bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DPYD genetic polymorphisms in non-European patients with severe fluoropyrimidine-related toxicity: a systematic review
Authors: Chan Tsun Ho , Zhang J. Eunice , Pirmohamed Munir
Published: June 2024

Background

Pre-treatment DPYD screening is mandated in the UK and EU to reduce the risk of severe and potentially fatal fluoropyrimidine-related toxicity. Four DPYD gene variants which are more prominently found in Europeans are tested.

Methods

Our systematic review in patients of non-European ancestry followed PRISMA guidelines to identify relevant articles up to April 2023. Published in silico functional predictions and in vitro functional data were also extracted. We also undertook in silico prediction for all DPYD variants identified.

Results

In 32 studies, published between 1998 and 2022, 53 DPYD variants were evaluated in patients from 12 countries encompassing 5 ethnic groups: African American, East Asian, Latin American, Middle Eastern, and South Asian. One of the 4 common European DPYD variants, c.1905+1G>A, is also present in South Asian, East Asian and Middle Eastern patients with severe fluoropyrimidine-related toxicity. There seems to be relatively strong evidence for the c.557A>G variant, which is found in individuals of African ancestry, but is not currently included in the UK genotyping panel.

Conclusion

Extending UK pre-treatment DPYD screening to include variants that are present in some non-European ancestry groups will improve patient safety and reduce race and health inequalities in ethnically diverse societies.
Harnessing landrace diversity empowers wheat breeding
Authors: Cheng Shifeng , Feng Cong , Wingen Luzie U. , Cheng Hong , Riche Andrew B. , Jiang Mei , Leverington-Waite Michelle , Huang Zejian , Collier Sarah , Orford Simon , Wang Xiaoming , Awal Rajani , Barker Gary , O’Hara Tom , Lister Clare , Siluveru Ajay , Quiroz-Chávez Jesús , Ramírez-González Ricardo H. , Bryant Ruth , Berry Simon , Bansal Urmil , Bariana Harbans S. , Bennett Malcolm J. , Bicego Breno , Bilham Lorelei , Brown James K. M. , Burridge Amanda , Burt Chris , Buurman Milika , Castle March , Chartrain Laetitia , Chen Baizhi , Denbel Worku , Elkot Ahmed F. , Fenwick Paul , Feuerhelm David , Foulkes John , Gaju Oorbessy , Gauley Adam , Gaurav Kumar , Hafeez Amber N. , Han Ruirui , Horler Richard , Hou Junliang , Iqbal Muhammad S. , Kerton Matthew , Kondic-Spica Ankica , Kowalski Ania , Lage Jacob , Li Xiaolong , Liu Hongbing , Liu Shiyan , Lovegrove Alison , Ma Lingling , Mumford Cathy , Parmar Saroj , Philp Charlie , Playford Darryl , Przewieslik-Allen Alexandra M. , Sarfraz Zareen , Schafer David , Shewry Peter R. , Shi Yan , Slafer Gustavo A. , Song Baoxing , Song Bo , Steele David , Steuernagel Burkhard , Tailby Phillip , Tyrrell Simon , Waheed Abdul , Wamalwa Mercy N. , Wang Xingwei , Wei Yanping , Winfield Mark , Wu Shishi , Wu Yubing , Wulff Brande B. H. , Xian Wenfei , Xu Yawen , Xu Yunfeng , Yuan Quan , Zhang Xin , Edwards Keith J. , Dixon Laura , Nicholson Paul , Chayut Noam , Hawkesford Malcolm J. , Uauy Cristobal , Sanders Dale , Huang Sanwen , Griffiths Simon
Published: June 2024

Harnessing genetic diversity in major staple crops through the development of new breeding capabilities is essential to ensure food security1. Here we examined the genetic and phenotypic diversity of the A. E. Watkins landrace collection2 of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum), a major global cereal, by whole-genome re-sequencing of 827 Watkins landraces and 208 modern cultivars and in-depth field evaluation spanning a decade. We found that modern cultivars are derived from two of the seven ancestral groups of wheat and maintain very long-range haplotype integrity. The remaining five groups represent untapped genetic sources, providing access to landrace-specific alleles and haplotypes for breeding. Linkage disequilibrium-based haplotypes and association genetics analyses link Watkins genomes to the thousands of identified high-resolution quantitative trait loci and significant marker–trait associations. Using these structured germplasm, genotyping and informatics resources, we revealed many Watkins-unique beneficial haplotypes that can confer superior traits in modern wheat. Furthermore, we assessed the phenotypic effects of 44,338 Watkins-unique haplotypes, introgressed from 143 prioritized quantitative trait loci in the context of modern cultivars, bridging the gap between landrace diversity and current breeding. This study establishes a framework for systematically utilizing genetic diversity in crop improvement to achieve sustainable food security.
Peripheral blood mononuclear cell respiratory function is associated with progressive glaucomatous vision loss
Authors: Petriti Bledi , Rabiolo Alessandro , Chau Kai-Yin , Williams Pete A. , Montesano Giovanni , Lascaratos Gerassimos , Garway-Heath David F.
Published: June 2024

