bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypocenter‐Based 3D Imaging of Active Faults: Method and Applications in the Southwestern Swiss Alps
Authors: Truttmann Sandro , Diehl Tobias , Herwegh Marco
Published: June 2023

Despite the fact that earthquake occurrence can be strongly influenced by the architecture of pre‐existing faults, it remains challenging to obtain information about the detailed subsurface geometries of active fault systems. Current geophysical methods for studying such systems often fail to resolve geometrical complexities at sufficiently high spatial resolutions. In this work, we present a novel method for imaging the detailed 3D architectures of seismically active faults based on high‐precision hypocenter catalogs, using nearest neighbor learning and principal component analysis. The proposed approach enables to assess variations in fault instabilities and kinematics. We apply the method to the relatively relocated St. Léonard (max.ML = 3.2) and Anzère (max.ML = 3.3) microearthquake sequences in the Southwestern Swiss Alps, revealing strike‐slip fault systems with interconnecting stepovers at depths of 3–7 km and lengths ranging from 0.5 to 2 km. In combination with additional information about fault instabilities and kinematics, we observe significantly reduced earthquake migration velocities and fault locking processes within the stepovers. Understanding such processes and their role in the propagation of strain across stepovers is of great relevance, as these structures can potentially limit earthquake ruptures but also represent possible locations for the nucleation of larger ruptures. Our proposed method is expected to be broadly useful for further applications such as monitoring hydraulic fracture stimulations or geothermal exploration of natural, fluid‐bearing faults. Conducting similar high‐resolution spatiotemporal analyses of microseismic sequences has the potential to greatly enhance our comprehension of how the 3D fault architecture impacts seismogenic fault reactivation.
Save our Sight (SOS): a collective call-to-action for enhanced retinal care across health systems in high income countries
Authors: Loewenstein Anat , Berger Alan , Daly Avril , Creuzot-Garcher Catherine , Gale Richard , Ricci Federico , Zarranz-Ventura Javier , Guymer Robyn
Published: June 2023

With a growing aging population, the prevalence of age-related eye disease and associated eye care is expected to increase. The anticipated growth in demand, coupled with recent medical advances that have transformed eye care for people living with retinal diseases, particularly neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic eye disease, has presented an opportunity for health systems to proactively manage the expected burden of these diseases. To do so, we must take collective action to address existing and anticipated capacity limitations by designing and implementing sustainable strategies that enable health systems to provide an optimal standard of care. Sufficient capacity will enable us to streamline and personalize the patient experience, reduce treatment burden, enable more equitable access to care and ensure optimal health outcomes. Through a multi-modal approach that gathered unbiased perspectives from clinical experts and patient advocates from eight high-income countries, substantiated perspectives with evidence from the published literature and validated findings with the broader eye care community, we have exposed capacity challenges that are motivating the community to take action and advocate for change. Herein, we propose a collective call-to-action for the future management of retinal diseases and potential strategies to achieve better health outcomes for individuals at-risk of, or living with, retinal disease.
A novel HECW2 variant in an infant with congenital long QT syndrome
Authors: Imanishi Rina , Nakau Kouichi , Shimada Sorachi , Oka Hideharu , Takeguchi Ryo , Tanaka Ryosuke , Sugiyama Tatsutoshi , Nii Mitsumaro , Okamoto Toshio , Nagaya Ken , Makita Yoshio , Yanagi Kumiko , Kaname Tadashi , Takahashi Satoru
Published: June 2023

Pathogenic variants of HECW2 have been reported in cases of neurodevelopmental disorder with hypotonia, seizures, and absent language (NDHSAL; OMIM #617268). A novel HECW2 variant (NM_001348768.2:c.4343 T > C,p.Leu1448Ser) was identified in an NDHSAL infant with severe cardiac comorbidities. The patient presented with fetal tachyarrhythmia and hydrops and was postnatally diagnosed with long QT syndrome. This study provides evidence that HECW2 pathogenic variants can cause long QT syndrome along with neurodevelopmental disorders.
In-vivo programmable acoustic manipulation of genetically engineered bacteria
Authors: Yang Ye , Yang Yaozhang , Liu Dingyuan , Wang Yuanyuan , Lu Minqiao , Zhang Qi , Huang Jiqing , Li Yongchuan , Ma Teng , Yan Fei , Zheng Hairong
Published: June 2023

Acoustic tweezers can control target movement through the momentum interaction between an acoustic wave and an object. This technology has advantages over optical tweezers for in-vivo cell manipulation due to its high tissue penetrability and strong acoustic radiation force. However, normal cells are difficult to acoustically manipulate because of their small size and the similarity between their acoustic impedance and that of the medium. In this study, we use the heterologous expression of gene clusters to generate genetically engineered bacteria that can produce numerous sub-micron gas vesicles in the bacterial cytoplasm. We show that the presence of the gas vesicles significantly enhances the acoustic sensitivity of the engineering bacteria, which can be manipulated by ultrasound. We find that by employing phased-array-based acoustic tweezers, the engineering bacteria can be trapped into clusters and manipulated in vitro and in vivo via electronically steered acoustic beams, enabling the counter flow or on-demand flow of these bacteria in the vasculature of live mice. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the aggregation efficiency of engineering bacteria in a tumour is improved by utilizing this technology. This study provides a platform for the in-vivo manipulation of live cells, which will promote the progress of cell-based biomedical applications.
Native American ataxia medicines rescue ataxia-linked mutant potassium channel activity via binding to the voltage sensing domain
Authors: Manville Rían W. , Alfredo Freites J. , Sidlow Richard , Tobias Douglas J. , Abbott Geoffrey W.
Published: June 2023

