bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Slab gliding, a hidden factor that induces irreversibility and redox asymmetry of lithium-rich layered oxide cathodes
Authors: Song Jun-Hyuk , Yu Seungju , Kim Byunghoon , Eum Donggun , Cho Jiung , Jang Ho-Young , Park Sung-O , Yoo Jaekyun , Ko Youngmin , Lee Kyeongsu , Lee Myeong Hwan , Kang Byungwook , Kang Kisuk
Published: July 2023

Lithium-rich layered oxides, despite their potential as high-energy-density cathode materials, are impeded by electrochemical performance deterioration upon anionic redox. Although this deterioration is believed to primarily result from structural disordering, our understanding of how it is triggered and/or occurs remains incomplete. Herein, we propose a theoretical picture that clarifies the irreversible transformation and redox asymmetry of lithium-rich layered oxides by introducing a series of global and local dynamic structural evolution processes involving slab gliding and transition-metal migration. We show that slab gliding plays a key role in trigger/initiating the structural disordering and consequent degradation of the anionic redox reaction. We further reveal that the ‘concerted disordering mechanism’ of slab gliding and transition-metal migration produces spontaneously irreversible/asymmetric lithiation and de-lithiation pathways, causing irreversible structural deterioration and the asymmetry of the anionic redox reaction. Our findings suggest slab gliding as a crucial, yet underexplored, method for achieving a reversible anionic redox reaction.
Abrupt perturbation and delayed recovery of the vaginal ecosystem following childbirth
Authors: Costello Elizabeth K. , DiGiulio Daniel B. , Robaczewska Anna , Symul Laura , Wong Ronald J. , Shaw Gary M. , Stevenson David K. , Holmes Susan P. , Kwon Douglas S. , Relman David A.
Published: July 2023

The vaginal ecosystem is closely tied to human health and reproductive outcomes, yet its dynamics in the wake of childbirth remain poorly characterized. Here, we profile the vaginal microbiota and cytokine milieu of participants sampled longitudinally throughout pregnancy and for at least one year postpartum. We show that delivery, regardless of mode, is associated with a vaginal pro-inflammatory cytokine response and the loss of Lactobacillus dominance. By contrast, neither the progression of gestation nor the approach of labor strongly altered the vaginal ecosystem. At 9.5-months postpartum—the latest timepoint at which cytokines were assessed—elevated inflammation coincided with vaginal bacterial communities that had remained perturbed (highly diverse) from the time of delivery. Time-to-event analysis indicated a one-year postpartum probability of transitioning to Lactobacillus dominance of 49.4%. As diversity and inflammation declined during the postpartum period, dominance by L. crispatus, the quintessential health-associated commensal, failed to return: its prevalence before, immediately after, and one year after delivery was 41%, 4%, and 9%, respectively. Revisiting our pre-delivery data, we found that a prior live birth was associated with a lower odds of L. crispatus dominance in pregnant participants—an outcome modestly tempered by a longer ( > 18-month) interpregnancy interval. Our results suggest that reproductive history and childbirth in particular remodel the vaginal ecosystem and that the timing and degree of recovery from delivery may help determine the subsequent health of the woman and of future pregnancies.
Analysis of DIA proteomics data using MSFragger-DIA and FragPipe computational platform
Authors: Yu Fengchao , Teo Guo Ci , Kong Andy T. , Fröhlich Klemens , Li Ginny Xiaohe , Demichev Vadim , Nesvizhskii Alexey I.
Published: July 2023

Liquid chromatography (LC) coupled with data-independent acquisition (DIA) mass spectrometry (MS) has been increasingly used in quantitative proteomics studies. Here, we present a fast and sensitive approach for direct peptide identification from DIA data, MSFragger-DIA, which leverages the unmatched speed of the fragment ion indexing-based search engine MSFragger. Different from most existing methods, MSFragger-DIA conducts a database search of the DIA tandem mass (MS/MS) spectra prior to spectral feature detection and peak tracing across the LC dimension. To streamline the analysis of DIA data and enable easy reproducibility, we integrate MSFragger-DIA into the FragPipe computational platform for seamless support of peptide identification and spectral library building from DIA, data-dependent acquisition (DDA), or both data types combined. We compare MSFragger-DIA with other DIA tools, such as DIA-Umpire based workflow in FragPipe, Spectronaut, DIA-NN library-free, and MaxDIA. We demonstrate the fast, sensitive, and accurate performance of MSFragger-DIA across a variety of sample types and data acquisition schemes, including single-cell proteomics, phosphoproteomics, and large-scale tumor proteome profiling studies.
Deciphering intercellular signaling complexes by interaction-guided chemical proteomics
Authors: Zheng Jiangnan , Zheng Zhendong , Fu Changying , Weng Yicheng , He An , Ye Xueting , Gao Weina , Tian Ruijun
Published: July 2023

