bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macular and peripapillary Choroidal Vascularity Index in children with different refractive status
Authors: Qi Ziyi , Liu Xiaoxiao , Xiong Shuyu , Wang Jingjing , Chen Jun , Zhu Zhuoting , Brochert Grace , Zhang Bo , Deng Junjie , Cheng Tianyu , He Xiangui , Xu Xun
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To characterize choroidal vascular changes in children with different refractive status.

Methods

A study including 5864 children aged 6–9 years was performed to investigate the choroidal vascular index (CVI) in myopic, emmetropic and hyperopic eyes. Each participant had a comprehensive ocular examination with cycloplegic autorefraction performed, axial length (AL) measured and Swept Source-Optical Coherence Tomography (SS-OCT) scans acquired. Choroidal thickness (ChT) was measured by built-in software, and CVI was calculated using a previously validated self-developed algorithm.

Results

The mean ChT and CVI were 275.88 ± 53.34 μm and 34.91 ± 3.83 in the macula region, and 191.96 ± 46.28 μm and 32.35 ± 4.21 in the peripapillary region. CVI was significantly lowest for myopes, followed by emmetropes and hyperopes (P < 0.001). CVI varied between different sectors separated by the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) grid (P < 0.001). Macular CVI decreased horizontally from nasal to temporal quadrant with lowest in center fovea, and vertically from superior to inferior quadrants. Peripapillary CVI was highest in the nasal and lowest in the inferior sector. Multiple regression showed that spherical equivalent (SE), AL, intraocular pressure (IOP), ChT, age, and gender were significantly related to CVI (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

In children, the distribution of CVI in the posterior pole is not uniform. A decreased CVI was observed from hyperopia to myopia and was associated with decreased SE, elongated AL, and choroidal thinning. Further study of changes in CVI during myopia onset and progression is required to better understand the role of the choroidal vasculature in myopia development.
Guided anisotropic oxygen transport in vacancy ordered oxides
Authors: Yang Zhenzhong , Wang Le , Dhas Jeffrey A. , Engelhard Mark H. , Bowden Mark E. , Liu Wen , Zhu Zihua , Wang Chongmin , Chambers Scott A. , Sushko Peter V. , Du Yingge
Published: September 2023

Anisotropic and efficient transport of ions under external stimuli governs the operation and failure mechanisms of energy-conversion systems and microelectronics devices. However, fundamental understanding of ion hopping processes is impeded by the lack of atomically precise materials and probes that allow for the monitoring and control at the appropriate time- and length- scales. In this work, using in-situ transmission electron microscopy, we directly show that oxygen ion migration in vacancy ordered, semiconducting SrFeO2.5 epitaxial thin films can be guided to proceed through two distinctly different diffusion pathways, each resulting in different polymorphs of SrFeO2.75 with different ground electronic properties before reaching a fully oxidized, metallic SrFeO3 phase. The diffusion steps and reaction intermediates are revealed by means of ab-initio calculations. The principles of controlling oxygen diffusion pathways and reaction intermediates demonstrated here may advance the rational design of structurally ordered oxides for tailored applications and provide insights for developing devices with multiple states of regulation.
Iron phosphide nanocrystals as an air-stable heterogeneous catalyst for liquid-phase nitrile hydrogenation
Authors: Tsuda Tomohiro , Sheng Min , Ishikawa Hiroya , Yamazoe Seiji , Yamasaki Jun , Hirayama Motoaki , Yamaguchi Sho , Mizugaki Tomoo , Mitsudome Takato
Published: September 2023

Iron-based heterogeneous catalysts are ideal metal catalysts owing to their abundance and low-toxicity. However, conventional iron nanoparticle catalysts exhibit extremely low activity in liquid-phase reactions and lack air stability. Previous attempts to encapsulate iron nanoparticles in shell materials toward air stability improvement were offset by the low activity of the iron nanoparticles. To overcome the trade-off between activity and stability in conventional iron nanoparticle catalysts, we developed air-stable iron phosphide nanocrystal catalysts. The iron phosphide nanocrystal exhibits high activity for liquid-phase nitrile hydrogenation, whereas the conventional iron nanoparticles demonstrate no activity. Furthermore, the air stability of the iron phosphide nanocrystal allows facile immobilization on appropriate supports, wherein TiO2 enhances the activity. The resulting TiO2-supported iron phosphide nanocrystal successfully converts various nitriles to primary amines and demonstrates high reusability. The development of air-stable and active iron phosphide nanocrystal catalysts significantly expands the application scope of iron catalysts.
Towards bioresource-based aggregation-induced emission luminogens from lignin β-O-4 motifs as renewable resources
Authors: Guo Tenglong , Lin Yuting , Pan Deng , Zhang Xuedan , Zhu Wenqing , Cai Xu-Min , Huang Genping , Wang Hua , Xu Dezhu , Kühn Fritz E. , Zhang Bo , Zhang Tao
Published: September 2023

