bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the level of river basin evolution, erosion susceptibility and its correlation with morphometric characteristics using Geoinformatics techniques
Authors: Yammani Srinivasa Rao , Nagabathula Sunanda
Published: July 2024

The application of Geoinformatics have become fastest and improved advanced tools to analyse and interpret the topography and hydrological characteristics. This study aimed to utilize the advantage of high resolution (30 m) remote sensing data of Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) and the geoinformatic tools of Quantum Geographical Information System (QGIS) for extraction of detailed and accurate drainage morphometry and elevation information in preparation of hypsometric curves. Making use of QGIS, the SRTM data and topographic maps are georeferenced and pre-processed algorithm tools of stream burning and fill-DEM are applied for DEM preparation and extraction of accurate drainage network and its basin areas. From the DEM map, the details of elevation and area of basins are extracted for preparation of hypsometric curves. Hypsometric curves are analyzed to interpret and understand the heterogeneity in the levels of basin evolution/development and erosion at 4th order sub-basin level. The concave hypsometric curves of main basin and sub-basins indicate that total basin as well as sub-basins reached the old/monadnock stage due to the dominance of fluvial process. Based on the hypsometric area/integral (Ea) and Concavity of hypsometric curve values (Eh), five classes/stages of basin development and erosion levels are identified within the old/monadnock stage. The Ea values range from 0.10 to 0.35 and Eh range from 0.25 to 0.77 in this study area. Initial old/monadnock stage of basins have Ea values > 0.28 and Eh values < 0.4 indicating low levels of erosion among the sub-basins. Low hypsometric area/integral value (Ea) indicates the higher level of landmass removal by erosion and basin development. The oldest stage basins are identified with Ea values range from 0.10 to 0.15 and Eh values range from 0.61 to 0.77 indicating higher level of landmass removal/erosion. The lithological variation plays a significant role on hypsometry of the basins. The high hypsometric integral (Ea) values (i.e., 0.28 to 0.35) of 1,2 and 3 sub-basins indicating the early/ initial level of old stage in its’ basin development, since the resistant basalt formation is sandwiched between sandstones prevented deep erosion and depicting less dissected topography. The hypsometric integral has positive correlation with form factor and negative correlation with drainage morphometric characteristics. It indicates that the level of basin evolution increases as the form factor decreases but number of streams, length of streams, mean bifurcation ratio, relief, relief ratio and ruggedness ratio increases. This study is highly useful to understand the relation among morphometric characteristics, basin development and erosion levels through the analysis of hypsometric curves making use of Geoinformatic techniques.
Advancements in the design and optimization of plasmonic bandpass filters for enhanced optical communication systems: a comprehensive review
Authors: Dashti Mohammadreza , Emami Farzin , Zohoori Soorena
Published: July 2024

The rapid evolution and complexity of optical communication systems demand continuous advancements in key components, particularly bandpass filters, to ensure efficient signal transmission and reception. Plasmonic bandpass filters, leveraging surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs), exhibit great potential in achieving precise spectral filtering and compact integration. In this comprehensive review, we explore recent strides in plasmonic bandpass filter design and optimization, emphasizing their crucial role in enhancing optical communication systems. Relevant databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were utilized to gather and analyze pertinent research articles. The inherent properties of plasmonic materials, facilitating subwavelength-scale light manipulation, make plasmonic bandpass filters attractive for optical communication applications. Control over transmission and rejection bands is vital for optimizing optical channels and minimizing crosstalk in networks. However, challenges such as material losses, fabrication complexity, and integration constraints persist. The review encompasses in-depth discussions on material choices, geometric design strategies, and optimization techniques in plasmonic filter design. Advancements in fabrication methods, including nanolithography and chemical synthesis, have significantly refined filter production. The emergence of machine learning-assisted design and nonlinear plasmonic effects showcases exciting future prospects. In conclusion, while challenges remain, the future of plasmonic bandpass filters is promising. Emerging trends such as nanophotonic integration, active tunability, and metasurface-based designs are reshaping the landscape. Overcoming current obstacles will propel plasmonic bandpass filters toward a future where they play a pivotal role in enabling high-capacity and adaptable optical communication systems.
Prostaglandin A3 regulates the colony development of Odontotermes formosanus by reducing worker proportion
Authors: Zhou Qihuan , Yu Ting , Li Wuhan , Nasser Raghda , Chidwala Nooney , Mo Jianchu
Published: July 2024