Indirect cell–cell interactions mediated by secreted proteins and their plasma membrane receptors play essential roles for regulating intercellular signaling. However, systematic profiling of the interactions between living cell surface receptors and secretome from neighboring cells remains challenging. Here we develop a chemical proteomics approach, termed interaction-guided crosslinking (IGC), to identify ligand-receptor interactions in situ. By introducing glycan-based ligation and click chemistry, the IGC approach via glycan-to-glycan crosslinking successfully captures receptors from as few as 0.1 million living cells using only 10 ng of secreted ligand. The unparalleled sensitivity and selectivity allow systematic crosslinking and identification of ligand-receptor complexes formed between cell secretome and surfaceome in an unbiased and all-to-all manner, leading to the discovery of a ligand-receptor interaction between pancreatic cancer cell-secreted urokinase (PLAU) and neuropilin 1 (NRP1) on pancreatic cancer-associated fibroblasts. This approach is thus useful for systematic exploring new ligand-receptor pairs and discovering critical intercellular signaling events.
Overlooked riverine contributions of dissolved neodymium and hafnium to the Amazon estuary and oceans
Authors: Xu Antao , Hathorne Ed , Laukert Georgi , Frank Martin
Published: July 2023

The Amazon River accounts for 20% of global freshwater runoff and supplies vital trace metals to the Atlantic Ocean. Suspended particles within its plume are thought to partially dissolve, constituting a large potential source of metals, which is, however, not well constrained. Here we used combined neodymium (Nd) and hafnium (Hf) isotopes to disprove the release of Nd and Hf from particles as the cause of the observed dissolved concentration increases and isotopic variability across the plume. Instead, the changes reflect admixture of nearby Pará River freshwater with exceptionally high dissolved Nd and Hf concentrations contributing 45–100% of the riverine fraction to the southern and outer estuary. This result led us to develop an empirical relationship between riverine Nd concentration and pH to revise the global dissolved riverine Nd flux, which accordingly is at least three times higher than commonly used estimates. Future work should focus on contributions of low-pH rivers to global metal fluxes.
Oral and anal microbiome from HIV-exposed individuals: role of host-associated factors in taxa composition and metabolic pathways
Authors: Lacunza Ezequiel , Fink Valeria , Salas María E. , Canzoneri Romina , Naipauer Julián , Williams Sion , Coso Omar , Sued Omar , Cahn Pedro , Mesri Enrique A. , Abba Martín C.
Published: July 2023

Evidence indicates that the microbiome plays a significant role in HIV immunopathogenesis and associated complications. This study aimed to characterize the oral and anal microbiome of Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) and Transgender Women (TGW), with and without HIV. One hundred and thirty oral and anal DNA-derived samples were obtained from 78 participants and subjected to shotgun metagenomics sequencing for further microbiome analysis. Significant differences in the microbiome composition were found among subjects associated with HIV infection, gender, sex behavior, CD4+ T-cell counts, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and the presence of HPV-associated precancerous anal lesions. Results confirm the occurrence of oncogenic viromes in this high HIV-risk population. The oral microbiome in HIV-associated cases exhibited an enrichment of bacteria associated with periodontal disease pathogenesis. Conversely, anal bacteria showed a significant decrease in HIV-infected subjects (Coprococcus comes, Finegoldia magna, Blautia obeum, Catenibacterium mitsuokai). TGW showed enrichment in species related to sexual transmission, which concurs that most recruited TGW are or have been sex workers. Prevotella bivia and Fusobacterium gonidiaformans were positively associated with anal precancerous lesions among HIV-infected subjects. The enrichment of Holdemanella biformis and C. comes was associated with detectable viral load and ART-untreated patients. Metabolic pathways were distinctly affected by predominant factors linked to sexual behavior or HIV pathogenesis. Gene family analysis identified bacterial gene signatures as potential prognostic and predictive biomarkers for HIV/AIDS-associated malignancies. Conclusions: Identified microbial features at accessible sites are potential biomarkers for predicting precancerous anal lesions and therapeutic targets for HIV immunopathogenesis.
Improvement of stress corrosion cracking resistance by low cycle fatigue of a CrNiMoV steel
Authors: Huang Yu-Hui , Yang Fang-Xin , Wang Nan , Zhu Ming-Liang , Xuan Fu-Zhen
Published: July 2023

Low cycle fatigue often interacts with stress corrosion cracking behavior. In this work, the effect of low cycle fatigue on stress corrosion cracking susceptibility of a CrNiMoV steel was investigated by interrupted fatigue tests in air and slow strain rate tensile tests in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution at 180 °C. Microstructure evolution characterization verified cyclic softening and was found to improve stress corrosion cracking resistance with crack deflection along lath martensites due to a decrease of residual stress, phase transformation and increase of low-energy structures. As a semi-quantitative damage indicator, the microstructure evolution due to low cycle fatigue damage can be well described by the Kernel Average Misorientation (KAM) from the Electron Backscatter Diffraction technique. The effect of fatigue damage on stress corrosion sensitivity was found predictable based on the linear relationship between KAM and stress corrosion sensitivity factor of reduction of area.
Diverse organic-mineral associations in Jezero crater, Mars
Authors: Sharma Sunanda , Roppel Ryan D. , Murphy Ashley E. , Beegle Luther W. , Bhartia Rohit , Steele Andrew , Hollis Joseph Razzell , Siljeström Sandra , McCubbin Francis M. , Asher Sanford A. , Abbey William J. , Allwood Abigail C. , Berger Eve L. , Bleefeld Benjamin L. , Burton Aaron S. , Bykov Sergei V. , Cardarelli Emily L. , Conrad Pamela G. , Corpolongo Andrea , Czaja Andrew D. , DeFlores Lauren P. , Edgett Kenneth , Farley Kenneth A. , Fornaro Teresa , Fox Allison C. , Fries Marc D. , Harker David , Hickman-Lewis Keyron , Huggett Joshua , Imbeah Samara , Jakubek Ryan S. , Kah Linda C. , Lee Carina , Liu Yang , Magee Angela , Minitti Michelle , Moore Kelsey R. , Pascuzzo Alyssa , Rodriguez Sanchez-Vahamonde Carolina , Scheller Eva L. , Shkolyar Svetlana , Stack Kathryn M. , Steadman Kim , Tuite Michael , Uckert Kyle , Werynski Alyssa , Wiens Roger C. , Williams Amy J. , Winchell Katherine , Kennedy Megan R. , Yanchilina Anastasia
Published: July 2023

