bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gaussian Fluctuations for Interacting Particle Systems with Singular Kernels
Authors: Wang Zhenfu , Zhao Xianliang , Zhu Rongchan
Published: September 2023

We consider the asymptotic behaviour of the fluctuations for the empirical measures of interacting particle systems with singular kernels. We prove that the sequence of fluctuation processes converges in distribution to a generalized Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process. Our result considerably extends classical results to singular kernels, including the Biot–Savart law. The result applies to the point vortex model approximating the 2D incompressible Navier–Stokes equation and the 2D Euler equation. We also obtain Gaussianity and optimal regularity of the limiting Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process. The method relies on the martingale approach and the Donsker–Varadhan variational formula, which transfers the uniform estimate to some exponential integrals. Estimation of those exponential integrals follows by cancellations and combinatorics techniques and is of the type of the large deviation principle.
Nonuniformly elliptic Schauder theory
Authors: De Filippis Cristiana , Mingione Giuseppe
Published: September 2023

Local Schauder theory holds in the nonuniformly elliptic setting. Specifically, first derivatives of solutions to nonuniformly elliptic problems are locally Hölder continuous if so are their coefficients.
Artificial intelligence: how leading companies define use cases, scale-up utilization, and realize value
Authors: Grebe Michael , Franke Marc Roman , Heinzl Armin
Published: September 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most transformative information technologies of our century. Despite high expectations across all industries and corporate functions, companies have difficulties to realize the full potential of AI and struggle to move beyond AI pilots. This article provides empirical evidence from survey data and three case studies to better understand the value drivers of AI. Leading companies specify use cases from a business perspective and leverage domain expertise to tap into value pools by combining technology with human capabilities. They provide fundamental enablers for AI like digital and data platforms, a data-centric organization with solid governance, and a dedicated human resource base to facilitate AI value creation. Moreover, these firms assess the financial and business impact of AI initiatives and reprioritize projects if the expected value does not materialize. Based on these insights, recommendations to better scale and derive value from AI projects will be offered.
Practices and challenges of threat modelling in agile environments
Authors: Theurich Paul , Witt Josepha , Richter Sebastian
Published: September 2023

Facing the increasing annual cybersecurity costs, threat modelling (TM) is a method to consider security as early as possible in the software development life cycle (SDLC). Thereby, TM helps to identify and address security-related design flaws in information systems. As the original TM approach is based on sequential development, it is not aligned with today’s predominantly agile environments. This results in several challenges. However, TM’s implementation in an agile development approach lacks the recommendations on how to tackle these challenges. Therefore, we assess the state-of-the-art of TM challenges and practices in agile environments by conducting a literature review covering 220 papers. Thereby, we identify nine categories of challenges and six categories of practices. We propose a valuable artefact for practitioners by mapping challenges and practices to the agile SDLC and by creating a matrix highlighting how the practices address the challenges of TM in an agile environment.
Capturing Polytopal Symmetries by Coloring the Edge-Graph
Authors: Winter Martin
Published: September 2023

A (convex) polytope $$P\subset \mathbb {R}^d$$

P
⊂

R

d

and its edge-graph $$G_P$$

G
P

can have very distinct symmetry properties, in that the edge-graph can be much more symmetric than the polytope. In this article we ask whether this can be “rectified” by coloring the vertices and edges of $$G_P$$

G
P

, that is, whether we can find such a coloring so that the combinatorial symmetry group of the colored edge-graph is actually isomorphic (in a natural way) to the linear or orthogonal symmetry group of the polytope. As it turns out, such colorings exist and some of them can be constructed quite naturally. However, actually proving that they “capture polytopal symmetries” involves applying rather unexpected techniques from the intersection of convex geometry and spectral graph theory.
Nonlocal Wasserstein distance: metric and asymptotic properties
Authors: Slepčev Dejan , Warren Andrew
Published: September 2023

The seminal result of Benamou and Brenier provides a characterization of the Wasserstein distance as the path of the minimal action in the space of probability measures, where paths are solutions of the continuity equation and the action is the kinetic energy. Here we consider a fundamental modification of the framework where the paths are solutions of nonlocal (jump) continuity equations and the action is a nonlocal kinetic energy. The resulting nonlocal Wasserstein distances are relevant to fractional diffusions and Wasserstein distances on graphs. We characterize the basic properties of the distance and obtain sharp conditions on the (jump) kernel specifying the nonlocal transport that determine whether the topology metrized is the weak or the strong topology. A key result of the paper are the quantitative comparisons between the nonlocal and local Wasserstein distance.
On the Forsythe conjecture
Authors: Faber Vance , Liesen Jörg , Tichý Petr
Published: September 2023

