bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Height-renderable morphable tactile display enabled by programmable modulation of local stiffness in photothermally active polymer
Authors: Hwang Inwook , Mun Seongcheol , Youn Jung-Hwan , Kim Hyeong Jun , Park Seung Koo , Choi Meejeong , Kang Tae June , Pei Qibing , Yun Sungryul
Published: March 2024

Reconfigurable tactile displays are being used to provide refreshable Braille information; however, the delivered information is currently limited to an alternative of Braille because of difficulties in controlling the deformation height. Herein, we present a photothermally activated polymer-bilayer-based morphable tactile display that can programmably generate tangible three-dimensional topologies with varying textures on a thin film surface. The morphable tactile display was composed of a heterogeneous polymer structure that integrated a stiffness-tunable polymer into a light-absorbing elastomer, near-infra-red light-emitting diode (NIR-LED) array, and small pneumatic chamber. Topological expression was enabled by producing localized out-of-plane deformation that was reversible, height-adjustable, and latchable in response to light-triggered stiffness modulation at each target area under switching of stationary pneumatic pressure. Notably, the tactile display could express a spatial softness map of the latched topology upon re-exposing the target areas to modulated light from the NIR-LED array. We expect the developed tactile display to open a pathway for generating high-dimensional tactile information on electronic devices and enable realistic interaction in augmented and virtual environments.
Forward-predictive SERS-based chemical taxonomy for untargeted structural elucidation of epimeric cerebrosides
Authors: Tan Emily Xi , Leong Shi Xuan , Liew Wei An , Phang In Yee , Ng Jie Ying , Tan Nguan Soon , Lee Yie Hou , Ling Xing Yi
Published: March 2024

Achieving untargeted chemical identification, isomeric differentiation, and quantification is critical to most scientific and technological problems but remains challenging. Here, we demonstrate an integrated SERS-based chemical taxonomy machine learning framework for untargeted structural elucidation of 11 epimeric cerebrosides, attaining >90% accuracy and robust single epimer and multiplex quantification with <10% errors. First, we utilize 4-mercaptophenylboronic acid to selectively capture the epimers at molecular sites of isomerism to form epimer-specific SERS fingerprints. Corroborating with in-silico experiments, we establish five spectral features, each corresponding to a structural characteristic: (1) presence/absence of epimers, (2) monosaccharide/cerebroside, (3) saturated/unsaturated cerebroside, (4) glucosyl/galactosyl, and (5) GlcCer or GalCer’s carbon chain lengths. Leveraging these insights, we create a fully generalizable framework to identify and quantify cerebrosides at concentrations between 10−4 to 10−10 M and achieve multiplex quantification of binary mixtures containing biomarkers GlcCer24:1, and GalCer24:1 using their untrained spectra in the models.
Large exchange-driven intrinsic circular dichroism of a chiral 2D hybrid perovskite
Authors: Li Shunran , Xu Xian , Kocoj Conrad A. , Zhou Chenyu , Li Yanyan , Chen Du , Bennett Joseph A. , Liu Sunhao , Quan Lina , Sarker Suchismita , Liu Mingzhao , Qiu Diana Y. , Guo Peijun
Published: March 2024

In two-dimensional chiral metal-halide perovskites, chiral organic spacers endow structural and optical chirality to the metal-halide sublattice, enabling exquisite control of light, charge, and electron spin. The chiroptical properties of metal-halide perovskites have been measured by transmissive circular dichroism spectroscopy, which necessitates thin-film samples. Here, by developing a reflection-based approach, we characterize the intrinsic, circular polarization-dependent complex refractive index for a prototypical two-dimensional chiral lead-bromide perovskite and report large circular dichroism for single crystals. Comparison with ab initio theory reveals the large circular dichroism arises from the inorganic sublattice rather than the chiral ligand and is an excitonic phenomenon driven by electron-hole exchange interactions, which breaks the degeneracy of transitions between Rashba-Dresselhaus-split bands, resulting in a Cotton effect. Our study suggests that previous data for spin-coated films largely underestimate the optical chirality and provides quantitative insights into the intrinsic optical properties of chiral perovskites for chiroptical and spintronic applications.
Water-participated mild oxidation of ethane to acetaldehyde
Authors: Li Bin , Mu Jiali , Long Guifa , Song Xiangen , Huang Ende , Liu Siyue , Wei Yao , Sun Fanfei , Feng Siquan , Yuan Qiao , Cai Yutong , Song Jian , Dong Wenrui , Zhang Weiqing , Yang Xueming , Yan Li , Ding Yunjie
Published: March 2024

The direct conversion of low alkane such as ethane into high-value-added chemicals has remained a great challenge since the development of natural gas utilization. Herein, we achieve an efficient one-step conversion of ethane to C2 oxygenates on a Rh1/AC-SNI catalyst under a mild condition, which delivers a turnover frequency as high as 158.5 h−1. 18O isotope-GC–MS shows that the formation of ethanol and acetaldehyde follows two distinct pathways, where oxygen and water directly participate in the formation of ethanol and acetaldehyde, respectively. In situ formed intermediate species of oxygen radicals, hydroxyl radicals, vinyl groups, and ethyl groups are captured by laser desorption ionization/time of flight mass spectrometer. Density functional theory calculation shows that the activation barrier of the rate-determining step for acetaldehyde formation is much lower than that of ethanol, leading to the higher selectivity of acetaldehyde in all the products.
A fungal core effector exploits the OsPUX8B.2–OsCDC48-6 module to suppress plant immunity
Authors: Shi Xuetao , Xie Xin , Guo Yuanwen , Zhang Junqi , Gong Ziwen , Zhang Kai , Mei Jie , Xia Xinyao , Xia Haoxue , Ning Na , Xiao Yutao , Yang Qing , Wang Guo-Liang , Liu Wende
Published: March 2024

