bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovative preconditioning strategies for improving the therapeutic efficacy of extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells in gastrointestinal diseases
Authors: Didamoony Manar A. , Soubh Ayman A. , Atwa Ahmed M. , Ahmed Lamiaa A.
Published: October 2023

Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases have become a global health issue and an economic burden due to their wide distribution, late prognosis, and the inefficacy of recent available medications. Therefore, it is crucial to search for new strategies for their management. In the recent decades, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) therapy has attracted attention as a viable option for treating a myriad of GI disorders such as hepatic fibrosis (HF), ulcerative colitis (UC), acute liver injury (ALI), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) due to their regenerative and paracrine properties. Importantly, recent studies have shown that MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) are responsible for most of the therapeutic effects of MSCs. In addition, EVs have revealed several benefits over their parent MSCs, such as being less immunogenic, having a lower risk of tumour formation, being able to cross biological barriers, and being easier to store. MSC-EVs exhibited regenerative, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-fibrotic effects in different experimental models of GI diseases. However, a key issue with their clinical application is the maintenance of their stability and efficacy following in vivo transplantation. Preconditioning of MSC-EVs or their parent cells is one of the novel methods used to improve their effectiveness and stability. Herein, we discuss the application of MSC-EVs in several GI disorders taking into account their mechanism of action. We also summarise the challenges and restrictions that need to be overcome to promote their clinical application in the treatment of various GI diseases as well as the recent developments to improve their effectiveness.

Graphical abstract

A representation of the innovative preconditioning techniques that have been suggested for improving the therapeutic efficacy of MSC-EVs in GI diseases. The pathological conditions in various GI disorders (ALI, UC, HF and NAFLD) create a harsh environment for EVs and their parents, increasing the risk of apoptosis and senescence of MSCs and thereby diminishing MSC-EVs yield and restricting their large-scale applications. Preconditioning with pharmacological agents or biological mediators can improve the therapeutic efficacy of MSC-EVs through their adaption to the lethal environment to which they are subjected. This can result in establishment of a more conducive environment and activation of numerous vital trajectories that act to improve the immunomodulatory, reparative and regenerative activities of the derived EVs, as a part of MSCs paracrine system. ALI, acute liver injury; GI diseases, gastrointestinal diseases; HF, hepatic fibrosis; HSP, heat shock protein; miRNA, microRNA; mRNA, messenger RNA; MSC-EVs, mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles; NAFLD, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; UC, ulcerative colitis.
Comparison of voltages between atria: differences in sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation
Authors: Bates Alexander P. , Paisey John , Yue Arthur , Banks Phil , Roberts Paul R. , Ullah Waqas
Published: October 2023

Background

Ultra high-density mapping systems allow for comparison of atrial electroanatomical maps in unprecedented detail. Atrial scar determined by voltages and surface area between atria, rhythm and atrial fibrillation (AF) types was assessed.

Methods

Left (LA) and right atrial (RA) maps were created using Rhythmia HDx in patients listed for ablation for paroxysmal (PAF, sinus rhythm (SR) maps only) or persistent AF (PeAF, AF and SR maps). Electrograms on corresponding SR/AF maps were paired for direct comparison. Percentage surface area of scar was assigned low- (LVM, ≤ 0.05 mV), intermediate- (IVM, 0.05–0.5 mV) or normal voltage myocardium, (NVM, > 0.5 mV).

Results

Thirty-eight patients were recruited generating 96 maps using 913,480 electrograms. Paired SR-AF bipolar electrograms showed fair correlation in LA (Spearman’s ρ = 0.32) and weak correlation in RA (ρ = 0.19) and were significantly higher in SR in both (LA: 0.61 mV (0.20–1.67) vs 0.31 mV (0.10–0.74), RA: 0.68 mV (0.19–1.88) vs 0.47 mV (0.14–1.07), p < 0.0005 both). Voltages were significantly higher in patients with PAF over PeAF, (LA: 1.13 mV (0.39–2.93) vs 0.52 mV (0.16–1.49); RA: 0.93 mV (0.24–2.46) vs 0.57 mV (0.17–1.69)). Minimal differences were seen in electrogram voltages between atria.

Significantly more IVM/LVM surface areas were seen in AF over SR (LA only, p < 0005), and PeAF over PAF (LA: p = 0.01, RA: p = 0.04). There was minimal difference between atria within patients.

Conclusions

Ultra high-density mapping shows paired electrograms correlate poorly between SR and AF. SR electrograms are typically (but not always) larger than those in AF. Patients with PeAF have a lower global electrogram voltage than those with PAF. Electrogram voltages are similar between atria within individual patients.
TIC: text-guided image colorization using conditional generative model
Authors: Ghosh Subhankar , Roy Prasun , Bhattacharya Saumik , Pal Umapada , Blumenstein Michael
Published: October 2023

Image colorization is a well-known problem in computer vision. However, due to the ill-posed nature of the task, image colorization is inherently challenging. Though several attempts have been made by researchers to make the colorization pipeline automatic, these processes often produce unrealistic results due to a lack of conditioning. In this work, we attempt to integrate textual descriptions as an auxiliary condition, along with the grayscale image that is to be colorized, to improve the fidelity of the colorization process. To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the first attempts to incorporate textual conditioning in the colorization pipeline. To do so, a novel deep network has been proposed that takes two inputs (the grayscale image and the respective encoded text description) and tries to predict the relevant color gamut. As the respective textual descriptions contain color information of the objects present in the scene, the text encoding helps to improve the overall quality of the predicted colors. The proposed model has been evaluated using different metrics like SSIM, PSNR, LPISPS and achieved scores of 0.917, 23.27,0.223, respectively. These quantitative metrics have shown that the proposed method outperforms the SOTA techniques in most of the cases.
Description and molecular data for a new acanthocephalan parasite, Polymorphus circi n. sp. (Polymorphidae) from the Australasian harrier (Circus approximans Peale) in New Zealand
Authors: Presswell Bronwen , Bennett Jerusha
Published: October 2023

