bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic flexibility ensures proper neuronal network function in moderate neuroinflammation
Authors: Chausse Bruno , Malorny Nikolai , Lewen Andrea , Poschet Gernot , Berndt Nikolaus , Kann Oliver
Published: June 2024

Microglia, brain-resident macrophages, can acquire distinct functional phenotypes, which are supported by differential reprogramming of cell metabolism. These adaptations include remodeling in glycolytic and mitochondrial metabolic fluxes, potentially altering energy substrate availability at the tissue level. This phenomenon may be highly relevant in the brain, where metabolism must be precisely regulated to maintain appropriate neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission. Direct evidence that microglia can impact on neuronal energy metabolism has been widely lacking, however. Combining molecular profiling, electrophysiology, oxygen microsensor recordings and mathematical modeling, we investigated microglia-mediated disturbances in brain energetics during neuroinflammation. Our results suggest that proinflammatory microglia showing enhanced nitric oxide release and decreased CX3CR1 expression transiently increase the tissue lactate/glucose ratio that depends on transcriptional reprogramming in microglia, not in neurons. In this condition, neuronal network activity such as gamma oscillations (30–70 Hz) can be fueled by increased ATP production in mitochondria, which is reflected by elevated oxygen consumption. During dysregulated inflammation, high energy demand and low glucose availability can be boundary conditions for neuronal metabolic fitness as revealed by kinetic modeling of single neuron energetics. Collectively, these findings indicate that metabolic flexibility protects neuronal network function against alterations in local substrate availability during moderate neuroinflammation.
A first step towards understanding thermomechanical behavior of the Nb-Cr system through interatomic potential development and molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Heaton Lucas A. , Samin Adib J.
Published: June 2024

Utilizing a preliminary interatomic potential, this work represents an initial exploration into the thermomechanical behavior of NbCr solid solutions. Specifically, it examines the effect of different amounts of Cr solute, for which information in the literature is limited. The employed interatomic potential was developed according to the embedded atom model (EAM), and was trained on data derived from density functional theory calculations. While the potential demonstrated reasonable accuracy and predictive power when tested, various results highlight deficiencies and encourage further development and training. Mechanical strength, heat capacities, thermal expansion coefficients, and thermal conductivities were found to decrease with Cr content. Elastic coefficients, too, were observed to be strongly dependent on Cr composition. The Pugh embrittlement criterion was not satisfied for any of the compositions and temperatures explored. Gibbs free energy calculations performed on C14, C15, and C36 NbCr$$_{2}$$

2

allotropes predicted the C36 structure to be the most thermodynamically favorable across all investigated temperatures and it was found that C36 becomes increasingly more stable relative to the other two phases with increased pressure. The inability of this work to accurately capture the stability of the different Laves phases is most likely due to the shortcomings in the developed potential.
The effect of restrictive compared to liberal intravenous fluid volume on hypotension in adults undergoing major abdominal surgery
Authors: Hollo Zachary , McKenzie Stewart , Kluger Roman , Peyton Philip , Melville Andrew , Phan Tuong D.
Published: June 2024

In a cardiac output (CO) sub-study of the Restrictive versus Liberal Fluid Therapy in Major Abdominal Surgery (RELIEF) trial, it was shown that restrictive fluid management was associated with lower cardiac index at the end of surgery. However, the association of the fluid protocol with intraoperative blood pressure was less clear. This paper primarily compares rates of hypotension between the two fluid regimens. The haemodynamic effects of these protocols may increase our understanding of perioperative fluid prescription. Using a data set of arterial pressure and cardiac output measurements, this observational cohort study primarily compares intraoperative hypotension rates defined by a mean arterial pressure < 65 mmHg between liberal and restrictive fluid protocols. Secondary analyses explore predictors of invasive mean arterial pressure and doppler-derived cardiac output, including fluid volume regimens and surgical duration. 105 patients had a combined total of 835 haemodynamic data capture events from the beginning to the end of the surgery. Here we report that a restrictive regimen is not associated with a greater proportion of participants who experience at least one episode of hypotension than the liberal regimen 64.1% vs. 61.5% (mean difference 2.6%, 95% CI − 15.9% to 21%, p = 0.78). Duration of surgery was associated with an increased risk of hypotension (OR 1.05, 1 to 1.1, p = 0.038). A fluid restriction protocol compared to liberal fluid administration is not associated with lower blood pressure.
Distribution and molecular characterization of carbapenemase-producing gram-negative bacteria in Henan, China
Authors: Li Chenyu , Chen Ruyan , Qiao Jie , Ge Haoyu , Fang Lei , Liu Ruishan , Liu Shuxiu , Wang Qian , Guo Xiaobing , Gou Jianjun
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics and trends over time of carbapenemase-producing (e.g., KPC, NDM, VIM, IMP, and OXA-48) Gram-negative bacteria (CPGNB). Non-duplicated multi-drug resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDRGNB) were collected from the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from April 2019 to February 2023. Species identification of each isolate was performed using the Vitek2 system and confirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry according to the manufacturer's instructions. PCR detected carbapenem resistance genes in the strains, strains carrying carbapenem resistance genes were categorized as CPGNB strains after validation by carbapenem inactivation assay. A total of 5705 non-repetitive MDRGNB isolates belonging to 78 different species were collected during the study period, of which 1918 CPGNB were validated, with the respiratory tract being the primary source of specimens. Epidemiologic statistics showed a significant predominance of ICU-sourced strains compared to other departments. Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the significant CPGNB in Henan, and KPC and NDM were the predominant carbapenemases. Carbapenem-resistant infections in Henan Province showed an overall increasing trend, and the carriage of carbapenemase genes by CPGNB has become increasingly prevalent and complicated. The growing prevalence of CPGNB in the post-pandemic era poses a significant challenge to public safety.
Carbon dioxide utilization in propylene carbonate production process
Authors: Esmaeili-Chelan Erfan , Bahadori Fatemeh
Published: June 2024

