bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imperceptible backdoor watermarks for speech recognition model copyright protection
Authors: Liao Junpei , Yi Liang , Shi Wenxin , Yang Wenyuan , Fang Yanmei , Yang Xin
Published: July 2024

As the demand for shared pre-trained deep neural network models continues to rise, safeguarding the intellectual property of models is also increasingly significant. While existing studies predominantly concentrate on protecting pre-trained image recognition models, limited research covers pre-trained speech recognition models. In this paper, we propose the black-box watermark method to authenticate the ownership of speech recognition models. This method can mitigate the risk of unauthorized AI services being created by attackers who gain access to the pre-trained model. Accordingly, we present three watermarking methods: Gaussian noise watermark, extreme frequency Gaussian noise watermark, and unrelated audio watermark. These generated watermarks, embedded into models through training or fine-tuning, exhibit remarkable fidelity and effectiveness, backed by rigorous experimental validation. Furthermore, our experiments reveal that the extreme frequency noise backdoor enhances the robustness of the watermark compared to the Gaussian noise and unrelated audio watermark.
Impact of the partial substitution of cement and sand by ash from several types of wood species in cementitious materials manufacture: valorization in the industrial field
Authors: Tiegoum Wembe Japhet , Mambou Ngueyep Luc Leroy , Elat Emmanuel , Fotseu Miyo Christian Dupont , Hamadou Aboubakary , Ndjaka Jean-Marie Bienvenu , Noumowe Albert
Published: July 2024

The main objective of this article is to evaluate the potential use of wood ash as a substitute for cement and sand in mortars. Three types of wood were selected: Ayous, Sapelli and Fraké, all of which were sourced from carpentry in Cameroon. The sawdust was dried and combusted to obtain ash, then ground and sieved. Six types of mortar were produced, with cement substitution at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%. The physico-mechanical properties of these substitutions were determined after 7, 28 and 56 days. The results of the cement paste consistency show that it increases with the addition of ash, due to the fact that sawdust ash requires a large quantity of water. The addition of ash caused an increase in setting time due to the fact that sawdust ash is less reactive than Ordinary Portland cement, resulting in a delay in the rate of cement hydration. Apparent density values decreased with the addition of sawdust ash, probably due to the hygroscopic behavior of type of ash in mortar specimens. The highest pozzolanic index is that of 5% replacement by ash and almost identical absorption for all mortars at this substitution percentage. Acid attack results revealed a higher durability of mortar specimens with the higher percentage of ash substitution. Optimum compressive strengths for the different substitution percentages were observed at 5%, 15% and 10% respectively for Ayous, Sapelli and Fraké. The best wood ash is Sapelli because of its chemical composition and resistance to compression in mortars. At 56 days, compressive strength values exceed those of the reference composition. This may be due to pozzolanic reactions in the mortars of ash.
Volumetric and ultrasonic studies of molecular interactions in binary mixtures of N,N-dimethylacetamide with some polyethylene glycols at temperatures from 293.15 to 323.15 K
Authors: Nidhi  , Nain Anil Kumar
Published: July 2024

The intermolecular interactions in N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA) + polyethylene glycol (PEG) mixtures have been examined from the measurements of the densities, ρ and speeds of sound, u of DMA + PEG 200 or PEG 300 or PEG 400 or PEG 600 mixtures over the entire mole fraction range at temperatures, T = (293.15–323.15) K and atmospheric pressure. Various excess parameters, viz., excess molar volume, excess isentropic compressibility, excess intermolecular free length, excess speed of sound, excess molar isentropic compressibility and excess acoustic impedance were evaluated using measured data. These excess properties were correlated with the Redlich–Kister equation. In addition, the partial molar volume and compressibility; excess partial molar volume and compressibility of the components over the entire composition range; and partial molar volume and compressibility and excess partial molar volume and compressibility of the components at infinite dilution have also been calculated. These evaluated parameters have been interpreted by means of prevailing intermolecular interactions in these mixtures. The presence of strong intermolecular interactions among DMA and PEG molecules have been revealed from the evaluated parameters of these mixtures. The speeds of sound were predicted theoretically using scaled particle theory and compared with experimental values. FT-IR spectra of pure DMA, PEG 200 and their equimolar mixtures were also recorded and analysed for better understanding of prevailing intermolecular interaction.
A transoceanic journey: Melanochlamys diomedea's first report in the North Atlantic
Authors: de Montety Laure , Egilsdóttir Svanhildur , Láruson Áki Jarl , Micael Joana , Gíslason Sindri
Published: July 2024

