bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of the Neutralization Degree on the Ice Nucleation Ability of Ammoniated Sulfate Particles
Authors: Bertozzi Barbara , Wagner Robert , Höhler Kristina , Saathoff Harald , Möhler Ottmar , Leisner Thomas
Published: January 2024

Previous laboratory measurements suggest that ammonium sulfate crystals (AS, (NH4)2SO4) are efficient ice‐nucleating particles under cirrus conditions. Sulfate particles not completely neutralized by ammonium are less well studied and include two other solids, ammonium bisulfate (AHS, NH4HSO4) and letovicite (LET, (NH4)3H(SO4)2). In this work, we have obtained the first comprehensive data set for the heterogeneous ice nucleation ability of crystallized particles in the AS–LET–AHS system as a function of their degree of neutralization at a temperature of about 220 K. Quantitative data on nucleation onsets, ice‐active fractions, and ice nucleation active surface site densities were derived from expansion cooling experiments in a large cloud chamber and measurements with two continuous flow diffusion chambers. We found a strong dependence of the efficiency and the mode of heterogenous ice nucleation on the degree of neutralization. Ice formation for AS, mixed AS/LET, and LET crystals occurred by the deposition nucleation or pore condensation and freezing mode. The lowest nucleation onset was observed for AS, where 0.1% of the particles became ice‐active at an ice saturation ratio of 1.25. This threshold gradually increased to 1.35 for LET, and abruptly further to 1.45 for mixed LET/AHS crystals, which partially deliquesced and induced ice formation via immersion freezing. Pure AHS crystals did not form due to the inhibition of efflorescence. Our data allow for a more sophisticated treatment of ice formation in the AS–LET–AHS system in future model simulations, which have so far only considered the available data for AS alone.
Obesogens: a unifying theory for the global rise in obesity
Authors: Heindel Jerrold J. , Lustig Robert H. , Howard Sarah , Corkey Barbara E.
Published: January 2024

Despite varied treatment, mitigation, and prevention efforts, the global prevalence and severity of obesity continue to worsen. Here we propose a combined model of obesity, a unifying paradigm that links four general models: the energy balance model (EBM), based on calories as the driver of weight gain; the carbohydrate-insulin model (CIM), based on insulin as a driver of energy storage; the oxidation-reduction model (REDOX), based on reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a driver of altered metabolic signaling; and the obesogens model (OBS), which proposes that environmental chemicals interfere with hormonal signaling leading to adiposity. We propose a combined OBS/REDOX model in which environmental chemicals (in air, food, food packaging, and household products) generate false autocrine and endocrine metabolic signals, including ROS, that subvert standard regulatory energy mechanisms, increase basal and stimulated insulin secretion, disrupt energy efficiency, and influence appetite and energy expenditure leading to weight gain. This combined model incorporates the data supporting the EBM and CIM models, thus creating one integrated model that covers significant aspects of all the mechanisms potentially contributing to the obesity pandemic. Importantly, the OBS/REDOX model provides a rationale and approach for future preventative efforts based on environmental chemical exposure reduction.
The effect of fertility treatment and socioeconomic status on neonatal and post-neonatal mortality in the United States
Authors: Sharma Meesha , Fineman David C. , Keller Roberta L. , Maltepe Emin , Rinaudo Paolo F. , Steurer Martina A.
Published: January 2024

Objective

To determine the association between fertility treatment, socioeconomic status (SES), and neonatal and post-neonatal mortality.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study of all births (19,350,344) and infant deaths from 2014–2018 in the United States. The exposure was mode of conception—spontaneous vs fertility treatment. The outcome was neonatal (<28d), and post-neonatal (28d–1y) mortality. Multivariable logistic models were stratified by SES.

Result

The fertility treatment group had statistically significantly higher odds of neonatal mortality (high SES OR 1.59; CI [1.5, 1.68], low SES OR 2.11; CI [1.79, 2.48]) and lower odds of post-neonatal mortality (high SES OR 0.87, CI [0.76, 0.996], low SES OR 0.6, CI [0.38, 0.95]). SES significantly modified the effect of ART/NIFT on neonatal and post-neonatal mortality.

Conclusions

Fertility treatment is associated with higher neonatal and lower post-neonatal mortality and SES modifies this effect. Socioeconomic policies and support for vulnerable families may help reduce rates of infant mortality.
Glioblastoma biomarkers in urinary extracellular vesicles reveal the potential for a ‘liquid gold’ biopsy
Authors: Hallal Susannah M. , Tűzesi Ágota , Sida Liam A. , Xian Elissa , Madani Daniel , Muralidharan Krishna , Shivalingam Brindha , Buckland Michael E. , Satgunaseelan Laveniya , Alexander Kimberley L.
Published: January 2024

Background

Biomarkers that reflect glioblastoma tumour activity and treatment response are urgently needed to help guide clinical management, particularly for recurrent disease. As the urinary system is a major clearance route of circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs; 30–1000 nm nanoparticles) we explored whether sampling urinary-EVs could serve as a simple and non-invasive liquid biopsy approach for measuring glioblastoma-associated biomarkers.

Methods

Fifty urine specimens (15–60 ml) were collected from 24 catheterised glioblastoma patients immediately prior to primary (n = 17) and recurrence (n = 7) surgeries, following gross total resection (n = 9), and from age/gender-matched healthy participants (n = 14). EVs isolated by differential ultracentrifugation were characterised and extracted proteomes were analysed by high-resolution data-independent acquisition liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (DIA-LC-MS/MS).

