bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coupled lattice Boltzmann method–discrete element method model for gas–liquid–solid interaction problems
Authors: Fei Linlin , Qin Feifei , Wang Geng , Huang Jingwei , Wen Binghai , Zhao Jianlin , Luo Kai H. , Derome Dominique , Carmeliet Jan
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we propose a numerical model to simulate gas–liquid–solid interaction problems, coupling the lattice Boltzmann method and discrete element method (LBM–DEM). A cascaded LBM is used to simulate the liquid–gas flow field using a pseudopotential interaction model for describing the liquid–gas multiphase behaviour. A classical DEM resorting to fictitious overlaps between the particles is used to simulate the multiple-solid-particle system. A multiphase fluid–solid two-way coupling algorithm between LBM and DEM is constructed. The model is validated by four benchmarks: (i) single disc sedimentation, (ii) single floating particle on a liquid–gas interface, (iii) sinking of a horizontal cylinder and (iv) self-assembly of three particles on a liquid–gas interface. Our simulations agree well with the numerical results reported in the literature. Our proposed model is further applied to simulate droplet impact on deformable granular porous media at pore scale. The dynamic droplet spreading process, the deformation of the porous media (composed of up to 1277 solid particles) as well as the invasion of the liquid into the pores are well captured, within a wide range of impact Weber number. The droplet spreading dynamics on particles is analysed based on the energy budget, which reveals mechanisms at play, showing the evolution of particle energy, surface energy and viscous dissipation energy. A scaling relation based on the impact Weber number is proposed to describe the maximum spreading ratio.
Protecting People from Their Own Religious Communities: Jane Doe in Church and State
Authors: Volokh Eugene
Published: November 2023

Suppose that people seek confidentiality in what would otherwise be a public process—such as litigating or applying for a firearms license—because they are afraid that publicly identifying them will stigmatize them in their (or their families’) religious communities. Should the law allow them to proceed anonymously to better protect their interests and to avoid discouraging their lawsuits or applications? Or would that unduly stigmatize the religious community by branding it as improperly censorious or judgmental—or interfere with religious community members’ ability to evaluate for themselves how their coreligionists are using the courts and other government processes?
The effect of curcumin supplementation on circulating adiponectin and leptin concentration in adults: a GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Musazadeh Vali , Abbasi Shaghayegh , Kavyani Zeynab , Moridpour Amir Hossein , Safarzadeh Diba , Moradi Zahra , Bahadori Fatemeh , Faghfouri Amir Hossein
Published: November 2023

Curcumin is a phytocompound found in the root of turmeric, a common herbal ingredient in many Asian cuisines. The compound contains anti-inflammatory activity, which is mediated through an upregulation of adiponectin and reduction of leptin. Results of randomised controlled trials (RCT) have shown that the effects of curcumin on adipokines are conflicting. Therefore, the current systematic review and meta-analysis of RCT were conducted with the aim of elucidating the role of curcumin supplementation on serum adiponectin and leptin. The search included PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar from inception to August 2023. For net changes in adipokines, standardised mean differences (SMD) were calculated using random effects models. Thirteen RCT with fourteen treatment arms were eligible for inclusion in this meta-analysis. Curcumin supplementation was effective in increasing serum adiponectin (SMD = 0·86, 95 % CI (0·33, 1·39), P < 0·001; I2 = 93·1 %, P < 0·001) and reducing serum leptin (SMD = −1·42, 95 % CI (−2·29, −0·54), P < 0·001; I2 = 94·7 %, P < 0·001). In conclusion, curcumin supplementation significantly increased circulating adiponectin and decreased leptin levels in adults.
Clinical outcomes, medical costs, and medication usage patterns of different somatic symptom disorders and functional somatic syndromes: a population-based study in Taiwan
Authors: Wu Chi-Shin , Chen Tzu-Ting , Liao Shih-Cheng , Huang Wei-Chia , Huang Wei-Lieh
Published: November 2023

Background

Somatic symptom disorders (SSD) and functional somatic syndromes (FSS) are often regarded as similar diagnostic constructs; however, whether they exhibit similar clinical outcomes, medical costs, and medication usage patterns has not been examined in nationwide data. Therefore, this study focused on analyzing SSD and four types of FSS (fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia).

Methods

This population-based matched cohort study utilized Taiwan's National Health Insurance (NHI) claims database to investigate the impact of SSD/FSS. The study included 2 615 477 newly diagnosed patients with SSD/FSS and matched comparisons from the NHI beneficiary registry. Healthcare utilization, mortality, medical expenditure, and medication usage were assessed as outcome measures. Statistical analysis involved Cox regression models for hazard ratios, generalized linear models for comparing differences, and adjustment for covariates.

Results

All SSD/FSS showed significantly higher adjusted hazard ratios for psychiatric hospitalization and all-cause hospitalization compared to the control group. All SSD/FSS exhibited significantly higher adjusted hazard ratios for suicide, and SSD was particularly high. All-cause mortality was significantly higher in all SSD/FSS. Medical costs were significantly higher for all SSD/FSS compared to controls. The usage duration of all psychiatric medications and analgesics was significantly higher in SSD/FSS compared to the control group.

