bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fairness Hacking: The Malicious Practice of Shrouding Unfairness in Algorithms
Authors: Meding Kristof , Hagendorff Thilo
Published: January 2024

Fairness in machine learning (ML) is an ever-growing field of research due to the manifold potential for harm from algorithmic discrimination. To prevent such harm, a large body of literature develops new approaches to quantify fairness. Here, we investigate how one can divert the quantification of fairness by describing a practice we call “fairness hacking” for the purpose of shrouding unfairness in algorithms. This impacts end-users who rely on learning algorithms, as well as the broader community interested in fair AI practices. We introduce two different categories of fairness hacking in reference to the established concept of p-hacking. The first category, intra-metric fairness hacking, describes the misuse of a particular metric by adding or removing sensitive attributes from the analysis. In this context, countermeasures that have been developed to prevent or reduce p-hacking can be applied to similarly prevent or reduce fairness hacking. The second category of fairness hacking is inter-metric fairness hacking. Inter-metric fairness hacking is the search for a specific fair metric with given attributes. We argue that countermeasures to prevent or reduce inter-metric fairness hacking are still in their infancy. Finally, we demonstrate both types of fairness hacking using real datasets. Our paper intends to serve as a guidance for discussions within the fair ML community to prevent or reduce the misuse of fairness metrics, and thus reduce overall harm from ML applications.
The anti-cancer potential of active compounds extracted from Millettia griffoniana on pancreatic and colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Hoosen Fatima , Lembe Jordan Tonga , Ndinteh Derek , Maurice Tagatsing Fotsing , Emmanuel Yankep , Motadi Lesetja Raymond , Choene Mpho Susan
Published: January 2024

Pancreatic and colorectal cancer are two of the most lethal cancers; this stems from poor prognosis. Current treatments may lack effectiveness and produce dangerous side effects, hence a need for alternatives. Medicinal plants like Millettia griffoniana may possess anti-cancer properties. This study aimed to isolate and identify compounds from M. griffoniana to test for potential anti-cancer activity on pancreatic and colorectal cancer. Seeds and root bark of M. griffoniana underwent solvent extraction and separation using column chromatography. Isolated compounds were screened using AlamarBlue assays and cytotoxic compounds were identified with 2D NMR. Compounds were subject to cellular viability assays using AlamarBlue and xCELLigence analysis. The Caspase Glo®-3/7 kit measured caspase activity and Real-Time PCR analysis measured apoptosis-related gene expression. 7 compounds were isolated and screened. Compounds 5 and 7 were chosen; identified as durmillone and isojamaicin. Both showed varying concentration-dependent cytotoxic activity, in AlamarBlue and xCELLigence assays, for both cell lines. Caspases 3 and 7 were up-regulated and both compounds up-regulated BAX and down-regulated BCL-2 and p53 in both cell lines. Durmillone and isojamaicin displayed cytotoxic activity on pancreatic and colorectal cancer. Apoptotic activity induced by the compounds was verified by the up-regulation of caspase activity and BAX and down-regulation of BCL-2 and p53. Further studies need to be done towards understanding the mechanisms by which these compounds bring about their cytotoxic activity.
In silico analysis of virulence factors of Streptococcus uberis for a chimeric vaccine design
Authors: Yılmaz Çolak Çiğdem
Published: January 2024

Streptococcus uberis is one of the causative agents of bovine mastitis, which has detrimental effects on animal health and the dairy industry. Despite decades of research, the requirement for effective vaccines against the disease remains unmet. The goal of this study was to create a multi-epitope vaccine using five virulence factors of S. uberis through the reverse vaccinology approach, which has been employed due to its high efficiency and applicability. Plasminogen activator A (PauA), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase C (GapC), C5a peptidase, S. uberis adhesion molecule (SUAM), and sortase A (SrtA) were selected for the T cytotoxic (CTL) and B cell epitope analyses as they were extensively studied in S. uberis or other pathogens. Eighteen CTL and ten B cell epitopes that were antigenic, non-toxic, and non-allergenic were selected in order to design a chimeric vaccine candidate that in silico analysis revealed to be potentially immunogenic, non-allergenic, and stable. Molecular docking analysis of the vaccine candidate with Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR 4 revealed stable interactions between the candidate and the immune receptors. Meanwhile, the stability of the docked complexes was confirmed using normal mode analysis. Additionally, in silico immune simulation of the vaccine candidate demonstrated the stimulation of primary immune responses, indicating that the chimeric protein can hold promise as a viable vaccine candidate for preventing S. uberis mastitis. Moreover, the current study can provide a background for designing epitope-based vaccines based on the explored epitopes.
On the spectra and spectral radii of token graphs
Authors: Reyes M. A. , Dalfó C. , Fiol M. A.
Published: January 2024

