bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of the infrared aurora at Uranus with Keck-NIRSPEC
Authors: Thomas Emma M. , Melin Henrik , Stallard Tom S. , Chowdhury Mohammad N. , Wang Ruoyan , Knowles Katie , Miller Steve
Published: October 2023

Near-infrared (NIR)-wavelength observations of Uranus have been unable to locate any infrared aurorae, despite many attempts to do so since the 1990s. While at Jupiter and Saturn, NIR investigations have redefined our understanding of magnetosphere–ionosphere–thermosphere coupling, the lack of NIR auroral detection at Uranus means that we have lacked a window through which to study these processes at Uranus. Here we present NIR Uranian observations with the Keck II telescope taken on the 5 September 2006 and detect enhanced H3+ emissions. Analysing temperatures and column densities, we identify an 88% increase in localized H3+ column density, with no significant temperature increases, consistent with auroral activity generating increased ionization. By comparing these structures against the Q3mp magnetic-field model and the Voyager 2 ultraviolet observations, we suggest that these regions make up sections of the northern aurora.
Mechanical disengagement of the cohesin ring
Authors: Richeldi Martina , Pobegalov Georgii , Higashi Torahiko L. , Gmurczyk Karolina , Uhlmann Frank , Molodtsov Maxim I.
Published: October 2023

Cohesin forms a proteinaceous ring that is thought to link sister chromatids by entrapping DNA and counteracting the forces generated by the mitotic spindle. Whether individual cohesins encircle both sister DNAs and how cohesin opposes spindle-generated forces remains unknown. Here we perform force measurements on individual yeast cohesin complexes either bound to DNA or holding together two DNAs. By covalently closing the hinge and Smc3Psm3–kleisin interfaces we find that the mechanical stability of the cohesin ring entrapping DNA is determined by the hinge domain. Forces of ~20 pN disengage cohesin at the hinge and release DNA, indicating that ~40 cohesin molecules are sufficient to counteract known spindle forces. Our findings provide a mechanical framework for understanding how cohesin interacts with sister chromatids and opposes the spindle-generated tension during mitosis, with implications for other force-generating chromosomal processes including transcription and DNA replication.
Chronic dehydration induces injury pathways in rats, but does not mimic histopathology of chronic interstitial nephritis in agricultural communities
Authors: Schreurs Gerd , Maudsley Stuart , Nast Cynthia , Praet Marleen , Da Silva Fernandes Sylvina , Boor Peter , D’Haese Patrick , De Broe Marc E. , Vervaet Benjamin A.
Published: October 2023

CINAC-patients present renal proximal tubular cell lysosomal lesions which are also observed in patients experiencing calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) nephrotoxicity, suggesting that CINAC is a toxin-induced nephropathy. An alternative hypothesis advocates chronic dehydration as a major etiological factor for CINAC. Here, we evaluated histological and molecular changes in dehydrated versus toxin exposed rats. Wistar rats were divided in 3 groups. Group 1 (n = 6) had free access to drinking water (control group). Group 2 (n = 8) was water deprived for 10 h per 24 h, 5 days/week and placed in an incubator (37 °C) for 30 min/h during water deprivation. Group 3 (n = 8) underwent daily oral gavage with cyclosporine (40 mg/kg body weight). After 28 days, renal function, histopathology and proteomic signatures were analysed. Cyclosporine-treated rats developed focal regions of atrophic proximal tubules with associated tubulo-interstitial fibrosis. PASM staining revealed enlarged argyrophilic granules in affected proximal tubules, identified as lysosomes by immunofluorescent staining. Electron microscopy confirmed the enlarged and dysmorphic phenotype of the lysosomes. Overall, these kidney lesions resemble those that have been previously documented in farmers with CINAC. Dehydration resulted in none of the above histopathological features. Proteomic analysis revealed that dehydration and cyclosporine both induce injury pathways, yet of a clear distinct nature with a signature of toxicity only for the cyclosporine group. In conclusion, both cyclosporine and dehydration are injurious to the kidney. However, dehydration alone does not result in kidney histopathology as observed in CINAC patients, whereas cyclosporine administration does. The histopathological analogy between CINAC and calcineurin inhibitor nephrotoxicity in rats and humans supports the involvement of an as-yet-unidentified environmental toxin in CINAC etiology.
Re-using food resources from failed honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies and their impact on colony queen rearing capacity
Authors: Tokach Rogan , Smart Autumn , Wu-Smart Judy
Published: October 2023

