bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute smartphone use impairs vigilance and inhibition capacities
Authors: Jacquet Thomas , Lepers Romuald , Pageaux Benjamin , Poulin-Charronnat Bénédicte
Published: December 2023

Smartphones are now in very widespread use, and concerns have arisen about potential detrimental effects, even with acute use. These adverse consequences are often linked to the emergence of mental fatigue. While the cognitive implications of fatigue are well-documented, knowledge about the specific influence of acute smartphone use on cognitive performance remains scarce. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the impact of acute smartphone use on cognitive performance. It included two experiments: one designed to assess the impact of smartphone use on vigilance, and the other focusing on evaluating inhibition capacities. In Experiment 1, two groups of 40 participants completed a Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT) before and after using a smartphone for 45 min (experimental group), or before and after watching a documentary (control group). In Experiment 2, two groups of 40 participants were subjected to a similar experimental design but had to perform a Go/NoGo task instead of a PVT. Mental fatigue and drowsiness were evaluated with visual analog scales before and after smartphone use and watching a documentary. Results suggested that both watching a documentary and using a smartphone for 45 min increased subjective mental fatigue and drowsiness. Watching the documentary did not impair cognitive performance. Reaction times on the PVT and number of errors on NoGo trials in the Go/NoGo task were higher among the participants in the smartphone condition. These results indicate reduced vigilance and impaired inhibition capacities only after smartphone use. We conclude that acute smartphone use induces mental fatigue and decreases cognitive performance. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying this decline in cognitive performance.
Identification of CD38, CD97, and CD278 on the HIV surface using a novel flow virometry screening assay
Authors: Burnie Jonathan , Fernandes Claire , Chaphekar Deepa , Wei Danlan , Ahmed Shubeen , Persaud Arvin Tejnarine , Khader Nawrah , Cicala Claudia , Arthos James , Tang Vera A. , Guzzo Christina
Published: December 2023

While numerous cellular proteins in the HIV envelope are known to alter virus infection, methodology to rapidly phenotype the virion surface in a high throughput, single virion manner is lacking. Thus, many human proteins may exist on the virion surface that remain undescribed. Herein, we developed a novel flow virometry screening assay to discover new proteins on the surface of HIV particles. By screening a CD4+ T cell line and its progeny virions, along with four HIV isolates produced in primary cells, we discovered 59 new candidate proteins in the HIV envelope that were consistently detected across diverse HIV isolates. Among these discoveries, CD38, CD97, and CD278 were consistently present at high levels on virions when using orthogonal techniques to corroborate flow virometry results. This study yields new discoveries about virus biology and demonstrates the utility and feasibility of a novel flow virometry assay to phenotype individual virions.
Trajectory modeling of cannabis use over 30 years identifies five unique longitudinal patterns
Authors: Mahar Amy R. , Bancks Michael P. , Sidney Stephen , Reis Jared , Kinney Gregory L.
Published: December 2023

Cannabis is the most prevalently used psychoactive substance in the United States. Cannabis has conflicting federal and state legal status in the US, however medical and recreational cannabis use are increasing. When assessing health outcomes, cannabis use classification has been modeled largely as current use status (never/former/current) or cumulative use (joint-years). These methods do not describe longitudinal patterns of use which may have unique relationships with health outcomes. We used cannabis use data spanning 30 years from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Cohort (CARDIA) to create trajectories of current cannabis use during young and middle adulthood. We identified 5 unique patterns of the probability of cannabis use during young and middle adulthood in the CARDIA Cohort. To support the cannabis probability trajectories, we qualitatively examined cumulative cannabis use as joint-years for each trajectory group. Trajectory group 5 had high probability of consistent cannabis use (0.8–0.9% probability of use) and had the highest number of joint-years (0.6 +/− 0.4). Trajectory group 1 who had a lower probability of cannabis use (0.05–0% probability of use) with the lowest number of joint-years (0.1 +/− 0.1).
Excess mortality in adults from Sao Paulo during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020: analyses of all-cause and noncommunicable diseases mortality
Authors: Resende Bruna de Souza , Dias Rayara Mozer , Ferrari Gerson , Rezende Leandro F. M.
Published: December 2023

In this study, we estimated the excess mortality from all-causes of death and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in adults living in the state of São Paulo during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Number of deaths were retrieved from the Mortality Information System before (2017–2019) and during (2020) the COVID-19 pandemic, considering the following underlying causes of death: Neoplasms; Diabetes Mellitus; Circulatory System Diseases, and Respiratory System Diseases. Standardized Mortality Ratio (SMR) were calculated by dividing the mortality rates in 2020 by average mortality rates in 2017–2019, according to sex, age group, geographic location (state, capital, and Regional Health Departments). In 2020, occurred 341,704 deaths in the state of São Paulo vs 290,679 deaths in 2017–2019, representing an 18% increase in all-cause mortality (SMR 1.18) or 51,025 excess deaths during the first year of COVID-19 pandemic. The excess mortality was higher in men (186,741 deaths in 2020 vs 156,371 deaths in 2017–2019; SMR 1.18; 30,370 excess deaths) compared to women (154,963 deaths in 2020 vs 134,308 deaths in 2017–2019; SMR 1.15; 20,655 excess deaths). Regarding NCDs mortality, we observed a reduction in cancer mortality (SMR 0.98; −1,354 deaths), diseases of the circulatory system (SMR 0.95; −4,277 deaths), and respiratory system (SMR 0.88; −1,945). We found a 26% increase in Diabetes Mellitus mortality (SMR 1.26; 2885 deaths) during the pandemic year. Our findings corroborate the need to create and strengthen policies aimed at the prevention and control of NCDs, in order to mitigate the impact of future infectious disease pandemics.
Material aspects of sintering of EAC-1A lunar regolith simulant
Authors: Ginés-Palomares Juan-Carlos , Fateri Miranda , Schubert Tim , de Peindray d’Ambelle Lilou , Simon Sebastian , Gluth Gregor J. G. , Günster Jens , Zocca Andrea
Published: December 2023

