bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An estimate of absolute shear-wave speed in the Earth’s inner core
Authors: Costa de Lima Thuany , Phạm Thanh-Son , Ma Xiaolong , Tkalčić Hrvoje
Published: July 2023

Observations of seismic body waves that traverse the Earth’s inner core (IC) as shear (J) waves are critical for understanding the IC shear properties, advancing our knowledge of the Earth’s internal structure and evolution. Here, we present several seismological observations of J phases detected in the earthquake late-coda correlation wavefield at periods of 15–50 s, notably via the correlation feature I-J, found to be independent of the Earth reference velocity model. Because I-J is unaffected by compressional wave speeds of the Earth’s inner core, outer core, and mantle, it represents an autonomous class of seismological measurements to benchmark the inner core properties. We estimate the absolute shear-wave speed in the IC to be 3.39 ± 0.02 km/s near the top and 3.54 ± 0.02 km/s in the center, lower than recently reported values. This is a 3.4 ± 0.5% reduction from the Preliminary Reference Earth Model (PREM), suggesting a less rigid IC than previously estimated from the normal mode data. Such a low shear-wave speed requires re-evaluating IC composition, including the abundance of light elements, the atomic properties and stable crystallographic phase of iron, and the IC solidification process.
Encapsulation and adhesion of nanoparticles as a potential biomarker for TNBC cells metastatic propensity
Authors: Merkher Yulia , Kontareva Elizaveta , Bogdan Elizaveta , Achkasov Konstantin , Maximova Ksenia , Grolman Joshua M. , Leonov Sergey
Published: July 2023

Metastasis is the main cause of cancer-related mortality; therefore, the ability to predict its propensity can remarkably affect survival rate. Metastasis development is predicted nowadays by lymph-node status, tumor size, histopathology, and genetic testing. However, all these methods may have inaccuracies, and some require weeks to complete. Identifying novel prognostic markers will open an essential source for risk prediction, possibly guiding to elevated patient treatment by personalized strategies. Cancer cell invasion is a critical step in metastasis. The cytoskeletal mechanisms used by metastatic cells for the invasion process are very similar to the utilization of actin cytoskeleton in the endocytosis process. In the current study, the adhesion and encapsulation efficiency of low-cost carboxylate-modified fluorescent nanoparticles by breast cancer cells with high (HM) and low metastatic potential (LM) have been evaluated; benign cells were used as control. Using high-content fluorescence imaging and analysis, we have revealed (within a short time of 1 h), that efficiency of nanoparticles adherence and encapsulation is sufficiently higher in HM cells compared to LM cells, while benign cells are not encapsulating or adhering the particles during experiment time at all. We have utilized custom-made automatic image analysis algorithms to find quantitative co-localization (Pearson’s coefficients) of the nanoparticles with the imaged cells. The method proposed here is straightforward; it does not require especial equipment or expensive materials nor complicated cell manipulations, it may be potentially applicable for various cells, including patient-derived cells. Effortless and quantitative determination of the metastatic likelihood has the potential to be performed using patient-specific biopsy/surgery sample, which will directly influence the choice of protocols for cancer patient’s treatment and, as a result, increase their life expectancy.
Functionalization of gutta-percha surfaces with argon and oxygen plasma treatments to enhance adhesiveness
Authors: Ferreira Inês , Lopes Cláudia , Rodrigues Marco S. , Rodrigues Pedro V. , Castro Cidália , Braga Ana Cristina , Lopes Maria , Vaz Filipe , Pina-Vaz Irene , Martín-Biedma Benjamin
Published: July 2023

Gutta-percha’s lack of adhesion has been presented as a drawback to avoid gaps at sealer/gutta-percha interface. Plasma treatments have been scarcely assessed on gutta-percha surfaces as a method of enhancing adhesiveness. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of low-pressure Argon and Oxygen plasma atmospheres on conventional and bioceramic gutta-percha standardized smooth discs, assessing their roughness, surface free energy, chemical structure, and sealer wettability. A Low-Pressure Plasma Cleaner by Diener Electronic (Zepto Model) was used. Different gases (Argon or Oxygen), powers (25 W, or 50 W), and exposure times (30 s, 60 s, 120 s, or 180 s) were tested in control and experimental groups. Kruskal–Wallis and Student's t-test were used in data analysis. Statistically significant differences were detected when P < 0.05. Both gases showed different behaviors according to the parameters selected. Even though chemical changes were detected, the basic molecular structure was maintained. Argon or Oxygen plasma treatments favoured the wetting of conventional and bioceramic gutta-perchas by Endoresin and AH Plus Bioceramic sealers (P < 0.001). Overall, the functionalization of gutta-percha surfaces with Argon or Oxygen plasma treatments can increase roughness, surface free energy and wettability, which might improve its adhesive properties when compared to non-treated gutta-percha.
Leishmania donovani persistence and circulation causing cutaneous leishmaniasis in unusual-foci of Nepal
Authors: Rai Tinmaya , Shrestha Srijan , Prajapati Sabita , Bastola Anup , Parajuli Niraj , Ghimire Pragya Gautam , Bhandari Parmananda , Pandey Kishor , Jain Manju , Matlashewski Greg , Bras-Goncalves Rachel , Manandhar Krishna Das
Published: July 2023

