bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simple and efficient differentiation of human iPSCs into contractible skeletal muscles for muscular disease modeling
Authors: Rashid Muhammad Irfanur , Ito Takuji , Miya Fuyuki , Shimojo Daisuke , Arimoto Kanae , Onodera Kazunari , Okada Rina , Nagashima Takunori , Yamamoto Kazuki , Khatun Zohora , Shimul Rayhanul Islam , Niwa Jun-ichi , Katsuno Masahisa , Sobue Gen , Okano Hideyuki , Sakurai Hidetoshi , Shimizu Kazunori , Doyu Manabu , Okada Yohei
Published: May 2023

Pathophysiological analysis and drug discovery targeting human diseases require disease models that suitably recapitulate patient pathology. Disease-specific human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) differentiated into affected cell types can potentially recapitulate disease pathology more accurately than existing disease models. Such successful modeling of muscular diseases requires efficient differentiation of hiPSCs into skeletal muscles. hiPSCs transduced with doxycycline-inducible MYOD1 (MYOD1-hiPSCs) have been widely used; however, they require time- and labor-consuming clonal selection, and clonal variations must be overcome. Moreover, their functionality should be carefully examined. Here, we demonstrated that bulk MYOD1-hiPSCs established with puromycin selection rather than G418 selection showed rapid and highly efficient differentiation. Interestingly, bulk MYOD1-hiPSCs exhibited average differentiation properties of clonally established MYOD1-hiPSCs, suggesting that it is possible to minimize clonal variations. Moreover, disease-specific hiPSCs of spinal bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) could be efficiently differentiated via this method into skeletal muscle that showed disease phenotypes, suggesting the applicability of this method for disease analysis. Finally, three-dimensional muscle tissues were fabricated from bulk MYOD1-hiPSCs, which exhibited contractile force upon electrical stimulation, indicating their functionality. Thus, our bulk differentiation requires less time and labor than existing methods, efficiently generates contractible skeletal muscles, and may facilitate the generation of muscular disease models.
Deciphering of seed Health of common food grains (wheat, rice) of North Eastern UP and Gurgaon Haryana, India
Authors: Kumar Narendra , Khurana S. M. Paul , Pandey Vashist N.
Published: May 2023

The stored random samples of food seeds of wheat and rice (60 samples) were purchased from places of Eastern UP and Gurgaon district Haryana. Its moisture contents were estimated. The Mycological investigations of wheat seeds revealed presence of a total number of 16 fungal species viz.,Alternaria alternata,Aspergillus candidus,Aspergillus flavus,A. niger,A. ochraceous,A. phoenicis,A. tamari,A. terreus,A. sydowi,Fusarium moniliforme,F. oxysporum F. solani,P. glabrum,Rhizopus nigricans,Trichoderma virideandTrichothecium roseum.While mycological analysis of rice seeds showed presence of 15 fungal species viz.,Alternaria padwickii,A. oryzae,Curvularia lunata,Fusarium moniliforme,Aspergillus clavatus,A. flavus,A. niger,Cladosporiumsp.,Nigrospora oryzae,Alternaria tenuissima,Chaetomium globosum,F. solani,Microascus cirrosus,Helminthosporium oryzae,Pyricularia grisea. It also projected variation in presence of fungal species in blotter and agar plate method of analysis. In wheat Blotter method of analysis showed 16 fungal species while agar plate depicted 13 fungal species. In rice Agar plate method depicted presence of 15 fungal species while blotter method shows presence of 12 fungal species. The insect analysis revealed that wheat samples were infected withTribolium castaneum. While rice seeds sample showed presence of insectSitophilus oryzae. The investigations revealed thatAspergillus flavus,A. niger,Sitophilus oryzaeandTribolium castaneumcaused reduction in seed weight loss, seed germination, carbohydrate and protein contents of common food grains (wheat, rice). It also revealed that randomly selected A. flavus isolate 1 of wheat showed higher potential of aflatoxin B1production (1392.940 μg/l) while rice isolate 2 showed 1231.117 μg/l production.
Assessing thermal imagery integration into object detection methods on air-based collection platforms
Authors: Gallagher James E. , Oughton Edward J.
Published: May 2023

Object detection models commonly focus on utilizing the visible spectrum via Red–Green–Blue (RGB) imagery. Due to various limitations with this approach in low visibility settings, there is growing interest in fusing RGB with thermal Long Wave Infrared (LWIR) (7.5–13.5 µm) images to increase object detection performance. However, we still lack baseline performance metrics evaluating RGB, LWIR and RGB-LWIR fused object detection machine learning models, especially from air-based platforms. This study undertakes such an evaluation, finding that a blended RGB-LWIR model generally exhibits superior performance compared to independent RGB or LWIR approaches. For example, an RGB-LWIR blend only performs 1–5% behind the RGB approach in predictive power across various altitudes and periods of clear visibility. Yet, RGB fusion with a thermal signature overlay provides edge redundancy and edge emphasis, both which are vital in supporting edge detection machine learning algorithms (especially in low visibility environments). This approach has the ability to improve object detection performance for a range of use cases in industrial, consumer, government, and military applications. This research greatly contributes to the study of multispectral object detection by quantifying key factors affecting model performance from drone platforms (including distance, time-of-day and sensor type). Finally, this research additionally contributes a novel open labeled training dataset of 6300 images for RGB, LWIR, and RGB-LWIR fused imagery, collected from air-based platforms, enabling further multispectral machine-driven object detection research.
Clinical analysis of secondary glaucoma in Central China
Authors: Liu Qian , Liu Changgeng , Cheng Wenjun , Feng Xiaomei , Li Haijun , Yang Xiaoyuan , Dong Yangzeng
Published: May 2023

