bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-scale fractal Fourier Ptychographic microscopy to assess the dose-dependent impact of copper pollution on living diatoms
Authors: Bianco Vittorio , Miccio Lisa , Pirone Daniele , Cavalletti Elena , Behal Jaromir , Memmolo Pasquale , Sardo Angela , Ferraro Pietro
Published: April 2024

Accumulation of bioavailable heavy metals in aquatic environment poses a serious threat to marine communities and human health due to possible trophic transfers through the food chain of toxic, non-degradable, exogenous pollutants. Copper (Cu) is one of the most spread heavy metals in water, and can severely affect primary producers at high doses. Here we show a novel imaging test to assay the dose-dependent effects of Cu on live microalgae identifying stress conditions when they are still capable of sustaining a positive growth. The method relies on Fourier Ptychographic Microscopy (FPM), capable to image large field of view in label-free phase-contrast mode attaining submicron lateral resolution. We uniquely combine FPM with a new multi-scale analysis method based on fractal geometry. The system is able to provide ensemble measurements of thousands of diatoms in the liquid sample simultaneously, while ensuring at same time single-cell imaging and analysis for each diatom. Through new image descriptors, we demonstrate that fractal analysis is suitable for handling the complexity and informative power of such multiscale FPM modality. We successfully tested this new approach by measuring how different concentrations of Cu impact on Skeletonema pseudocostatum diatom populations isolated from the Sarno River mouth.
Identifying the top predictors of student well-being across cultures using machine learning and conventional statistics
Authors: King Ronnel B. , Wang Yi , Fu Lingyi , Leung Shing On
Published: April 2024

Alongside academic learning, there is increasing recognition that educational systems must also cater to students’ well-being. This study examines the key factors that predict adolescent students’ subjective well-being, indexed by life satisfaction, positive affect, and negative affect. Data from 522,836 secondary school students from 71 countries/regions across eight different cultural contexts were analyzed. Underpinned by Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological theory, both machine learning (i.e., light gradient-boosting machine) and conventional statistics (i.e., hierarchical linear modeling) were used to examine the roles of person, process, and context factors. Among the multiple predictors examined, school belonging and sense of meaning emerged as the common predictors of the various well-being dimensions. Different well-being dimensions also had distinct predictors. Life satisfaction was best predicted by a sense of meaning, school belonging, parental support, fear of failure, and GDP per capita. Positive affect was most strongly predicted by resilience, sense of meaning, school belonging, parental support, and GDP per capita. Negative affect was most strongly predicted by fear of failure, gender, being bullied, school belonging, and sense of meaning. There was a remarkable level of cross-cultural similarity in terms of the top predictors of well-being across the globe. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Impaired retinal oxygen metabolism and perfusion are accompanied by plasma protein and lipid alterations in recovered COVID-19 patients
Authors: Pai Viktoria , Bileck Andrea , Hommer Nikolaus , Janku Patrick , Lindner Theresa , Kauer Victoria , Rumpf Benedikt , Haslacher Helmuth , Hagn Gerhard , Meier-Menches Samuel M. , Schmetterer Leopold , Schmidl Doreen , Gerner Christopher , Garhöfer Gerhard
Published: April 2024

The aim of the present study was to investigate retinal microcirculatory and functional metabolic changes in patients after they had recovered from a moderate to severe acute COVID-19 infection. Retinal perfusion was quantified using laser speckle flowgraphy. Oxygen saturation and retinal calibers were assessed with a dynamic vessel analyzer. Arterio-venous ratio (AVR) was calculated based on retinal vessel diameter data. Blood plasma samples underwent mass spectrometry-based multi-omics profiling, including proteomics, metabolomics and eicosadomics. A total of 40 subjects were included in the present study, of which 29 had recovered from moderate to severe COVID-19 within 2 to 23 weeks before inclusion and 11 had never had COVID-19, as confirmed by antibody testing. Perfusion in retinal vessels was significantly lower in patients (60.6 ± 16.0 a.u.) than in control subjects (76.2 ± 12.1 a.u., p = 0.006). Arterio-venous (AV) difference in oxygen saturation and AVR was significantly lower in patients compared to healthy controls (p = 0.021 for AVR and p = 0.023 for AV difference in oxygen saturation). Molecular profiles demonstrated down-regulation of cell adhesion molecules, NOTCH3 and fatty acids, and suggested a bisphasic dysregulation of nitric oxide synthesis after COVID-19 infection. The results of this study imply that retinal perfusion and oxygen metabolism is still significantly altered in patients well beyond the acute phase of COVID-19. This is also reflected in the molecular profiling analysis of blood plasma, indicating a down-regulation of nitric oxide-related endothelial and immunological cell functions.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (https://clinicaltrials.gov) NCT05650905.
Predicted genetic burden and frequency of phenotype-associated variants in the horse
Authors: Durward-Akhurst S. A. , Marlowe J. L. , Schaefer R. J. , Springer K. , Grantham B. , Carey W. K. , Bellone R. R. , Mickelson J. R. , McCue M. E.
Published: April 2024

Disease-causing variants have been identified for less than 20% of suspected equine genetic diseases. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) allows rapid identification of rare disease causal variants. However, interpreting the clinical variant consequence is confounded by the number of predicted deleterious variants that healthy individuals carry (predicted genetic burden). Estimation of the predicted genetic burden and baseline frequencies of known deleterious or phenotype associated variants within and across the major horse breeds have not been performed. We used WGS of 605 horses across 48 breeds to identify 32,818,945 variants, demonstrate a high predicted genetic burden (median 730 variants/horse, interquartile range: 613–829), show breed differences in predicted genetic burden across 12 target breeds, and estimate the high frequencies of some previously reported disease variants. This large-scale variant catalog for a major and highly athletic domestic animal species will enhance its ability to serve as a model for human phenotypes and improves our ability to discover the bases for important equine phenotypes.
Unveiling the potential of diffusion model-based framework with transformer for hyperspectral image classification
Authors: Sigger Neetu , Vien Quoc-Tuan , Nguyen Sinh Van , Tozzi Gianluca , Nguyen Tuan Thanh
Published: April 2024