Results

Overall, 6857 proteins were confidently identified in urinary-EVs (q-value ≤ 0.01), including 94 EV marker proteins. Glioblastoma-specific proteomic signatures were determined, and putative urinary-EV biomarkers corresponding to tumour burden and recurrence were identified (FC ≥ | 2 | , adjust p-val≤0.05, AUC > 0.9).

Conclusion

In-depth DIA-LC-MS/MS characterisation of urinary-EVs substantiates urine as a viable source of glioblastoma biomarkers. The promising ‘liquid gold’ biomarker panels described here warrant further investigation.
Integrative score based on CDK6, PD-L1 and TMB predicts response to platinum-based chemotherapy and PD-1/PD-L1 blockade in muscle-invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Su Xiaohe , Jin Kaifeng , Guo Qiji , Xu Ziyue , Liu Zhaopei , Zeng Han , Wang Yiwei , Zhu Yu , Xu Le , Wang Zewei , Chang Yuan , Xu Jiejie
Published: January 2024

Background

Cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) was proved to be an important regulator in the progression of cell cycle and has been a promising therapeutic target in cancer treatment. However, the clinical significance of CDK6 in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) remains obscure. Herein, we attempt to explore the clinical relevance of CDK6 and assess the feasibility of the integrative model to predict immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) response.

Methods

This study enrolled 933 patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) from Zhongshan Hospital (ZSHS), The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Chemo, IMvigor210 and UC-GENOME cohorts. Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression analyses were performed to assess clinical outcomes based on CDK6 expression.

Results

High CDK6 expression conferred poor prognosis and superior response to platinum-based chemotherapy but inferior response to ICB in MIBC. Furthermore, the integrative model named response score based on CDK6, PD-L1 and TMB could better predict the response to ICB and chemotherapy. Patients with higher response scores were characterised by inflamed immune microenvironment and genomic instability.

Conclusions

CDK6 expression was correlated with prognosis and therapy response in MIBC. Integration of CDK6, PD-L1 and TMB could better identify patients who were most likely to benefit from ICB and chemotherapy.
Unveiling the mechanistic link between extracellular amyloid fibrils, mechano-signaling and YAP activation in cancer
Authors: Farris Francesco , Elhagh Alice , Vigorito Ilaria , Alongi Nicoletta , Pisati Federica , Giannattasio Michele , Casagrande Francesca , Veghini Lisa , Corbo Vincenzo , Tripodo Claudio , Di Napoli Arianna , Matafora Vittoria , Bachi Angela
Published: January 2024

The tumor microenvironment is a complex ecosystem that plays a critical role in cancer progression and treatment response. Recently, extracellular amyloid fibrils have emerged as novel components of the tumor microenvironment; however, their function remains elusive. In this study, we establish a direct connection between the presence of amyloid fibrils in the secretome and the activation of YAP, a transcriptional co-activator involved in cancer proliferation and drug resistance. Furthermore, we uncover a shared mechano-signaling mechanism triggered by amyloid fibrils in both melanoma and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells. Our findings highlight the crucial role of the glycocalyx protein Agrin which binds to extracellular amyloid fibrils and acts as a necessary factor in driving amyloid-dependent YAP activation. Additionally, we reveal the involvement of the HIPPO pathway core kinase LATS1 in this signaling cascade. Finally, we demonstrate that extracellular amyloid fibrils enhance cancer cell migration and invasion. In conclusion, our research expands our knowledge of the tumor microenvironment by uncovering the role of extracellular amyloid fibrils in driving mechano-signaling and YAP activation. This knowledge opens up new avenues for developing innovative strategies to modulate YAP activation and mitigate its detrimental effects during cancer progression.
Effect of glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonist exenatide, used as an intracranial pressure lowering agent, on cognition in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
Authors: Grech Olivia , Mitchell James L. , Lyons Hannah S. , Yiangou Andreas , Thaller Mark , Tsermoulas Georgios , Brock Kristian , Mollan Susan P. , Sinclair Alexandra J.
Published: January 2024

Background

Cognitive function can be affected in conditions with raised intracranial pressure (ICP) such as idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Drugs used off label to treat raised ICP also have cognitive side effects, underscoring the unmet need for effective therapeutics which reduce ICP without worsening cognition. The Glucagon Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, exenatide, has been shown to significantly reduce ICP in IIH, therefore this study aimed to determine the effects of exenatide on cognition in IIH.

Methods

This was an exploratory study of the IIH:Pressure trial (ISTCRN 12678718). Women with IIH and telemetric ICP monitors (n = 15) were treated with exenatide (n = 7) or placebo (n = 8) for 12 weeks. Cognitive function was tested using the National Institute of Health Toolbox Cognitive Battery at baseline and 12 weeks.

Results

Cognitive performance was impaired in fluid intelligence ((T-score of 50 = population mean), mean (SD) 37.20 (9.87)), attention (33.93 (7.15)) and executive function (38.07 (14.61)). After 12-weeks there was no evidence that exenatide compromised cognition (no differences between exenatide and placebo). Cognition improved in exenatide treated patients in fluid intelligence (baseline 38.4 (8.2), 12 weeks 52.9 (6.6), p = 0.0005), processing speed (baseline 43.7 (9.4), 12 weeks 58.4 (10.4), p = 0.0058) and episodic memory (baseline 49.4 (5.3), 12 weeks 62.1 (13.2), p = 0.0315).

