bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration of just‐in‐time learning with variational autoencoder for cell culture process monitoring based on Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Rashedi Mohammad , Khodabandehlou Hamid , Wang Tony , Demers Matthew , Tulsyan Aditya , Garvin Christopher , Undey Cenk
Published: April 2024

Protein production in the biopharmaceutical industry necessitates the utilization of multiple analytical techniques and control methodologies to ensure both safety and consistency. To facilitate real‐time monitoring and control of cell culture processes, Raman spectroscopy has emerged as a versatile analytical technology. This technique, categorized as a Process Analytical Technology, employs chemometric models to establish correlations between Raman signals and key variables of interest. One notable approach for achieving real‐time monitoring is through the application of just‐in‐time learning (JITL), an industrial soft sensor modeling technique that utilizes Raman signals to estimate process variables promptly. The conventional Raman‐based JITL method relies on the K‐nearest neighbor (KNN) algorithm with Euclidean distance as the similarity measure. However, it falls short of addressing the impact of data uncertainties. To rectify this limitation, this study endeavors to integrate JITL with a variational autoencoder (VAE). This integration aims to extract dominant Raman features in a nonlinear fashion, which are expressed as multivariate Gaussian distributions. Three experimental runs using different cell lines were chosen to compare the performance of the proposed algorithm with commonly utilized methods in the literature. The findings indicate that the VAE–JITL approach consistently outperforms partial least squares, convolutional neural network, and JITL with KNN similarity measure in accurately predicting key process variables.
Improved sieving coefficient in perfusion cell culture with reduced effective filtration length of hollow fibers
Authors: Vu Jimmy , Gadberry J. Alex , Coffman Jon , Lee Ken
Published: April 2024

The hollow fiber filter is the primary cell‐retention device used in high‐density perfusion cell culture and often used in an alternating tangential flow (ATF) configuration. The limited commercially available diaphragm pumps for ATF prevent utilization of vertical space when scaling beyond 500 L. Stacking hollow fiber filters coupled with viscous cell culture imposes vacuum pressure exceeding facility capabilities. Additionally, the longer filter assembly increases the hold‐up volume and exceeds the diaphragm pump's fluid exchange capacity. The conventional tangential flow filtration (TFF) configuration circumvents this issue by exchanging culture from the bioreactor and cell‐retention device in a unidirectional recirculation loop; however, the increased filter length when scaled up exacerbates the TFF's inherent issue with product retention from Starling flow. Stacking commercially available 20 cm TFF filters to make up the similar single‐module length TFF used for the platform 3 and 50 L perfusion process at 41.5 and 65 cm, respectively, attempts to reduce fouling caused by Starling flow. The permeate of a single‐module filter is partitioned into short independent segments through serially stacked filters, each harvested separately. By partitioning the permeate, the sieving coefficient increased for both 3 and 50 L scales. Reduction of Starling flow was confirmed with lower total hydraulic membrane resistance throughout the culture. This work demonstrates a method for increasing sieving coefficient and filter capacity by stacking TFF filters with independent permeate streams.
Prerequisite knowledge‐based automated course planning with semantics consideration
Authors: Yoo John J.‐W. , Balachandranath Preamnath , Saboury Saeed
Published: April 2024

The knowledge‐based prerequisite framework (KPF) is an alternative to the course‐based prerequisite framework (CPF), which is widely used for curriculum design. The KPF is more flexible because it only requires essential prerequisite knowledge, while the CPF is more rigid and requires students to take all prerequisite courses. Since the number of prerequisite knowledge terms is, in general, much greater than the number of prerequisite courses, flexibility can cause additional complexity. Furthermore, the KPF inevitably requires handling semantics of defined knowledge terms. This work presents a novel Artificial Intelligence (AI) Planning mathematical model that enables the KPF by automatically verifying prerequisite knowledge and incorporating hierarchical semantic relationships among knowledge terms into the model. The proposed model significantly improves the quality of course planning solutions by finding hidden or better solutions that could not be obtained without semantics consideration. The results of the comprehensive experiments show the optimality of the solutions obtained by the mathematical model and demonstrate the outperformance of incorporation of the semantics into the mathematical model, in terms of the quality of solutions. Finally, the experimental results on scalability show the necessity of the development of efficient heuristic algorithms.
Identification of a disulfidptosis‐related prognostic signature for prediction of the effect of treatment in patients with endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Peng Lu , Gao Yuan , Cao Zifeng , Pang Yingxin
Published: April 2024

Background

Disulfide, an essential compounds family, has diverse biological activity and can affect the dynamic balance between physiological and pathological states. A recently published study found that aberrant accumulation of disulfide had a lethal effect on cells. This mechanism of cell death, named disulfidptosis, differs from other known cell death mechanisms, including cuproptosis, apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis. The relationship between disulfidptosis and development of cancer, in particular endometrial carcinoma, remains unclear.

Methods

To address this knowledge gap, we performed a preliminary analysis of samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The samples were divided equally into a training group and a test group. A total of 2308 differentially expressed genes were extracted, and 11 were used to construct a prognostic model.

Results

Based on the risk score calculated using the prognostic model, the samples were divided into a high‐risk group and a low‐risk group. Survival time, tumor mutation burden, and microsatellite instability scores differed significantly between the two groups. Furthermore, a between‐group difference in treatment effect was predicted. Comparison with other models in the literature indicated that this prognostic model had better predictive anility.

