bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk of secondary malignancy following radiation therapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Tiruye Tenaw , David Rowan , O’Callaghan Michael , FitzGerald Liesel M. , Higgs Braden , Kahokehr Arman A. , Roder David , Beckmann Kerri
Published: November 2023

We investigated whether prostate cancer patients treated with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) have a higher cumulative incidence of secondary cancer compared with patients treated with radical prostatectomy (RP). We used state-wide linked data from South Australia to follow men with prostate cancer diagnosed from 2002 to 2019. The cumulative incidence of overall and site-specific secondary cancers between 5 and 15 years after treatment was estimated. Fine-Gray competing risk analyses were performed with additional sensitivity analyses to test different scenarios. A total of 7625 patients were included (54% underwent RP and 46% EBRT). Characteristics of the two groups differed significantly, with the EBRT group being older (71 vs. 64 years), having higher comorbidity burden and being more likely to die during follow-up than the RP group. Fifteen-year cumulative incidence for all secondary cancers was 27.4% and 22.3% in EBRT and RP groups, respectively. In the adjusted models, patients in the EBRT group had a significantly higher risk of genitourinary (adjusted subhazard ratio (aSHR), 2.29; 95%CI 1.16–4.51) and lung (aSHR, 1.93; 95%CI 1.05–3.56) cancers compared with patients in the RP group. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups for risk of any secondary cancer, gastro-intestinal, skin or haematologic cancers. No statistically significant differences in overall risk of secondary cancer were observed in any of the sensitivity analyses and patterns for risk at specific cancer sites were relatively consistent across different age restriction and latency/time-lag scenarios. In conclusion, the increased risk of genitourinary and lung cancers among men undergoing EBRT may relate partly to treatment effects and partly to unmeasured residual confounding.
BubbleDrive, a low-volume incubation chamber for acute brain slices
Authors: Naik Aditi , Jensen Vidar , Bakketun Cecilie Bugge , Enger Rune , Hrabetova Sabina , Hrabe Jan
Published: November 2023

Acute brain slices are a common and useful preparation in experimental neuroscience. A wide range of incubation chambers for brain slices exists but only a few are designed with very low volumes of the bath solution in mind. Such chambers are necessary when high-cost chemicals are to be added to the solution or when small amounts of substances released by the slice are to be collected for analysis. The principal challenge in designing a very low-volume incubation chamber is maintaining good oxygenation and flow without mechanically disturbing or damaging the slices. We designed and validated BubbleDrive, a 3D-printed incubation chamber with a minimum volume of 1.5 mL which can hold up to three coronal mouse slices from one hemisphere. It employs the carbogen gas bubbles to drive the flow circulation in a consistent and reproducible manner, and without disturbing the brain slices. The BubbleDrive design and construction were successfully validated by comparison to a conventional large-volume incubation chamber in several experimental designs involving measurements of extracellular diffusion parameters, the electrophysiology of neuronal and astrocytic networks, and the effectiveness of slice incubation with hyaluronidase enzyme.
Quantifying the potential benefits of early detection for pancreatic cancer through a counterfactual simulation modeling analysis
Authors: Park Jiheum , Lim Francesca , Prest Matthew , Ferris Jennifer S. , Aziz Zainab , Agyekum Alice , Wagner Sophie , Gulati Roman , Hur Chin
Published: November 2023

The benefits of cancer early detection depend on various factors, including cancer type, screening method performance, stage at diagnosis, and subsequent treatment. Although numerous studies have evaluated the effectiveness of screening interventions for identifying cancer at earlier stages, there is no quantitative analysis that studies the optimal early detection time interval that results in the greatest mortality benefit; such data could serve as a target and benchmark for cancer early detection strategies. In this study, we focus on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a cancer known for its lack of early symptoms. Consequently, it is most often detected at late stages when the 5-year survival rate is only 3%. We developed a PDAC population model that simulates an individual patient's age and stage at diagnosis, while replicating overall US cancer incidence and mortality rates. The model includes “cancer sojourn time,” serving as a proxy for the speed of cancer progression, with shorter times indicating rapid progression and longer times indicating slower progression. In our PDAC model, our hypothesis was that earlier cancer detection, potentially through a hypothetical screening intervention in the counterfactual analysis, would yield reduced mortality as compared to a no-screening group. We found that the benefits of early detection, such as increased life-years gained, are greater when the sojourn time is shorter, reaching their maximum when identification is made 4–6 years prior to clinical diagnosis (e.g., when a symptomatic diagnosis is made). However, when early detection occurs even earlier, for example 6–10 years prior to clinical diagnosis, the benefits significantly diminish for shorter sojourn time cancers, and level off for longer sojourn time cancers. Our study clarifies the potential benefits of PDAC early detection that explicitly incorporates individual patient heterogeneity in cancer progression and identifies quantitative benchmarks for future interventions.
Dynamic event-triggered delay compensation control for networked predictive control systems with random delay
Authors: Zhang Ji
Published: November 2023

This paper aims to investigate the dynamic event-triggered control problem for networked predictive control systems with random delays and disturbance. First, a discrete-time dynamic event-triggered control scheme, in which sensor information is only updated when it is necessary, is presented. Next, the systems are modeled as a time-delay singular Markovian jump systems with time-varying switching. Then, a dynamic event-triggered delay compensation control strategy is proposed. Sufficient conditions guaranteeing the asymptotically stable are derived based on the Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional method together with the linear matrix inequality (LMI) technique. Finally, simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.
Insect pollinators can unlock an annual monetary value of more than US $100 million from crop production in Rwanda
Authors: Yocgo Rosita Endah Epse , Hitimana Isaac , Hakizimana Malachie , Birachi Eliud Abucheli
Published: November 2023