For over a decade, beekeepers have experienced high losses of honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies due to a variety of stressors including pesticide exposure. Some of these chemical stressors may residually remain in the colony comb and food resources (pollen and nectar) of failed colonies and be later re-used by beekeepers when splitting and building back new colonies. The practice of re-using comb from previously perished colonies (termed “deadout”) is common in beekeeping practice, but its role in affecting colony health is not well understood. Here, we evaluate the impact of reused, pesticide-contaminated “deadout” combs on colony function during the process of replacing a queen bee. Queenless microcolonies were established to monitor queen rearing capacity in two treatment groups: (1) colonies given frames containing food resources from deadout colonies in control “clean” apiaries and, (2) colonies given frames containing “contaminated” resources from deadout colonies originating from apiaries experiencing chronic pesticide exposure from widespread systemic pesticide pollution (including neonicotinoid insecticides: clothianidin and thiamethoxam). Results indicate that colonies given pesticide-contaminated resources produced fewer queen cells per colony and had a lower proportion of colonies successfully raising a functional, diploid egg-laying queen. This research highlights the deleterious effects of re-using deadout combs from colonies previously lost due to pesticide contamination.
Sex-stratified patterns of emergency cardiovascular admissions prior and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Gajewski Piotr , Błaziak Mikołaj , Urban Szymon , Garus Mateusz , Braunschweig Frieder , Caldeira Daniel , Gawor Antoni , Greenwood John P. , Guzik Mateusz , Halfwerk Frank R. , Iwanek Gracjan , Jarocki Michał , Jura Maksym , Krzystek-Korpacka Małgorzata , Lewandowski Łukasz , Lund Lars H. , Matysiak Michał , Pinto Fausto , Sleziak Jakub , Wietrzyk Weronika , Sokolski Mateusz , Biegus Jan , Ponikowski Piotr , Zymliński Robert
Published: October 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on global public health, with long-term consequences that are still largely unknown. This study aimed to assess the data regarding acute cardiovascular hospital admissions in five European centers before and during the pandemic. A multicenter, multinational observational registry was created, comparing admissions to the emergency departments during a 3-months period in 2020 (during the pandemic) with the corresponding period in 2019 (pre-pandemic). Data on patient demographics, COVID-19 test results, primary diagnosis, comorbidities, heart failure profile, medication use, and laboratory results were collected. A total of 8778 patients were included in the analysis, with 4447 patients in 2019 and 4331 patients in 2020. The results showed significant differences in the distribution of cardiovascular diseases between the two years. The frequency of pulmonary embolism (PE) increased in 2020 compared to 2019, while acute heart failure (AHF) and other cardiovascular diseases decreased. The odds of PE incidence among hospitalized patients in 2020 were 1.316-fold greater than in 2019. The incidence of AHF was 50.83% less likely to be observed in 2020, and the odds for other cardiovascular diseases increased by 17.42% between the 2 years. Regarding acute coronary syndrome (ACS), the distribution of its types differed between 2019 and 2020, with an increase in the odds of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in 2020. Stratification based on sex revealed further insights. Among men, the incidence of AHF decreased in 2020, while other cardiovascular diseases increased. In women, only the incidence of STEMI showed a significant increase. When analyzing the influence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-positive patients had a higher incidence of PE compared to COVID-negative patients. COVID-positive patients with ACS also exhibited symptoms of heart failure more frequently than COVID-negative patients. These findings provide valuable information on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on acute cardiovascular hospital admissions. The increased incidence of PE and changes in the distribution of other cardiovascular diseases highlight the importance of monitoring and managing cardiovascular health during and post pandemic period. The differences observed between sexes emphasize the need for further research to understand potential sex-specific effects of COVID-19 on cardiovascular outcomes.
Paludiculture can support biodiversity conservation in rewetted fen peatlands
Authors: Martens H. R. , Laage K. , Eickmanns M. , Drexler A. , Heinsohn V. , Wegner N. , Muster C. , Diekmann M. , Seeber E. , Kreyling J. , Michalik P. , Tanneberger F.
Published: October 2023

Paludiculture, the productive use of wet or rewetted peatlands, offers an option for continued land use by farmers after rewetting formerly drained peatlands, while reducing the greenhouse gas emissions from peat soils. Biodiversity conservation may benefit, but research on how biodiversity responds to paludiculture is scarce. We conducted a multi-taxon study investigating vegetation, breeding bird and arthropod diversity at six rewetted fen sites dominated by Carex or Typha species. Sites were either unharvested, low- or high-intensity managed, and were located in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in northeastern Germany. Biodiversity was estimated across the range of Hill numbers using the iNEXT package, and species were checked for Red List status. Here we show that paludiculture sites can provide biodiversity value even while not reflecting historic fen conditions; managed sites had high plant diversity, as well as Red Listed arthropods and breeding birds. Our study demonstrates that paludiculture has the potential to provide valuable habitat for species even while productive management of the land continues.
Prediction of stent under-expansion in calcified coronary arteries using machine learning on intravascular optical coherence tomography images
Authors: Gharaibeh Yazan , Lee Juhwan , Zimin Vladislav N. , Kolluru Chaitanya , Dallan Luis A. P. , Pereira Gabriel T. R. , Vergara-Martel Armando , Kim Justin N. , Hoori Ammar , Dong Pengfei , Gamage Peshala T. , Gu Linxia , Bezerra Hiram G. , Al-Kindi Sadeer , Wilson David L.
Published: October 2023

It can be difficult/impossible to fully expand a coronary artery stent in a heavily calcified coronary artery lesion. Under-expanded stents are linked to later complications. Here we used machine/deep learning to analyze calcifications in pre-stent intravascular optical coherence tomography (IVOCT) images and predicted the success of vessel expansion. Pre- and post-stent IVOCT image data were obtained from 110 coronary lesions. Lumen and calcifications in pre-stent images were segmented using deep learning, and lesion features were extracted. We analyzed stent expansion along the lesion, enabling frame, segmental, and whole-lesion analyses. We trained regression models to predict the post-stent lumen area and then computed the stent expansion index (SEI). Best performance (root-mean-square-error = 0.04 ± 0.02 mm2,r = 0.94 ± 0.04,p < 0.0001) was achieved when we used features from both lumen and calcification to train a Gaussian regression model for segmental analysis of 31 frames in length. Stents with minimum SEI > 80% were classified as “well-expanded;” others were “under-expanded.” Under-expansion classification results (e.g., AUC = 0.85 ± 0.02) were significantly improved over a previous, simple calculation, as well as other machine learning solutions. Promising results suggest that such methods can identify lesions at risk of under-expansion that would be candidates for intervention lesion preparation (e.g., atherectomy).
Attentive pairwise interaction network for AI-assisted clock drawing test assessment of early visuospatial deficits
Authors: Raksasat Raksit , Teerapittayanon Surat , Itthipuripat Sirawaj , Praditpornsilpa Kearkiat , Petchlorlian Aisawan , Chotibut Thiparat , Chunharas Chaipat , Chatnuntawech Itthi
Published: October 2023