To describe the epidemiology, clinical and social characteristics, management, and outcomes of patients with secondary glaucoma in Central China, a total of 1,129 cases (1,158 eyes) among 710 males (62.89%) and 419 females (37.11%) were analyzed. The mean age was 53.75 ± 17.11 years. The New Rural Cooperative Medical System (NCMS) played the most important role in reimbursement (60.32%) for secondary glaucoma-related medical expenses. The predominant occupation was “farmer” (53.41%). Neovascularization and trauma were the leading causes of secondary glaucoma. Cases of trauma-induced glaucoma decreased substantially during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. An education level of senior high school or above was uncommon. Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation was the most commonly performed surgery. At the final follow-up, the overall intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with vascular disease- and trauma-related secondary glaucoma was 19.53 ± 10.20 mmHg, 20.26 ± 11.75 mmHg, and 16.90 ± 6.72 mmHg, while the mean visual acuity (VA) was 0.33 ± 0.32, 0.34 ± 0.36, and 0.43 ± 0.36. In 814 (70.29%) eyes, the VA was < 0.01. Effective preventive measures for at-risk populations, increased NCMS coverage and the promotion of higher education are necessary. These findings will help ophthalmologists detect secondary glaucoma early and manage it in a timely manner.
Learning without forgetting by leveraging transfer learning for detecting COVID-19 infection from CT images
Authors: Subramanian Malliga , Sathishkumar Veerappampalayam Easwaramoorthy , Cho Jaehyuk , Shanmugavadivel Kogilavani
Published: May 2023

COVID-19, a global pandemic, has killed thousands in the last three years. Pathogenic laboratory testing is the gold standard but has a high false-negative rate, making alternate diagnostic procedures necessary to fight against it. Computer Tomography (CT) scans help diagnose and monitor COVID-19, especially in severe cases. But, visual inspection of CT images takes time and effort. In this study, we employ Convolution Neural Network (CNN) to detect coronavirus infection from CT images. The proposed study utilized transfer learning on the three pre-trained deep CNN models, namely VGG-16, ResNet, and wide ResNet, to diagnose and detect COVID-19 infection from the CT images. However, when the pre-trained models are retrained, the model suffers the generalization capability to categorize the data in the original datasets. The novel aspect of this work is the integration of deep CNN architectures with Learning without Forgetting (LwF) to enhance the model’s generalization capabilities on both trained and new data samples. The LwF makes the network use its learning capabilities in training on the new dataset while preserving the original competencies. The deep CNN models with the LwF model are evaluated on original images and CT scans of individuals infected with Delta-variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The experimental results show that of the three fine-tuned CNN models with the LwF method, the wide ResNet model’s performance is superior and effective in classifying original and delta-variant datasets with an accuracy of 93.08% and 92.32%, respectively.
Rab27a-mediated extracellular vesicle secretion contributes to osteogenesis in periodontal ligament-bone niche communication
Authors: Lu Yun , Zhao Liru , Mao Jiaqi , Liu Wen , Ma Wensheng , Zhao Bingjiao
Published: May 2023

Periodontitis, an infectious and common disease worldwide, leads to the destruction of the periodontal ligament-alveolar bone complex. Within the bone metabolic niche, communication between periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) has been considered a major contributor to osteogenesis. PDLSC-derived extracellular vesicles (P-EVs) have shown great potential for bone regeneration. However, the secretion and uptake mechanisms of P-EVs remain elusive. Herein, the biogenesis of extracellular vesicles (EVs) from PDLSCs was observed using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. PDLSCs were transduced with Ras-associated protein 27a (Rab27a) siRNA (PDLSCsiRab27a) to inhibit EV secretion. The effect of P-EVs on BMMSCs was evaluated using a non-contact transwell co-culture system. We observed that Rab27a knockdown decreased EV secretion, and PDLSCsiRab27a remarkably attenuated co-culture-enhanced osteogenesis of BMMSCs. Isolated PDLSC-derived EVs enhanced osteogenic differentiation of BMMSCs in vitro and induced bone regeneration in a calvarial defect model in vivo. PDLSC-derived EVs were rapidly endocytosed by BMMSCs via the lipid raft/cholesterol endocytosis pathway and triggered the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2. In conclusion, PDLSCs contribute to the osteogenesis of BMMSCs through Rab27a-mediated EV secretion, thereby providing a potential cell-free approach for bone regeneration.
Time-series analysis of satellite imagery for detecting vegetation cover changes in Indonesia
Authors: Furusawa Takuro , Koera Takuya , Siburian Rikson , Wicaksono Agung , Matsudaira Kazunari , Ishioka Yoshinori
Published: May 2023

Indonesia has one of the world’s largest tropical forests; thus, its deforestation and environmental degradation are a global concern. This study is the first to perform comprehensive big data analyses with coherent vegetation criteria to measure the vegetation change at a high temporal resolution (every 16-day period) for 20 years and the high administrative resolution (regency or city) all over Indonesia. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer is analyzed through state space modeling. The findings reveal that the NDVI increases in almost all regencies, except in urban areas. A high correlation between the NDVI change and the time is observed in Sumatra, Papua, and Kalimantan. The gain of the NDVI values is obvious in the Central and Eastern Java Island. Human activities, such as the expansion of agriculture and forestry and forest conservation policies, are the key factors for the observed pattern.
Compensatory mechanisms of reduced interhemispheric EEG connectivity during sleep in patients with apnea
Authors: Zhuravlev Maksim , Agaltsov Mikhail , Kiselev Anton , Simonyan Margarita , Novikov Mikhail , Selskii Anton , Ukolov Rodion , Drapkina Oksana , Orlova Anna , Penzel Thomas , Runnova Anastasiya
Published: May 2023