There are currently no drugs known to rescue the function of Kv1.1 voltage-gated potassium channels carrying loss-of-function sequence variants underlying the inherited movement disorder, Episodic Ataxia 1 (EA1). The Kwakwaka’wakw First Nations of the Pacific Northwest Coast used Fucus gardneri (bladderwrack kelp), Physocarpus capitatus (Pacific ninebark) and Urtica dioica (common nettle) to treat locomotor ataxia. Here, we show that extracts of these plants enhance wild-type Kv1.1 current, especially at subthreshold potentials. Screening of their constituents revealed that gallic acid and tannic acid similarly augment wild-type Kv1.1 current, with submicromolar potency. Crucially, the extracts and their constituents also enhance activity of Kv1.1 channels containing EA1-linked sequence variants. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that gallic acid augments Kv1.1 activity via a small-molecule binding site in the extracellular S1-S2 linker. Thus, traditional Native American ataxia treatments utilize a molecular mechanistic foundation that can inform small-molecule approaches to therapeutically correcting EA1 and potentially other Kv1.1-linked channelopathies.
Underlying factors determining grain morphologies in high-strength titanium alloys processed by additive manufacturing
Authors: Nartu Mohan S. K. K. Y. , Welk Brian A. , Mantri Srinivas A. , Taylor Nevin L. , Viswanathan Gopal B. , Dahotre Narendra B. , Banerjee Rajarshi , Fraser Hamish L.
Published: June 2023

In recent research, additions of solute to Ti and some Ti-based alloys have been employed to produce equiaxed microstructures when processing these materials using additive manufacturing. The present study develops a computational scheme for guiding the selection of such alloying additions, and the minimum amounts required, to effect the columnar to equiaxed microstructural transition. We put forward two physical mechanisms that may produce this transition; the first and more commonly discussed is based on growth restriction factors, and the second on the increased freezing range effected by the alloying addition coupled with the imposed rapid cooling rates associated with AM techniques. We show in the research described here, involving a number of model binary as well as complex multi-component Ti alloys, and the use of two different AM approaches, that the latter mechanism is more reliable regarding prediction of the grain morphology resulting from given solute additions.
Mapping human norovirus antigens during infection reveals the breadth of the humoral immune response
Authors: Su Lynn , Huang Wanzhi , Neill Frederick H. , Estes Mary K. , Atmar Robert L. , Palzkill Timothy
Published: June 2023

Human noroviruses (HuNoV) are the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. The humoral immune response plays an important role in clearing HuNoV infections and elucidating the antigenic landscape of HuNoV during an infection can shed light on antibody targets to inform vaccine design. Here, we utilized Jun-Fos-assisted phage display of a HuNoV genogroup GI.1 genomic library and deep sequencing to simultaneously map the epitopes of serum antibodies of six individuals infected with GI.1 HuNoV. We found both unique and common epitopes that were widely distributed among both nonstructural proteins and the major capsid protein. Recurring epitope profiles suggest immunodominant antibody footprints among these individuals. Analysis of sera collected longitudinally from three individuals showed the presence of existing epitopes in the pre-infection sera, suggesting these individuals had prior HuNoV infections. Nevertheless, newly recognized epitopes surfaced seven days post-infection. These new epitope signals persisted by 180 days post-infection along with the pre-infection epitopes, suggesting a persistent production of antibodies recognizing epitopes from previous and new infections. Lastly, analysis of a GII.4 genotype genomic phage display library with sera of three persons infected with GII.4 virus revealed epitopes that overlapped with those identified in GI.1 affinity selections, suggesting the presence of GI.1/GII.4 cross-reactive antibodies. The results demonstrate that genomic phage display coupled with deep sequencing can characterize HuNoV antigenic landscapes from complex polyclonal human sera to reveal the timing and breadth of the human humoral immune response to infection.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease in people living with HIV
Authors: Michel Maurice , Labenz Christian , Armandi Angelo , Kaps Leonard , Kremer Wolfgang Maximilian , Galle Peter R. , Grimm Daniel , Sprinzl Martin , Schattenberg Jörn M.
Published: June 2023

The prevalence of metabolic risk factors and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is high among people living with HIV (PLWH). Data on the recently proposed definition of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in PLWH receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains unknown. A total of 282 PLWH were included in this cross-sectional cohort study. Vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) was used to assess hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. MAFLD and its subgroups (overweight/obese, lean/normal weight, and type 2 diabetes) were defined according to a recently published international consensus statement. The majority of this cohort was male (n = 198, 70.2%), and the median age was 51.5 years. The median BMI was 25 kg/m2, and obesity was prevalent in 16.2% (n = 44). A total of 207 (73.4%) PLWH were classified as non-MAFLD while 75 (26.6%) qualified as MAFLD. The median CAP in the MAFLD group was 320 dB/m. PLWH with MAFLD showed a higher median LSM (p < 0.008) and were older (p < 0.005) compared to the non-MAFLD group. Overall, the metabolic risk profile was comparable between MAFLD and NAFLD. The majority of PLWH and MAFLD were overweight or obese (n = 58, 77.3%). The highest median LSM values were observed in the subgroup with MAFLD and type 2 diabetes. HIV-related parameters did not differ between non-MAFLD and MAFLD. The prevalence of MAFLD in PLWH is high and comparable to NAFLD. PLWH may be characterized according to the novel MAFLD criteria and its subgroups to identify patients at risk for chronic liver disease.
Development of a program to determine optimal settings for robot-assisted rehabilitation of the post-stroke paretic upper extremity: a simulation study
Authors: Takebayashi Takashi , Uchiyama Yuki , Okita Yuho , Domen Kazuhisa
Published: June 2023