Utilizing carbon dioxide in chemical processes is one of the suggested remedies for reducing its atmospheric concentration. In this paper, the simulation of the propylene carbonate production process using 1,2-propanediol and carbon dioxide has been performed. The impact of temperature was examined between 75 and 400°C. It has been found that as temperature rises, reaction conversion increases. Additionally, the impact of recycling ratio was examined in the range of 0.1–0.5, which demonstrates that a rise in the recycle ratio results in a fall in conversion. Furthermore; it was observed that the pressure initially increases the solubility of carbon dioxide in 1,2-propanediol and improves the conversion of the reaction, but when enough carbon dioxide is supplied in the reaction, increasing the pressure does not affect the corresponding reaction. The effect of all studied parameters depends on the residence time of the reactants in the reactor. Investigating the interaction of parameters and optimizing the process has shown several optimal point of the process such as temperature of 295 °C, a recycle ratio 0.1, feed ratio 0.8 and a residence time of 12.61 h, with the related conversion being 59.6%.
Impact of horticultural therapy on patients admitted to psychiatric wards, a randomised, controlled and open trial
Authors: Joubert Aude , Jankowski-Cherrier Blandine , Rossi Audrey , Teyssier Laure , Suraud Valérie , Presle Emilie , Pommier Romain , Massoubre Catherine , Verot Elise
Published: June 2024

Psychiatric inpatients often endure anxiety. This randomized trial assessed the impact of horticultural therapy on anxiety in adult psychiatric inpatients over four weeks, compared to standard care. Recruiting 211 inpatients from six units were randomized into control (n = 105) and experimental (n = 106) groups. Control received usual care; the experimental group had horticultural therapy alongside usual care. Anxiety, measured using HADS-A scale at four weeks, aimed to establish horticultural therapy's superiority. After four weeks, horticultural therapy significantly reduced anxiety compared to standard care (P < 0.001). These results argue in favor of integrating horticultural therapy into psychiatric nursing practices.

Trial registration: No Clinical Trail: NCT02666339 (1st registration: 28/01/2016).
Multicenter and multimodal imaging study reveals rare fundus lesions in patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: An Guangqi , Lei Bo , Wang Zhili , Yang Kaizhuan , Fan Dongsheng , Li Bing , Fu Ke , Fang Haixin , Zhang Min , Li Lin , Zhao Yu , Jin Xuemin , Du Liping
Published: June 2024

To define the characteristics of fundus manifestations in patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection with multimodal imaging techniques. This is a retrospective multicenter and multimodal imaging study including 90 patients. All patients with a visual complaint occurring immediately after SARS-CoV-2 infection were referred to six clinics between December 2022 and February 2023. Demographic information and the temporal relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and visual symptoms were documented. The characteristics of the fundus lesions were evaluated using multimodal imaging. Ninety patients from six hospitals were included in this study, including 24 males (26.67%) and 66 (73.33%) females. Seventy-eight patients (86.66%) (146 eyes) were diagnosed with Acute Macular Neuroretinopathy (AMN). The AMN patients were primarily young women (67.95%). Sixty-eight patients (87.18%) had AMN in both eyes. Thirty-eight eyes (24.36%) included Purtscher or Purtscher-like lesions. optical coherence tomography and infrared retinal photographs can show AMN lesions well. Eleven cases were diagnosed with simple Purtscher or Purtscher-like retinopathy (2 cases, 2.22%), Vogt‒Koyanagi‒Harada (VKH) syndrome or VKH-like uveitis (3 cases, 3.33%), multiple evanescent white-dot syndrome (MEWDS) (2 cases, 2.22%), and rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) (5 cases, 5.56%). After SARS-CoV-2 infection, diversified fundus lesions were evident in patients with visual complaints. In this report, AMN was the dominant manifestation, followed by Purtscher or Purtscher-like retinopathy, MEWDS, VKH-like uveitis, and ROCM.
Deciphering the etiology of undiagnosed ocular anomalies along with systemic alterations in pediatric patients through whole exome sequencing
Authors: Reyna-Fabián Miriam E. , Fernández-Hernández Liliana , Enríquez-Flores Sergio , Apam-Garduño David , Prado-Larrea Carolina , Seo Go Hun , Khang Rin , Cortés-González Vianney
Published: June 2024