We performed a mathematical analysis of functional connectivity in electroencephalography (EEG) of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) (N = 10; age: 52.8 ± 13 years; median age: 49 years; male/female ratio: 7/3), compared with a group of apparently healthy participants (N = 15; age: 51.5 ± 29.5 years; median age: 42 years; male/female ratio: 8/7), based on the calculation of wavelet bicoherence from nighttime polysomnograms. Having observed the previously known phenomenon of interhemispheric synchronization deterioration, we demonstrated a compensatory increase in intrahemispheric connectivity, as well as a slight increase in the connectivity of the central and occipital areas for high-frequency EEG activity. Significant changes in functional connectivity were extremely stable in groups of apparently healthy participants and OSA patients, maintaining the overall pattern when comparing different recording nights and various sleep stages. The maximum variability of the connectivity was observed at fast oscillatory processes during REM sleep. The possibility of observing some changes in functional connectivity of brain activity in OSA patients in a state of passive wakefulness opens up prospects for further research. Developing the methods of hypnogram evaluation that are independent of functional connectivity may be useful for implementing a medical decision support system.
Simultaneous selection of multiple important single nucleotide polymorphisms in familial genome wide association studies data
Authors: Majumdar Subhabrata , Basu Saonli , McGue Matt , Chatterjee Snigdhansu
Published: May 2023

We propose a resampling-based fast variable selection technique for detecting relevant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in a multi-marker mixed effect model. Due to computational complexity, current practice primarily involves testing the effect of one SNP at a time, commonly termed as ‘single SNP association analysis’. Joint modeling of genetic variants within a gene or pathway may have better power to detect associated genetic variants, especially the ones with weak effects. In this paper, we propose a computationally efficient model selection approach—based on the e-values framework—for single SNP detection in families while utilizing information on multiple SNPs simultaneously. To overcome computational bottleneck of traditional model selection methods, our method trains one single model, and utilizes a fast and scalable bootstrap procedure. We illustrate through numerical studies that our proposed method is more effective in detecting SNPs associated with a trait than either single-marker analysis using family data or model selection methods that ignore the familial dependency structure. Further, we perform gene-level analysis in Minnesota Center for Twin and Family Research (MCTFR) dataset using our method to detect several SNPs using this that have been implicated to be associated with alcohol consumption.
Cough sound-based estimation of vital capacity via cough peak flow using artificial neural network analysis
Authors: Umayahara Yasutaka , Soh Zu , Furui Akira , Sekikawa Kiyokazu , Imura Takeshi , Otsuka Akira , Tsuji Toshio
Published: May 2023

This study presents a novel approach for estimating vital capacity using cough sounds and proposes a neural network-based model that utilizes the reference vital capacity computed using the lambda-mu-sigma method, a conventional approach, and the cough peak flow computed based on the cough sound pressure level as inputs. Additionally, a simplified cough sound input model is developed, with the cough sound pressure level used directly as the input instead of the computed cough peak flow. A total of 56 samples of cough sounds and vital capacities were collected from 31 young and 25 elderly participants. Model performance was evaluated using squared errors, and statistical tests including the Friedman and Holm tests were conducted to compare the squared errors of the different models. The proposed model achieved a significantly smaller squared error (0.052 L2,p < 0.001) than the other models. Subsequently, the proposed model and the cough sound-based estimation model were used to detect whether a participant’s vital capacity was lower than the typical lower limit. The proposed model demonstrated a significantly higher area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.831,p < 0.001) than the other models. These results highlight the effectiveness of the proposed model for screening decreased vital capacity.
Biometric and gonadosomatic indices and chemical constituents of edible tissues and exoskeletons of Callinectes amnicola and their potential for reuse in the circular economy paradigm
Authors: Jolaosho Toheeb Lekan , Elegbede Isa Olalekan , Akintola Shehu Latunji , Jimoh Abayomi Abdul-Azeez
Published: May 2023

The study investigates some biological indices and chemical compositions of Callinectes amnicola and their potential for reuse in the context of the circular economy paradigm. The total of 322 mixed-sex C. amnicola collected over a period of six months was examined. The morphometric and meristic characteristics were estimated for biometric assessment. The gonads were obtained from the female crabs for gonadosomatic indices. The shell was obtained using the hand removal technique by detaching it from the crab body. The edible and shell portions were processed separately and subjected to chemical analysis. Our findings showed that females had the highest sex ratio across the six months. The slope values (b) for both sexes exhibited negative allometric growth across all months since the slope values obtained were less than 3 (b < 3). The values obtained for Fulton’s condition factor (K) of crabs in all examined months were greater than 1. The edible portion had the highest moisture level at 62.57 ± 2.16% and varied significantly (P < 0.05). The high amount of total ash obtained in the shell sample showed that ash is the main mineral present in crab shells and showed a significant difference (P < 0.05). The shell sample had the highest concentrations of Na and CaCO3. Based on the findings of this study, it was observed that the shell waste contains some essential and transitional minerals (Ca, CaCO3, Na, and Mg) and can be utilized as catalysts in several local and industrial applications, such as pigments, adsorbents, therapeutics, livestock feeds, biomedical industries, liming, fertilization, and so on. Proper valorization of this shell waste should be encouraged rather than discarding it.
Emerging solutions from the battle of defensive alliances
Authors: Szolnoki Attila , Chen Xiaojie
Published: May 2023

