bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The spatiotemporal trend of human brucellosis in China and driving factors using interpretability analysis
Authors: Wen Xiaohui , Wang Yun , Shao Zhongjun
Published: February 2024

Human brucellosis has reemerged in China, with a distinct change in its geographical distribution. The incidence of human brucellosis has significantly risen in inland regions of China. To gain insights into epidemic characteristics and identify factors influencing the geographic spread of human brucellosis, our study utilized the Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm and interpretable machine learning techniques. The results showed a consistent upward trend in the incidence of human brucellosis, with a significant increase of 8.20% from 2004 to 2021 (95% CI: 1.70, 15.10). The northern region continued to face a serious human situation, with a gradual upward trend. Meanwhile, the western and southern regions have experienced a gradual spread of human brucellosis, encompassing all regions of China over the past decade. Further analysis using Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) demonstrated that higher Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita and increased funding for education have the potential to reduce the spread. Conversely, the expansion of human brucellosis showed a positive correlation with bed availability per 1000 individuals, humidity, railway mileage, and GDP. These findings strongly suggest that socioeconomic factors play a more significant role in the spread of human brucellosis than other factors.
Development of a promising PPAR signaling pathway-related prognostic prediction model for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shi Qingmiao , Zeng Yifan , Xue Chen , Chu Qingfei , Yuan Xin , Li Lanjuan
Published: February 2024

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in systemic cell metabolism, energy homeostasis and immune response inhibition. However, its significance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been well documented. In our study, based on the RNA sequencing data of HCC, consensus clustering analyses were performed to identify PPAR signaling pathway-related molecular subtypes, each of which displaying varying survival probabilities and immune infiltration status. Following, a prognostic prediction model of HCC was developed by using the random survival forest method and Cox regression analysis. Significant difference in survival outcome, immune landscape, drug sensitivity and pathological features were observed between patients with different prognosis. Additionally, decision tree and nomogram models were adopted to optimize the prognostic prediction model. Furthermore, the robustness of the model was verified through single-cell RNA-sequencing data. Collectively, this study systematically elucidated that the PPAR signaling pathway-related prognostic model has good predictive efficacy for patients with HCC. These findings provide valuable insights for further research on personalized treatment approaches for HCC.
Experimental study and finite element analysis of heavy-duty escalator truss under full load conditions
Authors: Li Ning , Cao Zhongxi , Bao Wei , Lin Suixian , Zou Tao , Yan Mingming
Published: February 2024

The performance of the heavy-duty escalator truss greatly affects the stability and service life of the whole escalator system, and the manufacturing cost of truss structure accounts for more than 1/5. Thus, how to design the truss structure reasonably is a pivotal issue drawing the attention of numerous engineers and researchers. In this work, the experimental research of heavy-duty escalators under full load conditions were performed in terms of the end restraints, the docking port clearances, and the deflection. Based on the experimental results, the three-dimensional simulation model of truss structure was created, and the influences of various factors such as the internal chamfer of truss member, the lower deviation of truss member, the dead weight of escalator, and the pretension force of each bolt at the docking port were analyzed and quantified. Finally, the finite element model which can almost completely characterize the actual structure was obtained with slight difference. The conclusions drawn in this work provide the basis for the efficient design, correct simulation, low cost production and rapid installation of the heavy-duty escalator truss.
Segmental femoral fracture malunion: evidence and prognostic analysis of medical intervention in the third century BC
Authors: Xing Haiyang , Zou Ruiqi , Tang Xiongfeng , Yi Min , Xie Zhuoting , You Sen , Liu Jianhua , Zhang Quanchao , Qin Yanguo
Published: February 2024

We examined the remains of an individual who was unearthed from the Tuchengzi site and was believed to be from the Warring States period in China. The remains exhibited segmental femoral fracture. We aimed to deduce the cause of fracture, medical interventions, healing process, and motion behavior after fracture healing using several techniques, including macroscopic observation, computed tomography (CT), and finite element analysis. Based on the morphology of the long bones, it appeared that the individual was male. The fractures resulted in an adduction angle of 5.47° and an anterior flexion angle of 21.34° in the proximal femur, while the femoral neck anteversion angle had been replaced by a retroversion angle of 10.74°. Additionally, the distal femur formed an abnormal anterior convex angle of 144.60°. CT revealed mature callus formation and visible trabecular bundles. The finite element analysis indicated that the maximum von Mises stress in the femur was 17.44 MPa during standing and 96.46 MPa during walking. We suggest that medical practitioners in the Warring States period possessed a good knowledge of thigh anatomy, enabling them to perform fracture reduction and fixation. Reasonable medical intervention facilitated fracture healing and load recovery. Satisfactory fracture healing ensured that the individual could engage in normal standing and walking activities after rehabilitation.
Proteomics-based vaccine targets annotation and design of multi-epitope vaccine against antibiotic-resistant Streptococcus gallolyticus
Authors: Chao Peng , Zhang Xueqin , Zhang Lei , Yang Aiping , Wang Yong , Chen Xiaoyang
Published: February 2024