Let G be a graph on n vertices. The k-token graph (or symmetric k-th power) of G, denoted by $$F_k(G)$$

F
k

(
G
)

, has as vertices the $${n\atopwithdelims ()k}$$

n
k

k-subsets of vertices from G, and two vertices are adjacent when their symmetric difference is a pair of adjacent vertices in G. In particular, $$F_k(K_n)$$

F
k

(

K
n

)

is the Johnson graph J(n, k), which is a distance-regular graph used in coding theory. In this paper, we present some results concerning the (adjacency and Laplacian) spectrum of $$F_k(G)$$

F
k

(
G
)

in terms of the spectrum of G. For instance, when G is walk-regular, an exact value for the spectral radius $$\rho $$
ρ
(or maximum eigenvalue) of $$F_k(G)$$

F
k

(
G
)

is obtained. When G is distance-regular, other eigenvalues of its 2-token graph are derived using the theory of equitable partitions. A generalization of Aldous’ spectral gap conjecture (which is now a theorem) is proposed.
Artificial intelligence (AI) learning tools in K-12 education: A scoping review
Authors: Yim Iris Heung Yue , Su Jiahong
Published: January 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) literacy is a global strategic objective in education. However, little is known about how AI should be taught. In this paper, 46 studies in academic conferences and journals are reviewed to investigate pedagogical strategies, learning tools, assessment methods in AI literacy education in K-12 contexts, and students’ learning outcomes. The investigation reveals that the promotion of AI literacy education has seen significant progress in the past two decades. This highlights that intelligent agents, including Google’s Teachable Machine, Learning ML, and Machine Learning for Kids, are age-appropriate tools for AI literacy education in K-12 contexts. Kindergarten students can benefit from learning tools such as PopBots, while software devices, such as Scratch and Python, which help to develop the computational thinking of AI algorithms, can be introduced to both primary and secondary schools. The research shows that project-based, human–computer collaborative learning and play- and game-based approaches, with constructivist methodologies, have been applied frequently in AI literacy education. Cognitive, affective, and behavioral learning outcomes, course satisfaction and soft skills acquisition have been reported. The paper informs educators of appropriate learning tools, pedagogical strategies, assessment methodologies in AI literacy education, and students’ learning outcomes. Research implications and future research directions within the K-12 context are also discussed.
The Experience of PERMA, Hope and Adaptability for UK Higher Education Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hoelterhoff Mark , Hinds Roz , Andersson Lorna , Lennestål Ellen , Stewart Mahri , Cobourne David
Published: January 2024

This study explores the experiences of hope during the pandemic for higher education students using a qualitative study consisting of semi-structured interviews with nine participants. Thematic analysis identified three core themes; hope, adaptability and wellbeing. Findings revealed that elements of wellbeing, reflected in the PERMA framework, were reported to cultivate hope and adaptability during the pandemic, for university students.
Sustainable application of industrial side streams as alternative fine aggregates for cement mortar
Authors: Perumal Priyadharshini , Gouriou Corentin , Adesanya Elijah , Mistri Abhijit , Illikainen Mirja
Published: January 2024

Increase in industrialization has led to the production of huge volume of side-stream materials that need safe disposal solutions. The present study proposes the use of local industrial side streams such as ferrochrome slag, phyllite dust and mine tailings as secondary raw materials for construction, mainly as fine aggregates. Four different cement mortar mixtures, with a combination of selected side streams as a sole, binary, and ternary blends were investigated. Workability, strength, and durability properties of the derived mortar mixtures were compared with mortar produced using standard sand as reference. Mortar mixtures with a ternary blend of side-stream fine aggregates resulted in a compressive strength of 68–72 MPa at 28 days, which is 30–40% higher than that of control mix. The addition of industrial side streams resulted in a denser microstructure and enhanced the mechanical properties. The durability performance of the mortar with alternative fine aggregates is comparable with those of standard sand.
Investigating the Role of the Key Conditioning Factors in Flood Susceptibility Mapping Through Machine Learning Approaches
Authors: Al-Kindi Khalifa M. , Alabri Zahra
Published: January 2024