Inherited and developmental eye diseases are quite diverse and numerous, and determining their genetic cause is challenging due to their high allelic and locus heterogeneity. New molecular approaches, such as whole exome sequencing (WES), have proven to be powerful molecular tools for addressing these cases. The present study used WES to identify the genetic etiology in ten unrelated Mexican pediatric patients with complex ocular anomalies and other systemic alterations of unknown etiology. The WES approach allowed us to identify five clinically relevant variants in the GZF1, NFIX, TRRAP, FGFR2 and PAX2 genes associated with Larsen, Malan, developmental delay with or without dysmorphic facies and autism, LADD1 and papillorenal syndromes. Mutations located in GZF1 and NFIX were classified as pathogenic, those in TRRAP and FGFR2 were classified as likely pathogenic variants, and those in PAX2 were classified as variants of unknown significance. Protein modeling of the two missense FGFR2 p.(Arg210Gln) and PAX2 p.(Met3Thr) variants showed that these changes could induce potential structural alterations in important functional regions of the proteins. Notably, four out of the five variants were not previously reported, except for the TRRAP gene. Consequently, WES enabled the identification of the genetic cause in 40% of the cases reported. All the syndromes reported herein are very rare, with phenotypes that may overlap with other genetic entities.
Nighttime road scene image enhancement based on cycle-consistent generative adversarial network
Authors: Jia Yanfei , Yu Wenshuo , Chen Guangda , Zhao Liquan
Published: June 2024

During nighttime road scenes, images are often affected by contrast distortion, loss of detailed information, and a significant amount of noise. These factors can negatively impact the accuracy of segmentation and object detection in nighttime road scenes. A cycle-consistent generative adversarial network has been proposed to address this issue to improve the quality of nighttime road scene images. The network includes two generative networks with identical structures and two adversarial networks with identical structures. The generative network comprises an encoder network and a corresponding decoder network. A context feature extraction module is designed as the foundational element of the encoder-decoder network to capture more contextual semantic information with different receptive fields. A receptive field residual module is also designed to increase the receptive field in the encoder network.The illumination attention module is inserted between the encoder and decoder to transfer critical features extracted by the encoder to the decoder. The network also includes a multiscale discriminative network to discriminate better whether the image is a real high-quality or generated image. Additionally, an improved loss function is proposed to enhance the efficacy of image enhancement. Compared to state-of-the-art methods, the proposed approach achieves the highest performance in enhancing nighttime images, making them clearer and more natural.
Global impacts of heat and water stress on food production and severe food insecurity
Authors: Kompas Tom , Che Tuong Nhu , Grafton R. Quentin
Published: June 2024

In contrast to most integrated assessment models, with limited transparency on damage functions and recursive temporal dynamics, we use a unique large-dimensional computational global climate and trade model, GTAP-DynW, to directly project the possible intertemporal impacts of water and heat stress on global food supply and food security to 2050. The GTAP-DynW model uses GTAP production and trade data for 141 countries and regions, with varying water and heat stress baselines, and results are aggregated into 30 countries/regions and 30 commodity sectors. Blue water stress projections are drawn from WRI source material and a GTAP-Water database to incorporate dynamic changes in water resources and their availability in agricultural production and international trade, thus providing a more general measure for severe food insecurity from water and heat stress damages with global warming. Findings are presented for three representative concentration pathways: RCP4.5-SSP2, RCP8.5-SPP2, and RCP8.5-SSP3 (population growth only for SSPs) and project: (a) substantial declines, as measured by GCal, in global food production of some 6%, 10%, and 14% to 2050 and (b) the number of additional people with severe food insecurity by 2050, correspondingly, increases by 556 million, 935 million, and 1.36 billion compared to the 2020 model baseline.
Internet-enabled lab-on-a-chip technology for education
Authors: Sano Tyler , Sampad Mohammad Julker Neyen , Gonzalez-Ferrer Jesus , Hernandez Sebastian , Vera-Choqqueccota Samira , Vargas Paola A. , Urcuyo Roberto , Montellano Duran Natalia , Teodorescu Mircea , Haussler David , Schmidt Holger , Mostajo-Radji Mohammed A.
Published: June 2024

Despite many interventions, science education remains highly inequitable throughout the world. Internet-enabled experimental learning has the potential to reach underserved communities and increase the diversity of the scientific workforce. Here, we demonstrate the use of lab-on-a-chip (LoC) technologies to expose Latinx life science undergraduate students to introductory concepts of computer programming by taking advantage of open-loop cloud-integrated LoCs. We developed a context-aware curriculum to train students at over 8000 km from the experimental site. Through this curriculum, the students completed an assignment testing bacteria contamination in water using LoCs. We showed that this approach was sufficient to reduce the students’ fear of programming and increase their interest in continuing careers with a computer science component. Altogether, we conclude that LoC-based internet-enabled learning can become a powerful tool to train Latinx students and increase the diversity in STEM.
Impact of foot progression angle on spatiotemporal and plantar loading pattern in intoeing children during gait
Authors: Cao Yuqing , Zhuang Hanjie , Zhang Xinhui , Guo Ruoyi , Pang Haotian , Zheng Pengfei , Xu Hang
Published: June 2024

