bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Presenting a united front at the dinner table: The case of merged speakership and merged recipiency
Authors: Waring Hansun Zhang
Published: July 2023

The importance of presenting a united front has long since been an integral part of parenting advice. Despite the wealth of productive research on parent-child interaction, we have very little knowledge of how such a united front is assembled in situ, In the meantime, although few would question the benefit of collaboration, we are still in the process of understanding how collaboration is carried out in the micro-moments of interaction. This article contributes to the growing literature on parent-child interaction as well as that on collaboration in interaction by detailing how two parents achieve collaboration through merged speakership and merged recipiency. Findings may be applicable to a wide range of workspaces beyond the domestic sphere. (Family interaction, conversation analysis, collaboration)*
A first exploration of the economic consequences of an autonomous surgical robot for lateral skull base surgery: an early health technology assessment
Authors: Nabuurs Cindy H. , Kievit Wietske , Haegens Lex , Grutters Janneke P.C. , Kunst Henricus P.M.
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Lateral skull base procedures, such as translabyrinthine approach (TLA), are challenging. An autonomous surgical robot might be a solution to these challenges. Our aim is to explore in an early phase the economic consequences of an autonomous surgical robot compared with conventional TLA.

Methods

An early decision analytic model was constructed in order to perform a step-wise threshold analyses and a sensitivity analysis to analyze the impact of the several factors on the incremental costs.

Results

Using surgical robot results in incremental costs – EUR 5,562 per procedure – compared to conventional TLA. These costs are most reduced by higher number of procedures, followed by lower price of the robot, saved operation time, and reduced risk of complication, respectively.

Conclusions

The incremental costs of using an autonomous surgical robot can be decreased by choosing applications with a high turnover rate, a long operation time, and a high complication rate.
Measuring the development of lexical richness of L2 Spanish: A longitudinal learner corpus study
Authors: Díez-Ortega María , Kyle Kristopher
Published: July 2023

Research has indicated that lexical richness is an important indicator of second language (L2) proficiency. However, most research has examined written, cross-sectional English L2 corpora and does not necessarily indicate how spoken lexical use develops over time or whether observed trends are stable across L2s. This study adds to previous research on the development of spoken vocabulary by investigating lexical features of L2 Spanish learners over a 21-month period, using the LANGSNAP corpus. Multiple lexical richness indices used in previous studies were examined including lexical diversity, word frequency, word concreteness, and bigram strength of association. Linear mixed-effects models were run to examine changes over time. The results suggest that although some features of lexical richness (e.g., word frequency) see meaningful change over time, others (e.g., bigram T score) may not be indicative of L2 oral development.
A diagnostic model based on routine blood examination for serious bacterial infections in neonates–a cross-sectional study
Authors: Liang Runqiang , Chen Ziyu , Yang Shumei , Yang Jie , Wang Zhu , Lin Xin , Xu Fang
Published: July 2023

Routine blood examination is an easy way to examine infectious diseases. This study is aimed to develop a model to diagnose serious bacterial infections (SBI) in ICU neonates based on routine blood parameters. This was a cross-sectional study, and data were extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III). SBI was defined as suffering from one of the following: pyelonephritis, bacteraemia, bacterial meningitis, sepsis, pneumonia, cellulitis, and osteomyelitis. Variables with statistical significance in the univariate logistic regression analysis and log systemic immune–inflammatory index (SII) were used to develop the model. The area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to assess the performance of the model. A total of 1,880 participants were finally included for analysis. Weight, haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, white blood cell, monocyte, premature delivery, and log SII were selected to develop the model. The developed model showed a good performance to diagnose SBI for ICU neonates, with an AUC of 0.812 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.737–0.888). A nomogram was developed to make this model visualise. In conclusion, our model based on routine blood parameters performed well in the diagnosis of neonatal SBI, which may be helpful for clinicians to improve treatment recommendations.
On the exponential growth rates of lattice animals and interfaces
Authors: Georgakopoulos Agelos , Panagiotis Christoforos
Published: July 2023

We introduce a formula for translating any upper bound on the percolation threshold of a lattice$G$into a lower bound on the exponential growth rate of lattice animals$a(G)$and vice versa. We exploit this in both directions. We obtain the rigorous lower bound${\dot{p}_c}({\mathbb{Z}}^3)\gt 0.2522$for 3-dimensional site percolation. We also improve on the best known asymptotic bounds on$a({\mathbb{Z}}^d)$as$d\to \infty$. Our formula remains valid if instead of lattice animals we enumerate certain subspecies called interfaces. Enumerating interfaces leads to functional duality formulas that are tightly connected to percolation and are not valid for lattice animals, as well as to strict inequalities for the percolation threshold.

Incidentally, we prove that the rate of the exponential decay of the cluster size distribution of Bernoulli percolation is a continuous function of$p\in (0,1)$.
Anemia and Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS)
Authors: Waisberg Ethan , Ong Joshua , Masalkhi Mouayad , Lee Andrew G.
Published: July 2023

Spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) is a collection of distinct findings seen in some astronauts following prolonged spaceflight and is characterized by: optic disc edema, globe flattening, and choroidal folds. In this manuscript, we describe the potential mechanisms linking anemia and SANS. Future research aimed at understanding the relationship between these conditions may help to develop countermeasures and mitigation efforts for SANS.
Quality of prescription writing in Brazilian primary health care
Authors: Batista Almária Mariz , Gama Zenewton André da Silva , Hernández Pedro Jesús Saturno , Souza Dyego
Published: July 2023

Objective:

To evaluate the quality of prescription writing in the context of public primary health care.