The presence and distribution of preserved organic matter on the surface of Mars can provide key information about the Martian carbon cycle and the potential of the planet to host life throughout its history. Several types of organic molecules have been previously detected in Martian meteorites1 and at Gale crater, Mars2–4. Evaluating the diversity and detectability of organic matter elsewhere on Mars is important for understanding the extent and diversity of Martian surface processes and the potential availability of carbon sources1,5,6. Here we report the detection of Raman and fluorescence spectra consistent with several species of aromatic organic molecules in the Máaz and Séítah formations within the Crater Floor sequences of Jezero crater, Mars. We report specific fluorescence-mineral associations consistent with many classes of organic molecules occurring in different spatial patterns within these compositionally distinct formations, potentially indicating different fates of carbon across environments. Our findings suggest there may be a diversity of aromatic molecules prevalent on the Martian surface, and these materials persist despite exposure to surface conditions. These potential organic molecules are largely found within minerals linked to aqueous processes, indicating that these processes may have had a key role in organic synthesis, transport or preservation.
Mast cells link immune sensing to antigen-avoidance behaviour
Authors: Plum Thomas , Binzberger Rebecca , Thiele Robin , Shang Fuwei , Postrach Daniel , Fung Candice , Fortea Marina , Stakenborg Nathalie , Wang Zheng , Tappe-Theodor Anke , Poth Tanja , MacLaren Duncan A. A. , Boeckxstaens Guy , Kuner Rohini , Pitzer Claudia , Monyer Hannah , Xin Cuiyan , Bonventre Joseph V. , Tanaka Satoshi , Voehringer David , Vanden Berghe Pieter , Strid Jessica , Feyerabend Thorsten B. , Rodewald Hans-Reimer
Published: July 2023

The physiological functions of mast cells remain largely an enigma. In the context of barrier damage, mast cells are integrated in type 2 immunity and, together with immunoglobulin E (IgE), promote allergic diseases. Allergic symptoms may, however, facilitate expulsion of allergens, toxins and parasites and trigger future antigen avoidance1–3. Here, we show that antigen-specific avoidance behaviour in inbred mice4,5 is critically dependent on mast cells; hence, we identify the immunological sensor cell linking antigen recognition to avoidance behaviour. Avoidance prevented antigen-driven adaptive, innate and mucosal immune activation and inflammation in the stomach and small intestine. Avoidance was IgE dependent, promoted by Th2 cytokines in the immunization phase and by IgE in the execution phase. Mucosal mast cells lining the stomach and small intestine rapidly sensed antigen ingestion. We interrogated potential signalling routes between mast cells and the brain using mutant mice, pharmacological inhibition, neural activity recordings and vagotomy. Inhibition of leukotriene synthesis impaired avoidance, but overall no single pathway interruption completely abrogated avoidance, indicating complex regulation. Collectively, the stage for antigen avoidance is set when adaptive immunity equips mast cells with IgE as a telltale of past immune responses. On subsequent antigen ingestion, mast cells signal termination of antigen intake. Prevention of immunopathology-causing, continuous and futile responses against per se innocuous antigens or of repeated ingestion of toxins through mast-cell-mediated antigen-avoidance behaviour may be an important arm of immunity.
Large language models encode clinical knowledge
Authors: Singhal Karan , Azizi Shekoofeh , Tu Tao , Mahdavi S. Sara , Wei Jason , Chung Hyung Won , Scales Nathan , Tanwani Ajay , Cole-Lewis Heather , Pfohl Stephen , Payne Perry , Seneviratne Martin , Gamble Paul , Kelly Chris , Babiker Abubakr , Schärli Nathanael , Chowdhery Aakanksha , Mansfield Philip , Demner-Fushman Dina , Agüera y Arcas Blaise , Webster Dale , Corrado Greg S. , Matias Yossi , Chou Katherine , Gottweis Juraj , Tomasev Nenad , Liu Yun , Rajkomar Alvin , Barral Joelle , Semturs Christopher , Karthikesalingam Alan , Natarajan Vivek
Published: July 2023