Proteins containing a ubiquitin regulatory X (UBX) domain are cofactors of Cell Division Cycle 48 (CDC48) and function in protein quality control. However, whether and how UBX-containing proteins participate in host–microbe interactions remain unclear. Here we show that MoNLE1, an effector from the fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae, is a core virulence factor that suppresses rice immunity by specifically interfering with OsPUX8B.2. The UBX domain of OsPUX8B.2 is required for its binding to OsATG8 and OsCDC48-6 and controls its 26 S proteasome–dependent stability. OsPUX8B.2 and OsCDC48-6 positively regulate plant immunity against blast fungus, while the high-temperature tolerance heat-shock protein OsBHT, a putative cytoplasmic substrate of OsPUX8B.2–OsCDC48-6, negatively regulates defense against blast infection. MoNLE1 promotes the nuclear migration and degradation of OsPUX8B.2 and disturbs its association with OsBHT. Given the high conservation of MoNLE1 among fungal isolates, plants with broad and durable blast resistance might be generated by engineering intracellular proteins resistant to MoNLE1.
Structure of the human Bre1 complex bound to the nucleosome
Authors: Onishi Shuhei , Uchiyama Kotone , Sato Ko , Okada Chikako , Kobayashi Shunsuke , Hamada Keisuke , Nishizawa Tomohiro , Nureki Osamu , Ogata Kazuhiro , Sengoku Toru
Published: March 2024

Histone H2B monoubiquitination (at Lys120 in humans) regulates transcription elongation and DNA repair. In humans, H2B monoubiquitination is catalyzed by the heterodimeric Bre1 complex composed of Bre1A/RNF20 and Bre1B/RNF40. The Bre1 proteins generally function as tumor suppressors, while in certain cancers, they facilitate cancer cell proliferation. To obtain structural insights of H2BK120 ubiquitination and its regulation, we report the cryo-electron microscopy structure of the human Bre1 complex bound to the nucleosome. The two RING domains of Bre1A and Bre1B recognize the acidic patch and the nucleosomal DNA phosphates around SHL 6.0–6.5, which are ideally located to recruit the E2 enzyme and ubiquitin for H2BK120-specific ubiquitination. Mutational experiments suggest that the two RING domains bind in two orientations and that ubiquitination occurs when Bre1A binds to the acidic patch. Our results provide insights into the H2BK120-specific ubiquitination by the Bre1 proteins and suggest that H2B monoubiquitination can be regulated by nuclesomal DNA flexibility.
Spectroscopic visualization of reversible hydrogen spillover between palladium and metal–organic frameworks toward catalytic semihydrogenation
Authors: Liu Qiaoxi , Xu Wenjie , Huang Hao , Shou Hongwei , Low Jingxiang , Dai Yitao , Gong Wanbing , Li Youyou , Duan Delong , Zhang Wenqing , Jiang Yawen , Zhang Guikai , Cao Dengfeng , Wei Kecheng , Long Ran , Chen Shuangming , Song Li , Xiong Yujie
Published: March 2024

Hydrogen spillover widely occurs in a variety of hydrogen-involved chemical and physical processes. Recently, metal–organic frameworks have been extensively explored for their integration with noble metals toward various hydrogen-related applications, however, the hydrogen spillover in metal/MOF composite structures remains largely elusive given the challenges of collecting direct evidence due to system complexity. Here we show an elaborate strategy of modular signal amplification to decouple the behavior of hydrogen spillover in each functional regime, enabling spectroscopic visualization for interfacial dynamic processes. Remarkably, we successfully depict a full picture for dynamic replenishment of surface hydrogen atoms under interfacial hydrogen spillover by quick-scanning extended X-ray absorption fine structure, in situ surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and ab initio molecular dynamics calculation. With interfacial hydrogen spillover, Pd/ZIF-8 catalyst shows unique alkyne semihydrogenation activity and selectivity for alkynes molecules. The methodology demonstrated in this study also provides a basis for further exploration of interfacial species migration.
Cooling of a granular gas mixture in microgravity
Authors: Puzyrev Dmitry , Trittel Torsten , Harth Kirsten , Stannarius Ralf
Published: March 2024

Granular gases are fascinating non-equilibrium systems with interesting features such as spontaneous clustering and non-Gaussian velocity distributions. Mixtures of different components represent a much more natural composition than monodisperse ensembles but attracted comparably little attention so far. We present the observation and characterization of a mixture of rod-like particles with different sizes and masses in a drop tower experiment. Kinetic energy decay rates during granular cooling and collision rates were determined and Haff’s law for homogeneous granular cooling was confirmed. Thereby, energy equipartition between the mixture components and between individual degrees of freedom is violated. Heavier particles keep a slightly higher average kinetic energy than lighter ones. Experimental results are supported by numerical simulations.
Data analytics and modelling in context to determination of moisture susceptibility of reclaimed asphalt foamed bituminous mix
Authors: Gupta Lokesh , Kumar Rakesh , Chakrabarti Tulika , Chakrabarti Prasun , Margala Martin
Published: March 2024