Egg masses from an unknown mollusc have been found in South-West Iceland since 2020, but it was not until September 2023 that the adult organism was collected. Morphological analysis of both adults and egg masses pointed towards the identification of the species as Melanochlamys diomedea. This was further confirmed through DNA analyses using COI, H3, and 16S rRNA markers, which established the presence of a new non-indigenous species in the North Atlantic. Members of the genus Melanochlamys have predominantly been found in the Indo-Pacific basin and the Pacific Ocean, with only one species known to exist across the Madeira Islands, Canary Islands, and Cape Verde in the Atlantic. The known distribution range of M. diomedea extends from Alaska to California on the Pacific side of North America, where it typically inhabits sandy-muddy areas of the littoral in the tidal zone and below. It is not known how the species arrived in Iceland. However, maritime transport through either ballast water or biofouling is being considered as the most likely mode of dispersal.
All the President’s Women? Female Leaders, Family Ties, and Gendered Cabinet Appointments Worldwide
Authors: Liu Yanjun , Wang Zezhong
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the nexus between the rise of female leaders and the appointment of women to cabinets and how family ties, crucial for women’s political ascendance, impact these appointments. Using a unique dataset across 160 countries from 1966 to 2021, we find that female leaders generally appoint more women to their cabinets and key cabinet roles. However, this effect is significantly moderated by the “Goldilocks” principle, defined by the nature of a leader’s family ties. Specifically, female leaders with moderate family ties are most likely to appoint women. In contrast, their counterparts from political dynasties and those without familial political ties are less inclined to do so. The exploratory analysis suggests potential mechanisms driving this dynamic: female leaders with a “just-right” degree of political lineage are more likely to have advanced degrees and Western education, potentially aligning them more closely with liberal and feminist values.
Modeling Air Pollution‐Related Health Benefits of Transportation Scenarios: A Collaboration Between Academic Researchers and Environmental Justice Organizations
Authors: Rick Christopher , Gaddy Kim , Lewis Sharon , Mitchell Mark , Owen Sofia , Shabazz Queen , Chu Wiens Laura , Stange Jay , Little Cheryl , Ellis Erica , Arter Calvin , Kinney Patrick , Levy Jonathan I. , Perera Frederica , Coomes Katy , Lau Kathleen , Buckley Laura , Raifman Matthew , C Dinesh , Arunachalam Sarav , Buonocore Jonathan
Published: July 2024

Transportation is a leading contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and has become a focus for climate policies. Traffic‐related air pollution disproportionately affects environmental justice (EJ) communities—neighborhoods that have disproportionate exposure to environmental hazards, but health impact assessments rarely center EJ issues or prioritize the concerns of EJ communities. One explanation for the lack of focus on EJ communities is that both policymakers and academia have often failed to engage these communities. In this paper, academic researchers collaborate with seven EJ organizations in the northeastern US, working with collaboration advisors and facilitators, to design and evaluate potential transportation emissions reduction scenarios using air quality and health benefits modeling tools. We model and estimate the benefits of these scenarios, while working to build collaborative relationships between academic researchers and EJ organizations. The two primary outputs from this process are: quantification of health benefits attributable to emission reduction scenarios of interest to EJ organizations, and enhanced trust and community building between academic researchers and EJ organizations, with reflections on strengths, challenges, and opportunities for future work. We find the largest improvements to health result from scenarios that reduce car and truck traffic. Dialog between academic researchers and EJ organizations reinforce the disconnect between regional‐scale models and local community concerns as well as the more general gaps between statistical models and lived experience. Despite these challenges, the collaboration led to more meaningful models and valued insight for community organizations, and we recommend comparable collaborations in other settings where pollution control is being planned and evaluated in EJ communities.
Comparing Distributions of Overshooting Convection in HRRR Forecasts to Observations
Authors: Bissell Devin P. , Murillo Elisa M. , Mullendore Gretchen L.
Published: July 2024

Overshooting convection can significantly impact the chemical and radiative properties of the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere through the transport of various chemical species. These impacts include enhancements of water vapor and ozone‐depleting halocarbons, which both have important consequences for climate change. Therefore, accurate prediction of the Earth's climate system requires convective overshooting to be included. To better understand how convective transport is represented in current state‐of‐the‐art models, approximately 75,000 individual updrafts in the central and eastern United States are analyzed from High‐Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) simulations and NEXRAD radar observations during May and July 2021. Distributions of echo top potential temperatures and heights, as well as diurnal cycles of overshooting frequency, are compared to observations. These distributions show mean, median, and maximum echo tops 2–3 km lower than observations, both in absolute and tropopause‐relative space, with evidence of updrafts losing momentum too rapidly above the tropopause. Diurnal cycles show accurate times of maximum and minimum overshooting, but significant errors at model initialization and evidence that some simulated overshoots continue too late into the overnight hours. Despite these deficiencies, distributions of simulated levels of maximum detrainment show decent agreement with observations. All results, including the severe underprediction of echo top heights, persist at shorter forecast lead times. This indicates a need to improve representation of overshooting storms in weather and climate models, even those that are convection‐permitting, or introduce a transport parameterization.
3D Structure of Low‐Angle Normal Faults and Tectono‐Sedimentary Processes of Nascent Continental Core‐Complexes in the SE South China Sea
Authors: Legeay E. , Mohn G. , Ringenbach J. C. , Vetel W. , Sapin F.
Published: July 2024

This contribution explores the formation and evolution of hyper‐extended basins, associated with the early stage of core complex formation, controlled by low‐angle normal faults active at <30°. Based on a high‐resolution industrial 3D seismic reflection survey along the southern margin of the South China Sea (SCS) (Dangerous Grounds), we mapped and analyzed the 3D geometry of low‐angle normal fault systems and the related stratigraphy. Two main hyper‐extended basins were documented, filled by up to 6 km of sediments including pre‐ to post‐rift sequences. The observed normal faults on depth migrated seismic sections show an average dip angle of <30° and appear planar, characterized by continuous reflections with no clear steepening at depth and sole‐out on distinct decollement levels. Detailed fault surface mapping reveals the occurrence of km‐scale corrugations together with large wavelength undulation. The formation of these hyper‐extended basins is associated with polyphased syn‐rift infill during the development of the low‐angle normal faults. The first syn‐rift sequence appears as chaotic and discontinuous packages that has been dismembered and fragmented during the activity of low‐angle normal faults. The second syn‐rift package shows unexpected sedimentary wedges developing successively toward the footwall and the hangingwall. This geometry results from the interplay between the main low‐angle normal fault and antithetic faults defining a so‐called extensional fishtail. The deep structure of these basins shows nascent domes with limited evidence of magmatism. Eventually, these basins likely capture the earliest stage of core complex development in the proximal margin of the southern SCS.
Temperature Is Likely an Important Omission in Interpreting Vegetation Optical Depth
Authors: Zhao Meng , Humphrey Vincent , Feldman Andrew F. , Konings Alexandra G.
Published: July 2024