Future lunar exploration will be based on in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) techniques. The most abundant raw material on the Moon is lunar regolith, which, however, is very scarce on Earth, making the study of simulants a necessity. The objective of this study is to characterize and investigate the sintering behavior of EAC-1A lunar regolith simulant. The characterization of the simulant included the determination of the phase assemblage, characteristic temperatures determination and water content analysis. The results are discussed in the context of sintering experiments of EAC-1A simulant, which showed that the material can be sintered to a relative density close to 90%, but only within a very narrow range of temperatures (20–30 °C). Sintering experiments were performed for sieved and unsieved, as well as for dried and non-dried specimens of EAC-1A. In addition, an analysis of the densification and mechanical properties of the sintered specimens was done. The sintering experiments at different temperatures showed that the finest fraction of sieved simulant can reach a higher maximum sintering temperature, and consequently a higher densification and biaxial strength. The non-dried powder exhibited higher densification and biaxial strength after sintering compared to the dried specimen. This difference was explained with a higher green density of the non-dried powder during pressing, rather than due to an actual influence on the sintering mechanism. Nevertheless, drying the powder prior to sintering is important to avoid the overestimation of the strength of specimens to be fabricated on the Moon.
Genetic diversity and population differentiation in Earliella scabrosa, a pantropical species of Polyporales
Authors: Olou Boris Armel , Hègbè Apollon D. M. T. , Piepenbring Meike , Yorou Nourou Soulemane
Published: December 2023

Earliella scabrosa is a pantropical species of Polyporales (Basidiomycota) and well-studied concerning its morphology and taxonomy. However, its pantropical intraspecific genetic diversity and population differentiation is unknown. We initiated this study to better understand the genetic variation within E. scabrosa and to test if cryptic species are present. Sequences of three DNA regions, the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS), the large subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU), and the translation elongation factor (EF1α) were analysed for 66 samples from 15 geographical locations. We found a high level of genetic diversity (haplotype diversity, Hd = 0.88) and low nucleotide diversity (π = 0.006) across the known geographical range of E. scabrosa based on ITS sequences. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicates that the genetic variability is mainly found among geographical populations. The results of Mantel tests confirmed that the genetic distance among populations of E. scabrosa is positively correlated with the geographical distance, which indicates that geographical isolation is an important factor for the observed genetic differentiation. Based on phylogenetic analyses of combined dataset ITS-LSU-EF1α, the low intraspecific divergences (0–0.3%), and the Automated Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD) analysis, E. scabrosa can be considered as a single species with five different geographical populations. Each population might be in the process of allopatric divergence and in the long-term they may evolve and become distinct species.
Psychometric evaluation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire (APFQ-IR) in Iranian reproductive age women
Authors: Mashayekh-Amiri Sepideh , Asghari Jafarabadi Mohammad , Rashidi Fatemeh , Mirghafourvand Mojgan
Published: December 2023

Pelvic floor disorders (PFDs), as a silent alert, is one of the pervasive debilitating health concerns among women all over the world, such that in developed countries, one in four women, suffers from PFDs. Validity and reliability of the Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire (APFQ) has not been determined in Iran, so to determine APFQ’s psychometric characteristics, we decided to conduct this study on women of reproductive age in Tabriz city, Iran. This methodological cross-sectional study was intended to determine the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the APFQ-IR in 5 steps including “translation process, content validity, face validity, construct validity (exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and examination of ceiling and floor effects) and reliability” on 400 reproductive age women referring to health centers in Tabriz city, Iran, with cluster random sampling method in the period between May 2022 to September 2022. The translation process was done based on two approaches, Dual panel, and Beaton et al.’s five steps. Then, in order to evaluate content validity, face validity, and construct validity, 10 instrument and PFDs experts, 10 women from the target group investigated the instrument's items, and 400 eligible women completed the instrument. Finally, to determine the reliability, two internal consistency methods, (Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega) and test–retest method (ICC) were used. In the present study, content validity assessment of APFQ-IR, showed a good level of validity (CVR = 0.96, CVI = 0.94). To assess construct validity, exploratory factor analysis results on 36 items, led to the identification of 4 factors including bladder function, bowel function, prolapse symptom and sexual function, which explained 45.53% of the cumulative variance and indicated the sufficiency of the sample size (Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin = 0.750). Implementing confirmatory factor analysis, (RMSEA = 0.08, SRMR = 0.08, TLI = 0.90, CFI = 0.93, χ2/df = 3.52) confirmed the model fit indices. Finally the internal consistency and reliability was high for the entire instrument (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.85; McDonald's omega (95% CI) = 0.85 (0.83–0.87) and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (95% CI) = 0.88 (0.74–0.94)). The Persian version of the APFQ-IR, has a good validity and reliability and has acceptable psychometric properties, thus can be used both for research purposes and for clinical evaluation of pelvic floor disorders symptoms in health centers.
Effect of renin angiotensin system inhibitors on long-term major cardiovascular outcomes in patients with high atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk
Authors: Wongcharoen Wanwarang , Osataphan Nichanan , Gunaparn Siriluck , Srimahachota Suphot , Porapakkham Pornwalee , Dutsadeevettakul Somchai , Phrommintikul Arintaya
Published: December 2023