Dementia is a debilitating neurological condition which impairs the cognitive function and the ability to take care of oneself. The Clock Drawing Test (CDT) is widely used to detect dementia, but differentiating normal from borderline cases requires years of clinical experience. Misclassifying mild abnormal as normal will delay the chance to investigate for potential reversible causes or slow down the progression. To help address this issue, we propose an automatic CDT scoring system that adopts Attentive Pairwise Interaction Network (API-Net), a fine-grained deep learning model that is designed to distinguish visually similar images. Inspired by how humans often learn to recognize different objects by looking at two images side-by-side, API-Net is optimized using image pairs in a contrastive manner, as opposed to standard supervised learning, which optimizes a model using individual images. In this study, we extend API-Net to infer Shulman CDT scores from a dataset of 3108 subjects. We compare the performance of API-Net to that of convolutional neural networks: VGG16, ResNet-152, and DenseNet-121. The best API-Net achieves an F1-score of 0.79, which is a 3% absolute improvement over ResNet-152’s F1-score of 0.76. The code for API-Net and the dataset used have been made available at https://github.com/cccnlab/CDT-API-Network.
Exploring COVID-19 conspiracy theories: education, religiosity, trust in scientists, and political orientation in 26 European countries
Authors: Jabkowski Piotr , Domaradzki Jan , Baranowski Mariusz
Published: October 2023

The COVID-19 virus disseminated globally at an accelerated pace, culminating in a worldwide pandemic; it engendered a proliferation of spurious information and a plethora of misinformation and conspiracy theories (CTs). While many factors contributing to the propensity for embracing conspiracy ideation have been delineated, the foremost determinant influencing individuals’ proclivity towards CT endorsement appears to be their level of educational attainment. This research aimed to assess the moderating effect of religiosity, trust in scientists, and political orientation on the impact of education level on people’s belief in COVID-19-related CTs in Europe by considering both individual-level and country-level contextual covariates of CT. We analysed data from the newest European Social Survey (ESS10) round conducted between September 2020 and September 2022 in 26 countries. We found religiosity weakens, and trust in scientists strengthens the effect of education, while the impact of political orientation is not straightforward. The result also demonstrates a significant negative correlation between the aggregate country-level data of the respondents supporting CTs and the level of vaccination and cumulative excess deaths in Europe. We concluded with a recommendation that planning effective public health strategies and campaigns are insufficient when based solely on people’s education, as individuals’ beliefs moderate the effect of education.
The use of d-dimer in the diagnosis and risk assessment of intracardiac thrombus among patients with dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Huang Yuan , Zhou Wang-Wei , Li Yu-Xin , Chen Xiao-Zhen , Gui Chun
Published: October 2023

d-dimer is a biomarker of coagulation and fibrinolytic system activation in response to the body's hypercoagulable state. The study aims to investigate the usefulness of d-dimer in diagnosing and assessing the risk of intracardiac thrombus in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Consecutively enrolled in this study were patients with DCM who were admitted to our center for the first time. The diagnostic value was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Additionally, we used univariate and multivariate logistic regression to investigate the association between d-dimer and intracardiac thrombus. We also performed smooth curve fitting, threshold saturation effect analysis, and subgroup analysis. In total, 534 patients were enrolled in the study, and among them, 65 patients had intracardiac thrombus. Mural thrombus was the predominant type of thrombus, which was mainly located in the left ventricular apex. The optimal cut-off value of d-dimer for the diagnosis of intracardiac thrombus was 484 ng/mL, with a sensitivity and specificity of 0.769 and 0.646, respectively. In both unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models, a positive association was found between d-dimer and intracardiac thrombus. Curve fitting and threshold effect analysis revealed two inflection points in the relationship between d-dimer and intracardiac thrombus (non-linear test: P = 0.032). When d-dimer was equal to 362 ng/mL, the odds ratio (OR) was 1, and the risk of thrombus gradually increased until it reached 4096 ng/mL, after which the trend no longer increased. Within this range, a twofold increase in d-dimer was associated with a 103.2% increased risk (OR = 2.032; 95% CI 1.293–3.193; P < 0.01). In the subgroup analysis, there was a significant interaction between d-dimer and BMI on intracardiac thrombus (P value for interaction was 0.013), and the risk was higher in patients with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 (OR = 3.44; 95% CI 1.86–6.36; P < 0.01).
A battery-less implantable glucose sensor based on electrical impedance spectroscopy
Authors: Ollmar Stig , Fernandez Schrunder Alejandro , Birgersson Ulrik , Kristoffersson Tomas , Rusu Ana , Thorsson Elina , Hedenqvist Patricia , Manell Elin , Rydén Anneli , Jensen-Waern Marianne , Rodriguez Saul
Published: October 2023

