bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geological Background of the Chang'e 6 Landing Site and the Provenance of Returned Samples
Authors: Gao Antong , Xiao Long , Wueller Lukas , Iqbal Wajiha , Zhao Siyuan , Wang Jiang , van der Bogert Carolyn H. , Qian Yuqi , Pang Yong , Hiesinger Harald
Published: December 2024

China's Chang'e‐6 (CE‐6) is the first mission in human history to return samples from the far side of the Moon. CE‐6 landed in the mare plains of the southern Apollo basin (153.98°W, 41.63°S) within the South Pole‐Aitken (SPA) basin on 2 June 2024 and returned 1,935.3 g of samples on 25 June 2024. The unique geological history of the Apollo basin offers an opportunity to address several important scientific questions in lunar science. To provide geological context for the analysis of the returned samples, we described the geology of the area surrounding the CE‐6 landing site in detail. We interpreted that the region exhibits three periods of mare basaltic volcanism (EmSAp1, EmSAp2 and EmSAp3) separated by one billion years. CE‐6 landed on the EmSAp2 unit, with a model age of ∼2.8 Ga. Several post‐mare impacts occurring outside this region also contributed foreign materials to CE‐6 landing site. We anticipate that the returned samples are dominated by local EmSAp2 materials, and may also include younger high‐Ti basalt from the EmSAp3 unit, older low‐Ti basalt from the EmSAp1 unit, ejecta from younger craters such as Chaffee S and O’Day, and ejecta from craters outside the SPA basin such as Vavilov, Crookes, and Das. The estimated total feldspathic exotic ejecta in the regolith of CE‐6 sample zone is 30%. Our study indicates that the regolith in the CE‐6 sampling area is rich in scientific value for understanding lunar volcanism and impact history and offers the possibility of further calibrating the lunar cratering chronology.
Late Cambrian Syn‐Intrusive Thickening of the Ikh Mongol Arc Domains in the Mongolian Collage
Authors: Peřestý Vít , Soejono Igor , Schulmann Karel , Ruffet Gilles , Kylander‐Clark Andrew , Sláma Jiří , Štípská Pavla , Maierová Petra , Hanžl Pavel , Aguilar Carmen , Kašpar Adam
Published: December 2024

Structural analysis, U–Pb monazite and xenotime dating, Ar–Ar dating of biotite and amphibole and thermodynamic modeling of peak metamorphic assemblages allow constraining the tectono‐thermal evolution of the migmatite‐magmatite domain on the southern periphery of Precambrian Zavkhan Block. The main subvertical metamorphic fabric resulted from upright folding and almost complete transposition of early sub‐horizontal foliation of uncertain age. P–T conditions of 760–790°C at 0.7–0.8 GPa and in situ U–Pb metamorphic monazite 505–495 Ma ages characterize this tectono‐metamorphic event. It was associated with syn‐deformational partial melting and intrusion of axial planar syntectonic leucogranite veins. Monazite and xenotime from these veins give U–Pb age of c. 500 Ma, confirming that the migmatization and formation of subvertical fabric were coeval. Such time constraints are contemporaneous with ages of gneissified Ikh‐Mongol Arc granite sheets intruding horizontally shortened partially molten crust thereby confirming syn‐compressional nature of arc emplacement. Thermal modeling of cooling history of the whole migmatite‐magmatite domain constrained by Ar–Ar ages is compatible with the shortening of the hot system followed by moderate erosion. The P–T and geochronological data of the Zavkhan block margin are almost identical to those of short lived late Cambrian magmatism and metamorphism described in the Khondalite belt in Far East China and in other places of Mongolian Collage suggesting that these two domains may have formed a continuous belt.
Ensemble Methods for Parameter Estimation of WRF‐Hydro
Authors: RafieeiNasab Arezoo , Fienen Michael N. , Omani Nina , Srivastava Ishita , Dugger Aubrey L.
Published: December 2024

The WRF‐Hydro hydrological model has been used in many applications in the past with some level of history matching in the majority of these studies. In this study, we use the iterative Ensemble Smoother (iES), a powerful parameter estimation methodology implemented in the open‐source PEST++ software. The iES provides an ensemble solution with an uncertainty bound instead of a single best estimate which has been the common approach in the previous WRF‐Hydro studies. We discuss the importance of accounting for observation noise which results in a wider spread in the model solution. We investigate the impact of constructing objective functions by differentially weighting the observations to tune the model response toward model outputs appropriate for a specific application. Results confirm the necessity of differentially weighting the observations before calculation of the objective function as the optimization algorithm struggles with calculating parameter updates with uniform weighting. We also show that we achieve better model performance in terms of verification metrics with higher emphasis on the high flow events, when the objective function is tuned toward an application where the extreme events are of importance. We then investigate the impact of estimating more parameters, in particular we estimate a larger number of snow parameters. Results show a large improvement in the model performance. In summary, our study demonstrates the efficacy of employing iES alongside differential weighting of observations, highlighting its potential to enhance hydrological model parameter estimation.
Relative effectiveness of antidepressant treatments in treatment-resistant depression: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Saelens Johan , Gramser Anna , Watzal Victoria , Zarate Carlos A. , Lanzenberger Rupert , Kraus Christoph
Published: December 2024

This systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) sought to compare different antidepressant treatments for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in order to facilitate evidence-based choices. A literature search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase from inception until April 13th, 2023 identified randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) of adults with depression who had not responded to at least two antidepressant trials; all RCTs had ≥10 participants per study arm, and participants with bipolar or psychotic depression were excluded. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool-2 was used to assess study quality. Response rate was the primary outcome measure. Odds ratios (ORs) using a random effects NMA are reported. From 8234 records, 69 RCTs were included in this analysis, encompassing 10,285 participants (5662 F/4623 M) and 25 separate treatments. Six of the 25 treatments demonstrated a higher response rate versus placebo or sham treatment: electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), minocycline, theta-burst stimulation (TBS), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), ketamine, and aripiprazole. ORs ranged from 1.9 (95%CI = [1.25; 2.91]) for aripiprazole to 12.86 (95%CI = [4.07; 40.63]) for ECT. Moderate heterogeneity of the model was observed (I2 = 47.3% (95%CI [26.8–62%]). Of the included studies, 12.5% were rated as having high risk of bias, 28.13% as having low risk, and 59.38% as showing some concerns. Several effective treatments for TRD showed robust treatment effects across outcomes (ECT, TBS, rTMS, and ketamine), and others showed promising results for some, but not all, outcomes (minocycline, aripiprazole). These findings may help guide evidence-based treatment choices for TRD. Study Registration: PROSPERO (#CRD42023420584).
Global mean sea level likely higher than present during the holocene
Authors: Creel Roger C. , Austermann Jacqueline , Kopp Robert E. , Khan Nicole S. , Albrecht Torsten , Kingslake Jonathan
Published: December 2024

Global mean sea-level (GMSL) change can shed light on how the Earth system responds to warming. Glaciological evidence indicates that Earth’s ice sheets retreated inland of early industrial (1850 CE) extents during the Holocene (11.7-0 ka), yet previous work suggests that Holocene GMSL never surpassed early industrial levels. We merge sea-level data with a glacial isostatic adjustment model ensemble and reconstructions of postglacial thermosteric sea-level and mountain glacier evolution to estimate Holocene GMSL and ice volume. We show it is likely (probability P = 0.75) GMSL exceeded early industrial levels after 7.5ka, reaching 0.24 m (−3.3 to 1.0 m, 90% credible interval) above present by 3.2ka; Antarctica was likely (P = 0.78) smaller than present after 7ka; GMSL rise by 2150 will very likely (P = 0.9) be the fastest in the last 5000 years; and by 2060, GMSL will as likely than not (P = 0.5) be the highest in 115,000 years.
Microenvironmental modulation breaks intrinsic pH limitations of nanozymes to boost their activities
Authors: Li Tong , Wang Xiaoyu , Wang Yuting , Zhang Yihong , Li Sirong , Liu Wanling , Liu Shujie , Liu Yufeng , Xing Hang , Otake Ken-ichi , Kitagawa Susumu , Wu Jiangjiexing , Dong Hao , Wei Hui
Published: December 2024

Functional nanomaterials with enzyme-mimicking activities, termed as nanozymes, have found wide applications in various fields. However, the deviation between the working and optimal pHs of nanozymes has been limiting their practical applications. Here we develop a strategy to modulate the microenvironmental pHs of metal–organic framework (MOF) nanozymes by confining polyacids or polybases (serving as Brønsted acids or bases). The confinement of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) into the channels of peroxidase-mimicking PCN-222-Fe (PCN = porous coordination network) nanozyme lowers its microenvironmental pH, enabling it to perform its best activity at pH 7.4 and to solve pH mismatch in cascade systems coupled with acid-denatured oxidases. Experimental investigations and molecular dynamics simulations reveal that PAA not only donates protons but also holds protons through the salt bridges between hydroniums and deprotonated carboxyl groups in neutral pH condition. Therefore, the confinement of poly(ethylene imine) increases the microenvironmental pH, leading to the enhanced hydrolase-mimicking activity of MOF nanozymes. This strategy is expected to pave a promising way for designing high-performance nanozymes and nanocatalysts for practical applications.
All-polymer piezo-ionic-electric electronics
Authors: Xu Tianpei , Jin Long , Ao Yong , Zhang Jieling , Sun Yue , Wang Shenglong , Qu Yuanxiao , Huang Longchao , Yang Tao , Deng Weili , Yang Weiqing
Published: December 2024

Piezoelectric electronics possess great potential in flexible sensing and energy harvesting applications. However, they suffer from low electromechanical performance in all-organic piezoelectric systems due to the disordered and weakly-polarized interfaces. Here, we demonstrated an all-polymer piezo-ionic-electric electronics with PVDF/Nafion/PVDF (polyvinylidene difluoride) sandwich structure and regularized ion-electron interfaces. The piezoelectric effect and piezoionic effect mutually couple based on such ion-electron interfaces, endowing this electronics with the unique piezo-ionic-electric working mechanism. Further, owing to the massive interfacial accumulation of ion and electron charges, the electronics obtains a remarkable force-electric coupling enhancement. Experiments show that the electronics presents a high d33 of ~80.70 pC N−1, a pressure sensitivity of 51.50 mV kPa−1 and a maximum peak power of 34.66 mW m−2. It is applicable to be a transducer to light LEDs, and a sensor to detect weak physiological signals or mechanical vibration. This work shows the piezo-ionic-electric electronics as a paradigm of highly-optimized all-polymer piezo-generators.
Functional anatomy of zinc finger antiviral protein complexes
Authors: Bohn Jennifer A. , Meagher Jennifer L. , Takata Matthew A. , Gonçalves-Carneiro Daniel , Yeoh Zoe C. , Ohi Melanie D. , Smith Janet L. , Bieniasz Paul D.
Published: December 2024

