bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural and computational underpinnings of biased confidence in human reinforcement learning
Authors: Ting Chih-Chung , Salem-Garcia Nahuel , Palminteri Stefano , Engelmann Jan B. , Lebreton Maël
Published: October 2023

While navigating a fundamentally uncertain world, humans and animals constantly evaluate the probability of their decisions, actions or statements being correct. When explicitly elicited, these confidence estimates typically correlates positively with neural activity in a ventromedial-prefrontal (VMPFC) network and negatively in a dorsolateral and dorsomedial prefrontal network. Here, combining fMRI with a reinforcement-learning paradigm, we leverage the fact that humans are more confident in their choices when seeking gains than avoiding losses to reveal a functional dissociation: whereas the dorsal prefrontal network correlates negatively with a condition-specific confidence signal, the VMPFC network positively encodes task-wide confidence signal incorporating the valence-induced bias. Challenging dominant neuro-computational models, we found that decision-related VMPFC activity better correlates with confidence than with option-values inferred from reinforcement-learning models. Altogether, these results identify the VMPFC as a key node in the neuro-computational architecture that builds global feeling-of-confidence signals from latent decision variables and contextual biases during reinforcement-learning.
Atomically precise ultrasmall copper cluster for room-temperature highly regioselective dehydrogenative coupling
Authors: Jia Teng , Li Yi-Xin , Ma Xiao-Hong , Zhang Miao-Miao , Dong Xi-Yan , Ai Jie , Zang Shuang-Quan
Published: October 2023

Three-component dehydrogenative coupling reactions represent important and practical methodologies for forging new C–N bonds and C–C bonds. Achieving highly all-in-one dehydrogenative coupling functionalization by a single catalytic system remains a great challenge. Herein, we develop a rigid-flexible-coupled copper cluster [Cu3(NHC)3(PF6)3] (Cu3NC(NHC)) using a tridentate N-heterocyclic carbene ligand. The shell ligand endows Cu3NC(NHC) with dual attributes, including rigidity and flexibility, to improve activity and stability. The Cu3NC(NHC) is applied to catalyze both highly all-in-one dehydrogenative coupling transformations. Mechanistic studies and density functional theory illustrate that the improved regioselectivity is derived from the low energy of ion pair with copper acetylide and endo-iminium ions and the low transition state, which originates from the unique physicochemical properties of the Cu3NC(NHC) catalyst. This work highlights the importance of N-heterocyclic carbene in the modification of copper clusters, providing a new design rule to protect cluster catalytic centers and enhance catalysis.
Near-infrared-II photoacoustic imaging and photo-triggered synergistic treatment of thrombosis via fibrin-specific homopolymer nanoparticles
Authors: Song Jianwen , Kang Xiaoying , Wang Lu , Ding Dan , Kong Deling , Li Wen , Qi Ji
Published: October 2023

The formation of an occlusive thrombus in the blood vessel is the main culprit for numerous life-threatening cardiovascular diseases that represent the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Herein, we develop a polymer nanoplatform that integrates long-wavelength second near-infrared (NIR-II) photoacoustic imaging-based thrombosis detection and antithrombotic activity. We design and synthesize a semiconducting homopolymer with strong absorption in the NIR-II region and molecular motion that boosts photothermal conversion and photoacoustic signal. We dope the homopolymer with a thermosensitive nitric oxide donor to formulate a nanoplatform, on which a fibrin-specific ligand is functionalized to ensure selective thrombus targeting. We show that with strong NIR-II light harvesting capability, bright photoacoustic signal and active thrombus accumulation ability, the NIR-II photoacoustic nanoprobes are able to sensitively and selectively delineate thrombi. We find that the nanoplatform also displays rapid and efficient blood clot removal activity with nearly complete blood flow restoration in both carotid thrombosis models and low extremity arterial thrombosis models under NIR-II light trigger by integrating a thrombus-localized photothermal effect and on-demand nitric oxide release. This nanoplatform offers a versatile approach for the diagnosis and treatment of life-threatening diseases caused by various thrombotic disorders.
Prediction of Van Hove singularity systems in ternary borides
Authors: Sun Yang , Zhang Zhen , Porter Andrew P. , Kovnir Kirill , Ho Kai-Ming , Antropov Vladimir
Published: October 2023

A computational search for stable structures among both α and β phases of ternary ATB4 borides (A = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Al, Ga, and Zn, T is 3d or 4d transition elements) has been performed. We found that α-ATB4 compounds with A = Mg, Ca, Al, and T = V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, and Co form a family of structurally stable or almost stable materials. These systems are metallic in non-magnetic states and characterized by the formation of the localized molecular-like state of 3d transition metal atom dimers, which leads to the appearance of numerous Van Hove singularities in the electronic spectrum. The closeness of such singularities to the Fermi level can be easily tuned by electron doping. For the atoms in the middle of the 3d row (Cr, Mn, and Fe), these singularities led to magnetic instabilities and magnetic ground states with a weakly metallic or semiconducting nature. Such states appear as non-trivial coexistence of the different spin ladders formed by magnetic dimers of 3d elements. These magnetic states can be characterized as an analog of the spin glass state. Experimental attempts to produce MgFeB4 and associated challenges are discussed, and promising directions for further synthetic studies are formulated.
‘Social’ versus ‘asocial’ cells—dynamic competition flux balance analysis
Authors: Liu Yanhua , Westerhoff Hans V.
Published: October 2023