Species of genus Polymorphus Lühe, 1911 (Polymorphidae) are acanthocephalans found in fish-eating birds and waterfowl. Although found in many parts of the world, including Australia, no records exist from New Zealand. Because of the largely aquatic intermediate host, Polymorphus species are rarely found in terrestrial birds of prey. During a study of the helminths of the Australasian harrier Circus approximans Peale specimens of Polymorphus were recovered that were found to be new to science. Polymorphus circin. sp. is formally described and genetic sequence data presented. Specimens were distinguished from all other species by a combination of characters, including their proboscis hook arrangement (20–22 rows of 11–13 hooks), as well as absence of sexual dimorphism, trunk size, proboscis shape and egg size. These acanthocephalans were found in birds from areas with the potential to support freshwater, brackish or marine amphipods, but as yet the actual intermediate hosts are unknown.
Diagnostische Instrumente im Führungskräfte-Coaching – mehr Schaden als Nutzen?
Authors: de Haan Erik , Metselaar Carine
Published: October 2023

Wie nützlich sind psychometrische und diagnostische Instrumente für das Coaching? In diesem Beitrag wird argumentiert, dass verschiedene Instrumente nicht nur keinen großen Nutzen haben, sondern in manchen Fällen sogar nachteilig sein können.
Valorisation of Whisky Distillery Waste as a Sustainable Source of Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties with Neuroprotective Potential
Authors: Blaikie Laura , Don Aakash Welgamage , Franzen Xenia , Fernandez Carlos , Faisal Nadimul , Kong Thoo Lin Paul
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Waste by-products such as pot ale are abundantly produced during the whisky distillation process and are conventionally used as livestock feed, however a significant proportion continues to require land and sea disposal. Here, the novel potential of whisky by-products as antioxidant and antibacterial agents was investigated.

Methods

The total phenolic content and antioxidant potential of waste by-products from whisky distillation were evaluated using FC and DPPH assays. Their DNA protective properties were assessed with gel electrophoresis. The cytotoxicity and cell protective effects of pot ale, in addition to its antibacterial activity, were also studied in this work.

Results

Pot ale demonstrated the strongest antioxidant activity of the by-products tested and could reduce DNA damage by 52% at 0.5 mg/mL. Furthermore, pot ale was non-toxic in a neuroblastoma cell line up to 5 mg/mL and protected against the toxic effects of two inducers of oxidative stress (rotenone and hydrogen peroxide) by up to 1.25-fold. Pot ale also showed potent antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus with the minimum inhibitory concentration of 25 µg/mL and 1.56 µg/mL respectively.

Conclusion

This work provides the first evidence of the potential of whisky by-products as antioxidants and antimicrobials with no adverse effects in cells, thereby promoting a circular economy.

Graphical Abstract
Three arguments for wave function realism
Authors: Ney Alyssa
Published: October 2023

Wave function realism is an interpretative framework for quantum theories which recommends taking the central ontology of these theories to consist of the quantum wave function, understood as a field on a high-dimensional space. This paper presents and evaluates three standard arguments for wave function realism, and clarifies the sort of ontological framework these arguments support.
Demystifying the Salt-Induced Li Loss: A Universal Procedure for the Electrolyte Design of Lithium-Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhu Zhenglu , Li Xiaohui , Qi Xiaoqun , Ji Jie , Ji Yongsheng , Jiang Ruining , Liang Chaofan , Yang Dan , Yang Ze , Qie Long , Huang Yunhui
Published: October 2023

Lithium (Li) metal electrodes show significantly different reversibility in the electrolytes with different salts. However, the understanding on how the salts impact on the Li loss remains unclear. Herein, using the electrolytes with different salts (e.g., lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6), lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate (LiDFOB), and lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)amide (LiFSI)) as examples, we decouple the irreversible Li loss (SEI Li+ and “dead” Li) during cycling. It is found that the accumulation of both SEI Li+ and “dead” Li may be responsible to the irreversible Li loss for the Li metal in the electrolyte with LiPF6 salt. While for the electrolytes with LiDFOB and LiFSI salts, the accumulation of “dead” Li predominates the Li loss. We also demonstrate that lithium nitrate and fluoroethylene carbonate additives could, respectively, function as the “dead” Li and SEI Li+ inhibitors. Inspired by the above understandings, we propose a universal procedure for the electrolyte design of Li metal batteries (LMBs): (i) decouple and find the main reason for the irreversible Li loss; (ii) add the corresponding electrolyte additive. With such a Li-loss-targeted strategy, the Li reversibility was significantly enhanced in the electrolytes with 1,2-dimethoxyethane, triethyl phosphate, and tetrahydrofuran solvents. Our strategy may broaden the scope of electrolyte design toward practical LMBs.
Biocatalytic Buoyancy-Driven Nanobots for Autonomous Cell Recognition and Enrichment
Authors: Guo Ziyi , Zhuang Chenchen , Song Yihang , Yong Joel , Li Yi , Guo Zhong , Kong Biao , Whitelock John M. , Wang Joseph , Liang Kang
Published: October 2023

