bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Confirming resistance to PPO-inhibiting herbicides applied preemergence and postemergence in a Georgia Palmer amaranth population
Authors: Randell-Singleton Taylor , Hand Lavesta C. , Vance Jenna C. , Wright-Smith Hannah E. , Culpepper A. Stanley
Published: February 2024

Herbicides that inhibit protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) are used in more than 40 agronomic and specialty crops across Georgia to manage weeds through residual and postemergence (POST) control. In 2017, a population of Palmer amaranth exhibiting reduced sensitivity to POST applications of PPO-inhibiting herbicides was identified by the University of Georgia. Seed were collected from the site along with a known sensitive population; distance between the samples was 200 m, increasing the likelihood of similar environmental and genetic characteristics. To quantify sensitivity for both preemergence (PRE) and POST uses, 21 greenhouse dose-response assessments were conducted from 2017 to 2022. After conducting initial rate-response studies, 13 doses per herbicide were chosen for the POST experiment; field use rates of fomesafen (420 g ai ha−1), lactofen (219 g ai ha−1), acifluorfen (420 g ai ha−1), and trifludimoxazin (25 g ai ha−1) ranging from 0× to 4× the field use rate for the susceptible population, and 0× to 40× for the suspect population were applied. Herbicide treatments included adjuvants and were applied to plants 8 to 10 cm in height. Relative resistance factors (RRFs) were calculated for control ratings, mortality, and biomass, and ranged from 105 to 318, 36 to 1,477, 215 to 316, and 9 to 49 for fomesafen, lactofen, acifluorfen, and trifludimoxazin, respectively. In the PRE experiment, herbicide applications included five to nine doses of fomesafen (1× = 210 g ai ha−1), flumioxazin (1× = 57 g ai ha−1), oxyfluorfen (1× = 561 g ai ha−1), and trifludimoxazin (1× = 38 g ai ha−1); doses ranged from 0× to 6× for the suspect population and 0× to 2× for the susceptible population. Visual control, mortality, and biomass RRFs ranged from 3 to 5 for fomesafen, 21 to 31 for flumioxazin, 6 to 22 for oxyfluorfen, and 8 to 38 for trifludimoxazin. Results confirm that a Georgia Palmer amaranth population is resistant to PPO-inhibiting herbicides applied both PRE and POST.
A Shortened Version of the Reasons for Living Inventory for Older Iranian Adults
Authors: Ahmadboukani Soliman , Rostami Mohammad , Foroughan Mahshid , Hemmati Azad
Published: February 2024

Abstract: This psychometric study examined the psychometric characteristics of the shortened version of the Persian-Reasons for Living Inventory for Older Adults (the shortened P-RFL-OA) in a sample of 293 clinical and nonclinical community-dwelling older adults living in Sanandaj, Iran in 2023. We collected the data using the shortened P-RFL-OA Scale, the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSSI), the Life Satisfaction Index (LSI-Z), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and the Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). Overall, the shortened P-RFL-OA has acceptable psychometric properties in terms of test-retest reliability, convergent validity with depression and suicidal ideation, and divergent validity with life satisfaction and quality of life. The findings of the present study confirmed that the shortened P-RFL-OA has acceptable psychometric properties for older adults.
Prototype System for Unmanned Reference Point Determination at the Sub‐Millimeter Level
Authors: Zhang Zhibin , Wang Zhikang , Ma Xiaohui , Sun Zhengxiong , Xu Dezhen , Huang Chengli , Wang Guangli , Qi Zhaoxiang
Published: February 2024

The determination of reference points for telescopes is crucial for obtaining the local‐tie vector for a multi‐technology co‐located station. Traditional methods suffer from labor‐intensive fieldwork, long execution cycles, and systematic errors due to the incident angle of the total station's laser beam on the prism. In this paper, we propose an algorithm aligning the prism pointing vector with the prism‐to‐total station vector and introduce a pan‐tilt platform and the Tianma VGOS telescope for sub‐millimeter unmanned reference point monitoring. Our results show that the prototype system based on the pan‐tilt achieves a formal error of ±100 μm (1σ) in reference point positions with just 2.5 hr of automated monitoring. The consistency of reference point positions is comparable to the local control network accuracy. Single‐direction observations may introduce a deviation of ±1 mm in the reference point compared to multiple direction observations. Preliminary experiments on the Tianma VGOS telescope have also shown that this system can efficiently automate the monitoring of prism scatter points (one measurement every minute) and achieve sub‐millimeter horizontal precision in reference point positions within a single day.
Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Context Camera Updated In‐Flight Calibration
Authors: Walter S. H. G. , Aye K.‐M. , Jaumann R. , Postberg F.
Published: February 2024

The image data of the Context Camera (CTX) of the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter require a flat‐field correction that is currently available as a plain text file in the Planetary Data System “Calib” folders for all CTX Enhanced Data Record releases or automatically implemented as part of the ctxcal application of the Integrated Software for Images and Spectrometers (ISIS). We noticed (a) differences between these two flat‐fields and (b) residual edge darkening (vignetting) after applying ctxcal. This work examines in detail the edge‐darkening effect over time and creates a new improved flat‐field calibration file to be implemented into the ISIS ctxcal application as a new default. We introduce a method to quantify the vignetting effect and its residuals after regular ISIS calibration. With the old calibration, the amount of residual edge‐darkening is about eight percent. We prove that the new calibration does remove the effect completely, does not introduce any artifacts and qualitatively and quantitatively validate newly calibrated images. Mosaics produced with images that have been calibrated with our new flatfield show immediately less striping issues, without the application of any standard mosaicking‐related tone‐matching techniques.
Vegetation Productivity Slowdown on the Tibetan Plateau Around the Late 1990s
Authors: Ren Yanghang , Wang Han , Yang Kun , Li Wei , Hu Zhongmin , Ma Yaoming , Qiao Shengchao
Published: February 2024