This study harnessed the formidable predictive capabilities of three state-of-the-art machine learning models—extreme gradient boosting (XGB), random forest (RF), and CatBoost (CB)—applying them to meticulously curated datasets of topographical, geological, and environmental parameters; the goal was to investigate the intricacies of flood susceptibility within the arid riverbeds of Wilayat As-Suwayq, which is situated in the Sultanate of Oman. The results underscored the exceptional discrimination prowess of XGB and CB, boasting impressive area under curve (AUC) scores of 0.98 and 0.91, respectively, during the testing phase. RF, a stalwart contender, performed commendably with an AUC of 0.90. Notably, the investigation revealed that certain key variables, including curvature, elevation, slope, stream power index (SPI), topographic wetness index (TWI), topographic roughness index (TRI), and normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI), were critical in achieving an accurate delineation of flood-prone locales. In contrast, ancillary factors, such as annual precipitation, drainage density, proximity to transportation networks, soil composition, and geological attributes, though non-negligible, exerted a relatively lesser influence on flood susceptibility. This empirical validation was further corroborated by the robust consensus of the XGB, RF and CB models. By amalgamating advanced deep learning techniques with the precision of geographical information systems (GIS) and rich troves of remote-sensing data, the study can be seen as a pioneering endeavour in the realm of flood analysis and cartographic representation within semiarid fluvial landscapes. The findings advance our comprehension of flood vulnerability dynamics and provide indispensable insights for the development of proactive mitigation strategies in regions that are susceptible to hydrological perils.
Review of Electrical and Electronic Architectures for Autonomous Vehicles: Topologies, Networking and Simulators
Authors: Wang Wenwei , Guo Kaidi , Cao Wanke , Zhu Hailong , Nan Jinrui , Yu Lei
Published: January 2024

With the rapid development of autonomous vehicles, more and more functions and computing requirements have led to the continuous centralization in the topology of electrical and electronic (E/E) architectures. While certain Tier1 suppliers, such as BOSCH, have previously proposed a serial roadmap for E/E architecture development, implemented since 2015 with significant contributions to the automotive industry, lingering misconceptions and queries persist in actual engineering processes. Notably, there are concerns regarding the perspective of zone-oriented E/E architectures, characterized by zonal concentration, as successors to domain-oriented E/E architectures, known for functional concentration. Addressing these misconceptions and queries, this study introduces a novel parallel roadmap for E/E architecture development, concurrently evaluating domain-oriented and zone-oriented schemes. Furthermore, the study explores hybrid E/E architectures, amalgamating features from both paradigms. To align with the evolution of E/E architectures, networking technologies must adapt correspondingly. The networking mechanisms pivotal in E/E architecture design are comprehensively discussed. Additionally, the study delves into modeling and verification tools pertinent to E/E architecture topologies. In conclusion, the paper outlines existing challenges and unresolved queries in this domain.
Literature Review on the Smart City Resources Analysis with Big Data Methodologies
Authors: Gubareva Regina , Lopes Rui Pedro
Published: January 2024

This article provides a systematic literature review on applying different algorithms to municipal data processing, aiming to understand how the data were collected, stored, pre-processed, and analyzed, to compare various methods, and to select feasible solutions for further research. Several algorithms and data types are considered, finding that clustering, classification, correlation, anomaly detection, and prediction algorithms are frequently used. As expected, the data is of several types, ranging from sensor data to images. It is a considerable challenge, although several algorithms work very well, such as Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) for timeseries prediction and classification.
Pathological changes in various organs in HLA-B*57:01 transgenic mice with abacavir-induced skin eruption
Authors: Kazaoka Akira , Kumagai Kazuyoshi , Matsushita Junya , Aida Tetsuo , Kuwahara Saki , Aoki Shigeki , Ito Kousei
Published: January 2024