Conclusion

All SSD/FSS shared similar clinical outcomes and medical costs. The high hazard ratio for suicide in SSD deserves clinical attention.
Pre-Clinical Mobility Limitation (PCML) Outcomes in Rehabilitation Interventions for Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Scoping Review
Authors: Lai Aiping , Morgan Ashley , Richardson Julie , Griffith Lauren E. , Kuspinar Ayse , Smith-Turchyn Jenna
Published: November 2023

Individuals with pre-clinical mobility limitation (PCML) are at a high risk of future functional loss and progression to disability. The purpose of this scoping review was to provide a comprehensive understanding of PCML intervention studies in middle-aged and older adults. We present the interventions that have been tested or planned, describe how they have been conducted and reported, identify the knowledge gaps in current literature, and make recommendations about future research directions. An initial search of 2,291 articles resulted in 14 articles that met criteria for inclusion. Findings reveal that: (1) there is limited published work on PCML interventions, especially in middle-aged populations; and (2) the complexity and variety of PCML measures make it difficult to compare findings across PCML studies. Despite the diversity of measures, this review provides preliminary evidence that rehabilitation interventions on PCML help to delay or prevent disability progression.
“Gives peace of mind” – Relatives’ perspectives of end-of-life conversations
Authors: Smith Mette A. , Brøchner Anne C. , Nedergaard Helene K. , Jensen Hanne I.
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Planning for end-of-life (EOL) and future treatment and care through advance care planning (ACP) is being increasingly implemented in different healthcare settings, and interest in ACP is growing. Several studies have emphasized the importance of relatives participating in conversations about wishes for EOL and being included in the process. Likewise, research has highlighted how relatives can be a valuable resource in an emergency setting. Although relatives have a significant role, few studies have investigated their perspectives of ACP and EOL conversations. This study explores relatives’ experiences of the benefits and disadvantages of having conversations about wishes for EOL treatment.

Methods

Semi-structured telephone interviews were held with 29 relatives who had participated in a conversation about EOL wishes with a patient and physician 2 years prior in a variety of Danish healthcare settings. The relatives were interviewed between September 2020 and June 2022. Content analysis was performed on the qualitative data.

Results

The interviews revealed two themes: “gives peace of mind” and “enables more openness and common understanding of EOL.” Relatives found that conversations about EOL could help assure that patients were heard and enhance their autonomy. These conversations relieved the relatives of responsibility by clarifying or confirming the patients’ wishes, and they also made the relatives reflect on their own wishes for EOL. Moreover, they helped patients and relatives address other issues regarding EOL and made wishes more visible across settings.

Significance of results

The results indicate that conducting conversations about wishes for EOL treatment and having relatives participate in those conversations were perceived as beneficial for both relatives and patients. Involving relatives in ACP should be prioritized by physicians and healthcare personnel when holding conversations about EOL.
Ich mag dich - du nervst mich!
Authors: Frick Jürg
Published: November 2023

Die Rolle von Geschwistern in der Entwicklung eines Menschen wird oft unterschätzt. Der Psychologe Jürg Frick beleuchtet dieses spannende Thema von verschiedenen Seiten:
• Welche Rolle spielen Geschwisterkonstellationen und -positionen?
• Wie und warum entstehen Eifersucht und Rivalität?
• Wie nehmen Eltern Einfluss auf das Verhältnis von Geschwistern?
• Warum können Geschwisterbeziehungen entwicklungsfördernd oder -hemmend sein?
• Was bringt es, sich mit den eigenen Geschwisterbeziehungen auseinanderzusetzen?
Dem Autor geht es aber auch um Möglichkeiten zur Neugestaltung von Geschwisterbeziehungen sowie um Langzeitauswirkungen in Partnerschaft oder Beruf. Fragebögen zur -Reflexion der eigenen Geschwistererfahrung runden das Buch ab.
Für die fünfte Auflage wurde der Inhalt überarbeitet und auf Basis der neuesten Studien, wie etwa zur Bevorzugung/Benachteiligung von Geschwistern und zu Geschwisterkonstellationen, aktualisiert.
Roll-to-roll printing trench-like metasurface film for radiative cooling
Authors: Ma Yaoguang
Published: November 2023

A Roll-to-roll technology can enable the fabrication of trench-like photonic meta-structures that are strongly absorptive in the MIR region, providing a controllable optical response for diurnal radiative cooling.
Electroconvulsive therapy is associated with increased immunoreactivity of neuroplasticity markers in the hippocampus of depressed patients
Authors: Loef Dore , Tendolkar Indira , van Eijndhoven Philip F. P. , Hoozemans Jeroen J. M. , Oudega Mardien L. , Rozemuller Annemieke J. M. , Lucassen Paul J. , Dols Annemiek , Dijkstra Anke A.
Published: November 2023