Hyperspectral imaging has gained popularity for analysing remotely sensed images in various fields such as agriculture and medical. However, existing models face challenges in dealing with the complex relationships and characteristics of spectral–spatial data due to the multi-band nature and data redundancy of hyperspectral data. To address this limitation, we propose a novel approach called DiffSpectralNet, which combines diffusion and transformer techniques. The diffusion method is able extract diverse and meaningful spectral–spatial features, leading to improvement in HSI classification. Our approach involves training an unsupervised learning framework based on the diffusion model to extract high-level and low-level spectral–spatial features, followed by the extraction of intermediate hierarchical features from different timestamps for classification using a pre-trained denoising U-Net. Finally, we employ a supervised transformer-based classifier to perform the HSI classification. We conduct comprehensive experiments on three publicly available datasets to validate our approach. The results demonstrate that our framework significantly outperforms existing approaches, achieving state-of-the-art performance. The stability and reliability of our approach are demonstrated across various classes in all datasets.
Comprehensive assessment of goat adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells cultured in different media
Authors: Abraham Michelle , Kori Ibraz , Vishwakarma Utkarsha , Goel Sandeep
Published: April 2024

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have demonstrated potential in treating livestock diseases that are unresponsive to conventional therapies. MSCs derived from goats, a valuable model for studying orthopaedic disorders in humans, offer insights into bone formation and regeneration. Adipose tissue-derived MSCs (ADSCs) are easily accessible and have a high capacity for expansion. Although the choice of culture media significantly influences the biological properties of MSCs, the optimal media for goat ADSCs (gADSCs) remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the effects of four commonly used culture media on gADSCs’ culture characteristics, stem cell-specific immunophenotype, and differentiation. Results showed that MEM, DMEM/F12, and DMEM-LG were superior in maintaining cell morphology and culture parameters of gADSCs, such as cell adherence, metabolic activity, colony-forming potential, and population doubling. Conversely, DMEM-HG exhibited poor performance across all evaluated parameters. The gADSCs cultured in DMEM/F12 showed enhanced early proliferation and lower apoptosis. The cell surface marker distribution exhibited superior characteristics in gADSCs cultured in MEM and DMEM/F12. In contrast, the distribution was inferior in gADSCs cultured in DMEM-LG. DMEM/F12 and DMEM-LG culture media demonstrated a significantly higher potential for chondrogenic differentiation and DMEM-LG for osteogenic differentiation. In conclusion, DMEM/F12 is a suitable culture medium for propagating gADSCs as it effectively maintains cell morphology, growth parameters, proliferation and lower apoptosis while exhibiting desirable expression patterns of MSC-specific markers. These findings contribute to optimising culture conditions for gADSCs, enhancing their potential applications in disease treatment and regenerative medicine.
Visual outcomes and patient satisfaction after implantations of three types of presbyopia-correcting intraocular lenses that have undergone corneal refractive surgery
Authors: Ni Shuang , Zhuo Baoxian , Cai Lei , Wang Min , Shen Jiying , Zhang Limei , Shen Wenqian , Guo Haike , Yang Jin
Published: April 2024

This prospective, non-randomized, comparative study aimed to compare the visual outcomes and patient satisfaction after implantations of three presbyopia-correcting intraocular lenses (IOLs) after myopic refractive surgery. It was conducted from January 2020 to December 2021 in Shanghai Heping Eye Hospital. Patients were divided into three groups based on the type of IOL implanted. The visual acuity, refractive stability, high-order aberrations, objective visual quality, spectacle independence, and visual function index 14 questionnaire scores of the three groups were compared. This study included 78 eyes of 39 patients: 26 eyes with 839MP, 26 eyes with MF30, and 26 eyes with ZXR00. Uncorrected distance visual acuity improved significantly for all three groups. For a pupil diameter of 4.0 mm, the spherical aberrations of the three groups were 0.33 ± 0.16μ, 0.50 ± 0.08μ, and 0.39 ± 0.10μ, respectively. The spectacle independence for distance vision was over 90% in each group; for near vision, it was only 25% for the ZXR00 group. All three types of presbyopia-correcting IOLs improved visual quality in post-LASIK or PRK patients. However, the high incidence of photic phenomena after presbyopia-correcting IOL implantation in patients who have undergone myopic LASIK should not be neglected.
The role of multi-walled carbon nanotubes in enhancing the hydrolysis and thermal stability of PLA
Authors: Diaz Varela Judith Yareli , Burciaga Jurado Lucero Guadalupe , Olivas Armendáriz Imelda , Martínez Pérez Carlos Alberto , Chapa González Christian
Published: April 2024