Large language models (LLMs) have demonstrated impressive capabilities, but the bar for clinical applications is high. Attempts to assess the clinical knowledge of models typically rely on automated evaluations based on limited benchmarks. Here, to address these limitations, we present MultiMedQA, a benchmark combining six existing medical question answering datasets spanning professional medicine, research and consumer queries and a new dataset of medical questions searched online, HealthSearchQA. We propose a human evaluation framework for model answers along multiple axes including factuality, comprehension, reasoning, possible harm and bias. In addition, we evaluate Pathways Language Model1(PaLM, a 540-billion parameter LLM) and its instruction-tuned variant, Flan-PaLM2on MultiMedQA. Using a combination of prompting strategies, Flan-PaLM achieves state-of-the-art accuracy on every MultiMedQA multiple-choice dataset (MedQA3, MedMCQA4, PubMedQA5and Measuring Massive Multitask Language Understanding (MMLU) clinical topics6), including 67.6% accuracy on MedQA (US Medical Licensing Exam-style questions), surpassing the prior state of the art by more than 17%. However, human evaluation reveals key gaps. To resolve this, we introduce instruction prompt tuning, a parameter-efficient approach for aligning LLMs to new domains using a few exemplars. The resulting model, Med-PaLM, performs encouragingly, but remains inferior to clinicians. We show that comprehension, knowledge recall and reasoning improve with model scale and instruction prompt tuning, suggesting the potential utility of LLMs in medicine. Our human evaluations reveal limitations of today’s models, reinforcing the importance of both evaluation frameworks and method development in creating safe, helpful LLMs for clinical applications.
Spatially resolved multiomics of human cardiac niches
Authors: Kanemaru Kazumasa , Cranley James , Muraro Daniele , Miranda Antonio M. A. , Ho Siew Yen , Wilbrey-Clark Anna , Patrick Pett Jan , Polanski Krzysztof , Richardson Laura , Litvinukova Monika , Kumasaka Natsuhiko , Qin Yue , Jablonska Zuzanna , Semprich Claudia I. , Mach Lukas , Dabrowska Monika , Richoz Nathan , Bolt Liam , Mamanova Lira , Kapuge Rakeshlal , Barnett Sam N. , Perera Shani , Talavera-López Carlos , Mulas Ilaria , Mahbubani Krishnaa T. , Tuck Liz , Wang Lu , Huang Margaret M. , Prete Martin , Pritchard Sophie , Dark John , Saeb-Parsy Kourosh , Patel Minal , Clatworthy Menna R. , Hübner Norbert , Chowdhury Rasheda A. , Noseda Michela , Teichmann Sarah A.
Published: July 2023

The function of a cell is defined by its intrinsic characteristics and its niche: the tissue microenvironment in which it dwells. Here we combine single-cell and spatial transcriptomics data to discover cellular niches within eight regions of the human heart. We map cells to microanatomical locations and integrate knowledge-based and unsupervised structural annotations. We also profile the cells of the human cardiac conduction system1. The results revealed their distinctive repertoire of ion channels, G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and regulatory networks, and implicated FOXP2 in the pacemaker phenotype. We show that the sinoatrial node is compartmentalized, with a core of pacemaker cells, fibroblasts and glial cells supporting glutamatergic signalling. Using a custom CellPhoneDB.org module, we identify trans-synaptic pacemaker cell interactions with glia. We introduce a druggable target prediction tool, drug2cell, which leverages single-cell profiles and drug–target interactions to provide mechanistic insights into the chronotropic effects of drugs, including GLP-1 analogues. In the epicardium, we show enrichment of both IgG+ and IgA+ plasma cells forming immune niches that may contribute to infection defence. Overall, we provide new clarity to cardiac electro-anatomy and immunology, and our suite of computational approaches can be applied to other tissues and organs.
Fatigue database of complex metallic alloys
Authors: Zhang Zian , Tang Haoxuan , Xu Zhiping
Published: July 2023

The past few decades have witnessed rapid progresses in the research and development of complex metallic alloys such as metallic glasses and multi-principal element alloys, which offer new solutions to tackle engineering problems of materials such as the strength-toughness conflict and deployment in harsh environments and/or for long-term service. A fatigue database (FatigueData-CMA2022) is compiled from the literature by the end of 2022. Data for both metallic glasses and multi-principal element alloys are included and analyzed for their statistics and patterns. Automatic extraction and manual examination are combined in the workflow to improve the efficiency of processing, the quality of published data, and the reusability. The database contains 272 fatigue datasets of S-N (the stress-life relation), ε-N (the strain-life relation), and da/dN-ΔK (the relation between the fatigue crack growth rate and the stress intensity factor range) data, together with the information of materials, processing and testing conditions, and mechanical properties. The database and scripts are released in open repositories, which are designed in formats that can be continuously expanded and updated.
A dataset on energy efficiency grade of white goods in mainland China at regional and household levels
Authors: Li Zonghan , Wang Chunyan , Liu Yi
Published: July 2023

To improve energy-saving management, the energy efficiency grade (EEG) was introduced by the Chinese government in the 2000s and mainly implemented for white goods (WGs) in early stages. However, due to the lack of actual statistics, how effective the promotion of high EEG WGs has been in China is still not clear. The China Energy Efficiency Grade (CEEG) of WGs dataset described here comprises (i) EEG-related data on 5 kinds of WGs at the regional (national, provincial) and household levels in China and (ii) predictions of future average EEG trends. By web crawling, retrieving and processing in SQL, the average EEG data weighted by sales in 30 provinces in mainland China from 2012 to 2019 are provided. Household WG survey data, including household information and average EEG, were collected by distributing questionnaires to 1327 households in Beijing, China. The CEEG dataset will facilitate the advancement of research on household energy consumption, household appliance consumer choice, and the assessment of energy efficiency-related policies.
Development and validation of asthma risk prediction models using co-expression gene modules and machine learning methods
Authors: Dessie Eskezeia Y. , Gautam Yadu , Ding Lili , Altaye Mekibib , Beyene Joseph , Mersha Tesfaye B.
Published: July 2023