Intraocular pressure (IOP) is currently the only modifiable risk factor for glaucoma and all licensed treatments lower IOP. However, many patients continue to lose vision despite IOP-lowering treatment. Identifying biomarkers for progressive vision loss would have considerable clinical utility. We demonstrate that lower peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) oxygen consumption rate (OCR) is strongly associated with faster visual field (VF) progression in patients treated by lowering IOP (P < 0.001, 229 eyes of 139 participants), explaining 13% of variance in the rate of progression. In a separate reference cohort of untreated patients with glaucoma (213 eyes of 213 participants), IOP explained 16% of VF progression variance. OCR is lower in patients with glaucoma (n = 168) than in controls (n = 50; P < 0.001) and is lower in patients with low baseline IOP (n = 99) than those with high baseline IOP (n = 69; P < 0.01). PBMC nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) levels are lower in patients with glaucoma (n = 29) compared to controls (n = 25; P < 0.001) and strongly associated with OCR (P < 0.001). Our results support PBMC OCR and NAD levels as new biomarkers for progressive glaucoma.
Complete genome of the Listeria monocytogenes strain AUF, used as a live listeriosis veterinary vaccine
Authors: Feodorova Valentina A. , Zaitsev Sergey S. , Khizhnyakova Mariya A. , Lavrukhin Maxim S. , Saltykov Yury V. , Zaberezhny Alexey D. , Larionova Olga S.
Published: June 2024

Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is a highly pathogenic bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a relatively rare food-borne infectious disease that affects farm, domestic, wild animals and humans as well. The infected livestock is the frequent sources of Lm. Vaccination is one of the methods of controlling listeriosis in target farm animals to prevent Lm-associated food contamination. Here we report the complete sequence of the Lm strain AUF attenuated from a fully-virulent Lm strain by ultraviolet irradiation, successfully used since the 1960s as a live whole-cell veterinary vaccine. The de novo assembled genome consists of a circular chromosome of 2,942,932 bp length, including more than 2,800 CDSs, 17 pseudogenes, 5 antibiotic resistance genes, and 56/92 virulence genes. Two wild Lm strains, the EGD and the 10403S that is also used in cancer Immunotherapy, were the closest homologs for the Lm strain AUF. Although all three strains belonged to different sequence types (ST), namely ST12, ST85, and ST1538, they were placed in the same genetic lineage II, CC7.
Study of machine learning techniques for outcome assessment of leptospirosis patients
Authors: Silva Andreia Ferreira da , Figueiredo Karla , Falcão Igor W. S. , Costa Fernando A. R. , da Rocha Seruffo Marcos César , de Moraes Carla Cristina Guimarães
Published: June 2024

Leptospirosis is a global disease that impacts people worldwide, particularly in humid and tropical regions, and is associated with significant socio-economic deficiencies. Its symptoms are often confused with other syndromes, which can compromise clinical diagnosis and the failure to carry out specific laboratory tests. In this respect, this paper presents a study of three algorithms (Decision Tree, Random Forest and Adaboost) for predicting the outcome (cure or death) of individuals with leptospirosis. Using the records contained in the government National System of Aggressions and Notification (SINAN, in portuguese) from 2007 to 2017, for the state of Pará, Brazil, where the temporal attributes of health care, symptoms (headache, vomiting, jaundice, calf pain) and clinical evolution (renal failure and respiratory changes) were used. In the performance evaluation of the selected models, it was observed that the Random Forest exhibited an accuracy of 90.81% for the training dataset, considering the attributes of experiment 8, and the Decision Tree presented an accuracy of 74.29 for the validation database. So, this result considers the best attributes pointed out by experiment 10: time first symptoms medical attention, time first symptoms ELISA sample collection, medical attention hospital admission time, headache, calf pain, vomiting, jaundice, renal insufficiency, and respiratory alterations. The contribution of this article is the confirmation that artificial intelligence, using the Decision Tree model algorithm, depicting the best choice as the final model to be used in future data for the prediction of human leptospirosis cases, helping in the diagnosis and course of the disease, aiming to avoid the evolution to death.
Comparison of juvenile and adult myasthenia gravis in a French cohort with focus on thymic histology
Authors: Truffault Frédérique , Auger Ludivine , Dragin Nadine , Vilquin Jean-Thomas , Fadel Elie , Thomas de Montpreville Vincent , Mansuet-Lupo Audrey , Regnard Jean-François , Alifano Marco , Sharshar Tarek , Behin Anthony , Eymard Bruno , Bolgert Francis , Demeret Sophie , Berrih-Aknin Sonia , Le Panse Rozen
Published: June 2024

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease characterized by muscle fatigability due to acetylcholine receptor (AChR) autoantibodies. To better characterize juvenile MG (JMG), we analyzed 85 pre- and 132 post-pubescent JMG (with a cutoff age of 13) compared to 721 adult MG patients under 40 years old using a French database. Clinical data, anti-AChR antibody titers, thymectomy, and thymic histology were analyzed. The proportion of females was higher in each subgroup. No significant difference in the anti-AChR titers was observed. Interestingly, the proportion of AChR+ MG patients was notably lower among adult MG patients aged between 30 and 40 years, at 69.7%, compared to over 82.4% in the other subgroups. Thymic histological data were examined in patients who underwent thymectomy during the year of MG onset. Notably, in pre-JMG, the percentage of thymectomized patients was significantly lower (32.9% compared to more than 42.5% in other subgroups), and the delay to thymectomy was twice as long. We found a positive correlation between anti-AChR antibodies and germinal center grade across patient categories. Additionally, only females, particularly post-JMG patients, exhibited the highest rates of lymphofollicular hyperplasia (95% of cases) and germinal center grade. These findings reveal distinct patterns in JMG patients, particularly regarding thymic follicular hyperplasia, which appears to be exacerbated in females after puberty.
Dual-circulation: influence mechanism of ETS's carbon reduction and its spatiotemporal characteristics based on intensity modified SDID model
Authors: Tang Xinmeng , Qin Tao , He Xin , Kholaif Moustafa Mohamed Nazief Haggag Kotb
Published: June 2024

