bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of three miRNA signature as potential diagnostic marker for triple negative breast cancer patients
Authors: Kumar Vivek , Gautam Mansi , Chaudhary Amit , Chaurasia Bipin
Published: December 2023

Breast cancer is a highly aggressive type of cancer and has several subtypes, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which accounts for 25% of morbidity related to breast cancer. miRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate 60% of human genes. Dysregulated expression of miRNA in liquid biopsy of TNBC patients has the potential as a minimally invasive diagnostic biomarker. The Association of miRNA with TNBC was evaluated using in-silico analysis. Highly enriched miRNAs were selected for functional analysis to evaluate the role of miRNA in the progression of TNBC. The qRT-PCR-based expression analysis of miRNA was performed in 190 serum samples (139 TNBC and 51 healthy). Revealed the elevated expression of miRNA-155 and miRNA-21 in TNBC compared to control samples (P < 0.0001), while miRNA-205 was significantly downregulated in TNBC (P < 0.0001). The combined diagnostic value of the miRNA-205, miRNA-155 and miRNA-21 in cohort-I, cohort-II, and cohort-III was AUC of 96.1% (P < 0.0001), 94.9% (P < 0.0001), and 97.1% (P < 0.0001), respectively. Our study revealed that dysregulated expression of miRNA could be used as an independent indicator for discriminating TNBC from healthy patients. In addition, the combined predictive value of miRNA-205 + miRNA − 155 + miRNA-21 has higher AUC, sensitivity, and specificity in the diagnosis of TNBC in all three cohorts.
Detection of APP gene recombinant in human blood plasma
Authors: Mitsunaga Shigeki , Fujito Naoko , Nakaoka Hirofumi , Imazeki Ryoko , Nagata Eiichiro , Inoue Ituro
Published: December 2023

The pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is believed to involve the accumulation of amyloid-β in the brain, which is produced by the sequential cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by β-secretase and γ-secretase. Recently, analysis of genomic DNA and mRNA from postmortem brain neurons has revealed intra-exonic recombinants of APP (gencDNA), which have been implicated in the accumulation of amyloid-β. In this study, we computationally analyzed publicly available sequence data (SRA) using probe sequences we constructed to screen APP gencDNAs. APP gencDNAs were detected in SRAs constructed from both genomic DNA and RNA obtained from the postmortem brain and in the SRA constructed from plasma cell-free mRNA (cf-mRNA). The SRA constructed from plasma cf-mRNA showed a significant difference in the number of APP gencDNA reads between SAD and NCI: the p-value from the Mann–Whitney U test was 5.14 × 10−6. The transcripts were also found in circulating nucleic acids (CNA) from our plasma samples with NGS analysis. These data indicate that transcripts of APP gencDNA can be detected in blood plasma and suggest the possibility of using them as blood biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease.
Implications of seismic and GNSS strain rates in Himachal, Kashmir and Ladakh
Authors: Shrungeshwara T. S. , Narukula Bhavani , Jade Sridevi , Ghavri Sapna , Vivek Chiranjeevi G. , Parvez I. A.
Published: December 2023

We report the present day GNSS velocities (2015–2021) and strain rates in Himachal, Kashmir and Ladakh Himalaya covering the rupture zones of the 2005 Muzaffarabad earthquake and the 1905 Kangra earthquake. Geodetic strain rates estimated from GPS velocities of about 58 sites spanning last two decades of measurements indicate a mean compression rate of − 32.5 ns/year (nanostrain/year) and dilatation of − 37.3 ns/year. Seismic strain rates are estimated using both the instrumental period (1964–2021) and historical earthquakes since 1500 AD in this region. Seismic strain rates during the instrumental period of the past 50 + years indicate a mean compression rate of − 28.1 ns/year and it slightly decreases to − 21.7 ns/year after including the historical earthquakes of the past 520 years. The Azimuth of the seismic strain tensor for the instrumental and historic periods and geodetic strain tensor is broadly consistent with orientation of major faulting in this region suggesting uniform compression over a long-time interval justifying combined analysis of the strain rate field to determine the seismic potential of the region. Composite analysis of geodetic and seismic strain rates and the associated moments estimate the accumulated strain budget of ~ 1E + 21 Nm in the past 520 years which has a potential of generating future earthquake of Mw > 8 in this segment of Northwest Himalaya.
Optimal method for reliable lateral spread response monitoring during microvascular decompression surgery for hemifacial spasm
Authors: Cho Kyung Rae , Lee Hyun-Seok , Kim Minsoo , Park Sang-Ku , Park Kwan
Published: December 2023

