bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic variation and pesticide exposure influence blood DNA methylation signatures in females with early-stage Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Schaffner S. L. , Casazza W. , Artaud F. , Konwar C. , Merrill S. M. , Domenighetti C. , Schulze-Hentrich J. M. , Lesage S. , Brice A. , Corvol J. C. , Mostafavi S. , Dennis J. K. , Elbaz A. , Kobor M. S. ,   DIGPD Study Group
Published: May 2024

Although sex, genetics, and exposures can individually influence risk for sporadic Parkinson’s disease (PD), the joint contributions of these factors to the epigenetic etiology of PD have not been comprehensively assessed. Here, we profiled sex-stratified genome-wide blood DNAm patterns, SNP genotype, and pesticide exposure in agricultural workers (71 early-stage PD cases, 147 controls) and explored replication in three independent samples of varying demographics (n = 218, 222, and 872). Using a region-based approach, we found more associations of blood DNAm with PD in females (69 regions) than in males (2 regions, Δβadj| ≥0.03, padj ≤ 0.05). For 48 regions in females, models including genotype or genotype and pesticide exposure substantially improved in explaining interindividual variation in DNAm (padj ≤ 0.05), and accounting for these variables decreased the estimated effect of PD on DNAm. The results suggested that genotype, and to a lesser degree, genotype-exposure interactions contributed to variation in PD-associated DNAm. Our findings should be further explored in larger study populations and in experimental systems, preferably with precise measures of exposure.
Reverse engineering morphogenesis through Bayesian optimization of physics-based models
Authors: Kumar Nilay , Mim Mayesha Sahir , Dowling Alexander , Zartman Jeremiah J.
Published: May 2024

Morphogenetic programs coordinate cell signaling and mechanical interactions to shape organs. In systems and synthetic biology, a key challenge is determining optimal cellular interactions for predicting organ shape, size, and function. Physics-based models defining the subcellular force distribution facilitate this, but it is challenging to calibrate parameters in these models from data. To solve this inverse problem, we created a Bayesian optimization framework to determine the optimal cellular force distribution such that the predicted organ shapes match the experimentally observed organ shapes. This integrative framework employs Gaussian Process Regression, a non-parametric kernel-based probabilistic machine learning modeling paradigm, to learn the mapping functions relating to the morphogenetic programs that maintain the final organ shape. We calibrated and tested the method on Drosophila wing imaginal discs to study mechanisms that regulate epithelial processes ranging from development to cancer. The parameter estimation framework successfully infers the underlying changes in core parameters needed to match simulation data with imaging data of wing discs perturbed with collagenase. The computational pipeline identifies distinct parameter sets mimicking wild-type shapes. It enables a global sensitivity analysis to support the regulation of actomyosin contractility and basal ECM stiffness to generate and maintain the curved shape of the wing imaginal disc. The optimization framework, combined with experimental imaging, identified that Piezo, a mechanosensitive ion channel, impacts fold formation by regulating the apical-basal balance of actomyosin contractility and elasticity of ECM. This workflow is extensible toward reverse-engineering morphogenesis across organ systems and for real-time control of complex multicellular systems.
Initiating PeriCBD to probe perinatal influences on neurodevelopment during 3–10 years in China
Authors: Wang Yin-Shan , Su Xue-Ting , Ke Li , He Qing-Hua , Chang Da , Nie JingJing , Luo XinLi , Chen Fumei , Xu Jihong , Zhang Cai , Zhang Shudong , Zhang Shuyue , An Huiping , Guo Rui , Yue Suping , Duan Wen , Jia Shichao , Yang Sijia , Yu Yankun , Zhao Yang , Zhou Yang , Chen Li-Zhen , Fan Xue-Ru , Gao Peng , Lv Chenyu , Wu Ziyun , Zhao Yunyan , Quan Xi , Zhao Feng , Mu Yanchao , Yan Yu , Xu Wenchao , Liu Jie , Xing Lixia , Chen Xiaoqin , Wu Xiang , Zhao Lanfeng , Huang Zhijuan , Ren Yanzhou , Hao Hongyan , Li Hui , Wang Jing , Dong Qing , Chen Liyan , Huang Ruiwang , Liu Siman , Wang Yun , Dong Qi , Zuo Xi-Nian
Published: May 2024

Adverse perinatal factors can interfere with the normal development of the brain, potentially resulting in long-term effects on the comprehensive development of children. Presently, the understanding of cognitive and neurodevelopmental processes under conditions of adverse perinatal factors is substantially limited. There is a critical need for an open resource that integrates various perinatal factors with the development of the brain and mental health to facilitate a deeper understanding of these developmental trajectories. In this Data Descriptor, we introduce a multicenter database containing information on perinatal factors that can potentially influence children’s brain-mind development, namely, periCBD, that combines neuroimaging and behavioural phenotypes with perinatal factors at county/region/central district hospitals. PeriCBD was designed to establish a platform for the investigation of individual differences in brain-mind development associated with perinatal factors among children aged 3–10 years. Ultimately, our goal is to help understand how different adverse perinatal factors specifically impact cognitive development and neurodevelopment. Herein, we provide a systematic overview of the data acquisition/cleaning/quality control/sharing, processes of periCBD.
Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei 2004 improves health and lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Kishimoto Saya , Nono Masanori , Makizaki Yutaka , Tanaka Yoshiki , Ohno Hiroshi , Nishida Eisuke , Uno Masaharu
Published: May 2024