Competing strategies in an evolutionary game model, or species in a biosystem, can easily form a larger unit which protects them from the invasion of an external actor. Such a defensive alliance may have two, three, four or even more members. But how effective can be such formation against an alternative group composed by other competitors? To address this question we study a minimal model where a two-member and a four-member alliances fight in a symmetric and balanced way. By presenting representative phase diagrams, we systematically explore the whole parameter range which characterizes the inner dynamics of the alliances and the intensity of their interactions. The group formed by a pair, who can exchange their neighboring positions, prevail in the majority of the parameter region. The rival quartet can only win if their inner cyclic invasion rate is significant while the mixing rate of the pair is extremely low. At specific parameter values, when neither of the alliances is strong enough, new four-member solutions emerge where a rock-paper-scissors-like trio is extended by the other member of the pair. These new solutions coexist hence all six competitors can survive. The evolutionary process is accompanied by serious finite-size effects which can be mitigated by appropriately chosen prepared initial states.
New molecular structure based models for estimation of the CO2 solubility in different choline chloride-based deep eutectic solvents (DESs)
Authors: Dehkordi Farnoosh , Sobati Mohammad Amin , Gorji Ali Ebrahimpoor
Published: May 2023

In this study, CO2 solubility in different choline chloride-based deep eutectic solvents (DESs) has been investigated using the Quantitative Structure–Property Relationship (QSPR). In this regard, the effect of different structures of the hydrogen bond donor (HBD) in choline chloride (ChCl) based deep eutectic solvents (DESs) has been studied in different temperatures and different molar ratios of ChCl as hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) to HBD. 12 different datasets with 390 data on the CO2 solubility were chosen from the literature for the model development. Eight predictive models, which contain the pressure and one structural descriptor, have been developed at the fixed temperature (i.e. 293, 303, 313, or 323 K), and the constant molar ratio of ChCl to HBD equal to 1:3 or 1:4. Moreover, two models were also introduced, which considered the effects of pressure, temperature, and HBD structures, simultaneously in the molar ratios equal to 1:3 or 1:4. Two additional datasets were used only for the further external validation of these two models at new temperatures, pressures, and HBD structures. It was identified that CO2 solubility depends on the “EEig02d” descriptor of HBD. “EEig02d” is a molecular descriptor derived from the edge adjacency matrix of a molecule that is weighted by dipole moments. This descriptor is also related to the molar volume of the structure. The statistical evaluation of the proposed models for the unfixed and fixed temperature datasets confirmed the validity of the developed models.
A report of Kabul internet users on self-medication with over-the-counter medicines
Authors: Nemat Arash , Rezayee Khalid Jan , Essar Mohammad Yasir , Mowlabaccus Wafaa binti , Ahmad Shoaib , Mubarak Mohammad Yousuf
Published: May 2023

Self-medication (SM) with over-the-counter (OTC) medications is a prevalent issue in Afghanistan, largely due to poverty, illiteracy, and limited access to healthcare facilities. To better understand the problem, a cross-sectional online survey was conducted using a convenience sampling method based on the availability and accessibility of participants from various parts of the city. Descriptive analysis was used to determine frequency and percentage, and the chi-square test was used to identify any associations. The study found that of the 391 respondents, 75.2% were male, and 69.6% worked in non-health fields. Participants cited cost, convenience, and perceived effectiveness as the main reasons for choosing OTC medications. The study also found that 65.2% of participants had good knowledge of OTC medications, with 96.2% correctly recognizing that OTC medications require a prescription, and 93.6% understanding that long-term use of OTC drugs can have side effects. Educational level and occupation were significantly associated with good knowledge, while only educational level was associated with a good attitude towards OTC medications (p < 0.001). Despite having good knowledge of OTC drugs, participants reported a poor attitude towards their use. Overall, the study highlights the need for greater education and awareness about the appropriate use of OTC medications in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Whole exome and transcriptome analysis revealed the activation of ERK and Akt signaling pathway in canine histiocytic sarcoma
Authors: Asada Hajime , Tani Akiyoshi , Sakuma Hiroki , Hirabayashi Miyuki , Matsumoto Yuki , Watanabe Kei , Tsuboi Masaya , Yoshida Shino , Harada Kei , Uchikai Takao , Goto-Koshino Yuko , Chambers James K. , Ishihara Genki , Kobayashi Tetsuya , Irie Mitsuhiro , Uchida Kazuyuki , Ohno Koichi , Bonkobara Makoto , Tsujimoto Hajime , Tomiyasu Hirotaka
Published: May 2023

Histiocytic sarcoma (HS) is an incurable aggressive tumor, and no consensus has been made on the treatment due to its rare occurrence. Since dogs spontaneously develop the disease and several cell lines are available, they have been advocated as translational animal models. In the present study, therefore, we explored gene mutations and aberrant molecular pathways in canine HS by next generation sequencing to identify molecular targets for treatment. Whole exome sequencing and RNA-sequencing revealed gene mutations related to receptor tyrosine kinase pathways and activation of ERK1/2, PI3K-AKT, and STAT3 pathways. Analysis by quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry revealed that fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) is over-expressed. Moreover, activation of ERK and Akt signaling were confirmed in all HS cell lines, and FGFR1 inhibitors showed dose-dependent growth inhibitory effects in two of the twelve canine HS cell lines. The findings obtained in the present study indicated that ERK and Akt signaling were activated in canine HS and drugs targeting FGFR1 might be effective in part of the cases. The present study provides translational evidence that leads to establishment of novel therapeutic strategies targeting ERK and Akt signaling in HS patients.
PD-1 blockade potentiates neoadjuvant chemotherapy in NSCLC via increasing CD127+ and KLRG1+ CD8 T cells
Authors: Hui Zhenzhen , Ren Yulin , Zhang Dong , Chen Yulong , Yu Wenwen , Cao Jie , Liu Liang , Wang Tao , Xiao Shanshan , Zheng Liuqing , Pu Yue , Wei Feng , You Jian , Ren Xiubao
Published: May 2023