Conclusion

The results of this study provide a general framework for understanding the relationship between disulfidptosis and endometrial cancer that could be used for clinical evaluation and selection of appropriate personalized treatment strategies.
PAI‐1 transfected‐conditioned media promotes osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs
Authors: Li Zhang , Kegui Hou , Piao Wang , Xuejiu Wang , Lim Ki‐Taek , Jin Hexiu
Published: April 2024

Reconstruction of injured bone remains challenging in the clinic owing to the lack of suitable bone grafts. The utilization of PAI‐1 transfected‐conditioned media (P‐CM) has demonstrated its ability to facilitate the differentiation process of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), potentially serving as a crucial mediator in tissue regeneration. This research endeavored to explore the therapeutic potential of P‐CM concerning the differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). To assess new bone formation, a rat calvaria critical defect model was employed, while in vitro experiments involved the use of the alizarin Red‐S mineral induction test. In the rat calvaria critical defect model, P‐CM treatment resulted in significan new bone formation. In vitro, P‐CM treated hBMSCs displayed robust osteogenesis compared to the control group, as demonstrated by the mineral induction test using alizarin Red‐S. P‐CM with hydroxyapatite/β‐tricalcium phosphate/fibrin gel treatment significantly exhibited new bone formation, and the expression of osteogenic associated markers was enhanced in the P‐CM‐treated group. In conclusion, results demonstrate that P‐CM treatment significantly enhanced the osteogenic differantiation efficiency and new bone formation, thus could be used as an ideal therapeutic biomolecule for constructing bone‐specific implants, especially for orthopedic and dental applications.
More than skin‐deep elbow pain in a psoriatic arthritis patient after phlebotomy
Authors: Kaur Ikwinder Preet , Kaeley Gurjit
Published: April 2024

Key Clinical Message

Bicipitoradial bursitis is an unusual cause of cubital fossa pain in PsA patients. Bedside Ultrasound is a valuable tool to correlate the source of pain in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.
A case of cough syncope diagnosed by the Valsalva maneuver and cough induction test under invasive arterial pressure measurement
Authors: Kubota Yoshiro , Okajima Katsunori , Nagamatsu Yuichi , Nakanishi Tomoyuki , Shirai Takeaki , Kadotani Makoto , Ohnishi Yoshio
Published: April 2024

Key Clinical Message

Following the loss of consciousness during the Valsalva maneuver and cough induction test, real‐time arterial pressure measurement could clarify the significant blood pressure decrease in a patient with cough syncope.
Understanding Flexdispersion: Structure‐Function Relationship Studies of Organic Amphiphilic Ligands
Authors: Sudo Tatsuya , Sagawa Masahiko , Adachi Sota , Kato Yusuke , Nakanishi Yuki , Nakamura Tatsuya , Yamashita Shohei , Kamiya Hidehiro , Okada Yohei
Published: April 2024

Since inorganic nanoparticles have unique properties that differ from those of bulk materials, their material applications have attracted attention in various fields. In order to utilize inorganic nanoparticles for functional materials, they must be dispersed without agglomeration. Therefore, the surfaces of inorganic nanoparticles are typically modified with organic ligands to improve their dispersibility. Nevertheless, the relationship between the tail group structure in organic ligands and the dispersibility of inorganic nanoparticles in organic solvents remains poorly understood. We previously developed amphiphilic ligands that consist of ethylene glycol chains and alkyl chains to disperse inorganic nanoparticles in a variety of organic solvents. However, the structural requirements for amphiphilic ligands to “flexibly” disperse nanoparticles in less polar to polar solvents are still unclear. Here, we designed and synthesized several phosphonic acid ligands for structure−function relationship studies of flexdispersion. Dynamic light scattering analysis and visible light transmittance measurements revealed that the ratio of alkyl/ethylene glycol chains in organic ligands alone does not determine the dispersibility of the nanoparticles in organic solvents, but the arrangement of the individual chains also has an effect. From a practical application standpoint, it is preferable to design ligands with ethylene glycol chains on the outside relative to the particle surface.
An adding‐points strategy surrogate model for well control optimization based on radial basis function neural network
Authors: Chen Hongwei , Xu Chen , Li Yang , Xu Chi , Su Haoyu , Guo Yujun
Published: April 2024

This work introduces a new adding points strategy for augmenting the accuracy of reservoir proxy model and improving the effect of well control optimization. The method is based on the optimization process of a radial basis function neural network and genetic algorithm (GA), which aids in identifying the more important points to be included in the sample space. Notably, the uniqueness of this method lies in selecting the points of higher importance for subsequent optimization processes across the entire sample space. These selected points are then added to the surrogate model. The surrogate model is updated for each generation until the termination condition is satisfied, enabling the surrogate model to achieve improved accuracy. The results show that the new method is more effective, superior, and converges faster than the traditional method.
Revealing the Regulation Effect of Surface Charge at Aromatic Interface to Dynamic Conformational Changes of α‐Synuclein at Early Aggregation Stage
Authors: Zhang Yuqi , Wu Lie , Jiang Xiue
Published: April 2024