The ability to perform accurate continuous glucose monitoring without blood sampling has revolutionised the management of diabetes. Newer methods that can allow measurements during longer periods are necessary to substantially improve patients’ quality of life. This paper presents an alternative method for glucose monitoring which is based on electrical impedance spectroscopy. A battery-less implantable bioimpedance spectroscope was designed, built, and used in an in vivo study on pigs. After a recovery period of 14 days post surgery, a total of 236 subcutaneous bioimpedance measurements obtained from intravenous glucose tolerance tests, with glucose concentration ranges between 77.4 and 523.8 mg/dL, were analyzed. The results show that glucose concentrations estimated by subcutaneous bioimpedance measurements correlate very well to the blood glucose reference values. The pigs were clinically healthy throughout the study, and the postmortem examinations revealed no signs of adverse effects related to the sensor. The implantation of the sensor requires minor surgery. The implant, being externally powered, could in principle last indefinitely. These encouraging results demonstrate the potential of the bioimpedance method to be used in future continuous glucose monitoring systems.
The consequences of tetraploidy on Caenorhabditis elegans physiology and sensitivity to chemotherapeutics
Authors: Misare Kelly R. , Ampolini Elizabeth A. , Gonzalez Hyland C. , Sullivan Kaitlan A. , Li Xin , Miller Camille , Sosseh Bintou , Dunne Jaclyn B. , Voelkel-Johnson Christina , Gordon Kacy L. , Hartman Jessica H.
Published: October 2023

Polyploid cells contain more than two copies of each chromosome. Polyploidy has important roles in development, evolution, and tissue regeneration/repair, and can arise as a programmed polyploidization event or be triggered by stress. Cancer cells are often polyploid. C. elegans nematodes are typically diploid, but stressors such as heat shock and starvation can trigger the production of tetraploid offspring. In this study, we utilized a recently published protocol to generate stable tetraploid strains of C. elegans and compared their physiological traits and sensitivity to two DNA-damaging chemotherapeutic drugs, cisplatin and doxorubicin. As prior studies have shown, tetraploid worms are approximately 30% longer, shorter-lived, and have a smaller brood size than diploids. We investigated the reproductive defect further, determining that tetraploid worms have a shorter overall germline length, a higher rate of germ cell apoptosis, more aneuploidy in oocytes and offspring, and larger oocytes and embryos. We also found that tetraploid worms are modestly protected from growth delay from the chemotherapeutics but are similarly or more sensitive to reproductive toxicity. Transcriptomic analysis revealed differentially expressed pathways that may contribute to sensitivity to stress. This study reveals phenotypic consequences of whole-animal tetraploidy that make C. elegans an excellent model for ploidy differences.
Wicking assisted condenser platform with patterned wettability for space application
Authors: Thomas Tibin M. , Mahapatra Pallab Sinha
Published: October 2023

Vapor condensation is extensively used in applications that demand the exchange of a substantial amount of heat energy or the vapor-liquid phase conversion. In conventional condensers, the condensate removal from a subcooled surface is caused by gravity force. This restricts the use of such condensers in space applications or horizontal orientations. The current study demonstrates proof-of-concept of a novel plate-type condenser platform for passively removing condensate from a horizontally oriented surface to the surrounding wicking reservoir without gravity. The condensing surface is engineered with patterned wettabilities, which enables the continuous migration of condensate from the inner region of the condenser surface to the side edges via surface energy gradient. The surrounding wicking reservoir facilitates the continuous absorption of condensate from the side edges. The condensation dynamics on different substrates with patterned wettabilities are investigated, and their condensation heat transfer performance is compared. The continuous migration of condensate drops from a superhydrophobic to a superhydrophilic area can rejuvenate the nucleation sites in the superhydrophobic area, resulting in increased heat transport. The proposed condenser design with engineered wettability can be used for temperature and humidity management applications in space.
High performance platinum contacts on high-flux CdZnTe detectors
Authors: Bettelli Manuele , Zanettini Silvia , Abbene Leonardo , Casoli Francesca , Nasi Lucia , Trevisi Giovanna , Principato Fabio , Buttacavoli Antonino , Zappettini Andrea
Published: October 2023

The need for direct X-ray detection under high photon flux with moderate or high energies (30–100 keV range) has strongly increased with the rise of the 4th Generation Synchrotron Light Sources, characterised by extremely brilliant beamlines, and of other applications such as spectral computed tomography in medicine and non-destructive tests for industry. The novel Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CZT) developed by Redlen Technologies can be considered the reference material for high-flux applications (HF-CZT). The enhanced charge transport properties of the holes allow the mitigation of the effects of radiation induced polarization phenomena, typically observed in standard CZT materials (LF-CZT) under high photon flux. However, standard LF-CZT electrical contacts led to inacceptable high dark leakage currents on HF-CZT devices. In this work, a detailed study on the characteristics of new optimized sputtered platinum electrical contacts on HF-CZT detectors is reported. The results from electrical and spectroscopic investigations, showed the best performances on HF-CZT detectors with platinum anode, coupled with both platinum or gold cathode. The morphology, structure, and composition of Pt/CZT contact have been analysed by means of Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) on microscopic lamellas obtained by Focused Ion Beam (FIB), highlighting the presence of CdTeO3 oxide at the metal semiconductor interface.
Morphological studies on the prehatching development of the glandular stomach of Japanese quails using light, electron, and fluorescent microscopy
Authors: Gaber Wafaa , Mostafa Heba , Abdel-Rahman Yousria A. , Abd El-Hafeez Hanan H.
Published: October 2023