ZAP is an antiviral protein that binds to and depletes viral RNA, which is often distinguished from vertebrate host RNA by its elevated CpG content. Two ZAP cofactors, TRIM25 and KHNYN, have activities that are poorly understood. Here, we show that functional interactions between ZAP, TRIM25 and KHNYN involve multiple domains of each protein, and that the ability of TRIM25 to multimerize via its RING domain augments ZAP activity and specificity. We show that KHNYN is an active nuclease that acts in a partly redundant manner with its homolog N4BP1. The ZAP N-terminal RNA binding domain constitutes a minimal core that is essential for antiviral complex activity, and we present a crystal structure of this domain that reveals contacts with the functionally required KHNYN C-terminal domain. These contacts are remote from the ZAP CpG binding site and would not interfere with RNA binding. Based on our dissection of ZAP, TRIM25 and KHNYN functional anatomy, we could design artificial chimeric antiviral proteins that reconstitute the antiviral function of the intact authentic proteins, but in the absence of protein domains that are otherwise required for activity. Together, these results suggest a model for the RNA recognition and action of ZAP-containing antiviral protein complexes.
The impact of antioxidant-ciprofloxacin combinations on the evolution of antibiotic resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms
Authors: Higazy Doaa , Ahmed Marwa N. , Ciofu Oana
Published: December 2024

The evolution of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in biofilms, driven by mechanisms like oxidative stress, is a major challenge. This study investigates whether antioxidants (AOs) such as N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) and Edaravone (ED) can reduce AMR in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms exposed to sub-inhibitory concentrations of ciprofloxacin (CIP). In vitro experimental evolution studies were conducted using flow cells and glass beads biofilm models. Results showed that combining CIP with antioxidants (CIP-AOs) effectively reduced the development of CIP resistance. Isolates from biofilms treated with CIP-AO had significantly lower minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of CIP compared to those treated with CIP alone. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) revealed mutations in the negative regulators of efflux pumps, nfxB, and nalC, in CIP-only treated biofilm populations. The occurrence of nfxB mutations was significantly lower in flow cell biofilms treated with CIP-AO compared to CIP alone. These findings suggest that antioxidants could play a role in mitigating AMR development in biofilms.
Evaluating large language models for criterion-based grading from agreement to consistency
Authors: Zhang Da-Wei , Boey Melissa , Tan Yan Yu , Jia Alexis Hoh Sheng
Published: December 2024

This study evaluates the ability of large language models (LLMs) to deliver criterion-based grading and examines the impact of prompt engineering with detailed criteria on grading. Using well-established human benchmarks and quantitative analyses, we found that even free LLMs achieve criterion-based grading with a detailed understanding of the criteria, underscoring the importance of domain-specific understanding over model complexity. These findings highlight the potential of LLMs to deliver scalable educational feedback.
TRACERx analysis identifies a role for FAT1 in regulating chromosomal instability and whole-genome doubling via Hippo signalling
Authors: Lu Wei-Ting , Zalmas Lykourgos-Panagiotis , Bailey Chris , Black James R. M. , Martinez-Ruiz Carlos , Pich Oriol , Gimeno-Valiente Francisco , Usaite Ieva , Magness Alastair , Thol Kerstin , Webber Thomas A. , Jiang Ming , Saunders Rebecca E. , Liu Yun-Hsin , Biswas Dhruva , Ige Esther O. , Aerne Birgit , Grönroos Eva , Venkatesan Subramanian , Stavrou Georgia , Karasaki Takahiro , Al Bakir Maise , Renshaw Matthew , Xu Hang , Schneider-Luftman Deborah , Sharma Natasha , Tovini Laura ,   TRACERx Consortium, Jamal-Hanjani Mariam , McClelland Sarah E. , Litchfield Kevin , Birkbak Nicolai J. , Howell Michael , Tapon Nicolas , Fugger Kasper , McGranahan Nicholas , Bartek Jiri , Kanu Nnennaya , Swanton Charles
Published: December 2024

Chromosomal instability (CIN) is common in solid tumours and fuels evolutionary adaptation and poor prognosis by increasing intratumour heterogeneity. Systematic characterization of driver events in the TRACERx non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cohort identified that genetic alterations in six genes, including FAT1, result in homologous recombination (HR) repair deficiencies and CIN. Using orthogonal genetic and experimental approaches, we demonstrate that FAT1 alterations are positively selected before genome doubling and associated with HR deficiency. FAT1 ablation causes persistent replication stress, an elevated mitotic failure rate, nuclear deformation and elevated structural CIN, including chromosome translocations and radial chromosomes. FAT1 loss contributes to whole-genome doubling (a form of numerical CIN) through the dysregulation of YAP1. Co-depletion of YAP1 partially rescues numerical CIN caused by FAT1 loss but does not relieve HR deficiencies, nor structural CIN. Importantly, overexpression of constitutively active YAP15SA is sufficient to induce numerical CIN. Taken together, we show that FAT1 loss in NSCLC attenuates HR and exacerbates CIN through two distinct downstream mechanisms, leading to increased tumour heterogeneity.
Estimation of internal displacement in Ukraine from satellite-based car detections
Authors: Rufener Marie-Christine , Ofli Ferda , Fatehkia Masoomali , Weber Ingmar
Published: December 2024