In multicellular organisms cells compete for resources or growth factors. If any one cell type wins, the co-existence of diverse cell types disappears. Existing dynamic Flux Balance Analysis (dFBA) does not accommodate changes in cell density caused by competition. Therefore we here develop ‘dynamic competition Flux Balance Analysis’ (dcFBA). With total biomass synthesis as objective, lower-growth-yield cells were outcompeted even when cells synthesized mutually required nutrients. Signal transduction between cells established co-existence, which suggests that such ‘socialness’ is required for multicellularity. Whilst mutants with increased specific growth rate did not outgrow the other cell types, loss of social characteristics did enable a mutant to outgrow the other cells. We discuss that ‘asocialness’ rather than enhanced growth rates, i.e., a reduced sensitivity to regulatory factors rather than enhanced growth rates, may characterize cancer cells and organisms causing ecological blooms. Therapies reinforcing cross-regulation may therefore be more effective than those targeting replication rates.
Geoelectric characterisation of the junction of seismically active Delhi Hardwar Ridge and Delhi Sargodha Ridge
Authors: Rawat Gautam , Mohan Kapil , Dhamodharan S. , Dadhich Harendra , Chingtham Prasanta , Sain Kalachand , Mishra O. P.
Published: October 2023

A magnetotelluric (MT) geophysical survey for the first time has been conducted for the geoelectric characterization of the junction of the contact zone of NNE-SSW striking Delhi Hardwar Ridge (DHR) and NW–SE trending Delhi Sargodha Ridge (DSR) in the Rohtak area, Haryana which has experienced 15 earthquakes of M2.0–M4.4 from April to August 2020. A total of 08 MT sites are acquired along a NW–SE profile of length 50 km. From the 2D MT data inversion, the DHR and DSR are for the first time characterized by equal values of moderate resistivity of 100 Ohm m at two depths. The resistivity variation for DHR corresponds to 100 Ohm m from the surface to the depth of 20 km, whilst DSR is found associated with the same value of resistivity extending in the NW direction. The DHR has been found striking NE-SW with a very shallow central axis (less than 400 m) having a width of 12–15 km forming half grabens on both limbs supported by shallow faults. The DSR has been found bifurcated from DHR at a depth of 12–13 km and extended in the NW direction. The DSR has been generated due to flexure bulging caused by collision and anticlockwise rotation of the Indian plate in the Eocene period. A NE striking steep dipping reverse fault (F1) has also been identified about 15 km west of the DHR. It is inferred that the DSR got upthrusted along this fault and became shallower in the NW region. The seismicity in the Rohtak and surroundings is located at the bifurcation points of DHR and DSR and the contact zone of DSR and reverse fault F1. The reverse fault F1 is also active and has generated microseismicity in the past.
Lipoic acid inhibits cognitive impairment induced by multiple cell phones in young male rats: role of Sirt1 and Atg7 pathway
Authors: El-Kafoury Bataa M. A. , Abdel-Hady Enas A. , El Bakly Wesam , Elayat Wael M. , Hamam Ghada Galal , Abd El Rahman Samar M. M. , Lasheen Noha N.
Published: October 2023

The utilization of digital technology has grown rapidly in the past three decades. With this rapid increase, cell phones emit electromagnetic radiation; that is why electromagnetic field (EMF) has become a substantial new pollution source in modern civilization, mainly having adverse effects on the brain. While such a topic attracted many researchers’ scopes, there are still minimal discoveries made regarding chronic exposure to EMF. The extensive use of cell phones may affect children's cognition even indirectly if parents and guardians used their phones repeatedly near them. This study aims to investigate possible lipoic acid (LA) effects on cognitive functions and hippocampal structure in young male rats exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted from multiple cell phones. Forty young male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into three groups: control, multiple cell phones-exposed and lipoic acid-treated rats. By the end of the experimental period, the Morris water maze was used as a cognitive test. The rats were sacrificed for the collection of serum and hippocampal tissue. These serum samples were then utilized for assessment of Liver function tests. The level ofglutamate, acetylcholine (Ach) and malondialdehyde (MDA) was estimated, in addition to evaluating the expression of autophagy-related protein-7 (Atg7) and Sirt1 genes. The left hippocampal specimens were used for histopathological studies. Results showed that multiple cell phone-exposed rats exhibited shorter latency time to reach the platform by the fifth day of training; additionally, there was a reduction in consolidation of spatial long-term memory. Correspondingly, there was an elevation of hippocampal Ach, glutamate, and MDA levels; accompanied by up-regulation of hippocampal Sirt1 and Atg7 gene expression. Compared to the EMF-exposed group, LA administration improved both learning and memory, this was proved by the significant decline in hippocampal MDA and Ach levels, the higher hippocampal glutamate, the downregulated hippocampal Sirt1 gene expression and the upregulated Atg7 gene expression. In conclusion, EMF exposure could enhance learning ability; however, it interfered with long-term memory consolidation shown by higher hippocampal Ach levels. Lipoic acid treatment improved both learning and memory by enhancing autophagy and hippocampal glutamate level and by the reduced Ach levels and Sirt1 gene expression.
Neuroprotective effects of polyacrylic acid (PAA) conjugated cerium oxide against hydrogen peroxide- and 6-OHDA-induced SH-SY5Y cell damage
Authors: Meenambal Rugmani , Kruk Tomasz , Gurgul Jacek , Warszyński Piotr , Jantas Danuta
Published: October 2023