Tibetan Plateau (TP) has experienced a slowdown of the vegetation greening since the late 1990s. This structural change (i.e., greening) along with canopy physiology (i.e., potential photosynthetic productivity) regulates vegetation gross primary productivity (GPP). However, it remains unclear how the joint regulation influences the trend of alpine GPP under climate change. Here, we validate a universal productivity model against flux‐based and satellite‐derived observations at TP and diagnose the long‐term climatic impacts on GPP via canopy physiology and structure. We found an increasing but weakening trend of GPP after 1998. About 3/4 of this slowdown was attributed to the slowing greening after 1998, which was caused by the fact that the stress of atmospheric aridity and reduced benefits of warming overwhelmed the positive effects of CO2 fertilization and radiation enhancement. This study highlights the coupling between canopy structure and productivity for the long‐term period.
Checking Key Assumptions of the Kennel‐Petschek Flux Limit With ELFIN CubeSats
Authors: Mourenas D. , Artemyev A. V. , Zhang X.‐J. , Angelopoulos V.
Published: February 2024

In planetary radiation belts, the Kennel‐Petschek flux limit is expected to set an upper limit on trapped electron fluxes at 80–600 keV in the presence of efficient electron loss through pitch‐angle diffusion by whistler‐mode chorus waves generated around the magnetic equator by the same 80–600 keV electron population. Comparisons with maximum measured fluxes have been relatively successful, but several key assumptions of the Kennel‐Petschek model have not been experimentally tested. The Kennel‐Petschek model notably assumes an exponential growth of chorus waves as the trapped electron flux increases, and a fixed maximum wave power gain of about 3. Here, we describe a method for inferring the near‐equatorial wave power gain using only measurements of trapped, precipitating, and backscattered electron fluxes at low altitude. Next, we make use of Electron Losses and Fields Investigation (ELFIN) CubeSats measurements of such electron fluxes during two moderate geomagnetic storms with sustained electron injections to infer the corresponding chorus wave power gains as a function of time, energy, and equatorial trapped electron flux. We show that wave power increases exponentially with trapped flux, with a wave power gain roughly proportional to the theoretical linear convective gain, and that the maximum inferred gain near the upper flux limit is roughly 10, with a factor of 2 uncertainty. Therefore, two key theoretical underpinnings of the Kennel‐Petschek model are borne out by the present results, although the strong inferred gains should correspond to higher flux limits than in traditional estimates.
AHRR and SFRP2 in primary versus recurrent high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma and their prognostic implication
Authors: Monjé Nanna , Dragomir Mihnea P. , Sinn Bruno V. , Hoffmann Inga , Makhmut Anuar , Simon Tincy , Kunze Catarina A. , Ihlow Jana , Schmitt Wolfgang D. , Pohl Jonathan , Piwonski Iris , Marchenko Sofya , Keunecke Carlotta , Calina Teodor G. , Tiso Francesca , Kulbe Hagen , Kreuzinger Caroline , Cacsire Castillo-Tong Dan , Sehouli Jalid , Braicu Elena I. , Denkert Carsten , Darb-Esfahani Silvia , Kübler Kirsten , Capper David , Coscia Fabian , Morkel Markus , Horst David , Sers Christine , Taube Eliane T.
Published: February 2024

Background

The aim of this study was to analyse transcriptomic differences between primary and recurrent high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) to identify prognostic biomarkers.

Methods

We analysed 19 paired primary and recurrent HGSOC samples using targeted RNA sequencing. We selected the best candidates using in silico survival and pathway analysis and validated the biomarkers using immunohistochemistry on a cohort of 44 paired samples, an additional cohort of 504 primary HGSOCs and explored their function.

Results

We identified 233 differential expressed genes. Twenty-three showed a significant prognostic value for PFS and OS in silico. Seven markers (AHRR, COL5A2, FABP4, HMGCS2, ITGA5, SFRP2 and WNT9B) were chosen for validation at the protein level. AHRR expression was higher in primary tumours (p < 0.0001) and correlated with better patient survival (p < 0.05). Stromal SFRP2 expression was higher in recurrent samples (p = 0.009) and protein expression in primary tumours was associated with worse patient survival (p = 0.022). In multivariate analysis, tumour AHRR and SFRP2 remained independent prognostic markers. In vitro studies supported the anti-tumorigenic role of AHRR and the oncogenic function of SFRP2.

Conclusions

Our results underline the relevance of AHRR and SFRP2 proteins in aryl-hydrocarbon receptor and Wnt-signalling, respectively, and might lead to establishing them as biomarkers in HGSOC.
Transactivation of Met signaling by oncogenic Gnaq drives the evolution of melanoma in Hgf-Cdk4 mice
Authors: Mengoni Miriam , Braun Andreas Dominik , Seedarala Sahithi , Bonifatius Susanne , Kostenis Evi , Schanze Denny , Zenker Martin , Tüting Thomas , Gaffal Evelyn
Published: February 2024