Streptococcus gallolyticus is a non-motile, gram-positive bacterium that causes infective endocarditis. S. gallolyticus has developed resistance to existing antibiotics, and no vaccine is currently available. Therefore, it is essential to develop an effective S. gallolyticus vaccine. Core proteomics was used in this study together with subtractive proteomics and reverse vaccinology approach to find antigenic proteins that could be utilized for the design of the S. gallolyticus multi-epitope vaccine. The pipeline identified two antigenic proteins as potential vaccine targets: penicillin-binding protein and the ATP synthase subunit. T and B cell epitopes from the specific proteins were forecasted employing several immunoinformatics and bioinformatics resources. A vaccine (360 amino acids) was created using a combination of seven cytotoxic T cell lymphocyte (CTL), three helper T cell lymphocyte (HTL), and five linear B cell lymphocyte (LBL) epitopes. To increase immune responses, the vaccine was paired with a cholera enterotoxin subunit B (CTB) adjuvant. The developed vaccine was highly antigenic, non-allergenic, and stable for human use. The vaccine's binding affinity and molecular interactions with the human immunological receptor TLR4 were studied using molecular mechanics/generalized Born surface area (MMGBSA), molecular docking, and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation analyses. Escherichia coli (strain K12) plasmid vector pET-28a ( +) was used to examine the ability of the vaccine to be expressed. According to the outcomes of these computer experiments, the vaccine is quite promising in terms of developing a protective immunity against diseases. However, in vitro and animal research are required to validate our findings.
Territorial exceedance of probabilistic seismic hazard from ShakeMap data
Authors: Cito Pasquale , Vitale Antonio , Iervolino Iunio
Published: February 2024

Current seismic structural design makes use of a ground motion intensity that has a certain probability of being exceeded at a site of interest in a time interval or, equivalently, exceedance return period. The design intensities with the same return period are often collected in the form of maps deriving from probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) for each of the sites of interest. Probability theory underlying PSHA dictates that, in any time interval, design intensities are expected to be exceeded in a fraction of sites that depends on the return period the map refers to. In the case of Italy, three different nationwide PSHA studies can be currently considered of relevance. In the study, the estimated areal fraction of the Italian territory exposed to exceedance of the design intensity from 2008 to 2019 was quantified for the three hazard models, based on ShakeMap data for instrumental earthquakes. In addition, the same fraction was calculated considering a sparse catalog of inferred ShakeMap for historical earthquakes that occurred over almost 1000 years. It was found that, despite the apparent differences in the hazard models, the estimated fraction of territory exposed to exceedance is comparable for all the considered hazard maps.
Heteromorphic ZZ/ZW sex chromosomes sharing gene content with mammalian XX/XY are conserved in Madagascan chameleons of the genus Furcifer
Authors: Rovatsos Michail , Mazzoleni Sofia , Augstenová Barbora , Altmanová Marie , Velenský Petr , Glaw Frank , Sanchez Antonio , Kratochvíl Lukáš
Published: February 2024

Chameleons are well-known lizards with unique morphology and physiology, but their sex determination has remained poorly studied. Madagascan chameleons of the genus Furcifer have cytogenetically distinct Z and W sex chromosomes and occasionally Z1Z1Z2Z2/Z1Z2W multiple neo-sex chromosomes. To identify the gene content of their sex chromosomes, we microdissected and sequenced the sex chromosomes of F. oustaleti (ZZ/ZW) and F. pardalis (Z1Z1Z2Z2/Z1Z2W). In addition, we sequenced the genomes of a male and a female of F. lateralis (ZZ/ZW) and F. pardalis and performed a comparative coverage analysis between the sexes. Despite the notable heteromorphy and distinctiveness in heterochromatin content, the Z and W sex chromosomes share approximately 90% of their gene content. This finding demonstrates poor correlation of the degree of differentiation of sex chromosomes at the cytogenetic and gene level. The test of homology based on the comparison of gene copy number variation revealed that female heterogamety with differentiated sex chromosomes remained stable in the genus Furcifer for at least 20 million years. These chameleons co-opted for the role of sex chromosomes the same genomic region as viviparous mammals, lacertids and geckos of the genus Paroedura, which makes these groups excellent model for studies of convergent and divergent evolution of sex chromosomes.
Security-oriented steganographic payload allocation for multi-remote sensing images
Authors: Wu Tian , Hu Xuan , Liu Chunnian
Published: February 2024

Multi-image steganography, a technique for concealing information within multiple carrier mediums, finds remote sensing images to be particularly apt carriers due to their complex structures and abundant texture data. These characteristics bolster the resilience against steganalysis and enhance steganographic capacity. The efficacy of multi-image steganography hinges on the diplomatic strategy of cover selection and the meticulous allocation of the payload. Nevertheless, the majority of current methods, which are empirically formulated, predominantly focus on the texture complexity of individual images, thereby potentially undermining overall security. This paper introduces a security-oriented approach to steganographic payload allocation for multiple remote sensing images aimed at fortifying the security of multi-image steganography. Our primary contributions include employing a steganalysis pre-trained network to quantify texture complexity in remote sensing cover images, directly correlating it with security. Additionally, we have developed an adaptive payload allocation strategy for multiple images, which embeds a payload proximate to each image’s maximal steganographic capacity while concurrently ensuring the security of the embedding process. Experimental results corroborate that our methodology excels in cover selection and payload allocation and achieves better undetectability against modern steganalysis tools.
Advanced hybrid LSTM-transformer architecture for real-time multi-task prediction in engineering systems
Authors: Cao Kangjie , Zhang Ting , Huang Jueqiao
Published: February 2024

