bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macroscopic resting-state brain dynamics are best described by linear models
Authors: Nozari Erfan , Bertolero Maxwell A. , Stiso Jennifer , Caciagli Lorenzo , Cornblath Eli J. , He Xiaosong , Mahadevan Arun S. , Pappas George J. , Bassett Dani S.
Published: December 2023

It is typically assumed that large networks of neurons exhibit a large repertoire of nonlinear behaviours. Here we challenge this assumption by leveraging mathematical models derived from measurements of local field potentials via intracranial electroencephalography and of whole-brain blood-oxygen-level-dependent brain activity via functional magnetic resonance imaging. We used state-of-the-art linear and nonlinear families of models to describe spontaneous resting-state activity of 700 participants in the Human Connectome Project and 122 participants in the Restoring Active Memory project. We found that linear autoregressive models provide the best fit across both data types and three performance metrics: predictive power, computational complexity and the extent of the residual dynamics unexplained by the model. To explain this observation, we show that microscopic nonlinear dynamics can be counteracted or masked by four factors associated with macroscopic dynamics: averaging over space and over time, which are inherent to aggregated macroscopic brain activity, and observation noise and limited data samples, which stem from technological limitations. We therefore argue that easier-to-interpret linear models can faithfully describe macroscopic brain dynamics during resting-state conditions.
Aerobic exercise training mitigates tumor growth and cancer-induced splenomegaly through modulation of non-platelet platelet factor 4 expression
Authors: Tobias Gabriel C. , Gomes João L. P. , Fernandes Larissa G. , Voltarelli Vanessa A. , de Almeida Ney R. , Jannig Paulo R. , de Souza Rodrigo W. Alves , Negrão Carlos E. , Oliveira Edilamar M. , Chammas Roger , Alves Christiano R. R. , Brum Patricia C.
Published: December 2023

Exercise training reduces the incidence of several cancers, but the mechanisms underlying these effects are not fully understood. Exercise training can affect the spleen function, which controls the hematopoiesis and immune response. Analyzing different cancer models, we identified that 4T1, LLC, and CT26 tumor-bearing mice displayed enlarged spleen (splenomegaly), and exercise training reduced spleen mass toward control levels in two of these models (LLC and CT26). Exercise training also slowed tumor growth in melanoma B16F10, colon tumor 26 (CT26), and Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) tumor-bearing mice, with minor effects in mammary carcinoma 4T1, MDA-MB-231, and MMTV-PyMT mice. In silico analyses using transcriptome profiles derived from these models revealed that platelet factor 4 (Pf4) is one of the main upregulated genes associated with splenomegaly during cancer progression. To understand whether exercise training would modulate the expression of these genes in the tumor and spleen, we investigated particularly the CT26 model, which displayed splenomegaly and had a clear response to the exercise training effects. RT-qPCR analysis confirmed that trained CT26 tumor-bearing mice had decreased Pf4 mRNA levels in both the tumor and spleen when compared to untrained CT26 tumor-bearing mice. Furthermore, exercise training specifically decreased Pf4 mRNA levels in the CT26 tumor cells. Aspirin treatment did not change tumor growth, splenomegaly, and tumor Pf4 mRNA levels, confirming that exercise decreased non-platelet Pf4 mRNA levels. Finally, tumor Pf4 mRNA levels are deregulated in The Cancer Genome Atlas Program (TCGA) samples and predict survival in multiple cancer types. This highlights the potential therapeutic value of exercise as a complementary approach to cancer treatment and underscores the importance of understanding the exercise-induced transcriptional changes in the spleen for the development of novel cancer therapies.
System biology mediated assessment of molecular mechanism for sinapic acid against breast cancer: via network pharmacology and molecular dynamic simulation
Authors: Dwivedi Prarambh S. R. , Shastry C. S.
Published: December 2023

Sinapic acid is a hydroxycinnamic acid widespread in the plant kingdom, known to be a potent anti-oxidant used for the treatment of cancer, infections, oxidative stress, and inflammation. However, the mode of action for its chemotherapeutic properties has yet not been unleashed. Hence, we aimed to identify potential targets to propose a possible molecular mechanism for sinapic acid against breast cancer. We utilized multiple system biology tools and databases like DisGeNET, DIGEP-Pred, Cytoscape, STRING, AutoDock 4.2, AutoDock vina, Schrodinger, and gromacs to predict a probable molecular mechanism for sinapic acid against breast cancer. Targets for the disease breast cancer, were identified via DisGeNET database which were further matched with proteins predicted to be modulated by sinapic acid. In addition, KEGG pathway analysis was used to identify pathways; a protein-pathway network was constructed via Cytoscape. Molecular docking was performed using three different algorithms followed by molecular dynamic simulations and MMPBSA analysis. Moreover, cluster analysis and gene ontology (GO) analysis were performed. A total of 6776 targets were identified for breast cancer; 95.38% of genes predicted to be modulated by sinapic acid were common with genes of breast cancer. The ‘Pathways in cancer’ was predicted to be modulated by most umber of proteins. Further,PRKCA,CASP8, andCTNNB1were predicted to be the top 3 hub genes. In addition, molecular docking studies revealedCYP3A4,CYP1A1, andSIRT1to be the lead proteins identified from AutoDock 4.2, AutoDock Vina, and Schrodinger suite Glide respectively. Molecular dynamic simulation and MMPBSA were performed for the complex of sinapic acid with above mentioned proteins which revealed a stable complex throughout simulation. The predictions revealed that the mechanism of sinapic acid in breast cancer may be due to regulation of multiple proteins likeCTNNB1,PRKCA,CASP8,SIRT1, and cytochrome enzymes (CYP1A1&CYP3A4); the majorly regulated pathway was predicted to be ‘Pathways in cancer’. This indicates the rationale for sinapic acid to be used in the treatment of breast cancer. However, these are predictions and need to be validated and looked upon in-depth to confirm the exact mechanism of sinapic acid in the treatment of breast cancer; this is future scope as well as a drawback of the current study.
Giant enhancement of nonreciprocity in gyrotropic heterostructures
Authors: Katsantonis Ioannis , Tasolamprou Anna C. , Koschny Thomas , Economou Eleftherios N. , Kafesaki Maria , Valagiannopoulos Constantinos
Published: December 2023