Cutaneous leishmaniasis cases have increased dramatically in recent years in Nepal. The study offers molecular identification of the Leishmania species using 40 patient’s aspiration biopsy samples, targeting markers kinetoplast minicircle DNA (kDNA) and internal transcribed spacer-1 (ITS1). Among molecularly diagnosed 22 cutaneous leishmaniasis cases, L. donovani complex was identified in 13 instances and L. major in 9 cases. The ITS1 PCR was positive in 12 of the positive nested- kDNA PCR cases (12/22), confirming L. donovani complex in seven of the cases and L. major in five of the cases. In addition, the study conclude that concurrent occurrence of atypical cutaneous infections caused by L. donovani parasite in 59.1% of cases and typical cutaneous infections caused by L. major parasite in 40.9% of cases. A Phylogentic analaysis showed that the detected L. donovani species present null genetic distances from seven references of L. donovani, but slight differences between ITS1 sequences and not grouped into a significant monophyletic cluster.
First estimates of fine root production in tropical peat swamp and terra firme forests of the central Congo Basin
Authors: Sciumbata Matteo , Wenina Yeto Emmanuel Mampouya , Mbemba Mackline , Dargie Greta C. , Baird Andy J. , Morris Paul J. , Ifo Suspense Averti , Aerts Rien , Lewis Simon L.
Published: July 2023

Tropical peatlands are carbon-dense ecosystems because they accumulate partially-decomposed plant material. A substantial fraction of this organic matter may derive from fine root production (FRP). However, few FRP estimates exist for tropical peatlands, with none from the world’s largest peatland complex in the central Congo Basin. Here we report on FRP using repeat photographs of roots from in situ transparent tubes (minirhizotrons), measured to 1 m depth over three one-month periods (spanning dry to wet seasons), in a palm-dominated peat swamp forest, a hardwood-dominated peat swamp forest, and a terra firme forest. We find FRP of 2.6 ± 0.3 Mg C ha−1 yr−1, 1.9 ± 0.5 Mg C ha−1 yr−1, and 1.7 ± 0.1 Mg C ha−1 yr−1 in the three ecosystem types respectively (mean ± standard error; no significant ecosystem type differences). These estimates fall within the published FRP range worldwide. Furthermore, our hardwood peat swamp estimate is similar to the only other FRP study in tropical peatlands, also hardwood-dominated, from Micronesia. We also found that FRP decreased with depth and was the highest during the dry season. Overall, we show that minirhizotrons can be used as a low-disturbance method to estimate FRP in tropical forests and peatlands.
Astaxanthin and DHA supplementation ameliorates the proteomic profile of perinatal undernutrition-induced adipose tissue dysfunction in adult life
Authors: Ranade Anu V. , Hegde Pramukh Subrahmanya , Bhat Megha Agni , Rai Praveen , Vinodini N. A. , Aravind Anjana , Prasad Thottethodi Subrahmanya Keshava , Damodara Gowda K. M.
Published: July 2023

Maternal diet is an essential factor that directly and indirectly regulates fetal growth. Exposure to certain environmental conditions substantially impacts an individual's short- and long-term health. Adipose tissue dysfunction is a worldwide chronic disease caused by improper lipid build-up in adipose tissue leading to obesity. Therefore, it is the need of the hour to invent anti-obesity agents. As a keto–carotenoid, Astaxanthin (AsX) has been shown to have preventive effects against problems associated with obesity. A crucial role in the pathogenesis of obesity has been attributed to dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids. Adipose tissue plays a vital role in maintaining overall body homeostasis. Metabolic dysfunction of white adipocytes forms a critical step in the emergence of insulin resistance and related diseases. Here we aim to investigate the effect of AsX and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation on the proteomic profile of perinatal undernutrition-induced adipose tissue dysfunction in adult life using a rat model. The LC–MS/MS quantitative proteomics enabled us to identify differentially expressed proteins in perinatal undernourished but AsX and DHA-supplemented animal models. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD041772.This study explored biological roles, molecular functions of differentially expressed proteins, and pathways related to adipose tissue dysfunction induced by undernutrition and its effective modulation by AsX and DHA.
Understanding fluoride adsorption from groundwater by alumina modified with alum using PHREEQC surface complexation model
Authors: Adu-Boahene Francis , Boakye Patrick , Agyemang Frank Ofori , Kanjua Jolly , Oduro‑Kwarteng Sampson
Published: July 2023

Fluoride is recognized as a vital ion for human and animal growth because of the critical role it plays in preventing skeletal and dental problems. However, when it is ingested at a higher concentration it can cause demineralization of teeth and bones resulting in fluorosis, therefore, the production of high-adsorptive capacity material which is also cost-effective is necessary for the treatment of fluorides. In this study, aluminium foil is valorised into alumina nanoparticles. The as-prepared alumina was modified with alum in two different ratios of 1:0.5 and 1:1 (alumina to alum w/w%) and later used as adsorbents for the removal of fluoride from groundwater. The adsorbents were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, point of zero charge and X-ray diffraction. Different factors that influence the removal efficiency of fluorides such as pH, initial concentrations, contact time and adsorbent dosage were studied and optimized using a simulated fluoride solution. The optimum conditions obtained were used to test real groundwater. The static experiment conditions were used to calibrate a PHREEQC geochemical model which was later used to simulate the fluoride sorption onto the modified alumina at different conditions. PHREEQC was also coupled with parameter estimation software to determine equilibrium constants for the surface reactions between the fluoride species and the adsorbent in a way that the simulations accurately reflect the outcomes of laboratory experiments. Isotherm studies were carried out on the adsorbents. Both Langmuir and Freundlich's non-linear models fitted well for the equilibrium data. However, with a higher coefficient of regression and low chi-square test values, the adsorption process was more of chemisorption on a monolayer surface. Kinetic studies were also carried out by using the non-linear equations from the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models. The pseudo-second-order model fitted well for the equilibrium data. The mechanism for the fluoride ion adsorption was also studied by the intraparticle (IP) diffusion model and was found that IP was not the rate-determining factor, and therefore the most plausible mechanism for the sorption process was ion exchange or attraction of fluoride ions to the sorbent surface. The findings obtained from this research show that readily available aluminium waste could be valorised into a useful product that could be employed in the removal of fluoride from water samples, including groundwater, that may contain too much fluoride and pose a risk to the general public's health.
Externally validated deep learning model to identify prodromal Parkinson’s disease from electrocardiogram
Authors: Karabayir Ibrahim , Gunturkun Fatma , Butler Liam , Goldman Samuel M. , Kamaleswaran Rishikesan , Davis Robert L. , Colletta Kalea , Chinthala Lokesh , Jefferies John L. , Bobay Kathleen , Ross G. Webster , Petrovitch Helen , Masaki Kamal , Tanner Caroline M. , Akbilgic Oguz
Published: July 2023