One-pot synthesis of heterocyclic aromatics with good optical properties from phenolic β-O-4 lignin segments is of high importance to meet high value added biorefinery demands. However, executing this process remains a huge challenge due to the incompatible reaction conditions of the depolymerization of lignin β-O-4 segments containing γ-OH functionalities and bioresource-based aggregation-induced emission luminogens (BioAIEgens) formation with the desired properties. In this work, benzannulation reactions starting from lignin β-O-4 moieties with 3-alkenylated indoles catalyzed by vanadium-based complexes have been successfully developed, affording a wide range of functionalized carbazoles with up to 92% yield. Experiments and density functional theory calculations suggest that the reaction pathway involves the selective cleavage of double C-O bonds/Diels-Alder cycloaddition/dehydrogenative aromatization. Photophysical investigations show that these carbazole products represent a class of BioAIEgens with twisted intramolecular charge transfer. Distinctions of emission behavior were revealed based on unique acceptor-donor-acceptor-type molecular conformations as well as molecular packings. This work features lignin β-O-4 motifs with γ-OH functionalities as renewable substrates, without the need to apply external oxidant/reductant systems. Here, we show a concise and sustainable route to functional carbazoles with AIE properties, building a bridge between lignin and BioAIE materials.
Regionally sourced bioaerosols drive high-temperature ice nucleating particles in the Arctic
Authors: Pereira Freitas Gabriel , Adachi Kouji , Conen Franz , Heslin-Rees Dominic , Krejci Radovan , Tobo Yutaka , Yttri Karl Espen , Zieger Paul
Published: September 2023

Primary biological aerosol particles (PBAP) play an important role in the climate system, facilitating the formation of ice within clouds, consequently PBAP may be important in understanding the rapidly changing Arctic. Within this work, we use single-particle fluorescence spectroscopy to identify and quantify PBAP at an Arctic mountain site, with transmission electronic microscopy analysis supporting the presence of PBAP. We find that PBAP concentrations range between 10−3–10−1 L−1 and peak in summer. Evidences suggest that the terrestrial Arctic biosphere is an important regional source of PBAP, given the high correlation to air temperature, surface albedo, surface vegetation and PBAP tracers. PBAP clearly correlate with high-temperature ice nucleating particles (INP) (>-15 °C), of which a high a fraction (>90%) are proteinaceous in summer, implying biological origin. These findings will contribute to an improved understanding of sources and characteristics of Arctic PBAP and their links to INP.
Estrogen receptor beta in astrocytes modulates cognitive function in mid-age female mice
Authors: Itoh Noriko , Itoh Yuichiro , Meyer Cassandra E. , Suen Timothy Takazo , Cortez-Delgado Diego , Rivera Lomeli Michelle , Wendin Sophia , Somepalli Sri Sanjana , Golden Lisa C. , MacKenzie-Graham Allan , Voskuhl Rhonda R.
Published: September 2023

Menopause is associated with cognitive deficits and brain atrophy, but the brain region and cell-specific mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we identify a sex hormone by age interaction whereby loss of ovarian hormones in female mice at midlife, but not young age, induced hippocampal-dependent cognitive impairment, dorsal hippocampal atrophy, and astrocyte and microglia activation with synaptic loss. Selective deletion of estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) in astrocytes, but not neurons, in gonadally intact female mice induced the same brain effects. RNA sequencing and pathway analyses of gene expression in hippocampal astrocytes from midlife female astrocyte-ERβ conditional knock out (cKO) mice revealed Gluconeogenesis I and Glycolysis I as the most differentially expressed pathways. Enolase 1 gene expression was increased in hippocampi from both astrocyte-ERβ cKO female mice at midlife and from postmenopausal women. Gain of function studies showed that ERβ ligand treatment of midlife female mice reversed dorsal hippocampal neuropathology.
A common human MLKL polymorphism confers resistance to negative regulation by phosphorylation
Authors: Garnish Sarah E. , Martin Katherine R. , Kauppi Maria , Jackson Victoria E. , Ambrose Rebecca , Eng Vik Ven , Chiou Shene , Meng Yanxiang , Frank Daniel , Tovey Crutchfield Emma C. , Patel Komal M. , Jacobsen Annette V. , Atkin-Smith Georgia K. , Di Rago Ladina , Doerflinger Marcel , Horne Christopher R. , Hall Cathrine , Young Samuel N. , Cook Matthew , Athanasopoulos Vicki , Vinuesa Carola G. , Lawlor Kate E. , Wicks Ian P. , Ebert Gregor , Ng Ashley P. , Slade Charlotte A. , Pearson Jaclyn S. , Samson André L. , Silke John , Murphy James M. , Hildebrand Joanne M.
Published: September 2023

Across the globe, 2-3% of humans carry the p.Ser132Pro single nucleotide polymorphism in MLKL, the terminal effector protein of the inflammatory form of programmed cell death, necroptosis. Here we show that this substitution confers a gain in necroptotic function in human cells, with more rapid accumulation of activated MLKLS132P in biological membranes and MLKLS132P overriding pharmacological and endogenous inhibition of MLKL. In mouse cells, the equivalent Mlkl S131P mutation confers a gene dosage dependent reduction in sensitivity to TNF-induced necroptosis in both hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells, but enhanced sensitivity to IFN-β induced death in non-hematopoietic cells. In vivo, MlklS131P homozygosity reduces the capacity to clear Salmonella from major organs and retards recovery of hematopoietic stem cells. Thus, by dysregulating necroptosis, the S131P substitution impairs the return to homeostasis after systemic challenge. Present day carriers of the MLKL S132P polymorphism may be the key to understanding how MLKL and necroptosis modulate the progression of complex polygenic human disease.
Differential phase-diversity electrooptic modulator for cancellation of fiber dispersion and laser noise
Authors: Ordouie Ehsan , Jiang Tianwei , Zhou Tingyi , A. Juneghani Farzaneh , Eshaghi Mahdi , G. Vazimali Milad , Fathpour Sasan , Jalali Bahram
Published: September 2023