Traditional DID models overlook variations in policy intensity, causing estimation deviations from the actual situation and a limited understanding of the influence mechanism. In response, the Intensity Modified SDID Model is built to examine the influence mechanism of ETS's carbon reductions. Moreover, through model extensions, the study explores the spatiotemporal characteristics and heterogeneities of ETS’s effects. Results show that: (1) "Dual-circulation" influence mechanism is confirmed, where ETS directly contributes to carbon reductions (2.70% to 10.0% impact) through external pathways, and internal pathways continuously strengthen reduction effects, comprehensive mechanisms are thereby formed and enhanced based on interaction among internal and external pathways. (2) Reasonable ETS levels are estimated and proposed to achieve "Dual Carbon Target", constraining nationwide carbon quotas by 20 billion tons/year, increasing carbon trading volumes by 80 thousand tons/year, and elevating the carbon trading prices by 100 RMB (14 USD) per ton. (3) ETS's carbon reduction effects are identified with temporal and spatial characteristics, temporally, effects peak in the 4th period (Event+4) but diminish in the 5th period (Event+5), spatially, effects peak in areas distancing around 1000 km but disappear beyond 1500 km. (4) ETS also has synergistic effects with atmospheric pollution reduction, including industrial emissions of sulfur dioxide and smoke (dust), but are insignificant to industrial emissions of wastewater and solid waste.
Effect of dietary Eucommia ulmoides oliver polysaccharide on immune function and meat quality of Songliao Black Pigs
Authors: Liang Yang , Tang Zeyu , Wang Hao , Liu Meng , Zhao Fanglin , Wang Longsheng , Meng Yinbiao , Jia Lijun
Published: June 2024

Eucommia ulmoides is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, with pharmacological effects such as lowering blood pressure and enhancing immune function. The effects of dietary Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharide (EUP) on immune function and meat quality were studied in Songliao Black Pigs. Blood lymphocyte counts and percentage, concentrations of serum total protein and of albumin increased, whereas those of urea nitrogen and triglyceride decreased. White blood cell and lymphocyte counts, and serum IgA, IgE, IgG2 a and IFN-γ increased. Average daily weight gain, slaughter weight, lean meat rate and cooked meat rate increased, whereas pH24, feed-weight ratio, fat rate, yellowness (b#) and centrifugal dehydration rate decreased. Transcriptome sequencing of longissimus dorsi muscle detected 32 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 26 were up-regulated and 6 down-regulated. A total of 19 genes were differentially expressed in the four groups, 18 of which were up-regulated. The DEGs included ADAMTS4, PER1, STAC, SERPINE1, FASN, THRSP, SP7 and KRT80 and the protein interaction network showed 20 up-regulated nodes, three down-regulated nodes and 14 DEGs. GO functional annotation and enrichment analysis showed that 34 items were significantly enriched, including transferase activity, actin binding, acetyl coenzyme A, acyl coenzyme A metabolism, adipose tissue development and acyl glycerol homeostasis. KEGG pathway analysis showed that the AMPK and PPAR signaling pathways were enriched. Dietary Eucommia polysaccharide enhanced immune function in Songliao Black Pigs, improved growth and carcass performance, increased the expression of genes related to meat quality traits and improved meat quality.
An explanatory study of factors influencing engagement in AI education at the K-12 Level: an extension of the classic TAM model
Authors: Li Wei , Zhang Xiaolin , Li Jing , Yang Xiao , Li Dong , Liu Yantong
Published: June 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) holds immense promise for K-12 education, yet understanding the factors influencing students’ engagement with AI courses remains a challenge. This study addresses this gap by extending the technology acceptance model (TAM) to incorporate cognitive factors such as AI intrinsic motivation (AIIM), AI readiness (AIRD), AI confidence (AICF), and AI anxiety (AIAX), alongside human–computer interaction (HCI) elements like user interface (UI), content (C), and learner-interface interactivity (LINT) in the context of using generative AI (GenAI) tools. By including these factors, an expanded model is presented to capture the complexity of student engagement with AI education. To validate the model, 210 Chinese students spanning grades K7 to K9 participated in a 1 month artificial intelligence course. Survey data and structural equation modeling reveal significant relationships between cognitive and HCI factors and perceived usefulness (PU) and ease of use (PEOU). Specifically, AIIM, AIRD, AICF, UI, C, and LINT positively influence PU and PEOU, while AIAX negatively affects both. Furthermore, PU and PEOU significantly predict students’ attitudes toward AI curriculum learning. These findings underscore the importance of considering cognitive and HCI factors in the design and implementation of AI education initiatives. By providing a theoretical foundation and practical insights, this study informs curriculum development and aids educational institutions and businesses in evaluating and optimizing AI4K12 curriculum design and implementation strategies.
Desensitizing efficacy of a universal dentin adhesive containing mesoporous bioactive glass on dentin hypersensitivity: a randomized clinical trial with a split-mouth model
Authors: Kim Hyun-Jung , Oh Soram , Kwon Jiyoung , Choi Kyoung-Kyu , Jang Ji-Hyun , Kim Duck-Su
Published: June 2024