The combination of PD-1 blockade with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has achieved unprecedented clinical success in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) compared to NAC alone, but the underlying mechanisms by which PD-1 blockade augments the effects of chemotherapy remain incompletely elucidated. Single-cell RNA sequencing was performed on CD45+ immune cells isolated from surgically resected fresh tumors of seven NSCLC patients receiving NAC or neoadjuvant pembrolizumab and chemotherapy (NAPC). Multiplex fluorescent immunohistochemistry was performed on FFPE tissues before and after NAC or NAPC from 65 resectable NSCLC patients, and results were validated with GEO dataset. NAC resulted in an increase only of CD20+ B cells, whereas NAPC increased the infiltration of CD20+ B cells, CD4+ T cells, CD4+CD127+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, CD8+CD127+ and CD8+KLRG1+ T cells. Synergistic increase in B and T cells promotes favorable therapeutic response after NAPC. Spatial distribution analysis discovered that CD8+ T cells and their CD127+ and KLRG1+ subsets were in closer proximity to CD4+ T/CD20+ B cells in NAPC versus NAC. GEO dataset validated that B-cell, CD4, memory, and effector CD8 signatures correlated with therapeutic responses and clinical outcomes. The addition of PD-1 blockade to NAC promoted anti-tumor immunity through T and B cells recruitment in the tumor microenvironment and induced tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells skewed toward CD127+ and KLRG1+ phenotypes, which may be assisted by CD4+ T cells and B cells. Our comprehensive study identified key immune cell subsets exerting anti-tumor responses during PD-1 blockade therapy and that may be therapeutically targeted to improve upon existing immunotherapies for NSCLC.
Histological transformation to gliosarcoma with combined BRAF/MEK inhibition in BRAF V600E mutated glioblastoma
Authors: Nelson Blessie Elizabeth , Reddy Neha K. , Huse Jason T. , Amini Behrang , Nardo Mirella , Gouda Mohamed , Weathers Shiao-Pei , Subbiah Vivek
Published: May 2023

The identification of BRAF V600 mutation in multiple cancers beyond melanoma and the development of combined BRAF and MEK targeting agents have altered the landscape of tissue-agnostic precision oncology therapies with an impact on survival outcomes. Despite initial efficacy, resistance emerges, and it is pertinent to identify putative resistance mechanisms. We report a case of recurrent glioblastoma (GBM) harboring BRAF V600E alteration who initially responded to combined BRAF + MEK inhibition and subsequently developed treatment resistance by histological transformation to gliosarcoma and acquisition of oncogenic KRASG12Dand an NF1L1083R mutation. This documented case represents an initial evidence of a developing phenomenon in cancer research as it provides the first evidence of an emergent KRAS G12D/NF1 L1083R aberration with histological transformation occurring concurrently with primary BRAF V600E-altered glioblastoma as a previously unrecognized acquired mechanism of resistance in the setting of combined BRAF and MEK inhibition. This novel finding not only sheds new light on the RAS/MAPK pathway but also highlights the potential for morphological transformation to gliosarcoma, underscoring the critical need for further investigation in this area.
Effectiveness of chatbots on COVID vaccine confidence and acceptance in Thailand, Hong Kong, and Singapore
Authors: Lee Kristi Yoonsup , Dabak Saudamini Vishwanath , Kong Vivian Hanxiao , Park Minah , Kwok Shirley L. L. , Silzle Madison , Rachatan Chayapat , Cook Alex , Passanante Aly , Pertwee Ed , Wu Zhengdong , Elkin Javier A. , Larson Heidi J. , Lau Eric H. Y. , Leung Kathy , Wu Joseph T. , Lin Leesa
Published: May 2023

Chatbots have become an increasingly popular tool in the field of health services and communications. Despite chatbots’ significance amid the COVID-19 pandemic, few studies have performed a rigorous evaluation of the effectiveness of chatbots in improving vaccine confidence and acceptance. In Thailand, Hong Kong, and Singapore, from February 11th to June 30th, 2022, we conducted multisite randomised controlled trials (RCT) on 2,045 adult guardians of children and seniors who were unvaccinated or had delayed vaccinations. After a week of using COVID-19 vaccine chatbots, the differences in vaccine confidence and acceptance were compared between the intervention and control groups. Compared to non-users, fewer chatbot users reported decreased confidence in vaccine effectiveness in the Thailand child group [Intervention: 4.3 % vs. Control: 17%, P = 0.023]. However, more chatbot users reported decreased vaccine acceptance [26% vs. 12%, P = 0.028] in Hong Kong child group and decreased vaccine confidence in safety [29% vs. 10%, P = 0.041] in Singapore child group. There was no statistically significant change in vaccine confidence or acceptance in the Hong Kong senior group. Employing the RE-AIM framework, process evaluation indicated strong acceptance and implementation support for vaccine chatbots from stakeholders, with high levels of sustainability and scalability. This multisite, parallel RCT study on vaccine chatbots found mixed success in improving vaccine confidence and acceptance among unvaccinated Asian subpopulations. Further studies that link chatbot usage and real-world vaccine uptake are needed to augment evidence for employing vaccine chatbots to advance vaccine confidence and acceptance.
Non-canonical telomere protection role of FOXO3a of human skeletal muscle cells regulated by the TRF2-redox axis
Authors: Jacome Burbano Maria Sol , Robin Jérôme D. , Bauwens Serge , Martin Marjorie , Donati Emma , Martínez Lucia , Lin Peipei , Sacconi Sabrina , Magdinier Frédérique , Gilson Eric
Published: May 2023

