bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating Ocean Observation Impacts on Coupled Atmosphere‐Ocean Models Using Ensemble Forecast Sensitivity to Observation (EFSO)
Authors: Chang Chu‐Chun , Chen Tse‐Chun , Kalnay Eugenia , Da Cheng , Mote Safa
Published: October 2023

Ensemble Forecast Sensitivity to Observation (EFSO) is a technique that can efficiently identify the beneficial/detrimental impacts of every observation in ensemble‐based data assimilation (DA). While EFSO has been successfully employed on atmospheric DA, it has never been applied to ocean or coupled DA due to the lack of a suitable error norm for oceanic variables. This study introduces a new density‐based error norm incorporating sea temperature and salinity forecast errors, making EFSO applicable to ocean DA for the first time. We implemented the oceanic EFSO on the CFSv2‐LETKF and investigated the impact of ocean observations under a weakly coupled DA framework. By removing the detrimental ocean observations detected by EFSO, the CFSv2 forecasts were significantly improved, showing the validation of impact estimation and the great potential of EFSO to be extended as a data selection criterion.
Cloud and Precipitation Variability Associated With the Madden‐Julian Oscillation Over the Maritime Continent
Authors: Shige S. , Kato F. , Aoki S.
Published: October 2023

This study reexamines cloud and precipitation variability associated with the Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO) over the Maritime Continent (MC), mainly using data acquired in 1998–2013 by the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission satellite. Infrared data indicated uniform, moderately deep stratiform cloud cover over the MC during MJO active phases, suggesting that an apparent MJO bypass of Borneo and New Guinea, observed in the brightness temperature anomaly distribution, was an artifact of climatologically low average brightness temperatures above the islands. Although previous satellite precipitation products indicated negligible anomalies over Borneo during MJO active phases, we identified positive precipitation anomalies in precipitation radar data and other recent satellite products. We hypothesize that previous satellite precipitation data products underestimated stratiform precipitation over Borneo during MJO active phases because ice‐particle scattering was weak. This is consistent with the moderately deep stratiform cloud layer identified from infrared data.
The cost-effectiveness of risk-stratified breast cancer screening in the UK
Authors: Hill Harry , Kearns Ben , Pashayan Nora , Roadevin Cristina , Sasieni Peter , Offman Judith , Duffy Stephen
Published: October 2023

Background

There has been growing interest in the UK and internationally of risk-stratified breast screening whereby individualised risk assessment may inform screening frequency, starting age, screening instrument used, or even decisions not to screen. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of eight proposals for risk-stratified screening regimens compared to both the current UK screening programme and no national screening.

Methods

A person-level microsimulation model was developed to estimate health-related quality of life, cancer survival and NHS costs over the lifetime of the female population eligible for screening in the UK.

Results

Compared with both the current screening programme and no screening, risk-stratified regimens generated additional costs and QALYs, and had a larger net health benefit. The likelihood of the current screening programme being the optimal scenario was less than 1%. No screening amongst the lowest risk group, and triannual, biennial and annual screening amongst the three higher risk groups was the optimal screening strategy from those evaluated.

Conclusions

We found that risk-stratified breast cancer screening has the potential to be beneficial for women at the population level, but the net health benefit will depend on the particular risk-based strategy.
RACK1 facilitates breast cancer progression by competitively inhibiting the binding of β-catenin to PSMD2 and enhancing the stability of β-catenin
Authors: Tian Ruinan , Tian Jianfei , Zuo Xiaoyan , Ren Sixin , Zhang He , Liu Hui , Wang Zhiyong , Cui Yanfen , Niu Ruifang , Zhang Fei
Published: October 2023

The receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1) is a key scaffolding protein with multifunctional and multifaceted properties. By mediating protein-protein interactions, RACK1 integrates multiple intracellular signals involved in the regulation of various physiological and pathological processes. Dysregulation of RACK1 has been implicated in the initiation and progression of many tumors. However, the exact function of RACK1 in cancer cellular processes, especially in proliferation, remains controversial. Here, we show that RACK1 is required for breast cancer cell proliferation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. This effect of RACK1 is associated with its ability to enhance β-catenin stability and activate the canonical WNT signaling pathway in breast cancer cells. We identified PSMD2, a key component of the proteasome, as a novel binding partner for RACK1 and β-catenin. Interestingly, although there is no interaction between RACK1 and β-catenin, RACK1 binds PSMD2 competitively with β-catenin. Moreover, RACK1 prevents ubiquitinated β-catenin from binding to PSMD2, thereby protecting β-catenin from proteasomal degradation. Collectively, our findings uncover a novel mechanism by which RACK1 increases β-catenin stability and promotes breast cancer proliferation.
Stretchable piezoelectric biocrystal thin films
Authors: Li Jun , Carlos Corey , Zhou Hao , Sui Jiajie , Wang Yikai , Silva-Pedraza Zulmari , Yang Fan , Dong Yutao , Zhang Ziyi , Hacker Timothy A. , Liu Bo , Mao Yanchao , Wang Xudong
Published: October 2023