Robot-assisted therapy can effectively treat upper extremity (UE) paralysis in patients who experience a stroke. Presently, UE, as a training item, is selected according to the severity of the paralysis based on a clinician’s experience. The possibility of objectively selecting robot-assisted training items based on the severity of paralysis was simulated using the two-parameter logistic model item response theory (2PLM-IRT). Sample data were generated using the Monte Carlo method with 300 random cases. This simulation analyzed sample data (categorical data with three difficulty values of 0, 1, and 2 [0: too easy, 1: adequate, and 2: too difficult]) with 71 items per case. First, the most appropriate method was selected to ensure the local independence of the sample data necessary to use 2PLM-IRT. The method was to exclude items with low response probability (maximum response probability) within a pair in the Quality of Compensatory Movement Score (QCM) 1-point item difficulty curve, items with low item information content within a pair in the QCM 1-point item difficulty curve, and items with low item discrimination. Second, 300 cases were analyzed to determine the most appropriate model (one-parameter or two-parameter item response therapy) to be used and the most favored method to establish local independence. We also examined whether robotic training items could be selected according to the severity of paralysis based on the ability of a person (θ) in the sample data as calculated by 2PLM-IRT. Excluding items with low response probability (maximum response probability) in a pair in the categorical data 1-point item difficulty curve was effective in ensuring local independence. Additionally, to ensure local independence, the number of items should be reduced to 61 from 71, indicating that the 2PLM-IRT was an appropriate model. The ability of a person (θ) calculated by 2PLM-IRT suggested that seven training items could be estimated from 300 cases according to severity. This simulation made it possible to objectively estimate the training items according to the severity of paralysis in a sample of approximately 300 cases using this model.
Analysis of β-nerve growth factor and its precursor during human pregnancy by immunoaffinity-liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Walsh Jason , Palandra Joe , Goihberg Eduward , Deng Shibing , Hurst Susan , Neubert Hendrik
Published: June 2023

β-Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a neurotrophin that plays a critical role in fetal development during gestation. ProNGF is the precursor form of NGF with a distinct biological profile. In order to investigate the role of NGF and proNGF in pregnant human females, a sensitive and selective immunoaffinity liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay was developed and qualified to simultaneously measure the levels of total NGF (tNGF; sum of mature and proNGF) and proNGF using full and relative quantification strategies, respectively. The assay was used to determine serum tNGF and proNGF levels in the three gestational trimesters of pregnancy and in non-pregnant female controls. Mean tNGF ± SD were 44.6 ± 12.3, 42.6 ± 9.3, 65.4 ± 17.6 and 77.0 ± 17.8 pg/mL for non-pregnant, first, second, and third trimesters, respectively, demonstrating no significant increase in circulating tNGF between the control and the first trimester, and a moderate yet significant 1.7-fold increase through gestation. proNGF levels during the first trimester were unchanged compared to control. In contrast to tNGF, however, proNGF levels during gestation remained stable without significant changes. The development of this sensitive, novel immunoaffinity duplexed assay for both tNGF and proNGF is expected to enable further elucidation of the roles these neurotrophins play in human pregnancy as well as other models.
Clinical course and risk factors for development and progression of interstitial lung disease in primary Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Lee Kyung-Ann , Nam Bo Da , Hwang Jung Hwa , Kim Hyun-Sook
Published: June 2023

This single-center, retrospective study aimed to investigate the course and prognostic factors of patients with primary Sjögren syndrome-associated interstitial lung disease (pSS-ILD). We included 120 pSS patients who underwent at least two high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans between 2013 and 2021. Clinical symptoms, laboratory data, HRCT findings, and pulmonary function test results were collected. Two thoracic radiologists reviewed the HRCT findings. In patients with pSS without ILD at baseline (n = 81), no development of ILD was found on follow-up (median, 2.8 years). In patients with pSS-ILD (n = 39), total disease extent, extent of coarse reticulation, and traction bronchiectasis increased on HRCT, whereas the extent of ground glass opacity (GGO) decreased at follow-up (median, 3.2 years) (each p < 0.001). In progressive group of pSS-ILD (48.7%), the extent of coarse reticulation and coarseness score of fibrosis were increased at follow-up (p < 0.05). Usual interstitial pneumonia pattern on CT (OR, 15.237) and follow-up duration (OR, 1.403) were independent risk factors for disease progression in patients with pSS-ILD. In both progressive and non-progressive pSS-ILD, GGO decreased, whereas the extent of fibrosis increased even after treatment with glucocorticoid and/or immunosuppressants. In conclusion, progression occurred in approximately half of the pSS-ILD patients with slow gradual deterioration. Our study identified a definite group of progressive pSS-ILD who did not respond to current anti-inflammatory treatment.
Light conditions influence optic nerve OCT angiography parameter in healthy subjects with neutral pupils
Authors: Nelis Pieter , Nieweler A. , Brücher V. , Eter N. , Ten Tusscher M. , Alnawaiseh M.
Published: June 2023