Bandwidth and noise are fundamental considerations in all communication and signal processing systems. The group-velocity dispersion of optical fibers creates nulls in their frequency response, limiting the bandwidth and hence the temporal response of communication and signal processing systems. Intensity noise is often the dominant optical noise source for semiconductor lasers in data communication. In this paper, we propose and demonstrate a class of electrooptic modulators that is capable of mitigating both of these problems. The modulator, fabricated in thin-film lithium niobate, simultaneously achieves phase diversity and differential operations. The former compensates for the fiber’s dispersion penalty, while the latter overcomes intensity noise and other common mode fluctuations. Applications of the so-called four-phase electrooptic modulator in time-stretch data acquisition and in optical communication are demonstrated.
Acetylation reprograms MITF target selectivity and residence time
Authors: Louphrasitthiphol Pakavarin , Loffreda Alessia , Pogenberg Vivian , Picaud Sarah , Schepsky Alexander , Friedrichsen Hans , Zeng Zhiqiang , Lashgari Anahita , Thomas Benjamin , Patton E. Elizabeth , Wilmanns Matthias , Filippakopoulos Panagis , Lambert Jean-Philippe , Steingrímsson Eiríkur , Mazza Davide , Goding Colin R.
Published: September 2023

The ability of transcription factors to discriminate between different classes of binding sites associated with specific biological functions underpins effective gene regulation in development and homeostasis. How this is achieved is poorly understood. The microphthalmia-associated transcription factor MITF is a lineage-survival oncogene that plays a crucial role in melanocyte development and melanoma. MITF suppresses invasion, reprograms metabolism and promotes both proliferation and differentiation. How MITF distinguishes between differentiation and proliferation-associated targets is unknown. Here we show that compared to many transcription factors MITF exhibits a very long residence time which is reduced by p300/CBP-mediated MITF acetylation at K206. While K206 acetylation also decreases genome-wide MITF DNA-binding affinity, it preferentially directs DNA binding away from differentiation-associated CATGTG motifs toward CACGTG elements. The results reveal an acetylation-mediated switch that suppresses differentiation and provides a mechanistic explanation of why a human K206Q MITF mutation is associated with Waardenburg syndrome.
Accelerated body size evolution in upland environments is correlated with recent speciation in South American freshwater fishes
Authors: Cerezer Felipe O. , Dambros Cristian S. , Coelho Marco T. P. , Cassemiro Fernanda A. S. , Barreto Elisa , Albert James S. , Wüest Rafael O. , Graham Catherine H.
Published: September 2023

Speciation rates vary greatly among taxa and regions and are shaped by both biotic and abiotic factors. However, the relative importance and interactions of these factors are not well understood. Here we investigate the potential drivers of speciation rates in South American freshwater fishes, the most diverse continental vertebrate fauna, by examining the roles of multiple biotic and abiotic factors. We integrate a dataset on species geographic distribution, phylogenetic, morphological, climatic, and habitat data. We find that Late Neogene-Quaternary speciation events are strongly associated with body-size evolution, particularly in lineages with small body sizes that inhabit higher elevations near the continental periphery. Conversely, the effects of temperature, area, and diversity-dependence, often thought to facilitate speciation, are negligible. By evaluating multiple factors simultaneously, we demonstrate that habitat characteristics associated with elevation, as well as body size evolution, correlate with rapid speciation in South American freshwater fishes. Our study emphasizes the importance of integrative approaches that consider the interplay of biotic and abiotic factors in generating macroecological patterns of species diversity.
Revealing the aging process of solid electrolyte interphase on SiOx anode
Authors: Qian Guoyu , Li Yiwei , Chen Haibiao , Xie Lin , Liu Tongchao , Yang Ni , Song Yongli , Lin Cong , Cheng Junfang , Nakashima Naotoshi , Zhang Meng , Li Zikun , Zhao Wenguang , Yang Xiangjie , Lin Hai , Lu Xia , Yang Luyi , Li Hong , Amine Khalil , Chen Liquan , Pan Feng
Published: September 2023

As one of the most promising alternatives to graphite negative electrodes, silicon oxide (SiOx) has been hindered by its fast capacity fading. Solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) aging on silicon SiOx has been recognized as the most critical yet least understood facet. Herein, leveraging 3D focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) tomographic imaging, we reveal an exceptionally characteristic SEI microstructure with an incompact inner region and a dense outer region, which overturns the prevailing belief that SEIs are homogeneous structure and reveals the SEI evolution process. Through combining nanoprobe and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), it is also discovered that the electronic conductivity of thick SEI relies on the percolation network within composed of conductive agents (e.g., carbon black particles), which are embedded into the SEI upon its growth. Therefore, the free growth of SEI will gradually attenuate this electron percolation network, thereby causing capacity decay of SiOx. Based on these findings, a proof-of-concept strategy is adopted to mechanically restrict the SEI growth via applying a confining layer on top of the electrode. Through shedding light on the fundamental understanding of SEI aging for SiOx anodes, this work could potentially inspire viable improving strategies in the future.
Deep learning-driven adaptive optics for single-molecule localization microscopy
Authors: Zhang Peiyi , Ma Donghan , Cheng Xi , Tsai Andy P. , Tang Yu , Gao Hao-Cheng , Fang Li , Bi Cheng , Landreth Gary E. , Chubykin Alexander A. , Huang Fang
Published: September 2023

