bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Geochronology and geochemistry of pelitic granulite from the South Delhi Terrane of the Aravalli Delhi Mobile Belt, NW India: implications for petrogenesis and geodynamic model”
Authors: Kumar M. , Prakash D. , Singh C. K. , Singh S. , Pandey R. K. , Singh Pradip K. , Mahanta B.
Published: July 2023

An attempt has been made to illustrate the evolution of pelitic granulite from south of the Balaram-Abu road, which lies in the South Delhi Terrane (SDT) of the Aravalli-Delhi Mobile Belt (ADMB), using geochemistry and geochronology. The current work offers a plausible explanation for the protolith of pelitic granulite, nature of the sediments and its provenance. The elemental geochemistry of the pelitic granulites reveals that the protolith is an arkosic to shaley type. The rare earth elements pattern shows that there is a negative Eu anomaly and a small excess of LREE over HREE. This means that the source of sediments probably has the same elements as the upper crust. However, the amounts of Sr, Nd and Pb vary a lot, which shows that the sediments supplied from two different types of sources (felsic and mafic) in different proportions from a Proterozoic terrain. The monazite geochronology indicates that the metamorphic overprint occurred between 797 Ma and 906 Ma. Additionally, the ages correlate to the debris that was formed between the 1188 Ma and 1324 Ma from magmatic/sedimentary sources for pelitic granulite. The present research provides a more in-depth understanding of the evolutionary history of the pelitic granulite that comprises the SDT in the ADMB region during the Proterozoic era.
WHERE ARE WE GOING? AND WHAT HAVE WE DONE?
Authors: Moorehouse Aaron
Published: July 2023

This article discusses responses to the survey-score Where are we Going? and What have we Done?, which sets out to explore how Anglophone composers choose to ground the impacts of their compositional practice. The composers’ responses primarily centred around the psychosocial impacts of composition, and the article unpicks some of the implications of this focus. The article then details the effect the survey-score had on my own composing, before outlining the affordances of narrative approaches to the act of scoring, and their ability to shine a brighter light on the impacts of our practice, both retrospectively and also with regards to future performances.
Subgroups of self-neglect and effects on suicidal ideation among the older adults
Authors: Lee Hyun , Lee Eunjin
Published: July 2023

The issue of self-neglect among older adults is receiving attention in modern societies where aging is accelerating. To help expand our understanding of this phenomenon, this study identified its different types using latent profile analysis and verified the main variables that distinguish these types from each other. The three profiles that were identified are high self-neglect (HSN: 28.8%), low self-neglect (LSN: 35.6%), and poor personal hygiene (PPH: 35.6%). Interestingly, PPH showed a high rate and was identified as a noticeable type of elder self-neglect. Gender, age group, SES, support size, and suicidal ideation were significant in classifying the types of self-neglect. Men were more likely to be within the HSN group, and late elderly were more likely to be within the PPH group. The higher SES and social support, the higher the probability of being within the LSN group. The higher the suicidal ideation, the higher the possibility of falling under the HSN group. To reduce self-neglect among older adults, this study suggests to older adults vulnerable to self-neglect, expansion of the social support available to them, and provision of mental health services to this population.
Association Between Long‐Term Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter Constituents and Progression of Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity in Beijing: Modifying Effect of Greenness
Authors: Xu Zongkai , Han Ze , Wang Jinqi , Jin Rui , Li Zhiwei , Wu Zhiyuan , Zhao Zemeng , Lv Shiyun , Zhao Xiaoyu , Liu Yueruijing , Guo Xiuhua , Tao Lixin
Published: July 2023

Few studies have explored the effects of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and its constituents on the progression of cerebral blood flow velocity (BFV) and the potential modifying role of greenness. In this study, we investigated the association of PM2.5 and its constituents, including sulfate (SO42−), nitrate (NO3−), ammonium (NH4+), organic matter (OM), and black carbon (BC), with the progression of BFV in the middle cerebral artery. Participants from the Beijing Health Management Cohort who underwent at least two transcranial Doppler sonography examinations during 2015–2020 were recruited. BFV change and BFV change rate were used to define the progression of cerebral BFV. Linear mixed effects models were employed to analyze the data, and the weighted quantile sum regression assessed the contribution of PM2.5 constituents. Additionally, greenness was examined as a modifier. Among the examined constituents, OM exhibited the strongest association with BFV progression. An interquartile range increase in PM2.5 and OM exposure concentrations was associated with a decrease of −16.519 cm/s (95% CI: −17.837, −15.201) and −15.403 cm/s (95% CI: −16.681, −14.126) in BFV change, and −10.369 cm/s/year (95% CI: −11.387, −9.352) and −9.615 cm/s/year (95% CI: −10.599, −8.632) in BFV change rate, respectively. Furthermore, stronger associations between PM2.5 and BFV progression were observed in individuals working in areas with lower greenness, those aged under 45 years, and females. In conclusion, reducing PM2.5 levels in the air, particularly the OM constituent, and enhancing greenness could potentially contribute to the protection of cerebrovascular health.
Role of neuroinflammation in neurodegeneration development
Authors: Zhang Weifeng , Xiao Dan , Mao Qinwen , Xia Haibin
Published: July 2023