Little is known about electrocardiogram (ECG) markers of Parkinson’s disease (PD) during the prodromal stage. The aim of the study was to build a generalizable ECG-based fully automatic artificial intelligence (AI) model to predict PD risk during the prodromal stage, up to 5 years before disease diagnosis. This case–control study included samples from Loyola University Chicago (LUC) and University of Tennessee-Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare (MLH). Cases and controls were matched according to specific characteristics (date, age, sex and race). Clinical data were available from May, 2014 onward at LUC and from January, 2015 onward at MLH, while the ECG data were available as early as 1990 in both institutes. PD was denoted by at least two primary diagnostic codes (ICD9 332.0; ICD10 G20) at least 30 days apart. PD incidence date was defined as the earliest of first PD diagnostic code or PD-related medication prescription. ECGs obtained at least 6 months before PD incidence date were modeled to predict a subsequent diagnosis of PD within three time windows: 6 months–1 year, 6 months–3 years, and 6 months–5 years. We applied a novel deep neural network using standard 10-s 12-lead ECGs to predict PD risk at the prodromal phase. This model was compared to multiple feature engineering-based models. Subgroup analyses for sex, race and age were also performed. Our primary prediction model was a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN) that was built using 131 cases and 1058 controls from MLH, and externally validated on 29 cases and 165 controls from LUC. The model was trained on 90% of the MLH data, internally validated on the remaining 10% and externally validated on LUC data. The best performing model resulted in an external validation AUC of 0.67 when predicting future PD at any time between 6 months and 5 years after the ECG. Accuracy increased when restricted to ECGs obtained within 6 months to 3 years before PD diagnosis (AUC 0.69) and was highest when predicting future PD within 6 months to 1 year (AUC 0.74). The 1D-CNN model based on raw ECG data outperformed multiple models built using more standard ECG feature engineering approaches. These results demonstrate that a predictive model developed in one cohort using only raw 10-s ECGs can effectively classify individuals with prodromal PD in an independent cohort, particularly closer to disease diagnosis. Standard ECGs may help identify individuals with prodromal PD for cost-effective population-level early detection and inclusion in disease-modifying therapeutic trials.
Structural and expression analysis of polyphenol oxidases potentially involved in globe artichoke (C. cardunculus var. scolymus L.) tissue browning
Authors: Pompili Valerio , Mazzocchi Elena , Moglia Andrea , Acquadro Alberto , Comino Cinzia , Rotino Giuseppe Leonardo , Lanteri Sergio
Published: July 2023

Globe artichoke capitula are susceptible to browning due to oxidation of phenols caused by the activity of polyphenol oxidases (PPOs), this reduces their suitability for fresh or processed uses. A genome-wide analysis of the globe artichoke PPO gene family was performed. Bioinformatics analyses identified eleven PPOs and their genomic and amino acidic features were annotated. Cis-acting element analysis identified a gene regulatory and functional profile associated to plant growth and development as well as stress response. For some PPOs, phylogenetic analyses revealed a structural and functional conservation with different Asteraceae PPOs, while the allelic variants of the eleven PPOs investigated across four globe artichoke varietal types identified several SNP/Indel variants, some of which having impact on gene translation. By RTqPCR were assessed the expression patterns of PPOs in plant tissues and in vitro calli characterized by different morphologies. Heterogeneous PPO expression profiles were observed and three of them (PPO6, 7 and 11) showed a significant increase of transcripts in capitula tissues after cutting. Analogously, the same three PPOs were significantly up-regulated in calli showing a brown phenotype due to oxidation of phenols. Our results lay the foundations for a future application of gene editing aimed at disabling the three PPOs putatively involved in capitula browning.
The effectiveness of the puncture channel plugging for reduction of complications after CT-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy
Authors: Wang Dong-xu , Wang Yu-guang , Ding Guo-xu , Li Bo , Liu Rui-nan , Ai Zhong-wei , Wang Yang
Published: July 2023