Stretchability is an essential property for wearable devices to match varying strains when interfacing with soft tissues or organs. While piezoelectricity has broad application potentials as tactile sensors, artificial skins, or nanogenerators, enabling tissue-comparable stretchability is a main roadblock due to the intrinsic rigidity and hardness of the crystalline phase. Here, an amino acid-based piezoelectric biocrystal thin film that offers tissue-compatible omnidirectional stretchability with unimpaired piezoelectricity is reported. The stretchability was enabled by a truss-like microstructure that was self-assembled under controlled molecule-solvent interaction and interface tension. Through the open and close of truss meshes, this large scale biocrystal microstructure was able to endure up to 40% tensile strain along different directions while retained both structural integrity and piezoelectric performance. Built on this structure, a tissue-compatible stretchable piezoelectric nanogenerator was developed, which could conform to various tissue surfaces, and exhibited stable functions under multidimensional large strains. In this work, we presented a promising solution that integrates piezoelectricity, stretchability and biocompatibility in one material system, a critical step toward tissue-compatible biomedical devices.
Endogenous renal adiponectin drives gluconeogenesis through enhancing pyruvate and fatty acid utilization
Authors: Onodera Toshiharu , Wang May-Yun , Rutkowski Joseph M. , Deja Stanislaw , Chen Shiuhwei , Balzer Michael S. , Kim Dae-Seok , Sun Xuenan , An Yu A. , Field Bianca C. , Lee Charlotte , Matsuo Ei-ichi , Mizerska Monika , Sanjana Ina , Fujiwara Naoto , Kusminski Christine M. , Gordillo Ruth , Gautron Laurent , Marciano Denise K. , Hu Ming Chang , Burgess Shawn C. , Susztak Katalin , Moe Orson W. , Scherer Philipp E.
Published: October 2023

Adiponectin is a secretory protein, primarily produced in adipocytes. However, low but detectable expression of adiponectin can be observed in cell types beyond adipocytes, particularly in kidney tubular cells, but its local renal role is unknown. We assessed the impact of renal adiponectin by utilizing male inducible kidney tubular cell-specific adiponectin overexpression or knockout mice. Kidney-specific adiponectin overexpression induces a doubling of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase expression and enhanced pyruvate-mediated glucose production, tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates and an upregulation of fatty acid oxidation (FAO). Inhibition of FAO reduces the adiponectin-induced enhancement of glucose production, highlighting the role of FAO in the induction of renal gluconeogenesis. In contrast, mice lacking adiponectin in the kidney exhibit enhanced glucose tolerance, lower utilization and greater accumulation of lipid species. Hence, renal adiponectin is an inducer of gluconeogenesis by driving enhanced local FAO and further underlines the important systemic contribution of renal gluconeogenesis.
Autonomous underwater adhesion driven by water-induced interfacial rearrangement
Authors: Yao Le , Lin Chengjiang , Duan Xiaozheng , Ming Xiaoqing , Chen Zhixuan , Zhu He , Zhu Shiping , Zhang Qi
Published: October 2023

Underwater adhesives receive extensive attention due to their wide applications in marine explorations and various related industries. However, current adhesives still suffer from excessive water absorption and lack of spontaneity. Herein, we report an autonomous underwater adhesive based on poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-benzyl methacrylate) amphiphilic polymeric matrix swollen by hydrophobic imidazolium ionic liquid. The as-prepared adhesive is tough and flexible, showing little to none instantaneous underwater adhesion onto the PET substrate, whereas its adhesion energy on the substrate can grow more than 5 times to 458 J·m−2 after 24 hours. More importantly, this process is entirely spontaneous, without any external pressing force. Our comprehensive studies based on experimental characterizations and molecular dynamic simulations confirm that such autonomous adhesion process is driven by water-induced rearrangement of the functional groups. It is believed that such material can provide insights into the development of next-generation smart adhesives.
Capturing nascent extracellular vesicles by metabolic glycan labeling-assisted microfluidics
Authors: Wu Qiuyue , Wang Wencheng , Zhang Chi , You Zhenlong , Zeng Yinyan , Lu Yinzhu , Zhang Suhui , Li Xingrui , Yang Chaoyong , Song Yanling
Published: October 2023

Extracellular vesicle (EV) secretion is a dynamic process crucial to cellular communication. Temporally sorting EVs, i.e., separating the newly-produced ones from the pre-existing, can allow not only deep understanding of EV dynamics, but also the discovery of potential EV biomarkers that are related to disease progression or responsible to drug intervention. However, the high similarity between the nascent and pre-existing EVs makes temporal separation extremely challenging. Here, by co-translational introduction of azido groups to act as a timestamp for click chemistry labelling, we develop a microfluidic-based strategy to enable selective isolation of nascent EVs stimulated by an external cue. In two mouse models of anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy, we demonstrate the strategy’s feasibility and reveal the high positive correlation of nascent PD-L1+ EV level to tumor volume, suggesting an important role of nascent EVs in response to immunotherapy in cancer treatment.
Visible-to-mid-IR tunable frequency comb in nanophotonics
Authors: Roy Arkadev , Ledezma Luis , Costa Luis , Gray Robert , Sekine Ryoto , Guo Qiushi , Liu Mingchen , Briggs Ryan M. , Marandi Alireza
Published: October 2023

Optical frequency comb is an enabling technology for a multitude of applications from metrology to ranging and communications. The tremendous progress in sources of optical frequency combs has mostly been centered around the near-infrared spectral region, while many applications demand sources in the visible and mid-infrared, which have so far been challenging to achieve, especially in nanophotonics. Here, we report widely tunable frequency comb generation using optical parametric oscillators in lithium niobate nanophotonics. We demonstrate sub-picosecond frequency combs tunable beyond an octave extending from 1.5 up to 3.3 μm with femtojoule-level thresholds on a single chip. We utilize the up-conversion of the infrared combs to generate visible frequency combs reaching 620 nm on the same chip. The ultra-broadband tunability and visible-to-mid-infrared spectral coverage of our source highlight a practical and universal path for the realization of efficient frequency comb sources in nanophotonics, overcoming their spectral sparsity.
Material-agnostic machine learning approach enables high relative density in powder bed fusion products
Authors: Wang Jaemin , Jeong Sang Guk , Kim Eun Seong , Kim Hyoung Seop , Lee Byeong-Joo
Published: October 2023