Background:

Prescription errors are one of the leading patient safety problems in primary care and can be caused by errors in therapeutic decisions or in the quality of prescription writing.

Methods:

Cross-sectional observational study conducted in a municipality in Northeastern Brazil. The assessment instrument (including 13 indicators and one composite indicator) was applied to a representative sample of drug prescriptions from the 24 Family Health Teams providing Primary Health Care in the municipality, dispensed in January 2021. Estimates of compliance and their 95% confidence intervals and graphical analysis of frequencies are assessed globally and stratified by dispensing units and prescribers.

Findings:

The average composite prescription writing quality on a 0-100 scale was 60.2 (95% CI 57.8–62.6). No quality criteria had 100% compliance. The highest compliance rates were found for ‘frequency of administration’ (98.9%) and ‘identification of the prescriber’ (98.9%). On the other hand, ‘recorded information on allergy’ (0.0%), ‘patient’s date of birth’ (1.7%), ‘nonpharmacological recommendations’ (1.7%), and ‘guidance on the use of the drug’ (25%) were the indicators with lower compliance, contributing to 69% of the noncompliances found. The type and frequency of the errors in the quality of prescription writing uncovered in this study confirm the continuing need to tackle this problem to improve patient safety. The results identify priority aspects for interventions and further studies on the quality of prescription writing in the context of Primary Health Care in Brazil.
How Should Diverse Stakeholder Interests Shape Evaluations of Complex Water Resources Systems Robustness When Confronting Deeply Uncertain Changes?
Authors: Sunkara Sai Veena , Singh Riddhi , Gold David , Reed Patrick , Bhave Ajay
Published: July 2023

Robustness analysis can support the design and operation of large‐scale water infrastructure projects confronting deeply uncertain futures. However, diverse actors, contextual specificities, sectoral interests, and risk attitudes make it difficult to identify an appropriate robustness metric to rank decision alternatives under deep uncertainty. Here, we clarify how methodological choices affect robustness evaluation using the multi‐actor, multi‐sector Inchampalli‐Nagarjuna Sagar water transfer megaproject in Southern India. We compare a suite of water transfer strategies discovered using evolutionary multi‐objective direct policy search (EMODPS), a strategy proposed by regional authorities and the status quo of no water transfer. We stress‐test these strategies across scenarios that capture climatic and socioeconomic uncertainties and rank them using robustness metrics representing sectoral perspectives and priorities of different actors with varying risk attitudes. Results show a considerable impact of metric choices on robustness rankings of strategies, with compromise solution discovered via EMODPS as robust. The no‐transfer strategy results in the worst water supply robustness with an average volumetric deficit of 17% of total historical demands but emerges as a robust alternative for 6 out of 12 combinations of actor‐sectors with high risk aversion. Also, changes in the amplitude of the Indian Summer Monsoon is identified as the most important uncertain factor determining the failure of strategies. Our findings highlight that the selection of robust solutions should be guided by an understanding of how assumed risk attitudes shape stakeholders' perceptions of vulnerabilities. These findings are generalizable to large infrastructure projects with diverse stakeholders and multisectoral impacts.
Biodiversity and Stoichiometric Plasticity Increase Pico‐Phytoplankton Contributions to Marine Net Primary Productivity and the Biological Pump
Authors: Letscher Robert T. , Moore J. Keith , Martiny Adam C. , Lomas Michael W.
Published: July 2023

Earth System Models generally predict increasing upper ocean stratification from 21st century warming, which will cause a decrease in the vertical nutrient flux forcing declines in marine net primary productivity (NPP) and carbon export. Recent advances in quantifying marine ecosystem carbon to nutrient stoichiometry have identified large latitudinal and biome variability, with low‐latitude oligotrophic systems harboring pico‐sized phytoplankton exhibiting large phosphorus to carbon cellular plasticity. The climate forced changes in nutrient flux stoichiometry and phytoplankton community composition are thus likely to alter the ocean's biogeochemical response and feedback with the carbon‐climate system. We have added three pico‐phytoplankton functional types within the Biogeochemical Elemental Cycling component of the Community Earth System Model while incorporating variable cellular phosphorus to carbon stoichiometry for all represented phytoplankton types. The model simulates Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus populations that dominate the productivity and sinking carbon export of the tropical and subtropical ocean, and pico‐eukaryote populations that contribute significantly to productivity and export within the subtropical to mid‐latitude transition zone, with the western subtropical regions of each basin supporting the most P‐poor stoichiometries. Subtropical gyre recirculation regions along the poleward flanks of surface western boundary currents are identified as regional hotspots of enhanced carbon export exhibiting C‐rich/P‐poor stoichiometry, preferentially inhabited by pico‐eukaryotes and diatoms. Collectively, pico‐phytoplankton contribute ∼58% of global NPP and ∼46% of global particulate organic carbon export below 100 m through direct and ecosystem processing pathways. Biodiversity and cellular nutrient plasticity in marine pico‐phytoplankton combine to increase their contributions to ocean productivity and the biological carbon pump.
Thermally Significant Fluid Seepage Through Thick Sediment on the Juan de Fuca Plate Entering the Cascadia Subduction Zone
Authors: Norvell Benjamin , Kyritz Thomas , Spinelli Glenn A. , Harris Robert N. , Dickerson Kristin , Tréhu Anne M. , Carbotte Suzanne , Han Shuoshuo , Boston Brian , Lee Michelle ,   The CHINOoK Project Science Party
Published: July 2023