Optical coherence tomography angiography measurements are influenced by a range of environmental factors as blood pressure and physical fitness. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of light and dark exposure in eyes with neutral and mydriatic pupils on vessel density in the macular and optic nerve head regions, as measured using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). 55 eyes of 55 healthy volunteers (28 patients with neutral pupils; 27.18 ± 4.33 years) were examined using a high-speed and high-resolution spectral-domain OCT XR Avanti system with a split-spectrum amplitude de-correlation angiography algorithm. OCTA imaging was performed after dark adaptation and after exposure to light. The vessel density data of the superficial and deep retinal macular and optic nerve head region OCT-angiogram were analyzed for these two light conditions. Through Bonferroni correction for multiple testing, the p- value was adapted from 0.05 to 0.017. In eyes with neutral pupils, a significant increase was found in the capillary region of the optic nerve head region (p = 0.002), comparing dark- and light-adaptation. In the macular region of eyes with neutral (p = 0.718) and mydriatic pupils (p = 0.043), no significant differences were observed, as were any in the optic nerve head region of the mydriatic eyes (p = 0.797). This observation suggests that light conditions could be a possible factor influencing OCTA measurements. After dark exposure, vessel density data were significantly different between eyes with neutral and mydriatic pupils (nerve head region: p < 0.0001, superficial macula: p < 0.0001, deep macula: p = 0.0025). These data warn for the effect of mydriatic drops on vessel density measurements.
Applied research of comprehensive advance geological prediction in Daluoshan water diversion tunnel
Authors: Liu Mingqing , Gan Qinyu
Published: June 2023

In order to study the accuracy of comprehensive advanced geological prediction methods in tunnel construction projects, this paper takes the Daluoshan Water Diversion Tunnel Project in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province as the basis of the project, selects a typical section of the water diversion tunnel, and uses Tunnel Seismic Tomography and Ground Penetrating Radar to transmit seismic and electromagnetic waves to the surrounding rock face of the tunnel, and process and interpret the collected signal information. Advanced borehole and drilling techniques are used for verification. The results show that the geological prediction results are consistent with the actual revealed conditions, and the advantages of various technologies can be exerted and mutually verified through advanced geological prediction, which can significantly improve the accuracy of advanced geological prediction in the application of water diversion tunnels and provide reference and basis for later construction, and provide safety assurance.
The meta-analysis and systematic review of prevalence and clinical anatomy of the arc of Buhler
Authors: Kowalczyk Katarzyna A. , Pękala Jakub , Kawzowicz Michał , Pękala Przemysław A. , Tomaszewski Krzysztof A.
Published: June 2023

The arc of Buhler (AOB) is a direct anastomosis of the celiac axis and superior mesenteric artery. This paper reviews the literature on the AOB and provides accurate and up-to-date data on its prevalence, anatomy, and clinical significance. The main scholarly online databases were carefully searched for relevant studies related to the AOB. Information was gathered and formed the basis of the analysis of this study. In total, 11 studies were used in this meta-study, consisting of 3685 total patients tested and 50 cases of the AOB presented. The pooled prevalence estimate of the AOB was determined to be 1.7% (95% CI 0.9, 2.9). By imaging type, the prevalence of the AOB was 1.8% for radiological studies (n = 3485; 95% CI 0.9, 3.0), 1.4% for computed tomography (CT) studies (n = 1417; 95% CI 0.4, 3.0), and 1.9% for angiography studies (n = 2068; 95% CI 0.5, 4.0). The AOB is sufficiently significant and should be considered when planning surgeries or radiological procedures involving the abdomen.
Deep learning for automated detection of neovascular leakage on ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Zhao Peter Y. , Bommakanti Nikhil , Yu Gina , Aaberg Michael T. , Patel Tapan P. , Paulus Yannis M.
Published: June 2023

Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness in working-age adults worldwide. Neovascular leakage on fluorescein angiography indicates progression to the proliferative stage of diabetic retinopathy, which is an important distinction that requires timely ophthalmic intervention with laser or intravitreal injection treatment to reduce the risk of severe, permanent vision loss. In this study, we developed a deep learning algorithm to detect neovascular leakage on ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography images obtained from patients with diabetic retinopathy. The algorithm, an ensemble of three convolutional neural networks, was able to accurately classify neovascular leakage and distinguish this disease marker from other angiographic disease features. With additional real-world validation and testing, our algorithm could facilitate identification of neovascular leakage in the clinical setting, allowing timely intervention to reduce the burden of blinding diabetic eye disease.
Neutron imaging for magnetization inside an operating inductor
Authors: Mamiya Hiroaki , Oba Yojiro , Terada Noriki , Hiroi Kosuke , Ohkubo Tadakatsu , Shinohara Takenao
Published: June 2023

Magnetic components are key parts of energy conversion systems, such as electric generators, motors, power electric devices, and magnetic refrigerators. Toroidal inductors with magnetic ring cores can be found inside such electric devices that are used daily. For such inductors, magnetization vector M is believed to circulate with/without distribution inside magnetic cores as electric power was used in the late nineteenth century. Nevertheless, notably, the distribution of M has never been directly verified. Herein, we measured a map of polarized neutron transmission spectra for a ferrite ring core assembled on a familiar inductor device. The results showed that M circulates inside the ring core with a ferrimagnetic spin order when power is supplied to the coil. In other words, this method enables the multiscale operando imaging of magnetic states, allowing us to evaluate the novel architectures of high-performance energy conversion systems using magnetic components with complex magnetic states.
Adipose tissue is associated with kidney function parameters
Authors: Mueller-Peltzer Katharina , von Krüchten Ricarda , Lorbeer Roberto , Rospleszcz Susanne , Schulz Holger , Peters Annette , Bamberg Fabian , Schlett Christopher L. , Mujaj Blerim
Published: June 2023

