bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A deep learning model for brain segmentation across pediatric and adult populations
Authors: Simarro Jaime , Meyer Maria Ines , Van Eyndhoven Simon , Phan Thanh Vân , Billiet Thibo , Sima Diana M. , Ortibus Els
Published: May 2024

Automated quantification of brain tissues on MR images has greatly contributed to the diagnosis and follow-up of neurological pathologies across various life stages. However, existing solutions are specifically designed for certain age ranges, limiting their applicability in monitoring brain development from infancy to late adulthood. This retrospective study aims to develop and validate a brain segmentation model across pediatric and adult populations. First, we trained a deep learning model to segment tissues and brain structures using T1-weighted MR images from 390 patients (age range: 2–81 years) across four different datasets. Subsequently, the model was validated on a cohort of 280 patients from six distinct test datasets (age range: 4–90 years). In the initial experiment, the proposed deep learning-based pipeline, icobrain-dl, demonstrated segmentation accuracy comparable to both pediatric and adult-specific models across diverse age groups. Subsequently, we evaluated intra- and inter-scanner variability in measurements of various tissues and structures in both pediatric and adult populations computed by icobrain-dl. Results demonstrated significantly higher reproducibility compared to similar brain quantification tools, including childmetrix, FastSurfer, and the medical device icobrain v5.9 (p-value< 0.01). Finally, we explored the potential clinical applications of icobrain-dl measurements in diagnosing pediatric patients with Cerebral Visual Impairment and adult patients with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Pilot deployment of a community health care worker in distributing and offering the COVID-19 AgRDT in Tanzania
Authors: Mrisho Mwifadhi , Mwangoka Grace , Ali Ali M. , Mkopi Abdallah , Mahende Muhidin K. , Temu Silas , Msuya Hajirani M. , Kazyoba Paul E. , Abdallah Gumi , Mihayo Michael , Juma Omar , Hamad Ali , Jongo Said , Lweno Omar , Tumbo Anneth , Mswata Sarah , Kassim Kamaka R. , Kishimba Rogath , Haruna Hussein , Kassa Hellen , Kapologwe Ntuli , Rashid Mohammed , Abdulla Salim
Published: May 2024

A pilot implementation of the rapid diagnostic test program was performed to collect evidence of the feasibility, acceptability, and uptake of the COVID-19 AgRDT in Tanzania. We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study in the community to provide quantitative details of the pilot implementation of the antigen rapid diagnostic test (AgRDT) in Tanzania. This study was undertaken between March 2022 and September 2022. The pilot was implemented by distributing and offering test kits to people suspected of having COVID-19 in Dar es Salaam through community health workers. A total of 1039 participants consented to participate in the survey. All the participants reported having heard about the disease. The radio was the main source (93.2%) of information on COVID-19. With regard to prevention measures, approximately 930 (89.5%) of the respondents thought that COVID-19 could be prevented. Approximately 1035 (99.6%) participants reported that they were willing to have a COVID-19 AgRDT test and wait for 20 min for the results. With regard to the participants’ opinions on the AgRDT device, the majority 907 (87.3%) felt comfortable with the test, and 1,029 (99.0%) were very likely to recommend the AgRDT test to their friends. The majority of participants 848 (83.1%) mentioned that they would be willing to pay for the test if it was not available for free. The results suggest overall good acceptance of the COVID-19 AgRDT test. It is evident that the use of trained community healthcare workers allows easy screening of all possible suspects and helps them receive early treatment.
Facial representations of complex affective states combining pain and a negative emotion
Authors: Tessier Marie-Hélène , Mazet Jean-Philippe , Gagner Elliot , Marcoux Audrey , Jackson Philip L.
Published: May 2024

Pain is rarely communicated alone, as it is often accompanied by emotions such as anger or sadness. Communicating these affective states involves shared representations. However, how an individual conceptually represents these combined states must first be tested. The objective of this study was to measure the interaction between pain and negative emotions on two types of facial representations of these states, namely visual (i.e., interactive virtual agents; VAs) and sensorimotor (i.e., one's production of facial configurations). Twenty-eight participants (15 women) read short written scenarios involving only pain or a combined experience of pain and a negative emotion (anger, disgust, fear, or sadness). They produced facial configurations representing these experiences on the faces of the VAs and on their face (own production or imitation of VAs). The results suggest that affective states related to a direct threat to the body (i.e., anger, disgust, and pain) share a similar facial representation, while those that present no immediate danger (i.e., fear and sadness) differ. Although visual and sensorimotor representations of these states provide congruent affective information, they are differently influenced by factors associated with the communication cycle. These findings contribute to our understanding of pain communication in different affective contexts.
Ensemble technique of intrusion detection for IoT-edge platform
Authors: Aldaej Abdulaziz , Ullah Imdad , Ahanger Tariq Ahamed , Atiquzzaman Mohammed
Published: May 2024

Internet of Things (IoT) technology has revolutionized modern industrial sectors. Moreover, IoT technology has been incorporated within several vital domains of applicability. However, security is overlooked due to the limited resources of IoT devices. Intrusion detection methods are crucial for detecting attacks and responding adequately to every IoT attack. Conspicuously, the current study outlines a two-stage procedure for the determination and identification of intrusions. In the first stage, a binary classifier termed an Extra Tree (E-Tree) is used to analyze the flow of IoT data traffic within the network. In the second stage, an Ensemble Technique (ET) comprising of E-Tree, Deep Neural Network (DNN), and Random Forest (RF) examines the invasive events that have been identified. The proposed approach is validated for performance analysis. Specifically, Bot-IoT, CICIDS2018, NSL-KDD, and IoTID20 dataset were used for an in-depth performance assessment. Experimental results showed that the suggested strategy was more effective than existing machine learning methods. Specifically, the proposed technique registered enhanced statistical measures of accuracy, normalized accuracy, recall measure, and stability.
Study on detonation characteristics of pulverized coal and evolution law of detonation residue
Authors: Guo Jing , Ge Shirong , Guo Yinan , Liang Jiayu , Yang Ruibo
Published: May 2024

