bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contact Area of Electrification Materials Relating to Triboelectric Generators: A Comparative Study
Authors: Repoulias Aristeidis , Logothetis Irini , Matsouka Dimitra , Vassiliadis Savvas
Published: November 2023

Triboelectric generators (TEGs) stemming from the triboelectric phenomena, are promising for energy harvesting due to their high output power and efficiency. Analysis of the tribo material selection for TEGs has suggested that energy generation is linked to heterogeneous and homogeneous materials found at opposite ends of the triboelectric series. Current research has identified that the triboelectric phenomenon also exists from contact between identical tribo materials with the advancement of surface modification. However, a comparison of composite and identical homogeneous TEGs has yet to be reported. For this research, organic polymer membranes Polyamide-6 (PA6) and Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) were evaluated. The membranes were cut into samples of varying dimensions to build three sets of TEGs for comparison. Two identical sets of four sampled TEGs were fabricated using the same membrane (i.e., PA6-PA6 and PTFE-PTFE); in contrast to a composite set of four sampled TEGs made from the two distinct membranes (i.e., PA6-PTFE). By repeatedly sampling the TEGs in sliding mode at a speed of 0.2 m/s and with a vertical force of 9.8 N an open circuit voltage (Voc) was generated and recorded. As a result, the Voc of the identical TEGs was compared to the Voc of the composite TEG in which the tribo materials are located at opposite ends of the triboelectric series. It was also observed that the Voc increased almost linear in relation to the surface area of the TEGs; thus, suggesting that the surface area of the TEG can influence significantly the Voc to a great extent.

Graphical abstract
Entanglement-assisted quantum error-correcting codes from subfield subcodes of projective Reed–Solomon codes
Authors: Gimenez Philippe , Ruano Diego , San-José Rodrigo
Published: November 2023

We study the subfield subcodes of projective Reed–Solomon codes and their duals: we provide bases for these codes and estimate their parameters. With this knowledge, we can construct symmetric and asymmetric entanglement-assisted quantum error-correcting codes, which in many cases have new or better parameters than the ones available in the literature.
Influence analysis of complex crack geometric parameters on mechanical properties of soft rock
Authors: Zhao Yang , He Xin , Jiang Lishuai , Wang Zongke , Ning Jianguo , Sainoki Atsushi
Published: November 2023

Soft rocks, such as coal, are affected by sedimentary effects, and the surrounding rock mass of underground coal mines is generally soft and rich in joints and cracks. A clear and deep understanding of the relationship between crack geometric parameters and rock mechanics properties in cracked rock is greatly important to the design of engineering rock mass structures. In this study, computed tomography (CT) scanning was used to extract the internal crack network of coal specimens. Based on the crack size and dominant crack number, the parameters of crack area, volume, length, width, and angle were statistically analyzed by different sampling thresholds. In addition, the Pearson correlation coefficients between the crack parameters and uniaxial compression rock mechanics properties (uniaxial compressive strength UCS, elasticity modulus E) were calculated to quantitatively analyze the impact of each parameter. Furthermore, a method based on Pearson coefficients was used to grade the correlation between crack geometric parameters and rock mechanical properties to determine threshold values. The results indicated that the UCS and E of the specimens changed with the varied internal crack structures of the specimens, the crack parameters of area, volume, length and width all showed negative correlations with UCS and E, and the dominant crack played an important role both in weakening strength and stiffness. The crack parameters of the angle are all positively correlated with the UCS and E. More crack statistics can significantly improve the correlation between the parameters of the crack angle and the rock mechanics properties, and the statistics of the geometric parameters of at least 16 cracks or the area larger than 5 mm2 are suggested for the analysis of complex cracked rock masses or physical reproduction using 3D printing. The results are validated and further analyzed with triaxial tests. The findings of this study have important reference value for future research regarding the accurate and efficient selection of a few cracks with a significant influence on the rock mechanical properties of surrounding rock mass structures in coal engineering.
Comparative study on the flame retardancy of CO2 and N2 during coal adiabatic oxidation process
Authors: Fang Xiyang , Tan Bo , Wang Haiyan
Published: November 2023

To test the effectiveness of N2 and CO2 in preventing coal from spontaneously combusting, researchers used an adiabatic oxidation apparatus to conduct an experiment with different temperature starting points. Non-adsorbed helium (He) was used as a reference gas, and coal and oxygen concentration temperature variations were analyzed after inerting. The results showed that He had the best cooling effect, N2 was second, and CO2 was the worst. At 70℃ and 110℃, the impact of different gases on reducing oxygen concentration and the cooling effect was the same. However, at the starting temperature of 150℃, CO2 was less effective in lowering oxygen concentration at the later stage than He and N2. N2 and CO2 can prolong the flame retardation time of inert gas and reduce oxygen displacement with an initial temperature increase. When the starting temperature is the same, N2 injection cools coal samples and replaces oxygen more effectively than CO2 injection. The flame retardancy of inert gas is the combined result of the cooling effect of inert gas and the replacement of oxygen. These findings are essential for using inert flame retardant technology in the goaf.
Nonlinear dynamics response of porous functionally graded annular plates using modified higher order shear deformation theory
Authors: Jafary Hojat , Taghizadeh Mohsen
Published: November 2023