Autonomously self-propelled nanoswimmers represent the next-generation nano-devices for bio- and environmental technology. However, current nanoswimmers generate limited energy output and can only move in short distances and duration, thus are struggling to be applied in practical challenges, such as living cell transportation. Here, we describe the construction of biodegradable metal–organic framework based nanobots with chemically driven buoyancy to achieve highly efficient, long-distance, directional vertical motion to “find-and-fetch” target cells. Nanobots surface-functionalized with antibodies against the cell surface marker carcinoembryonic antigen are exploited to impart the nanobots with specific cell targeting capacity to recognize and separate cancer cells. We demonstrate that the self-propelled motility of the nanobots can sufficiently transport the recognized cells autonomously, and the separated cells can be easily collected with a customized glass column, and finally regain their full metabolic potential after the separation. The utilization of nanobots with easy synthetic pathway shows considerable promise in cell recognition, separation, and enrichment.
Olanzapine alters the expression of gasotransmitter-related enzymes: CBS and HO-2 in the rat hippocampus and striatum
Authors: Pałasz Artur , Kistowska Julia , Suszka-Świtek Aleksandra , Krzystanek Marek , Błaszczyk Iwona , Menezes Itiana Castro , Filipczyk Łukasz , Bogus Katarzyna
Published: October 2023

Background

Gaseous neurotransmitters have been thought to be novel factors involved in the mechanisms of mental disorders pathogenesis for quite some time. However, little is known about the potential crosstalk between neuronal gasotransmitter signaling and neuroleptics action. The present work was, therefore, focused on gene expression of H2S and CO-producing enzymes in the brains of rats chronically treated with olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic drug.

Methods

Studies were carried out on adult, male Sprague–Dawley rats that were divided into 2 groups: control and experimental animals treated with olanzapine (28-day-long intraperitoneal injection, at a dose of 5 mg/kg daily). All individuals were sacrificed under anesthesia and the whole brains excised. Immunohistochemical procedure was used for histological assessment of the whole brain and for quantitative analysis of cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and heme oxygenase 2 (HO-2) protein distribution in selected brain structures.

Results

Long-term treatment with olanzapine is reflected in different changes in the number of enzymes-expressing cells in the rat brain. Olanzapine decreased the number of CBS-expressing cells and possibly reduced H2S synthesis in the hippocampus and striatum. The antipsychotic administration increased the number of HO-2 immunopositive cells and probably stimulated the CO production in the hippocampus.

Conclusions

Modulatory effect of olanzapine on cellular mechanisms of gasotransmitter synthesis may be an alternative way of their pharmacological action.
Grace de Laguna, Joel Katzav, and conservatism in analytic philosophy
Authors: Chase James , Reynolds Jack
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we consider the implications of Grace Andrus de Laguna and Joel Katzav's work for the charge of conservatism against the analytic tradition. We differentiate that conservatism into three kinds: starting place; path dependency; and modesty. We also think again about gender in philosophy, consider the positive account of speculative philosophy presented by de Laguna and Katzav in comparison to some other naturalist trajectories, and conclude with a brief Australian addendum that reflects on a similar period in our own country which was also associated with the professional institutionalisation of analytic philosophy.
The “Is” at Home, the “Ought” Abroad: Self-Comparison as Self-Criticism and the Transylvanian Model in Early Twentieth-Century Romania
Authors: Sorescu Andrei
Published: October 2023

What happens when nation-builders in an independent state imagine themselves to have fallen behind kinfolk living under imperial oppression, and how does this affect their vision of a future of national unity? This paper explores the shapes that critical self-comparison could take among Romanians in the Kingdom of Romania around the turn of the twentieth century by considering three interconnected vignettes. First, it outlines the context in which politicized notions of mutual interdependence between the Kingdom and Transylvania allowed for comparison as self-criticism to take root and gain salience in the public sphere. It explores the implications that comparison as self-criticism had on ascribing agency and apportioning blame for causes of the disparity between state and kinfolk. Second, it examines two Transylvanian travelogues produced by major political and cultural figures on the fringes of the Romanian establishment, and, in a reflexive move, contrasts their politics of comparison. Third, it offers a grassroots perspective on how the travelogues of teachers and priests, as rank-and-file nation-builders, expressed these topoi. The article contributes to the nascent trend of considering historical comparisons in actors’ own terms, and as historical processes unto themselves.
Crustal Structure and Stratigraphy of the South Mozambique Margin to South Mozambique Ridge From Combined Wide‐Angle and Reflection Seismic and Drill Hole Data
Authors: Schnürle P. , Leprêtre A. , Evain M. , Verrier F. , De‐Clarens P. , Thompson Joseph , Dias N. , Afilhado A. , Loureiro A. , Leroy S. , d'Acremont E. , Aslanian D. , Moulin M.
Published: October 2023

