bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ion exchange-assisted surface passivation toward highly stable red-emitting fluoride phosphors for light-emitting diodes
Authors: Qiao Xumian , Siddique Hassan , Li Xinhua , Zhu Song , Liu Sifei , Gu Maomao , Yang Haoyu , Zhang Donghui , Zhao Qiang
Published: June 2024

A facile and environmentally friendly ion exchange-assisted surface passivation (IASP) strategy is presented for synthesizing red emitting Mn4+-activated fluoride phosphors. A substantial, pristine Mn4+-free shell layer, applied as a coating to Mn4+ doped potassium fluorosilicate K2SiF6:Mn4+ (KSFM) phosphors, enhances both water resistance and luminescence efficiency. The stability test of fluoride in water at ambient temperature and boiling water demonstrates that IASP-treated KSFM phosphors are highly water resistant. Furthermore, both the negative thermal temperature (NTQ) fitting results and the photoluminescence (PL) decay confirm that the IASP process effectively passivates surface defects, leading to enhanced luminescence performance. The maximum internal quantum yield (QYi) of the IASP-KSFM phosphor is 94.24%. A white LED realized a high color rendering index (CRI) of 93.09 and luminous efficiency (LE) of 149.48 lm/W. This work presented a novel technique for the development of stable fluoride phosphors and has the potential to increase the use of KSFM phosphors in plant supplementary lighting systems and white light-emitting diodes.
Using ANN for thermal neutron shield designing for BNCT treatment room
Authors: Rasouli Fatemeh S. , Yahyaee Atefeh , Masoudi S. Farhad
Published: June 2024

Occupational radiation protection should be applied to the design of treatment rooms for various radiation therapy techniques, including BNCT, where escaping particles from the beam port of the beam shaping assembly (BSA) may reach the walls or penetrate through the entrance door. The focus of the present study is to design an alternative shielding material, other than the conventional material of lead, that can be considered as the material used in the door and be able to effectively absorb the BSA neutrons which have slowed down to the thermal energy range of $$< 1$$

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1

eV after passing through the walls and the maze of the room. To this aim, a thermal neutron shield, composed of polymer composite and polyethylene, has been simulated using the Geant4 Monte Carlo code. The neutron flux and dose values were predicted using an artificial neural network (ANN), eliminating the need for time-consuming Monte Carlo simulations in all possible suggestions. Additionally, this technique enables simultaneous optimization of the parameters involved, which is more effective than the traditional sequential and separate optimization process. The results indicated that the optimized shielding material, chosen through ANN calculations that determined the appropriate thickness and weight percent of its compositions, can decrease the dose behind the door to lower than the allowable limit for occupational exposure. The stability of ANN was tested by considering uncertainties with the Gaussian distributions of random numbers to the testing data. The results are promising as they indicate that ANNs could be used as a reliable tool for accurately predicting the dosimetric results, providing a drastically powerful alternative approach to the time-consuming Monte Carlo simulations.
Optimized spray-dried conditions’ impact on fatty acid profiles and estimation of in vitro digestion of spray-dried chia/fish oil microcapsules
Authors: Rahim Muhammad Abdul , Regenstein Joe M. , Al-Asmari Fahad , Imran Muhammad , Ramadan Mohamed Fawzy , Rocha João Miguel F. , Hussain Imtiaz , Zongo Eliasse
Published: June 2024

Long–chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) are of interest due to their potential health properties and have a significant role in reducing the risk of various chronic diseases in humans. It is commonly used as a supplement. However, lipid oxidation is an important negative factor caused by environmental, processing, and limited water solubility of LCPUFA, making them difficult to incorporate into food products. The objective of this research work was to prevent oxidation, extend shelf life, enhance the stability of fatty acids, and to achieve controlled release by preparing spray-dried powder (SDM). For spray-drying, aqueous emulsion blends were formulated using a 1:1 ratio of chia seed oil (CSO) and fish oil (FO) and using a laboratory-scale spray–dryer with varying conditions: inlet air temperature (IAT, 125–185 °C), wall material (WM, 5–25%), pump speed (PS, 3–7 mL/min), and needle speed (NS, 3–11 s). The maximum alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) content was 33 ± 1%. The highest values of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the microcapsules were 8.4 ± 0.4 and 13 ± 1%, respectively. Fourier transform infrared and X-Ray diffraction analysis results indicated that SDM was successfully formulated with Gum Arabic and maltodextrin (MD). The blending without encapsulation of CSO and FO was digested more efficiently and resulted in more oil being released with simulated gastric fluid (SGF), simulated intestinal fluid (SIF), and SGF + SIF conditions without heating. No significant changes were observed for saturated, monounsaturated, and LCPUFA, whether exposed or not to gastrointestinal conditions. However, compared to the release of SDM, it can be useful for designing delivery systems for the controlled release of essential fatty acids.
Circadian regulation of locomotion, respiration, and arousability in adult blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis)
Authors: Marshall Jack P. , Marinko Emily , To Amber , Morejon Jilian L. , Joshi Ritika , Shea Jamien , Gibbs Allen G. , Meiselman Matthew R.
Published: June 2024

The blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, is an ectoparasitic arachnid and vector for infectious diseases, including Lyme borreliosis. Here, we investigate the diurnal activity and respiration of wild-caught and lab-reared adult ticks with long-term video recording, multi-animal tracking and high-resolution respirometry. We find male and female ticks are in a more active, more arousable state during circadian night. We find respiration is augmented by light, with dark onset triggering more frequent bouts of discontinuous gas exchange and a higher overall volume of CO2 respired. Observed inactivity during the day meets the criteria of sleep: homeostatic in nature, rapidly reversible, a characteristic pose, and reduced arousal threshold. Our findings indicate that blacklegged ticks are in a distinct, heightened state of activity and arousability during night and in dark, suggesting this period may carry higher risk for tick bites and subsequent contraction of tick-borne diseases.
Comparison of networks of loneliness, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms in at-risk community-dwelling older adults before and during COVID-19
Authors: Liu Tianyin , Wang Yun-Han , Ng Zuna Loong Yee , Zhang Wen , Wong Stephanie Ming Yin , Wong Gloria Hoi-Yan , Lum Terry Yat-Sang
Published: June 2024

Network analysis provides an innovative approach to examining symptom-to-symptom interactions in mental health, and adverse external conditions may change the network structures. This study compared the networks of common risk factors and mental health problems (loneliness, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms) in community-dwelling older people before and during COVID-19. Older adults (aged ≥ 60) at risk for depression were recruited through non-governmental organizations. Loneliness, depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms were measured using the three-item Loneliness Scale (UCLA-3), nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), respectively. Data from 2549 (before) and 3506 (during COVID-19) respondents were included using propensity score matching. Being restless (GAD-7-item5) was most central, indicated by Expected Influence, in both pre and during COVID-19 networks despite low severity (mean score). The network during COVID-19 had higher global strength and edge variability than the pre-pandemic network, suggesting easier symptom spread and potentially more complex symptom presentation. In addition, feeling isolated from others (UCLA-3-item3) had stronger connections with feeling worthless/guilty (PHQ-9-item6) and anticipatory anxiety (GAD-7-item7) during COVID-19 than before. These findings may enhance our knowledge of the symptom structure of common mental health problems and the impacts of the pandemic. Targeting central symptoms may offer novel preventive strategies for older people.
Cathepsins L and B target HIF1α for oxygen-independent proteolytic cleavage
Authors: Stuart Sarah , Tarade Daniel , Ohh Michael
Published: June 2024

The oxygen-labile transcription factor called hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) is responsible for the cellular and organismal adaptive response to reduced oxygen availability. Deregulation of HIF is associated with the pathogenesis of major human diseases including cardiovascular disease and cancer. Under normoxia, the HIFα subunit is hydroxylated on conserved proline residues within the oxygen-dependent degradation domain (ODD) that labels HIFα for proteasome-mediated degradation. Despite similar oxygen-dependent degradation machinery acting on HIF1α and HIF2α, these two paralogs have been shown to exhibit unique kinetics under hypoxia, which suggests that other regulatory processes may be at play. Here, we characterize the protease activity found in rabbit reticulocytes that specifically cleaves the ODD of HIF1α but not HIF2α. Notably, the cleavage product is observed irrespective of the oxygen-dependent prolyl-hydroxylation potential of HIF1α, suggesting independence from oxygen. HIF1α M561T substitution, which mimics an evolutionary substitution that occurred during the duplication and divergence of HIF1α and HIF2α, diminished the cleavage of HIF1α. Protease inhibitor screening suggests that cysteine proteases cathepsins L and B preferentially cleave HIF1αODD, thereby revealing an additional layer of differential HIF regulation.
Droplet digital PCR analysis of CDH13 methylation status in Slovak women with invasive ductal breast cancer
Authors: Baranová Ivana , Samec Marek , Dvorská Dana , Šťastný Igor , Janíková Katarína , Kašubová Ivana , Hornáková Andrea , Lukáčová Eva , Kapinová Andrea , Biringer Kamil , Halašová Erika , Danková Zuzana
Published: June 2024

Identifying novel epigenetic biomarkers is a promising way to improve the clinical management of patients with breast cancer. Our study aimed to determine the methylation pattern of 25 tumor suppressor genes (TSG) and select the best methylation biomarker associated with clinicopathological features in the cohort of Slovak patients diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). Overall, 166 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues obtained from patients with IDC were included in the study. The methylation status of the promoter regions of 25 TSG was analyzed using semiquantitative methylation-specific MLPA (MS-MLPA). We identified CDH13 as the most frequently methylated gene in our cohort of patients. Further analysis by ddPCR confirmed an increased level of methylation in the promoter region of CDH13. A significant difference in CDH13 methylation levels was observed between IDC molecular subtypes LUM A versus HER2 (P = 0.0116) and HER2 versus TNBC (P = 0.0234). In addition, significantly higher methylation was detected in HER2+ versus HER2- tumors (P = 0.0004) and PR− versus PR+ tumors (P = 0.0421). Our results provide evidence that alteration in CDH13 methylation is associated with clinicopathological features in the cohort of Slovak patients with IDC. In addition, using ddPCR as a methylation-sensitive method represents a promising approach characterized by higher precision and technical simplicity to measure the methylation of target CpGs in CDH13 compared to other conventional methods such as MS-MLPA.
Identifying significant structural factors associated with knee pain severity in patients with osteoarthritis using machine learning
Authors: Zhao Zhengkuan , Zhao Mingkuan , Yang Tao , Li Jie , Qin Chao , Wang Ben , Wang Li , Li Bing , Liu Jun
Published: June 2024

