred emerging biorefineries’ feedstocks, relies on the crucial step of biomass fractionation. In this work, the fractionation of Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus obliquus biomass was tested for protein extraction using a wide range of physical, chemical, and enzymatic treatment combinations, including ultrasound, cell homogenizer, cellulase, and alcalase combinations in aqueous and alkali extraction conditions. The impact of these processes on biomass carbohydrates was also evaluated. Alkaline-assisted ultrasound treatments using alcalase presented the highest protein extraction yield, reaching 90 g/100 g protein on C. vulgaris, closely followed by the same treatment in aqueous conditions (85 g/100 g protein). The same aqueous treatment achieved the best performance on S. obliquus, reaching 82 g/100 g protein. All treatments on both microalgae partially solubilized the polysaccharide fraction with all alkaline treatments solubilizing over 50 g/100 g sugars for all conditions. Overall, all the treatments applied were effective methods for biomass fractionation, although they showed low selectivity regarding the individual extraction of protein or carbohydrates.
Optimization and kinetic study of biodiesel production from Jatropha curcas oil in supercritical methanol environment using ZnO/γ-Al2O3 catalyst
Authors: Ceran Zeliha Derya , Demir Velid , Akgün Mesut
Published: January 2024

In this study, the conversion of crude Jatropha curcas oil into biodiesel through transesterification was investigated in the presence of heterogeneous solid catalysts under supercritical methanol environment. The principal impetuses catalyzing the expansion in optimal biodiesel production are primarily attributed to the increasing demand for sustainable energy sources, the availability of raw materials, and innovations in production methodologies. To maintain the optimization, 6 wt% and 10 wt% of zinc oxide (ZnO) were incorporated into gamma-alumina (γ-Al2O3) through a wet impregnation method followed by calcination at 900 °C. Furthermore, the study examined the effect of alcohol/oil molar ratio, reaction temperature, and reaction time on the process to achieve maximum biodiesel production. The study revealed that a catalyst consisting of 10 wt% ZnO on γ-Al2O3 exhibited exceptional performance with a biodiesel yield of 95.64% under the reaction conditions of a molar ratio of 1:40 oil to methanol, a temperature of 300 °C, a pressure of 9 MPa, and a residence time of 3 min compared to the yield of 100% under same condition at residence time of 9 min. After thorough investigation, the kinetics of the catalytic transesterification reaction were elucidated, and suitable kinetic parameters were proposed.
Factors affecting the prolongation of glycemic time in range among children with type 1 diabetes using continuous glucose monitoring systems: A case control study
Authors: Emilia Kowalczyk-Korcz , Agnieszka Szypowska
Published: January 2024

Background

Time in range is a reliable measure of the risk of diabetes complications. High percentage of patients with diabetes fail to achieve the recommended time in range (TIR) target of 70–180 mg/dl (3.9–10 mmol/l) >70%.

Objective

This study aimed to identify factors influencing TIR prolongation.

Methods

Children aged 1–17 years with >1-year type 1 diabetes (T1D) duration, treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) ≥3 months, using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) or intermittently scanned CGM (is-CGM) ≥1 month, and with a registration time >70% were included. Data were collected during routine diabetology visits at an outpatient clinic. Insulin pump and CGM or is-CGM reports in the most recent 14 days were recorded using a dedicated software. Legal caregivers were also asked to complete a questionnaire on how the patients use the insulin pump functions and eating habits.

Results

A sample of 110 patients was categorized into two groups: those with TIR >70% and TIR ≤70%. TIR ≤70% group presented with repeated hyperglycemia and a high glycemic variability coefficient of variation. We noted an acceptable hypoglycemia rate (3%), regardless of the TIR value. Patients with TIR >70% predominantly used predictive low glucose suspend system, maintained adequate intervals between insulin delivery and meal consumption, used the “bolus calculator” function, and more frequently created electronic reports.