Recent research has highlighted the importance of the gut microbiome in regulating aging, and probiotics are interventions that can promote gut health. In this study, we surveyed several novel lactic acid bacteria to examine their beneficial effect on organismal health and lifespan in C. elegans. We found that animals fed some lactic acid bacteria, including L. acidophilus 1244 and L. paracasei subsp. paracasei 2004, grew healthy. Supplementation with the lactic acid bacterial strains L. acidophilus 1244 or L. paracasei subsp. paracasei 2004 significantly improved health, including food consumption, motility, and resistance to oxidative stressor, hydrogen peroxide. Our RNA-seq analysis showed that supplementation with L. paracasei subsp. paracasei 2004 significantly increased the expression of daf-16, a C. elegans FoxO homolog, as well as genes related to the stress response. Furthermore, daf-16 deletion inhibited the longevity effect of L. paracasei subsp. paracasei 2004 supplementation. Our results suggest that L. paracasei subsp. paracasei 2004 improves health and lifespan in a DAF-16-dependent manner.
Assessment of induced allelopathy in crop-weed co-culture with rye-pigweed model
Authors: Mushtaq Waseem , Fauconnier Marie-Laure , de Clerck Caroline
Published: May 2024

This study evaluates induced allelopathy in a rye-pigweed model driven by rye’s (Secale cereale L.) allelopathic potential as a cover crop and pigweed’s (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) notoriety as a weed. The response of rye towards pigweed’s presence in terms of benzoxazinoids (BXs) provides valuable insight into induced allelopathy for crop improvement. In the 2 week plant stage, pigweed experiences a significant reduction in growth in rye’s presence, implying allelopathic effects. Rye exhibits increased seedling length and BXs upsurge in response to pigweed presence. These trends persist in the 4 week plant stage, emphasizing robust allelopathic effects and the importance of different co-culture arrangements. Germination experiments show rye’s ability to germinate in the presence of pigweed, while pigweed exhibits reduced germination with rye. High-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) analysis identifies allelopathic compounds (BXs), 2,4-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (DIBOA) and 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one (DIMBOA) in rye. Rye significantly increases BX production in response to pigweed, age-dependently. Furthermore, pigweed plants are screened for possible BX uptake from the rhizosphere. Results suggest that allelopathy in rye-pigweed co-cultures is influenced by seed timing, and age-dependent dynamics of plants’ allelopathic compounds, providing a foundation for further investigations into chemical and ecological processes in crop-weed interactions.
Study on energy evolution and fractal characteristics of sandstone with different fracture dip angles under uniaxial compression
Authors: Tian Xin-yu , Zhao Fu-jun , Wang Wei-jun , Chen Biao , Ma Yu-jie , Fan Bao-jie
Published: May 2024

In order to investigate the failure modes and instability mechanism of fractured rock. Uniaxial compression tests were conducted on sandstone specimens with different dip angles. Based on rock energy dissipation theory and fractal theory, the energy evolution characteristics and fragmentation fractal characteristics in the process of deformation and failure of specimens were analyzed. The results show that the peak strength and elastic modulus of fractured rock mass are lower than those of intact samples, and both show an exponential increase with the increase of fracture dip angle. The energy evolution laws of different fracture specimens are roughly similar and can be classified into four stages based on the stress–strain curve: pressure-tight, elastic, plastic, and post-destructive. The total strain energy, elastic strain energy, and dissipated strain energy of the specimen at the peak stress point increased exponentially with crack inclination, and the dissipated strain energy and compressive strength conformed to a power function growth relationship. The distribution of the fragments after the failure of the fracture sample has fractal characteristics, and the fractal dimension increases with the increase of the fracture dip angle. In addition, the higher the compressive strength of the specimen, the greater the energy dissipation, the more serious the degree of fragmentation, and the greater the fractal dimension. The data fitting further shows that there is a power function relationship between the dissipated strain energy and the fractal dimension. The research results can provide a theoretical basis for the stability of rock mass engineering and structural deformation control.
A general quantum algorithm for numerical integration
Authors: Shu Guoqiang , Shan Zheng , Xu Jinchen , Zhao Jie , Wang Shuya
Published: May 2024

Quantum algorithms have shown their superiority in many application fields. However, a general quantum algorithm for numerical integration, an indispensable tool for processing sophisticated science and engineering issues, is still missing. Here, we first proposed a quantum integration algorithm suitable for any continuous functions that can be approximated by polynomials. More impressively, the algorithm achieves quantum encoding of any integrable functions through polynomial approximation, then constructs a quantum oracle to mark the number of points in the integration area and finally converts the statistical results into the phase angle in the amplitude of the superposition state. The quantum algorithm introduced in this work exhibits quadratic acceleration over the classical integration algorithms by reducing computational complexity from O(N) to O(√N). Our work addresses the crucial impediments for improving the generality of quantum integration algorithm, which provides a meaningful guidance for expanding the superiority of quantum computing.
Domestication constrains the ability of dogs to convey emotions via facial expressions in comparison to their wolf ancestors
Authors: Hobkirk Elana R. , Twiss Sean D.
Published: May 2024

Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) are the domestically bred descendant of wolves (Canis lupus). However, selective breeding has profoundly altered facial morphologies of dogs compared to their wolf ancestors. We demonstrate that these morphological differences limit the abilities of dogs to successfully produce the same affective facial expressions as wolves. We decoded facial movements of captive wolves during social interactions involving nine separate affective states. We used linear discriminant analyses to predict affective states based on combinations of facial movements. The resulting confusion matrix demonstrates that specific combinations of facial movements predict nine distinct affective states in wolves; the first assessment of this many affective facial expressions in wolves. However, comparative analyses with kennelled rescue dogs revealed reduced ability to predict affective states. Critically, there was a very low predictive power for specific affective states, with confusion occurring between negative and positive states, such as Friendly and Fear. We show that the varying facial morphologies of dogs (specifically non-wolf-like morphologies) limit their ability to produce the same range of affective facial expressions as wolves. Confusion among positive and negative states could be detrimental to human–dog interactions, although our analyses also suggest dogs likely use vocalisations to compensate for limitations in facial communication.
Identification of early coagulation changes associated with survival outcomes post severe burns from multiple perspectives
Authors: Huang Shengyu , Ma Qimin , Liao Xincheng , Yin Xi , Shen Tuo , Liu Xiaobin , Tang Wenbin , Wang Yusong , Wang Lei , Xin Haiming , Li Xiaoliang , Chang Liu , Chen Zhaohong , Liu Rui , Wu Choulang , Wang Deyun , Guo Guanghua , Zhu Feng
Published: May 2024

Coagulation alterations manifest early after severe burns and are closely linked to mortality outcomes. Nevertheless, the precise characterization of coagulation changes associated with early mortality remains elusive. We examined alterations in indicators linked to mortality outcomes at both the transcriptomic and clinical characteristic levels. At the transcriptomic level, we pinpointed 28 differentially expressed coagulation-related genes (DECRGs) following burn injuries and endeavored to validate their causal relationships through Mendelian randomization. DECRGs tied to survival exhibit a significant association with neutrophil function, wherein the expression of CYP4F2 and P2RX1 serves as robust predictors of fatal outcomes. In terms of clinical indicators, early levels of D-dimer and alterations in serum calcium show a strong correlation with mortality outcomes. Coagulation depletion and fibrinolytic activation, stemming from the hyperactivation of coagulation pathways post-severe burns, are strongly linked to patient mortality. Monitoring these early coagulation markers with predictive value can effectively identify individuals necessitating priority critical care.
Large environmental changes reduce valence-dependent belief updating
Authors: Beron Juan Cruz , Solovey Guillermo , Ferrelli Ignacio A. , Pedreira María E. , Fernández Rodrigo S.
Published: May 2024

When updating beliefs, humans tend to integrate more desirable information than undesirable information. In stable environments (low uncertainty and high predictability), this asymmetry favors motivation towards action and perceived self-efficacy. However, in changing environments (high uncertainty and low predictability), this process can lead to risk underestimation and increase unwanted costs. Here, we examine how people (n = 388) integrate threatening information during an abrupt environmental change (mandatory quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic). Given that anxiety levels are associated with the magnitude of the updating belief asymmetry; we explore its relationship during this particular context. We report a significant reduction in asymmetrical belief updating during a large environmental change as individuals integrated desirable and undesirable information to the same extent. Moreover, this result was supported by computational modeling of the belief update task. However, we found that the reduction in asymmetrical belief updating was not homogeneous among people with different levels of Trait-anxiety. Individuals with higher levels of Trait-anxiety maintained a valence-dependent updating, as it occurs in stable environments. On the other hand, updating behavior was not associated with acute anxiety (State-Anxiety), health concerns (Health-Anxiety), or having positive expectations (Trait-Optimism). These results suggest that highly uncertain environments can generate adaptive changes in information integration. At the same time, it reveals the vulnerabilities of individuals with higher levels of anxiety to adapt the way they learn.
Common cold viruses circulating in children threaten wild chimpanzees through asymptomatic adult carriers
Authors: Weary Taylor E. , Pappas Tressa , Tusiime Patrick , Tuhaise Shamilah , Otali Emily , Emery Thompson Melissa , Ross Elizabeth , Gern James E. , Goldberg Tony L.
Published: May 2024