Nonreciprocity is a highly desirable feature in photonic media since it allows for control over the traveling electromagnetic waves, in a way that goes far beyond ordinary filtering. One of the most conventional ways to achieve nonreciprocity is via employing gyrotropic materials; however, their time-reversal-symmetry-breaking effects are very weak and, hence, large, bulky setups combined with very strong magnetic biases are required for technologically useful devices. In this work, artificial heterostructures are introduced to enhance the effective nonreciprocal behavior by reducing the contribution of the diagonal susceptibilities in the collective response; in this way, the off-diagonal ones, that are responsible for nonreciprocity, seem bigger. In particular, alternating gyrotropic and metallic or plasmonic films make an epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) effective-medium by averaging the diagonal permittivities of opposite sign, representing the consecutive layers. The homogenization process leaves unaltered the nonzero off-diagonal permittivities of the original gyrotropic substance, which become dominant and ignite strong nonreciprocal response. Realistic material examples that could be implemented experimentally in the mid-infrared spectrum are provided while the robustness of the enhanced nonreciprocity in the presence of actual media losses is discussed and bandwidth limitations due to the unavoidable frequency dispersion are elaborated. The proposed concept can be extensively utilized in designing optical devices that serve a wide range of applications from signal isolation and wave circulation to unidirectional propagation and asymmetric power amplification.
Pilot-scale genome-wide association mapping in diverse sorghum germplasms identified novel genetic loci linked to major agronomic, root and stomatal traits
Authors: Ramalingam Ajay Prasanth , Mohanavel Williams , Kambale Rohit , Rajagopalan Veera Ranjani , Marla Sandeep R. , Prasad P. V. Vara , Muthurajan Raveendran , Perumal Ramasamy
Published: December 2023

This genome-wide association studies (GWAS) used a subset of 96 diverse sorghum accessions, constructed from a large collection of 219 accessions for mining novel genetic loci linked to major agronomic, root morphological and physiological traits. The subset yielded 43,452 high quality single nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) markers exhibiting high allelic diversity. Population stratification showed distinct separation between caudatum and durra races. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) decay was rapidly declining with increasing physical distance across all chromosomes. The initial 50% LD decay was ~ 5 Kb and background level was within ~ 80 Kb. This study detected 42 significant quantitative trait nucleotide (QTNs) for different traits evaluated using FarmCPU, SUPER and 3VmrMLM which were in proximity with candidate genes related and were co-localized in already reported quantitative trait loci (QTL) and phenotypic variance (R2) of these QTNs ranged from 3 to 20%. Haplotype validation of the candidate genes from this study resulted nine genes showing significant phenotypic difference between different haplotypes. Three novel candidate genes associated with agronomic traits were validated including Sobic.001G499000, a potassium channel tetramerization domain protein for plant height, Sobic.010G186600, a nucleoporin-related gene for dry biomass, and Sobic.002G022600 encoding AP2-like ethylene-responsive transcription factor for plant yield. Several other candidate genes were validated and associated with different root and physiological traits including Sobic.005G104100, peroxidase 13-related gene with root length, Sobic.010G043300, homologous to Traes_5BL_8D494D60C, encoding inhibitor of apoptosis with iWUE, and Sobic.010G125500, encoding zinc finger, C3HC4 type domain with Abaxial stomatal density. In this study, 3VmrMLM was more powerful than FarmCPU and SUPER for detecting QTNs and having more breeding value indicating its reliable output for validation. This study justified that the constructed subset of diverse sorghums can be used as a panel for mapping other key traits to accelerate molecular breeding in sorghum.
Earthworms do not increase greenhouse gas emissions (CO2 and N2O) in an ecotron experiment simulating a three-crop rotation system
Authors: Forey Oswaldo , Sauze Joana , Piel Clément , Gritti Emmanuel S. , Devidal Sébastien , Faez Abdelaziz , Ravel Olivier , Nahmani Johanne , Rouch Laly , Blouin Manuel , Pérès Guénola , Capowiez Yvan , Roy Jacques , Milcu Alexandru
Published: December 2023