Subterranean termites cause significant economic losses worldwide due to their destruction of agricultural and forest plants. In the past, soil termiticides were commonly used to control subterranean termites because they were effective and affordable. However, due to growing environmental concerns, these harmful substances have become less popular as they cause damage to non-target organisms and lead to environmental contamination. Baits crafted from plants and other easily metabolized compounds serve as excellent alternatives. In this study, we gathered branches from the promising plant, Magnolia grandiflora L. (MGL), along with branches from five other tree species that are potential food for termites. These branches were used as food to observe the population growth of Odontotermes formosanus. Additionally, a mix of branches from all six species was used to feed the control group (MIX). The study results showed that MGL nutrition significantly inhibited worker development, resulting in a significantly lower worker-to-soldier ratio (WSR). Furthermore, LC‒MS/MS analysis revealed that the level of prostaglandin A3 (PGA3) in workers significantly increased when they were under MGL nutrition. Additionally, ICP-MS analysis indicated a significant increase in calcium concentrations in the branches of MGL and combs under MGL nutrition. Moreover, there was a significant increase in peroxidase (POD) activity in workers under MGL nutrition. These findings suggest that the inhibitory effect of MGL nutrition on worker development may be due to excessive PGA3 synthesis, as Ca2+ and POD are involved in the synthesis process of PGs in insects. Subsequent verification experiments strongly support this hypothesis, as the WSR of colonies fed PGA3-added MIX was significantly lower than that of the MIX alone. This study introduces a new concept for developing environmentally friendly biological control methods for O. formosanus and sheds light on the potential role of PGs in termite development.
Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP): historical perspectives, pathophysiology, and treatment advances
Authors: Tungjitviboonkun Songphol , Bumrungratanayos Naharuthai
Published: July 2024

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a hematologic disorder characterized by a low platelet count, leading to an increased risk of bleeding. This review provides an overview of the historical milestones, pathophysiology, and treatment advances in ITP. Historical perspectives trace back to Avicenna's description in the eleventh century to pivotal Harrington-Hollingsworth experiment in 1950, laid the groundwork for understanding the immune-mediated platelet destruction intrinsic to ITP. Subsequent developments in investigation techniques, such as platelet-survival studies and antibody assays, contributed to diagnostic advancements. Treatment modalities have evolved significantly from the traditional approach of splenectomy to the use of corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and novel targeted therapies. The efficacy and safety profiles of these treatments have been refined through clinical trials and consensus guidelines. Ongoing research continues to unravel the genetic and molecular underpinnings of ITP, offering insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. Emerging therapies, including immunomodulatory agents, hold promise for improving outcomes and quality of life for patients with ITP. In conclusion, this review provides a synthesis of historical insights, pathophysiological mechanisms, and treatment strategies in ITP. By elucidating the complex interplay between immune dysregulation and platelet destruction, this knowledge serves as a foundation for advancing the diagnosis, management, and future therapeutic innovations in ITP.
The molecular mechanisms of Abyssinone-I protect against Alzheimer’s disease: an in-silico study
Authors: Nguyen Hai Duc
Published: July 2024

There is limited available information regarding the biological activity of Abyssinone-I, apart from its recognized antioxidant and cytotoxic properties. So, we aimed to evaluate the molecular processes underlying the promising effect of Abyssinone-I on Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The Swiss Target Predictor, GeneCard, GeneMania, Metascape, SwissADME, Cytoscape, the Panther classification system, MIENTURNET, WebGestalt, PASS online, Autodock Vina, and molecular dynamic simulation were the main methods for this analysis. Abyssinone-I exhibits antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and MAO inhibitory activities and maintains membrane integrity. These properties may target 79 proteins, four miRNAs (hsa-miR-128-3p, hsa-miR-124-3p, hsa-miR-16-5p, and hsa-miR-335-5p), three transcription factors (PPARG, MEF2B, and MYBL2), and two chromosomes (chr9q22.2, chr12q24.12). Key pathways affected include the amyloid-beta response, protein autophosphorylation, and dopamine metabolism. Among these, five hub targets (PPARG, mTOR, EGFR, ESR1, and MAPK1) were highlighted for their significant roles in AD pathogenesis. Despite its promising properties, abyssinone-I has low bioavailability and may interact with other drugs. Future in vivo and in vitro studies are necessary to validate these findings and optimize therapeutic usage. This study provides a foundation for Abyssinone-I as a potential AD treatment, pending further experimental confirmation.

Graphical Abstract
Identifying determinants of waste management access in Nouakchott, Mauritania: a logistic regression model
Authors: Ebnou Abdem Seyid Abdellahi , Azmi Rida , Diop El Bachir , Adraoui Meriem , Chenal Jérôme
Published: July 2024

Access to waste management services is crucial for urban sustainability, impacting public health, environmental well-being, and overall quality of life. This study employs logistic regression analysis on survey data collected from 1,032 household heads residing in Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania. The survey investigated key household factors that determine access to waste management services. The findings reveal a significant interplay among waste service provision, the presence of cisterns, housing type and size, and access to electricity. Socioeconomic disparity in service access, with poorer housing formats like shacks receiving substandard services. In contrast, areas with robust electrification report better service access, although inconsistencies remain amid power outages. The research highlights the challenges faced by Riyadh municipality, particularly rapid growth and inadequate infrastructure, which hinder waste management efficiency. Overall, the results not only illuminate Nouakchott’s unique challenges in service provision but also propose actionable recommendations for a sustainable urban future. These recommendations aim to inform and guide targeted policies for improving living conditions and environmental sustainability in urban Mauritania.
A Detailed Reconstruction of the Woodlark Basin
Authors: Benyshek E. K. , Taylor B. , Goodliffe A. M.
Published: June 2024