Conclusions

Hyperglycemia and high glycemic variability prevent patients from achieving the target TIR. Advanced features in the CGM systems, premeal insulin bolus, and patients’ involvement in diabetes treatment are the main factors contributing to TIR prolongation.
Critical Role of Coopetition Among Supply Chains for Blockchain Adoption: Review of Reviews and Mixed-Method Analysis
Authors: Faisal Mohd. Nishat , Sabir Lamay Bin , AlNaimi Maryam Saad , Sharif Khurrum J. , Uddin S. M. Fatah
Published: January 2024

The major purpose of this study is to investigate the role of coopetition among supply chains in blockchain adoption leading to sustainability in supply chains. This research uses a three-step process. First, a review of reviews is conducted to search the variables that would positively influence adoption of blockchain in supply chain. In the second step, total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) was utilized to understand the relationships among the enablers. Following the qualitative phase, an empirical study was conducted to test the hypotheses related to the mediating role of coopetition. Review of reviews identified 17 variables that can positively influence blockchain adoption in supply chain. The findings of TISM model revealed the hierarchical relationship among the enablers of blockchain adoption for supply chain management based on their relative importance. The results of the SEM-based study indicated that ‘coopetition’ plays a mediating role between the driver and dependent variables leading to sustainable supply chain. The research offers practical insights to integrate blockchain application in the supply chains leading to better supply chain transparency and ultimately sustainability. The research would support managers to develop suitable strategies to strengthen mechanism to enhance coopetition among competing supply chain to realize the benefits of emerging technologies. The originality of the study lies in the study of variables that influence blockchain adoption in supply chain using a mixed-method approach. Further, the research establishes the critical role of coopetition in achieving the benefits of blockchain adoption.
Contributions of Positive Psychology to Higher Education Across Asia: A Scoping Review and Unifying Thematic Framework
Authors: Hall Deborah A. , Juliana Jesika , Manickam Mageswary , Sunil Singh Anil Singh Toor , Wei Sylvia Tan Sze , Vuong Phuong Anh , Wu Feifei , Firdaus Amira
Published: January 2024

Positive psychology offers a scientific window onto understanding and enhancing the welfare and growth of university communities, and as well as improving academic performance. This holistic approach is on the rise, yet most research is conducted in Western countries. This situation prevails despite the fact that two-thirds of the world’s population live in Asia. This review collated and synthesised published work on applications of positive psychology in higher education conducted in Asia, to describe the current status, explore conceptual perspectives and identify knowledge gaps. A total of 147 articles (157 experimental studies), published since 2000, were included. These were descriptive explorations (12.1%), quantifying associations between positive psychology constructs (62.4%), interventions (19.7%), and psychometric evaluations (5.7%). Key topics were academic leadership, organisational commitment, student engagement and foreign language learning. The thematic framework centered on ‘Optimal Functioning’, with ‘Personal Resources One Can Draw On’ and ‘How One Interacts With The World’ as direct influencing factors, and ‘Environment’ as an indirect factor. Across the Asian region, positive psychology’s major contribution is to identify what types of personal resources are associated with optimal functioning in higher education, but there is little high-quality evidence for intervention benefits, nor a deep understanding of how those resources can be effectively deployed to achieve well-being. As part of the third-wave positive psychology movement, scholars in Asia can play a greater leading role in re-evaluating traditional Western concepts to account for the socio-cultural context in which students and staff are embedded.
Explicit Behavior Interaction with Heterogeneous Graph for Multi-behavior Recommendation
Authors: Zhang Zhongping , Jia Yin , Hou Yuehan , Yu Xinlu
Published: January 2024