Insect pollinators provide a natural ecosystem service to more than 80% of known flowering plants, many of which are part of our diet. However, their importance in Africa and an agriculture-dependent country like Rwanda has yet to receive attention. This encumbers policy formulation and investments in insect pollinators as a strategic agronomic input. Meanwhile, Rwanda cultivates crops that can benefit significantly from insect pollinators for superior agronomic outputs. To uncover this, we characterized the dependence of the crop production subsector on insect pollinators. Using the bioeconomic approach, we assessed the total economic value and the value due to insect pollinators of crops cultivated in Rwanda. We also evaluated the crop's production value per ton and whether production would meet consumption demands in the complete absence of insect pollinators. Using 71 representative crops currently grown in Rwanda, we found a direct dependency of 62% on insect pollinators. Of 32 representative crops used for economic valuation in two years (2014 and 2020), their total monetary value is estimated at $2.551 billion to $2.788 billion. Direct insect pollinator-dependent crops accounted for 20% (2014) to 18% (2020) of this value, with the share attributed to insect pollinators above $100 million. The sector's vulnerability to insect pollinators decreased from 7.3% in 2014 to 4.3% in 2020. The mean production value per ton of the direct insect pollinator-dependent crops was found to be higher in 2014 before declining in 2020. Using 21 representative crops from 2014 to 2020, we found that many direct insect pollinator-dependent crops will struggle to meet consumption demands in the complete absence of all suitable insect pollinators. Finally, we propose interventions and future research that could be undertaken. These insights are a critical first step to propel the government to act on insect pollination to support its food security agenda.
The computational model of nanofluid considering heat transfer and entropy generation across a curved and flat surface
Authors: Alharbi Sayer Obaid , Smarandache Florentin , Elsiddieg Awatif M. A. , Alqahtani Aisha M. , Khan M. Riaz , Puneeth V. , Becheikh Nidhal
Published: November 2023

The entropy generation analysis for the nanofluid flowing over a stretching/shrinking curved region is performed in the existence of the cross-diffusion effect. The surface is also subjected to second-order velocity slip under the effect of mixed convection. The Joule heating that contributes significantly to the heat transfer properties of nanofluid is incorporated along with the heat source/sink. Furthermore, the flow is assumed to be governed by an exterior magnetic field that aids in gaining control over the flow speed. With these frameworks, the mathematical model that describes the flow with such characteristics and assumptions is framed using partial differential equations (PDEs). The bvp4c solver is used to numerically solve the system of non-linear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) that are created from these equations. The solutions of obtained through this technique are verified with the available articles and the comparison is tabulated. Meanwhile, the interpretation of the results of this study is delivered through graphs. The findings showed that the Bejan number was decreased by increasing Brinkman number values whereas it enhanced the entropy generation. Also, as the curvature parameter goes higher, the speed of the nanofluid flow diminishes. Furthermore, the increase in the Soret and Dufour effects have enhanced the thermal conduction and the mass transfer of the nanofluid.
Plasma-derived extracellular vesicle surface markers CD45, CD326 and CD56 correlate with the stage of osteoarthritis: a primary study of a novel and promising diagnostic tool of the disease
Authors: Matejova Jana , Fecskeova Livia K. , Slovinska Lucia , Harvanova Denisa , Spakova Timea , Bzdilova Jana
Published: November 2023

Recently, there is a growing interest in the research based on extracellular vesicles (EVs) which represent paracrine factors secreted by almost all cell types. Both, normal and pathological cells are able to release various types of EVs with different physiological properties, functions and compositions. EVs play an important role in intercellular communication, mechanism and tissue repair. Moreover, EVs could help not only in the treatment of diseases but also in their diagnostics. This work focused on the evaluation of the potential of EVs being used as biomarkers for the diagnosis of osteoarthritis (OA) based on a comparison of the composition of EVs separated from platelet-poor plasma (PPP) of healthy donors and OA patients at different stages of OA. OA is established as a complex syndrome with extensive impact on multiple tissues within the synovial joint. It is a chronic disease of musculoskeletal system that mainly affects the elderly. Depending on the use of the Kellgren–Lawrence classification system, there are four grades of OA which have a negative impact on patients' quality of life. It is very difficult to detect OA in its early stages, so it is necessary to find a new diagnostic method for its timely detection. PPP samples were prepared from whole blood. PPP-EVs were separated from 3 groups of donors—healthy control, early stage OA, end-stage OA, and their content was compared and correlated. EVs from PPP were separated by size exclusion chromatography and characterized in terms of their size, yield and purity by NTA, western blotting, ELISA and flow cytometry. Detection of surface markers expression in EVs was performed using MACSPlex approach. Inflammatory and growth factors in EVs were analysed using MAGPix technology. Our study confirmed significant differences between EVs surface markers of patients and healthy controls correlating with the age of donor (CD63, CD31 and ROR1) and stage of OA (CD45, CD326 and CD56), respectively. Circulating EVs have been under extensive investigation for their capability to predict OA pathology diagnosis as potential targets for biomarker discovery. Taken together, obtained results indicated that PPP-EVs surface markers could be used as potential biomarkers in the early diagnosis of OA.
Decentralized digital twins of complex dynamical systems
Authors: San Omer , Pawar Suraj , Rasheed Adil
Published: November 2023