The development of the glandular stomach was studied using light, electron, and fluorescent microscopy. The research used 130 Japanese quail eggs from the second to the seventeenth days of incubation.The proventriculus could be distinguished on the3rd day. Its wall consisted of four tunics: tunica mucosa, very thin tunica submucosa, tunica muscularis, and outermost tunica serosa. Mucosal folds appeared on the 8th day. The luminal epithelium was pseudostratified columnar in type and transformed into simple columnar by the 10th day. The mucosal papillae emerged on the 11th day, spiraled on the 15th day, and had a distinct whorled look by the 17th day. Two types of proventricular glands were recognized: compound tubuloalveolar and simple tubular glands. Both types were situated within the tunica mucosa. On the 4th day, the compound glands emerged as evaginations of the lining epithelium. It began to branch on the 8th day and became well established by the 11th day. The simple glands appeared on the 11th day as localized down-growths of the luminal epithelium forming solid cords. On the 15th day, many of them showed complete canalization. On the 8th day, the muscular coat was differentiated into the lamina muscularis mucosae and tunica muscularis.
Targeting cell-derived markers to improve the detection of invisible biological traces for the purpose of genetic-based criminal identification
Authors: Recipon Mathilde , Agniel Rémy , Leroy-Dudal Johanne , Fritz Thibaud , Carreiras Franck , Hermitte Francis , Hubac Sylvain , Gallet Olivier , Kellouche Sabrina
Published: October 2023

At a crime scene, investigators are faced with a multitude of traces. Among them, biological traces are of primary interest for the rapid genetic-based identification of individuals. “Touch DNA” consists of invisible biological traces left by the simple contact of a person’s skin with objects. To date, these traces remain undetectable with the current methods available in the field. This study proposes a proof-of-concept for the original detection of touch DNA by targeting cell-derived fragments in addition to DNA. More specifically, adhesive-structure proteins (laminin, keratin) as well as carbohydrate patterns (mannose, galactose) have been detected with keratinocyte cells derived from a skin and fingermark touch-DNA model over two months in outdoor conditions. Better still, this combinatory detection strategy is compatible with DNA profiling. This proof-of-concept work paves the way for the optimization of tools that can detect touch DNA, which remains a real challenge in helping investigators and the delivery of justice.
Wearable sensor and machine learning estimate tendon load and walking speed during immobilizing boot ambulation
Authors: Kwon Michelle P. , Hullfish Todd J. , Humbyrd Casey Jo , Boakye Lorraine A. T. , Baxter Josh R.
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study is to develop a wearable paradigm to accurately monitor Achilles tendon loading and walking speed using wearable sensors that reduce subject burden. Ten healthy adults walked in an immobilizing boot under various heel wedge conditions (30°, 5°, 0°) and walking speeds. Three-dimensional motion capture, ground reaction force, and 6-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) signals were collected. We used a Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression to predict peak Achilles tendon load and walking speed. The effects of altering sensor parameters were also explored. Walking speed models (mean absolute percentage error (MAPE): 8.81 ± 4.29%) outperformed tendon load models (MAPE: 34.93 ± 26.3%). Models trained with subject-specific data performed better than models trained without subject-specific data. Removing the gyroscope, decreasing the sampling frequency, and using combinations of sensors did not change the usability of the models, having inconsequential effects on model performance. We developed a simple monitoring paradigm that uses LASSO regression and wearable sensors to accurately predict (MAPE ≤ 12.6%) Achilles tendon loading and walking speed while ambulating in an immobilizing boot. This paradigm provides a clinically implementable strategy to longitudinally monitor patient loading and activity while recovering from Achilles tendon injuries.
Research on improved algorithm for helmet detection based on YOLOv5
Authors: Shan Chun , Liu HongMing , Yu Yu
Published: October 2023

The continuous development of smart industrial parks has imposed increasingly stringent requirements on safety helmet detection in environments such as factories, construction sites, rail transit, and fire protection. Current models often suffer from issues like false alarms or missed detections, especially when dealing with small and densely packed targets. This study aims to enhance the YOLOv5 target detection method to provide real-time alerts for individuals not wearing safety helmets in complex scenarios. Our approach involves incorporating the ECA channel attention mechanism into the YOLOv5 backbone network, allowing for efficient feature extraction while reducing computational load. We adopt a weighted bi-directional feature pyramid network structure (BiFPN) to facilitate effective feature fusion and cross-scale information transmission. Additionally, the introduction of a decoupling head in YOLOv5 improves detection performance and convergence rate. The experimental results demonstrate a substantial improvement in the YOLOv5 model's performance. The enhanced YOLOv5 model achieved an average accuracy of 95.9% on a custom-made helmet dataset, a 3.0 percentage point increase compared to the original YOLOv5 model. This study holds significant implications for enhancing the accuracy and robustness of helmet-wearing detection in various settings.
Elucidating the modified performance of high nuclearity of Cu nanostructures-PTFE thin film
Authors: Che Lah Nurul Akmal , Murthy Puhanes
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study is to attain an extensive insight on the performance mechanism that is associated with the formation of Cu nanostructures- polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) thin film. The work presented Cu nanostructures synthesised via microwave-assisted method at different Cu precursor concentrations to observe the influence of different average particle diameter distribution, $${d}_{m}$$