Conclusions

In patients with raised ICP due to IIH, exenatide, a drug emerging as an ICP lowering agent, does not adversely impact cognition. This is encouraging and has potential to be relevant when considering prescribing choices to lower ICP.
Exploratory study on the relationship between urinary sodium/potassium ratio, salt intake, and the antihypertensive effect of esaxerenone: the ENaK Study
Authors: Katsuya Tomohiro , Inobe Yoshito , Uchiyama Kazuaki , Nishikawa Tetsuo , Hirano Kunio , Kato Mitsutoshi , Fukui Toshiki , Hatta Tsuguru , Iwasaki Arata , Ishii Hajime , Sugiura Toshiyuki , Taguchi Takashi , Tanabe Ayumi , Sugimoto Kotaro , Shimosawa Tatsuo ,   on behalf of the ENaK investigators
Published: January 2024

Excessive salt intake is one of the causes of hypertension, and reducing salt intake is important for managing the risk of hypertension and subsequent cardiovascular events. Esaxerenone, a mineralocorticoid receptor blocker, has the potential to exert an antihypertensive effect in hypertensive patients with excessive salt intake, but evidence is still lacking, especially in clinical settings. We aimed to determine if baseline sodium/potassium ratio and baseline estimated 24-h urinary sodium excretion can predict the antihypertensive effect of esaxerenone in patients with essential hypertension inadequately controlled with an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) or a calcium channel blocker (CCB). This was an exploratory, open-label, interventional study with a 4-week observation period and a 12-week treatment period. Esaxerenone was orally administered once daily in accordance with the Japanese package insert. In total, 126 patients met the eligibility criteria and were enrolled (ARB subcohort, 67; CCB subcohort, 59); all were included in the full analysis set (FAS) and safety analysis. In the FAS, morning home systolic blood pressure (SBP)/diastolic blood pressure (DBP) significantly decreased from baseline to end of treatment (primary efficacy endpoint) (−11.9 ± 10.9/ − 6.4 ± 6.8 mmHg, both p < 0.001); a similar trend was observed in both subcohorts. Significant reductions were also shown in bedtime home and office SBP/DBP (all p < 0.001). Each BP change was consistent regardless of the urinary sodium/potassium ratio or estimated 24-h urinary sodium excretion at baseline. The urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) significantly decreased from baseline to Week 12 in the total population and both subcohorts. No new safety concerns were raised. Esaxerenone significantly decreased morning home, bedtime home, and office BP; UACR; and NT-proBNP in this patient population, regardless of concomitant ARB or CCB use. The antihypertensive effect of esaxerenone was independent of the urinary sodium/potassium ratio and estimated 24-h urinary sodium excretion at baseline.
Self-perceptions as mechanisms of achievement inequality: evidence across 70 countries
Authors: Hofer Sarah I. , Heine Jörg-Henrik , Besharati Sahba , Yip Jason C. , Reinhold Frank , Brummelman Eddie
Published: January 2024

Children from lower socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds tend to have more negative self-perceptions. More negative self-perceptions are often related to lower academic achievement. Linking these findings, we asked: Do children’s self-perceptions help explain socioeconomic disparities in academic achievement around the world? We addressed this question using data from the 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) survey, including n = 520,729 records of 15-year-old students from 70 countries. We studied five self-perceptions (self-perceived competency, self-efficacy, growth mindset, sense of belonging, and fear of failure) and assessed academic achievement in terms of reading achievement. As predicted, across countries, children’s self-perceptions jointly and separately partially mediated the association between socioeconomic status and reading achievement, explaining additional 11% (ΔR2 = 0.105) of the variance in reading achievement. The positive mediation effect of self-perceived competency was more pronounced in countries with higher social mobility, indicating the importance of environments that “afford” the use of beneficial self-perceptions. While the results tentatively suggest self-perceptions, in general, to be an important lever to address inequality, interventions targeting self-perceived competency might be particularly effective in counteracting educational inequalities in countries with higher social mobility.
Long-term labeling and imaging of synaptically connected neuronal networks in vivo using double-deletion-mutant rabies viruses
Authors: Jin Lei , Sullivan Heather A. , Zhu Mulangma , Lavin Thomas K. , Matsuyama Makoto , Fu Xin , Lea Nicholas E. , Xu Ran , Hou YuanYuan , Rutigliani Luca , Pruner Maxwell , Babcock Kelsey R. , Ip Jacque Pak Kan , Hu Ming , Daigle Tanya L. , Zeng Hongkui , Sur Mriganka , Feng Guoping , Wickersham Ian R.
Published: January 2024

Rabies-virus-based monosynaptic tracing is a widely used technique for mapping neural circuitry, but its cytotoxicity has confined it primarily to anatomical applications. Here we present a second-generation system for labeling direct inputs to targeted neuronal populations with minimal toxicity, using double-deletion-mutant rabies viruses. Viral spread requires expression of both deleted viral genes in trans in postsynaptic source cells. Suppressing this expression with doxycycline following an initial period of viral replication reduces toxicity to postsynaptic cells. Longitudinal two-photon imaging in vivo indicated that over 90% of both presynaptic and source cells survived for the full 12-week course of imaging. Ex vivo whole-cell recordings at 5 weeks postinfection showed that the second-generation system perturbs input and source cells much less than the first-generation system. Finally, two-photon calcium imaging of labeled networks of visual cortex neurons showed that their visual response properties appeared normal for 10 weeks, the longest we followed them.
Haplotype-resolved chromosome-scale genomes of the Asian and African Savannah Elephants
Authors: Shi Minhui , Chen Fei , Sahu Sunil Kumar , Wang Qing , Yang Shangchen , Wang Zhihong , Chen Jin , Liu Huan , Hou Zhijun , Fang Sheng-Guo , Lan Tianming
Published: January 2024