Intoeing in children is a common parental concern, but our understanding of the impact of foot progression angle (FPA) in these children leaves remains limited. This study examines the relationship between FPA and plantar loading pattern, as well as gait symmetry in children with intoeing. The sample included 30 children with intoeing caused by internal tibial torsion, uniformly divided into three groups: unilateral intoeing, bilateral mild intoeing, and bilateral mild-moderate intoeing. The relationship between FPA and plantar loading pattern, and gait symmetry within and among groups were assessed using dynamic pedobarographic and spatiotemporal data. Results indicated a significant correlation between FPA and peak pressure, maximum force, and plantar impulse in the medial and central forefoot, and also the medial and lateral heel zones for both bilateral intoeing groups. Significant differences were observed only in subdivided stance phase, including loading response, single support, and pre-swing phases, between the unilateral intoeing and bilateral mild intoeing groups. These findings suggest that FPA significantly affects the forefoot and heel zones, potentially increasing the load on the support structures and leading to transverse arch deformation. While children with intoeing demonstrate a dynamic self-adjustment capability to maintain gait symmetry, this ability begins to falter as intoeing becomes more pronounced.
Gratitude promotes prosocial behavior even in uncertain situation
Authors: Oguni Ryuji , Ishii Chikara
Published: June 2024

Gratitude is pivotal in promoting and maintaining prosocial interactions in human society. However, it is unclear whether the prosocial function of gratitude can be observed even in situations of uncertainty about whether one can provide benefits to others. Here, we examined whether gratitude promotes prosocial behavior in uncertain situations. Participants (N = 60) were randomly assigned to either a gratitude or neutral group. Following the emotion-induced manipulation, we examined whether participants would choose a non-unique resource when selecting one of four resources (one unique and three non-unique) to leave the choice to the follower. This represented an uncertain situation in which choosing a non-unique resource does not necessarily mean the follower will choose the unique one. Results showed that participants in the gratitude group were more likely to choose non-unique resources than those in the neutral group, suggesting that gratitude promotes prosocial behavior even in uncertain situations. Our findings indicate that gratitude is widely prevalent as a lubricant for interpersonal and cooperative relationships in human society.
The landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland emerging from epidemiological and genomic data
Authors: Mirska Barbara , Zenczak Michal , Nowis Katarzyna , Stolarek Ireneusz , Podkowiński Jan , Rakoczy Magdalena , Marcinkowska-Swojak Małgorzata , Koralewska Natalia , Zmora Paweł , Lenartowicz Onyekaa Elżbieta , Osuch Marcin , Łasińska Katarzyna , Kuczma-Napierała Jadwiga , Jaworska Marcelina , Madej Łukasz , Ciechomska Marzena , Jamsheer Aleksander , Kurowski Krzysztof , Figlerowicz Marek , Handschuh Luiza
Published: June 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected all aspects of our lives. Through real-time monitoring and rapid vaccine implementation, we succeeded in suppressing the spread of the disease and mitigating its consequences. Finally, conclusions can be summarized and drawn. Here, we use the example of Poland, which was seriously affected by the pandemic. Compared to other countries, Poland has not achieved impressive results in either testing or vaccination, which may explain its high mortality (case fatality rate, CFR 1.94%). Through retrospective analysis of data collected by the COVID-19 Data Portal Poland, we found significant regional differences in the number of tests performed, number of cases detected, number of COVID-19-related deaths, and vaccination rates. The Masovian, Greater Poland, and Pomeranian voivodeships, the country’s leaders in vaccination, reported high case numbers but low death rates. In contrast, the voivodeships in the eastern and southern parts of Poland (Subcarpathian, Podlaskie, Lublin, Opole), which documented low vaccination levels and low case numbers, had higher COVID-19-related mortality rates. The strong negative correlation between the CFR and the percentage of the population that was vaccinated in Poland supports the validity of vaccination. To gain insight into virus evolution, we sequenced more than 500 genomes and analyzed nearly 80 thousand SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences deposited in GISAID by Polish diagnostic centers. We showed that the SARS-CoV-2 variant distribution over time in Poland reflected that in Europe. Haplotype network analysis allowed us to follow the virus transmission routes and identify potential superspreaders in each pandemic wave.
Coronary artery bypass grafting outcomes of patients with human immunodeficiency virus: a population-based study of National Inpatient Sample from 2015 to 2020
Authors: Li Renxi , Prastein Deyanira J. , Choi Brian G.
Published: June 2024

Individuals affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have a growing demand for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) due to heightened risk for cardiovascular diseases and extended life expectancy. However, CABG outcomes in HIV patients are not well-established, with insights only from small case series studies. This study conducted a comprehensive, population-based examination of in-hospital CABG outcomes in HIV patients. Patients underwent CABG were identified in National Inpatient Sample from Q4 2015–2020. Patients with age < 18 years and concomitant procedures were excluded. A 1:5 propensity-score matching was used to address preoperative group differences. Among patients who underwent CABG, 613 (0.36%) had HIV and were matched to 3119 out of 167,569 non-HIV patients. For selected HIV patients, CABG is relatively safe, presenting largely similar outcomes. After matching, HIV and non-HIV patients had comparable in-hospital mortality rates (2.13% vs. 1.67%, p = 0.40). Risk factors associated with mortality among HIV patients included previous CABG (aOR = 14.32, p = 0.01), chronic pulmonary disease (aOR = 8.24, p < 0.01), advanced renal failure (aOR = 7.49, p = 0.01), and peripheral vascular disease (aOR = 6.92, p = 0.01), which can be used for preoperative risk stratification. While HIV patients had higher acute kidney injury (AKI; 26.77% vs. 21.77%, p = 0.01) and infection (8.21% vs. 4.18%, p < 0.01), other complications were comparable between the groups.
Cloud inversion analysis of surrounding rock parameters for underground powerhouse based on PSO-BP optimized neural network and web technology
Authors: Qu Long , Xie Hong-Qiang , Pei Jian-Liang , Li You-Gen , Wu Jia-Ming , Feng Gan , Xiao Ming-Li
Published: June 2024