Asthma is a heterogeneous respiratory disease characterized by airway inflammation and obstruction. Despite recent advances, the genetic regulation of asthma pathogenesis is still largely unknown. Gene expression profiling techniques are well suited to study complex diseases including asthma. In this study, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) followed by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and machine learning techniques using dataset generated from airway epithelial cells (AECs) and nasal epithelial cells (NECs) were used to identify candidate genes and pathways and to develop asthma classification and predictive models. The models were validated using bronchial epithelial cells (BECs), airway smooth muscle (ASM) and whole blood (WB) datasets. DEG and WGCNA followed by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method identified 30 and 34 gene signatures and these gene signatures with support vector machine (SVM) discriminated asthmatic subjects from controls in AECs (Area under the curve: AUC = 1) and NECs (AUC = 1), respectively. We further validated AECs derived gene-signature in BECs (AUC = 0.72), ASM (AUC = 0.74) and WB (AUC = 0.66). Similarly, NECs derived gene-signature were validated in BECs (AUC = 0.75), ASM (AUC = 0.82) and WB (AUC = 0.69). Both AECs and NECs based gene-signatures showed a strong diagnostic performance with high sensitivity and specificity. Functional annotation of gene-signatures from AECs and NECs were enriched in pathways associated with IL-13, PI3K/AKT and apoptosis signaling. Several asthma related genes were prioritized including SERPINB2 and CTSC genes, which showed functional relevance in multiple tissue/cell types and related to asthma pathogenesis. Taken together, epithelium gene signature-based model could serve as robust surrogate model for hard-to-get tissues including BECs to improve the molecular etiology of asthma.
Allogenic adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells are effective than antibiotics in treating endometritis
Authors: Bhaskar Vinay , Saini Sikander , Ansari Shama , Ghai Shubham , Thakur Abhishek , Chopra Suman , Verma Vivekananda , Malakar Dhruba
Published: July 2023

Endometritis is a uterine inflammatory disease that causes reduced livestock fertility, milk production and lifespan leading to significant economic losses to the dairy industry. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) may act as an alternative for inefficacy of antibiotics and rising antibiotic resistance in endometritis. The present study aimed to cure the chronic endometritic buffaloes using allogenic adipose-derived MSCs (AD-MSC). AD-MSCs were isolated from buffalo adipose tissue and characterized by multilineage differentiation as well as MSC-specific markers. The in vivo safety and efficacy were assessed after infusion of AD-MSCs. In safety trial, cells were administered in healthy buffaloes via different routes (IV and IC) followed by examination of clinical and hematological parameters. In efficacy study, AD-MSCs treatments (IV and IC) and antibiotic therapy (ABT) in endometritic buffaloes were comparatively evaluated. AD-MSCs did not induced any immunological reaction in treated buffaloes. PMN count, CRP levels and VDS were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced after AD-MSCs infusions in IV and IC groups and no significant difference was observed in antibiotic group. The IV group was marked with 50% absolute risk reduction in endometritis and 50% live calf births after artificial insemination in comparison with ABT group. Anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL4 and IL10) and anti-microbial peptides (PI3, CATHL4, LCN2 and CST3) expressions were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) upregulated in IV group. The calf delivery rate after the treatments in IV group was higher (50%, 3 calves) than the other groups (IC: 33.3%, 2 calves; ABT: 16.6%, 1 calf). In conclusion, the administration of AD-MSCs through IV route was found to be safe and efficacious for alleviating chronic endometritis in dairy buffaloes.
Quantifying the effect of isolation and negative certification on COVID-19 transmission
Authors: Takeshita Jun-ichi , Murakami Michio , Kamo Masashi , Naito Wataru , Yasutaka Tetsuo , Imoto Seiya
Published: July 2023

Isolation of close contact people and negative test certification are used to manage the spread of new coronavirus infections worldwide. These effectively prevent the spread of infection in advance, but they can lead to a decline in socio-economic activity. Thus, the present study quantified the extent to which isolation and negative test certification respectively reduce the risk of infection. To this end, a discrete-time SEIR model was used as the infectious disease model, and equations for calculating the conditional probability of non-infection status given negative test results on two different days were derived. Then the respective non-infection probabilities with two negative PCR test results, and with one negative PCR test result and one antigen test result, were quantified. By substituting initial parameters of the SEIR model into these probabilities, the present study revealed the following: (1) isolating close contact individuals can reduce by$$80\%$$80%the risk of infection during the first 5 days, but five more days are needed to reduce the risk$$10\%$$10%more, and seven more days to reduce the risk$$20\%$$20%more; and (2) if an individual with a negative PCR test result has a negative antigen test result the next day, then his or her infection probability is between 0.6 and$$0.7\%$$0.7%. Our results show that 5-day isolation has a proportionally greater effect on risk reduction, compared to longer isolation; and thus, if an isolation period of longer than 5 days is contemplated, both the risk reduction and the negative effects from such increased isolation should be considered. Regarding negative test certification, our results provide those in managerial positions, who must decide whether to accept the risk and hold mass-gathering events, with quantitative information that may be useful in their decision-making.
Identification and analysis of ship waiting behavior outside the port based on AIS data
Authors: Ma Jianwen , Zhou Yue , Zhu Zhaoxin
Published: July 2023