Obesity is characterized by the accumulation of adipose tissue in different body compartments. Whether adipose tissue directly affects kidney function is still unknown. We aimed to investigate the role of the adipose tissue and circulating creatinine, cystatin C and kidney function in subjects free of cardio-renal diseases. In the KORA-MRI population-based study, 377 subjects (mean age 56.2 ± 9.2 years; 41.6% female) underwent whole-body 3T-MRI examination. Adipose tissue defined as visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) were quantified from T1-DIXON sequence using a semi-automatic algorithm. Serum creatinine and cystatin C were measured using standard laboratory and estimated glomerular filtration rate (e-GFR) was performed based on creatinine (e-GFRcrea), cystatin C (e-GFRcys) and creatinine-cystatin C (e-GFRcc). Linear regression analysis, adjusted for risk factors, was used to investigate the relationship between adipose tissue and circulating creatinine, cystatin C, and kidney function. In multivariate analyses VAT was inversely associated with eGFRcys (ß = − 4.88, p =  < 0.001), and positively associated with serum cystatin C (ß = 0.05, p =  < 0.001), respectively. No association was found between other adipose parameters such as total adipose tissue (TAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and serum creatinine, urine microalbumin and eGFRcrea. Stratified analyses according to BMI revealed confirmatory results for category of BMI > 30. VAT is positively associated with serum cystatin C and inversely with eGFR based on cystatin C, suggesting a direct involvement of visceral adipose tissue in increased metabolism of cystatin C and consequently decreased kidney function.
Silicon in the form of nanosilica mitigates P toxicity in scarlet eggplant
Authors: Alves Deyvielen Maria Ramos , de Oliveira Jairo Neves , de Mello Prado Renato , Ferreira Patrícia Messias
Published: June 2023

Intensive fertilization of vegetables can promote phosphorus (P) toxicity. However, it can be reversed using silicon (Si), although there is a lack of research clarifying its mechanisms of action. This research aims to study the damage caused by P toxicity to scarlet eggplant plants and whether Si can mitigate this toxicity. We evaluated the nutritional and physiological aspects of plants. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design of two nutritional levels of adequate P (2 mmol L−1 of P) and toxic/excess P (8 to 13 mmol L−1 of P) combined with the absence or presence of nanosilica (2 mmol L−1 Si) in a nutrient solution. There were six replications. The excess P in the nutrient solution caused damage to scarlet eggplant growth due to nutritional losses and oxidative stress. We found that P toxicity can be mitigated by supplying Si, which decreases P uptake by 13%, improves C:N homeostasis, and increases iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) use efficiency by 21%, 10%, and 12%, respectively. At the same time, it decreases oxidative stress and electrolyte leakage by 18% and increases antioxidant compounds (phenols and ascorbic acid by 13% and 50%, respectively), and decreases photosynthetic efficiency and plant growth by 12% (by increasing 23% and 25% of shoot and root dry mass, respectively). These findings allow us to explain the different Si mechanisms used to reverse the damage caused by P toxicity to plants.
A computationally efficient algorithm for wearable sleep staging in clinical populations
Authors: Fonseca Pedro , Ross Marco , Cerny Andreas , Anderer Peter , van Meulen Fokke , Janssen Hennie , Pijpers Angelique , Dujardin Sylvie , van Hirtum Pauline , van Gilst Merel , Overeem Sebastiaan
Published: June 2023

This study describes a computationally efficient algorithm for 4-class sleep staging based on cardiac activity and body movements. Using an accelerometer to calculate gross body movements and a reflective photoplethysmographic (PPG) sensor to determine interbeat intervals and a corresponding instantaneous heart rate signal, a neural network was trained to classify between wake, combined N1 and N2, N3 and REM sleep in epochs of 30 s. The classifier was validated on a hold-out set by comparing the output against manually scored sleep stages based on polysomnography (PSG). In addition, the execution time was compared with that of a previously developed heart rate variability (HRV) feature-based sleep staging algorithm. With a median epoch-per-epoch κ of 0.638 and accuracy of 77.8% the algorithm achieved an equivalent performance when compared to the previously developed HRV-based approach, but with a 50-times faster execution time. This shows how a neural network, without leveraging any a priori knowledge of the domain, can automatically “discover” a suitable mapping between cardiac activity and body movements, and sleep stages, even in patients with different sleep pathologies. In addition to the high performance, the reduced complexity of the algorithm makes practical implementation feasible, opening up new avenues in sleep diagnostics.
Research on controlling gas overrun in a working face based on gob-side entry retaining by utilizing ventilation type “Y”
Authors: Zhou Xihua , Jing Zehao , Li Yanchang
Published: June 2023