Recent pan-cancer genomic analyses have identified numerous oncogenic driver mutations that occur in a cell-type and tissue-specific distribution. For example, oncogenic mutations in Braf and Nras genes arise predominantly in melanocytic neoplasms of the epidermis, while oncogenic mutations in Gnaq/11 genes arise mostly in melanocytic lesions of the dermis or the uvea. The mechanisms promoting cell-type and tissue-specific oncogenic events currently remain poorly understood. Here, we report that Gnaq/11 hotspot mutations occur as early oncogenic drivers during the evolution of primary melanomas in Hgf-Cdk4 mice. Additional single base substitutions in the Trp53 gene and structural chromosomal aberrations favoring amplifications of the chromosomal region containing the Met receptor gene accumulate during serial tumor transplantation and in cell lines established in vitro. Mechanistically, we found that the GnaqQ209L mutation transactivates the Met receptor. Overexpression of oncogenic GnaqQ209L in the immortalized melanocyte cell line promoted in vivo growth that was enhanced by transgenic Hgf expression in the tumor microenvironment. This cross-signaling mechanism explains the selection of oncogenic Gnaq/11 in primary Hgf-Cdk4 melanomas and provides an example of how oncogenic driver mutations, intracellular signaling cascades, and microenvironmental cues cooperate to drive cancer development in a tissue-specific fashion.
Antibody and antibody fragments site-specific conjugation using new Q-tag substrate of bacterial transglutaminase
Authors: El Alaoui Meddy , Sivado Eva , Jallas Anne-Catherine , Mebarki Lamia , Dyson Michael R. , Perrez Franck , Valsesia-Wittmann Sandrine , El Alaoui Said
Published: February 2024

During the last few years Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs) have become one of the most active and very promising therapeutic weapons. Lessons learned from the traditional chemical conjugations (via lysine or cysteine residues of the antibodies) and the clinical studies of the developed ADCs have recently paved the way to the improvement of the conjugation technologies. Use of site-specific conjugation is considered as the promising path for improving the design and development of homogeneous ADCs with controlled Drug-Antibody ratio (DAR). Moreover, some of these conjugations can be applied to antibody fragments such as Fab, scfv and VHH for which random and chemical conjugation showed significant limitations. In this study, we identified a novel small peptide substrate (Q-tag) with high affinity and specificity of bacterial transglutaminase which can be genetically fused to different formats of antibodies of interest for the development of enzymatic site-specific conjugation we named “CovIsolink” platform. We describe the synthesis of chemically defined drugs conjugation in which the site and stoichiometry of conjugation are controlled using a genetically encoded Q-tag peptide with specific amino acids which serves as a substrate of bacterial transglutaminase. This approach has enabled the generation of homogeneous conjugates with DAR 1,7 for full IgG and 0,8 drug ratio for Fab, scfv and VHH antibody fragments without the presence of significant amounts of unconjugated antibody and fragments. As a proof of concept, Q-tagged anti Her-2 (human IgG1 (Trastuzumab) and the corresponding fragments (Fab, scfv and VHH) were engineered and conjugated with different aminated-payloads. The corresponding Cov-ADCs were evaluated in series of in vitro and in vivo assays, demonstrating similar tumor cell killing potency as Trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla®) even with lower drug-to-antibody ratio (DAR).
Restrained Mitf-associated autophagy by Mulberroside A ameliorates osteoclastogenesis and counteracts OVX-Induced osteoporosis in mice
Authors: Xue Hong , Feng Zhenhua , Yuan Putao , Qiao Li , Lou Qiliang , Zhao Xiangde , Ma Qingliang , Wang Shiyu , Shen Yang , Ye Huali , Cheng Jiao , Wang Jiying , Wan Shuanglin , Zhang Boya , Shi Peihua , Sun Xuewu
Published: February 2024

Bone and mineral metabolism homeostasis accounts for the maintenance of normal skeletal remodeling. However, with aging and changes in hormone levels, over-activated osteoclasts disrupt homeostasis, induce osteoporosis, and even cause osteoporotic fractures, leading to an enormous economic burden. Despite the rapid development of pharmacological therapy for osteoporosis, safer and more effective treatments remain to be explored. Here, we demonstrate that Mulberroside A (Mul-A), a natural component extracted from mulberry bark and branches, effectively suppresses osteoclastogenesis in vitro and counteracts bone loss caused by ovariectomy (OVX). The mechanism underlying this effect involves the repression of autophagic flux during osteoclastogenesis by Mul-A, which can be attributed to the restrained expression of microphthalmia-related transcription factor (Mitf) and its nuclear translocation. Importantly, Mitf overexpression partially reverses the inhibitory effects of Mul-A on autophagy and osteoclastogenesis. Moreover, applying two autophagy agonizts, rapamycin and Torin 1, attenuates the osteoclastogenic regulatory role of Mul-A. Collectively, our study demonstrates that Mul-A damages osteoclast differentiation and ameliorates osteoporosis caused by estrogen deficiency by modulation of Mitf-associated autophagy, indicating its therapeutic potential against osteoporosis.
Perturbative solution of fermionic sign problem in quantum Monte Carlo computations
Authors: Iskakov Sergei , Katsnelson Mikhail I. , Lichtenstein Alexander I.
Published: February 2024

We have developed a strong-coupling perturbation scheme for a general doped Hubbard model around a particle-hole-symmetric reference system, which is free from the fermionic sign problem. Our approach is based on the lattice determinantal Quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) method in both continuous and discrete time versions for large periodic clusters in a fermionic bath. By considering the first-order perturbation in the shift of the chemical potential and the second-neighbor hopping, we are able to obtain an accurate electronic spectral function for a range of parameters that correspond to optimally doped cuprate systems at temperatures of up to T = 0.1t, which are challenging to access using straightforward lattice QMC calculations. We also discuss the formation of the pseudogap and the nodal-antinodal dichotomy for a doped Hubbard system with the interaction parameter U equal to the bandwidth and the optimal value of the next-nearest-neighbor hopping parameter $${t}^{{\prime} }$$

t

′

for high-temperature superconducting cuprates.
Distinctive CD56dim NK subset profiles and increased NKG2D expression in blood NK cells of Parkinson’s disease patients
Authors: Weber Stephen , Menees Kelly B. , Park Jieun , Agin-Liebes Julian , Lin Chih-Chun , Alcalay Roy N. , Lee Jae-Kyung
Published: February 2024