This study explores the detonation characteristics and compositional changes of pulverized coal, focusing on its use in Rotary Detonation Wave (RDW) technologies. While pulverized coal has shown high fuel efficiency in RDW settings, transitioning from theory to practical detonation engineering presents substantial scientific and technical hurdles. A key issue is the reprocessing of detonation byproducts for in-situ coal mine gob filling, a topic that has received little attention. Utilizing advanced methods like X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), this paper investigates the micro-morphology, composition, and aromatic structures of gas–solid products pre and post-detonation at the Tashan Coal Mine's 2305 working face. Results indicate that coal dust from the underground mining face has enhanced detonation characteristics, with the addition of coal powder fuel extending the gas detonation limits. This benefits economic aspects by reducing reliance on gas fuel and lowering detonation fuel costs. The highest recorded detonation wave velocity was 2450 m/s, 14.8% greater than that of coal dust from external sources, suggesting more effective energy release and pressure gain. Furthermore, the study links detonation combustion intensity to coal's aromatic properties, noting a post-detonation aromaticity index (I) of 0.4941. This indicates an improvement in the aromatic structure under high-temperature conditions, vital for coal's reactivity and energy efficiency in RDW applications. This research not only deepens the understanding of coal dust combustion mechanisms but also advances clean coal utilization and deep coal fluidization mining, addressing significant RDW technological challenges.
Arginines of the CGN codon family are Achilles’ heels of cancer genes
Authors: Trexler Mária , Bányai László , Kerekes Krisztina , Patthy László
Published: May 2024

Recent studies have revealed that arginine is the most favorable target of amino acid alteration in most cancer types and it has been suggested that the high preference for arginine mutations reflects the critical roles of this amino acid in the function of proteins. High rates of mutations of arginine residues in cancer, however, might also be due to increased mutability of arginine codons of the CGN family as the CpG dinucleotides of these codons may be methylated. In the present work we have analyzed spectra of single base substitutions of cancer genes (oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes) and passenger genes in cancer tissues to assess the contributions of CpG hypermutability and selection to arginine mutations. Our studies have shown that arginines encoded by the CGN codon family display higher rates of mutation in both cancer genes and passenger genes than arginine codons AGA and AGG that are devoid of CpG dinucleotide, suggesting that the predominance of arginine mutations in cancer is primarily due to CpG hypermutability, rather than selection for arginine replacement. Nevertheless, our results also suggest that CGN codons for arginines may serve as Achilles' heels of cancer genes. CpG hypermutability of key arginines of proto-oncogenes, leading to high rates of recurrence of driver mutations, contributes significantly to carcinogenesis. Similarly, our results indicate that hypermutability of the CpG dinucleotide of CGA codons (converting them to TGA stop codons) contributes significantly to recurrent truncation and inactivation of tumor suppressor genes.
Machine learning-based integration develops an immunogenic cell death-derived lncRNA signature for predicting prognosis and immunotherapy response in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Sun Jiazheng , Guo Hehua , Zhang Siyu , Nie Yalan , Zhou Sirui , Zeng Yulan , Sun Yalu
Published: May 2024

Accumulating evidence demonstrates that lncRNAs are involved in the regulation of the immune microenvironment and early tumor development. Immunogenic cell death occurs mainly through the release or increase of tumor-associated antigen and tumor-specific antigen, exposing “danger signals” to stimulate the body’s immune response. Given the recent development of immunotherapy in lung adenocarcinoma, we explored the role of tumor immunogenic cell death-related lncRNAs in lung adenocarcinoma for prognosis and immunotherapy benefit, which has never been uncovered yet. Based on the lung adenocarcinoma cohorts from the TCGA database and GEO database, the study developed the immunogenic cell death index signature by several machine learning algorithms and then validated the signature for prognosis and immunotherapy benefit of lung adenocarcinoma patients, which had a more stable performance compared with published signatures in predicting the prognosis, and demonstrated predictive value for benefiting from immunotherapy in multiple cohorts of multiple cancers, and also guided the utilization of chemotherapy drugs.
rESWT promoted angiogenesis via Bach1/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Yang Fan , Guo Juan , Kang Nan , Yu Xiaotong , Ma Yuewen
Published: May 2024

Previous reports have established that rESWT fosters angiogenesis, yet the mechanism by which rESWT promotes cerebral angiogenesis remains elusive. rESWT stimulated HUVECs proliferation as evidenced by the CCK-8 test, with an optimal dosage of 2.0 Bar, 200 impulses, and 2 Hz. The tube formation assay of HUVECs revealed that tube formation peaked at 36 h post-rESWT treatment, concurrent with the lowest expression level of Bach1, as detected by both Western blot and immunofluorescence. The expression level of Wnt3a, β-catenin, and VEGF also peaked at 36 h. A Bach1 overexpression plasmid was transfected into HUVECs, resulting in a decreased expression level of Wnt3a, β-catenin, and VEGF. Upon treatment with rESWT, the down-regulation of Wnt3a, β-catenin, and VEGF expression in the transfected cells was reversed. The Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor DKK-1 was utilized to suppress Wnt3a and β-catenin expression, which led to a concurrent decrease in VEGF expression. However, rESWT treatment could restore the expression of these three proteins, even in the presence of DKK-1. Moreover, in the established OGD model, it was observed that rESWT could inhibit the overexpression of Bach1 and enhance VEGF and VEGFR-2 expression under the OGD environment.
Deletion of IRE1α in podocytes exacerbates diabetic nephropathy in mice
Authors: Cybulsky Andrey V. , Papillon Joan , Guillemette Julie , Navarro-Betancourt José R. , Chung Chen-Fang , Iwawaki Takao , Fantus I. George
Published: May 2024