In this study, we propose an optimal method for monitoring the key electrophysiological sign, the Lateral Spread Response (LSR), during microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery for hemifacial spasm (HFS). Current monitoring methods and interpretations of LSR remain unclear, leading to potential misinterpretations and undesirable outcomes." We prospectively collected data from patients undergoing MVD for HFS, including basic demographics, clinical characteristics, and surgical outcomes. Stimulation intensity was escalated by 1 mA increments to identify the optimal range for effective LSR. We designated the threshold at which we can observe LSR as THR1 and THR2 for when LSR disappears, with high-intensity stimulation (30 mA) designated as THR30. Subsequently, we compared abnormal muscle responses (AMR) between the optimal range (between THR1 and THR2) and THR30. Additionally, we conducted an analysis to identify and assess factors associated with artifacts and their potential impact on clinical outcomes. As stimulation intensity increases, the onset latency to detect AMR was shortened. The first finding of the study was high intensity stimulation caused artifact that mimic the wave of LSR. Those artifacts were observed even after decompression thus interfere interpretation of disappearance of LSR. Analyzing the factors related to the artifact, we found the AMR detected at onset latency below 9.6 ms would be the lateral spreading artifact (LSA) rather than true LSR. To avoid false positive LSR from LSA, we should stepwise increase stimulation intensity and not to surpass the intensity that cause LSR onset latency below 10 ms.
Lipid species profiling of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cells of horses housed on two different bedding materials
Authors: Mönki Jenni , Holopainen Minna , Ruhanen Hanna , Karikoski Ninja , Käkelä Reijo , Mykkänen Anna
Published: December 2023

The lipidome of equine BALF cells has not been described. The objectives of this prospective repeated-measures study were to explore the BALF cells’ lipidome in horses and to identify lipids associated with progression or resolution of airway inflammation. BALF cells from 22 horses exposed to two bedding materials (Peat 1—Wood shavings [WS]—Peat 2) were studied by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The effects of bedding on lipid class and species compositions were tested with rmANOVA. Correlations between lipids and cell counts were examined. The BALF cells’ lipidome showed bedding-related differences for molar percentage (mol%) of 60 species. Whole phosphatidylcholine (PC) class and its species PC 32:0 (main molecular species 16:0_16:0) had higher mol% after Peat 2 compared with WS. Phosphatidylinositol 38:4 (main molecular species 18:0_20:4) was higher after WS compared with both peat periods. BALF cell count correlated positively with mol% of the lipid classes phosphatidylserine, sphingomyelin, ceramide, hexosylceramide, and triacylglycerol but negatively with PC. BALF cell count correlated positively with phosphatidylinositol 38:4 mol%. In conclusion, equine BALF cells’ lipid profiles explored with MS-based lipidomics indicated subclinical inflammatory changes after WS. Inflammatory reactions in the cellular lipid species composition were detected although cytological responses indicating inflammation were weak.
The effect of uneven surfaces on inter-joint coordination during walking in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Dussault-Picard C. , Cherni Y. , Ferron A. , Robert M. T. , Dixon P. C.
Published: December 2023

Clinical gait analysis on uneven surfaces contributes to the ecological assessment of gait deviations of children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP). Walking on uneven surfaces requires specific motor strategies, which can be assessed by lower-limb kinematic and inter-joint coordination analyses. This study aimed to assess and compare kinematics and inter-joint coordination between children with CP and their typically developing (TD) peers when walking on even and two levels of uneven surfaces (medium and high). A total of 17 children with CP and 17 TD children (11.5 ± 3.5 and 10.4 ± 4.5 years old, respectively) were asked to complete 6–8 gait trials on a 4-m walkway of each surface (n = 3) in randomized blocks while fit with retro-reflective markers on their lower-limbs. Children with CP showed proximal gait adaptations (i.e., hip and knee) on uneven surfaces. Compared with the TD group, the CP group showed decreased hip extension during late stance (49–63%, d = 0.549, p < 0.001), and a more in-phase knee-hip coordination strategy during swing phase (75–84% of gait cycle, d = 1.035, p = 0.029 and 92–100%, d = 1.091, p = 0.030) when walking on an uneven (high), compared to even surface. This study provides a better understanding of kinematic strategies employed by children with spastic CP when facing typical daily life gait challenges. Further studies are needed to evaluate the benefits of integrating uneven surfaces in rehabilitation care.
Vectorial characterization of surface wave via one-dimensional photonic-atomic structure
Authors: Salmanpour M. Asadolah , Mosleh M. , Hamidi S. M.
Published: December 2023

Quantitative assessment of polarization properties of waves opens up the way for effective exploitation of them in many amazing applications. Tamm surface waves (TSW) that propagate on the interface of periodic dielectric media are proposed for many applications in numerous reports. The polarization state of TSW is not simply intuitive and would not be extracted from reflection spectra. Here considering orientation sensitive nature of the interaction between polarized electromagnetic wave and atom, we try to quantitatively characterize the polarization state of TSWs, excited on the surface of the 1D photonic crystal. To do this we performed direct contact between TSW and rubidium atomic gas by fabrication of a one-dimensional photonic crystal-atomic vapor cell and applied a moderate external magnetic field to create geometrical meaning and a sense of directionality to dark lines in reflection intensity. Our experimental results indicate that transition lines in the reflection spectrum of our hybrid system modify dependent on the orientation of the applied magnetic field and the transverse spin of TSW. We have used these changes to redefine the geometry of Voigt and Faraday for evanescent waves, especially Tamm surface waves.In the end, we performed simple mathematical operations on absorption spectra and extract the ratio of longitudinal and transverse electric field components of the polarization vector of TSW equal to$$\frac{2}{5}$$25.
Multimodal classification of molecular subtypes in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Krali Olga , Marincevic-Zuniga Yanara , Arvidsson Gustav , Enblad Anna Pia , Lundmark Anders , Sayyab Shumaila , Zachariadis Vasilios , Heinäniemi Merja , Suhonen Janne , Oksa Laura , Vepsäläinen Kaisa , Öfverholm Ingegerd , Barbany Gisela , Nordgren Ann , Lilljebjörn Henrik , Fioretos Thoas , Madsen Hans O. , Marquart Hanne Vibeke , Flaegstad Trond , Forestier Erik , Jónsson Ólafur G. , Kanerva Jukka , Lohi Olli , Norén-Nyström Ulrika , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Harila Arja , Heyman Mats , Lönnerholm Gudmar , Syvänen Ann-Christine , Nordlund Jessica
Published: December 2023

