bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the role of polysaccharide extracted from Pleurotus columbinus on cisplatin-induced oxidative renal injury
Authors: Mohamed Sahar S. , Ibrahim Ghada S. , Ghoneim Mona A. M. , Hassan Amal I.
Published: January 2023

This research aimed to examine the antioxidant polysaccharide activity (PsPc-3) derived from Pleurotus columbinus (P. columbinus) on oxidative renal injury (ORI) induced by cisplatin (CP). The principal components of crude polysaccharide were assessed. We studied the preventive impact of polysaccharide on cisplatin-induced renal damage in this study. For 21 days, we employed the CP-induced ORI rat model and divided the rats into four groups: control, CP alone, polysaccharide post CP (100 mg/kg) orally, and CP + polysaccharide (pre and post). The chemical characterization of the polysaccharide fraction PsPc-3 stated that protein was not present. PsPc-3 contained 7.2% uronic acid as assessed as 0% sulfate. PsPc-3 hydrolysate structured of Galacturonic:Glucose:Xylose and their molar proportions were 1:4:5, respectively. The average molecular weight (Mw) and molecular mass (Mn) per molecule of PsPc-3 were 5.49 × 104 g/mol and Mn of 4.95 × 104 g/mol respectively. DPPH radical scavenging activity was demonstrated by the polysaccharide of 65.21–95.51% at 10 mg/ml with IC50 less than 10 mg/ml. CP increased serum urea to 92.0 mg/dl and creatinine up to 1.0 mg/dl, with a concurrent decrease in the levels of total protein to 4.0 mg/dl. Besides, Also, CP-induced ORI raised levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and renal hormones (renin and aldosterone), with a decline in antioxidants compared to control rats. In addition, in the presence of CP, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels increased. PsPc-3 decreased these changes dramatically. PsPc-3 improves pathological renal damage caused by CP and decreases tubular apoptosis measured by DNA ladder formation and cleaved caspase- 3. These findings showed that PsPc-3 isolated from P. columbinus protects and inhibits tubular apoptosis in cisplatin-induced ORI. Furthermore, PsPc-3 has no influence on the anticancer efficacy of CP in rats. Thus, PsPc-3 derived from P. columbinus might provide a novel therapy method for cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.
Modelling parametric uncertainty in large-scale stratigraphic simulations
Authors: Mahmudova A. , Civa A. , Caronni V. , Patani S. E. , Bozzoni P. , Bazzana L. , Porta G. M.
Published: January 2023

We combine forward stratigraphic models with a suite of uncertainty quantification and stochastic model calibration algorithms for the characterization of sedimentary successions in large scale systems. The analysis focuses on the information value provided by a probabilistic approach in the modelling of large-scale sedimentary basins. Stratigraphic forward models (SFMs) require a large number of input parameters usually affected by uncertainty. Thus, model calibration requires considerable time both in terms of human and computational resources, an issue currently limiting the applications of SFMs. Our work tackles this issue through the combination of sensitivity analysis, model reduction techniques and machine learning-based optimization algorithms. We first employ a two-step parameter screening procedure to identify relevant parameters and their assumed probability distributions. After selecting a restricted set of important parameters these are calibrated against available information, i.e., the depth of interpreted stratigraphic surfaces. Because of the large costs associated with SFM simulations, probability distributions of model parameters and outputs are obtained through a data driven reduced complexity model. Our study demonstrates the numerical approaches by considering a portion of the Porcupine Basin, Ireland. Results of the analysis are postprocessed to assess (i) the uncertainty and practical identifiability of model parameters given a set of observations, (ii) spatial distribution of lithologies. We analyse here the occurrences of sand bodies pinching against the continental slope, these systems likely resulting from gravity driven processes in deep sea environment.
Predictors of adverse gambling behaviours amongst elite athletes
Authors: Turk Matthew Adam , Murphy Colm , McCaffrey Jack , Murray Kieran
Published: January 2023

Problem gambling levels amongst elite sportspeople are above populational baseline. We assess gambling in an elite Irish sporting population. An anonymous web-based questionnaire including the validated Problem Gambling Severity Index was distributed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate predictors of moderate/high risk gambling. 608 players (mean age 24) were included. Seventy nine percent of respondents were current gamblers and 6% problem gamblers. Amongst high-risk gamblers, significantly more were male (100% vs 76%, p = 0.003), fewer completed university (52% vs 69%, p = 0.024), and more were smokers (48% vs 24%, p = 0.002). They were also more likely to avail of free online gambling offers (90% vs 44%, p < 0.001), gamble with teammates (52% vs 21%, p < 0.001) and have placed their first bet before age 16 (41% vs 19%, p = 0.003). In multivariate analysis, moderate/high risk gambling was associated with: male gender (OR = 8.9 [1.1–69], p = 0.035), no 3rd level education (OR = 2.5 [1.4–5.0], p = 0.002), free online gambling use (OR = 4.3 [2.1–5.3], p < 0.001), gambling with teammates (OR = 3.0 [1.7–5.3], p < 0.001), and being under 18 at first bet (OR = 2.0 [1.1–3.3], p = 0.013). This study shows a harmful gambling culture amongst elite Irish athletes. Male gender, lower educational status, free online gambling use, gambling with teammates and first bet at less than age 18 were associated with moderate/high risk gambling. These groups may benefit from targeted interventions.
Comparison of pedicle screw fixation with or without cement augmentation for treating single-segment isthmic spondylolisthesis in the osteoporotic spine
Authors: Peng Jian-cheng , Guo Hui-zhi , Zhan Chen-guang , Huang Hua-sheng , Ma Yan-huai , Zhang Shun-cong , Xu Yue-rong , Mo Guo-ye , Tang Yong-chao
Published: January 2023