Our main objective was to use machine learning methods to identify significant structural factors associated with pain severity in knee osteoarthritis patients. Additionally, we assessed the potential of various classes of imaging data using machine learning techniques to gauge knee pain severity. The data of semi-quantitative assessments of knee radiographs, semi-quantitative assessments of knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and MRI images from 567 individuals in the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) were utilized to train a series of machine learning models. Models were constructed using five machine learning methods: random forests (RF), support vector machines (SVM), logistic regression (LR), decision tree (DT), and Bayesian (Bayes). Employing tenfold cross-validation, we selected the best-performing models based on the area under the curve (AUC). The study results indicate no significant difference in performance among models using different imaging data. Subsequently, we employed a convolutional neural network (CNN) to extract features from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and class activation mapping (CAM) was utilized to generate saliency maps, highlighting regions associated with knee pain severity. A radiologist reviewed the images, identifying specific lesions colocalized with the CAM. The review of 421 knees revealed that effusion/synovitis (30.9%) and cartilage loss (30.6%) were the most frequent abnormalities associated with pain severity. Our study suggests cartilage loss and synovitis/effusion lesions as significant structural factors affecting pain severity in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Furthermore, our study highlights the potential of machine learning for assessing knee pain severity using radiographs.
Participation and engagement in online cognitive testing
Authors: Sokołowski Daniel Radosław , Pani Jasmine , Hansen Tor Ivar , Håberg Asta Kristine
Published: June 2024

Web-based testing of cognitive abilities allows for large-scale assessments without geographical constraints. Yet, the extent to which it can reach populations beyond the typical demographic groups recruited for cognitive studies is unclear. This study focused on comparing the characteristics of individuals from a general population study (HUNT4) who chose to participate in a cognitive study (HUNT4-Hjernetrim) with those who did not. Additionally, we investigated participants' engagement and user experience. We obtained data on socio-demographics, health conditions (both physical and mental), self-reported cognitive or learning difficulties, and lifestyle factors of Hjernetrim participants and non-participants from the HUNT4 database. Hjernetrim involved 13 cognitive tests, administered through the online platform Memoro. We used logistic regressions to assess participation biases and linear regressions to assess participants’ engagement and user experience. Of 65,851 HUNT4 participants invited via regular mail to Hjernetrim, 5634 (9.4%, aged 13–97, 54% women) participated. The best represented in the sample were 50–79-year-olds, women, tertiary educated, living alone, from urban areas, not occupationally active, and reporting memory complaints. Individuals who were aged 80+, had motor or vision impairments, and teenagers with learning disabilities, were underrepresented. Participants were more likely to have mental health problems, have or survived cancer and less likely to have cardiovascular disease. Participants logged on mainly during weekdays, the preferred time of day varied by age. On average, participants used 42 min and completed 78% of the tasks. Using PCs provided the most complete data. In terms of user experiences, 65% were positive while 14% were negative or reported technical difficulties. Overall, the study demonstrated that web-based methodology allowed for a relatively well-represented sample that included groups typically difficult to reach. The presence of somatic and mental diseases had a variable influence on participation. Participants finished most tests and reported positive experiences overall.
Data imbalance in cardiac health diagnostics using CECG-GAN
Authors: Yang Yang , Lan Tianyu , Wang Yang , Li Fengtian , Liu Liyan , Huang Xupeng , Gao Fei , Jiang Shuhua , Zhang Zhijun , Chen Xing
Published: June 2024

Heart disease is the world’s leading cause of death. Diagnostic models based on electrocardiograms (ECGs) are often limited by the scarcity of high-quality data and issues of data imbalance. To address these challenges, we propose a conditional generative adversarial network (CECG-GAN). This strategy enables the generation of samples that closely approximate the distribution of ECG data. Additionally, CECG-GAN addresses waveform jitter, slow processing speeds, and dataset imbalance issues through the integration of a transformer architecture. We evaluated this approach using two datasets: MIT-BIH and CSPC2020. The experimental results demonstrate that CECG-GAN achieves outstanding performance metrics. Notably, the percentage root mean square difference (PRD) reached 55.048, indicating a high degree of similarity between generated and actual ECG waveforms. Additionally, the Fréchet distance (FD) was approximately 1.139, the root mean square error (RMSE) registered at 0.232, and the mean absolute error (MAE) was recorded at 0.166.
A novel radiomics approach for predicting TACE outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma patients using deep learning for multi-organ segmentation
Authors: Bartnik Krzysztof , Krzyziński Mateusz , Bartczak Tomasz , Korzeniowski Krzysztof , Lamparski Krzysztof , Wróblewski Tadeusz , Grąt Michał , Hołówko Wacław , Mech Katarzyna , Lisowska Joanna , Januszewicz Magdalena , Biecek Przemysław
Published: June 2024

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) represent the standard of therapy for non-operative hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), while prediction of long term treatment outcomes is a complex and multifactorial task. In this study, we present a novel machine learning approach utilizing radiomics features from multiple organ volumes of interest (VOIs) to predict TACE outcomes for 252 HCC patients. Unlike conventional radiomics models requiring laborious manual segmentation limited to tumoral regions, our approach captures information comprehensively across various VOIs using a fully automated, pretrained deep learning model applied to pre-TACE CT images. Evaluation of radiomics random survival forest models against clinical ones using Cox proportional hazard demonstrated comparable performance in predicting overall survival. However, radiomics outperformed clinical models in predicting progression-free survival. Explainable analysis highlighted the significance of non-tumoral VOI features, with their cumulative importance superior to features from the largest liver tumor. The proposed approach overcomes the limitations of manual VOI segmentation, requires no radiologist input and highlight the clinical relevance of features beyond tumor regions. Our findings suggest the potential of this radiomics models in predicting TACE outcomes, with possible implications for other clinical scenarios.
Inhibiting spinal cord-specific hsp90 isoforms reveals a novel strategy to improve the therapeutic index of opioid treatment
Authors: Duron David I. , Tanguturi Parthasaradhireddy , Campbell Christopher S. , Chou Kerry , Bejarano Paul , Gabriel Katherin A. , Bowden Jessica L. , Mishra Sanket , Brackett Christopher , Barlow Deborah , Houseknecht Karen L. , Blagg Brian S. J. , Streicher John M.
Published: June 2024