Genomic analyses have redefined the molecular subgrouping of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Molecular subgroups guide risk-stratification and targeted therapies, but outcomes of recently identified subtypes are often unclear, owing to limited cases with comprehensive profiling and cross-protocol studies. We developed a machine learning tool (ALLIUM) for the molecular subclassification of ALL in retrospective cohorts as well as for up-front diagnostics. ALLIUM uses DNA methylation and gene expression data from 1131 Nordic ALL patients to predict 17 ALL subtypes with high accuracy. ALLIUM was used to revise and verify the molecular subtype of 281 B-cell precursor ALL (BCP-ALL) cases with previously undefined molecular phenotype, resulting in a single revised subtype for 81.5% of these cases. Our study shows the power of combining DNA methylation and gene expression data for resolving ALL subtypes and provides a comprehensive population-based retrospective cohort study of molecular subtype frequencies in the Nordic countries.
Single-organoid analysis reveals clinically relevant treatment-resistant and invasive subclones in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Le Compte Maxim , De La Hoz Edgar Cardenas , Peeters Sofía , Fortes Felicia Rodrigues , Hermans Christophe , Domen Andreas , Smits Evelien , Lardon Filip , Vandamme Timon , Lin Abraham , Vanlanduit Steve , Roeyen Geert , Van Laere Steven , Prenen Hans , Peeters Marc , Deben Christophe
Published: December 2023

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal diseases, characterized by a treatment-resistant and invasive nature. In line with these inherent aggressive characteristics, only a subset of patients shows a clinical response to the standard of care therapies, thereby highlighting the need for a more personalized treatment approach. In this study, we comprehensively unraveled the intra-patient response heterogeneity and intrinsic aggressive nature of PDAC on bulk and single-organoid resolution. We leveraged a fully characterized PDAC organoid panel (N = 8) and matched our artificial intelligence-driven, live-cell organoid image analysis with retrospective clinical patient response. In line with the clinical outcomes, we identified patient-specific sensitivities to the standard of care therapies (gemcitabine-paclitaxel and FOLFIRINOX) using a growth rate-based and normalized drug response metric. Moreover, the single-organoid analysis was able to detect resistant as well as invasive PDAC organoid clones, which was orchestrates on a patient, therapy, drug, concentration and time-specific level. Furthermore, our in vitro organoid analysis indicated a correlation with the matched patient progression-free survival (PFS) compared to the current, conventional drug response readouts. This work not only provides valuable insights on the response complexity in PDAC, but it also highlights the potential applications (extendable to other tumor types) and clinical translatability of our approach in drug discovery and the emerging era of personalized medicine.
A breast cancer classification and immune landscape analysis based on cancer stem-cell-related risk panel
Authors: Hu Haihong , Zou Mingxiang , Hu Hongjuan , Hu Zecheng , Jiang Lingxiang , Escobar David , Zhu Hongxia , Zhan Wendi , Yan Ting , Zhang Taolan
Published: December 2023

This study sought to identify molecular subtypes of breast cancer (BC) and develop a breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs)-related gene risk score for predicting prognosis and assessing the potential for immunotherapy. Unsupervised clustering based on prognostic BCSC genes was used to determine BC molecular subtypes. Core genes of BC subtypes identified by non-negative matrix factorization algorithm (NMF) were screened using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). A risk model based on prognostic BCSC genes was constructed using machine learning as well as LASSO regression and multivariate Cox regression. The tumor microenvironment and immune infiltration were analyzed using ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT, respectively. A CD79A+CD24-PANCK+-BCSC subpopulation was identified and its spatial relationship with microenvironmental immune response state was evaluated by multiplexed quantitative immunofluorescence (QIF) and TissueFAXS Cytometry. We identified two distinct molecular subtypes, with Cluster 1 displaying better prognosis and enhanced immune response. The constructed risk model involving ten BCSC genes could effectively stratify patients into subgroups with different survival, immune cell abundance, and response to immunotherapy. In subsequent QIF validation involving 267 patients, we demonstrated the existence of CD79A+CD24-PANCK+-BCSC in BC tissues and revealed that this BCSC subtype located close to exhausted CD8+FOXP3+ T cells. Furthermore, both the densities of CD79A+CD24-PANCK+-BCSCs and CD8+FOXP3+T cells were positively correlated with poor survival. These findings highlight the importance of BCSCs in prognosis and reshaping the immune microenvironment, which may provide an option to improve outcomes for patients.
Post-crotonylation oxidation by a monooxygenase promotes acetyl-CoA synthetase degradation in Streptomyces roseosporus
Authors: Ma Bing-Bing , Sun Chen-Fan , Zhou Jing-Yi , Gu Shuai-Lei , Dai Xin-Yi , Chen Yan-Zhen , Zhao Qing-Wei , Mao Xu-Ming
Published: December 2023