Telomeric repeat binding factor 2 (TRF2) binds to telomeres and protects chromosome ends against the DNA damage response and senescence. Although the expression of TRF2 is downregulated upon cellular senescence and in various aging tissues, including skeletal muscle tissues, very little is known about the contribution of this decline to aging. We previously showed that TRF2 loss in myofibers does not trigger telomere deprotection but mitochondrial dysfunction leading to an increased level of reactive oxygen species. We show here that this oxidative stress triggers the binding of FOXO3a to telomeres where it protects against ATM activation, revealing a previously unrecognized telomere protective function of FOXO3a, to the best of our knowledge. We further showed in transformed fibroblasts and myotubes that the telomere properties of FOXO3a are dependent on the C-terminal segment of its CR2 domain (CR2C) but independent of its Forkhead DNA binding domain and of its CR3 transactivation domain. We propose that these non-canonical properties of FOXO3a at telomeres play a role downstream of the mitochondrial signaling induced by TRF2 downregulation to regulate skeletal muscle homeostasis and aging.
A stochastic approach to phase noise analysis for microwaves generated with Kerr optical frequency combs
Authors: Liu Fengyu , Menyuk Curtis R. , Chembo Yanne K.
Published: May 2023

Kerr optical frequency combs are expected to play a major role in photonic technology, with applications related to spectroscopy, sensing, aerospace, and communication engineering. Most of these applications are related to the metrological performance of Kerr combs, which is ultimately limited by their noise-driven fluctuations. For this reason, it is of high importance to understand the influence of random noise on the comb dynamics. In this communication, we theoretically investigate a model where Gaussian white noise is added to the coupled-mode equations governing the comb dynamics. This stochastic model allows us to characterize the noise-induced broadening of the spectral lines. Moreover, this study permits to determine the phase noise spectra of the microwaves generated via comb photodetection. In this latter case, our analysis indicates that the low-frequency part of the spectra is dominated by pattern drift while the high-frequency part is dominated by pattern deformation. The theoretical results are found to be in excellent agreement with numerical simulations.
Potential and limitations of quantum extreme learning machines
Authors: Innocenti L. , Lorenzo S. , Palmisano I. , Ferraro A. , Paternostro M. , Palma G. M.
Published: May 2023

Quantum extreme learning machines (QELMs) aim to efficiently post-process the outcome of fixed — generally uncalibrated — quantum devices to solve tasks such as the estimation of the properties of quantum states. The characterisation of their potential and limitations, which is currently lacking, will enable the full deployment of such approaches to problems of system identification, device performance optimization, and state or process reconstruction. We present a framework to model QELMs, showing that they can be concisely described via single effective measurements, and provide an explicit characterisation of the information exactly retrievable with such protocols. We furthermore find a close analogy between the training process of QELMs and that of reconstructing the effective measurement characterising the given device. Our analysis paves the way to a more thorough understanding of the capabilities and limitations of QELMs, and has the potential to become a powerful measurement paradigm for quantum state estimation that is more resilient to noise and imperfections.
Global projections of flash drought show increased risk in a warming climate
Authors: Christian Jordan I. , Martin Elinor R. , Basara Jeffrey B. , Furtado Jason C. , Otkin Jason A. , Lowman Lauren E. L. , Hunt Eric D. , Mishra Vimal , Xiao Xiangming
Published: May 2023

Flash drought, characterized by unusually rapid drying, can have substantial impact on many socioeconomic sectors, particularly agriculture. However, potential changes to flash drought risk in a warming climate remain unknown. In this study, projected changes in flash drought frequency and cropland risk from flash drought are quantified using global climate model simulations. We find that flash drought occurrence is expected to increase globally among all scenarios, with the sharpest increases seen in scenarios with higher radiative forcing and greater fossil fuel usage. Flash drought risk over cropland is expected to increase globally, with the largest increases projected across North America (change in annual risk from 32% in 2015 to 49% in 2100) and Europe (32% to 53%) in the most extreme emissions scenario. Following low-end and medium scenarios compared to high-end scenarios indicates a notable reduction in annual flash drought risk over cropland.
Resolving land tenure security is essential to deliver forest restoration
Authors: Rakotonarivo O. Sarobidy , Rakotoarisoa Mirindra , Rajaonarivelo H. Manoa , Raharijaona Stefana , Jones Julia P. G. , Hockley Neal
Published: May 2023

Tropical countries are making ambitious commitments to Forest Landscape Restoration with the aim of locking up carbon, conserving biodiversity and benefiting local livelihoods. However, global and national analyses of restoration potential frequently ignore socio-legal complexities which impact both the effectiveness and equitability of restoration. We show that areas with the highest restoration potential are disproportionately found in countries with weak rule of law and frequently in those with substantial areas of unrecognised land tenure. Focussing on Madagascar, at least 67% of the areas with highest restoration potential must be on untitled land, where tenure is often unclear or contested, and we show how unresolved tenure issues are one of the most important limitations on forest restoration. This is likely to be a bigger problem than currently recognized and without important efforts to resolve local tenure issues, opportunities to equitably scale up forest restoration globally are likely to be significantly over-estimated.
Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy for deciphering the morphological evolution of supramolecular self-assembly
Authors: Kundu Subhankar , Das Subhadeep , Patra Abhijit
Published: May 2023