Protein misfolding in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of podocytes contributes to the pathogenesis of glomerular diseases. Protein misfolding activates the unfolded protein response (UPR), a compensatory signaling network. We address the role of the UPR and the UPR transducer, inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α), in streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in mice. Diabetes caused progressive albuminuria in control mice that was exacerbated in podocyte-specific IRE1α knockout (KO) mice. Compared to diabetic controls, diabetic IRE1α KO mice showed reductions in podocyte number and synaptopodin. Glomerular ultrastructure was altered only in diabetic IRE1α KO mice; the major changes included widening of podocyte foot processes and glomerular basement membrane. Activation of the UPR and autophagy was evident in diabetic control, but not diabetic IRE1α KO mice. Analysis of human glomerular gene expression in the JuCKD-Glom database demonstrated induction of genes associated with the ER, UPR and autophagy in diabetic nephropathy. Thus, mice with podocyte-specific deletion of IRE1α demonstrate more severe diabetic nephropathy and attenuation of the glomerular UPR and autophagy, implying a protective effect of IRE1α. These results are consistent with data in human diabetic nephropathy and highlight the potential for therapeutically targeting these pathways.
A novel nomogram for predicting prolonged mechanical ventilation in lung transplantation patients using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Xuan Chenhao , Gu Jingxiao , Xu Zhongping , Chen Jingyu , Xu Hongyang
Published: May 2024

Prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) is commonly associated with increased post-operative complications and mortality. Nevertheless, the predictive factors of PMV after lung transplantation (LTx) using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as a bridge remain unclear. The present study aimed to develop a novel nomogram for PMV prediction in patients using ECMO as a bridge to LTx. A total of 173 patients who used ECMO as a bridge following LTx from January 2022 to June 2023 were divided into the training (122) and validation sets (52). A mechanical ventilation density plot of patients after LTx was then performed. The training set was divided in two groups, namely PMV (95) and non-prolonged ventilation (NPMV) (27). For the survival analysis, the effect of PMV was assessed using the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess factors associated with PMV. A risk nomogram was established based on the multivariate analysis, and model performance was further assessed in terms of calibration, discrimination, and clinical usefulness. Internal validation was additionally conducted. The difference in survival curves in PMV and NPMV groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The multivariate analysis and risk factors in the nomogram revealed four factors to be significantly associated with PMV, namely the body mass index (BMI), operation time, lactic acid at T0 (Lac), and driving pressure (DP) at T0. These four factors were used to develop a nomogram, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.852 and good calibration. After internal validation, AUC was 0.789 with good calibration. Furthermore, goodness-of-fit test and decision-curve analysis (DCA) indicated satisfactory performance in the training and internal validation sets. The proposed nomogram can reliably and accurately predict the risk of patients to develop PMV after LTx using ECMO as a bridge. Four modifiable factors including BMI, operation time, Lac, and DP were optimized, which may guide preventative measures and improve prognosis.
On the diverse utility of Cu doped ZnS/Fe3O4 nanocomposites
Authors: Kalantari Shirin , Shokuhfar Ali
Published: May 2024

The global water crisis is a growing concern, with water pollution from organic dyes being a significant issue. Photocatalysis has emerged as a sustainable and renewable method for removing organic pollutants from wastewater. The study synthesized innovative (2.5, 5 and 10 wt%) Cu doped zinc sulfide/iron oxide nanocomposites using a sonochemical method, which have versatile applications in adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants in wastewater. The nanocomposites underwent comprehensive characterization using powder X-ray diffraction, fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, Ultraviolet–Visible spectrophotometer, field emission scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Mott–Schottky analysis. The synthesized samples demonstrate strong adsorption ability to remove RhB and MB dyes. Afterward, we evaluated their capability to degrade Rhodamine B (RhB) dye under UV light exposure. The greatest photocatalytic efficiency was noticed when employing a UV-C lamp in combination with the 10 wt% Cu doped ZnS/Fe3O4 nanocomposite as photocatalyst (98.8% degradation after 60 min irradiation). The Langmuir–Hinshelwood model can be used to describe the pseudo first order kinetics of RhB dye photodegradation. The calculated ban gap values are 4.77, 4.67, and 4.55 eV, for (2.5, 5 and 10 wt%) Cu doped ZnS/Fe3O4, respectively. Furthermore, 10 wt% Cu doped ZnS/Fe3O4 showed good recyclability, with a degradation rate of 89% even after five cycles. Consequently, prepared samples have outstanding photocatalytic activity and can be used as useful adsorbents in water purification.
Lower-extremity inter-joint coordination variability in active individuals with transtibial amputation and healthy males during gait
Authors: Nasri Alireza , Abbasi Ali , Hadavi Zeynab , Abbasi Shahram , Svoboda Zdenek
Published: May 2024