Protein post-translational modifications (PTMs) with various acyl groups play central roles in Streptomyces. But whether these acyl groups can be further modified, and the influences of these potential modifications on bacterial physiology have not been addressed. Here in Streptomyces roseosporus with rich crotonylation, a luciferase monooxygenase LimB is identified to elaborately regulate the crotonylation level, morphological development and antibiotic production by oxidation on the crotonyl groups of an acetyl-CoA synthetase Acs. This chemical modification on crotonylation leads to Acs degradation via the protease ClpP1/2 pathway and lowered intracellular crotonyl-CoA pool. Thus, we show that acyl groups after PTMs can be further modified, herein named post-PTM modification (PPM), and LimB is a PTM modifier to control the substrate protein turnover for cell development of Streptomyces. These findings expand our understanding of the complexity of chemical modifications on proteins for physiological regulation, and also suggest that PPM would be widespread.
A multi-sensor approach for increased measurements of floods and their societal impacts from space
Authors: Munasinghe Dinuke , Frasson Renato Prata de Moraes , David Cédric H. , Bonnema Matthew , Schumann Guy , Brakenridge G. Robert
Published: December 2023

Merging observations from multiple satellites is necessary to ensure that extreme hydrological events are consistently observed. Here, we evaluate the potential improvements to flood detectability afforded by combining data collected globally by Landsat, Sentinel-2, and Sentinel-1. The enhanced temporal sampling increased the number of floods with at least 1 useful image (≤20% clouds) from 7% for single sensors to up to 66% for a potential multi-sensor product. As dramatic as the increased coverage is, the socioeconomic impacts are even more tangible. In the pre-Sentinel era, only 22% of the total population displaced by flood events benefitted from having high-resolution images, whereas a potential multi-sensor product would serve 75% of the displaced population. Additionally, the merged dataset could observe up to 100% of floods caused by challenging drivers, e.g., tropical cyclones, tidal surges, including those rarely seen by single sensors, and thereby enable insights into governing mechanisms of these events.
Robotic right ventricle is a biohybrid platform that simulates right ventricular function in (patho)physiological conditions and intervention
Authors: Singh Manisha , Bonnemain Jean , Ozturk Caglar , Ayers Brian , Saeed Mossab Y. , Quevedo-Moreno Diego , Rowlett Meagan , Park Clara , Fan Yiling , Nguyen Christopher T. , Roche Ellen T.
Published: December 2023

The increasing recognition of the right ventricle (RV) necessitates the development of RV-focused interventions, devices and testbeds. In this study, we developed a soft robotic model of the right heart that accurately mimics RV biomechanics and hemodynamics, including free wall, septal and valve motion. This model uses a biohybrid approach, combining a chemically treated endocardial scaffold with a soft robotic synthetic myocardium. When connected to a circulatory flow loop, the robotic right ventricle (RRV) replicates real-time hemodynamic changes in healthy and pathological conditions, including volume overload, RV systolic failure and pressure overload. The RRV also mimics clinical markers of RV dysfunction and is validated using an in vivo porcine model. Additionally, the RRV recreates chordae tension, simulating papillary muscle motion, and shows the potential for tricuspid valve repair and replacement in vitro. This work aims to provide a platform for developing tools for research and treatment for RV pathophysiology.
Nano scale instance-based learning using non-specific hybridization of DNA sequences
Authors: Su Yanqing , Lin Wanmin , Chu Ling , Zan Xiangzhen , Xu Peng , Zhang Fengyue , Liu Bo , Liu Wenbin
Published: December 2023

DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is a powerful molecule that plays a fundamental role in storing and processing genetic information of all living organisms. In recent years, scientists have harnessed hybridization powers between DNA molecules to perform various computing tasks in DNA computing and DNA storage. Unlike specific hybridization, non-specific hybridization provides a natural way to measure similarity between the objects represented by different DNA sequences. We utilize such property to build an instance-based learning model which recognizes an object by its similarity with other samples. The handwriting digit images in MNIST dataset are encoded by DNA sequences using a deep learning encoder. And the reverse complement sequence of a query image is used to hybridize with the training instance sequences. Simulation results by NUPACK show that this classification model by DNA could achieve 95% accuracy on average. Wet-lab experiments also validate the predicted yield is consistent with the hybridization strength. Our work proves that it is feasible to build an effective instance-based classification model for practical application.
Radionuclides for Health UK: improving UK access to radionuclides for molecular radiotherapy
Authors: Young J. D. , Tinsley T. P. , Blower P. J. , Sosabowski J. K.
Published: December 2023

Molecular radiotherapy has been identified as a promising treatment for late-stage metastatic cancer with significant research and commercial interest in the area. The Radionuclides for Health UK project was established to advocate for re-establishing a domestic supply of radionuclides to enable molecular radiotherapy research and clinical translation in the UK. A roundtable held was held in 2020 where three key production routes were identified. 1. Radionuclides from nuclear legacy material. 2. Reactor produced radionuclides. 3. Accelerator produced radionuclides. A collaboration was formed between Radionuclides for Health UK, the National Nuclear Laboratory, the EPSRC MITHRAS program, and the CRUK RadNet City of London Radiation Research Unit to run workshops on each topic. Between July 2021 and March 2022 three workshops were held, each focusing on one production route. Each workshop included presentations from experts followed by panel discussions. Each was attended by representatives from academia, industry, government, funding bodies, and healthcare professionals. The community has galvanised around the need for domestic radionuclide supply and identified routes to making this a reality. This has enabled the launch of a Radionuclides for white paper - Radionuclide Supply in the UK: A Path to Cancer Breakthrough.
Development of microfluidic systems for actinide separation using functionalised methacrylate monoliths
Authors: Yu Han Shuang , Brown Bernard Treves , Higginson Matthew , Kaye Philip , Sharrad Clint , Heath Scott
Published: December 2023