In this investigation, the nonlinear dynamics of porous annular plates that have been functionally graded are examined under varying time-dependent loads. Both simple supported and fully clamped boundary conditions are taken into account. The mechanical properties of the functionally graded plate in its thickness are considered according to the distribution function of the modified law. In addition, porosity, as a stress-relieving property, is also applied throughout the plate thickness by different functions and pore volume fractions. By adopting Hamilton’s principle, the equations of motion are obtained based on the modified higher-order shear deformation plate theory. Then these partial differential equations are solved using the viscous dynamic relaxation method in conjunction with Newmark’s implicit integration method. The present findings are compared and successfully confirmed with those available in the literature. Finally, the effects of some key factors such as porosity distribution type, pore volume fraction, power-law index, loading conditions, and thickness-to-radius ratio on the dynamic behavior of both simple and fully clamped plates have been studied in detail. The study’s findings indicate that porosity pattern X, characterized by a greater prevalence of interconnected pores, exhibited enhanced resistance to deflection. Conversely, pattern O, featuring a more uniformly distributed pore size, effectively mitigated stress in FG porous materials. These observations offer valuable insights for optimizing plate design and elevating its performance.
Light‐Driven and Nutrient‐Driven Displacements of Subsurface Chlorophyll Maximum Depth in Subtropical Gyres
Authors: Xing Xiaogang , Xiu Peng , Laws Edward A. , Yang Guo , Liu Xin , Chai Fei
Published: November 2023

The mechanism that determines the dynamics of subsurface chlorophyll maximum depth (zSCM) has long been debated. Although a coupling between zSCM and the top of nitracline (znit) has been widely observed in the open ocean, a co‐location of zSCM and an isolume depth (ziso) has often been reported in oligotrophic waters. In this study, based on continuous observations of ten BGC‐Argo floats, we found that the seasonal displacement of zSCM in all subtropical gyres was driven mainly by light, but zSCM displayed a nutrient‐driven pattern occasionally when znit became shallower than ziso. We therefore proposed a “two‐group competition framework”: zSCM in subtropical gyres is determined by the competition of two phytoplankton groups, nutrient‐sensitive picoeukaryotes and light‐sensitive Prochlorococcus. When znit (ziso) is shallower than ziso (znit), picoeukaryotes (Prochlorococcus) dominate the chlorophyll biomass at the SCM, and thus zSCM follows znit (ziso). This paradigm reconciles the inconsistent conclusions drawn from earlier studies.
Transport of Aged Dissolved Organic Carbon via the Surface Current Revealed by Radiocarbon
Authors: Ryu Yeongjin , Han Heejun , Na Taehee , Kim Guebuem , Druffel Ellen R. M. , Hwang Jeomshik
Published: November 2023

The East Sea (also known as the Japan Sea) is connected to the Northwest Pacific via shallow straits and has independent deep water circulation, as a model miniature ocean. The radiocarbon age of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the East Sea ranged from 2,000 to 3,700 years, exceeding the water turnover time (∼100 years). The oldest DOC was found in the subsurface layer characterized by the Tsushima Warm Water. Comparison of the radiocarbon content and concentration of DOC in the East Sea to those in the ocean suggests that aged DOC was transported conservatively from the Northwest Pacific to the East Sea via the shallow Tsushima Warm Current. The fractions of DOC released by serial‐oxidation of the oldest DOC sample had identical radiocarbon ages, implying that refractory DOC was produced in situ and added to the DOC pool in the East Sea.
A Statistical Analysis of the Auroral Streamer Current System
Authors: Aryan Homayon , Weygand James Michael , Bortnik Jacob , Chu Xiangning , Cao Xin , Tian Sheng
Published: November 2023

Magnetosphere‐ionosphere coupling is an important process that involves the transport of vast quantities of mass, energy, and momentum in the Earth's near‐space environment. This transport involves extended, global sheets of electrical current that flows along the magnetic field lines. Many studies have discussed the magnetosphere‐ionosphere coupling between the fast‐moving earthward flows and the north‐south oriented streamers in the ionosphere. However, only recently, the temporal evolution of the ionospheric current pattern, from the start to the end of the streamer, has been investigated through case studies, by combining the ionospheric current pattern with the magnetotail fast‐moving earthward flows. In this study, we show the statistical spatial and temporal evolution of the ionospheric current pattern associated with north‐south oriented streamers using simultaneous THEMIS (Time History of Events and Macroscale Interaction during Substorms) observations of fast‐moving earthward flows within the magnetotail, Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite observations, auroral all‐sky images, and ionospheric equivalent current maps derived from ground magnetometer measurements. We show that the streamer related ionospheric field‐aligned currents (FACs) are statistically almost equivalent in magnitude for the 38 events that were analyzed. Results show that the streamer related ionospheric FACs are statistically approximately similar in magnitude for 38 events. The duration of these events ranges from 2 to 21 min with a median value of 9 min.
Ionospheric Super Bubbles Near Sunset and Sunrise During the 26–28 February 2023 Geomagnetic Storm
Authors: Sun Wenjie , Li Guozhu , Lei Jiuhou , Zhao Biqiang , Hu Lianhuan , Zhao Xiukuan , Li Yu , Xie Haiyong , Li Yi , Ning Baiqi , Liu Libo
Published: November 2023