Forsythe formulated a conjecture about the asymptotic behavior of the restarted conjugate gradient method in 1968. We translate several of his results into modern terms, and pose an analogous version of the conjecture (originally formulated only for symmetric positive definite matrices) for symmetric and nonsymmetric matrices. Our version of the conjecture uses a two-sided or cross iteration with the given matrix and its transpose, which is based on the projection process used in the Arnoldi (or for symmetric matrices the Lanczos) algorithm. We prove several new results about the limiting behavior of this iteration, but the conjecture still remains largely open. We hope that our paper motivates further research that eventually leads to a proof of the conjecture.
The effect of COVID-19 vaccination status on all-cause mortality in patients hospitalised with COVID-19 in Hungary during the delta wave of the pandemic
Authors: Horvath Viktor J. , Békeffy Magdolna , Németh Zsuzsanna , Szelke Emese , Fazekas-Pongor Vince , Hajdu Noémi , Svébis Márk M. , Pintér József , Domján Beatrix A. , Mészáros Szilvia , Körei Anna E. , Kézdi Árpád , Kocsis Ibolya , Kristóf Katalin , Kempler Péter , Rozgonyi Ferenc , Takács István , Tabák Adam G.
Published: September 2023

The high mortality of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is effectively reduced by vaccination. However, the effect of vaccination on mortality among hospitalised patients is under-researched. Thus, we investigated the effect of a full primary or an additional booster vaccination on in-hospital mortality among patients hospitalised with COVID-19 during the delta wave of the pandemic. This retrospective cohort included all patients (n = 430) admitted with COVID-19 at Semmelweis University Department of Medicine and Oncology in 01/OCT/2021–15/DEC/2021. Logistic regression models were built with COVID-19-associated in-hospital/30 day-mortality as outcome with hierarchical entry of predictors of vaccination, vaccination status, measures of disease severity, and chronic comorbidities. Deceased COVID-19 patients were older and presented more frequently with cardiac complications, chronic kidney disease, and active malignancy, as well as higher levels of inflammatory markers, serum creatinine, and lower albumin compared to surviving patients (all p < 0.05). However, the rates of vaccination were similar (52–55%) in both groups. Based on the fully adjusted model, there was a linear decrease of mortality from no/incomplete vaccination (ref) through full primary (OR 0.69, 95% CI: 0.39–1.23) to booster vaccination (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.13–0.72, p = 0.006). Although unadjusted mortality was similar among vaccinated and unvaccinated patients, this was explained by differences in comorbidities and disease severity. In adjusted models, a full primary and especially a booster vaccination improved survival of patients hospitalised with COVID-19 during the delta wave of the pandemic. Our findings may improve the quality of patient provider discussions at the time of admission.
Strukturelle und mechanistische Grundlagen der Acetogenese
Authors: Schuller Jan Michael
Published: September 2023

Acetogenic bacteria are a specialized group of strictly anaerobic bacteria producing acetate from hydrogen and carbon dioxide in the ancient Wood-Ljungdahl pathway (WLP). We have shown that enzymatic decorated nanowires accompanied by redox-induced conformational changes as occurring in a novel bifurcation mechanism are key adaptations for this kind of extreme lifestyle. Explored by the development of redox-controlled cryoEM, this new understanding may lead to new approaches in biotechnology and synthetic biology able to combat current challenges such as human induced climate change.
Moderne Sequenzierungstechnologien und ihre Anwendungen
Authors: Dobner Jochen , Rossi Andrea
Published: September 2023

CRISPR-mediated genome editing enables to study disease-relevant mutations. Next Generation Sequencing offers high throughput and accuracy but requires substantial investment. Nanopore sequencing on the other hand provides cheap entry. Here, we describe our work using sequencing techniques to identify edited cells, analyze mitochondrial DNA, and gene expression. Finally, we describe how our software tools CRISPRnano and Duesselpore aid to democratize the use of modern sequencing technologies.
Allelfrequenzschätzungen machen historische Selektionsereignisse sichtbar
Authors: Léon Jens , Ballvora Agim , Schneider Michael
Published: September 2023

Allele frequency shifts can result from adaptation or selection and indicate strategies for coping with stress scenarios. Observing these requires genotyping of hundreds of lines individually or in a pooled sample–both rather costly, especially for species with large genomes. Constructing virtual haplotypes from SNP allele frequencies can drastically reduce genotyping time and costs in pooled sampling. Further, we validated three commonly used genotyping strategies for poolseq in crop species.
Weight stigma and disordered eating behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic: the mediating role of weight gain concern and psychological distress
Authors: de Macêdo Patricia Fortes Cavalcanti , Brito Edleide , de Magalhães Cunha Carla , da Purificação Nazaré Araújo Maria , Martins Poliana Cardoso , de Santana Mônica Leila Portela
Published: September 2023

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the relationship between weight stigma experiences and disordered eating behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic is mediated by weight gain concern and psychological distress among university students with and without overweight.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with university students from five regions of Brazil who participated in the baseline assessment of the Online Cohort on Eating Behavior and Health (July/August 2020). Information on the frequency of binge eating episodes, food restriction, and purging, as well as experienced weight stigma, weight gain concern, and psychological distress, were recorded in an online questionnaire. Stratified structural equation modeling (SEM) analyses were performed to address the research questions of interest.

Results

Out of the total sample (n = 2511), 33.5% of participants reported experiencing weight stigma. The prevalence of binge eating episodes, food restriction, and purging was 43.7%, 24.1%, and 5.4%, respectively. These behaviors were more prevalent in individuals with overweight than in those without this condition. Furthermore, it was observed that weight gain concern and psychological distress mediated the relationship between weight stigma and disordered eating behaviors regardless of body weight status.