In this article, we introduce a decentralized digital twin (DDT) modeling framework and its potential applications in computational science and engineering. The DDT methodology is based on the idea of federated learning, a subfield of machine learning that promotes knowledge exchange without disclosing actual data. Clients can learn an aggregated model cooperatively using this method while maintaining complete client-specific training data. We use a variety of dynamical systems, which are frequently used as prototypes for simulating complex transport processes in spatiotemporal systems, to show the viability of the DDT framework. Our findings suggest that constructing highly accurate decentralized digital twins in complex nonlinear spatiotemporal systems may be made possible by federated machine learning.
Exploring the immunogenicity of an insect-specific virus vectored Zika vaccine candidate
Authors: Tanelus Manette , López Krisangel , Smith Shaan , Muller John A. , Porier Danielle L. , Auguste Dawn I. , Stone William B. , Paulson Sally L. , Auguste Albert J.
Published: November 2023

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an important re-emerging flavivirus that presents a significant threat to human health worldwide. Despite its importance, no vaccines are approved for use in humans. Insect-specific flaviviruses (ISFVs) have recently garnered attention as an antigen presentation platform for vaccine development and diagnostic applications. Here, we further explore the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of a chimeric ISFV-Zika vaccine candidate, designated Aripo-Zika (ARPV/ZIKV). Our results show a near-linear relationship between increased dose and immunogenicity, with 1011 genome copies (i.e., 108 focus forming units) being the minimum dose required for protection from ZIKV-induced morbidity and mortality in mice. Including boosters did not significantly increase the short-term efficacy of ARPV/ZIKV-vaccinated mice. We also show that weanling mice derived from ARPV/ZIKV-vaccinated dams were completely protected from ZIKV-induced morbidity and mortality upon challenge, suggesting efficient transfer of maternally-derived protective antibodies. Finally, in vitro coinfection studies of ZIKV with Aripo virus (ARPV) and ARPV/ZIKV in African green monkey kidney cells (i.e., Vero-76) showed that ARPV and ARPV/ZIKV remain incapable of replication in vertebrate cells, despite the presence of active ZIKV replication. Altogether, our data continue to support ISFV-based vaccines, and specifically the ARPV backbone is a safe, immunogenic and effective vaccine strategy for flaviviruses.
Efficient protocol for the differentiation of kidney podocytes from induced pluripotent stem cells, involving the inhibition of mTOR
Authors: Yasuda Masahiro , Kato Tadashi , Okano Mai , Yamashita Hiromi , Matsuoka Yoshikazu , Shirouzu Yasumasa , Fujioka Tatsuya , Hattori Fumiyuki , Tsuji Shoji , Kaneko Kazunari , Hitomi Hirofumi
Published: November 2023

The mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is involved in a wide range of cellular processes. However, the role of mTOR in podocytes remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to clarify the role of mTOR in podocyte differentiation from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and to establish an efficient differentiation protocol for human podocytes. We generated podocytes from hiPSCs by modifying protocol. The expression of the podocyte-specific slit membrane components nephrin and podocin was measured using PCR, western blotting, flow cytometry, and immunostaining; and the role of mTOR was evaluated using inhibitors of the mTOR pathway. Nephrin and podocin were found to be expressed in cells differentiated from hiPSCs, and their expression was increased by mTOR inhibitor treatment. S6, a downstream component of the mTOR pathway, was also found to be involved in podocyte differentiation. we evaluated its permeability to albumin, urea, and electrolytes. The induced podocytes were permeable to the small molecules, but only poorly permeable to albumin. We have shown that the mTOR pathway is involved in podocyte differentiation. Our monolayer podocyte differential protocol, using an mTOR inhibitor, provides a novel in vitro model for studies of kidney physiology and pathology.
Trace metals in transboundary (India–Myanmar–Bangladesh) anadromous fish Tenualosa ilisha and its consequences on human health
Authors: Parvin Afsana , Hossain Md Kamal , Parvin Afroza , Hossain M. Belal , Shaikh Md Aftab Ali , Moniruzzaman Mohammad , Saha Badhan , Suchi Priyanka Dey , Islam Fahima , Arai Takaomi
Published: November 2023

Hilsa shad (Tenualosa ilisha, Hamilton, 1822), the highly coveted table fish within the Indian subcontinent, is Bangladesh's most significant single-species fishery. To assess the risk that toxic metals pose to human health, certain health risk indices—estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), total target hazard quotient (TTHQ), and target cancer risk (TR)—were calculated. The hierarchy of toxic metals (µg/g-ww) in Hilsa shad of the bay showed as Zn (13.64 ± 2.18) > Fe (9.25 ± 1.47) > Mn (2.98 ± 0.75) > Cu (0.57 ± 0.18) > Cr (0.23 ± 0.06) > Pb (0.22 ± 0.04) > As (0.08 ± 0.02) > Ni (0.06 ± 0.02) > Co (0.04 ± 0.01) > Cd (0.01 ± 0.003) in the wet season and Zn (11.45 ± 1.97) > Fe (10.51 ± 1.38) > Mn (3.80 ± 0.75) > Cu (0.73 ± 0.17) > Pb (0.30 ± 0.03) > Cr (0.20 ± 0.05) > As (0.09 ± 0.01) > Ni (0.08 ± 0.02) > Co (0.07 ± 0.02) > Cd (0.02 ± 0.004) in the dry season. The EDI of all the examined trace metals indicated no risk to human health from consuming Hilsa fish. The estimation of THQ and TTHQ suggested that the ingestion of both individual and combined trace metals through Hilsa shad consumption was safe from the perspective of human health. Also, there was no evidence of carcinogenic risk for consumers based on the evaluation of the TR value of metals (As, Pb, Cd, and Ni) due to Hilsa shad consumption.
Ensemble classification of integrated CT scan datasets in detecting COVID-19 using feature fusion from contourlet transform and CNN
Authors: Nur-A-Alam Md. , Nasir Mostofa Kamal , Ahsan Mominul , Based Md Abdul , Haider Julfikar , Kowalski Marcin
Published: November 2023