Mounting data suggest an important role for the immune system in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Previous evidence of increased natural killer (NK) cell populations in PD suggests a potential role of NK cells in the pathogenesis of the disease. Previous studies have analyzed NK cell populations using aggregation by variable expression of CD56 and CD16. It remains unknown what differences may exist between NK cell subpopulations when stratified using more nuanced classification. Here, we profile NK cell subpopulations and elucidate the expressions of activating, NKG2D, inhibitory, NKG2A, and homing, CX3CR1, receptors on NK cell subpopulations in PD and healthy controls (HC). We analyzed cryopreserved PMBC samples using a 10-color flow cytometry panel to evaluate NK cell subpopulations in 31 individuals with sporadic PD and 27 HC participants. Here we identified significant differences in the CD56dim NK subset that changes with disease severity in PD. Furthermore, the expressions of NKG2D in all three NK cell subsets were significantly elevated in PD patients compared to HC. Notably, NKG2A expression in the CD56bright NK subset increased in PD patients with longer disease duration but there were no changes in CX3CR1. In summary, our data suggests that changes in NK cells may be influenced by the clinical severity and duration of PD.
Accurate and sensitive mutational signature analysis with MuSiCal
Authors: Jin Hu , Gulhan Doga C. , Geiger Benedikt , Ben-Isvy Daniel , Geng David , Ljungström Viktor , Park Peter J.
Published: February 2024

Mutational signature analysis is a recent computational approach for interpreting somatic mutations in the genome. Its application to cancer data has enhanced our understanding of mutational forces driving tumorigenesis and demonstrated its potential to inform prognosis and treatment decisions. However, methodological challenges remain for discovering new signatures and assigning proper weights to existing signatures, thereby hindering broader clinical applications. Here we present Mutational Signature Calculator (MuSiCal), a rigorous analytical framework with algorithms that solve major problems in the standard workflow. Our simulation studies demonstrate that MuSiCal outperforms state-of-the-art algorithms for both signature discovery and assignment. By reanalyzing more than 2,700 cancer genomes, we provide an improved catalog of signatures and their assignments, discover nine indel signatures absent in the current catalog, resolve long-standing issues with the ambiguous ‘flat’ signatures and give insights into signatures with unknown etiologies. We expect MuSiCal and the improved catalog to be a step towards establishing best practices for mutational signature analysis.
Dual view deep learning for enhanced breast cancer screening using mammography
Authors: Kebede Samuel Rahimeto , Waldamichael Fraol Gelana , Debelee Taye Girma , Aleme Muluberhan , Bedane Wubalem , Mezgebu Bethelhem , Merga Zelalem Chimdesa
Published: February 2024

Breast cancer has the highest incidence rate among women in Ethiopia compared to other types of cancer. Unfortunately, many cases are detected at a stage where a cure is delayed or not possible. To address this issue, mammography-based screening is widely accepted as an effective technique for early detection. However, the interpretation of mammography images requires experienced radiologists in breast imaging, a resource that is limited in Ethiopia. In this research, we have developed a model to assist radiologists in mass screening for breast abnormalities and prioritizing patients. Our approach combines an ensemble of EfficientNet-based classifiers with YOLOv5, a suspicious mass detection method, to identify abnormalities. The inclusion of YOLOv5 detection is crucial in providing explanations for classifier predictions and improving sensitivity, particularly when the classifier fails to detect abnormalities. To further enhance the screening process, we have also incorporated an abnormality detection model. The classifier model achieves an F1-score of 0.87 and a sensitivity of 0.82. With the addition of suspicious mass detection, sensitivity increases to 0.89, albeit at the expense of a slightly lower F1-score of 0.79.
Continuous and discontinuous compressible flows in a converging–diverging channel solved by physics-informed neural networks without exogenous data
Authors: Liang Hong , Song Zilong , Zhao Chong , Bian Xin
Published: February 2024

Physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) are employed to solve the classical compressible flow problem in a converging–diverging nozzle. This problem represents a typical example described by the Euler equations, a thorough understanding of which serves as a guide for solving more general compressible flows. Given a geometry of the channel, analytical solutions for the steady states do indeed exist, and they depend on the ratio between the back pressure of the outlet and the stagnation pressure of the inlet. Moreover, in the diverging region, the solution may branch into subsonic flow, supersonic flow, or a mixture of both with a discontinuous transition where a normal shock occurs. Classical numerical schemes with shock fitting and capturing methods have been developed to solve this type of problem effectively, whereas the original PINNs are unable to predict the flows correctly. We make a first attempt to exploit the power of PINNs to solve this problem directly by adjusting the weights of different components of the loss function to acquire physical solutions and in the meantime, avoid trivial solutions. With a universal setting yet no exogenous data, we are able to solve this problem accurately; that is, for different given pressure ratios, PINNs provide different branches of solutions at both steady and unsteady states, some of which are discontinuous in nature. For an inverse problem such as unknown specific-heat ratio, it works effectively as well.
On the spin dependence of detection times and the nonmeasurability of arrival times
Authors: Goldstein Sheldon , Tumulka Roderich , Zanghì Nino
Published: February 2024