In the field of engineering systems—particularly in underground drilling and green stormwater management—real-time predictions are vital for enhancing operational performance, ensuring safety, and increasing efficiency. Addressing this niche, our study introduces a novel LSTM-transformer hybrid architecture, uniquely specialized for multi-task real-time predictions. Building on advancements in attention mechanisms and sequence modeling, our model integrates the core strengths of LSTM and Transformer architectures, offering a superior alternative to traditional predictive models. Further enriched with online learning, our architecture dynamically adapts to variable operational conditions and continuously incorporates new field data. Utilizing knowledge distillation techniques, we efficiently transfer insights from larger, pretrained networks, thereby achieving high predictive accuracy without sacrificing computational resources. Rigorous experiments on sector-specific engineering datasets validate the robustness and effectiveness of our approach. Notably, our model exhibits clear advantages over existing methods in terms of predictive accuracy, real-time adaptability, and computational efficiency. This work contributes a pioneering predictive framework for targeted engineering applications, offering actionable insights into.
Assessing the impact of three feeding stages on rumen bacterial community and physiological characteristics of Japanese Black cattle
Authors: Lee Huseong , Kim Minji , Masaki Tatsunori , Ikuta Kentaro , Iwamoto Eiji , Nishihara Koki , Nonaka Itoko , Ashihara Akane , Baek Youlchang , Lee Sungdae , Uemoto Yoshinobu , Haga Satoshi , Terada Fuminori , Roh Sanggun
Published: February 2024

In Japan, Japanese Black cattle, known for their exceptional meat quality owing to their abundant intramuscular fat, undergo a unique three-stage feeding system with varying concentrate ratios. There is limited research on physiological and rumen microbial changes in Japanese Black cattle during these stages. Therefore, this study aimed to examine Japanese Black steers in these three stages: early (T1, 12–14 months), middle (T2, 15–22 months), and late (T3, 23–30 months). The rumen bacteria of 21 cattle per phase was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Rumen bacterial diversity was significantly higher in T1, with a distinct distribution, than in T2 and T3. Specific phyla and genera were exclusive to each stage, reflecting the shifts in feed composition. Certain genera dominated each stage: T1 had Flexilinea, Streptococcus, Butyrivibrio, Selenomonas, and Kandleria; T2 had Bifidobacterium, Shuttleworthia, and Sharpea; and T3 had Acetitomaculum, Mycoplasma, Atopobium, and Howardella. Correlation analysis revealed significant associations between certain microbial populations and physiological parameters. These findings indicate that changes in energy content and feed composition are associated with physiological and ruminal alterations. This study may guide strategies to improve rumen health and productivity in Japanese Black cattle by modifying diets to specific fattening stages.
Development and validation of a simplified risk prediction model for preterm birth: a prospective cohort study in rural Ethiopia
Authors: Kassahun Eskeziaw Abebe , Gebreyesus Seifu Hagos , Tesfamariam Kokeb , Endris Bilal Shikur , Roro Meselech Assegid , Getnet Yalemwork , Hassen Hamid Yimam , Brusselaers Nele , Coenen Samuel
Published: February 2024

Preterm birth is one of the most common obstetric complications in low- and middle-income countries, where access to advanced diagnostic tests and imaging is limited. Therefore, we developed and validated a simplified risk prediction tool to predict preterm birth based on easily applicable and routinely collected characteristics of pregnant women in the primary care setting. We used a logistic regression model to develop a model based on the data collected from 481 pregnant women. Model accuracy was evaluated through discrimination (measured by the area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve; AUC) and calibration (via calibration graphs and the Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness of fit test). Internal validation was performed using a bootstrapping technique. A simplified risk score was developed, and the cut-off point was determined using the “Youden index” to classify pregnant women into high or low risk for preterm birth. The incidence of preterm birth was 19.5% (95% CI:16.2, 23.3) of pregnancies. The final prediction model incorporated mid-upper arm circumference, gravidity, history of abortion, antenatal care, comorbidity, intimate partner violence, and anemia as predictors of preeclampsia. The AUC of the model was 0.687 (95% CI: 0.62, 0.75). The calibration plot demonstrated a good calibration with a p-value of 0.713 for the Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness of fit test. The model can identify pregnant women at high risk of preterm birth. It is applicable in daily clinical practice and could contribute to the improvement of the health of women and newborns in primary care settings with limited resources. Healthcare providers in rural areas could use this prediction model to improve clinical decision-making and reduce obstetrics complications.
Influence of university agricultural technology extension on efficient and sustainable agriculture
Authors: Dai Zhaoli , Wang Qing , Jiang Jiyu , Lu Yan
Published: February 2024

Agricultural extension, as an important part of modern agriculture, can promote the scientific transformation of the traditional agricultural production model. This paper analysed the impact of university agricultural technology extension on efficient and sustainable agriculture using difference-in-differences model (DID). The results showed that university agricultural technology extension plays a facilitating role by influencing the coordinated development and green development dimensions in efficient and sustainable agriculture; there is a moderating effect of modern agricultural industrial parked in university agricultural technology extension and efficient and sustainable agriculture; there are significant differences in the impact of university agricultural technology extension on efficient and sustainable agriculture across regions and different levels of development. The findings have important implications for evaluating the effectiveness of current university agricultural extension policies and how to further promote university agricultural extension. The study also established an evaluation index system for efficient and sustainable agriculture, explored the mechanism of university agricultural extension in promoting efficient and sustainable agriculture, and enriched relevant theoretical research.
Convection-permitting climate models offer more certain extreme rainfall projections
Authors: Fosser Giorgia , Gaetani Marco , Kendon Elizabeth J. , Adinolfi Marianna , Ban Nikolina , Belušić Danijel , Caillaud Cécile , Careto João A. M. , Coppola Erika , Demory Marie-Estelle , de Vries Hylke , Dobler Andreas , Feldmann Hendrik , Goergen Klaus , Lenderink Geert , Pichelli Emanuela , Schär Christoph , Soares Pedro M. M. , Somot Samuel , Tölle Merja H.
Published: February 2024