The Proboscidea, which includes modern elephants, were once the largest terrestrial animals among extant species. They suffered mass extinction during the Ice Age. As a unique branch on the evolutionary tree, the Proboscidea are of great significance for the study of living animals. In this study, we generate chromosome-scale and haplotype-resolved genome assemblies for two extant Proboscidea species (Asian Elephant, Elephas maximus and African Savannah Elephant, Loxodonta africana) using Pacbio, Hi-C, and DNBSEQ technologies. The assembled genome sizes of the Asian and African Savannah Elephant are 3.38 Gb and 3.31 Gb, with scaffold N50 values of 130 Mb and 122 Mb, respectively. Using Hi-C technology ~97% of the scaffolds are anchored to 29 pseudochromosomes. Additionally, we identify ~9 Mb Y-linked sequences for each species. The high-quality genome assemblies in this study provide a valuable resource for future research on ecology, evolution, biology and conservation of Proboscidea species.
An ensemble of bias-adjusted CMIP6 climate simulations based on a high-resolution North American reanalysis
Authors: Lavoie Juliette , Bourgault Pascal , Smith Trevor James , Logan Travis , Leduc Martin , Caron Louis-Philippe , Gammon Sarah , Braun Marco
Published: January 2024

ESPO-G6-R2 v1.0 is a set of statistically downscaled and bias-adjusted climate simulations based on the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 6 (CMIP6) models. The dataset is composed of daily timeseries of three variables: daily maximum temperature, daily minimum temperature and daily precipitation. Data are available from 1950 to 2100 over North America. The simulation ensemble is comprised of 14 models driven by two emissions scenarios (SSP2-4.5 and SSP3-7.0). In this paper, we describe the workflow used for the bias-adjustment, which relies on the detrended quantile mapping method and the Regional Deterministic Reforecast System (RDRS) v2.1 reference dataset. Using the framework defined in the VALUE project, we show the improvements made by the bias-adjustment on marginal, temporal and multivariate aspects of the data. We also verify that the bias-adjusted climate data have similar climate change signal to the original climate model simulations. Finally, we provide guidance to users on how to use this dataset.
A giant tyrannosaur from the Campanian–Maastrichtian of southern North America and the evolution of tyrannosaurid gigantism
Authors: Dalman Sebastian G. , Loewen Mark A. , Pyron R. Alexander , Jasinski Steven E. , Malinzak D. Edward , Lucas Spencer G. , Fiorillo Anthony R. , Currie Philip J. , Longrich Nicholas R.
Published: January 2024

Tyrannosaurid dinosaurs dominated as predators in the Late Cretaceous of Laurasia, culminating in the evolution of the giant Tyrannosaurus rex, both the last and largest tyrannosaurid. Where and when Tyrannosaurini (T. rex and kin) originated remains unclear. Competing hypotheses place tyrannosaurin origins in Asia, or western North America (Laramidia). We report a new tyrannosaurin, Tyrannosaurus mcraeensis, from the Campanian–Maastrichtian Hall Lake Formation of New Mexico, based on a fossil previously referred to T. rex. T. mcraeensis predates T. rex by ~ 6–7 million years, yet rivaled it in size. Phylogenetic analysis recovers T. mcraeensis as sister to T. rex and suggests Tyrannosaurini originated in southern Laramidia. Evolution of giant tyrannosaurs in southern North America, alongside giant ceratopsians, hadrosaurs, and titanosaurs suggests large-bodied dinosaurs evolved at low latitudes in North America.
Characterizing conformational states in GPCR structures using machine learning
Authors: Buyanov Ilya , Popov Petr
Published: January 2024

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play a pivotal role in signal transduction and represent attractive targets for drug development. Recent advances in structural biology have provided insights into GPCR conformational states, which are critical for understanding their signaling pathways and facilitating structure-based drug discovery. In this study, we introduce a machine learning approach for conformational state annotation of GPCRs. We represent GPCR conformations as high-dimensional feature vectors, incorporating information about amino acid residue pairs involved in the activation pathway. Using a dataset of GPCR conformations in inactive and active states obtained through molecular dynamics simulations, we trained machine learning models to distinguish between inactive-like and active-like conformations. The developed model provides interpretable predictions and can be used for the large-scale analysis of molecular dynamics trajectories of GPCRs.
Facile green synthesis route for new ecofriendly photo catalyst for degradation acid red 8 dye and nitrogen recovery
Authors: Al Harby Nouf F. , Fetouh H. A. , El-Batouti Mervette
Published: January 2024

This study novelty is that new photo catalyst prepared from sustainability low cost precursors. Dark red color hydrogel composites have been easily prepared from gelatin biopolymer using a simple sol–gel method. Gelatin doped by cobalt chloride, and silver nanoparticles (SNPs) in the presence of traces amount of sodium dodecyl sulfate surfactant and calcium chloride. Water-insoluble Gelatin composites are thermally stable photocatalysts for the degradation of toxic anionic acid red 8 dye. Promising photodynamic activity confirmed by fluorescence emission at λmax 650 nm. Optical absorption in Vis. light enhanced photo catalytic activity. Silver nanoparticles enhanced crystallinity, and improved optical properties and porosity. Dopants by CoCl2 and silver nanoparticles increased band gap of gelatin composites from (1.82 to 1.95) indicating interfacial charge separation. Low band gaps improved photo catalytic activity. Optical band gaps (Eg) lower than 2.0 eV indicates high catalytic activity in the photo degradation acid red 8 dye using Vis. light, wavelength 650 nm. Percent removal efficiency (%Re) of the dye at 500 ppm initial concentration, pH 1, contact time 30 min., and 0.20 g L−1 dose photo catalyst reached 95%. pH not affects removal efficiency. So, gelatin composites removed AR8 dye by photodegradation mechanism rather than adsorption due to photodynamic activity. Kinetics of photodegradation followed pseudo first order kinetic with rate constant k1 5.13 × 10−2 min.−1 Good electrical conductivity and magnetic properties (effective magnetic moment (µeff 4.11 B.M) improved dye degradation into simple inorganic species. Nutrients NH4+, and NO3− degradation products recovered by using alumina silicate clay via a cation exchange mechanism.
Supercritical CO2 extraction of naringenin from Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens): its antioxidant capacity under simulated gastrointestinal digestion
Authors: Picos-Salas Manuel Adrian , Leyva-López Nayely , Bastidas-Bastidas Pedro de Jesús , Antunes-Ricardo Marilena , Cabanillas-Bojórquez Luis Angel , Angulo-Escalante Miguel Angel , Heredia J. Basilio , Gutiérrez-Grijalva Erick Paul
Published: January 2024