Reverse zoonotic respiratory diseases threaten great apes across Sub-Saharan Africa. Studies of wild chimpanzees have identified the causative agents of most respiratory disease outbreaks as “common cold” paediatric human pathogens, but reverse zoonotic transmission pathways have remained unclear. Between May 2019 and August 2021, we conducted a prospective cohort study of 234 children aged 3–11 years in communities bordering Kibale National Park, Uganda, and 30 adults who were forest workers and regularly entered the park. We collected 2047 respiratory symptoms surveys to quantify clinical severity and simultaneously collected 1989 nasopharyngeal swabs approximately monthly for multiplex viral diagnostics. Throughout the course of the study, we also collected 445 faecal samples from 55 wild chimpanzees living nearby in Kibale in social groups that have experienced repeated, and sometimes lethal, epidemics of human-origin respiratory viral disease. We characterized respiratory pathogens in each cohort and examined statistical associations between PCR positivity for detected pathogens and potential risk factors. Children exhibited high incidence rates of respiratory infections, whereas incidence rates in adults were far lower. COVID-19 lockdown in 2020–2021 significantly decreased respiratory disease incidence in both people and chimpanzees. Human respiratory infections peaked in June and September, corresponding to when children returned to school. Rhinovirus, which caused a 2013 outbreak that killed 10% of chimpanzees in a Kibale community, was the most prevalent human pathogen throughout the study and the only pathogen present at each monthly sampling, even during COVID-19 lockdown. Rhinovirus was also most likely to be carried asymptomatically by adults. Although we did not detect human respiratory pathogens in the chimpanzees during the cohort study, we detected human metapneumovirus in two chimpanzees from a February 2023 outbreak that were genetically similar to viruses detected in study participants in 2019. Our data suggest that respiratory pathogens circulate in children and that adults become asymptomatically infected during high-transmission times of year. These asymptomatic adults may then unknowingly carry the pathogens into forest and infect chimpanzees. This conclusion, in turn, implies that intervention strategies based on respiratory symptoms in adults are unlikely to be effective for reducing reverse zoonotic transmission of respiratory viruses to chimpanzees.
Genetic variations in ACE2 gene associated with metabolic syndrome in southern China: a case–control study
Authors: Pan Min , Yu Mingzhong , Zheng Suli , Luo Li , Zhang Jie , Wu Jianmin
Published: May 2024

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is closely related to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and genetic predisposition is one of the main triggers for its development. To identify the susceptibility genes for MetS, we investigated the relationship between angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and MetS in southern China. In total, 339 MetS patients and 398 non-MetS hospitalized patients were recruited. Four ACE2 polymorphisms (rs2074192, rs2106809, rs879922, and rs4646155) were genotyped using the polymerase chain reaction-ligase detection method and tested for their potential association with MetS and its related components. ACE2 rs2074192 and rs2106809 minor alleles conferred 2.485-fold and 3.313-fold greater risks of MetS in women. ACE2 rs2074192 and rs2106809 variants were risk factors for obesity, diabetes, and low–high-density lipoprotein cholesterolemia. However, in men, the ACE2 rs2074192 minor allele was associated with an approximately 0.525-fold reduction in MetS prevalence. Further comparing the components of MetS, ACE2 rs2074192 and rs2106809 variants reduced the risk of obesity and high triglyceride levels. In conclusion, ACE2 rs2074192 and rs2106809 SNPs were independently associated with MetS in a southern Chinese population and showed gender heterogeneity, which can be partially explained by obesity. Thus, these SNPs may be utilized as predictive biomarkers and molecular targets for MetS. A limitation of this study is that environmental and lifestyle differences, as well as genetic heterogeneity among different populations, were not considered in the analysis.
Amperometry approach curve profiling to understand the regulatory mechanisms governing the concentration of intestinal extracellular serotonin
Authors: Yeoman Mark S. , Fidalgo Sara , Marcelli Gianluca , Patel Bhavik Anil
Published: May 2024

Enterochromaffin (EC) cells located within the intestinal mucosal epithelium release serotonin (5-HT) to regulate motility tones, barrier function and the immune system. Electroanalytical methodologies have been able to monitor steady state basal extracellular 5-HT levels but are unable to provide insight into how these levels are influenced by key regulatory processes such as release and uptake. We established a new measurement approach, amperometry approach curve profiling, which monitors the extracellular 5-HT level at different electrode–tissue (E–T) distances. Analysis of the current profile can provide information on contributions of regulatory components on the observed extracellular 5-HT level. Measurements were conducted from ex vivo murine ileum and colon using a boron-doped diamond (BDD) microelectrode. Amperometry approach curve profiling coupled with classical pharmacology demonstrated that extracellular 5-HT levels were significantly lower in the colon when compared to the ileum. This difference was due to a greater degree of activity of the 5-HT transporter (SERT) and a reduced amount of 5-HT released from colonic EC cells. The presence of an inhibitory 5-HT4autoreceptor was observed in the colon, where a 40% increase in extracellular 5-HT was the half maximal inhibitory concentration for activation of the autoreceptor. This novel electroanalytical approach allows estimates of release and re-uptake and their contribution to 5-HT extracellular concentration from intestinal tissue be obtained from a single series of measurements.
Agar-tragacanth/silk fibroin hydrogel containing Zn-based MOF as a novel nanobiocomposite with biological activity
Authors: Lalebeigi Farnaz , Kashtiaray Amir , Aghamirza Moghim Aliabadi Hooman , Moghadaskhou Fatemeh , Pajoum Zeinab , Nokandeh Seyede Mehrnoush , Mahdavi Mohammad , Eivazzadeh-Keihan Reza , Maleki Ali
Published: May 2024

In this study, a novel nanobiocomposite consisting of agar (Ag), tragacanth gum (TG), silk fibroin (SF), and MOF-5 was synthesized and extensively investigated by various analytical techniques and basic biological assays for potential biomedical applications. The performed Trypan blue dye exclusion assay indicated that the proliferation percentage of HEK293T cells was 71.19%, while the proliferation of cancer cells (K-562 and MCF-7) was significantly lower, at 10.74% and 3.33%. Furthermore, the Ag-TG hydrogel/SF/MOF-5 nanobiocomposite exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against bothE. coliandS. aureusstrains, with growth inhibition rates of 76.08% and 69.19% respectively. Additionally, the hemolytic index of fabricated nanobiocomposite was found approximately 19%. These findings suggest that the nanobiocomposite exhibits significant potential for application in cancer therapy and wound healing.
Highly 28Si enriched silicon by localised focused ion beam implantation
Authors: Acharya Ravi , Coke Maddison , Adshead Mason , Li Kexue , Achinuq Barat , Cai Rongsheng , Gholizadeh A. Baset , Jacobs Janet , Boland Jessica L. , Haigh Sarah J. , Moore Katie L. , Jamieson David N. , Curry Richard J.
Published: May 2024