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a bioresorbable and biodegradable polymer extensively used in various biomedical and engineering applications. In this study, we investigated the mass loss and thermal properties of PLA-multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composites under simulated physiological conditions. The composites were prepared by melting PLA with 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 5.0 wt% MWCNTs using an ultrasonic agitator, and FTIR analysis confirmed composite formation. Subsequently, the composites were subjected to hydrolysis under simulated physiological conditions (pH 7.4 and 37 °C) for up to 60 days. The results revealed that the mass loss of the composites decreased with increasing MWCNT content, suggesting that the presence of MWCNTs decelerated the hydrolysis process. On day 58, the mass loss of pure PLA was 12.5%, decreasing to 8.34% with 0.1% MWCNT, 5.94% with 0.5% MWCNT, 4.59% with 1% MWCNT, and 3.54% with 5.0% MWCNT. This study offers valuable insights into the behavior of PLA-MWCNT composites under physiologically simulated conditions, facilitating the development of new polymer composites with enhanced thermal stability and degradation resistance for biomedical applications.
A damage constitutive model of layered slate under the action of triaxial compression and water environment erosion
Authors: Jia Jian , Tao Tiejun , Tian Xingchao , Xie Caijin , Jian Bingxi , Li Guoqing
Published: April 2024

Based on the macroscopic structure control theory, The slate with a significant bedding plane is a composite rock mass composed of rock blocks containing microscopic defects, joint surface closure elements, and shear deformation elements. Considering the coupling damage effect of water erosion and triaxial compressive load on bedding structure plane, the transversely isotropic damage constitutive model of slate under triaxial compressive load is derived with the dip angle of bedding and confining pressure as the variable. Firstly, based on the statistical theory of continuous damage mechanics and the maximum tensile strain criterion, the transversely isotropic deformation constitutive model of rock block with micro-defects is given; Secondly, based on the phenomenological theory of closed deformation and shear-slip deformation mechanism of layered structural plane under the coupling action of water erosion and triaxial compression load, the calculation formula of axial deformation of layered structural plane under the coupling action is given; Finally, to verify the accuracy of the established constitutive model, triaxial compression tests are carried out to study the influence of dip angle and confining pressure on the macroscopic mechanical properties and mechanism of slate. The results show that: the established triaxial compression damage constitutive model of bedding slate can accurately describe the stress–strain relationship of bedding slate after water environment erosion. With the increase of bedding dip angle, the strength and deformation capacity of the bedding slate first decreases and then increases, showing a U-shaped distribution as a whole. There are three main types of failure: tension shear composite failure, shear slip failure, and splitting tension failure.
The antioxidant activity and metabolomic analysis of the supernatant of Streptococcus alactolyticus strain FGM
Authors: Gu Xueyan , Wang Heng , Wang Lei , Zhang Kang , Tian Yuhu , Wang Xiaoya , Xu Guowei , Guo Zhiting , Ahmad Saad , Egide Hanyurwumutima , Liu Jiahui , Li Jianxi , Savelkoul Huub F. J. , Zhang Jingyan , Wang Xuezhi
Published: April 2024

Strain-specific probiotics can present antioxidant activity and reduce damage caused by oxidation. Streptococcus alactolyticus strain FGM (S. alactolyticus strain FGM) isolated from the chicken cecum shows potential probiotic properties which have been previously demonstrated. However, the antioxidant properties of S. alactolyticus strain FGM remain unknown. In this view, cell-free supernatant (CFS), intact cells (IC) and intracellular extracts (CFE) of strain FGM and 3 strains of Lactobacillus (LAB) were prepared, and their scavenging capacities against DPPH, hydroxyl radicals and linoleic acid peroxidation inhibitory were compared in this study. The effects of strain FGM cell-free supernatant (FCFS) on NO production, activity of SOD and GSH-Px in RAW264.7 cells and LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells were analyzed. The metabolites in the supernatant were quantitated by N300 Quantitative Metabolome. It was shown that the physicochemical characteristics of CFS to scavenge DPPH, hydroxyl radicals, and linoleic acid peroxidation inhibitory were significantly stronger than that of IC and CFE in the strain FGM (P < 0.05), respectively 87.12% ± 1.62, 45.03% ± 1.27, 15.63% ± 1.34. FCFS had a promotional effect on RAW264.7 cells, and significantly elevated SOD and GSH-Px activities in RAW264.7 cells. 25 μL FCFS significantly promoted the proliferation of RAW264.7 cells induced by LPS, increased the activities of SOD and GSH-PX, and decreased the release of NO. Furthermore, among the differential metabolites of FCFS quantified by N300, 12 metabolites were significantly up-regulated, including lactic acid, indole lactic acid, linoleic acid, pyruvic acid etc., many of which are known with antioxidant properties. In conclusion, FCFS had good antioxidant properties and activity, which can be attributed to metabolites produced from strain FGM fermentation. It was further confirmed that S. alactolyticus strain FGM and its postbiotic have potential probiotic properties and bright application prospects in livestock and poultry breeding.
Cover crop residue decomposition triggered soil oxygen depletion and promoted nitrous oxide emissions
Authors: Lussich Facundo , Dhaliwal Jashanjeet Kaur , Faiia Anthony M. , Jagadamma Sindhu , Schaeffer Sean M. , Saha Debasish
Published: April 2024