Comprehensive Summary

The aggregation of α‐synuclein (α‐syn) is strongly influenced by membrane interfaces, but the mechanism of transition from monomers to oligomers at early aggregation stage is not clear. Here, we investigate the adsorption and structure changes of α‐syn on oppositely charged aromatic interfaces through in‐situ surface‐enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) spectroscopy and nano‐IR technique. The results show that the synergy of electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions leads to a “fast‐slow” two‐step aggregation pathway on negatively charged interface. Surface adsorption induces the formation of an extended helix structure and subsequently partial helix unwinding in NAC region, which enables the hydrophobic stacking between nearby NAC regions. Stable antiparallel β‐sheet rich aggregates are gradually emerging as further interactions of monomers with the fast formed “first layer”. Monomers electrostatically adsorb on positively charged interface by C‐terminus with NAC region and N‐terminus stretched in solvent, which serve as an aggregation core and induce further adsorption and gradual formation of aggregates with C‐terminus exposure. Our results demonstrate the modulation of surface charge and synergy of electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions on the interaction modes and aggregation pathways, which provide insights into dynamic conformation changes of α‐syn at early aggregation stage and imply the important role of spatial‐temporal heterogeneity of membranes in α‐synucleinopathies.
Multistimuli‐Responsive Luminescent Porous Organic Polymers with Chiroptical Properties and Acid‐Induced Degradation
Authors: He Youling , Fan Dongyang , Zhang Liang , Wang Dong , Han Ting , Hu Rongrong , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: April 2024

Comprehensive Summary

Porous organic polymers (POPs) have attracted great attention in past decades. Although diverse functional POPs have been developed, multistimuli‐responsive POPs with excellent aggregate‐state luminescence together with good chiroptical properties have rarely been reported. Herein, two pairs of Salen‐type enantiomeric POPs with multistimuli‐responsive luminescence and chiral features were designed and synthesized by facile polycondensation reactions between polyfunctional aggregation‐induced emission luminogen (AIEgen)‐containing salicylaldehyde derivatives and chiral diamines. With Salen units in polymer backbones as tetradentate ligands, a series of POP‐metal complexes were further prepared. The obtained POPs and metal complexes show good porosity, high thermal stability, and obvious circular dichroism signals. Moreover, benefiting from the coexistence of AIEgen and Salen units in polymer structures, these POPs exhibit excellent luminescence performance in aggregate states and tunable fluorescence behaviors in response to external stimuli of Zn2+ ion, mechanical forces, organic solvent, and acids. Due to the dynamic feature of Schiff base C=N bonds, the present POPs can efficiently undergo hydrolysis reactions under strong acidic conditions to reproduce the AIEgen‐ containing monomers, and such an acid‐induced degradation process can be directly visualized and dynamically monitored via fluorescence variation. These properties collectively make the POPs candidate materials for applications in heterogeneous asymmetric catalysis, fluorescence sensing, biomedicine, etc.
Temperature‐Induced Modifications in Natural Zeolite Clinoptilolite: Effects on Acidity and Catalytic Acetalization
Authors: Muhammad Riaz , Al‐Muqati Naif S. , Schulz Axel , Alessa Abdulmalik , Al‐Otabi Raja , Osman Ahmed I. , Al‐Fatesh Ahmed S.
Published: April 2024

This study delves into the acid modification of natural zeolite clinoptilolite, focusing on the identification of acid site types and their catalytic activity in the Brønsted acid‐catalyzed acetalization of benzaldehyde with 1,3‐butanediol. Following calcination, the samples underwent acidification via ammonium‐ion exchange, resulting in approximately 45 % of the clinoptilolite cations being exchanged with ammonium ions. The investigation evaluates the structural, morphological, and textural alterations induced by this modification using XRD, FTIR, and nitrogen adsorption‐desorption measurements. Ammonia‐temperature‐programmed desorption (NH3‐TPD) analysis confirms the presence of medium to strong acidic protons, highlighting the acidity of the modified samples. Employing 27Al and 29Si magic‐angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) spectroscopy elucidated changes in the state and coordination of aluminum post‐sample activation. Specifically, the 27Al MAS NMR spectra indicate a partial dealumination, evidenced by the emergence of 5 and 6‐fold coordinated aluminum. Moreover, 29Si MAS NMR measurements tracked variations in the Si/Al ratio. The study probes the nature of these sites, their influence on catalytic activity, and the synergistic interplay between Brønsted acid sites and 5‐fold coordinated aluminum. The results showcase that the prepared acidic natural clinoptilolite catalysts augment acidity and porosity, fostering promising implications for catalytic applications.
Switchable Regioselective C−H Activation/Annulation of Acrylamides with Alkynes for the Synthesis of 2‐Pyridones
Authors: Chen Chao , Chen Yanni , Han Zijian , Huang Yujie , Wang Yujiao , Tao Xiuyu , Wang Lan , Chen Xiangli , Long Ruikai , Yang Yaxi , Zhu Weiliang , Zhou Bing
Published: April 2024