Conclusions

Experiences of weight stigma and disordered eating behaviors were prevalent among Brazilian university students, especially among those with overweight. Weight gain concern and psychological distress appear to be important factors underlying the relationship between these constructs during the pandemic, and they can contribute to the development of targeted strategies for the prevention and management of disordered eating.

Level of evidence

Level V, cross-sectional study.
Improving bifunctional catalytic activity of biochar via in-situ growth of nickel-iron hydroxide as cathodic catalyst for zinc-air batteries
Authors: Zhang Pengxiang , Sun Kang , Liu Yanyan , Zhou Benji , Li Shuqi , Zhou Jingjing , Wang Ao , Xie Lixia , Li Baojun , Jiang Jianchun
Published: September 2023

Expanding the application scenarios of wood-derived biochar guided by the conversion of traditional energy to new energy shows great promise as a field. As thrilling energy conversion apparatus, zinc-air batteries (ZABs) require cathode catalysts with high oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activities and stability. Herein, two-dimensional nickel-iron hydroxide nanosheets were creatively assembled in N-doped wood-derived biochar (NiFe-LDH@NC) by an in-situ growth method. The categorized porous organization in wood-derived biochar facilitates the rapid seepage of electrolytes and rapid diffusion of reaction gases. The unique interfacial structure of biochar and NiFe-LDH accelerates electron transfer during oxygen electrocatalysis, and endows NiFe-LDH@NC with first-class catalytic activity and durability for ORR and OER. The ZAB derived from NiFe-LDH@NC showed elevated discharge productivity and cycle endurance, making it promising for viable applications. This work provided a convenient way for the conversion of wood-derived biochar to high-value added electrocatalysts.

Graphical Abstract
Building Multiple Classifier Systems Using Linear Combinations of Reduced Graphs
Authors: Gillioz Anthony , Riesen Kaspar
Published: September 2023

Despite great efforts done in research in the last decades, the classification of general graphs, i.e., graphs with unconstrained labeling and structure, remains a challenging task. Due to the inherent relational structure of graphs it is difficult, or even impossible, to apply standard pattern recognition methods to graphs to achieve high recognition accuracies. Common methods to solve the non-trivial problem of graph classification employ graph matching in conjunction with a distance-based classifier or a kernel machine. In the present paper, we address the specific task of graph classification by means of a novel framework that uses information acquired from a broad range of reduced graph subspaces. Our novel approach can be roughly divided into three successive steps. In the first step, differently reduced graphs are created out of the original graphs relying on node centrality measures. In the second step, we compute the graph edit distance between each reduced graph and all the other graphs of the corresponding graph subspace. Finally, we linearly combine the distances in the third step and feed them into a distance-based classifier to obtain the final classification result. On six graph data sets, we empirically confirm that the proposed multiple classifier system directly benefits from the combined distances computed in the various graph subspaces.
Commercial mHealth Apps and the Providers’ Responsibility for Hope
Authors: Rossmaier Leon , Saghai Yashar , Brey Philip
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we ask whether the providers of commercial mHealth apps for self-tracking create inflated or false hopes for vulnerable user groups and whether they should be held responsible for this. This question is relevant because hopes created by the providers determine the modalities of the apps’ use. Due to the created hopes, users who may be vulnerable to certain design features of the app can experience bad outcomes in various dimensions of their well-being. This adds to structural injustices sustaining or exacerbating the vulnerable position of such user groups. We define structural injustices as systemic disadvantages for certain social groups that may be sustained or exacerbated by unfair power relations. Inflated hopes can also exclude digitally disadvantaged users. Thus, the hopes created by the providers of commercial mHealth apps for self-tracking press the question of whether the deployment and use of mHealth apps meet the requirements for qualifying as a just public health endeavor.
A review of research on material removal mechanisms for laser-assisted machining of difficult-to-machine materials
Authors: Xiao Guijian , Wang Jingzhe , Zhu Shengwang , He Yi , Liu Zhenyang , Huang Yun
Published: September 2023

With the development of technology in aerospace, medical devices and other fields, high-performance difficult-to-machine materials have been widely used in these fields due to their good comprehensive mechanical properties. However, when using traditional machining methods, it is difficult to ensure the machining accuracy and surface quality, and at the same time, there are problems such as serious tool wear and low machining efficiency. Laser-assisted machining (LAM) technology is an advanced manufacturing process that softens the material in the machining area through the preheating effect of the laser, thus reducing the surface hardness of the material and improving the machinability of the material, which has the advantages of high efficiency and economy in machining difficult-to-machine materials. This paper introduces the common methods of establishing thermal models and simulation modeling of removal behavior in the LAM material removal process, summarizes the research progress on the removal behavior of LAM processing of various difficult-to-machine materials, and analyzes the shortcomings and challenges of the current research. Finally, the key issues of LAM material removal mechanism are proposed, and the development direction of LAM material removal technology is envisioned in order to provide a reference for the research and development in this field.
An Investigation on Spatiotemporal Sizes of Specific Types of Lightning Flashes
Authors: Pan Yun , Zheng Dong , Zhang Yijun , Lu Gaopeng , Yao Wen , Zhang Wenjuan
Published: September 2023