Cover cropping is a promising strategy to improve soil health, but it may also trigger greenhouse gas emissions, especially nitrous oxide (N2O). Beyond nitrogen (N) availability, cover crop residue decomposition may accelerate heterotrophic respiration to limit soil O2 availability, hence promote N2O emissions from denitrification under sub-optimal water-filled pore space (WFPS) conditions that are typically not conducive to large N2O production. We conducted a 21-day incubation experiment to examine the effects of contrasting cover crop residue (grass vs legume) decomposition on soil O2 and biogeochemical changes to influence N2O and CO2 emissions from 15N labeled fertilized soils under 50% and 80% WFPS levels. Irrespective of cover crop type, mixing cover crop residue with N fertilizer resulted in high cumulative N2O emissions under both WFPS conditions. In the absence of cover crop residues, the N fertilizer effect of N2O was only realized under 80% WFPS, whereas it was comparable to the control under 50% WFPS. The N2O peaks under 50% WFPS coincided with soil O2 depletion and concomitant high CO2 emissions when cover crop residues were mixed with N fertilizer. While N fertilizer largely contributed to the total N2O emissions from the cover crop treatments, soil organic matter and/or cover crop residue derived N2O had a greater contribution under 50% than 80% WFPS. Our results underscore the importance of N2O emissions from cover crop-based fertilized systems under relatively lower WFPS via a mechanism of respiration-induced anoxia and highlight potential risks of underestimating N2O emissions under sole reliance on WFPS.
Alternations in the human skin, gut and vaginal microbiomes in perimenopausal or postmenopausal Vulvar lichen sclerosus
Authors: Ma Xiaolei , Wen Guangdong , Zhao Zheng , Lu Lulu , Li Tianying , Gao Na , Han Gangwen
Published: April 2024

Vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) is a chronic and progressive dermatologic condition that can cause physical dysfunction, disfigurement, and impaired quality of life. However, the etiology of VLS remains unknown. The vulvar skin, intestinal and vaginal microbiomes have been postulated to play important roles in the pathogenesis of this disease. The aim of this study was to compare the compositional characteristics of the vulvar skin, vagina, and gut microbiota between perimenopausal or postmenopausal VLS patients and healthy controls. The study involved six perimenopausal or postmenopausal VLS patients which were based on characteristic clinical manifestations and histologic confirmation and five healthy controls. The pruritus severity of each patient was evaluated using the NRS scale, and the dermatology-specific health-related quality of life was assessed using the Skindex-16. Metagenomic sequencing was performed, and the results were analyzed for alpha and beta diversity. LEfSe analysis were used to investigate the microbial alterations in vulvar skin, gut and vagina. KEGG databases were used to analyze differences in functional abundance. The study found significant differences in alpha diversity between the two groups in stool and vaginal samples (P < 0.05). Patients with VLS had a higher abundance ofEnterobacter cloacae,Flavobacterium_branchiophilum,Mediterranea_sp._An20, Parabacteroides_johnsoniiandStreptococcus_bovimastitidison the vulvar skin, whileCorynebacterium_sp._zg-913was less abundant compared to the control group. The relative abundance ofSphingomonas_sp._SCN_67_18,Sphingobium_sp._Ant17,andPontibacter_sp_BT213was significantly higher in the gut samples of patients with VLS.Paenibacillus_popilliae,Gemella_asaccharolytica, andCoriobacteriales_bacterium_DNF00809compared to the control group. Additionally, the vaginal samples of patients with VLS exhibited a significantly lower relative abundance ofBacteroidales_bacterium_43_8,Bacteroides_sp._CAG:20,Blautia_sp._AM28-10, Fibrobacter_sp._UWB16,Lachnospiraceae_bacterium_AM25-39, Holdemania_filiformis, Lachnospiraceae_bacterium_GAM79, andTolumonas_sp. Additionally, thebutyrate-producing bacterium SS3/4showed a significant difference compared to the controls. The study found a negative relationship betweenSphingobium_sp._Ant17in stool and Skindex-16 (P < 0.05), whileMediterranea_sp._An20had a positive correlation with Skindex-16 (P < 0.05) in the skin. Additionally, our functional analysis revealed alterations in Aminoacyl_tRNA_biosynthesis, Glutathione_metabolism, the pentose phosphate pathway, and Alanine__aspartate_and_glutamate_metabolism in the VLS patient group. The study suggests that perimenopausal or postmenopausal patients with VLS have a modified microbiome in the vulvar skin, gut, and vagina. This modification is linked to abnormal energy metabolism, increased oxidative stress, and abnormal amino acid metabolism.
Hypoxia treatment and resistance training alters microRNA profiling in rats skeletal muscle
Authors: Mei Tao , Hu Yang , Zhang Ying , Li Yanchun
Published: April 2024

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) may play a crucial regulatory role in the process of muscle atrophy induced by high-altitude hypoxia and its amelioration through resistance training. However, research in this aspect is still lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to employ miRNA microarray analysis to investigate the expression profile of miRNAs in skeletal muscle from an animal model of hypoxia-induced muscle atrophy and resistance training aimed at mitigating muscle atrophy. The study utilized a simulated hypoxic environment (oxygen concentration at 11.2%) to induce muscle atrophy and established a rat model of resistance training using ladder climbing, with a total intervention period of 4 weeks. The miRNA expression profile revealed 9 differentially expressed miRNAs influenced by hypoxia (e.g., miR-341, miR-32-5p, miR-465-5p) and 14 differentially expressed miRNAs influenced by resistance training under hypoxic conditions (e.g., miR-338-5p, miR-203a-3p, miR-92b-3p) (∣log2(FC)∣ ≥ 1.5, p < 0.05). The differentially expressed miRNAs were found to target genes involved in muscle protein synthesis and degradation (such as Utrn, mdm2, eIF4E), biological processes (such as negative regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter, regulation of transcription, DNA-dependent), and signaling pathways (such as Wnt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, mTOR signaling pathway). This study provides a foundation for understanding and further exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying hypoxia-induced rats muscle atrophy and the mitigation of atrophy through resistance training.
High sensitivity methods for automated rib fracture detection in pediatric radiographs
Authors: Burkow Jonathan , Holste Gregory , Otjen Jeffrey , Perez Francisco , Junewick Joseph , Zbojniewicz Andy , Romberg Erin , Menashe Sarah , Frost Jamie , Alessio Adam
Published: April 2024