Advancement in analytical device miniaturisation through microfluidic technology offers an alternative approach towards radiochemical analysis. When compared to traditional macroscale analytical process, microfluidics devices manipulate and process fluid samples typically in the microlitre range, which provides benefits in terms of more efficient mixing and precise conditions control that are not feasible in macroscopic systems. Microfluidic extraction devices are fabricated using PMMA and packed with commercial UTEVA chromatographic resin have already been produced and tested for molybdenum and uranium separation from acidic media. Initial assessment of microfluidic device functionalisation with commercial particulate resins have proven to be difficult and inconsistent. Exploration into either light or thermally initiated methacrylate-based monolith materials as solid phase support for radiochemical separation under harsh conditions are investigated. Using variety of differing methacrylate functional monomers such as allyl methacrylate, methyl methacrylate and butyl methacrylate, functionalised by impregnation of TBP. Functionalised monoliths are produced and tested for its stability, functional capacity and cyclability under exposure to concentrated nitric acid (>8M). These monoliths may be produced via ex-situ or in-situ fabrication methods and reincorporated into desired microfluidic channels.
Time-resolved Crystallography on Protein Photoreceptors and Enzymes
Authors: Schmidt Marius
Published: December 2023

Time-resolved macromolecular crystallography (TRX) unifies structure determination of biomolecules with chemical kinetics. Developed at synchrotron light sources, TRX has been transformed by serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX) at X-ray free electron laser (XFEL) facilities. With TR-SFX, femtosecond time-resolution is possible and cyclic and non-cyclic macromolecular reactions can be equally well investigated. Here, progress in the field is illustrated by findings from several successful experiments on photoreceptors and enzymes at XFELs and at synchrotron X-ray sources.
Structural Elucidation Based on Photo-CIDNP NMR
Authors: Matysik Jörg , Kim Yunmi , Kurle-Tucholski Patrick , Musabirova Guzel , Qin Ruonan , Alia A.
Published: December 2023

The lack of signal often limits NMR analysis. Since the signal-to-noise ratio increases with the square root of time, extending the measurement time is not always applicable. An alternative approach is the transient induction of non-Boltzmann spin distribution. This strategy, also called “hyperpolarization”, leads to a dramatic enhancement of the NMR signals. Several different methods are presently explored and applied. Here we present the opportunities for structural biology opened by (photo-)chemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization (photo-CIDNP), i.e., nuclear hyperpolarization occurring in (photo-)chemical reactions involving radical pairs.
A computer vision enhanced smart phone platform for microfluidic urine glucometry
Authors: Meng Zhuolun , Tayyab Muhammad , Lin Zhongtian , Raji Hassan , Javanmard Mehdi
Published: December 2023

An innovative disposable microfluidic device was designed, created, and mounted in a 3D-printed chassis to capture images. The images were processed using a custom detector which automatically identifies target glucose strips and colorimetric values.
Simultaneous quantitation of urinary albumin and creatinine for rapid clinical albuminuria diagnostics using high-throughput paper spray mass spectrometry
Authors: Pereira Igor , Robinson Jason L. , Gill Chris G.
Published: December 2023

Rapid albuminuria diagnosis by paper spray mass spectrometry compares favorably with validated clinical measurement approaches that are currently used.
Improving the grindability of rice husk-based green silica through pyrolysis process optimization employing the Taguchi method and response surface methodology
Authors: Yuan Shengwang , Ma Zichao , Hou Yihao , Niu Shichao , Lekai Li , Liu Xuanting , Wang Shuo , Xu Zihe , Ma Yunhai
Published: December 2023

In the context of the energy crisis, the optimal utilization of clean agricultural waste is of growing significance.
Solvent-controlled synthesis of hydrophilic and hydrophobic carbon dots
Authors: Zhang Chenhan , Ying Zhihua , Jiang Yuan , Wang Haiyang , Zhou Xuebin , Xuan Weipeng , Zheng Peng
Published: December 2023

By varying the reaction solvent, the hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity of the CDs could be regulated. The amphiphilicity of CDs can be further regulated by varying the water/DMF volume ratio in the reaction system.
H2 formation from the E2–E4 states of nitrogenase
Authors: Jiang Hao , Ryde Ulf
Published: December 2023

We have studied formation of H2 from the E2–E4 states of nitrogenase with QM/MM calculations using four DFT methods. For E2 the rate of H2 formation agrees reasonably with experiments, but for E3 and E4 the calculated rates are too high.
CAAC-stabilised 9,10-diboraanthracene: an electronically and structurally flexible platform for small-molecule activation and metal complexation
Authors: Dietz Maximilian , Arrowsmith Merle , Braunschweig Holger
Published: December 2023