The duration and horizontal extension distance (HED) of intracloud (IC), negative cloud‐to‐ground (NCG), positive cloud‐to‐ground (PCG), and bipolar cloud‐to‐ground (BCG) lightning are analyzed using data from the Oklahoma Lightning Mapping Array and the National Lightning Detection Network. All of these conform to lognormal distributions. BCG lightning has the greatest average spatiotemporal size, owing to its longest‐duration and largest‐spatial‐extension discharge process after the first return stroke (RS). Compared with NCG lightning, PCG lightning tends to include longer‐duration and greater‐spatial‐extension discharge processes before the first RS, making the latter have a larger average spatiotemporal size. IC lightning exhibits the smallest average spatiotemporal size, with a higher concentration of samples in smaller size intervals. Overall, as lightning initiation heights increase, IC and NCG lightning duration tends to increase, while NCG lightning variation is mainly due to discharge processes before the first RS. HED of both types initially increases and then decreases, peaking at ∼7 km. The horizontal extension speed (HES) of IC lightning tends to decrease with increasing initiation height, while for NCG lightning, the HES associated with discharge processes before the first RS shows a clearer decreasing trend at higher levels. The NCG lightning initiated below ∼6 km tends to exhibit similar HED before the first RS and increased HED after the first RS. However, for NCG lightning initiated above ∼6 km, the HED before the first RS is notably greater than the increased HED after the first RS.
Single-session visuospatial task procedure to prevent childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder: a multicentre double-blind randomised controlled trial
Authors: Deforges Camille , Sandoz Vania , Noël Yvonnick , Avignon Valérie , Desseauve David , Bourdin Julie , Vial Yvan , Ayers Susan , Holmes Emily A. , Epiney Manuella , Horsch Antje
Published: September 2023

Preventive evidence-based interventions for childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD) are lacking. Yet, 18.5% of women develop CB-PTSD symptoms following an unplanned caesarean section (UCS). This two-arm, multicentre, double-blind superiority trial tested the efficacy of an early single-session intervention including a visuospatial task on the prevention of maternal CB-PTSD symptoms. The intervention was delivered by trained maternity clinicians. Shortly after UCS, women were included if they gave birth to a live baby, provided consent, and perceived their childbirth as traumatic. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention or attention-placebo group (allocation ratio 1:1). Assessments were done at birth, six weeks, and six months postpartum. Group differences in maternal CB-PTSD symptoms at six weeks (primary outcomes) and six months postpartum (secondary outcomes) were assessed with the self-report PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and by blinded research assessors with the Clinician-administered PTSD scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5). Analysis was by intention-to-treat. The trial was prospectively registered (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03576586). Of the 2068 women assessed for eligibility, 166 were eligible and 146 were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 74) or attention-placebo control group (n = 72). For the PCL-5, at six weeks, a marginally significant intervention effect was found on the total PCL-5 PTSD symptom count (β = −0.43, S.E. = 0.23, z = −1.88, p < 0.06), and on the intrusions (β = −0.73, S.E. = 0.38, z = −1.94, p < 0.0525) and arousal (β = −0.55, S.E. = 0.29, z = −1.92, p < 0.0552) clusters. At six months, a significant intervention effect on the total PCL-5 PTSD symptom count (β = −0.65, S.E. = 0.32, z = −2.04, p = 0.041, 95%CI[−1.27, −0.03]), on alterations in cognition and mood (β = −0.85, S.E. = 0.27, z = −3.15, p = 0.0016) and arousal (β = −0.56, S.E. = 0.26, z = −2.19, p < 0.0289, 95%CI[−1.07, −0.06]) clusters appeared. No group differences on the CAPS-5 emerged. Results provide evidence that this brief, single-session intervention carried out by trained clinicians can prevent the development of CB-PTSD symptoms up to six months postpartum.
Defining features of hereditary lobular breast cancer due to CDH1 with magnetic resonance imaging and tumor characteristics
Authors: Gamble Lauren A. , McClelland Paul H. , Teke Martha E. , Samaranayake Sarah G. , Juneau Paul , Famiglietti Amber L. , Blakely Andrew M. , Redd Bernadette , Davis Jeremy L.
Published: September 2023

Women with germline pathogenic variants in CDH1, which encodes E-cadherin protein, are at increased lifetime risk of invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC). The associated tumor characteristics of hereditary lobular breast carcinoma (HLBC) in this high-risk population are not well-known. A single-center prospective cohort study was conducted to determine the imaging and pathologic features of HLBC compared to population-based ILC using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data. One hundred fifty-eight women with CDH1 variants were evaluated, of whom 48 (30%) also had an ILC diagnosis. The median age at CDH1 diagnosis was 45 years [interquartile range, IQR 34–57 years] whereas the median age at diagnosis of CDH1 with concomitant ILC (HLBC) was 53 [IQR 45–62] years. Among women with HLBC, 83% (40/48) were identified with CDH1 mutation after diagnosis of ILC. Among 76 women (48%, 76/158) undergoing surveillance for ILC with breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 29% (22/76) had an abnormal MRI result with available biopsy data for comparison. MRI detected ILC in 7 out of 8 biopsy-confirmed cases, corresponding with high sensitivity (88%), specificity (75%), and negative predictive value (98%); however, false-positive and false-discovery rates were elevated also (25% and 68%, respectively). HLBC was most frequently diagnosed at age 40–49 years (44%, 21/48), significantly younger than the common age of diagnosis of ILC in SEER general population data (most frequent age range 60–69 years, 28%; p < 0.001). HLBC tumors were smaller than SEER-documented ILC tumors (median 1.40 vs. 2.00 cm; p = 0.002) and had a higher incidence of background lobular carcinoma in situ (88% vs. 1%; p < 0.001) as well as progesterone receptor positivity (95% vs. 81%, p = 0.032). These findings suggest that HLBC is often detected via conventional screening methods as an early-stage hormone receptor-positive tumor, thus the clinical benefit of intensive screening with MRI may be limited to a subset of women with germline CDH1 variants.
The role of electron correlations in the electronic structure of putative Chern magnet TbMn6Sn6
Authors: Annaberdiyev Abdulgani , Mandal Subhasish , Mitas Lubos , Krogel Jaron T. , Ganesh Panchapakesan
Published: September 2023