We use heat flux measurements colocated with seismic reflection profiles over a buried basement high on the Juan de Fuca plate ∼25 km seaward of the deformation front offshore Oregon to test for the presence of hydrothermal circulation in the oceanic crust. We also revisit heat flux data crossing a buried basement high ∼25 km seaward of the deformation front ∼150 km north, offshore Washington. Seafloor heat flux is inversely correlated with sediment thickness, consistent with vigorous hydrothermal circulation in the basement aquifer homogenizing temperatures at the top of the basement. Heat flux immediately above the summit of the basement highs is greater than expected solely from conduction. Fluid seepage at rates of ∼2.6–5.4 cm yr−1in a 1–1.5 km‐wide conduit through ∼800–1,300 m thick sediment sections above these basement highs can explain these observations. Observations of thermally significant fluid seepage through sediment >225 m thick on oceanic crust are unprecedented. High sediment permeability, high fluid overpressure in the basement, or a combination of both is required to drive fluid seepage at the observed rates. We infer that rapid seepage occurs because the basement highs rise above the low permeability basal sediment with their tops protruding into the base of high permeability Nitinat or Astoria Fan sediment. Seepage from basement highs penetrating into the submarine fans can affect the thermal state of crust entering the subduction zone.
Conformational changes in the essential E. coli septal cell wall synthesis complex suggest an activation mechanism
Authors: Britton Brooke M. , Yovanno Remy A. , Costa Sara F. , McCausland Joshua , Lau Albert Y. , Xiao Jie , Hensel Zach
Published: July 2023

The bacterial divisome is a macromolecular machine composed of more than 30 proteins that controls cell wall constriction during division. Here, we present a model of the structure and dynamics of the core complex of theE. colidivisome, supported by a combination of structure prediction, molecular dynamics simulation, single-molecule imaging, and mutagenesis. We focus on the septal cell wall synthase complex formed by FtsW and FtsI, and its regulators FtsQ, FtsL, FtsB, and FtsN. The results indicate extensive interactions in four regions in the periplasmic domains of the complex. FtsQ, FtsL, and FtsB support FtsI in an extended conformation, with the FtsI transpeptidase domain lifted away from the membrane through interactions among the C-terminal domains. FtsN binds between FtsI and FtsL in a region rich in residues with superfission (activating) and dominant negative (inhibitory) mutations. Mutagenesis experiments and simulations suggest that the essential domain of FtsN links FtsI and FtsL together, potentially modulating interactions between the anchor-loop of FtsI and the putative catalytic cavity of FtsW, thus suggesting a mechanism of how FtsN activates the cell wall synthesis activities of FtsW and FtsI.
Harnessing microcomb-based parallel chaos for random number generation and optical decision making
Authors: Shen Bitao , Shu Haowen , Xie Weiqiang , Chen Ruixuan , Liu Zhi , Ge Zhangfeng , Zhang Xuguang , Wang Yimeng , Zhang Yunhao , Cheng Buwen , Yu Shaohua , Chang Lin , Wang Xingjun
Published: July 2023

Optical chaos is vital for various applications such as private communication, encryption, anti-interference sensing, and reinforcement learning. Chaotic microcombs have emerged as promising sources for generating massive optical chaos. However, their inter-channel correlation behavior remains elusive, limiting their potential for on-chip parallel chaotic systems with high throughput. In this study, we present massively parallel chaos based on chaotic microcombs and high-nonlinearity AlGaAsOI platforms. We demonstrate the feasibility of generating parallel chaotic signals with inter-channel correlation <0.04 and a high random number generation rate of 3.84 Tbps. We further show the application of our approach by demonstrating a 15-channel integrated random bit generator with a 20 Gbps channel rate using silicon photonic chips. Additionally, we achieved a scalable decision-making accelerator for up to 256-armed bandit problems. Our work opens new possibilities for chaos-based information processing systems using integrated photonics, and potentially can revolutionize the current architecture of communication, sensing and computations.
Localised surface plasmon resonance inducing cooperative Jahn–Teller effect for crystal phase-change in a nanocrystal
Authors: Sakamoto Masanori , Hada Masaki , Ota Wataru , Uesugi Fumihiko , Sato Tohru
Published: July 2023

The Jahn–Teller effect, a phase transition phenomenon involving the spontaneous breakdown of symmetry in molecules and crystals, causes important physical and chemical changes that affect various fields of science. In this study, we discovered that localised surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) induced the cooperative Jahn–Teller effect in covellite CuS nanocrystals (NCs), causing metastable displacive ion movements. Electron diffraction measurements under photo illumination, ultrafast time-resolved electron diffraction analyses, and theoretical calculations of semiconductive plasmonic CuS NCs showed that metastable displacive ion movements due to the LSPR-induced cooperative Jahn–Teller effect delayed the relaxation of LSPR in the microsecond region. Furthermore, the displacive ion movements caused photo-switching of the conductivity in CuS NC films at room temperature (22 °C), such as in transparent variable resistance infrared sensors. This study pushes the limits of plasmonics from tentative control of collective oscillation to metastable crystal structure manipulation.
Chemically programmed STING-activating nano-liposomal vesicles improve anticancer immunity
Authors: Chen Xiaona , Meng Fanchao , Xu Yiting , Li Tongyu , Chen Xiaolong , Wang Hangxiang
Published: July 2023