The advantage of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) and angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) in patients with preserved LV systolic function is uncertain. We aimed to investigate the effects of ACEI/ARB in high atherosclerotic risk patients without overt heart failure (HF) on long-term major cardiovascular outcomes (MACEs). The Cohort Of patients with high Risk for cardiovascular Events (CORE-Thailand) registry is a prospective, multicenter, observational, longitudinal study of Thai patients with high atherosclerotic risk. The patients with ejection fraction < 50% were excluded. Among 8513 recruited patients, there were 4246 patients included into final analysis after propensity score matching. At 5-years follow-up, Cox regression analysis showed that ACEI/ARB was significantly associated with reduced risk of all-cause mortality or non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke and HF hospitalization (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.70–0.96, P = 0.011). The benefit was driven by the reduced all-cause mortality and HF. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that ACEI/ARB decreased risk of long-term MACEs in patients with diabetes (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.63–0.94, P = 0.011) and patients not taking statin (HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.40–0.82, P = 0.002). We demonstrated that the use of ACEI/ARB was associated with reduced risk of long-term MACEs in a large cohort of high atherosclerotic risk patients. Reduction of all-cause mortality and HF were likely the main contributors to the benefit of ACEI/ARB.
Pseudorabies virus causes splenic injury via inducing oxidative stress and apoptosis related factors in mice
Authors: Sun Wei , Liu Shanshan , Yan Yi , Wang Qingyan , Fan Yu , Okyere Samuel Kumi
Published: December 2023

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is an immunosuppressive virus that causes significant damage to the pig industry. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PRV on oxidative stress and apoptotic related in the spleen of mice to provide basis knowledge for further research on the pathogenesis of PRV in mice model. 36 mice were randomly two groups, the control group which only received 200 μL PBS and infection group which was subcutaneously infected with 200 μL of 1 × 103 TCID50/100 μL PRV, respectively. Spleen tissues in each group were collected for further experiments at 48, 72, and 96 h post-infection (hpi). Pathological observation was performed by hematoxylin and eosin Y staining. Biochemical and Flow cytometry methods were used to determine the reactive oxygen species profile and apoptosis of the spleen post-infection and apoptosis detection. In addition, q-PCR and Western blot were adopted to measure the apoptotic conditions of the spleen infected with PRV. The results indicated that the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in the PRV infection group was remarkedly increased (p < 0.01) at a time-dependent pattern. Furthermore, the Malondialdehyde levels in the spleen of mice in the infection group increased (p < 0.01) in a time-dependent mode. However, the activity of Catalase, Superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase and the content of Glutathione in the infection group were decreased with the control group (p < 0.01) at a time-dependent manner. In addition, the ratio of splenocyte apoptosis in the infection group significantly increased (p < 0.01) in a time-dependent manner. In conclusion, PRV infection causes apoptosis of the spleen via oxidative stress in mice.
Microbial processes with the potential to mobilize As from a circumneutral-pH mixture of flotation and roaster tailings
Authors: Pakostova Eva , Hilger David M. , Blowes David W. , Ptacek Carol J.
Published: December 2023

The Northwest Tailings Containment Area at the inactive Giant Mine (Canada) contains a complex mixture of arsenic-containing substances, including flotation tailings (84.8 wt%; with 0.4 wt% residual S), roaster calcine wastes (14.4 wt% Fe oxides), and arsenic trioxide (0.8 wt%) derived from an electrostatic precipitator as well as As-containing water (21.3 ± 4.1 mg L−1 As) derived from the underground mine workings. In the vadose zone the tailings pore water has a pH of 7.6 and contains elevated metal(loid)s (2.37 ± 5.90 mg L−1 As); mineral oxidizers account for 2.5% of total 16S rRNA reads in solid samples. In the underlying saturated tailings, dissolved Fe and As concentrations increase with depth (up to 72 and 20 mg L−1, respectively), and the mean relative abundance of Fe(III)-reducers is 0.54% of total reads. The potential for As mobilization via both reductive and oxidative (bio)processes should be considered in Giant Mine remediation activities. The current remediation plan includes installation of an engineered cover that incorporates a geosynthetic barrier layer.
Unravelling the cellular response to the SARS-COV-2 vaccine in inflammatory bowel disease patients on biologic drugs
Authors: Martínez-Domínguez Samuel J. , García-Mateo Sandra , Sainz-Arnal Pilar , Martínez-García Javier , Gallego-Llera Beatriz , Lozano-Limones María Jesús , Hidalgo Sandra , Gargallo-Puyuelo Carla J. , Latre-Santos Marta , Nocito-Colon Maria Mercedes Lourdes , Martínez-Lostao Luis , Refaie Engy , Arroyo-Villarino Maria Teresa , del Rio-Nechaevsky Marcela , Ramirez-Labrada Ariel , Pardo Julián , Gomollón Fernando , Baptista Pedro M.
Published: December 2023