This study was aimed to compare the variability of inter-joint coordination in the lower-extremities during gait between active individuals with transtibial amputation (TTAs) and healthy individuals (HIs). Fifteen active male TTAs (age: 40.6 ± 16.24 years, height: 1.74 ± 0.09 m, and mass: 71.2 ± 8.87 kg) and HIs (age: 37.25 ± 13.11 years, height: 1.75 ± 0.06 m, and mass: 74 ± 8.75 kg) without gait disabilities voluntarily participated in the study. Participants walked along a level walkway covered with Vicon motion capture system, and their lower-extremity kinematics data were recorded during gait. The spatiotemporal gait parameters, lower-extremity joint range of motion (ROM), and their coordination and variability were calculated and averaged to report a single value for each parameter based on biomechanical symmetry assumption in the lower limbs of HIs. Additionally, these parameters were separately calculated and reported for the intact limb (IL) and the prosthesis limb (PL) in TTAs individuals. Finally, a comparison was made between the averaged values in HIs and those in the IL and PL of TTAs subjects. The results showed that the IL had a significantly lower stride length than that of the PL and averaged value in HIs, and the IL had a significantly lower knee ROM and greater stance-phase duration than that of HIs. Moreover, TTAs showed different coordination patterns in pelvis-to-hip, hip-to-knee, and hip-to-ankle couplings in some parts of the gait cycle. It concludes that the active TTAs with PLs walked with more flexion of the knee and hip, which may indicate a progressive walking strategy and the differences in coordination patterns suggest active TTA individuals used different neuromuscular control strategies to adapt to their amputation. Researchers can extend this work by investigating variations in these parameters across diverse patient populations, including different amputation etiologies and prosthetic designs. Moreover, Clinicians can use the findings to tailor rehabilitation programs for TTAs, emphasizing joint flexibility and coordination.
Genome-wide analyses reveals an association between invasive urothelial carcinoma in the Shetland sheepdog and NIPAL1
Authors: Parker Heidi G. , Harris Alexander C. , Plassais Jocelyn , Dhawan Deepika , Kim Erika M. , Knapp Deborah W. , Ostrander Elaine A.
Published: May 2024

Naturally occurring canine invasive urinary carcinoma (iUC) closely resembles human muscle invasive bladder cancer in terms of histopathology, metastases, response to therapy, and low survival rate. The heterogeneous nature of the disease has led to the association of large numbers of risk loci in humans, however most are of small effect. There exists a need for new and accurate animal models of invasive bladder cancer. In dogs, distinct breeds show markedly different rates of iUC, thus presenting an opportunity to identify additional risk factors and overcome the locus heterogeneity encountered in human mapping studies. In the association study presented here, inclusive of 100 Shetland sheepdogs and 58 dogs of other breeds, we identify a homozygous protein altering point mutation within the NIPAL1 gene which increases risk by eight-fold (OR = 8.42, CI = 3.12–22.71), accounting for nearly 30% of iUC risk in the Shetland sheepdog. Inclusion of six additional loci accounts for most of the disease risk in the breed and explains nearly 75% of the phenotypes in this study. When combined with sequence data from tumors, we show that variation in the MAPK signaling pathway is an overarching cause of iUC susceptibility in dogs.
Osimertinib and palbociclib in an EGFR-mutated NSCLC with primary CDK4 amplification after progression under osimertinib
Authors: de Jager Vincent D. , Stigt Jos A. , Niemantsverdriet Maarten , ter Elst Arja , van der Wekken Anthonie J.
Published: May 2024

Precision cancer medicine has changed the treatment paradigm of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with specific molecular aberrations. A major challenge is management of the resistance that tumor cells eventually develop against targeted therapies, either through primary or acquired resistance mechanisms. We report a 61 year-old male patient with metastatic NSCLC harboring an EGFR exon 19 deletion, a PIK3CA mutation, and CDK4 amplification. After an initial partial response to osimertinib as mono-therapy (third-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor), the patient had progression of disease after 4 months of treatment and was referred for combined osimertinib and palbociclib (CDK4/6 inhibitor) treatment. Though complicated by transient pneumonitis, the patient has an ongoing partial response for > 10 months and has experienced clinical improvement on this treatment regimen. As amplification of CDK4 occurs in ~ 10% of treatment-naïve patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLC, the successful treatment of our patient with osimertinib and palbociclib may be highly relevant for future patients with NSCLC.
ADA2 regulates inflammation and hematopoietic stem cell emergence via the A2bR pathway in zebrafish
Authors: Brix Alessia , Belleri Laura , Pezzotta Alex , Pettinato Emanuela , Mazzola Mara , Zoccolillo Matteo , Marozzi Anna , Monteiro Rui , Del Bene Filippo , Mortellaro Alessandra , Pistocchi Anna
Published: May 2024

Deficiency of adenosine deaminase 2 (DADA2) is an inborn error of immunity caused by loss-of-function mutations in the adenosine deaminase 2 (ADA2) gene. Clinical manifestations of DADA2 include vasculopathy and immuno-hematological abnormalities, culminating in bone marrow failure. A major gap exists in our knowledge of the regulatory functions of ADA2 during inflammation and hematopoiesis, mainly due to the absence of an ADA2 orthologue in rodents. Exploring these mechanisms is essential for understanding disease pathology and developing new treatments. Zebrafish possess two ADA2 orthologues, cecr1a and cecr1b, with the latter showing functional conservation with human ADA2. We establish a cecr1b-loss-of-function zebrafish model that recapitulates the immuno-hematological and vascular manifestations observed in humans. Loss of Cecr1b disrupts hematopoietic stem cell specification, resulting in defective hematopoiesis. This defect is caused by induced inflammation in the vascular endothelium. Blocking inflammation, pharmacological modulation of the A2r pathway, or the administration of the recombinant human ADA2 corrects these defects, providing insights into the mechanistic link between ADA2 deficiency, inflammation and immuno-hematological abnormalities. Our findings open up potential therapeutic avenues for DADA2 patients.
Observation of a phase space horizon with surface gravity water waves
Authors: Rozenman Georgi Gary , Ullinger Freyja , Zimmermann Matthias , Efremov Maxim A. , Shemer Lev , Schleich Wolfgang P. , Arie Ady
Published: May 2024