Opioids are the gold standard for the treatment of chronic pain but are limited by adverse side effects. In our earlier work, we showed that Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) has a crucial role in regulating opioid signaling in spinal cord; Hsp90 inhibition in spinal cord enhances opioid anti-nociception. Building on these findings, we injected the non-selective Hsp90 inhibitor KU-32 by the intrathecal route into male and female CD-1 mice, showing that morphine anti-nociceptive potency was boosted by 1.9–3.5-fold in acute and chronic pain models. At the same time, tolerance was reduced from 21-fold to 2.9 fold and established tolerance was rescued, while the potency of constipation and reward was unchanged. These results demonstrate that spinal Hsp90 inhibition can improve the therapeutic index of morphine. However, we also found that systemic non-selective Hsp90 inhibition blocked opioid pain relief. To avoid this effect, we used selective small molecule inhibitors and CRISPR gene editing to identify 3 Hsp90 isoforms active in spinal cord (Hsp90α, Hsp90β, and Grp94) while only Hsp90α was active in brain. We thus hypothesized that a systemically delivered selective inhibitor to Hsp90β or Grp94 could selectively inhibit spinal cord Hsp90 activity, resulting in enhanced opioid therapy. We tested this hypothesis using intravenous delivery of KUNB106 (Hsp90β) and KUNG65 (Grp94), showing that both drugs enhanced morphine anti-nociceptive potency while rescuing tolerance. Together, these results suggest that selective inhibition of spinal cord Hsp90 isoforms is a novel, translationally feasible strategy to improve the therapeutic index of opioids.
The HANTS-fitted RSEI constructed in the vegetation growing season reveals the spatiotemporal patterns of ecological quality
Authors: Miao Wenna , Chen Yue , Kou Weili , Lai Hongyan , Sazal Ahmed , Wang Jie , Li Youliang , Hu Jiangjie , Wu Yong , Zhao Tianfu
Published: June 2024

Yuxi, located in China’s central plateau of Yunnan, is grappling with ecological and environmental challenges as it continues to develop its economy. While ecological quality assessment serves as the foundation for ecological protection, it is pivotal to have reliable and long-term methods for assessing the ecological status to support informed decision-making in ecological protection. Reliable and long-term methods for assessing ecological status in order to facilitate informed decision-making in ecological protection are applied. This study utilized Landsat data to reconstruct four indices (greenness, wetness, dryness, and heat) during the vegetation growth in Yuxi from 2000 to 2020 that employs Harmonic Analysis of Time Series (HANTS) method. Subsequently, the annual Remote Sensing Ecological Index (RSEI) was computed by using the reconstructed indices to evaluate ecological quality in Yuxi. Additionally, spatiotemporal patterns and determinants of Yuxi’s ecological quality are unveiled through Sen’s slope estimator and Mann–Kendall test (Sen + MK) trend analysis, spatial auto-correlation analysis, and geographical detectors applied to year-by-year RSEI data. The findings in the paper indicate that the accuracy of the RSEI is significantly influenced by the vegetation season, suggesting that constructing the RSEI model with data from the vegetation growth season is crucial. Moreover, the HANTS optimization method effectively enhances the ecological indices used in the RSEI model, leading to smoother and more continuous filling of missing data. The difference between the reconstructed RSEI and the original RSEI falls within the range of − 0.15 to 0.15. Yuxi has an average RSEI of 0.54 to emphasis a moderate level of comprehensive ecological quality. Compared with river valley plains, the ecological quality of mountainous areas is higher, and the ecological quality of Yuxi presents a distinct center-edge pattern. From 2000 to 2020, Yuxi’s ecological quality exhibited fluctuations, with a slight overall improvement. Land use patterns, particularly in forestry land and impervious surfaces, are identified as the main drivers of these changes. The research offers valuable insights for scientific decision-making related to sustainable development and ecological protection.
Allelopathic effects of Thuidium kanedae on four urban spontaneous plants
Authors: Xie Muyan , Wang Xiurong
Published: June 2024