Suboptimal vaccine response is a significant concern in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) receiving biologic drugs. This single-center observational study involved 754 patients with IBD. In Phase I (October 2020-April 2021), 754 IBD participants who had not previously received the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, underwent blood extraction to assess the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and IBD-related factors. Phase II (May 2021-October 2021) included a subgroup of 52 IBD participants with confirmed previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, who were studied for humoral and cellular response to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. In Phase I, treatment with anti-TNF was associated with lower rates of seroconversion (aOR 0.25 95% CI [0.10–0.61]). In Phase II, a significant increase in post-vaccination IgG levels was observed regardless of biologic treatment. However, patients treated with anti-TNF exhibited significantly lower IgG levels compared to those without IBD therapy (5.32 ± 2.47 vs. 7.99 ± 2.59 U/ml, p = 0.042). Following vaccination, a lymphocyte, monocyte, and NK cell activation pattern was observed, with no significant differences between patients receiving biologic drugs and those without IBD treatment. Despite lower seroprevalence and humoral response to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in patients treated with anti-TNF, the cellular response to the vaccine did not differ significantly from that patients without IBD therapy.
DNA nanotechnology-based nucleic acid delivery systems for bioimaging and disease treatment
Authors: Sun Zhaorong , Ren Yingjie , Zhu Wenjun , Xiao Yuliang , Wu Han
Published: December 2023

This review aims to introduce the development of DNA nanotechnology and recent advances of DNA nanostructure-based delivery systems for bioimaging, disease diagnosis, and therapeutic applications.
Not as simple as we thought: a rigorous examination of data aggregation in materials informatics
Authors: Ottomano Federico , De Felice Giovanni , Gusev Vladimir V. , Sparks Taylor D.
Published: December 2023

Prompted by limited available data, we explore data-aggregation strategies for material datasets, aiming to boost machine learning performance. Our findings suggest that intuitive aggregation schemes are ineffective in enhancing predictive accuracy.
More effective peroxymonosulfate activation for tetracycline removal by Co–FeN/@BC assisted by micro-electrolysis: performance and mechanism
Authors: Yu Fangke , Li Haoqing , Guo Yueping
Published: December 2023

Preparation of N-doped bimetallic (Co/Fe) MOFs and their loading on biochar (Co–FeN/@BC).
Phenol is a pH-activated linker to gold: a single molecule conductance study
Authors: Lawson Brent , Skipper Hannah E. , Kamenetska Maria
Published: December 2023

Phenol, but not alcohol, linker groups can be activated by basic pH to anchor molecules to metal electrodes in single molecule junctions.
An assay for aryl radicals using BHAS coupling
Authors: Clark Kenneth F. , Tyerman Seb , Evans Laura , Robertson Craig M. , Murphy John A.
Published: December 2023

An assay for aryl radicals, formed under basic conditions, emerges from the anomalous BHAS chemistry of substrate 7.
Development of fluorometric detection for saxitoxin with its specific binding peptide
Authors: Kim Tae Hee , Cho Chae Hwan , Kweon So Yeon , Kim Su Min , Kailasa Suresh Kumar , Park Jong Pil , Park Chan Yeong , Park Tae Jung
Published: December 2023

A fluorometric sensor for marine saxitoxin was developed using its specific binding peptide based on the graphene oxide-mediated quenching phenomenon.
Enhanced bond switching at complexion layer facilitates high fracture energy of LATP solid-state electrolytes
Authors: Chen Zhimin , Du Tao , Krishnan N. M. Anoop , Smedskjaer Morten M.
Published: December 2023

Bond-switching events at the interface of glass-ceramic electrolyte play crucial role in impeding crack propagation.
Enhanced sodium ion storage in MnO2 through asymmetric orbital hybridization induced by spin-paired ion doping
Authors: Wang Jinrui , Liu Xia , Hou Zishan , Wang Shiyu , Yao Shuyun , Gao Xueying , Liu Yuanming , Nie Kaiqi , Xie Jiangzhou , Yang Zhiyu , Yan Yi-Ming
Published: December 2023

We propose a unique methodology strategy of employing spin-paired ion doping to strengthen the orbital hybridization between Mn 3d and O 2p, thus enhancing electron transfer during Na+ storage.
Hydrogen-bonded polyazomethines for efficient organic solar cells
Authors: Zhang Bo , Wang Yuanyuan , Lin Kaiwen , Zhou Yinhua , Zhang Qing
Published: December 2023

Hydrogen-bonded polyazomethines were synthesized for organic solar cell devices.
Delaunay meshes simplification with multi‐objective optimisation and fine tuning
Authors: Fan Linkun , Wu Caiyun , He Fazhi , Fan Bo , Liang Yaqian
Published: December 2023