Cerium oxide nanoparticles have been widely investigated against neurodegenerative diseases due to their antioxidant properties that aid in quenching reactive oxygen species. In this study, polyacrylic acid conjugated cerium oxide (PAA-CeO) nanoparticles were synthesized in a 50–60 nm size range with a zeta potential of − 35 mV. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis revealed a mixed valence state of Ce4+ and Ce3+. PAA-CeO nanoparticles were safe for undifferentiated (UN-) and retinoic acid-differentiated (RA-) human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and reduced the extent of cell damage evoked by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). In the H2O2 model of cell damage PAA-CeO did not affect the caspase-3 activity (apoptosis marker) but attenuated the number of propidium iodide-positive cells (necrosis marker). In the 6-OHDA model, nanoparticles profoundly reduced necrotic changes and partially attenuated caspase-3 activity. However, we did not observe any impact of PAA-CeO on intracellular ROS formation induced by H2O2. Further, the flow cytometry analysis of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled PAA-CeO revealed a time- and concentration-dependent cellular uptake of nanoparticles. The results point to the neuroprotective potential of PAA-CeO nanoparticles against neuronal cell damage induced by H2O2 and 6-OHDA, which are in both models associated with the inhibition of necrotic processes and the model-dependent attenuation of activity of executor apoptotic protease, caspase-3 (6-OHDA model) but not with the direct inhibition of ROS (H2O2 model).
Gene therapy for alopecia in type II rickets model rats using vitamin D receptor-expressing adenovirus vector
Authors: Kise Satoko , Iijima Ayano , Nagao Chika , Okada Tadashi , Nishikawa Miyu , Ikushiro Shinichi , Nakanishi Tomoko , Sato Shigeto , Yasuda Kaori , Sakaki Toshiyuki
Published: October 2023

Type II rickets is a hereditary disease caused by a mutation in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene. The main symptoms of this disease are bone dysplasia and alopecia. Bone dysplasia can be ameliorated by high calcium intake; however, there is no suitable treatment for alopecia. In this study, we verified whether gene therapy using an adenoviral vector (AdV) had a therapeutic effect on alopecia in Vdr-KO rats. The VDR-expressing AdV was injected into six 7-week-old female Vdr-KO rats (VDR-AdV rats). On the other hand, control-AdV was injected into 7-week-old female rats (control-AdV rats); non-infected Vdr-KO rats (control rats) were also examined. The hair on the backs of the rats was shaved with hair clippers, and VDR-AdV or control-AdV was intradermally injected. Part of the back skin was collected from each rat after AdV administration. Hair follicles were observed using hematoxylin and eosin staining, and VDR expression was examined using immunostaining and western blotting. VDR-AdV rats showed significant VDR expression in the skin, enhanced hair growth, and low cyst formation, whereas control-AdV and non-infected rats did not show any of these effects. The effect of VDR-AdV lasted for nearly 60 days. These results indicate that gene therapy using VDR-AdV may be useful to treat alopecia associated with type II rickets, if multiple injections are possible after a sufficient period of time.
Physical aspects of electro osmotically interactive Cilia propulsion on symmetric plus asymmetric conduit flow of couple stress fluid with thermal radiation and heat transfer
Authors: Akbar Noreen Sher , Muhammad Taseer
Published: October 2023

A novel mathematical analysis is established that summits the key features of Cilia propulsion for a non-Newtonian Couple Stress fluid with the electroosmosis and heat transfer. In such physiological models, the conduit may have a symmetric or asymmetric configuration in accordance with the biological problem. Being mindful of this fact, we have disclosed an integrated analysis on symmetric in addition to asymmetric conduits that incorporates major physiological applications. The creeping flow inference is reviewed to model this realistic problem and exact solutions are computed for both the conduit cases. Graphical illustrations are unveiled to highlight the physical aspects of cilia propulsion on symmetric in addition to asymmetric conduit and an inclusive comparison study is conveyed. The flow profile attains higher values for an asymmetric conduit in relation to the symmetric. Likewise, the pressure rise and pressure gradient also score high for asymmetric conduit in relation to the symmetric conduit. A visual representation of flow inside symmetric as well as asymmetric conduit is provided by streamline graphs and temperature profile as well.
Toxicological investigation of lilial
Authors: Jablonská Eva , Míchal Zdeněk , Křížkovská Bára , Strnad Ondřej , Tran Van Nguyen , Žalmanová Tereza , Petr Jaroslav , Lipov Jan , Viktorová Jitka
Published: October 2023