Vegetation optical depth (VOD) satellite microwave retrievals provide significant insights into vegetation water content and responses to hydroclimatic changes. While VOD variations are commonly linked to dry biomass and live fuel moisture content (LFMC), the impact of canopy temperature (Tc) remains overlooked in large‐scale studies. Here, we investigated the impact of Tc on L‐band (1.4 GHz) and X‐band (10.7 GHz) VOD at diurnal and seasonal timescales. Synthetic benchmark VOD was created using realistic fields of Tc, LFMC, and biomass in an electromagnetic model. Perturbation experiments revealed that Tc strongly affects diurnal VOD variations at both L‐band and X‐band. Seasonally, while biomass emerges as the largest contributor to VOD variations in 70% (at X‐band) and 90% (at L‐band) of our study region, Tc and LFMC still play substantial roles. The findings stress the importance of refining retrieval algorithms to distinguish Tc, LFMC, and biomass effects for future VOD applications in ecohydrology.
Io's Near‐Field Alfvén Wings and Local Electron Beams Inferred From Juno/Waves
Authors: Sulaiman A. H. , Kurth W. S. , Connerney J. E. P. , Elliott S. S. , Hospodarsky G. B. , Kruegler N. S. , Lysak R. L. , Menietti J. D. , Szalay J. R. , Allegrini F. , Bolton S. J.
Published: July 2024

Juno conducted two close Io flybys on 30 December 2023 and 03 February 2024, both at a minimum altitude of 1,500 km. Filamentary structures in the electric and magnetic field spectra indicate Juno crossed the Alfvén wing, the magnetic structure connecting Io to Jupiter's polar ionosphere. We show that the first pass took Juno diametrically through the northern Alfvén wing, while the second pass had Juno graze the southern Alfvén wing boundary, enabling extended measurements of the transition region between Io's vicinity and the Jovian magnetosphere. Of note, evidence of local electron beams is inferred from whistler‐mode emissions. We demonstrate that their energies are sub‐keV, are sourced from Io's ionosphere or local torus, and are part of a distributed current system connecting Io to Jupiter. Finally, upper hybrid resonances indicate electron densities are significantly elevated in Io's polar region (∼28,000 cm−3) compared to the local Io torus (∼2,000 cm−3).
Nightside Detached Auroras Associated With Expanding Auroral Oval During the Main and Recovery Phases of a Magnetic Storm
Authors: Zhou Su , Luan Xiaoli , Zhou Zhijin , Wu Zongxian
Published: July 2024

Detached subauroral proton arcs are commonly observed during the recovery phase of geomagnetic storms, and have been extensively investigated. However, there is limited study on their occurrence during the main phase of storms. This study investigated nightside detached auroras (NDAs) observed by the far‐ultraviolet imager onboard the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program spacecraft. The NDAs occurred in the nightside sector, separated from the equatorward boundary of the auroral oval, and were observed during the main and recovery phases of the geomagnetic storm on 02 October 2013. The occurrence of the NDAs appears to correlate with the expanding auroral oval toward lower latitudes, and is independent of the polarity change in the interplanetary magnetic field Bz component. Particle measurements indicate that the NDAs were generated by energetic protons, primarily above 10 keV, originating from the ring current. These precipitating proton fluxes, predominantly anisotropic, were observed to be detached from the isotropic boundary within the auroral oval. Analysis of Pc1 data obtained by ground stations suggests that electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves account for the generation of the NDAs. The limited latitudinal distribution of the NDAs indicates the wave activity in the magnetospheric source region within a narrow L‐shell region. The observations presented in this study would contribute to our understanding of the coupling processes between the magnetosphere and ionosphere within the subauroral region.
Patient adherence in orthodontics: a protocol for a scoping review
Authors: van der Bie R. M. , Bos A. , Bruers J. J. M. , Jonkman R. E. G.
Published: July 2024

Background

Patient adherence is a key factor in achieving orthodontic success. While in recent years there have been changes in orthodontic healthcare, no recent comprehensive reviews regarding adherence in orthodontics are available. Therefore, the aim of this planned scoping review is to systematically map the available literature regarding patient adherence in orthodontics to identify factors associated with patient adherence and to investigate if there are knowledge gaps in the available literature.