A supercritical CO2 method was optimized to recover naringenin-rich extract from Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens), a flavanone with high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. The effect of the extraction parameters like pressure, temperature, and co-solvent on naringenin concentration was evaluated. We used response surface methodology to optimize the naringenin extraction from oregano; the chemical composition by UPLC-MS of the optimized extract and the effect of simulated gastrointestinal digestion on its antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content were also evaluated. The optimum conditions were 58.4 °C and 12.46% co-solvent (ethanol), with a pressure of 166 bar, obtaining a naringenin content of 46.59 mg/g extract. Also, supercritical optimized extracts yielded high quantities of cirsimaritin, quercetin, phloridzin, apigenin, and luteolin. The results indicated that the naringenin-rich extract obtained at optimized conditions had higher total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity by TEAC and ORAC, and flavonoid content, compared with the methanolic extract, and the simulated gastrointestinal digestion reduced all these values.
Species-specific allometric models for reducing uncertainty in estimating above ground biomass at Moist Evergreen Afromontane Forest of Ethiopia
Authors: Mulatu Abu , Negash Mesele , Asrat Zerihun
Published: January 2024

An allometric equation is used to convert easily measured tree variables into biomass. However, limited species-specific biomass equations are available for native tree species grown in various biomes of Ethiopia. The available pantropic generic equation has resulted in biases owing to the uncertainty of the generic model estimation due to the difference in tree nature and response to growth conditions. The objective of the study is, thus, to develop a species-specific allometric equation for reducing uncertainty in biomass estimation at the Moist Evergreen Afromontane Forest in south-central Ethiopia. Five tree species were selected for model development, these selected trees were harvested and weighed in the field. The measured above-ground biomass data related to easily measured tree variables: diameter at stump height, diameter at breast height (dbh), crown diameter, and total tree height. The developed model evaluated and compared with previously published model by using measures of goodness of fit such as coefficient of determination (R2), total relative error, mean prediction error, root mean square error, and Akaike information criteria. The analysis showed that a model with dbh as a single predictor variable was selected as the best model for the estimation of above-ground biomass. It gives the highest R2 for Syzygium guineense (0.992) and the lowest for Bersama abyssinica (0.879). The additions of other tree variables did not improve the model The pantropic model by Brown overestimates the biomass by 9.6–77.8% while both Chave models resulted in an estimation error of 12–50.3%. Our findings indicated that species-specific allometric equations outperformed both site-specific and pantropic models in estimating above-ground biomass by giving 0.1% up to 7.9% estimation error for the respective tree species.
Experimental study of true triaxial high pressure subcritical water impact fracturing
Authors: Hu Shaobin , Wang Xiaofei , Wang Enyuan
Published: January 2024

A new fluid alternative to slick water for fracturing shale gas can reduce the waste of water resources and improve the extraction efficiency, enabling volumetric fracturing. For the new fracturing technique, the experiments of different release pressures under pre-injection and for pre-injection were conducted using a self-designed true triaxial experimental system, and the pressure pulse curves were plotted to analyze the fracturing principle. The experimental results showed that: (1) the pressure rise curve in the reactor can be divided into five stages: initial reaction, linear pressure rise, rate slowdown, instantaneous pressure release, and residual pressure stages; (2) Pre-filling fracturing requires a smaller expansion ratio, weaker pressure degradation, resulting in better fracturing effect; (3) The increase in the initial fracture length leads to an increase in the pressure required to extend the fracture, and high-pressure subcritical water impact fracturing achieved fracture extension at a lower fluid pressure; (4) The fractal dimension has a strong linear relationship with fracture complexity, which is a new option when evaluating the fracturing effect. Volumetric fracturing allows for the creation of more tiny trenches that increase reservoir permeability, leading to better recovery of the reservoir’s energy resources.
RSM approach for process optimization of the photodegradation of congo red by a novel NiCo2S4/chitosan photocatalyst
Authors: Gadore Vishal , Singh Ashish Kumar , Mishra Soumya Ranjan , Ahmaruzzaman Md.
Published: January 2024