Lilial (also called lysmeral) is a fragrance ingredient presented in many everyday cosmetics and household products. The concentrations of lilial in the final products is rather low. Its maximum concentration in cosmetics was limited and recently, its use in cosmetics products was prohibited in the EU due to the classification as reproductive toxicant. Additionally, according to the European Chemicals Agency, it was under assessment as one of the potential endocrine disruptors, i.e. a substance that may alter the function of the endocrine system and, as a result, cause health problems. Its ability to act as an androgen receptor agonist and the estrogenic and androgenic activity of its metabolites, to the best of our knowledge, have not yet been tested. The aim of this work was to determine the intestinal absorption, cytotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, mutagenicity, activation of cellular stress-related signal pathways and, most importantly, to test the ability to disrupt the endocrine system of lilial and its Phase I metabolites. This was tested using set of in vitro assays including resazurin assay, the CHO/HPRT mutation assay, γH2AX biomarker-based genotoxicity assay, qPCR and in vitro reporter assays based on luminescence of luciferase for estrogen, androgen, NF-κB and NRF2 signalling pathway. It was determined that neither lilial nor its metabolites have a negative effect on cell viability in the concentration range from 1 nM to 100 µM. Using human cell lines HeLa9903 and MDA-kb2, it was verified that this substance did not have agonistic activity towards estrogen or androgen receptor, respectively. Lilial metabolites, generated by incubation with the rat liver S9 fraction, did not show the ability to bind to estrogen or androgen receptors. Neither lilial nor its metabolites showed a nephrotoxic effect on human renal tubular cells (RPTEC/TERT1 line) and at the same time they were unable to activate the NF-κB and NRF2 signalling pathway at a concentration of 50 µM (HEK 293/pGL4.32 or pGL4.37). Neither lilial nor its metabolites showed mutagenic activity in the HPRT gene mutation test in CHO-K1 cells, nor were they able to cause double-strand breaks in DNA (γH2AX biomarker) in CHO-K1 and HeLa cells. In our study, no negative effects of lilial or its in vitro metabolites were observed up to 100 µM using different in vitro tests.
Expression signature of ten small nuclear RNAs serves as novel biomarker for prognosis prediction of acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Zhang Zhongming , Huang Rui , Lai Yongrong
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to screen for small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) associated with the prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) whole-transcriptome sequencing dataset. A total of 130 AML patients from TCGA cohort with complete prognostic information and transcriptome data were enrolled in the current study. Comprehensive survival and functional enrichment analyses were performed to explore the prognostic value and potential biological functions of prognostic snRNAs in AML patients. In the current study, we screened 72 snRNAs that were notably associated with the clinical outcome of AML and developed an expression signature consist of ten snRNAs, that can be accurately applied to assess the overall survival of AML patients. Functional mechanism analysis revealed that this expression signature may be strongly linked to some classical tumor-associated pathways, such as Notch and Wnt pathways, as well as being closely related to B and T cell receptor pathways. Furthermore, we screened six compounds (chicago sky blue 6 B, 5230742, clorsulon, nefopam, nicardipine, and streptomycin) that may serve as targeted therapeutic drugs for AML using connectivity maps. Tumor immunoassays indicated significant differences in the immune microenvironment of the bone marrow tissue between high-risk and low-risk AML patients. Immune infiltration analysis also revealed significant differences in the abundance of multiple immune cells in the bone marrow of the two groups of AML patients groups. In conclusion, our results revealed a novel prognostic expression signature of AML consisting of ten snRNAs, and we conducted a preliminary exploration of its potential biological functions and tumor immunity.
Research on point cloud hole filling and 3D reconstruction in reflective area
Authors: Sun Chao , Miao LongXin , Wang MeiYuan , Shi Jiuye , Ding JianJun
Published: October 2023

3D reconstruction is the process of obtaining the three-dimensional shape or surface structure of an object, which is widely used in advanced manufacturing fields such as automotive, aerospace, industrial inspection, and reverse engineering. However, due to the structural characteristics of the component itself, the reflective properties of the coating material, and other factors, there may be specular reflection during image acquisition, making it difficult to achieve complete 3D reconstruction of the component. This paper proposes a method to address the problem of incomplete 3D reconstruction of strongly reflective objects by recognizing outlier points and filling point cloud holes. The proposed View-Transform-PointNet outlier point recognition network improves the alignment of the initial point cloud plane and implements secondary alignment of the point cloud based on the perpendicularity between the outlier plane in mixed reflection and the point cloud plane. The point cloud hole-filling method is based on the principle of outlier formation and approximates a local Gaussian distribution to linear variation. The distance between the end of each outlier plane and the real surface is calculated to repair the depth information of outlier points. The proposed method achieves a 39.4% increase in the number of point cloud filling, a 45.2% increase in the number of triangular mesh faces, a 46.9% increase in surface area, and a chamfer distance (CD) of 0.4471009, which is better than existing geometric repair methods in terms of standard deviation and smoothness. The method improves the alignment of initial point cloud planes and enhances the accuracy of outlier point recognition, which are the main innovative points of this study. The 3D reconstruction of the repaired point cloud model is achieved through Poisson equation and parameter adjustment. The proposed method reduces the error caused by large curvature in the boundary region and improves the smoothness and accuracy of the reconstructed model.
Exploring the promising application of Be12O12 nanocage for the abatement of paracetamol using DFT simulations
Authors: Gul Sana , Kainat  , Ali Qaisar , Khan Momin , Ur Rehman Munir , AlAsmari Abdullah F. , Alasmari Fawaz , Alharbi Metab
Published: October 2023