Aiming at the shortcomings of the BP neural network in practical applications, such as easy to fall into local extremum and slow convergence speed, we optimized the initial weights and thresholds of the BP neural network using the particle swarm optimization (PSO). Additionally, cloud computing service, web technology, cloud database and numerical simulation were integrated to construct an intelligent feedback analysis cloud program for underground engineering safety monitoring based on the PSO-BP algorithm. The program could conveniently, quickly, and intelligently carry out numerical analysis of underground engineering and dynamic feedback analysis of surrounding rock parameters. The program was applied to the cloud inversion analysis of the surrounding rock parameters for the underground powerhouse of the Shuangjiangkou Hydropower Station. The calculated displacement simulated with the back-analyzed parameters matches the measured displacement very well. The posterior variance evaluation shows that the posterior error ratio is 0.045 and the small error probability is 0.999. The evaluation results indicate that the intelligent feedback analysis cloud program has high accuracy and can be applied to engineering practice.
Characterization of the DNA accessibility of chloroplast genomes in grasses
Authors: Liu Yinmeng , Zhan Jinling , Li Junjie , Lian Mengjie , Li Jiacheng , Xia Chunjiao , Zhou Fei , Xie Weibo
Published: June 2024

Although the chloroplast genome (cpDNA) of higher plants is known to exist as a large protein-DNA complex called ‘plastid nucleoid’, researches on its DNA state and regulatory elements are limited. In this study, we performed the assay for transposase-accessible chromatin sequencing (ATAC-seq) on five common tissues across five grasses, and found that the accessibility of different regions in cpDNA varied widely, with the transcribed regions being highly accessible and accessibility patterns around gene start and end sites varying depending on the level of gene expression. Further analysis identified a total of 3970 putative protein binding footprints on cpDNAs of five grasses. These footprints were enriched in intergenic regions and co-localized with known functional elements. Footprints and their flanking accessibility varied dynamically among tissues. Cross-species analysis showed that footprints in coding regions tended to overlap non-degenerate sites and contain a high proportion of highly conserved sites, indicating that they are subject to evolutionary constraints. Taken together, our results suggest that the accessibility of cpDNA has biological implications and provide new insights into the transcriptional regulation of chloroplasts.
Associative white matter tracts selectively predict sensorimotor learning
Authors: Vinci-Booher S. , McDonald D. J. , Berquist E. , Pestilli F.
Published: June 2024

Human learning varies greatly among individuals and is related to the microstructure of major white matter tracts in several learning domains, yet the impact of the existing microstructure of white matter tracts on future learning outcomes remains unclear. We employed a machine-learning model selection framework to evaluate whether existing microstructure might predict individual differences in learning a sensorimotor task, and further, if the mapping between tract microstructure and learning was selective for learning outcomes. We used diffusion tractography to measure the mean fractional anisotropy (FA) of white matter tracts in 60 adult participants who then practiced drawing a set of 40 unfamiliar symbols repeatedly using a digital writing tablet. We measured drawing learning as the slope of draw duration over the practice session and measured visual recognition learning for the symbols using an old/new 2-AFC task. Results demonstrated that tract microstructure selectively predicted learning outcomes, with left hemisphere pArc and SLF3 tracts predicting drawing learning and the left hemisphere MDLFspl predicting visual recognition learning. These results were replicated using repeat, held-out data and supported with complementary analyses. Results suggest that individual differences in the microstructure of human white matter tracts may be selectively related to future learning outcomes.
Neural connectivity patterns explain why adolescents perceive the world as moving slow
Authors: Ghorbani Foroogh , Zhou Xianzhen , Talebi Nasibeh , Roessner Veit , Hommel Bernhard , Prochnow Astrid , Beste Christian
Published: June 2024

That younger individuals perceive the world as moving slower than adults is a familiar phenomenon. Yet, it remains an open question why that is. Using event segmentation theory, electroencephalogram (EEG) beamforming and nonlinear causal relationship estimation using artificial neural network methods, we studied neural activity while adolescent and adult participants segmented a movie. We show when participants were instructed to segment a movie into meaningful units, adolescents partitioned incoming information into fewer encapsulated segments or episodes of longer duration than adults. Importantly, directed communication between medial frontal and lower-level perceptual areas and between occipito-temporal regions in specific neural oscillation spectrums explained behavioral differences between groups. Overall, the study reveals that a different organization of directed communication between brain regions and inefficient transmission of information between brain regions are key to understand why younger people perceive the world as moving slow.
Characterization of a methyltransferase for iterative N-methylation at the leucinostatin termini in Purpureocillium lilacinum
Authors: Li Zixin , Jiao Yang , Ling Jian , Zhao Jianlong , Yang Yuhong , Mao Zhenchuan , Zhou Kaixiang , Wang Wenzhao , Xie Bingyan , Li Yan
Published: June 2024