An animated 100,000‐year‐interval tectonic reconstruction of the Woodlark Basin in the southwest Pacific illustrates how, at intermediate initial spreading rates, orogenic continents break up (dyke model), spreading segments nucleate, transform faults initiate and ocean basins evolve. We refine the location/timing of initial seafloor spreading and Euler poles of rotation back to 6.2 Ma. In the easternmost basin, where spreading younger than 2.6 Ma is not co‐polar with that to the west, we recognize the formation of a Ghizo microplate and Ranongga Transform Fault at ∼2.6 Ma and a 3‐degree rotational opening of the Itina Trough from 2.6 to 1.0 Ma. Allowing for that motion, we show that the 5.2–2.6 Ma seafloor in the easternmost basin formed co‐polar with that to the west. We also identify a ridge jump reorientation at ∼1.0 Ma that formed the NE‐trending Simbo Spreading Segment, whose neovolcanic zone includes Simbo Island and a submarine edifice to its south. Proposed deterministic models of ridge propagation (due to topographic gradients, mantle flow away from hotspots and/or changing plate motion) are not consistent with those observed; mantle chemical heterogeneities and melting anomalies are a potential cause that remains to be tested. We reconstruct the northern conjugate of the oldest extant oceanic crust and estimate the initiation of its subduction at ∼2.6 Ma, concomitant with observed changes in plate motion and segmentation. Where subducted, the young oceanic lithosphere between the conjugate rifted margins appears to be resorbed into the mantle, leaving a slab window where the Pacific subducted slab remains attached.
How Volcanic Aerosols Globally Inhibit Precipitation
Authors: McGraw Zachary , Polvani Lorenzo M.
Published: June 2024

Volcanic aerosols reduce global mean precipitation in the years after major eruptions, yet the mechanisms that produce this response have not been rigorously identified. Volcanic aerosols alter the atmosphere's energy balance, with precipitation changes being one pathway by which the atmosphere acts to return toward equilibrium. By examining the atmosphere's energy budget in climate model simulations using radiative kernels, we explain the global precipitation reduction as largely a consequence of Earth's surface cooling in response to volcanic aerosols reflecting incoming sunlight. These aerosols also directly add energy to the atmosphere by absorbing outgoing longwave radiation, which is a major cause of precipitation decline in the first post‐eruption year. We additionally identify factors limiting the post‐eruption precipitation decline, and provide evidence that our results are robust across climate models.
Boundary Effects of Orogenic Plateaus in the Evolution of the Stress Field: The Southern Puna Study Case (26°30′–27°30′S)
Authors: Quiroga R. , Giambiagi L. , Echaurren A. , Mescua J. , Pingel H. , Fuentes G. , Peña M. , Suriano J. , Martínez F. , Mpodozis C. , Strecker M. R.
Published: June 2024

We present a study in the southern Puna (26°30′–27°30′S), aiming to explore the late Cenozoic evolution of the deformation and the stress field during its uplift. Through U‐Pb geochronology, structural observations, paleostress analysis, and balanced cross‐sections, we propose an structural evolutionary model over the past 24 million years, separated in four stages: Stage 1, in the late Oligocene to middle Miocene, the region experienced E‐W compression. Stage 2, from middle to late Miocene, a transition from predominant compression to an incipient strike‐slip regime is observed. Stage 3, from late Miocene to early Pliocene, showed a further shift in the stress field, resulting in a combination of a predominant strike‐slip regime, and less predominant compressional regime. Finally, Stage 4, from late Pliocene to Quaternary, featured a dominance of strike‐slip regimes. Our results show that the stress field in each stage is associated with the orogen's internal architecture and its evolution. Vertical stress variations are linked to plateau uplift, creating topographic gradients across the orogen. Horizontal rotations of the principal stress axes are caused mainly by an edge effect resulting from the growth of the plateau while it reaches a critical crustal thickness and elevation. This leads to a transfer of compression from high‐lying areas to lower regions. The southernmost Puna region shows no significant evidence of normal faulting, suggesting it is not undergoing orogenic collapse associated with a regional tensional stress regime.
Global Warming Amplifies Outdoor Extreme Moist Heat During the Indian Summer Monsoon
Authors: Ambika Anukesh Krishnankutty , Rajeev Akshay , Huber Matthew
Published: July 2024

Because of the climatological prevalence of hot, humid conditions, moist heat extremes are a significant challenge to the health and wellbeing of the people in India. While research has demonstrated the importance of summer monsoon to moist heat in India, impact of monsoon‐break and warm spells in modulating extreme moist heat regionally has not been fully investigated. Here we investigate moist heat extremes, as measured by the Wet‐Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) metric, specifically during monsoon and monsoon‐break periods and find that they pose a major threat to physical labor and health relative to other seasons. During the 1951–2020 break period, an increase in area exposed (∼42.76 million km2), representing at least 670 million people, to extreme and detrimental WBGT values >31°C occur. Our results imply that future studies on extreme moist heat must pay close attention to the variation of weather systems on synoptic to subseasonal time scales that are superimposed on the seasonal monsoon migration.
Seismology Helps Us Understand How Material Flows in Earth's Deepest Mantle
Authors: Wolf Jonathan
Published: July 2024