The presence of water badly affects the moisture susceptibility of the reclaimed asphalt Foamed Bituminous Mix (FBM). The present study is mainly emphasized to assess the moisture susceptibility of reclaimed asphalt FBM, Where RAP is being incorporated as a replacement of fresh aggregates. Moisture susceptibility of the mix is evaluated in terms of tensile strength ratio (TSR) and resilient modulus ratio, subjected to different conditioning procedures namely AASHTO T283, modified IDOT, TG-2 guidelines, and MIST. Further data analytics and regression modeling are also carried out to determine the moisture susceptibility of the mix and to check the statistics among the variables. The findings show that the incorporation of RAP in the FBM improves moisture resistance. Further, FBM containing 100% RAP shows the least moisture susceptibility in terms of TSR and Mr ratio irrespective of any conditioning type. Moreover, MIST conditioning may be preferred to assess the moisture sensitivity as it simulates the field pore pressure effects. Further, mathematical analysis is carried out to predict the moisture susceptibility of mix. Adjusted R square coefficient indicates a better fit of the prediction model developed. Overall, the study may be helpful to highway professionals in analyzing the conditioning procedures and determining the moisture sensitivity of the reclaimed asphalt Foamed Bituminous Mix.
Experimental design of 4-point supported belt robot for sanding large convex surfaces
Authors: Kim Hanbom , Jin Hongjoo , Lee Woojae , Chae SeungHeon , Kim Taegyun , Seo TaeWon
Published: March 2024

In general, sanding robots that move as if drawing a line along a surface are mainly used when sanding objects with a large area; however, they require a long working time, and it is difficult to secure a uniform sanded area. This study focuses on large-area sanding robots, such as those for ships, storage tanks, and tank lorries, and proposes an adaptive belt tension robot equipped with a 4-point supported belt mechanism capable of sanding variable curved surfaces. In addition, a sanding normal force prediction formula is proposed to describe the sanding performance of the contact surface. This equation consists of the concentrated load function due to the belt movement and the normal force due to the vertical and horizontal elongation of the belt. A video image analysis was performed to calculate the sanding area. Therefore, we determined whether the area was uniformly sanded. The dimensions of the test bench (W $$\times $$
×
D $$\times $$
×
H) were 1700 mm $$\times $$
×
1450 mm $$\times $$
×
900 mm. Experiments were performed using the proposed techniques on convex specimens with radii of 725, 1000, and 2100 mm. The sanding performance was improved by 43 $$\%$$
%
compared with that of a general belt-sanding robot.
Role of folate receptor α in the partial rejuvenation of dentate gyrus cells: Improvement of cognitive function in 21-month-old aged mice
Authors: Antón-Fernández A. , Cuadros R. , Peinado-Cahuchola R. , Hernández F. , Avila Jesús
Published: March 2024

Neuronal aging may be, in part, related to a change in DNA methylation. Thus, methyl donors, like folate and methionine, may play a role in cognitive changes associated to neuronal aging. To test the role of these metabolites, we performed stereotaxic microinjection of these molecules into the dentate gyrus (DG) of aged mice (an average age of 21 month). Folate, but not S-Adenosyl-Methionine (SAM), enhances cognition in aged mice. In the presence of folate, we observed partial rejuvenation of DG cells, characterized by the expression of juvenile genes or reorganization of extracellular matrix. Here, we have also tried to identify the mechanism independent of DNA methylation, that involve folate effects on cognition. Our analyses indicated that folate binds to folate receptor α (FRα) and, upon folate binding, FRα is transported to cell nucleus, where it is acting as transcription factor for expressing genes like SOX2 or GluN2B. In this work, we report that a FRα binding peptide also replicates the folate effect on cognition, in aged mice. Our data suggest that such effect is not sex-dependent. Thus, we propose the use of this peptide to improve cognition since it lacks of folate-mediated side effects. The use of synthetic FRα binding peptides emerge as a future strategy for the study of brain rejuvenation.
A radiographic and histological study to compare red (650 nm) versus near infrared (810 nm) diode lasers photobiomodulation for alveolar socket preservation
Authors: Abd-Elhaleem Othman Mohamad Anwar , Zaky Ahmed Abbas , Eltayeb Elsayed Abdullah , Khalil Nesma Mohamed
Published: March 2024

Previous findings indicated that the laser photobiomodulation is more effective than the control or placebo in preserving the alveolar socket. This study aimed to compare two different lasers regarding their effectiveness in aiding alveolar socket preservation. Twenty extraction sockets were selected then divided into two equal groups. Group A was exposed to 650 nm Diode laser, and Group B to 810 nm Diode laser following the same protocol and parameters after a standard alveolar socket preservation procedure with collagen plug. Radiographic analysis with cone beam computed tomography was done to compare the alveolar bone surface area immediately after extraction and three months post-operatively, while bone samples collected before implant drilling were histologically examined for newly formed bone evaluation and histomorphometric analysis in terms of percentage of new bone surface area, percentage of unmineralized bone and finally, immunohistochemical analysis of Osteocalcin reaction surface area as well as optical density. Radiographically, infrared (810 nm) Diode effect on alveolar bone surface area has significantly exceeded the red laser, while histologically, red (650 nm) Diode has demonstrated statistical significance regarding all parameters; newly formed bone surface area percentage, unmineralized bone area percentage and finally Osteocalcin bone marker reaction surface area percentage and optical density. Under the specified conditions and laser parameters, photobiomodulation using the 810 nm Diode got the upper hand radiographically, yet histologically, the red 650 nm Diode managed to dominate all histological parameters when both employed as an adjunct to alveolar socket preservation procedures.
Volatile profile of bee bread
Authors: Pokajewicz Katarzyna , Lamaka Darya , Hudz Nataliia , Adamchuk Leonora , Wieczorek Piotr Paweł
Published: March 2024