The COVID-19 disease caused by coronavirus is constantly changing due to the emergence of different variants and thousands of people are dying every day worldwide. Early detection of this new form of pulmonary disease can reduce the mortality rate. In this paper, an automated method based on machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) has been developed to detect COVID-19 using computed tomography (CT) scan images extracted from three publicly available datasets (A total of 11,407 images; 7397 COVID-19 images and 4010 normal images). An unsupervised clustering approach that is a modified region-based clustering technique for segmenting COVID-19 CT scan image has been proposed. Furthermore, contourlet transform and convolution neural network (CNN) have been employed to extract features individually from the segmented CT scan images and to fuse them in one feature vector. Binary differential evolution (BDE) approach has been employed as a feature optimization technique to obtain comprehensible features from the fused feature vector. Finally, a ML/DL-based ensemble classifier considering bagging technique has been employed to detect COVID-19 from the CT images. A fivefold and generalization cross-validation techniques have been used for the validation purpose. Classification experiments have also been conducted with several pre-trained models (AlexNet, ResNet50, GoogleNet, VGG16, VGG19) and found that the ensemble classifier technique with fused feature has provided state-of-the-art performance with an accuracy of 99.98%.
The psychophysics of human three-dimensional active visuospatial problem-solving
Authors: Solbach Markus D. , Tsotsos John K.
Published: November 2023

Our understanding of how visual systems detect, analyze and interpret visual stimuli has advanced greatly. However, the visual systems of all animals do much more; they enable visual behaviours. How well the visual system performs while interacting with the visual environment and how vision is used in the real world is far from fully understood, especially in humans. It has been suggested that comparison is the most primitive of psychophysical tasks. Thus, as a probe into these active visual behaviours, we use a same-different task: Are two physical 3D objects visually the same? This task is a fundamental cognitive ability. We pose this question to human subjects who are free to move about and examine two real objects in a physical 3D space. The experimental design is such that all behaviours are directed to viewpoint change. Without any training, our participants achieved a mean accuracy of 93.82%. No learning effect was observed on accuracy after many trials, but some effect was seen for response time, number of fixations and extent of head movement. Our probe task, even though easily executed at high-performance levels, uncovered a surprising variety of complex strategies for viewpoint control, suggesting that solutions were developed dynamically and deployed in a seemingly directed hypothesize-and-test manner tailored to the specific task. Subjects need not acquire task-specific knowledge; instead, they formulate effective solutions right from the outset, and as they engage in a series of attempts, those solutions progressively refine, becoming more efficient without compromising accuracy.
Splitting tensile strength prediction of Metakaolin concrete using machine learning techniques
Authors: Li Qiang , Ren Guoqi , Wang Haoran , Xu Qikeng , Zhao Jinquan , Wang Huifen , Ding Yonggang
Published: November 2023

Splitting tensile strength (STS) is an important mechanical property of concrete. Modeling and predicting the STS of concrete containing Metakaolin is an important method for analyzing the mechanical properties. In this paper, four machine learning models, namely, Artificial Neural Network (ANN), support vector regression (SVR), random forest (RF), and Gradient Boosting Decision Tree (GBDT) were employed to predict the STS. The comprehensive comparison of predictive performance was conducted using evaluation metrics. The results indicate that, compared to other models, the GBDT model exhibits the best test performance with an R2 of 0.967, surpassing the values for ANN at 0.949, SVR at 0.963, and RF at 0.947. The other four error metrics are also the smallest among the models, with MSE = 0.041, RMSE = 0.204, MAE = 0.146, and MAPE = 4.856%. This model can serve as a prediction tool for STS in concrete containing Metakaolin, assisting or partially replacing laboratory compression tests, thereby saving costs and time. Moreover, the feature importance of input variables was investigated.
Analytical study of reaction diffusion Lengyel-Epstein system by generalized Riccati equation mapping method
Authors: Ahmed Nauman , Baber Muhammad Z. , Iqbal Muhammad Sajid , Annum Amina , Ali Syed Mansoor , Ali Mubasher , Akgül Ali , El Din Sayed M.
Published: November 2023

In this study, the Lengyel-Epstein system is under investigation analytically. This is the reaction–diffusion system leading to the concentration of the inhibitor chlorite and the activator iodide, respectively. These concentrations of the inhibitor chlorite and the activator iodide are shown in the form of wave solutions. This is a reactionâ€ “diffusion model which considered for the first time analytically to explore the different abundant families of solitary wave structures. These exact solitary wave solutions are obtained by applying the generalized Riccati equation mapping method. The single and combined wave solutions are observed in shock, complex solitary-shock, shock singular, and periodic-singular forms. The rational solutions also emerged during the derivation. In the Lengyel-Epstein system, solitary waves can propagate at various rates. The harmony of the system’s diffusive and reactive effects frequently governs the speed of a single wave. Solitary waves can move at a variety of speeds depending on the factors and reaction kinetics. To show their physical behavior, the 3D and their corresponding contour plots are drawn for the different values of constants.
No associations between type 1 diabetes and atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, or asthma in childhood: a nationwide Danish case-cohort study
Authors: Berg Anna Korsgaard , Svensson Jannet , Thyssen Jacob P. , Chawes Bo , Zachariae Claus , Egeberg Alexander , Thorsen Steffen Ullitz
Published: November 2023