The present study examined the necessity of cement-augmented pedicle screw fixation in osteoporotic patients with single-segment isthmic spondylolisthesis.Fifty-nine cases were reviewed retrospectively. Thirty-three cases were in the polymethylmethacrylate-augmented pedicle screw (PMMA-PS) group, and the other 26 cases were in the conventional pedicle screw (CPS) group. Evaluation data included operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization cost, hospitalization days, rates of fusion, screw loosening, bone cement leakage, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, Oswestry disability index (ODI), lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic tilt (PT) and sacral slope (SS).The operation time and blood loss in the CPS group decreased significantly compared to those in the PMMA-PS group. The average hospitalization cost of the PMMA-PS group was significantly higher than that of the CPS group. There was no significant difference in the average hospital stay between the 2 groups. The initial and last follow-up postoperative VAS and ODI scores improved significantly in the two groups. There were no significant differences in VAS and ODI between the 2 groups at each time point. The last postoperative spine-pelvic parameters were significantly improved compared with those preoperatively. In the PMMA-PS group, the fusion rate was 100%. The fusion rate was 96.15% in the CPS group. No significant difference was found between the two groups for the fusion rate. Nine patients in the PMMA-PS group had bone cement leakage. There was no screw loosening in the PMMA-PS group. There were 2 cases of screw loosening in the CPS group. There were no significant differences in screw loosening, postoperative adjacent segment fractures, postoperative infection or postoperative revision between the 2 groups. The use of PMMA-PS on a regular basis is not recommended in posterior lumbar interbody fusion for the treatment of single-segment isthmic spondylolisthesis with osteoporosis.
Influence of hydrogenated diesel/H2O2 blend fuel on diesel engine performance and exhaust emission characterization
Authors: Moujdin Iqbal Ahmed , Khan Muhammad Saad , Abulkhair Hani Abdulelah , Shaiban Amer Ahmed , Organji Hussam Adnan , Alsaiari Abdulmohsen Omar
Published: January 2023

The oxygenated hydro diesel (OHD) is prepared from hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), acetone, and seaweed polysaccharide. A long-term study was carried out on the OHD fuel blend stability for about a year at various temperatures. The long-term stability shows very stable properties, no easy emulsion breaking, and a long storage period. The neat diesel and blend fuel performance test was conducted at various engine speeds, 1700–3100 RPM the diesel blend with 5 wt.% and 10 wt. % of H2O2 revealed the best fraction for reducing smoke and emissions. The blend contains 15 wt.% H2O2, revealing a significant reduction in exhaust temperature without considering the engine's performance. Moreover, the performance of the OHD also revealed an economizing rate, decreasing environmental pollution and prolonging the engine’s service life. The diesel engine performance and environmental evaluation leading to exhaust emissions characterization ($${\mathrm{CO}}_{\mathrm{X}}$$

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, and others). Based on the results, the various concentrations of H2O2 are an effective method for reducing the emission of diesel engines. Decreased CO, SO2, unburned hydrocarbons, and NO2 were also observed as percentages of H2O2. Due to increased oxygen content, water content and cetane number, the number of unburned hydrocarbons from diesel fuel decreased with the addition of H2O2. Therefore, the OHD blend can significantly curtail the exhaust emission of conventional diesel fuel, which will help reduce the harmful greenhouse gas emissions from diesel fuel sources.
Assessing reliability and validity of different stiffness measurement tools on a multi-layered phantom tissue model
Authors: Bartsch Katja , Brandl Andreas , Weber Patrick , Wilke Jan , Bensamoun Sabine F. , Bauermeister Wolfgang , Klingler Werner , Schleip Robert
Published: January 2023

Changes in the mechanical properties (i.e., stiffness) of soft tissues have been linked to musculoskeletal disorders, pain conditions, and cancer biology, leading to a rising demand for diagnostic methods. Despite the general availability of different stiffness measurement tools, it is unclear as to which are best suited for different tissue types and the related measurement depths. The study aimed to compare different stiffness measurement tools’ (SMT) reliability on a multi-layered phantom tissue model (MPTM). A polyurethane MPTM simulated the four layers of the thoracolumbar region: cutis (CUT), subcutaneous connective tissue (SCT), fascia profunda (FPR), and erector spinae (ERS), with varying stiffness parameters. Evaluated stiffness measurement tools included Shore Durometer, Semi-Electronic Tissue Compliance Meter (STCM), IndentoPRO, MyotonPRO, and ultrasound imaging. Measurements were made by two independent, blinded examiners. Shore Durometer, STCM, IndentoPRO, and MyotonPRO reliably detected stiffness changes in three of the four MPTM layers, but not in the thin (1 mm thick) layer simulating FPR. With ultrasound imaging, only stiffness changes in layers thicker than 3 mm could be measured reliably. Significant correlations ranging from 0.70 to 0.98 (allp < 0.01) were found. The interrater reliability ranged from good to excellent (ICC(2,2) = 0.75–0.98). The results are encouraging for researchers and clinical practitioners as the investigated stiffness measurement tools are easy-to-use and comparatively affordable.
Predictors of underage pregnancy among women aged 15–19 in highly prevalent regions of Ethiopia: a multilevel analysis based on EDHS, 2016
Authors: Bitew Desalegn Anmut , Akalu Yonas , Belsti Yitayeh , Diress Mengistie , Gela Yibeltal Yismaw , Belay Daniel Gashaneh , Getahun Amare Belete , Terefe Bewuketu , Getnet Mihret
Published: January 2023