A catalyst‐based switchable regioselective C−H activation/annulation of acrylamides with propargyl carbonates has been developed, delivering C5 or C6 alkenyl substituted 2‐pyridones. This robust protocol proceeds with a broad substrate scope and good functional group tolerance under redox‐neutral reaction conditions. More significantly, this reaction is highly effective with previously challenging unsymmetrical alkynes, including unbiased alkyl‐alkyl substituted alkynes, with perfect and switchable regioselectivity. Additionally, mechanistic studies and DFT calculations were performed to shed light on the switchable regioselectivity.
Technical, gating and interpretation recommendations for the partitioning of circulating monocyte subsets assessed by flow cytometry
Authors: Tarfi Sihem , Kern Wolfgang , Goulas Elodie , Selimoglu‐Buet Dorothée , Wagner‐Ballon Orianne ,   the CytHem‐LMMC
Published: April 2024

The monocyte subset partitioning by flow cytometry, known as “monocyte assay,” is now integrated into the new classifications as a supporting criterion for CMML diagnosis, if a relative accumulation of classical monocytes above 94% of total circulating monocytes is observed. Here we provide clinical flow cytometry laboratories with technical support adapted for the most commonly used cytometers. Step‐by‐step explanations of the gating strategy developed on whole peripheral blood are presented while underlining the most common difficulties. In a second part, interpretation recommendations of circulating monocyte partitioning from the dedicated French working group “CytHem‐LMMC” are shared as well as the main pitfalls, including false positive and false negative cases. The particular flow‐defined inflammatory profile is described and the usefulness of the nonclassical monocyte specific marker, namely slan, highlighted. Examples of reporting to the physician with frequent situations encountered when using the monocyte assay are also presented.
Trends in exposure to drugs and prohibited substances among sports: A nationwide analysis of 2008–2022 inquiry records
Authors: Chen Cheng‐Chia , Hsu Mei‐Chich , Wu Yu‐Tse , Chen Chi‐Hua , Lin Tzu‐Yu , Ho Wei , Chang William Chih‐Wei
Published: April 2024

To prevent athletes from unintentional doping, the anti‐doping authorities in Taiwan have launched several sports‐prohibited substances inquiry services since 2008. This study aimed to enhance the prevention of sports‐prohibited substance misuse by analyzing data collected from major nationwide service systems, enabling the identification of trends in athletes' exposure to drugs and prohibited substances. The study collected over 30,000 data points from three major national anti‐doping inquiry systems, spanning from 2008 to 2022. The information of the users consulted products, prohibited substances, and sports disciplines in the data were calculated and categorized. The usage of inquiry systems has shown an increasing trend from 2008 to 2022. Athletes comprised the majority of users (> 40%), significantly outnumbering other user groups (all below 20%). Among the inquiries, Western medicine accounted for the highest percentage (up to 79.6%), and it also contained the majority of the prohibited substances. Interestingly, traditional Chinese medicines had a higher chance (35.9%) of containing prohibited substances, as indicated by the mobile application. The prohibited substances mainly belonged to class S6 stimulants and S9 glucocorticoids. Among the daily medicinal products and nutritional supplements encountered by sports personnel, approximately 30% of them were found to contain prohibited substances. Future educational efforts should focus on raising awareness about traditional Chinese medicines and drugs for the common cold, ADHD, and pain relief, as well as their regulation, to prevent the misuse of prohibited substances.
Effect of salinity on the oviposition and growth of Ochlerotatus togoi
Authors: Choi Jae Won , Choi Kwang Shik
Published: April 2024

Ochlerotatus togoi is a salt‐tolerant euryhaline mosquito that lays its eggs in rock pools. Although it is a pest that can transmit flaviviruses and filarial worms to humans, ecological studies have not been previously conducted because of its limited habitat. However, rising sea levels have created a more favorable environment for Oc. togoi, increasing the risk of Oc. togoi‐borne diseases. We examined the oviposition and growth rates of Oc. togoi at 0–35 psu to obtain ecological data. It exhibited the highest oviposition preference at 0 psu; however, the hatching rate was highest at 10 psu, the pupation rate was highest at 25 psu, and the emergence rate was highest at 5 psu. Oc. togoi showed the highest rate of growth into adults at 25 psu. The results were assessed using Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis H tests (post hoc test: Bonferroni), and a regression equation was generated for the incidence of adult Oc. togoi based on the change in salinity (y = −14.318 + 9.821x; y = adult incidence rate; x = salinity). The oviposition habits and developmental conditions of Oc. togoi were confirmed, and the incidence of Oc. togoi based on changes in sea level and ocean salinity was predicted. The results of this study will be useful for controlling salt‐tolerant vectors and responding to vector‐borne diseases.
Floral mechanisms promote pollination success and reduce the incidence of self‐pollination in a fly‐pollinated self‐incompatible orchid
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Wu Shi‐Mao , Gao Jiang‐Yun
Published: April 2024