The removal of paracetamol from water is of prime concern because of its toxic nature in aquatic environment. In the present research, a detailed DFT study is carried out to remove paracetamol drug from water with the help of Be12O12 to eliminate the related issues. Three different geometries (CMP-1, CMP-2, CMP-3,) are obtained with the highest adsorption energies value (Eads) of − 31.2316 kcal/mol for CMP-3 without any prominent structural change. It is observed from the study that O atom from the carbonyl group (C=O) and H atom from O–H group successfully interact with O and Be atoms of the nanocage respectively. Natural bonding orbitals analysis reveals charge transfer to paracetamol drug from Be12O12 nanocage with maximum charge transfer of − 0.159 e for CMP-3 with bond angle of 1.65 Å confirming the stability of the CMP-3 among the optimized complexes. The quantum theory of atoms in molecule concludes that the interaction between paracetamol drug molecule and Be12O12 is purely closed-shell weak electrostatic in nature in CMP-1 and CMP-3 and shared interaction in CMP-2. The thermodynamics analysis witnesses that the process is exothermic and spontaneous. The regeneration study reveals the reversible nature of the adsorbent. The overall study presents Be12O12 nanocage as a potential adsorbent and may be used in future for the purification of water from a number of emerging pollutants.
The effect of short-term plants cultivation on soil organic/inorganic carbon storage in newly formed soils
Authors: Raheb Alireza , Asgari Lajayer Behnam , Senapathi Venkatramanan
Published: October 2023

Studying total soil carbon (STC), which encompasses organic (SOC) and inorganic carbon (SIC), as well as investigating the influence of soil carbon on other soil properties, is crucial for effective global soil carbon management. This knowledge is invaluable for evaluating carbon sequestration, although its scope is currently limited. Boosting soil carbon sequestration, particularly in arid regions, has direct and indirect implications for achieving over four Sustainable Development Goals: mitigating hunger, extreme poverty, enhancing environmental preservation, and addressing global climate concerns. Research into changes within SOC and SIC across surface and subsurface soils was conducted on aeolian deposits. In this specific case study, two sites sharing similar climates and conditions were chosen as sources of wind-blown sediment parent material. The aim was to discern variations in SOC, SIC, and STC storage in surface and subsurface soils between Sistan and Baluchistan Province (with rapeseed and date orchard cultivation) and Kerman Province (with maize cultivation) in southeastern Iran. The findings highlighted an opposing pattern in SOC and storage concerning soil depth, unlike SIC. The average SOC content was higher in maize cultivation (0.2%) compared to date orchard and rapeseed cultivation (0.11%), attributed to the greater evolution of these arid soils (aridisols) in comparison to the other region (entisols). Conversely, SIC content in the three soil uses demonstrated minimal variation. The mean STC storage was greater in maize cultivation (60.35 Mg ha−1) than in date orchard (54.67 Mg ha−1) and rapeseed cultivation (53.42 Mg ha−1). Within the examined drylands, SIC, originating from aeolian deposits and soil processes, assumes a more prominent role in total carbon storage than SOC, particularly within subsurface soils. Notably, over 90% of total carbon storage exists in the form of inorganic carbon in soils.
Evaluation of diffuse reflectance spectroscopy for predicting age, species, and cuticular resistance of Anopheles gambiae s.l under laboratory conditions
Authors: Pazmiño-Betancourth Mauro , Ochoa-Gutiérrez Victor , Ferguson Heather M. , González-Jiménez Mario , Wynne Klaas , Baldini Francesco , Childs David
Published: October 2023

Mid-infrared spectroscopy (MIRS) combined with machine learning analysis has shown potential for quick and efficient identification of mosquito species and age groups. However, current technology to collect spectra is destructive to the sample and does not allow targeting specific tissues of the mosquito, limiting the identification of other important biological traits such as insecticide resistance. Here, we assessed the use of a non-destructive approach of MIRS for vector surveillance, micro diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (µDRIFT) using mosquito legs to identify species, age and cuticular insecticide resistance within the Anopheles gambiae s.l. complex. These mosquitoes are the major vectors of malaria in Africa and the focus on surveillance in malaria control programs. Legs required significantly less scanning time and showed more spectral consistence compared to other mosquito tissues. Machine learning models were able to identify An. gambiae and An. coluzzii with an accuracy of 0.73, two ages groups (3 and 10 days old) with 0.77 accuracy and we obtained accuracy of 0.75 when identifying cuticular insecticide resistance. Our results highlight the potential of different mosquito tissues and µDRIFT as tools for biological trait identification on mosquitoes that transmit malaria. These results can guide new ways of identifying mosquito traits which can help the creation of innovative surveillance programs by adapting new technology into mosquito surveillance and control tools.
CYP1A2 expression rather than genotype is associated with olanzapine concentration in psychiatric patients
Authors: Fekete Ferenc , Menus Ádám , Tóth Katalin , Kiss Ádám Ferenc , Minus Annamária , Sirok Dávid , Belič Aleš , Póti Ádám , Csukly Gábor , Monostory Katalin
Published: October 2023