The effect of plugging the puncture channel with a mixture of hemocoagulase injection on the complications of CT-guided percutaneous transthoracic need biopsy (PTNB) was discussed. The medical records of PTNB were retrospectively studied from June 2017 to May 2022. In the study, the puncture channel of 626 patients were blocked, while remain 681 patients’ were not. The Mantel Haenszel method performed layered analysis and evaluated the correlation of adjusted confounding factors. The Odds Ratio and its 95% confidence interval were calculated using the Woof method. The incidence of high-level pulmonary hemorrhage was significantly reduced in patients with lesions ≤ 2 cm and different needle lengths. Patients with different pleural-needle tip angle and perineedle emphysema were blocked, and the incidence of pneumothorax and thoracic implants was significantly reduced. Through puncture channel plugging, the incidence of pulmonary hemorrhage, pneumothorax and thoracic catheterization of PTNB under CT guidance was reduced.
Water and oil-grease barrier properties of PVA/CNF/MBP/AKD composite coating on paper
Authors: Huang Shancong , Wang Xiyun , Zhang Yu , Meng Yu , Hua Feiguo , Xia Xinxing
Published: July 2023

In this paper, three kinds of micro-nano bamboo powder (MBP) and alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) were added to the polyvinyl alcohol/cellulose nanofiber (PVA/CNF) coating to prepare PVA/CNF/MBP coated paper and PVA/CNF/M-MBP/AKD coated paper. The results showed that MBP improved the oleophobicity of PVA/CNF coating, and the grease resistance grade of PVA/CNF/B-MBP and PVA/CNF/M-MBP coated papers reached the highest level, with a kit number of 12. Among the PVA/CNF/MBP coated papers, the PVA/CNF/M-MBP coated paper has the best hydrophobic properties, with the water contact angle and Cobb value of 74° and 21.3 g/m2, respectively. In addition, when the AKD dosage was 0.2% in the PVA/CNF/M-MBP/AKD coating, the kit number of the coated paper was 11, the Cobb value was 15.2 g/m2, the water contact angle was 103°, and the tensile strength was found to increase slightly. Therefore, compared with PVA/CNF coated paper, PVA/CNF/M-MBP/AKD coated paper has good strength and excellent hydrophobic and oleophobic properties.
Monitoring and simulation of the fuel irradiation behavior in nuclear reactors based on phononic crystal structure
Authors: Sayed Fatma A. , Elsayed Hussein A. , Eissa M. F. , Aly Arafa H. , Mehaney Ahmed
Published: July 2023

We have presented in the current work a novel idea for simulating the irradiation behaviors of the nuclear fuel pellets in nuclear reactors by using a one-dimensional defective phononic crystal (1D-DPnC) design was presented. The transmission spectra of the incident mechanical waves were considered basic data for expressing the characteristics of different nuclear fuel-pellets. Herein, the density, sound speed, and Young’s modulus of the fuel-pellets represent the key parameters that are influenced by the irradiation behaviors of these pallets. Mixed plutonium–uranium oxide (MOX) nuclear fuel is considered the main fuel in the present study. In addition, a comparison is performed for this fuel with other types of nuclear fuels. Moreover, the mechanical properties of these MOX-pellets are dependent on the porosity, the ratio of oxygen-to-metal (O/M), and the plutonium (Pu-content). The theoretical treatments depend on the transfers matrix method to compute the transmission spectra through the 1D-DPnC. The numerical findings provided that the MOX-pellet has the highest performance compared to other fuel pellets and with sensitivity equal to 59.388 × 103 Hz s/m. It was also reported that the effects of the percentage of the O/M and Pu- content in MOX had a minor effect in a comparison with the impact of porosity. The theoretical simulation agreed extremely with the experimental data reported for these nuclear fuels. Because of the close relationship between sound speed and density, this sensor can be utilized to monitor the porosity, O/M, Pu-content, and density of fuel-pellets as a quick and non-destructive evaluation technique in a nuclear fuel fabrication laboratory. This article has proven theoretically that MOX fuel produced from nuclear waste of uranium dioxide and plutonium dioxide gives excellent results compared to other types of nuclear fuels, and this agrees with experimental researches. Thus, it may contribute in preserving the environment from nuclear waste, and this can be considered a novel kind of purification of environmental pollution treatment.
TwinPort: 5G drone-assisted data collection with digital twin for smart seaports
Authors: Yigit Yagmur , Nguyen Long D. , Ozdem Mehmet , Kinaci Omer Kemal , Hoang Trang , Canberk Berk , Duong Trung Q.
Published: July 2023

Numerous ports worldwide are adopting automation to boost productivity and modernize their operations. At this point, smart ports become a more important paradigm for handling increasing cargo volumes and increasing operational efficiency. In fact, as ports become more congested and cargo volumes increase, the need for accurate navigation through seaports is more pronounced to avoid collisions and the resulting consequences. To this end, digital twin (DT) technology in the fifth-generation (5G) networks and drone-assisted data collection can be combined to provide precise ship maneuvering. In this paper, we propose a DT model using drone-assisted data collection architecture, called TwinPort, to offer a comprehensive port management system for smart seaports. We also present a recommendation engine to ensure accurate ship navigation within a smart port during the docking process. The experimental results reveal that our solution improves the trajectory performance by approaching the desired shortest path. Moreover, our solution supports significantly reducing financial costs and protecting the environment by reducing fuel consumption.
Fabrication and testing of a multifunctional SiO2@ZnO core–shell nanospheres incorporated polymer coating for sustainable marine transport
Authors: Verma Jaya , Geng Yanquan , Wang Jiqiang , Goel Saurav
Published: July 2023