The often immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) may hinder immune evasion and response to checkpoint blockade therapies. Pharmacological activation of the STING pathway does create an immunologically hot TME, however, systemic delivery might lead to undesired off-target inflammatory responses. Here, we generate a small panel of esterase-activatable pro-drugs based on the structure of the non-nucleotide STING agonist MSA-2 that are subsequently stably incorporated into a liposomal vesicle for intravenous administration. The pharmacokinetic properties and immune stimulatory capacity of pro-drugs delivered via liposomes (SAProsomes) are enhanced compared to the free drug form. By performing efficacy screening among the SAProsomes incorporating different pro-drugs in syngeneic mouse tumor models, we find that superior therapeutic performance relies on improved delivery to the desired tumor and lymphoid compartments. The best candidate, SAProsome-3, highly stimulates secretion of inflammatory cytokines and creates a tumoricidal immune landscape. Notably, upon application to breast cancer or melanoma mouse models, SAProsome-3 elicits durable remission of established tumors and postsurgical tumor-free survival while decreasing metastatic burden without significant systemic toxicity. In summary, our work establishes the proof of principle for a better targeted and more efficient and safe STING agonist therapy.
Alvarez varifocal X-ray lens
Authors: Dhamgaye Vishal , Laundy David , Khosroabadi Hossein , Moxham Thomas , Baldock Sara , Fox Oliver , Sawhney Kawal
Published: July 2023

Visible light optical elements such as lenses and mirrors have counterparts for X-rays. In the visible regime, a variable focusing power can be achieved by an Alvarez lens which consists of a pair of inline planar refractors with a cubic thickness profile. When the two refractors are laterally displaced in opposite directions, the parabolic component of the wavefront is changed resulting in a longitudinal displacement of the focus. This paper reports an implementation of this concept for X-rays using two planar microfabricated refractive elements. The Alvarez X-ray lens can vary the focal distance of an elliptical X-ray mirror or a planar compound X-ray lens over several millimetres. The study presents the first demonstration of an Alvarez X-ray lens which adaptively corrects defocus and astigmatism aberrations of X-ray optics. In addition, the Alvarez X-ray lens eliminates coma aberration in an elliptical mirror, to the lowest order, when combining the lens with an adjustment of the pitch angle of the mirror.
Paving the way to better understand the effects of prolonged spaceflight on operational performance and its neural bases
Authors: Stahn A. C. , Bucher D. , zu Eulenburg P. , Denise P. , Smith N. , Pagnini F. , White O.
Published: July 2023

Space exploration objectives will soon move from low Earth orbit to distant destinations like Moon and Mars. The present work provides an up-to-date roadmap that identifies critical research gaps related to human behavior and performance in altered gravity and space. The roadmap summarizes (1) key neurobehavioral challenges associated with spaceflight, (2) the need to consider sex as a biological variable, (3) the use of integrative omics technologies to elucidate mechanisms underlying changes in the brain and behavior, and (4) the importance of understanding the neural representation of gravity throughout the brain and its multisensory processing. We then highlight the need for a variety of target-specific countermeasures, and a personalized administration schedule as two critical strategies for mitigating potentially adverse effects of spaceflight on the central nervous system and performance. We conclude with a summary of key priorities for the roadmaps of current and future space programs and stress the importance of new collaborative strategies across agencies and researchers for fostering an integrative cross- and transdisciplinary approach from cells, molecules to neural circuits and cognitive performance. Finally, we highlight that space research in neurocognitive science goes beyond monitoring and mitigating risks in astronauts but could also have significant benefits for the population on Earth.
Genomic history of coastal societies from eastern South America
Authors: Ferraz Tiago , Suarez Villagran Ximena , Nägele Kathrin , Radzevičiūtė Rita , Barbosa Lemes Renan , Salazar-García Domingo C. , Wesolowski Verônica , Lopes Alves Marcony , Bastos Murilo , Rapp Py-Daniel Anne , Pinto Lima Helena , Mendes Cardoso Jéssica , Estevam Renata , Liryo Andersen , Guimarães Geovan M. , Figuti Levy , Eggers Sabine , Plens Cláudia R. , Azevedo Erler Dionne Miranda , Valadares Costa Henrique Antônio , da Silva Erler Igor , Koole Edward , Henriques Gilmar , Solari Ana , Martin Gabriela , Serafim Monteiro da Silva Sérgio Francisco , Kipnis Renato , Müller Letícia Morgana , Ferreira Mariane , Carvalho Resende Janine , Chim Eliane , da Silva Carlos Augusto , Borella Ana Claudia , Tomé Tiago , Müller Plumm Gomes Lisiane , Barros Fonseca Diego , Santos da Rosa Cassia , de Moura Saldanha João Darcy , Costa Leite Lúcio , Cunha Claudia M. S. , Viana Sibeli Aparecida , Ozorio Almeida Fernando , Klokler Daniela , Fernandes Henry Luydy Abraham , Talamo Sahra , DeBlasis Paulo , Mendonça de Souza Sheila , de Paula Moraes Claide , Elias Oliveira Rodrigo , Hünemeier Tábita , Strauss André , Posth Cosimo
Published: July 2023