This split-mouth blinded randomized controlled study compared the efficacy of a desensitizing agent with oxalate/resin polymer and a universal adhesive containing mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG) for dentin hypersensitivity (DH) relief, using Schiff sensitivity score (SSS) and visual analog scale (VAS). Split quadrants containing teeth with DH were treated with either MS Coat ONE or Hi-Bond Universal with MBG as the functional additive. Assessments at baseline, immediately post-application, and at 1- and 2-week follow-ups used standardized stimulus protocols (air, cold, and acid). The SSS difference was the primary outcome, while the VAS difference was the secondary outcome. A mixed linear effect model performed statistical analysis. Immediate DH reduction occurred in response to air stimuli, with a significant decrease in Group HB than in Group MS (p = 0.0178). Cold stimulus reduction exhibited a gradual cumulative effect, with consistently greater reductions in Group HB than in Group MS (p ≤ 0.0377). Both groups effectively managed acidic stimuli, with no significant differences (p > 0.05). The VAS scores decreased gradually over the follow-up period (p < 0.0001). This study highlights the differential efficacy of treatments for various DH triggers and recommends specific approaches based on different stimulus types. The universal adhesive containing MBG demonstrated DH relief potential, promising efficacy identical to or superior to that of a dedicated desensitizing agent. Further research exploring the long-term efficacy and underlying mechanisms is warranted. The universal adhesive containing MBG can be adopted as an in-office desensitizing agent for DH relief. The desensitizing efficacy of universal adhesive matches or surpasses dedicated agents for air and cold stimuli.
M133S mutation possibly involve in the ER stress and mitophagy pathway in maintenance hemodialysis patients with occult hepatitis B infection
Authors: Zou Yurong , Chen Sipei , Cui Yiyuan , Zou Yang
Published: June 2024

Occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) is characterized by the presence of HBV DNA in the absence of detectable HBsAg. OBI is an important risk factor for cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, but its pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. Mutations in the HBV preS/S genes can lead to impaired secretion of either HBsAg or S-protein resulting in the accumulation of defective viruses or S protein in cells. In our previous work, the M133S mutation was present in the HBV S gene of maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients with OBI. In this study, we investigated the potential role of amino acid substitutions in S proteins in S protein production and secretion through the construction of mutant S gene plasmids, structural prediction, transcriptome sequencing analysis, and in vitro functional studies. Protein structure prediction showed that the S protein M133S mutant exhibited hydrophilic modifications, with greater aggregation and accumulation of the entire structure within the membrane phospholipid bilayer. Differential gene enrichment analysis of transcriptome sequencing data showed that differentially expressed genes were mainly concentrated in protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The expression of heat shock family proteins and ER chaperone molecules was significantly increased in the wild-type and mutant groups, whereas the expression of mitochondria-associated proteins was decreased. Immunofluorescence staining and protein blotting showed that the endoplasmic reticulum-associated protein PDI, the autophagy marker LC3, and the lysosome-associated protein LAMP2 co-localized with the S proteins in the wild-type and mutant strains, and their expression was increased. The mitochondria-associated TOMM20 protein was also co-expressed with the S protein, but expression was significantly reduced in the mutant. The M133S mutation in the S gene is expressed as a defective and misfolded protein that accumulates in the endoplasmic reticulum causing secretion-impaired endoplasmic reticulum stress, which in turn triggers mitochondrial autophagy and recruits lysosomes to fuse with the autophagosome, leading to mitochondrial clearance. This study preliminarily demonstrated that the mutation of M133S in the S gene can cause OBI and is associated with disease progression, providing a theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of OBI.
Effect of smartphone-assisted lifestyle intervention in MASLD patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kaewdech Apichat , Assawasuwannakit Suraphon , Churuangsuk Chaitong , Chamroonkul Naichaya , Sripongpun Pimsiri
Published: June 2024

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is emerging globally as a significant problem. The mainstay of treatment is lifestyle intervention (LSI). We hypothesized that providing information regarding LSI and MASLD through a social media application generally used in the respective society would improve clinical outcomes in MASLD more than standard of care (SOC). This is a randomized controlled study in noncirrhotic MASLD patients aged 18–65 years in Thailand. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to either the control (SOC) or intervention arm. Patients in both groups received standard LSI advice. Infographics about MASLD and LSI information were sent to the intervention group every 3–7 days via the LINE official account. The outcomes are changes in liver steatosis and liver stiffness by FIBROSCAN at 24 weeks, as well as weight loss, body composition, and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level between the two groups. A total of 122 patients were enrolled. The median age of eligible participants was 53 years, 64.7% were female, and median body mass index was 27.3 kg/m2. After a complete 24-week study period, both groups had an improvement in weight, ALT level, liver steatosis, and fat mass, but the differences in those changes between groups were not statistically significant. Interestingly, a significant improvement in liver stiffness was observed in the intervention group than in the control group (− 0.7 ± 1.8 kPa vs. 0.1 ± 2.4 kPa, P = 0.035). Encouraging LSI and delivering MASLD information via a social media application (LINE official account) to patients with MASLD demonstrated a better outcome of liver stiffness measurement than SOC.