We report the development of a coating system relying on the incorporation of SiO2@ZnO core–shell nanospheres in polyurethane media as a novel approach to achieve longevity and sustainability in marine transport. This polymeric coating showed significant improvement in surface abrasion resistance, the transition from a hydrophilic state to a hydrophobic state (~ 125.2° ± 2°), improved antifungal, antibacterial and antialgae effects which make the proposed coating ideal to protect steel surfaces against biofouling. To substantiate our claims, we performed X-ray diffraction, Transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning acoustic microscopy, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), contact angle measurements, antimicrobial (antialgal, antibacterial, antifungal) tests and Taber abrasion tests (ASTM D1044 and D4060) to highlight the mechanical and biological functionality as well as the bonding configuration of this coating. The wear analysis of the Taber abraded coating using SEM and optical microscopy showed significant improvement in the adhesion and shear resistance achieved by the SiO2@ZnO core–shell nanospheres incorporated PU coating which was a contrasting feature compared to using PU alone. The overall investigations we performed led us to find out that the addition of 4% (wt.) SiO2@ZnO core–shell nanoparticles to the PU media deposited on the low carbon steel surface demonstrated remarkable antimicrobial performance with almost no bacterial growth, significant reductions in growth for algae to about 90% and fungus to about 95%.
In vitro infection efficiency of nervous necrosis virus alters depending on amount of viral particles adsorbed onto cells
Authors: Lee Han Sol , Gye Hyun Jung , Nishizawa Toyohiko
Published: July 2023

Nervous necrosis virus (NNV) in the family Nodaviridae is one of the simplest spherical RNA viruses and is pathogenic to many fish species. We investigated the effect of purified NNV on striped snakehead cells (SSN-1) in terms of adsorption ratio and infection efficiency using the 96-well titration system. The proportion of cytopathic effect (CPE)-positive wells among total number of wells inoculated with the virus (CPE appearance ratio) reduced by 17% each time the NNV infectivity dose was halved (y = 55.7x + 50.6). Thus, subtle differences in NNV infectivity could be accurately detected using this system. Experiments performed to observe alteration of CPE appearance ratio with changing viral doses and adsorption times showed that NNV particles introduced into microplate wells as suspensions in ≤ 100 µl inoculum were adsorbed almost completely onto cells seeded on the wells within 4 days of incubation. Density profile analysis of NNV coat proteins revealed that the NNV suspension at 1 50% tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50) contained 60 particles. Infection efficiency/NNV peaked at 20 particles (1.20%/particle) and then declined gradually with increasing NNV doses. Therefore, in vitro infection efficiency of NNV may alter depending on the quantity of viral particles adsorbed onto cells.
End fire linear antenna array synthesis using differential evolution inspired Adaptive Naked Mole Rat Algorithm
Authors: Singh Harbinder , Mittal Nitin , Gupta Amit , Singh Pratap , Gared Fikreselam
Published: July 2023

Linear antenna arrays (LAAs) play a critical role in smart system communication applications such as the Internet of Things (IoT), mobile communication and beamforming. However, minimizing secondary lobes while maintaining a low beamwidth remains challenging. This study presents an enhanced synthesis methodology for LAAs using the Adaptive Naked Mole Rat Algorithm (ANMRA). ANMRA, inspired by mole-rat mating habits, improves exploration and exploitation capabilities for directive LAA applications. The performance of ANMRA is assessed using the CEC 2019 benchmark test functions, a widely adopted standard for statistical evaluation in optimization algorithms. The proposed methodology results are also benchmarked against state-of-the-art algorithms, including the Salp Swarm Algorithm (SSA), Cuckoo Search (CS), Artificial Hummingbird Algorithm (AHOA), Chimp Optimization Algorithm (ChOA), and Naked Mole Rat Algorithm (NMRA). The results demonstrate that ANMRA achieves superior performance among the benchmarked algorithms by successfully minimizing secondary lobes and obtaining a narrow beamwidth. The ANMRA controlled design achieves the lowest Side Lobe Level (SLL) of − 37.08 dB and the smallest beamwidth of 74.68°. The statistical assessment using the benchmark test functions further confirms the effectiveness of ANMRA. By optimizing antenna element magnitude and placement control, ANMRA enables precise primary lobe placement, grating lobe elimination, and high directivity in LAAs. This research contributes to advancing smart system communication technologies, particularly in the context of IoT and beamforming applications, by providing an enhanced synthesis methodology for LAAs that offers improved performance in terms of secondary lobe reduction and beamwidth optimization.
Assessing causal relationship between circulating cytokines and age-related neurodegenerative diseases: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Yin Zihan , Chen Jiao , Xia Manze , Zhang Xinyue , Li Yaqin , Chen Zhenghong , Bao Qiongnan , Zhong Wanqi , Yao Jin , Wu Kexin , Zhao Ling , Liang Fanrong
Published: July 2023

Numerous studies have reported that circulating cytokines (CCs) are linked to age-related neurodegenerative diseases (ANDDs); however, there is a lack of systematic investigation for the causal association. A two-sample bidirectional Mendelian Randomisation (MR) method was utilized to evaluate the causal effect. We applied genetic variants correlated with concentrations of CCs from a genome-wide association study meta-analysis (n = 8293) as instrumental variables. Summary data of three major ANDDs [Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)] were identified from the IEU OpenGWAS platform (n = 627, 266). Inverse-variance weighted method is the main approach to analyse causal effect, and MR results are verified by several sensitivity and pleiotropy analyses. In directional MR, it suggested that several CCs were nominally correlated with the risk of ANDDs, with a causal odds ratio (OR) of Interleukin (IL)-5 of 0.909 for AD; OR of IL-2 of 1.169 for PD; and OR of Beta nerve growth factor of 1.142 for ALS). In reverse MR, there were some suggestively causal effects of ANDDs on CCs (AD on increased Basic fibroblast growth factor and IL-12 and decreased Stem cell growth factor beta; PD on decreased Monokine induced by interferon-gamma; ALS on decreased Basic fibroblast growth factor and IL-17). The findings were stable across sensitivity and pleiotropy analyses. However, after Bonferroni correction, there is no statistically significant association between CCs and ANDDs. Through the genetic epidemiological approach, our study assessed the role and presented possible causal associations between CCs and ANDDs. Further studies are warranted to verify the causal associations.
Enhanced cultivation of chicken primordial germ cells
Authors: Dehdilani Nima , Yousefi Taemeh Sara , Rival-Gervier Sylvie , Montillet Guillaume , Kress Clémence , Jean Christian , Goshayeshi Lena , Dehghani Hesam , Pain Bertrand
Published: July 2023