The current study reported a facile co-precipitation technique for synthesizing novel NiCo2S4/chitosan nanocomposite. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared nanocomposite was evaluated using congo red (CR) dye as a target pollutant. The central composite design was employed to examine the impact of different reaction conditions on CR dye degradation. This study selected the pH, photocatalyst loading, initial CR concentration and reaction time as reaction parameters, while the degradation efficiency (%) was selected as the response. A desirability factor of 1 suggested the adequacy of the model. Maximum degradation of 93.46% of 35 ppm dye solution was observed after 60 min of visible light irradiation. The response to surface methodology (RSM) is a helpful technique to predict the optimum reaction conditions of the photodegradation of CR dye. Moreover, NiCo2S4/Ch displayed high recyclability and reusability up to four consecutive cycles. The present study suggests that the prepared NiCo2S4/chitosan nanocomposite could prove to be a viable photocatalyst for the treatment of dye-contaminated wastewater.
Ocular surface parameter changes in the untreated fellow eye after unilateral cataract surgery with short-term administration of anti-inflammatory eye drops
Authors: Lee Seung Hyeun , Chun Yeoun Sook , Kim Kyoung Woo
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to investigate the changes in clinical parameters of dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction in both the operated and untreated fellow eyes of patients who underwent unilateral cataract surgery with the short-term administration of anti-inflammatory eye drops in the surgical eye. The medical charts of 57 consecutive patients who underwent unilateral cataract surgery and received 1% prednisolone acetate and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID, 0.1% bromfenac sodium) eye drops were reviewed. The preoperative ocular surface disease index questionnaire score (38.9 ± 20.5) decreased significantly to 15.2 ± 16.4 at post-surgical 1 week and further to 12.8 ± 11.4 after 1 month. Although meibum quality grade increased and corneal sensitivity decreased at 1 week in operated eyes, corneal erosion scores and Sjogren’s International Collaborative Clinical Alliance ocular staining scores even improved over a month in the untreated fellow eyes. The tear matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 grade decreased in both operated eyes and untreated fellow eyes after 1 month from surgery. In conclusion, the short-term topical anti-inflammatory treatment using steroid and NSAID eye drops in the operated eye after cataract surgery decreased subjective ocular surface discomfort and improved ocular surface staining scores and tear MMP-9 expression in the untreated fellow eyes.
Serping1 associated with α-synuclein increase in colonic smooth muscles of MPTP-induced Parkinson’s disease mice
Authors: Seo Min Hyung , Kim Soo-Hwan , Yeo Sujung
Published: January 2024

Patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have gastrointestinal motility disorders, which are common non-motor symptoms. However, the reasons for these motility disorders remain unclear. Increased alpha-synuclein (α-syn) is considered an important factor in peristalsis dysfunction in colonic smooth muscles in patients with PD. In this study, the morphological changes and association between serping1 and α-syn were investigated in the colon of the 1-methyl 4-phenyl 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced chronic PD model. Increased serping1 and α-syn were noted in the colon of the PD model, and decreased serping1 also induced a decrease in α-syn in C2C12 cells. Serping1 is a major regulator of physiological processes in the kallikrein-kinin system, controlling processes including inflammation and vasodilation. The kinin system also comprises bradykinin and bradykinin receptor 1. The factors related to the kallikrein-kinin system, bradykinin, and bradykinin receptor 1 were regulated by serping1 in C2C12 cells. The expression levels of bradykinin and bradykinin receptor 1, modulated by serping1 also increased in the colon of the PD model. These results suggest that the regulation of increased serping1 could alleviate Lewy-type α-synucleinopathy, a characteristic of PD. Furthermore, this study could have a positive effect on the early stages of PD progression because of the perception that α-syn in colonic tissues is present prior to the development of PD motor symptoms.
The performance of a deep learning system in assisting junior ophthalmologists in diagnosing 13 major fundus diseases: a prospective multi-center clinical trial
Authors: Li Bing , Chen Huan , Yu Weihong , Zhang Ming , Lu Fang , Ma Jingxue , Hao Yuhua , Li Xiaorong , Hu Bojie , Shen Lijun , Mao Jianbo , He Xixi , Wang Hao , Ding Dayong , Li Xirong , Chen Youxin
Published: January 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI)-based diagnostic systems have been reported to improve fundus disease screening in previous studies. This multicenter prospective self-controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the diagnostic performance of a deep learning system (DLS) in assisting junior ophthalmologists in detecting 13 major fundus diseases. A total of 1493 fundus images from 748 patients were prospectively collected from five tertiary hospitals in China. Nine junior ophthalmologists were trained and annotated the images with or without the suggestions proposed by the DLS. The diagnostic performance was evaluated among three groups: DLS-assisted junior ophthalmologist group (test group), junior ophthalmologist group (control group) and DLS group. The diagnostic consistency was 84.9% (95%CI, 83.0% ~ 86.9%), 72.9% (95%CI, 70.3% ~ 75.6%) and 85.5% (95%CI, 83.5% ~ 87.4%) in the test group, control group and DLS group, respectively. With the help of the proposed DLS, the diagnostic consistency of junior ophthalmologists improved by approximately 12% (95% CI, 9.1% ~ 14.9%) with statistical significance (P < 0.001). For the detection of 13 diseases, the test group achieved significant higher sensitivities (72.2% ~ 100.0%) and comparable specificities (90.8% ~ 98.7%) comparing with the control group (sensitivities, 50% ~ 100%; specificities 96.7 ~ 99.8%). The DLS group presented similar performance to the test group in the detection of any fundus abnormality (sensitivity, 95.7%; specificity, 87.2%) and each of the 13 diseases (sensitivity, 83.3% ~ 100.0%; specificity, 89.0 ~ 98.0%). The proposed DLS provided a novel approach for the automatic detection of 13 major fundus diseases with high diagnostic consistency and assisted to improve the performance of junior ophthalmologists, resulting especially in reducing the risk of missed diagnoses. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04723160
Bright continuously tunable vacuum ultraviolet source for ultrafast spectroscopy
Authors: Jurkovičová Lucie , Ben Ltaief Ltaief , Hult Roos Andreas , Hort Ondřej , Finke Ondřej , Albrecht Martin , Hoque Ziaul , Klimešová Eva , Sundaralingam Akgash , Antipenkov Roman , Grenfell Annika , Špaček Alexandr , Szuba Wojciech , Krikunova Maria , Mudrich Marcel , Nejdl Jaroslav , Andreasson Jakob
Published: January 2024