Ionospheric equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs) are usually generated around sunset over equatorial to low latitudes. In this study, super EPBs extending to middle latitudes were observed, which were freshly generated at both post‐sunset and near‐sunrise periods over East/Southeast Asia during the geomagnetic storm on 26–28 February 2023. The post‐sunset (near‐sunrise) EPB persisted ∼4 (8) hours, drifting eastward (westward) and extending up to ∼35°N. Strong L‐band scintillations, deep total electron content (TEC) depletions and significant positioning errors were caused by the post‐sunset EPB. However, the scintillations and TEC depletions linked with the near‐sunrise EPB were relatively weaker, and no apparent positioning error was caused. Before the onsets of the post‐sunset EPBs, rapid upward vertical plasma drifts of ∼60 m/s, which could be linked with storm‐time prompt penetration electric fields, were observed at magnetic equator. The upward vertical drifts could amplify the F‐region bottomside perturbation via increasing the growth rate of Rayleigh‐Taylor (R‐T) instability and lead to the generation of post‐sunset EPBs. On the other hand, before the onset of near‐sunrise EPBs, the uplift of F layer was more significant at higher latitudes than that at magnetic equator, probably indicating the presence of equatorward neutral wind. Both the equatorial F layer uplift and equatorward neutral wind could contribute to the growth of R‐T instability and favor the generation of near‐sunrise EPBs.
Osmium Isotope Heterogeneity of the Upper Mantle: Evidence From the Bay of Islands Ophiolite Complex, Newfoundland
Authors: Wang Yujian , Mungall James E. , Liu Jingao
Published: November 2023

Understanding and determining the composition and evolution of the upper mantle is valuable to unravel Earth's evolutionary geodynamics. The compositions of oceanic basalts are inevitably biased by the preferential melting of fusible mantle components and the pooling of melts from multiple sources. Here we present whole rock and mineral chemistry as well as Re‐Os isotopic systematics of the Table Mountain ophiolitic mantle massif from the Bay of Islands ophiolite complex, complemented by thermodynamic models of melt extraction. The Table Mountain lherzolites were formed by moderate degrees (5%–15%) of shallow polybaric melting. We divide the harzburgites into two types. Type I harzburgites represent residues of high‐pressure melting, and Type II harzburgites appear to have been further modified by second‐stage flux melting above a subduction zone induced by slab sediment‐derived aqueous fluids. The Table Mountain peridotites display highly variable “initial” 187Os/188Os485 Ma isotope compositions, including 0.1252–0.1253 for the Type I harzburgites, 0.1217–0.1236 and 0.1192–0.1198 for both lherzolites and Type II harzburgites. These Os isotopic variations cannot be generated by different degrees of partial melting of a homogenous fertile mantle immediately prior to obduction, and hence must have been inherited from ancient melting events. The Table Mountain lherzolites with inherited ancient melting signals are of particular significance because they demonstrate that the record of earlier melting events is not limited to ultra‐refractory harzburgites but is also present even in relatively fertile lherzolites. Our observations underscore the ubiquity of ancient melting signatures in the entire compositional spectrum of the depleted upper mantle.
Anomalous Sound Velocities of Talc at High Pressure and Implications for Estimating Water Content in Mantle Wedge
Authors: Chen Peng , Wang Duojun , Cai Nao , Zhang Jikai , Zhang Rui , Cao Yang
Published: November 2023

Talc is widely distributed in metamorphic and hydrothermally altered rocks, and its velocity is useful for constraining the velocity of mantle wedge. In this study, we used ultrasonic interferometry to study the elastic properties of talc polycrystalline samples at high pressure (up to 5.6 GPa). VP increases monotonically with increasing pressure, and VS increases with pressure up to ∼3.2 GPa, but negative pressure dependence occurs above ∼3.2 GPa. Talc has a VP/VS ratio of 1.63–2.14 and Poisson's ratio of 0.20–0.36 at the pressure of 1.2–5.6 GPa, which can be used to explain some anomalous seismic observations in subduction zone. Combining the elastic properties of talc with those of olivine, orthopyroxene, and antigorite, the wave velocity of mantle wedge was calculated as a function of water content. The results suggest that lower water content is needed to match the observed values of seismic tomography when talc is present, compared with the antigorite scenario.
Water Content and Hydrogen Isotopes of Olivine‐Hosted Melt Inclusions in the Dali Picrites, SW China: Reassessing the Role of Water in the Formation of the Emeishan Large Igneous Province
Authors: Chen Qijing , Ren Zhong‐Yuan , Xia Xiao‐Ping , Zhang Le , Yang Qing , Yuan Chao
Published: November 2023