The cultivation and expansion of chicken primordial germ cells (cPGCs) are of critical importance for both biotechnological applications and the management of poultry genetic biodiversity. The feeder-free culture system has become the most popular approach for the cultivation and expansion of cPGCs. However, despite some success in the cultivation of cPGCs, the reproducibility of culture conditions across different laboratories remains a challenge. This study aimed to compare two defined and enriched media for the growth of cPGCs originating from the Hubbard JA57 broiler. To this end, cPGCs were isolated from the embryonic blood of Hamburger–Hamilton (HH) stages 14–16 and cultured at various time points. The Growth properties and characteristics of these cells were evaluated in two different culture conditions (the defined or enriched medium) and their migratory properties were assessed after genetic engineering and injection into the vasculature of 2.5-day-old chicken embryos. The main finding of this study was that the use of an enriched medium (the defined medium with Knock-Out Serum Replacement; KOSR) resulted in improved growth properties of cPGCs originating from the Hubbard JA57 broiler compared to a defined medium. The ability to cultivate and expand cPGCs is crucial for the generation of both genetically engineered birds and breeds of interest from local or commercial origins. Therefore, these results highlight the importance of choosing an appropriate culture medium for cPGCs growth and expansion.
Three-dimensional stability analysis of tunnel face based on unified strength theory
Authors: Liang Qiao , Xu Junjie , Wei Yuanguo
Published: July 2023

The impact of cyclic footage and intermediate principal stress on the stability of the tunnel-face area are analyzed in this study using the theory of limit analysis. The study introduces the unified strength theory and proposes three-dimensional logarithmic spiral failure modes with corresponding velocity fields. The influence of various parameters on the tunnel-face area stability is analyzed, and it is found that when the internal friction angle is less than 30°, the internal friction angle parameters should be improved first to enhance stability, while when the internal friction angle is greater than 30°, cohesion should be prioritized. When using the double shear uniform strength theory in the tunnel-face area, the intermediate principal stress can improve the stability of the tunnel face. Results show that Mohr–Coulomb criterion calculations are conservative in the good surrounding ground, but no similar conclusion has been obtained for the poor surrounding ground, and specific problems must be analyzed during construction.
PACAP activates MRGPRX2 on meningeal mast cells to drive migraine-like pain
Authors: Sbei Sami , Moncrief Taylor , Limjunyawong Nathachit , Zeng Yaping , Green Dustin P.
Published: July 2023

Migraine ranks among the most prevalent disorders worldwide, leading to disability and decreased quality of life in patients. Recently, neurogenic inflammation has been recognized as a potential underlying pathology contributing to the migraine pain pathway. Mast cells reside in the meninges and have been implicated in contributing to the pathophysiology of migraine. Here we report for the first time that the mouse Mas-Related G-protein-coupled Receptor B2 (MrgprB2), is expressed on meningeal connective tissue mast cells and contributes to Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase Activating Peptide (PACAP)-induced migraine-like pain behavior. We also found that PACAP was able to dose-dependently lead to enzyme release from human mast cells via activation of MRGPRX2; the human homolog of MrgprB2. Using a transgenic MRGPRX2 mouse, we observed significant increases in PACAP-induced migraine-like pain behavior in MRGPRX2+ mice vs mice lacking the receptor. These results reveal both MrgprB2 and MRGPRX2 as important contributors to neuropeptide-induced migraine pain.
CXCL9 inhibition does not ameliorate disease in murine models of both primary and secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Diamond Tamir , Lau Michelle , Morrissette Jeremy , Chu Niansheng , Behrens Edward M.
Published: July 2023

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a group of disorders culminating in systemic inflammation and multi-organ failure with high incidence of hepatic dysfunction. Overproduction of IFN-γ is the main immunopathological driver in this disorder. Monokine induced by IFN-γ (CXCL9) serves as a biomarker for disease activity and response to treatment in this disorder. However, very little is understood about the actual functional role of CXCL9 in pathogenesis in HLH. In the current study, we sought to determine the role of CXCL9 in pathogenesis in murine models of both Familial HLH (prf1−/−) and Toll Like Receptor (TLR) 9 repeated stimulation induced Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS), a form of secondary HLH. FHL and MAS were induced in both CXCL9 genetically deficient mice (cxcl9−/−) and controls as well as using AMG487, a pharmacological antagonist of the CXCL9 receptor, CXCR3. Results showed that CXCL9 genetic deficiency did not improve disease parameters or hepatitis in both models. Consistent with genetic ablation of CXCL9, inhibition of its receptor, CXCR3, by AMG487 did not show any significant effects in the FHL model. Taken together, inhibition of CXCL9-CXCR3 interaction does not ameliorate HLH physiology in general, or hepatitis as a classical target organ of disease.
Intra-annual density fluctuations in tree rings are proxies of air temperature across Europe
Authors: Battipaglia G. , Kabala J. P. , Pacheco-Solana A. , Niccoli F. , Bräuning A. , Campelo F. , Cufar K. , de Luis M. , De Micco V. , Klisz M. , Koprowski M. , Garcia-Gonzalez I. , Nabais C. , Vieira J. , Wrzesiński P. , Zafirov N. , Cherubini P.
Published: July 2023