The inhomogeneous refractive indices of biological tissues blur and distort single-molecule emission patterns generating image artifacts and decreasing the achievable resolution of single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM). Conventional sensorless adaptive optics methods rely on iterative mirror changes and image-quality metrics. However, these metrics result in inconsistent metric responses and thus fundamentally limit their efficacy for aberration correction in tissues. To bypass iterative trial-then-evaluate processes, we developed deep learning-driven adaptive optics for SMLM to allow direct inference of wavefront distortion and near real-time compensation. Our trained deep neural network monitors the individual emission patterns from single-molecule experiments, infers their shared wavefront distortion, feeds the estimates through a dynamic filter and drives a deformable mirror to compensate sample-induced aberrations. We demonstrated that our method simultaneously estimates and compensates 28 wavefront deformation shapes and improves the resolution and fidelity of three-dimensional SMLM through >130-µm-thick brain tissue specimens.
A chromosome-level reference genome of an aromatic medicinal plant Adenosma buchneroides
Authors: Huang Hui , Wang Chen , Pei Shengji , Wang Yuhua
Published: September 2023

Adenosma buchneroides Bonati, belonging to the genus Adenosum (Plantaginaceae), is an aromatic medicinal plant and utilized in traditional Chinese medicine. It has been widely used as plant-based repellents to prevent vector-borne diseases. However, the lack of a reference genome limits the study of conservation management and molecular biology of A. buchneroides. Here, we generated a chromosome-level de novo genome assembly of A. buchneroides which is a high-quality chromosome-scale assembly of aromatic medicinal plant in Plantaginaceae. The genome has a total length of 442.84 Mb with scaffold N50 of 27.98 Mb and 95.55% of the genome assigned to 14 chromosomes. BUSCO assessment yielded a completeness score of 97.2%. Furthermore, we predicted 24,367 protein-coding genes, and 95.79% of them was functionally annotated. The chromosome-scale genome of A. buchneroides will be a significant resource for understanding the genetic basis and evolution of active components biosynthesis, which will facilitate further study and exploit of A. buchneroides.
Computer simulation of scavenging by hominins and giant hyenas in the late Early Pleistocene
Authors: Rodríguez Jesús , Hölzchen Ericson , Caso-Alonso Ana Isabel , Berndt Jan Ole , Hertler Christine , Timm Ingo J. , Mateos Ana
Published: September 2023

Consumption of animal-sourced food is an important factor in broadening the diet of early hominins, promoting brain and body growth, and increasing behavioural complexity. However, whether early hominins obtained animal food by scavenging or hunting large mammals remains debated. Sabre-toothed felids have been proposed to facilitate the expansion of early Homo out of Africa into Europe 1.4–0.8 Ma by creating a niche for scavengers in Eurasia as the carcasses abandoned by these felids still contained abundant edible resources. In contrast, it has been argued that the niche for a large scavenger was already occupied in Eurasia by the giant hyena, preventing hominins from utilising this resource. This study shows that sabre-toothed felids generated carcasses rich in edible resources and that hominins were capable of competing with giant hyenas for this resource. The simulation experiments showed that maintaining an optimum group size is essential for the success of the hominin scavenging strategy. Early hominins could outcompete giant hyenas only if they could successfully dispute carcasses with them. Thus, in the presence of a strong competitor, passive scavenging is essentially the same as confrontational scavenging.
Crystal structures and molecular dynamics simulations of a humanised antibody fragment at acidic to basic pH
Authors: Tang Jiazhi , Zhang Cheng , Castillo Nuria Codina , Lalaurie Christophe J. , Gao Xin , Dalby Paul A. , Kozielski Frank
Published: September 2023

Antibody-fragment (Fab) therapy development has the potential to be accelerated by computational modelling and simulations that predict their target binding, stability, formulation, manufacturability, and the impact of further protein engineering. Such approaches are currently predicated on starting with good crystal structures that closely represent those found under the solution conditions to be simulated. A33 Fab, is an undeveloped immunotherapeutic antibody candidate that was targeted to the human A33 antigen homogeneously expressed in 95% cases of primary and metastatic colorectal cancers. It is now used as a very well characterised testing ground for developing analytics, formulation and protein engineering strategies, and to gain a deeper understanding of mechanisms of destabilisation, representative of the wider therapeutic Fab platform. In this article, we report the structure of A33 Fab in two different crystal forms obtained at acidic and basic pH. The structures overlapped with RMSD of 1.33 Å overall, yet only 0.5 Å and 0.76 Å for the variable- and constant regions alone. While most of the differences were within experimental error, the switch linker between the variable and the constant regions showed some small differences between the two pHs. The two structures then enabled a direct evaluation of the impact of initial crystal structure selection on the outcomes of molecular dynamics simulations under different conditions, and their subsequent use for determining best fit solution structures using previously obtained small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) data. The differences in the two structures did not have a major impact on MD simulations regardless of the pH, other than a slight persistence of structure affecting the solvent accessibility of one of the predicted APR regions of A33 Fab. Interestingly, despite being obtained at pH 4 and pH 9, the two crystal structures were more similar to the SAXS solution structures obtained at pH 7, than to those at pH 4 or pH 9. Furthermore, the P65 crystal structure from pH 4 was also a better representation of the solution structures at any other pH, than was the P1 structure obtained at pH 9. Thus, while obtained at different pH, the two crystal structures may represent highly (P65) and lesser (P1) populated species that both exist at pH 7 in solution. These results now lay the foundation for confident MD simulations of A33 Fab that rationalise or predict behaviours in a range of conditions.
Fibroblast growth factors induce hepatic tumorigenesis post radiofrequency ablation
Authors: Markezana Aurelia , Paldor Mor , Liao Haixing , Ahmed Muneeb , Zorde-Khvalevsky Elina , Rozenblum Nir , Stechele Matthias , Salvermoser Lukas , Laville Flinn , Goldmann Salome , Rosenberg Nofar , Andrasina Tomas , Ricke Jens , Galun Eithan , Goldberg Shraga Nahum
Published: September 2023