3D meshes simplification plays an important role in many industrial domains. The two goals of Delaunay mesh simplification are maintaining high geometric fidelity and reducing mesh complexity. However, they are conflicting and cannot solved by gradient. Such limitation prevents existing Delaunay mesh simplification to obtain a small enough number of vertices and promising fidelity at the same time. To address these issues, this paper proposes an evolutionary multi‐objective approach for Delaunay mesh simplification. Firstly, the authors replace the previous fixed error‐bound threshold by the designed adaptive segment‐specific thresholds. Secondly, a constrained simplification is performed through a series of edge collapses that satisfy both Delaunay and error constraints. Next, the non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA‐II) is employed to solve the multi‐objective problem to search for the optimal trade‐off threshold sequences. Finally, a fine‐tuning method is designed to further enhance the geometric fidelity of the simplified mesh. Experimental results demonstrate that the authors’ method consistently achieves a satisfactory balance between the approximation error and number of vertices, outperforming existing state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Assessing the moisture content of oil‐impregnated paper bushings with a simple and fast method
Authors: Ansari Hossein Taghizade , Vahedi Abolfazl
Published: December 2023

Power outages can cause harm to both society and individual health. Among the crucial elements of power systems, power transformers play a vital role, and their failures can lead to incidents and disruptions. According to statistics, almost 50% of the explosions and fires in the power transformer are caused by oil‐impregnated paper (OIP) bushing failures. Moreover, moisture is a crucial factor that affects the health of OIP bushings, and assessing the moisture level in OIP bushings is vital to guarantee the safety of power systems. While the frequency‐domain dielectric spectroscopy (FDS) method has been widely used to assess the moisture content of OIP bushings on‐site, it has the disadvantage of requiring a long measurement time. Therefore, a novel technique was proposed in this study that involves measuring the OIP bushing dissipation factor (tanδ) at 1 Hz to estimate the moisture content in a significantly shorter time. Five samples of OIP with various moisture levels have been selected, and an equation based on the OIPs' value of tanδ at 1 Hz was proposed to assess the moisture level of OIP bushings. Furthermore, the validity of the proposed method was successfully verified, proving its precision and time efficiency.
Novel reaching law based predictive sliding mode control for lateral motion control of in‐wheel motor drive electric vehicle with delay estimation
Authors: Chiliveri Vinod Rajeshwar , Kalpana R. , Subramaniam Umashankar , Muhibbullah Md , Padmavathi L.
Published: December 2023

The lateral motion control of an in‐wheel motor drive electric vehicle (IWMD‐EV) necessitates an accurate measurement of the vehicle states. However, these measured states are always affected by delays due to sensor measurements, communication latencies, and computation time, which results in the degradation of the controller performance. Motivated by this issue, a novel reaching law based predictive sliding mode control (NRL‐PSMC) is proposed to maintain the lateral motion control of the IWMD‐EV subjected to unknown time delay. Initially, a PSMC framework is built, in which a predictor integrating with the sliding mode control is designed to eliminate the effect of time delay and generate the virtual control signals. Further, to alleviate the chattering phenomenon, a novel‐reaching law is developed, enabling the vehicle to track the desired states effectively. Subsequently, a dynamic control allocation technique is presented to optimally allocate the virtual control input to the actual control input. The accurate estimation of the aforementioned unknown delay is realized through a delay estimator. Finally, simulation and hardware‐in‐the‐loop experiments are performed for three specific driving manoeuvres, and the results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller design.
Gravitoelectric effect in the condensed magnetic sea
Authors: Lee Jong hoon
Published: December 2023

Trapped graviton in magnetic seas induces magnetic fields as a function of time in the additional space. The Soon Joe generator made the Graviton set behave as free relativistic quantum particles. The current and voltage generated when the LED was turned on and off were measured five times. Measurements were made in units of 1/1000 of a second, and the measured data were summed. In the LED off‐state, the average current was −2.87E‐03 (A), and the average voltage was −1.44E‐01 (V) in VH and 6.83E‐01 (V) in VL. The average current in the LED on‐stage was −4.28E‐03, the VH was 2.14E‐01, and the VL was 6.57E‐01. The voltage difference was −8.27E‐01 in the off‐stage and −8.71E‐01 in the on‐stage. Less current was generated in the off‐stage, with less voltage difference. In this experiment, we confirmed that the graviton generates the current, and with the photons, more current is generated. This explains why the interactive induction protocol of gravitons or photons can be used to experiment with the magnetic field's ability to communicate or transfer energy with relativistic quantum particles. The gravitoelectric effect explains the photoelectric effect elements, and graviton has induced electricity as a physical entity in the magnetic sea.
Investigation on damping mechanism of machine‐side dynamics of permanent magnet synchronous generator‐based wind generation system
Authors: Zhou Xianyu , Bu Siqi , Zhou Bowen , Yang Dongsheng , Meegahapola Lasantha
Published: December 2023

A permanent magnet synchronous generator‐based wind generation system has been predominantly applied in wind farms. With the wide application of wind generation, mechanical shafting attracts wide attention as torsional vibration problems may occur in its mechanical rotational system, which can further affect the power system. The paper first intentionally designs a two‐open‐loop two‐mass shaft subsystem model to investigate the interactions among wind turbine mass, generator mass, and machine‐side converter, that is, the machine‐side dynamics. Then, a bilateral damping contribution analysis is proposed to investigate the damping mechanism of these machine‐side dynamics. The impact mechanism of one dynamic on another through the damping contribution channel can be revealed by modal analysis, indicating the coupling of different oscillation modes and the complex interactions of machine‐side dynamics. The established two‐open‐loop two‐mass shaft subsystem model and the proposed bilateral damping contribution analysis with the identified damping contribution channel of the permanent magnet synchronous generator‐based wind generation system are validated.
Interaction between Neurogenic Pulmonary Edema and Thoracic 3 DRG Degeneration Following Spinal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: First Experimental Study
Authors: Sirinoglu Deniz , Sarigul Buse , Kanat Ayhan , Aydin Mehmet Dumlu , Demirtas Rabia
Published: December 2023

Background Neurogenic pulmonary edema (NPE) following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is still one of the most catastrophic complications with high morbidity and mortality rates. Systemic sympathetic hyperactivity has been considered in the pathogenesis, but it has not been clarified. In this study, we investigate the relationship between the degeneration of the T3 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and the development of NPE following spinal SAH.