This study introduces a method that is applicable across various powder materials to predict process conditions that yield a product with a relative density greater than 98% by laser powder bed fusion. We develop an XGBoost model using a dataset comprising material properties of powder and process conditions, and its output, relative density, undergoes a transformation using a sigmoid function to increase accuracy. We deeply examine the relationships between input features and the target value using Shapley additive explanations. Experimental validation with stainless steel 316 L, AlSi10Mg, and Fe60Co15Ni15Cr10 medium entropy alloy powders verifies the method’s reproducibility and transferability. This research contributes to laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing by offering a universally applicable strategy to optimize process conditions.
NeST: nested hierarchical structure identification in spatial transcriptomic data
Authors: Walker Benjamin L. , Nie Qing
Published: October 2023

Spatial gene expression in tissue is characterized by regions in which particular genes are enriched or depleted. Frequently, these regions contain nested inside them subregions with distinct expression patterns. Segmentation methods in spatial transcriptomic (ST) data extract disjoint regions maximizing similarity over the greatest number of genes, typically on a particular spatial scale, thus lacking the ability to find region-within-region structure. We present NeST, which extracts spatial structure through coexpression hotspots—regions exhibiting localized spatial coexpression of some set of genes. Coexpression hotspots identify structure on any spatial scale, over any possible subset of genes, and are highly explainable. NeST also performs spatial analysis of cell-cell interactions via ligand-receptor, identifying active areas de novo without restriction of cell type or other groupings, in both two and three dimensions. Through application on ST datasets of varying type and resolution, we demonstrate the ability of NeST to reveal a new level of biological structure.
Human thalamic low-frequency oscillations correlate with expected value and outcomes during reinforcement learning
Authors: Collomb-Clerc Antoine , Gueguen Maëlle C. M. , Minotti Lorella , Kahane Philippe , Navarro Vincent , Bartolomei Fabrice , Carron Romain , Regis Jean , Chabardès Stephan , Palminteri Stefano , Bastin Julien
Published: October 2023

Reinforcement-based adaptive decision-making is believed to recruit fronto-striatal circuits. A critical node of the fronto-striatal circuit is the thalamus. However, direct evidence of its involvement in human reinforcement learning is lacking. We address this gap by analyzing intra-thalamic electrophysiological recordings from eight participants while they performed a reinforcement learning task. We found that in both the anterior thalamus (ATN) and dorsomedial thalamus (DMTN), low frequency oscillations (LFO, 4-12 Hz) correlated positively with expected value estimated from computational modeling during reward-based learning (after outcome delivery) or punishment-based learning (during the choice process). Furthermore, LFO recorded from ATN/DMTN were also negatively correlated with outcomes so that both components of reward prediction errors were signaled in the human thalamus. The observed differences in the prediction signals between rewarding and punishing conditions shed light on the neural mechanisms underlying action inhibition in punishment avoidance learning. Our results provide insight into the role of thalamus in reinforcement-based decision-making in humans.
City-scale Vehicle Trajectory Data from Traffic Camera Videos
Authors: Yu Fudan , Yan Huan , Chen Rui , Zhang Guozhen , Liu Yu , Chen Meng , Li Yong
Published: October 2023

Vehicle trajectory data underpins various applications in intelligent transportation systems, such as traffic surveillance, traffic prediction, and traffic control. Traditional vehicle trajectory datasets, recorded by GPS devices or single cameras, are often biased towards specific vehicles (e.g., taxis) or incomplete (typically < 1 km), limiting their reliability for downstream applications. With the widespread deployment of traffic cameras across the city road network, we have the opportunity to capture all vehicles passing by. By collecting city-scale traffic camera video data, we apply a trajectory recovery framework that identifies vehicles across all cameras and reconstructs their paths in between. Leveraging this approach, we are the first to release a comprehensive vehicle trajectory dataset that covers almost full-amount of city vehicle trajectories, with approximately 5 million trajectories recovered from over 3000 traffic cameras in two metropolises. To assess the quality and quantity of this dataset, we evaluate the recovery methods, visualize specific cases, and compare the results with external road speed and flow statistics. The results demonstrate the consistency and reliability of the released trajectories. This dataset holds great promise for research in areas such as unveiling traffic dynamics, traffic network resilience assessment, and traffic network planning.
Chromosome-scale genomes of five Hongmu species in Leguminosae
Authors: Yang Jinlong , Liu Min , Sahu Sunil Kumar , Li Ruirui , Wang Guanlong , Guo Xing , Liu Jianmei , Cheng Le , Jiang Huayan , Zhao Feng , Wei Shuguang , Luo Shixiao , Liu Huan
Published: October 2023