To determine the characteristics of air leakage concerning a “Y” type ventilation in gob-side entry retaining with roof cutting, pressure relief, and the law of a resulted gas accumulation (GA), research is conducted by employing the CFD simulation incorporated with the gauged parameters of working face (WF) mining to analyze the air leakage of “Y” type ventilation. For this purpose, the 1201 fully mechanized coal mining face in the south Wu mining location of the Daxing coal mine is taken as an illustrative example to study the air leakage in the “Y” type ventilation. So, the gas concentration (GC) issue surpassing the limit in the upper corner of the goaf was simulated. The results show that the goaf is formed into an open space when roof cutting and pressure relief technology along the goaf is implemented. The air pressure at the upper corner of the WF would be the lowest, which is only 1.12 Pa. The airflow of air leakage under a pressure difference would move from the gob-side entry retaining to the goaf. Moreover, the simulation of mine ventilation indicates that the volume of air leakage positively correlates with the length of gob-side entry retaining. When the WF is advanced 500 m ahead, the maximum volume of air leakage would reach 247 m3/min within the range of 500–1300 m, and then the rate of air leakage gradually would decrease. When the WF is advanced at 1300 m, the air leakage would become the smallest, which is 175 m3/min. When gas control is under consideration, the effect of gas extraction would be best with the buried pipe whose depth and diameter are set to 4.0 m and 400 mm, respectively. So, the GC in the upper corner would become 0.37%. After the high-level borehole with a 120 mm diameter is mined, the GC in the deep goaf decreased to 3.52%, and the GC at the upper corner became further reduced to 0.21%. While the high-level borehole gas is extracted by employing the extraction system of the high-concentration gas, the extraction system of low-concentration gas is utilized to extract the upper corner gas of the WF, thus, the problem of gas overrun was resolved satisfactorily. During the recovery period of the mining, the GC at each gauging point was less than 0.8%, which effectively guided the secure production in the Daxing coal mine and provided a theoretical foundation to control gas overrun during the mining process.
A novel strategy to characterize the pattern of β-lactam antibiotic-induced drug resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Hillyer Trae , Benin Bogdan M. , Sun Chuanqi , Aguirre Noah , Willard Belinda , Sham Yuk Yin , Shin Woo Shik
Published: June 2023

Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAb) is an urgent public health threat, according to the CDC. This pathogen has few treatment options and causes severe nosocomial infections with > 50% fatality rate. Although previous studies have examined the proteome of CRAb, there have been no focused analyses of dynamic changes to β-lactamase expression that may occur due to drug exposure. Here, we present our initial proteomic study of variation in β-lactamase expression that occurs in CRAb with different β-lactam antibiotics. Briefly, drug resistance to Ab (ATCC 19606) was induced by the administration of various classes of β-lactam antibiotics, and the cell-free supernatant was isolated, concentrated, separated by SDS-PAGE, digested with trypsin, and identified by label-free LC–MS-based quantitative proteomics. Thirteen proteins were identified and evaluated using a 1789 sequence database of Ab β-lactamases from UniProt, the majority of which were Class C β-lactamases (≥ 80%). Importantly, different antibiotics, even those of the same class (e.g. penicillin and amoxicillin), induced non-equivalent responses comprising various isoforms of Class C and D serine-β-lactamases, resulting in unique resistomes. These results open the door to a new approach of analyzing and studying the problem of multi-drug resistance in bacteria that rely strongly on β-lactamase expression.
Local atomic structure studies of Zr55Cu35Al10 alloy around Tg
Authors: Zhao Jingfeng , Chen Yuhang , Shao Chucheng , Liu Jiang , Zhu Genyu , Zhou Xuefeng
Published: June 2023

As a result of examining the structure of Zr55Cu35Al10 alloy around the glass transition temperature (Tg) using the classical molecular dynamics simulations, it was proven that the atomic bonds in the interconnecting zones (i-zones) became loose with the small amount of energy absorption, and it became free volumes easily when the temperature approached Tg. Instead of i-zones, when clusters were largely separated by free volume networks, the solid amorphous structure was converted into supercooled liquid state, resulting in a sharp strength reduce and the great plasticity change from a limited plastic deformation to superplasticity.
Iron limitation of kelp growth may prevent ocean afforestation
Authors: Paine Ellie R. , Boyd Philip W. , Strzepek Robert F. , Ellwood Michael , Brewer Elizabeth A. , Diaz-Pulido Guillermo , Schmid Matthias , Hurd Catriona L.
Published: June 2023

Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and emissions reduction are essential to alleviate climate change. Ocean macroalgal afforestation (OMA) is a CDR method already undergoing field trials where nearshore kelps, on rafts, are purposefully grown offshore at scale. Dissolved iron (dFe) supply often limits oceanic phytoplankton growth, however this potentially rate-limiting factor is being overlooked in OMA discussions. Here, we determine the limiting dFe concentrations for growth and key physiological functions of a representative kelp species,Macrocystis pyrifera, considered as a promising candidate for OMA. dFe additions to oceanic seawater ranging 0.01-20.2 nM Fe′ ‒ Fe′ being the sum of dissolved inorganic Fe(III) species ‒ result in impaired physiological functions and kelp mortality. Kelp growth cannot be sustained at oceanic dFe concentrations, which are 1000-fold lower than required byM. pyrifera. OMA may require additional perturbation of offshore waters via dFe fertilisation.
Flexible dimensional hierarchy of higher-order topology in the stacked Kagome-chain acoustic crystal
Authors: Zhang Yuexin , Tang Jie , Dai Xiaoyu , Xiang Yuanjiang
Published: June 2023