Rib fractures are highly predictive of non-accidental trauma in children under 3 years old. Rib fracture detection in pediatric radiographs is challenging because fractures can be obliquely oriented to the imaging detector, obfuscated by other structures, incomplete, and non-displaced. Prior studies have shown up to two-thirds of rib fractures may be missed during initial interpretation. In this paper, we implemented methods for improving the sensitivity (i.e. recall) performance for detecting and localizing rib fractures in pediatric chest radiographs to help augment performance of radiology interpretation. These methods adapted two convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures, RetinaNet and YOLOv5, and our previously proposed decision scheme, “avalanche decision”, that dynamically reduces the acceptance threshold for proposed regions in each image. Additionally, we present contributions of using multiple image pre-processing and model ensembling techniques. Using a custom dataset of 1109 pediatric chest radiographs manually labeled by seven pediatric radiologists, we performed 10-fold cross-validation and reported detection performance using several metrics, including F2 score which summarizes precision and recall for high-sensitivity tasks. Our best performing model used three ensembled YOLOv5 models with varied input processing and an avalanche decision scheme, achieving an F2 score of 0.725 ± 0.012. Expert inter-reader performance yielded an F2 score of 0.732. Results demonstrate that our combination of sensitivity-driving methods provides object detector performance approaching the capabilities of expert human readers, suggesting that these methods may provide a viable approach to identify all rib fractures.
Spatial response of water level and quality shows more significant heterogeneity during dry seasons in large river-connected lakes
Authors: Yin Yingze , Xia Rui , Liu Xiaoyu , Chen Yan , Song Jinxi , Dou Jinghui
Published: April 2024

The spatial response mechanism of hydrology and water quality of large river-connected lakes is very complicated. In this study, we developed a spatial response analysis method that couples wavelet correlation analysis (WTC) with self-organizing maps (SOM), revealing the spatial response and variation of water level and water quality in Poyang Lake, China's largest river-connected lake, over the past decade. The results show that: (1) there was significant spatial heterogeneity in water level and quality during the dry seasons (2010–2018) compared to other hydrological stages. (2) We identified a more pronounced difference in response of water level and quality between northern and southern parts of Poyang Lake. As the distance increases from the northern lake outlet, the impact of rising water levels on water quality deterioration intensified during the dry seasons. (3) The complex spatial heterogeneity of water level and quality response in the dry seasons is primarily influenced by water level fluctuations from the northern region and the cumulative pollutant entering the lake from the south, which particularly leads to the reversal of the response in the central area of Poyang Lake. The results of this study can contribute to scientific decision-making regarding water environment zoning management in large river-connected lakes amidst complex environment conditions.
Single-shot readout of a superconducting qubit using a thermal detector
Authors: Gunyhó András M. , Kundu Suman , Ma Jian , Liu Wei , Niemelä Sakari , Catto Giacomo , Vadimov Vasilii , Vesterinen Visa , Singh Priyank , Chen Qiming , Möttönen Mikko
Published: April 2024

Measuring the state of a qubit is a key fundamental operation of a quantum computer. High-fidelity single-shot readout of superconducting qubits can be achieved using parametric amplifiers at millikelvin temperatures. However, scaling parametric amplifiers beyond hundreds of qubits is challenging due to practical size and power limitations. Nanobolometers can, in contrast, offer scalability, sensitivity and speed suitable for qubit readout. Here we show that a bolometer can provide single-shot qubit readout with a readout duration of 13.9 μs and a single-shot fidelity of 0.618. The fidelity is mainly limited by the energy relaxation time of the qubit (28 μs), and a fidelity of 0.927 is found after removing errors arising from this relaxation. In the future, higher-fidelity single-shot readout may be achieved through improvements in chip design and experimental setup, as well as a change in the bolometer absorber material to reduce the readout time to the level of hundreds of nanoseconds and below.
Foxp1 suppresses cortical angiogenesis and attenuates HIF-1alpha signaling to promote neural progenitor cell maintenance
Authors: Buth Jessie E , Dyevich Catherine E , Rubin Alexandra , Wang Chengbing , Gao Lei , Marks Tessa , Harrison Michael RM , Kong Jennifer H , Ross M Elizabeth , Novitch Bennett G , Pearson Caroline Alayne
Published: April 2024

Neural progenitor cells within the cerebral cortex undergo a characteristic switch between symmetric self-renewing cell divisions early in development and asymmetric neurogenic divisions later. Yet, the mechanisms controlling this transition remain unclear. Previous work has shown that early but not late neural progenitor cells (NPCs) endogenously express the autism-linked transcription factor Foxp1, and both loss and gain of Foxp1 function can alter NPC activity and fate choices. Here, we show that premature loss of Foxp1 upregulates transcriptional programs regulating angiogenesis, glycolysis, and cellular responses to hypoxia. These changes coincide with a premature destabilization of HIF-1α, an elevation in HIF-1α target genes, including Vegfa in NPCs, and precocious vascular network development. In vitro experiments demonstrate that stabilization of HIF-1α in Foxp1-deficient NPCs rescues the premature differentiation phenotype and restores NPC maintenance. Our data indicate that the endogenous decline in Foxp1 expression activates the HIF-1α transcriptional program leading to changes in the tissue environment adjacent to NPCs, which, in turn, might alter their self-renewal and neurogenic capacities.
The impact of carbon NPs on the accumulation of storage proteins and the generation advancement of the polyphagous insect pest tobacco cutworm Spodoptera litura (Fabricius)
Authors: Pandey Rashmi , Chauhan Ranjana , Saurabh Sharad , Shukla Anoop Kumar , Jamal Farrukh , Singh Sheelendra Pratap , Singh Pradhyumna Kumar , Mishra Manisha
Published: April 2024

Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is globally considered one of the most important agricultural pests.
Preparation of MOF-derived molybdenum-carbide-modified PtCu nano-alloy catalysts and their methanol oxidation performance
Authors: Zhang Xuanhua , Wang Chao , Luan Chao , Liao Mengyin , Xu Wenyuan
Published: April 2024

The catalytic performance of Pt0.10/Cu-MoC catalyst is higher than that of commercial Pt/C. After stability test, the performance has reserved to 79.2% of the initial value, and the onset potential for CO oxidation is lower than that of commercial Pt/C.
Review of biomimetic ordered microstructures in advancing synergistic integration of adhesion and microfluidics
Authors: Wei Meng , Zhou Qian , Ma Xiaoming , Gao Bingbing
Published: April 2024

Many ordered arrangements are observable in the natural world, serving not only as pleasing aesthetics but also as functional improvements.
Amaranthus hybridus waste solid biofuel: comparative and machine learning studies
Authors: Bamisaye Abayomi , Ige Ayodeji Rapheal , Adegoke Kayode Adesina , Adegoke Idowu Abimbola , Bamidele Muyideen Olaitan , Alli Yakubu Adekunle , Adeleke Oluwatobi , Idowu Mopelola Abidemi
Published: April 2024

The diminishing supply of fossil fuels, their detrimental environmental effects, and the challenges associated with the disposal of agro-waste necessitated the development of renewable and sustainable alternative energy sources.
High-throughput single biomarker identification using droplet nanopore
Authors: Zhang Lin-Lin , Zhong Cheng-Bing , Huang Ting-Jing , Zhang Li-Min , Yan Feng , Ying Yi-Lun
Published: April 2024

The droplet nanopore technique is developed for multichannel high-throughput and low-volume single biomarker detection at the sub-microliter level, effectively lowering the detection limit for biomarkers to below 100 pg in a 0.4 μL droplet.
Step-like 10-nm channel for high-performance PbS colloidal quantum dots near-infrared photodetector
Authors: Su Xuanguang , Han Jianfu , Liu Yiwei , Huang Kai , Cao Juexian
Published: April 2024

The photodetector, featuring a 10-nm step-like channel, demonstrates a significantly improved responsivity of 23 A W−1 and an exceptionally high external quantum efficiency of 2800% upon spin-coating with PbS CQDs under 1000-nm illumination.
Small extracellular vesicles’ enrichment from biological fluids using an acoustic trap
Authors: Chen Mengli , Pei Zhiguo , Wang Yao , Song Feifei , Zhong Jinfeng , Wang Ce , Ma Yuting
Published: April 2024

A highly efficient acoustic microfluidic trap that can offer low and large volume compatible ways of enriching sEVs from biological fluids has been reported.
High-accuracy experimental determination of photon mass attenuation coefficients of transition metals and lithium fluoride in the ultra-soft energy range
Authors: Schweizer Pia , Ménesguen Yves , Lépy Marie-Christine , Brackx Emmanuelle , Duchateau Maxime , Jonnard Philippe
Published: April 2024

Precise knowledge of photon mass attenuation coefficients for elemental quantification in X-ray analysis is crucial. The transmittance measurements reveal significant differences from existing data tables, particularly around absorption edges.
Low field controllable continuous spin switching in the thulium–ytterbium single crystal
Authors: Fan Wencheng , Ma Xiaoxuan , Zhao Gang , Chen Haiyang , Jia Rongrong , Kang Baojuan , Feng Zhenjie , Ge Jun-Yi , Zhang Jincang , Cao Shixun
Published: April 2024

The spin switching trigger temperature of the TYFO single crystal varies with different magnetic fields.
Preparation of a ZnIn2S4–AlOOH composite for the photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO
Authors: Lin Sisi , Wang Xinkui , Liang Xiaoyu , Zhang Xinxin , Wang Min
Published: April 2024

Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to high value-added chemicals and fuels has received widespread attention.
Highly-selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde over Co1/NC catalysts
Authors: Xue Fan , Li Yanle , Bi Jingyue , Zhuang Shangpu , Cui Mifen , Fei Zhaoyang , Tian Ziqi , Qiao Xu
Published: April 2024

The enhanced catalytic performance of Co1/NC catalysts compared to the CoNPs/NC catalyst was attributed to the formed CoN4 sites, which could moderately activate oxygen and accelerate the desorption of generated benzaldehyde.
Blue light-driven selective aerobic oxidation of amines by benzothiadiazole metal–organic framework photocatalysis
Authors: Zeng Bing , Wang Yuexin , Huang Fengwei , Xiong Kanghui , Zhang Keke , Lang Xianjun
Published: April 2024

A zirconium-based benzothiadiazole metal–organic framework, UiO-68-BT, performs blue light-driven selective oxidation of benzyl amines with O2 by photocatalysis.
Multifunctional chemical anchors achieve a boosted fill factor and mitigate ion migration of high-stability perovskite solar cells
Authors: Han Jun , Luo Dandan , Huang Wei , Wang Fei , Jia Chong , Li Xinhua , Chen Yiqing
Published: April 2024

To date, it is urgent to produce perovskite films with comparative or even better morphologies in an open-air environment.
Effective oxygen activation on polyoxometalate-based hybrids for epoxidation of alkenes
Authors: Bai Xue , Zhu Maochun , Liu Yifei , Xing Min , Ji Xiaoying , Zhang Ange , Yang Yanli , Lu Ying , Liu Shuxia
Published: April 2024