Methods/design

This protocol was drafted according to guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) statement and the PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). For the methods Arksey and O’Malley’s framework and the Reviewer’s Manual of the Joanna Briggs Institute for conducting scoping reviews were consulted. The inclusion criteria for this scoping review are studies of all designs assessing any form of adherence in orthodontics, published in English from 2006 onwards. The exclusion criteria are studies investigating adherence in the following patients: those with an intellectual or physical disability that could affect their ability to coincide with their therapist’s recommendations and advice, those with oral cleft and craniofacial conditions, and those solely treated for obstructive sleep apnoea. Case reports and studies published in non peer reviewed journals will also be excluded. The following electronic databases will be searched: Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science Core Collection. The following key terms will be used in the search strategies: ‘treatment adherence and compliance’, and ‘orthodontics’. Multiple reviewers will independently screen the results and perform the data charting process. A narrative description will be provided for the analysis of the included studies. The results will be categorized into multiple topics based on recommendations by previous studies into patient adherence. Identified knowledge gaps will be reported and recommendations for future research will be suggested.

Discussion

No systematic review has previously assessed this exact topic. Because of the broad-spectrum research questions and the expected widely scattered literature a scoping review approach was chosen over a systematic review approach. The Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA) has been conducting research in patient adherence in orthodontics up to 2006 and therefore only studies published from 2006 onwards will be researched in this review. Identifying knowledge gaps and summarizing and disseminating research findings on this topic is important for every dental professional performing orthodontic treatment. This protocol is registered in the Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/ec6qd
HMGA1 promotes the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by elevating TKT-mediated upregulation of pentose phosphate pathway
Authors: Liu Meng-Jie , Zhao Yuan , Li Qiu-Tong , Lei Xin-Yuan , He Kai-Yue , Guo Jin-Rong , Yang Jing-Yu , Yan Zhen-Hua , Wu Dan-Hui , Zhang Lei , Jian Yong-Ping , Xu Zhi-Xiang
Published: July 2024

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) possesses a poor prognosis and treatment outcome. Dysregulated metabolism contributes to unrestricted growth of multiple cancers. However, abnormal metabolism, such as highly activated pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) in the progression of ESCC remains largely unknown. Herein, we report that high-mobility group AT-hook 1 (HMGA1), a structural transcriptional factor involved in chromatin remodeling, promoted the development of ESCC by upregulating the PPP. We found that HMGA1 was highly expressed in ESCC. Elevated HMGA1 promoted the malignant phenotype of ESCC cells. Conditional knockout of HMGA1 markedly reduced 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4NQO)-induced esophageal tumorigenesis in mice. Through the metabolomic analysis and the validation assay, we found that HMGA1 upregulated the non-oxidative PPP. With the transcriptome sequencing, we identified that HMGA1 upregulated the expression of transketolase (TKT), which catalyzes the reversible reaction in non-oxidative PPP to exchange metabolites with glycolytic pathway. HMGA1 knockdown suppressed the PPP by downregulating TKT, resulting in the reduction of nucleotides in ESCC cells. Overexpression of HMGA1 upregulated PPP and promoted the survival of ESCC cells by activating TKT. We further characterized that HMGA1 promoted the transcription of TKT by interacting with and enhancing the binding of transcription factor SP1 to the promoter of TKT. Therapeutics targeting TKT with an inhibitor, oxythiamine, reduced HMGA1-induced ESCC cell proliferation and tumor growth. Together, in this study, we identified a new role of HMGA1 in ESCCs by upregulating TKT-mediated activation of PPP. Our results provided a new insight into the role of HMGA1/TKT/PPP in ESCC tumorigenesis and targeted therapy.
In vitro resistance development gives insights into molecular resistance mechanisms against cefiderocol
Authors: Kriz Richard , Spettel Kathrin , Pichler Alina , Schefberger Katharina , Sanz-Codina Maria , Lötsch Felix , Harrison Nicole , Willinger Birgit , Zeitlinger Markus , Burgmann Heinz , Lagler Heimo
Published: July 2024

Cefiderocol, a novel siderophore cephalosporin, demonstrates promising in vitro activity against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, including carbapenemase-producing strains. Nonetheless, only a few reports are available regarding the acquisition of resistance in clinical settings, primarily due to its recent usage. This study aimed to investigate cefiderocol resistance using an in vitro resistance development model to gain insights into the underlying molecular resistance mechanisms. Cefiderocol susceptible reference strains (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and a clinical Acinetobacter baumannii complex isolate were exposed to increasing cefiderocol concentrations using a high-throughput resistance development model. Cefiderocol susceptibility testing was performed using broth microdilution. Whole-genome sequencing was employed to identify newly acquired resistance mutations. Our in vitro resistance development model led to several clones of strains exhibiting cefiderocol resistance, with MIC values 8-fold to 512-fold higher than initial levels. In total, we found 42 different mutations in 26 genes, of which 35 could be described for the first time. Putative loss-of-function mutations were detected in the envZ, tonB, and cirA genes in 13 out of 17 isolates, leading to a decrease in cefiderocol influx. Other potential resistance mechanisms included multidrug efflux pumps (baeS, czcS, nalC), antibiotic-inactivating enzymes (ampR, dacB), and target mutations in penicillin-binding-protein genes (mrcB). This study reveals new insights into underlying molecular resistance mechanisms against cefiderocol. While mutations leading to reduced influx via iron transporters was the most frequent resistance mechanism, we also detected several other novel resistance mutations causing cefiderocol resistance.
Fast boulder fracturing by thermal fatigue detected on stony asteroids
Authors: Lucchetti A. , Cambioni S. , Nakano R. , Barnouin O. S. , Pajola M. , Penasa L. , Tusberti F. , Ramesh K. T. , Dotto E. , Ernst C. M. , Daly R. T. , Mazzotta Epifani E. , Hirabayashi M. , Parro L. , Poggiali G. , Campo Bagatin A. , Ballouz R.-L. , Chabot N. L. , Michel P. , Murdoch N. , Vincent J. B. , Karatekin Ö. , Rivkin A. S. , Sunshine J. M. , Kohout T. , Deshapriya J.D.P. , Hasselmann P.H.A. , Ieva S. , Beccarelli J. , Ivanovski S. L. , Rossi A. , Ferrari F. , Rossi C. , Raducan S. D. , Steckloff J. , Schwartz S. , Brucato J. R. , Dall’Ora M. , Zinzi A. , Cheng A. F. , Amoroso M. , Bertini I. , Capannolo A. , Caporali S. , Ceresoli M. , Cremonese G. , Della Corte V. , Gai I. , Gomez Casajus L. , Gramigna E. , Impresario G. , Lasagni Manghi R. , Lavagna M. , Lombardo M. , Modenini D. , Palumbo P. , Perna D. , Pirrotta S. , Tortora P. , Zannoni M. , Zanotti G.
Published: July 2024