The Legume family (Leguminosae or Fabaceae), is one of the largest and economically important flowering plants. Heartwood, the core of a tree trunk or branch, is a valuable and renewable resource employed for centuries in constructing sturdy and sustainable structures. Hongmu refers to a category of precious timber trees in China, encompassing 29 woody species, primarily from the legume genus. Due to the lack of genome data, detailed studies on their economic and ecological importance are limited. Therefore, this study generates chromosome-scale assemblies of five Hongmu species in Leguminosae: Pterocarpus santalinus, Pterocarpus macrocarpus, Dalbergia cochinchinensis, Dalbergia cultrata, and Senna siamea, using a combination of short-reads, long-read nanopore, and Hi-C data. We obtained 623.86 Mb, 634.58 Mb, 700.60 Mb, 645.98 Mb, and 437.29 Mb of pseudochromosome level assemblies with the scaffold N50 lengths of 63.1 Mb, 63.7 Mb, 70.4 Mb, 61.1 Mb and 32.2 Mb for P. santalinus, P. macrocarpus, D. cochinchinensis, D. cultrata and S. siamea, respectively. These genome data will serve as a valuable resource for studying crucial traits, like wood quality, disease resistance, and environmental adaptation in Hongmu.
Mapping small inland wetlands in the South-Kivu province by integrating optical and SAR data with statistical models for accurate distribution assessment
Authors: Géant Chuma B. , Gustave Mushagalusa N. , Schmitz Serge
Published: October 2023

There are several techniques for mapping wetlands. In this study, we examined four statistical models to assess the potential distribution of wetlands in the South-Kivu province by combining optical and SAR images. The approach involved integrating topographic, hydrological, and vegetation indices into the four most used classifiers, namely Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Random Forest (RF), Boosted Regression Tree (BRT), and Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt). A wetland distribution map was generated and classified into 'wetland' and 'non-wetland.' The results showed variations in predictions among the different models. RF exhibited the most accurate predictions, achieving an overall classification accuracy of 95.67% and AUC and TSS values of 82.4%. Integrating SAR data improved accuracy and precision, particularly for mapping small inland wetlands. Our estimations indicate that wetlands cover approximately 13.5% (898,690 ha) of the entire province. BRT estimated wetland areas to be ~ 16% (1,106,080 ha), while ANN estimated ~ 14% (967,820 ha), MaxEnt ~ 15% (1,036,950 ha), and RF approximately ~ 10% (691,300 ha). The distribution of these areas varied across different territories, with higher values observed in Mwenga, Shabunda, and Fizi. Many of these areas are permanently flooded, while others experience seasonal inundation. Through digitization, the delineation process revealed variations in wetland areas, ranging from tens to thousands of hectares. The geographical distribution of wetlands generated in this study will serve as an essential reference for future investigations and pave the way for further research on characterizing and categorizing these areas.
Higher cognitive load interferes with head-hand coordination: virtual reality-based study
Authors: Lustig Adi , Wilf Meytal , Dudkiewicz Israel , Plotnik Meir
Published: October 2023

Daily life activities often involve decision-based reaching movements in different contexts and circumstances. These activities span a wide array of cognitive load types we face while executing motor functions. Here we use a virtual reality-based neurocognitive testing platform to assess cognitive-induced changes in motor behavior as reflected by modulations in head-hand coordination. Our paradigm is based on the Color Trails Test (CTT), which is designed to assess two types of cognitive functions: Trails A—sustained visual attention (SVA), and Trails B—divided attention (DA). The virtual reality CTT adaptation (VR-CTT) requires execution of large multi-directional hand movements and head rotations. We employed a cross-correlation analysis on hand and head kinematics data collected from 122 healthy participants (ages: 20–90 years; divided as follows: young, middle-aged, and older adults) who completed the VR-CTT. The level of spatial coherence of head-hand movements was found to be high (R ≥ 0.76) in both Trails A and B, in all age groups. However, assessing head-hand phase shifts revealed longer time lags (i.e., in which head leads hand) in Trails B versus Trails A, in all age groups. We conclude that allocating cognitive resources to DA task reduces head-hand synchrony as compared to SVA conditions.
Seasonal variations in the diversity and benthic community structure of subtidal artificial oyster reefs adjacent to the Luanhe River Estuary, Bohai Sea
Authors: Xu Min , Xu Yufu , Yang Jisong , Li Jiaxing , Zhang Haipeng , Xu Kaida , Zhang Yunling , Otaki Takayoshi , Zhao Qi , Zhang Yi , Yin Zengqiang , Komatsu Teruhisa
Published: October 2023

Artificial oyster reefs provide important spawning and nursery grounds for a variety of fishes and large mobile crustaceans. Between July 2016 and May 2017, seasonal surveys of species composition and community structure were performed in the artificial oyster reef area and control area adjacent to the Luanhe River Estuary in China. During the survey year, 56 species belonging to 50 genera, 45 families, and 19 orders were recorded. The dominant economically important fish and mobile crustaceans were Hexagrammos otakii, Pholis fangi, Sebastes schlegelii, Charybdis japonica, and Oratosquilla oratoria. Resident fishes belonged to the Cynoglossidae, Paralichthyidae, Pleuronectidae, and Gobiidae families. Seasonally important fish species included Lateolabrax japonicus, Konosirus punctatus, Thryssa kammalensis, Hexagrammos agrammus, and Acanthopagrus schlegelii. The ranges of H' values among stations were 1.18–2.16, 0.65–1.75, 1.18–2.06, and 0.62–1.92 in spring, summer, autumn, and winter, respectively. The benthic organisms present in the community of artificial oyster reef areas can be classified into groups according to month and season. The abundance biomass curves showed that the oyster reef area in spring, autumn, and winter experienced low disturbance, whereas the community structure in summer was subject to large variations from external disturbance. We also found that as the age of the oyster reefs increased, the percentage of oysters in the low shell height group (< 40 mm) decreased. The oyster density was 324 ind/m2 for the reef created in 2016, 724 ind/m2 for the reef created in 2015, and 364 ind/m2 for the reef created in 2013. These findings can be used to develop suitable management strategies for the sustainable maintenance of artificial oyster reef ecosystems.
MRI-based multivariate gray matter volumetric distance for predicting motor symptom progression in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Vijayakumari Anupa A. , Fernandez Hubert H. , Walter Benjamin L.
Published: October 2023