In 1974, Stephen Hawking predicted that quantum effects in the proximity of a black hole lead to the emission of particles and black hole evaporation. At the very heart of this process lies a logarithmic phase singularity which leads to the Bose-Einstein statistics of Hawking radiation. An identical singularity appears in the elementary quantum system of the inverted harmonic oscillator. In this Letter we report the observation of the onset of this logarithmic phase singularity emerging at a horizon in phase space and giving rise to a Fermi-Dirac distribution. For this purpose, we utilize surface gravity water waves and freely propagate an appropriately tailored energy wave function of the inverted harmonic oscillator to reveal the phase space horizon and the intrinsic singularities. Due to the presence of an amplitude singularity in this system, the analogous quantities display a Fermi-Dirac rather than a Bose-Einstein distribution.
The qualified prevalence of natural and planted tropical reforestation
Authors: Sloan Sean
Published: May 2024

Recent satellite estimates suggest that planted tree cover rivals, and possibly exceeds, the area of natural reforestation pantropically, challenging longstanding models of forest change. Such estimates underscore a tension between studies of reforestation as an areal expansion of undifferentiated forest cover versus dynamic land-change processes by which forest variously emerges in transformed states. A review of land-change processes bearing on the nature of reforestation would qualify the relative prevalence of planted tree cover, but with caveats. Planted tree cover would be less than half the nominal extent of natural reforestation if including the 29-61% of natural reforestation re-cleared within 15 years and excluding the 25-50% of planted tree-cover entailing extant forest conversion. Planted tree cover would however be comparable to natural reforestation if also discounting the 31-52% of natural reforestation that similarly follows from forest conversion. Satellite-based estimations of reforestation area may now, and should, incorporate such qualifying land-change processes by borrowing from demographic models of population change and including ‘spurious’ reforestation integral to the broader processes of reforestation of interest.
b value enlightens different rheological behaviour in Campi Flegrei caldera
Authors: Tramelli Anna , Convertito Vincenzo , Godano Cataldo
Published: May 2024

The Campi Flegrei caldera is one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world and since 2005 it is in unrest. Here we evaluate the 3D tomography of the b value at the Campi Flegrei volcanic area revealing a very good correlation with the structure of the hydrothermal system involved in the bradiseismic phenomenon. More precisely, we observe the smallest b-values where we expect the higher stress/strain concentration, namely in the caprock, and for the deepest seismicity. Conversely, the largest b values are observed where the porosity of the medium allows the passage of the volcanic gases toward the surface. Values of b close to typical tectonic ones are observed where the presence of faulting structures is well documented.
Solar thermal energy-assisted direct capture of CO2 from ambient air for methanol synthesis
Authors: Li Shuangjun , Chen Runkai , Wang Junyao , Deng Shuai , Zhou Hui , Fang Mengxiang , Zhang Huiyan , Yuan Xiangzhou
Published: May 2024

Solar thermal energy-assisted direct air capture (DAC) is widely considered as a novel carbon-negative technical route, innovatively enabling an effective removal of CO2 directly from ambient air. Here, we introduce an advanced concept that involves the conversion of CO2 captured by the solar thermal energy-assisted DAC into liquid methanol, simultaneously mitigating climate change and supplying green chemicals. This concept revolves around a well-considered integration of existing systems, and we emphasize key technologies for capturing, separating, and utilizing CO2 in this integrated system. Advances in Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) based-DAC are reviewed, while the utilization of solar thermal energy further ensures the carbon-negative nature of DAC. Upcycling CO2 captured by DAC into value-added methanol adds both environmental benefits and economic feasibilities, which is also beneficial to achievinga circular carbon economy. The current status, ongoing developments, and anticipated future trends in this technology integration are timely addressed, the considerable application potential of integrated system is also comprehensively discussed.
Rapid analysis of bioactive compounds from citrus samples by direct analysis in real-time mass spectrometry combined with chemometrics
Authors: Wang Xingyu , Chen Yilin , Xie Yanqiao , Liu Yamin , Fan Linhong , Li Linnan , Wang Zhengtao , Yang Li
Published: May 2024

Bioactive compounds in citrus herbal samples can be rapidly analyzed using a DART-MS-based method.
Multifunctional-separation-mode ion chromatography method for determining major metabolites during multiple parallel fermentation of rice wine
Authors: Hashigami Atsushi , Tamura Ryousei , Takezaki Chihiro , Asano Tohru , Yoshinaka Taichi , Hirano Kentarou , Takemura Akihiko , Yamashita Hideyuki , Nose Akira , Kozaki Daisuke
Published: May 2024

Facile and effective analysis methods are desirable for elucidating the behaviours of metabolites during fermentation reactions.
A comprehensive review of engineered exosomes from the preparation strategy to therapeutic applications
Authors: Fan Xiying , Zhang Yiwen , Liu Wenshuai , Shao Mingzheng , Gong Yibo , Wang Tingya , Xue Song , Nian Rui
Published: May 2024

This review systematically summarizes the cutting-edge methods for preparing engineered exosomes through cell engineering and exosome engineering, as well as the latest advancements of engineered exosomes in therapeutic applications.
Conjugated backbone optimization of an all-fused-ring acceptor for efficient and stable organic solar cells
Authors: Feng Jun , Liu Yue , Yang Hang , Hu Kewei , Jiang Xinyu , Cui Naizhe , Wu Yue , Cui Chaohua
Published: May 2024