We have analyzed the MZ6 onshore‐offshore wide‐angle seismic profile of the MOZ3‐5 survey to investigate the crustal structure of the South Mozambique passive margin. The NNW‐SSE, 625 km‐long profile runs across the Mozambique coastal plain (MCP), the Continental Shelf and Slope, the Almirante Leite Ridge (ALR), the North Natal Valley (NNV), the Ariel Graben and the Dana Plateau of the Mozambique Ridge. Forward modeling through combined interpretation of the multichannel seismic, the main reflected and refracted phases of the wide‐angle, drill hole data and bathymetric data reveal: (a) a sedimentary cover poorly compacted up to 3 km‐thick, intruded by magmatic dykes that reach the seafloor at the ALR forming 0.5 to 5 km‐wide corrugated mounts, (b) between 2 and 7 km, thick magmatic or volcano‐clastic deposits are observed both at the MCP and NNV, forming a 40 km‐wide terrace at the center of MZ6 and southward‐dipping reflectors in the southern part interpreted as the Pre‐Neocomian Formation contemporary of the Karroo and/or Bombeni‐Movene magmatic events reached in several wells, (c) onshore, the 3‐layered crust reaches 39 km thickness, gradually thinning to ∼27 km at the southern end of MZ6. In the deepest layer, velocities exceed 7.15 km/s, reaching at its base 7.55 km/s at the vertical of the ALR. (d) the seismic Moho is marked by a strong reflection on the wide‐angle data. These results suggests that the basement is composed of slightly thinned and altered continental crust, most likely intruded by several phases of intense magmatism.
A Watershed Moment for Western U.S. Dams
Authors: East Amy E. , Grant Gordon E.
Published: October 2023

The summer of 2023 is a notable time for water‐resource management in the western United States: Glen Canyon Dam, on the Colorado River, turns 60 years old while the largest dam‐removal project in history is beginning on the Klamath River. This commentary discusses these events in the context of a changing paradigm for dam and reservoir management in this region. Since the era of large dam building began to wane six decades ago, new challenges have arisen for dam and reservoir management owing to climate change, population increase, reservoir sedimentation, declining safety of aging dams, and more environmentally focused management objectives. Today we also better understand dams' benefits, costs, and environmental impacts, including some that were unforeseen and took decades to become apparent. Where dams have become unsafe, obsolete (e.g., due to excessive reservoir sedimentation), and uneconomical beyond saving, dam removal has become common. The science and practice of dam removal are accelerating rapidly, and some long‐term physical and biological response studies are now available. Removal of four hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River will be a larger and more complex project than any previous dam removal. The imminency of this project reflects a very different situation for dam and reservoir management than 60 years ago. Looking forward, dam and reservoir management in the western United States and worldwide will require continued collaboration and innovative thinking to meet a wide range of objectives and to manage water resources sustainably for future generations.
FOXQ1 promotes pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, tumor stemness, invasion and metastasis through regulation of LDHA-mediated aerobic glycolysis
Authors: Wu Changhao , Zheng Chenglong , Chen Shiyu , He Zhiwei , Hua Hao , Sun Chengyi , Yu Chao
Published: October 2023

Pancreatic cancer (PC), a gastrointestinal tract malignant tumor, has a poor prognosis due to early metastasis and limited response to chemotherapy. Therefore, identifying novel therapeutic approaches for PC is critical. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is known as the vital progress in PC development, we constructed the EMT-related prognosis model to screen out that FOXQ1 probably involving in the EMT regulation. FOXQ1 has been linked to the malignant process in a number of cancers. However, its function in PC is unknown. In our work, the expression of FOXQ1 was elevated in PC tissues, and a high level of FOXQ1 in PC was linked to patients’ poor prognosis. FOXQ1 overexpression promoted aerobic glycolysis and enhanced PC cell proliferation, tumor stemness, invasion, and metastasis. Whereas, FOXQ1 silencing showed the reverse effect. Furthermore, mechanistic studies indicated that FOXQ1 promotes LDHA transcription, and thus modulates aerobic glycolysis to enhance PC cell proliferation, tumor stemness, invasion, and metastasis by increasing LDHA expression. Therefore, these novel data suggest that FOXQ1 may be a possible therapeutic target in PC.
A thalamic-hippocampal CA1 signal for contextual fear memory suppression, extinction, and discrimination
Authors: Ratigan Heather C. , Krishnan Seetha , Smith Shai , Sheffield Mark E. J.
Published: October 2023

The adaptive regulation of fear memories is a crucial neural function that prevents inappropriate fear expression. Fear memories can be acquired through contextual fear conditioning (CFC) which relies on the hippocampus. The thalamic nucleus reuniens (NR) is necessary to extinguish contextual fear and innervates hippocampal CA1. However, the role of the NR-CA1 pathway in contextual fear is unknown. We developed a head-restrained virtual reality CFC paradigm, and demonstrate that mice can acquire and extinguish context-dependent fear responses. We found that inhibiting the NR-CA1 pathway following CFC lengthens the duration of fearful freezing epochs, increases  fear generalization, and delays fear extinction. Using in vivo imaging, we recorded NR-axons innervating CA1 and found that NR-axons become tuned to fearful freezing following CFC. We conclude that the NR-CA1 pathway actively suppresses fear by disrupting contextual fear memory retrieval in CA1 during fearful freezing behavior, a process that also reduces fear generalization and accelerates extinction.
lesSDRF is more: maximizing the value of proteomics data through streamlined metadata annotation
Authors: Claeys Tine , Van Den Bossche Tim , Perez-Riverol Yasset , Gevaert Kris , Vizcaíno Juan Antonio , Martens Lennart
Published: October 2023

Public proteomics data often lack essential metadata, limiting its potential. To address this, we present lesSDRF, a tool to simplify the process of metadata annotation, thereby ensuring that data leave a lasting, impactful legacy well beyond its initial publication.
Visible to mid-infrared giant in-plane optical anisotropy in ternary van der Waals crystals
Authors: Feng Yanze , Chen Runkun , He Junbo , Qi Liujian , Zhang Yanan , Sun Tian , Zhu Xudan , Liu Weiming , Ma Weiliang , Shen Wanfu , Hu Chunguang , Sun Xiaojuan , Li Dabing , Zhang Rongjun , Li Peining , Li Shaojuan
Published: October 2023