Studies in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, and so on, have suggested that inflammation is not only a result of neurodegeneration but also a crucial player in this process. Protein aggregates which are very common pathological phenomenon in neurodegeneration can induce neuroinflammation which further aggravates protein aggregation and neurodegeneration. Actually, inflammation even happens earlier than protein aggregation. Neuroinflammation induced by genetic variations in CNS cells or by peripheral immune cells may induce protein deposition in some susceptible population. Numerous signaling pathways and a range of CNS cells have been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration, although they are still far from being completely understood. Due to the limited success of traditional treatment methods, blocking or enhancing inflammatory signaling pathways involved in neurodegeneration are considered to be promising strategies for the therapy of neurodegenerative diseases, and many of them have got exciting results in animal models or clinical trials. Some of them, although very few, have been approved by FDA for clinical usage. Here we comprehensively review the factors affecting neuroinflammation and the major inflammatory signaling pathways involved in the pathogenicity of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We also summarize the current strategies, both in animal models and in the clinic, for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Tolerance of repeated toxic injuries of murine livers is associated with steatosis and inflammation
Authors: Hammad Seddik , Ogris Christoph , Othman Amnah , Erdoesi Pia , Schmidt-Heck Wolfgang , Biermayer Ina , Helm Barbara , Gao Yan , Piorońska Weronika , Holland Christian H. , D’Alessandro Lorenza A. , de la Torre Carolina , Sticht Carsten , Al Aoua Sherin , Theis Fabian J. , Bantel Heike , Ebert Matthias P. , Klingmüller Ursula , Hengstler Jan G. , Dooley Steven , Mueller Nikola S.
Published: July 2023

The human liver has a remarkable capacity to regenerate and thus compensate over decades for fibrosis caused by toxic chemicals, drugs, alcohol, or malnutrition. To date, no protective mechanisms have been identified that help the liver tolerate these repeated injuries. In this study, we revealed dysregulation of lipid metabolism and mild inflammation as protective mechanisms by studying longitudinal multi-omic measurements of liver fibrosis induced by repeated CCl4injections in mice (n = 45). Based on comprehensive proteomics, transcriptomics, blood- and tissue-level profiling, we uncovered three phases of early disease development—initiation, progression, and tolerance. Using novel multi-omic network analysis, we identified multi-level mechanisms that are significantly dysregulated in the injury-tolerant response. Public data analysis shows that these profiles are altered in human liver diseases, including fibrosis and early cirrhosis stages. Our findings mark the beginning of the tolerance phase as the critical switching point in liver response to repetitive toxic doses. After fostering extracellular matrix accumulation as an acute response, we observe a deposition of tiny lipid droplets in hepatocytes only in the Tolerant phase. Our comprehensive study shows that lipid metabolism and mild inflammation may serve as biomarkers and are putative functional requirements to resist further disease progression.
Robust negative longitudinal magnetoresistance and spin–orbit torque in sputtered Pt3Sn and Pt3SnxFe1-x topological semimetal
Authors: Zhang Delin , Jiang Wei , Yun Hwanhui , Benally Onri Jay , Peterson Thomas , Cresswell Zach , Fan Yihong , Lv Yang , Yu Guichuan , Barriocanal Javier Garcia , Swatek Przemyslaw Wojciech , Mkhoyan K. Andre , Low Tony , Wang Jian-Ping
Published: July 2023

Contrary to topological insulators, topological semimetals possess a nontrivial chiral anomaly that leads to negative magnetoresistance and are hosts to both conductive bulk states and topological surface states with intriguing transport properties for spintronics. Here, we fabricate highly-ordered metallic Pt3Sn and Pt3SnxFe1-x thin films via sputtering technology. Systematic angular dependence (both in-plane and out-of-plane) study of magnetoresistance presents surprisingly robust quadratic and linear negative longitudinal magnetoresistance features for Pt3Sn and Pt3SnxFe1-x, respectively. We attribute the anomalous negative longitudinal magnetoresistance to the type-II Dirac semimetal phase (pristine Pt3Sn) and/or the formation of tunable Weyl semimetal phases through symmetry breaking processes, such as magnetic-atom doping, as confirmed by first-principles calculations. Furthermore, Pt3Sn and Pt3SnxFe1-x show the promising performance for facilitating the development of advanced spin-orbit torque devices. These results extend our understanding of chiral anomaly of topological semimetals and can pave the way for exploring novel topological materials for spintronic devices.
Multi-batch single-cell comparative atlas construction by deep learning disentanglement
Authors: Lynch Allen W. , Brown Myles , Meyer Clifford A.
Published: July 2023