Bee bread is one of the least studied bee products. In this study, ten bee bread samples were characterized using palynology and HS–SPME–GC–MS (headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography-mass spectrometry). In total, over one hundred different volatile components were identified, belonging to different chemical groups. Only ten common components were detected in all the samples. These volatiles were ethanol, methylene chloride, ethyl acetate, acetic acid, α-pinene, furfural, nonane, nonanal, n-hexane and isovaleric acid. Several other components were commonly shared among various bee bread samples. Over sixty detected compounds have not been previously reported in bee bread. The analysis required a mild extraction temperature of 40 °C, as higher temperatures resulted in the Maillard reaction, leading to the production of furfural. The profile of volatile compounds of the tested bee pollen samples was complex and varied. Some relationships have been shown between botanical origin and volatile organic compound profile.
Experimental analysis and model prediction of elbow pipe's erosion in water-cooled radiator
Authors: Wang Yongfei , Li Xiaofei , Wang Tong , Zhang Jian , Li Longcheng , Zhang Yu
Published: March 2024

The radiator with heat transfer capability is able to guarantee the stable operation of hydro generator set, while the long-term and continuous scouring on radiator pipes by cooling medium will lead to thinning or even perforation of pipe wall, which triggers wall failure. This paper analyzes and predicts the failure mechanism of radiator’s pipe wall, and investigates the effects of water flow velocity, sand content and sand particle size on erosion damage of radiator pipe by establishing a test bench for pipe erosion. The results show that the increase of above parameters will lead to the increasing erosion rate, especially when the sand content is 1%, the velocity is 8 m/s and the sand particle size is 0.85 mm, the erosion damage will be particularly serious. Based on experimental data, BP and LSSVM models are employed to predict the pipe wall failure, and PSO algorithm is used to optimize the two models. The optimized PSO-BP has the highest accuracy with the mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.2070 and the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 4.702%. The findings provide a reference for wall failure analysis of radiator, which is of great significance for unit's safe operation.
LC/MS/MS and GC/MS/MS metabolic profiling of Leontodon hispidulus, in vitro and in silico anticancer activity evaluation targeting hexokinase 2 enzyme
Authors: Abd-El-Aziz Noha Mokhtar , Hifnawy Mohamed Saeed , Lotfy Rehab Ahmed , Younis Inas Youssef
Published: March 2024

Leontodon hispidulus Boiss is a wild annual plant growing in Egypt. The present study aims for the first time, to evaluate the phytochemical profile of the main secondary metabolites of the optimized ethanolic extract of the plant using Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. It also aims to assess the anticancer activity of its different fractions against the prostate carcinoma cell line. Moreover, an in-silico docking study was performed using the Hexokinase-two enzyme. LC-qToF-MS analysis revealed the tentative identification of 36 phenolic compounds including the glycosides of (luteolin, quercetin, kaempferol, apigenin, isorhamnetin, and daidzein), coumarines (esculin, esculetin, and daphnetin), and phenolic acids (chlorogenic, caffeic, quinic, P-coumaric, and rosmarinic). GC–MS/MS analysis revealed the presence of 18 compounds where palmitic acid, myristic acid, alpha-amyrin, and beta-amyrin were the major ones. The cytotoxic activity results revealed that methylene chloride and ethyl acetate fractions showed the highest cytotoxic activity against the PC3 cell line, with IC50 values of 19, and 19.6 μg/ml, respectively. Interestingly, the docking study demonstrated that apigenin-7-O-glucoside, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, kaempferol-3-O-glucuronide, quercetin-4′-O-glucoside, esculin, rosmarinic acid, chlorogenic acid, and α-amyrin exhibited high affinity to the selected target, HEK-2 enzyme.
Correlation between magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) and liver biopsy to assess hepatic steatosis in obesity
Authors: Wibulpolprasert Pornphan , Subpinyo Benya , Chirnaksorn Supphamat , Shantavasinkul Prapimporn Chattranukulchai , Putadechakum Supanee , Phongkitkarun Sith , Sritara Chanika , Angkathunyakul Napat , Sumritpradit Preeda
Published: March 2024

Obesity is highly associated with Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and increased risk of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer-related death. We determined the diagnostic performance of the complex-based chemical shift technique MRI-PDFF for quantifying liver fat and its correlation with histopathologic findings in an obese population within 24 h before bariatric surgery. This was a prospective, cross-sectional, Institutional Review Board-approved study of PDFF-MRI of the liver and MRI-DIXON image volume before bariatric surgery. Liver tissues were obtained during bariatric surgery. The prevalence of NAFLD in the investigated cohort was as high as 94%. Histologic hepatic steatosis grades 0, 1, 2, and 3 were observed in 3 (6%), 25 (50%), 14 (28%), and 8 (16%) of 50 obese patients, respectively. The mean percentages of MRI-PDFF from the anterior and posterior right hepatic lobe and left lobe vs. isolate left hepatic lobe were 15.6% (standard deviation [SD], 9.28%) vs. 16.29% (SD, 9.25%). There was a strong correlation between the percentage of steatotic hepatocytes and MRI-PDFF in the left hepatic lobe (r = 0.82, p < 0.001) and the mean value (r = 0.78, p < 0.001). There was a strong correlation between MRI-derived subcutaneous adipose tissue volume and total body fat mass by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, especially at the L2–3 and L4 level (r = 0.85, p < 0.001). MRI-PDFF showed good performance in assessing hepatic steatosis and was an excellent noninvasive technique for monitoring hepatic steatosis in an obese population.
Prediction of pacemaker-induced cardiomyopathy using a convolutional neural network based on clinical findings prior to pacemaker implantation
Authors: Oida Mitsunori , Mizutani Takuya , Hasumi Eriko , Fujiu Katsuhito , Goto Kosaku , Kani Kunihiro , Oshima Tsukasa , Matsubara Takumi J. , Shimizu Yu , Oguri Gaku , Kojima Toshiya , Komuro Issei
Published: March 2024