Under age (teenage) pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs under the age of 20 years old. Its magnitude is increasing globally. It is much higher in low-income countries compared to high-income countries. Teenage pregnancy exposed teenagers to various obstetric and perinatal complications. However, its predictors are not well investigated in highly prevalent regions of Ethiopia. Therefore, this study assessed individual and community-level predictors of teenage pregnancy using a multi-level logistic regression model. An in-depth secondary data analysis was performed using the fourth Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) 2016 data set. A weighted sample of 2397 teenagers was included in the final analysis. Multi co linearity and chi-square tests were checked and variables which did not fulfill the assumptions were excluded from the analysis. Four models were fitted. Variables with p value ≤ 0.2 in the bi-variable multilevel logistic regression were included in the multivariable multilevel logistic regression. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was computed. Variables with a p value of less than 0.05 in the multi-variable multilevel logistic regression were declared as statistically significant predictors. A total of 2397 weighted participants aged from 15 to 19 were involved. About 15% of teenagers were pregnant. Age [17 (AOR = 9.41: 95% CI 4.62, 19.13), 18 (AOR = 11.7: 95% CI 5.96, 23.16), 19 (AOR = 24.75: 95% CI 11.82, 51.82)], primary education (AOR = 2.09: 95% CI 1.16, 3.76), being illiterate (AOR = 1.80: 95% CI 1.19, 2.73), religion [being Muslims (AOR: 2.98:95% CI 1.80, 4.94), being Protestants (AOR = 2.02: 95% CI 1.20, 3.41)], contraceptive non use (AOR = 0.18: 95% CI 0.11, 0.31), a high proportion of family planning demand (AOR = 3.52: 95% CI 1.91, 6.49), and a high proportion of marriage (AOR = 4.30: 95% CI 2.25, 8.21) were predictors of teenage pregnancy. Age, educational status, religion, contraceptive non-use, literacy proportion of marriage and proportion of demand for family planning were the most significant predictors of teenage pregnancy. The ministry of education shall focus on universal access to education to improve female education. The government should work in collaboration with religious fathers to address reproductive and sexual issues to decrease early marriage and sexual initiation. Especial attention should be given to teenagers living in a community with a high proportion of marriage.
Generation of myocyte agonal Ca2+ waves and contraction bands in perfused rat hearts following irreversible membrane permeabilisation
Authors: Morishita Yuma , Tamura Shoko , Mochizuki Kentaro , Harada Yoshinori , Takamatsu Tetsuro , Hosoi Hajime , Tanaka Hideo
Published: January 2023

Although irreversible cardiomyocyte injury provokes intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) overload, the underlying dynamics of this response and its effects on cellular morphology remain unknown. We therefore visualised rapid-scanning confocal fluo4-[Ca2+]i dynamics and morphology of cardiomyocytes in Langendorff-perfused rat hearts following saponin-membrane permeabilisation. Our data demonstrate that 0.4% saponin-treated myocytes immediately exhibited high-frequency Ca2+ waves (131.3 waves/min/cell) with asynchronous, oscillatory contractions having a mean propagation velocity of 117.8 μm/s. These waves slowly decreased in frequency, developed a prolonged decay phase, and disappeared in 10 min resulting in high-static, fluo4-fluorescence intensity. The myocytes showing these waves displayed contraction bands, i.e., band-like actin-fibre aggregates with disruption of sarcomeric α-actinin. The contraction bands were not attenuated by the abolition of Ca2+ waves under pretreatment with ryanodine plus thapsigargin, but were partially attenuated by the calpain inhibitor MDL28170, while mechanical arrest of the myocytes by 2,3-butanedione monoxime completely attenuated contraction-band formation. The depletion of adenosine 5′-triphosphate by the mitochondrial electron uncoupler carbonyl cyanide 4-trifluoromethoxy phenylhydrazone also attenuated Ca2+ waves and contraction bands. Overall, saponin-induced myocyte [Ca2+]i overload provokes agonal Ca2+ waves and contraction bands. Contraction bands are not the direct consequence of the waves but are caused by cross-bridge interactions of the myocytes under calpain-mediated proteolysis.
Prognostic costimulatory molecule-related signature risk model correlates with immunotherapy response in colon cancer
Authors: Huang Wanze , Su Duntao , Liao Xin , Yang Tongtong , Lu Yan , Zhang Zhejia
Published: January 2023