Three all-fused-ring acceptors with different conjugated backbones are designed as acceptors for organic solar cells. The different conjugated extensions of the acceptors significantly impact the photovoltaic performance and stability of devices.
Adaptive water oxidation catalysis on a carboxylate-sulfonate ligand with low onset potential
Authors: Yang Jing , Zhan Shaoqi , Wang Linqin , Yang Hao , Duan Lele , Fan Xiaolei , Liu Tianqi , Sun Licheng
Published: May 2024

Active site on a hybrid carboxylate-sulfonate ligand for catalytic water oxidation with low onset potential.
Generation and study of Am(iv) by temperature-controlled electron pulse radiolysis
Authors: Kynman Amy E. , Grimes Travis S. , Mezyk Stephen P. , Layne Bobby , Cook Andrew R. , Rotermund Brian M. , Horne Gregory P.
Published: May 2024

Temperature-controlled Am(iv) formation, chemical kinetics, and activation parameters for the reaction of Am(iii) with NO3˙ from the electron pulse irradiation of concentrated HNO3.
Anion-promoted CB[6] macromolecule dissolution for stable Zn-ion batteries
Authors: Yang Xiaodong , Zhao Yuwei , Lv Shuangkun , Zhong Leheng , Yue Chencheng , Zhan Shuai , Zhao Linwei , Wang Chunfang , Li Xuejin , Liu Xiaoya , Tang Zijie , Zhang Chunsun , Zhi Chunyi , Lv (Lyu) Haiming
Published: May 2024

CB[6] not only forms complexes with SO42− anions to enhance its solubility, but also adsorbs horizontally on the Zn surface to form an H2O/SO42− shielding layer and induces epitaxial deposition of Zn2+ along the (002) lattice plane.
Green and efficient method for the realization of full-component recovery of LiFePO4 black powder
Authors: Gao Mai , Sun Fangfang , Peng Wenxiu , Dai Wenbin , Zhang Zaiwu , Zhang Lei , Zhang Hongzhou , Ma Yue , Zhang Lianqi , Song Dawei
Published: May 2024

In this work, a green and efficient method for the realization of full-component recovery of LiFePO4 black powder is proposed.
Effects of N2 plasma modification on the surface properties and electrochemical performance of Ni foam electrodes for double-chamber microbial fuel cells
Authors: Gholami-Kermanshahi Mozhgan , Lee Ming-Cheng , Lange Günther , Chang Shih-Hang
Published: May 2024

Plasma-modified Ni foam electrodes are suitable for MFCs because they combine the advantages of high surface area structures and good electrical conductivity.
Fragment-based drug discovery campaigns guided by native mass spectrometry
Authors: Sternicki Louise M. , Poulsen Sally-Ann
Published: May 2024

Native mass spectrometry (nMS) is well established as a biophysical technique for characterising biomolecules and their interactions with endogenous or investigational small molecule ligands such as fragments.
Gold nanostructures/quantum dots for the enhanced efficiency of organic solar cells
Authors: Phengdaam Apichat , Phetsang Sopit , Jonai Sachiko , Shinbo Kazunari , Kato Keizo , Baba Akira
Published: May 2024

This paper provides a comprehensive review of studies on the integration of AuNPs and AuQDs in OSCs.
“One pot” synthesis of quinazolinone-[2,3]-fused polycyclic scaffolds in a three-step reaction sequence
Authors: Zhang Yuanmu , Zhu Lingxuan , Lu Yi , Lei Xinsheng , Li Yingxia
Published: May 2024

A general, mild and simple procedure has been developed for the construction of quinazolinone-[2,3]-fused polycycles in a three-step “one-pot” fashion.
ION Thallos-HTL: a fluorescent thallium indicator that enables cell-selective and localizable thallium flux assays
Authors: Macias-Contreras Miguel , Granados Jessica P. , Hernandez Derek S.
Published: May 2024

ION Thallos-HTL is a HaloTag-based fluorescent indicator that enables the sensing of thallium at discrete locations in cells.
Light-induced splitting of P–C bonds in a lanthanum(iii) hemiphosphinal complex
Authors: Wittwer Benjamin , McCabe Karl N. , Leitner Daniel , Seidl Michael , Maron Laurent , Hohloch Stephan
Published: May 2024

Irradiation of hemiphosphinal lanthanum complexes results in unprecedented C–P bond scission, leading to crystalline ketyl radicals and P–P diphosphine coupling.
Pd/NHC catalyzed reduction and coupling of nitroaromatics for the synthesis of diarylamines
Authors: Chen Wei , Chen Kai , Wang Xuejie , Yang Linjie , Chen Wanzhi
Published: May 2024

Pd/NHC catalyzes the one-pot synthesis of diarylamine compounds from nitroarenes, by introducing triethylsilane as a reducing agent.
Preparation of anisotropic AgNWs/PVA/Ag2S nanocomposites via a vapor-phase sulfidation process
Authors: Baghirov Mahammad Baghir , Muradov Mustafa , Eyvazova Goncha , Mammadyarova Sevinj , Azizian-Kalandaragh Yashar , Musayeva Nahida , Kochari Gasimov Eldar , Huseynali Rzayev Fuad
Published: May 2024

A new method for creating AgNWs/PVA/Ag2S type asymmetric structures.
Some pyrimidohexahydroquinoline candidates: synthesis, DFT, cytotoxic activity evaluation, molecular docking, and in silico studies
Authors: Ramadan Sayed K. , Abd-Rabboh Hisham S. M. , Abdel Hafez Amal A. , Abou-Elmagd Wael S. I.
Published: May 2024