Several patients with cutaneous adverse drug reactions exhibit extracutaneous organ damages, and it becomes severe in a few patients resulting in death due to multiorgan failure. Understanding the sequential changes in various organs in patients with cutaneous eruption following drug administration will help understand disease onset and progression, aiding the development of prevention strategies and interventions. Therefore, we aimed to understand the effects of abacavir (ABC) on various organs in patients with ABC-induced eruptions by evaluating its effects in a mouse model. We found pathological changes in various organs of HLA-B*57:01 transgenic mice (B*57:01-Tg) following oral administration of ABC (20 mg/body/day). B*57:01-Tg exhibited a significant body weight decrease from day 1 of ABC administration, and reddening of the auricle was observed from day 5, and approximately 2/3 mice died by day 7. Histopathological examination revealed severe thymic atrophy after day 3, infiltration of inflammatory cells, predominantly lymphocytes with neutrophils, not only in the skin but also in the liver, kidney, and lung after day 5, and an increased number of lymphocytes with enlarged nuclei and granulocytic hematopoiesis were observed in the spleen after day 5. Blood chemistry revealed that albumin/globulin ratio was below 1.0 on day 5, reflecting a systemic inflammatory response, and the aspartate aminotransferase concentration rose to 193 ± 93.0 U/L on day 7, suggesting that cell damage may have occurred in various organs including liver accompanying inflammatory cell infiltration. These examinations of a mouse model of ABC-induced skin eruption show that disorders in various organs other than the skin should be considered and provide insights into the unexpected early systemic responses dependent on HLA-B*57:01.
Cosmological gravitational waves from isocurvature fluctuations
Authors: Domènech Guillem
Published: January 2024

Gravitational waves induced by large primordial curvature fluctuations may result in a sizable stochastic gravitational wave background. Interestingly, curvature fluctuations are gradually generated by initial isocurvature fluctuations, which in turn induce gravitational waves. Initial isocurvature fluctuations commonly appear in multi-field models of inflation as well as in the formation of scattered compact objects in the very early universe, such as primordial black holes and solitons like oscillons and cosmic strings. Here, we provide a review on isocurvature induced gravitational waves and its applications to dark matter and the primordial black hole dominated early universe.
Models for Delivering High Quality Emergency Neurosurgery in High Income Countries
Authors: Boissaud-Cooke Matthew A. , Broekman Marike , van Dijck Jeroen , Lee Marco , Grundy Paul
Published: January 2024

Emergency neurosurgery encompasses serious and high-risk cranial and spinal conditions across all ages. The authors provide an overview of the changes occurring within emergency surgery to meet the challenges provided from unscheduled care. Considering the wider landscape of emergency surgery provides a context for the changes occurring within emergency neurosurgery. The delivery of emergency neurosurgery within the UK, the Republic of Ireland, the Netherlands, and the United States of America (USA) is then described to provide an overview of different models of care.
Updating glacier inventories on the periphery of Antarctica and Greenland using multi-source data
Authors: Liu Xingchen , An Lu , Hai Gang , Xie Huan , Li Rongxing
Published: January 2024

Melting and calving of glaciers and ice caps in Antarctica and Greenland could potentially contribute significantly to global sea level rise. Updates to existing outlines that provide critical glacier baseline information in both regions could help in the analysis of particular changes in glacier parameters such as area and volume from time-series inventories. Here we synthesize previously established techniques and apply new multi-source datasets to update glacier outlines in selected test areas of Antarctica and Greenland, as well as to reduce uncertainties and errors during the mapping process. The workflow includes mapping glacier boundaries, subdividing glaciers by watersheds and assigning glacier attributes. Complicated glacier scenarios and updating challenges in polar regions are discussed and demonstrated by representative case studies. For the first time in Antarctica, we analyze the effect of terminus types on mapped glacier areas, and in Greenland we compare the differences with glacier mapping results using Landsat OLI and ETM+. With new data sources, the methods described in this study might help to create glacier outlines on a larger scale in Antarctica and Greenland. Although data sources can be substituted, the enormous amount of manual labor required to update glacier inventories remains a significant challenge.
Who Needs to Tell the Truth? – Epistemic Injustice and Truth and Reconciliation Commissions for Minorities in Non-Transitional Societies
Authors: Reibold Kerstin
Published: January 2024