Sambaqui (shellmound) societies are among the most intriguing archaeological phenomena in pre-colonial South America, extending from approximately 8,000 to 1,000 years before present (yr bp) across 3,000 km on the Atlantic coast. However, little is known about their connection to early Holocene hunter-gatherers, how this may have contributed to different historical pathways and the processes through which late Holocene ceramists came to rule the coast shortly before European contact. To contribute to our understanding of the population history of indigenous societies on the eastern coast of South America, we produced genome-wide data from 34 ancient individuals as early as 10,000 yr bp from four different regions in Brazil. Early Holocene hunter-gatherers were found to lack shared genetic drift among themselves and with later populations from eastern South America, suggesting that they derived from a common radiation and did not contribute substantially to later coastal groups. Our analyses show genetic heterogeneity among contemporaneous Sambaqui groups from the southeastern and southern Brazilian coast, contrary to the similarity expressed in the archaeological record. The complex history of intercultural contact between inland horticulturists and coastal populations becomes genetically evident during the final horizon of Sambaqui societies, from around 2,200 yr bp, corroborating evidence of cultural change.
On-chip label-free cell classification based directly on off-axis holograms and spatial-frequency-invariant deep learning
Authors: Dudaie Matan , Barnea Itay , Nissim Noga , Shaked Natan T.
Published: July 2023

We present a rapid label-free imaging flow cytometry and cell classification approach based directly on raw digital holograms. Off-axis holography enables real-time acquisition of cells during rapid flow. However, classification of the cells typically requires reconstruction of their quantitative phase profiles, which is time-consuming. Here, we present a new approach for label-free classification of individual cells based directly on the raw off-axis holographic images, each of which contains the complete complex wavefront (amplitude and quantitative phase profiles) of the cell. To obtain this, we built a convolutional neural network, which is invariant to the spatial frequencies and directions of the interference fringes of the off-axis holograms. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach using four types of cancer cells. This approach has the potential to significantly improve both speed and robustness of imaging flow cytometry, enabling real-time label-free classification of individual cells.
Enhancing catalytic activity of gold nanoparticles in a standard redox reaction by investigating the impact of AuNPs size, temperature and reductant concentrations
Authors: Bano Attia , Dawood Asadullah , Rida  , Saira Farhat , Malik Abdul , Alkholief Musaed , Ahmad Hijaz , Khan Muhammad Asad , Ahmad Zubair , Bazighifan Omar
Published: July 2023

In this work, the catalytic activity of three different sizes of gold nano particles (AuNPs) (12, 30, and 45 nm) synthesized by the citrate reduction process studied in the conventional redox reaction of K3Fe (CN6)−3 to K4Fe (CN6)−4 using NaBH4(reductant) at four different temperatures (5 °C, 10 °C, 15 °C, and 20 °C) and measured by UV–visible spectrophotometry. Comparative kinetic analysis of different sizes of AuNPs including rate constant, activation energy, Entropy values and Frequency of collisions are reported for the first time. Transmission electron microscopy analysis is employed to investigate morphology and particle size. Spherical nanoparticles of size 12, 30, and 45 nm were observed. The UV–visible spectra were recorded at regular intervals, and it was seen that the peak of K3Fe (CN6)−3 decreased gradually with time, at the same time surface plasmon resonance of AuNPs remained constant. As reaction catalysts, AuNPs maintain their optical density which shows their stability during the course of reaction. The kinetic parameters i.e., rate constant, and activation energy (k, t1/2, Ea) were determined for three distinct sizes of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using the reductant at various concentrations. The value of k increases by increasing reductant concentration. This rise was significant for the small AuNPs. Increasing gold nanoparticle size (12, 30, 45 nm) decreased rate constant. As the size of AuNPs decreased the Ea reduced as well, i.e. 17.325 k cal mol−1 for 12 nm, 19 k cal mol−1 for 30 nm and 21 k cal mol−1 for 45 nm AuNPs. For 50 mM of NaBH4, k for 45 nm AuNPs is 0.10728 s−1, but for 12 nm AuNPs, the value of k is 0.145 s−1, indicating that the 12 nm AuNPs have the greatest rate constant values. The rate of reaction rises with an increase in reductant concentration and temperature, but this increase is significant in the case of small-sized nanoparticles, i.e., 12 nm, which have a high surface area and low Ea. Besides being a model redox reaction, the reduction of K3Fe (CN6)−3 to K4Fe (CN6)−4 has industrial use in making fertilizers and paint industry, anti-coating agent in colour photography, in dot etching and in amperometric biosensors.
The comparative perspective of phytochemistry and biological properties of the Apiaceae family plants
Authors: Hamidian Mohammad , Salehi Amin , Naghiha Reza , Dehnavi Mohsen Movahhedi , Castangia Ines , Mirfathi Maryamossadat Nejad
Published: July 2023