Studies examining the association between type 1 diabetes (T1D) and atopic diseases, i.e., atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and asthma have yielded conflicting results due to different algorithms for classification, sample size issues and risk of referral bias of exposed cohorts with frequent contact to health care professionals. Using Danish national registries and well-established disease algorithms, we examined the bidirectional association between T1D and atopic diseases in childhood and adolescence using Cox Proportional Hazard regression compared to two different unexposed cohorts from a population of 1.5 million Danish children born from 1997 to 2018. We found no associations between T1D and atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, or asthma (defined after age five). However, in multivariable analysis we found an increased risk of persistent wheezing (defined as asthma medication before age five) after T1D with an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 1.70 [1.17–2.45]. We also identified an increased risk of developing T1D after persistent wheezing with aHR of 1.24 [1.13–1.36]. This study highlights similar risks of atopic diseases in children with T1D and of T1D in children with atopic disease after age of five years versus healthy controls. However, more research is needed to understand the possible early immunological effects of the link between persistent wheezing and T1D.
Optimization, characterization, and follicular targeting assessment of tretinoin and bicalutamide loaded niosomes
Authors: Ghasemiyeh Parisa , Moradishooli Fatemeh , Daneshamouz Saeid , Heidari Reza , Niroumand Uranous , Mohammadi-Samani Soliman
Published: November 2023

Acne vulgaris, a prevalent skin disorder among teenagers and young adults, can have numerous psychological consequences. Topical treatment of acne would be advantageous by reducing the risk of systemic adverse drug reactions. However, the major challenge would be skin penetration through the stratum corneum. Therefore, during this study, tretinoin (TRT) and bicalutamide (BCT) loaded niosomes with follicular targeting potential were fabricated through the thin film hydration technique. Formulation optimization was performed using the Design-Expert software and optimum formulation was characterized in terms of particle size, zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy, drug loading, and differential scanning calorimetry. In vivo follicular targeting was assessed using rhodamine B-loaded niosomes to follow the skin penetration pathways. The results showed that, the optimum formulation was spherical in shape and had an average diameter of 319.20 ± 18.50 nm and a zeta potential of − 29.70 ± 0.36 mV. Furthermore, entrapment efficiencies were 94.63 ± 0.50% and > 99% and loading capacities were 1.40 ± 0.01% and 1.48 ± 0.00% for BCT and TRT, respectively. According to the animal study results, the prepared niosomes with an average diameter of about 300 nm showed significant accumulation in hair follicles. It seems that the designed niosomal BCT-TRT co-delivery system would be promising in acne management with follicular targeting potential.
Classifying marine mammals signal using cubic splines interpolation combining with triple loss variational auto-encoder
Authors: Bach Nhat Hoang , Vu Le Ha , Nguyen Van Duc , Pham Duy Phong
Published: November 2023

In practical applications of passive sonar principles for extracting characteristic frequencies of acoustic signals, scientists typically employ traditional time-frequency domain transformation methods such as Mel-frequency, Short time Fourier transform (STFT), and Wavelet transform (WT). However, these solutions still face limitations in resolution and information loss when transforming data collected over extended periods. In this paper, we present a study using a two-stage approach that combines pre-processing by Cubic-splines interpolation (CSI) with a probability distribution in the hidden space with Siamese triple loss network model for classifying marine mammal (MM) communication signals. The Cubic-splines interpolation technique is tested with the STFT transformation to generate STFT-CSI spectrograms, which enforce stronger relationships between characteristic frequencies, enhancing the connectivity of spectrograms and highlighting frequency-based features. Additionally, stacking spectrograms generated by three consecutive methods, Mel, STFT-CSI, and Wavelet, into a feature spectrogram optimizes the advantages of each method across different frequency bands, resulting in a more effective classification process. The proposed solution using an Siamese Neural Network-Variational Auto Encoder (SNN-VAE) model also overcomes the drawbacks of the Auto-Encoder (AE) structure, including loss of discontinuity and loss of completeness during decoding. The classification accuracy of marine mammal signals using the SNN-VAE model increases by 11% and 20% compared to using the AE model (2013), and by 6% compared to using the Resnet model (2022) on the same actual dataset NOAA from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - United State of America.
Allelic frequencies of 22 short tandem repeats loci and tri-allelic patterns of Penta D and TPOX identified in Gabonese population
Authors: Lendoye Elisabeth , Mombo Landry Erick , N’Negue ep. Mezui-Mbeng Marie-Andree , Komba Opheelia Makoyo , Ngoungou Edgard Brice , Ovono Abessolo Felix , Djoba Siawaya Joel Fleury , Alt-Mörbe Juliane
Published: November 2023