Extreme precipitation events lead to dramatic impacts on society and the situation will worsen under climate change. Decision-makers need reliable estimates of future changes as a basis for effective adaptation strategies, but projections at local scale from regional climate models (RCMs) are highly uncertain. Here we exploit the km-scale convection-permitting multi-model (CPM) ensemble, generated within the FPS Convection project, to provide new understanding of the changes in local precipitation extremes and related uncertainties over the greater Alpine region. The CPM ensemble shows a stronger increase in the fractional contribution from extreme events than the driving RCM ensemble during the summer, when convection dominates. We find that the CPM ensemble substantially reduces the model uncertainties and their contribution to the total uncertainties by more than 50%. We conclude that the more realistic representation of local dynamical processes in the CPMs provides more reliable local estimates of change, which are essential for policymakers to plan adaptation measures.
Modular tissue-in-a-CUBE platform to model blood-brain barrier (BBB) and brain interaction
Authors: Koh Isabel , Hagiwara Masaya
Published: February 2024

With the advent of increasingly sophisticated organoids, there is growing demand for technology to replicate the interactions between multiple tissues or organs. This is challenging to achieve, however, due to the varying culture conditions of the different cell types that make up each tissue. Current methods often require complicated microfluidic setups, but fragile tissue samples tend not to fare well with rough handling. Furthermore, the more complicated the human system to be replicated, the more difficult the model becomes to operate. Here, we present the development of a multi-tissue chip platform that takes advantage of the modularity and convenient handling ability of a CUBE device. We first developed a blood-brain barrier-in-a-CUBE by layering astrocytes, pericytes, and brain microvascular endothelial cells in the CUBE, and confirmed the expression and function of important tight junction and transporter proteins in the blood-brain barrier model. Then, we demonstrated the application of integrating Tissue-in-a-CUBE with a chip in simulating the in vitro testing of the permeability of a drug through the blood-brain barrier to the brain and its effect on treating the glioblastoma brain cancer model. We anticipate that this platform can be adapted for use with organoids to build complex human systems in vitro by the combination of multiple simple CUBE units.
Deficiency in PHD2-mediated hydroxylation of HIF2α underlies Pacak-Zhuang syndrome
Authors: Ferens Fraser G. , Taber Cassandra C. , Stuart Sarah , Hubert Mia , Tarade Daniel , Lee Jeffrey E. , Ohh Michael
Published: February 2024

Pacak-Zhuang syndrome is caused by mutations in the EPAS1 gene, which encodes for one of the three hypoxia-inducible factor alpha (HIFα) paralogs HIF2α and is associated with defined but varied phenotypic presentations including neuroendocrine tumors and polycythemia. However, the mechanisms underlying the complex genotype-phenotype correlations remain incompletely understood. Here, we devised a quantitative method for determining the dissociation constant (Kd) of the HIF2α peptides containing disease-associated mutations and the catalytic domain of prolyl-hydroxylase (PHD2) using microscale thermophoresis (MST) and showed that neuroendocrine-associated Class 1 HIF2α mutants have distinctly higher Kd than the exclusively polycythemia-associated Class 2 HIF2α mutants. Based on the co-crystal structure of PHD2/HIF2α peptide complex at 1.8 Å resolution, we showed that the Class 1 mutated residues are localized to the critical interface between HIF2α and PHD2, adjacent to the PHD2 active catalytic site, while Class 2 mutated residues are localized to the more flexible region of HIF2α that makes less contact with PHD2. Concordantly, Class 1 mutations were found to significantly increase HIF2α-mediated transcriptional activation in cellulo compared to Class 2 counterparts. These results reveal a structural mechanism in which the strength of the interaction between HIF2α and PHD2 is at the root of the general genotype-phenotype correlations observed in Pacak-Zhuang syndrome.
Membrane lipids drive formation of KRAS4b-RAF1 RBDCRD nanoclusters on the membrane
Authors: Shrestha Rebika , Carpenter Timothy S. , Van Que N. , Agamasu Constance , Tonelli Marco , Aydin Fikret , Chen De , Gulten Gulcin , Glosli James N. , López Cesar A. , Oppelstrup Tomas , Neale Chris , Gnanakaran Sandrasegaram , Gillette William K. , Ingólfsson Helgi I. , Lightstone Felice C. , Stephen Andrew G. , Streitz Frederick H. , Nissley Dwight V. , Turbyville Thomas J.
Published: February 2024