Multi-behavior recommendation systems exploit multi-type user–item interactions (e.g., clicking, adding to cart and collecting) as auxiliary behaviors for user modeling, which can alleviate the problem of data sparsity faced by traditional recommendation systems. The key point of multi-behavior recommendation systems is to make full use of the auxiliary behavior information for the learning of user preferences. However, there are two challenges in existing methods that need to be explored: (1) capturing personalized user preferences based on multiple auxiliary behaviors, especially for negative feedback signals; and (2) explicitly modeling the semantics between auxiliary and target behaviors, and learning the explicit interactions between multiple behaviors. To tackle the two problems described above, we propose a novel model, called explicit behavior interaction with heterogeneous graph for multi-behavior recommendation (MB-EBIH). In particular, we first construct a heterogeneous behavior graph, including both positive and negative behaviors. A pre-trained model based on graph neural network (GNN) is then used to generate explicit behavior interaction values as the edge weights for the heterogeneous behavior graph. These weights reflect the importance of each of the auxiliary behaviors in an explicit manner. Finally, the extracted explicit behavior interaction information is incorporated into the multi-behavior user–item bipartite graphs to learn better representations. Experimental results on four real-world datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of our model in terms of exploring multi-behavioral data; and ablation and analysis experiments further demonstrate the effectiveness of explicit behavior interaction information.
Making Archaeological Collections More Findable and Accessible through Increased Coordination
Authors: Neller Angela , Heckman Jasmine , Bollwerk Elizabeth , Myers Kelsey Noack , Wells Josh
Published: January 2024

Archaeologists seek to improve our understanding of the past by studying, preserving, protecting, and sharing nonreplaceable archaeological resources. Archaeological collections hold information that can assist these aims as long as they are properly cared for, identified, and accessible. One of the most serious barriers is the lack of large-scale coordinated efforts to make archaeological collections findable and accessible. This article suggests that developing and implementing the use of a standardized set of attributes regarding collections provides solutions and strategies to find collections. These attributes can connect and standardize existing archaeological collections from a variety of sources (federal and state agencies, CRM firms, Indigenous and descendant communities, and academic departments), serving the profession in multiple ways. Most critically, the baseline data can be synthesized to inform and direct priorities for future fieldwork, thereby decreasing redundancy in archaeological collections and improving curation efforts nationwide. Such efforts would also provide a resource to students and researchers looking to understand and interpret the past at multiple scales by encouraging more collections-based research and less archaeological site destruction. Access for descendant communities will also be improved with information about their cultural heritage. This, in turn, encourages transparency and collaboration between those communities and archaeologists.
POINCARÉ–WEYL’S PREDICATIVITY: GOING BEYOND
$\Gamma _{0}$
Authors: AVRON ARNON
Published: January 2024

On the basis of Poincaré and Weyl’s view of predicativity as invariance, we develop an extensive framework for predicative, type-free first-order set theory in which
$\Gamma _0$
and much bigger ordinals can be defined as von Neumann ordinals. This refutes the accepted view of
$\Gamma _0$
as the “limit of predicativity”.
Development of a sea-ice tank system for measuring microwave properties of sea ice
Authors: Nakayama Masashige , Naoki Kazuhiro , Tanikawa Tomonori , Cho Kohei
Published: January 2024

An outdoor sea-ice tank system for measuring the microwave properties of sea ice has been developed. With the natural cooling and the help of a cooling unit in the movable roof attached to the tank, the system can grow sea ice to about 50 cm thickness continuously without the effects of snowfall and/or melting. Portable microwave radiometers are attached beside the tank to measure the brightness temperature of the ice. As sea ice grows, the system can measure microwave brightness temperature, and seawater/ice temperature at each depth and thickness of sea ice. The bulk salinity of sea ice is measured by sampling. The following results were obtained from experiments conducted during two winters. (1) Rapid desalination was observed during the early stages of growth with ice thicknesses of 0–5 cm. (2) A new relational expression between ice thickness and bulk salinity at this thickness was obtained. (3) The rapid rise in microwave brightness temperature associated with the increase in sea-ice thickness during the early stages of sea-ice growth was captured in each frequency band. The microwave measurements from the sea-ice tank system are expected to provide new insights into the microwave properties of sea ice.
Enhancing Clear Radiance Generation for Geostationary Hyperspectral Infrared Sounder Using High Temporal Resolution Information
Authors: Di Di , Li Jun , Li Zhenglong , Zheng Jing , Gong Xinya
Published: January 2024