Port congestion caused by ship detention is an important reason for the obstruction of the shipping supply chain. In this paper, a method of excavating the ship waiting behavior outside the port is proposed based on the automatic identification system (AIS) data and considering uncontrollable factors. Firstly, combined with the analysis of ship navigation behavior, the speed threshold of the ship waiting outside the port is defined through average speed. Secondly, the range of ships berthing in the port is distinguished, and the different waiting behavior of ships are clarified. Finally, the situation of different types and sizes of ships waiting outside the port is analyzed. The paper found that ships of different types and sizes have distinctive clustered waiting behavior, and there are significant differences in waiting time. At the ship type, bulk cargo ship have the highest number among ships waiting outside the port, followed by tanker and container ship; at the ship scale, basically, the number of ships waiting outside the port decreases with the increase of the scale, but the average waiting time is longer. It has an excellent practical promotion value for the application of AIS data and development of shipping.
Generation and decay of Higgs mode in a strongly interacting Fermi gas
Authors: Barresi Andrea , Boulet Antoine , Wlazłowski Gabriel , Magierski Piotr
Published: July 2023

We investigate the life cycle of the large amplitude Higgs mode in strongly interacting superfluid Fermi gas. Through numerical simulations with time-dependent density functional theory and the technique of the interaction quench, we verify the previous theoretical predictions on the mode’s frequency. Next, we demonstrate that the mode is dynamically unstable against external perturbation and qualitatively examine the emerging state after the mode decays. The post-decay state is characterized by spatial fluctuations of the order parameter and density at scales comparable to the superfluid coherence length scale. We identify similarities with FFLO states, which become more prominent at higher dimensionalities and nonzero spin imbalances.
Utility of C3d and C4d immunohistochemical staining in formalin-fixed skin or mucosal biopsy specimens in diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid and mucous membrane pemphigoid
Authors: Thakur Neha , Chatterjee Debajyoti , Dev Anubha , Shilpa  , Mahajan Rahul , Handa Sanjeev , De Dipankar
Published: July 2023

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) and mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) sometimes have overlapping clinical, histopathological, and direct immunofluorescence (DIF) features in the early stages. Complement deposition is an intrinsic component of the patho-mechanism of BP in contrast to MMP. Hence immunohistochemistry (IHC) for C3d and C4d may be helpful in differentiating the two disorders. Seventy-four patients of BP and 18 patients of MMP along with 10 negative controls were enrolled in this study. C3d and C4d IHC was performed in formalin-fixed skin biopsy specimens. C3d IHC staining in BP/MMP had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 59.2%/41.2%, 100%/100%, 100%/100%, 25.6%/50.0%, respectively. C4d IHC staining in BP/MMP had a sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 26.8%/17.6%, 100%/100%, 100%/100% and 16.1%/41.7%, respectively. Receiver operator analysis showed utility of C3d in diagnosing both BP [Area under curve (AUC) = 0.8, p = 0.0001] and MMP (AUC = 0.71; p = 0.001). C4d was useful in diagnosis of BP (AUC = 0.5; p = 0.0001), but not MMP (AUC = 0.6; p = 0.064). Hence, C3d is a better diagnostic modality for BP as compared to C4d, whereas C3d and C4d have lower diagnostic importance in MMP. C3d IHC can be employed in diagnosing BP when a second biopsy for direct immunofluorescence (DIF) is not possible or where a facility for IF microscopy does not exist.
Separation of mercuric ions using 2-thienylbenzimidazole/cucurbit[7]uril/iron-oxide nanoparticles by pH control
Authors: Chandra Falguni , Laha Paltan , Benyettou Farah , Skorjanc Tina , Saleh Na’il
Published: July 2023

2-Thienylbenzimidazole (TBI)/cucurbit[7]uril (CB7) host–guest complex was used as a motif to significantly improve the turnover of γ-Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles for potential application in the separation of toxic mercuric ions in polluted water samples. The mechanism of restoring the original solid materials is based on applying the pH-controlled preferential binding of the CB7 host to the TBI guest. The analytical application of this concept has not been realized in the literature. The pH-controlled stimuli-responsive abilities were confirmed in aqueous solution by the three-order of magnitudes higher stability constant of the protonated TBIH+/CB7 complex (e.g., K = 4.8 × 108 M−1) when compared to neutral TBI/CB7 complex (e.g., K = 2.4 × 105 M−1), also manifested in an increase in pKa values by ~ 3.3 units in the ground state. The supramolecular interaction and adsorption on iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) were also spectroscopically confirmed in the solid state. The excited-state lifetime values of TBI/CB7NPs increased upon lowering the pH values (e.g., from 0.6 to 1.3 ns) with a concomitant blue shift of ~ 25 nm because of polarity effects. The time-resolved photoluminescent behaviors of the final solids in the presence of CB7 ensured pH-driven reusable systems for capturing toxic mercuric ions. The study offers a unique approach for the controllable separation of mercury ions using an external magnet and in response to pH through preferential binding of the host to guest molecules on the top of magnetic surfaces.
Latent profile analysis for health-related quality of life, sleep quality, morning and evening type, and internet addiction among medical students
Authors: Yu Ling , Wu Yifan , Guo Chaowei , Qiao Qiao , Wang Xue , Zang Shuang
Published: July 2023