This article delineates the advantages of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy for elucidating the spontaneous and stimuli-responsive morphological transformation of luminescent self-assembled structures.
Nanostars planarity modulates the rheology of DNA hydrogels
Authors: Gutiérrez Fosado Yair Augusto
Published: May 2023

In analogy with classic rigidity problems of networks and frames, the elastic properties of hydrogels made of DNA nanostars depend on the precise geometry of their building blocks and the topology of the network.
Heteroannulation of bicyclobutane derivativesviaAu-catalyzed hydration to enol ethers and intramolecular cyclization giving spirocyclobutanes
Authors: Takatsuki Masaharu , Aoyama Hiroshi , Murai Kenichi , Arisawa Mitsuhiro , Sako Makoto
Published: May 2023

A heteroannulations of bicyclobutane derivatives is demonstrated to afford spirocyclobutanes with cyclic acetal groupsviathe Au-catalyzed hydration and subsequent intramolecular cyclization.
Understanding Auger recombination in perovskite solar cells
Authors: Al-Mousoi Ali K. , Mohammed Mustafa K. A. , Kumar Anjan , Pandey Rahul , Madan Jaya , Dastan Davoud , Hossain M. Khalid , Sakthivel P. , Anandha babu G. , Yaseen Zaher Mundher
Published: May 2023

The effects of Auger capture coefficients in mixed-cation perovskites are analyzed employing SCAPS-1D simulations.
A theoretical study of the adsorption behavior of superheavy 7p-elements and their compounds on a surface of gold in comparison with their lighter homologs
Authors: Ryzhkov Anton , Pershina Valeria , Iliaš Miroslav , Shabaev V.
Published: May 2023

DFT periodic calculations of adsorption properties of superheavy elements and their (oxy)hydrides on the surface of gold. Increasing reactivity of Ts and Og with respect to At and Rn, respectively. A decreasing trend in reactivity Fl > Og > Cn.
Reactivity of presolvated and solvated electrons with CO2 in water up to 118 bar at 298 and 308 K
Authors: Dobrovolskii Denis S. , Mostafavi Mehran , Denisov Sergey A.
Published: May 2023

The reactivity of electrons in the CO2–water system was evaluated through picosecond electron pulse radiolysis at different gas pressures (ranging from 1 to 118 bar) and temperatures (25 and 35 °C) coupled with UV-vis transient spectroscopy.
Determination of the distribution of rare earth elements La and Gd in Daphnia magna via micro and nano-SXRF imaging
Authors: Revel Marion , Medjoubi Kadda , Rivard Camille , Vantelon Delphine , Hursthouse Andrew , Heise Susanne
Published: May 2023

While our awareness of the toxicity of rare earth elements to aquatic organisms increases, our understanding of their direct interaction and accumulation remains limited.
Techno-economic evaluation and life cycle assessment for sustainable alternative biorefinery concepts using the organic fraction of municipal solid waste
Authors: Ioannidou Sofia-Maria , López-Gómez José Pablo , Venus Joachim , Valera Miguel Angel , Eßmann Vera , Alegria-Dallo Irantzu , Kookos Ioannis K. , Koutinas Apostolis , Ladakis Dimitrios
Published: May 2023

The competitive MSP of end-products and the GHG savings as compared to conventional endproducts and OFMSW management practices demonstrate the high potential of OFMSW-based biorefinery development.
Potential of catalytic oxidation of kraft black liquor for the production of biosourced compounds
Authors: Vilcocq Léa , Chaussard Nicolas , Hernández Mañas Antonio , Boyron Olivier , Taam Manel , Bertaud Frédérique , Fongarland Pascal , Djakovitch Laurent
Published: May 2023

Industrial kraft black liquor from maritime pine was oxidised in aqueous, alkaline medium, under air, at 150 °C, with or without a CuO/TiO2catalyst.
Investigating the electrocatalytic reduction of 2,4,6-tri-nitro-toluene (TNT) using density functional theory methods
Authors: Wong Andrew Jark-Wah , Miller Joshua Lee , Perdue Brandon , Janik Michael John
Published: May 2023

TNT electro-reduction catalysts can be optimized by tuning O* affinity. A partially reduced Fe2O3 (0001) surface may deviate from late transition metal scaling behavior, expanding the design space for TNT reduction electrocatalysts.
Ultra-thin magnetic film with giant phonon-drag for heat to spin current conversion
Authors: Wadhwa Payal , Bosin Andrea , Filippetti Alessio
Published: May 2023

In thermoelectrics a thermal gradient is converted into voltage. If carriers are fully spin-polarized as in STO/ETO/LAO, the bias potential is highly spin-dependent, and giant spin voltages and spin currents develop across 2DEG/metal interface.
Degradation of methyl orange by an ultrasonic Fenton-like process with Fe-based amorphous alloy powders
Authors: Tan Ling , Wang Xiaoyan , Wang Shaoke , Qin Xiaorui , Xiao Linfeng , Li Chunling , Sun Shuangqing , Hu Songqing
Published: May 2023