The oncogene RAS, extensively studied for decades, presents persistent gaps in understanding, hindering the development of effective therapeutic strategies due to a lack of precise details on how RAS initiates MAPK signaling with RAF effector proteins at the plasma membrane. Recent advances in X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, and super-resolution fluorescence microscopy offer structural and spatial insights, yet the molecular mechanisms involving protein-protein and protein-lipid interactions in RAS-mediated signaling require further characterization. This study utilizes single-molecule experimental techniques, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and the computational Machine-Learned Modeling Infrastructure (MuMMI) to examine KRAS4b and RAF1 on a biologically relevant lipid bilayer. MuMMI captures long-timescale events while preserving detailed atomic descriptions, providing testable models for experimental validation. Both in vitro and computational studies reveal that RBDCRD binding alters KRAS lateral diffusion on the lipid bilayer, increasing cluster size and decreasing diffusion. RAS and membrane binding cause hydrophobic residues in the CRD region to penetrate the bilayer, stabilizing complexes through β-strand elongation. These cooperative interactions among lipids, KRAS4b, and RAF1 are proposed as essential for forming nanoclusters, potentially a critical step in MAP kinase signal activation.
Generation of human iPSC-derived phrenic-like motor neurons to model respiratory motor neuron degeneration in ALS
Authors: Thiry Louise , Sirois Julien , Durcan Thomas M. , Stifani Stefano
Published: February 2024

The fatal motor neuron (MN) disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by progressive MN degeneration. Phrenic MNs (phMNs) controlling the activity of the diaphragm are prone to degeneration in ALS, leading to death by respiratory failure. Understanding of the mechanisms of phMN degeneration in ALS is limited, mainly because human experimental models to study phMNs are lacking. Here we describe a method enabling the derivation of phrenic-like MNs from human iPSCs (hiPSC-phMNs) within 30 days. This protocol uses an optimized combination of small molecules followed by cell-sorting based on a cell-surface protein enriched in hiPSC-phMNs, and is highly reproducible using several hiPSC lines. We show further that hiPSC-phMNs harbouring ALS-associated amplification of the C9orf72 gene progressively lose their electrophysiological activity and undergo increased death compared to isogenic controls. These studies establish a previously unavailable protocol to generate human phMNs offering a disease-relevant system to study mechanisms of respiratory MN dysfunction.
GlPRMT5 inhibits GlPP2C1 via symmetric dimethylation and regulates the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in Ganoderma lucidum
Authors: Wang Zi , Qiu Hao , Li Yefan , Zhao Mingwen , Liu Rui
Published: February 2024

PRMT5, a type II arginine methyltransferase, is involved in transcriptional regulation, RNA processing and other biological processes and signal transduction. Secondary metabolites are vital pharmacological compounds in Ganoderma lucidum, and their content is an important indicator for evaluating the quality of G. lucidum. Here, we found that GlPRMT5 negatively regulates the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. In further in-depth research, GlPP2C1 (a type 2C protein phosphatase) was identified out as an interacting protein of GlPRMT5 by immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry (IP-MS). Further mass spectrometry detection revealed that GlPRMT5 symmetrically dimethylates the arginine 99 (R99) and arginine 493 (R493) residues of GlPP2C1 to weaken its activity. The symmetrical dimethylation modification of the R99 residue is the key to affecting GlPP2C1 activity. Symmetrical demethylation-modified GlPP2C1 does not affect the interaction with GlPRMT5. In addition, silencing GlPP2C1 clearly reduced GA content, indicating that GlPP2C1 positively regulates the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in G. lucidum. In summary, this study reveals the molecular mechanism by which GlPRMT5 regulates secondary metabolites, and these studies provide further insights into the target proteins of GlPRMT5 and symmetric dimethylation sites. Furthermore, these studies provide a basis for the mutual regulation between different epigenetic modifications.
Discovery of late Quaternary giant magnetofossils in the Bay of Bengal
Authors: Kadam Nitin , Badesab Firoz , Lascu Ioan , Wagner Courtney L. , Gaikwad Virsen , Saha Abhishek , Sangode Satish , Venkateshwarlu Mamilla
Published: February 2024

Unusually large and enigmatic giant magnetofossils are well-documented in sediments deposited during and surrounding climatic events such as the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (~56 Ma) and Middle Eocene Climatic Optimum (~40 Ma). However, the absence of giant magnetofossil modern analogues raises intriguing questions about their origin and formation mechanism. In this study, we report the discovery of giant magnetofossils within late Quaternary sediments retrieved from the Bay of Bengal (BoB), the youngest giant magnetofossils yet reported. First-order reversal curve diagrams of BoB sediments display a central ridge feature, a characteristic magnetic signature of non-interacting single domain magnetofossils. Scanning electron microscopy examinations reveal giant magnetofossils with needle, spindle, bullet, and spearhead shapes. We use high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, with electron diffraction and energy dispersive spectrometry, to confirm their distinctive morphologies and magnetite crystal structure. Our environmental magnetic and geochemical data suggest that an influx of fluvially derived reactive iron and organic carbon, combined with persistent suboxic conditions, supported the proliferation of giant magnetofossil-producing organisms. The discovery of a modern analogue to ancient giant magnetofossils expands our understanding of their temporal distribution within the geological record and is a promising step toward elucidating the nature of the organisms responsible for their formation.
Defining national net zero goals is critical for food and land use policy
Authors: Bishop George , Duffy Colm , Prudhomme Rémi , Cowie Annette , O’Donoghue Cathal , Cain Michelle , Lanigan Gary J. , Styles David
Published: February 2024