Spacecraft observations revealed that rocks on carbonaceous asteroids, which constitute the most numerous class by composition, can develop millimeter-to-meter-scale fractures due to thermal stresses. However, signatures of this process on the second-most populous group of asteroids, the S-complex, have been poorly constrained. Here, we report observations of boulders’ fractures on Dimorphos, which is the moonlet of the S-complex asteroid (65803) Didymos, the target of NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) planetary defense mission. We show that the size-frequency distribution and orientation of the mapped fractures are consistent with formation through thermal fatigue. The fractures’ preferential orientation supports that these have originated in situ on Dimorphos boulders and not on Didymos boulders later transferred to Dimorphos. Based on our model of the fracture propagation, we propose that thermal fatigue on rocks exposed on the surface of S-type asteroids can form shallow, horizontally propagating fractures in much shorter timescales (100 kyr) than in the direction normal to the boulder surface (order of Myrs). The presence of boulder fields affected by thermal fracturing on near-Earth asteroid surfaces may contribute to an enhancement in the ejected mass and momentum from kinetic impactors when deflecting asteroids.
The geology and evolution of the Near-Earth binary asteroid system (65803) Didymos
Authors: Barnouin Olivier , Ballouz Ronald-Louis , Marchi Simone , Vincent Jean-Baptiste , Agrusa Harrison , Zhang Yun , Ernst Carolyn M. , Pajola Maurizio , Tusberti Filippo , Lucchetti Alice , Daly R. Terik , Palmer Eric , Walsh Kevin J. , Michel Patrick , Sunshine Jessica M. , Rizos Juan L. , Farnham Tony L. , Richardson Derek C. , Parro Laura M. , Murdoch Naomi , Robin Colas Q. , Hirabayashi Masatoshi , Kahout Tomas , Asphaug Erik , Raducan Sabina D. , Jutzi Martin , Ferrari Fabio , Hasselmann Pedro Henrique Aragao , CampoBagatin Adriano , Chabot Nancy L. , Li Jian-Yang , Cheng Andrew F. , Nolan Michael C. , Stickle Angela M. , Karatekin Ozgur , Dotto Elisabetta , Della Corte Vincenzo , Mazzotta Epifani Elena , Rossi Alessandro , Gai Igor , Deshapriya Jasinghege Don Prasanna , Bertini Ivano , Zinzi Angelo , Trigo-Rodriguez Josep M. , Beccarelli Joel , Ivanovski Stavro Lambrov , Brucato John Robert , Poggiali Giovanni , Zanotti Giovanni , Amoroso Marilena , Capannolo Andrea , Cremonese Gabriele , Dall’Ora Massimo , Ieva Simone , Impresario Gabriele , Lavagn Michèle , Modenini Dario , Palumbo Pasquale , Perna Davide , Pirrotta Simone , Tortora Paolo , Zannoni Marco , Rivkin Andrew S.
Published: July 2024

Images collected during NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission provide the first resolved views of the Didymos binary asteroid system. These images reveal that the primary asteroid, Didymos, is flattened and has plausible undulations along its equatorial perimeter. At high elevations, its surface is rough and contains large boulders and craters; at low elevations its surface is smooth and possesses fewer large boulders and craters. Didymos’ moon, Dimorphos, possesses an intimate mixture of boulders, several asteroid-wide lineaments, and a handful of craters. The surfaces of both asteroids include boulders that are large relative to their host body, suggesting that both asteroids are rubble piles. Based on these observations, our models indicate that Didymos has a surface cohesion ≤ 1 Pa and an interior cohesion of ∼10 Pa, while Dimorphos has a surface cohesion of <0.9 Pa. Crater size-frequency analyzes indicate the surface age of Didymos is 40–130 times older than Dimorphos, with likely absolute ages of $$\sim$$
~
12.5 Myr and <0.3 Myr, respectively. Solar radiation could have increased Didymos’ spin rate leading to internal deformation and surface mass shedding, which likely created Dimorphos.
People are more error-prone after committing an error
Authors: Adkins Tyler J. , Zhang Han , Lee Taraz G.
Published: July 2024