The synergistic effect of transition metal (TM) centers and POMs anions in the title compound promotes its catalytic performance in the oxidation of styrene with O2 as the oxidant.
Ionic conduction in ammonia functionalised closo-dodecaborates MB12H11NH3 (M = Li and Na)
Authors: Jensen Steffen R. H. , Jørgensen Mathias , Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao , Nolan Greg , Buckley Craig E. , Jensen Torben R. , Paskevicius Mark
Published: April 2024

Metal hydroborates offer impressive solid-state ion conduction, which may see them used in battery applications.
Zeolite-like ion-exchanged Cu-attapulgite catalysts for promoted selective oxidation of ammonia
Authors: Zhang Xuebin , Lan Tianwei , Yi Qiuying , Wang Yufei , Cheng Danhong , Zhang Dengsong
Published: April 2024

Zeolite-like ion-exchanged Cu-attapulgite catalysts have been developed for selective catalytic oxidation of ammonia.
On the notion of strong correlation in electronic structure theory
Authors: Ganoe Brad , Shee James
Published: April 2024

We aim not to define the term strong correlation once and for all, but to highlight one possibility that is both rigorously defined and physically transparent, and remains so in reference to molecules and quantum lattice models.
Simple strategy to suppress the thermal effect for multi-element analysis in sulfide minerals by LA-ICP-MS with a cryogenic ablation cell
Authors: Li Huilai , Li Fan , Guo Wei , Jin Lanlan , Hu Shenghong
Published: April 2024

A simple method is presented to suppress the thermal effect for the accurate determination of multi-elements in sulfide minerals using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with a cryogenic ablation cell (CLA-ICP-MS).
A point-of-care testing platform for on-site identification of genetically modified crops
Authors: Wang Yangyang , Yang Furui , Fu Yingyi , He Xin , Tian Haowei , Yang Lili , Wu Mengxi , Cao Jijuan , Liu Junshan
Published: April 2024

To fulfil the urgent needs of on-site testing, we develop a point-of-care testing platform that is able to identify 12 types of GM crops in less than 40 minutes without using laboratory settings.
DNA-modified Prussian blue nanozymes for enhanced electrochemical biosensing
Authors: Huang Lin-Hui , Hsieh Yu-Yu , Yang Fu-An , Liao Wei-Ching
Published: April 2024

We present a method to create DNA-modified Prussian blue nanozymes, enhancing the stability and multi-analyte detection.
Imaging of voltage-controlled switching of magnetization in highly magnetostrictive epitaxial Fe–Ga microstructures
Authors: Goiriena Maite , Xiao Zhuyun , Steinhardt Rachel , Estrada Victor , Tamura Nobumichi , Chopdekar Rajesh V. , N'Diaye Alpha T. , Sepúlveda Abdon , Schlom Darrell G. , Candler Rob N. , Bokor Jeffrey
Published: April 2024

Tuning the magnetoelectric behavior of epitaxial 15 nm-thick Fe–Ga microstructures by varying their shape, size and orientation.
3-Halo-5,6-dihydro-4H-1,2-oxazine N-oxides as synthetic equivalents of unsaturated nitrile oxides in the [3 + 2]-cycloaddition with arynes: synthesis of substituted 3-vinyl-1,2-benzisoxazoles
Authors: Lukoyanov Alexander A. , Aksenova Svetlana A. , Tabolin Andrey A. , Sukhorukov Alexey Yu.
Published: April 2024

3-Halo-1,2-oxazine N-oxide derivatives act as surrogates of vinyl nitrile oxides in tandem [3 + 2]-cycloaddition/[3 + 2]-cyclofragmentation with arynes leading to benzisoxazoles.
Asymmetric total synthesis of humulane sesquiterpenoids alashanoids B, C, E, and F and 2,9-humuladien-6-ol-8-one
Authors: Barik Rasmita , Nanda Samik
Published: April 2024

Naturally occurring sesquiterpenes having humulane frameworks are structurally intriguing and possess significant biological profiles.
Visible-light-mediated Diels–Alder reactions under single-chain polymer confinement: investigating the role of the crosslinking moiety on catalyst activity
Authors: Spicuzza Michael , Gaikwad Shweta Prakesh , Huss Steven , Lee Annemarie A. , Craescu Cristina V. , Griggs Anna , Joseph Joshmi , Puthenpurayil Mark , Lin Wilson , Matarazzo Christopher , Baldwin Stanley , Perez Victoria , Rodriguez-Acevedo Diego Alejandro , Swierk John R. , Elacqua Elizabeth
Published: April 2024

Single-chain polymer nanoparticle photoredox catalysts are designed wherein spatial proximity enables the crosslinking acene to act as a redox mediator, thus achieving up to 30-fold enhancement of catalyst activity in the model Diels–Alder reaction.
Development of a photoenzymatic one-pot hybrid system for the direct synthesis of 3,3-disubstituted indole-2-ketones from N-methyl indoles
Authors: Yao Yao , Yu Yuan , Shi Ming-Liang , Fan Xin-Yue , Lin Ru-De , Li Kun , Li Wen-Dian , Tao Fei-Yan , Wang Na
Published: April 2024

The effective combination of photocatalysis and enzyme catalysis has been widely utilized for the synthesis of high-value-added products.
Metamagnetism and canted antiferromagnetic ordering in two monomeric CoII complexes with 1-(2-pyrimidyl)piperazine. Hirshfeld surface analysis and theoretical studies
Authors: Hannachi Anissa , El Bakri Youness , Saravanan Kandasamy , Gómez-García Carlos J. , Abuelizz Hatem A. , Al-Salahi Rashad , Smirani Wajda
Published: April 2024