Ultrafast electron dynamics drive phenomena such as photochemical reactions, catalysis, and light harvesting. To capture such dynamics in real-time, femtosecond to attosecond light sources are extensively used. However, an exact match between the excitation photon energy and a characteristic resonance is crucial. High-harmonic generation sources are advantageous in terms of pulse duration but limited in spectral tunability in the vacuum ultraviolet range. Here, we present a monochromatic femtosecond source continuously tunable around 21 eV photon energy utilizing the second harmonic of an optical parametric chirped pulse amplification laser system to drive high-harmonic generation. The unique tunability of the source is verified in an experiment probing the interatomic Coulombic decay in doped He nanodroplets across the He absorption bands. Moreover, we achieved intensities sufficient for driving collective processes in multiply excited helium nanodroplets, which have been previously observed only at free electron lasers.
Patterns of referrals to regional clinical genetics services for women potentially at above-population level risk of breast cancer
Authors: Usher-Smith Juliet A. , Tooth Georgia , Follows Annabel , Badran Abdul R. , Youngs Alice , Forman Andrea , Snape Katie , Antoniou Antonis C. , Tischkowitz Marc
Published: January 2024

Background

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that women in England at above-population risk be offered additional breast screening and, depending on the level of risk, risk-reducing medication or surgery.

Methods

We reviewed the hospital records of GP referrals made to two large genetics services in England between 01/12/2021-30/11/2022 for women aged 18–49 years and suspected to be at above-population level risk for breast cancer. We compared the women referred with the wider population and estimates of the number of women at above-population level risk using published data.

Results

Up to 20% of women referred did not provide sufficient information for a complete risk assessment and over 25% were considered at near-population level risk after assessment. We estimate that only a small fraction (<10%) of those above population level risk are identified and women in areas of lower deprivation are disproportionately represented amongst referrals.

Conclusions

Many women are missing out on potential preventative and risk-reducing interventions for breast cancer and current pathways may be exacerbating existing health inequalities. Better systems for collecting data on family history, improved methods for risk assessment in general practice and more systematic risk assessment of women prior to population-based screening are needed.
Zwitterionic oligomers of 3-aminobenzoic acid on screen-printed electrodes: structure, properties and forensic application
Authors: Shishkanova Tatiana V. , Pospíšilová Eva , Trchová Miroslava , Broncová Gabriela
Published: January 2024

Zwitterionic oligomers of 3-aminobenzoic acid (o-3ABA) were electrochemically deposited on screen-printed electrodes. The o-3ABA-modified electrodes offer new possibilities for the discrimination and determination of new psychoactive substances.
A simple and efficient alginate hydrogel combined with surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for quantitative analysis of sodium nitrite in meat products
Authors: Liang Fengnian , Huang Yiqun , Miao Junjian , Lai Keqiang
Published: January 2024

This image briefly described the principle and process of alginate hydrogel preparation and sodium nitrite detection.
All-in-one detection of breast cancer-derived exosomal miRNA on a pen-based paper chip
Authors: Guo Song , Xie Han , Zhao Xudong , He Honghao , Feng Xiaojun , Li Yiwei , Liu Bi-Feng , Chen Peng
Published: January 2024

An all-in-one detection strategy was proposed for the identification of breast cancer-derived exosomal miRNA-21, exhibiting high sensitivity and specificity on a pen-based paper chip.
A low-cost miniature immunosensor for haemoglobin as a device for the future detection of gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Demirhan Alper , Chianella Iva , Patil Samadhan B. , Khalid Ata
Published: January 2024

A novel device was developed for the future detection of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Lipid cubic phase with an organic–inorganic hybrid structure formed by organoalkoxysilane lipid
Authors: Kariya Miki , Omoto Kenichiro , Nomura Kaoru , Yonezawa Kento , Kamikubo Hironari , Nishino Toshio , Inoie Tomomi , Rapenne Gwénaël , Yasuhara Kazuma
Published: January 2024

A lipid cubic phase encompassing a cross-linked siloxane structure was formed by the self-assembly of a synthetic organoalkoxysilane lipid.
Bridge improvement work: maximising non-linear optical performance in polyoxometalate derivatives
Authors: Jones Claire F. , Hood Bethany R. , de Coene Yovan , Lopez-Poves Ivan , Champagne Benoît , Clays Koen , Fielden John
Published: January 2024

New phenyl and stilbene-bridged polyoxometalate (POM) charge-transfer chromophores with diphenylamino donor groups produce, respectively, the highest intrinsic and absolute quadratic hyperpolarisabilities measured for such species.
Effective and sustainable depolymerization of Nylon 66 – a transamidation for the complete recycling of polyamides
Authors: Coeck Robin , De Vos Dirk E.
Published: January 2024

The ammonia assisted transamidation of polyamides with short primary amides on a Nb2O5 catalyst as an effective recycling technique.
Zwitterionic fused pyrazolo-triazole based high performing energetic materials
Authors: Kumar Parasar , Kumar Navaneet , Ghule Vikas D. , Dharavath Srinivas
Published: January 2024

A series of nitrogen-rich fused energetic materials were synthesized from commercially available inexpensive starting materials and fully characterized using 1H and 13C NMR, IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and DSC.
Detection of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase in vitro and in vivo using a new fluorescent probe
Authors: Tang Xiaojie , Zhang Yuan , Wang Qiuyue , Li Zhao , Zhang Chengxiao
Published: January 2024