Cell state atlases constructed through single-cell RNA-seq and ATAC-seq analysis are powerful tools for analyzing the effects of genetic and drug treatment-induced perturbations on complex cell systems. Comparative analysis of such atlases can yield new insights into cell state and trajectory alterations. Perturbation experiments often require that single-cell assays be carried out in multiple batches, which can introduce technical distortions that confound the comparison of biological quantities between different batches. Here we propose CODAL, a variational autoencoder-based statistical model which uses a mutual information regularization technique to explicitly disentangle factors related to technical and biological effects. We demonstrate CODAL’s capacity for batch-confounded cell type discovery when applied to simulated datasets and embryonic development atlases with gene knockouts. CODAL improves the representation of RNA-seq and ATAC-seq modalities, yields interpretable modules of biological variation, and enables the generalization of other count-based generative models to multi-batched data.
External globus pallidus input to the dorsal striatum regulates habitual seeking behavior in male mice
Authors: Baker Matthew , Kang Seungwoo , Hong Sa-Ik , Song Minryung , Yang Minsu Abel , Peyton Lee , Essa Hesham , Lee Sang Wan , Choi Doo-Sup
Published: July 2023

The external globus pallidus (GPe) coordinates action-selection through GABAergic projections throughout the basal ganglia. GPe arkypallidal (arky) neurons project exclusively to the dorsal striatum, which regulates goal-directed and habitual seeking. However, the role of GPe arky neurons in reward-seeking remains unknown. Here, we identified that a majority of arky neurons target the dorsolateral striatum (DLS). Using fiber photometry, we found that arky activities were higher during random interval (RI; habit) compared to random ratio (RR; goal) operant conditioning. Support vector machine analysis demonstrated that arky neuron activities have sufficient information to distinguish between RR and RI behavior. Genetic ablation of this arkyGPe→DLS circuit facilitated a shift from goal-directed to habitual behavior. Conversely, chemogenetic activation globally reduced seeking behaviors, which was blocked by systemic D1R agonism. Our findings reveal a role of this arkyGPe→DLS circuit in constraining habitual seeking in male mice, which is relevant to addictive behaviors and other compulsive disorders.
Structural and photophysical characterization of the small ultra-red fluorescent protein
Authors: Maiti Atanu , Buffalo Cosmo Z. , Saurabh Saumya , Montecinos-Franjola Felipe , Hachey Justin S. , Conlon William J. , Tran Geraldine N. , Hassan Bakar , Walters Kylie J. , Drobizhev Mikhail , Moerner W. E. , Ghosh Partho , Matsuo Hiroshi , Tsien Roger Y. , Lin John Y. , Rodriguez Erik A.
Published: July 2023

The small Ultra-Red Fluorescent Protein (smURFP) represents a new class of fluorescent protein with exceptional photostability and brightness derived from allophycocyanin in a previous directed evolution. Here, we report the smURFP crystal structure to better understand properties and enable further engineering of improved variants. We compare this structure to the structures of allophycocyanin and smURFP mutants to identify the structural origins of the molecular brightness. We then use a structure-guided approach to develop monomeric smURFP variants that fluoresce with phycocyanobilin but not biliverdin. Furthermore, we measure smURFP photophysical properties necessary for advanced imaging modalities, such as those relevant for two-photon, fluorescence lifetime, and single-molecule imaging. We observe that smURFP has the largest two-photon cross-section measured for a fluorescent protein, and that it produces more photons than organic dyes. Altogether, this study expands our understanding of the smURFP, which will inform future engineering toward optimal FPs compatible with whole organism studies.
Kondo interaction in FeTe and its potential role in the magnetic order
Authors: Kim Younsik , Kim Min-Seok , Kim Dongwook , Kim Minjae , Kim Minsoo , Cheng Cheng-Maw , Choi Joonyoung , Jung Saegyeol , Lu Donghui , Kim Jong Hyuk , Cho Soohyun , Song Dongjoon , Oh Dongjin , Yu Li , Choi Young Jai , Kim Hyeong-Do , Han Jung Hoon , Jo Younjung , Shim Ji Hoon , Seo Jungpil , Huh Soonsang , Kim Changyoung
Published: July 2023

Finding d-electron heavy fermion states has been an important topic as the diversity in d-electron materials can lead to many exotic Kondo effect-related phenomena or new states of matter such as correlation-driven topological Kondo insulator. Yet, obtaining direct spectroscopic evidence for a d-electron heavy fermion system has been elusive to date. Here, we report the observation of Kondo lattice behavior in an antiferromagnetic metal, FeTe, via angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, scanning tunneling spectroscopy and transport property measurements. The Kondo lattice behavior is represented by the emergence of a sharp quasiparticle and Fano-type tunneling spectra at low temperatures. The transport property measurements confirm the low-temperature Fermi liquid behavior and reveal successive coherent-incoherent crossover upon increasing temperature. We interpret the Kondo lattice behavior as a result of hybridization between localized Fe 3dxy and itinerant Te 5pz orbitals. Our observations strongly suggest unusual cooperation between Kondo lattice behavior and long-range magnetic order.
Turnover number predictions for kinetically uncharacterized enzymes using machine and deep learning
Authors: Kroll Alexander , Rousset Yvan , Hu Xiao-Pan , Liebrand Nina A. , Lercher Martin J.
Published: July 2023