Earthworms are known to stimulate soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, but the majority of previous studies have used simplified model systems or lacked continuous high-frequency measurements. To address this, we conducted a 2-year study using large lysimeters (5 m2 area and 1.5 m soil depth) in an ecotron facility, continuously measuring ecosystem-level CO2, N2O, and H2O fluxes. We investigated the impact of endogeic and anecic earthworms on GHG emissions and ecosystem water use efficiency (WUE) in a simulated agricultural setting. Although we observed transient stimulations of carbon fluxes in the presence of earthworms, cumulative fluxes over the study indicated no significant increase in CO2 emissions. Endogeic earthworms reduced N2O emissions during the wheat culture (− 44.6%), but this effect was not sustained throughout the experiment. No consistent effects on ecosystem evapotranspiration or WUE were found. Our study suggests that earthworms do not significantly contribute to GHG emissions over a two-year period in experimental conditions that mimic an agricultural setting. These findings highlight the need for realistic experiments and continuous GHG measurements.
Protein and lipid expansion microscopy with trypsin and tyramide signal amplification for 3D imaging
Authors: Wang Ueh-Ting Tim , Tian Xuejiao , Liou Yae-Huei , Lee Sue-Ping , Hu Hsiao-Tang , Lu Chieh-Han , Lin Po-Ting , Cheng Ya-Jen , Chen Peilin , Chen Bi-Chang
Published: December 2023

Expansion microscopy, whereby the relative positions of biomolecules are physically increased via hydrogel expansion, can be used to reveal ultrafine structures of cells under a conventional microscope. Despite its utility for achieving super-resolution imaging, expansion microscopy suffers a major drawback, namely reduced fluorescence signals caused by excessive proteolysis and swelling effects. This caveat results in a lower photon budget and disfavors fluorescence imaging over a large field of view that can cover an entire expanded cell, especially in 3D. In addition, the complex procedures and specialized reagents of expansion microscopy hinder its popularization. Here, we modify expansion microscopy by deploying trypsin digestion to reduce protein loss and tyramide signal amplification to enhance fluorescence signal for point-scanning-based imaging. We name our new methodology TT-ExM to indicate dual trypsin and tyramide treatments. TT-ExM may be applied for both antibody and lipid staining. TT-ExM displayed enhanced protein retention for endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial markers in COS-7 cell cultures. Importantly, TT-ExM-based lipid staining clearly revealed the complex 3D membrane structures in entire expanded cells. Through combined lipid and DNA staining, our TT-ExM methodology highlighted mitochondria by revealing their DNA and membrane structures in cytoplasm, as well as the lipid-rich structures formed via phase separation in nuclei at interphase. We also observed lipid-rich chromosome matrices in the mitotic cells. These high-quality 3D images demonstrate the practicality of TT-ExM. Thus, readily available reagents can be deployed in TT-ExM to significantly enhance fluorescence signals and generate high-quality and ultrafine-resolution images under confocal microscopy.
Correlates of minimum dietary diversity among pregnant women on antenatal care follow up at public health facility in Puntland, Somalia
Authors: Mohammed Feiruza , Abdirizak Najma , Jibril Abdulfetah , Oumer Abdu
Published: December 2023

In Somalia, where a poorly diversified diet is leading to adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, there is a significant dearth of evidence that needs to be studied. Hence, this study was to identify factors associated with minimum dietary diversity among pregnant women in Somalia. A facility-based survey was conducted among 361 pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) using a structured questionnaire. Dietary diversity was measured using consumption of 10-food groups. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were used, along with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. About 48.2% (42.9–53.5) of women had an inadequately diversified diet. The risk of having an inadequately diversified diet was higher among rural residents (AOR = 1.20; 0.30–4.75), multigravida (AOR = 2.85; 1.43–5.68), young women (AOR = 2.15; 0.82–5.61), extended families (AOR = 1.19; 0.68–2.10), with infrequent ANC visits (AOR = 4.12; 2.06–8.27), fewer frequent meals (AOR = 1.84; 1.09–3.10) and from food-insecure households (AOR = 3.84; 2.28–6.49) as compared to their counterparts. Consumption of poorly diversified diet was prevalent and associated with dietary diversity was prevalent among women which could be strongly predicted by parity, ante-natal care and food security, which needs to be targeted for interventions.
Potential bioremediation of lead and phenol by sunflower seed husk and rice straw-based biochar hybridized with bacterial consortium: a kinetic study
Authors: El-Gamal Eman H. , Rashad Mohamed , Saleh Maher E. , Zaki Sahar , Eltarahony Marwa
Published: December 2023

Environmental pollution is a global phenomenon and troublesome fact that poses a grave risk to all living entities. Via coupling carbonaceous feedstocks with outstanding microbial activity, kinetic experiments were established using the consortium of Proteus mirabilis and Raoultella planticola, biochar-derived sunflower seed husk (SHB) and rice straw (RSB), and their composites, which investigated at 30 °C (150 rpm) to eliminate 700 mg L−1 lead (120 h) and phenol (168 h) from synthetic wastewater. The derived biochars physicochemical properties of were studied. According to adsorption capacity (qe), consortium-SHB composites and consortium-RSB composites removed lead completely (70 mg g−1) within 48 h and 66 h, respectively. Besides, phenol was remediated entirely after 42 h and 48 h by both composite systems (69.90 mg g−1), respectively, comparing with bacterial consortium only or parent SHB and RSB. Moreover, four kinetic models were studied to describe the bioremediation process. Fractional power and Elovich models could be recommended for describing the adsorption kinetics for lead and phenol removal by the studied biomaterials with high correlation coefficient (R2 ≥ 0.91 for Pb2+ and ≥ 0.93 for phenol) and lower residual root mean square error (RMSE) and chi-square (X2). Overall, bacterial consortium-biochar composites exhibited greater remediation of lead and phenol than the sum of each single bacterial consortium and biochar systems; reflecting synergistic interaction of adsorptive capability of biochar and metabolic performance of bacterial consortium, as denoted by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The current study addressed the successful design of employing functional remediating consortium immobilized on waste biomass-derived biochar as a conducive alternative eco-sorbent and economic platform to detoxify organic and inorganic pollutants.
Mir324 knockout regulates the structure of dendritic spines and impairs hippocampal long-term potentiation
Authors: Parkins Emma V. , Brager Darrin H. , Rymer Jeffrey K. , Burwinkel John M. , Rojas Diego , Tiwari Durgesh , Hu Yueh-Chiang , Gross Christina
Published: December 2023