In its bent form a cyclic alkyl(amino)carbene (CAAC)-stabilised 9,10-diboraanthracene diradical enables concerted small molecule activation by the two boron centres, while in its planar form it acts as an η6-heteroarene ligand to group 6 carbonyls.
Tailoring metal–support interaction over faceted TiO2 and copper nanoparticles for electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia
Authors: Utomo Wahyu Prasetyo , Wu Hao , Liu Rui , Ng Yun Hau
Published: December 2023

Copper nanoparticles deposited on the surface of TiO2 with dominant (101) facet exposure show an exaggerated enhancement in ammonia production compared to the TiO2 with dominant (001) facet exposure.
Protic ionic liquids for sustainable uses
Authors: Bailey Josh , Byrne Emily L. , Goodrich Peter , Kavanagh Paul , Swadźba-Kwaśny Małgorzata
Published: December 2023

This review provides an overview of the current state-of-the-art and major trends in the application of protic ionic liquids (PILs) to sustainable chemistry.
The synergy of in situ-generated Ni0 and Ni2P to enhance CO adsorption and protonation for selective CH4 production from photocatalytic CO2 reduction
Authors: Liu Xuemei , Cui Chaonan , Wei Shuoshuo , Han Jinyu , Zhu Xinli , Ge Qingfeng , Wang Hua
Published: December 2023

The synergy between in situ-generated Ni0 sites and Ni2P selectively boosts CH4 formation by enhancing *CO adsorption and protonation.
Light-driven asymmetric coupling of aromatic aldehydes and aryl iodides using a simple amine reductant
Authors: Han Tongyu , Mou Quansheng , Lv Yuyu , Liu Mingxin
Published: December 2023

In light of overcoming the sustainability challenge in reduction processes by using a ‘greener’ yet less reactive reductant, a cobalt-catalyzed asymmetric reductive coupling reaction of aromatic aldehydes and aryl iodides has been developed with i-Pr2NEt as the reductant.
Critical aspects in dissolution testing of nanomaterials in the oro-gastrointestinal tract: the relevance of juice composition for hazard identification and grouping
Authors: Di Cristo Luisana , Keller Johannes G. , Leoncino Luca , Marassi Valentina , Loosli Frederic , Seleci Didem Ag , Tsiliki Georgia , Oomen Agnes G. , Stone Vicki , Wohlleben Wendel , Sabella Stefania
Published: December 2023

Rational design of analytical criteria to perform dissolution testing of nanomaterials: the relevance of juice composition for hazard identification and grouping.
Phthalimide-based unfused-ring non-fullerene acceptors for constructing efficient organic solar cells with high open-circuit voltage
Authors: He Baitian , Tang Luting , Huang Xiuhua , Zhang Jinming , Xiao Manjun , Chen Guiting , Dai Chuanbo
Published: December 2023

A series of phthalimide-based unfused-ring non-fullerene acceptors were designed and synthesized, and PM6:BPD-Cl-based organic solar cells achieved a higher PCE of 10.72%.
Efficient synthesis of 1,2-disubstituted benzimidazoles catalyzed by phosphoric acid as a homogeneous catalyst under mild conditions and investigating their anti-diabetes properties through molecular docking studies and calculations
Authors: Moazeni Bistgani Azam , Dehghani Abdulhamid , Moradi Leila
Published: December 2023

A green practical method for the efficient synthesis of 1-benzyl-2-phenyl-benzimidazole and its derivatives using phosphoric acid as an eco-friendly homogeneous catalyst from the condensation reaction of o-phenylenediamine (OPD) and aromatic aldehydes (bearing electron-withdrawing and electron-releasing groups) in methanol under thermal conditions is described.
Ultrasound-propelled nanomotors for efficient cancer cell ferroptosis
Authors: Chen Ting , Yang Jie , Zhao He , Li Dajian , Luo Xiaoyong , Fan Zhiyu , Ren Biye , Cai Yuepeng , Dong Renfeng
Published: December 2023

Ultrasound-propelled Janus nanomotors exhibit rapid cellular internalization with the aid of an ultrasonic field and effectively induce cancer cell ferroptosis due to synergistic generated reactive oxygen species.
Charge transfer properties of novel linear carbon chain-based dyes
Authors: Consiglio Giuseppe , Gorcyński Adam , Petralia Salvatore , Forte Giuseppe
Published: December 2023

Dyes with unique donor and acceptor groups outperformed phenothiazine (PTZ)-containing counterparts. 2-amine pyrrole donor induced faster charge transfer (qCT) than PTZ. qCT values reveal that the pyridinium acceptor group enhances charge separation.
Cutoff wavenumber analysis of arbitrarily shaped waveguides using regularized method of fundamental solutions with excitation sources
Authors: Yan Tingting , He Di , Xiong Xia , Hu Shengbo , Hu Bo
Published: December 2023

The method of fundamental solutions with excitation source (MFS‐ES) is a reliable method for determining the eigenvalues of a two‐dimensional hollow waveguide. However, the accuracy in MFS‐ES is extremely dependent on the choice of the auxiliary boundary. In this work, to avoid the problem, a regularized MFS‐ES (RMFS‐ES) is proposed. First, to overcome the shortcomings of MFS, a regularized method of fundamental Solutions (RMFS) is proposed by borrowing the ideas of singular boundary method (SBM) and single layer regularized meshless method (SRMM). Second, the expressions for the fundamental solutions at the singularities are given by utilizing the subtraction and adding‐back technique (SAB). Third, the excitation source method is introduced to overcome the problem that the RMFS may also have spurious frequencies. Finally, to improve the accuracy of RMFS‐ES in solving polygonal waveguide eigenvalue, a wedge scheme (WS) is given. Numerical results show that the meshless RMFS‐ES is a promising numerical method for waveguide eigenvalue problems.
Real‐time surgical tool detection with multi‐scale positional encoding and contrastive learning
Authors: Loza Gerardo , Valdastri Pietro , Ali Sharib
Published: December 2023