The turnover number kcat, a measure of enzyme efficiency, is central to understanding cellular physiology and resource allocation. As experimental kcat estimates are unavailable for the vast majority of enzymatic reactions, the development of accurate computational prediction methods is highly desirable. However, existing machine learning models are limited to a single, well-studied organism, or they provide inaccurate predictions except for enzymes that are highly similar to proteins in the training set. Here, we present TurNuP, a general and organism-independent model that successfully predicts turnover numbers for natural reactions of wild-type enzymes. We constructed model inputs by representing complete chemical reactions through differential reaction fingerprints and by representing enzymes through a modified and re-trained Transformer Network model for protein sequences. TurNuP outperforms previous models and generalizes well even to enzymes that are not similar to proteins in the training set. Parameterizing metabolic models with TurNuP-predicted kcat values leads to improved proteome allocation predictions. To provide a powerful and convenient tool for the study of molecular biochemistry and physiology, we implemented a TurNuP web server.
Membranes prime the RapGEF EPAC1 to transduce cAMP signaling
Authors: Sartre Candice , Peurois François , Ley Marie , Kryszke Marie-Hélène , Zhang Wenhua , Courilleau Delphine , Fischmeister Rodolphe , Ambroise Yves , Zeghouf Mahel , Cianferani Sarah , Ferrandez Yann , Cherfils Jacqueline
Published: July 2023

EPAC1, a cAMP-activated GEF for Rap GTPases, is a major transducer of cAMP signaling and a therapeutic target in cardiac diseases. The recent discovery that cAMP is compartmentalized in membrane-proximal nanodomains challenged the current model of EPAC1 activation in the cytosol. Here, we discover that anionic membranes are a major component of EPAC1 activation. We find that anionic membranes activate EPAC1 independently of cAMP, increase its affinity for cAMP by two orders of magnitude, and synergize with cAMP to yield maximal GEF activity. In the cell cytosol, where cAMP concentration is low, EPAC1 must thus be primed by membranes to bind cAMP. Examination of the cell-active chemical CE3F4 in this framework further reveals that it targets only fully activated EPAC1. Together, our findings reformulate previous concepts of cAMP signaling through EPAC proteins, with important implications for drug discovery.
Immune sensing of food allergens promotes avoidance behaviour
Authors: Florsheim Esther B. , Bachtel Nathaniel D. , Cullen Jaime L. , Lima Bruna G. C. , Godazgar Mahdieh , Carvalho Fernando , Chatain Carolina P. , Zimmer Marcelo R. , Zhang Cuiling , Gautier Gregory , Launay Pierre , Wang Andrew , Dietrich Marcelo O. , Medzhitov Ruslan
Published: July 2023

In addition to its canonical function of protection from pathogens, the immune system can also alter behaviour1,2. The scope and mechanisms of behavioural modifications by the immune system are not yet well understood. Here, using mouse models of food allergy, we show that allergic sensitization drives antigen-specific avoidance behaviour. Allergen ingestion activates brain areas involved in the response to aversive stimuli, including the nucleus of tractus solitarius, parabrachial nucleus and central amygdala. Allergen avoidance requires immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies and mast cells but precedes the development of gut allergic inflammation. The ability of allergen-specific IgE and mast cells to promote avoidance requires cysteinyl leukotrienes and growth and differentiation factor 15. Finally, a comparison of C57BL/6 and BALB/c mouse strains revealed a strong effect of the genetic background on the avoidance behaviour. These findings thus point to antigen-specific behavioural modifications that probably evolved to promote niche selection to avoid unfavourable environments.
High-resolution CMIP6 climate projections for Ethiopia using the gridded statistical downscaling method
Authors: Rettie Fasil M. , Gayler Sebastian , Weber Tobias K. D. , Tesfaye Kindie , Streck Thilo
Published: July 2023

High-resolution climate model projections for a range of emission scenarios are needed for designing regional and local adaptation strategies and planning in the context of climate change. To this end, the future climate simulations of global circulation models (GCMs) are the main sources of critical information. However, these simulations are not only coarse in resolution but also associated with biases and high uncertainty. To make the simulations useful for impact modeling at regional and local level, we utilized thebias correction constructed analogues with quantile mapping reordering(BCCAQ) statistical downscaling technique to produce a 10 km spatial resolution climate change projections database based on 16 CMIP6 GCMs under three emission scenarios (SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5). The downscaling strategy was evaluated using aperfect siblingapproach and detailed results are presented by taking two contrasting (the worst and best performing models) GCMs as a showcase. The evaluation results demonstrate that the downscaling approach substantially reduced model biases and generated higher resolution daily data compared to the original GCM outputs.
A global database for modeling tumor-immune cell communication
Authors: Xie Yunjin , Zhou Weiwei , Shi Jingyi , Xu Mengjia , Lin Zijing , Li Donghao , Li Jianing , Cheng Shujun , Shao Tingting , Xu Juan
Published: July 2023