d
m

of Cu nanostructures on the fabricated Cu nano thin film. The thin films of Cu nanostructures with a layer of PTFE were fabricated using the Meyer rod coating method. Evaluating the effect of Cu nanostructures at different $${d}_{m}$$

d
m

with overcoated PTFE layer showed that the resistance of fabricated thin film coated with PTFE is not significantly different from that of the uncoated thin film. The results implicate the influence of the PTFE layer towards the output performance, which can maintain a stable and constant resistance over time without affecting the original properties of pure Cu nanostructures, although some of the Cu nanostructures seep into the layer of PTFE. The novelty of this study lies in the effect of the intrinsic interaction between the layer of Cu nanostructure and PTFE, which modulate the performance, especially in photovoltaic cell application.
Temporal dynamics of statistical learning in children’s song contributes to phase entrainment and production of novel information in multiple cultures
Authors: Daikoku Tatsuya
Published: October 2023

Statistical learning is thought to be linked to brain development. For example, statistical learning of language and music starts at an early age and is shown to play a significant role in acquiring the delta-band rhythm that is essential for language and music learning. However, it remains unclear how auditory cultural differences affect the statistical learning process and the resulting probabilistic and acoustic knowledge acquired through it. This study examined how children’s songs are acquired through statistical learning. This study used a Hierarchical Bayesian statistical learning (HBSL) model, mimicking the statistical learning processes of the brain. Using this model, I conducted a simulation experiment to visualize the temporal dynamics of perception and production processes through statistical learning among different cultures. The model learned from a corpus of children’s songs in MIDI format, which consists of English, German, Spanish, Japanese, and Korean songs as the training data. In this study, I investigated how the probability distribution of the model is transformed over 15 trials of learning in each song. Furthermore, using the probability distribution of each model over 15 trials of learning each song, new songs were probabilistically generated. The results suggested that, in learning processes, chunking and hierarchical knowledge increased gradually through 15 rounds of statistical learning for each piece of children’s songs. In production processes, statistical learning led to the gradual increase of delta-band rhythm (1–3 Hz). Furthermore, by combining the acquired chunks and hierarchy through statistical learning, statistically novel music was generated gradually in comparison to the original songs (i.e. the training songs). These findings were observed consistently, in multiple cultures. The present study indicated that the statistical learning capacity of the brain, in multiple cultures, contributes to the acquisition and generation of delta-band rhythm, which is critical for acquiring language and music. It is suggested that cultural differences may not significantly modulate the statistical learning effects since statistical learning and slower rhythm processing are both essential functions in the human brain across cultures. Furthermore, statistical learning of children’s songs leads to the acquisition of hierarchical knowledge and the ability to generate novel music. This study may provide a novel perspective on the developmental origins of creativity and the importance of statistical learning through early development.
A combined experimental and modeling approach to elucidate the adsorption mechanism for sustainable water treatment via In2S3-anchored chitosan
Authors: Mishra Soumya Ranjan , Roy Prerona , Gadore Vishal , Ahmaruzzaman Md.
Published: October 2023

A novel Chitosan/Indium sulfide (CS/In2S3) nanocomposite was created by co-precipitating Chitosan and InCl3 in solution, resulting in In2S3 agglomeration on the Chitosan matrix with a remarkable pore diameter of 170.384 Å, and characterized it for the physical and chemical properties. Under optimal conditions (pH = 7, time = 60 min, catalyst dosage = 0.24 g L−1, and dye concentration = 100 mg L-1), the synthesized nanocomposite demonstrated remarkable adsorption capabilities for Victoria Blue (VB), attaining a removal efficiency of 90.81%. The Sips adsorption isotherm best matched the adsorption process, which followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. With a rate constant of 6.357 × 10–3 g mg−1 min−1, the highest adsorption capacity (qm) was found to be 683.34 mg g−1. Statistical physics modeling (SPM) of the adsorption process revealed multi-interaction and multi-molecular adsorption of VB on the CS/In2S3 surface. The nanocomposite demonstrated improved stability and recyclability, indicating the possibility for low-cost, reusable wastewater dye removal adsorbents. These results have the potential to have practical applications in environmental remediation.
Unleashing the power of the Sun: the increasing impact of the solar cycle on off-season super typhoons since the 1990s
Authors: Wu Chau-Ron , Lin Yong-Fu , Lin I-I , Yu Jin-Yi
Published: October 2023

The occurrence of super typhoons outside the normal typhoon season can result in devastating loss of life and property damage. Our research reveals that the 11-year solar cycle can affect the incidence of these off-season typhoons (from November to April) in the western North Pacific by influencing sea surface temperature (SST) through a footprint mechanism. The solar cycle, once amplified by atmospheric and ocean interactions, generates a noticeable SST footprint in the subtropical North Pacific during winter and spring, which eventually intrudes into the tropical central Pacific and affects the atmospheric conditions, resulting in an increase or decrease in the occurrence of super typhoons during active or inactive solar periods. This mechanism has become more effective since the Atlantic Multi-decadal Oscillation (AMO) shifted to a warm phase in the 1990s, intensifying the subtropical Pacific couplings. An example of this type of off-season super typhoon during an active solar period is Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. By incorporating information about the solar cycle, we can anticipate the likelihood of super typhoon occurrences, thus improving decadal disaster preparation and planning.
An efficient Julia framework for hierarchical equations of motion in open quantum systems
Authors: Huang Yi-Te , Kuo Po-Chen , Lambert Neill , Cirio Mauro , Cross Simon , Yang Shen-Liang , Nori Franco , Chen Yueh-Nan
Published: October 2023