Intra-Annual Density Fluctuations (IADFs) are an important wood functional trait that determine trees’ ability to adapt to climatic changes. Here, we use a large tree-ring database of 11 species from 89 sites across eight European countries, covering a climatic gradient from the Mediterranean to northern Europe, to analyze how climate variations drive IADF formation. We found that IADF occurrence increases nonlinearly with ring width in both gymnosperms and angiosperms and decreases with altitude and age. Recently recorded higher mean annual temperatures facilitate the formation of IADFs in almost all the studied species. Precipitation plays a significant role in inducing IADFs in species that exhibit drought tolerance capability, and a growth pattern known as bimodal growth. Our findings suggest that species with bimodal growth patterns growing in western and southern Europe will form IADFs more frequently, as an adaptation to increasing temperatures and droughts.
Potential benefits of limiting global warming for the mitigation of temperature extremes in China
Authors: Guo Junhong , Liang Xi , Wang Xiuquan , Fan Yurui , Liu Lvliu
Published: July 2023

In this study, we attempt to quantify the potential impacts of two global warming levels (i.e., 1.5 °C and 2.0 °C) on extreme temperature indices across China. The CMIP6 dataset is first evaluated against the CN05.1 observation for the historical period of 1995–2014. Then, future spatiotemporal patterns of changes in extreme temperature at two global warming levels under two shared socio-economic pathway scenarios (SSP245 and SSP585) are further analyzed. Overall, China will experience more frequent and intense high temperature events, such as summer days (SU), tropical nights (TR), warm days (TX90p) and nights (TN90p). On the other hand, under the SSP585, the number of icing days and frost days is projected to decrease at two global warming levels, with the maximal days of decrease (exceeding 20 days) seen in the west of China. Our results suggest that limiting global warming to 1.5 °C rather than 2.0 °C is beneficial to reduce extreme temperature risks. As temperature increases to 1.5 °C and then 2.0 °C above preindustrial levels, the most extreme temperature indices are expected to increase proportionately more during the final 0.5° than during the first 1.5° across most regions of China. For some warm indices, such as the warmest day (TXx), summer days (SU), and warm days (TX90p), the largest incremental changes (from 1.5° to 2.0°) tend to be found in the southwest. Under the SSP585, the incremental changes are similar to the change in the SSP245, but smaller magnitude and spatial extent.
The shaky foundations of large language models and foundation models for electronic health records
Authors: Wornow Michael , Xu Yizhe , Thapa Rahul , Patel Birju , Steinberg Ethan , Fleming Scott , Pfeffer Michael A. , Fries Jason , Shah Nigam H.
Published: July 2023

The success of foundation models such as ChatGPT and AlphaFold has spurred significant interest in building similar models for electronic medical records (EMRs) to improve patient care and hospital operations. However, recent hype has obscured critical gaps in our understanding of these models’ capabilities. In this narrative review, we examine 84 foundation models trained on non-imaging EMR data (i.e., clinical text and/or structured data) and create a taxonomy delineating their architectures, training data, and potential use cases. We find that most models are trained on small, narrowly-scoped clinical datasets (e.g., MIMIC-III) or broad, public biomedical corpora (e.g., PubMed) and are evaluated on tasks that do not provide meaningful insights on their usefulness to health systems. Considering these findings, we propose an improved evaluation framework for measuring the benefits of clinical foundation models that is more closely grounded to metrics that matter in healthcare.
Rif1 restrains the rate of replication origin firing in Xenopus laevis
Authors: Haccard Olivier , Ciardo Diletta , Narrissamprakash Hemalatha , Bronchain Odile , Kumagai Akiko , Dunphy William G. , Goldar Arach , Marheineke Kathrin
Published: July 2023

Metazoan genomes are duplicated by the coordinated activation of clusters of replication origins at different times during S phase, but the underlying mechanisms of this temporal program remain unclear during early development. Rif1, a key replication timing factor, inhibits origin firing by recruiting protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) to chromatin counteracting S phase kinases. We have previously described that Rif1 depletion accelerates early Xenopus laevis embryonic cell cycles. Here, we find that in the absence of Rif1, patterns of replication foci change along with the acceleration of replication cluster activation. However, initiations increase only moderately inside active clusters. Our numerical simulations suggest that the absence of Rif1 compresses the temporal program towards more homogeneity and increases the availability of limiting initiation factors. We experimentally demonstrate that Rif1 depletion increases the chromatin-binding of the S phase kinase Cdc7/Drf1, the firing factors Treslin, MTBP, Cdc45, RecQL4, and the phosphorylation of both Treslin and MTBP. We show that Rif1 globally, but not locally, restrains the replication program in early embryos, possibly by inhibiting or excluding replication factors from chromatin.
Multi-wavelength excited triplet–triplet upconversion microcrystals based on hot-band excitation for optical information encryption
Authors: Gu Xiaofen , Chen Shuoran , Liang Zuoqin , Ju Xiaolei , Li Lin , Wang Xiaomei , Ye Changqing
Published: July 2023