Among flowering plants, self‐incompatibility is considered the most efficient system for avoiding self‐fertilization. However, many self‐incompatible plants have also evolved floral mechanisms to reduce sexual conflict. In China, some studies of Bulbophyllum have been reported to be self‐incompatible and no fruit sets. However, we have observed relatively high fruit sets in Bulbophyllum funingense. Therefore, we speculated that if B. funingense is also self‐incompatible, and it might present a floral mechanism to avoid sexual conflict. Natural fruit sets, pollinia removal and deposition rates were determined and breeding system was tested in a hand‐pollination experiment. The pollination process and visiting frequency of pollinators and their behavior after escape from access were observed and recorded. Floral traits associated with pollination and pollinator size were measured. B. funingense was completely self‐incompatible, the fruit sets of cross‐pollination in 2 years were all more than 70%, and the natural fruit sets for 2 years were 1.70 ± 4.31% and 6.63 ± 5.29%, respectively. B. funingense did not produce strong odor or nectar, but produced a kind of secretions from its labellum that attracted flies. Calliphora vicina (Calliphoridae) was its only effective pollinator. When C. vicina licked the secretions, they were stuck in the access for a long time. Thus, when they escaped from access, they almost always flew quickly away from the inflorescence removing pollinia most of the times. In B. funingense, a floral mechanism improves pollinia transfer efficiency, reduces pollinia waste, promotes pollination success, reduces the incidence of self‐pollination, and avoids sexual conflict to a certain extent.
Automated and repeated aerial observations of GPS‐collared animals using UAVs and open‐source electronics
Authors: Kavwele Cyrus M. , Hopcraft J. Grant C. , Davy Deborah , Torney Colin J.
Published: April 2024

Telemetry has enabled ecologists to link animal movement trajectories and environmental features at a fine spatiotemporal resolution; however, the effects of social interactions on individual choice within large mobile groups remain largely unknown. Estimating the effect of social interaction in the wild remains challenging because existing long‐term tracking tools such as GPS collars focus on the movements of a single individual and cannot observe the behavior of other individuals within the group. The progression of socially informed movement models requires measuring simultaneous trajectories of many individuals at once, as well as the instantaneous social cues to which individuals may be responding. The availability of low‐flying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and low‐cost open‐source electronics presents a promising opportunity to collect fine‐scale data on social interactions in order to advance our understanding of collective behavior. Here, we present a tracking system that enables the repeated localization and observation of a collared individual and its near neighbors using nadir video footage collected from a commercial UAV. We make use of open‐source electronics combined with the UAV's in‐built functionality that allows it to follow a stream of GPS locations to create an automated system that can follow a specific individual without user control. We demonstrate the tracking systems' performance by studying the group movements of a herd of Exmoor ponies (Equus ferus caballus), and as a proof of concept, we examine the position of the focal individual (collared animal) in relation to the center of the video frame. We also collect information about the focal individual's nearest neighbors. The automated animal observation tool is effective at consistently keeping the focal individual close to the center of the video frame, offering a new dimension to existing remote telemetry tools. For instance, the repeated observation of the same individual in different physiological states, seasons, and demographic groups potentially opens new avenues in collective movement ecology research. By making our design, software, and firmware freely available, we aim to encourage continuous improvements to collective behavior research and to facilitate replicable approaches across other species and ecosystems.
The role of cultivated versus wild seeds in the diet of European turtle doves (Streptopelia turtur) across European breeding and African wintering grounds
Authors: Young Rebecca E. , Dunn Jenny C. , Vaughan Ian P. , Mallord John W. , Drake Lorna E. , Orsman Chris J. , Ka Moussa , Diallo Mamadou B. , Sarr Malang , Lormée Hervé , Eraud Cyril , Kiss Orsolya , Marchbank Angela , Symondson William O. C.
Published: April 2024

Agricultural intensification is a major driver in species declines, with changes in land use resulting in widespread alteration of resource availability. An increase in anthropogenic food resources, alongside decreasing natural resources, has resulted in species undergoing dietary changes that can have important ecological consequences, particularly for declining species. Here we use high‐throughput sequencing to analyze the diet of the migrant European turtle dove (Streptopelia turtur), a species that has experienced significant population decline throughout its European range. We analyze the diet of this species on both breeding and wintering grounds to gain an understanding of resource use throughout the annual cycle and compare areas of more and less intensive agriculture in western and eastern Europe, respectively. We examine associations with body condition, spatiotemporal variation and the source of food (wild or cultivated). We identified 121 taxonomic units in the diet, with significant variation across sampling seasons, and very little overlap between the breeding and wintering seasons, as well as high levels of cultivated food resources in the diet of turtle doves in both breeding and wintering grounds, with the highest proportion of wild seeds in the diet occurring in birds caught in Hungary, where agricultural intensity was lowest. We detected no association between body condition and the consumption of cultivated food resources. We demonstrate the importance of wild resources in birds on the wintering grounds as they approach migration, where body condition increased as the season progressed, concurrent with an increased consumption of wild seeds. These findings indicate the importance of habitats rich in wild seeds and the need to consider food availability on the wintering grounds, as well as the breeding grounds in turtle dove conservation strategies.
Dietary partitioning among three cryptobenthic reef fish mesopredators revealed by visual analysis, metabarcoding of gut content, and stable isotope analysis
Authors: Palacios‐Narváez Stephania , Coker Darren J. , Aylagas Eva , Justo Micaela S. , Nunes‐Peinemann Viktor , Tietbohl Matthew D. , Bocanegra Carolina , Antony Chakkiath Paul , Berumen Michael L.
Published: April 2024