A member of the RMn6Sn6 rare-earth family materials, TbMn6Sn6, recently showed experimental signatures of the realization of a quantum-limit Chern magnet. In this work, we use quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) and density functional theory with Hubbard U (DFT + U) calculations to examine the electronic structure of TbMn6Sn6. To do so, we optimize accurate, correlation-consistent pseudopotentials for Tb and Sn using coupled-cluster and configuration–interaction (CI) methods. We find that DFT + U and single-reference QMC calculations suffer from the same overestimation of the magnetic moments as meta-GGA and hybrid density functional approximations. Our findings point to the need for improved orbitals/wavefunctions for this class of materials, such as natural orbitals from CI, or for the inclusion of multi-reference effects that capture the static correlations for an accurate prediction of magnetic properties. DFT + U with Mn magnetic moments adjusted to the experiment predict the Dirac crossing in bulk to be close to the Fermi level, within ~120 meV, in agreement with the experiments. Our non-stoichiometric slab calculations show that the Dirac crossing approaches even closer to the Fermi level, suggesting the possible realization of Chern magnetism in this limit.
Electrically driven organic laser using integrated OLED pumping
Authors: Yoshida Kou , Gong Junyi , Kanibolotsky Alexander L. , Skabara Peter J. , Turnbull Graham A. , Samuel Ifor D. W.
Published: September 2023

Organic semiconductors are carbon-based materials that combine optoelectronic properties with simple fabrication and the scope for tuning by changing their chemical structure1–3. They have been successfully used to make organic light-emitting diodes2,4,5 (OLEDs, now widely found in mobile phone displays and televisions), solar cells1, transistors6 and sensors7. However, making electrically driven organic semiconductor lasers is very challenging8,9. It is difficult because organic semiconductors typically support only low current densities, suffer substantial absorption from injected charges and triplets, and have additional losses due to contacts10,11. In short, injecting charges into the gain medium leads to intolerable losses. Here we take an alternative approach in which charge injection and lasing are spatially separated, thereby greatly reducing losses. We achieve this by developing an integrated device structure that efficiently couples an OLED, with exceptionally high internal-light generation, with a polymer distributed feedback laser. Under the electrical driving of the integrated structure, we observe a threshold in light output versus drive current, with a narrow emission spectrum and the formation of a beam above the threshold. These observations confirm lasing. Our results provide an organic electronic device that has not been previously demonstrated, and show that indirect electrical pumping by an OLED is a very effective way of realizing an electrically driven organic semiconductor laser. This provides an approach to visible lasers that could see applications in spectroscopy, metrology and sensing.
Assembloid CRISPR screens reveal impact of disease genes in human neurodevelopment
Authors: Meng Xiangling , Yao David , Imaizumi Kent , Chen Xiaoyu , Kelley Kevin W. , Reis Noah , Thete Mayuri Vijay , Arjun McKinney Arpana , Kulkarni Shravanti , Panagiotakos Georgia , Bassik Michael C. , Pașca Sergiu P.
Published: September 2023

The assembly of cortical circuits involves the generation and migration of interneurons from the ventral to the dorsal forebrain1–3, which has been challenging to study at inaccessible stages of late gestation and early postnatal human development4. Autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) have been associated with abnormal cortical interneuron development5, but which of these NDD genes affect interneuron generation and migration, and how they mediate these effects remains unknown. We previously developed a platform to study interneuron development and migration in subpallial organoids and forebrain assembloids6. Here we integrate assembloids with CRISPR screening to investigate the involvement of 425 NDD genes in human interneuron development. The first screen aimed at interneuron generation revealed 13 candidate genes, including CSDE1 and SMAD4. We subsequently conducted an interneuron migration screen in more than 1,000 forebrain assembloids that identified 33 candidate genes, including cytoskeleton-related genes and the endoplasmic reticulum-related gene LNPK. We discovered that, during interneuron migration, the endoplasmic reticulum is displaced along the leading neuronal branch before nuclear translocation. LNPK deletion interfered with this endoplasmic reticulum displacement and resulted in abnormal migration. These results highlight the power of this CRISPR-assembloid platform to systematically map NDD genes onto human development and reveal disease mechanisms.
Uniquely preserved gut contents illuminate trilobite palaeophysiology
Authors: Kraft Petr , Vaškaninová Valéria , Mergl Michal , Budil Petr , Fatka Oldřich , Ahlberg Per E.
Published: September 2023