Risk factors for pacemaker-induced cardiomyopathy (PICM) have been previously reported, including a high burden of right ventricular pacing, lower left ventricular ejection fraction, a wide QRS duration, and left bundle branch block before pacemaker implantation (PMI). However, predicting the development of PICM remains challenging. This study aimed to use a convolutional neural network (CNN) model, based on clinical findings before PMI, to predict the development of PICM. Out of a total of 561 patients with dual-chamber PMI, 165 (mean age 71.6 years, 89 men [53.9%]) who underwent echocardiography both before and after dual-chamber PMI were enrolled. During a mean follow-up period of 1.7 years, 47 patients developed PICM. A CNN algorithm for prediction of the development of PICM was constructed based on a dataset prior to PMI that included 31 variables such as age, sex, body mass index, left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, left atrial diameter, severity of mitral regurgitation, severity of tricuspid regurgitation, ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart failure, New York Heart Association class, atrial fibrillation, the etiology of bradycardia (sick sinus syndrome or atrioventricular block) , right ventricular (RV) lead tip position (apex, septum, left bundle, His bundle, RV outflow tract), left bundle branch block, QRS duration, white blood cell count, haemoglobin, platelet count, serum total protein, albumin, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, estimated glomerular filtration rate, sodium, potassium, C-reactive protein, and brain natriuretic peptide. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve of the CNN model were 75.8%, 55.6%, 83.3% and 0.78 respectively. The CNN model could accurately predict the development of PICM using clinical findings before PMI. This model could be useful for screening patients at risk of developing PICM, ensuring timely upgrades to physiological pacing to avoid missing the optimal intervention window.
Source-credibility information and social norms improve truth discernment and reduce engagement with misinformation online
Authors: Prike Toby , Butler Lucy H. , Ecker Ullrich K. H.
Published: March 2024

Misinformation on social media is a pervasive challenge. In this study (N = 415) a social-media simulation was used to test two potential interventions for countering misinformation: a credibility badge and a social norm. The credibility badge was implemented by associating accounts, including participants’, with a credibility score. Participants’ credibility score was dynamically updated depending on their engagement with true and false posts. To implement the social-norm intervention, participants were provided with both a descriptive norm (i.e., most people do not share misinformation) and an injunctive norm (i.e., sharing misinformation is the wrong thing to do). Both interventions were effective. The social-norm intervention led to reduced belief in false claims and improved discrimination between true and false claims. It also had some positive impact on social-media engagement, although some effects were not robust to alternative analysis specifications. The presence of credibility badges led to greater belief in true claims, lower belief in false claims, and improved discrimination. The credibility-badge intervention also had robust positive impacts on social-media engagement, leading to increased flagging and decreased liking and sharing of false posts. Cumulatively, the results suggest that both interventions have potential to combat misinformation and improve the social-media information landscape.
Accuracy of generative deep learning model for macular anatomy prediction from optical coherence tomography images in macular hole surgery
Authors: Kwon Han Jo , Heo Jun , Park Su Hwan , Park Sung Who , Byon Iksoo
Published: March 2024

This study aims to propose a generative deep learning model (GDLM) based on a variational autoencoder that predicts macular optical coherence tomography (OCT) images following full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) surgery and evaluate its clinical accuracy. Preoperative and 6-month postoperative swept-source OCT data were collected from 150 patients with successfully closed FTMH using 6 × 6 mm2 macular volume scan datasets. Randomly selected and augmented 120,000 training and 5000 validation pairs of OCT images were used to train the GDLM. We assessed the accuracy and F1 score of concordance for neurosensory retinal areas, performed Bland–Altman analysis of foveolar height (FH) and mean foveal thickness (MFT), and predicted postoperative external limiting membrane (ELM) and ellipsoid zone (EZ) restoration accuracy between artificial intelligence (AI)-OCT and ground truth (GT)-OCT images. Accuracy and F1 scores were 94.7% and 0.891, respectively. Average FH (228.2 vs. 233.4 μm, P = 0.587) and MFT (271.4 vs. 273.3 μm, P = 0.819) were similar between AI- and GT-OCT images, within 30.0% differences of 95% limits of agreement. ELM and EZ recovery prediction accuracy was 88.0% and 92.0%, respectively. The proposed GDLM accurately predicted macular OCT images following FTMH surgery, aiding patient and surgeon understanding of postoperative macular features.
Diet, lifestyle and gut microbiota composition among Malaysian women with gestational diabetes mellitus: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Kunasegaran Thubasni , Balasubramaniam Vinod R. M. T. , Thirunavuk Arasoo Valliammai Jayanthi , Palanisamy Uma Devi , Tan Yen Ker , Ramadas Amutha
Published: March 2024