Solid-state spin qubits within silicon crystals at mK temperatures show great promise in the realisation of a fully scalable quantum computation platform. Qubit coherence times are limited in natural silicon owing to coupling to the 29Si isotope which has a non-zero nuclear spin. This work presents a method for the depletion of 29Si in localised volumes of natural silicon wafers by irradiation using a 45 keV 28Si focused ion beam with fluences above 1 × 1019 ions cm−2. Nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry analysis of the irradiated volumes shows residual 29Si concentration down to 2.3 ± 0.7 ppm and with residual C and O comparable to the background concentration in the unimplanted wafer. After annealing, transmission electron microscopy lattice images confirm the solid phase epitaxial re-crystallization of the as-implanted amorphous enriched volume extending over 200 nm in depth.
Video-based measurements of the entrainment, speed and mass flux in a wind-blown eruption column
Authors: Mingotti Nicola , Woods Andrew W.
Published: May 2024

On May 4 2010 a wind-blown ash plume issued from Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland. Analysis of a 17-minute-long video recording of the eruption suggests that, within 2–2.5 km of the vent, the flow was moving with the wind and rising under buoyancy, following a trajectory directly analogous with laboratory experiments of turbulent buoyant plumes in a cross-flow. The radius of the time-averaged ash cloud grew with height z at a rate r = 0.48 z, corresponding to an entrainment coefficient 0.4, again consistent with laboratory experiments. By analysing the frames in the video and comparing the shape of the plume to that predicted by the model, we estimate that during the 17 minutes recorded, the eruption rate gradually decreased by about 43% from an initial rate of 1.11 × 104 kg s−1 to 0.63 × 104 kg s−1. The analysis reported herein opens the way to assess eruption rates and eruption column processes from video recordings during explosive volcanic eruptions.
Time-dependent probabilistic tsunami risk assessment: application to Tofino, British Columbia, Canada, subjected to Cascadia subduction earthquakes
Authors: Goda Katsuichiro , De Risi Raffaele
Published: May 2024

A new time-dependent probabilistic tsunami risk model is developed to facilitate the long-term risk management strategies for coastal communities. The model incorporates the time-dependency of earthquake occurrence and considers numerous heterogeneous slip distributions via a stochastic source modeling approach. Tidal level effects are examined by considering different baseline sea levels. The model is applied to Tofino, British Columbia, Canada within the Cascadia subduction zone. High-resolution topography and high-quality exposure data are utilized to accurately evaluate tsunami damage and economic loss to buildings. The results are tsunami loss curves accounting for different elapsed times since the last major event. The evolutionary aspects of Tofino’s time-dependent tsunami risk profiles show that the current tsunami risk is lower than the tsunami risk based on the conventional time-independent Poisson occurrence model. In contrast, the future tsunami risk in 2100 will exceed the time-independent tsunami risk estimate.
Advances in non-viral mRNA delivery to the spleen
Authors: Narasipura Eshan A. , Fenton Owen S.
Published: May 2024

Developing safe and effective delivery strategies for localizing messenger RNA (mRNA) payloads to the spleen is an important goal in the field of genetic medicine.
Target identification of usnic acid in bacterial and human cells
Authors: Ruddell Stuart A. , Mostert Dietrich , Sieber Stephan A.
Published: May 2024

Activity-based probes of the natural product usnic acid reveal protein targets in bacterial and human cells.
Enhanced combined sewer overflow treatment by rapid magnetic flocculation–magnetic sedimentation: efficiency and mechanism
Authors: Xie Changyang , Li Xinyue , Tang Zhenzhen , Chu Wenhai , Li Huaizheng
Published: May 2024

Rapid magnetic flocculation required a reaction time of only 2 minutes to achieve the ideal pollutant removal efficiency.
Pyrroloquinoline quinone production defines the ability of Devosia species to degrade deoxynivalenol
Authors: Guo Chongwen , Wen Jikai , Sun Yu , Liang Guoqiang , Wang Zijiao , Pan Lulu , Huang Jiarun , Liao Yuanxin , Wang Zeyuan , Chen Qingmei , Mu Peiqiang , Deng Yiqun
Published: May 2024

A novel DON degrading Devosia strain and its key enzymes were identified, and PQQ was found as a distinct feature of DON degrading Devosia strains.
Combination of cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) intratumoral therapy and oxaliplatin chemotherapy
Authors: Moreno-Gonzalez Miguel A. , Zhao Zhongchao , Caparco Adam A. , Steinmetz Nicole F.
Published: May 2024

Cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) intratumoral immunotherapy combined with oxaliplatin chemotherapy leads to immunogenic cell death and immune cell infiltration.
Biomimetic fusion: Platyper's dual vision for predicting protein–surface interactions
Authors: Hong Chuhang , Wu Xiaopei , Huang Jian , Dai Honglian
Published: May 2024