N-methyltransferase (NMT)-catalyzed methylation at the termini of nonribosomal peptides (NRPs) has rarely been reported. Here, we discover a fungal NMT LcsG for the iterative terminal N-methylation of a family of NRPs, leucinostatins. Gene deletion results suggest that LcsG is essential for leucinostatins methylation. Results from in vitro assays and HRESI-MS-MS analysis reveal the methylation sites as NH2, NHCH3 and N(CH3)2 in the C-terminus of various leucinostatins. LcsG catalysis yields new lipopeptides, some of which demonstrate effective antibiotic properties against the human pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans and the plant pathogen Phytophthora infestans. Multiple sequence alignments and site-directed mutagenesis of LcsG indicate the presence of a highly conserved SAM-binding pocket, along with two possible active site residues (D368 and D395). Molecular dynamics simulations show that the targeted N can dock between these two residues. Thus, this study suggests a method for increasing the variety of natural bioactivity of NPRs and a possible catalytic mechanism underlying the N-methylation of NRPs.
Deviatoric stress-induced metallization, layer reconstruction and collapse of van der Waals bonded zirconium disulfide
Authors: Yang Linfei , Li Junwei , Zhang Dongzhou , Liu Yuegao , Hu Qingyang
Published: June 2024

In contrast to two-dimensional (2D) monolayer materials, van der Waals layered transition metal dichalcogenides exhibit rich polymorphism, making them promising candidates for novel superconductor, topological insulators and electrochemical catalysts. Here, we highlight the role of hydrostatic pressure on the evolution of electronic and crystal structures of layered ZrS2. Under deviatoric stress, our electrical experiments demonstrate a semiconductor-to-metal transition above 30.2 GPa, while quasi-hydrostatic compression postponed the metallization to 38.9 GPa. Both X-ray diffraction and Raman results reveal structural phase transitions different from those under hydrostatic pressure. Under deviatoric stress, ZrS2 rearranges the original ZrS6 octahedra into ZrS8 cuboids at 5.5 GPa, in which the unique cuboids coordination of Zr atoms is thermodynamically metastable. The structure collapses to a partially disordered phase at 17.4 GPa. These complex phase transitions present the importance of deviatoric stress on the highly tunable electronic properties of ZrS2 with possible implications for optoelectronic devices.
Degassing of CO2 triggers large-scale loss of helium from magma oceans
Authors: Davis Anne H. , Caracas Razvan
Published: June 2024

The moon-forming impact caused widespread melting and vaporization of the proto-Earth, leading to the formation of a protolunar disk1,2. Volatile elements trapped in the inner parts of the disk condensed together with heavier elements into a global magma ocean3,4. By subsequent cooling and degassing, volatiles contributed to the formation of the Earth’s secondary atmosphere5. The thermodynamic conditions at the magma ocean-atmosphere interface profoundly impacted the degree of degassing that occurred. Today, our understanding of these conditions remains unclear. Here, we simulate the degassing of carbon and helium from a magma ocean with a bulk silicate Earth composition6at presumed typical conditions for the early Earth5,7. We employ first-principles molecular dynamics calculations. We find that volatile loss is determined by pressure, temperature, and melt composition. Carbon and helium devolatilize more easily when both elements are present in the melt, leading to pronounced loss from the magma ocean. Our findings suggest that the early Earth atmosphere was carbon-rich, with a high fraction of helium and other noble gases, and thicker and hotter than previously thought. We evaluate the implications for Earth’s composition and thermal evolution, as well as other planets that may undergo similar processes with different chemistries.
Seawater oxygen isotopes as a tool for monitoring future meltwater from the Antarctic ice-sheet
Authors: Kim Hyuna , Timmermann Axel
Published: June 2024

To reduce uncertainties in future sea level projections, it is necessary to closely monitor the evolution of the Antarctic ice-sheet. Here, we show that seawater oxygen isotopes are an effective tool to monitor ice-sheet freshwater discharge and its contributions to sea level rise. Using the isotope-enabled Community Earth System Model with imposed estimates of future meltwater fluxes, we find that the anthropogenic ice-sheet signal in water isotopes emerges above natural variability decades earlier than salinity-based estimates. The superiority of seawater isotopes over salinity in detecting the ice-sheet melting can be attributed to the higher signal-to-noise ratio of the former and the fact that future sea ice changes only contribute little to seawater isotopes but a lot to salinity. We conclude that in particular in the Ross Sea sector, continuous seawater oxygen isotope measurements could serve as an early warning system for rapid anthropogenic Antarctic ice-sheet mass loss.
Modulating the aggregation of human prion protein PrP106–126 by an indole-based cyclometallated palladium complex
Authors: Chauhan Rahul , Navale Govinda R. , Saini Saakshi , Panwar Abhishek , Kukreti Prashant , Saini Rajat , Roy Partha , Ghosh Kaushik
Published: June 2024