Truth and Reconciliation Commissions (TRCs) have become a widely used tool to reconcile societies in the aftermath of widespread injustice or social and political conflict in a state. This article focuses on TRCs that take place in non-transitional societies in which the political and social structures, institutions, and power relations have largely remained in place since the time of injustice. Furthermore, it will focus on one particular injustice that TRCs try to address through the practice of truth-telling, namely the eradication of epistemic injustice. The article takes the Canadian and Norwegian TRCs as two examples to show that under conditions of enduring injustice, willful ignorance of the majority, and power inequality, TRCs might create a double bind for victims which makes them choose between epistemic exploitation and continued injustices based on the majority's ignorance. The article argues that the set-up and accompanying measures of TRCs are of the utmost importance if TRCs in non-transitional societies are to overcome epistemic injustice, instead of creating new relations of exploitation.
Toward the Unified Theory of SAID‐Linked Subauroral Arcs
Authors: Mishin Evgeny V. , Streltsov Anatoly V.
Published: January 2024

We present a unified approach to subauroral arcs within intense subauroral ion drifts (SAID), which explains the observed transition of a precursor Stable Auroral Red (SAR) arc into Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement (STEVE). This approach is based on the short‐circuiting concept of fasttime SAID as an integral part of a magnetospheric voltage generator between the innermost boundaries of the freshly injected plasma sheet electrons and ring current ions. Here, enhanced plasma turbulence rapidly heats the bulk plasma and accelerates suprathermal non‐Maxwellian “tails.” Heat and suprathermal electron transport rapidly elevate the ionospheric electron temperature—the source of a bright SAR arc. Through a substorm, the density altitude profile within the evolving ionospheric SAID channel transforms into a “fresh” F‐region trough with the E‐region valley. The ionospheric feedback instability within the depleted‐density SAID channel generates small‐scale, field‐aligned currents with parallel electric fields sufficient to produce the suprathermal electron population, exciting the STEVE and Picket Fence emissions. This approach also explains the inner electromagnetic structure of intense SAID, which is consistent with fine optical structures in STEVE and Picket Fence.
Pooling Data Could Help Anticipate Megafloods in Europe
Authors: Cutts Elise
Published: January 2024

Locally surprising floods aren’t so surprising in a continent-wide context.
Systematic review of microplastics and nanoplastics in indoor and outdoor air: identifying a framework and data needs for quantifying human inhalation exposures
Authors: Eberhard Tiffany , Casillas Gaston , Zarus Gregory M. , Barr Dana Boyd
Published: January 2024

Background

Humans are likely exposed to microplastics (MPs) in a variety of places including indoor and outdoor air. Research to better understand how exposure to MPs correlates to health is growing. To fully understand the possible impacts of MPs on human health, it is necessary to quantify MP exposure and identify what critical data gaps exist.

Objectives

The current paper provides a human exposure assessment of microplastics in the air using systematically reviewed literature that provided concentration of MPs in air as well as doses used in toxicology studies to calculate inhalation exposure dose.

Methods

All published peer-reviewed journal articles, non-published papers, and grey literature that focused on micro- or nano-plastics in indoor and outdoor air were systematically searched using PRISMA guidelines. Literature that defined specific concentrations and size of MPs in air or exposed to human lung cells, animals, or humans with measurable health impacts were included in data extraction. Inhalational exposures were calculated for different age groups using published MP concentrations from the included literature using exposure dose equations and values from U.S. ATSDR and EPA.

Results

Calculated mean indoor inhalational exposures from passive sampling methods were higher than those calculated from active sampling methods. When comparing indoor and outdoor sampling, calculated inhalation exposures from indoor samples were greater than those from outdoor samples. Inhalation exposures of MPs differed between age groups with infants having the highest calculated dose values for all locations followed by preschool age children, middle-school aged children, pregnant women, adolescents, and non-pregnant adults. MP doses used in toxicology studies produced higher calculated mean inhalational exposures than those from environmental samples.

Impact

This study is the first known systematic review of inhalational MP exposure from indoor and outdoor air. It also provides inhalational exposures calculated from previously published environmental samples of MPs as well as from toxicology studies.
Reconstructing individual-level exposures in cohort analyses of environmental risks: an example with the UK Biobank
Authors: Vanoli Jacopo , Mistry Malcolm N. , De La Cruz Libardi Arturo , Masselot Pierre , Schneider Rochelle , Ng Chris Fook Sheng , Madaniyazi Lina , Gasparrini Antonio
Published: January 2024