MicroRNAs are an emerging class of synaptic regulators. These small noncoding RNAs post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression, thereby altering neuronal pathways and shaping cell-to-cell communication. Their ability to rapidly alter gene expression and target multiple pathways makes them interesting candidates in the study of synaptic plasticity. Here, we demonstrate that the proconvulsive microRNA miR-324-5p regulates excitatory synapse structure and function in the hippocampus of mice. Both Mir324 knockout (KO) and miR-324-5p antagomir treatment significantly reduce dendritic spine density in the hippocampal CA1 subregion, and Mir324 KO, but not miR-324-5p antagomir treatment, shift dendritic spine morphology, reducing the proportion of thin, “unstable” spines. Western blot and quantitative Real-Time PCR revealed changes in protein and mRNA levels for potassium channels, cytoskeletal components, and synaptic markers, including MAP2 and Kv4.2, which are important for long-term potentiation (LTP). In line with these findings, slice electrophysiology revealed that LTP is severely impaired in Mir324 KO mice, while neurotransmitter release probability remains unchanged. Overall, this study demonstrates that miR-324-5p regulates dendritic spine density, morphology, and plasticity in the hippocampus, potentially via multiple cytoskeletal and synaptic modulators.
Seismic behavior of precast columns with unbonded prestressed tendons and energy-dissipating bars: physical and numerical investigations
Authors: Ma Chao , Zheng Xiaobo , Zhu Zhao , Zhou Mi
Published: December 2023

The study of the strength and failure modes of construction components has become increasingly important with the advent of industrialized construction. Recently, because of the need to promote the survivability of both structures and persons, it has encompassed failure modes associated with seismic threats. This study reports the seismic behavior of precast segmented columns designed with both unbonded prestressed tendons (UPTs) and energy-dissipating (ED) bars. A physical specimen was subjected to a quasi-static cyclic test; this permitted the evaluation of the damage mode and behavior of the energy dissipation mechanism, and permitted the establishment and verification of a fiber beam element simulation model. The model was then used to evaluate the effects of the variation of the design parameters on the behavior of precast assembled columns. The test specimen exhibited stable energy dissipation and a pinching effect during cyclic loading. An analysis using the fiber beam element model with varying design parameters revealed that high-strength concrete could mitigate the concrete damage and residual deformation after an earthquake, and that the concrete strength and steel bar strength should be matched when enhancing the seismic resilience of precast columns with high-strength steel bars. It was determined that increasing the prestress mechanism, namely the ratio of the UPTs, could greatly improve the residual deformation, while the ratio of ED bars is the key factor in enhancing the energy dissipation capacity of the precast columns. Suitable ratios of UPTs and ED bars are the keys to ensuring stable energy dissipation and low residual drifts. Moreover, an increased axial load ratio and prestress level are able to restrain the joint opening and improve the bearing capacity of the precast columns; however, an excessive axial load or prestressing force would result in the rapid degeneration of the carrying capacity and larger residual displacements.
Robot locomotion by fluid–fluid interaction
Authors: Kitamori Hiroto , Kudoh Shunsuke , Shintake Jun
Published: December 2023

This paper describes a locomotion strategy for robots based on the interaction between two fluids, through the development of an untethered mobile robot. The fundamental principle of robot locomotion is to exploit the active deformations of ferrofluid caused by internal magnetic fields, which generate reaction forces to the surrounding fluid (in this study, water). The developed robot is equipped with two permanent magnets (PMs), two electromagnets (EMs), two clusters of ferrofluid, and a control unit with batteries. It has a length, width, and mass of 107 mm, 94 mm, and 127 g, respectively. In the robot, PMs are used to hold clusters of ferrofluid. The activation of EMs by the controller achieves forward and rotational movements of the robot. Experimental results show the forward speed and rotational speed in water to be 2.7 mm/s (at a driving frequency of 9 Hz) and 1.2°/s (at a driving frequency of 7 Hz), respectively. The measured thrust force of the robot is 2 mN, further supporting the concept of robot locomotion by fluid–fluid interaction.
In vivo mapping of hemodynamic responses mediated by tubuloglomerular feedback in hypertensive kidneys
Authors: Lee Blaire , Postnov Dmitry D. , Sørensen Charlotte M. , Sosnovtseva Olga
Published: December 2023

The kidney has a sophisticated vascular structure that performs the unique function of filtering blood and managing blood pressure. Tubuloglomerular feedback is an intra-nephron negative feedback mechanism stabilizing single-nephron blood flow, glomerular filtration rate, and tubular flow rate, which is exhibited as self-sustained oscillations in single-nephron blood flow. We report the application of multi-scale laser speckle imaging to monitor global blood flow changes across the kidney surface (low zoom) and local changes in individual microvessels (high zoom) in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats in vivo. We reveal significant differences in the parameters of TGF-mediated hemodynamics and patterns of synchronization. Furthermore, systemic infusion of a glucagon-like-peptide-1 receptor agonist, a potential renoprotective agent, induces vasodilation in both groups but only alters the magnitude of the TGF in Sprague Dawleys, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.
Combination strategy for prognostication in patients undergoing post-resuscitation care after cardiac arrest
Authors: Park Jung Soo , Kim Eun Young , You Yeonho , Min Jin Hong , Jeong Wonjoon , Ahn Hong Joon , In Yong Nam , Lee In Ho , Kim Jae Moon , Kang Changshin
Published: December 2023