Recent progress in the analysis of seismic waves enables us to determine where, and sometimes how, the base of the mantle deforms.
Decrease in MJO Predictability Following Indo–Pacific Warm Pool Expansion
Authors: Kim Hyemi
Published: June 2024

The characteristics of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) have changed and are projected to continue changing with the expansion of the Indo–Pacific warm pool, which is the Earth's largest region of warm sea surface temperatures (SSTs). However, the likelihood of a change in MJO predictability following warm pool expansion remains unaddressed. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of warm pool expansion on MJO variability and predictability using the highly idealized aquaplanet configuration of Community Earth System Model 2 (CESM2). By expanding the warm pool in the Indo–Pacific, MJO‐like waves become more regionally confined, short‐lived convective events with weaker magnitude and less robust eastward propagating signals, possibly due to stronger zonal SST gradients and wider meridional widths of the warm pool. Perfect‐model ensemble forecast experiments revealed that the MJO predictability decreased by approximately 5 days, the forecast error proliferated, and the signal rapidly reduced following warm pool expansion.
Sprite Durations Measured With a Neuromorphic Sensor
Authors: Smith B. , McHarg M. G. , da Silva C. L. , Sonnenfeld R. G. , Koile J. , Leal A. F. R. , Jones I. R.
Published: June 2024

Neuromorphic sensors have inherently‐fast speeds and low data rates, which potentially make them ideal for the observation of transient sources, such as lightning and sprites. Particularly, for remote observations. In this article, we report the first observations of sprites from the ground with a neuromorphic sensor. These observations are accompanied by measurements with established instruments such as low‐light level and high‐frame rate cameras. We determine that neuromorphic sensors can capture sprites and determine their duration to an accuracy of roughly 6 ms. Average sprite durations were found to be 55 ms within our data set. We have also ascertained that sprites may be too dim for the neuromorphic sensors to resolve the internal spatiotemporal dynamics, at least without the aid of intensifiers.
Primary Pressure Scale of KCl B2 Phase to the Core‐Mantle Boundary
Authors: Ma Ning , Sumita Tatsuya , Murakami Motohiko
Published: June 2024

Reliable pressure determination is crucial for high pressure and temperature experiments and meaningful interpretation of their geophysical implications. However, nearly all commonly‐used pressure scales are secondary in nature, meaning their establishments rely on pre‐existing primary shock‐compression‐based pressure scales, which due to their dynamic compression nature, large uncertainty in peak shock temperature estimation and electronic thermal pressure contribution can yield substantial (∼5%) uncertainties at 1 Mbar conditions. To overcome this intrinsic shortcoming, in this study a self‐consistent primary pressure scale of KCl B2 phase was experimentally calibrated up to 85 GPa at ambient temperature using an approach through measuring the acoustic wave velocities and molar volume using Brillouin spectroscopy and Synchrotron X‐ray diffraction. Best fitting of thermoelastic parameters based on our experimental results yields V0 = 32.48 (9) cm3 mol−1, KT0 = 21.33 (70) GPa,  = 4.836 (83), G0 = 16.83 (237) GPa, G′ = 2.147 (115), γ0 = 1.92 (11) and θD0 = 251 (22) K. A KCl B2 phase primary pressure scale based on 3rd order Birch‐Murnaghan equation of state (EOS) is established without relying on any external (shock compressed‐based) pressure scales and further extended also to high temperatures in combination with thermal pressure effect calculated using Mie‒Grüneisen‒Debye model under quasi‐harmonic approximation. Our newly established KCl B2 EOS thus enables accurate pressure determinations at simultaneously high pressure and temperature conditions up to Earth's core‐mantle boundary and can serve as a benchmark for calibrating other secondary pressure scales.
Variation in the fitted filtration efficiency of disposable face masks by sex
Authors: Pennington Edward R. , Griffin Jacob S. , McInroe E. Melissa , Steinhardt William , Chen Hao , Samet James M. , Prince Steven E.
Published: July 2024

Background & objective

Disposable face masks are a primary protective measure against the adverse health effects of exposure to infectious and toxic aerosols such as airborne viruses and particulate air pollutants. While the fit of high efficiency respirators is regulated in occupational settings, relatively little is known about the fitted filtration efficiencies of ear loop style face masks worn by the public.

Methods

We measured the variation in fitted filtration efficiency (FFE) of four commonly worn disposable face masks, in a cohort of healthy adult participants (N = 100, 50% female, 50% male, average age = 32.3 ± 9.2 years, average BMI = 25.5 ± 3.4) using the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration Quantitative Fit Test, for an N95 (respirator), KN95, surgical, and KF94 masks. The latter three ear loop style masks were additionally tested in a clip-modified condition, tightened using a plastic clip to centrally fasten loops in the back of the head.