Image-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is used to treat focal tumors in the liver and other organs. Despite potential advantages over surgery, hepatic RFA can promote local and distant tumor growth by activating pro-tumorigenic growth factor and cytokines. Thus, strategies to identify and suppress pro-oncogenic effects of RFA are urgently required to further improve the therapeutic effect. Here, the proliferative effect of plasma of Hepatocellular carcinoma or colorectal carcinoma patients 90 min post-RFA was tested on HCC cell lines, demonstrating significant cellular proliferation compared to baseline plasma. Multiplex ELISA screening demonstrated increased plasma pro-tumorigenic growth factors and cytokines including the FGF protein family which uniquely and selectively activated HepG2. Primary mouse and immortalized human hepatocytes were then subjected to moderate hyperthermia in-vitro, mimicking thermal stress induced during ablation in the peri-ablational normal tissue. Resultant culture medium induced proliferation of multiple cancer cell lines. Subsequent non-biased protein array revealed that these hepatocytes subjected to moderate hyperthermia also excrete a similar wide spectrum of growth factors. Recombinant FGF-2 activated multiple cell lines. FGFR inhibitor significantly reduced liver tumor load post-RFA in MDR2-KO inflammation-induced HCC mouse model. Thus, Liver RFA can induce tumorigenesis via the FGF signaling pathway, and its inhibition suppresses HCC development.
An additive manufacturing approach based on electrohydrodynamic printing to fabricate P3HT:PCBM thin films
Authors: Esa Zulfikre , Nauman Malik Muhammad , Jin Lei , Khalid Muhammad Usman , Hj Zaini Juliana , Iqbal Asif , Ali Kamran , Aïssa Brahim , Rosei Federico
Published: September 2023

Additive manufacturing (AM) enables the production of high value and high performance components with applications from aerospace to biomedical fields. We report here on the fabrication of poly(3-hexylthiophene): phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:PCBM) thin films through the electrohydrodynamic atomization (EHDA) process and its integration as absorber layer for organic solar cells. Prior to the film fabrication, the optimization of the process was carried out by developing the operating envelope for the P3HT:PCBM ink to determine the optimal flow rate and the appropriate applied voltage to achieve a stable-cone deposition mode. The EHDA printed thin-film’s topography, morphology and optical properties were systematically analyzed. The root-mean-square roughness was found to vary significantly with the annealing temperature and the flow rate and ranged from 1.938 to 3.345 nm. The estimated film mass and thickness were found between 3.235 and 23.471 mg and 597.5 nm to 1.60 µm, respectively. The films exhibited a broad visible absorption spectrum ranging from ~ 340 to ~ 600 nm, with a maximum peak λmax located at ~ 500 nm. As the annealing temperature and the flow rate were increased, discernible alterations in the PCBM clusters were consequently observed in the blends of the film and the size of the PCBM clusters has decreased by 3% while the distance between them was highly reduced by as much as 82%.
Research on land cover classification of multi-source remote sensing data based on improved U-net network
Authors: Zhang Guanjin , Roslan Siti Nur Aliaa binti , Wang Ci , Quan Ling
Published: September 2023

In recent years, remote sensing images of various types have found widespread applications in resource exploration, environmental protection, and land cover classification. However, relying solely on a single optical or synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image as the data source for land cover classification studies may not suffice to achieve the desired accuracy in ground information monitoring. One widely employed neural network for remote sensing image land cover classification is the U-Net network, which is a classical semantic segmentation network. Nonetheless, the U-Net network has limitations such as poor classification accuracy, misclassification and omission of small-area terrains, and a large number of network parameters. To address these challenges, this research paper proposes an improved approach that combines both optical and SAR images in bands for land cover classification and enhances the U-Net network. The approach incorporates several modifications to the network architecture. Firstly, the encoder-decoder framework serves as the backbone terrain-extraction network. Additionally, a convolutional block attention mechanism is introduced in the terrain extraction stage. Instead of pooling layers, convolutions with a step size of 2 are utilized, and the Leaky ReLU function is employed as the network's activation function. This design offers several advantages: it enhances the network's ability to capture terrain characteristics from both spatial and channel dimensions, resolves the loss of terrain map information while reducing network parameters, and ensures non-zero gradients during the training process. The effectiveness of the proposed method is evaluated through land cover classification experiments conducted on optical, SAR, and combined optical and SAR datasets. The results demonstrate that our method achieves classification accuracies of 0.8905, 0.8609, and 0.908 on the three datasets, respectively, with corresponding mIoU values of 0.8104, 0.7804, and 0.8667. Compared to the traditional U-Net network, our method exhibits improvements in both classification accuracy and mIoU to a certain extent.
Vibration characteristics of an active mounting system for motion control of a plate-like structure in future mobilities
Authors: Hong Dongwoo , Qiu Yang , Kim Byeongil
Published: September 2023