Real‐time detection of surgical tools in laparoscopic data plays a vital role in understanding surgical procedures, evaluating the performance of trainees, facilitating learning, and ultimately supporting the autonomy of robotic systems. Existing detection methods for surgical data need to improve processing speed and high prediction accuracy. Most methods rely on anchors or region proposals, limiting their adaptability to variations in tool appearance and leading to sub‐optimal detection results. Moreover, using non‐anchor‐based detectors to alleviate this problem has been partially explored without remarkable results. An anchor‐free architecture based on a transformer that allows real‐time tool detection is introduced. The proposal is to utilize multi‐scale features within the feature extraction layer and at the transformer‐based detection architecture through positional encoding that can refine and capture context‐aware and structural information of different‐sized tools. Furthermore, a supervised contrastive loss is introduced to optimize representations of object embeddings, resulting in improved feed‐forward network performances for classifying localized bounding boxes. The strategy demonstrates superiority to state‐of‐the‐art (SOTA) methods. Compared to the most accurate existing SOTA (DSSS) method, the approach has an improvement of nearly 4% on mAP and a reduction in the inference time by 113%. It also showed a 7% higher mAP than the baseline model.
Dual‐granularity feature fusion in visible‐infrared person re‐identification
Authors: Cai Shuang , Yang Shanmin , Hu Jing , Wu Xi
Published: December 2023

Visible‐infrared person re‐identification (VI‐ReID) aims to recognize images of the same person captured in different modalities. Existing methods mainly focus on learning single‐granularity representations, which have limited discriminability and weak robustness. This paper proposes a novel dual‐granularity feature fusion network for VI‐ReID. Specifically, a dual‐branch module that extracts global and local features and then fuses them to enhance the representative ability is adopted. Furthermore, an identity‐aware modal discrepancy loss that promotes modality alignment by reducing the gap between features from visible and infrared modalities is proposed. Finally, considering the influence of non‐discriminative information in the modal‐shared features of RGB‐IR, a greyscale conversion is introduced to extract modality‐irrelevant discriminative features better. Extensive experiments on the SYSU‐MM01 and RegDB datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of the framework and superiority over state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Extracting long‐term spatiotemporal characteristics of traffic flow using attention‐based convolutional transformer
Authors: Sattarzadeh Ali Reza , Pathirana Pubudu N. , Kutadinata Ronny , Huynh Van Thanh
Published: December 2023

Predicting traffic flow is vital for optimizing transportation efficiency, reducing fuel consumption, and minimizing commute times. While artificial intelligence tools have been effective in addressing this, there have been some difficulties in processing spatial and temporal data. Current transformer‐based methods, although cutting‐edge for traffic prediction, encounter challenges with handling long sequences and capturing temporal relations effectively. Addressing these, the research introduces a model combining multi‐scale attention modules within transformer layers. This model employs spatio‐temporal transformer blocks, enriched with multi‐scale convolutional attention mechanisms, allowing for a deeper understanding of temporal and spatial traffic patterns. This unique attention mechanism enhances data feature interpretation, leading to heightened prediction precision. The tests on extensive traffic datasets showcase the model's prowess in capturing both local and global traffic features, resulting in superior traffic status predictions. In summary, the innovative model offers an efficacious approach to long‐sequence traffic data learning and temporal relationship extraction, setting a new benchmark in traffic flow prediction accuracy.
Battery energy storage system planning for promoting renewable energy consumption using a constraint boundarization technique
Authors: Yang Hejun , Wang Jingyin , Ma Yinghao , Zhang Dabo , Guerrero Josep M.
Published: December 2023

The battery energy storage system (EES) deployed in power system can effectively counteract the power fluctuation of renewable energy source. In the planning and operation process of grid side EES, however, the incorporation of power flow constraints into the optimization problem will strongly affect the solving efficiency. Therefore, a bi‐level planning and operation co‐optimization model for EES is proposed based on a constraint boundarization technique. Firstly, a constraint boundarization method for considering power flow constraints is proposed to solve the efficiency problem of the optimization model. Secondly, in terms of the upper and lower bounds of storage's operation curve obtained by the constraint boundarization method, an operation risk evaluation index is defined to describe the potential risk of storage planning scheme. Thirdly, this paper establishes a bi‐level planning and operation co‐optimization model for EES, in which the planning problem with a goal of minimizing total cost is taken as an outer layer and the operation problem for pursuing renewable energy consumption and reducing the load curtailment is taken as an inner layer. Finally, case studies are carried out, and results demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed model and method.
Energy storage device sizing and energy management in building‐applied photovoltaic systems considering battery degradation
Authors: Dolatabadi Mahdi , Seyednouri Seyedreza , Hasselström Albin , Safari Amin , Farrokhifar Meisam
Published: December 2023