While Parkinson's disease (PD)-related neurodegeneration is associated with structural changes in the brain, conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has proven less effective for clinical diagnosis due to its inability to reliably identify subtle changes early in the disease course. In this study, we aimed to develop a structural MRI-based biomarker to predict the rate of progression of motor symptoms in the early stages of PD. The study included 88 patients with PD and 120 healthy controls from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative database; MRI at baseline and motor symptom scores assessed using the MDS-UPDRS-III at two time points (baseline and 48 months) were selected. Group-level volumetric analyses at baseline were not associated with the decline in motor functioning. Then, we developed a patient-specific multivariate gray matter volumetric distance and demonstrated that it could significantly predict changes in motor symptom scores (P < 0.05). Further, we classified patients as relatively slower and faster progressors with 89% accuracy using a support vector machine classifier. Thus, we identified a promising structural MRI-based biomarker for predicting the rate of progression of motor symptoms and classifying patients based on motor symptom severity.
Novel Alzheimer’s disease genes and epistasis identified using machine learning GWAS platform
Authors: Lundberg Mischa , Sng Letitia M. F. , Szul Piotr , Dunne Rob , Bayat Arash , Burnham Samantha C. , Bauer Denis C. , Twine Natalie A.
Published: October 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex genetic disease, and variants identified through genome-wide association studies (GWAS) explain only part of its heritability. Epistasis has been proposed as a major contributor to this ‘missing heritability’, however, many current methods are limited to only modelling additive effects. We use VariantSpark, a machine learning approach to GWAS, and BitEpi, a tool for epistasis detection, to identify AD associated variants and interactions across two independent cohorts, ADNI and UK Biobank. By incorporating significant epistatic interactions, we captured 10.41% more phenotypic variance than logistic regression (LR). We validate the well-established AD loci, APOE, and identify two novel genome-wide significant AD associated loci in both cohorts, SH3BP4 and SASH1, which are also in significant epistatic interactions with APOE. We show that the SH3BP4 SNP has a modulating effect on the known pathogenic APOE SNP, demonstrating a possible protective mechanism against AD. SASH1 is involved in a triplet interaction with pathogenic APOE SNP and ACOT11, where the SASH1 SNP lowered the pathogenic interaction effect between ACOT11 and APOE. Finally, we demonstrate that VariantSpark detects disease associations with 80% fewer controls than LR, unlocking discoveries in well annotated but smaller cohorts.
The L-proline modified Zr-based MOF (Basu-proline) catalyst for the one‐pot synthesis of dihydropyrano[3,2-c]chromenes
Authors: Benrashid Amin , Habibi Davood , Beiranvand Masoumeh , Gilan Maryam Mahmoudiani
Published: October 2023

A novel, reusable, and efficient L-proline-modified Zr-based metal–organic framework (Basu-proline) was designed, synthesized, and characterized by Fourier Transform-Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Energy-Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), elemental mapping, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray Diffraction analysis (XRD), Thermo-Gravimetric-Differential Thermal Analysis (TGA-DTA), and N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms. Then, its catalytic performance was assessed in the synthesis of dihydropyrano[3,2-c]chromenes via the one-pot, three‐component tandem condensation reaction of 4-hydroxycoumarin, aromatic aldehydes and malononitrile. The Basu-proline catalyst exhibited a better efficiency than some reported protocols regarding higher yields, lower reaction times, and simple separation.
Withaferin-A attenuates diabetes mellitus induced male reproductive dysfunction mediated by ERα in brain and testes of Swiss albino mice
Authors: Baghel Kalpana , Azam Zaffar , Srivastava Rashmi , Gupta Neelima , Kango Naveen
Published: October 2023

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease, characterized by persistent hyperglycemia resulting from diminished insulin secretion or insulin resistance. The present study evaluated the ameliorative effects of Withaferin-A (WA) on DM-induced reproductive dysfunction in mice. For the same, mice were intraperitoneally injected with Streptozotocin (STZ), (40 mg/kg/day) for 5 consecutive days to induce DM. Mice were then treated with WA (8 mg/kg/day) in normal and diabetic conditions (STZ + WA). Next, blood glucose levels, oral glucose tolerance, intraperitoneal insulin tolerance, oxidative stress and reproductive parameters were estimated. For reproductive performance, immunofluorescent localization of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH-I) and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) in the preoptic area and paraventricular nucleus region of hypothalamus and ERα in testes was performed. STZ-induced diabetes triggered reproductive dysfunctions as mediated by low GnRH-I and ERα in the brain and ERα in the testes along with declined testosterone and estradiol levels. Treatment with WA significantly reduced the blood glucose levels and enhanced glucose clearance accompanied by reduced oxidative stress in the brain, pancreas and testes as indicated by the low levels of H2O2 and MDA in diabetic mice treated with WA (STZ + WA). This study reports, for the first time, that WA can efficiently ameliorate DM-induced reproductive dysfunctions by enhancing endogenous testosterone, estrogen and increased GnRH-I and ERα in the brain and ERα in the testes of DM-induced male mice.
Outcomes and prognosis of progressive pulmonary fibrosis in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-positive interstitial lung disease
Authors: Sakamoto Susumu , Suzuki Aika , Homma Sakae , Usui Yusuke , Shimizu Hiroshige , Sekiya Muneyuki , Miyoshi Shion , Nakamura Yasuhiko , Urabe Naohisa , Isshiki Takuma , Kurosaki Atsuko , Kishi Kazuma
Published: October 2023