Trilobites are among the most iconic of fossils and formed a prominent component of marine ecosystems during most of their 270-million-year-long history from the early Cambrian period to the end Permian period1. More than 20,000 species have been described to date, with presumed lifestyles ranging from infaunal burrowing to a planktonic life in the water column2. Inferred trophic roles range from detritivores to predators, but all are based on indirect evidence such as body and gut morphology, modes of preservation and attributed feeding traces; no trilobite specimen with internal gut contents has been described3,4. Here we present the complete and fully itemized gut contents of an Ordovician trilobite, Bohemolichas incola, preserved three-dimensionally in a siliceous nodule and visualized by synchrotron microtomography. The tightly packed, almost continuous gut fill comprises partly fragmented calcareous shells indicating high feeding intensity. The lack of dissolution of the shells implies a neutral or alkaline environment along the entire length of the intestine supporting digestive enzymes comparable to those in modern crustaceans or chelicerates. Scavengers burrowing into the trilobite carcase targeted soft tissues below the glabella but avoided the gut, suggesting noxious conditions and possibly ongoing enzymatic activity.
Development of a novel genetic sexing strain of Ceratitis capitata based on an X-autosome translocation
Authors: Cáceres Carlos , Bourtzis Kostas , Gouvi Georgia , Vreysen Marc J. B. , Bimbilé Somda Nanwintoum Séverin , Hejníčková Martina , Marec František , Meza José S.
Published: September 2023

Genetic sexing strains (GSS), such as the Ceratitiscapitata (medfly) VIENNA 8 strain, facilitate male-only releases and improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of sterile insect technique (SIT) applications. Laboratory domestication may reduce their genetic diversity and mating behaviour and hence, refreshment with wild genetic material is frequently needed. As wild males do not carry the T(Y;A) translocation, and wild females do not easily conform to artificial oviposition, the genetic refreshment of this GSS is a challenging and time-consuming process. In the present study, we report the development of a novel medfly GSS, which is based on a viable homozygous T(XX;AA) translocation using the same selectable markers, the whitepupae and temperature-sensitivelethal genes. This allows the enmasse cross of T(XX;AA) females with wild males, and the backcrossing of F1 males with the T(XX;AA) females thus facilitating the re-establishment of the GSS as well as its genetic refreshment. The rearing efficiency and mating competitiveness of the novel GSS are similar to those of the T(Y;A)-based VIENNA 8 GSS. However, its advantage to easily allow the genetic refreshment is of great importance as it can ensure the mass production of high-quality males and enhanced efficacy of operational SIT programs.
Dynamical entropic measure of nonclassicality of phase-dependent family of Schrödinger cat states
Authors: Kalka M. , Spisak B. J. , Woźniak D. , Wołoszyn M. , Kołaczek D.
Published: September 2023

The phase-space approach based on the Wigner distribution function is used to study the quantum dynamics of the three families of the Schrödinger cat states identified as the even, odd, and Yurke–Stoler states. The considered states are formed by the superposition of two Gaussian wave packets localized on opposite sides of a smooth barrier in a dispersive medium and moving towards each other. The process generated by this dynamics is analyzed regarding the influence of the barrier parameters on the nonclassical properties of these states in the phase space below and above the barrier regime. The performed analysis employs entropic measure resulting from the Wigner–Rényi entropy for the fixed Rényi index. The universal relation of this entropy for the Rényi index equal one half with the nonclassicality parameter understood as a measure of the negative part of the Wigner distribution function is proved. This relation is confirmed in the series of numerical simulations for the considered states. Furthermore, the obtained results allowed the determination of the lower bound of the Wigner–Rényi entropy for the Rényi index greater than or equal to one half.
Computer-aided diagnosis for screening of lower extremity lymphedema in pelvic computed tomography images using deep learning
Authors: Nomura Yukihiro , Hoshiyama Masato , Akita Shinsuke , Naganishi Hiroki , Zenbutsu Satoki , Matsuoka Ayumu , Ohnishi Takashi , Haneishi Hideaki , Mitsukawa Nobuyuki
Published: September 2023

Lower extremity lymphedema (LEL) is a common complication after gynecological cancer treatment, which significantly reduces the quality of life. While early diagnosis and intervention can prevent severe complications, there is currently no consensus on the optimal screening strategy for postoperative LEL. In this study, we developed a computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) software for LEL screening in pelvic computed tomography (CT) images using deep learning. A total of 431 pelvic CT scans from 154 gynecological cancer patients were used for this study. We employed ResNet-18, ResNet-34, and ResNet-50 models as the convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture. The input image for the CNN model used a single CT image at the greater trochanter level. Fat-enhanced images were created and used as input to improve classification performance. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to evaluate our method. The ResNet-34 model with fat-enhanced images achieved the highest area under the curve of 0.967 and an accuracy of 92.9%. Our CAD software enables LEL diagnosis from a single CT image, demonstrating the feasibility of LEL screening only on CT images after gynecologic cancer treatment. To increase the usefulness of our CAD software, we plan to validate it using external datasets.
Correlations between iodine uptake, invasive CT features and pleural invasion in adenocarcinomas with pleural contact
Authors: Chen Yingdong , Huang Qianwen , Zhong Hua , Li Anqi , Lin Zeyang , Guo Xiaoxi
Published: September 2023