Results

The findings show that sex is a major determinant of the FFE of KN95, surgical, and KF94 masks. On average, males had an 11% higher FFE relative to females, at baseline testing. We show that a simple modification using an ear loop clip, results in improvements in the average FFE for females but provides comparatively minor changes for males. On average, females had a 20% increased FFE when a clip was worn behind the head, relative to a 6% increase for males.

Impact

The efficacy of a disposable face mask as protection against air contaminants depends on the efficiency of the mask materials and how well it fits the wearer. We report that the sex of the wearer is a major determinant of the baseline fitted filtration efficiency (FFE) of commonly available ear loop style face masks. In addition, we show that a simple fit modifier, an ear loop clip fastened behind the head, substantially improves baseline FFE for females but produces only minor changes for males. These findings have significant public health implications for the use of face masks as a protective intervention against inhalational exposure to airborne contaminants.
Aberrant associations between neuronal resting-state fluctuations and working memory-induced activity in major depressive disorder
Authors: Hempel Moritz , Barnhofer Thorsten , Domke Ann-Kathrin , Hartling Corinna , Stippl Anna , Carstens Luisa , Gärtner Matti , Grimm Simone
Published: July 2024

Previous investigations have revealed performance deficits and altered neural processes during working-memory (WM) tasks in major depressive disorder (MDD). While most of these studies used task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), there is an increasing interest in resting-state fMRI to characterize aberrant network dynamics involved in this and other MDD-associated symptoms. It has been proposed that activity during the resting-state represents characteristics of brain-wide functional organization, which could be highly relevant for the efficient execution of cognitive tasks. However, the dynamics linking resting-state properties and task-evoked activity remain poorly understood. Therefore, the present study investigated the association between spontaneous activity as indicated by the amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (ALFF) at rest and activity during an emotional n-back task. 60 patients diagnosed with an acute MDD episode, and 52 healthy controls underwent the fMRI scanning procedure. Within both groups, positive correlations between spontaneous activity at rest and task-activation were found in core regions of the central-executive network (CEN), whereas spontaneous activity correlated negatively with task-deactivation in regions of the default mode network (DMN). Compared to healthy controls, patients showed a decreased rest-task correlation in the left prefrontal cortex (CEN) and an increased negative correlation in the precuneus/posterior cingulate cortex (DMN). Interestingly, no significant group-differences within those regions were found solely at rest or during the task. The results underpin the potential value and importance of resting-state markers for the understanding of dysfunctional network dynamics and neural substrates of cognitive processing.
Quality of life for patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer randomised to early specialised home-based palliative care: the ALLAN trial
Authors: Bojesson Anders , Brun Eva , Eberhard Jakob , Segerlantz Mikael
Published: July 2024

Background

The primary aim of specialised palliative care (SPC) is to improve the quality of life (QoL) for patients with a high symptom burden from a life-threatening disease. This randomised study aimed to assess the QoL impact of early integration of SPC alongside tumour-specific palliative treatment in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers.

Methods

We randomly assigned ambulatory patients with advanced GI cancer to early integration of SPC and palliative tumour-specific treatment or tumour-specific treatment alone. The primary endpoint was QoL assessed at baseline and every sixth week using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—General (FACT-G) questionnaire.

Results

A total of 118 patients were randomised. The difference in total FACT-G score between patients assigned to early integration with SPC and controls was 5.2 points (95% CI: −0.1 to 10.5, p = 0.216), 6.7 points (95% CI: 0.2 to 13.3, p = 0.172), and 13 points (95% CI: 5.7 to 20.2, p = 0.004) at weeks 6, 12, and 24, respectively.

Conclusions

This prospective randomised trial strengthens the argument for early integration of SPC with tumour-specific treatment in patients with advanced GI cancers. We found an improved QoL for patients with advanced GI cancer 24 weeks after randomisation to early integration of home-based SPC.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (ref: NCT02246725).
SignEEG v1.0: Multimodal Dataset with Electroencephalography and Hand-written Signature for Biometric Systems
Authors: Mishra Ashish Ranjan , Kumar Rakesh , Gupta Vibha , Prabhu Sameer , Upadhyay Richa , Chhipa Prakash Chandra , Rakesh Sumit , Mokayed Hamam , Das Chakladar Debashis , De Kanjar , Liwicki Marcus , Simistira Liwicki Foteini , Saini Rajkumar
Published: July 2024