The study addressed a significant gap in the profiling and understanding of the gut microbiota’s influence on Malaysian Malay women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This prospective cohort study aimed to explore the intricate relationship between gut microbiota, dietary choices, and lifestyle factors among Malay women, both with and without GDM. The research specifically focused on participants during the second (T0) and third (T1) trimesters of pregnancy in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. In Part 1 of the study, a diverse pool of pregnant women at T0 was categorized into two groups: those diagnosed with GDM and those without GDM, with a total sample size of 105 individuals. The assessments encompassed demographic, clinical, lifestyle, and dietary factors at the T0 and T1 trimesters. Part 2 of the study delved into microbiome analysis, targeting a better understanding of the gut microbiota among the participants. Stool samples were randomly collected from 50% of the individuals in each group (GDM and non-GDM) at T0 and T1. The collected samples underwent processing, and 16s rRNA metagenomic analysis was employed to study the microbial composition. The results suggested an association between elevated body weight and glucose levels, poor sleep quality, lack of physical activity, greater intake of iron and meat, and reduced fruit consumption among women with GDM compared to non-GDM groups. The microbiome analysis revealed changes in microbial composition over time, with reduced diversity observed in the GDM group during the third trimester. The genera Lactiplantibacillus, Parvibacter, Prevotellaceae UCG001, and Vagococcus positively correlated with physical activity levels in GDM women in the second trimester. Similarly, the genus Victivallis exhibited a strong positive correlation with gravida and parity. On the contrary, the genus Bacteroides and Roseburia showed a negative correlation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in women without GDM in the third trimester. The study highlighted the multifaceted nature of GDM, involving a combination of lifestyle factors, dietary choices, and changes in gut microbiota composition. The findings emphasized the importance of considering these interconnected elements in understanding and managing gestational diabetes among Malaysian Malay women. Further exploration is essential to comprehend the mechanisms underlying this relationship and develop targeted interventions for effective GDM management.
Comparison of different machine learning classification models for predicting deep vein thrombosis in lower extremity fractures
Authors: Wei Conghui , Wang Jialiang , Yu Pengfei , Li Ang , Xiong Ziying , Yuan Zhen , Yu Lingling , Luo Jun
Published: March 2024

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common complication in patients with lower extremity fractures. Once it occurs, it will seriously affect the quality of life and postoperative recovery of patients. Therefore, early prediction and prevention of DVT can effectively improve the prognosis of patients. This study constructed different machine learning models to explore their effectiveness in predicting DVT. Five prediction models were applied to the study, including Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model, Logistic Regression (LR) model, RandomForest (RF) model, Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) model, and Support Vector Machine (SVM) model. Afterwards, the performance of the obtained prediction models was evaluated by area under the curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, F1 score, and Kappa. The prediction performances of the models based on machine learning are as follows: XGBoost model (AUC = 0.979, accuracy = 0.931), LR model (AUC = 0.821, accuracy = 0.758), RF model (AUC = 0.970, accuracy = 0.921), MLP model (AUC = 0.830, accuracy = 0.756), SVM model (AUC = 0.713, accuracy = 0.661). On our data set, the XGBoost model has the best performance. However, the model still needs external verification research before clinical application.
Transcriptomic investigation of the interaction between a biocontrol yeast, Papiliotrema terrestris strain PT22AV, and the postharvest fungal pathogen Penicillium expansum on apple
Authors: Ianiri Giuseppe , Barone Giuseppe , Palmieri Davide , Quiquero Michela , Gaeta Ilenia , De Curtis Filippo , Castoria Raffaello
Published: March 2024

Biocontrol strategies offer a promising alternative to control plant pathogens achieving food safety and security. In this study we apply a RNAseq analysis during interaction between the biocontrol agent (BCA) Papiliotrema terrestris, the pathogen Penicillium expansum, and the host Malus domestica. Analysis of the BCA finds overall 802 upregulated DEGs (differentially expressed genes) when grown in apple tissue, with the majority being involved in nutrients uptake and oxidative stress response. This suggests that these processes are crucial for the BCA to colonize the fruit wounds and outcompete the pathogen. As to P. expansum analysis, 1017 DEGs are upregulated when grown in apple tissue, with the most represented GO categories being transcription, oxidation reduction process, and transmembrane transport. Analysis of the host M. domestica finds a higher number of DEGs in response to the pathogen compared to the BCA, with overexpression of genes involved in host defense signaling pathways in the presence of both of them, and a prevalence of pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) and effector-triggered immunity (ETI) only during interaction with P. expansum. This analysis contributes to advance the knowledge on the molecular mechanisms that underlie biocontrol activity and the tritrophic interaction of the BCA with the pathogen and the host.
A genetic mouse model of lean-NAFLD unveils sexual dimorphism in the liver-heart axis
Authors: Burelle Charlotte , Clapatiuc Valentin , Deschênes Sonia , Cuillerier Alexanne , De Loof Marine , Higgins Marie-Ève , Boël Hugues , Daneault Caroline , Chouinard Billie , Clavet Marie-Élaine , Tessier Nolwenn , Croteau Isabelle , Chabot Geneviève , Martel Catherine , Sirois Martin G. , Lesage Sylvie , Burelle Yan , Ruiz Matthieu
Published: March 2024