Humans tend to slow down after making an error. A longstanding account of this post-error slowing is that people are simply more cautious. However, accuracy typically does not improve following an error, leading some researchers to suggest that an initial ‘orienting’ response may initially impair performance immediately following error. Unfortunately, characterizing the nature of this error-based impairment remains a challenge in standard tasks that use free response times. By exerting control over the timing of responses, we reveal the time course of stimulus-response processing. Participants are less accurate after an error even when given ample time to make a response. A computational model of response preparation rules out the possibility that errors lead to slower cognitive processing. Instead, we find that the efficacy of cognitive processing in producing an intended response is impaired following errors. Following an error, participants commit more slips of action that tend to be a repetition of the previous mistake. Rather than a strategic shift along a single speed-accuracy tradeoff function, post-error slowing observed in free response time tasks may be an adaptive response to impaired cognitive processing that reflects an altered relationship between the speed and accuracy of responses.
A library of 2D electronic material inks synthesized by liquid-metal-assisted intercalation of crystal powders
Authors: Wang Shengqi , Li Wenjie , Xue Junying , Ge Jifeng , He Jing , Hou Junyang , Xie Yu , Li Yuan , Zhang Hao , Sofer Zdeněk , Lin Zhaoyang
Published: July 2024

Solution-processable 2D semiconductor inks based on electrochemical molecular intercalation and exfoliation of bulk layered crystals using organic cations has offered an alternative pathway to low-cost fabrication of large-area flexible and wearable electronic devices. However, the growth of large-piece bulk crystals as starting material relies on costly and prolonged high-temperature process, representing a critical roadblock towards practical and large-scale applications. Here we report a general liquid-metal-assisted approach that enables the electrochemical molecular intercalation of low-cost and readily available crystal powders. The resulted solution-processable MoS2 nanosheets are of comparable quality to those exfoliated from bulk crystals. Furthermore, this method can create a rich library of functional 2D electronic inks ( >50 types), including 2D wide-bandgap semiconductors of low electrical conductivity. Lastly, we demonstrated the all-solution-processable integration of 2D semiconductors with 2D conductors and 2D dielectrics for the fabrication of large-area thin-film transistors and memristors at a greatly reduced cost.
Machine learning-guided co-optimization of fitness and diversity facilitates combinatorial library design in enzyme engineering
Authors: Ding Kerr , Chin Michael , Zhao Yunlong , Huang Wei , Mai Binh Khanh , Wang Huanan , Liu Peng , Yang Yang , Luo Yunan
Published: July 2024

The effective design of combinatorial libraries to balance fitness and diversity facilitates the engineering of useful enzyme functions, particularly those that are poorly characterized or unknown in biology. We introduce MODIFY, a machine learning (ML) algorithm that learns from natural protein sequences to infer evolutionarily plausible mutations and predict enzyme fitness. MODIFY co-optimizes predicted fitness and sequence diversity of starting libraries, prioritizing high-fitness variants while ensuring broad sequence coverage. In silico evaluation shows that MODIFY outperforms state-of-the-art unsupervised methods in zero-shot fitness prediction and enables ML-guided directed evolution with enhanced efficiency. Using MODIFY, we engineer generalist biocatalysts derived from a thermostable cytochromecto achieve enantioselective C-B and C-Si bond formation via a new-to-nature carbene transfer mechanism, leading to biocatalysts six mutations away from previously developed enzymes while exhibiting superior or comparable activities. These results demonstrate MODIFY’s potential in solving challenging enzyme engineering problems beyond the reach of classic directed evolution.
Adult neurogenesis improves spatial information encoding in the mouse hippocampus
Authors: Frechou M. Agustina , Martin Sunaina S. , McDermott Kelsey D. , Huaman Evan A. , Gökhan Şölen , Tomé Wolfgang A. , Coen-Cagli Ruben , Gonçalves J. Tiago
Published: July 2024

Adult neurogenesis is a unique form of neuronal plasticity in which newly generated neurons are integrated into the adult dentate gyrus in a process that is modulated by environmental stimuli. Adult-born neurons can contribute to spatial memory, but it is unknown whether they alter neural representations of space in the hippocampus. Using in vivo two-photon calcium imaging, we find that male and female mice previously housed in an enriched environment, which triggers an increase in neurogenesis, have increased spatial information encoding in the dentate gyrus. Ablating adult neurogenesis blocks the effect of enrichment and lowers spatial information, as does the chemogenetic silencing of adult-born neurons. Both ablating neurogenesis and silencing adult-born neurons decreases the calcium activity of dentate gyrus neurons, resulting in a decreased amplitude of place-specific responses. These findings are in contrast with previous studies that suggested a predominantly inhibitory action for adult-born neurons. We propose that adult neurogenesis improves representations of space by increasing the gain of dentate gyrus neurons and thereby improving their ability to tune to spatial features. This mechanism may mediate the beneficial effects of environmental enrichment on spatial learning and memory.
Comparison of uridine and N1-methylpseudouridine mRNA platforms in development of an Andes virus vaccine
Authors: Kuzmin Ivan V. , Soto Acosta Ruben , Pruitt Layne , Wasdin Perry T. , Kedarinath Kritika , Hernandez Keziah R. , Gonzales Kristyn A. , Hill Kharighan , Weidner Nicole G. , Mire Chad , Engdahl Taylor B. , Moon Woohyun J. , Popov Vsevolod , Crowe James E. , Georgiev Ivelin S. , Garcia-Blanco Mariano A. , Abbott Robert K. , Bukreyev Alexander
Published: July 2024