With high spatio‐temporal resolution geostationary hyperspectral infrared sounder (GeoHIS) observations, monitoring, and predicting rapidly changing weather events are expected to be improved with continuous information of 3D weather cube. However, due to the nature of radiation, clouds prevent an adequate retrieval of atmospheric thermodynamic information under clear‐sky conditions due to large uncertainties in the current radiative transfer model. Removing cloud effects from GeoHIS sub‐footprint is an alternative approach for enhancing clear radiance generation. Such cloud removal can be achieved through the optimal cloud‐clearing (OCC) method, which usually relies on the assumption of atmospheric spatial homogeneity. With high temporal resolution observations from GeoHIS, cloud removal can also be achieved through OCC but using the assumption of temporal homogeneity. This concept was demonstrated using 15‐min Geostationary Interferometric Infrared Sounder (GIIRS) observations. The longwave GIIRS clear radiances under partially cloud cover can be effectively produced with observation errors less than 0.02 ± 0.86 K and 0.04 ± 0.77 K for 11 and 12 μm, respectively.
Activation of RMTg projections to the VTA reverse cocaine-induced molecular adaptation in the reward system
Authors: Khayat A. , Yaka R.
Published: January 2024

The rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg) plays a crucial role in regulating reward-related behavior by exerting inhibitory control over the ventral tegmental area (VTA). This modulation of dopamine neuron activity within the VTA is essential for maintaining homeostasis in the reward system. Recently we have shown that activation of RMTg projections to the VTA during the acquisition of cocaine-conditioned place preference (CPP) reduces the rewarding properties of cocaine and decreases VTA dopamine neuron activity. By inhibiting dopamine neurons in the VTA, we hypothesized that RMTg projections hold the potential to restore reward system homeostasis disrupted by repeated cocaine use, and attenuate molecular adaptations in the reward system, including alterations in signaling pathways. Our study demonstrates that enhancing the GABAergic inputs from the RMTg to the VTA can mitigate cocaine-induced molecular changes in key regions, namely the VTA, nucleus accumbens (NAc), and prefrontal cortex (PFC). Specifically, we found that cocaine-induced alteration in the phosphorylation state of ERK (pERK) and GluA1 on serine 845 (S845) and serine 831 (S831), that play a major role in plasticity by controlling the activity and trafficking of AMPA receptors, were significantly reversed following optic stimulation of RMTg afferents to the VTA. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting the RMTg-VTA circuitry for mitigating cocaine reward. Ultimately, this research may pave the way for novel therapeutic interventions that restore balance in the reward system and alleviate the detrimental effects of cocaine.
CHEK2 knockout is a therapeutic target for TP53-mutated hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chen Yuyan , Zhu Zhengyi , Wu Xingyu , Li Hui , Guan Wenxian , Ren Haozhen
Published: January 2024

Currently, there is still a lack of novel and effective drug targets to improve the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Additionally, the role of CHEK2 in HCC has not been reported yet. The eQTLgen database and two HCC Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) datasets (ieu-b-4953, ICD10 C22.0) were used to find the drug target: CHEK2. Next, Colony, Edu, β-gal, and cell cycle analysis were facilitated to evaluate the role of CHEK2 knockout in HCC. In addition, Nultin-3 was added to evaluate the apoptosis of TP53-mutated HCC cells with CHEK2 knockout. Furthermore, MitoSox, electron microscopy, mitochondrial ATP, and NADH+/NADH levels were assessed in the CHEK2 knockout HCC cells with or without Metformin. Finally, cell-derived tumor xenograft was used to evaluate the role of CHEK2 knockout in vivo. We initially identified a potential drug target, CHEK2, through GWAS data analysis. Furthermore, we observed a significant upregulation of CHEK2 expression in HCC, which was found to be correlated with a poor prognosis. Subsequently, the results indicated that knocking out CHEK2 selectively affects the proliferation, cell cycle, senescence, and apoptosis of TP53-mutant HCC cells. Additionally, the introduction of Nultin-3 further intensified the functional impact on TP53-mutant cells. Then ClusterProfiler results showed high CHEK2 and TP53 mutation group was positively enriched in the mitochondrial ATP pathway. Then we used MitoSox, electron microscopy, mitochondrial ATP, and NADH + /NADH assay and found knockout of CHECK could induce the ATP pathway to inhibit the growth of HCC. Our research introduces a novel drug target for TP53-mutant HCC cells via mitochondrial ATP, addressing the limitation of Nultin-3 as a standalone treatment that does not induce tumor cell death.
Mode-dependent magnonic noise
Authors: Furukawa Ryo , Nezu Shoki , Eguchi Takuro , Sekiguchi Koji
Published: January 2024