Health-related quality of life, sleep quality, morning and evening types, and internet addiction are of significant importance to the development of medical students, yet they have rarely been studied. Taking this into consideration, the study aimed to confirm latent profiles in health-related quality of life, sleep quality, morning and evening types, and internet addiction in medical students and investigate the characteristics of participants in each profile to provide suggestions for students’ health. This was an observational cross-sectional study including 1221 medical student subjects at China Medical University in 2019. Multiple correspondence analysis was the initial step to verify the correspondence, dispersion, and approximation of variable categories. Latent profile analysis was used to identify the multiple correspondences between the levels of variables. Three profiles were found, including: (1) The Low sleep quality profile was characterized by the lowest sleep quality among the three existing profiles. (2) The High health-related quality of life and Low internet addiction profile was characterized by the highest level of health-related quality of life but the lowest level of internet addiction. (3) The Low health-related quality of life and High internet addiction profile was characterized by the highest standardized values of internet addiction but the lowest standardized values of health-related quality of life. This study had important implications for improving student health and supported the medical universities and hospitals in implementing targeted policies based on distinctive student characteristics.
LungElast—an open-source, flexible, low-cost, microprocessor-controlled mouse lung elastometer
Authors: Roberts Jesse D.
Published: July 2023

The study of mouse lung mechanics provides essential insights into the physiological mechanisms of pulmonary disease. Consequently, investigators assemble custom systems comprising infusion-withdrawal syringe pumps and analog pressure sensors to investigate the lung function of these animals. But these systems are expensive and require ongoing regulation, making them challenging to use. Here I introduce LungElast, an open-source, inexpensive, and self-contained instrument that can experimentally determine lung elasticity and volumes even in immature mice. It is assembled using custom 3D printed parts and readily available or easily constructed components. In this device, a microprocessor-controlled stepper motor automatically regulates lung volume by precisely driving a syringe piston whose position is determined using time-of-flight LIDAR technology. The airway pressures associated with the lung volumes are determined using compact sensor-on-chip technology, retrieved in a digital format, and stored by the microcontroller. The instrument software is modular, which eases device testing, calibration, and use. Data are also provided here that specify the accuracy and precision of the elastometer’s sensors and volume delivery and demonstrate its use with lung models and mouse pups. This instrument has excellent potential for research and educational work.
Identification and restoration of hydrological processes alteration during the fish spawning period
Authors: Yu Yang , Zhao Rui , Zhang Jiahe , Du Sen , Zhou Tianyu , Fu Xingjia , Jiang Shuoyun
Published: July 2023

The hydrological processes play an important role in stimulating fish spawning behavior. Changes in the natural hydrological processes will alter the populations and distribution of fish, which may have a negative impact on the native aquatic organisms. The aim of this study is to identify the alteration of the water rising process during the fish spawning period and to construct an ecological flow optimization model to restore the water rising conditions for fish reproduction. The Mann–Kendall test and the sliding t-test were used to detect the mutation year of the mean daily flow data sets in the fish spawning period in each monitoring year. Then the data sets can be divided into pre-altered and post-altered periods. The water rising process was characterized by the water rising processes count, the duration, the daily flow increase rate, the date of the water rising process, and the initial water rising flow. The changes in hydrological processes in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River were investigated by comparing the post-altered and pre-altered characteristic parameters. Furthermore, we integrated the statistical values of the five characteristic parameters in pre-altered into an ecological flow optimization model to simulate the natural water rising processes for the spawning of the Four Major Chinese Carps (FMCC) and Chinese Sturgeon (CS). The analysis showed that after the hydrological mutation year, the duration and the initial water rising flow in the FMCC spawning season were increased, with hydrological alteration degrees of 63.10% and 70.16%, respectively; however, the daily flow increase rate was significantly decreased, with hydrological alteration of 86.50%. During the CS spawning season, the water rising processes count and the initial water rising flow were dramatically altered parameters, with hydrological alteration degrees of 50.86% and 83.27%, respectively. The former parameter increased, but the latter decreased significantly in the post-altered period. To induce the spawning activity of FMCC and CS, appropriate ecological flows and hydrological parameters were proposed. These results showed that during the spawning seasons of FMCC and CS, the hydrological processes of the middle reaches of the Yangtze River changed significantly. Therefore, ecological flow must be ensured through ecological operation of upstream reservoirs to provide suitable spawning conditions in target fish spawning grounds.
Visual satisfaction with progressive addition lenses prescribed with novel foveal fixation axis measurements
Authors: Oscar Garcia-Espinilla , Irene Sanchez , Raul Martin
Published: July 2023