Hexahydroquinolines were prepared and supported by in silico studies. Thiosemicarbazide and thiazolidinone derivatives showed the highest in vitro antiproliferative potency against liver, breast, prostate, and colon cancer cell lines.
Tungsten doped FeCoP2 nanoparticles embedded into carbon for highly efficient oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Quan Xinyao , Ma Jiajia , Shao Qianshuo , Li Haocong , Sun Lingxiang , Huang Guili , Yan Su , Hong Zhanglian , Wang Yuning , Wang Xiaoqing
Published: May 2024

Tungsten-doped bimetallic phosphide nanoparticles were embedded into carbon by ball milling and phosphorisation, which required only 264 and 310 mV overpotentials to reach 10 mA cm−2 and 100 mA cm−2 current density for OER, respectively.
Effect of TCS gas flow and pre-etching on homopitaxial growth of 4H-SiC
Authors: Guo Ning , Pei Yicheng , Yuan Weilong , Li Yunkai , Zhao Siqi , Yang Shangyu , Zhang Yang , Liu Xingfang
Published: May 2024

This study explored the epitaxial growth of 4H-SiC under various source gas flow rates, growth pressures, and pre-etching times, and their effects on growth rate, thickness uniformity, doping concentration and uniformity, and surface roughness.
Facet-dependent synthesis of H2O2 from H2 and O2 over single Pt atom-modified Pd nanocrystal catalysts
Authors: Zhang Ying , Sun Qingdi , Wang Ziyue , Guo Guanghui , Liu Hao , He Xiaohui , Ji Hongbing
Published: May 2024

An electron-rich catalyst (Pt1Pd(111)/TiO2) with a prominent facet dependence displays extraordinary catalytic properties in the direct synthesis of H2O2.
Tricyclononenes and tricyclononadienes as efficient monomers for controlled ROMP: understanding structure–propagation rate relationships and enabling facile post-polymerization modification
Authors: Kilgallon Landon J. , McFadden Timothy P. , Sigman Matthew S. , Johnson Jeremiah A.
Published: May 2024

A tricyclononene and tricyclononadiene monomer library is studied experimentally and computationally to deepen understanding of structure propagation rate relationships in ROMP. A novel poly(tricyclononadiene) post-ROMP functionalization is explored.
Halo-perfluoroalkoxylation of gem-difluoroalkenes with short-lived alkali metal perfluoroalkoxides in triglyme
Authors: Kawai Koki , Kato Yoshimitsu , Araki Taichi , Ikawa Sota , Usui Mai , Hoshiya Naoyuki , Kishikawa Yosuke , Escorihuela Jorge , Shibata Norio
Published: May 2024

The synthesis of long-chain perfluoroalkyl ethers remains a challenge. The stabilization of longer-chain perfluoroalkoxides with triglyme-encapsulated potassium ions enabled the synthesis of bis(α,α-difluoro)ethers with gem-difluoroalkenes.
Revisiting the reaction pathways for phospholipid hydrolysis catalyzed by phospholipase A2 with QM/MM methods
Authors: Pinto Alexandre V. , Ferreira Pedro , Cunha Ana V. , Havenith Remco W. A. , Magalhães Alexandre L. , Ramos Maria J. , Fernandes Pedro A.
Published: May 2024

This study unveils hGIIA sPLA2's affinity for anionic bilayers, pinpointing crucial interfacial residues. It also emphasizes the dominance of the single-water pathway in its reaction mechanism, crucial for drug design targeting transition states.
Acridine photocatalysis enables tricomponent direct decarboxylative amine construction
Authors: Sui Xianwei , Dang Hang T. , Porey Arka , Trevino Ramon , Das Arko , Fremin Seth O. , Hughes William B. , Thompson William T. , Dhakal Shree Krishna , Arman Hadi D. , Larionov Oleg V.
Published: May 2024

Diverse amines and amino acids are now readily accessed from carboxylic acids, aldehydes, and amine precursors in a direct decarboxylative reaction enabled by a homogeneous triple catalytic system based on acridine photocatalysis.
DNAzyme-RCA-based colorimetric and lateral flow dipstick assays for the point-of-care testing of exosomal m5C-miRNA-21
Authors: Zhang Hao , Tang Yue , Zhou Yingshun , Wang Yiguo , Si Haibin , Li Lu , Tang Bo
Published: May 2024

The DNAzyme-RCA-based AuNP colorimetric and lateral flow dipstick (LFD) assays were developed for the point-of-care testing of exosomal m5C-miRNA in blood samples from colorectal cancer patients.
Site-selective S-gem-difluoroallylation of unprotected peptides with 3,3-difluoroallyl sulfonium salts
Authors: Ren Jin-Xiu , Zhou Minqi , Feng Xiao-Tian , Zhao Hai-Yang , Fu Xia-Ping , Zhang Xingang
Published: May 2024

Bench-stable 3,3-difluoroallyl sulfonium salts proved to be versatile fluoroalkylating reagents for site-selective S-gem-difluoroallylation of cysteine residues in unprotected peptides. The newly added functional groups are poised for ligation.
Silicon nanowire-incorporated efficient and flexible PEDOT:PSS/silicon hybrid solar cells
Authors: Sharma Deepak , Sharma Ruchi K. , Srivastava Avritti , Komarala Vamsi K. , Ahnood Arman , Prathap Pathi , Srivastava Sanjay K.
Published: May 2024

Highly efficient Si nanowire (SiNW)-incorporated thin-flexible hybrid solar cells in a simple device design are developed on low-cost Si wafers, which may lead to the realization of cost-effective flexible Si hybrid solar cell technology.
Activated charcoal-mediated non-contact carbothermal reduction of TiO2 for controlled synthesis of Magnéli phase titanium suboxides
Authors: Ekanayake S. Amanda , Seeber Aaron , Olorunyomi Joseph F. , Mai Haoxin , Mahasivam Sanje , Shah Daksh , Lu Junlin , Wen Xiaoming , Sampath Nishanthini , Schumann Simon L. , Cox Nicholas , Chen Dehong , Caruso Rachel A.
Published: May 2024