According to a well-known principle of quantum physics, the statistics of the outcomes of any quantum experiment are governed by a Positive-Operator-Valued Measure (POVM). In particular, for experiments designed to measure a specific physical quantity, like the time of a particle’s first arrival at a surface, this principle establishes that if the probability distribution of that quantity does not arise from a POVM, no such experiment exists. Such is the case with the arrival time distributions proposed by Das and Dürr, due to the nature of their spin dependence.
BAMLET administration via drinking water inhibits intestinal tumor development and promotes long-term health
Authors: Tran Hien Thi , Wan Murphy Lam Yim , Ambite Ines , Cavalera Michele , Grossi Mario , Háček Jaromir , Esmaeili Parisa , Carneiro António N. B. M. , Chaudhuri Arunima , Ahmadi Shahram , Svanborg Catharina
Published: February 2024

Though new targeted therapies for colorectal cancer, which progresses from local intestinal tumors to metastatic disease, are being developed, tumor specificity remains an important problem, and side effects a major concern. Here, we show that the protein-fatty acid complex BAMLET (bovine alpha-lactalbumin made lethal to tumor cells) can act as a peroral treatment for colorectal cancer. ApcMin/+ mice, which carry mutations relevant to hereditary and sporadic human colorectal cancer, that received BAMLET in the drinking water showed long-term protection against tumor development and decreased expression of tumor growth-, migration-, metastasis- and angiogenesis-related genes. BAMLET treatment via drinking water inhibited the Wnt/β-catenin and PD-1 signaling pathways and prolonged survival without evidence of toxicity. Systemic disease in the lungs, livers, spleens, and kidneys, which accompanied tumor progression, was inhibited by BAMLET treatment. The metabolic response to BAMLET included carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, which were inhibited in tumor prone ApcMin/+ mice and weakly regulated in C57BL/6 mice, suggesting potential health benefits of peroral BAMLET administration in addition to the potent antitumor effects. Together, these findings suggest that BAMLET administration in the drinking water maintains antitumor pressure by removing emergent cancer cells and reprogramming gene expression in intestinal and extra-intestinal tissues.
Generative adversarial reduced order modelling
Authors: Coscia Dario , Demo Nicola , Rozza Gianluigi
Published: February 2024

In this work, we present GAROM, a new approach for reduced order modeling (ROM) based on generative adversarial networks (GANs). GANs attempt to learn to generate data with the same statistics of the underlying distribution of a dataset, using two neural networks, namely discriminator and generator. While widely applied in many areas of deep learning, little research is done on their application for ROM, i.e. approximating a high-fidelity model with a simpler one. In this work, we combine the GAN and ROM framework, introducing a data-driven generative adversarial model able to learn solutions to parametric differential equations. In the presented methodology, the discriminator is modeled as an autoencoder, extracting relevant features of the input, and a conditioning mechanism is applied to the generator and discriminator networks specifying the differential equation parameters. We show how to apply our methodology for inference, provide experimental evidence of the model generalization, and perform a convergence study of the method.
Quantitative assessments of honeybee colony’s response to an artificial vibrational pulse resulting in non-invasive measurements of colony’s overall mobility and restfulness
Authors: Bencsik Martin , McVeigh Adam , Claeys Bouuaert David , Capela Nuno , Penny Frederick , Newton Michael Ian , Sousa José Paulo , de Graaf Dirk C.
Published: February 2024

In this work we aim to provide a quantitative method allowing the probing of the physiological status of honeybee colonies by providing them with a gentle, short, external artificial vibrational shockwave, and recording their response. The knock is provided by an external electromagnetic shaker attached to the outer wall of a hive, driven by a computer with a 0.1 s long, monochromatic vibration at 340Hz set to an amplitude that occasionally yields a mild response from the bees, recorded by an accelerometer placed in the middle of the central frame of the colony. To avoid habituation, the stimulus is supplied at randomised times, approximately every hour. The method is pioneered with a pilot study on a single colony hosted indoors, then extended onto eight outdoors colonies. The results show that we can quantitatively sense the colony’s overall mobility, independently from another physiological aspect, which is phenomenologically explored. Using this, a colony that is queenless is easily discriminated from the others.
Biaxial strain tuned upconversion photoluminescence of monolayer WS2
Authors: Roy Shrawan , Yang Xiaodong , Gao Jie
Published: February 2024

Monolayer tungsten disulfide (1L-WS2) is a direct bandgap atomic-layered semiconductor material with strain tunable optical and optoelectronic properties among the monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (1L-TMDs). Here, we demonstrate biaxial strain tuned upconversion photoluminescence (UPL) from exfoliated 1L-WS2 flakes transferred on a flexible polycarbonate cruciform substrate. When the biaxial strain applied to 1L-WS2 increases from 0 to 0.51%, it is observed that the UPL peak position is redshifted by up to 60 nm/% strain, while the UPL intensity exhibits exponential growth with the upconversion energy difference varying from − 303 to − 120 meV. The measured power dependence of UPL from 1L-WS2 under biaxial strain reveals the one photon involved multiphonon-mediated upconversion mechanism. The demonstrated results provide new opportunities in advancing TMD-based optical upconversion devices for future flexible photonics and optoelectronics.
Agreement between invasive and noninvasive measurement of tear film breakup time
Authors: Szczesna-Iskander Dorota H. , Llorens-Quintana Clara
Published: February 2024