Estimating the numbers and whereabouts of internally displaced people (IDP) is paramount to providing targeted humanitarian assistance. In conflict settings like the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, on-the-ground data collection is nevertheless often inadequate to provide accurate and timely information. Satellite imagery may sidestep some of these challenges and enhance our understanding of the IDP dynamics. Our study thus aimed to evaluate whether internal displacement patterns can be estimated from changes in car counts using multi-temporal satellite imagery. We collected over 1000 very-high-resolution images across Ukrainian cities between 2019 and 2022, to which we applied a state-of-the-art computer vision model to detect and count cars. These counts were then linked to population data to predict displacements through ratio or non-linear models. Our findings suggest a clear East-to-West movement of cars in the first months following the war’s onset. Despite data sparsity hindered fine-grained evaluation, we distinguished a clear positive and non-linear trend between the number of people and cars in most cities, which further allowed to predict the sub-national people dynamics. While our approach is resource-saving and innovative, satellite imagery and computer vision models present some shortcomings that could mask detailed IDPs dynamics. We conclude by discussing these limitations and outline future research opportunities.
Refining minimal engineered receptors for specific activation of on-target signaling molecules
Authors: Miura Masashi , Kawahara Masahiro
Published: December 2024

Since designer cells are attracting much attention as a new modality in gene and cell therapy, it would be advantageous to develop synthetic receptors that recognize artificial ligands and activate solely signaling molecules of interest. In this study, we refined the construction of our previously developed minimal engineered receptors (MERs) to avoid off-target activation of STAT5 while maintaining on-target activation of signaling molecules corresponding to tyrosine motifs. Among the myristoylated, cytoplasmic, and transmembrane types of MERs, the cytoplasmic type had the highest signaling efficiency, although there was off-target activation of STAT5 upon ligand stimulation. Tyrosine-to-phenylalanine ​​mutagenesis revealed that both the tyrosine motif for recruiting target signaling molecules and the tyrosine residues in the JAK-binding domain did not contribute to off-target activation of STAT5. Using alanine mutagenesis for Box1 of the JAK-binding domain of MERs, we ultimately found a Box1 mutation that slightly reduced activation of on-target signaling molecules but minimized off-target activation of STAT5. The refined MER enabled us to precisely analyze the signaling and cell fate-inducing properties of seven tyrosine motifs. Therefore, the refined MER, which realizes activation of on-target signaling molecules with high signal-to-noise ratios, will attract much attention as a tool for functionalizing designer cells and more broadly in the field of synthetic biology.
Experimental evidence of high tick infestation limiting chick growth and survival in a colonial seabird
Authors: Militão Teresa , Clessin Augustin , Gamble Amandine , Granadeiro José Pedro , Boulinier Thierry , Catry Paulo
Published: December 2024

While numerous studies have established correlations between parasite load and negative effects on their hosts, establishing causality is more challenging because parasites can directly compromise host condition and survival or simply opportunistically thrive on an already weakened host. Here, we evaluated whether Ixodes uriae, a widespread seabird tick, can cause a decrease in growth parameters (body mass, bill length and growth rates) and survival of chicks of a colonially seabird, the black-browed albatross (Thalassarche melanophris) breeding on New Island (West Falkland). To investigate this, we daily removed the ticks from 28 randomly selected chicks during their first 14 days of life (treated chicks) and compared their growth and survival with 49 chicks of a control group. The tick load on control chicks correlated negatively with their body mass, growth rates and survival. Comparisons between treated and control chicks demonstrated that tick infestation depleted body mass and hampered the growth of control chicks. Treated chicks had a higher survival rate than control ones to fledgling age, but not to 14 days old, suggesting that the delayed higher mortality on control chicks was caused by the accumulation of sub-lethal effects of ticks. This study experimentally demonstrates that high tick infestation can cause reduced host growth and survival.
Intrusion detection system for V2X communication in VANET networks using machine learning-based cryptographic protocols
Authors: Venkatasamy Thiruppathy Kesavan , Hossen Md. Jakir , Ramasamy Gopi , Aziz Nor Hidayati Binti Abdul
Published: December 2024

Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication has many benefits. It improves fuel efficiency, road safety, and traffic management. But it raises privacy and security concerns. These include the risk of cyberattacks and the loss of drivers’ personal data. Eavesdropping, data manipulation, and unauthorized vehicle monitoring are major problems that need immediate attention. This paper proposes a new approach to intrusion detection in V2X communications. It uses machine learning-based cryptographic protocols for intrusion detection (ML-CPIDSs). The goal is to improve privacy and security in vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs). The ML-CPIDS combines advanced cryptographic protocols with machine learning. It provides strong authentication, encryption, and real-time threat detection. Robust authentication and encryption techniques in modern cryptographic systems protect sensitive information. Using machine learning algorithms, it is feasible to identify and address security risks in real-time. The proposed technology solves key privacy and security issues. It has applications in many areas, including autonomous vehicle networks, urban traffic management, and vehicle communication systems. Extensive simulations show the ML-CPIDS works in different VANET environments. Privacy, security, and the ability to identify threats in real time are some of the areas that are evaluated in these simulations. The proposed ML-CPIDS approach outperforms current methods on several metrics. It has better privacy and authentication, lower latency, and stronger threat detection. It also improves the integrity and efficiency of V2X communications in VANET networks.
Machine-learning crystal size distribution for volcanic stratigraphy correlation
Authors: Jutzeler Martin , Carey Rebecca J. , Dagasan Yasin , McNeill Andrew , Cas Ray A. F.
Published: December 2024

Volcanic stratigraphy reconstruction is traditionally based on qualitative facies analysis complemented by geochemical analyses. Here we present a novel technique based on machine learning identification of crystal size distribution to quantitatively fingerprint lavas, shallow intrusions and coarse lava breccias. This technique, based on a simple photograph of a rock (or core) sample, is complementary to existing methods and allows another strategy to identify and compare volcanic rocks for stratigraphic correlation. Phenocryst size distributions display overall homogeneity within one volcanic body but may vary considerably between igneous bodies. Restricted to shallow intrusions and volcanic lavas, this concept allows for stratigraphic fingerprinting of volcanic rocks in poorly exposed, up to moderately altered, and/or complexly tectonized formations. We built an automated image analysis workflow using machine-learning for crystal segmentation, followed by statistical analysis of physical descriptors to compare and match the size distribution of feldspar phenocrysts. The workflow comprises three instance segmentation models for pre-processing the images, automated scale measurement and grain segmentation using Mask R-CNN. This avoids the laborious and time-consuming task of manual picking by image analysis, and allows for a rapid, unbiased and quantitative approach to determine crystal size distribution (CSD). Our volcanic architecture reconstruction of multiple dacite bodies in the mineralized Cambrian Mt Read Volcanics in Tasmania, Australia, is independently validated by bulk-rock chemical analyses of key samples. This volcanic stratigraphy method can be applied to a large variety of igneous rocks and is complementary to geochemical analyses and qualitative crystal content assessment.
Noncanonical calcium binding motif controls folding of HopQ1, a Pseudomonas syringae type III secretion effector, in a pH-dependent manner
Authors: Giska Fabian , Rymaszewski Wojciech , Lichocka Malgorzata , Piechocki Marcin , Kwiatkowski Jakub , Poznański Jarosław , Górecka Magdalena , Krzymowska Magdalena
Published: December 2024

Virulence of many gram-negative bacteria relies upon delivery of type three effectors into host cells. To pass through the conduit of secretion machinery the effectors need to acquire an extended conformation, and in many bacterial species specific chaperones assist in this process. In plant pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae, secretion of only few effectors requires the function of chaperones. This raises a question how chaperone-independent effectors achieve an appropriate conformation for the secretion. One such mechanism was previously described for AvrPto. It contains a pH-sensitive switch, which is involved in unfolding of the effector at the mildly acidic pH corresponding to the pH value of the bacterial cytosol, and refolding at the neutral pH. Therefore, it was proposed that the switch facilitates first translocation of AvrPto and then its maturation once the effector reaches the cytoplasm of host cell. Here we show that an atypical motif of HopQ1, another effector of P. syringae, reversibly binds calcium in pH-dependent manner, regulating the effector thermal stability. Therefore, we propose a model that HopQ1 traversing through the type three secretion system encounters conditions that maintain its extended conformation, while upon delivery into host cell the effector undergoes refolding.
TCBGY net for enhanced wear particle detection in ferrography using self attention and multi scale fusion
Authors: He Lei , Wei Haijun , Sun Cunxun
Published: December 2024

The intelligent identification of wear particles in ferrography is a critical bottleneck that hampers the development and widespread adoption of ferrography technology. To address challenges such as false detection, missed detection of small wear particles, difficulty in distinguishing overlapping and similar abrasions, and handling complex image backgrounds, this paper proposes an algorithm called TCBGY-Net for detecting wear particles in ferrography images. The proposed TCBGY-Net uses YOLOv5s as the backbone network, which is enhanced with several advanced modules to improve detection performance. Firstly, we integrate a Transformer module based on the self-attention mechanism with the C3 module at the end of the backbone network to form a C3TR module. This integration enhances the global feature extraction capability of the backbone network and improves its ability to detect small target wear particles. Secondly, we introduce the convolutional block attention module (CBAM) into the neck network to enhance salience for detecting wear particles while suppressing irrelevant information interference. Furthermore, multi-scale feature maps extracted by the backbone network are fed into the bidirectional feature pyramid network (BiFPN) for feature fusion to enhance the model’s ability to detect wear particle feature maps at different scales. Lastly, Ghost modules are introduced into both the backbone network and the neck network to reduce their complexity and improve detection speed. Experimental results demonstrate that TCBGY-Net achieves outstanding precision in detecting wear particles against complex backgrounds, with a mAP@0.5 value of 98.3%, which is a 10.2% improvement over YOLOv5s. In addition, we conducted comprehensive ablation experiments, to validate the contribution of each module and the robustness of our model. TCBGY-Net also outperforms most current mainstream algorithms in terms of detection speed, with up to 89.2 FPS capability, thus providing favorable conditions for subsequent real-time online monitoring of changes in wear particles and fault diagnosis in ship power systems.
Assessing the documentation of publicly available medical image and signal datasets and their impact on bias using the BEAMRAD tool
Authors: Galanty Maria , Luitse Dieuwertje , Noteboom Sijm H. , Croon Philip , Vlaar Alexander P. , Poell Thomas , Sanchez Clara I. , Blanke Tobias , Išgum Ivana
Published: December 2024