The identification of agriculture and land use configurations that achieve net zero (NZ) greenhouse gas emissions is critical to inform appropriate land use and food policy, yet national NZ targets lack consistent definitions. Here, 3000 randomised scenarios projecting future agricultural production and compatible land use combinations in Ireland were screened using ten NZ definitions. When aggregating carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide emissions using various methods, 1–85% of scenarios met NZ criteria. Despite considerable variation, common actions emerged across definitions, including high rates of afforestation, organic soil re-wetting, and cattle destocking. Ambitious technical abatement of agricultural emissions moderated, but could not substitute, these actions. With abatement, 95th percentile milk output varied from 11–91% of 2021 output, but was associated with reductions of up to 98% in suckler-beef production, and a 47–387% increase in forest cover. Achieving NZ will thus require transformation of Ireland’s land sector. Lagging land use change effects require urgent action, but sustaining a just transition will require visioning of future NZ land use combinations supporting a sustainable and resilient food system, alongside an expanding circular bioeconomy. We provide new insight into the sensitivity of such visioning to NZ definitions, pointing to an urgent need for international consensus on the accounting of methane emissions in NZ targets.
Socioeconomic deprivation and illness trajectory in the Scottish population after COVID-19 hospitalization
Authors: Morrow Andrew J. , Sykes Robert , Saleh Merna , Zahra Baryab , MacIntosh Alasdair , Kamdar Anna , Bagot Catherine , Bayes Hannah K. , Blyth Kevin G. , Bulluck Heerajnarain , Carrick David , Church Colin , Corcoran David , Findlay Iain , Gibson Vivienne B. , Gillespie Lynsey , Grieve Douglas , Barrientos Pauline Hall , Ho Antonia , Lang Ninian N. , Lowe David J. , Lennie Vera , Macfarlane Peter W. , Mayne Kaitlin J. , Mark Patrick B. , McConnachie Alex , McGeoch Ross , Nordin Sabrina , Payne Alexander , Rankin Alastair J. , Robertson Keith , Ryan Nicola , Roditi Giles , Sattar Naveed , Stobo David , Allwood-Spiers Sarah , Touyz Rhian M. , Veldtman Gruschen , Weeden Sarah , Weir Robin , Watkins Stuart , Welsh Paul , Mangion Kenneth , Berry Colin
Published: February 2024

Background

The associations between deprivation and illness trajectory after hospitalisation for coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) are uncertain.

Methods

A prospective, multicentre cohort study was conducted on post-COVID-19 patients, enrolled either in-hospital or shortly post-discharge. Two evaluations were carried out: an initial assessment and a follow-up at 28–60 days post-discharge. The study encompassed research blood tests, patient-reported outcome measures, and multisystem imaging (including chest computed tomography (CT) with pulmonary and coronary angiography, cardiovascular and renal magnetic resonance imaging). Primary and secondary outcomes were analysed in relation to socioeconomic status, using the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD). The EQ-5D-5L, Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ), Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) for Anxiety and Depression, and the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) were used to assess health status.

Results

Of the 252 enrolled patients (mean age 55.0 ± 12.0 years; 40% female; 23% with diabetes), deprivation status was linked with increased BMI and diabetes prevalence. 186 (74%) returned for the follow-up. Within this group, findings indicated associations between deprivation and lung abnormalities (p = 0.0085), coronary artery disease (p = 0.0128), and renal inflammation (p = 0.0421). Furthermore, patients with higher deprivation exhibited worse scores in health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L, p = 0.0084), illness perception (BIPQ, p = 0.0004), anxiety and depression levels (PHQ-4, p = 0.0038), and diminished physical activity (DASI, p = 0.002). At the 3-month mark, those with greater deprivation showed a higher frequency of referrals to secondary care due to ongoing COVID-19 symptoms (p = 0.0438). However, clinical outcomes were not influenced by deprivation.

Conclusions

In a post-hospital COVID-19 population, socioeconomic deprivation was associated with impaired health status and secondary care episodes. Deprivation influences illness trajectory after COVID-19.
Comprehensive understanding of the crystal structure of perovskite-type Ba3Y4O9 with Zr substitution: a theoretical and experimental study
Authors: Ueno Katsuhiro , Hashimoto Atsunori , Toyoura Kazuaki , Hatada Naoyuki , Sato Shigeo , Uda Tetsuya
Published: February 2024

Crystal structure of Ba3Y4O9 consists of periodical stacking of BaO3 and Y layers, and the cationic lattice is like a body-centered cubic structure. Zr tends to substitute for Y in cubic-perovskite-like regions and changes the stacking period.
Molten salt-shielded synthesis of Ti3AlC2 as a precursor for large-scale preparation of Ti3C2Tx MXene binder-free film electrode supercapacitors
Authors: Tsyganov Alexey , Vikulova Maria , Shindrov Alexander , Zheleznov Denis , Gorokhovsky Alexander , Gorshkov Nikolay
Published: February 2024

MXenes are a group of two-dimensional materials that are promising for many applications, including as film electrode supercapacitors.
Molecular docking and in vivo protective effects of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) against metabolic dysfunction in high-fat, high-sodium diet-fed rats
Authors: Fouda Karem , Mohamed Rasha S.
Published: February 2024

Okra mucilage and flesh seem to be promising candidates for protection against metabolic dysfunction. Okra mucilage and flesh significantly reduced CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, and urine calcium levels while increasing feces lipid and femur calcium levels.
A Zn(ii)-metal ion directed self-healing wide bandgap semiconducting supramolecular metallohydrogel: effective non-volatile memory design for in-memory computing
Authors: Roy Arpita , Dhibar Subhendu , Karmakar Kripasindhu , Some Sangita , Hafiz Sk Abdul , Bhattacharjee Subham , Saha Bidyut , Ray Soumya Jyoti
Published: February 2024