Costimulatory molecules can promote the activation and proliferation of T cells and play an essential role in immunotherapy. However, their role in the prognosis of colon adenocarcinoma remains elusive. In this study, the expression data of costimulatory molecules and clinicopathological information of 429 patients with colon adenocarcinoma were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The patients were divided into training and verification cohorts. Correlation, Cox regression, and Lasso regression analyses were performed to identify costimulatory molecules related to prognosis. After mentioning the construction of the risk mode, a nomogram integrating the clinical characteristics and risk scores of patients was constructed to predict prognosis. Eventually, three prognostic costimulatory molecules were identified and used for constructing a risk model. High expression of these three molecules indicated a poor prognosis. The predictive accuracy of the risk model was verified in the GSE17536 dataset. Subsequently, multivariate regression analysis showed that the signature based on the three costimulatory molecules was an independent risk factor in the training cohort (HR = 2.12; 95% CI = 1.26, 3.56). Based on the risk model and clinicopathological data, the AUC values for predicting the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival probability of patients with colon adenocarcinoma were 0.77, 0.77, and 0.71, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to report a risk signature constructed based on the costimulatory molecules TNFRSF10c, TNFRSF13c, and TNFRSF11a. This risk signature can serve as a prognostic biomarker for colon adenocarcinoma and is related to the immunotherapeutic response of patients.
Spatio-temporal expression pattern of Raffinose Synthase genes determine the levels of Raffinose Family Oligosaccharides in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) seed
Authors: Sanyal Rajarshi , Pradhan Bhubaneswar , Jawed Danish Md. , Tribhuvan Kishor U. , Dahuja Anil , Kumar Madan , Kumar Narendra , Mishra Gyan P. , Ram Chet , Mahatma Mahesh Kumar , Singh Binay K. , Mangrauthia Satendra K. , Singh Anil K. , Sharma T. R. , Pattanayak Arunava , Bishi Sujit K.
Published: January 2023

Raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) are known to have important physiological functions in plants. However, the presence of RFOs in legumes causes flatulence, hence are considered antinutrients. To reduce the RFOs content to a desirable limit without compromising normal plant development and functioning, the identification of important regulatory genes associated with the biosynthetic pathway is a prerequisite. In the present study, through comparative RNA sequencing in contrasting genotypes for seed RFOs content at different seed maturity stages, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with the pathway were identified. The DEGs exhibited spatio-temporal expression patterns with high RFOs variety showing early induction of RFOs biosynthetic genes and low RFOs variety showing a late expression at seed maturity. Selective and seed-specific differential expression of raffinose synthase genes (AhRS14 and AhRS6) suggested their regulatory role in RFOs accumulation in peanut seeds, thereby serving as promising targets in low RFOs peanut breeding programs. Despite stachyose being the major seed RFOs fraction, differential expression of raffinose synthase genes indicated the complex metabolic regulation of this pathway. The transcriptomic resource and the genes identified in this study could be studied further to develop low RFOs varieties, thus improving the overall nutritional quality of peanuts.
Plastic plumage colouration in response to experimental humidity supports Gloger’s rule
Authors: López-Rull Isabel , Salaberría Concepción , Fargallo Juan Antonio
Published: January 2023

Knowing how animals adapt their phenotype to local temperature and humidity is key to understanding not only ecogeographical rules, but also how species will manage climate change, as current models predict changes in global patterns of temperature and precipitation. In endotherms, colour adaptations in response to climate have been under investigated, and their acclimatization-the individual capacity to reversibly adjust phenotype in response to different environments-is unknown. Geographic trends can provide clues about abiotic variables involved in colouration, as postulated by Gloger’s rule, which predicts darker individuals in warm and humid regions. We tested whether house sparrows (Passer domesticus) can adjust colouration when faced with varying humidity conditions. We exposed birds to either a dry (humidity 45%) or a wet environment (70%) six months before their moult, and measured colouration in newly developed feathers in five parts of the body (bib, crown, crown stripe, belly and rump). As predicted by Gloger’s rule, birds in wet conditions developed darker (bib and belly) and larger (bib) melanised plumage patches, than birds in dry conditions. Our result provides the first unequivocal evidence that the ability of individual birds to adjust their colouration may be a potential adaptation to climatic changes in endotherms.
Correlative light and electron microscopic observation of calcium phosphate particles in a mouse kidney formed under a high-phosphate diet
Authors: Battulga Batpurev , Shiizaki Kazuhiro , Miura Yutaka , Osanai Yasuyuki , Yamazaki Reiji , Shinohara Yoshiaki , Kubota Yoshiyuki , Hara Toru , Kuro-o Makoto , Ohno Nobuhiko
Published: January 2023

Calcium phosphate forms particles under excessive urinary excretion of phosphate in the kidney. While the formation of calcium phosphate particles (CaPs) has been implicated in the damage to renal tubular cells and renal dysfunction, clarifying the ultrastructural information and the elemental composition of the small CaPs in the wide areas of kidney tissue has been technically difficult. This study introduces correlative and sequential light as well as electron microscopic CaP observation in the kidney tissue by combining fluorescent staining for CaPs and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) on resin sections prepared using high-pressure freezing and freeze substitution. CaPs formed in mouse kidneys under long-term feeding of a high-phosphate diet were clearly visualized on resin sections by fluorescence-conjugated alendronate derivatives and toluidine blue metachromasia. These CaPs were verified by correlative observation with EDS. Furthermore, small CaPs formed in the kidney under short-term feeding were detected using fluorescent probes. The elemental composition of the particles, including calcium and magnesium, was identified following EDS analyses. These results suggest that the correlative microscopy approach is helpful for observing in situ distribution and elemental composition of CaPs in the kidney and contributing to studies regarding CaP formation-associated pathophysiology.
Simultaneous magnetic field and field gradient mapping of hexagonal MnNiGa by quantitative magnetic force microscopy
Authors: Freitag Norbert H. , Reiche Christopher F. , Neu Volker , Devi Parul , Burkhardt Ulrich , Felser Claudia , Wolf Daniel , Lubk Axel , Büchner Bernd , Mühl Thomas
Published: January 2023