Understanding how mesopredators partition their diet and the identity of consumed prey can assist in understanding the ecological role predators and prey play in ecosystem trophodynamics. Here, we assessed the diet of three common coral reef mesopredators; Pseudochromis flavivertex, Pseudochromis fridmani, and Pseudochromis olivaceus from the family Pseudochromidae, commonly known as dottybacks, using a combination of (i) visual stomach content analysis, (ii) stomach content DNA metabarcoding (18S, COI), and (iii) stable isotope analysis (δ15N, δ13C). In addition, P. flavivertex is found in two distinct color morphs in the Red Sea, providing an opportunity to analyze intra‐morph differences. These techniques revealed partitioning in the dietary composition and resource use among species. Arthropods comprised the main dietary component of P. flavivertex (18S > 60%; COI > 10%) and P. olivaceus (18S = 57.2%), while P. fridmani ingested predominantly mollusks (18S = 51.3%, COI = 24.6%). Despite being small predators, microplastics were found in the gut content of some of these fishes. Stable isotope analysis showed differences in species' isotopic niche breadth and trophic position. Pseudochromis olivaceus presented the largest isotopic niche (SEAC = 1.61‰2), while P. fridmani showed the smallest isotopic niche (SEAC = 0.45‰2) among species. Although the two techniques used for stomach content analysis did not show differences in the diet within color morphs of P. flavivertex, they differed in the isotopic niche and resource use. Despite our limited sampling, our findings provide evidence of species‐specific differences in the trophic ecology of dottybacks and demonstrate their important role as predators of cryptic invertebrates and small fishes. This study highlights the importance of combining several approaches (short‐term: visual analysis and DNA metabarcoding; and long‐term: isotope analysis) when assessing the feeding habits of coral reef fish, as they provide complementary information necessary to delimit their niches and understand the role that small mesopredators play in coral reef ecosystems.
Environmental DNA dynamics of three species of unionid freshwater mussels
Authors: Ruiz‐Ramos Dannise V. , Thompson Nathan L. , Richter Catherine A. , Voshage Megan C. , Schreier Theresa M. , Merkes Christopher M. , Klymus Katy E.
Published: April 2024

North American freshwater mussels are of special conservation concern due to their high endemism and the multiple anthropogenic stressors affecting them. Of the over 300 species in North America, nearly one third of these species are federally listed as threatened or endangered. Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis has been successful in detecting freshwater mussels and could aid in monitoring their populations. Production and degradation rates of eDNA for the species of interest are needed to inform interpretation of eDNA detections, allow possible modeling of relative abundance and population location, and aid in mussel conservation through population identification. Here, we designed and tested qPCR assays for three freshwater mussel species, mucket (Ortmanniana ligamentina), fatmucket (Lampsilis siliquoidea), and the federally endangered spectaclecase (Cumberlandia monodonta). We performed laboratory experiments under controlled conditions to measure eDNA shedding and degradation rates for each species. Different biomasses, temperatures, and food regimens were tested independently to determine if these factors influence the amount of DNA produced by the mussels. Degradation rates of eDNA were measured from experimental tank water after mussels were removed. Overall, we observed low eDNA shedding rates for freshwater mussels compared to previous studies of fish eDNA shedding rates. Furthermore, temperature and feeding showed limited or no significant effects in the species studied. Environmental DNA degradation rates were consistent with those reported in the literature for other taxa. Collectively, our results will be useful for designing eDNA monitoring studies, modeling eDNA dispersal, and interpreting eDNA results to help inform freshwater mussel conservation efforts.
Large‐scale validation of 46 invasive species assays using an enhanced in silico framework
Authors: Kronenberger John A. , Wilcox Taylor M. , Young Michael K. , Mason Daniel H. , Franklin Thomas W. , Schwartz Michael K.
Published: April 2024

The need for widespread occurrence data to inform species conservation has prompted interest in large, national‐scale environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring strategies. However, targeted eDNA assays are seldom validated for use across broad geographic areas. Here, we validated 46 new and previously published probe‐based qPCR assays targeting invasive species throughout the continental United States. We drew upon current taxonomies, range maps, publicly available sequences, and tissue archives to evaluate all potentially sympatric confamilial species and genetically similar extrafamilial taxa. Out of 5276 unique assay‐nontarget taxon combinations, we were able to test 4206 (80%). We characterized levels of validation and specificity for each of eight federal geographic regions and provided an online tool with state‐level information, as well as detailed assay descriptions in an appendix. Specificity testing benefited from extensive use of eDNAssay—a machine learning classifier trained to predict qPCR cross‐amplification—which we found to be 96% accurate in 649 unique tests that underwent paired in silico and in vitro testing. Predictions of assay specificity (the true negative rate) were 98–100% accurate, depending on the classification threshold used. This work provides both an immediate resource for invasive species surveillance and demonstrates an enhanced in silico, geographically subdivided validation framework to aid in future large‐scale validation efforts.
Low‐Strain and High‐Energy KVPO4F Cathode with Multifunctional Stabilizer for Advanced Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Heng Yongli , Gu Zhenyi , Guo Jinzhi , Liang Haojie , Liu Yan , Guo Wei , Zhao Xinxin , Wang Xiaotong , Wu Xinglong
Published: April 2024