Olanzapine is a commonly prescribed atypical antipsychotic agent for treatment of patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. Previous in vitro studies using human liver microsomes identified CYP1A2 and CYP2D6 enzymes being responsible for CYP-mediated metabolism of olanzapine. The present work focused on the impact of CYP1A2 and CYP2D6 genetic polymorphisms as well as of CYP1A2 metabolizing capacity influenced by non-genetic factors (sex, age, smoking) on olanzapine blood concentration in patients with psychiatric disorders (N = 139). CYP2D6 genotype-based phenotype appeared to have negligible contribution to olanzapine metabolism, whereas a dominant role of CYP1A2 in olanzapine exposure was confirmed. However, CYP1A2 expression rather than CYP1A2 genetic variability was demonstrated to be associated with olanzapine concentration in patients. Significant contribution of − 163C > A (rs762551), the most common SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) in CYP1A2 gene, to enhanced inducibility was confirmed by an increase in CYP1A2 mRNA expression in smokers carrying − 163A, and smoking was found to have appreciable impact on olanzapine concentration normalized by the dose/bodyweight. Furthermore, patients’ olanzapine exposure was in strong association with CYP1A2 expression; therefore, assaying CYP1A2 mRNA level in leukocytes can be an appropriate tool for the estimation of patients’ olanzapine metabolizing capacity and may be relevant in optimizing olanzapine dosage.
A novel neural-evolutionary framework for predicting weight on the bit in drilling operations
Authors: Dowlatabadi Masrour , Azizi Saeed , Dehbashi Mohsen , Sadeqi Hamed
Published: October 2023

This study compares the performance of artificial neural networks (ANN) trained by grey wolf optimization (GWO), biogeography-based optimization (BBO), and Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) to estimate the weight on bit (WOB). To this end, a dataset consisting of drilling depth, drill string rotational speed, rate of penetration, and volumetric flow rate as input variables and the WOB as a response is used to develop and validate the intelligent tools. The relevance test is applied to sort the strength of WOB dependency on the considered features. It was observed that the WOB has the highest linear correlation with the drilling depth and drill string rotational speed. After dividing the databank into the training and testing (4:1) parts, the proposed LM-ANN, GWO-ANN, and BBO-ANN ensembles are constructed. A sensitivity analysis is then carried out to find the most powerful structure of the models. Each model performs to reveal the relationship between the WOB and the mentioned independent factors. The performance of the models is finally evaluated by mean square error (MSE) and mean absolute error criteria. The results showed that both GWO and BBO algorithms effectively help the ANN to achieve a more accurate prediction of the WOB. Accordingly, the training MSEs decreased by 14.62% and 24.90%, respectively, by applying the GWO and BBO evolutionary algorithms. Meanwhile, these values were obtained as around 9.86% and 9.41% for the prediction error of the ANN in the testing phase. It was also deduced that the BBO performs more efficiently than the other technique. The effect of input variables dimension on the accuracy and training time of the BBO-ANN clarified that the most accurate WOB predictions are achieved when the model constructs with all four input variables instead of utilizing either three or two of them with the highest linear correlation. It was also observed that the training stage of the BBO-ANN model with four input variables needs a little more computational time than its training with either two or three variables. Finally, the accuracy of the BBO-ANN model for the WOB prediction has been compared with the multiple linear regression, support vector regression, adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems, and group method of data handling. The statistical accuracy analysis confirmed that the BBO-ANN is more accurate than the other checked techniques.
Recombinant immunotoxin induces tumor intrinsic STING signaling against head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Xie Guiqin , Shan Liang , Yang Cuicui , Liu Yuanyi , Pang Xiaowu , Teng Shaolei , Wu Tzyy-Choou , Gu Xinbin
Published: October 2023

The innate immune stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway is known to activate type I interferons (IFN-I) and participate in generating antitumor immunity. We previously produced hDT806, a recombinant diphtheria immunotoxin, and demonstrated its efficacy against head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, it’s unknown whether the tumor-intrinsic STING plays a role in the anti-HNSCC effects of hDT806. In this study, we investigated the innate immune modulation of hDT806 on HNSCC. hDT806 significantly upregulated the level of STING and the ratio of p-TBK1/TBK1 in the HNSCC cells. Moreover, intratumoral hDT806 treatment increased the expression of STING-IFN-I signaling proteins including IFNA1, IFNB, CXCL10 and MX1, a marker of IFN-I receptor activity, in the HNSCC xenografts. Overexpression of STING mimicked the hDT806-induced upregulation of the STING-IFN-I signaling and induced apoptosis in the HNSCC cells. In the mouse xenograft models of HNSCC with STING overexpression, we observed a significant suppression of tumor growth and reduced tumor weight with increased apoptosis compared to their control xenograft counterparts without STING overexpression. Collectively, our data revealed that hDT806 may act as a stimulator of tumor-intrinsic STING-IFN-I signaling to inhibit tumor growth in HNSCC.
Comparison of efficacy between laparoscopic pectopexy and laparoscopic high uterosacral ligament suspension in the treatment of apical prolapse-short term results
Authors: Peng Juan , Li Shuqing , Wang Luwen , Yang Li , Nai Manman , Xu Qingqing , Jin Yuxi , Liu Peng , Li Lei
Published: October 2023