Lean patients with NAFLD may develop cardiac complications independently of pre-existent metabolic disruptions and comorbidities. To address the underlying mechanisms independent of the development of obesity, we used a murine model of hepatic mitochondrial deficiency. The liver-heart axis was studied as these mice develop microvesicular steatosis without obesity. Our results unveil a sex-dependent phenotypic remodeling beyond liver damage. Males, more than females, show fasting hypoglycemia and increased insulin sensitivity. They exhibit diastolic dysfunction, remodeling of the circulating lipoproteins and cardiac lipidome. Conversely, females do not manifest cardiac dysfunction but exhibit cardiometabolic impairments supported by impaired mitochondrial integrity and β-oxidation, remodeling of circulating lipoproteins and intracardiac accumulation of deleterious triglycerides. This study underscores metabolic defects in the liver resulting in significant sex-dependent cardiac abnormalities independent of obesity. This experimental model may prove useful to better understand the sex-related variability, notably in the heart, involved in the progression of lean-NAFLD.
Multiplexed orbital angular momentum beams demultiplexing using hybrid optical-electronic convolutional neural network
Authors: Ye Jiachi , Kang Haoyan , Cai Qian , Hu Zibo , Solyanik-Gorgone Maria , Wang Hao , Heidari Elham , Patil Chandraman , Miri Mohammad-Ali , Asadizanjani Navid , Sorger Volker , Dalir Hamed
Published: March 2024

Advancements in optical communications have increasingly focused on leveraging spatial-structured beams such as orbital angular momentum (OAM) beams for high-capacity data transmission. Conventional electronic convolutional neural networks exhibit constraints in efficiently demultiplexing OAM signals. Here, we introduce a hybrid optical-electronic convolutional neural network that is capable of completing Fourier optics convolution and realizing intensity-recognition-based demultiplexing of multiplexed OAM beams under variable simulated atmospheric turbulent conditions. The core part of our demultiplexing system includes a 4F optics system employing a Fourier optics convolution layer. This optical spatial-filtering-based convolutional neural network is utilized to realize the training and demultiplexing of the 4-bit OAM-coded signals under simulated atmospheric turbulent conditions. The current system shows a demultiplexing accuracy of 72.84% under strong turbulence scenarios with 3.2 times faster training time than all electronic convolutional neural networks.
The foundations of the Patagonian icefields
Authors: Fürst Johannes J. , Farías-Barahona David , Blindow Norbert , Casassa Gino , Gacitúa Guisella , Koppes Michèle , Lodolo Emanuele , Millan Romain , Minowa Masahiro , Mouginot Jérémie , Pȩtlicki Michał , Rignot Eric , Rivera Andres , Skvarca Pedro , Stuefer Martin , Sugiyama Shin , Uribe José , Zamora Rodrigo , Braun Matthias H. , Gillet-Chaulet Fabien , Malz Philipp , Meier Wolfgang J.-H. , Schaefer Marius
Published: March 2024

The two vast Patagonian icefields are a global hotspot for ice-loss. However, not much is known about the total ice volume they store - let alone its spatial distribution. One reason is that the abundant record of direct thickness measurements has never been systematically exploited. Here, this record is combined with remotely-sensed information on past ice thickness mapped from glacier retreat. Both datasets are incorporated in a state-of-the-art, mass-conservation approach to produce a well-informed map of the basal topography beneath the icefields. Its major asset is the reliability increase of thicknesses values along the many marine- and lake-terminating glaciers. For these, frontal ice-discharge is notably lower than previously reported. This finding implies that direct climatic control was more influential for past ice loss. We redact a total volume for both icefields in 2000 of 5351 km3. Despite the wealth of observations used in this assessment, relative volume uncertainties remain elevated.
What are the effects of environmental factors on Co speciation at the magnetite surface?
Authors: Fablet Laura , Choueikani Fadi , Pédrot Mathieu , Marsac Rémi
Published: March 2024

Magnetite nanoparticles are abundant in the environment and are notably used for environmental applications due to their unique magnetic, adsorption and redox properties.
Plant-based diets, mediating biomarkers, and mortality risk among adults with diabetes or prediabetes
Authors: Tao Hao-Wei , Han Wen-Wen , Fang Fei , Miao Meng-Yuan , Du Hong-Zhen , Li Zeng-Ning , Chen Jing-Si , Qin Li-Qiang , Chen Guo-Chong
Published: March 2024

Guidelines and interventions highlighting the importance of the increasing intake of minimally-processed, fiber-rich plant foods may promote health and longevity across diverse glycemic groups.
Natural flavonoid hesperetin blocks amyloid β-protein fibrillogenesis, depolymerizes preformed fibrils and alleviates cytotoxicity caused by amyloids
Authors: Dong Qinchen , Cui Zhan , Wu Xinming , Li Li , Lu Fuping , Liu Fufeng
Published: March 2024

Hesperetin was identified to be capable of inhibiting Aβ fibrillogenesis, disassembling mature fibrils, reducing the cytotoxicity and protecting C. elegans, and has good application prospects as a neuroprotective therapeutic agent for AD.
Membraneless ethanol fuel cell Pt–Sn–Re nano active catalyst on a mesoporous carbon support
Authors: Priya M. , Muthukumaran B.
Published: March 2024

Addition of Re into the binary Pt–Sn catalyst increases electrical performance for ethanol oxidation reaction. Ternary based Pt–Sn–Re/MC (80 : 15 : 05) enhances the performance compared to the mono and bimetallic catalysts in the ethanol oxidation reaction in a membraneless fuel cell.
Pioneering the preparation of porous PIM-1 membranes for enhanced water vapor flow
Authors: Caliskan Esra , Shishatskiy Sergey , Abetz Volker , Filiz Volkan
Published: March 2024