The spontaneous plant landscape is a key focus in the development of urban environments. While many spontaneous plants can coexist with bryophytes to create appealing wilderness landscapes, the potential allelopathic effects of bryophytes on the growth of neighboring spontaneous plants remain uncertain. This study evaluated the allelopathic impact of Thuidium kanedae aqueous extracts on the germination and seedling growth of prevalent urban spontaneous plants by analyzing seed germination, seedling growth morphology, and associated indices. We also investigated the allelopathic potential of the predominant compounds in the extract on seed germination. Our findings reveal that the aqueous extract significantly impeded the seed germination of Ophiopogon japonicus, Taraxacum mongolicum, and Viola philippica, with the level of inhibition correlating positively with concentration. In contrast, Senecio scandens seed germination showed a concentration-dependent reaction, with low concentrations promoting and high concentrations hindering germination. The extract consistently reduced root length in all four species, yet it appeared to increase root vigor. The chlorophyll content in O. japonicus and V. philippica seedlings reached a maximum at a concentration of 5 g/L and decreased with higher extract concentrations. The treatment resulted in elevated catalase and soluble protein levels in the seedlings, indicating that the extract induced stress and enhanced the stress resistance index. L-phenylalanine and 2-phenylethanol, substances present in the extract, were notably inhibitory to seed germination across all species, except for O. japonicus. Notably, 2-phenylethanol exhibited a stronger allelopathic effect than L-phenylalanine. Allelopathy synthetical effect evaluation showed that high concentration of aqueous extract allelopathic inhibition effect on seed germination of four plant species, but allelopathic promotion effect on physiological and biochemical growth of Taraxacum mongolicum, Senecio scandens and Viola philippica. In summary, the study demonstrates that bryophytes exert allelopathic effects on neighboring spontaneous plants, with the degree of influence varying among species. This suggests that the germination and growth of spontaneous plant seeds may be selective in bryophyte-dominated habitats and that the density of bryophytes could shape the evolution of these landscapes.
Impacts of multiple environmental factors on soil bacterial community assembly in heavy metal polluted paddy fields
Authors: Zou Mengmeng , Zhang Qi , Li Fengchun , Chen Long , Qiu Yifei , Yin Qiqi , Zhou Shenglu
Published: June 2024

Soil microorganisms play pivotal roles in driving essential biogeochemical processes in terrestrial ecosystems, and they are sensitive to heavy metal pollution. However, our understanding of multiple environmental factors interaction in heavy metal polluted paddy fields to shape microbial community assembly remain limited. In the current study, we used 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to characterize the microbial community composition in paddy soils collected from a typical industry town in Taihu region, eastern China. The results revealed that Cd and Pb were the major pollutant, and Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria and Chloroflexi were the dominate indigenous bacterial phyla. Linear regression and random forest analysis demonstrated that soil pH was the most important predictor of bacterial diversity. Mantel analysis showed that bacterial community structure was mainly driven by pH, CEC, silt, sand, AK, total Cd and DTPA-Cd. The constructed bacterial co-occurrence network, utilizing a random matrix theory-based approach, exhibited non-random with scale-free and modularity features. The major modules within the networks also showed significant correlations with soil pH. Overall, our study indicated that soil physiochemical properties made predominant contribution to bacterial community diversity, structure and their association in Cd/Pb polluted paddy fields. These findings expand our knowledge of the key environmental drivers and co-occurrence patterns of bacterial community in polluted paddy fields.
Analysis of physical and mechanical behaviors and microscopic mineral characteristics of thermally damaged granite
Authors: Peng Lei , Li Xianglong , Peng Xin , Gan Yunchuan , Wang Jianguo
Published: June 2024

Temperature’s influence on the physical and mechanical properties of rocks is a crucial concern for the rational design of deep rock engineering structures and the assurance of their long-term stability. To systematically comprehend the impact of the evolution of mineral composition and micro characteristics on the physical and mechanical behavior of thermally damaged granite, we observed the microscopic structural defects inside the rocks with a polarizing microscope and revealed the thermal damage mechanism of granite from a microscopic perspective by combining ultrasound detection and XRD phase characteristic analysis. The results show that the physical properties of the specimens changed significantly at three characteristic temperature points: 400 °C, 800 °C, and 1000 °C. Under high temperature conditions, the diffraction intensity of all minerals in granite, except for quartz, generally decreased, and stable minerals decomposed. Albite and potash feldspar decomposed to form anorthoclase, thereby reducing the structural stability of the rock material. In addition, the peak width of various minerals decreased to varying degrees with increasing temperature. The increase in mineral volume further damaged the internal structure of the rock material while promoting the transformation from grain boundary to intergranular cracks and from intragranular cracks to transgranular cracks, ultimately forming a interconnected crack network. Thermal damage significantly reduced the longitudinal wave velocity, uniaxial compressive strength, and elastic modulus of the specimens, while the stress–strain curve relationship indicated that the specimens underwent two opposite processes of transformation from brittleness to ductility and then from ductility to brittleness. The thermal damage threshold of granite in this study was 600 °C.
Calcineurin/NFATc1 pathway represses cellular cytotoxicity by modulating histone H3 expression
Authors: Sato Yuki , Habara Makoto , Hanaki Shunsuke , Sharif Jafar , Tomiyasu Haruki , Miki Yosei , Shimada Midori
Published: June 2024

Excess amounts of histones in the cell induce mitotic chromosome loss and genomic instability, and are therefore detrimental to cell survival. In yeast, excess histones are degraded by the proteasome mediated via the DNA damage response factor Rad53. Histone expression, therefore, is tightly regulated at the protein level. Our understanding of the transcriptional regulation of histone genes is far from complete. In this study, we found that calcineurin inhibitor treatment increased histone protein levels, and that the transcription factor NFATc1 (nuclear factor of activated T cells 1) repressed histone transcription and acts downstream of the calcineurin. We further revealed that NFATc1 binds to the promoter regions of many histone genes and that histone transcription is downregulated in a manner dependent on intracellular calcium levels. Indeed, overexpression of histone H3 markedly inhibited cell proliferation. Taken together, these findings suggest that NFATc1 prevents the detrimental effects of histone H3 accumulation by inhibiting expression of histone at the transcriptional level.
Interacting effects of phytohormones and fruit pruning on the morpho-physiological and biochemical attributes of bell pepper
Authors: Moosavi Sayedeh Fatemeh , Haghighi Maryam , Mirmazloum Iman
Published: June 2024