Predicting protein binding with the material surface still remains a challenge. In this work, a new concept is proposed to mimic the mechanism by which a platypus senses its external environment underwater, and to predict interactions in the system.
Rapid synthesis of high-purity molybdenum carbide with controlled crystal phases
Authors: Fang Renjie , He Haoxian , Wang Zhiyi , Han Ye-Chuang , Fan Feng Ru
Published: May 2024

A kinetic controllable method for the preparation of phase-pure molybdenum carbide phase, α-MoC1−x, η-MoC1−x, and β-Mo2C was determined by adjusting the continuous pulsed Joule heating.
Narrow-band circularly polarized red electroluminescence in trinuclear clusters
Authors: Yang Xin , Cheng Han , Shi Lin-Xi , Wang Jin-Yun , Chen Zhong-Ning
Published: May 2024

R/S-PtAu2 cluster enantiomers exhibit highly efficient narrow-band red emission with a FWHM of 25–29 nm as well as excellent chiral absorption and emission characteristics with a dissymmetry factor of ±1.0 × 10−3 for CPL and ±7 × 10−4 for CPEL.
Kill two birds with one stone: simultaneous removal of volatile organic compounds and ozone secondary pollution by a novel photocatalytic process
Authors: Sui Yifan , Sun Xiaohu , Guan Jie , Chen Zeqiu , Zhu Xinjie , Lou Xiaoyi , Li Xiuli , Shen Jiaowen , Liu Xiaomei , Zhang Xiaojiao , Guo Yaoguang , Zhang Gangfeng , Zhang Rui-Qin
Published: May 2024

Synergistic treatment of VOCs and O3 secondary pollution in the optimal photocatalytic reactor.
Polydimethylsiloxane based dry adhesives produced using a replica molding technique
Authors: Hassani Hasan Talal M. , Dsouza Willman William , Oopath Sruthi V. , Baji Avinash
Published: May 2024

A replica molding technique is used to produce micron-sized pillars on the surface of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The shear adhesion strength of the sample is determined to be 0.12 N cm−2.
Preparation of porous polylactic acid nanofibers and application in non-electret high-efficiency filtration composites
Authors: Xing Jian , Zhang Wenjing , Sun Shaoyang , Liu Zhen
Published: May 2024

Preparation process of PLA air filtration composites based on porous nanofibers.
Photoredox-catalyzed sulfonylation of diaryliodonium salts with DABSO and silyl enolates involving the insertion of SO2
Authors: Zhang Shuoshuo , Zhang Qian , Lin Shuizhen , Lin Xinkui , Huang Xiaolei
Published: May 2024

A versatile photoredox-catalyzed three-component sulfonylation of diaryliodonium salts with DABSO and silyl enolates involving the insertion of SO2 for the synthesis of β-keto sulfones was developed.
Insulated π-conjugated 2,2′-bipyridine transition-metal complexes: enhanced photoproperties in luminescence and catalysis
Authors: Iwai Tomohiro , Abe Shinsuke , Takizawa Shin-ya , Masai Hiroshi , Terao Jun
Published: May 2024

An insulated π-conjugated 2,2′-bipyridine exhibited enhanced ligand performance in the solid-state emitting biscyclometalated Ir complexes and visible-light-driven Ni catalysts owing to π-extension and remote steric effects.
Development of novel iron(iii) crosslinked bioinks comprising carboxymethyl cellulose, xanthan gum, and hyaluronic acid for soft tissue engineering applications
Authors: Le Hien-Phuong , Hassan Kamrul , Ramezanpour Mahnaz , Campbell Jonathan A. , Tung Tran Thanh , Vreugde Sarah , Losic Dusan
Published: May 2024

A new hybrid crosslinked bioink for soft tissue engineering has been developed by combining carboxymethyl cellulose, xanthan gum and hyaluronic acid incorporating ferric-ion coordination with the carboxylate groups of these three polysaccharides.
Design-encoded dual shape-morphing and shape-memory in 4D printed polymer parts toward cellularized vascular grafts
Authors: Choudhury Saswat , Joshi Akshat , Baghel Vageesh Singh , Ananthasuresh G. K. , Asthana Sonal , Homer-Vanniasinkam Shervanthi , Chatterjee Kaushik
Published: May 2024

A combinatorial biofabrication strategy comprising design-guided shape change of 3D printed structures followed by shape recovery is demonstrated for realizing complex structures in the presence of cells, such as cellularized vascular grafts.
An artificial synaptic device based on 1,2-diphenylacetylene with femtojoule energy consumption for neuromorphic computing
Authors: Duan Mengyuan , Liu Jiesong , Li Zhengjie , Jia Xiaoyong , Yang Guanghong , Zhang Weifeng , Jia Caihong
Published: May 2024

An artificial synaptic device based on an organic small molecule 1,2-diphenylacetylene thin film for low-energy neuromorphic computing.
All-iron redox flow battery in flow-through and flow-over set-ups: the critical role of cell configuration
Authors: Bailey Josh J. , Pahlevaninezhad Maedeh , Gunaratne H. Q. Nimal , O’Connor Hugh , Thompson Kate , Sharda Pranav , Kavanagh Paul , Istrate Oana M. , Glover Stephen , Klusener Peter A. A. , Roberts Edward P. L. , Nockemann Peter
Published: May 2024