Manipulating wave propagation and energy collection plays a core role in modern physics, for which topological insulators hosting robust boundary states offer an ideal platform. However, there exist challenges in integrating multiple topological states like two-dimensional (2D) surface state, one-dimensional (1D) hinge state, and zero-dimensional (0D) corner state into a single three-dimensional (3D) architecture. Here we introduce a dimensional hierarchy acoustic structure with a piled 3D Kagome-chain crystal. By tuning the inter- and intra-layer hopping, we lift the 3D bulk states into 2D surface states. A further distortion on the in-plane unit cell makes the system support the 1D hinge and 0D corner states simultaneously. This hierarchy keeps the parent architecture unchanged. Analytically, we prove the robustness of our framework in different geometrical configurations. Our research offers insight for the practical use of the sonic or optical device with diversified topological modes like wave concentrations and transmissions.
Impact of solid-electrolyte interphase reformation on capacity loss in silicon-based lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Vorauer T. , Schöggl J. , Sanadhya S. G. , Poluektov M. , Widanage W. D. , Figiel L. , Schädler S. , Tordoff B. , Fuchsbichler B. , Koller S. , Brunner R.
Published: June 2023

High-density silicon composite anodes show large volume changes upon charging/discharging triggering the reformation of the solid electrolyte interface (SEI), an interface initially formed at the silicon surface. The question remains how the reformation process and accompanied material evolution, in particular for industrial up-scalable cells, impacts cell performance. Here, we develop a correlated workflow incorporating X-ray microscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy tomography, elemental imaging and deep learning-based microstructure quantification suitable to witness the structural and chemical progression of the silicon and SEI reformation upon cycling. The nanometer-sized SEI layer evolves into a micron-sized silicon electrolyte composite structure at prolonged cycles. Experimental-informed electrochemical modelling endorses an underutilisation of the active material due to the silicon electrolyte composite growth affecting the capacity. A chemo-mechanical model is used to analyse the stability of the SEI/silicon reaction front and to investigate the effects of material properties on the stability that can affect the capacity loss.
Frequent pulse disturbances shape resistance and resilience in tropical marine microbial communities
Authors: Wijaya Winona , Suhaimi Zahirah , Chua Cherlyn Xin’Er , Sunil Rohan Shawn , Kolundžija Sandra , Bin Rohaizat Ahmad Muzakkir , Md. Azmi Norzarifah Binti , Hazrin-Chong Nur Hazlin , Lauro Federico M
Published: June 2023

The Johor Strait separates the island of Singapore from Peninsular Malaysia. A 1-kilometer causeway built in the early 1920s in the middle of the strait effectively blocks water flowing to/from either side, resulting in low water turnover rates and build-up of nutrients in the inner Strait. We have previously shown that short-term rather than seasonal environmental changes influence microbial community composition in the Johor Strait. Here, we present a temporally-intensive study that uncovers the factors keeping the microbial populations in check. We sampled the surface water at four sites in the inner Eastern Johor Strait every other day for two months, while measuring various water quality parameters, and analysed 16S amplicon sequences and flow-cytometric counts. We discovered that microbial community succession revolves around a common stable state resulting from frequent pulse disturbances. Among these, sporadic riverine freshwater input and regular tidal currents influence bottom-up controls including the availability of the limiting nutrient nitrogen and its biological release in readily available forms. From the top-down, marine viruses and predatory bacteria limit the proliferation of microbes in the water. Harmful algal blooms, which have been observed historically in these waters, may occur only when there are simultaneous gaps in the top-down and bottom-up controls. This study gains insight into complex interactions between multiple factors contributing to a low-resistance but high-resilience microbial community and speculate about rare events that could lead to the occurrence of an algal bloom.
Challenges in supplying empirical proof for predictions derived from Species Distribution Models (SDMs): the case of an invasive cyanobacterium
Authors: Meriggi Carlotta , Mehrshad Maliheh , Johnson Richard K , Laugen Ane T , Drakare Stina
Published: June 2023

Species distribution models (SDMs) calibrated with bioclimatic variables revealed a high probability for range expansion of the invasive toxin producing cyanobacterium, Raphidiopsis raciborskii to Sweden, where no reports of its presence have hitherto been recorded. While predictions focused on the importance of climate variables for possible invasion, other barriers to dispersal and successful colonization need to be overcome by the species for successful invasion. In this study, we combine field-based surveys of R. raciborskii (microscopy and molecular analysis using species-specific primers) of 11 Swedish lakes and in-silico screening of environmental DNA using 153 metagenomic datasets from lakes across Europe to validate the SDMs prediction. Field-based studies in lakes with high/low predicted probability of occurrence did not detect the presence of R. raciborskii, and in-silico screening only detected hints of its presence in 5 metagenomes from lakes with probability ranging from 0.059 to 0.825. The inconsistencies between SDMs results and both field-based/in-silico monitoring could be due to either sensitivity of monitoring approaches in detecting early invasions or uncertainties in SDMs that focused solely on climate drivers. However, results highlight the necessity of proactive monitoring with high temporal and spatial frequency.
Construction of viral protein-based hybrid nanomaterials mediated by a macromolecular glue
Authors: Cao Shuqin , Peeters Sandro , Michel-Souzy Sandra , Hamelmann Naomi , Paulusse Jos M. J. , Yang Liu-lin , Cornelissen Jeroen J. L. M.
Published: June 2023