The aggregation of PrP106–126 peptide is responsible for various prion diseases. In this study, a palladium complex is synthesized and utilized for inhibition study of peptide aggregation through various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques.
Boosting the oxygen reduction activity of non-metallic catalysts via geometric and electronic engineering through nitrogen and chlorine dual-doping
Authors: Meng Dong-Li , Liu Tao-Tao , Wu Ming-Hui , He Jing-Wen , Du Shao-Wu , Huang Yuan-Biao
Published: June 2024

A bottom-up method created a nitrogen and chlorine dual-doped metal-free electrocatalyst (CCTF-700) with superior ORR performance compared to standard Pt/C catalysts.
Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of diclofenac by UiO-66/MgAl-LDH: excellent performances and mechanisms
Authors: Wang Jia-Hang , Kong Fanying , Liu Bing-Feng , Zhuo Sheng-Nan , Ren Nan-Qi , Ren Hong-Yu
Published: June 2024

Light-activated UL3 generates active species (h+) to attack DCF in a water environment, realizing efficient clean water purification.
Synergistic effect by supported activated carbon between functional groups and metal oxygen vacancies: enhancing ibuprofen degradation by improving ozone mass transfer
Authors: Lai Junda , Huangfu Zizheng , Xiao Jiewen , Wang Zhenbei , Liu Yatao , Li Chen , Li Fan , Jia Yunhan , Wang Qiang , Qi Fei , Ikhlaq Amir , Kumirska Jolanta , Siedlecka Ewa Maria , Ismailova Oksana
Published: June 2024

The fabrication and application of CuMn2O4@WAC and CuMn2O4@CSAC in heterogeneous catalytic ozonation for degrading IBP were investigated. The adsorption and decomposition mechanisms of ozone on the surfaces of AC and CuMn2O4 were explored.
Guarding the heterogeneous interface of perovskite solar cells by the anion-barrier synthesized using residual PbI2
Authors: Zeng Wenqi , Jiang Zezhuan , He Xiaofeng , Lai Limin , You Jiayu , Xu Gaobo , Bian Hongyu , Xu Cunyun , Dai Zhongjun , Zhang Sam , Song Qunliang
Published: June 2024

Multi-effect optimization of the heterogeneous interface is realized by inserting the in situ synthesized anion-barrier, simultaneously improving the device efficiency and stability.
In situ exfoliation of a copper-based metal–organic framework for boosting the synergistic photoactivation of inert C(sp3)–H bonds and oxygen
Authors: Li Huaqing , Liu Songtao , Ji Guanfeng , He Cheng , Wang Yefei , Gao Hui , Zhao Liang , Duan Chunying
Published: June 2024

A 2D MOF nanosheet was obtained via in situ exfoliation to boost the synergistic photoactivation of C(sp3)–H bonds and oxygen under mild conditions.
A blockchain‐based resilient and secure framework for events monitoring and control in distributed renewable energy systems
Authors: Faheem Muhammad , Raza Basit , Bhutta Muhammad Shoaib , Madni Syed Hamid Hussain
Published: June 2024

The rapid and green energy transition is essential to deal with the fast‐growing energy needs in both public and industrial sectors. This has paved the way to integrate distributed renewable energy resources () such as solar, hydro, wind, and geothermal into the power grid (). Wind and solar are free, zero‐carbon emission, and everlasting power sources that contribute 5% and 7% of global electricity generation, respectively. Therefore, the fast, secure, and reliable integration of these green is critical to achieve the instant energy demands. Smart grid due to inherited characteristics such as intelligent sensing, computing, and communication technologies can effectively integrate the . However, the existing smart grid communication architecture faces various cyberattacks, resulting in poor integration, monitoring, and control of . In this respect, blockchain technology can provide fast, secure, and efficient end‐to‐end communication between in the smart grid. In this study, the authors propose a blockchain‐based resilient and secure scheme called for wireless sensor networks ‐based events monitoring and control in . Experimental studies and performance analyses are carried out to predict the efficiency of the proposed scheme by considering numerous standard metrics. The extensive numerical results demonstrated that the proposed scheme is significant in terms of secure, resilient, and reliable information transmission for in .
Detection of autism spectrum disorder using multi‐scale enhanced graph convolutional network
Authors: Singh Uday , Shukla Shailendra , Gore Manoj Madhava
Published: June 2024

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) based Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) detection approaches face various challenges due to variations in brain connectivity patterns, limited sample sizes, and heterogeneity of available data. These challenges make it hard to find consistent imaging markers. To address these issues, researchers have focused on advanced analysis methods, such as multi‐modal imaging techniques and graph‐based approaches to gain a comprehensive understanding of ASD neurobiology. However, existing graph‐based approaches for ASD detection have primarily focused on pairwise similarities between individuals, neglecting individual characteristics and features. A novel framework to detect ASD using a Multi‐Scale Enhanced Graph Convolutional Network (MSE‐GCN). The framework combines the functional connectivity of resting‐state functional MRI (rs‐fMRI) with non‐imaging phenotype data from Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange‐I (ABIDE‐I). The framework uses MSE‐GCN to represent individuals as node in a population graph. Each node corresponds to an individual and connects to feature vectors from imaging data. Edge weights between nodes are assigned to integrate phenotypic information. Then, the multiple parallel GCN layers are designed using random walk embedding. The output of these GCN layers is then combined in the fully connected layer to detect ASD effectively. The performance of the framework is evaluated using the ABIDE‐I dataset. In addition, Recursive Feature Elimination and Multilayer Perceptron are utilised for feature selection. The outcome of this approach shows more than 10% advancement in accuracy, achieving an accuracy of 83% by incorporating phenotypic data in conjunction with MRI data within a GCN.
Toward designing a lightweight RFID authentication protocol for constrained environments
Authors: Zarbi Nasser , Zaeembashi Ali , Bagheri Nasour , Adeli Morteza
Published: June 2024