Approximately one-third of fibrosing interstitial lung diseases exhibit progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF), a clinicopathological condition distinct yet resembling idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). PPF in ANCA-positive ILD (ANCA-ILD) is poorly documented. To clarify incidence, predictors of PPF in ANCA-ILD, and their prognostic impact, 56 patients with ANCA-ILD were followed for ≥ 1 year (April 2004 to April 2021). PPF was defined per ATS/ERS/JRS/ALAT PPF 2022 guideline. We compared PPF and non-PPF in 38 patients with pulmonary function tests and ≥ 1 year follow up. ANCA-ILD (19 male, 19 female; mean age 72 years) comprised 21 patients with microscopic polyangiitis ILD (MPA-ILD) and 17 with ANCA-positive IP without systemic vasculitis (ANCA-IP). PPF occurred in 15/38 (39.5%) overall, and 27% of patients with MPA-ILD and 53% with ANCA-IP. Patient characteristics did not differ between PPF and non-PPF, however, the survival was significantly worse in patients with PPF than those with non-PPF. On multivariate regression analysis, higher age, higher serum SP-D level, and lower baseline %FVC were associated with PPF. In ANCA-ILD, 39.5% of patients demonstrated PPF, which is associated with increased mortality. Predictors of PPF were older age, higher SP-D, and lower baseline %FVC.
Prevalence of polypharmacy among older adults in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: kitaw Tegene Atamenta , Haile Ribka Nigatu
Published: October 2023

Polypharmacy is a significant concern for older adults. Taking multiple medicines to prevent and treat comorbidities is very common in older adults, potentially leading to polypharmacy. Polypharmacy is associated with the development of geriatric syndromes, including cognitive impairment, delirium, falls, frailty, urinary incontinence, and weight loss. The prevalence of polypharmacy varies according to the literature. There is a paucity of data regarding the prevalence of polypharmacy among older adults. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of polypharmacy among older adults in Ethiopia. A comprehensive search of databases, including PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Hinari, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, International Scientific Indexing, Cochrane library and Web of Science, and Google Scholar, was conducted. STATA statistical software (version 17) was used to analyze the data. Forest plot and I2 heterogeneity test were computed to examine the existence of heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were done to explore the source of heterogeneity. Publication bias was evaluated by using funnel plots and Egger’s test. A random effect model was used to determine the pooled prevalence of polypharmacy. After reviewing 123 studies, 13 studies with a total of 3547 older adults fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in this meta-analysis. The result from 13 studies revealed that the pooled prevalence of polypharmacy among older adults in Ethiopia was 37.10% (95CI: 28.28–45.91). A Subgroup Meta-analysis showed that the heterogeneity level was slightly lower among studies done in Oromia region (I2 = 46.62, P-value = 0.154). Higher pooled polypharmacy prevalence was found among older adults with cardiovascular disorders (42.7%) and admitted patients (51.4%). In general, it was found that the pooled prevalence of polypharmacy among older adults in Ethiopia was high. More than one in three older adults take five or more medications at a time. Thus, intervention focusing on rational geriatric pharmacotherapy is significant to prevent unnecessary pill burden, adverse drug events, medical costs, geriatric morbidity, and mortality. Furthermore, enhancing pharmacist roles towards medication therapy management and safety monitoring in older adults is also indicated.
Range-wide and temporal genomic analyses reveal the consequences of near-extinction in Swedish moose
Authors: Dussex Nicolas , Kurland Sara , Olsen Remi-André , Spong Göran , Ericsson Göran , Ekblom Robert , Ryman Nils , Dalén Love , Laikre Linda
Published: October 2023

Ungulate species have experienced severe declines over the past centuries through overharvesting and habitat loss. Even if many game species have recovered thanks to strict hunting regulation, the genome-wide impacts of overharvesting are still unclear. Here, we examine the temporal and geographical differences in genome-wide diversity in moose (Alces alces) over its whole range in Sweden by sequencing 87 modern and historical genomes. We found limited impact of the 1900s near-extinction event but local variation in inbreeding and load in modern populations, as well as suggestion of a risk of future reduction in genetic diversity and gene flow. Furthermore, we found candidate genes for local adaptation, and rapid temporal allele frequency shifts involving coding genes since the 1980s, possibly due to selective harvesting. Our results highlight that genomic changes potentially impacting fitness can occur over short time scales and underline the need to track both deleterious and selectively advantageous genomic variation.
Inertial self-propelled particles in anisotropic environments
Authors: Sprenger Alexander R. , Scholz Christian , Ldov Anton , Wittkowski Raphael , Löwen Hartmut
Published: October 2023