This study investigated the prognostic performance of combination strategies using a multimodal approach in patients treated after cardiac arrest. Prospectively collected registry data were used for this retrospective analysis. Poor outcome was defined as a cerebral performance category of 3–5 at 6 months. Predictors of poor outcome were absence of ocular reflexes (PR/CR) without confounding factors, a highly malignant pattern on the most recent electroencephalography, defined as suppressed background with or without periodic discharges and burst-suppression, high neuron-specific enolase (NSE) after 48 h, and diffuse injury on imaging studies (computed tomography or diffusion-weighted imaging [DWI]) at 72–96 h. The prognostic performances for poor outcomes were analyzed for sensitivity and specificity. A total of 130 patients were included in the analysis. Of these, 68 (52.3%) patients had poor outcomes. The best prognostic performance was observed with the combination of absent PR/CR, high NSE, and diffuse injury on DWI [91.2%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 80.7–97.1], whereas the combination strategy of all available predictors did not improve prognostic performance (87.8%, 95% CI 73.8–95.9). Combining three of the predictors may improve prognostic performance and be more efficient than adding all tests indiscriminately, given limited medical resources.
Thermal characteristics of magnetized hybrid Casson nanofluid flow in a converging–diverging channel with radiative heat transfer: a computational analysis
Authors: Akbar Noreen Sher , Hussain M. Fiaz , Alghamdi Metib , Muhammad Taseer
Published: December 2023

In the present article we consider the physical model of two-dimensional Casson hybrid nanofluids flow, which is magnetized and thermally radiative, laminar, incompressible inside the channel. Flow equations have been modelled for two dimensional axial and radial velocity components $$u$$
u
along $$x{\text{-axis}}$$

x
-axis

and $$v$$
v
along the $$y{\text{-axis}}$$

y
-axis

. There exists temperature $$\left({T}_{1}>{T}_{2}\right)$$

T
1

>

T
2

which is constant for upper and lower walls. The Casson nanofluids model with nano type particles includes heat transfer effect between two stretched and shrinking walls of the channel was constructed. The continuity, momentum and energy equations are modelled in cartesian coordinates system. The finite element technique is used to evaluate numerical solutions for velocity, temperature, Skin friction and Nusselt number. It is evident that the hybrid Casson nanofluids exhibit opposite behaviors in the stretching and shrinking cases near the upper and lower walls of the channel. It is also observed that in the stretching case, increasing the values of the Casson parameter leads to a rise in both shear stress and heat transfer rate for both plates of the channel. However, the results contradict this trend in the shrinking case. Understanding the thermal characteristics of magnetized hybrid fluids can be applied to the design of advanced cooling systems in engineering applications, biomedical fluid dynamic, in energy system this study can be applied to improve the efficiency of energy systems where fluid flow and heat transfer play crucial roles. Further use of nanofluids suggests a connection to nanotechnology, and the study may have implications for the development of advanced nanomaterial-based heat transfer fluids.
Expert teacher based on foundation image segmentation model for object detection in aerial images
Authors: Yu Yinhui , Sun Xu , Cheng Qing
Published: December 2023

Despite the remarkable progress of general object detection, the lack of labeled aerial images limits the robustness and generalization of the detector. Teacher–student learning is a feasible solution on natural image domain, but few works focus on unlabeled aerial images. Inspired by foundation models with the powerful generalization in computer vision field, we propose an expert teacher framework based on foundation image segmentation model called ET-FSM. Our approach provides the performance gains for the student detector by generating high-quality pseudo-labels for unlabeled aerial images. In the ET-FSM, we design the binary detector with expert guidance mechanism to sufficiently leverage the extra knowledge obtained from the foundation image segmentation model, which accurately detects object positions in the complex backgrounds. Also, we present the momentum contrast classification module to distinguish confused object categories in aerial images. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, we construct an unlabeled aerial image dataset covering various scenes. The experiments are conducted on diverse types of student detectors. The results show that the proposed approach achieves superior performance compared to existing methods, and allows the student detector to achieve fully supervised performance with much less labeled aerial images. Our dataset and code are available athttps://github.com/cq100/ET-FSM.
Identification of genetic variants and individual genes associated with postpartum hypocalcemia in Holstein cows
Authors: Novo Larissa C. , Poindexter Michael B. , Rezende Fernanda M. , Santos José E. P. , Nelson Corwin D. , Hernandez Laura L. , Kirkpatrick Brian W. , Peñagaricano Francisco
Published: December 2023