The performance of magnonic devices such as converters, switches, and multiplexers greatly depends on magnonic noise. While a peculiar discrete magnonic noise has been previously reported, the sources of underlying magnon dynamics occurring in high-magnon density conditions have not been clarified. Here, zero-span measurements of the spectrum analyzer were recorded to accurately detect magnonic noise as a fluctuation of the spin-wave amplitude. The results of low-frequency magnonic noise demonstrated a spin-wave mode dependency, indicating the existence of a peculiar magnon surface state. Furthermore, the energy thresholds of four-magnon scattering and autooscillation were determined using magnonic white noise. The noise data obtained in this study can help promote theoretical and experimental research on magnons.
Ultrabroadband absorptive refractory plasmonics for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reactions
Authors: Go Myeongcheol , Hong Inju , Lee Dasol , Kim Sanghoon , Jang Junho , Kim Keon-Woo , Shim Sangmin , Yong Kijung , Rho Junsuk , Kim Jin Kon
Published: January 2024

As an environmentally friendly and renewable method for hydrogen production powered by solar energy, photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs) using broadband absorbers have received much attention. Here, we report the fabrication and characterization of an ultrabroadband absorber for the photocatalytic HER. The absorber is composed of titanium nitride and titanium dioxide heterostructures deposited onto a porous anodized aluminum oxide template. The absorber shows ultrabroadband absorption in both the visible and near-infrared regions (400–2500 nm), with averages of 99.1% and 80.1%, respectively. Additionally, the presence of the TiO2 layer within the absorber extends the lifetime of the hot carriers by 2.7 times longer than that without the TiO2 layer, enhancing the transfer of hot electrons and improving the efficiency of hydrogen production by 1.9 times. This novel ultrabroadband absorber has potential use in advanced photocatalytic HER applications, providing a sustainable and cost-effective route for hydrogen generation from solar energy.
Endothelial leakiness elicited by amyloid protein aggregation
Authors: Li Yuhuan , Ni Nengyi , Lee Myeongsang , Wei Wei , Andrikopoulos Nicholas , Kakinen Aleksandr , Davis Thomas P. , Song Yang , Ding Feng , Leong David Tai , Ke Pu Chun
Published: January 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a major cause of dementia debilitating the global ageing population. Current understanding of the AD pathophysiology implicates the aggregation of amyloid beta (Aβ) as causative to neurodegeneration, with tauopathies, apolipoprotein E and neuroinflammation considered as other major culprits. Curiously, vascular endothelial barrier dysfunction is strongly associated with Aβ deposition and 80-90% AD subjects also experience cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Here we show amyloid protein-induced endothelial leakiness (APEL) in human microvascular endothelial monolayers as well as in mouse cerebral vasculature. Using signaling pathway assays and discrete molecular dynamics, we revealed that the angiopathy first arose from a disruption to vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin junctions exposed to the nanoparticulates of Aβ oligomers and seeds, preceding the earlier implicated proinflammatory and pro-oxidative stressors to endothelial leakiness. These findings were analogous to nanomaterials-induced endothelial leakiness (NanoEL), a major phenomenon in nanomedicine depicting the paracellular transport of anionic inorganic nanoparticles in the vasculature. As APEL also occurred in vitro with the oligomers and seeds of alpha synuclein, this study proposes a paradigm for elucidating the vascular permeation, systemic spread, and cross-seeding of amyloid proteins that underlie the pathogeneses of AD and Parkinson’s disease.
Genetic architecture distinguishes tinnitus from hearing loss
Authors: Clifford Royce E. , Maihofer Adam X. , Chatzinakos Chris , Coleman Jonathan R. I. , Daskalakis Nikolaos P. , Gasperi Marianna , Hogan Kelleigh , Mikita Elizabeth A. , Stein Murray B. , Tcheandjieu Catherine , Telese Francesca , Zuo Yanning , Ryan Allen F. , Nievergelt Caroline M.
Published: January 2024