Handwritten signatures in biometric authentication leverage unique individual characteristics for identification, offering high specificity through dynamic and static properties. However, this modality faces significant challenges from sophisticated forgery attempts, underscoring the need for enhanced security measures in common applications. To address forgery in signature-based biometric systems, integrating a forgery-resistant modality, namely, noninvasive electroencephalography (EEG), which captures unique brain activity patterns, can significantly enhance system robustness by leveraging multimodality’s strengths. By combining EEG, a physiological modality, with handwritten signatures, a behavioral modality, our approach capitalizes on the strengths of both, significantly fortifying the robustness of biometric systems through this multimodal integration. In addition, EEG’s resistance to replication offers a high-security level, making it a robust addition to user identification and verification. This study presents a new multimodalSignEEG v1.0dataset based on EEG and hand-drawn signatures from 70 subjects. EEG signals and hand-drawn signatures have been collected withEmotiv InsightandWacom Onesensors, respectively. The multimodal data consists of three paradigms based on mental, & motor imagery, and physical execution: i) thinking of the signature’s image, (ii) drawing the signature mentally, and (iii) drawing a signature physically. Extensive experiments have been conducted to establish a baseline with machine learning classifiers. The results demonstrate that multimodality in biometric systems significantly enhances robustness, achieving high reliability even with limited sample sizes. We release the raw, pre-processed data and easy-to-follow implementation details.
Renal excretion of 1,2-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) in firefighting instructors after exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) during live fire training
Authors: Lang Felix , Wollschläger Daniel , Letzel Dipl.-Ing. Stephan , Roßbach Bernd
Published: July 2024

Exposure of firefighting instructors to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as naphthalene is unavoidable during live fire training. The study aimed to investigate naphthalene uptake by measuring the urinary excretion of the naphthalene metabolite 1,2-dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN), to describe the DHN elimination kinetics and to evaluate the results by comparison to further biomarkers of PAH exposure. N = 6 male non-smoking firefighting instructors completed five training sessions each in a residential fire simulation unit under respiratory protection. All participants provided two urine samples before and another seven samples within an 18-h-interval after each session. DHN was detected by gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS) in all samples (n = 237) with median concentrations ranging from 3.3 µg/g crea. (range 0.9–10.2) before exposure to 134.2 µg/g crea. (43.4–380.4) post exposure. Maximum elimination found 3.3 h (median) after onset of exposure decreased with a mean half-life of 6.6 h to 27.1 µg/g crea. (15.7–139.5) 18 h after training. DHN sensitively indicated a presumed dermal naphthalene intake during training, showing similar elimination kinetics like other naphthalene metabolites. Internal exposure of the participants transiently exceeded exposures determined for non-smokers in the general population, but was lower than at other workplaces with PAH exposure. Despite limited uptake, accumulation is possible with daily exposure.
Synthesis and characterization of novel histidine functionalized chitosan nanoformulations and its bioactivity in tomato plant
Authors: Meena Mahendra , Saharan Vinod , Meena K. K. , Singh Balraj , Pilania Shalini , Gupta N. K. , Pal Ajay , Garhwal O. P. , Sharma Y. K. , Singh Uadal , Bagri Rajesh , Sharma M. K. , Sharma Rachna , Jakhar B. L. , Chandel Piyush , Prajapati Damyanti , Mondal Kinjal , Mahala Mital , Bairwa D. K. , Meena Madhu Bai
Published: July 2024

The use of novel active ingredients for the functional modification of chitosan nanoformulations has attracted global attention. In this study, chitosan has been functionalized via histidine to craft novel chitosan–histidine nanoformulation (C–H NF) using ionic gelation method. C–H NF exhibited elite physico-biochemical properties, influencing physiological and biochemical dynamics in Tomato. These elite properties include homogenous-sized nanoparticles (314.4 nm), lower PDI (0.218), viscosity (1.43 Cps), higher zeta potential (11.2 mV), nanoparticle concentration/ml (3.53 × 108), conductivity (0.046 mS/cm), encapsulation efficiency (53%), loading capacity (24%) and yield (32.17%). FTIR spectroscopy revealed histidine interaction with C–H NF, while SEM and TEM exposed its porous structure. Application of C–H NF to Tomato seedling and potted plants through seed treatment and foliar spray positively impacts growth parameters, antioxidant-defense enzyme activities, reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, and chlorophyll and nitrogen content. We claim that the histidine-functionalized chitosan nanoformulation enhances physico-biochemical properties, highlighting its potential to elevate biochemical and physiological processes of Tomato plant.
Virtual resonance: analyzing IPA usage intensity under COVID-19's isolating canopy
Authors: Jo Hyeon , Baek Eun-Mi
Published: July 2024

The widespread adoption of smartphones coupled with advancements in artificial intelligence has significantly propelled the use of intelligent personal assistants (IPAs). These digital assistants have become indispensable for many users, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Employing coviance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) and analyzing data from 260 participants, this study explores the key factors influencing IPA usage intensity. Contrary to expectations, affective risk perception showed no significant impact on either IPA usage or parasocial interaction during the pandemic. In stark contrast, cabin fever syndrome significantly influenced both IPA usage and parasocial interaction, underscoring the role of environmental and psychological stressors in shaping technology use. Furthermore, loneliness was found to significantly enhance parasocial interaction with IPAs, though it did not affect usage intensity. The findings highlight a substantial connection between parasocial interaction and IPA usage intensity, suggesting that users who engage in human-like interactions with IPAs tend to use them more extensively. These insights not only deepen our understanding of how IPAs are utilized during health crises but also point to potential directions for developing IPAs that are more responsive to users' emotional and social needs.
Machine learning identifies prognostic subtypes of the tumor microenvironment of NSCLC
Authors: Yu Duo , Kane Michael J. , Koay Eugene J. , Wistuba Ignacio I. , Hobbs Brian P.
Published: July 2024