Periparturient hypocalcemia is a complex metabolic disorder that occurs at the onset of lactation because of a sudden irreversible loss of Ca incorporated into colostrum and milk. Some cows are unable to quickly adapt to this demand and succumb to clinical hypocalcemia, commonly known as milk fever, whereas a larger proportion of cows develop subclinical hypocalcemia. The main goal of this study was to identify causative mutations and candidate genes affecting postpartum blood calcium concentration in Holstein cows. Data consisted of blood calcium concentration measured in 2513 Holstein cows on the first three days after parturition. All cows had genotypic information for 79 k SNP markers. Two consecutive rounds of imputation were performed: first, the 2513 Holstein cows were imputed from 79 k to 312 k SNP markers. This imputation was performed using a reference set of 17,131 proven Holstein bulls with 312 k SNP markers. Then, the 2513 Holstein cows were imputed from 312 k markers to whole-genome sequence data. This second round of imputation used 179 Holstein animals from the 1000 Bulls Genome Project as a reference set. Three alternative phenotypes were evaluated: (1) total calcium concentration in the first 24 h postpartum, (2) total calcium concentration in the first 72 h postpartum calculated as the area under the curve; and (3) the recovery of total calcium concentration calculated as the difference in total calcium concentration between 72 and 24 h. The identification of genetic variants associated with these traits was performed using a two-step mixed model-based approach implemented in the R package MixABEL. The most significant variants were located within or near genes involved in calcium homeostasis and vitamin D transport (GC), calcium and potassium channels (JPH3andKCNK13), energy and lipid metabolism (CA5A,PRORP, andSREBP1), and immune response (IL12RB2andCXCL8), among other functions. This work provides the foundation for the development of novel breeding and management tools for reducing the incidence of periparturient hypocalcemia in dairy cattle.
Shear mechanical response and deformation failure of F-type socket joint in a rectangular pipe jacking tunnel under different geologic conditions
Authors: Xu Youjun , Zhao Zhengrong , Zhang Chao , Zhang Xu , Pang Yuekui
Published: December 2023

The shear mechanical properties of F-type socket joints in rectangular pipe jacking tunnels are currently unknown. To investigate the shear mechanical response and deformation failure of the F-type socket joint in rectangular pipe jacking tunnels under different foundation coefficients, a laboratory joint test and numerical simulation method were used, considering the structural features of the joint. The results showed that the deformation process of a joint subjected to shear consists of four stages: gap closure, elastic growth, shear strengthening, and yield failure. The ultimate shear capacity of the joint increases by 25% to 34% for every 3 mm increase in the steel ring thickness. The chamfer yield damage area comprises approximately 15% of the steel ring. The joint concrete crack first appears at the top of the socket joint, and the concrete damage area accounts for about 40% of the whole pipe section. The failure characteristics of the joint are primarily manifested as drum and warp of the steel ring or cracking of the weld, and the concrete at the joint is crushed. In practical engineering, the weld should not be located at the chamfer. The steel ring at the chamfer needs to be locally strengthened, and the chamfer and the reinforcement at the top and bottom need to be increased to improve the bearing capacity of the concrete.
Thermal synthesis of electron deficient oxygen species on crystalline IrO2
Authors: Carbonio E. A. , Sulzmann F. , Teschner D. , Velasco-Vélez J. J. , Hävecker M. , Gericke A. Knop , Schlögl R. , Jones T.
Published: December 2023

μ2-O species shown to be active in OER can be thermally produced on crystalline IrO2 bound to IrIV+δ without requiring the presence of IrIII, which offers a route to higher-performance stable OER catalysts.
Concise synthesis of a fused energetic pyrazolotriazine with good performance
Authors: Shi Haichuan , Wang Yuqing , Wang Xinyu , Zhang Xiaotian , Huang Ming , Yang Haijun , Luo Zhenghang
Published: December 2023

A new insensitive high-energy fused pyrazolotriazine was concisely synthesized via fused ring construction and then nitration.
Towards improved comprehensive energetic properties by skeleton modification
Authors: Li Jingwen , Zhang Xun , Wang Yaxi , Su Dongshuai , Pang Siping , He Chunlin
Published: December 2023

Skeleton modification can expand pathways to tune the comprehensive properties for energetic compounds. In this work, skeleton modification was applied to the preparation of a family of new nitramine substituted [1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-f][1,2,4]triazine fused ring compounds.
One-pot ipso-hydroxylation and ortho-/para-halogenation of (hetero)arylboronic acids under tungsten catalysis
Authors: Chen Zhilong , Kang Jiao
Published: December 2023

The one-pot ipso-hydroxylation-(decarboxylative)-halogenation of (hetero)aryl boronic acids under mild conditions has been developed, in which the (hetero)aryl boronic acids also promoted the reaction by releasing B(OH)3 as a Lewis acid for H2O2, hypohalite and tungsten catalyst.
Directing-group-free strategy for the iodine-mediated regioselective dichalcogenation of indolines: understanding the full catalytic cycles
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxiang , Liu Chenrui , Pang Wenwei , Gu Xiaoting , Wei Wanxing , Zhang Zhuan , Chen Haiyan , Liang Taoyuan
Published: December 2023

A metal-free catalytic method for the regioselective direct dehydrogenation–dichalcogenation of indolines. The reaction mechanism and regioselectivity have been elucidated via density functional theory studies.
B(C6F5)3-catalyzed stepwise 1,5-hydride migration/cyclization: diastereoselective construction of carbocyclic β-amino acid derivatives
Authors: Wang Zhiting , Liu Hongchi , Jiang Tianxiao , Huang Hanmin
Published: December 2023

A stepwise 1,5-hydride migration/cyclization reaction enabled by B(C6F5)3 is established to deliver the corresponding six-membered carbocyclic β-amino acid derivatives with complete diastereoselectivity.
Asymmetric permanganate dihydroxylation of enoates: substrate scope, mechanistic insights and application in bicalutamide synthesis
Authors: Gu Peilong , Wang Shuangshuang , Wen Xiangxiang , Tian Jinxin , Wang Chao , Zong Lili , Tan Choon-Hong
Published: December 2023