Birefringence is at the heart of photonic applications. Layered van der Waals materials inherently support considerable out-of-plane birefringence. However, funnelling light into their small nanoscale area parallel to its out-of-plane optical axis remains challenging. Thus far, the lack of large in-plane birefringence has been a major roadblock hindering their applications. Here, we introduce the presence of broadband, low-loss, giant birefringence in a biaxial van der Waals materials Ta2NiS5, spanning an ultrawide-band from visible to mid-infrared wavelengths of 0.3–16 μm. The in-plane birefringence Δn ≈ 2 and 0.5 in the visible and mid-infrared ranges is one of the highest among van der Waals materials known to date. Meanwhile, the real-space propagating waveguide modes in Ta2NiS5 show strong in-plane anisotropy with a long propagation length (>20 μm) in the mid-infrared range. Our work may promote next-generation broadband and ultracompact integrated photonics based on van der Waals materials.
Plasma biomarkers predict Alzheimer’s disease before clinical onset in Chinese cohorts
Authors: Cai Huimin , Pang Yana , Fu Xiaofeng , Ren Ziye , Jia Longfei
Published: October 2023

Plasma amyloid-β (Aβ)42, phosphorylated tau (p-tau)181, and neurofilament light chain (NfL) are promising biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, whether these biomarkers can predict AD in Chinese populations is yet to be fully explored. We therefore tested the performance of these plasma biomarkers in 126 participants with preclinical AD and 123 controls with 8–10 years of follow-up from the China Cognition and Aging Study. Plasma Aβ42, p-tau181, and NfL were significantly correlated with cerebrospinal fluid counterparts and significantly altered in participants with preclinical AD. Combining plasma Aβ42, p-tau181, and NfL successfully discriminated preclinical AD from controls. These findings were validated in a replication cohort including 51 familial AD mutation carriers and 52 non-carriers from the Chinese Familial Alzheimer’s Disease Network. Here we show that plasma Aβ42, p-tau181, and NfL may be useful for predicting AD 8 years before clinical onset in Chinese populations.
Interpretable spatial identity neural network-based epidemic prediction
Authors: Luo Lanjun , Li Boxiao , Wang Xueyan , Cui Lei , Liu Gang
Published: October 2023

Epidemic spatial–temporal risk analysis, e.g., infectious number forecasting, is a mainstream task in the multivariate time series research field, which plays a crucial role in the public health management process. With the rise of deep learning methods, many studies have focused on the epidemic prediction problem. However, recent primary prediction techniques face two challenges: the overcomplicated model and unsatisfactory interpretability. Therefore, this paper proposes an Interpretable Spatial IDentity (ISID) neural network to predict infectious numbers at the regional weekly level, which employs a light model structure and provides post-hoc explanations. First, this paper streamlines the classical spatio-temporal identity model (STID) and retains the optional spatial identity matrix for learning the contagion relationship between regions. Second, the well-known SHapley Additive explanations (SHAP) method was adopted to interpret how the ISID model predicts with multivariate sliding-window time series input data. The prediction accuracy of ISID is compared with several models in the experimental study, and the results show that the proposed ISID model achieves satisfactory epidemic prediction performance. Furthermore, the SHAP result demonstrates that the ISID pays particular attention to the most proximate and remote data in the input sequence (typically 20 steps long) while paying little attention to the intermediate steps. This study contributes to reliable and interpretable epidemic prediction through a more coherent approach for public health experts.
Evaluation of the mandibular condyles trabecular structure in patients with severe class III pattern: a computed tomography (CT) fractal analysis study
Authors: Afzoon Saeed , Ghorbani Farhad , Hasani Mahvash
Published: October 2023

Class III malocclusion is a combination of dental and skeletal disorders that causes discrepancies in occlusion. Malocclusion can affect the structure of the Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) resulting in many problems, one of which is affecting the internal structure of the bone. This study aimed to examine the morphological features of class III patients’ trabecular structure of the mandibular condyle in comparison with normal class I individuals using fractal analysis (FA). To study the internal structure of the mandibular condyle bone, Computed Tomography (CT) scans of 45 severe class III patients (age: 16–46) who were the candidates for orthognathic surgery were selected and matched by age and sex with 45 normal class I individuals. The trabecular bone structure of the left and right mandibular condyles in three CT planes of the study group and control group were evaluated employing the FA. The result of the present study indicated that the fractal dimensions (FD) values of class III patients were lower than those of the normal class I individuals in axial (class I: 1.31 ± 0.02, class III: 1.28 ± 0.02), sagittal (class I: 1.25 ± 0.03, class III: 1.19 ± 0.08), and coronal (class I: 1.5 ± 0.06, class III: 1.45 ± 0.07) planes (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the FD values of the males and females. The intra-group evaluation revealed that there was no correlation between age and FD values. No evidence of laterality was found regarding the FD values of the right and left condyles. Given the noticeable differences between the FD values, it can be implied that severe class III malocclusion may affect the trabecular pattern of the cancellous bone of the mandibular condyle compared to class I individuals. Therefore, due to the altered trabecular structure, clinicians should be cautious when planning treatments for these patients.
Mechanical superiority of Pseudoxytenanthera bamboo for sustainable engineering solutions
Authors: Jiyas N. , Sasidharan Indu , Bindu Kumar K. , Gopakumar B. , Dan Mathew , Sabulal B.
Published: October 2023