In this study, porous membranes of polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIM-1) were prepared by non-solvent induced phase inversion (NIPS) and investigated for water vapor transport in view of their application in membrane distillation (MD).
ZIF-8 modified with 2-undecylimidazolate as filler for mixed matrix membranes for CO2 separation
Authors: Pérez-Miana Marta , Luque-Alled José Miguel , Yahia Mohamed , Mayoral Álvaro , Coronas Joaquín
Published: March 2024

A novel modification of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 with 2-undecylimidazolate was explored to enhance its hydrophobicity and improve its compatibility with polymer PIM-1 when incorporated as a filler in mixed matrix membranes.
Improving built-in electric fields for effective photocatalytic activity in the rationally designed electron transfer pathway of TiO2@MoS2/Bi2S3
Authors: Gong Jianyu , Zhang Yihang , Yue Ting , Lu Yao
Published: March 2024

An augmented built-in electric field was successfully fabricated within TiO2@MoS2/Bi2S3. DFT calculations reveal electron accumulation and depletion at the heterointerface, demonstrating unique electron transfer pathway directed towards MoS2.
Construction of a three-mode sensor based on gold nanoparticles and carbon quantum dots as probes for the detection of thiosemicarbazone
Authors: Liu Zhili , Wang Xiaojun , Li Jing , Zhou Wenfeng , Gao Haixiang , Lu Runhua
Published: March 2024

A three-mode sensor for thiocarbazone (TSC) was constructed based on gold nanoparticles and carbon quantum dots (CQDs). (A) Synthesis process of CQDs using ginkgo leaves. (B) Colorimetric and chrominance TSC detection. (C) Fluorescence detection of TSC.
Intelligent micro/nanorobots based on biotemplates
Authors: Chen Ting , Cai Yuepeng , Ren Biye , Sánchez Beatriz Jurado , Dong Renfeng
Published: March 2024

Micromotors based on biotemplates: nature meets controlled motion. Cutting edge advances and recent developments are described.
Silicon carbide single crystals for high-temperature supercapacitors
Authors: Liang Chang , Wang Shouzhi , Tian Ge , Lv Songyang , Wang Guodong , Xie Xuejian , Li Lili , Xu Xiangang , Liu Guangxia , Zhang Lei
Published: March 2024

N-type SiC crystals with highly ordered porous structures act as advanced electrodes for IL-based SC devices, which show excellent electrochemical performance at 150 °C.
Toward the nanoscale chemical and physical probing of milk-derived extracellular vesicles using Raman and tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Buccini Luca , Proietti Anacleto , La Penna Giancarlo , Mancini Chiara , Mura Francesco , Tacconi Stefano , Dini Luciana , Rossi Marco , Passeri Daniele
Published: March 2024

Tip enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) increases the spatial resolution of Raman spectroscopy to the nanoscale. The potentiality of TERS is demonstrated on single milk derived extracellular vesicles, allowing the nanoscale chemical investigation of their lipid membrane.
A simple synthesis of a guaiacol based reactive flame retardant and its application in epoxy resins
Authors: Gao Yuan , Duan Huajun , Kang Jin , Zhang Juan , Chen Yuan , Liu Weipeng , Li Ya
Published: March 2024

Under the premise of ensuring the flame retardancy and heat resistance of flame-retardant epoxy resin (FREP), the development of bio-based reactive flame retardants has a broad application prospect.
Modular synthesis of C2-symmetric nitrogen-containing polyaromatics via visible light-enabled reductive aza-6π electrocyclization
Authors: Zhang Qun-Liang , Fan Qing-Tian , Zhou Yirong , Zhang Jingli , Zhang Fang-Lin
Published: March 2024

Here, an unprecedented one-step modular construction of C2-symmetric N-PACs through  reduction/aza-6π electrocyclization was reported and the resultant C2-symmetric N-PAC could be  converted into  a powerful organic photocatalyst.
Synthesis of multisubstituted carbazol-4-amines from tetrahydrocarbazol-4-one oximes
Authors: Wang Jiahua , Gao Dandan , Oyejobi Aanuoluwapo O. , Ji Na , Tang Xiang-Ying , Wang Long
Published: March 2024

A sequential synthetic method toward 1,3-disubstituted carbazol-4-amines is reported and an interesting C–S metathesis process is disclosed.
Tetra-azobenzene extended calix[4]pyrroles: influence of photo-isomerization on chloride binding and its transport through liposomal membranes
Authors: Ferreira Pedro , Aragay Gemma , Ballester Pablo
Published: March 2024

Photo-modulation in chloride binding affinity and transmembrane transport with tetra-azobenzene extended calix[4]pyrroles.
Exploring acetaminophen prodrugs and hybrids: a review
Authors: Kouznetsov Vladimir V.
Published: March 2024

The new classification of APAP combinations (prodrugs, codrugs, and hybrids) was proposed. It makes a better understanding of the SAR studies for new pain relievers research and the design development for the analgesic APAP-based compounds.
Theoretical study on the role of magnesium chloride complexes induced by different magnesium-to-chlorine ratios in magnesium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Jiang Xiaoli , Zhang Panyu , Jiang liyuan , Zhao Xinxin , Wu Jianbao
Published: March 2024

In Mg–S batteries, MgCl2 is an ideal anionic salt. Ratios of Mg2+ and Cl− in S-reduction complexes differ, which are 1 : 1 and 1 : 1.3 in DME solvent. In THF solvent, the Mg/Cl ratios are 1 : 2 and 1 : 1.5. DME may perform better with a low Mg/Cl ratio, while THF may excel with a high Mg/Cl ratio.