Medical datasets are vital for advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare. Yet biases in these datasets on which deep-learning models are trained can compromise reliability. This study investigates biases stemming from dataset-creation practices. Drawing on existing guidelines, we first developed a BEAMRAD tool to assess the documentation of public Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI); Color Fundus Photography (CFP), and Electrocardiogram (ECG) datasets. In doing so, we provide an overview of the biases that may emerge due to inadequate dataset documentation. Second, we examine the current state of documentation for public medical images and signal data. Our research reveals that there is substantial variance in the documentation of image and signal datasets, even though guidelines have been developed in medical imaging. This indicates that dataset documentation is subject to individual discretionary decisions. Furthermore, we find that aspects such as hardware and data acquisition details are commonly documented, while information regarding data annotation practices, annotation error quantification, or data limitations are not consistently reported. This risks having considerable implications for the abilities of data users to detect potential sources of bias through these respective aspects and develop reliable and robust models that can be adapted for clinical practice.
New-onset gastrointestinal disorders in COVID-19 patients 3.5 years post-infection in the inner-city population in the Bronx
Authors: Changela Sagar , Ashraf Samad , Lu Justin Y. , Duong Kevin E. , Henry Sonya , Wang Stephen H. , Duong Tim Q.
Published: December 2024

This study examined the incidence, characteristics, and risk factors of new gastrointestinal disorders (GID) associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection up to 3.5 years post-infection. This retrospective study included 35,102 COVID-19 patients and 682,594 contemporary non-COVID-19 patients without past medical history of GID (controls) from the Montefiore Health System in the Bronx (3/1/2020 to 7/31/2023). Comparisons were made with unmatched and propensity-matched (1:2) controls. The primary outcome was new GID which included peptic ulcer, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulosis, diverticulitis, and biliary disease. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards model analysis was performed with adjustment for covariates. There were 2,228 (6.34%) COVID-19 positive patients who developed new GID compared to 38,928 (5.70%) controls. COVID-19 patients had an elevated risk of developing new GID (adjusted HR = 1.18 (95% CI 1.12–1.25) compared to propensity-matched controls, after adjusting for confounders that included smoking, obesity, diabetes, hypertension. These findings underscore the need for additional research and follow-up of at-risk individuals for developing GID post infection.
Competing fairness ideals underlie wealth inequality across decision contexts
Authors: Huijsmans Inge , Vahed Sarah , Răţală Cătălina E. , Llera Alberto , Sanfey Alan G.
Published: December 2024

Wealth inequality is one of the most profound challenges confronting society today. However, an important issue in addressing inequality lies in formalizing the diversity of individual perspectives regarding what constitutes a fair distribution of resources. We tackle this topic by simulating wealth inequality through the allocation of bonus endowments in both Dictator Game (DG) and Ultimatum Game (UG) settings and capturing distributive decisions. By integrating a computational model, we quantify individual differences in the interplay between financial self-interest and competing pro-social motivations that emerge in the context of pre-existing wealth inequity. Our behavioral results show that, on average, pre-existing wealth influences distributive preferences across both allocations and proposals. Yet, inequality elicits non-uniform fairness concerns. Using a hierarchical clustering approach, we objectively categorise participants’ behavior elucidating four distinct decision strategies: ‘Pro-Self’, ‘Table Egalitarianism’, ‘Total Egalitarianism’, and ‘Moral Opportunism’. A balanced distribution of strategies is observed during allocations (DG), whereas Table Egalitarianism prevails in strategic proposals (UG), highlighting the influence of strategic considerations on decision strategy. Furthermore, we demonstrate an association between strategies across decision contexts. Our findings thus contribute a principled framework to formalize distributive preferences, revealing that, with respect to both altruistic allocations and strategic proposals, competing ideals of fairness underlie distributive preferences under wealth inequality.
Anchoring spinel cobalt and zinc ferrites on zeolite for highly synergic photocatalytic reduction of chromium (VI)
Authors: Mehrbakhsh Moin , Honarmand Moones , Aryafar Ahmad
Published: December 2024