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective therapy for depression, but its cellular effects on the human brain remain elusive. In rodents, electroconvulsive shocks increase proliferation and the expression of plasticity markers in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG), suggesting increased neurogenesis. Furthermore, MRI studies in depressed patients have demonstrated increases in DG volume after ECT, that were notably paralleled by a decrease in depressive mood scores. Whether ECT also triggers cellular plasticity, inflammation or possibly injury in the human hippocampus, was unknown. We here performed a first explorative, anatomical study on the human post-mortem hippocampus of a unique, well-documented cohort of bipolar or unipolar depressed patients, who had received ECT in the 5 years prior to their death. They were compared to age-matched patients with a depressive disorder who had not received ECT and to matched healthy controls. Upon histopathological examination, no indications were observed for major hippocampal cell loss, overt cytoarchitectural changes or classic neuropathology in these 3 groups, nor were obvious differences present in inflammatory markers for astrocytes or microglia. Whereas the numbers of proliferating cells expressing Ki-67 was not different, we found a significantly higher percentage of cells positive for Doublecortin, a marker commonly used for young neurons and cellular plasticity, in the subgranular zone and CA4 / hilus of the hippocampus of ECT patients. Also, the percentage of positive Stathmin 1 cells was significantly higher in the subgranular zone of ECT patients, indicating neuroplasticity. These first post-mortem observations suggest that ECT has no damaging effects but may rather have induced neuroplasticity in the DG of depressed patients.
Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa caused by a novel COL7A1 variant with isodisomy
Authors: Niida Yo , Kobayashi Azusa , Togi Sumihito , Ura Hiroki
Published: November 2023

Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa is a genetic collagen disorder characterized by skin fragility that leads to generalized severe blistering, wounds, and scarring. In this report, we present a patient with a novel COL7A1 homozygous nonsense variant, c.793C>T p.(Gln265*). Although the parents were not consanguineous, both were heterozygous carriers of the variant. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array analysis revealed an isodisomy area on 3p22.1p21.1, encompassing COL7A1, suggesting that the variant originated from a common ancestor.
Evaluation of the US COVID-19 Scenario Modeling Hub for informing pandemic response under uncertainty
Authors: Howerton Emily , Contamin Lucie , Mullany Luke C. , Qin Michelle , Reich Nicholas G. , Bents Samantha , Borchering Rebecca K. , Jung Sung-mok , Loo Sara L. , Smith Claire P. , Levander John , Kerr Jessica , Espino J. , van Panhuis Willem G. , Hochheiser Harry , Galanti Marta , Yamana Teresa , Pei Sen , Shaman Jeffrey , Rainwater-Lovett Kaitlin , Kinsey Matt , Tallaksen Kate , Wilson Shelby , Shin Lauren , Lemaitre Joseph C. , Kaminsky Joshua , Hulse Juan Dent , Lee Elizabeth C. , McKee Clifton D. , Hill Alison , Karlen Dean , Chinazzi Matteo , Davis Jessica T. , Mu Kunpeng , Xiong Xinyue , Pastore y Piontti Ana , Vespignani Alessandro , Rosenstrom Erik T. , Ivy Julie S. , Mayorga Maria E. , Swann Julie L. , España Guido , Cavany Sean , Moore Sean , Perkins Alex , Hladish Thomas , Pillai Alexander , Ben Toh Kok , Longini Ira , Chen Shi , Paul Rajib , Janies Daniel , Thill Jean-Claude , Bouchnita Anass , Bi Kaiming , Lachmann Michael , Fox Spencer J. , Meyers Lauren Ancel , Srivastava Ajitesh , Porebski Przemyslaw , Venkatramanan Srini , Adiga Aniruddha , Lewis Bryan , Klahn Brian , Outten Joseph , Hurt Benjamin , Chen Jiangzhuo , Mortveit Henning , Wilson Amanda , Marathe Madhav , Hoops Stefan , Bhattacharya Parantapa , Machi Dustin , Cadwell Betsy L. , Healy Jessica M. , Slayton Rachel B. , Johansson Michael A. , Biggerstaff Matthew , Truelove Shaun , Runge Michael C. , Shea Katriona , Viboud Cécile , Lessler Justin
Published: November 2023

Our ability to forecast epidemics far into the future is constrained by the many complexities of disease systems. Realistic longer-term projections may, however, be possible under well-defined scenarios that specify the future state of critical epidemic drivers. Since December 2020, the U.S. COVID-19 Scenario Modeling Hub (SMH) has convened multiple modeling teams to make months ahead projections of SARS-CoV-2 burden, totaling nearly 1.8 million national and state-level projections. Here, we find SMH performance varied widely as a function of both scenario validity and model calibration. We show scenarios remained close to reality for 22 weeks on average before the arrival of unanticipated SARS-CoV-2 variants invalidated key assumptions. An ensemble of participating models that preserved variation between models (using the linear opinion pool method) was consistently more reliable than any single model in periods of valid scenario assumptions, while projection interval coverage was near target levels. SMH projections were used to guide pandemic response, illustrating the value of collaborative hubs for longer-term scenario projections.
Structures of the interleukin 11 signalling complex reveal gp130 dynamics and the inhibitory mechanism of a cytokine variant
Authors: Metcalfe Riley D. , Hanssen Eric , Fung Ka Yee , Aizel Kaheina , Kosasih Clara C. , Zlatic Courtney O. , Doughty Larissa , Morton Craig J. , Leis Andrew P. , Parker Michael W. , Gooley Paul R. , Putoczki Tracy L. , Griffin Michael D. W.
Published: November 2023