The contribution of water to the formation of large igneous provinces (LIPs) remains controversial. We report the first measurement of water content and hydrogen isotope ratios in olivine‐hosted melt inclusions from the Dali picrites, which belong to the Emeishan LIP (ELIP). The inclusions have a wide range of H2O content (0.01–1.73 wt %) and H isotope ratios (δD = 87 ± 11‰ to −267 ± 14‰). The lowest H isotope ratio is below that of the average mantle but comparable to that of the dehydrated slab. These results suggest that most of the Dali melt inclusions have undergone H+ diffusion and H2O degassing. However, some melt inclusions have higher H2O content and lower δD value, which may have undergone rapid cooling and thereby preserved their magmatic H isotope and water content signatures. The reconstructed H2O content of the primary magma for the Dali picrites is ∼1.35 wt %, much lower than the previous estimate for the ELIP primary magma (3.44 ± 0.89 wt % or 4.0–5.6 wt %). Our results support a moderately hydrous (OIB‐type) magma for the ELIP, instead of a highly hydrous one (arc‐type). The mantle source of the picrites is calculated to contain 0.28–0.52 wt % H2O, and recycled oceanic crust that underwent seawater alteration and subsequent slab dehydration during subduction, causing the low δD value of the melt inclusions. We suggest that the Dali picrites may have formed by partial melting of the recycled oceanic crust and metasomatized mantle peridotite.
The development of depressive symptoms in older adults from a network perspective in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Authors: Schlechter Pascal , Ford Tamsin J. , Neufeld Sharon A. S.
Published: November 2023

An increased understanding of the interrelations between depressive symptoms among older populations could help improve interventions. However, studies often use sum scores to understand depression in older populations, neglecting important symptom dynamics that can be elucidated in evolving depressive symptom networks. We computed Cross-Lagged Panel Network Models (CLPN) of depression symptoms in 11,391 adults from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Adults aged 50 and above (mean age 65) were followed over 16 years throughout this nine-wave representative population study. Using the eight-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, we computed eight CLPNs covering each consecutive wave. Across waves, networks were consistent with respect to the strength of lagged associations (edge weights) and the degree of interrelationships among symptoms (centrality indices). Everything was an effort and could not get going displayed the strongest reciprocal cross-lagged associations across waves. These two symptoms and loneliness were core symptoms as reflected in strong incoming and outgoing connections. Feeling depressed was strongly predicted by other symptoms only (incoming but not strong outgoing connections were observed) and thus was not related to new symptom onset. Restless sleep had outgoing connections only and thus was a precursor to other depression symptoms. Being happy and enjoying life were the least central symptoms. This research underscores the relevance of somatic symptoms in evolving depression networks among older populations. Findings suggest the central symptoms from the present study (everything was an effort, could not get going, loneliness) may be potential key intervention targets to mitigate depression in older adults.
Sulforaphane alleviates psoriasis by enhancing antioxidant defense through KEAP1-NRF2 Pathway activation and attenuating inflammatory signaling
Authors: Ma Chujun , Gu Chaode , Lian Panpan , Wazir Junaid , Lu Renwei , Ruan Binjia , Wei Lulu , Li Li , Pu Wenyuan , Peng Ziqi , Wang Wentong , Zong Yangyongyi , Huang Zhiqiang , Wang Hongwei , Lu Yan , Su Zhonglan
Published: November 2023

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Sulforaphane (SFN) has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In this study, we investigated the effects of SFN on a mouse model of psoriasis induced by imiquimod (IMQ) and its underlying molecular mechanism. Mice treated with SFN showed significant improvement in psoriatic symptoms, including reduced erythema, scales, and cutaneous thickness. Histopathological analysis and immunohistochemical staining revealed decreased expression of K16, K17, and Ki67 in SFN-treated mice, indicating reduced abnormal differentiation of keratinocytes and cutaneous inflammation. SFN treatment also reduced the activation of STAT3 and NF-κB pathways and downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and CCL2. In vitro experiments using HaCaT cells demonstrated that SFN inhibited IL-22 and TNF-α-induced activation of inflammatory pathways and keratinocyte proliferation. Network pharmacology analysis suggested that the KEAP1-NRF2 pathway might be involved in the protective effects of SFN on psoriasis. We observed reduced NRF2 expression in human psoriatic lesions, and subsequent experiments showed that SFN activated KEAP1-NRF2 pathway in vivo and in vitro. Importantly, NRF2-deficient mice exhibited aggravated psoriasis-like symptoms and reduced response to SFN treatment. Our findings indicate that SFN ameliorates psoriasis symptoms and inflammation through the KEAP1-NRF2 pathway, suggesting a potential therapeutic role for SFN in the treatment of psoriasis.
DNA methylation-activated full-length EMX1 facilitates metastasis through EMX1-EGFR-ERK axis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wen Dong-sheng , Huang Li-chang , Bu Xiao-yun , He Min-ke , Lai Zhi-cheng , Du Ze-feng , Huang Ye-xing , Kan Anna , Shi Ming
Published: November 2023