Communications between tumor cells and surrounding immune cells help shape the tumor immunity continuum. Recent breakthroughs in high-throughput technologies as well as computational algorithms had reported many important tumor-immune cell (TIC) communications, which were scattered in thousands of published studies and impeded systematical characterization of the TIC communications across cancer. Here, a comprehensive database, TICCom, was developed to model TIC communications, containing 739 experimentally-validated or manually-curated interactions collected from more than 3,000 literatures as well as 4,537,709 predicted interactions inferred via six computational algorithms by reanalyzing 32 scRNA-seq datasets and bulk RNA-seq data across 25 cancer types. The communications between tumor cells and 14 types of immune cells were characterized, and the involved ligand-receptor interactions were further integrated. 14190 human and 3650 mouse integrated ligand-receptor interactions with supplemented corresponding function information were also stored in the TICCom database. Our database would serve as a valuable resource for investigating TIC communications.
Patient-derived glioblastoma cell lines with conserved genome profiles of the original tissue
Authors: Kim Soon-Chan , Cho Young-Eun , Shin Young-Kyoung , Yu Hyeon Jong , Chowdhury Tamrin , Kim Sojin , Yi Kyung Sik , Choi Chi-Hoon , Cha Sang-Hoon , Park Chul-Kee , Ku Ja-Lok
Published: July 2023

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most lethal intracranial tumor. Sequencing technologies have supported personalized therapy for precise diagnosis and optimal treatment of GBM by revealing clinically actionable molecular characteristics. Although accumulating sequence data from brain tumors and matched normal tissues have facilitated a comprehensive understanding of genomic features of GBM, these in silico evaluations could gain more biological credibility when they are verified with in vitro and in vivo models. From this perspective, GBM cell lines with whole exome sequencing (WES) datasets of matched tumor tissues and normal blood are suitable biological platforms to not only investigate molecular markers of GBM but also validate the applicability of druggable targets. Here, we provide a complete WES dataset of 26 GBM patient-derived cell lines along with their matched tumor tissues and blood to demonstrate that cell lines can mostly recapitulate genomic profiles of original tumors such as mutational signatures and copy number alterations.
The speed and temporal frequency of visual apparent motion modulate auditory duration perception
Authors: He Xiang , Ke Zijun , Wu Zehua , Chen Lihan , Yue Zhenzhu
Published: July 2023

In the present study, we investigated how the perception of auditory duration could be modulated by a task-irrelevant, concurrent visual apparent motion, induced by visual bars alternating between left and right sides. Moreover, we examined the influence of the speed and temporal frequency of visual apparent motion on the perception of auditory duration. In each trial, the standard visual stimuli (two vertical bars) were presented sequentially, except that visual apparent motion was included in the fourth stimulus. A tone was presented simultaneously with each visual stimulus, while the fourth tone was presented with varied duration. Participants judged whether the fourth tone lasted longer than the other four tones. In Experiment 1, the speed of visual apparent motion (Fast vs. Slow) was manipulated by changing the interval between two bars. The mean point of subjective equality (PSE) in the Slow apparent motion condition was larger than that in the Static condition. Moreover, participants tended to overestimate the duration only in the Static condition, i.e., time dilation effect, which disappeared under apparent motion conditions. In Experiment 2, in addition to speed, we controlled the temporal frequency of apparent motion by manipulating the number of bars, generating four conditions of visual apparent motion (Physical-fast, Perceived-fast, Perceived-slow, vs. Static). The mean PSE was significantly smaller in the Physical-fast condition than in the Static and Perceived-slow conditions. Moreover, we found a time compression effect in both the Perceived-slow and Static conditions but not in the Perceived-fast and Physical-fast conditions. These results suggest that the auditory duration could be modulated by the concurrent, contextual visual apparent motion, and both the speed and temporal frequency of the task-irrelevant visual apparent motion contribute to the bias in perceiving the auditory duration.
Curriculum learning-based strategy for low-density archaeological mound detection from historical maps in India and Pakistan
Authors: Berganzo-Besga Iban , Orengo Hector A. , Lumbreras Felipe , Alam Aftab , Campbell Rosie , Gerrits Petrus J. , de Souza Jonas Gregorio , Khan Afifa , Suárez-Moreno María , Tomaney Jack , Roberts Rebecca C. , Petrie Cameron A.
Published: July 2023