To tackle the challenges of increasing the efficiency of photocatalysts, a ternary magnetic heterojunction photocatalyst containing spinel cobalt and zinc ferrites, and zeolite (CZZ) was designed and fabricated. The physicochemical properties of the novel photocatalyst were verified using characterization techniques such as XRD, FT-IR, FE-SEM, EDS mapping, N2 adsorption-desorption, VSM, PL, and UV–Vis DRS. The CZZ photocatalyst exhibited a significant Cr (VI) reduction rate of 0.1535 min−1, which was 9.27, 5.37 and 3.58 times higher than those of single ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles (0.0166 min−1), CoFe2O4 nanoparticles (0.0286 min−1), and CoFe2O4–ZnFe2O4 (0.0428 min−1) respectively. CZZ showed an excellent reusability after three consecutive cycles of Cr(VI) reduction. The results from the experiments in different aqueous environments displayed that CZZ could be a promising photocatalyst to reduce Cr(VI) in the treatment of actual aqueous matrices. The present study not only provides a highly active catalytic system for the practical removal of Cr(VI) but also paves the way for the fabrication of high-performance heterojunction photocatalysts.
Starch can expedite the screening for bacterial aflatoxin degraders
Authors: Sandlin Natalie , Momeni Babak
Published: December 2024

Aflatoxins (AFs) are secondary fungal metabolites that contaminate common food crops and are harmful to humans and animals. The ability to degrade or remove aflatoxins from common feed commodities will improve health standards and counter the economic drain inflicted by AF contamination. Bioremediation is a promising solution to AF contamination because of its low cost and few undesired environmental side-effects. Identifying new degrader species is highly beneficial in that it can offer alternatives to overcome the limitations of existing biodegraders, such as narrow working conditions and low degradation rates. Here, we screen several environmental isolates for their AF detoxification ability, using aflatoxin G2. We use different carbon sources (glucose and starch) in isolation and culturing media to examine the effect of the environment on degradation ability. Strains isolated in media with starch as the primary carbon source showed a higher percentage of good AF degraders, 16% compared to 2% when glucose was the primary carbon source. Additionally, the majority of species isolated in glucose medium exhibited improved degradation efficiency when moved into starch medium, with one isolate improving degradation levels from 30 to 70%. Our starch screen also revealed three previously unidentified AF degrader bacterial species. Good aflatoxin G2 degraders also appear to perform well against aflatoxin B1. Overall, for AF degradation, starch medium expedites the screening process and generally improves the performance of isolates. We thus propose that using starch as the carbon source is a promising means to identify new AF degraders in the environment.
Domestic sewage as a sustainable freshwater substitute for enhanced anaerobic digestion of lignocellulosic biomass
Authors: Induchoodan TG , Choran Nimitha , Kalamdhad Ajay S.
Published: December 2024

Biochemical methane potential tests using water hyacinth (WH), pretreated water hyacinth (PWH), and Hydrilla verticillata (HV) as substrates using sewage media were explored. This study replaced the freshwater required to prepare the slurry for AD of organic solid waste with domestic sewage. Cow dung was used as the inoculum. WH (241.5 mL CH4/g VSadded), PWH (200.5 mL CH4/g VSadded), and HV (212 mL CH4/g VSadded) produced significant amounts of methane in the sewage medium. 16S-rRNA analysis showed that, in sewage, ~ 85% of the microbes were hydrolytic bacteria, and 7% were methanogens. This abundant quantity of hydrolytic microbes from sewage accelerated lignin degradation, achieving 28.32% and 38.34% degradation for WH and HV, respectively, within 14 days. Field emission-scanning electron microscopy images visually confirmed the enhanced substrate degradation in the presence of sewage. The net energy produced from the AD of WH and HV was significant (4664 J/g VSadded and 4109 J/g VSadded), but for PWH, it was negative, indicating that using sewage medium may be better than costly pretreatment techniques. This study demonstrated the potential of using sewage as an alternative to freshwater in AD, offering a sustainable solution for freshwater conservation and the possible utilisation of sewage for improved methane production, especially for substrates with lignin that are difficult to degrade.
Metabolomics of mothers of children with autism, idiopathic developmental delay, and Down syndrome
Authors: Parenti Mariana , Shoff Shannon , Sotelo-Orozco Jennie , Hertz-Picciotto Irva , Slupsky Carolyn M.
Published: December 2024

Developmental delays have been associated with metabolic disturbances in children. Previous research in the childhood autism risk from genetics and the environment (CHARGE) case–control study identified neurodevelopment-related plasma metabolites in children, suggesting disturbances in the energy-related tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and 1-carbon metabolism (1CM). Here, we investigated associations between children’s neurodevelopmental outcomes and their mothers’ plasma metabolite profiles in a subset of mother–child dyads from CHARGE, including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD, n = 209), Down syndrome (DS, n = 76), idiopathic developmental delay (iDD, n = 64), and typically developed (TD, n = 185) controls. Multiple linear regression revealed associations between child neurodevelopmental outcomes and maternal plasma metabolites related to the TCA cycle, 1CM, and lipid metabolism. Despite profound metabolic disturbances in children with DS reported previously, few of these differences were observed in the mothers, which might reflect differences in gene dosage between children with DS and their euploid mothers. Notably differences in maternal metabolism related to ASD and iDD followed similar patterns of disturbance in previously reported metabolic signatures in children but were generally smaller in magnitude. Similar patterns of metabolic disturbances observed in mothers and their children with ASD or iDD could reflect shared genetic, mitochondrial, and/or environmental risk factors.
Evolution characteristics and causes of iodine and fluoride in groundwater of Hengshui city in North China
Authors: Tuo Yapeng , Yan Baizhong , Gai Junbai , Yu Yanbo , Zhan Xinkai , Zhang Yuanjing , Qiu Shuwei
Published: December 2024