Interleukin (IL-)11, an IL-6 family cytokine, has pivotal roles in autoimmune diseases, fibrotic complications, and solid cancers. Despite intense therapeutic targeting efforts, structural understanding of IL-11 signalling and mechanistic insights into current inhibitors are lacking. Here we present cryo-EM and crystal structures of the human IL-11 signalling complex, including the complex containing the complete extracellular domains of the shared IL-6 family β-receptor, gp130. We show that complex formation requires conformational reorganisation of IL-11 and that the membrane-proximal domains of gp130 are dynamic. We demonstrate that the cytokine mutant, IL-11 Mutein, competitively inhibits signalling in human cell lines. Structural shifts in IL-11 Mutein underlie inhibition by altering cytokine binding interactions at all three receptor-engaging sites and abrogating the final gp130 binding step. Our results reveal the structural basis of IL-11 signalling, define the molecular mechanisms of an inhibitor, and advance understanding of gp130-containing receptor complexes, with potential applications in therapeutic development.
Behavioral representational similarity analysis reveals how episodic learning is influenced by and reshapes semantic memory
Authors: Walsh Catherine R. , Rissman Jesse
Published: November 2023

While semantic and episodic memory have been shown to influence each other, uncertainty remains as to how this interplay occurs. We introduce a behavioral representational similarity analysis approach to assess whether semantic space can be subtly re-sculpted by episodic learning. Eighty participants learned word pairs that varied in semantic relatedness, and learning was bolstered via either testing or restudying. Next-day recall is superior for semantically related pairs, but there is a larger benefit of testing for unrelated pairs. Analyses of representational change reveal that successful recall is accompanied by a pulling together of paired associates, with cue words in semantically related (but not unrelated) pairs changing more across learning than target words. Our findings show that episodic learning is associated with systematic and asymmetrical distortions of semantic space which improve later recall by making cues more predictive of targets, reducing interference from potential lures, and establishing novel connections within pairs.
Observation of frustrated chiral dynamics in an interacting triangular flux ladder
Authors: Li Yuqing , Du Huiying , Wang Yunfei , Liang Junjun , Xiao Liantuan , Yi Wei , Ma Jie , Jia Suotang
Published: November 2023

Quantum matter interacting with gauge fields, an outstanding paradigm in modern physics, underlies the description of various physical systems. Engineering artificial gauge fields in ultracold atoms offers a highly controllable access to the exotic many-body phenomena in these systems, and has stimulated intense interest. Here we implement a triangular flux ladder in the momentum space of ultracold 133Cs atoms, and study the chiral dynamics under tunable interactions. Through measurements of the site-resolved density evolutions, we reveal how the competition between interaction and flux in the frustrated triangular geometry gives rise to flux-dependent localization and biased chiral dynamics. For the latter in particular, the symmetry between the two legs is dynamically broken, which can be attributed to frustration. We then characterize typical dynamic patterns using complementary observables. Our work opens the avenue toward exploring correlated transport in frustrated geometries, where the interplay between interactions and gauge fields plays a key role.
Maintenance of appropriate size scaling of the C. elegans pharynx by YAP-1
Authors: Stojanovski Klement , Gheorghe Ioana , Lenart Peter , Lanjuin Anne , Mair William B. , Towbin Benjamin D.
Published: November 2023

Even slight imbalance between the growth rate of different organs can accumulate to a large deviation from their appropriate size during development. Here, we use live imaging of the pharynx of C. elegans to ask if and how organ size scaling nevertheless remains uniform among individuals. Growth trajectories of hundreds of individuals reveal that pharynxes grow by a near constant volume per larval stage that is independent of their initial size, such that undersized pharynxes catch-up in size during development. Tissue-specific depletion of RAGA-1, an activator of mTOR and growth, shows that maintaining correct pharynx-to-body size proportions involves a bi-directional coupling between pharynx size and body growth. In simulations, this coupling cannot be explained by limitation of food uptake alone, and genetic experiments reveal an involvement of the mechanotransducing transcriptional co-regulator yap-1. Our data suggests that mechanotransduction coordinates pharynx growth with other tissues, ensuring body plan uniformity among individuals.
A single pseudouridine on rRNA regulates ribosome structure and function in the mammalian parasite Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Rajan K. Shanmugha , Madmoni Hava , Bashan Anat , Taoka Masato , Aryal Saurav , Nobe Yuko , Doniger Tirza , Galili Kostin Beathrice , Blumberg Amit , Cohen-Chalamish Smadar , Schwartz Schraga , Rivalta Andre , Zimmerman Ella , Unger Ron , Isobe Toshiaki , Yonath Ada , Michaeli Shulamit
Published: November 2023

Trypanosomes are protozoan parasites that cycle between insect and mammalian hosts and are the causative agent of sleeping sickness. Here, we describe the changes of pseudouridine (Ψ) modification on rRNA in the two life stages of the parasite using four different genome-wide approaches. CRISPR-Cas9 knock-outs of all four snoRNAs guiding Ψ on helix 69 (H69) of the large rRNA subunit were lethal. A single knock-out of a snoRNA guiding Ψ530 on H69 altered the composition of the 80S monosome. These changes specifically affected the translation of only a subset of proteins. This study correlates a single site Ψ modification with changes in ribosomal protein stoichiometry, supported by a high-resolution cryo-EM structure. We propose that alteration in rRNA modifications could generate ribosomes preferentially translating state-beneficial proteins.
Radiative forcing from aerosol–cloud interactions enhanced by large-scale circulation adjustments
Authors: Dagan Guy , Yeheskel Netta , Williams Andrew I. L.
Published: November 2023