Magnetic force microscopy (MFM) is a scanning microscopy technique that is commonly employed to probe the sample’s magnetostatic stray fields via their interaction with a magnetic probe tip. In this work, a quantitative, single-pass MFM technique is presented that maps one magnetic stray-field component and its spatial derivative at the same time. This technique uses a special cantilever design and a special high-aspect-ratio magnetic interaction tip that approximates a monopole-like moment. Experimental details, such as the control scheme, the sensor design, which enables simultaneous force and force gradient measurements, as well as the potential and limits of the monopole description of the tip moment are thoroughly discussed. To demonstrate the merit of this technique for studying complex magnetic samples it is applied to the examination of polycrystalline MnNiGa bulk samples. In these experiments, the focus lies on mapping and analyzing the stray-field distribution of individual bubble-like magnetization patterns in a centrosymmetric [001] MnNiGa phase. The experimental data is compared to calculated and simulated stray-field distributions of 3D magnetization textures, and, furthermore, bubble dimensions including diameters are evaluated. The results indicate that the magnetic bubbles have a significant spatial extent in depth and a buried bubble top base.
Inner skin effects on non-Hermitian topological fractals
Authors: Manna Sourav , Roy Bitan
Published: January 2023

Non-Hermitian (NH) crystals, quasicrystals, and amorphous network display an accumulation of a macroscopic number of states near one of its specific interfaces with vacuum, such as edge, surface, hinge, or corner. This phenomenon is known as the NH skin effect, which can only be observed with open boundary condition. In this regard self-similar fractals, manifesting inner boundaries in the interior of the system, harbor a novel phenomenon, the inner skin effect (ISE). Then the NH skin effect appears at the inner boundaries of the fractal lattice with periodic boundary condition. We showcase this observation by implementing prominent models for NH insulators and superconductors on representative planar Sierpinski carpet fractal lattices. They accommodate both first-order and second-order ISEs at inner edges and corners, respectively, for charged as well as neutral Majorana fermions. Furthermore, over extended parameter regimes ISEs are tied with nontrivial bulk topological invariants, yielding intrinsic ISEs. With the recent success in engineering NH topological phases on highly tunable metamaterial platforms, such as photonic and phononic lattices, as well as topolectric circuits, the proposed ISEs can be observed experimentally at least on fractal metamaterials with periodic boundary condition.
Forest disturbance decreased in China from 1986 to 2020 despite regional variations
Authors: Liu Zhihua , Wang Wen J. , Ballantyne Ashley , He Hong S. , Wang Xugao , Liu Shuguang , Ciais Philippe , Wimberly Michael C. , Piao Shilong , Yu Kailiang , Yao Qichao , Liang Yu , Wu Zhiwei , Fang Yunting , Chen Anping , Xu Wenru , Zhu Jiaojun
Published: January 2023

Human activities have altered disturbance patterns in many parts of world, but there is no quantitative information on patterns and trends of forest disturbance regimes in China. We applied a spectral-temporal segmentation approach over all available Landsat data to map individual disturbance patches and characterize the patterns and trends in disturbance rate, size, frequency, and severity across China’s forests. From 1986 to 2020, about 39.7% of China’s forests were disturbed with an annual rate of 1.16 ± 0.41% yr−1. The disturbance decreased at a rate of −390 ± 142 km2 yr−1, primarily driven by the effective implementation of forest protection policy since 2000s. The rate, frequency, and size of disturbance generally intensified in Southeast, but weakened in Northeast China. Our high-quality, spatially explicit disturbance map provides an essential data layer to understand the landscape-scale drivers of forest dynamics and functions for important but less understood pan-temperate forest regions.
Propagating MOF flexibility at the macroscale: the case of MOF-based mechanical actuators
Authors: Troyano Javier , Maspoch Daniel
Published: January 2023

Flexible Metal–Organic Framework (MOF) composites can be designed to develop shapeshifting materials in which the propagation of the dynamic behavior of flexible MOFs from the nano- or mesoscale to the macroscale results into useful mechanical work.
High-efficiency electroreduction of nitrite to ammonia on a Cu@TiO2 nanobelt array
Authors: Ouyang Ling , Fan Xiaoya , Li Zerong , He Xun , Sun Shengjun , Cai Zhengwei , Luo Yongsong , Zheng Dongdong , Ying Binwu , Zhang Jing , Alshehri Abdulmohsen Ali , Wang Yan , Ma Ke , Sun Xuping
Published: January 2023

A Cu nanoparticle-decorated TiO2 nanobelt array on a titanium plate acts as a catalyst for NH3 electrosynthesis via NO2− reduction, attaining an NH3 yield of 760.5 μmol h−1 cm−2 (237.7 μmol h−1 mgcat.−1) and a high Faradaic efficiency of 95.3%.
Growth of chemical gardens in gaseous acidic atmospheres
Authors: Angelis Georgios , Sant Georgios , Vizirianakis Ioannis S. , Pampalakis Georgios
Published: January 2023

Laboratory calthemites. The growth of chemical gardens at the liquid-air interface is demonstrated that yields analogues of calthemites and soda straws.
Chemical etching strategy to prepare microtubes of a hybrid organic cuprous halide
Authors: Xu Si-Yu , Yang Jie-Ru , Wu Ya-Nan , Lin Hang-qing , Chai Yun , Lin Jia-Wei , Du Ke-Zhao
Published: January 2023