KVPO4F with excellent structural stability and high operating voltage has been identified as a promising cathode for potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs), but limits in sluggish ion transport and severe volume change cause insufficient potassium storage capability. Here, a high‐energy and low‐strain KVPO4F composite cathode assisted by multifunctional K2C4O4 electrode stabilizer is exquisitely designed. Systematical electrochemical investigations demonstrate that this composite cathode can deliver a remarkable energy density up to 530 Wh kg−1 with 142.7 mAh g−1 of reversible capacity at 25 mA g−1, outstanding rate capability of 70.6 mAh g−1 at 1000 mA g−1, and decent cycling stability. Furthermore, slight volume change (~5%) and increased interfacial stability with thin and even cathode–electrolyte interphase can be observed through in situ and ex situ characterizations, which are attributed to the synergistic effect from in situ potassium compensation and carbon deposition through self‐sacrificing K2C4O4 additive. Moreover, potassium‐ion full cells manifest significant improvement in energy density and cycling stability. This work demonstrates a positive impact of K2C4O4 additive on the comprehensive electrochemical enhancement, especially the activation of high‐voltage plateau capacity and provides an efficient strategy to enlighten the design of other high‐voltage cathodes for advanced high‐energy batteries.
Layered Ag(I), Cd(II) and Cu(I) Luminescent Coordination Polymers Assembled Through a Tri‐Pyridyl Cyclic Triimidazole Ligand
Authors: Malpicci Daniele , Blasi Delia , Forni Alessandra , Lucenti Elena , Marinotto Daniele , Formenti Matteo , Maver Daniele , Mercandelli Pierluigi , Cariati Elena , Carlucci Lucia
Published: April 2024

The versatility of a nitrogen rich pyridinic derivative of the cyclic triimidazole scaffold with C3 symmetry is here exploited to obtain three luminescent coordination polymers (CPs). By reaction of 3,7,11‐tri(pyridin‐4‐yl)triimidazo[1,2‐a:1′,2′‐c:1′′,2′′‐e][1,3,5]triazine, (4 py)3TT, with Ag(I), Cd(II) and Cu(I) salts, [Ag{(4‐py)3TT}(SO3CF3)]n ⋅ 
nCH2Cl2, [Cd{(4‐py)3TT}(NO3)2(EtOH)]n and [(Cu2I2)3{(4‐py)3TT}4]n ⋅ xn(H2O,EtOH) are obtained. The trigonal symmetry of (4 py)3TT results in 2D structures with hcb topology in [Ag{(4‐py)3TT}(SO3CF3)]n ⋅ 
nCH2Cl2 and [Cd{(4‐py)3TT}(NO3)2(EtOH)] and a rare 3,4‐connected (3,4‐c) topology in [(Cu2I2)3{(4‐py)3TT}4]n ⋅ xn(H2O,EtOH). The multifaceted emissive behaviour of the CPs and the free ligand has been investigated and interpreted through spectroscopic, structural and computational studies. The fluorescence and the high energy phosphorescence of [Ag{(4‐py)3TT}(SO3CF3)]n ⋅ 
nCH2Cl2, [Cd{(4‐py)3TT}(NO3)2(EtOH)]n and (4 py)3TT itself are correlated to singlet and triplet excited states of molecular origin while their low energy phosphorescence derives from supramolecular entities associated with strong π–π interactions with little metal contribution as it is the case for the single phosphorescence observed for [(Cu2I2)3{(4‐py)3TT}4]n ⋅ xn(H2O,EtOH). In agreement, unusually long lifetimes in the ms regime are measured for crystals of all compounds.
A Cofacial Porphyrin Dimer Generated by Cooperative Zinc Ion Binding
Authors: Otsuki Joe , Sato Ken , Sugawa Kosuke
Published: April 2024

Noncovalent cofacial porphyrin dimers have attracted interest due to their potential use as host materials or catalysts. In this study, we introduce a novel coordination‐directed cofacial porphyrin dimer from a meso‐tetraphenylporphyrin derivative modified with 2,2′‐bipyridine moieties at the meta positions of the phenyl groups. Spectroscopic investigation has shed light on the binding processes and the structure of the dimer in solution in detail. Initial Zn2+ ion binding to the porphyrin hinders the subsequent Zn2+ binding and the binding of the second porphyrin. However, once the dimer is formed, additional Zn2+ binding is notably enhanced, resulting in a pronounced S‐shaped binding curve. The detailed structure of the dimer in solution was established based on UV‐vis spectroscopy, various 1H NMR spectroscopy techniques and mass spectrometry. Simulations of ring‐current‐induced chemical shift changes provided evidence for the face‐to‐face porphyrin structure with tetrahedral coordination of the bipyridine ligands. The X‐ray single crystal structure provided conclusive evidence for the structure of the face‐to‐face dimer, which remarkably resembles the model structure from the 1H NMR simulation. The stability of the dimer structure makes it promising for further exploration of this motif in developing new supramolecular structures and for their potential applications as host compounds and catalysts.
An Efficient and Interpretable Stacked Model for Wind Speed Estimation Based on Ensemble Learning Algorithms
Authors: Jha Ankit , Goel Vansh , Kumar Manish , Kumar Gulshan , Gupta Rahul , Jha Shyama Kant
Published: April 2024