The impact of anthropogenic aerosols on clouds is a leading source of uncertainty in estimating the effect of human activity on the climate system. The challenge lies in the scale difference between clouds (~1–10 km) and general circulation and climate (>1,000 km). To address this, we use convection-permitting simulations conducted in a long and narrow domain, to resolve convection while also including a representation of large-scale processes. We examine a set of simulations that include a sea surface temperature gradient—which drives large-scale circulation—and compare these with simulations that include no gradient. We show that the effective radiative forcing due to aerosol–cloud interactions is strongly enhanced by adjustments of large-scale circulation to aerosol. We find that an increase in aerosol concentration suppresses precipitation in shallow-convective regions, which enhances water vapour transport to the portion of the domain dominated by deep convection. The subsequent increase in latent heat release in deep-convective regions strengthens the overturning circulation and surface evaporation. These changes can explain the increase in cloudiness under higher aerosol concentrations and, consequently, the large aerosol radiative effect. This work highlights the fundamental importance of large-scale circulation adjustments in understanding the effective radiative forcing from aerosol–cloud interactions.
Multi-layered maps of neuropil with segmentation-guided contrastive learning
Authors: Dorkenwald Sven , Li Peter H. , Januszewski Michał , Berger Daniel R. , Maitin-Shepard Jeremy , Bodor Agnes L. , Collman Forrest , Schneider-Mizell Casey M. , da Costa Nuno Maçarico , Lichtman Jeff W. , Jain Viren
Published: November 2023

Maps of the nervous system that identify individual cells along with their type, subcellular components and connectivity have the potential to elucidate fundamental organizational principles of neural circuits. Nanometer-resolution imaging of brain tissue provides the necessary raw data, but inferring cellular and subcellular annotation layers is challenging. We present segmentation-guided contrastive learning of representations (SegCLR), a self-supervised machine learning technique that produces representations of cells directly from 3D imagery and segmentations. When applied to volumes of human and mouse cortex, SegCLR enables accurate classification of cellular subcompartments and achieves performance equivalent to a supervised approach while requiring 400-fold fewer labeled examples. SegCLR also enables inference of cell types from fragments as small as 10 μm, which enhances the utility of volumes in which many neurites are truncated at boundaries. Finally, SegCLR enables exploration of layer 5 pyramidal cell subtypes and automated large-scale analysis of synaptic partners in mouse visual cortex.
Automatic segmentation framework of X-Ray tomography data for multi-phase rock using Swin Transformer approach
Authors: Chen Hao , Cao Xiaoqi , Zhang Xiyan , Wang Zhenyu , Qiu Bingjing , Zheng Kehong
Published: November 2023

A thorough understanding of the impact of the 3D meso-structure on damage and failure patterns is essential for revealing the failure conditions of composite rock materials such as coal, concrete, marble, and others. This paper presents a 3D XCT dataset of coal rock with 1372 slices (each slice contains 1720 × 1771 pixels in x × y direction). The 3D XCT datasets were obtained by MicroXMT-400 using the 225/320kv Nikon Metris custom bay. The raw datasets were processed by an automatic semantic segmentation method based on the Swin Transformer (Swin-T) architecture, which aims to overcome the issue of large errors and low efficiency for traditional methods. The hybrid loss function proposed can also effectively mitigate the influence of large volume features in the training process by incorporating modulation terms into the cross entropy loss, thereby enhancing the accuracy of segmentation for small volume features. This dataset will be available to the related researchers for further finite element analysis or microstructural statistical analysis, involving complex physical and mechanical behaviors at different scales.
Chronotypes-personality behavioural syndromes in wild marine fish
Authors: Martorell-Barceló Martina , Signaroli Marco , Barcelo-Serra Margarida , Lana Arancha , Aspillaga Eneko , Grau Amalia , Arlinghaus Robert , Alós Josep
Published: November 2023

Chronotypes, the individual differences in daily activity timing, have profound associations with numerous physiological processes. Despite this, the covariance between chronotypes and other aspects of an individual's behaviour has been infrequently explored in non-human animals. This study delves into individual's variation across four axes of personality in a controlled environment, utilising the pearly razorfish, a model species for fish chronotype studies. We identified behavioural types across the aggressiveness continuum and established behavioural syndromes amongst exploration, activity, and boldness, irrespective of body size and condition. Subsequent to this, the experimental subjects were reintroduced to their natural habitat and individually tracked using high-resolution technology to ascertain their chronotypes. Our results revealed that whilst the exploration-activity-boldness syndrome bore no correlation with chronotypes, a significant association was observed between aggressiveness and chronotype. Hence, individuals with later awakening times and rest onsets were more aggressive than their counterparts with earlier awakening times and rest onsets. This study provides pioneering evidence linking fish chronotypes with other behavioural traits, such as aggressiveness, suggesting that behavioural variation could be potentially linked to the individuals' variation in internal clocks and the environmental variables influencing their expression.
Optimization of the game improvement and data analysis model for the early childhood education major via deep learning
Authors: Zhao Yu , Gao WenWen , Ku ShanShan
Published: November 2023