This paper presents two algorithms for the large-scale automatic detection and instance segmentation of potential archaeological mounds on historical maps. Historical maps present a unique source of information for the reconstruction of ancient landscapes. The last 100 years have seen unprecedented landscape modifications with the introduction and large-scale implementation of mechanised agriculture, channel-based irrigation schemes, and urban expansion to name but a few. Historical maps offer a window onto disappearing landscapes where many historical and archaeological elements that no longer exist today are depicted. The algorithms focus on the detection and shape extraction of mound features with high probability of being archaeological settlements, mounds being one of the most commonly documented archaeological features to be found in the Survey of India historical map series, although not necessarily recognised as such at the time of surveying. Mound features with high archaeological potential are most commonly depicted through hachures or contour-equivalent form-lines, therefore, an algorithm has been designed to detect each of those features. Our proposed approach addresses two of the most common issues in archaeological automated survey, the low-density of archaeological features to be detected, and the small amount of training data available. It has been applied to all types of maps available of the historic 1″ to 1-mile series, thus increasing the complexity of the detection. Moreover, the inclusion of synthetic data, along with a Curriculum Learning strategy, has allowed the algorithm to better understand what the mound features look like. Likewise, a series of filters based on topographic setting, form, and size have been applied to improve the accuracy of the models. The resulting algorithms have a recall value of 52.61% and a precision of 82.31% for the hachure mounds, and a recall value of 70.80% and a precision of 70.29% for the form-line mounds, which allowed the detection of nearly 6000 mound features over an area of 470,500 km2, the largest such approach to have ever been applied. If we restrict our focus to the maps most similar to those used in the algorithm training, we reach recall values greater than 60% and precision values greater than 90%. This approach has shown the potential to implement an adaptive algorithm that allows, after a small amount of retraining with data detected from a new map, a better general mound feature detection in the same map.
Forecasting the progression of human civilization on the Kardashev Scale through 2060 with a machine learning approach
Authors: Zhang Antong , Yang Jiani , Luo Yangcheng , Fan Siteng
Published: July 2023

Energy has been propelling the development of human civilization for millennia. Humanity presently stands at Type 0.7276 on the Kardashev Scale, which was proposed to quantify the relationship between energy consumption and the development of civilizations. However, current predictions of human civilization remain underdeveloped and energy consumption models are oversimplified. In order to improve the precision of the prediction, we use machine learning models random forest and autoregressive integrated moving average to simulate and predict energy consumption on a global scale and the position of humanity on the Kardashev Scale through 2060. The result suggests that global energy consumption is expected to reach ~ 887 EJ in 2060, and humanity will become a Type 0.7449 civilization. Additionally, the potential energy segmentation changes before 2060 and the influence of the advent of nuclear fusion are discussed. We conclude that if energy strategies and technologies remain in the present course, it may take human civilization millennia to become a Type 1 civilization. The machine learning tool we develop significantly improves the previous projection of the Kardashev Scale, which is critical in the context of civilization development.
The growth of capillary networks by branching for maximum fluid access
Authors: Zhang Xuewei , Lorente Sylvie
Published: July 2023

Here we document the deterministic evolution of capillary networks that morph by connecting more and more branches to water sources. The network grows with the objective of extracting in steady state higher and higher liquid flow rates. Growth happens through the generation of tree-shaped structures and the geometrical configuration of the dendritic network evolves as the number of connected sources increases. We present a novel methodology to generate capillary architectures and show how the evolution of the network leads to pump higher volumetric flow rates by capillary suction. The results suggest that networks generated within a plane lead to higher flow rates than networks generated within a three-dimensional domain, for the same volume of fluid.
Real-world experience of adverse reactions-necessitated rifampicin-sparing treatment for drug-susceptible pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Kim Hyung-Jun , Lee Ye Jin , Song Myung Jin , Kwon Byoung Soo , Kim Yeon Wook , Lim Sung Yoon , Lee Yeon-Joo , Park Jong Sun , Cho Young-Jae , Lee Choon-Taek , Lee Jae Ho
Published: July 2023

Rifampicin is an important agent for tuberculosis treatment; however, it is often discontinued because of adverse reactions. The treatment regimen then can be administered as that for rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis, which can be toxic. We retrospectively reviewed 114 patients with drug-susceptible pulmonary tuberculosis who discontinued rifampicin due to adverse reactions during an 18 year period at a tertiary referral center, of which 92 (80.7%) exhibited favorable response. Hepatotoxicity was the leading cause of intolerance. Patients with a favorable response were younger and less likely to have comorbidities. The majority of patients were administered four medications during the intensive phase and three to four during the consolidative phase. For those with a favorable response, the median duration of treatment was 10.2 months and the most common intensive regimen was a combination of isoniazid, ethambutol, pyrazinamide, and fluoroquinolone (25%). The most common consolidation regimen was a combination of isoniazid, ethambutol, and fluoroquinolone (22.8%). Among the patients with a favorable response, two (2.2%) experienced recurrence after a follow-up of 3.4 (interquartile range 1.8–6.8) years. For patients with drug-susceptible pulmonary tuberculosis who do not tolerate rifampicin owing to its toxicity, a shorter regimen may be a useful alternative.
The influence of sac centreline on saccular aneurysm rupture: computational study
Authors: Jiang Hao , Lu Zhiwei , Gerdroodbary M. Barzegar , Sabernaeemi Amir , Salavatidezfouli Sajad
Published: July 2023

The geometric characteristics of a saccular aneurysm play a crucial role in its rupturing. This article thoroughly investigates the impact of the sac centerline on aneurysm rupture, with a focus on identifying significant factors related to rupture at different time intervals. The study employs comprehensive computational simulations of six models of the ICA with varying coiling porosities and blood HCTs, using CFD analysis to examine WSS, OSI, pressure, and velocity within the saccular aneurysm for different sac centerlines. The results indicate that higher blood HCT levels lead to increased WSS and pressure values on the aneurysm wall, while OSI and mean velocity decrease. The study also reveals that coiling techniques can significantly reduce the risk of rupture, as decreasing coil porosity (increasing coil permeability) increases OSI and pressure while decreasing WSS and blood velocity within the aneurysm sac.
Adapting Large Intro-level Chemistry Courses to Fully Remote or Hybrid Instruction
Authors: Iha Rhiannon , Luo Jia , Lutes Bryn , Szteinberg Gabriela
Published: July 2023