Despite the availability of numerous reports on the discovery of medicinal plant compounds and their properties, one may encounter contradictory results released by these reports at the level of plant families and even within species. To establish an accurate perspective of the Apiaceae family, this study examined the fruit essential oil and methanolic extract of wild and common species of this family. According to the measurement of the antioxidant property in the methanolic extract of the fruits using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, Ferula gummosa, Pimpinella anisum and Cuminum cyminum have high power in inhibiting free radicals. However, Bunium persicum had the strongest DPPH radicals inhibitory potential among all essential oils. The results of antimicrobial tests and their classification analysis showed that C. cyminum and B. persicum fruit essential oil with a high amount of cuminaldehyde had the most antibacterial properties. At the same time, the antifungal properties of H. persicum essential oil (rich in aliphatic ester) were stronger than those of the all the studied plants. Also, the essential oils of F. gummosa and Kelussia odoratissima had favourable antimicrobial properties compared to other studied plants. The investigation of the bacterial structure by scanning electron microscope confirmed the effect of the applied essential oils dose and their antibacterial potential. In general, for the first time, this paper determined the biological values of the fruit essential oil of some wild plants, such as K. odoratissima and H. persicum. Besides, in vitro examination and the mathematical models provided a suitable classification, which makes a comprehensive view in terms of the properties of the Apiaceae family.
Temporal relationships between BMI and obesity-related predictors of cardiometabolic and breast cancer risk in a longitudinal cohort
Authors: Xu Bin , Lv Liang , Chen Xin , Li Xingyue , Zhao Xunying , Yang Huifang , Feng Wanting , Jiang Xia , Li Jiayuan
Published: July 2023

Prospective inter-relationships among biomarkers were unexplored, which may provide mechanistic insights into diseases. We investigated the longitudinal associations of BMI change with trajectories of biomarkers related to cardiometabolic or breast cancer risk. A longitudinal study was conducted among 444 healthy women between 2019 to 2021. Cross‑lagged path analysis was used to examine the temporal relationships among BMI, cardiometabolic risk score (CRS), and obesity‑related proteins score (OPS) of breast cancer. Linear mixed-effect models were applied to investigate associations of time-varying BMI with biomarker-based risk score trajectories. Baseline BMI was associated with subsequent change of breast cancer predictors (P = 0.03), and baseline CRS were positively associated with OPS change (P < 0.001) but not vice versa. After fully adjustment of confounders, we found a 0.058 (95%CI = 0.009–0.107, P = 0.020) units increase of CRS and a 1.021 (95%CI = 0.041–1.995, P = 0.040) units increase of OPS as BMI increased 1 kg/m2 per year in postmenopausal women. OPS increased 0.784 (95%CI = 0.053–1.512, P = 0.035) units as CRS increased 1 unit per year. However, among premenopausal women, BMI only significantly affected CRS (β = 0.057, 95%CI = 0.007 to 0.107, P = 0.025). No significant change of OPS with time-varying CRS was found. Higher increase rates of BMI were associated with worse trajectories of biomarker-based risk of cardiometabolic and breast cancer. The longitudinal impact of CRS on OPS is unidirectional. Recommendations such as weight control for the reduction of cardiometabolic risk factors may benefit breast cancer prevention, especially in postmenopausal women.
Design, synthesis, in vitro, and in silico evaluations of benzo[d]imidazole-amide-1,2,3-triazole-N-arylacetamide hybrids as new antidiabetic agents targeting α-glucosidase
Authors: Yousefnejad Faeze , Mohammadi-Moghadam-Goozali Mahyar , Sayahi Mohammad Hosein , Halimi Mohammad , Moazzam Ali , Mohammadi-Khanaposhtani Maryam , Mojtabavi Somayeh , Asadi Mehdi , Faramarzi Mohammad Ali , Larijani Bagher , Amanlou Massoud , Mahdavi Mohammad
Published: July 2023

α-Glucosidase as a carbohydrate-hydrolase enzyme is a crucial therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes. In this work, benzo[d]imidazole-amide containing 1,2,3-triazole-N-arylacetamide derivatives 8a–n were synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase. In vitro α-glucosidase inhibition assay demonstrated that more than half of the title compounds with IC50 values in the range of 49.0–668.5 μM were more potent than standard inhibitor acarbose (IC50 = 750.0 µM). The most promising inhibitor was N-2-methylphenylacetamid derivative 8c. Kinetic study revealed that compound 8c (Ki = 40.0 µM) is a competitive inhibitor against α-glucosidase. Significantly, molecular docking and molecular dynamics studies on the most potent compound showed that this compound with a proper binding energy interacted with important amino acids of the α-glucosidase active site. Study on cytotoxicity of the most potent compounds 8c, 8e, and 8g demonstrated that these compounds did not show cytotoxic activity against the cancer and normal cell lines MCF-7 and HDF, respectively. Furthermore, the ADMET study predicted that compound 8c is likely to be orally active and non-cytotoxic.
Failure characteristics and conditions of rock-coal combination structure with weak layer under dynamic and static stresses
Authors: Fan Yufeng , Xiao Xiaochun , Xu Jun , Ding Xin , Wang Aiwen , Wang Beifang , Lei Yun
Published: July 2023