An ever-growing portion of the economy is dedicated to the field of education, intensifying the urgency of identifying strategies to secure the sector’s enduring prosperity and elevate educational standards universally. This study introduces a model for enhancing games and optimizing data analysis within the context of early childhood education (ECE) majors, hinging on deep learning (DL). This approach aims to enhance the quality of instruction provided to ECE majors and refine the effectiveness of their professional pursuits. This study commences by examining the incorporation of DL technologies within the domain of ECE and delving into their fundamental underpinnings. Subsequently, it expounds upon the design philosophy underpinning ECE games operating within the framework of DL. Finally, it outlines the game improvement and data analysis (GIADA) model tailored to ECE majors. This model is constructed upon DL technology and further refined through the integration of convolutional neural networks (CNN). Empirical findings corroborate that the DL-CNN GIADA model achieves data analysis accuracy ranging from 83 to 93% across four datasets, underscoring the pronounced optimization prowess bestowed by CNN within the DL-based GIADA model. This study stands as an invaluable reference for the application and evolution of artificial intelligence technology within the realm of education, thereby contributing substantively to the broader landscape of educational advancement.
Inhibition of ALDH2 by quercetin glucuronide suggests a new hypothesis to explain red wine headaches
Authors: Devi Apramita , Levin Morris , Waterhouse Andrew L.
Published: November 2023

The consumption of red wine induces headaches in some subjects who can drink other alcoholic beverages without suffering. The cause for this effect has been attributed to a number of components, often the high level of phenolics in red wine, but a mechanism has been elusive. Some alcohol consumers exhibit flushing and experience headaches, and this is attributed to a dysfunctional ALDH2 variant, the enzyme that metabolizes acetaldehyde, allowing it to accumulate. Red wine contains much higher levels of quercetin and its glycosides than white wine or other alcoholic beverages. We show that quercetin-3-glucuronide, a typical circulating quercetin metabolite, inhibits ALDH2 with an IC50 of 9.6 µM. Consumption of red wine has been reported to result in comparable levels in circulation. Thus, we propose that quercetin-3-glucoronide, derived from the various forms of quercetin in red wines inhibits ALDH2, resulting in elevated acetaldehyde levels, and the subsequent appearance of headaches in susceptible subjects. Human-subject testing is needed to test this hypothesis.
Synthesis and biochemical evaluation of 17-N-beta-aminoalkyl-4,5α-epoxynormorphinans
Authors: Ötvös Ferenc , Szűcs Edina , Urai Ákos , Köteles István , Szabó Pál T. , Varga Zsuzsanna Katalin , Gombos Dávid , Hosztafi Sándor , Benyhe Sándor
Published: November 2023

Opiate alkaloids and their synthetic derivatives are still widely used in pain management, drug addiction, and abuse. To avoid serious side effects, compounds with properly designed pharmacological profiles at the opioid receptor subtypes are long needed. Here a series of 17-N-substituted derivatives of normorphine and noroxymorphone analogues with five- and six-membered ring substituents have been synthesized for structure–activity study. Some compounds showed nanomolar affinity to MOR, DOR and KOR in in vitro competition binding experiments with selective agonists [3H]DAMGO, [3H]Ile5,6-deltorphin II and [3H]HS665, respectively. Pharmacological characterization of the compounds in G-protein signaling was determined by [35S]GTPγS binding assays. The normorphine analogues showed higher affinity to KOR compared to MOR and DOR, while most of the noroxymorphone derivatives did not bind to KOR. The presence of 14-OH substituent resulted in a shift in the pharmacological profiles in the agonist > partial agonist > antagonist direction compared to the parent compounds. A molecular docking-based in silico method was also applied to estimate the pharmacological profile of the compounds. Docking energies and the patterns of the interacting receptor atoms, obtained with experimentally determined active and inactive states of MOR, were used to explain the observed pharmacological features of the compounds.
Factors in turnover intention of cardiothoracic surgery residents
Authors: Yu Ji Hye , Roh Hyun Woong , Song Mi Ryoung , Lee Jang Hoon , Haam Seokjin , Kim Miran
Published: November 2023