A luminescent microtube with a tunable cavity was prepared using a chemical etching strategy. The crystal growth, microtube formation, and further applications were studied.
Pb2+removal based on the confinement effect in polygonal carbon nanotubes: a molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Yan Zhiguo , Liu Jieqing , Huang Ling , Fu Heqing
Published: January 2023

Polygonal carbon nanotubes/graphene are promising composite materials for Pb2+interception at the outlets.
Digital microfluidics for biological analysis and applications
Authors: Xu Xing , Cai Linfeng , Liang Shanshan , Zhang Qiannan , Lin Shiyan , Li Mingying , Yang Qizheng , Li Chong , Han Ziyan , Yang Chaoyong
Published: January 2023

Digital microfluidic (DMF) bioassays with the benefits of automation, addressability, integration and dynamic configuration ability for nucleic acids, proteins, immunoreaction and cell analysis are presented in this review.
Human mini-brains for reconstituting central nervous system disorders
Authors: Kang You Jung , Xue Yingqi , Shin Jae Hee , Cho Hansang
Published: January 2023

In this review, we overview designs and applications of microfluidics-based human mini-brains for reconstituting CNS disorders and expanded model systems ranging from the CNS to CNS-connecting organ axes with future perspectives.
Efficient AC electrothermal flow (ACET) on-chip for enhanced immunoassays
Authors: Draz Muaz S. , Uning Kevin , Dupouy Diego , Gijs Martin A. M.
Published: January 2023

In-plane microfluidic AC-electrothermal mixing.
Stable and reusable Pd-nanoparticle catalyzed synthesis of symmetrical and unsymmetrical 1,2-dicarbonyl compounds
Authors: Rao Gollapalli Narasimha , Sekar Govindasamy
Published: January 2023

A Pd-nanoparticle catalyzed synthesis of symmetrical 1,2-dicarbonyl compounds was developed from alkynes, which was further extended to the synthesis of unsymmetrical 1,2-dicarbonyl compounds.
A dual-color fluorescent biosensing platform based on amine functionalized 3D copper Prussian blue nanocubes and exonuclease I activity for simultaneous detection of kanamycin and streptomycin
Authors: Amalraj Arunjegan , Chauhan Narendra Pal Singh , Perumal Panneerselvam
Published: January 2023

A dual fluorescent oligosensor was fabricated to detect kanamycin (KAN) and streptomycin (STR).
TsOH-catalyzed acyl migration reaction of the Bz-group: innovative assembly of various building blocks for the synthesis of saccharides
Authors: Liang Xing-Yong , Liu An-Lin , Shawn Fan Hua-Jun , Wang Lei , Xu Zhi-Ning , Ding Xin-Gang , Huang Bo-Shun
Published: January 2023

An efficient catalytic regioselective acyl migration makes possible the straightforward preparation of various partially protected saccharide derivatives.
Dearomative tandem annulation to access chiral indoline-fused bicyclo[2.2.2]octanes using modularly designed organocatalysts
Authors: Zou Wen-Lin , Liu Yan-Qing , Li Qing-Zhu , Kou Xin-Xin , Huang Hua , Tong Rong-Sheng , Li Jun-Long , Han Bo
Published: January 2023

An asymmetric dearomative tandem annulation between 3-nitroindoles and 7-oxo-5-heptenals was developed by using modularly designed organocatalysts self-assembled from cinchona-squaramide and d-proline.
Bioaugmentation with an aerobic denitrifying bacterium with quorum quenching activity for improved nitrogen removal and reduced membrane fouling in anoxic/oxic membrane bioreactor
Authors: Wei Pengyuan , Li Jun , Zhang Jing , Zhang Yi , Luo Rong , Xie Chaofan , Wang Zhaozhao
Published: January 2023

WZL728 improved total nitrogen removal and reduced membrane fouling which decreased the concentration of AHLs to regulate microbial community and metabolism, thereby reducing EPS secretion.
Systematic analysis of curvature-dependent lipid dynamics in a stochastic 3D membrane model
Authors: Saha Tanumoy , Heuer Andreas , Galic Milos
Published: January 2023

To minimize the free energy of the system, membranes display curvature-dependent lipid rearrangements.
Retraction: Acellularized spinal cord scaffolds incorporating bpV(pic)/PLGA microspheres promote axonal regeneration and functional recovery after spinal cord injury
Authors: Liu Jia , Li Kai , Huang Ke , Yang Chengliang , Huang Zhipeng , Zhao Xingchang , Song Shiqiang , Pang Taisen , Zhou Jing , Wang Yuhai , Wang Chong , Tang Yujin
Published: January 2023

Retraction of ‘Acellularized spinal cord scaffolds incorporating bpV(pic)/PLGA microspheres promote axonal regeneration and functional recovery after spinal cord injury’ by Jia Liu et al., RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 18677–18686, https://doi.org/10.1039/D0RA02661A.
Advancing our knowledge of antigen processing with computational modelling, structural biology, and immunology
Authors: Turner Steven , Essex Jonathan W. , Elliott Tim
Published: January 2023