The hierarchical equations of motion (HEOM) approach can describe the reduced dynamics of a system simultaneously coupled to multiple bosonic and fermionic environments. The complexity of exactly describing the system-environment interaction with the HEOM method usually results in time-consuming calculations and a large memory cost. Here, we introduce an open-source software package called HierarchicalEOM.jl: a Julia framework integrating the HEOM approach. HierarchicalEOM.jl features a collection of methods to compute bosonic and fermionic spectra, stationary states, and the full dynamics in the extended space of all auxiliary density operators (ADOs). The required handling of the ADOs multi-indexes is achieved through a user-friendly interface. We exemplify the functionalities of the package by analyzing a single impurity Anderson model, and an ultra-strongly coupled charge-cavity system interacting with bosonic and fermionic reservoirs. HierarchicalEOM.jl achieves a significant speedup with respect to the corresponding method in the Quantum Toolbox in Python (QuTiP), upon which this package is founded.
Decoding the state of stress and fluid pathways along the Andean Southern Volcanic Zone
Authors: Pérez-Estay Nicolás , Ruz-Ginouves Javiera , Pérez-Flores Pamela , Sielfeld Gerd , Roquer Tomás , Cembrano José
Published: October 2023

Decoding means decrypting a hidden message. Here, the encrypted messages are the state of stress, fluid pathways, and volcano tectonic processes occurring in volcanoes of the Andean Southern Volcanic Zone (SVZ). To decode these messages, we use earthquake focal mechanisms, fault slip data, and a Monte Carlo simulation that predicts potential pathways for magmatic and hydrothermal fluids. From this analysis, we propose that SVZ volcanoes have three end-member stress patterns: (i) Stress-A, a strike-slip regime coupled with the regional far-field tectonic stress; (ii) Stress-B, an extensional regime that may be promoted by volcanic edifice loading and upward pressure due to magma inflation occurring within the upper brittle-crust; and (iii) Stress-C, a local and transient fluid-driven stress rotated ~90 degrees from Stress-A. Notoriously, Stress-C pattern was observed in most volcanoes with historical eruptions. We propose that volcanoes presenting Stress-B are attractive geothermal targets, while Stress-C could be used as a predicting signal for impending eruptions.
Substantial increase in future fluvial flood risk projected in China’s major urban agglomerations
Authors: Jiang Ruijie , Lu Hui , Yang Kun , Chen Deliang , Zhou Jiayue , Yamazaki Dai , Pan Ming , Li Wenyu , Xu Nan , Yang Yuan , Guan Dabo , Tian Fuqiang
Published: October 2023

Urban land will face high fluvial flood risk against the background of climate change and urban expansion. The effect of urban spatial expansion, instead of densification of assets within existing urban cells, on flood risk has rarely been reported. Here, we project the future flood risk of seven urban agglomerations in China, home to over 750 million people. The inundated urban land areas in the future are projected to be 4 to 19 times that at present. Without considering the urban spatial expansion, the inundated urban land areas will be underestimated by 10-50%. Urban land is more likely to be inundated than non-urban land, and the newly-developed urban land will be inundated more easily than the historical urban land. The results demonstrate the urgency of integrating climate change mitigation, reasonable urban land expansion, and increased flood protection levels to minimize the flood risk in urban land.
Visualizing the alignment of lone pair electrons in La3AsS5Br2 and La5As2S9Cl3 to form an acentric or centrosymmetric structure
Authors: Cicirello Andrea , Swindle Andrew , Wang Jian
Published: October 2023

Heteroanionic chalcohalides La3AsS5Br2 and La5As2S9Cl3 exhibit a good example of how alignment of lone pair electrons affects the formation of acentric crystal structure.
Theoretical study on the superconductivity of graphene-like TMB6 (TM = Cr, Fe and Co) monolayer and its potential anchoring and catalytic properties for lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Liu Siqi , Huang Rongfang , Hou Jianhua , Duan Qian
Published: October 2023

The critical temperature Tc of CoB6 was predicted to be 33.3 K. CoB6 and FeB6 guarantee strong binding for Li2Sn clusters to suppress the shuttle effect. Both CoB6 and FeB6 monolayers can accelerate the process of charge and discharge in Li–S batteries, respectively.
Autocatalytic solid-state electrochemical reactions: a non-linear kinetic theory of batteries
Authors: Malaie Keyvan
Published: October 2023

A non-linear kinetic model of solid-state electrochemical reactions may explain charge–discharge asymmetry, hysteresis, and memory effects in batteries.
From bonds to interactions: comprehensive molecular characterization via polarizable bond-dipole approach
Authors: Zhu Jia-Yi , Liu Qi , Jiang Xiao-Nan , Zheng Xiao-Han , Wang Lei , Hao Qiang , Wang Chang-Sheng
Published: October 2023

Accurately characterizing molecular interactions stands as a pivotal requirement for ensuring the reliability of molecular dynamics simulations.
Interfacial engineering of transition metal dichalcogenide/carbon heterostructures for electrochemical energy applications
Authors: Chen Biao , Sui Simi , He Fang , He Chunnian , Cheng Hui-Ming , Qiao Shi-Zhang , Hu Wenbin , Zhao Naiqin
Published: October 2023