Clinical trial number: TCTR20210304002 (04/03/2021) (http://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20210304002).
Reaction-dependent optical behavior and theoretical perspectives of colloidal ZnSe quantum dots
Authors: Nguyen Duy Hoang , Kim Sung Hun , Lee Joon Sue , Lee Dong Su , Lee Hong Seok
Published: June 2024

Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) are attracting research interest because of their unique optical properties that result from the quantum confinement effect. ZnSe QDs, which are II–VI semiconductors, offer a wide direct bandgap (2.7 eV), making them promising for applications such as light-emitting diodes, photodetectors, and biomedical labeling. In the present work, colloidal ZnSe (QDs) were synthesized by the hot-injection method with a Zn:Se ratio of 1:1. The optical properties of ZnSe QDs obtained at different reaction times were investigated by spectrophotometric UV–vis absorption and emission measurements. The as-synthesized ZnSe QDs exhibit blue excitonic emission, and no defect emission was detected. Transmission electron micrographs indicated that the QDs have a spherical morphology with dimensions ranging from 3.69 to 4.53 nm. In particular, the Brus model was applied to demonstrate a correlation between the QD sizes and the optical bandgaps obtained from Tauc plots.
A hybridization-induced charge-transfer state energy arrangement reduces nonradiative energy loss in organic solar cells
Authors: Ren Yue , Sui Ming-Yue , Peng Li-Yuan , Li Ming-Yang , Sun Guang-Yan , Su Zhong-Min
Published: June 2024

This work demonstrates the non-synergistic effect of charge transfer state and energy inversion on regulating nonradiative loss and blending morphology.
Visible-light-induced photocatalyst-free cascade cyclization of 3-(2-(ethynyl)phenyl)quinazolinones to sulfonated quinolino[2,1-b]quinazolinones
Authors: Zeng Fan-Lin , Wang Lili , Luo Yuxin , Chen Jianan , Li Jinling , Yuan Jinwei
Published: June 2024

A visible-light-induced K2S2O8-promoted cascade sulfonation/cyclization reaction to afford a series of sulfonated quinolino[2,1-b]quinazolinones has been developed under mild conditions.
Tuning the magnetic properties of van der Waals Fe3GaTe2 crystals by Co doping
Authors: Yu Jie , Jin Wen , Zhang Gaojie , Wu Hao , Xiao Bichen , Yang Li , Chang Haixin
Published: June 2024

Tuning the magnetic properties of Co-doped Fe3GaTe2 with different Co concentrations and different Co atomic sites. At some doping level, a phase change from ferromagnetism to antiferromagnetism appears at high Co concentration.
Recent advances in oxidative degradation of plastics
Authors: Oh Sewon , Stache Erin E.
Published: June 2024

Oxidative degradation is a powerful method to degrade plastics into oligomers and small oxidized products.
Galloborates as ultraviolet nonlinear optical crystals: advances and perspectives
Authors: Lu Jing-Yi , Ou Yangfeifei , Jin Cong-Cong , Cheng Jian-Wen
Published: June 2024

Noncentrosymmetric galloborates show rich structural chemistry with various B–O anionic units and the [GaO4] tetrahedron and are suitable candidates as ultraviolet nonlinear optical crystals.
Conversion of fluoroform to CHCl3 and AlClxF3−xvia its mechanochemical reaction with AlCl3
Authors: Tang Yiwei , Shao Hui , Lu Yingzhou , Meng Hong , Fan Hongwei , Li Chunxi
Published: June 2024

A green approach that synergistically addresses the resource utilization of CHF3, reduces disposal energy consumption, and mitigates global warming.
Preparation of an injectable zinc-containing hydrogel with double dynamic bond and its potential application in the treatment of periodontitis
Authors: Yang Mei , Du Dejiang , Hao Yuanping , Meng Zhaojian , Zhang Haiyu , Liu Yuhan
Published: June 2024

Periodontal tissue regeneration continues to face significant clinical challenges.
Force decomposition and toughness estimation from puncture experiments in soft solids
Authors: Shrestha Pranav , Geffner Curtis , Jaffey Matthew , Wu Zhongnan , Iapichino Martina , Bacca Mattia , Stoeber Boris
Published: June 2024

We developed an image-based method to decompose forces during needle insertion/re-insertion, and found strain-rate dependence for forces and toughness.
The effect of particle geometry and initial configuration on the phase behavior of twisted convex n-prisms
Authors: Gandhi Poshika , Kuhnhold Anja
Published: June 2024

We study the phase behavior of twisted convex n-prisms and find homogeneity across the geometry and shape of the prisms' cross-section. The influence of the initial configuration is also shown in forming a splay nematic phase.
Tailoring single-metal atom catalysts: a strategic defect engineering approach for electrochemical reduction reactions
Authors: Goyal Nitin , Li Fei , Hu Yi-bo
Published: June 2024

Tailoring defect-based single-metal atom catalysts onto different supports for the CO2 reduction, NO3− reduction, oxygen reduction and hydrogen evolution reactions.
The effect of rigid-block length in elastomer-containing photoactive block copolymers on the photovoltaic and mechanical properties of polymer solar cells
Authors: Lee Heung-Goo , Lee Jin-Woo , Oh Eun Sung , Lee Michael J. , Kim Taek-Soo , Lee Changyeon , Kim Bumjoon J.
Published: June 2024

The development of elastomer-containing photoactive block copolymers with regulated rigid-block lengths results in organic solar cells with high power conversion efficiency (17.3%) and mechanical robustness (toughness = 1.8 MJ m−3).
Built-in electric fields and extra electric fields in the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Feng Zihang , Lu Fangyin , Hu Qiming , Qiu Jiangyuan , Lei Xuefei , Wang Biao , Guo Rui , Tian Ye , Liu Xuanwen , You Junhua
Published: June 2024

OER plays a crucial role in energy storage and conversion, and the application of thermal fields in the OER is widespread but not systematically discussed. In this work, we have a discussion on built-in electric field and extra electric field.
In situ switchable nanofiber films based on photoselective asymmetric assembly towards year-round energy saving
Authors: An Liuqian , Ma Jiaxiang , Wang Peizhi , Kuchmizhak Aleksandr , Yao Jinxin , Xu Hongbo , Wang Wei
Published: June 2024