Short tandem repeats (STRs) are repeating DNA sequences used in forensic human identity testing and the diagnosis of aneuploidies. Many STRs like Penta D and TPOX are used routinely for paternity tests, but these tests are not widely used in sub-Saharan Africa. In this study we recruited individuals from Gabonese families seeking a paternity test. After DNA extraction from buccal swabs, we genotyped samples using a panel of 22 STRs. A total of 115 unrelated subjects from 39 families were included. Allele frequencies of the 22 STR loci were determined in unrelated Gabonese subjects. The most polymorphic loci were D21S11 (16 alleles) and FGA (17 alleles), while D3S1358 and TH01 loci were less polymorphic, with five alleles each. Deviation from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium was observed for TPOX, D3S1358, CSFPO and D7S820 loci. We reported tri-allelic patterns that indicate aneuploidies at a combined frequency of 4% (4/115) with 3% for Penta D (1/35) and 3% for TPOX (3/102). Furthermore, we identified a new tri-allelic genotype 5-8-16 for the Penta D locus located on chromosome 21 in a healthy subject. In addition, we observed three tri-allelic variants of TPOX, located on chromosome 2, in healthy subjects, namely 8-10-11, 8-9-10, and 8-8-10. Our study revealed unsuspected polymorphic variations in Penta D and TPOX for the first time in Gabon, raising several questions about chromosomal disorders. Further population genetics studies are needed in Gabon to better characterize these variations, both qualitatively and quantitative.
A cleavable chimeric peptide with targeting and killing domains enhances LPS neutralization and antibacterial properties against multi-drug resistant E. coli
Authors: Wang Zhenlong , Teng Da , Mao Ruoyu , Hao Ya , Yang Na , Wang Xiumin , Wang Jianhua
Published: November 2023

Pathogenic Escherichia coli is one of the most common causes of diarrhea diseases and its characteristic component of the outer membrane-lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a major inducer of sepsis. Few drugs have been proven to kill bacteria and simultaneously neutralize LPS toxicity. Here, the chimeric peptides-R7, A7 and G7 were generated by connecting LBP14 (LPS-targeting domain) with L7 (killing domain) via different linkers to improve antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. Compared to parent LBP14-RKRR and L7, the antibacterial activity of R7 with a cleavable “RKRR” linker and the “LBP14-RKRR + L7” cocktail against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus was increased by 2 ~ 4-fold. Both A7 and G7 with non-cleavable linkers almost lost antibacterial activity. The ability of R7 to neutralize LPS was markedly higher than that of LBP14-RKRR and L7. In vivo, R7 could be cleaved by furin in a time-dependent manner, and release L7 and LBP14-RKRR in serum. In vivo, R7 can enhance mouse survival more effectively than L7 and alleviate lung injuries by selective inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathways and promoting higher IAP activity. It suggests that R7 may be promising dual-function candidates as antibacterial and anti-endotoxin agents.
A measurement-based upstream oil and gas methane inventory for Alberta, Canada reveals higher emissions and different sources than official estimates
Authors: Conrad Bradley M. , Tyner David R. , Li Hugh Z. , Xie Donglai , Johnson Matthew R.
Published: November 2023

Mitigation actions and regulations to meet critical 2030 methane reduction targets under the Global Methane Pledge are hampered by uncertainty in true levels of emissions and source breakdowns. Here we present a measurement-based, source-resolved, hybrid top-down/bottom-up methane inventory for conventional upstream oil and gas operations in Canada’s largest oil and gas-producing province, Alberta. The derived 2021 inventory of 1337 kt/y is approximately 1.5× the official federal inventory and matches independent top-down aerial mass-balance and satellite estimates within uncertainties. Major sources are starkly different from official estimates, with venting (e.g., uncontrolled tanks, pneumatics, unlit flares) comprising almost two-thirds of emissions implying important mitigation opportunities. Derived methane intensities, while similar to U.S. basins, are approximately 4× those in neighbouring British Columbia and further reveal order-of-magnitude differences among individual anonymized companies at directly comparable facility types. This highlights the importance of independent monitoring, reporting, and verification to ensure collective success in reducing emissions.
Alpha peak frequency-based Brainmarker-I as a method to stratify to pharmacotherapy and brain stimulation treatments in depression
Authors: Voetterl Helena T. S. , Sack Alexander T. , Olbrich Sebastian , Stuiver Sven , Rouwhorst Renee , Prentice Amourie , Pizzagalli Diego A. , van der Vinne Nikita , van Waarde Jeroen A. , Brunovsky Martin , van Oostrom Iris , Reitsma Ben , Fekkes Johan , van Dijk Hanneke , Arns Martijn
Published: November 2023

Biomarkers predicting treatment outcome in major depressive disorder could enhance clinical improvement. Here this observational and prospective accuracy study investigates whether an age- and sex-normalized electroencephalography biomarker, based on the individual alpha frequency (iAF), can successfully stratify patients to different interventions such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Differential iAF directions were explored for sertraline, as well as rTMS (N = 196) and ECT (N = 41). A blinded out-of-sample validation (EMBARC; N = 240) replicated the previously found association between low iAF and better sertraline response. The subgroup of patients with an iAF around 10 Hz had a higher remission rate following 10 Hz rTMS compared with the group level, while the high-iAF subgroup had highest remission to 1 Hz rTMS and the low-iAF subgroup to ECT. Blinded out-of-sample validations for 1 Hz (N = 39) and ECT (N = 51) corroborated these findings. The present study suggests a clinically actionable electroencephalography biomarker that can successfully stratify between various antidepressant treatments.
Access to 2-thio/selenoquinolines via domino reaction of isocyanides with sulfur and selenium in water
Authors: Liu Haitao , Jia Mengying , Sun Shaoguang , Xu Xianxiu
Published: November 2023