The agreement between fluorescein breakup time (FBUT) estimates and noninvasive breakup time (NIBUT) estimates automatically acquired using two videokeratoscopes was assessed. Small-cone (E300, Medmont) and large-bowl (K5M, OCULUS) Placido-ring–based videokeratoscopes were utilized for automated NIBUT estimation and fluorescein strip method was used for FBUT estimation. 33 subjects completed the study. Clear instructions were given regarding the blink before measurements. Bland–Altman analysis was used to test the agreement between tear film breakup time estimates and repeated measure analysis of variance was used to test the differences between measurement types. In comparison to FBUT, E300 NIBUT estimate was shorter (− 0.6 ± 2.6 s), whereas K5M NIBUT estimate was longer (3.3 ± 2.4 s). Limits of agreement for FBUT vs. E300 was 29.8 s, for FBUT vs. K5M 26.4 s, and 31.4 s for E300 vs. K5M. There were significant differences between tear film breakup times (F = 3.59,df = 2,P = 0.032). E300 and K5M NIBUT measurements have poor agreement with FBUT, even when blinking is precisely clarified. Agreement was better for shorted break up times than that for longer ones but in general NIBUT measurements are not interchangeable.
Inequalities in regional excess mortality and life expectancy during the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe
Authors: Hajdu Tamás , Krekó Judit , Tóth Csaba G.
Published: February 2024

Using data for 201 regions (NUTS 2) in Europe, we examine the mortality burden of the COVID-19 pandemic and how the mortality inequalities between regions changed between 2020 and 2022. We show that over the three years of the pandemic, not only did the level of excess mortality rate change considerably, but also its geographical distribution. Focusing on life expectancy as a summary measure of mortality conditions, we find that the variance of regional life expectancy increased sharply in 2021 but returned to the pre-pandemic level in 2022. The 2021 increase was due to a much higher-than-average excess mortality in regions with lower pre-pandemic life expectancy. While the life expectancy inequality has returned to its pre-pandemic level in 2022, the observed life expectancy in almost all regions is far below that expected without the pandemic.
Global carrier frequency and predicted genetic prevalence of patients with pathogenic sequence variants in autosomal recessive genetic neuromuscular diseases
Authors: Choi Won-Jun , Kim Soo-Hyun , Lee Sung Rok , Oh Seung-Hun , Kim Seung Woo , Shin Ha Young , Park Hyung Jun
Published: February 2024

Genetic neuromuscular diseases are clinically and genetically heterogeneous genetic disorders that primarily affect the peripheral nerves, muscles, and neuromuscular junctions. This study aimed to identify pathogenic variants, calculate carrier frequency, and predict the genetic prevalence of autosomal recessive neuromuscular diseases (AR-NMDs). We selected 268 AR-NMD genes and analyzed their genetic variants sourced from the gnomAD database. After identifying the pathogenic variants using an algorithm, we calculated the carrier frequency and predicted the genetic prevalence of AR-NMDs. In total, 10,887 pathogenic variants were identified, including 3848 literature verified and 7039 manually verified variants. In the global population, the carrier frequency of AR-NMDs is 32.9%, with variations across subpopulations ranging from 22.4% in the Finnish population to 36.2% in the non-Finnish European population. The predicted genetic prevalence of AR-NMDs was estimated to be 24.3 cases per 100,000 individuals worldwide, with variations across subpopulations ranging from 26.5 to 41.4 cases per 100,000 individuals in the Latino/Admixed American and the Ashkenazi Jewish populations, respectively. The AR-NMD gene with the highest carrier frequency was GAA (1.3%) and the variant with the highest allele frequency was c.-32-13 T>G in GAA with 0.0033 in the global population. Our study revealed a higher-than-expected frequency of AR-NMD carriers, constituting approximately one-third of the global population, highlighting ethnic heterogeneity in genetic susceptibility.
Hip-sacroiliac joint-spine syndrome in total hip arthroplasty patients
Authors: Kaneuji Ayumi , Fukui Makoto , Takahashi Eiji , Sanji Yusuke , Hirata Hiroaki , Kawahara Norio
Published: February 2024

This study is designed to compare the extent of sacroiliac joint (SIJ) degeneration at total hip arthroplasty (THA) for two pathologies: osteoarthritis of the hip (OA) and osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ON). We also assessed the prevalence of SIJ degeneration in patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis or degenerative scoliosis. A total of 138 hips from 138 patients (69 OA and 69 ON) were assessed in this study, including 66 hips affected by OA secondary to developmental dysplasia of the hip. The degenerative changes in the SIJ and lumbar spine were evaluated prior to THA using radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans, showing 9 instances of spondylolisthesis and 38 of degenerative scoliosis. The OA group exhibited longer duration from onset to surgery than the ON group. The OA group also included more cases with significant pelvic obliquity (3 degrees or more) and with significant increases in SIJ sclerosis and irregularities. Patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis or degenerative scoliosis were significantly more likely to have SIJ irregularities. The prevalence of SIJ degeneration was higher in cases of THA for OA than for ON. This study also suggests the possibility of Hip-SIJ-Spine syndrome in THA patients with OA.
The NMR structure of the Orf63 lytic developmental protein from lambda bacteriophage
Authors: Khan Naushaba , Graham Tavawn , Franciszkiewicz Katarzyna , Bloch Sylwia , Nejman-Faleńczyk Bożena , Wegrzyn Alicja , Donaldson Logan W.
Published: February 2024

The orf63 gene resides in a region of the lambda bacteriophage genome between the exo and xis genes and is among the earliest genes transcribed during infection. In lambda phage and Shiga toxin (Stx) producing phages found in enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) associated with food poisoning, Orf63 expression reduces the host survival and hastens the period between infection and lysis thereby giving it pro-lytic qualities. The NMR structure of dimeric Orf63 reveals a fold consisting of two helices and one strand that all make extensive intermolecular contacts. Structure-based data mining failed to identify any Orf63 homolog beyond the family of temperate bacteriophages. A machine learning approach was used to design an amphipathic helical ligand that bound a hydrophobic cleft on Orf63 with micromolar affinity. This approach may open a new path towards designing therapeutics that antagonize the contributions of Stx phages in EHEC outbreaks.
Compressive stress triggers fibroblasts spreading over cancer cells to generate carcinoma in situ organization
Authors: Bertillot Fabien , Andrique Laetitia , Ureña Martin Carlos , Zajac Olivier , de Plater Ludmilla , Norton Michael M. , Richard Aurélien , Alessandri Kevin , Gurchenkov Basile G. , Fage Florian , Asnacios Atef , Lamaze Christophe , Das Moumita , Maître Jean- Léon , Nassoy Pierre , Matic Vignjevic Danijela
Published: February 2024