To comprehensively understand the mechanical response of a rock-coal combination structure containing a weak layer, a series of laboratory static loading and impact loading experiments were conducted. The results showed that under static load, the sliding process of the rock coal structure was relatively slow, and fragments can be observed. Under the action of horizontal impact loading, the whole coal stratum slipped out rapidly, and the process lasted only 0.05 s. Under the horizontal and axial impact loads, the coal stratum remained stable first, and then it slipped out as a whole under the action of static load. Additionally, a sliding instability criterion of a rock coal structure containing a weak layer was established based on theoretical analysis. The key parameter P value was checked through a numerical simulation experiment. It was found that the value was linearly related to the mechanical properties of the weak layer and overburden stress, and the experimental results coincided with the theoretical results. Finally, the relationship between sliding rockburst and strain rockburst was discussed, and these results can provide an important scientific basis for the prevention and control of dynamic disasters in deep mining.
A diverse ancestrally-matched reference panel increases genotype imputation accuracy in a underrepresented population
Authors: Mauleekoonphairoj John , Tongsima Sissades , Khongphatthanayothin Apichai , Jurgens Sean J. , Zimmerman Dominic S. , Sutjaporn Boosamas , Wandee Pharawee , Bezzina Connie R. , Nademanee Koonlawee , Poovorawan Yong
Published: July 2023

Variant imputation, a common practice in genome-wide association studies, relies on reference panels to infer unobserved genotypes. Multiple public reference panels are currently available with variations in size, sequencing depth, and represented populations. Currently, limited data exist regarding the performance of public reference panels when used in an imputation of populations underrepresented in the reference panel. Here, we compare the performance of various public reference panels: 1000 Genomes Project, Haplotype Reference Consortium, GenomeAsia 100 K, and the recent Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) program, when used in an imputation of samples from the Thai population. Genotype yields were assessed, and imputation accuracies were examined by comparison with high-depth whole genome sequencing data of the same sample. We found that imputation using the TOPMed panel yielded the largest number of variants (~ 271 million). Despite being the smallest in size, GenomeAsia 100 K achieved the best imputation accuracy with a median genotype concordance rate of 0.97. For rare variants, GenomeAsia 100 K also offered the best accuracy, although rare variants were less accurately imputable than common variants (30.3% reduction in concordance rates). The high accuracy observed when using GenomeAsia 100 K is likely attributable to the diverse representation of populations genetically similar to the study cohort emphasizing the benefits of sequencing populations classically underrepresented in human genomics.
Serum and supplemental vitamin D levels and insulin resistance in T2DM populations: a meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Lei Xingxing , Zhou Qian , Wang Yanmei , Fu Shunlian , Li Zinan , Chen Qiu
Published: July 2023

Observational studies have shown a negative correlation between Vitamin D level and the likelihood of developing insulin resistance (IR) and/or diabetes over time, yet evidence remains inconsistent. In this meta-analysis and systematic review, we strive to define the potential association between serum or supplemental Vitamin D Levels and insulin resistance respectively, as well as the contribution of Vitamin D to type 2 diabetes, and to summarize the biologic plausibility of Vitamin D. Four databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) were searched for this Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to find appropriate observational studies and clinical trials published in English through to July 2022. EndNote (version X9) is used to manage the literature search results. We calculated Standard Mean Differences (SMDs) and Risk Ratios (RRs) with their 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs), separately, for continuous and dichotomous outcomes. The correlation coefficients were normalized to z values through Fisher’s z-transformation to calculate the relevant statistics. Meta-analyses were carried out for all comparisons, based on a random-effects pooling model. Data analysis was performed using RevMan (version 5.3) and STATA (version 15.1). All statistical tests were two-sided, with P < 0.05 were regarded as significant. In our current meta-analysis, there are 18 RCTs and 20 observational studies including 1243 and 11,063 participants respectively. In the overall analysis, the diabetic with Vitamin D supplement treatment group showed significantly improve serum insulin (SMD =  − 0.265, 95% CI − 0.394 to − 0.136, P < 0.05), glucose (SMD =  − 0.17, 95% CI − 0.301to − 0.039, P < 0.05) and HOMA-IR (SMD =  − 0.441, 95% CI − 0.582 to − 0.3, P < 0.05) compared with the routine treatment group. Correlation analysis results showed that all three outcomes were significantly correlated in a negative manner with raised Vitamin D (insulin: r =  − 0.08 95% =  − 0.12 to − 0.04; glucose: r =  − 0.06 95% =  − 0.11 to − 0.01; HOMA-IR: r =  − 0.08 95% =  − 0.09 to − 0.06). Results of overall analysis proved that vitamin D has shown significant effect on regulates insulin resistance, and there is a significant inverse association between serum Vitamin D level and IR. Vitamin D supplementation is expected to be integrated into conventional medical approaches to prevent type 2 diabetes and to mitigate the burden of diabetes for individuals and society.