Chiral cinchoninium catalysed permanganate dihydroxylation of enoates with different substitution types, including challenging tetrasubstituted ones, provides good yields of chiral vicinal diols in up to 98% ee.
Advances in Aβ imaging probes: a comprehensive study of radiolabelled 1,3-diaryl-2-propen-1-ones for Alzheimer's disease: a review
Authors: Dhillon Sudeep , Kinger Mayank , Rani Priyanka , Chahal Mamta , Kumari Ginna , Aneja Deepak Kumar , Kim Sang Wook , Choi Eunseok , Kumar Sushil
Published: December 2023

This review highlighted recent advancements in the synthesis and biological importance of 1,3-diaryl-2-propen-1-ones. This review summarized the synthesis and biological importance of radiolabelled 1,3-diaryl-2-propen-1-ones as Aβ imaging probes for Alzheimer's disease.
Stabilization challenges and aggregation in protein-based therapeutics in the pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Rahban Mahdie , Ahmad Faizan , Piatyszek Mieczyslaw A. , Haertlé Thomas , Saso Luciano , Saboury Ali Akbar
Published: December 2023

In this review, we have discussed some features of protein aggregation during production, formulation and storage as well as stabilization strategies in protein engineering and computational methods to prevent aggregation.
Management of virulence in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Serratia marcescens using environmentally-friendly titanium dioxide nanoparticles
Authors: Qais Faizan Abul , Altaf Mohammad , Ahmad Iqbal
Published: December 2023

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a condition in which the efficacy of antimicrobial drugs in fighting microorganisms is reduced, has become a global challenge.
Detection of lean meat powder residues in pig liver based on TLC-SERRS
Authors: Cao Meng , Xu Feng , Li Li , Zhang Honglian , Liang Xin , Xu Tao , Li Qian
Published: December 2023

A novel method for the detection of lean meat powder residues in commercially available pig liver based on diazo coupling reaction by combining thin layer chromatography (TLC) with surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS).
Noncovalently bound excited-state dimers: a perspective on current time-dependent density functional theory approaches applied to aromatic excimer models
Authors: Hancock Amy C. , Goerigk Lars
Published: December 2023

We assess most recent TD-DFT methods on excimers and highlight shortcomings of current strategies to treat dispersion in excited states.
Stereoselective total synthesis of (3Z)- and (3E)-elatenynes
Authors: Kwak Soo Yeon , Shin Iljin , Jang Hongjun , Park Youngjik , Lim Seongju , Lee Dongjoo , Kim Hyoungsu , Kim Deukjoon
Published: December 2023

The total synthesis of (3Z)- and (3E)-elatenynes have been achieved by a highly stereoselective and chelate-controlled intramolecular amide enolate alkylation.
Expression of concern: Influence of chemical composition on the amount of second phases precipitates and transformation temperatures of TiNiPdCu shape memory alloys prepared through novel powder metallurgy route
Authors: Hussain Abid , Khan Afzal , Khan Muhammad Imran , Rehman Saif Ur
Published: December 2023

Expression of concern for ‘Influence of chemical composition on the amount of second phases precipitates and transformation temperatures of TiNiPdCu shape memory alloys prepared through novel powder metallurgy route’ by Abid Hussain et al., RSC Adv., 2023, 13, 29376–29392, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3RA05513B.
An energy harvester based on UV-polymerized short-alkyl-chain-modified [DBU][TFSI] ionic liquid electrets
Authors: Järvinen Topias , Vucetic Nemanja , Palvölgyi Petra , Pitkänen Olli , Siponkoski Tuomo , Cabaud Helene , Vajtai Robert , Mikkola Jyri-Pekka , Kordas Krisztian
Published: December 2023

The charge generation properties of solid, UV-cured and charge-separated ionic liquid electrets as energy harvesters.
Fluorination promotes lithium salt dissolution in borate esters for lithium metal batteries
Authors: Ma Peiyuan , Kumar Ritesh , Vu Minh Canh , Wang Ke-Hsin , Mirmira Priyadarshini , Amanchukwu Chibueze V.
Published: December 2023

Partial fluorination of borate ester solvent promotes solvation ability and lithium metal compatibility simultaneously, which contradicts the general assumption that fluorinated groups hinder ion solvation.
Cutting-edge nitrogen, boron, and fluorine triply doped chain-like porous carbon nanofibers: a versatile solution for high-performance zinc–air batteries and self-powered water splitting
Authors: Muthurasu Alagan , Pathak Ishwor , Acharya Debendra , Rosyara Yagya Raj , Kim Hak Yong
Published: December 2023

Heteroatom-doped carbon catalysts are a class of materials that have been widely studied for their potential to improve the performance and kinetics of electrochemical reactions such as the oxygen reduction/evolution reaction (ORR/OER).
Vancomycin-loaded hydrogels with thermal-responsive, self-peeling, and sustainable antibacterial properties for wound dressing
Authors: Tang Yun , Shu Xinrui , He Guandi , Zhang Yuhan , Zhao Yonghe , Yuan Hudie , Yu Jingjie , Guo Jiabao , Chen Qiang
Published: December 2023

A novel hydrogel dressing with thermal-responsive self-peeling, sustained drug release, antibacterial activity, and simultaneously balanced biocompatibility is prepared by introducing poly(NIPAAm-co-NMA) and GNs into the hydrogel.
Bioinspired nanovesicles derived from macrophage accelerate wound healing by promoting angiogenesis and collagen deposition
Authors: Zhang Tingrui , Tai Zongguang , Miao Fengze , Zhao Yingchao , Wang Weifan , Zhu Quangang , Chen Zhongjian
Published: December 2023