The advancement in natural fibre composites has replaced synthetic fibres in various commercial sectors. Bamboo species possess high mechanical properties due to their lignocellulosic fibre content, which makes them suitable for engineering applications and potential alternatives to solid wood. However, despite Bamboo being composed of 130 genera and 1700 different species, out of which many still remains underexplored. In this study, we investigated the, Lignocellulosic profiling, fibre strength, and mechanical characterization of two species of Pseudoxytenanthera Bamboo: Pseudoxytenanthera ritchiei, Pseudopxytenanthera stocksii, and the results obtained were compared with Bambusa balcooa, one of the priority species of bamboo identified by The International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI). BET (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller) was used to quantify the samples’ density, while SEM–EDX and FTIR spectroscopy were used for elemental analysis. The samples were then subjected to tensile test in addition, thermogravimetric analysis and water absorption test were carried out for the three species. The results showed that Pseudoxytenanthera species possessed superior chemical and mechanical characteristics compared to the priority species of bamboo used for composites. Out of the two Pseudoxytenanthera species studied, Pseudoxytenanthera stocksii exhibited the highest values of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, pectin, ash, carbon, and silicon, indicating its chemical superiority. Moreover, Pseudoxytenanthera stocksii also showed higher mechanical values for tensile strength, making it suitable for a variety of engineering applications. The TGA values also indicated that Pseudoxytenanthera stocksii is stable at high temperatures when compared with other natural fibres.
SaLT&PepPr is an interface-predicting language model for designing peptide-guided protein degraders
Authors: Brixi Garyk , Ye Tianzheng , Hong Lauren , Wang Tian , Monticello Connor , Lopez-Barbosa Natalia , Vincoff Sophia , Yudistyra Vivian , Zhao Lin , Haarer Elena , Chen Tianlai , Pertsemlidis Sarah , Palepu Kalyan , Bhat Suhaas , Christopher Jayani , Li Xinning , Liu Tong , Zhang Sue , Petersen Lillian , DeLisa Matthew P. , Chatterjee Pranam
Published: October 2023

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are critical for biological processes and predicting the sites of these interactions is useful for both computational and experimental applications. We present a Structure-agnostic Language Transformer and Peptide Prioritization (SaLT&PepPr) pipeline to predict interaction interfaces from a protein sequence alone for the subsequent generation of peptidic binding motifs. Our model fine-tunes the ESM-2 protein language model (pLM) with a per-position prediction task to identify PPI sites using data from the PDB, and prioritizes motifs which are most likely to be involved within inter-chain binding. By only using amino acid sequence as input, our model is competitive with structural homology-based methods, but exhibits reduced performance compared with deep learning models that input both structural and sequence features. Inspired by our previous results using co-crystals to engineer target-binding “guide” peptides, we curate PPI databases to identify partners for subsequent peptide derivation. Fusing guide peptides to an E3 ubiquitin ligase domain, we demonstrate degradation of endogenous β-catenin, 4E-BP2, and TRIM8, and highlight the nanomolar binding affinity, low off-targeting propensity, and function-altering capability of our best-performing degraders in cancer cells. In total, our study suggests that prioritizing binders from natural interactions via pLMs can enable programmable protein targeting and modulation.
Identification of Chinese baijiu from the same brand based on a graphene quantum dots fluorescence sensing array
Authors: Deng Jiaxi , Ma Yi , Liu Xiaofang , Xu Jingbing , Luo Huibo , Luo Xiaogang , Huo Danqun , Hou Changjun
Published: October 2023

The identification of Chinese baijiu is crucial to regulating the international market and maintaining legitimate rights, as the popularity, influence and awareness of baijiu are growing.
2-(Thienyl)quinoxaline derivatives and their application in Ir(iii) complexes yielding tuneable deep red emitters
Authors: Fitzgerald Sophie A. , Payce Ellie N. , Horton Peter N. , Coles Simon J. , Pope Simon J. A.
Published: October 2023

The synthesis and characterisation of eleven different 2-(thienyl)quinoxaline species that incorporate different points of functionality are described. Cyclometalation with Ir(iii) was explored yielding a range of luminescent complexes.
Magnetite-sepiolite nanoarchitectonics for improving zein-based bionanocomposite foams
Authors: Alcântara Ana C. S. , González-Alfaro Yorexis , Darder Margarita , Ruiz-Hitzky Eduardo , Aranda Pilar
Published: October 2023

Magnetic nanoarchitectures have been used to introduce multifunctionality in bionanocomposite foams based on the corn protein zein, prepared by removing ethanol-soluble fractions, followed by water swelling and a further freeze-drying process.
LnIII/MnII–LnIII complexes derived from a salicylic azo dye ligand: synthesis, structures, magnetic and fluorescence properties
Authors: Kuang Xiaoman , Li Youhong , Yang Meng , Dong Wen , Leng Jidong
Published: October 2023

Two LnIII complexes Ln(HTMSA)3(H2O)2·5.5H2O (Ln = Dy (1) and Tb (2)) and two MnII–LnIII clusters [Mn(H2O)6][MnLn2(TTMSA)4(HTTMSA)2(H2O)6]·4H2O (Ln = Dy (3) and Tb (4)) have been synthesized and structurally characterized.
Photoinduced large magnetic change at room temperature and radical-quenched spin glass in a cyanide-bridged MnII–FeIII compound
Authors: Cai Li-Zhen , Yu Xiao-Qing , Wang Ming-Sheng , Guo Guo-Cong
Published: October 2023