The vibration and noise caused by electric motors in hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) generate complex signals with a mid-frequency band, which causes uncomfortable vibration and noise. In order to isolate the vibration and noise, active engine mounting systems based on smart structures have attracted attention. Thus, in this study, the vibration attenuation performance was validated through simulation and feasibility experiments by applying an active mounting system using a piezoelectric stack actuator. A plate structure with three paths, consisting of two passive paths and one active path, was modeled using the lumped parameter method. The source part was excited by a sinusoidal and modulated signal with a mid-frequency band to validate the vibration attenuation performance. Furthermore, (1) mathematical modeling with a source-path-receiver structure was proposed based on lumped parameter modeling, (2) normalized least mean square (NLMS) and multi-NLMS algorithms were applied to implement motion control, and (3) a principal experimental setup was designed to validate the simulation results. Through this process, the vibration attenuation performance of the proposed active mount structure was validated.
Order–disorder phase transition and elastic-to-plastic vortex creep crossover in a triclinic iron pnictide superconductor (Ca$$_{0.85}$$La$$_{0.15}$$)$$_{10}$$(Pt$$_3$$As$$_8$$)(Fe$$_2$$As$$_2$$)$$_5$$
Authors: Sundar Shyam , Lopes P. V. , Salem-Sugui S. , Li Z.-Z. , Hong W.-S. , Luo H.-Q. , Li S.-L. , Ghivelder L.
Published: September 2023

Vortex matter in layered high-$$T_c$$

T
c

superconductors, including iron-pnictides, undergo several thermodynamic phase transitions due to the complex interplay of pinning energy, thermal energy and elastic energy. Moreover, the presence of anisotropy makes their vortex physics even more intriguing. Here, we report a detailed vortex dynamics study, using dc magnetization measurements, in a triclinic iron-pnictide superconductor (Ca$$_{0.85}$$

0.85

La$$_{0.15}$$

0.15

)$$_{10}$$

10

(Pt$$_3$$

3

As$$_8$$

8

)(Fe$$_2$$

2

As$$_2$$

2

)$$_5$$

5

, with a superconducting transition temperature, T$$_c$$

c

$$\sim$$
∼
31 K. A second magnetization peak (SMP) feature is observed for magnetic field perpendicular (H$$\parallel$$
‖
c) and parallel (H$$\parallel$$
‖
ab) to the crystal plane. However, its fundamental origin is quite different in both directions. For H$$\parallel$$
‖
c, the SMP can be well explained using an elastic-to-plastic vortex creep crossover, using collective creep theory. In addition, a possible rhombic-to-square vortex lattice phase transition is also observed for fields in between the onset-field and peak-field related to the SMP. On the other hand, for H$$\parallel$$
‖
ab, a clear signature of an order-disorder vortex phase transition is observed in the isothermal M(H) measurements at T$$\ge$$
≥
6 K. The disordered phase exhibits the characteristics of entangled pinned vortex-liquid. We construct a comprehensive vortex phase diagram by displaying characteristic temperatures and magnetic fields for both crystal geometries in this unique superconducting compound. Our study sheds light on the intricate vortex dynamics and pinning in an iron-pnictide superconductor with triclinic symmetry.
Blended knowledge sharing model in design professional
Authors: Hu Jiaying , Lee Jiyon , Yi Xiuhua
Published: September 2023

Grounded in Nonaka and Takeuchi (Long Range Plan 54(4):102070, 2021) Socialization, Externalization, Combination, and Internalization (SECI) model, the present research develops a Blended Knowledge Sharing Activity (BKSA) model tailored for design practitioners, targeting the enhancement of learning outcomes and creativity. The investigation centers around the influence of BKSA on higher education students' learning achievements and creative potential, further delving into their application and performance relative to social media within design-related coursework. Employing a comprehensive methodological approach including sampling, t-tests, and structural equation modeling, questionnaires were disseminated to a cohort of 105 undergraduate students from two sophomore-level design classes. It is worth underscoring that despite the SECI model finding extensive applicability across numerous domains, its implementation within the context of design education remains comparatively underrepresented. This research lacuna served as a catalyst in our endeavor to apply the SECI model within knowledge-sharing activities specific to design majors, in anticipation of uncovering more potent strategies for learning and innovation. Our findings disclose a tangible positive correlation between BKSA and both the learning outcomes and creativity of undergraduate students. Moreover, the instrument we devised and utilized, acting as a robust measurement tool for the SECI model, provided additional validation for the beneficial influence of BKSA on university students' learning achievements and creative capacities. This novel insight not only redresses the underexplored application of the SECI model in design education but also furnishes a fresh theoretical vantage point for the amalgamation of blended learning and knowledge sharing paradigms.
The application of high-performance ultrasound probes increases anatomic depiction in obese patients
Authors: Heinitz Sascha , Müller Jürgen , Jenderka Klaus-Vitold , Schlögl Haiko , Stumvoll Michael , Blüher Matthias , Blank Valentin , Karlas Thomas
Published: September 2023