5-Amino-1-pentanol was used as a low molecular weight gelator to develop a room temperature stable supramolecular hydrogel with Zn(ii)-ions, which offers an efficient resistive random access memory switching application.
Recent advances in the role of interfacial liquids in electrochemical reactions
Authors: Baidoun Rani , Liu Gexu , Kim Dohyung
Published: February 2024

This minireview examines how the interfacial liquid, comprising water molecules and ionic species, profoundly impacts key electrochemical reactions: HER, OER/ORR, and CO2RR/CORR.
Boosting the catalytic performance of metalloporphyrin-based covalent organic frameworks via coordination engineering for CO2 and O2 reduction
Authors: Ren Zhixin , Gong Ke , Zhao Bo , Chen Shi-Lu , Xie Jing
Published: February 2024

Coordination engineering is an effective strategy for improving the performance of Por-COFs in catalyzing CO2 and O2 electroreduction. Our computations suggest that Co–N2O2 and Ni–N2S2 coordinated Por-COFs could be potential candidates.
Adsorption mechanism of Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe3+, and Al3+ ions in phosphoric acid–nitric acid solution on 001 × 7 and S957 resins
Authors: Hu Yingyuan , Zhang Wenlong , Xue Meizhao , Lv Rui , Fan Caimei , Li Ao
Published: February 2024

Under the influence of dihydrogen phosphate ions, Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions are adsorbed on the 001 × 7 resin through a sulfonic acid group, whereas Fe3+ and Al3+ ions are adsorbed on the S957 resin through a phosphonic acid group.
Reactivity of 1,3-enyne MIDA boronates: exploration of novel 1,2-alkyne shift via gem-difluorination
Authors: Manna Samir , Aich Debasis , Hazra Subrata , Khandelwal Shivam , Panda Santanu
Published: February 2024

Herein, we report the potential utility of 1,3-enyne MIDA boronates to access diverse gem-difluoro MIDA boronates via novel 1,2-alkyne shift, various novel furan-based BCMs via 5-endo-dig cyclization and iterative coupling partners via hydroboration and diboration reaction.
Divalent metal ion modulation of a simple peptide-based hydrogel: self-assembly and viscoelastic properties
Authors: Shao Tsuimy , Noroozifar Meissam , Kraatz Heinz-Bernhard
Published: February 2024

Heating and sonication of peptide conjugate C14-FH(Trt)-OH self-assembles into a supramolecular hydrogel, that forms a weaker and more porous gel state with the addition of divalent metal ions.
Porphyrin-containing materials for photodegradation of organic pollutants in wastewaters: a review
Authors: Gamelas Sara R. D. , Tomé João P. C. , Tomé Augusto C. , Lourenço Leandro M. O.
Published: February 2024

Industrialization and town urbanization have led to an exponential need for clean water and new wastewater treatment strategies.
Cyclic (amino)(barrelene)carbene Ru-complexes: synthesis and reactivity in olefin metathesis
Authors: Talcik Jakub , Serrato Melinda R. , Del Vecchio Antonio , Colombel-Rouen Sophie , Morvan Jennifer , Roisnel Thierry , Jazzar Rodolphe , Melaimi Mohand , Bertrand Guy , Mauduit Marc
Published: February 2024

The first cyclic (amino)(barrelene)carbene (CABC) Ru-complexes were synthesized. They demonstrated remarkable thermal stability at 110 °C and good performance in olefin metathesis.
Introducing sterically demanding substituents and π–π-interactions into [Cu(P^P)(N^N)]+ complexes
Authors: Meyer Marco , Prescimone Alessandro , Constable Edwin C. , Housecroft Catherine E.
Published: February 2024

By introducing sterically demanding substituents in the N^N ligand in [Cu(P^P)(N^N)]+, solid-state photoluminescence quantum yields of up to 72% have been achieved.
Trade-off between H2O-rich and H2O-poor electric double layers enables highly reversible Zn anodes in aqueous Zn-ion batteries
Authors: Qi Kaiwen , Liang Pengrui , Wei Shiqiang , Ao Huaisheng , Ding Xuan , Chen Shiyuan , Fan Zhechen , Wang Chengming , Song Li , Wu Xiaojun , Wu Changzheng , Zhu Yongchun
Published: February 2024

Trade-off between H2O-rich and H2O-poor EDLs to balance dead Zn and dendrites and side reactions, realizing highly reversible Zn anodes.
Material–electrolyte interfacial interaction enabling the formation of an inorganic-rich solid electrolyte interphase for fast-charging Si-based lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Cheng Kai , Tu Shuibin , Zhang Bao , Wang Wenyu , Wang Xiaohong , Tan Yucheng , Chen Xiaoxue , Li Chunhao , Li Chenhui , Wang Li , Sun Yongming
Published: February 2024

We demonstrated the interaction between electrolyte composition and P interphase of Si-based battery anode, and showed its exceptional stability and fast-charging capability by the formation of a robust Li3P/LiF solid electrolyte interphase.
New azole derivatives linked to indole/indoline moieties combined with FLC against drug-resistant Candida albicans
Authors: Shen Yunhong , Pan Min , Gao Hui , Zhang Yi , Wang Ruirui , Li Jun , Mao Zewei
Published: February 2024