In present times, Radio‐Frequency Identification (RFID) systems have seen a significant rise in their usage. There has been an increasing interest in developing even lighter RFID protocols suitable for resource‐constrained environments. Ensuring security and privacy remain critical challenges in RFID‐based systems. Recently proposed lightweight authentication schemes, namely LRSAS+ and LRARP+, are ideally suited for constrained devices. However, this article investigates these schemes and reveals certain vulnerabilities: LRSAS+ is susceptible to tag impersonation, desynchronization, and traceability attacks, while LRARP+ can fall prey to traceability and secret disclosure attacks. An enhanced version of these authentication systems is proposed that tackles their inherent weaknesses by leveraging the function. To verify the security of the proposed scheme, a formal analysis is conducted using Gong–Needham–Yahalom logic (GNY logic) and an automated security protocol verification tool, ProVerif. The improved scheme's effectiveness is also compared with multiple contemporary lightweight systems. The results indicate that the enhanced scheme not only meets the security requirements for lightweight authentication schemes but also achieves this with minimal computational overhead.
Hysteresis based predictive torque control without weighting factors for induction motor drives
Authors: Shahid Muhammad Bilal , Jin Weidong , Abbasi Muhammad Abbas , Husain Abdul Rashid , Bhatti Abdul Rauf , Rasool Akhtar , Galib Syed Md.
Published: June 2024

This work proposes a weighting‐factor‐free finite control set predictive torque control (FCS‐PTC) for induction motor drives by incorporating a hysteresis controller to eliminate stator flux error from the cost function. The tuning of the weighting factor coefficient in FCS‐PTC is critical for improved drive performance. Conventionally, the tuning is based on an intuitive understanding of the dynamical system and empirical methods, which may not yield optimal results. The proposed method regulates the flux by incorporating a separate two‐level hysteresis controller and torque by the conventional cost function‐based PTC. The cost function uses torque error only and employs a reduced number of voltage vectors. The reduction of voltage vectors is obtained through the flux hysteresis output and sector determination. The proposed work is implemented experimentally on the dSpace DS1104 controller board for a two‐level three, three‐phase voltage source inverter‐fed induction motor drive. The experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed work under different drive tests compared to conventional PTC and direct torque control (DTC). The obtained results show comparable dynamic performance of the drive with lower computational burden than conventional PTC. Along with computational benefit, the proposed work demonstrates improved total harmonic distortion (THD) at low‐speed regions due to the absence of a weighting factor in the cost function.
Enhanced precision in robot arm positioning: A nonlinear damping approach for flexible joint manipulators
Authors: Jafari Amir Hossein , Dhaouadi Rached , Jafari Reza
Published: June 2024

This article introduces an advanced nonlinear controller designed for optimizing the performance of a single‐link robot arm featuring a flexible joint. The proposed nonlinear control strategy incorporates a Proportional‐Integral (PI) controller in conjunction with a nonlinear velocity feedback component, aimed at providing effective nonlinear damping and suppressing vibrations. To validate the controller's performance, extensive simulations are conducted utilizing machine learning techniques within the Python environment. The performance of the proposed nonlinear damping controller is benchmarked against a conventional linear cascaded P‐PI control structure, with both controllers fine‐tuned using the Nelder‐Mead algorithm. Simulation results demonstrate that the nonlinear damping controller yields substantial improvements in the dynamic behavior of the robot axis arm, showcasing superior step and sinusoidal position tracking performance, along with active vibration damping capabilities. This research contributes valuable insights into the enhanced nonlinear control strategies for flexible‐joint robot arms, offering promising advancements in their overall dynamic performance.
Coherence enhancement between incoherent lasers based on passive phase compensation
Authors: Zhu Xiang , Huang Yali , He Hongxia , He Tong , Yu Xianbin
Published: June 2024

Coherent light beams play an important role in the development of opto‐electronic microwave and terahertz technologies, serving as a source for generating RF carrier signals with very high quality. The authors explore in this work an approach to enhance the coherence between two incoherent lasers so as to provide coherent light beams, and proof‐of‐concept demonstrates a terahertz signal generation with low phase noise. Based on the proposed passive phase compensation technique, the phase noise between two independent lasers can be well suppressed and the carrier to noise ratio in the terahertz regime remains high. In the experiment, the beating phase noise between two independent lasers is reduced from −60.68 dBc/Hz@10kHz to −90.05 dBc/Hz@10kHz at about 280 GHz, which is promisingly applicable in the terahertz photonics community.