This study evaluated the impact of obesity on abdominal ultrasound diagnostics and assessed effect of high-performance ultrasound probes increased imaging quality. Lean and obese subjects (n = 40; 58% female) were categorized according to body mass index (BMI, 21 to 48 kg/m2). A highly standardized ultrasound examination of the abdomen was performed by trained examiners using three different probes in randomized order (standard probe versus two high-performance probes). Quality of B-mode and duplex ultrasound were assessed using a custom scoring approach for depiction of liver and kidney anatomy and vascularization. Across probes, imaging quality of hepatic and kidney anatomy was inversely related with BMI (P < 0.03, r < − 0.35). Age, sex, and BMI explained 51% of the variance within the ultrasound quality score, with β = − 0.35, P < 0.0001 for BMI. Compared to the standard probe, high-performance probes allowed for a better depiction of kidney and liver anatomy in subjects above BMI 35 kg/m2 (n = 20, all P < 0.05), resulting in a less pronounced deterioration of imaging quality with increased BMI (all P < 0.05). In conclusion the study shows that obesity impairs ultrasound imaging quality of abdominal anatomy. The application of high-performance probes can increase anatomic depiction in obese patients.

Registration number of the German Registry of Clinical Studies: DRKS00023498.
Pelagic responses to oceanic anoxia during the Carnian Pluvial Episode (Late Triassic) in Panthalassa Ocean
Authors: Tomimatsu Yuki , Nozaki Tatsuo , Onoue Tetsuji , Matsumoto Hironao , Sato Honami , Takaya Yutaro , Kimura Jun-Ichi , Chang Qing , Rigo Manuel
Published: September 2023

The Carnian Pluvial Episode (CPE) was a short interval of extreme rainfall in the Late Triassic that caused significant changes in marine ecosystems. Global warming induced by Wrangellia volcanism is thought to have resulted in oceanic anoxia during the CPE, but the global extent, duration, and severity of anoxia, and its effects on major marine taxa, remain unclear. To address this, we examined an equatorial record of conditions in the Panthalassa Ocean during the CPE, focusing on marine Os isotope data, redox conditions, and conodont and radiolarian biostratigraphy. The results show that Wrangellia volcanism peaked in the latest Julian (early Carnian), coinciding with development of reducing conditions in the deep-sea Panthalassa. A strong conodont turnover occurred during the period of oceanic anoxia, whereas radiolarians were less affected and their diversity increased after the recovery from anoxia. The increased radiolarian diversity during the early Tuvalian (late Carnian) can be attributed to chemical weathering and enhanced nutrient fluxes associated with global warming and the more humid climate of Pangea.
The role of the DC component in human perception of AC–DC hybrid electric fields and a comparison with the AC component
Authors: Kursawe Michael , Kaifie Andrea , Krabbe Julia , Kimpeler Simon , Kühn Ralph , Kraus Thomas , Jankowiak Kathrin
Published: September 2023

As part of the energy transition in Germany, high-voltage overhead power lines will be operated using hybrid systems that combine alternating and direct current (AC and DC). The degree to which humans perceive hybrid electric fields (EFs) is dependent on the proportion of both EF types. To investigate the impact of the DC component, a study assessed 49 participants with above-average EF detection ability under conditions with a low DC component of 1–4 kilovolts per meter (kV/m) and varying AC EFs between 1 and 14 kV/m. The detection thresholds of combined AC/DC EFs decreased with an increase in the DC component and ranged from 9.6 to 6.83 kV/m on average for the group. The results suggest that even minor variations in the DC component significantly affect human perception of hybrid EFs. These findings complement the results of an earlier study that investigated the AC component in hybrid EFs. Correlational analyses of both studies demonstrated the reliability of participants' performance. This study contributes to our understanding of EF-related effects on human perception and can aid in the planning of energy transmission near areas where humans work or live.
Circulating biomarkers of extracellular matrix dysregulation are associated with adverse post-stage 2 outcomes in infants with single ventricle heart disease
Authors: Frank Benjamin S. , Nandy Debmalya , Khailova Ludmila , Mitchell Max B. , Morgan Gareth J. , Twite Mark , DiMaria Michael V. , Davidson Jesse A.
Published: September 2023

Children with single ventricle heart disease (SVHD) experience morbidity due to inadequate pulmonary blood flow. Using proteomic screening, our group previously identified members of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP), and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) families as potentially dysregulated in SVHD. No prior study has taken a targeted approach to mapping circulating levels of these protein families or their relationship to pulmonary vascular outcomes in SVHD. We performed a prospective cohort study of 70 SVHD infants pre-Stage 2 palliation and 24 healthy controls. We report targeted serum quantification of 39 proteins in the MMP, TIMP, and FGF families using the SomaScan platform. Clinical variables were extracted from the medical record. Twenty of 39 tested proteins (7/14 MMPs, 2/4 TIMPs, and 11/21 FGFs) differed between cases and controls. On single variable testing, 6 proteins and no clinical covariates were associated with both post-Stage 2 hypoxemia and length of stay. Multiple-protein modeling identified increased circulating MMP 7 and MMP 17, and decreased circulating MMP 8 and FGFR2 as most associated with post-Stage 2 hypoxemia; increased MMP 7 and TIMP 4 and decreased circulating MMP 1 and MMP 8 were most associated with post-operation length of stay. The MMP, TIMP, and FGF families are altered in SVHD. Pre-Stage 2 imbalance of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins—increased MMP 7 and decreased MMP 8—was associated with multiple adverse post-operation outcomes. Maintenance of the ECM may be an important pathophysiologic driver of Stage 2 readiness in SVHD.
The mechanism of knowledge-based behavior of pastoralists for rangeland management: exploitation, restoration and conservation
Authors: Mahdavi Seyedeh Khadijeh , Shahraki Mohammadreza , Sharafatmandrad Mohsen
Published: September 2023