A one-pot domino reaction of o-alkenylaryl isocyanides with elemental sulfur and selenium as well as FCH2I in water was developed for the efficient and divergent synthesis of 2-thio-/seleno-/fluoromethylthio-/fluoromethylseleno-quinoline derivatives.
Boosting photocatalytic conversion of formic acid to CO over P-doped CdS
Authors: Feng Pengfei , Wu Junhao , Fan Zimeng , Ma Baochun , Li Yuanyuan , Meng Xiangyu , Ding Yong
Published: November 2023

The P-doped CdS samples was used for the photocatalytic decomposition of formic acid to CO, in which the CO production rates and selectivity are as high as 24.5 mmol g−1 h−1 and 92.4%.
Cascade alkyl migration in 2-alkynylanilines for the synthesis of benzenoid ring multi-functionalized indoles
Authors: He Jiwen , Li Xiaohua , He Qiuqin , Fan Renhua
Published: November 2023

Cascade alkyl migration of 2-alkynylanilines via an aromaticity destruction and reconstruction process for the synthesis of 6,7-fused indoles was reported.
Elucidation of the synergistic effects of 3d metal (M = Cu, Co, and Ni) dopants and terminations (T = –O– and –OH) of Ti3C2Tx MXenes for urea adsorption ability via DFT calculations and experiments
Authors: Liang Caihong , Yen Zhihao , Salim Teddy , Lam Yeng Ming
Published: November 2023

DFT and experimental studies indicate that Ti3C2O2 with Cu, Co, and Ni dopants have better urea adsorption ability compared to undoped Ti3C2O2. It is feasible to use computational approach to predict urea adsorption of similar materials.
Transition metal (Ti, Cu, Zn, Pt) single-atom modified graphene/AS2 (A = Mo, W) van der Waals heterostructures for removing airborne pollutants
Authors: Camarillo-Salazar Erika , Garcia-Diaz Reyes , Romero de la Cruz María Teresa , Avila-Alvarado Yuliana , Fernandez-Escamilla H. N. , Hernández Cocoletzi Gregorio , Guerrero-Sanchez J.
Published: November 2023

Air pollution is a worldwide issue that affects human health and the environment. Van der Waals heterostructures based on graphene modified with transition metals generate selective pollutant molecule detection and removal.
Two-dimensional III-nitride alloys: electronic and chemical properties of monolayer Ga(1−x)AlxN
Authors: Chen Yiqing , Zhao Ying , Ou Pengfei , Song Jun
Published: November 2023

The stability, and the electronic and chemical properties of monolayer Ga(1−x)AlxN alloys were investigated employing density functional theory (DFT) calculations and the cluster expansion (CE) method.
Advancing energy storage through solubility prediction: leveraging the potential of deep learning
Authors: Chaka Mesfin Diro , Mekonnen Yedilfana Setarge , Wu Qin , Geffe Chernet Amente
Published: November 2023

Solubility prediction plays a crucial role in energy storage applications, such as redox flow batteries, because it directly affects the efficiency and reliability.
Fe(ii) complexes of 2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine ligands functionalized with substituted-phenyl groups: synthesis, crystal structures and anticancer potential
Authors: Sun Dameng , Huang Xin , Man Ruojun , Jia Xinjie , Song Xinluan , Wang Sihan , Xue Xingyong , Liu Hongming , Ma Zhen
Published: November 2023

A series of Fe(ii)–terpyridine complexes showing better antiproliferative activity to cancer cells but less toxic to normal cells than cisplatin have been explored.
In situ growth of NiCo-MOF and the derived NiCo2O4/NiCo2O4/Ni foam composite with a wire-penetrated-cage hierarchical architecture for an efficient oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Liu Xianchun , Xing Yan
Published: November 2023

A NiCo2O4/NiCo2O4/Ni foam (NCO/NCO/NF) nanocomposite with a wire-penetrated-cage hierarchical structure has been developed as a high activity electrocatalyst for the OER via a simple in situ strategy.
1D/2D core–shell structure Ni–Mo–S@NiFe LDH grown on nickel foam: a bifunctional electrocatalyst for efficient oxygen evolution and urea oxidation reactions
Authors: Zhang Tengfei , Xu Dan , Liu Ping , Liu Huan , Chen Long , Gu Tiantian , Yu Feng , Liu Yanyan , Wang Gang
Published: November 2023

Benefiting from the unique core–shell structure with numerous exposed active sites, the electrocatalyst Ni–Mo–S@NiFe LDH/NF exhibits excellent OER and UOR activities.
Low carbon transportation fuels: deployment pathways, opportunities and challenges
Authors: Morganti Kai , Moljord Kjell , Pearson Richard , Vermeire Monique , Traver Michael , Scorletti Pietro , de Melo Tadeu , Wang Yiran , China Philippe , Repasky John , Oliva Fermín , Bason Amy
Published: November 2023

Low carbon fuels can play a role in decarbonizing the transport sector, but the greenhouse gas impact depends on the chosen pathway. A range of fuel options for the on-road, marine and aviation sectors are assessed on a well-to-wheel or -wake basis.
High-coordination Fe–N4SP single-atom catalysts via the multi-shell synergistic effect for the enhanced oxygen reduction reaction of rechargeable Zn–air battery cathodes
Authors: Liu Jiaqi , Chen Weibin , Yuan Shuang , Liu Tie , Wang Qiang
Published: November 2023