Antigen processing is an immunological mechanism by which intracellular peptides are transported to the cell surface while bound to Major Histocompatibility Complex molecules, where they can be surveyed by circulating CD8+ or CD4+ T-cells, potentially triggering an immunological response. The antigen processing pathway is a complex multistage filter that refines a huge pool of potential peptide ligands derived from protein degradation into a smaller ensemble for surface presentation. Each stage presents unique challenges due to the number of ligands, the polymorphic nature of MHC and other protein constituents of the pathway and the nature of the interactions between them. Predicting the ensemble of displayed peptide antigens, as well as their immunogenicity, is critical for improving T cell vaccines against pathogens and cancer. Our predictive abilities have always been hindered by an incomplete empirical understanding of the antigen processing pathway. In this review, we highlight the role of computational and structural approaches in improving our understanding of antigen processing, including structural biology, computer simulation, and machine learning techniques, with a particular focus on the MHC-I pathway.
Kernel extreme learning machine‐based general solution to forward kinematics of parallel robots
Authors: Ma Jun , Duan Xuechao , Zhang Dan
Published: January 2023

The forward kinematics of parallel robots is a challenging issue due to its highly coupled non‐linear relation among branch chains. This paper presents a novel approach to forward kinematics of parallel robots based on kernel extreme learning machine (KELM). To tackle with the forward kinematics solution of fully parallel robots, the forward kinematics solution of parallel robots is equivalently transformed into a machine learning model first. On this basis, a computational model combining sparrow search algorithm and KELM is then established, which can serve as both regression and classification. Based on SSA‐optimised KELM (SSA‐KELM) established in this study, a binary discriminator for judging the existence of the forward kinematics solution and a multi‐label regression model for predicting the forward kinematics solution are built to obtain the forward kinematics general solution of parallel robots with different structural configurations and parameters. To evaluate the proposed model, a numerical case on this dataset collected by the inverse kinematics model of a typical 6‐DOF parallel robot is conducted, followed by the results manifesting that the binary discriminator with the discriminant accuracy of 88.50% is superior over ELM, KELM, support vector machine and logistic regression. The multi‐label regression model, with the root mean squared error of 0.06 mm for the position and 0.15° for the orientation, outperforms the double‐hidden‐layer back propagation (2‐BP), ELM, KELM and genetic algorithm‐optimised KELM. Furthermore, numerical cases of parallel robots with different structural configurations and parameters are compared with state‐of‐the‐art models. Moreover, these results of numerical simulation and experiment on the host computer demonstrate that the proposed model displays its high precision, high robustness and rapid convergence, which provides a candidate for the forward kinematics of parallel robots.
A turbo‐based encryption and coding scheme for multiple‐input multiple‐output orthogonal frequency division multiplexing wireless communication systems affected by Doppler frequency offset
Authors: Linh Dinh Van , Yem Vu Van
Published: January 2023

Multiple‐Input Multiple‐Output Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (MIMO‐OFDM) is an essential technology in the wireless communication system. However, its performance is significantly affected by Carrier Frequency Offset (CFO), which leads to inter‐carrier interference (ICI). The CFO estimation and compensation techniques are used to mitigate the Doppler effect. In addition, the confidentiality of data is a key factor of the system. This paper proposes a Turbo‐based encryption and coding scheme to improve reliability and security for the MIMO‐OFDM wireless communication systems affected by the Doppler frequency offset. In our proposed scheme, the secret key is produced from channel parameters between legitimate users and it is used as a seed for generating a pseudo‐random bit sequence using an Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) generator with variable key lengths. The Turbo code's puncturing mechanism is controlled by this pseudo‐random bit sequence. The proposed method is applied to the system with different modulation schemes through the Rayleigh channel. The simulation results show that the system affected by the Doppler effect would obtain the best performance when using the highest key length of the AES generator, the BPSK, and a great number of receive antennas. Furthermore, the proposed solution outperforms several previous approaches for the MIMO‐OFDM systems.
Dynamic attention network for flame detection
Authors: Fang Long , Zhang Yunfeng , Li Hao , Chen Bo , Sui Yaguang
Published: January 2023

Recently, flame detection has attracted great attention. However, existing methods have the issues of low detection rates, high false alarm rates, and lack of smoke anti‐interference ability. In this letter, a novel dynamic attention‐based network (DANet) is proposed for autonomous flame detection in various scenarios. To mitigate the disturbance of smoke in images, a dynamic attention strategy is proposed to discover the potential features among scale‐awareness and spatial‐awareness. Then, based on dynamic attention module, a decoupled detection head is presented, which can predict category, regression, and object score independently to boost the performance. A self‐contained challenging flame dataset, which is multi‐scene, multiscale, and multi‐interference informative is constructed to evaluate the proposed model and organize the experiments. Extensive ablation and comparison studies on self‐labelled dataset reveal the effectiveness of the proposed dynamic attention‐based network.
A new design of channel denoiser using residual autoencoder
Authors: Han Soyoung , Kim Junghyun , Song Hong‐Yeop
Published: January 2023

A joint neural network decoder and denoiser scheme demonstrated superior performance compared to individual modules. However, there is still a limitation that the existing denoisers cannot effectively learn patterns of encoded signals. To overcome the limitation, a novel denoiser based on a residual autoencoder structure is proposed. The proposed denoiser speeds up the training process and boosts the performance due to its structure effectively extracting compressed features. For the evaluation, a joint system model with a hyper‐graph‐network decoder that is known for outstanding decoding performance is considered. Simulation results show that this denoiser outperforms the existing denoisers. Furthermore, the proposed joint model shows significant performance improvement compared to the individual hyper‐graph‐network decoder with only 1% of the number of epochs for the training.
Deep learning based beamforming for MISO systems with dirty‐paper coding
Authors: Lou Xingliang , Xia Wenchao , Wen Wanli , Zhao Haitao , Li Xiaohui , Wang Bin
Published: January 2023