Increasing numbers of cardiothoracic surgery residents are resigning, without completing their training. This study analyzes how their turnover intention is related to the training environment, and individual psychological factors. Responses by 57 Korean cardiothoracic surgery residents were analyzed. Their levels of depression, anxiety, grit, and empathy, working conditions, the effect of someone’s presence to discuss their concerns with, burnout, and turnover intention were identified as the research variables. Descriptive statistical analysis, correlation analysis, and structural equation modeling were used for data analysis. Burnout has the most significant relationship with turnover intention. It has a mediating effect on the influence of depression, grit (sustained interest), and working conditions, over turnover intention. Empathy, and the presence of someone to discuss concerns with, also affect turnover intention directly. The study also confirmed that grit and work satisfaction affect turnover intention indirectly, through burnout. The study identified both individual- and systemic-level factors for an effective training environment, to reduce cardiothoracic surgery residents’ tendencies of leaving the residency program, and supporting them for greater satisfaction with their career choice. In order to resolve negative emotions such as burnout and depression, and foster empathy, a human resource development program for the residents’ psychological support must be prepared. The program director should be adequately educated to take charge of the training program, oversee the residents’ education and welfare, and perform the roles of role-model and mentor.
Time-dependent specific molecular signatures of inflammation and remodelling are associated with trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO)-induced endothelial cell dysfunction
Authors: Shanmugham Meyammai , Devasia Arun George , Chin Yu Ling , Cheong Kang Hao , Ong Eng Shi , Bellanger Sophie , Ramasamy Adaikalavan , Leo Chen Huei
Published: November 2023

Endothelial dysfunction is a critical initiating factor contributing to cardiovascular diseases, involving the gut microbiome-derived metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). This study aims to clarify the time-dependent molecular pathways by which TMAO mediates endothelial dysfunction through transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1). Cell viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were also evaluated. TMAO treatment for either 24H or 48H induces reduced cell viability and enhanced oxidative stress. Interestingly, the molecular signatures were distinct between the two time-points. Specifically, few Gene Ontology biological processes (BPs) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were modulated after a short (24H) compared to a long (48H) treatment. However, the KEGG signalling pathways namely “tumour necrosis factor (TNF)” and “cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction” were downregulated at 24H but activated at 48H. In addition, at 48H, BPs linked to inflammatory phenotypes were activated (confirming KEGG results), while BPs linked to extracellular matrix (ECM) structural organisation, endothelial cell proliferation, and collagen metabolism were repressed. Lastly, metabolic profiling showed that arachidonic acid, prostaglandins, and palmitic acid were enriched at 48H. This study demonstrates that TMAO induces distinct time-dependent molecular signatures involving inflammation and remodelling pathways, while pathways such as oxidative stress are also modulated, but in a non-time-dependent manner.
Broadband optical vortex beam generation using flat-surface nanostructured gradient index vortex phase masks
Authors: Nguyen Hue Thi , Kasztelanic Rafal , Filipkowski Adam , Pysz Dariusz , Van Le Hieu , Stepien Ryszard , Omatsu Takashige , Krolikowski Wieslaw , Buczynski Ryszard
Published: November 2023

We developed a new kind of compact flat-surface nanostructured gradient index vortex phase mask, for the effective generation of optical vortex beams in broadband infrared wavelength range. A low-cost nanotechnological material method was employed for this work. The binary structure component consists of 17,557 nano-sized rods made of two lead–bismuth–gallium silicate glasses which were developed in-house. Those small rods are spatially arranged in such a way that, according to effective medium theory, the refractive index of this internal structure is constant in the radial direction and linearly changes following azimuthal angle. Numerical results demonstrated that a nanostructured vortex phase mask with a thickness of 19 μm can convert Gaussian beams into fundamental optical vortices over 290 nm wavelength bandwidth from 1275 to 1565 nm. This has been confirmed in experiments using three diode laser sources operating at 1310, 1550, and 1565 nm. The generation of vortex beams is verified through their uniform doughnut-like intensity distributions, clear astigmatic transformation patterns, and spiral as well as fork-like interferograms. This new flat-surface component can be directly mounted to an optical fiber tip for simplifying vortex generator systems as well as easier manipulation of the generated OVB in three-dimensional space.
Evaluating algorithms of decision tree, support vector machine and regression for anode side catalyst data in proton exchange membrane water electrolysis
Authors: Arjmandi Mahdi , Fattahi Moslem , Motevassel Mohsen , Rezaveisi Hosna
Published: November 2023

Nowadays, due to the various type of problems stemmed from using chemical compounds and fossil fuels which have widely influence on whole environment including acid rain, polar ice melting and etc., number of researches have been leading on replacing the nonrenewable energy sources with renewable ones in order to produce clean fuels. Among these, hydrogen emerges as a quintessential clean fuel, garnering substantial attention for its potential to be synthesized from the electric power generated by renewable sources like nuclear and solar energies. This is achieved through the employment of a proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE) system, widely recognized as one of the most proficient and economically viable technologies for effecting the separation of H2O into H+ and OH−. In this study, the important affecting parameters on the anode side of catalyst in PEMWE and analyzed them by machine-learning (ML) algorithms through developing a data science (DS) procedure were discussed. Various machine learning models were subjected to comparison, wherein the Decision Tree models, specifically those configured with maximum depths of 3 and 4, emerged as the optimal choices, attaining a perfect 100% accuracy across both Dataset 1 and Dataset 2. Moreover, notable enhancements in accuracy values were observed for the Support Vector Machine (SVM) model, registering increments from 0.79 to 0.82 for Dataset 1 and 2, respectively. In stark contrast, the remaining models experienced a decrement in their accuracy scores. This phenomenon underscores the pivotal role played by the data generation process in rendering the models more faithful to real-world scenarios.
How AlphaFold2 shaped the structural coverage of the human transmembrane proteome
Authors: Jambrich Márton A. , Tusnady Gabor E. , Dobson Laszlo
Published: November 2023