We prepared bioinspired nanovesicles by gradient extrusion to replace exosomes for wound healing. The nanovesicles have potential for transformation.
Biogenic carbon dots: a novel mechanistic approach to combat multidrug-resistant critical pathogens on the global priority list
Authors: Parambil Ajith Manayil , Prasad Abhinav , Tomar Anuj Kumar , Ghosh Ilora , Rajamani Paulraj
Published: December 2023

This study delves into investigating alternative methodologies for anti-microbial therapy by focusing on the mechanistic assessment of carbon dots (CDs) synthesized from F. benghalensis L. extracts.
A combined experimental and modelling approach for the evaluation of the thermoelectric properties of Ag-doped SnS
Authors: Liu Yu , Skelton Jonathan M. , Xia Xiuqi , Zhu Yibing , Lewis David J. , Freer Robert
Published: December 2023

We report for the first time a combined computational and experimental study of the impact of Ag doping on the thermoelectric properties of SnS and introduce a fitting procedure to determine parameters that cannot easily be determined experimentally.
Comparative analysis of finite‐difference and split‐step based parabolic equation methods for tunnel propagation modelling
Authors: Qin Hao , Zhang Xingqi
Published: December 2023

Radio wave propagation modelling in railway environments is of fundamental importance in designing reliable train communication systems. Parabolic equation (PE) methods have been widely applied to the modelling of wave propagation in tunnels due to their high computational efficiency and fidelity. The finite‐difference parabolic equation (FDPE) and the split‐step parabolic equation (SSPE) methods are two commonly used approaches to solve PE numerically. However, the relevant literature is still missing a comprehensive study of their performance, including the selection of parameters such as discretisation steps and the tradeoffs involved in terms of their accuracy and efficiency, especially as current wireless systems shift to high frequencies. In this study, a systematic analysis of the error and computational complexity of the FDPE and SSPE methods for radio wave propagation modelling in tunnels is provided. Guidelines for the choice of their parameters are provided, and their performance is demonstrated through both numerical examples and experimental measurements in actual tunnel cases.
Micro Propagation on Strawberry: A Review
Authors: Banerjee Dhrubajyoti , Singh Vikram , Thakur Ritik
Published: December 2023

The fruit crop known as strawberries (Fragaria ananassa) produces maximum revenues in the quickest period of time. It is the diet’s richest source of the vitamins and minerals needed for human health. The major method of growing strawberries is by runners, which produce susceptible-to-disease plants. Plantlets produced using in vitro micropropagation are free of disease and can be used for further culture. Using MS media supplemented with 3-4% sugar, 0.751.0% agar, and an adequate combination of plant growth hormones, such as 6-benzyladenine, NAA, IBA, and kinetin, shoot cultures can be grown from shoot tips. Strawberry explants have been cleaned, multiplied into shoots, rooted, and ex vitro acclimated as part of a routine regeneration technique. The difficulties in getting better-quality plants and their higher endurance rate during ex vitro acclimatization can be greatly reduced by in vitro micro propagation. The Culture of Tissue Laboratory, a division of Ain Shams University’s Faculty of Agriculture in Egypt, is where the study was conducted. This work’s main goal was to determine whether using runners as meristem cultures to micropropagate a strawberry cultivars Festival and Marquez is a feasible approach. This was done while testing various gibberellic acid (GA3) concentrations (i.e., 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 mgl-1) during the multiplication phase. It was discovered that 0.4 mgl-1 of GA3 produced the greatest number of shoots each organ transplant and each shoot’s leaves, whereas 0.5 mgl-1 was the most effective focal point for growing buds.
Digital Dimensions: Unveiling the Potential of E-Design and Virtual Prototyping
Authors: Yadav Kanchan , Chirade Sagar , Banerjee Malay , Sharma Manish , Ramya N. Sri , Aravinda K. , Alwan Adil Abbas
Published: December 2023

The design and prototyping processes have undergone significant transformation due to the emergence of E-Design and Virtual Prototyping in a time marked by remarkable technological progress. This study examines the significant influence of digital aspects on several industries, providing a comprehensive analysis of their potential for transformation. E-Design comprises a wide range of digital tools and processes that aid in the inception, development, and refining of design ideas. Through the utilisation of computer-aided design (CAD), virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR), E-Design has emerged as a platform that facilitates novel opportunities for creative expression and collaborative endeavours. This technology empowers designers and engineers to surpass the limitations imposed by geographical distances, thereby promoting international collaboration and facilitating the emergence of interdisciplinary creativity. In contrast, Virtual Prototyping provides a dynamic platform that enables the iterative enhancement of prototypes, free from the restrictions imposed by physical constraints. By employing intricate simulations and digital twinning techniques, this approach expedites the cycle of product development, diminishes expenses, and mitigates the adverse effects on the environment. The rise of Virtual Prototyping has facilitated equal access to prototyping, hence enabling startups and small enterprises to engage in the process. This study examines case studies in several industries, including automotive, aerospace, architecture, and healthcare, to demonstrate the transformative impact of E-Design and Virtual Prototyping on product development and project lifecycles. This study investigates the obstacles and ethical implications linked to E-Design and Virtual Prototyping, encompassing concerns regarding data security, intellectual property rights, and the digital divide. This highlights the necessity of practising responsible innovation and implementing ethical principles in order to effectively navigate this revolutionary environment.