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022348295.
Two optimized novel potential formulas and numerical algorithms for $$m\times n$$ cobweb and fan resistor networks
Authors: Zhao Wenjie , Zheng Yanpeng , Jiang Xiaoyu , Jiang Zhaolin
Published: July 2023

The research of resistive network will become the basis of many fields. At present, many exact potential formulas of some complex resistor networks have been obtained. Computer numerical simulation is the trend of computing, but written calculation will limit the time and scale. In this paper, the potential formulas of a $$m\times n$$

m
×
n

scale cobweb resistor network and fan resistor network are optimized. Chebyshev polynomial of the second class and the absolute value function are used to express the novel potential formulas of the resistor network, and described in detail the derivation process of the explicit formula. Considering the influence of parameters on the potential formulas, several idiosyncratic potential formulas are proposed, and the corresponding three-dimensional dynamic images are drawn. Two numerical algorithms of the computing potential are presented by using the mathematical model and DST-VI. Finally, the efficiency of calculating potential by different methods are compared. The advantages of new potential formulas and numerical algorithms by the calculation efficiency of the three methods are shown. The optimized potential formulas and the presented numerical algorithms provide a powerful tool for the field of science and engineering.
Myocardial deformation imaging by 2D speckle tracking echocardiography for assessment of diastolic dysfunction in murine cardiopathology
Authors: Daniels L. J. , Macindoe C. , Koutsifeli P. , Annandale M. , James S. L. , Watson L. E. , Coffey S. , Raaijmakers A. J. A. , Weeks K. L. , Bell J. R. , Janssens J. V. , Curl C. L. , Delbridge L. M. D. , Mellor Kimberley M.
Published: July 2023

Diastolic dysfunction is increasingly identified as a key, early onset subclinical condition characterizing cardiopathologies of rising prevalence, including diabetic heart disease and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Diastolic dysfunction characterization has important prognostic value in management of disease outcomes. Validated tools for in vivo monitoring of diastolic function in rodent models of diabetes are required for progress in pre-clinical cardiology studies. 2D speckle tracking echocardiography has emerged as a powerful tool for evaluating cardiac wall deformation throughout the cardiac cycle. The aim of this study was to examine the applicability of 2D speckle tracking echocardiography for comprehensive global and regional assessment of diastolic function in a pre-clinical murine model of cardio-metabolic disease. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) was induced in C57Bl/6 male mice using a high fat high sugar dietary intervention for 20 weeks. Significant impairment in left ventricle peak diastolic strain rate was evident in longitudinal, radial and circumferential planes in T2D mice. Peak diastolic velocity was similarly impaired in the longitudinal and radial planes. Regional analysis of longitudinal peak diastolic strain rate revealed that the anterior free left ventricular wall is particularly susceptible to T2D-induced diastolic dysfunction. These findings provide a significant advance on characterization of diastolic dysfunction in a pre-clinical mouse model of cardiopathology and offer a comprehensive suite of benchmark values for future pre-clinical cardiology studies.
Kaempferol-loaded bioactive glass-based scaffold for bone tissue engineering: in vitro and in vivo evaluation
Authors: Ranjbar Faezeh Esmaeili , Farzad-Mohajeri Saeed , Samani Saeed , Saremi Jamileh , Khademi Rahele , Dehghan Mohammad Mehdi , Azami Mahmoud
Published: July 2023

Due to the increasing prevalence of bone disorders among people especially in average age, the future of treatments for osseous abnormalities has been illuminated by scaffold-based bone tissue engineering. In this study, in vitro and in vivo properties of 58S bioactive glass-based scaffolds for bone tissue engineering (bare (B.SC), Zein-coated (C.SC), and Zein-coated containing Kaempferol (KC.SC)) were evaluated. This is a follow-up study on our previously published paper, where we synthesized 58S bioactive glass-based scaffolds coated with Kaempferol-loaded Zein biopolymer, and characterized from mostly engineering points of view to find the optimum composition. For this aim, in vitro assessments were done to evaluate the osteogenic capacity and biological features of the scaffolds. In the in vivo section, all types of scaffolds with/without bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSC) were implanted into rat calvaria bone defects, and potential of bone healing was assessed using imaging, staining, and histomorphometric analyses. It was shown that, Zein-coating covered surface cracks leading to better mechanical properties without negative effect on bioactivity and cell attachment. Also, BMSC differentiation proved that the presence of Kaempferol caused higher calcium deposition, increased alkaline phosphatase activity, bone-specific gene upregulation in vitro. Further, in vivo study confirmed positive effect of BMSC-loaded KC.SC on significant new bone formation resulting in complete bone regeneration. Combining physical properties of coated scaffolds with the osteogenic effect of Kaempferol and BMSCs could represent a new strategy for bone regeneration and provide a more effective approach to repairing critical-sized bone defects.
A face recognition algorithm based on the combine of image feature compensation and improved PSO
Authors: Lijuan Yan , Yanhu Zhang
Published: July 2023

Face recognition systems have been widely applied in various scenarios in people's daily lives. The recognition rate and speed of face recognition systems have always been the two key technical factors that researchers focus on. Many excellent recognition algorithms achieve high recognition rates or good recognition speeds. However, more research is needed to develop algorithms that can effectively balance these two indicators. In this study, we introduce an improved particle swarm optimization algorithm into a face recognition algorithm based on image feature compensation techniques. This allows the system to achieve high recognition rates while simultaneously enhancing the recognition efficiency, aiming to strike a balance between the two aspects. This approach provides a new perspective for the application of image feature compensation techniques in face recognition systems. It helps achieve a broader range of applications for face recognition technology by reducing the recognition speed as much as possible while maintaining a satisfactory recognition rate. Ultimately, this leads to an improved user experience.