To compare the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic pectopexy and laparoscopic high uterosacral ligament suspension in women suffering from apical prolapse. The clinical data of 170 patients with apical prolapse (POP-Q score ≥ II) treated in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2018 to July 2020 were retrospectively analyzed to assess the clinical efficacy of three surgical methods [laparoscopic pectopexy with uterine preservation, laparoscopic pectopexy with hysterectomy, laparoscopic high uterosacral ligament suspension (LHUSLS) with hysterectomy]. Patients were divided into three groups depending on Surgical methods: laparoscopic uterine pectopexy group (n = 23), laparoscopic pectopexy with hysterectomy group (n = 78) and LHUSLS with hysterectomy group (n = 69). The POP-Q points before and after operation were analyzed. The operation-related indices, perioperative periods and post-operative complications were compared. 1. The operation time of laparoscopic uterine pectopexy group was the shortest (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of apical prolapse and new stress urinary incontinence among the three groups during the follow-up period (p > 0.05). 2. The POP-Q points (Aa, Ba, C) in the three groups were better than those before operation (p < 0.05). Laparoscopic pectopexy with hysterectomy group had better Ap, Bp and C points and a longer TVL than LHUSLS with hysterectomy group (p < 0.05). 3. The postoperative PFDI-20, PFIQ-7 and PISQ-12 scores of the three groups were significantly improved than those before operation (p < 0.05). The PISQ-12 scores in laparoscopic uterine pectopexy group were significantly higher than that in the other two groups one year after operation (p < 0.05). The study concludes that laparoscopic pectopexy and LHUSLS can significantly improve the quality of life and sexual function for patients with apical prolapse. One year after operation, laparoscopic pectopexy has a more satisfactory anatomical reduction than LHUSLS with hysterectomy. The laparoscopic uterine pectopexy group had lower postoperative complications and better sexual function than that with hysterectomy group. Laparoscopic pectopexy should be used for the treatment of apical prolapse (POP-Q score ≥ II) patients who aim to better clinical efficacy and sexual function improvement.
Reduced-cost microwave modeling using constrained domains and dimensionality reduction
Authors: Koziel Slawomir , Pietrenko-Dabrowska Anna , Ullah Ubaid
Published: October 2023

Development of modern microwave devices largely exploits full-wave electromagnetic (EM) simulations. Yet, simulation-driven design may be problematic due to the incurred CPU expenses. Addressing the high-cost issues stimulated the development of surrogate modeling methods. Among them, data-driven techniques seem to be the most widespread owing to their flexibility and accessibility. Nonetheless, applicability of approximation-based modeling for real-world microwave components is hindered by a high nonlinearity of the system characteristics, dimensionality issues, and broad ranges of operating parameters the model should cover to make it practically useful. Performance-driven modeling frameworks deliver a partial mitigation of these problems through appropriate spatial orientation of the metamodel domain, which only encapsulates high-quality designs and not the entire space. Unfortunately, the initial model setup cost is high, as defining the domain requires database designs that need to be a priori acquired. This paper introduces a novel approach, where the database designs are replaced by random observables, and dimensionality of the domain is reduced using spectral analysis thereof. The major contributions of the work include implementation of the explicit dimensionality reduction of the confined surrogate model domain and introducing this concept into a complete cost-efficient framework for modeling of microwave components. Comprehensive benchmarking demonstrates excellent performance of the introduced framework, both in terms of predictive power of the rendered surrogates, their scalability properties, as well as low computational overhead associated with the model setup.
Study of all-group-IV SiGeSn mid-IR lasers with dual wavelength emission
Authors: Abernathy Grey , Ojo Solomon , Said Abdulla , Grant Joshua M. , Zhou Yiyin , Stanchu Hryhorii , Du Wei , Li Baohua , Yu Shui-Qing
Published: October 2023

Direct band gap GeSn alloys have recently emerged as promising lasing source materials for monolithic integration on Si substrate. In this work, optically pumped mid-infrared GeSn lasers were studied with the observation of dual-wavelength lasing at 2187 nm and 2460 nm. Two simultaneous lasing regions include a GeSn buffer layer (bulk) and a SiGeSn/GeSn multiple quantum well structure that were grown seamlessly using a chemical vapor deposition reactor. The onset of dual lasing occurs at 420 kW/cm2. The wider bandgap SiGeSn partitioning barrier enables the independent operation of two gain regions. While the better performance device in terms of lower threshold may be obtained by using two MQW regions design, the preliminary results and discussions in this work paves a way towards all-group-IV dual wavelength lasers monolithically integrated on Si substrate.
Exogenous preculture with sucrose and abscisic acid improves post-cryopreservation survival of eastern bracken fern gametophytes
Authors: Jang Bo-Kook , Oh Sewon , Kim Daeil , Cho Ju-Sung , Lee Cheol Hee
Published: October 2023