Altered DNA methylation is a crucial epigenetic event in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development and progression. Through methylation-transcriptomic analysis, we identified a set of sixty potential DNA methylation-based epidriver genes. In this set of genes, we focused on the hypermethylation of EMX1, which is frequently observed in hepatobiliary tumors. Despite of its frequent occurrence, the function of EMX1 remains largely unknown. By utilizing bisulfite-next-generation sequencing, we have detected EMX1 DNA hypermethylation on the gene body, which is positively correlated with EMX1 mRNA expression. Further analysis revealed that EMX1 mRNA terminal exon splicing in HCC generated two protein isoforms: EMX1 full length (EMX1-FL) and alternative terminal exon splicing isoform (EMX1-X1). Cellular functional assays demonstrated that gain-of-function EMX1-FL, but not EMX1-X1, induced HCC cells migration and invasion while silencing EMX1-FL inhibited HCC cells motility. This result was further validated by in vivo tumor metastasis models. Mechanistically, EMX1-FL bound to EGFR promoter, promoting EGFR transcription and activating EGFR-ERK signaling to trigger tumor metastasis. Therefore, EGFR may be a potential therapeutic target for EMX1-high expression HCC. Our work illuminated the crucial role of gene body hypermethylation-activated EMX1-FL in promoting tumorigenesis and metastasis in HCC. These findings pave the way for targeting the EMX1-EGFR axis in HCC tumorigenicity and metastasis.
Vascular dysfunction caused by loss of Brn-3b/POU4F2 transcription factor in aortic vascular smooth muscle cells is linked to deregulation of calcium signalling pathways
Authors: Yogendran Vaishaali , Mele Laura , Prysyazhna Oleksandra , Budhram-Mahadeo Vishwanie S.
Published: November 2023

Phenotypic and functional changes in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contribute significantly to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) but factors driving early adverse vascular changes are poorly understood. We report on novel and important roles for the Brn-3b/POU4F2 (Brn-3b) transcription factor (TF) in controlling VSMC integrity and function. Brn-3b protein is expressed in mouse aorta with localisation to VSMCs. Male Brn-3b knock-out (KO) aortas displayed extensive remodelling with increased extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, elastin fibre disruption and small but consistent narrowing/coarctation in the descending aortas. RNA sequencing analysis showed that these effects were linked to deregulation of genes required for calcium (Ca2+) signalling, vascular contractility, sarco-endoplasmic reticulum (S/ER) stress responses and immune function in Brn-3b KO aortas and validation studies confirmed changes in Ca2+ signalling genes linked to increased intracellular Ca2+ and S/ER Ca2+ depletion [e.g. increased, Cacna1d Ca2+ channels; ryanodine receptor 2, (RyR2) and phospholamban (PLN) but reduced ATP2a1, encoding SERCA1 pump] and chaperone proteins, Hspb1, HspA8, DnaJa1 linked to increased S/ER stress, which also contributes to contractile dysfunction. Accordingly, vascular rings from Brn-3b KO aortas displayed attenuated contractility in response to KCl or phenylephrine (PE) while Brn-3b KO-derived VSMC displayed abnormal Ca2+ signalling following ATP stimulation. This data suggests that Brn-3b target genes are necessary to maintain vascular integrity /contractile function and deregulation upon loss of Brn-3b will contribute to contractile dysfunction linked to CVD.
Loss of p53 function promotes DNA damage-induced formation of nuclear actin filaments
Authors: Torii Takeru , Sugimoto Wataru , Itoh Katsuhiko , Kinoshita Natsuki , Gessho Masaya , Goto Toshiyuki , Uehara Ikuno , Nakajima Wataru , Budirahardja Yemima , Miyoshi Daisuke , Nishikata Takahito , Tanaka Nobuyuki , Hirata Hiroaki , Kawauchi Keiko
Published: November 2023

Tumor suppressor p53 plays a central role in response to DNA damage. DNA-damaging agents modulate nuclear actin dynamics, influencing cell behaviors; however, whether p53 affects the formation of nuclear actin filaments remains unclear. In this study, we found that p53 depletion promoted the formation of nuclear actin filaments in response to DNA-damaging agents, such as doxorubicin (DOXO) and etoposide (VP16). Even though the genetic probes used for the detection of nuclear actin filaments exerted a promotive effect on actin polymerization, the detected formation of nuclear actin filaments was highly dependent on both p53 depletion and DNA damage. Whilst active p53 is known to promote caspase-1 expression, the overexpression of caspase-1 reduced DNA damage-induced formation of nuclear actin filaments in p53-depleted cells. In contrast, co-treatment with DOXO and the pan-caspase inhibitor Q-VD-OPh or the caspase-1 inhibitor Z-YVAD-FMK induced the formation of nuclear actin filament formation even in cells bearing wild-typep53. These results suggest that the p53-caspase-1 axis suppresses DNA damage-induced formation of nuclear actin filaments. In addition, we found that the expression of nLifeact-GFP, the filamentous-actin-binding peptide Lifeact fused with the nuclear localization signal (NLS) and GFP, modulated the structure of nuclear actin filaments to be phalloidin-stainable in p53-depleted cells treated with the DNA-damaging agent, altering the chromatin structure and reducing the transcriptional activity. The level of phosphorylated H2AX (γH2AX), a marker of DNA damage, in these cells also reduced upon nLifeact-GFP expression, whilst details of the functional relationship between the formation of nLifeact-GFP-decorated nuclear actin filaments and DNA repair remained to be elucidated. Considering that the loss of p53 is associated with cancer progression, the results of this study raise a possibility that the artificial reinforcement of nuclear actin filaments by nLifeact-GFP may enhance the cytotoxic effect of DNA-damaging agents in aggressive cancer cells through a reduction in gene transcription.
LINC01133 can induce acquired ferroptosis resistance by enhancing the FSP1 mRNA stability through forming the LINC01133-FUS-FSP1 complex
Authors: Wang Shaowen , Chen Jionghuang , Li Pengping , Chen Yangchao
Published: November 2023