The current research presents the magnetic properties of two cobalt complexes and theoretical studies have been used to explain this behavior.
Highly emissive blue graphene quantum dots with excitation-independent emission via ultrafast liquid-phase photoreduction
Authors: Lee Jae-Won , Kwak Ji Hye , Kim Juhee , Jang Yoon-Kwan , Han Joong Tark , Kim Tae-Jin , Hong Kyong-Soo , Jeong Hee Jin , Yang Imjeong H.-S.
Published: April 2024

Graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs) are promising candidates for biomedical applications since they have lower toxicity and higher biocompatibility than traditional semiconductor quantum dots.
Binding of carbon dioxide and acetylene to free carboxylic acid sites in a metal–organic framework
Authors: Marsh Christopher , Han Xue , Lu Zhenzhong , da Silva Ivan , Cheng Yongqiang , Daemen Luke L. , Day Sarah J. , Thompson Stephen P. , Ramirez-Cuesta Anibal J. , Yang Sihai , Schröder Martin
Published: April 2024

Metal–organic frameworks incorporating free carboxylic acid and hydroxyl groups are beneficial for selective uptake of small molecules such as CO2 and C2H2. This has been revealed through SXPD and INS/DFT studies.
Enantioselective copper-catalyzed B–H bond insertion reaction of α-diazo phosphonates to access chiral α-boryl phosphonates
Authors: Li Longlong , Yu Kui , An Hejun , Cai Xinping , Song Qiuling
Published: April 2024

Chiral phosphorus-containing compounds find applications across various fields, including asymmetric catalysis, medicinal chemistry, and materials science.
Spatiotemporal mapping of nanotopography and thickness transitions of ultrathin foam films
Authors: Xu Chenxian , Zhang Yiran , Sharma Vivek
Published: April 2024

Schematic of the set-up used for implementing IDIOM (interferometry digital imaging optical microscopy) protocols to visualize ultrathin films using reflected light microscopy and obtain nanotopography by converting pixelwise interference intensity into thickness.
Co–Co2C catalysts supported on carbon-coated ordered mesoporous silica with promoted CO insertion and C–C coupling for higher alcohol synthesis from syngas
Authors: Li Zhuoshi , Fan Siqi , Zeng Zhuang , Guo Shaoxia , Pei Xiaofeng , Huang Shouying , Wang Yong , Wang Yue , Ma Xinbin
Published: April 2024

Co–Co2C catalysts supported on carbon-coated ordered mesoporous silica showed superior performance for HAS than catalysts with uncoated and amorphous supports.
Sheet-on-sheet architectural assembly of MOF/graphene for high-stability NO sensing at room temperature
Authors: Chang Yanwei , Zhang Jingxing , Lu Ruofei , Li Weiran , Feng Yuchen , Gao Yixun , Yang Haihong , Wang Fengnan , Li Hao , Lee Yi-Kuen , French Patrick J. , Umar Siddiqui Ahmad M. , Wang Yao , Zhou Guofu
Published: April 2024

Sheet-on-sheet architectural heterojunction (DLS-2D-Co-TCPP(Fe)/ANS–rGO-0.5) with Fe–N4 units was prepared which exhibited superior sensing performance toward NO at room temperature, including a pLOD of 100 ppb and long-term stability over 60 days.
Sensitivity–stability trade-off in conductive foam-based pressure sensors
Authors: Zhu Weigang , Liu Xianzhe , Chen Xinqing , Chen Kai , Huang Min , Hu Fengming , Zeng Fanchao , Yu Mengxia , Chen Mingxin , Huang Aiping , Chen Zhiming , Luo Jianyi
Published: April 2024

Modulation of the diaphragm pore radius modifies the synergistic effects of contact resistance and volume resistance for high sensitivity and stability.
Bright green electroluminescence with an EQE of 4.6% from a host–guest OLED fabricated from an unsymmetric liquid crystalline N-annulated perylene ester imide as a dopant
Authors: Behera Paresh Kumar , Chen Feng-Rong , Jou Jwo-Huei , Achalkumar Ammathnadu Sudhakar
Published: April 2024

Bay N-annulated perylene diester imide, with a swallow tail at one end and straight chains at the other end, exhibited a stabilized columnar hexagonal phase, and showed a bright green electroluminescence of 5269 cd m−2 and EQEmax of 4.6%.
Asymptotic performance of reconfigurable intelligent surface assisted MIMO communication for large systems using random matrix theory
Authors: Hu Feng , Zhang Hongliu , Chen ShuTing , Jin Libiao , Zhang Jinhao , Feng Yunfei
Published: April 2024

Reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) can provide unprecedented spectral efficiency gains and excellent ability to manipulate electromagnetic waves. This article considered a RIS‐assisted multiuser multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) downlink system, where the beamforming at the base station and RIS are jointly designed to maximize the sum‐rate. For the large dimension scenario and high‐rank beamforming matrix, the accurate deterministic approximations from random matrix theory are then utilized to simplify the RIS‐assisted MIMO systems. The asymptotical signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio values obtained through random matrix theory is infinitely close to the theoretical limits calculated by accurately iteration. And the performance of the proposed algorithm computed via the sharing second‐order channel statistics matches that of the RIS algorithm with sharing full channel state information asymptotically. The deterministic approximations are instrumental to get improvement into the structure of the optimal beamforming and to reduce the implementation complexity in large‐scale MIMO system. Numerical simulations results are provided to evaluate and verify the accuracy of the asymptotic results obtained from the proposed algorithm in the finite system regime. With the complex operation process of large dimension matrix reducing to the deterministic approximations, a lower computational complexity can be obtained compared with other methods.