Tinnitus is a heritable, highly prevalent auditory disorder treated by multiple medical specialties. Previous GWAS indicated high genetic correlations between tinnitus and hearing loss, with little indication of differentiating signals. We present a GWAS meta-analysis, triple previous sample sizes, and expand to non-European ancestries. GWAS in 596,905 Million Veteran Program subjects identified 39 tinnitus loci, and identified genes related to neuronal synapses and cochlear structural support. Applying state-of-the-art analytic tools, we confirm a large number of shared variants, but also a distinct genetic architecture of tinnitus, with higher polygenicity and large proportion of variants not shared with hearing difficulty. Tissue-expression analysis for tinnitus infers broad enrichment across most brain tissues, in contrast to hearing difficulty. Finally, tinnitus is not only correlated with hearing loss, but also with a spectrum of psychiatric disorders, providing potential new avenues for treatment. This study establishes tinnitus as a distinct disorder separate from hearing difficulties.
Neural representations of situations and mental states are composed of sums of representations of the actions they afford
Authors: Thornton Mark A. , Tamir Diana I.
Published: January 2024

Human behavior depends on both internal and external factors. Internally, people’s mental states motivate and govern their behavior. Externally, one’s situation constrains which actions are appropriate or possible. To predict others’ behavior, one must understand the influences of mental states and situations on actions. On this basis, we hypothesize that people represent situations and states in terms of associated actions. To test this, we use functional neuroimaging to estimate neural activity patterns associated with situations, mental states, and actions. We compute sums of the action patterns, weighted by how often each action occurs in each situation and state. We find that these summed action patterns reconstructed the corresponding situation and state patterns. These results suggest that neural representations of situations and mental states are composed of sums of their action affordances. Summed action representations thus offer a biological mechanism by which people can predict actions given internal and external factors.
A generative model of memory construction and consolidation
Authors: Spens Eleanor , Burgess Neil
Published: January 2024

Episodic memories are (re)constructed, share neural substrates with imagination, combine unique features with schema-based predictions and show schema-based distortions that increase with consolidation. Here we present a computational model in which hippocampal replay (from an autoassociative network) trains generative models (variational autoencoders) to (re)create sensory experiences from latent variable representations in entorhinal, medial prefrontal and anterolateral temporal cortices via the hippocampal formation. Simulations show effects of memory age and hippocampal lesions in agreement with previous models, but also provide mechanisms for semantic memory, imagination, episodic future thinking, relational inference and schema-based distortions including boundary extension. The model explains how unique sensory and predictable conceptual elements of memories are stored and reconstructed by efficiently combining both hippocampal and neocortical systems, optimizing the use of limited hippocampal storage for new and unusual information. Overall, we believe hippocampal replay training generative models provides a comprehensive account of memory construction, imagination and consolidation.
COMPAS-2: a dataset of cata-condensed hetero-polycyclic aromatic systems
Authors: Mayo Yanes Eduardo , Chakraborty Sabyasachi , Gershoni-Poranne Renana
Published: January 2024

Polycyclic aromatic systems are highly important to numerous applications, in particular to organic electronics and optoelectronics. High-throughput screening and generative models that can help to identify new molecules to advance these technologies require large amounts of high-quality data, which is expensive to generate. In this report, we present the largest freely available dataset of geometries and properties of cata-condensed poly(hetero)cyclic aromatic molecules calculated to date. Our dataset contains ~500k molecules comprising 11 types of aromatic and antiaromatic building blocks calculated at the GFN1-xTB level and is representative of a highly diverse chemical space. We detail the structure enumeration process and the methods used to provide various electronic properties (including HOMO-LUMO gap, adiabatic ionization potential, and adiabatic electron affinity). Additionally, we benchmark against a ~50k dataset calculated at the CAM-B3LYP-D3BJ/def2-SVP level and develop a fitting scheme to correct the xTB values to higher accuracy. These new datasets represent the second installment in the COMputational database of Polycyclic Aromatic Systems (COMPAS) Project.
German yield and area data for 11 crops from 1979 to 2021 at a harmonized spatial resolution of 397 districts
Authors: Duden Christoph , Nacke Christina , Offermann Frank
Published: January 2024