The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a fundamental role in tumorigenesis, tumor progression, and anti-cancer immunity potential of emerging cancer therapeutics. Understanding inter-patient TME heterogeneity, however, remains a challenge to efficient drug development. This article applies recent advances in machine learning (ML) for survival analysis to a retrospective study of NSCLC patients who received definitive surgical resection and immune pathology following surgery. ML methods are compared for their effectiveness in identifying prognostic subtypes. Six survival models, including Cox regression and five survival machine learning methods, were calibrated and applied to predict survival for NSCLC patients based on PD-L1 expression, CD3 expression, and ten baseline patient characteristics. Prognostic subregions of the biomarker space are delineated for each method using synthetic patient data augmentation and compared between models for overall survival concordance. A total of 423 NSCLC patients (46% female; median age [inter quantile range]: 67 [60–73]) treated with definite surgical resection were included in the study. And 219 (52%) patients experienced events during the observation period consisting of a maximum follow-up of 10 years and median follow up 78 months. The random survival forest (RSF) achieved the highest predictive accuracy, with a C-index of 0.84. The resultant biomarker subtypes demonstrate that patients with high PD-L1 expression combined with low CD3 counts experience higher risk of death within five-years of surgical resection.
Associations between sarcopenia and depression in middle-aged and older adults: the moderating effect of smoking
Authors: Zhu Feiyun , Guo Jing , Zheng Weijun
Published: July 2024

The aim of this study were to estimate associations of sarcopenic status with depressive symptoms. We used mixed-effects linear model to estimate longitudinal association between sarcopenic status and rate of change in 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scores, and used Cox regression model to estimate the association between sarcopenic status and incident depression (CES-D ≥ 10). Stratification analyses were performed when the interactions between sarcopenic status and covariates were significant. A total of 6522 participants were ultimately included. After adjusting for covariates, participants with possible sarcopenia (β = 0.117; 95% CI 0.067 to 0.166; P < 0.001) and sarcopenia (β: 0.093; 95% CI 0.027–0.159; P < 0.001) had a faster increase in CES-D scores compared with normal individuals. Interactions between smoking and sarcopenic status were significant (Pinteraction < 0.05). We found significantly positive associations of sarcopenic status with CES-D scores in nonsmokers, but not in current and past smokers. Besides, compared with normal participants, those with possible sarcopenia (HR 1.15; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.27) and sarcopenia (HR 1.28; 95% CI 1.12 to 1.46) (Ptrend < 0.001) had elevated risks of incident depression. Sarcopenia is associated with a faster increase in CES-D scores and increased risks of depression among Chinese middle-aged and older adults. Stronger associations between sarcopenia and trajectory of CES-D scores were found in nonsmokers than in smokers.
Melatonin regulates mitochondrial function to alleviate ferroptosis through the MT2/Akt signaling pathway in swine testicular cells
Authors: Zhao Yuanjie , Qin Ge , Jiang Biao , Huang Jinglei , He Shiwen , Peng Hui
Published: July 2024

Increasing evidence has shown that many environmental and toxic factors can cause testicular damage, leading to testicular ferroptosis and subsequent male reproductive disorders. Melatonin is a major hormone and plays an vital role in regulating male reproduction. However, there is a lack of research on whether Mel can alleviate testicular cell ferroptosis and its specific mechanism. In this study, the results indicated that Mel could enhance the viability of swine testis cells undergoing ferroptosis, reduce LDH enzyme release, increase mitochondrial membrane potential, and affect the expression of ferroptosis biomarkers. Furthermore, we found that melatonin depended on melatonin receptor 1B to exert these functions. Detection of MMP and ferroptosis biomarker protein expression confirmed that MT2 acted through the downstream Akt signaling pathway. Moreover, inhibition of the Akt signaling pathway can eliminate the protective effect of melatonin on ferroptosis, inhibit AMPK phosphorylation, reduce the expression of mitochondrial gated channel (VDAC2/3), and affect mitochondrial DNA transcription and ATP content. These results suggest that melatonin exerts a beneficial effect on mitochondrial function to mitigate ferroptosis through the MT2/Akt signaling pathway in ST cells.
Blockchain technology embedded in the power battery for echelon recycling selection under the mechanism of traceability
Authors: Xing Qingsong , Ran Longxin , Li Yimeng , Zhou Baorong
Published: July 2024