Due to COVID-19, educators had to quickly overhaul current practices to deliver quality instruction online, leading to planning semesters in hybrid or fully remote formats. We present adaptations implemented in three large lecture general and organic chemistry courses. All courses used Zoom differently, such as for synchronous lectures, recitation sections, and/or office hours. Some instructors chose to record sessions for students who could not attend synchronously. Instructors chose to use a flipped classroom approach, having students watch pre-recorded lectures before synchronous class and/or office hours. The different ways to engage students with the pre-recorded material ranged from (a) having students answer questions before gaining access to videos, (b) offering lecture review questions associated with each lecture video, or (c) offering opportunities to meet with instructors during help sessions/office hours. Instructors encouraged students to watch lecture videos at the designated time, to keep up with current material and form good time management skills. Asynchronous lectures allowed for a more equitable and inclusive environment because students had access and engagement with the course material at all times. We present anecdotal information demonstrating the pedagogical promise of these adaptations, and final course evaluation data to show students’ views on their educational experiences.
The Next Level in Inclusive Chemistry Education: A Model Approach Using a Multi-touch Learning Book
Authors: Kranz J. , Tiemann R.
Published: July 2023

School education is undergoing rapid change, because inclusion and digitalization as new framework conditions recognized by society as a whole require competence from teachers in the realization of the inclusive, digital world in school. For chemistry teaching, the challenge is to realize the strategy of “Education in the Digital World”, whose characteristic feature is the connection of inclusion—the participation of all in access to education—and digitalization in an integrative way. Nevertheless, hardly any suitable models can be found for the international as well as for the German-speaking area as instruments for planning inclusive lessons with the integration of digital media. The paradigm shifts for teaching from exclusive to inclusive and analogue to digital are usually considered in isolation and rarely considered in their entirety, but only in the synthetic consideration of these aspects can the inclusion process be optimized. However, scientific knowledge acquisition through problem solving offers a possibility to consider different requirements of an inclusive chemistry education. Accordingly, this project is dedicated to the development and validation of a model for inclusive chemistry teaching (MiC) and, building on this, the transfer of the model into a practical, inclusive learning environment using an interactive learning book.
The Community of Inquiry Framework as a Guide to Implement Inclusive Collaborative Two-stage Exams in Chemistry
Authors: Stewart J. J.
Published: July 2023

This chapter presents an introduction to two-stage exams in chemistry within the community of inquiry framework. This framework makes explicit the opportunities of online assessment, such as innovative ways to support peer discussion, and elaborates on the challenges in representing chemistry knowledge digitally and in creating opportunities for peer learning. Creating a shared sense of purpose, fostering students’ sense of belonging, and encouraging equitable group interactions are discussed as important aspects of inclusive collaborative assessments. Improvements to the two-stage exam model and directions for future research are discussed.
Digital Formative Assessments for Learning
Authors: Wilkinson S. , Pullen R. , Rutledge P. , Schmid S.
Published: July 2023

The surge in new digital tools and assessments, particularly in recent years, have been quickly adopted by teachers around the world due to their efficiency, accessibility, and multi-modal offerings. They can also promote digital literacy and offer authentic assessment opportunities in our new digital era. But whilst we scramble for the latest software or digital assessment trend, it is important that we do not overlook their pedagogical value (or lack of). In this chapter, we review several renowned and emerging digital tools and examine how they address the criteria of a formative assessment. We conclude our chapter with some anecdotal case studies of a novel digital tool—the student relationship engagement system (SRES). “Built by teachers, for teachers”, SRES is capable of delivering customisable student feedback in large classroom environments across a range of assessments. The aim of this chapter is to provide a resource for teachers to procure the benefits of digital innovation without compromising the quality of teaching offered through the traditional avenues of assessment.
Online Assignments: Pre- and In-service Chemistry Teachers’ Knowledge, Perceptions and Reflections
Authors: Herscovitz Orit , Varsano Merav , Faris Ola , Dori Yehudit Judy
Published: July 2023

Our research goal was to identify chemistry teachers’ perceptions towards implementation of online assignments, assess their knowledge types, and analyze teachers’ reflections on the implementation of these assignments. We assessed the online assignments they developed based on their knowledge types: pedagogical content knowledge (PCK), technological knowledge (TK), and assessment knowledge (AK). The study included 45 participants, of whom 20 were pre-service and 25 in-service chemistry teachers. The research tools were (a) a perceptions questionnaire, (b) online assignments the teachers developed, and (c) teachers’ written reflections. We analyzed the teachers’ perceptions and the assignments they developed using a rubric designed to represent the teachers’ technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge (TPACK), including PCK, TK, and AK. We found that all the teachers perceived themselves as highly capable of engaging their students in online assignments; in teaching and managing the class while integrating online assignments; and in using, developing, and assessing students via online assignments. The teachers’ online assignments received high scores in the TPACK categories, but lower scores in the AK category. Teachers’ reflections indicated that integrating online assignments helped their students understand the material and may improve their motivation. Our methodological contribution stems from the rubric we developed for analyzing teachers’ TPACK.
Microbial fuel cells: exploring electrochemical, biological and applied aspects
Authors: Aiyer Kartik , Doyle Lucinda Elizabeth
Published: July 2023