Progressive addition lens (PAL) prescription is usually conducted using the pupillary centre as a reference, which in general does not coincide with the visual axis (kappa distance), and this difference could induce undesired prismatic effects in far and near vision distances and adaptation problems. This study aimed to assess the impact on subjects’ visual satisfaction with PALs prescribed based on foveal fixation axis (FFA) measurements. Two different PALs (LifeStyle 3i, Hoya Lens Iberia) were randomly prescribed [one with a customized inset (the difference between the FFA measurements (Ergofocus®, Lentitech, Spain) at far and near distances and the second with a standard inset (2.5 mm)] to be used by 71 healthy presbyopic volunteers in a prospective double-masked crossover clinical study involving one month of use of each PAL. Patients were self-classified into four groups according to their previous experience with PALs: neophyte, PAL users, PAL drop-out, and uncomfortable PAL users. Visual function and overall satisfaction with each PAL were collected and compared. Ninety-seven percent (95% CI 93–100%) of participants successfully adapted to PALs prescribed with FFA without significant differences (P = 0.26) among the study groups (100% neophyte and uncomfortable PAL users (95% CI 100% in both groups), 89% (95% CI 67–100%) PAL users and 94% (95% CI 82–100%) PAL drop-out group). There were no statistically significant differences in visual function (P > 0.05) between customized and standard inset PALs. Customized and standard inset lenses showed similar satisfaction (P > 0.42) that increased significantly (P < 0.01 without any carry-over effect) after 30 days of wear. PALs prescribed with FFA measurements showed high visual satisfaction, suggesting that these measurements are suitable for prescribing PAL adaptation processes. Additional research is necessary to assess differences in PAL users’ performance with different prescription methods and lens designs.
Strengthening atmospheric circulation and trade winds slowed tropical Pacific surface warming
Authors: Latif Mojib , Bayr Tobias , Kjellsson Joakim , Lübbecke Joke F. , Martin Thomas , Nnamchi Hyacinth C. , Park Wonsun , Savita Abhishek , Sun Jing , Dommenget Dietmar
Published: July 2023

The globally averaged sea-surface temperature (SST) has steadily increased in the last four decades, consistent with the rising atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations. Parts of the tropical Pacific exhibited less warming than the global average or even cooling, which is not captured by state-of-the-art climate models and the reasons are poorly understood. Here we show that the last four decades featured a strengthening atmospheric circulation and stronger trade winds over the tropical Pacific, which counteracted externally-forced SST warming. Climate models do not simulate the trends in the atmospheric circulation irrespective of whether an external forcing is applied or not and model bias is the likely reason. This study raises questions about model-based tropical Pacific climate change projections and emphasizes the need to enhance understanding of tropical Pacific climate dynamics and response to external forcing in order to project with confidence future climate changes in the tropical Pacific sector and beyond.
Responses to the COVID-19 pandemic have impeded progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Li Cai , Deng Zhongci , Wang Zhen , Hu Yuanchao , Wang Ling , Yu Shuxia , Li Wei , Shi Zhihua , Bryan Brett A.
Published: July 2023

COVID-19 pandemic responses have brought unprecedented challenges to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and a quantitative, multi-dimensional assessment of the impacts of these responses on SDG progress is required. Here, we use an adaptive multi-regional input–output model to quantitatively assess the impact of pandemic responses on global and national SDG progress and show that COVID-19 pandemic responses reduced overall progress towards the SDGs by 8.2%, with socio-economic sustainability declining by 18.1% while environmental sustainability improved by 5.1% compared with the business-as-usual trend. Developing countries suffered greater reductions in overall sustainability (9.7%) than developed countries (7.1%). Under all post-pandemic futures, pandemic responses were found to impede overall progress towards the SDGs and worsened inequality between countries, particularly for socio-economic targets. A post-pandemic strategy toward the SDGs requires sustainable pandemic responses which not only address inequality among countries but also lessen the trade-offs between SDGs.
The economic value of augmentative exoskeletons and their assistance
Authors: Medrano Roberto Leo , Thomas Gray Cortright , Margolin Drew , Rouse Elliott J.
Published: July 2023

For augmentative exoskeletons that assist able-bodied users, a clear metric of success remains an open question. Here we leverage the Vickrey second-price auction to quantify the economic value added by lower-limb exoskeletons and their assistance. We posited that if exoskeletons provided helpful assistance during a difficult task, this value could be quantified through a lowering of participant auction bids to continue walking. The bidding results were compared across different conditions to determine the economic value of the exoskeleton, bearing in mind also the cost of wearing the added mass of the exoskeleton. Results show that the total value of the exoskeleton and assistance was modest. While most participants found the assistance itself valuable, this value was mostly offset by the extra mass added of wearing the exoskeleton. Our approach provides insight into how exoskeleton wearers may value different aspects of user experience. These results suggest economic value may be a powerful tool in the design and control of exoskeletons that maximize user benefit.
Personalized Support for Students Learning Chemistry Online—The Development of a Prediction Model
Authors: Eidelman Rachel , Shwartz Yael
Published: July 2023

The virtual chemistry classroom is a learning environment for high-school students who are willing to study chemistry but have no opportunity to do so in their schools for various reasons. Starting in 2014, with the development of learning materials and computerized tasks for a three-year online chemistry programme, we now (end of 2020) have over 250 graduates and 400 students who are currently studying in 10–12th grade. In this chapter we present an integrated view of students’ function in the ‘Chemistry Online Blended Learning Environment’ (COBLE). We studied four students’ Self-regulated Learning (SRL) profiles and followed the changes of those profiles for COBLE students and dropouts, and traditional face-to-face students over time. Results indicate that COBLE students developed SRL skills over time and were not likely to possess the all-negative SRL profile. A methodology for assessing students’ overall involvement in the course to create an ‘effort mark’ was developed, and influential indicators were isolated, leading to a prediction model for students’ abilities to succeed while studying in COBLE. This prediction model may also enable future planning of personalized support.