Wind energy has gained tremendous attention recently due to its abundance potential and to obviate the adverse impacts of fossil fuel consumption. However, the efficient development and operation of wind energy systems require precise and accurate wind speed prediction. To fulfill this aim, machine learning algorithms have shown its prowess in accurately predicting the wind speed and this study proposes an interpretable stacked ensemble with ridge regressor utilizing ML algorithms such as catboost (CB), gradient boost (GB), multilayer perceptron (MLP), and random forest (RF) as a base model. The base models’ estimations are integrated by applying a ridge regressor to enhance the accuracy of wind speed estimation. The dataset consists of 87 600 samples from which 80% samples are used for training. The proposed approach provides interpretability of the prediction results through Shapley additive explanations and feature importance analysis. The result of the proposed method is calculated by comparing the estimation outcomes with each model such as CB, GB, MLP, and RF in terms of error metrics such as root mean squared error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE). The proposed model outperforms the others due to a reduction of error in RMSE by 19.89% and MAE by 24% respectively.
A de novo pathogenic variant in MICAL‐1 causes epilepsy with auditory features
Authors: Bonanni Paolo , Giorda Roberto , Michelucci Roberto , Nobile Carlo , Dazzo Emanuela
Published: April 2024

Familial epilepsy with auditory features (FEAF), previously known as autosomal‐dominant lateral temporal lobe epilepsy (ADLTE) is a genetically heterogeneous syndrome, clinically characterized by focal seizures with prominent auditory symptoms. It is inherited with autosomal‐dominant pattern with reduced penetrance (about 70%). Sporadic epilepsy with auditory features cases are more frequent and clinically indistinguishable from familial cases. One causal gene, MICAL‐1, encodes MICAL‐1, an intracellular multi‐domain enzyme that is an important regulator of filamentous actin (F‐actin) structures. Pathogenic variants in MICAL‐1 account for approximately 7% of FEAF families. Here, we describe a de novo MICAL‐1 pathogenic variant, p.Arg915Cys, in a sporadic case, an affected 21‐year‐old Italian man with no family history of epilepsy. Genetic testing was performed in the patient and his parents, using a next‐generation sequencing panel. In cell‐based assay, this variant significantly increased MICAL‐1 oxidoreductase activity, which likely resulted in dysregulation of F‐actin organization. This finding provides further support for a gain‐of‐function effect underlying MICAL‐1‐mediated epilepsy pathogenesis, as previously seen with other pathogenic variants. Furthermore, the case study provides evidence that de novo MICAL‐1 pathogenic variants can occur in sporadic cases with epilepsy with auditory feature (EAF).

Plain Language Summary

In this study, we report a new MICAL‐1 pathogenic variant in a patient without family history for epilepsy, not inherited from his parents. MICAL‐1 is a protein with enzymatic activity that reorganizes the structure of the cell. We proved the pathological effect of this variant by testing its enzymatic activity and found an increase of this activity. This result suggests that non‐familial cases should be tested to find novel pathogenic variants in this gene.
Seismic intensity measures and predictive equations for the evaluation of earthquake—induced crest settlements of earth dams
Authors: Nardo Andrea , Biondi Giovanni , Casablanca Orazio , Di Filippo Giuseppe , Cascone Ernesto
Published: April 2024

In this paper the results of 2D dynamic finite element analyses of a zoned earth dam are presented and discussed with the aim of detecting proper intensity measures able to describe the variation of the crest permanent settlement with the characteristics of the input ground motion. A large set of horizontal components of earthquake records has been selected and used as input motion considering both upstream and downstream directions. This allowed to explore the activation of plastic mechanisms in the dam embankment and the amplification of the horizontal accelerations. Starting from the analysis results, two original intensity measures, related to the amplitude, energy and frequency content of the input motion, have been detected and original empirical predictive formulas have also been derived to estimate the permanent crest settlement of the dam. The effectiveness of the proposed intensity measures and the reliability of the novel relationships between these intensity measures and earthquake‐induced permanent crest settlements have been checked against (i) numerical results of further dynamic analyses carried out for the same dam using additional sets of input motions, (ii) numerical results available in the literature for two other earth dams and (iii) field data relative to the crest settlements induced in four earth dams by two recent large earthquakes. The whole set of analysis results allowed defining an empirical equation that appears as a promising general predictive tool for the earthquake‐induced crest settlement of earth dams.
Credit card loss forecasting: Some lessons from COVID
Authors: Sengupta Partha , Wheeler Christopher H.
Published: April 2024

Models developed by banks to forecast losses in their credit card portfolios have generally performed poorly during the COVID‐19 pandemic, particularly in 2020, when large forecast errors were observed at many banks. In this study, we attempt to understand the source of this error and explore ways to improve model fit. We use account‐level monthly performance data from the largest credit card banks in the U.S. between 2008 and 2018 to build models that mimic the typical model design employed by large banks to forecast credit card losses. We then fit these on data from 2019 to 2021. We find that COVID‐period model errors can be reduced significantly through two simple modifications: (1) including measures of the macroeconomic environment beyond indicators of the labor market, which served as the primary macro drivers used in many pre‐pandemic models and (2) adjusting macro drivers to capture persistent/sustained changes, as opposed to temporary volatility in these variables. These model improvements, we find, can be achieved without a significant reduction in model performance for the pre‐COVID period, including the Great Recession. Moreover, in broadening the set of macro influences and capturing sustained changes, we believe models can be made more robust to future downturns, which may bear little resemblance to past recessions.