Several factors, such as pruning and phytohormones, have demonstrated an influence on both the quantity and quality in the bell pepper. A factorial experiment using a completely randomized design was conducted on the Lumos yellow bell in a greenhouse. Treatments were the fruit pruning (0, 10, and 30%) and foliar application of phytohormones auxin (AUX) and gibberellic acid (GA3) at concentrations of 10 µM AUX, 10 µM GA3, 10 µM AUX + 10 µM GA3+, and 20 µM AUX + 10 µM GA3 along with controls. The plants were sprayed with phytohormones in four growth stages (1: flowering stage when 50% of the flowers were on the plant, 2: fruiting stage when 50% of the fruits were the size of peas, 3: fruit growth stage when 50% of the fruits had reached 50% of their growth, and 4: ripening stage when 50% of the fruits were at color break). The results of the present investigation showed that pruning rate of 30% yielded the highest flesh thickness and vitamin C content, decreased seed count and hastened fruit ripening. The use of GA3 along with AUX has been observed to augment diverse fruit quality characteristics. According to the results, the application of 10% pruning in combination with 20 µM AUX and 10 µM GA3 demonstrated the most significant levels of carotenoids, chlorophyll, and fruit length. The experimental group subjected to the combined treatment of 30% pruning and 10 µM AUX + 10 µM GA3 showed the most noteworthy levels of vitamin C, fruit weight, and fruit thickness. The groups that received the 10 µM GA3 and 20 µM AUX + 10 µM GA3 treatments exhibited the most favorable fruit flavor. According to the research results, the implementation of hormonal treatments 10 µM AUX and 10 µM AUX + 10 µM GA3 in combination with a 30% pruning strategy resulted in the most advantageous yield of bell peppers.
The cytoplasmic phosphate level has a central regulatory role in the phosphate starvation response of Caulobacter crescentus
Authors: Billini Maria , Hoffmann Tamara , Kühn Juliane , Bremer Erhard , Thanbichler Martin
Published: June 2024

In bacteria, the availability of environmental inorganic phosphate is typically sensed by the conserved PhoR-PhoB two-component signal transduction pathway, which uses the flux through the PstSCAB phosphate transporter as a readout of the extracellular phosphate level to control phosphate-responsive genes. While the sensing of environmental phosphate is well-investigated, the regulatory effects of cytoplasmic phosphate are unclear. Here, we disentangle the physiological and transcriptional responses of Caulobacter crescentus to changes in the environmental and cytoplasmic phosphate levels by uncoupling phosphate uptake from the activity of the PstSCAB system, using an additional, heterologously produced phosphate transporter. This approach reveals a two-pronged response of C. crescentus to phosphate limitation, in which PhoR-PhoB signaling mostly facilitates the utilization of alternative phosphate sources, whereas the cytoplasmic phosphate level controls the morphological and physiological adaptation of cells to growth under global phosphate limitation. These findings open the door to a comprehensive understanding of phosphate signaling in bacteria.
Storing CO2 while strengthening concrete by carbonating its cement in suspension
Authors: Fu Xiaoxu , Guerini Alexandre , Zampini Davide , Rotta Loria Alessandro F.
Published: June 2024

Cement is a key constituent of concrete and offers a large sequestration potential of carbon dioxide (CO2). However, current concrete carbonation approaches are hindered by low CO2 capture efficiency and high energy consumption, often resulting in weakened concrete. Here, we conceptually develop and experimentally explore a carbonation approach that resorts to injecting CO2 into a cement suspension subsequently used to manufacture concrete, turning the carbonation reaction into an aqueous ionic reaction with a very fast kinetics compared to traditional diffusion-controlled approaches. This approach achieves a CO2 sequestration efficiency of up to 45% and maintains an uncompromised concrete strength. The study shows that the CO2 injection rate influences the polymorph selectivity of mineralized calcium carbonate (CaCO3) depending on the local environmental conditions and impacts the strength of concrete. The technological simplicity of the proposed approach enables a reduced carbon footprint and promising prospects for industrial implementation.
CBMcarb-DB: interface of the three-dimensional landscape of carbohydrate-binding modules
Authors: Ribeiro D. O. , Bonnardel F. , Palma A. S. , Carvalho A. L. M. , Perez S.
Published: June 2024

Carbohydrate-binding-modules (CBMs) are discrete auxiliary protein modules with a non-catalytic carbohydrate-binding function and that exhibit a great diversity of binding specificities. CBMcarb-DB is a curated database that classifies the three-dimensional structures of CBM–carbohydrate complexes determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods and solution NMR spectroscopy. We designed the database architecture and the navigation tools to query the database with the Protein Data Bank (PDB), UniProtKB, and GlyTouCan (universal glycan repository) identifiers. Special attention was devoted to describing the bound glycans using simple graphical representation and numerical format for cross-referencing to other glycosciences and functional data databases. CBMcarb-DB provides detailed information on CBMs and their bound oligosaccharides and features their interactions using several open-access applications. We also describe how the curated information provided by CBMcarb-DB can be integrated with AI algorithms of 3D structure prediction, facilitating structure–function studies. Also in this chapter, we discuss the exciting convergence of CBMcarb-DB with the glycan array repository, which serves as a valuable resource for investigating the specific binding interactions between glycans and various biomolecular targets. The interaction of the two fields represents a significant milestone in glycosciences. CBMcarb-DB is freely available at https://cbmdb.glycopedia.eu/ and https://cbmcarb.webhost.fct.unl.pt.
Combined experimental and molecular dynamics approach towards a rational design of the YfeX biocatalyst for enhanced carbene transferase reactivity
Authors: Alfaro Victor Sosa , Palomino Hannah , Liu Sophia Y. , Lemuh Njimoh Cybele , Lehnert Nicolai
Published: June 2024