Recent developments in linkage procedures and exposure modelling offer great prospects for cohort analyses on the health risks of environmental factors. However, assigning individual-level exposures to large population-based cohorts poses methodological and practical problems. In this contribution, we illustrate a linkage framework to reconstruct environmental exposures for individual-level epidemiological analyses, discussing methodological and practical issues such as residential mobility and privacy concerns. The framework outlined here requires the availability of individual residential histories with related time periods, as well as high-resolution spatio-temporal maps of environmental exposures. The linkage process is carried out in three steps: (1) spatial alignment of the exposure maps and residential locations to extract address-specific exposure series; (2) reconstruction of individual-level exposure histories accounting for residential changes during the follow-up; (3) flexible definition of exposure summaries consistent with alternative research questions and epidemiological designs. The procedure is exemplified by the linkage and processing of daily averages of air pollution for the UK Biobank cohort using gridded spatio-temporal maps across Great Britain. This results in the extraction of exposure summaries suitable for epidemiological analyses of both short and long-term risk associations and, in general, for the investigation of temporal dependencies. The linkage framework presented here is generally applicable to multiple environmental stressors and can be extended beyond the reconstruction of residential exposures.

Impact

This contribution describes a linkage framework to assign individual-level environmental exposures to population-based cohorts using high-resolution spatio-temporal exposure. The framework can be used to address current limitations of exposure assessment for the analysis of health risks associated with environmental stressors. The linkage of detailed exposure information at the individual level offers the opportunity to define flexible exposure summaries tailored to specific study designs and research questions. The application of the framework is exemplified by the linkage of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposures to the UK Biobank cohort.
Cellular dynamics following CAR T cell therapy are associated with response and toxicity in relapsed/refractory myeloma
Authors: Fischer Luise , Grieb Nora , Born Patrick , Weiss Ronald , Seiffert Sabine , Boldt Andreas , Fricke Stephan , Franz Paul , Heyn Simone , Kubasch Anne Sophie , Baber Ronny , Weidner Heike , Wang Song Yau , Bach Enrica , Hoffmann Sandra , Ussmann Jule , Kirchberg Janine , Hell Saskia , Schwind Sebastian , Metzeler Klaus H. , Herling Marco , Jentzsch Madlen , Franke Georg-Nikolaus , Sack Ulrich , Reiche Kristin , Köhl Ulrike , Platzbecker Uwe , Vucinic Vladan , Merz Maximilian
Published: January 2024

B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-targeting chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells revolutionized the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). However, data on cellular (CAR) T cell dynamics and the association with response, resistance or the occurrence of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) are limited. Therefore, we performed a comprehensive flow cytometry analysis of 27 RRMM patients treated with Idecabtagene vicleucel (Ide-cel) to assess the expansion capacity, persistence and effects on bystander cells of BCMA-targeting CAR T cells. Additionally, we addressed side effects, like cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and cytopenia. Our results show that in vivo expansion of CD8+ CAR T cells is correlated to response, however persistence is not essential for durable remission in RRMM patients. In addition, our data provide evidence, that an increased fraction of CD8+ T cells at day of leukapheresis in combination with successful lymphodepletion positively influence the outcome. We show that patients at risk for higher-grade CRS can be identified already prior to lymphodepletion. Our extensive characterization contributes to a better understanding of the dynamics and effects of BCMA-targeting CAR T cells, in order to predict the response of individual patients as well as side effects, which can be counteracted at an early stage or even prevented.
Non-IG::MYC in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma confers variable genomic configurations and MYC transactivation potential
Authors: Zhang Chunye , Stelloo Ellen , Barrans Sharon , Cucco Francesco , Jiang Dan , Tzioni Maria-Myrsini , Chen Zi , Li Yan , Swennenhuis Joost F. , Makker Jasmine , Rásó-Barnett Lívia , Liu Hongxiang , El-Daly Hesham , Soilleux Elizabeth , Shah Nimish , Nagumantry Sateesh Kumar , Kyaw Maw , Prahladan Mahesh Panatt , Tooze Reuben , Westhead David R. , Feitsma Harma , Davies Andrew J. , Burton Catherine , Johnson Peter W. M. , Du Ming-Qing
Published: January 2024