All-soluble, all-iron flow battery performance is critically dependent upon cell configuration. Flow-through and flow-over designs exhibit stark differences in efficiency, maximum power density, capacity retention, and self-discharge.
AI in bioscience education and assessment
Authors: Smith David
Published: May 2024

The landscape of bioscience education has changed dramatically over the last few years, first due to the COVID pandemic and now with the explosion of artificial intelligence. David Smith, Professor of Bioscience Education at Sheffield Hallam University, discusses some of the bigger questions in relation to the use of AI in bioscience education and assessment.
The radiation from railway wheel modes and their effect on loudness, sharpness, and equivalent pressure level
Authors: Theyssen Jannik
Published: May 2024

The noise of railway wheels is one of the main contributors to railway rolling noise. Auralization, the rendering of sound fields from virtual sources, is a promising tool for studying rolling noise, as it enables the study of perceptual qualities of noise. Generating such sound fields based on physical models requires knowledge of the structural vibrations and radiation characteristics of the wheels. The vibration and radiation of a railway wheel are typically dominated by highly undamped modes. The amplitudes of the various modes depend on the roughness excitation and the contact position of the wheel on the rail. For auralization, it is relevant to investigate which modes are significant in reproducing the equivalent sound pressure level (SPL), as well as psychoacoustic quantities. Identifying significant modes can also help simplify the physical model. This article explores the influence of lateral contact positions on wheel radiation and analyzes the modal contributions to pass-by SPLs. Using a timedomain prediction model for the sound pressure produced by one wheel as it passes a stationary track side position, the psychoacoustic quantities loudness and sharpness were investigated. The smallest number of modes required to reproduce equivalent pressure levels and psychoacoustic quantities is identified for two contact positions. For simplicity, the discussion is limited to one wheel, surface roughness, and vehicle speed. The results show possible simplifications in auralization models and can enable noise mitigation with a focus on psychoacoustic parameters.
A study on the relationship between vehicle operating conditions and NOx emission characteristics
Authors: Xia Ran , Wang Yu , Feng Yifang , Chen Tao , Qin Jing
Published: May 2024

To address the challenges faced by vehicles during actual operation when passing through traffic lights or intersections, where rapid changes in operating conditions can lead to a decrease in SCR efficiency and an increase in NOx emissions, this study focuses on defining characteristic position scenarios and analyzing the NOx emission characteristics of vehicles when passing through these scenarios based on real-time vehicle conditions. Through the analysis of several specific events, several road condition factors and driver behavior factors that may contribute to increased NOx emissions at characteristic position scenarios are identified. The findings indicate that when vehicles pass through traffic lights and intersections, the main causes of increased NOx emissions are low SCR temperature resulting from prolonged idling or engine shutdown, and high exhaust NOx emissions resulting from sudden excessive fuel injection. The driver behaviors associated with these situations primarily include coasting when approaching intersections, frequent stop-start behaviour due to traffic congestion or road crowding, choosing to shut off the engine for fuel efficiency during prolonged traffic congestion, and aggressive acceleration by stepping on the accelerator when the green light is about to turn red.
Influencing factor and cost optimization for service life of KR impeller
Authors: Tang Yu
Published: May 2024

The service life of KR impeller for one steel plant in Southern China is investigated in this paper. It is shown by site investigation and comparison analysis that there is still improving potential for the service life of KR impeller, whose influencing factor includes hot water temperature, rotating speed, stirring duration, refractory of working lining, internal metal core structure, fabricating process, blade structure, hot repairing process and material, desulfurizer composition, interval time between stirrings. If technical optimization is conducted based on the influencing factor, it is predicted that the service life of KR impeller in this plant can be enhanced from 230 heats to 300 or 400 heats, saving 0.4~0.6 RMB/t hot metal.
ReaxFF-MD in the field of pyrolysis of insulating oil: A review
Authors: Yang Weiqi , Zhu Zhiping , Liao Jianping , Liu Zhifeng , Gao Fan , Chen Yufei , Wang Zhenggang
Published: May 2024

This article reviews the application of the Reactive Molecular Dynamics (ReaxFF-MD) method in the field of insulating oil. It introduces the commonly used methods for constructing models of insulating oil and oil-paper, summarizes the pyrolysis mechanisms and influencing factors of insulating oil, analyzes the performance differences and advantages of different types of insulating oil, discusses the interactions and coupling effects in the oil-paper system. The paper points out the current status and existing issues in this field, providing a reference for further theoretical and experimental research.
Recognition and position estimation method for stacked untextured parts
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Wang Jifang , Guo Kaixuan , Wang Kai
Published: May 2024