Methods The study was conducted on 23 rabbits. Five rabbits were used as the control group, 5 as the sham group (n = 5), and 13 as the study group. The correlation between the degenerated neuronal densities of the T3 nerve axons and neurons in the DRG and NPE scores was analyzed statistically.

Results A correlation between the neuronal degeneration of the T3 nerve, its DRG, and high NPE scores was found in the study group and the sham group. Massive NPE was detected in the study group along with neural degeneration of T3 axons and ganglia.

Conclusion The present study indicates that NPE and pulmonary artery vasospasm can be prevented by reducing T3 DRG degeneration.
Utility of Simple and Non-Invasive Strategies Alternative to Inferior
Petrosal Sinus Sampling and Peripheral CRH Stimulation in Differential Diagnosis
of ACTH-Dependent Cushing Syndrome
Authors: Attri Bhawna , Goyal Alpesh , Kalaivani Mani , Kandasamy Devasenathipathy , Gupta Yashdeep , Agarwal Shipra , Shamim Shamim A. , Damle Nishikant , Sharma Mehar Chand , Jyotsna Viveka P. , Suri Ashish , Tandon Nikhil
Published: December 2023

We aimed to evaluate the utility of simple, cost-effective, and non-invasive
strategies alternative to BIPSS and peripheral CRH stimulation in differential
diagnosis of ACTH-dependent CS. First, we performed ROC analysis to evaluate the
performance of various tests for differential diagnosis of ACTH-dependent CS in
our cohort (CD, n=76 and EAS, n=23) and derived their optimal
cut-offs. Subsequently, combining various demographic (gender), clinical
(hypokalemia), biochemical (plasma ACTH, HDDST, peripheral CRH stimulation) and
imaging (MRI pituitary) parameters, we derived non-invasive models with
100% PPV for CD. Patients with pituitary macroadenoma (n=14)
were excluded from the analysis involving non-invasive models. Relative percent
ACTH (AUC: 0.933) and cortisol (AUC: 0.975) increase on peripheral CRH
stimulation demonstrated excellent accuracy in discriminating CD from EAS. Best
cut-offs for CD were plasma ACTH<97.3 pg/ml,
HDDST≥57% cortisol suppression, CRH
stimulation≥77% ACTH increase and≥11% cortisol
increase. We derived six models that provided 100% PPV for CD and
precluded the need for BIPPS in 35/85 (41.2%) patients with
ACTH-dependent CS and no macroadenoma (in whom BIPSS would have otherwise been
recommended). The first three models included basic parameters and avoided both
peripheral CRH stimulation and BIPSS in 19 (22.4%) patients, while the
next three models included peripheral CRH stimulation and avoided BIPSS in
another 16 (18.8%) patients. Using simple and non-invasive alternative
strategies, BIPSS can be avoided in 41% and peripheral CRH stimulation
in 22% of patients with ACTH-dependent CS and no macroadenoma; such
patients can be directly referred for a pituitary surgery.
Which Role for Muscle-Sparing Posterolateral Thoracotomy in the Treatment of Spontaneous Pneumothorax?
Authors: Issoufou Ibrahim , Sani Rabiou , Amadou Daouda , Alio Kadre , Adamou-Nouhou Kaled , Lakranbi Marouane , Sani Rachid , Ouadnouni Yassine , Abarchi Habibou , Smahi Mohamed
Published: December 2023

Objective This study aims to show the place of muscle-sparing posterolateral thoracotomy in the treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax.

Methods It was a single-center study performed in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of Teaching hospital Hassan II of Fez for 8 years. We adopted the nosological definition, which classifies spontaneous pneumothorax into three categories. We included patients over 15 years of age with primary or secondary spontaneous pneumothorax operated by posterolateral thoracotomy without muscle section, and we analyzed the specific indications of this approach. It included 49 patients with primary or secondary spontaneous pneumothorax, operated by muscle-sparing posterolateral thoracotomy. Data were collected from regularly updated computer files of patients, entered by Excel 2013, and analyzed using SPSS.20 software. These data are: epidemiological, clinical, radiological, surgical exploration, surgical procedure, the result of the surgery and the evolution.

Results The average age was 42 years. Smoking was found in 61% of cases and pulmonary tuberculosis in 10% of cases. Thoracic computed tomography (CT) showed bullae and blebs in 31% of cases, pleural adhesions and pachypleuritis in 50% of cases, and hydropneumothorax with pachypleuritis in 37% of cases. There is a statistical correlation between pleuropulmonary decortication and pachypleuritis (p = 0.002) or hydropneumothorax (p = 0.001) on CT. Bullae and blebs resection was performed in 53% of cases and pleuropulmonary decortication in 63% of cases. A right pleuropneumonectomy was performed in one case. The follow-up was uneventful in 82% of cases.