Self-propelled particles in anisotropic environments can exhibit a motility that depends on their orientation. This dependence is relevant for a plethora of living organisms but difficult to study in controlled environments. Here, we present a macroscopic system of self-propelled vibrated granular particles on a striated substrate that displays orientation-dependent motility. An extension of the active Brownian motion model involving orientation-dependent motility and inertial effects reproduces and explains our experimental observations. The model can be applied to general n-fold symmetric anisotropy and can be helpful for predictive optimization of the dynamics of active matter in complex environments.
High-resolution nanoscale NMR for arbitrary magnetic fields
Authors: Meinel Jonas , Kwon MinSik , Maier Rouven , Dasari Durga , Sumiya Hitoshi , Onoda Shinobu , Isoya Junichi , Vorobyov Vadim , Wrachtrup Jörg
Published: October 2023

Nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers are a major platform for the detection of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signals at the nanoscale. To overcome the intrinsic electron spin lifetime limit in spectral resolution, a heterodyne detection approach is widely used. However, application of this technique at high magnetic fields is yet an unsolved problem. Here, we introduce a heterodyne detection method utilizing a series of phase coherent electron nuclear double resonance sensing blocks, thus eliminating the numerous Rabi microwave pulses required in the detection. Our detection protocol can be extended to high magnetic fields, allowing chemical shift resolution in NMR experiments. We demonstrate this principle on a weakly coupled 13C nuclear spin in the bath surrounding single NV centers, and compare the results to existing heterodyne protocols. Additionally, we identify the combination of NV-spin-initialization infidelity and strong sensor-target-coupling as linewidth-limiting decoherence source, paving the way towards high-field heterodyne NMR protocols with chemical resolution.
A robust poly-reference frequency-domain identification method to extract dynamic properties from vibration data
Authors: Amador Sandro Diord Rescinho , Brincker Rune
Published: October 2023

When performing vibration tests on structural systems, engineers face the challenge of extracting the dynamic properties from the measured data in an accurate and robust manner. Though several methods exist for this purpose, in some circumstances, they fail to provide clear estimates for these properties, particularly when applied to noise-contaminated data. Here we propose a robust and accurate method formulated in frequency-domain modal model for extracting dynamic properties from vibration data. The method is applied to three application examples, namely the vibrations simulated with the aid of a finite element model and the real-life vibration measurements of a platform specimen and of a full-scale concrete heritage court building. Its performance is thereafter assessed by the so-called stabilization diagrams, the relative error between estimated and exact properties, the modal assurance criterion, and by comparing the synthesized frequency functions to their measured counterparts. This assessment shows that the proposed approach tends to provide clearer and more accurate identification results than those from the state-of-the-art identification methods.
SPEC 2022: International Conference on Clinical Spectroscopy
Authors: Meade Aidan D. , Lyng Fiona M. , Byrne Hugh J.
Published: October 2023

Aidan D. Meade, Fiona M. Lyng and Hugh J. Byrne introduce the Analyst themed issue on SPEC 2022: International Conference on Clinical Spectroscopy.
Rapid simultaneous determination of 7 fat-soluble vitamins in human serum by ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Huo Yumei , Zhang Shangqing , Wu Gaoping , Shan Hongbo , Li Qianqian , Deng Tongqing , Pan Chao
Published: October 2023

An analytical procedure for the determination of 7 fat-soluble vitamins in human serum by LC-MS/MS.
Separation and purification of active ingredients in tobacco by free-flow electrophoresis
Authors: Sha Yunfei , Yu Haoran , Xiong Junwei , Wang Junfeng , Fei Ting , Wu Da , Yang Kai , Zhang Lei
Published: October 2023

The active ingredients from tobacco extracts were continuously separated and purified using a homemade free-flow electrophoresis apparatus.
A novel drug–drug cocrystal of tegafur and myricetin: optimized properties of dissolution and tabletability
Authors: Zhang Min , Gu Dai-Lin , Zhen Jian-Feng , Lu Tong-Bu , Dai Xia-Lin , Chen Jia-Mei
Published: October 2023

A drug–drug cocrystal of tegafur and myricetin is successfully prepared, which exhibits optimized aqueous solubility and tabletability compared with individual APIs.
Classification of crystal structures of thiophene-containing organic semiconductors
Authors: Mori Takehiko
Published: October 2023

Crystal structures of oligothiophenes and thienoacenes are classified based on the geometrical relations between the nonparallel molecules.
Insights into localization, energy ordering, and substituent effect in excited states of azobenzenes from coupled cluster calculations of nuclear spin-induced circular dichroism
Authors: Andersen Josefine H. , Hättig Christof , Coriani Sonia , Štěpánek Petr
Published: October 2023

Due to its sensitivity to the local electronic structure, nuclear spin-induced circular dichroism can be used to gain insight into properties of excited states. New computational tools for its calculation are presented.
Effect of salt addition on a triblock copolymer-zwitterionic surfactant assembly: insight from excited-state proton transfer
Authors: Pal Tapas , Sahu Kalyanasis
Published: October 2023

The addition of salts enhances the ESPT dynamics without changing the size of the triblock copolymer-zwitterionic surfactant mixed assembly.
Understanding the degradation mechanism of TTA-based blue fluorescent OLEDs by exciton dynamics and transient electroluminescence measurements
Authors: Wu Yibing , Xiao Shu , Guo Kaiwen , Qiao Xianfeng , Yang Dezhi , Dai Yanfeng , Sun Qian , Chen Jiangshan , Ma Dongge
Published: October 2023

The degradation mechanism of TTA-based doped blue fluorescent OLEDs revealed through exciton dynamics and transient EL measurements.
High-field and fast-spinning 1H MAS NMR spectroscopy for the characterization of two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks
Authors: Lopatik Nikolaj , De Ankita , Paasch Silvia , Schneemann Andreas , Brunner Eike
Published: October 2023