Developed as the earliest application of electroactive microorganisms, microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have been intensively researched over the past two decades. The original goal of harnessing microbially-derived electricity for power generation has been partially successful, particularly for low-wattage devices. Beyond this, MFC technology has proven versatile with additional applications including as a research tool for the enrichment and isolation of novel electroactive microorganisms, as early-detection biosensors, for wastewater treatment and (with supply of additional energy) for microbial electrosynthesis. This chapter provides a comprehensive landscape of modern MFC technology. A brief historical perspective is followed by a primer of MFCs for the beginner. Next, a detailed discussed of the current knowledge on microbial electroactivity, best practices for characterisation, and practicalities of MFC operation is presented. The chapter concludes with an examination of present and emerging MFC applications.
Electropolymerized organic thin films: synthesis, characterization, and application
Authors: Al Hinaai Mohammed M.
Published: July 2023

Thin film is one of the compact electric device's revolutions. As they improve and enhance the performance of such instruments and equipment. Developing thin film for cerin application can be achieved by selecting the appropriate method of synthesis, deposited materials, and precise parameters. The ability to adapt the thin film properties through the microstructure change via the electrodeposition parameters implemented in a specific electrosynthesis technique has permitted their access to the most technologically innovative applications. The electropolymerization technique is one of the electrodeposition methods used frequently for synthesizing thin film, especially from organic monomers or composite of organic monomers and nanomaterials. Today several characterization techniques are suitable for evaluating the electrochemistry and morphology structure of the created thin film and estimating the thickness of the thin film. The impressive progress in electrosynthesis of the electropolymerized organic thin film increases their application in various sectors. Medical and electronic devices containing thin films are available at markets. In this chapter, the principle of electropolymerization of organic molecules was discussed, in addition to the properties of different types of thin films. The cyclic voltammetry method was highlighted as the most applied electrodeposition technic for developing thin films and as an essential characteristic tool for monitoring the progress of thin film growth. The recent trends in developing thin films and applications were explored as more viable for advanced industrial purposes.
CRISPR/Cas-based electrochemical diagnostics
Authors: Rad Mohammad Behnam
Published: July 2023

Due to the limited time pass (less than 5 years) for developing CRISPR/Cas-based electrochemical detection platforms, this field is very new. The number of experimental studies is limited, and this field does not take a long developmental path yet. Therefore expansion of ideas is limited based on some pioneering research. However, this does not diminish the importance and potential of this field. There is vast potential in the field of CRISPR/Cas-based diagnostics; as the electrochemical detection systems proved their abilities in the past, merging these two categories will mark a bright future with applications in very diverse subjects. This chapter attempts to brighten the potential of applications in this field. Despite the limited number of researches in this field, the diverse application of CRISPR/Cas-based electrochemical biosensors are reviewed here, which implicitly confirms the potential of this field. Due to the analytical advantage of the electrochemical-based detection system, in comparison to the other methods, electrochemical CRISPR/Cas-based detection systems will significantly impact improving public health quality through developing sensitive, reliable, and affordable point of care diagnostic devices and tests.
Electrochemistry of anode materials in lithium- and sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Ali Basit
Published: July 2023

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have a high energy and power density, making them attractive for electric vehicles (EVs) and portable electronic devices. In commercially available LIBs, graphite and transition metal oxides (LiCoO2) are used as anode and cathode materials, respectively. Unfortunately, graphite has a safety concern related to dendrite formation at low voltage and also has low rate-capability issues, restricting its high-power demand. Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) is considered an alternative anode and a good contender for LIBs due to its high reversibility and zero structural changes during the lithiation/(de)lithiation process. Its high operating voltage (∼1.55 V vs. Li+/Li) helps avoid dendritic formations, thereby ensuring safe cycling. Despite these advantages, LTO has low electronic conductivity, relatively low capability at high current rates due to large polarization, and sluggish Li-ion diffusion. The work provides a solution to overcome these drawbacks and improve the LTO performance at high currents by modifying the crystal and electronic structure and reducing particle size. To accomplish these goals, the structural characteristics and electrochemical behavior of LTO-based materials have been systematically and intensively discussed. In this chapter, three different ways of doping in LTO are discussed that are already been synthesized by a simple solid-state method, co-doped LTO electrode exhibits outstanding cycling stability, having higher capacity retention of ∼98.79% after 300 cycles at high currents. While considering the practical advantages, this study provides two more benefits: (1) it sheds light on the doping strategy; (2) it elucidates the relations among the material composition, structure, and electrochemical performances in LIBs.