To address the challenge of recognizing and estimating the position of untextured stacked parts, which are common in industrial environments, this study proposes an integrated approach that incorporates the YOLOv7 target detection algorithm and point cloud alignment techniques. First, the YOLOv7 algorithm is utilized to quickly identify and locate the 2D position of the part, followed by a mapping technique to transform the 2D region of interest (ROI) into the corresponding 3D point cloud region. In the point cloud processing stage, depth threshold segmentation and Euclidean clustering segmentation methods are used to separate the target part from the background and other interfering objects. The pose estimation stage uses the SAC-IA algorithm for coarse alignment, followed by an improved ICP algorithm that introduces an adaptive weighting mechanism and a global optimization strategy for fine alignment to obtain the final 6D pose of the part. The improved strategy significantly optimizes the point-pair selection and alignment process and enhances the robustness and accuracy of the algorithm. Through experimental validation on publicly available part piece datasets, the results show that the part identification and pose estimation method proposed in this study can realize fast and accurate identification and pose estimation of different shapes, non-textured, and scattered stacked parts, where the position error can reach up to 1mm and the angular error within 1°, which meets the requirements of practical applications.
Research on optimization algorithm of molecular distillation process parameters based on ELM-ADHDP
Authors: Qin Wei , Li Hui , Luo Mingyue , Cong Shuofeng
Published: May 2024

In the traditional molecular distillation process, there are also large differences in the process parameters of different extracts in the process of separation and purification, and there are equipment aging and site condition changes in the project of equipment operation, and the setting of process parameters is only based on the experience of the operator, which greatly reduces the effect of separation and purification. In this paper, ELM-ADHDP is used to optimize the process parameters of the molecular distillation system, determine the best process parameters, achieve accurate and optimized control of the equipment, improve the efficiency of separation and purification, and reduce the energy consumption and the dependence on manual experience.
Optimization analysis of cold extrusion process parameters for valve screws
Authors: Yuan Yuhong , Liu Zhan
Published: May 2024

This study focuses on valve screws and establishes a cold extrusion simulation model using DEFORM-3D software to analyze the deformation characteristics and influencing factors during the extrusion process. Supported by the theory of rigid-plastic finite element, an orthogonal experimental design is conducted to establish a four-factor three-level simulation scheme with general fillet radius, die clearance, extrusion speed, and friction coefficient as the simulation variables, and maximum equivalent stress on the convex die, forming damage of the blank, and maximum wear depth on the concave die as the objective values. The prediction model based on BP neural network algorithm and orthogonal experimental data shows high accuracy. The optimization problem is simplified into a dimensionless numerical analysis problem using GC grey correlation analysis, and the optimal solutions within each variable range are determined using range analysis. The simulation results after optimization show a 20 5% reduction in maximum equivalent stress on the convex die compared to the original scheme, a 4.9% reduction in forming damage of the extruded part, and a 24.24% reduction in maximum wear depth on the concave die compared to before optimization. The actual verification confirms the good forming effect of valve screw extrusion, with well-formed contours and a uniform surface without wrinkles or defects. Finite element simulation provides valuable guidance for practical production.
Macros in Excel
Authors: Ji Xiaoyun , Hu Bin
Published: May 2024

Excel itself has very powerful functions: including printing documents, file processing, formatting and text editing; Exl has a large number of built-in functions, its operation interface is very familiar to the public, and can connect to a variety of databases. Therefore, it has become a widely used application development platform. For a task that needs to be repeated frequently in Excel, you can record all the steps of executing these tasks in the macro and turn the macro into an automatically executable task. In this way, it is unnecessary to repeat the operation, save a lot of manpower and improve the work efficiency. Today, I will study the relevant knowledge of Excel macros with you.
Targeted generative adversarial network (TWGAN-GP)-based emotion recognition of ECG signals
Authors: Wei Wutong
Published: May 2024

Emotion is a generic term for a set of subjective cognitive experiences, a mental state and a physiological state resulting from a combination of multiple sensations, thoughts and behaviours. Emotion recognition has a wide range of applications in the medical field, distance education, security and health detection, healthcare, and human-robot interaction. We use ECG signals for emotion recognition, but the difficulties are that it is difficult to obtain high quality physiological signals about emotions and the small sample data make it impossible to train a classifier with high accuracy. To address these problems, we propose to use data augmentation to solve the problem of small samples by adding target detection and target loss to WGAN-GP to control the intra-class distribution of the generated data to achieve intra-class balance in the training set, i.e., T-WGAN-GP network. We validated the effectiveness of our proposed model using ECG signals from the DEAP dataset in terms of two evaluation criteria, Accuracy (ACC) and Weighted F1 (WF1).
Research on the network security protection architecture and solutions for distributed power dispatch automation systems
Authors: Zhang Xiao , He Yuxiong , He Yuhong
Published: May 2024

To enhance the network security of distributed power dispatching and control systems in the context of the “30·60” dual carbon goals, this study focuses on typical architectures for business networking of distributed power interface devices. We propose a layered and graded network security protection architecture, informed by in-depth examination of leading manufacturers’ architectures. This architecture considers communication patterns, horizontal and vertical data flow paths, and grid security planning. It culminates in a grid-like security protection framework. The research aims to bolster network security for distributed power systems, ensuring stable operation. This effort contributes significantly to the sustainable development of the power industry.
The HMM-based banknote recognition system
Authors: Chang Liang , Vodka Oleksii
Published: May 2024

In order to satisfy the fast, accurate and high reliability of banknote image recognition, a banknote image recognition method based on hidden Markov models (MHH) is proposed in this paper. The grid method is used to extract banknote image features and the process of image preprocessing. By analysing the experimental data, the number of Markov model states, the number of iterations and the number of Gaussian models is finally determined. This method can be used to identify any currency. In this paper, 16000 pieces of RMB were collected by the self-developed banknote cleaner as experimental samples. Experimental results show that the proposed method achieves higher recognition rate than using neural network and support vector function.