This review provides a fundamental understanding of three types of interfacial engineering in TMDC/C heterostructures and provides guidance for designing interfacial engineering in TMDC/C heterostructures for electrochemical energy applications.
TiO2 spatially confined growth of Sb2(S,Se)3@TiO2 NT heterojunction photoanodes and their photoelectrochemical properties
Authors: Jin Wei , Liu Dekang , Zhang Liyuan , Sun Qian , Wang Yishan , Liu Enzhou , Hu Xiaoyun , Miao Hui
Published: October 2023

Based on the space-confinement effect of TiO2 nanotubes, the formed Sb2(S,Se)3@TiO2 core–shell heterojunction has high photoelectrocatalytic water splitting performance.
Highly porous thermoelectric composites with high figure of merit and low thermal conductivity from solution-synthesized porous Bi2Si2Te6 nanosheets
Authors: Park Dabin , Kim Minsu , Kim Jooheon
Published: October 2023

Porous Bi2Si2Te6 nanosheets with engineered porosity are achieved by solution-phase chemical transformation, and the thermoelectric properties are optimized. The fabricated composite shows enhanced thermoelectric properties.
Influence of Mg on the Li ion mobility in Li4−2xMgxP2S6
Authors: Neuberger Sven , Mathew Neeshma , Adediwura Sheyi Clement , Schmedt auf der Günne Jörn
Published: October 2023

Mg as a roadblock for Li ion motion was investigated by NMR, impedance spectroscopy, quantum-chemical simulations and X-ray diffraction. Aliovalent substitution can cause substantial structural changes in solid ion conductors.
Trimetallic MOF-derived CoFeNi/Z-P NC nanocomposites as efficient catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Shen Xudun , Huang Liping , Li Shuaishuai , Tang Longnian , Lei Qiumei , Zhao Bowang , Hao Huilian , Li Wenyao , Zeng Min , He Guanjie
Published: October 2023

CoFeNi/Z-P NC with hollow structure achieves a current density of 10 mA cm−2 with an overpotential of only 244 mV and good long-term stability of up to 10 h.
The sources, properties, extraction, biosynthesis, pharmacology, and application of lycopene
Authors: Wei Rong-Rui , Lin Qing-Yuan , Adu Mozili , Huang Hui-Lian , Yan Zhi-Hong , Shao Feng , Zhong Guo-Yue , Zhang Zhong-Li , Sang Zhi-Pei , Cao Lan , Ma Qin-Ge
Published: October 2023

Lycopene is an important pigment with an alkene skeleton fromLycopersicon esculentum, which is also obtained from some red fruits and vegetables.
Comprehensive quantitative analysis of erythrocytes and leukocytes using trace volume of human blood using microfluidic-image cytometry and machine learning
Authors: Moradi Nima , Haji Mohamad Hoseyni Fateme , Hajghassem Hassan , Yarahmadi Navid , Niknam Shirvan Hadi , Safaie Erfan , Kalantar Mahsa , Sefidbakht Salma , Amini Ali , Eeltink Sebastiaan
Published: October 2023

A diagnostic test based on microfluidic image cytometry and machine learning has been designed and applied for accurate classification of erythrocytes and leukocytes, including fully-automated 5-part quantitative differentiation.
Concentration-dependent emission from low molecular weight benzoyl pyrazinium salts
Authors: Brisbin Ryan P. , Rajan Arya Karappilly , Khan Md. Imran , Rajaram Pravien S. , Russell Karen M. , Ghosh Sayantani , Baxter Ryan D.
Published: October 2023

Benzoyl pyrazinium salts are optically active in the visible region. Photophysical properties depend on chemical structure, concentration, and energy of photoexcitation. They represent a promising class of molecules with tunable emission properties.
Variability of Cu2ZnSnS4 nanoparticle hot injection synthesis and modifications by thin film annealing
Authors: Stroh K. P. , Szablewski M. , Halliday D. P.
Published: October 2023

CZTS nanoparticle inks are synthesised and deposited as thin films by spin coating. We report variations in the chemical composition of films synthesised under nominally identical conditions, and the impact of annealing in a sulphur environment.
Stabilized cyclic peptides as modulators of protein–protein interactions: promising strategies and biological evaluation
Authors: Cheng Jiongjia , Zhou Junlong , Kong Lingyan , Wang Haiying , Zhang Yuchi , Wang Xiaofeng , Liu Guangxiang , Chu Qian
Published: October 2023

Stabilized cyclic peptides present a promising class of molecules targeting pathological protein–protein interactions.
Latest developments in coumarin-based anticancer agents: mechanism of action and structure–activity relationship studies
Authors: Koley Manankar , Han Jianlin , Soloshonok Vadim A. , Mojumder Subhajit , Javahershenas Ramin , Makarem Ata
Published: October 2023

Recent advances in coumarin-based anticancer agents.
Machine learning prediction of self-assembly and analysis of molecular structure dependence on the critical packing parameter
Authors: Ishiwatari Yuuki , Yokoyama Takahiro , Kojima Tomoya , Banno Taisuke , Arai Noriyoshi
Published: October 2023

We used machine learning to predict the self-assembly structures of amphiphilic molecules and analyzed the physical factors affecting their morphologies.