Beamforming technique can effectively improve the spectrum utilization in the multi‐antenna systems, while the dirty‐paper coding (DPC) technique can reduce the inter‐user interference. In this letter, it is aimed to maximize the weighted sum‐rate under the total power constraint in the multiple‐input‐single‐output (MISO) system with the DPC technique. However, the existing methods of beamforming optimization mainly rely on customized iterative algorithms, which have high computational complexity. To address this issue, the beamforming neural network (BFNNet) is devised by utilizing the deep learning technique and the uplink‐downlink duality and exploring the optimal solution structure, which includes the deep neural network module and the signal processing module. Simulation results show that the BFNNet can achieve near‐optimal solutions and significantly reduce computational complexity.
Weighted alignment‐based multi‐source domain adaptation for object detection
Authors: Han Joonhwan , Woo Seungbeom , Hwang Joong‐won , Hwang Wonjun
Published: January 2023

Beyond single‐source domain adaption (DA) for object detection, multi‐source domain adaptation for object detection is another challenge because the authors should solve the multiple domain shifts between the source and target domains as well as between multiple source domains. In this letter, the authors propose a novel multi‐source domain adaptation via weighted alignment for object detection where the authors adopt a teacher–student framework. The authors first propose the weighted multiple binary discriminator (MBD) to align the multiple domains considering individual domain shifts. The authors also design the weighted class balance loss (CBL) that aligns the different weights to efficiently learn the detection model even if the number of objects is not balanced in an image under the teacher–student learning scheme. The authors empirically prove the superiority of our method on widely used benchmarks such as Cityscapes, KITTI, and BDD100k datasets.
Joint state estimation with integrated sensing and communications for UAV enabled 6G systems
Authors: Zhao Jianwei , Jia Weimin , Zhang Fenggan , He Fang , Jin Wei , Jiang Nan
Published: January 2023

Integrated sensing and communications (ISAC) is a key technique for UAV enabled 6G communications. In this paper, the joint state estimation problem for UAV aided 6G communications is considered. Firstly, the characteristics of the spatial channel is explored by considering the Jittering effects. Meanwhile, the channel characteristics of the spatial channel is analyzed. Then, a joint state estimation method is proposed by utilizing the ISAC technique, where the UAV attitude, the communication, and the control are jointly designed to benefit the system performance. Finally, various simulation results are provided to verify the performance of the proposed method.
Analytical modelling of a slotless tubular interior permanent magnet machine considering iron poles permeability
Authors: Javanmardi Mohammad Hosein , Rahideh Akbar
Published: January 2023

An analytical method is proposed to model the magnetic field distribution across a slotless tubular interior permanent magnet machine. In order to consider the permeability of both permanent magnets and iron poles of the slider, in the proposed approach, instead of choosing each one as an individual sub‐domain, they are taken as an integrated sub‐domain. Therefore, the governing partial differential equation alters from Poisson equation to the governing magnetostatics equation for inhomogeneous (space‐dependent permeability) materials. The solution is derived through separation of variables method in which a Sturm‐Liouville problem is encountered. The solution and its important mathematical properties, such as the orthogonality and generalised Fourier series, are fully addressed. These properties are very helpful for creating linear interface equations in terms of the integral coefficients. In addition, since the number of sub‐domains is decreased, the total number of the unknowns of the final matrix of equations is reduced effectively. To validate the proposed method, a case study is simulated by the aid of computer software and its results are compared with those of finite element method. It has been observed that the results are in good agreement.
Stripped-envelope stars in different metallicity environments
Authors: Aguilera-Dena David R. , Müller Bernhard , Antoniadis John , Langer Norbert , Dessart Luc , Vigna-Gómez Alejandro , Yoon Sung-Chul
Published: January 2023

Stripped-envelope stars can be observed as Wolf-Rayet (WR) stars or as less luminous hydrogen-poor stars with low mass-loss rates and transparent winds. Both types are potential progenitors of Type I core-collapse supernovae (SNe). We used grids of core-collapse models obtained from single helium stars at different metallicities to study the effects of metallicity on the transients and remnants these stars produce. We characterised the surface and core properties of our core-collapse models and investigated their ‘explodability’ using three criteria. In the cases where explosions are predicted, we estimated the ejecta mass, explosion energy, nickel mass, and neutron star (NS) mass. Otherwise, we predicted the mass of the resulting black hole (BH). We constructed a simplified population model and find that the properties of SNe and compact objects depend strongly on metallicity. The ejecta masses and explosion energies for Type Ic SNe are best reproduced by models with Z = 0.04 that exhibit strong winds during core helium burning. This implies that either their mass-loss rates are underestimated or that Type Ic SN progenitors experience mass loss through other mechanisms before exploding. The distributions of ejecta masses, explosion energies, and nickel mass for Type Ib SNe are not well reproduced by progenitor models with WR mass loss, but are better reproduced if we assume no mass loss in progenitors with luminosities below the minimum WR star luminosity. We find that Type Ic SNe become more common as metallicity increases, and that the vast majority of progenitors of Type Ib SNe must be transparent-wind stripped-envelope stars. We find that several models with pre-collapse CO masses of up to ∼30 M⊙ may form ∼3 M⊙ BHs in fallback SNe. This may have important consequences for our understanding of SNe, binary BH and NS systems, X-ray binary systems, and gravitational wave transients.