Due to a lack of research on the critical non-coding RNAs in regulating ferroptosis, our study aimed to uncover the crucial ones involved in the process. We found that LINC01133 could make pancreatic cancer cells more resistant to ferroptosis. A higher expression of LINC01133 was associated with a higher IC50 of sorafenib in clinical samples. Furthermore, we discovered that LINC01133 induced this process through enhancing the mRNA stability of FSP1. CEBPB was the transcription factor to increase the expression of LINC01133. A higher CEBPB could also indicate a higher IC50 of sorafenib in patients with cancer. Moreover, we confirmed that LINC01133 could form a triple complex with FUS and FSP1 to increase the mRNA stability of FSP1.
Robust mapping of spatiotemporal trajectories and cell–cell interactions in healthy and diseased tissues
Authors: Pham Duy , Tan Xiao , Balderson Brad , Xu Jun , Grice Laura F. , Yoon Sohye , Willis Emily F. , Tran Minh , Lam Pui Yeng , Raghubar Arti , Kalita-de Croft Priyakshi , Lakhani Sunil , Vukovic Jana , Ruitenberg Marc J. , Nguyen Quan H.
Published: November 2023

Spatial transcriptomics (ST) technologies generate multiple data types from biological samples, namely gene expression, physical distance between data points, and/or tissue morphology. Here we developed three computational-statistical algorithms that integrate all three data types to advance understanding of cellular processes. First, we present a spatial graph-based method, pseudo-time-space (PSTS), to model and uncover relationships between transcriptional states of cells across tissues undergoing dynamic change (e.g. neurodevelopment, brain injury and/or microglia activation, and cancer progression). We further developed a spatially-constrained two-level permutation (SCTP) test to study cell-cell interaction, finding highly interactive tissue regions across thousands of ligand-receptor pairs with markedly reduced false discovery rates. Finally, we present a spatial graph-based imputation method with neural network (stSME), to correct for technical noise/dropout and increase ST data coverage. Together, the algorithms that we developed, implemented in the comprehensive and fast stLearn software, allow for robust interrogation of biological processes within healthy and diseased tissues.
Real-data-driven real-time reconfigurable microwave reflective surface
Authors: Wen Erda , Yang Xiaozhen , Sievenpiper Daniel F.
Published: November 2023

Manipulating the electromagnetic (EM) scattering behavior from an arbitrary surface dynamically on arbitrary design goals is an ultimate ambition for many EM stealth and communication problems, yet it is nearly impossible to accomplish with conventional analysis and optimization techniques. Here we present a reconfigurable conformal metasurface prototype as well as a workflow that enables it to respond to multiple design targets on the reflection pattern with extremely low on-site computing power and time. The metasurface is driven by a sequential tandem neural network which is pre-trained using actual experimental data, avoiding any possible errors that may arise from calculation, simulation, or manufacturing tolerances. This platform empowers the surface to operate accurately in a complex environment including varying incident angle and operating frequency, or even with other scatterers present close to the surface. The proposed data-driven approach requires minimum amount of prior knowledge and human effort yet provides maximized versatility on the reflection control, stepping towards the end form of intelligent tunable EM surfaces.
Three-dimensional surface motion capture of multiple freely moving pigs using MAMMAL
Authors: An Liang , Ren Jilong , Yu Tao , Hai Tang , Jia Yichang , Liu Yebin
Published: November 2023

Understandings of the three-dimensional social behaviors of freely moving large-size mammals are valuable for both agriculture and life science, yet challenging due to occlusions in close interactions. Although existing animal pose estimation methods captured keypoint trajectories, they ignored deformable surfaces which contained geometric information essential for social interaction prediction and for dealing with the occlusions. In this study, we develop a Multi-Animal Mesh Model Alignment (MAMMAL) system based on an articulated surface mesh model. Our self-designed MAMMAL algorithms automatically enable us to align multi-view images into our mesh model and to capture 3D surface motions of multiple animals, which display better performance upon severe occlusions compared to traditional triangulation and allow complex social analysis. By utilizing MAMMAL, we are able to quantitatively analyze the locomotion, postures, animal-scene interactions, social interactions, as well as detailed tail motions of pigs. Furthermore, experiments on mouse and Beagle dogs demonstrate the generalizability of MAMMAL across different environments and mammal species.
Core-dependent post-translational modifications guide the biosynthesis of a new class of hypermodified peptides
Authors: Pei Zeng-Fei , Zhu Lingyang , Nair Satish K.
Published: November 2023

The ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptide (RiPPs) class of natural products has undergone significant expansion due to the rapid growth in genome sequencing data. Using a bioinformatics approach, we identify the dehydrazoles, a novel class of hypermodified RiPPs that contain both side chain dehydration of Ser residues, and backbone heterocyclization at Ser, Thr, and Cys residues to the corresponding azol(in)es. Structure elucidation of the hypermodified peptide carnazolamide, a representative class member, shows that 18 post-translational modifications are installed by just five enzymes. Complete biosynthetic reconstitution demonstrates that dehydration is carried out by an unusual DUF4135 dehydration domain fused to a zinc-independent cyclase domain (CcaM). We demonstrate that CcaM only modifies Ser residues that precede an azole in the core peptide. As heterocyclization removes the carbonyl following the Ser residue, CcaM likely catalyzes dehydration without generating an enolate intermediate. Additionally, CcaM does not require the leader peptide, and this core-dependence effectively sets the order for the biosynthetic reactions. Biophysical studies demonstrate direct binding of azoles to CcaM consistent with this azole moiety-dependent dehydration. Bioinformatic analysis reveals more than 50 related biosynthetic gene clusters that contain additional catalysts that may produce structurally diverse scaffolds.
Chromosome-level genome assembly of Przevalski’s partridge (Alectoris magna)
Authors: Wang Xumin , Xia Wenhao , Teng Xindong , Lin Wanying , Xing Zhikai , Wang Shuang , Liu Xiumei , Qu Jiangyong , Zhao Wei , Wang Lijun
Published: November 2023

Przevalski’s partridge (Alectoris magna) is one of the birds in the genus Alectoris endemic to China. The distribution of A. magna was narrow, and it was only found in parts of the Qinghai, Gansu, and Ningxia provinces. A. magna was considered a monotypic species until it was distinguished into two subspecies. However, external morphological characteristics, rather than genetic differences or evolutionary relationships, are now commonly used as evidence of subspecies differentiation. In this study, a chromosome-level reference genome of A. magna has been constructed by combining Illumina, PacBio and Hi-C sequencing data. The 1135.01 Mb A. magna genome was ultimately assembled. The genome showed 96.9% completeness (BUSCO), with a contig N50 length of 23.34 Mb. The contigs were clustered and oriented on 20 chromosomes, covering approximately 99.96% of the genome assembly. Additionally, altogether 19,103 protein-coding genes were predicted, of which 95.10% were functionally annotated. This high-quality genome assembly could serve as a valuable genomic resource for future research on the functional genomics, genetic protection, and interspecific hybridization of A. magna.
FollowNet: A Comprehensive Benchmark for Car-Following Behavior Modeling
Authors: Chen Xianda , Zhu Meixin , Chen Kehua , Wang Pengqin , Lu Hongliang , Zhong Hui , Han Xu , Wang Xuesong , Wang Yinhai
Published: November 2023

Car-following is a control process in which a following vehicle adjusts its acceleration to keep a safe distance from the lead vehicle. Recently, there has been a booming of data-driven models that enable more accurate modeling of car-following through real-world driving datasets. Although there are several public datasets available, their formats are not always consistent, making it challenging to determine the state-of-the-art models and how well a new model performs compared to existing ones. To address this gap and promote the development of microscopic traffic flow modeling, we establish the first public benchmark dataset for car-following behavior modeling. This benchmark consists of more than 80 K car-following events extracted from five public driving datasets under the same criteria. To give an overview of current progress in car-following modeling, we implemented and tested representative baseline models within the benchmark. The established benchmark provides researchers with consistent data formats and metrics for cross-comparing different car-following models, coming with open datasets and codes.
Coming in handy: CeTI-Age — A comprehensive database of kinematic hand movements across the lifespan
Authors: Muschter Evelyn , Schulz Jonas , Tömösközi Máté , Herbst Leonie , Küssel Lena , Sefunç Merve , Holtzhausen Stefan , Speidel Stefanie , Fitzek Frank H. P. , Li Shu-Chen
Published: November 2023

The Tactile Internet aims to advance human-human and human-machine interactions that also utilize hand movements in real, digitized, and remote environments. Attention to elderly generations is necessary to make the Tactile Internet age inclusive. We present the first age-representative kinematic database consisting of various hand gesturing and grasping movements at individualized paces, thus capturing naturalistic movements. We make this comprehensive database of kinematic hand movements across the adult lifespan (CeTI-Age-Kinematic-Hand) publicly available to facilitate a deeper understanding of intra-individual–focusing especially on age-related differences–and inter-individual variability in hand kinematics. The core of the database contains participants’ hand kinematics recorded with wearable resistive bend sensors, individual static 3D hand models, and all instructional videos used during the data acquisition. Sixty-three participants ranging from age 20 to 80 years performed six repetitions of 40 different naturalistic hand movements at individual paces. This unique database with data recorded from an adult lifespan sample can be used to advance machine-learning approaches in hand kinematic modeling and movement prediction for age-inclusive applications.
Structured dataset of human-machine interactions enabling adaptive user interfaces
Authors: Carrera-Rivera Angela , Reguera-Bakhache Daniel , Larrinaga Felix , Lasa Ganix , Garitano Iñaki
Published: November 2023

This article introduces a dataset of human-machine interactions collected in a controlled and structured manner. The aim of this dataset is to provide insights into user behavior and support the development of adaptive Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs). The dataset was generated using a custom-built application that leverages formally defined User Interfaces (UIs). The resulting interactions underwent processing and analysis to create a suitable dataset for professionals and data analysts interested in user interface adaptations. The data processing stage involved cleaning the data, ensuring its consistency and completeness. A data profiling analysis was conducted for checking the consistency of elements in the interaction sequences. Furthermore, for the benefit of researchers, the code used for data collection, data profiling, and usage notes on creating adaptive user interfaces are made available. These resources offer valuable support to those interested in exploring and utilizing the dataset for their research and development efforts in the field of human-machine interfaces.
Plasma metabolomics profiling of 580 patients from an Early Detection Research Network prostate cancer cohort
Authors: Benedetti Elisa , Chetnik Kelsey , Flynn Thomas , Barbieri Christopher E. , Scherr Douglas S. , Loda Massimo , Krumsiek Jan
Published: November 2023