This study aims to develop an optimization strategy for determining the optimal type and capacity of batteries in a building‐applied photovoltaic system, taking into account battery degradation, consumption profiles, and regional solar irradiation. Key performance indicators such as peak shaving, savings, net present value, self‐consumption, return on investment, and payback period are examined. The best trade‐off among these indicators is determined using the fuzzy decision‐making method. A study was conducted using real data from Kpenergy Company, focusing on a building with a 50 kW photovoltaic system located in Stockholm. Three cases were examined in MATLAB software, each categorized based on the type of contract between the utility (Vattenfall Company) and the subscriber. The results of these case studies highlight the effectiveness of the proposed optimization approach. Using the proposed approach, optimal batteries are determined, minimizing subscriber costs while maximizing profit.
Event‐triggered distributed secondary control for enhancing efficiency, reliability and communication in island mode DC microgrids
Authors: Irmak Erdal , Kabalcı Ersan , Calpbinici Ayberk
Published: December 2023

Although distributed secondary control helps control microgrids, it can provide insufficient performance in some cases where the system includes both renewable energy sources (RESs) and energy storage systems (ESSs). Therefore, an improved distributed secondary control structure is proposed in this study to improve efficiency and reliability in island mode DC microgrids that include RESs and ESSs. In order to regulate the power flow in accordance with the real time generation of the sources, maximum power calculation algorithms have been created within the secondary control levels of the PV and wind controllers. Furthermore, a fuzzy logic‐based energy management system has been designed in the secondary control of the battery controller to manage the power flow of the whole system considering the battery charge states and the total power generated by RESs. The distributed secondary control operates in event‐triggered mode to reduce the communication burdens. To avoid zeno behavior, event‐triggered control is designed based on sampled data. The proposed control scheme has been tested in Simulink environment and its stability is verified using Lyapunov's stability criteria. Results show that the power demand is successfully provided proportionally among the RESs and the communication burden is reduced considerably.
A bipolar structure and shocks surrounding the stellar-merger remnant V1309 Scorpii
Authors: Steinmetz T. , Kamiński T. , Schmidt M. , Kiljan A.
Published: December 2023

Context. V1309 Sco is an example of a red nova, a product of the merger between non-compact stars. V1309 Sco is particularly important within the class of red novae due to the abundance of photometric data of the progenitor binary before the merger.

Aims. We aim to investigate the spatio-kinematic and chemical properties of the circumstellar environment, including deriving the physical conditions and establishing the origins of the different circumstellar components.

Methods. We used radiative transfer modelling of molecular emission in sub-millimetre spectra to examine the properties of the molecular gas, and we used forbidden line diagnostics from optical spectra to constrain the electron density and temperature using forbidden line diagnostics. We compared line intensities from shock models to observations to look for and constrain shocks.

Results. We derived a new kinematical distance of 5.6 kpc to the source. The detection of ro-vibrational H2 and sub-millimetre HCO+ emission in 2016 and 2019, respectively, indicate active shock interactions within the circumstellar environment. The velocity profiles of both H2 and HCO+, as well as the moment-1 maps of sub-millimetre CO and 29SiO, indicate a bipolar structure that may be asymmetric. The sub-millimetre and optical molecular emission exhibits temperatures of 35–113 and 200 K, respectively, whilst the atomic gas is much hotter, with temperatures of 5–15 kK, which may be due to shock heating.

Conclusions. The detection of a bipolar structure in V1309 Sco indicates further similarities with the structure of another Galactic red nova, V4332 Sgr. It provides evidence that bipolar structures may be common in red novae. All collected data are consistent with V1309 Sco being a kinematically and chemically complex system.
The effect of the global climate change on the vitality of viticulture in Russia
Authors: Papaskiri Timur V. , Timizhev Tembulat M.
Published: December 2023

We described in this article the features of the impact of global climate change on wine-growing enterprises of the Russian Federation. Statistical data on the areas under vineyards of all agricultural organizations in the country were analyzed and displayed by regions. The daily amounts of solar radiation arriving at the horizontal surface in the study area are shown and similar climatic conditions are found with some French regions. Information was collected on the dynamics of average monthly and annual temperatures in the southern cities of the RF for 1980 and 2021, which proved that in all regional centers, the main regions of industrial viticulture, over the past 40 years the average monthly and annual temperature has only increased. We provided tables and figures displaying unique information on agroclimatic indicators of the regions of interest. Based on the data presented, conclusions are drawn and measures are proposed for the rational cultivation of vineyards, taking into account the distinctive features of different climatic zones in a changing climate.
Chloroplast genomes of Vitis sp. samples from Nechaevsk population of the Krasnodar region
Authors: Zvyagin Andrej , Savenkova Daria , Elisyutikova Anastasia , Troshin Leonid
Published: December 2023

The presented study demonstrates the results of sequencing and analysis of wild grape plastomes assemblies located in the Nechaevsk population. Previously, the habitats of the wild forest grape V. vinifera subsp. silvestris were explored as an outcome of expeditions. As a result of repeated expeditions, samples were taken and used to isolate chloroplast DNA. Assembly and annotation of plastomes showed the presence of DNA encoding sequences. At the same time, the structure of the obtained plastomes varied. These expressed in the presence of DNA polymorphisms. Comparison of the aligned sequences made it possible to reveal the presence of the species V. vinifera subsp. sylvestris in the population, as well as hybrid specimens. This is also confirmed by the result of determining the taxonomy after depositing the archives of readings in the NCBI database.