A cyanide-bridged MnII–FeIII compound with photoinduced large magnetic change at room temperature and radical-quenched spin glass is reported. This photomagnet presents the first example of radical-quenched spin glass in molecule based magnets.
Dietary tangeretin improved antibiotic-associated diarrhea in mice by enhancing the intestinal barrier function, regulating the gut microbiota, and metabolic homeostasis
Authors: Chen Bin , Yang Xun , Zhan Minmin , Chen Yilu , Xu Jingyi , Xiao Jie , Xiao Hang , Song Mingyue
Published: October 2023

Dietary tangeretin has shown potential in improving antibiotic-associated diarrhea by regulating the disruption of the intestinal barrier, gut microbiota, and metabolic balance.
Acute effects of drinks containing blackcurrant and citrus (poly)phenols and dietary fibre on postprandial glycaemia, gut hormones, cognitive function and appetite in healthy adults: two randomised controlled trials
Authors: Pinto Ana M. , Hobden Mark R. , Brown Katherine D. , Farrimond Jonathan , Targett Darren , Corpe Christopher P. , Ellis Peter R. , Todorova Yvanna , Socha Klaudia , Bahsoon Shatha , Haworth Claudia , Marcel Morgane , Nie Xirui , Hall Wendy L.
Published: October 2023

(Poly)phenol (PP)-rich blackcurrant (BC) extracts reduce postprandial glucose concentrations.
Biomimetic growth in polymer gels
Authors: Biswas Santidan , Yashin Victor V. , Balazs Anna C.
Published: October 2023

Modeling growth and shape change in polymer gels.
Photochemical acridone-mediated direct arylation of (hetero)arenes with aryl diazonium salts
Authors: Li Zhenhua , Chen Lijun , Rong Dayou , Yuan Longfeng , Xie Yuanyuan
Published: October 2023

We have described a convenient strategy for the preparation of valuable substituted biaryls using acridone as a catalyst under visible light. The scope of the reaction for several aryl diazonium salts and (hetero)arenes was investigated.
Aerobic oxidation/metal-free cyclization cascades of nitrosoarenes and allenynes with TEMPO/O2: a switch of diradical to single radical intermediates
Authors: Maitra Chandrima , Barik Debashis , Ho Yeu-Shiuan , Cheng Mu-Jeng , Liu Rai-Shung
Published: October 2023

A four-component oxidative cyclization among allenyne, nitrosoarene and TEMPO/O2 is reported herein. The catalyst- and additive-free cascade cyclization shows a switch from a diradical to single radical mechanism by TEMPO interception.
Thin silica shell on Ag3PO4 nanoparticles augments stability and photocatalytic reusability
Authors: Kavya Padmanabhan , Priya Sudhesh , Pradeesh Kannan , Sandeep Kulangara , Saranya Karisseri P. , Thomas Vattaparambil Lucka , Shanthil M.
Published: October 2023

Thin silica overcoated Ag3PO4 nanostructures are reusable photocatalyst for cost effective degradation of organic contaminants in water.
Facile detection of botulinum neurotoxin using LSPR nanosensor based on Langmuir–Blodgett films of gold nanoparticles
Authors: Huong Nguyen Thanh , Nhiem Ly Tan
Published: October 2023

In this exploratory study, Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) films of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) were utilized for the first time to detect botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) based on localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), acting as biosensors.
Visible light activated SnO2:Dy thin films for the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue
Authors: Mezyen M. , El Fidha G. , Bitri N. , Harrathi F. , Ly I. , Llobet E.
Published: October 2023

This paper explores the impact of dysprosium (Dy) doping on structural, optical, and photocatalytic properties of tin oxide (SnO2) thin films fabricated via spray pyrolysis.
The role of metal accessibility on carbon dioxide electroreduction in atomically precise nanoclusters
Authors: Li Yingwei , Stec Grant J. , Thorarinsdottir Agnes E. , McGillicuddy Ryan D. , Zheng Shao-Liang , Mason Jarad A.
Published: October 2023

Atomically precise nanoclusters (NCs) provide useful model systems for studying fundamental aspects of the metal-catalysed CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR).
Accurate and noninvasive diagnosis of epithelial cancers through AND gate photoluminescence on tumor-derived small extracellular vesicles
Authors: Zhu Nanhang , Wang Xuekang , Wang Xingyou , Zeng Yating , Yu Yue , Yi Qiangying , Wu Yao
Published: October 2023

The AND gate photoluminescence strategy for simultaneous identification of sEVs’ EpCAM and MUC1.
Correction: Injectable organo-hydrogels influenced by click chemistry as a paramount stratagem in the conveyor belt of pharmaceutical revolution
Authors: Selvam Abhyavartin , Majood Misba , Chaurasia Radhika , Rupesh  , Singh Akanksha , Dey Tapan , Agrawal Omnarayan , Verma Yogesh Kumar , Mukherjee Monalisa
Published: October 2023

Correction for ‘Injectable organo-hydrogels influenced by click chemistry as a paramount stratagem in the conveyor belt of pharmaceutical revolution’ by Abhyavartin Selvam et al., J. Mater. Chem. B, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1039/d3tb01674a.
Dual host–guest interaction-mediated photoswitchable fluorescent supramolecular polymers for anti-counterfeiting and encryption
Authors: Wang Hong , Tang Jia , Deng Haitao , Tian Yong , Lin Zhong , Cui Jiaxi , Chen Jian
Published: October 2023

Dual host–guest interaction-mediated photoswitchable fluorescent supramolecular polymers can flexibly regulate the optical performance and successfully applied in information encryption and anti-counterfeiting label.
Autistic Communication: A Survey of School-Based Professionals
Authors: Donaldson Amy L. , Zisk Alyssa Hillary , Eddy Brandon , corbin endever* , Ugianskis Melissa , Ford Erin , Strickland Olivia
Published: October 2023

Purpose:

Access to communication is a basic human right, yet autistic adults have reported challenges fully and effectively expressing themselves throughout childhood. This may be due to the historical (and ongoing) focus and prioritization of speech skills as a barometer of communicative success. The result is a lack of support for other forms of communication for children who may speak but still require support to fully meet their communication needs. This study aimed to examine the knowledge, experience, and training of school-based professionals in order to better understand one possible barrier to early communication access for autistic children.