Iodine and fluoride are essential trace elements for human health, with both deficiency and excess intake impacting well-being. This study investigates the groundwater funnel area in eastern Hengshui City, utilizing groundwater level and hydrochemical data from 2014 to 2022. Hydrogeochemical methods were employed to comprehensively analyze the evolution characteristics and causes of iodine and fluoride concentrations in the funnel area. The results show: (1) After the implementation of groundwater exploitation reduction (GER) (post-2014), the mean concentration of I⁻ in the study area’s shallow groundwater (SG) decreased from 0.17 mg/L to 0.16 mg/L. Conversely, the mean concentration of F⁻ increased from 1.00 mg/L to 1.12 mg/L. In the deep groundwater (DG), the mean concentration of I⁻ rose from 0.17 mg/L to 0.19 mg/L, and the mean concentration of F⁻ increased from 1.99 mg/L to 2.90 mg/L. (2) In 2014, the concentrations of I⁻ and F⁻ in SG increased progressively from the recharge area to the discharge area along the groundwater flow. By 2018 and 2022, the concentrations of I⁻ and F⁻ in the recharge area had become higher than those in the discharge area. Between 2014 and 2022, the concentrations of I⁻ and F⁻ in DG progressively increased from the recharge area to the discharge area along the groundwater flow. (3) Before and after GER, the primary sources of I⁻ and F⁻ in both SG and DG remained consistent. Nevertheless, prolonged GER and recharge have altered the groundwater hydraulic conditions, pH, redox environment, HCO₃⁻ concentration, Ca2+ concentration, and cation exchange processes. These changes have led to the evolution of I⁻ and F⁻ concentrations.
The brain selectively allocates energy to functional brain networks under cognitive control
Authors: Saberi Majid , Rieck Jenny R. , Golafshan Shamim , Grady Cheryl L. , Misic Bratislav , Dunkley Benjamin T. , Khatibi Ali
Published: December 2024

Network energy has been conceptualized based on structural balance theory in the physics of complex networks. We utilized this framework to assess the energy of functional brain networks under cognitive control and to understand how energy is allocated across canonical functional networks during various cognitive control tasks. We extracted network energy from functional connectivity patterns of subjects who underwent fMRI scans during cognitive tasks involving working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility, in addition to task-free scans. We found that the energy of the whole-brain network increases when exposed to cognitive control tasks compared to the task-free resting state, which serves as a reference point. The brain selectively allocates this elevated energy to canonical functional networks; sensory networks receive more energy to support flexibility for processing sensory stimuli, while cognitive networks relevant to the task, functioning efficiently, require less energy. Furthermore, employing network energy, as a global network measure, improves the performance of predictive modeling, particularly in classifying cognitive control tasks and predicting chronological age. Our results highlight the robustness of this framework and the utility of network energy in understanding brain and cognitive mechanisms, including its promising potential as a biomarker for mental conditions and neurological disorders.
Preliminary validation for an online configuration determination method of a thin film buckling under point contact force
Authors: Kim Yeoun-Jae , Wi Daehan
Published: December 2024

The authors previously developed an online thin film buckling configuration determination method for a mini basket type mapping catheter prototype, which incorporates eight thin film sensor strips. In the prior study, no external force was applied to the thin film, and only axial displacement was adjusted to induce buckling in the thin film. Extending this prior work, a preliminary methodological validation is conducted for an online configuration determination method of thin film buckling under a point contact force. The overall thin film configuration determination problem is formulated as a constrained optimization problem, involving five variables and five equality constraint functions. Before developing an actual online optimization solver, preliminary numerical calculations, Ansys simulations, and experiments are performed to verify the proposed problem formulation. The comparison between the numerical precalculations, Ansys simulations, and experimental results demonstrated that the proposed problem formulation is consistent with Ansys simulations and experimental outcomes. This indicates that the proposed formulation is capable of calculating accurate solutions using appropriate optimization methodologies.
Ms44-SPT: unique genetic technology simplifies and improves hybrid maize seed production in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Collinson Sarah , Cairns Jill E. , Ndlala Lucia , Deonovic Benjamin , Ligeyo Dickson , Albertsen Marc , Chivasa Walter , Mashingaidze Kingstone , Olsen Michael S. , Ertiro Berhanu T. , Prasanna Boddupalli M.
Published: December 2024

Hybrid maize seed production in Africa is dependent upon manual detasseling of the female parental lines, often resulting in plant damage that can lead to reduced seed yields on those detasseled lines. Additionally, incomplete detasseling can result in hybrid purity issues that can lead to production fields being rejected. A unique nuclear genetic male sterility seed production technology, referred to as Ms44-SPT, was developed to avoid hybrid seed loss and to improve the purity and quality of hybrid maize production. Hybrid seed yield reduction following detasseling can be attributed to leaf loss. Our analyses showed an average 2.9 leaves are lost during the detasseling process, resulting in a seed yield reduction of 14.0%. These findings suggest that deploying the Ms44-SPT technology would avoid this seed yield loss. By simplifying hybrid production and increasing seed yields, Ms44-SPT could help drive hybrid replacement, providing smallholder farmers with better access to improved hybrids.