Pleural contact in lung cancers does not always imply pleural invasion (PI). This study was designed to determine whether specific invasive CT characteristics or iodine uptake can aid in the prediction of PI. The sample population comprised patients with resected solid lung adenocarcinomas between April 2019 and May 2022. All participants underwent a contrast enhanced spectral CT scan. Two proficient radiologists independently evaluated the CT features and iodine uptake. Logistic regression analyses were employed to identify predictors for PI, via CT features and iodine uptake. To validate the improved diagnostic efficiency, accuracy analysis and ROC curves were subsequently used. A two-tailed P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. We enrolled 97 consecutive patients (mean age, 61.8 years ± 10; 48 females) in our study. The binomial logistic regression model revealed that a contact length > 10 mm (OR 4.80, 95% CI 1.92, 11.99, p = 0.001), and spiculation sign (OR 2.71, 95% CI 1.08, 6.79, p = 0.033) were independent predictors of PI, while iodine uptake was not. Enhanced sensitivity (90%) and a greater area under the curve (0.73) were achieved by integrating the two aforementioned CT features in predicting PI. We concluded that the combination of contact length > 10 mm and spiculation sign can enhance the diagnostic performance of PI.
Systematic review of deep learning image analyses for the diagnosis and monitoring of skin disease
Authors: Choy Shern Ping , Kim Byung Jin , Paolino Alexandra , Tan Wei Ren , Lim Sarah Man Lin , Seo Jessica , Tan Sze Ping , Francis Luc , Tsakok Teresa , Simpson Michael , Barker Jonathan N. W. N. , Lynch Magnus D. , Corbett Mark S. , Smith Catherine H. , Mahil Satveer K.
Published: September 2023

Skin diseases affect one-third of the global population, posing a major healthcare burden. Deep learning may optimise healthcare workflows through processing skin images via neural networks to make predictions. A focus of deep learning research is skin lesion triage to detect cancer, but this may not translate to the wider scope of >2000 other skin diseases. We searched for studies applying deep learning to skin images, excluding benign/malignant lesions (1/1/2000-23/6/2022, PROSPERO CRD42022309935). The primary outcome was accuracy of deep learning algorithms in disease diagnosis or severity assessment. We modified QUADAS-2 for quality assessment. Of 13,857 references identified, 64 were included. The most studied diseases were acne, psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, vitiligo, urticaria. Deep learning algorithms had high specificity and variable sensitivity in diagnosing these conditions. Accuracy of algorithms in diagnosing acne (median 94%, IQR 86–98; n = 11), rosacea (94%, 90–97; n = 4), eczema (93%, 90–99; n = 9) and psoriasis (89%, 78–92; n = 8) was high. Accuracy for grading severity was highest for psoriasis (range 93–100%, n = 2), eczema (88%, n = 1), and acne (67–86%, n = 4). However, 59 (92%) studies had high risk-of-bias judgements and 62 (97%) had high-level applicability concerns. Only 12 (19%) reported participant ethnicity/skin type. Twenty-four (37.5%) evaluated the algorithm in an independent dataset, clinical setting or prospectively. These data indicate potential of deep learning image analysis in diagnosing and monitoring common skin diseases. Current research has important methodological/reporting limitations. Real-world, prospectively-acquired image datasets with external validation/testing will advance deep learning beyond the current experimental phase towards clinically-useful tools to mitigate rising health and cost impacts of skin disease.
Enhancing hydrogel toughness by uniform cross-linking using modified polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane
Authors: Pruksawan Sirawit , Lim Jeremy Weixiong Reuben , Lee Yock Leng , Lin Zehuang , Chee Heng Li , Chong Yi Ting , Chi Hong , Wang FuKe
Published: September 2023

The use of macro cross-linkers is one of the most effective approaches for developing tough hydrogels. However, the presence of uneven cross-linking and the resulting hydrogel inhomogeneity restrict further improvement. Here, we achieve uniform cross-linking by employing polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)-grafted acrylated polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a cross-linker to enhance the toughness of hydrogels. The nano-sized hard silica core of POSS facilitates energy dissipation, and its dissolved form ensures uniform cross-linking through molecular-level dispersion. The peripheral acrylate groups introduce multiple interacting points, and the physical entanglements of long-chain PEG contribute to enhanced toughness. Incorporating acrylated POSS-PEG into polyacrylamide hydrogel yields enhanced properties such as toughness of up to 6531 kJ m−3 and break elongation up to 9455%, where the length of PEG chains grafted onto POSS is demonstrated to play a crucial role in facilitating energy dissipation and achieving high toughness.
Formation of the Xigaze Metamorphic Sole under Tibetan continental lithosphere reveals generic characteristics of subduction initiation
Authors: Guilmette Carl , van Hinsbergen Douwe J. J. , Smit Matthijs A. , Godet Antoine , Fournier-Roy François , Butler Jared P. , Maffione Marco , Li Shun , Hodges Kip
Published: September 2023