Conclusion Muscle-sparing posterolateral thoracotomy remains the best approach and leads to good results.
The anisotropic nature of singlet fission in single crystalline organic semiconductors
Authors: Deng Gang-Hua , Brown Jesse B. , Fisher Haley , Huang-Fu Zhi-Chao , Qian Yuqin , Zhang Tong , Harutyunyan Avetik , Chen Hanning , Chen Gugang , Rao Yi
Published: December 2023

The escalating global energy predicament implores for a revolutionary resolution—one that converts sunlight into electricity—holding the key to supreme conversion efficiency. This comprehensive review embarks on the exploration of the principle of generating multiple excitons per absorbed photon, a captivating concept that possesses the potential to redefine the fundamental confines of conversion efficiency, albeit its application remains limited in photovoltaic devices. At the nucleus of this phenomenon are two principal processes: multiple exciton generation (MEG) within quantum-confined environments, and singlet fission (SF) inside molecular crystals. The process of SF, characterized by the cleavage of a single photogenerated singlet exciton into two triplet excitons, holds promise to potentially amplify photon-to-electron conversion efficiency twofold, thereby laying the groundwork to challenge the detailed balance limit of solar cell efficiency. Our discourse primarily dissects the complex nature of SF in crystalline organic semiconductors, laying special emphasis on the anisotropic behavior of SF and the diffusion of the subsequent triplet excitons in single-crystalline polyacene organic semiconductors. We initiate this journey of discovery by elucidating the principles of MEG and SF, tracing their historical genesis, and scrutinizing the anisotropy of SF and the impact of quantum decoherence within the purview of functional mode electron transfer theory. We present an overview of prominent techniques deployed in investigating anisotropic SF in organic semiconductors, including femtosecond transient absorption microscopy and imaging as well as stimulated Raman scattering microscopies, and highlight recent breakthroughs linked with the anisotropic dimensions of Davydov splitting, Herzberg–Teller effects, SF, and triplet transport operations in single-crystalline polyacenes. Through this comprehensive analysis, our objective is to interweave the fundamental principles of anisotropic SF and triplet transport with the current frontiers of scientific discovery, providing inspiration and facilitating future ventures to harness the anisotropic attributes of organic semiconductor crystals in the design of pioneering photovoltaic and photonic devices.
Cytochromecoxidase deficiency detection in human fibroblasts using scanning electrochemical microscopy
Authors: Thind Shubhneet , Lima Dhésmon , Booy Evan , Trinh Dao , McKenna Sean A. , Kuss Sabine
Published: December 2023

Cytochromecoxidase deficiency (COXD) is an inherited disorder characterized by the absence or mutation in the genes encoding for the cytochromecoxidase protein (COX). COX deficiency results in severe muscle weakness, heart, liver, and kidney disorders, as well as brain damage in infants and adolescents, leading to death in many cases. With no cure for this disorder, finding an efficient, inexpensive, and early means of diagnosis is essential to minimize symptoms and long-term disabilities. Furthermore, muscle biopsy, the traditional detection method, is invasive, expensive, and time-consuming. This study demonstrates the applicability of scanning electrochemical microscopy to quantify COX activity in living human fibroblast cells. Taking advantage of the interaction between the redox mediatorN, N, N′, N′-tetramethyl-para-phenylene-diamine, and COX, the enzymatic activity was successfully quantified by monitoring current changes using a platinum microelectrode and determining the apparent heterogeneous rate constantk0using numerical modeling. This study provides a foundation for developing a diagnostic method for detecting COXD in infants, which has the potential to increase treatment effectiveness and improve the quality of life of affected individuals.
Two-dimensional investigation of characteristic parameters and their gradients for the self-generated electric and magnetic fields of laser-induced zirconium plasma
Authors: SAJID Tayyaba , BASHIR Shazia , AKRAM Mahreen , RAZZAQ Maira , MAHMOOD Khaliq
Published: December 2023

Two-dimensional diagnosis of laser-induced zirconium (Zr) plasma has been experimentally performed using the time-of-flight method by employing Faraday cups in addition to electric and magnetic probes. The characteristic parameters of laser-induced Zr plasma have been evaluated as a function of different laser irradiances ranging from 4.5 to 11.7 GW cm−2 at different axial positions of 1–4 cm with a fixed radial distance of 2 cm. A well-supporting correlation between the plume parameters and the laser-plasma-produced spontaneous electric and magnetic (E and B) fields was established. The measurements of the characteristic parameters and spontaneously induced fields were observed to have an increasing trend with the increasing laser irradiance. However, when increasing the spatial distance in both the axial and radial directions, the plasma parameters (electron/ion number density, temperature and kinetic energy) did not show either continuously increasing or decreasing trends due to various kinetic and dynamic processes during the spatial evolution of the plume. However, the E and B fields were observed to be always diffusing away from the target. The radial component of electron number densities remained higher than the axial number density component, whereas the axial ion number density at all laser irradiances and axial distances remained higher than the radial ion number density. The higher axial self-generated electric field (SGEF) values than radial SGEF values are correlated with the effective charge-separation mechanism of electrons and ions. The generation of a self-generated magnetic field is observed dominantly in the radial direction at increasing laser irradiance as compared to the axial one due to the deflection of fast-moving electrons and the persistence of two-electron temperature on the radial axis.
Machine learning reveals singing rhythms of male Pacific field crickets are clock controlled
Authors: Westwood Mary L , Geissmann Quentin , O’Donnell Aidan J , Rayner Jack , Schneider Will , Zuk Marlene , Bailey Nathan W , Reece Sarah E
Published: December 2023