Variants of the peroxidase YfeX show enhanced carbene transfer reactivity with a variety of substrates, including primary and secondary amines, olefins and indoles.
Let food be your medicine – dietary fiber
Authors: Liu Mengqi , Li Shouren , Cao Shixi , Liu Cong , Han Yao , Cheng Jiawen , Zhang Shuhang , Zhao Jiangchao , Shi Yinghua
Published: June 2024

Dietary intake of the right amount of dietary fiber can reduce the risk of disease and safeguard human health.
Melatonin and calcium phosphate crystal-loaded poly(l-lactic acid) porous microspheres reprogram macrophages to improve bone repair
Authors: Huang Yiyang , Xu Yichang , Huang Ziyan , Mao Jiannan , Hui Yujian , Rui Min , Jiang Xinzhao , Wu Jie , Ding Zhouye , Feng Yu , Gu Yong , Chen Liang
Published: June 2024

A type of injectable porous microsphere loaded with calcium phosphate crystals and melatonin was constructed using microfluidic and in vitro mineralization techniques.
Turn-on detection of Al3+ ions using quinoline-based tripodal probe: mechanistic investigation and live cell imaging applications
Authors: Goswami Nidhi , Naithani Sudhanshu , Goswami Tapas , Kumar Pankaj , Kumar Pramod , Kumar Sushil
Published: June 2024

A quinoline-derived Schiff base probe (TQSB) was developed for the selective fluorogenic detection of Al3+ ions. TQSB was successfully applied for Al3+ imaging in real-life samples such as soil samples, gastric tablets, and MCF-7 cells.
A label-free H1N1 influenza virus immunosensor based on an N-LIG/Au laser induced graphene microelectrode
Authors: Zhou Yuchen , Chen Wanchun , Wang Guangyuan , Lei Zhenfeng , Zhang Mei , Li Yanxia
Published: June 2024

A label-free immunosensor based on an N-doped laser direct graphene (N-LIG)/Au electrode was proposed for H1N1 influenza virus ultra-high sensitive detection.
Recent advances in flexible memristors for advanced computing and sensing
Authors: Xu Jiaming , Luo Ziwang , Chen Long , Zhou Xuhui , Zhang Haozhe , Zheng Yuanjin , Wei Lei
Published: June 2024

Flexible memristors enable high-performance wearable electronics with low power consumption. This review introduces the mechanisms, typical materials, and applications of flexible memristors. Potential directions and challenges are also discussed.
Differentiation of different dibenzothiophene (DBT) desulfurizing bacteria via surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)
Authors: Anwer Ayesha , Shahzadi Aqsa , Nawaz Haq , Majeed Muhammad Irfan , Alshammari Abdulrahman , Albekairi Norah A. , Hussain Muhammad Umar , Amin Itfa , Bano Aqsa , Ashraf Ayesha , Rehman Nimra , Pallares Roger M. , Akhtar Nasrin
Published: June 2024

Identification and characterization of DBT desulfurizing bacteria based on their specific biochemical constituents were conducted using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS).
Lipo-polymeric nano-complexes for dermal delivery of a model protein
Authors: Tharmatt Abhay , Sahel Deepak Kumar , Jatyan Reena , Kumari Anupma , Mishra Amit , Mittal Anupama , Chitkara Deepak
Published: June 2024

Cationic lipo-polymeric nanocarrier to deliver a model protein across the skin.
Identification of taurine biomarker in human biofluids using plasmonic patterns of silver nanostructure
Authors: Bahavarnia Farnaz , Bahari Hamed , Hasanzadeh Mohammad , Shadjou Nasrin
Published: June 2024

A new paper-based photochemical method using TA-AgNPs as optical probe was developed to detect taurine in human blood plasma and urine samples.
Thermal transport properties of gas-filled silica aerogels
Authors: Xu Shuheng , Song Jieren
Published: June 2024

Examining the impact of gas concentration on the thermal transport properties of silica aerogels, revealing significant increases in thermal conductivity at higher gas fill levels.
Machine-learned molecular mechanics force fields from large-scale quantum chemical data
Authors: Takaba Kenichiro , Friedman Anika J. , Cavender Chapin E. , Behara Pavan Kumar , Pulido Iván , Henry Michael M. , MacDermott-Opeskin Hugo , Iacovella Christopher R. , Nagle Arnav M. , Payne Alexander Matthew , Shirts Michael R. , Mobley David L. , Chodera John D. , Wang Yuanqing
Published: June 2024

A generalized and extensible machine-learned molecular mechanics force field trained on over 1.1 million QC data applicable for drug discovery applications. Figure reproduced from the arXiv:201001196 preprint under the arXiv non-exclusive license.
Band engineering of layered oxyhalide photocatalysts for visible-light water splitting
Authors: Kato Daichi , Suzuki Hajime , Abe Ryu , Kageyama Hiroshi
Published: June 2024