A new fluorescent probe, namely 3-oxo-3H-phenoxazin-7-yl dimethylcarbamate to the detection of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase in vitro and in vivo.
Effect of subsurface damages in seed crystals on the crystal quality of 4H-SiC single crystals grown by the PVT technology
Authors: Li Guofeng , Hang Wei , Chen Hongyu , Wang Rong , Pi Xiaodong , Yang Deren , Yuan Julong
Published: January 2024

This study focuses on the generation and transformation of defects associated with subsurface damages (SSDs) in seed crystals during the physical vapor transport (PVT) growth of 4H-SiC crystals.
Effects of solution height and crystal rotation on the solution flow behavior in the top-seeded solution growth of SiC single crystals
Authors: Sui Zhanren , Xu Lingbo , Cui Can , Wang Rong , Pi Xiaodong , Yang Deren , Han Xuefeng
Published: January 2024

To optimize crystal growth rates, it is advisable to choose rotational speeds corresponding to specific melt heights. In this study, rotating the crystal at 20–30 rpm in a double-vortex pattern resulted in a higher average growth rate.
CF3-substituted sulfonium cations as efficient chalcogen bond donors towards cyanometalates
Authors: Streit Tim-Niclas , Gomila Rosa M. , Sievers Robin , Frontera Antonio , Malischewski Moritz
Published: January 2024

Fine-tuning of the electrostatic potentials of sulfonium cations influences the lengths of S⋯N chalcogen bonds in supramolecular assemblies.
The significant role of water in reactions occurring on the surface of interstellar ice grains: Hydrogenation of pure ketene H2CCO ice versus hydrogenation of mixed H2CCO/H2O ice at 10 K
Authors: Ibrahim Mohamad , Guillemin Jean-Claude , Chaquin Patrick , Markovits Alexis , Krim Lahouari
Published: January 2024

Water ice plays an important role in reactions taking place on the surface of interstellar ice grains, ranging from catalytic effects that reduce reaction barrier heights to effects that stabilize the reaction products and intermediates formed, or that favor one reaction pathway over another.
A novel single-phase color tunable LiYGeO4:Dy3+, Eu3+ phosphor exhibiting warm white light and excellent thermal stability
Authors: Zuo Chunyu , Chen Rujia , Jiang Xiliang , Leng Zhuang , Yang Yimin , Zhang Zhipeng , Zhou Lingbo , Li Chun , Yang Weiling , Lin Hai , Liu Lina , Li Shasha , Zeng Fanming , Su Zhongmin
Published: January 2024

(a) Diffuse reflectance spectrum and (b) LYGO, LYGO:0.015Dy3+, LYGO:0.02Eu3+, LYGO:0.015Dy3+, 0.02Eu3+ band gap values; (c) the LYGO phosphors band structure; (d) Dy3+, Eu3+ doped phosphors of the LYGO band structure.
Study on damage of Gd2O3–CeO2 under electronic energy loss: comparison between bulk-like and nanostructure
Authors: Haq Waseem Ul , Grover V. , Kalita Parswajit , Shukla Rakesh , Singh Fouran , Srivastava Sanjeev Kumar , Shukla Shivam , Ghosh Santanu
Published: January 2024

To analyze nuclear reactor material damage, simulate conditions by exposing materials to energetic ions, enabling the study of operational lifespan and efficiency.
Analysis of two overlapping fragmentation approaches in density matrix construction: GMBE-DM vs. ADMA
Authors: Ballesteros Francisco , Lao Ka Un
Published: January 2024

In this study, we conduct a comparative analysis of two density matrix construction methods: GMBE-DM, using the set-theoretical principle of inclusion/exclusion, and ADMA, based on the Mulliken–Mezey ansatz.
Local reaction environment in electrocatalysis
Authors: Chen Chaojie , Jin Huanyu , Wang Pengtang , Sun Xiaogang , Jaroniec Mietek , Zheng Yao , Qiao Shi-Zhang
Published: January 2024

This review summarizes and analyses the development of local environment modification in promoting e-refinery. The surface structure, interfacial electric field and ion distribution collectively determine the electrolyte–electrode interface.
New group IIIA metal phosphate–oxalates containing dimethylammonium cations with proton conductivity
Authors: Pan Tian-Yu , Wen Wei-Yang , Ma Wen , Zheng Shou-Tian , Feng Mei-Ling , Huang Xiao-Ying
Published: January 2024

Three new layered metal phosphate–oxalates [(CH3)2NH2]2[M2(HPO4)2(H2PO4)2(C2O4)]·xH2O (M = Al, Ga, In) have been synthesized. [(CH3)2NH2]2[Al2(HPO4)2(H2PO4)2(C2O4)] displays the highest proton conductivity among metal phosphate–oxalates so far.
Bifunctional porphyrin-based metal–organic polymers for electrochemical water splitting
Authors: Ocuane Neidy , Ge Yulu , Sandoval-Pauker Christian , Villagrán Dino
Published: January 2024

Electrochemical water splitting offers the potential for environmentally friendly hydrogen and oxygen gas generation.
Enhancing CO2/N2and CH4/N2separation performance by salt-modified aluminum-based metal–organic frameworks
Authors: Zhang Peng , Ma Sai , Zhang Yujuan , He Chaohui , Hu Tuoping
Published: January 2024

A fluorinated metal salt was chelated into the uncoordinated N atoms of MOF-253 through a post-modification method and the adsorption capacity and selectivity for CO2and CH4were thus improvedviaa synergistic adsorption effect.