At the early stage of tumor progression, fibroblasts are located at the outer edges of the tumor, forming an encasing layer around it. In this work, we have developed a 3D in vitro model where fibroblasts’ layout resembles the structure seen in carcinoma in situ. We use a microfluidic encapsulation technology to co-culture fibroblasts and cancer cells within hollow, permeable, and elastic alginate shells. We find that in the absence of spatial constraint, fibroblasts and cancer cells do not mix but segregate into distinct aggregates composed of individual cell types. However, upon confinement, fibroblasts enwrap cancer cell spheroid. Using a combination of biophysical methods and live imaging, we find that buildup of compressive stress is required to induce fibroblasts spreading over the aggregates of tumor cells. We propose that compressive stress generated by the tumor growth might be a mechanism that prompts fibroblasts to form a capsule around the tumor.
Nickel-organo compounds as potential enzyme precursors under simulated early Earth conditions
Authors: Diederich Philippe , Seitz Christian , Buckett Lance , Salzer Liesa , Geisberger Thomas , Eisenreich Wolfgang , Huber Claudia , Schmitt-Kopplin Philippe
Published: February 2024

The transition from inorganic catalysis through minerals to organic catalysis by enzymes is a necessary step in the emergence of life. Our work is elucidating likely reactions at the earliest moments of Life, prior to the existence of enzymatic catalysis, by exploring essential intersections between nickel bioinorganic chemistry and pterin biochemistry. We used a prebiotically-inspired acetylene-containing volcanic hydrothermal experimental environment to shed light on the efficient formation of nickel-organo complexes. The simplest bis(dithiolene)nickel complex (C2H2S2)2Ni was identified by UV/Vis spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance. Its temporal progression and possible function in this simulated early Earth atmosphere were investigated by isolating the main bis(dithiolene)nickel species from the primordial experimental setup. Using this approach, we uncovered a significant diversity of nickel-organo compositions by identifying 156 elemental annotations. The formation of acetaldehyde through the subsequent degradation of these organo-metal complexes is intriguing, as it is reminiscent of the ability of Pelobacter acetylenicus to hydrate acetylene to acetaldehyde via its bis(dithiolene)-containing enzyme acetylene hydratase. As our findings mechanistically characterize the role of nickel sulfide in catalyzing the formation of acetaldehyde, this fundamental pre-metabolic reaction could play the role of a primitive enzyme precursor of the enzymatic acetylene metabolism and further strengthen the role of acetylene in the molecular origin of life.
Determining the degree of chromosomal instability in breast cancer cells by atomic force microscopy
Authors: Wang Bowei , Dong Jianjun , Yang Fan , Ju Tuoyu , Wang Junxi , Qu Kaige , Wang Ying , Tian Yanling , Wang Zuobin
Published: February 2024

Detection of chromosomal instability in breast cancer cells with different malignancy degrees by AFM.
Free drug and ROS-responsive nanoparticle delivery of synergistic doxorubicin and olaparib combinations to triple negative breast cancer models
Authors: Cavanagh Robert J. , Monteiro Patrícia F. , Moloney Cara , Travanut Alessandra , Mehradnia Fatemeh , Taresco Vincenzo , Rahman Ruman , Martin Stewart G. , Grabowska Anna M. , Ashford Marianne B. , Alexander Cameron
Published: February 2024

Combinations of the topoisomerase II inhibitor doxorubicin and the poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor olaparib offer potential drug–drug synergy for treatment of triple negative breast cancers (TNBC) both in free drug form and when delivered by oxidation-responsive nanoparticles.
Desulfitative Sonogashira cross-coupling of thiopyronin for the synthesis of NIR arylacetylene-containing rhodamines
Authors: Zhou Guangshuai , Finney Nathaniel , Wang Yali
Published: February 2024

An efficient red-shift strategy contributing to NIR arylacetylene-containing rhodamines has been first developed via desulfitative Sonogashira cross-coupling of thiopyronin with a broad substrate scope, good yields, and bioimaging potential.
Recent advancement in the synthesis of isothiocyanates
Authors: Maeda Bumpei , Murakami Kei
Published: February 2024

Isothiocyanates exhibit diverse bioactivities and reactivities. This review describes a comprehensive summary of recent advances in isothiocyanate synthesis with a focus on substrate categorization.
Construction of MnO2–Mn3O4 heterostructures to facilitate high-performance aqueous magnesium ion energy storage
Authors: Chen Xueli , Han Lu , Zhao Guangzhen , Zhao Litao , Gao Guoliang , Yu Lianghao , Li Yanjiang , Shan Xiuyang , Li Junfeng , Liu Xinjuan , Zhu Guang
Published: February 2024

MnO2–Mn3O4 heterostructure materials are applied in aqueous magnesium ion energy storage for the first time.
Exploration of the impact of graphene oxide, acetylenic gemini, and CTAT on the photophysical and aggregation properties of dipolar coumarin 153
Authors: Sardar Raju , Das Sourav , Banik Rajesh , Bhunia Sayani , Ghosh Soumen
Published: February 2024