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men and affects 1 in 9 men in the United States. Early screening for prostate cancer often involves monitoring levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and performing digital rectal exams. However, a prostate biopsy is always required for definitive cancer diagnosis. The Early Detection Research Network (EDRN) is a consortium within the National Cancer Institute aimed at improving screening approaches and early detection of cancers. As part of this effort, the Weill Cornell EDRN Prostate Cancer has collected and biobanked specimens from men undergoing a prostate biopsy between 2008 and 2017. In this report, we describe blood metabolomics measurements for a subset of this population. The dataset includes detailed clinical and prospective records for 580 patients who underwent prostate biopsy, 287 of which were subsequentially diagnosed with prostate cancer, combined with profiling of 1,482 metabolites from plasma samples collected at the time of biopsy. We expect this dataset to provide a valuable resource for scientists investigating prostate cancer metabolism.
Association between levels of receptor binding domain antibodies of SARS-CoV-2, receipt of booster and risk of breakthrough infections: LA pandemic surveillance cohort study
Authors: Sood Neeraj , Lam Chun Nok , Kawaguchi Eric , Pernet Olivier , Kovacs Andrea , Unger Jennifer B. , Hu Howard
Published: November 2023

Prevention of COVID-19 with vaccine requires multiple doses and updated boosters to maintain protection; however currently there are no tests that can measure immunity and guide clinical decisions about timing of booster doses. This study examined the association between the risk of COVID-19 breakthrough infections and receptor binding domain (RBD) antibody levels and receipt of booster of COVID-19 vaccines. A community sample of Los Angeles County adults were surveyed between 2021 and 2022 to determine if they had a self-reported breakthrough infection. Predictors included RBD antibody levels, measured by binding antibody responses to the ancestral strain at baseline and self-reported booster shot during the study period. Of the 859 participants, 182 (21%) reported a breakthrough infection. Irrespective of the level of antibodies, the risk of breakthrough infection was similar, ranging from 19 to 23% (P = 0.78). The risk of breakthrough infections was lower among participants who had a booster shot (P = 0.004). The protective effect of a booster shot did not vary by antibody levels prior to receiving the booster. This study found no association between RBD antibody levels and risk of breakthrough infections, while the receipt of booster was associated with lower risk of breakthrough infections, which was independent of pre-booster antibody levels. Therefore, antibody levels might not be a useful guide for clinical decisions about timing of booster doses.
Post-quantum distributed ledger technology: a systematic survey
Authors: Parida Nikhil Kumar , Jatoth Chandrashekar , Reddy V. Dinesh , Hussain Md. Muzakkir , Faizi Jamilurahman
Published: November 2023

Blockchain technology finds widespread application across various fields due to its key features such as immutability, reduced costs, decentralization, and transparency. The security of blockchain relies on elements like hashing, digital signatures, and cryptography. However, the emergence of quantum computers and supporting algorithms poses a threat to blockchain security. These quantum algorithms pose a significant threat to both public-key cryptography and hash functions, compelling the redesign of blockchain architectures. This paper investigates the status quo of the post-quantum, quantum-safe, or quantum-resistant cryptosystems within the framework of blockchain. This study starts with a fundamental overview of both blockchain and quantum computing, examining their reciprocal influence and evolution. Subsequently, a comprehensive literature review is conducted focusing on Post-Quantum Distributed Ledger Technology (PQDLT). This research emphasizes the practical implementation of these protocols and algorithms providing extensive comparisons of characteristics and performance. This work will help to foster further research at the intersection of post-quantum cryptography and blockchain systems and give prospective directions for future PQDLT researchers and developers.
Single-tuned passive filter (STPF) for mitigating harmonics in a 3-phase power system
Authors: Ishaya Meshack Magaji , Adegboye Oluwatayomi Rereloluwa , Agyekum Ephraim Bonah , Elnaggar Mohamed F. , Alrashed Mohammed M. , Kamel Salah
Published: November 2023

Numerous integrals of the fundamental frequency are known as harmonics and can be found in power systems or electrical circuitry systems. Non-linear loads occasionally drain current or contains a varying impedance with each period of the AC voltage are often responsible for power system harmonics. This can result in system overheating, system losses, and equipment or system damage. In order to achieve the IEEE 519 power quality standard, filters are routinely employed to lower harmonic levels. In this work, we designed a single tuned passive filter (STPF) to minimize harmonics of sequence 5th, 7th, 11th, 13th, 17th, and 19th in a three (3) phase power system. The measurements were taken at the point of common coupling. To test the filter performance, the system and STPF were designed in MATLAB/Simulink, and the simulated results produced without and with STPF were compared. The $${THD}_{I}$$

THD

I

was reduced from 14.93% down to 4.87% when STPF was connected which is within the IEEE 519-2022 standard; proving that the STPF was effective in decreasing the harmonics to the desired level.