An in situ switchable photoselective polymer film, assembled from asymmetric optical nanofibers, achieves high-threshold power regulation through elimination and restoration of scattering interfaces, facilitating a wide range of temperature control.
Photoinduced absorption and linear/nonlinear emission of assembled carbon dot–silica nanocomposites for cellular imaging
Authors: He Jiangling , Chen Xu , He Youling
Published: June 2024

Silanized carbon dot (CD–SiO2) composites show transformation from saturable absorption to anti-saturation absorption, and the PIA phenomenon was first investigated in the CD-based field by ns-TA spectroscopy.
Strategic carbazole-cycloalkyl fused donors to induce TADF featured AIE for high efficiency deep blue emission
Authors: Lee Jae Hee , Jeong Yeonju , Tagare Jairam , Kwon Min Jeong , Kim Taekyung , Hong Wan Pyo
Published: June 2024

We systematically engineered a carbazole unit with a substituted cyclohexyl group to develop emitters that incorporate both AIE and TADF features, thereby achieving high efficiency in the deep blue region.
Pepper catalase: a broad analysis of its modulation during fruit ripening and by nitric oxide
Authors: González-Gordo Salvador , López-Jaramillo Javier , Rodríguez-Ruiz Marta , Taboada Jorge , Palma José M. , Corpas Francisco J.
Published: June 2024

Catalase is a major antioxidant enzyme located in plant peroxisomes that catalyzes the decomposition of H2O2. Based on our previous transcriptomic (RNA-Seq) and proteomic (iTRAQ) data at different stages of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) fruit ripening and after exposure to nitric oxide (NO) enriched atmosphere, a broad analysis has allowed us to characterize the functioning of this enzyme. Three genes were identified, and their expression was differentially modulated during ripening and by NO gas treatment. A dissimilar behavior was observed in the protein expression of the encoded protein catalases (CaCat1–CaCat3). Total catalase activity was down-regulated by 50% in ripe (red) fruits concerning immature green fruits. This was corroborated by non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, where only a single catalase isozyme was identified. In vitro analyses of the recombinant CaCat3 protein exposed to peroxynitrite (ONOO−) confirmed, by immunoblot assay, that catalase underwent a nitration process. Mass spectrometric analysis identified that Tyr348 and Tyr360 were nitrated by ONOO−, occurring near the active center of catalase. The data indicate the complex regulation at gene and protein levels of catalase during the ripening of pepper fruits, with activity significantly down-regulated in ripe fruits. Nitration seems to play a key role in this down-regulation, favoring an increase in H2O2 content during ripening. This pattern can be reversed by the exogenous NO application. While plant catalases are generally reported to be tetrameric, the analysis of the protein structure supports that pepper catalase has a favored quaternary homodimer nature. Taken together, data show that pepper catalase is down-regulated during fruit ripening, becoming a target of tyrosine nitration, which provokes its inhibition.
The initiation of mitochondrial DNA replication
Authors: Liu Yi , Liu Haibin , Zhang Fan , Xu Hong
Published: June 2024

Mitochondrial DNA replication is initiated by the transcription of mitochondrial RNA polymerase (mtRNAP), as mitochondria lack a dedicated primase. However, the mechanism determining the switch between continuous transcription and premature termination to generate RNA primers for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) replication remains unclear. The pentatricopeptide repeat domain of mtRNAP exhibits exoribonuclease activity, which is required for the initiation of mtDNA replication in Drosophila. In this review, we explain how this exonuclease activity contributes to primer synthesis in strand-coupled mtDNA replication, and discuss how its regulation might co-ordinate mtDNA replication and transcription in both Drosophila and mammals.
Biomarkers for aging in Caenorhabditis elegans high throughput screening
Authors: Yarmey Victoria R. , San-Miguel Adriana
Published: June 2024

Aging is characterized by a functional decline in organism fitness over time due to a complex combination of genetic and environmental factors [ 1–4]. With an increasing elderly population at risk of age-associated diseases, there is a pressing need for research dedicated to promoting health and longevity through anti-aging interventions. The roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans is an established model organism for aging studies due to its short life cycle, ease of culture, and conserved aging pathways. These benefits also make the worm well-suited for high-throughput screening (HTS) methods to study biomarkers of the molecular changes, cellular dysfunction, and physiological decline associated with aging. Within this review, we offer a summary of recent advances in HTS techniques to study biomarkers of aging in C. elegans.
Reliable communication based on energy spreading transform and iterative detection in MIMO‐OFDM systems
Authors: He Bo , Xu Hongji , Ji Wei , Du Yan , Xiong Hailiang , Li Jun
Published: June 2024