Method:

Using a participatory research method, we designed and administered a 35-question online survey. A total of 567 participants completed the survey, including 465 special educators, 71 speech-language pathologists (SLPs), and 31 other professionals. A segment of the survey data was analyzed in R. Comparisons between and within the largest groups (SLPs and special educators) were made with nonparametric statistics, including Fisher's exact, Wilcoxon signed-ranks, and Quade tests.

Results:

SLPs and special educators differed significantly on a variety of survey measures, including undergraduate coursework in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and autism, caseloads, and confidence related to working with autistic students and AAC users. Regardless of profession, most respondents reported completing what they considered to be an AAC assessment.

Conclusions:

Increasing school-based professionals' knowledge related to autism and AAC, as well as opportunities to improve skills, is critical to resolving access and opportunity barriers for autistic children who speak but may benefit from AAC. Partnering with autistic people to better understand autistic speech and careful collaboration among team members are recommended.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24299422
Enjeux de l’adaptation à la chaleur en ville et action publique : apports de l’interdisciplinarité et de la recherche-action - Cas de la métropole toulousaine
Authors: Bretagne Geneviève , Hidalgo Julia , Haouès-Jouve Sinda , Dumas Guillaume , Debrye Lise , Hanna Aurélie , Masson Valéry
Published: October 2023

Le contexte législatif national, comme les attentes citoyennes exprimées pour plus d’informations et d’actions relatives aux enjeux climatiques, ont progressivement incité à la territorialisation des politiques climatiques et énergétiques locales, ainsi qu’à l’émergence de l’enjeu d’adaptation climatique sur les territoires. Cette dynamique de spatialisation des enjeux climatiques trouve sa déclinaison à l’échelle de la métropole toulousaine depuis plus de 10 ans, du fait d’enjeux multiples sur le territoire : géographiques, climatiques et urbains. Les travaux de recherche menés localement autour des thématiques Ville, Environnement et Climat ont répondu au contexte favorable d’interdisciplinarité et de collaboration avec les acteurs urbains, soutenues par plusieurs appels à projets de recherche nationaux et européens. Deux objectifs majeurs sont affichés : coconstruire une connaissance afin de caractériser les enjeux climatiques et énergétiques propres au territoire toulousain, et proposer un accompagnement spécifique auprès des acteurs urbains pour mieux faire comprendre et objectiver les enjeux locaux, afin d’intégrer ces derniers dans les politiques et les actions publiques locales. Le présent article propose de revenir sur la synergie permise par cette collaboration, en s’attachant d’une part à présenter le processus de travail interdisciplinaire mis en place et, d’autre part, à montrer les productions de données et d’expertises qui en ont résulté.
Une méthodologie d’analyse des dispositifs de rafraîchissement estival basée sur la métrologie climatique mobile
Authors: Requena-Ruiz Ignacio , Leduc Thomas , Siret Daniel
Published: October 2023

Les stratégies d’adaptation des environnements urbains aux changements climatiques, comme le développement de parcs urbains ou la révision des règles d’urbanisme, ne porteront leurs fruits qu’à moyen et long termes. Dans l’intervalle, des solutions palliatives doivent être mises en œuvre. Elles se déploient souvent sous la forme d’installations éphémères ou durables capables de proposer des opportunités de rafraîchissement en différents points de l’espace public. Ces dispositifs de rafraîchissement se développent dans les grandes villes depuis deux décennies et mettent en œuvre une grande diversité de techniques. Face aux investissements que représentent de tels aménagements, les pouvoirs publics sont demandeurs de connaissances sur leur capacité à répondre aux enjeux d’habitabilité des espaces publics sous la canicule. Il s’agit de savoir si ces « points frais » ont un réel pouvoir de rafraîchissement et s’ils sont appropriés par les citadins lorsque les températures augmentent. C’est pour apporter des réponses à ce type de questions et mieux connaître les spécificités des dispositifs urbains de rafraîchissement que nous avons développé une démarche multidisciplinaire basée notamment sur un système de métrologie climatique mobile original. Nous avons mis en œuvre ce système pour étudier différents dispositifs de rafraîchissement estival à Nantes et à Paris. La première partie de l’article décrit le synopsis de notre démarche qui se développe suivant quatre approches portant successivement sur l’analyse architecturale et urbaine du dispositif et de son environnement proche, la simulation d’ensoleillement dans le dispositif et son environnement, la métrologie climatique associant des instruments fixes et mobiles, ainsi que des observations d’usage du dispositif en situation de forte chaleur. La deuxième partie décrit plus en détail les principes de métrologie climatique que nous proposons. La troisième partie illustre la méthode par une étude de cas réalisée en 2022 en collaboration avec Nantes Métropole.