A series of novel azole derivatives linked to indole/indoline moieties were prepared. If combined with FLC, they had high activity against drug-resistant Candida albicans in vitro.
Design, synthesis, and evaluation of novel ferrostatin derivatives for the prevention of HG-induced VEC ferroptosis
Authors: Wang Xin-Xin , Wang Run-Jie , Ji Hua-Long , Liu Xiao-Yu , Zhang Nai-Yu , Wang Kai-Ming , Chen Kai , Liu Ping-Ping , Meng Ning , Jiang Cheng-Shi
Published: February 2024

This work designed and synthesized novel ferrostatin analogs with a benzohydrazide moiety, and identified compound 12 as a promising lead for preventing HG-induced VEC ferroptosis.
Fe–Fe bonding in the rhombic Fe4 cores of the Zintl clusters [Fe4E18]4− (E = Sn and Pb)
Authors: Chen Wei-Xing , Li Zi-Sheng , Morgan Harry W. T. , Shu Cong-Cong , Sun Zhong-Ming , McGrady John E.
Published: February 2024

We report here the synthesis and characterization of two endohedral Zintl-ion clusters, [Fe4Sn18]4− and [Fe4Pb18]4−, which contain rhombic Fe4 cores.
Lithium decorated 2D orthorhombic (o)-B2X2 monolayers for hydrogen storage: first principles calculations
Authors: Benaddi Ayoub , Elomrani Abdelali , Lamhani Mohammed , Oukahou Said , Maymoun Mohammad , Fatihi Mohamed Yassine , Hasnaoui Abdellatif
Published: February 2024

The study investigates the potential of Lithium-decorated 2D orthorhombic (o)-B2X2 monolayers as a solid medium for hydrogen storage, highlighting their great characteristics.
Examining Barriers to Early Hearing Diagnosis
Authors: Findlen Ursula M. , Gerth Holly , Zemba Angie , Schuller Nicole , Guerra Gina , Vaughan Chloe , Brimmer Madeline , Benedict Jason
Published: February 2024

Purpose:

Many factors create barriers for early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI), especially those related to unfavorable social determinants of health (SDOH). The primary aim of this study was to evaluate diagnostic timing of infants at risk for congenital hearing loss in consideration of known barriers. Understanding the specific barriers to early diagnosis can inform interventions to improve timeliness of diagnosis and subsequent habilitation.

Method:

A retrospective chart review was completed for infants referred for diagnostic audiologic testing at a tertiary urban-setting Children's Hospital from 2018 to 2021. After exclusion criteria were applied, 1,488 infants were included in the analysis. Various factors were recorded from electronic medical records including those specific to SDOH. Time to diagnosis was derived and compared across five factors of interest that have previously been shown to impact diagnostic timeline, including (a) insurance type, (b) race/ethnicity, (c) presence of middle ear dysfunction at first auditory brainstem response (ABR), (d) proximity to diagnostic center, and (e) diagnostic timing before and during/after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results:

Across the study time period, 77% of infants referred for diagnostic testing had confirmed diagnosis by the EHDI benchmark of 3 months. Analysis of time to diagnosis across factors of interest revealed no clinically significant differences for insurance type, race/ethnicity, proximity to diagnostic center, or timing in reference to the COVID-19 pandemic. Presence of middle ear dysfunction on first ABR was found to significantly protract final diagnostic timing.

Conclusions:

Although some known barriers for EHDI can be universal, other factors may have a differential impact on an infant's timeline to diagnosis based on their specific location, which can interact differently with additional known barriers. Understanding local challenges will serve to better guide programs in implementing facilitators that will address their specific needs for improved outcomes.
Attention‐generative adversarial networks for simulating rain field
Authors: Li Chen , Zhao Zheng Yang , Li Jia , Guo Ye Cai
Published: February 2024

The synthesis of rain fields is essential in multiple research fields and applications, including Single‐image Derain. However, there is a lack of research on simulated rain fields, and the existing rain field generation models struggle to capture complex spatial distributions and generate truly random rain fields. To address this, the authors propose a generative adversarial networks‐based rain field generation network, which consists of a generator, a discriminator, and a feature extraction block that can produce realistic and complex rain fields. The authors’ experiments demonstrate that this method achieves an average Frechet Inception Distance score of 0.035, and user studies indicate that the generated rain distribution looks naturally.
HAB‐Net: Hierarchical asymmetric convolution and boundary enhancement network for brain tumor segmentation
Authors: Hu Yuanjing , Huang Aibin , Xu Rui
Published: February 2024

Brain tumour segmentation (BTS) is crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning by delineating tumour boundaries and subregions in multi‐modality bio‐imaging data. Several BTS models have been proposed to address specific technical challenges encountered in this field. However, accurately capturing intricate tumour structures and boundaries remains a difficult task. To overcome this challenge, HAB‐Net, a model that combines the strengths of convolutional neural networks and transformer architectures, is presented. HAB‐Net incorporates a custom‐designed hierarchical and pseudo‐convolutional module called hierarchical asymmetric convolutions (HAC). In the encoder, a coordinate attention is included to extract feature maps. Additionally, swin transformer, which has a self‐attention mechanism, is integrated to effectively capture long‐range relationships. Moreover, the decoder is enhanced with a boundary attention module (BAM) to improve boundary information and overall segmentation performance. Extensive evaluations conducted on the BraTS2018 and BraTS2021 datasets demonstrate significant improvements in segmentation accuracy for tumour regions.