Spectroscopic techniques have been utilized to study the interaction among GO–C153–micelle ternary system.
Techno-economic analysis of solid oxide fuel cell-based energy systems for decarbonising residential power and heat in the United Kingdom
Authors: Roy Dibyendu , Samanta Samiran , Roy Sumit , Smallbone Andrew , Roskilly Anthony Paul
Published: February 2024

This study examines the feasibility of using hydrogen as a clean energy source for residential consumers in the UK through a low-carbon energy hub.
Deconvoluting low yield from weak potency in direct-to-biology workflows with machine learning
Authors: McCorkindale William , Filep Mihajlo , London Nir , Lee Alpha A. , King-Smith Emma
Published: February 2024

Augmenting direct-to-biology workflows with a new machine learning framework.
Pickering emulsion templated proteinaceous microparticles as glutathione-responsive carriers for endocytosis in tumor cells
Authors: Jiang Weijie , Guan Xin , Liu Wei , Li Yunxing , Jiang Hang , Ngai To
Published: February 2024

Glutathione-responsive proteinaceous microparticles are prepared via a Pickering emulsion template method for effectively loading glucose oxidase for starvation therapy in tumor cells.
Ultrasound-assisted green and efficient extraction of polysaccharides from Chlorella vulgaris using deep eutectic solvents and improving their performance
Authors: Lu Beibei , Hu Hui , Yang Guangzhen , Pan Ming , Wang Youdi , Zhang Jichuan , Zhang Jianglin , Zhang Jiaheng
Published: February 2024

An ultrasound-assisted DES was developed to efficiently and environmentally extract polysaccharides from Chlorella vulgaris (extraction efficiency 5.32 mg g−1). Chlorella extract has low cytotoxicity, good biocompatibility, and skin permeability.
Catalyst- and additive-free three-component construction of isoxazolidinyl nucleosides and azoles via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition
Authors: Yuan Xinyufei , Gao Hang , Li Xing , Zhang Qin , Chen Wenwen , Wang Hui
Published: February 2024

This catalyst- and additive-free strategy could efficiently introduce the isoxazolidine skeleton into nucleoside analogues, oxazole molecules and indole derivatives.
Photocatalytic degradation of ammonia nitrogen using a Z-type nano-TiO2/LaMnO3 heterojunction
Authors: Yang Ziyi , Yuan Jinhai , Hou Xiaopeng , Sun Qi , Luo Xuanlan , Liu Junhong , Hu Haikun , Zhang Mi , Wu Yongquan
Published: February 2024

T/LMO is a z-type heterojunction with good photocatalytic degradation of ammonia nitrogen, which provides a theoretical basis for the practical application of new photocatalysts.
Photoinduced N-heterocyclic nitrenium-catalyzed single electron reduction of Se–Se bond for the generation of nucleophilic selenolates
Authors: Zhang Chao-Shen , Chen Kun-Quan , Zhou Ling , Yang Zhu-Sheng , Wang Zhi-Xiang , Chen Xiang-Yu
Published: February 2024

A straightforward photoinduced NHN-catalyzed method for generating nucleophilic selenolates from diselenides without the need of stoichiometric reductants.
Advanced electrochemical and mechanical performance of a LiNi0.91Co0.06Mn0.03O2 cathode via use of a NaCl flux agent
Authors: Shim Tae-Yeon , Yoo Ye-Wan , Yoon Jung-Rag , Kim Hyun-Soo , Lee Seung-Hwan , Lee Jong-Kyu
Published: February 2024

We fabricated single-crystalline LiNi0.91Co0.006Mn0.03O2 (SC-NCM) by the NaCl flux method, which improves the overall structural stability. SC-NCM shows better cycle capability than conventional poly-crystalline NCM.
Injectable polyoxazoline grafted hyaluronic acid thermoresponsive hydrogels for biomedical applications
Authors: Morel Morgane , Madau Mathieu , Le Cerf Didier , Dulong Virginie , Groo Anne-Claire , Malzert-Fréon Aurélie , Picton Luc
Published: February 2024

Injectable thermosensitive hydrogels based on hyaluronic acid (HA) grafted with lower critical solution temperature (LCST) polyoxazoline (copolymers of poly(isopropyl-co-butyl oxazoline)) or P(iPrOx-co-BuOx) have been elaborated with tunable solution/gel temperature transitions and gel state elastic modulus.
3D graphene decorated with nickel nanoparticles: in situ synthesis, enhanced dispersibility, and absorption-dominated electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Chen Liqing , Li Nian , Yu Xinling , Liu Cui , Song Yanping , Li Zhao , Kang Jun , Wang Wenbo , Hong Na , Ge Hu , Yang Pengzhan , Zhang Shudong , Wang Zhenyang
Published: February 2024

Utilizing the complexation of carboxyl groups with Ni(ii), 3D graphene with highly dispersed Ni NPs was achieved via laser fabrication.
Comprehensive multi-gas study by means of fiber-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for the investigation of nitrogen cycle processes
Authors: Blohm Annika , Domes Christian , Merian Andreas , Wolf Sebastian , Popp Jürgen , Frosch Torsten
Published: February 2024

Fiber-enhanced Raman spectroscopy allows for simultaneous quantification of multiple gases and enables the comprehensive analysis of processes of the nitrogen cycle with the aim to reduce the emission of reactive nitrogen species in agriculture.
Achieving a series of solid-state [2 + 2] cycloaddition reactions involving 1,2-bis(2-pyridyl)ethylene within halogen-bonded co-crystals
Authors: Andren Max , Bosch Eric , Krueger Herman R. , Groeneman Ryan H.
Published: February 2024

The formation of a halogen-bonded co-crystal based upon 1,2-bis(2-pyridyl)ethylene along with iodoperchlorobenzene is reported. The co-crystal undergoes a nearly quantitative [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction in the organic solid state.