The rodent-borne Andes virus (ANDV) causes a severe disease in humans. We developed an ANDV mRNA vaccine based on the M segment of the viral genome, either with regular uridine (U-mRNA) or N1-methylpseudouridine (m1Ψ-mRNA). Female mice immunized by m1Ψ-mRNA developed slightly greater germinal center (GC) responses than U-mRNA-immunized mice. Single cell RNA and BCR sequencing of the GC B cells revealed similar levels of activation, except an additional cluster of cells exhibiting interferon response in animals vaccinated with U-mRNA but not m1Ψ-mRNA. Similar immunoglobulin class-switching and somatic hypermutations were observed in response to the vaccines. Female Syrian hamsters were immunized via a prime–boost regimen with two doses of each vaccine. The titers of glycoprotein-binding antibodies were greater for U-mRNA construct than for m1Ψ-mRNA construct; however, the titers of ANDV-neutralizing antibodies were similar. Vaccinated animals were challenged with a lethal dose of ANDV, along with a naïve control group. All control animals and two animals vaccinated with a lower dose of m1Ψ-mRNA succumbed to infection whereas other vaccinated animals survived without evidence of virus replication. The data demonstrate the development of a protective vaccine against ANDV and the lack of a substantial effect of m1Ψ modification on immunogenicity and protection in rodents.
A novel integrated extraction protocol for multi-omic studies in heavily degraded samples
Authors: Boggi Byron , Sharpen Jack D. A. , Taylor George , Drosou Konstantina
Published: July 2024

The combination of multi-omic techniques, such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and epigenomics, has revolutionised studies in medical research. These techniques are employed to support biomarker discovery, better understand molecular pathways and identify novel drug targets. Despite concerted efforts in integrating omic datasets, there is an absence of protocols that integrate all four biomolecules in a single extraction process. Here, we demonstrate for the first time a minimally destructive integrated protocol for the simultaneous extraction of artificially degraded DNA, proteins, lipids and metabolites from pig brain samples. We used an MTBE-based approach to separate lipids and metabolites, followed by subsequent isolation of DNA and proteins. We have validated this protocol against standalone extraction protocols and show comparable or higher yields of all four biomolecules. This integrated protocol is key to facilitating the preservation of irreplaceable samples while promoting downstream analyses and successful data integration by removing bias from univariate dataset noise and varied distribution characteristics.
The failure mechanism of the Baishi landslide in Beichuan County, Sichuan, China
Authors: Tang Ran , Ren Suichun , Li Juntao , Feng Peng , Li Huajin , Deng Ren , Li Daxin , Kasama Kiyonobu
Published: July 2024

The Baishi landslide was located in the western part of Beichuan County, Sichuan Province, China. The landslide experienced multiple minor collapses at the front part, accompanying with numerous tensile cracks. To comprehensively grasp the stability conditions and predict the moment of failure of the landslide, deformation monitoring of the landslide has been carried out from the moment that the landslide was reported until it failed. This study analyzed the different phases of landslide deformation and its failure mechanism through the analysis of monitoring data. The result showed that the failure manifests both the retrogressive and advancing features. The landslide was divided into several zones based on the spatial variation of the deformation characteristics. Moreover, the improved tangential angle criterion is applied to categorize the deformation phases of a landslide. Investigating the surface displacement vectors and vector angles of landslides plays a significant role for ascertaining the failure and sliding mechanism. The monitoring results revealed that the front part of the landslide played a key role in the stability of the landslide. Therefore, the monitoring data from this zone were crucial for predicting the moment of complete landslide failure.
Rapid improvement of hepatic steatosis and liver stiffness after metabolic/bariatric surgery: a prospective study
Authors: Nixdorf Larissa , Hartl Lukas , Ströhl Stefanie , Felsenreich Daniel Moritz , Mairinger Magdalena , Jedamzik Julia , Richwien Paula , Mozayani Behrang , Semmler Georg , Balcar Lorenz , Schwarz Michael , Jachs Mathias , Dominik Nina , Bichler Christoph , Trauner Michael , Mandorfer Mattias , Reiberger Thomas , Langer Felix B. , Bauer David Josef Maria , Prager Gerhard
Published: July 2024

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and related steatohepatitis (MASH) are common among obese patients and may improve after metabolic/bariatric surgery (MBS). 93 Patients undergoing MBS in 2021–2022 were prospectively enrolled. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM; via vibration-controlled transient elastography [VCTE], point [pSWE] and 2D [2DSWE] shear wave elastography) and non-invasive steatosis assessment (via controlled attenuation parameter [CAP]) were performed before (baseline [BL]) and three months (M3) after surgery. 93 patients (median age 40.9 years, 68.8% female, median BL-BMI: 46.0 kg/m2) were included. BL-liver biopsy showed MASLD in 82.8% and MASH in 34.4% of patients. At M3 the median relative total weight loss (%TWL) was 20.1% and the median BMI was 36.1 kg/m2. LSM assessed by VCTE and 2DSWE, as well as median CAP all decreased significantly from BL to M3 both in the overall cohort and among patients with MASH. There was a decrease from BL to M3 in median levels of ALT (34.0 U/L to 31 U/L; p = 0.025), gamma glutamyl transferase (BL: 30.0 to 21.0 U/L; p < 0.001) and MASLD fibrosis score (BL: − 0.97 to − 1.74; p < 0.001). Decreasing LSM and CAP, as well as liver injury markers suggest an improvement of MASLD/MASH as early as 3 months after MBS.
Eco-friendly lignin nanoparticles as antioxidant and antimicrobial material for enhanced textile production
Authors: Ali Mohamed Abdel-Shakur , Abdel-Moein Nadia Mohamed , Owis Amal Saber , Ahmed Shaimaa Elsayed , Hanafy Eman Ahmed
Published: July 2024