Cryopreservation is an important technique used in the conservation of various plant tissues. This study proposes a cryopreservation method for the long-term conservation of eastern bracken fern gametophytes (Pteridium aquilinum var. latiusculum). Encapsulation–dehydration of the gametophytes was performed, and the exogenous sucrose and abscisic acid (ABA) preculture conditions were investigated. Gametophytes are sensitive to dehydration and drying, and the following treatment conditions were applied: encapsulation by alginate containing 0.75 M sucrose, 18-h loading treatment with 0.75 M sucrose, and 6-h drying treatment. The survival rate following cryopreservation was determined. The water content of < 27.5% in the alginate beads after dehydration and drying was found to be appropriate for ensuring survival. Additionally, performing an exogenous sucrose and ABA preculture was essential before encapsulation to achieve a survival of ≥ 90%. The high stress induced by cryopreservation and exogenous preculture regulated the expression of PaSuSy, PaLEA14, and PaABI1b and the endogenous ABA content. In eastern bracken gametophytes, ABI1 appears to be a negative regulator of ABA signaling. These results indicate that the encapsulation–dehydration method is effective for the long-term conservation of eastern bracken fern gametophytes, and exogenous preculture alleviates abiotic stress and increases the survival rate.
Multi-skill resource-constrained multi-modal project scheduling problem based on hybrid quantum algorithm
Authors: Peng Jun Long , Liu Xiao , Peng Chao , Shao Yu
Published: October 2023

Numerous studies on project scheduling only consider a single factor, which fails to reflect the actual environment of project operations. In light of this issue, the article synthesizes multiple perspectives and proposes a multi-skill resource-based multi-modal project scheduling problem (MRCMPSP). This problem is described, modeled, and solved using the resource capability matrix and other constraints to minimize the project duration. To effectively solve MRCMPSP and enrich scheduling algorithms, the paper selects the hybrid quantum algorithm (HQPSO) based on the quantum particle swarm algorithm (QPSO). The HQPSO introduces various improvements such as the JAYA optimization search to improve the algorithm's performance. In order to verify the generality, superiority, and effectiveness of the algorithm, independent operation comparison experiments and practical application experiments of the algorithm are designed based on different case sizes and resource quantities. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm has superior convergence performance and solution accuracy and can provide an effective scheduling solution for real cases. Additionally, the article provides targeted management suggestions based on the research findings. Overall, this study contributes a novel mathematical model, solution algorithm, optimization strategies, and managerial insights, advancing the field of project management research.
Association between anemia and grip strength indices combined with anthropometry in the Korean population
Authors: Lee Bum Ju , Chi Jeong Hee
Published: October 2023

Anemia is common in older people and is associated with low hand grip strength (HGS). However, there is no study of the association of anemia with both absolute and various relative HGS indices. Therefore, the objectives of this study are to examine the association of anemia with absolute and relative HGS indices and to evaluate whether the relative HGS indices are useful as risk indices of anemia. In this large-scale cross-sectional study, we analyzed the association of anemia with anthropometric indices, absolute HGS indices, and relative HGS indices using both crude and adjusted binary logistic regression models. A total of 24,022 participants were included in the final analysis. Anemia was defined as a blood hemoglobin concentration of less than 13.0 g/dL for men, less than 11.0 g/dL for pregnant women, and less than 12.0 g/dL for nonpregnant women. We considered covariates such as residential area, marital status, education level, occupation, household income, alcohol consumption, smoking status, muscular exercise, walking exercise, blood pressure, and age for men, while for women, we also included menopause. The mean ages of the subjects in this study were 51.89 ± 0.19 years in the nonanemic group and 66.56 ± 0.61 in the anemic group in men and 52.55 ± 0.19 in the nonanemic group and 51.85 ± 0.44 in the anemic group in women. The number of anemic patients was 570 (5.5%) in men and 1638 (12%) in women. The mean HGS value in the dominant hand was 38.97 ± 0.11 in the nonanemic group and 30.84 ± 0.38 in the anemic group in men and 22.64 ± 0.07 in the nonanemic group and 21.85 ± 0.16 in the anemic group in women. Age was highly associated with anemia in men but not in women. Absolute HGS indices, such as the dominant HGS index and both HGS indices, were negatively associated with anemia in both sexes in all crude and adjusted models. All relative HGS indices were associated with anemia in men, but in women, only dominant HGS divided by height and both HGS divided by height were related to anemia status in all models. The associations between anemia and absolute and relative HGS indices were significantly high in men, while in women, these associations were of moderate strength. Anemia was negatively associated with HGS in the Korean population. The strengths of the associations of anemia with the absolute and relative HGS indices showing the highest association with anemia were similar. Therefore, there is no need to use relative HGS indices as risk factors for anemia, and absolute HGS indices, as easily obtained and cost-effective measurement, are suitable.