Circadian rhythms are ubiquitous in nature and endogenous circadian clocks drive the daily expression of many fitness-related behaviors. However, little is known about whether such traits are targets of selection imposed by natural enemies. In Hawaiian populations of the nocturnally active Pacific field cricket (Teleogryllus oceanicus), males sing to attract mates, yet sexually selected singing rhythms are also subject to natural selection from the acoustically orienting and deadly parasitoid fly, Ormia ochracea. Here, we use T. oceanicus to test whether singing rhythms are endogenous and scheduled by circadian clocks, making them possible targets of selection imposed by flies. We also develop a novel audio-to-circadian analysis pipeline, capable of extracting useful parameters from which to train machine learning algorithms and process large quantities of audio data. Singing rhythms fulfilled all criteria for endogenous circadian clock control, including being driven by photoschedule, self-sustained periodicity of approximately 24 h, and being robust to variation in temperature. Furthermore, singing rhythms varied across individuals, which might suggest genetic variation on which natural and sexual selection pressures can act. Sexual signals and ornaments are well-known targets of selection by natural enemies, but our findings indicate that the circadian timing of those traits’ expression may also determine fitness.
Batch correction of single-cell sequencing data via an autoencoder architecture
Authors: Danino Reut , Nachman Iftach , Sharan Roded
Published: December 2023

Motivation

Technical differences between gene expression sequencing experiments can cause variations in the data in the form of batch effect biases. These do not represent true biological variations between samples and can lead to false conclusions or hinder the ability to integrate multiple datasets. Since there is a growing need for the joint analysis of single-cell sequencing datasets from different sources, there is also a need to correct the resulting batch effects while maintaining the true biological variations in the data.

Results

We developed a semi-supervised deep learning architecture called Autoencoder-based Batch Correction (ABC) for integrating single-cell sequencing datasets. Our method removes batch effects through a guided process of data compression using supervised cell type classifier branches for biological signal retention. It aligns the different batches using an adversarial training approach. We comprehensively evaluate the performance of our method using four single-cell sequencing datasets and multiple measures for batch effect removal and biological variation conservation. ABC outperforms 10 state-of-the-art methods for this task including Seurat, scGen, ComBat, scanorama, scVI, scANVI, AutoClass, Harmony, scDREAMER, and CLEAR, correcting various types of batch effects while preserving intricate biological variations.
MHCSeqNet2—improved peptide-class I MHC binding prediction for alleles with low data
Authors: Wongklaew Patiphan , Sriswasdi Sira , Chuangsuwanich Ekapol
Published: December 2023

Motivation

The binding of a peptide antigen to a Class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) protein is part of a key process that lets the immune system recognize an infected cell or a cancer cell. This mechanism enabled the development of peptide-based vaccines that can activate the patient’s immune response to treat cancers. Hence, the ability of accurately predict peptide-MHC binding is an essential component for prioritizing the best peptides for each patient. However, peptide-MHC binding experimental data for many MHC alleles are still lacking, which limited the accuracy of existing prediction models.

Results

In this study, we presented an improved version of MHCSeqNet that utilized sub-word-level peptide features, a 3D structure embedding for MHC alleles, and an expanded training dataset to achieve better generalizability on MHC alleles with small amounts of data. Visualization of MHC allele embeddings confirms that the model was able to group alleles with similar binding specificity, including those with no peptide ligand in the training dataset. Furthermore, an external evaluation suggests that MHCSeqNet2 can improve the prioritization of T cell epitopes for MHC alleles with small amount of training data.

Availability and implementation

The source code and installation instruction for MHCSeqNet2 are available at https://github.com/cmb-chula/MHCSeqNet2.
Covariate-guided Bayesian mixture of spline experts for the analysis of multivariate high-density longitudinal data
Authors: Fu Haoyi , Tang Lu , Rosen Ori , Hipwell Alison E , Huppert Theodore J , Krafty Robert T
Published: December 2023

With rapid development of techniques to measure brain activity and structure, statistical methods for analyzing modern brain-imaging data play an important role in the advancement of science. Imaging data that measure brain function are usually multivariate high-density longitudinal data and are heterogeneous across both imaging sources and subjects, which lead to various statistical and computational challenges. In this article, we propose a group-based method to cluster a collection of multivariate high-density longitudinal data via a Bayesian mixture of smoothing splines. Our method assumes each multivariate high-density longitudinal trajectory is a mixture of multiple components with different mixing weights. Time-independent covariates are assumed to be associated with the mixture components and are incorporated via logistic weights of a mixture-of-experts model. We formulate this approach under a fully Bayesian framework using Gibbs sampling where the number of components is selected based on a deviance information criterion. The proposed method is compared to existing methods via simulation studies and is applied to a study on functional near-infrared spectroscopy, which aims to understand infant emotional reactivity and recovery from stress. The results reveal distinct patterns of brain activity, as well as associations between these patterns and selected covariates.