The challenge of ensuring reliability for high‐efficiency technology, multiple‐input‐multiple‐output orthogonal‐frequency‐division‐multiplexing (MIMO‐OFDM), in wireless frequency‐selective fading environments persists. In this article, the concept of spreading a symbol's energy is proposed as a viable solution to enhance transmission reliability for MIMO‐OFDM systems. And an energy‐spreading‐transform (EST)‐based MIMO‐OFDM transceiver is developed. Following the Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) performed by the conventional MIMO‐OFDM transmitter, an orthogonal transformation called the EST is introduced. This transform spreads the energy of a symbol across the entire frequency domain and all time slots. The EST is coupled with the improved iterative detection algorithm named EST‐partial decision (PD)‐iterative‐interference‐cancellation (EST‐PD‐IIC) to maximize and leverage the potential diversity gain. Numerical simulation results demonstrate that the proposed scheme approaches the performance bound when signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) is about 21dB for 16‐ary quadrature amplitude modulation (16‐QAM). Complexity analysis illustrates that the computational complexity of the evolved EST‐PD‐IIC algorithm is lower than that of the famous vertically Bell laboratory layered space‐time detector (V‐BLAST) when the antenna array size is greater than . In summary, the proposed scheme is practical for providing high‐quality communication in multi‐path fading environments and can even enable a reliable communication without channel encoding when Eb/N0 exceeds a threshold in 5G‐Advanced.
PSANet: Automatic colourisation using position‐spatial attention for natural images
Authors: Zhu Peng‐Jie , Pu Yuan‐Yuan , Yang Qiuxia , Li Siqi , Zhao Zheng‐Peng , Wu Hao , Xu Dan
Published: June 2024

Due to the richness of natural image semantics, natural image colourisation is a challenging problem. Existing methods often suffer from semantic confusion due to insufficient semantic understanding, resulting in unreasonable colour assignments, especially at the edges of objects. This phenomenon is referred to as colour bleeding. The authors have found that using the self‐attention mechanism benefits the model's understanding and recognition of object semantics. However, this leads to another problem in colourisation, namely dull colour. With this in mind, a Position‐Spatial Attention Network(PSANet) is proposed to address the colour bleeding and the dull colour. Firstly, a novel new attention module called position‐spatial attention module (PSAM) is introduced. Through the proposed PSAM module, the model enhances the semantic understanding of images while solving the dull colour problem caused by self‐attention. Then, in order to further prevent colour bleeding on object boundaries, a gradient‐aware loss is proposed. Lastly, the colour bleeding phenomenon is further improved by the combined effect of gradient‐aware loss and edge‐aware loss. Experimental results show that this method can reduce colour bleeding largely while maintaining good perceptual quality.
Estimating the region of attraction of wind integrated power systems based on improved expanding interior algorithm
Authors: Liu Yang , Yao Huanjin , Chen Zengjie , Pei Xiangyu , Yang Yuexi , Wu Qinghua
Published: June 2024

This paper proposes an improved expanding interior algorithm (EIA) to estimate the region of attraction (ROA) of power systems with wind power generation based on sum of squares (SOS) programming. An ordinary differential equation (ODE) model is derived for the doubly‐fed induction generator‐based wind turbine (DFIGWT), which is named as an enhanced synchronous‐generator‐mimicking (ESGM) model. The ESGM model bridges the gap between the requirement of an ODE model in ROA estimation and the conventional differential‐algebraic equation (DAE) model of the DFIGWT system. The ESGM model is able to accurately reflect the low frequency dynamics of the DFIGWT. Moreover, an improved EIA is designed to estimate the ROA based on SOS programming, which has higher efficiency than the existing ROA estimation algorithms based on SOS programming. It is able to adaptively search for the Lyapunov function and obtain an optimal estimation of the ROA in an iterative process. The accuracy and efficiency of this algorithm are verified in three test systems composed of DFIGWTs and synchronous generators (SGs). The morphological changes in the ROA of the test systems caused by the penetration of DFIGWT are examined.
Extended high gain DC‐DC converter with switched‐inductors, switched‐capacitors and soft‐switching: Analysis and implementation
Authors: Biswal Pravat , Bhajana Veera Venkata Subrahmanya Kumar , Iqbal Atif , Kakani Vijay , Popuri Madhuchandra
Published: June 2024

This paper proposes an extended DC‐DC converter with high voltage conversion ratio and soft‐switching ability. The proposed converter has active switched‐inductors, switched‐capacitors included in the conventional high gain converter and operates in continuous conduction mode (CCM). Simple auxiliary resonant elements are added on the primary leg of the converter to provide design freedom for soft‐switching operation. The significant merits of the proposed converter are lesser voltage and current stresses, high voltage gain with reduced component count and better efficiency. Additional feature of this converter is soft‐switching operation under different load conditions and duty ratios without considerably increasing stresses. The zero voltage switching (ZVS) turn‐on operation is obtained for all switching devices. Therefore, switching power losses are minimized greatly. This paper presents the description, principles of operation and steady state analysis in comparison with the existing high gain converters. The theoretical analysis is verified with a 350 W prototype operated at input is 20 V and output is 220 V. The overall efficiency achieved is 96.7%. The obtained results confirm ZVZCS operation at full load.
Inter‐day energy storage expansion framework against extreme wind droughts based on extreme value theory and deep generation models
Authors: Zhu Yuhong , Dan Yangqing , Wang Lei , Yan Lei , Zhou Yongzhi , Wei Wei
Published: June 2024