High-field and fast-spinning 1H MAS NMR spectroscopy allows to resolve and quantify different 1H species within two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (2D COFs), including for edge sites and/or defects.
Expansion of bond dissociation prediction with machine learning to medicinally and environmentally relevant chemical space
Authors: S. V. Shree Sowndarya , Kim Yeonjoon , Kim Seonah , St. John Peter C. , Paton Robert S.
Published: October 2023

Bond dissociation energetics underpin the thermodynamics of chemical transformations where bonds are broken or formed and can also be used to predict reaction rates and selectivities.
A series of isopolymolybdate–viologen hybrids with photo-, thermo- and electro-chromic properties
Authors: Yu Shuang , Liu Tao , Ying Jun , Tian Aixiang , Yang Mengle , Wang Xiuli
Published: October 2023

Four compounds were successfully constructed by solvothermal and hydrothermal methods. 1–4 all showed positive responses to external stimuli. Meanwhile, 3 has also been successfully applied to erasable inkless printing and anticounterfeiting.
Exploring the significance of packing modes and 3D framework sizes and utilizing three chlorine-mediated acceptors and the “like dissolves like” approach for achieving an efficiency over 19%
Authors: Lai Hanjian , Chen Hui , Chen Zi-Yi , Lang Yongwen , Zhu Yulin , Zhang Shi-Tong , Lai Xue , Tan Pu , Zhang Yuanzhu , Yang Bing , Li Gang , He Feng
Published: October 2023

It revealed the packing arrangement of three representative chlorinated NFAs, showing differences from linear to compact 3D network packing structures, which suggests the evolution direction of NFA materials with gradually enhanced device performance.
Nanomaterials in plant management: functions, mechanisms and prospects
Authors: Lv Xing , Sha Haodong , Ye Zi , Wang Yi , Mao Bizeng
Published: October 2023

Efficient, sustainable agricultural methods are critical to meet the food requirements of a rapidly growing global population.
Development of lignin-coated natural polysaccharide-based nanopesticides for both high foliar adhesion and rapid release of pesticide molecules against bacteriostasis
Authors: Lin Hanchen , Li Shanshan , Ning Like , Ma Ning , Xu Peng , Hong Mei , Wang Fei , You Chaoqun
Published: October 2023

The formation of NES@LCMs and enhanced pesticide utilization efficiency by improving the deposition and precise stimulus–response release in pests.
The sustainability impact of Nobel Prize Chemistry: life cycle assessment of C–C cross-coupling reactions
Authors: Osorio-Tejada Jose Luis , Ferlin Francesco , Vaccaro Luigi , Hessel Volker
Published: October 2023

Carbon-to-carbon (C–C) cross-coupling reaction (CCR) protocols represent a major breakthrough in synthetic chemistry.
Role of fungal enzymes in the synthesis of pharmaceutically important scaffolds: a green approach
Authors: Kumar Divas , Narula A. K. , Deswal Deepa
Published: October 2023

Fungi are a diverse group of organisms that play an essential role in the biosphere.
Visible-light-driven graphitic carbon nitride-catalyzed ATRA of alkynes: highly regio- and stereoselective synthesis of (E)-β-functionalized vinylsulfones
Authors: Xie Shu-Li , Yan Jian-Zhong , Xie Meng-Jun , Li Xuan , Zhou Fan , Zheng Mei-Qiong , Wang Xue-Lin , Feng Junhao , Zhang Yao , Duan Ya-Nan , Niu Yong-Dong , Li Dong , Xia Hai-Dong
Published: October 2023

A visible-light-driven g-C3N4-catalyzed atom transfer radical addition (ATRA) of alkynes to synthesize valuable (E)-β-thio/seleno vinylsulfones is accomplished. g-C3N4 can be recovered and reused in five runs without loss of catalytic activity.
A cell-free artificial anabolic pathway for direct conversion of CO2 to ethanol
Authors: Dong Wanrong , Ji Xiuling , Huang Yuhong , Xue Yaju , Guo Boxia , Cai Dongbo , Chen Shouwen , Zhang Suojiang
Published: October 2023

A cell-free anabolic pathway for direct conversion of CO2 to ethanol in a carbon-conserved and ATP-independent manner is proposed by constructing and assembling CO2 activation, formaldehyde → acetyl-CoA, and ethanol synthesis modules.
Understanding droplet breakup in a post-array device with sheath-flow configuration
Authors: Masui Shuzo , Kanno Yusuke , Nisisako Takasi
Published: October 2023

We found the power-law correlation for microfluidic droplet splitting can describe the mean droplet diameter generated in post-array devices.
A fluorinated perylene diimide for polar and non-polar green solvent processed organic photovoltaic cathode interlayers
Authors: Atkinson Colton , Niazi Muhammad Rizwan , Welch Gregory C.
Published: October 2023

A new fluorinated N-annulated perylene diimide molecule for use as a cathode interlayer in organic solar cells. Fluorination increases solubility and allows for processing from a range of green solvents, including heptane for the first time.
Morphology-controlled green synthesis of tellurium nanostructures and applications of Te/MXene hybrid structures
Authors: Xu Mengchen , Li Jinshu , Yang Qingshan , Jiang Lu , He Jiaqi , He Dawei , Wang Yongsheng , Yang Yajie
Published: October 2023

Morphology-controlled Te nanostructures are synthesized by a viable and eco-friendly solution process, realizing the formation of high-quality two-dimensional tellurene and one-dimensional Te nanotubes, nanowires, and nanocables.