Long time series with spatially highly resolved crop data are important for research projects on numerous future challenges in the environment and food sector. In this publication, we describe a dataset with crop-yield and area data for Germany from 1979 to 2021. The data are spatially resolved to 397 districts, which have an average size of 900 km2, and include the crops spring barley, winter barley, grain maize, silage maize, oats, potatoes, winter rape, rye, sugarbeet, triticale and winter wheat. The crop-yield data cover, on average, about 9.5 million hectares per year and 80% of Germany’s total arable land. The dataset contains 214,820 yield and area data points. These were obtained by collecting and digitizing crop data from multiple statistical sources and transforming the data to match the district boundaries in 2020. Potential applications of the data include the analysis of interactions between agricultural yields and environmental factors, such as weather; the validation of yield prediction methodologies or the analysis of yield-loss risks in agriculture.
Unravelling the dynamics of genotype and environment interactions on chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) yield-related attributes in soilless planting systems
Authors: Sahmat Siti Sahmsiah , Rafii Mohd Yusop , Oladosu Yusuff , Jusoh Mashitah , Hakiman Mansor , Mohidin Hasmah
Published: January 2024

Evaluation of genotypes to identify high-yielding and stable varieties is crucial for chilli production sustainability and food security. These analyses are essential, particularly when the breeding program aims to select lines with great adaptability and stability. Thirty chilli genotypes were evaluated for yield stability under four soilless planting systems viz; fertigation, HydroStock (commercial hydrogel), BioHydrogel (biodegradable hydrogel), and hydroponic to study the influence of genotype by environment interaction. The research used a split-plot randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two cropping cycles and five replications. The GGE biplot analysis was employed to assess the mean versus stability perspective in explaining the variation in genotypic and genotype-by-environment effects on the yield-related attributes for yield per plant, fruit number, fruit length, and width. Stability analysis denoted genotypes G26 and G30 as the most stable for yield per plant, while G16, G22, and G30 were stable for the number of fruits per plant. Among the four planting systems evaluated, HydroStock and BioHydrogel outperformed the others in yield per plant, demonstrating the highest level of informativeness or discrimination. These findings offer critical insights for future crop breeding programs and the optimization of agricultural practices.
Exploring the mechanism and phytochemicals in Psoraleae Fructus-induced hepatotoxicity based on RNA-seq, in vitro screening and molecular docking
Authors: Shang Huiying , Liu Xian , Pan Jinchao , Cheng Hongbo , Ma Zengchun , Xiao Chengrong , Gao Yue
Published: January 2024

Psoraleae Fructus (PF) is a widely-used herb with diverse pharmacological activities, while its related hepatic injuries have aroused public concerns. In this work, a systematic approach based on RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), high-content screening (HCS) and molecular docking was developed to investigate the potential mechanism and identify major phytochemicals contributed to PF-induced hepatotoxicity. Animal experiments proved oral administration of PF water extracts disturbed lipid metabolism and promoted hepatic injuries by suppressing fatty acid and cholesterol catabolism. RNA-seq combined with KEGG enrichment analysis identified mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) as the potential key pathway. Further experiments validated PF caused mitochondrial structure damage, mtDNA depletion and inhibited expressions of genes engaged in OXPHOS. By detecting mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial superoxide, HCS identified bavachin, isobavachalcone, bakuchiol and psoralidin as most potent mitotoxic compounds in PF. Moreover, molecular docking confirmed the potential binding patterns and strong binding affinity of the critical compounds with mitochondrial respiratory complex. This study unveiled the underlying mechanism and phytochemicals in PF-induced liver injuries from the view of mitochondrial dysfunction.