The worldwide occurrence of wind droughts challenges the balance of power systems between energy production and consumption. Expanding inter‐day energy storage serves as a strategic solution, yet optimizing its capacity depends on accurately modeling future renewable energy uncertainties to avoid over‐ or under‐investment. Existing approaches that use the historical extreme scenario set (HESS) to represent future conditions are contentious due to potential inadequacies in forecasting future extreme scenarios (ESs), including those on a decadal or centennial scale. This study addresses the issue by proposing an advanced energy storage expansion framework that leverages Extreme Value Theory (EVT) and a novel Deep Generative Model, namely the Diffusion Model. To model the extremes in a principled way, this work leverages EVT to establish a severity‐probability mapping for wind droughts, guiding the training process of the Diffusion Model. This model excels in generating ESs that accurately reflect the distribution of real‐world extremes, thereby significantly enhancing the predictive capacity of HESS. Case studies on a real‐world power system confirm the method's capacity to generate high‐quality ESs, encompassing the most severe historical wind droughts not included in the training dataset, thereby facilitating resilient energy storage expansion against unforeseen extremes.
SDSS1335+0728: The awakening of a ∼106 M⊙ black hole
Authors: Sánchez-Sáez P. , Hernández-García L. , Bernal S. , Bayo A. , Calistro Rivera G. , Bauer F. E. , Ricci C. , Merloni A. , Graham M. J. , Cartier R. , Arévalo P. , Assef R. J. , Concas A. , Homan D. , Krumpe M. , Lira P. , Malyali A. , Martínez-Aldama M. L. , Muñoz Arancibia A. M. , Rau A. , Bruni G. , Förster F. , Pavez-Herrera M. , Tubín-Arenas D. , Brightman M.
Published: June 2024

Context. The early-type galaxy SDSS J133519.91+072807.4 (hereafter SDSS1335+0728), which had exhibited no prior optical variations during the preceding two decades, began showing significant nuclear variability in the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) alert stream from December 2019 (as ZTF19acnskyy). This variability behaviour, coupled with the host-galaxy properties, suggests that SDSS1335+0728 hosts a ∼106 M⊙ black hole (BH) that is currently in the process of “turning on”.

Aims. We present a multi-wavelength photometric analysis and spectroscopic follow-up performed with the aim of better understanding the origin of the nuclear variations detected in SDSS1335+0728.

Methods. We used archival photometry (from WISE, 2MASS, SDSS, GALEX, eROSITA) and spectroscopic data (from SDSS and LAMOST) to study the state of SDSS1335+0728 prior to December 2019, and new observations from Swift, SOAR/Goodman, VLT/X-shooter, and Keck/LRIS taken after its turn-on to characterise its current state. We analysed the variability of SDSS1335+0728 in the X-ray/UV/optical/mid-infrared range, modelled its spectral energy distribution prior to and after December 2019, and studied the evolution of its UV/optical spectra.

Results. From our multi-wavelength photometric analysis, we find that: (a) since 2021, the UV flux (from Swift/UVOT observations) is four times brighter than the flux reported by GALEX in 2004; (b) since June 2022, the mid-infrared flux has risen more than two times, and the W1 − W2 WISE colour has become redder; and (c) since February 2024, the source has begun showing X-ray emission. From our spectroscopic follow-up, we see that (i) the narrow emission line ratios are now consistent with a more energetic ionising continuum; (ii) broad emission lines are not detected; and (iii) the [OIII] line increased its flux ∼3.6 years after the first ZTF alert, which implies a relatively compact narrow-line-emitting region.

Conclusions. We conclude that the variations observed in SDSS1335+0728 could be either explained by a ∼106 M⊙ AGN that is just turning on or by an exotic tidal disruption event (TDE). If the former is true, SDSS1335+0728 is one of the strongest cases of an AGN observed in the process of activating. If the latter were found to be the case, it would correspond to the longest and faintest TDE ever observed (or another class of still unknown nuclear transient). Future observations of SDSS1335+0728 are crucial to further understand its behaviour.
The turbulent life of NGC 4696 as told by its globular cluster system
Authors: Federle S. , Gómez M. , Mieske S. , Harris W. E. , Hilker M. , Yegorova I. A. , Harris G. L. H.
Published: June 2024

Context. Globular clusters (GCs) are remarkable witnesses of their host galaxy’s interaction and merger history.

Aims. Our aim is to perform the photometric analysis of the globular cluster system (GCS) of the giant elliptical NGC 4696, which is the brightest member of Centaurus, a rich and dynamically young galaxy cluster.

Methods. We obtained deep Magellan 6.5 m/MegaCam (g′, r′, i′) photometry, with which we identified a sample of 3818 stellar clusters around NGC 4696 that were analyzed in the context of possible interactions and its assembly history.

Results. After carefully modeling and subtracting the galaxy light, we used selection criteria based on the shape, colors, and magnitudes to identify GC candidates. We find a number of features that indicate a disturbed GCS that points toward a complex evolution with other neighboring members of Centaurus. Formally, two subpopulations could be found at (g′−i′)0 = 0.763 ± 0.004 and (g′−i′)0 = 1.012 ± 0.004. Moreover, the color distribution does not show the presence of a significant blue tilt, but it presents a trend with the radius, where at small galactocentric distances a unimodal distribution is preferable to a bimodal one, suggesting the presence of an intermediate GC population. Besides the color distribution, the metallicity distribution also shows a bimodal trend, with peaks at [Fe/H]= − 1.363 ± 0.010 and [Fe/H]= − 0.488 ± 0.012. The radial density profiles show different slopes for the blue and red populations and the azimuthal distributions are well fitted by an asymmetrical sinusoidal function, with peaks projecting toward two nearby galaxies, NGC 4696B and NGC 4709, indicating past interactions among these three galaxies. Finally, we derived a GC specific frequency of S​N = 6.8 ± 0.9, in good agreement with the values obtained for other giant ellipticals and with previously estimated S​N of NGC 4696.

Conclusions. All these results point toward a complex GCS, strongly influenced by the interaction history of NGC 4696 with the other galaxies of the Centaurus cluster. In a future work, the spectroscopic follow-up of the GC candidates analyzed in this study and broadening the photometric baseline will allow us to highlight the formation and evolution of the entire Centaurus cluster.