Metamorphic soles found under allochthonous oceanic lithosphere, or ophiolites, are interpreted as derived from lower plate oceanic crust material accreted to upper plate mantle during intraoceanic subduction initiation. Their metamorphic evolution is inferred to reflect the thermal structure at the site of subduction nucleation, with granulite-bearing soles linked to initiation at hot spreading centers. Here we present garnet Lu-Hf geochronology for the granulite-bearing sole of the Xigaze ophiolite in South Tibet, whose oceanic crust formed ∼130 Ma through continental forearc extension. Our study shows that sole metamorphism was ongoing by 144 Ma, implying that north-directed subduction began at least 14 million years before oceanic forearc spreading. The upper plate at the time of subduction initiation was thus continental, not oceanic. Our results demonstrate that metamorphic characteristics of soles are independent of the specific tectonic setting at the subduction nucleation site and rather provide generic constraints on the subduction initiation process.
Carbon and boron based 2D nanomaterials: efficient lubricant additives
Authors: Dinesh Kumar D. , Gupta Bhavana
Published: September 2023

Researchers are mainly concerned with minimizing friction and preventing the wear of moving mechanical components, since these problems create significant energy and economic constraints for many small-scale and large-scale mechanical industries. Nanomaterials, especially 2D nanostructures such as graphene and its derivatives graphene oxide or reduced graphene oxide (GO/rGO), and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), as additives in conventional lubricants attract significant attention because of the remarkable enhancement of anti-friction and anti-wear characteristics. This chapter aims to provide a detailed overview of recent developments in 2D nanomaterials dispersed in nanolubricants. The preparation of 2D nanomaterials, surface functionalization of graphene and h-BN using various chemicals/methods (oxidation, amine functionalization, alkylation, ionic liquids, and surface modifiers) and other nanoparticles, and their influences on the friction and wear behavior in nanolubricants are discussed in this chapter. Additive concentrations and their dispersion stability in lubricants, functional groups, and sliding conditions are the key determinants of the tribological properties of nanolubricants. The tribofilm formation mechanism and the impact of tribofilms on the anti-friction and anti-wear behavior of nanolubricants are also discussed in this chapter.
Precious metal–carbon framework materials for supercapacitors
Authors: Ekwere Precious , Ndipingwi Miranda , Ikpo Chinwe , Januarie Kaylin , Mokwebo Kefilwe , Oranzie Marlon , Nwambaekwe Kelechi , Uhuo Onyinyechi , Iwuoha Emmanuel
Published: September 2023

Precious metals (PM) have received considerable attention recently due to their corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, variable oxidation states, and impressive theorized capacitance. However, they are scarce and expensive, and have low cyclic stability, thus limiting their industrial applications. This article discusses extensively the fabrication of ruthenium oxides in their nano form with different carbon nanomaterials. The carbon materials covered are graphene, carbon nanotubes, carbon dots, carbon onions, activated carbon, carbon black and carbon fiber. Additionally, ruthenium nitrates and sulfites, as well as other precious metals such as gold nanoparticles, iridium oxide nanoparticles, palladium/palladium oxide nanoparticles, platinum nanoparticles/wires, silver nanoparticles/nanowires, and their carbonaceous composites are discussed. The shortcomings of pristine carbon material supercapacitors, and the use of PM to achieve high power density in composite PM–carbon material supercapacitors, are also evaluated.
Recent developments and challenges in flexible electrochemical energy devices
Authors: de Souza Felipe M. , Gupta Ram K.
Published: September 2023

This chapter is focused on the strategies adopted for the development and optimization processes utilized to obtain flexible energy storage devices such as batteries and supercapacitors. There is a trend within the scientific community and industry pushing toward the fabrication of flexible devices, which can significantly enlarge their field of application, including their use in smartwatches, flexible displays, wearable devices, and biomedical devices. Based on the novelty of this technology, this chapter addresses the main types of materials, strategies, and approaches utilized for the fabrication of flexible devices. The first section briefly introduces the most used electroactive materials, the importance of nanostructure, and general aspects. The second section addresses the fundamental aspects of electrochemical devices, focusing on batteries and supercapacitors. In the third section, the main advances were observed in the field of flexible batteries while presenting some of the most recent strategies presented in the literature. The fourth section addresses the main progress observed in developing flexible supercapacitors and discusses some of the latest works. Finally, the last section provides an overview of the main challenges and progress that the scientific community has achieved, along with some discussion regarding the future of this field and its importance for the next generation of energy storage devices.
Sensitively detecting endogenous homocysteine in human serum and cardiomyocytes with a specific fluorescent probe
Authors: Li Huan , Wang Qiwei , Shi Lili , Li Tao
Published: September 2023

The probe is used to detect endogenous Hcy in human serum and cells with high selectivity.
Deposition of a high entropy thin film by aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Xiao Weichen , Buckingham Mark A. , Li Yi , Hazeldine Kerry , Han Bing , Cartmell Sarah H. , Eggeman Alexander S. , Walton Alex S. , Lewis David J.
Published: September 2023

Herein we report for the first time the synthesis of a high entropy (CuZnCoInGa)S metal sulfide thin film deposited by AACVD using molecular precursors.