This work introduces a low-cost, safe and scalable non-contact carbothermal reduction method to selectively synthesize Magnéli phase titanium suboxides without the need for any precursor pretreatment or modification.
Janus nanofibers with multiple Li+ transport channels and outstanding thermal stability for all-solid-state composite polymer electrolytes
Authors: Xiang Hengying , Deng Nanping , Gao Lu , Cheng Bowen , Kang Weimin
Published: May 2024

Herein, PEO-based composite polymer electrolytes enhanced by Janus nanofibers with multiple Li+ transport channels and outstanding thermal stability were prepared, which exhibit ultra-long cycle stability in all-solid-state lithium metal batteries.
Regulating donor configuration to develop AIE-active type I photosensitizers for lipid droplet imaging and high-performance photodynamic therapy under hypoxia
Authors: Xu Jialei , Jin Xin , Wu Xiao , Li Xinsheng , Li Chenglin , Li Sifan , Zhang Zhiyun , Hua Jianli
Published: May 2024

AIE-active type I photosensitizers based on DHP were developed by regulating the donor configuration, in which SMP-CNPY with one methyl modification showed high-performance photodynamic therapy under hypoxia and lipid droplet targeting ability.
Hydrogen-treated CoCrMo alloy: a novel approach to enhance biocompatibility and mitigate inflammation in orthopedic implants
Authors: Lin Yu-Chien , Hu Chih-Chien , Liu Wai-Ching , Dhawan Udesh , Chen Yu-Chieh , Lee Yueh-Lien , Yen Hung-Wei , Kuo Yi-Jie , Chung Ren-Jei
Published: May 2024

The hydrogenated CoCrMo femoral implant, fabricated by the electrochemical cathodic charging method, aims to deliver H2, reducing reactive oxygen species, lessening inflammation, and enhancing osseointegration.
A dual function metal oxide interlayer as an oxygen-defect inhibitor and a gate-leakage suppressor for a hysteresis-free, solution-processed top-gated IGZO TFT
Authors: Kumaran Saravanan , Karsten Bernice , Zharnikov Michael , Tai Yian
Published: May 2024

Introducing an ultrathin MgO or AlOx interlayer between the IGZO semiconductor and polymer insulator in a top-gate, bottom-contact TFT significantly improves the performance and stability of the devices.
Quinquethiophene-based fully nonfused electron acceptors towards efficient organic solar cells via side-chain engineering
Authors: Huang Leiquan , Dong Liying , Chu Xizhe , Zang Siyuan , Qiu Huayu , Shan Bofang , Ni Zhigang , Zhang Qian
Published: May 2024

Three fully nonfused electron acceptors based on quinquethiophene (5T) were designed and synthesized via side-chain engineering.
Exploring the role non-coding RNAs during myocardial cell fate
Authors: Franco Diego , Sánchez-Fernández Cristina , García-Padilla Carlos , Lozano-Velasco Estefania
Published: May 2024

Myocardial cell fate specification takes place during the early stages of heart development as the precardiac mesoderm is configured into two symmetrical sets of bilateral precursor cells. Molecular cues of the surrounding tissues specify and subsequently determine the early cardiomyocytes, that finally matured as the heart is completed at early postnatal stages. Over the last decade, we have greatly enhanced our understanding of the transcriptional regulation of cardiac development and thus of myocardial cell fate. The recent discovery of a novel layer of gene regulation by non-coding RNAs has flourished their implication in epigenetic, transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of cardiac development. In this review, we revised the current state-of-the-art knowledge on the functional role of non-coding RNAs during myocardial cell fate.
Automated Differential‐Linear Cryptanalysis for AND‐RX Ciphers
Authors: Li Wenya , Zhang Kai , Hu Bin
Published: May 2024

Differential and linear cryptanalysis are two important methods to evaluate the security of block ciphers. Building on these two methods, differential‐linear (DL) cryptanalysis was introduced by Langford and Hellman in 1994. This cryptanalytic method has been not only extensively researched but also proven to be effective. In this paper, a security evaluation framework for AND‐RX ciphers against DL cryptanalysis is proposed, which is denoted as . In addition to modeling the structure of all the possible differential trails and linear trails at the bit level, we introduce a method to calculate this structure round by round. Based on this approach, an automatic algorithm is proposed to construct the DL distinguisher. Unlike previous methods, uses a truncated differential and a linear hull instead of a differential characteristic and a linear approximation, which brings the bias of the DL distinguisher close to the experimental value. To validate the effectiveness of the framework, is applied to Simon and Simeck, which are two typical AND‐RX ciphers. With the automatic algorithm, we discover an 11‐round DL distinguisher of Simon32 with bias 2−14.89 and a 12‐round DL distinguisher of Simeck32 with bias 2−14.89. Moreover, the 14‐round DL distinguisher of Simon48 with bias 2−22.30 is longer than the longest DL distinguisher currently known. In addition, the framework shows advantages when analyzing ciphers with large block sizes. As far as we know, for Simon64/96/128 and Simeck48/64, the first DL distinguishers are obtained with our framework. The DL distinguishers are 16, 23, 32, 17, and 22 rounds of Simon64/96/128 and Simeck48/64 with bias 2−24.31, 2−47.57, 2−60.75, 2−22.54, and 2−31.41, respectively. To prove the correctness of distinguishers, experiments on Simon32 and Simeck32 have been performed. The experimental bias are 2−13.76 and 2−14.82, respectively. Comparisons of the theoretical and experimental results show good agreement.