Air-stable and multi-wavelength excited triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion (TTA-UC) microcrystals based on a hot-band excitation mechanism are achieved for multiple optical information encryption.
The effect of conjugation degree of aromatic carboxylic acids on electronic and photo-responsive behaviors of naphthalenediimide-based coordination polymers
Authors: Kang Ming , Gao Bohong , Zhang Shimin , Hao Pengfei , Li Gaopeng , Shen Junju , Fu Yunlong
Published: July 2023

The introduction of aromatic carboxylic acids with different conjugation degrees can regulate the electronic and subsequent photo-responsive behaviors of naphthalenediimide-based coordination polymers.
Fluorescence wavelength shifts combined with light scattering for ratiometric sensing of chloride in the serum based on CsPbBr3@SiO2 perovskite nanocrystal composite halide exchanges
Authors: Zhang Peng , Chen Liming , Cai Xiaoyan , Luo Binbin , Chen Tianju , Chen Haini , Chen Guoliang , Li Feiming
Published: July 2023

A traditional fluorescence–scattering intensity based ratiometric sensing system utilizes both inherent scattering and fluorescence intensity and has drawn extensive attention owing to its simplicity and self-calibration properties.
Lattice strain controlled Ni@NiCu efficient anode catalysts for direct borohydride fuel cells
Authors: Hu Bihao , Xie Yuxin , Yang Ying , Meng Jiazhi , Cai Jinliang , Chen Changguo , Yu Danmei , Zhou Xiaoyuan
Published: July 2023

Rate-determining step in BOR, the final B–H decoupling, is promoted by a strained Ni@NiCu catalyst, and thereby, a DBFC with this anode can deliver a high peak power density, exhibiting excellent catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability.
OER highly active encapsulants to improve the electrochemical anticorrosion of Fe–N–C for ultralong-lifespan and high-rate rechargeable zinc–air batteries
Authors: Li Jiale , Huang Niu , Lv Minghui , Su Na , Li Chao , Huang Yingping , Wang Yongye , Zheng Yong , Liu Wei , Ma Tianyi , Ye Liqun
Published: July 2023

Oxygen catalytic activity: ΔE = 0.52 V. Carbon corrosion was alleviated by: (1) encapsulation by LDH that preferentially catalyzes OER and (2) depressing radical generation via fast disproportionation and electro-reduction/oxidation of peroxide.
Efficient furfural hydrogenation to furfuryl alcohol using a PtCo bimetallic catalyst in a fluidized electrocatalysis system
Authors: Li Liangli , Yang Mingzhu , Cheng Long , Shi Jingjing , Gou Jinsheng , Xu Junming
Published: July 2023

Electrocatalytic hydrogenation (ECH) proved to be a highly efficient and eco-friendly approach for transforming biomass derivatives into valuable chemicals and biofuels, although in most cases, the reaction time was lengthy.
Controlling NIR-II emitting gold organic/inorganic nanohybrids with tunable morphology and surface PEG density for dynamic visualization of vascular dysfunction
Authors: Zhou Tingyao , Zha Menglei , Tang Hao , Li Kai , Jiang Xingyu
Published: July 2023

An efficient synthesis of Au nanohybrids with bright NIR-II emission, tunable shape, and controllable surface PEG is presented, and the necklace-like Au nanohybrids with dense brush PEG show good potential in dynamic visualization of thrombolysis.
Molecular engineering to enhance the reactive oxygen species generation of AIEgens and exploration of their versatile applications
Authors: Yin Weidong , Li Jianqing , Ma Yucheng , Xing Longjiang , Chen Zeduan , Liu Bo , Huo Yanping , Zhao Zujin , Ji Shaomin
Published: July 2023

Fluorescent dyes with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics have shown potential applications in the fields of biological imaging, photodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy, in which photosensitizers (PSs) play a crucial role.
D2PAM: Epileptic seizures prediction using adversarial deep dual patch attention mechanism
Authors: Khan Arfat Ahmad , Madendran Rakesh Kumar , Thirunavukkarasu Usharani , Faheem Muhammad
Published: July 2023

Epilepsy is considered as a serious brain disorder in which patients frequently experience seizures. The seizures are defined as the unexpected electrical changes in brain neural activity, which leads to unconsciousness. Existing researches made an intense effort for predicting the epileptic seizures using brain signal data. However, they faced difficulty in obtaining the patients' characteristics because the model's distribution turned to fake predictions, affecting the model's reliability. In addition, the existing prediction models have severe issues, such as overfitting and false positive rates. To overcome these existing issues, we propose a deep learning approach known as Deep dual‐patch attention mechanism (D2PAM) for classifying the pre‐ictal signals of people with Epilepsy based on the brain signals. Deep neural network is integrated with D2PAM, and it lowers the effect of differences between patients to predict ES. The multi‐network design enhances the trained model's generalisability and stability efficiently. Also, the proposed model for processing the brain signal is designed to transform the signals into data blocks, which is appropriate for pre‐ictal classification. The earlier warning of epilepsy with the proposed model obtains the auxiliary diagnosis. The data of real patients for the experiments provides the improved accuracy by D2PAM approximation compared to the existing techniques. To be more distinctive, the authors have analysed the performance of their work with five patients, and the accuracy comes out to be 95%, 97%, 99%, 99%, and 99% respectively. Overall, the numerical results unveil that the proposed work outperforms the existing models.