In this study, the degradation performance of Fe–Nb–Cu–Si–B amorphous alloy powders towards methyl orange in an ultrasonic Fenton-like process is reported. EPR experiments proved that ˙OH and ˙O2− were the main reactive radicals.
Honeycomb graphene–polyaniline nanocomposites as novel electrode materials for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Fu Haiyang , Gao Bo , Li Jiahao , Liu Zhuang , Yin Qihao , Feng Zhongbao , Kamali Ali Reza
Published: May 2023

Honeycomb graphene–polyaniline (HG–PANI) nanocomposites are synthesized through a facile electrostatic self-assembly approach, and the obtained material is characterized as the electrode for supercapacitor applications.
Synthesis of [CNN] pincer nickel(ii) NHC chlorides and their catalytic effects on the hydrosilylation of aldehydes and ketones under mild conditions
Authors: Cao Shaobo , Xie Shangqing , Li Qingshuang , Li Xiaoyan , Sun Hongjian , Fuhr Olaf , Fenske Dieter
Published: May 2023

Eight pincer nickel chlorides, [RCcarbeneNamidoR′2Namine–Ni–Cl] (R/R′2 = quinolinyl/nBu (3a); quinolinyl/Me (3b); quinolinyl/PhCH2(3c); (CH2)4/nBu (5a); (CH2)4/iPr (5b); Me2/nBu (5c); Me2/iPr (5d); Me2/PhCH2(5e)), were obtained.
Construction of 2-aminobenzothiazole (ABT)-g-C3N4/WO3 composites with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity and properties
Authors: Li Pengpeng , Li Fangfang , Su Fu
Published: May 2023

ABT doping improves the band gap and electron–hole separation efficiency of g-C3N4, and ethanol enhances the photocatalytic activity of ABT/CN/W composites.
A stable and high-voltage-resistant inorganic/polymer double-layer electrolyte for LiCoO2-based all-solid-state Li batteries
Authors: Yang Yuqi , Wang Hongyi , Zhang Yuanyuan , Wang Ying , Li Jingze
Published: May 2023

An inorganic/polymer double-layer film of the LiPON/PEO composite electrolyte has good compatibility with the LiCoO2 cathode, even at a cut-off voltage of 4.5 V.
Mechanistic insight for tunable regioselective cyclization of aryl propiolates with radicals:ipso-versus ortho-cyclization
Authors: Fıstıkçı Meryem
Published: May 2023

A computational study of the reaction mechanism of aryl propiolates with various radicals is carried out employing DFT and coupled-cluster methods, such as coupled-cluster singles and doubles with perturbative triples [CCSD(T)].
A pretreatment method combined matrix solid-phase dispersion with dispersive liquid–liquid micro-extraction for polybrominated diphenyl ethers in vegetables through quantitation of gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS)
Authors: Xu Sijie , Wang Junxia , Deng Dengxian , Sun Yueying , Wang Xuedong , Zhang Zhanen
Published: May 2023

Herein, a novel pretreatment method for extraction of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) using matrix solid phase dispersion (MSPD) and depth purification using dispersive liquid–liquid micro-extraction (DLLME) from vegetables was designed.
An ultrasensitive isoprene gas sensor based on the In2O3/MoS2 nanocomposite prepared by hydrothermal synthesis
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Wang Jiuhong , Zhang Ze , Gong Jin , Wang Hairong
Published: May 2023

Isoprene is one of the specific biomarkers of liver disease in human exhaled gas, which should be detected with a high response at an order of ppb in actual application.
Strategies for designing low thermal quenching upconverting temperature sensors
Authors: Prasad Manisha , Kesarwani Vishab , Rai Vineet Kumar
Published: May 2023

Security application of Er3+/Yb3+doped NaGd(WO4)2phosphor upon 980 nm excitation and absolute and relative sensitivity of Er3+/Yb3+doped NaGd(WO4)2phosphor and PIG.
Nanoscale effects of TiO2nanoparticles on the rheological behaviors of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)
Authors: Sui Yang , Cui Yi , Wei Peng , Cong Chuanbo , Meng Xiaoyu , Ye Hai-Mu , Zhou Qiong
Published: May 2023

A very small number of nanoparticles can untangle many entanglements between UHMWPE molecular chains.
The cohesive properties and pyrolysis mechanism of an aprotic ionic liquid tetrabutylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide
Authors: Liu Shijie , Wei Runhong , Ma Guangjun , Li Ailin , Conrad Olaf , Luo Jiangshui
Published: May 2023

This work proposed a novel method to calculate the wide-temperature-range cohesive properties of organic salts in both the liquid and solid states, and first calculate the charge separation distance in the single ion pair of the vapor.
Synergistic spin–valence catalysis mechanism in oxygen reduction reactions on Fe–N–C single-atom catalysts
Authors: Wu Daoxiong , Zhuo Zhiwen , Song Yiming , Rao Peng , Luo Junming , Li Jing , Deng Peilin , Yang Jinlin , Wu Xiaojun , Tian Xinlong
Published: May 2023

Theoretical calculations revealed the synergistic spin–valence catalysis mechanism in the oxygen reduction reaction on Fe–N–C single-atom catalysts and elucidated the crucial role of the synergy of spin and valence of the Fe site in determining its activity.
Metal-free 3D donor–acceptor COF with low exciton binding for solar fuel production based on CO2reduction
Authors: Dey Anupam , Rahimi Faruk Ahamed , Barman Soumitra , Hazra Arpan , Maji Tapas Kumar
Published: May 2023

A donor–acceptor based 3D TT-COF is employed as a metal-free photocatalyst for CO2reduction. TT-COF selectively produces CO from CO2using visible light, without external photosensitizers or cocatalysts by minimizing exciton binding energy.