This paper examines the use of blockchain technology in power battery echelon recycling. The technology helps to improve battery capacity identification and market transaction trust. The study focuses on power battery manufacturers and recycling participants. Two recycling modes are constructed using the Stackelberg game method, and the optimal decision-making of the participating subjects in the two modes of power battery echelon recycling under the embedding of blockchain technology is compared. The influence of each parameter on the optimal decision-making is analyzed. The research findings indicate that the degree of blockchain technology integration rises as the preference coefficient for traceability information increases. When recycling competition is intense and the sensitivity of recycling prices is low, the optimal recycling model for the number of spent power batteries (SPBs) to be recycled is the model in which echelon utilizers do not participate in recycling if the level of cost optimization coefficient embedded in blockchain technology is high, otherwise, it is the model in which echelon utilizers participate in recycling. The profit of power battery manufacturers and echelon utilizers decreases with the increase of the intensity of power battery recycling competition, the cost optimization coefficient of echelon utilizers and the cost optimization coefficient of manufacturers.
Image smoothing method based on global gradient sparsity and local relative gradient constraint optimization
Authors: Li Siyuan , Liu Yuan , Zeng Jiafu , Liu Yepeng , Li Yue , Xie Qingsong
Published: July 2024

Removing texture while preserving the main structure of an image is a challenging task. To address this, this paper propose an image smoothing method based on global gradient sparsity and local relative gradient constraints optimization. To reduce the interference of complex texture details, adopting a multi-directional difference constrained global gradient sparsity decomposition method, which provides a guidance image with weaker texture detail gradients. Meanwhile, using the luminance channel as a reference, edge-aware operator is constructed based on local gradient constraints. This operator weakens the gradients of repetitive and similar texture details, enabling it to obtain more accurate structural information for guiding global optimization of the image. By projecting multi-directional differences onto the horizontal and vertical directions, a mapping from multi-directional differences to bi-directional gradients is achieved. Additionally, to ensure the consistency of measurement results, a multi-directional gradient normalization method is designed. Through experiments, we demonstrate that our method exhibits significant advantages in preserving image edges compared to current advanced smoothing methods.
Reflectance confocal microscopy for plaque psoriasis therapeutic follow-up during an anti-interleukin-17A monoclonal antibody: an observational study
Authors: Jiang Qian , Qu Zilu , Wang Bei , Jiang Ruili , Zhou Yu , Wan Li , Chen Liuqing , Hu Feng
Published: July 2024

Interleukin-17A therapeutic inhibitors are among the most effective treatment methods for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis (PP). Reflectance confocal microscopy is a non-invasive imaging technique already documented to be beneficial in evaluating the follow-up of PP under treatment with topical actives and phototherapy. This study aimed to assess the epidermal and dermal changes associated with psoriasis and its treatment with RCM during systemic secukinumab treatment in patients with moderate-to-severe PP. A pilot study was conducted to evaluate RCM as a non-invasive tool for monitoring secukinumab treatment in patients with PP. For patients receiving secukinumab treatment, lesional skin was selected for RCM imaging, which were recorded at all scheduled times. The RCM evaluation criteria were established based on the histopathological diagnostic criteria for psoriasis. The clinical severity of psoriasis was assessed utilizing the psoriasis area severity index. A total of 23 patients with PP were included in the study. Each patient received 300 mg of subcutaneous secukinumab as induction therapy at baseline and weeks 1–4, followed by maintenance therapy every four weeks. Microscopic confocal changes were observed during the treatment. The results identified early microscopic evidence of the anti-inflammatory activity of secukinumab, which was not detected during the clinical examination. RCM findings correlating with the PASI were used to observe the patient’s response to treatment and were identified as follows: acanthosis and parakeratosis, presence of epidermal and dermal inflammatory cells, presence of non-edge dermal papillae, and vascularization in the papillary dermis. This study is the first to demonstrate the use of RCM as an effective tool for non-invasive monitoring of secukinumab therapeutic response at a cellular level in a clinical or research setting. Early detection of RCM parameters associated with secukinumab activity may facilitate the identification of an early treatment response. RCM appears to be capable of providing practical and helpful information regarding follow-up in patients with PP undergoing secukinumab treatment. RCM may also provide novel perspectives on the subclinical evaluation of PP’s response to biological therapy.
Combining single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing, NK cell marker genes reveal a prognostic and immune status in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ouyang Yonghao , Shen Rongxi , Chu Lihua , Fu Chengchao , Hu Wang , Huang Haoxuan , Zhang Zhicheng , Jiang Ming , Chen Xin
Published: July 2024

The NK cell is an important component of the tumor microenvironment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), also plays a significant role in PDAC development. This study aimed to explore the relationship between NK cell marker genes and prognosis, immune response of PDAC patients. By scRNA-seq data, we found the proportion of NK cells were significantly downregulated in PDAC and 373 NK cell marker genes were screened out. By TCGA database, we enrolled 7 NK cell marker genes to construct the signature for predicting prognosis in PDAC patients. Cox analysis identified the signature as an independent factor for pancreatic cancer. Subsequently, the predictive power of signature was validated by 6 GEO datasets and had an excellent evaluation. Our analysis of relationship between the signature and patients’ immune status revealed that the signature has a strong correlation with immunocyte infiltration, inflammatory reaction, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) response. The NK cell marker genes are closely related to the prognosis and immune capacity of PDAC patients, and they have potential value as a therapeutic target.