A dopamine based macromolecular glue is used to facilitate the construction of hybrid nanomaterials that are coated with virus capsid proteins, with the aim to improve stability, biocompatibility, and function.
Nanoscale bond-selective imaging by computational fusion of atomic force microscopy and coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy
Authors: Wang Le , Cheng Ji-Xin
Published: June 2023

A computational approach has been applied to push the lateral resolution of CARS microscopy to sub-20 nm through fusing with atomic force.microscopy.
α-Diazo-λ3-iodanes and α-diazo sulfonium salts: the umpolung of diazo compounds
Authors: Timmann Sven , Alcarazo Manuel
Published: June 2023

This article reviews the strategies available to achieve the umpolung of diazocompounds and the synthetic applications of such compounds.
Probing the degradation of LiCoO2 in batteries subjected to high-voltage cycling with 17O solid-state NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Lu Guozhong , Geng Fushan , Guo Nianrui , Yao Shouquan , Shen Ming , Hu Bingwen
Published: June 2023

The 17O NMR spectra of LCO-based ASSLBs and liquid cells after 50 cycles.
Membrane plasticity induced by myo-inositol derived archaeal lipids: chemical synthesis and biophysical characterization
Authors: Ruiz Johal , LoRicco Josephine G. , Soulère Laurent , Castell Marta Salvador , Grélard Axelle , Kauffmann Brice , Dufourc Erick J. , Demé Bruno , Popowycz Florence , Peters Judith
Published: June 2023

Archaeal membrane lipids were synthetized and characterised by various techniques. Their properties are proposed as providers of plasticity to resist extreme conditions.
Enzymatic hydrolysis ofl-azetidine-2-carboxylate ring opening
Authors: Xu Xuexia , Yang Qin , Wang Lanteng , Zheng Jie , Gu Yang , Xing Xiwen , Zhou Jiahai
Published: June 2023

Thel-proline analogue,l-azetidine-2-carboxylate (l-AZC), is of considerable interest both from biological and medicinal chemistry perspectives.
Efficient synthesis of camphor-based polycarbonates: a direct route to recyclable polymers
Authors: Jiang Bo , Thomas Christophe M.
Published: June 2023

A commercially available magnesium catalyst is active as a polymerization and depolymerization catalyst, allowing access to bio-based polycarbonates and their recycling by methanolysis.
Effective construction of a B and N co-doped 3D porous carbon metal-free oxygen reduction reaction catalyst by a secondary pyrolysis strategy
Authors: Li Guang-Lan , Wang Xin , Deng Fei , Lu Zhong-Fa , Hao Ce , Wang Suli , Sun Gongquan
Published: June 2023

A B and N co-doped metal-free carbonaceous (BNC) catalyst with abundant exposed active species was constructed by annealing two times.
Surfactant-assisted mesopores in hierarchical metal–organic frameworks for the immobilization of model protein Cyt c
Authors: Feng Xiaodong , Liu Lihui , Wang Yeming , Zhang Chaoqun , Liu Gang , Tian Yuyang , Zhu Guangshan
Published: June 2023

A hierarchical medi-MOF-1 was designed and synthesized, and the pores could accommodate the protein Cyt c with catalytic activity.
The synthesis of W–Ni3S2/NiS nanosheets with heterostructure as a high-efficiency catalyst for urea oxidation
Authors: Zhao Han , Liu Min , Du Xiaoqiang , Zhang Xiaoshuang
Published: June 2023

An electrolyzer containing urea using W–Ni3S2/NiS as both the cathode and anode can drive a current density of 10 mA cm−2 with a potential of only 1.569 V and has relatively good stability after a 20 h test.
POSS-based polyionic liquids for efficient CO2 cycloaddition reactions under solvent- and cocatalyst-free conditions at ambient pressure
Authors: Xiao Longqiang , Lai Yiming , Song Qianyu , Cai Jingyu , Zhao Rui , Hou Linxi
Published: June 2023

The type and content of imidazole ions are varied to synthesise controllable polymers of specific surface area and pore size. The synthesised materials are able to catalyse the cyclisation of epoxides with CO2 under mild conditions.
Spatio-temporal detachment of homogeneous electron transfer in controlling selectivity in mediated organic electrosynthesis
Authors: Hodgson Jack W. , Folgueiras-Amador Ana A. , Pletcher Derek , Harrowven David C. , Denuault Guy , Brown Richard C. D.
Published: June 2023

Simulations support time dependent detachment of homogeneous ET and coupled chemistry under mediated electroreduction when Eele < EM < EArI.
An aqueous olive leaf extract (OLE) ameliorates parameters of oxidative stress associated with lipid accumulation and induces lipophagy in human hepatic cells
Authors: S. Tacconi , S. Longo , F. Guerra , C. Moliteni , M. Friuli , A. Romano , S. Gaetani , V. M. Paradiso , G. Difonzo , F. Caponio , D. Lofrumento , D. vergara , C. Bucci , L. Dini , A. M. Giudetti
Published: June 2023

Fatty liver is a disease characterized by a buildup of lipids in the liver, often resulting from excessive consumption of high-fat-containing foods.
Electrocatalytic three-component reactions: synthesis of tellurium-containing oxazolidinone for anticancer agents
Authors: Zhou Xue-Qi , Tang Hai-Tao , Cui Fei-Hu , Liang Ying , Li Shu-Hui , Pan Ying-Ming
Published: June 2023

A new synthetic method involving electrochemical catalysis were used to synthesize various tellurium-containing oxazolidinones which showed better antitumor activity compared to other oxazolidinones.