In the past decade, layered oxyhalide photocatalysts have evolved through diverse layer stacking structures. This review outlines the design principles of their band structures, drawing insights from systematic studies of this family.
Platinum-based metal complexes as chloride transporters that trigger apoptosis
Authors: Wang Patrick , Fares Mohamed , Eladwy Radwa A. , Bhuyan Deep J. , Wu Xin , Lewis William , Loeb Stephen J. , Macreadie Lauren K. , Gale Philip A.
Published: June 2024

In this paper we demonstrate that Pt(ii) complexes can function as efficient transmembrane chloride transporters and can trigger apoptosis.
Heterogeneously catalyzed thioether metathesis by a supported Au–Pd alloy nanoparticle design based on Pd ensemble control
Authors: Matsuyama Takehiro , Yatabe Takafumi , Yabe Tomohiro , Yamaguchi Kazuya
Published: June 2024

Heterogeneously catalyzed direct thioether metathesis has been developed using a supported Au–Pd alloy nanoparticle catalyst with a high Au/Pd ratio.
Synthesis and fluorescence properties of 2′-benzyloxy flavone—a dual probe for selective detection of picric acid and pH sensing
Authors: Gopal Vengatesh , Sudhakaran Jayasankar , Ramachandran Nirenjana , Mana Thejus Kozhiyottu , Kana Aravind Remesh , Nair Anandhu Omanakuttan , Mohan Priyanka , Madhusudhan Tejaswini , Shanmugaraju Sankarasekaran , Nanjan Pandurangan
Published: June 2024

2′-Benzyloxy flavone as a novel dual fluorescent probe for picric acid and pH sensing.
Imine-based covalent organic framework gels for efficient removal of Fe2+ from contaminated water
Authors: Arqueros Cristina , Welte Lorena , Montoro Carmen , Zamora Félix
Published: June 2024

Aerogels of two imine-based COFs showed fast adsorption uptakes of Fe2+ from contaminated waters. COF-aerogel@Polysulfone composite beads are easily incorporated into water treatment, they are excellent candidates for large-scale preparation.
Origin of positive/negative effects on pressure-dependent thermal conductivity: the role of bond strength and anharmonicity
Authors: Lyu Fang , Cao Wei , Liang Han-Pu , Peng Tan , Hou Yue , Zhu Xiaolu , Miao Ling , Wang Ziyu , Xiong Rui , Shi Jing
Published: June 2024

The critical influence of atom size and chemical bonds on the thermal and thermoelectric properties of XSe (X = Be, Mg, Ca) compounds, considering pressure- and element-dependent anharmonicity in rocksalt and zinc blende configurations.
Visible-to-UV photon upconversion in metal-free molecular aggregates based on glassy diphenylnaphthalene derivatives
Authors: Watanabe Shun , Mizukami Kiichi , Kimizuka Nobuo , Yasuda Takuma
Published: June 2024

Visible-to-ultraviolet photon upconversion (UC) based on triplet–triplet annihilation was demonstrated in metal-free glassy solid films consisting of an organoboron photosensitizer and a diphenylnaphthalene-based emitter.
A robust optimization method for power systems with decision‐dependent uncertainty
Authors: Tan Tao , Xie Rui , Xu Xiaoyuan , Chen Yue
Published: June 2024

Robust optimization is an essential tool for addressing the uncertainties in power systems. Most existing algorithms, such as Benders decomposition and column‐and‐constraint generation (C&CG), focus on robust optimization with decision‐independent uncertainty (DIU). However, increasingly common decision‐dependent uncertainties (DDUs) in power systems are frequently overlooked. When DDUs are considered, traditional algorithms for robust optimization with DIUs become inapplicable. This is because the previously selected worst‐case scenarios may fall outside the uncertainty set when the first‐stage decision changes, causing traditional algorithms to fail to converge. This study provides a general solution algorithm for robust optimization with DDU, which is called dual C&CG. Its convergence and optimality are proven theoretically. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the dual C&CG algorithm, we used the do‐not‐exceed limit (DNEL) problem as an example. The results show that the proposed algorithm can not only solve the simple DNEL model studied in the literature but also provide a more practical DNEL model considering the correlations among renewable generators.
LHCb Overview
Authors: Durham J. Matthew
Published: June 2024

The LHCb experiment has a complete heavy ion physics program, including studies of pp, pA, AA, and UPC events delivered by the Large Hadron Collider, along with a rapidly expanding fixed-target capability. With unique acceptance and detector capabilities, LHCb reaches across the widest range of Bjorken x that is available in the laboratory, accesses an incomparably broad array of light and heavy quark states, and provides measurements of forward bulk phenomena, all down to very low pT. These proceedings discuss results from LHCb as presented at the Quark Matter 2023 conference in Houston, TX.
Demystifying and defending diversity, equity, and inclusion
Authors: Cochran Geraldine
Published: June 2024

The constructs of diversity, equity, and inclusion are complex and the DEI movement evokes a variety of strikingly different feelings and responses. One of the challenges to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives is that people often have very different views on these endeavors. In this short paper, I offer a concise, global perspective on the conceptualization of diversity, equity, and inclusion that might provide a method for communicating across differences. Though the DEI movement, and associated movements such as the DEI and belongingness movement and the DEI and access movements are important, the length of this paper does not allow for a discussion of these topics. I conclude this paper with a defense of diversity, equity, and inclusion and a discussion of implications for the physics community.