AlphaFold2 (AF2) provides a 3D structure for every known or predicted protein, opening up new prospects for virtually every field in structural biology. However, working with transmembrane protein molecules pose a notorious challenge for scientists, resulting in a limited number of experimentally determined structures. Consequently, algorithms trained on this finite training set also face difficulties. To address this issue, we recently launched the TmAlphaFold database, where predicted AlphaFold2 structures are embedded into the membrane plane and a quality assessment (plausibility of the membrane-embedded structure) is provided for each prediction using geometrical evaluation. In this paper, we analyze how AF2 has improved the structural coverage of membrane proteins compared to earlier years when only experimental structures were available, and high-throughput structure prediction was greatly limited. We also evaluate how AF2 can be used to search for (distant) homologs in highly diverse protein families. By combining quality assessment and homology search, we can pinpoint protein families where AF2 accuracy is still limited, and experimental structure determination would be desirable.
A sequence-based evolutionary distance method for Phylogenetic analysis of highly divergent proteins
Authors: Cao Wei , Wu Lu-Yun , Xia Xia-Yu , Chen Xiang , Wang Zhi-Xin , Pan Xian-Ming
Published: November 2023

Because of the limited effectiveness of prevailing phylogenetic methods when applied to highly divergent protein sequences, the phylogenetic analysis problem remains challenging. Here, we propose a sequence-based evolutionary distance algorithm termed sequence distance (SD), which innovatively incorporates site-to-site correlation within protein sequences into the distance estimation. In protein superfamilies, SD can effectively distinguish evolutionary relationships both within and between protein families, producing phylogenetic trees that closely align with those based on structural information, even with sequence identity less than 20%. SD is highly correlated with the similarity of the protein structure, and can calculate evolutionary distances for thousands of protein pairs within seconds using a single CPU, which is significantly faster than most protein structure prediction methods that demand high computational resources and long run times. The development of SD will significantly advance phylogenetics, providing researchers with a more accurate and reliable tool for exploring evolutionary relationships.
Application of the HPLC-ELSD technique for the determination of major metabolites of ibuprofen and creatinine in human urine
Authors: Piechocka Justyna , Matwiej Natalia , Gaweł Marta , Matyjaszczyk Michał , Głowacki Rafał , Chwatko Grażyna
Published: November 2023

The report presents robust and high throughput methods, based on liquid chromatography coupled with evaporative light scattering detection (HPLC-ELSD), for the simultaneous determination of major metabolites of ibuprofen (IBU), namely 2-hydroxyibuprofen and carboxyibuprofen (method A) as well as creatinine (Crn) (method B) in human urine. The assays primarily involve straightforward sample purification. For both methods, the chromatographic separation of the analytes is achieved within 8 min at room temperature on Poroshell 120 SB-C18 (75 × 4.6 mm, 2.7 µm) column using gradient elution. The eluents consisted of 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile (method A) or water and methanol (method B) delivered at a flow rate of 1 or 0.5 mL/min, respectively. In relation to metabolites of IBU, the assay linearity was observed within 0.06–0.5 g/L in urine, while the Crn assay linearity was demonstrated within 0.5–30 mmol/L in urine. The limit of quantification for IBU metabolites was determined to be 0.06 g/L, and 0.5 mmol/L for Crn. These methods were successfully applied to urine samples delivered by ten apparently healthy donors showing that the HPLC-ELSD assays are suitable for human urine screening.
Global flood extent segmentation in optical satellite images
Authors: Portalés-Julià Enrique , Mateo-García Gonzalo , Purcell Cormac , Gómez-Chova Luis
Published: November 2023

Floods are among the most destructive extreme events that exist, being the main cause of people affected by natural disasters. In the near future, estimated flood intensity and frequency are projected to increase. In this context, automatic and accurate satellite-derived flood maps are key for fast emergency response and damage assessment. However, current approaches for operational flood mapping present limitations due to cloud coverage on acquired satellite images, the accuracy of flood detection, and the generalization of methods across different geographies. In this work, a machine learning framework for operational flood mapping from optical satellite images addressing these problems is presented. It is based on a clouds-aware segmentation model trained in an extended version of the WorldFloods dataset. The model produces accurate and fast water segmentation masks even in areas covered by semitransparent clouds, increasing the coverage for emergency response scenarios. The proposed approach can be applied to both Sentinel-2 and Landsat 8/9 data, which enables a much higher revisit of the damaged region, also key for operational purposes. Detection accuracy and generalization of proposed model is carefully evaluated in a novel global dataset composed of manually labeled flood maps. We provide evidence of better performance than current operational methods based on thresholding spectral indices. Moreover, we demonstrate the applicability of our pipeline to map recent large flood events that occurred in Pakistan, between June and September 2022, and in Australia, between February and April 2022. Finally, the high-resolution (10-30m) flood extent maps are intersected with other high-resolution layers of cropland, building delineations, and population density. Using this workflow, we estimated that approximately 10 million people were affected and 700k buildings and 25,000 km$$^2$$

2

of cropland were flooded in 2022 Pakistan floods.