Novel Fe single-atom catalysts with highly coordinated Fe–N4SP structures were designed via the multi-coordination-shell synergistic effect. The optimization of the catalysts enhances their ORR activity in alkaline/acidic media towards rechargeable Zn–air batteries.
Green mechanochemical Li foil surface reconstruction toward long-life Li–metal pouch cells
Authors: Long Kecheng , Huang Shaozhen , Wang Han , Wang Anbang , Chen Yuejiao , Liu Zhijian , Zhang Yu , Wu Zhibin , Wang Weikun , Chen Libao
Published: November 2023

A green mechanochemical surface treatment strategy endows practical Li metal pouch cells with excellent electrochemical performance, achieving high energy density, stable cycle performance and high security.
Photocatalytic CO2 reduction by topologically matched polymer–polymer heterojunction nanosheets
Authors: Aitchison Catherine M. , Zhang Yu , Lu Wanpeng , McCulloch Iain
Published: November 2023

2D donor–acceptor polymer heterojunctions formed via templation are found to give materials with higher photocatalytic activity than the individual semiconductor components.
Evidential support for garlic supplements against diabetic kidney disease: a preclinical meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Jiang Yayi , Li Zihan , Yue Rensong , Liu Guojie , Yang Maoyi , Long Caiyi , Yan Dawei
Published: November 2023

Possible mechanisms involved in the regulation of diabetic kidney disease by garlic supplements.
Tibetan tea consumption prevents obesity by modulating the cellular composition and metabolic reprogramming of white adipose tissue
Authors: Duan Songqi , Li Hongyu , Wang Ziqi , Li Junqi , Huang Weimin , Fang Zhengfeng , Li Cheng , Zeng Zhen , Sun Baofa , Liu Yuntao
Published: November 2023

Obesity, a global health concern, is linked with numerous metabolic and inflammatory disorders.
Coordination-driven self-assembled Mn(ii)-metallostar with high relaxivity and synergistic photothermal and photodynamic effects
Authors: Wu Huiyu , Li Zhenghui , Liu Yao , Shi Xingchi , Xue Yuan , Zeng Zuhua , Mi Fanglin , Wang Haiying , Zhu Jiang
Published: November 2023

Mn(ii)-metallostar structures prepared by coordination-driven self-assembly for theranostic applications: high relaxivities and synergistic PTT/PDT effects.
Stabilities of bis(thienyl)ethenes in polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) coatings as absorbance modulation layers for nanoscale imaging
Authors: Nagorny Sven , Schewe Marvin , Weingartz Thea , Eitzeroth André , Adams Jörg , Rembe Christian , Schmidt Andreas
Published: November 2023

Stabilities of substituted BTEs in PMMA films are described which differ from those in solution.
An on-site and portable electrochemical sensing platform based on spinel zinc ferrite nanoparticles for the quality control of paracetamol in pharmaceutical samples
Authors: Anh Nguyen Tuan , Tung Le Minh , Vinh Le Khanh , Van Quy Nguyen , Van Hoang Ong , Dinh Ngo Xuan , Le Anh-Tuan
Published: November 2023

A high-performance electrochemical sensor based on ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles for on-site quality control of paracetamol in pharmaceutical samples.
MXene and Xene: promising frontier beyond graphene in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
Authors: Kang Moon Sung , Jang Hee Jeong , Jo Hyo Jung , Raja Iruthayapandi Selestin , Han Dong-Wook
Published: November 2023

The emergence of 2D nanomaterials, initiated by the graphene isolation in 2004, revolutionized various biomedical applications, including bioimaging, drug delivery and tissue engineering, due to their unique physicochemical and biological properties.
A dual response UV-vis and fluorescence receptor based on acetylenic-indole conjoined silatrane for selective recognition of Co2+ and Cu2+ ions and in silico antidiabetic activity
Authors: Singh Gurjaspreet , Sushma  , Priyanka  , Devi Anita , Tamana  , Kaur Harshbir , Mithun  , Singh Jandeep , Singh Gurleen
Published: November 2023

This work involves the UV-vis and fluorescence study of a newly synthesized acetylenic-indole cojoined silatrane receptor for the selective recognition of Co2+ and Cu2+ ions and its molecular docking interaction with the α-glucosidase enzyme.
Exploring the effect of external dopants on the electride characteristics of bimetallic sandwich complexes based on the B4N4H8 ligand, M2(B4N4H8)2Ca2 (M = Na and K)
Authors: Roy Ria Sinha , Ghosh Avik , Banerjee Soumadip , Das Abhijit K.
Published: November 2023

Bimetallic sandwich complexes based on the borazocine (B4N4H8) ligand have been studied using density functional theory (DFT).
High-rate carbon nanotube/magnetic-sheet composites in situ synthesized using a fluidized bed for high-frequency microwave absorption
Authors: Xu Lele , Sun Chenghui , Liang Chen , Yang Jinsong , Yuan Xinxin , Chen Minghai
Published: November 2023

High-rate carbon nanotube/magnetic-sheet composites are in situ synthesized by fluidized bed for EMA. An RL value of −40.0 dB is achieved at a frequency of 5.0 GHz.
Construction of ZnCo2O4 decorated ZnO heterostructure materials for sensing triethylamine with dramatically enhanced performance
Authors: Wang Xiaodong , Zhou Juanmei , Wang Yan , Yi Guiyun , Sun Guang , Wang Tielang , Yang Bin , Zhang Zhanying
Published: November 2023

In this paper, a sensor based on a novel ZnCo2O4/ZnO nanosheet-like p–n heterostructure was designed using a one-step hydrothermal method and utilized to dramatically improve the sensitivity toward triethylamine (TEA) gas.