Pastoralists have managed their lands for a thousand years, but they are ignored in the land management approaches. They have comprehensive information about their rangelands, coming from extensive observations and experiences in continuous herding. This research has focused on revealing the mechanism of knowledge-based behavior of pastoralists for rangeland management. The statistical population is made up of 50 pastoralists, all of whom were included in census. The research instrument was a researcher-made questionnaire that measured the knowledge-based behavior of pastoralists with 58 items in three indicators i.e. exploitation, conservation, and restoration. The validity and reliability of the research instrument were assessed using the opinions of local experts and Cronbach's alpha (α = 0.877). The knowledge-based behavior of pastoralists were from the highest to the lowest related to exploitation, conservation, and restoration with the average of 2.35, 2.07 and 1.58 respectively. Exploitation knowledge, restoration knowledge and conservation knowledge had the strongest and weakest significant relationship with the knowledge-based behavior of pastoralists. “The adequate growth of palatable plants is a sign of the start of grazing” and “the soil should not be wet for the start of grazing” had the highest importance for rangeland exploitation with a values of 0.816 and 0.784 respectively. For rangeland conservation, “holding meetings by elders regarding rangeland conservation is useful” and “reducing the number of pastoralists during droughts is one of the rangeland conservation ways” were the most importance items with the values of 0.852 and 0.848 respectively. For rangeland restoration, “implementation of grazing systems (rotation or rest rotation grazing systems) is one of the rangeland restoration ways” and “the appropriate distribution of watering points is one of the rangeland restoration factors” were the most importance items with the values of 0.840 and 0.812 respectively. There was a positive and significant relationship between the age, history of pastoralism and income with the knowledge-based behavior of pastoralists in rangeland management. Therefore, the presented approach based on indigenous knowledge can be considered as an effective component for rangeland management and can strengthen the positive effects of both management systems and create a transformation in the status of natural resources by a compatible combination of indigenous knowledge and modern knowledge. It is worth noting that by knowing these indicators, we can take an effective step in planning and policy making as well as proper management of rangelands.
Causes and consequences of acidification in the Baltic Sea: implications for monitoring and management
Authors: Gustafsson Erik , Carstensen Jacob , Fleming Vivi , Gustafsson Bo G. , Hoikkala Laura , Rehder Gregor
Published: September 2023

Increasing atmospheric CO2 drives ocean acidification globally. In coastal seas, acidification trends can however be either counteracted or enhanced by other processes. Ecosystem effects of acidification are so far small in the Baltic Sea, but changes should be anticipated unless CO2 emissions are curbed. Possible future acidification trends in the Baltic Sea, conditional on CO2 emissions, climate change, and changes in productivity, can be assessed by means of model simulations. There are uncertainties regarding potential consequences for marine organisms, partly because of difficulties to assign critical thresholds, but also because of knowledge gaps regarding species’ capacity to adapt. Increased temporal and spatial monitoring of inorganic carbon system parameters would allow a better understanding of current acidification trends and also improve the capacity to predict possible future changes. An additional benefit is that such measurements also provide quantitative estimates of productivity. The technology required for precise measurements of the inorganic carbon system is readily available today. Regularly updated status evaluations of acidification, and the inorganic carbon system in general, would support management when assessing climate change effects, eutrophication or characteristics of the pelagic habitats. This would, however, have to be based on a spatially and temporally sufficient monitoring program.
Integrating patient-reported physical, mental, and social impacts to classify long COVID experiences
Authors: Vartanian Keri , Fish Daniel , Kenton Natalie , Gronowski Benjamin , Wright Bill , Robicsek Ari
Published: September 2023

Long COVID was originally identified through patient-reported experiences of prolonged symptoms. Many studies have begun to describe long COVID; however, this work typically focuses on medical records, instead of patient experiences, and lacks a comprehensive view of physical, mental, and social impacts. As part of our larger My COVID Diary (MCD) study, we captured patient experiences using a prospective and longitudinal patient-reported outcomes survey (PROMIS-10) and free-text narrative submissions. From this study population, we selected individuals who were still engaged in the MCD study and reporting poor health (PROMIS-10 scores < 3) at 6 months (n = 634). We used their PROMIS-10 and narrative data to describe and classify their long COVID experiences. Using Latent Class Analysis of the PROMIS-10 data, we identified four classifications of long COVID experiences: a few lingering issues (n = 107), significant physical symptoms (n = 113), ongoing mental and cognitive struggles (n = 235), and numerous compounding challenges (n = 179); each classification included a mix of physical, mental, and social health struggles with varying levels of impairment. The classifications were reinforced and further explained by patient narratives. These results provide a new understanding of the varying ways that long COVID presents to help identify and care for patients.