Natural polymers are bioactive compounds that are used in the treatment of several disorders. Natural lignin, an amorphous polymer, offers significant potential for use as a building block in the production of bio-renovation materials. This study used an alkaline solvent technique to extract lignin from two Egyptian cotton cultivar byproducts, Giza 86 and 90. We then created nano-lignin to recycle cotton stalks into an environmentally beneficial product. The characterization of L86, L90, LNP86, and LNP90 was carried out using particle size, zeta potential, FT-IR, and TEM. Antioxidant activity using the DPPH assay and antimicrobial activity were determined for lignin and nano-lignin. Seven pathogenic bacteria (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus sciuri, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and five mycotoxigenic fungi (Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium proliferatum and Penicillium verrucosum) were used for antimicrobial activity. The results showed high antioxidant efficiency for LNP90, with an IC50 of 10.38 µg/mL. The antimicrobial activity showed positive growth inhibition for all studied microorganisms, with significant differences in nano-lignin compared to ordinary lignin. lignin and nano-lignin were effectively applied to treated textiles for medical purposes. The study concluded that single-use medical textiles with anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties, made from lignin and nano-lignin, could benefit patients intolerant to antibiotics.
Dike volume derived from seismicity as a gauge of fracture toughness and propagation dynamics
Authors: Konstantinou K. I.
Published: July 2024

The temporal evolution of dike volume can help elucidate its propagation dynamics, however, such an estimation is possible only when there are geodetic observations available along the dike path. Here it is shown that dike volume history during eight eruptions can be reconstructed from seismic moment release using high resolution earthquake catalogs. The critical volume needed for each dike to reach the surface is simulated and compared to the accumulated volume prior to eruption in order to infer fracture toughness, a measure of resistance to fracture. It is found that fracture toughness varies between 123–833 MPa m 1/2, with larger values corresponding to longer dikes. Resistance to fracture dominates over viscous dissipation when the dikes propagate through unfractured heterogeneous material with large rigidity contrast, or when there is dike segmentation. These results can be utilized for real time monitoring of dike growth, forecasting eruption volume, and for constraining analog or numerical models of dike propagation.
Mitigating data quality challenges in ambulatory wrist-worn wearable monitoring through analytical and practical approaches
Authors: Van Der Donckt Jonas , Vandenbussche Nicolas , Van Der Donckt Jeroen , Chen Stephanie , Stojchevska Marija , De Brouwer Mathias , Steenwinckel Bram , Paemeleire Koen , Ongenae Femke , Van Hoecke Sofie
Published: July 2024

Chronic disease management and follow-up are vital for realizing sustained patient well-being and optimal health outcomes. Recent advancements in wearable technologies, particularly wrist-worn devices, offer promising solutions for longitudinal patient monitoring, replacing subjective, intermittent self-reporting with objective, continuous monitoring. However, collecting and analyzing data from wearables presents several challenges, such as data entry errors, non-wear periods, missing data, and wearable artifacts. In this work, we explore these data analysis challenges using two real-world datasets (mBrain21 and ETRI lifelog2020). We introduce practical countermeasures, including participant compliance visualizations, interaction-triggered questionnaires to assess personal bias, and an optimized pipeline for detecting non-wear periods. Additionally, we propose a visualization-oriented approach to validate processing pipelines using scalable tools such as tsflex and Plotly-Resampler. Lastly, we present a bootstrapping methodology to evaluate the variability of wearable-derived features in the presence of partially missing data segments. Prioritizing transparency and reproducibility, we provide open access to our detailed code examples, facilitating adaptation in future wearable research. In conclusion, our contributions provide actionable approaches for improving wearable data collection and analysis.
Novel application for graphene oxide-based ionanofluids in flat plate solar thermal collectors
Authors: Moulefera I. , Pastor A. R. , Fuster M. G. , Delgado-Marín J. J. , Montalbán M. G. , Rodríguez-Pastor I. , López-Pérez A. , Martin-Gullon I. , Ramallo-González A. P. , Alarcón M. , Víllora G.
Published: July 2024

This study presents new ionanofluids (INF) composed of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ionic liquid (IL) and graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles which have been assessed for the first time in an experimental flat plate solar thermal collector (FPSC). For this purpose, four types of INFs were synthesized, maintaining a constant concentration of GO nanoparticles dispersed in different base fluids: ionic liquid (IL/GO), a mixture of ionic liquid and water in varying concentrations (IL-water (75–25)%/GO and IL-water (50–50)%/GO), and water (Water/GO). These four INFs were characterized and their thermophysical and physicochemical properties were determined. The results indicated a 37.4% improvement in efficiency and up to a 2.5-fold increase in temperature within the collector when the IL was applied exclusively as the base fluid, compared to water. Furthermore, IL/GO demonstrated excellent stability, showing no signs of deterioration or nanoparticle precipitation two years after preparation and testing. These findings suggest that INFs based on IL and GO nanoparticles significantly enhance the efficiency of FPSC, presenting a promising option for solar energy applications and opening a new research avenue for INFs in the production of domestic hot water.