MYC translocation occurs in 8–14% of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and may concur with BCL2 and/or BCL6 translocation, known as double-hit (DH) or triple-hit (TH). DLBCL-MYC/BCL2-DH/TH are largely germinal centre B-cell like subtype, but show variable clinical outcome, with IG::MYC fusion significantly associated with inferior survival. While DLBCL-MYC/BCL6-DH are variable in their cell-of-origin subtypes and clinical outcome. Intriguingly, only 40-50% of DLBCL with MYC translocation show high MYC protein expression (>70%). We studied 186 DLBCLs with MYC translocation including 32 MYC/BCL2/BCL6-TH, 75 MYC/BCL2-DH and 26 MYC/BCL6-DH. FISH revealed a MYC/BCL6 fusion in 59% of DLBCL-MYC/BCL2/BCL6-TH and 27% of DLBCL-MYC/BCL6-DH. Targeted NGS showed a similar mutation profile and LymphGen genetic subtype between DLBCL-MYC/BCL2/BCL6-TH and DLBCL-MYC/BCL2-DH, but variable LymphGen subtypes among DLBCL-MYC/BCL6-DH. MYC protein expression is uniformly high in DLBCL with IG::MYC, but variable in those with non-IG::MYC including MYC/BCL6-fusion. Translocation breakpoint analyses of 8 cases by TLC-based NGS showed no obvious genomic configuration that enables MYC transactivation in 3 of the 4 cases with non-IG::MYC, while a typical promoter substitution or IGH super enhancer juxtaposition in the remaining cases. The findings potentially explain variable MYC expression in DLBCL with MYC translocation, and also bear practical implications in its routine assessment.
Phase transitions in 2D multistable mechanical metamaterials via collisions of soliton-like pulses
Authors: Jiao Weijian , Shu Hang , Tournat Vincent , Yasuda Hiromi , Raney Jordan R.
Published: January 2024

In recent years, mechanical metamaterials have been developed that support the propagation of an intriguing variety of nonlinear waves, including transition waves and vector solitons (solitons with coupling between multiple degrees of freedom). Here we report observations of phase transitions in 2D multistable mechanical metamaterials that are initiated by collisions of soliton-like pulses in the metamaterial. Analogous to first-order phase transitions in crystalline solids, we observe that the multistable metamaterials support phase transitions if the new phase meets or exceeds a critical nucleus size. If this criterion is met, the new phase subsequently propagates in the form of transition waves, converting the rest of the metamaterial to the new phase. More interestingly, we numerically show, using an experimentally validated model, that the critical nucleus can be formed via collisions of soliton-like pulses. Moreover, the rich direction-dependent behavior of the nonlinear pulses enables control of the location of nucleation and the spatio-temporal shape of the growing phase.
Moving event detection from LiDAR point streams
Authors: Wu Huajie , Li Yihang , Xu Wei , Kong Fanze , Zhang Fu
Published: January 2024

In dynamic environments, robots require instantaneous detection of moving events with microseconds of latency. This task, known as moving event detection, is typically achieved using event cameras. While light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensors are essential for robots due to their dense and accurate depth measurements, their use in event detection has not been thoroughly explored. Current approaches involve accumulating LiDAR points into frames and detecting object-level motions, resulting in a latency of tens to hundreds of milliseconds. We present a different approach called M-detector, which determines if a point is moving immediately after its arrival, resulting in a point-by-point detection with a latency of just several microseconds. M-detector is designed based on occlusion principles and can be used in different environments with various types of LiDAR sensors. Our experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of M-detector on various datasets and applications, showcasing its superior accuracy, computational efficiency, detection latency, and generalization ability.
Remotely sensing potential climate change tipping points across scales
Authors: Lenton Timothy M. , Abrams Jesse F. , Bartsch Annett , Bathiany Sebastian , Boulton Chris A. , Buxton Joshua E. , Conversi Alessandra , Cunliffe Andrew M. , Hebden Sophie , Lavergne Thomas , Poulter Benjamin , Shepherd Andrew , Smith Taylor , Swingedouw Didier , Winkelmann Ricarda , Boers Niklas
Published: January 2024

Potential climate tipping points pose a growing risk for societies, and policy is calling for improved anticipation of them. Satellite remote sensing can play a unique role in identifying and anticipating tipping phenomena across scales. Where satellite records are too short for temporal early warning of tipping points, complementary spatial indicators can leverage the exceptional spatial-temporal coverage of remotely sensed data to detect changing resilience of vulnerable systems. Combining Earth observation with Earth system models can improve process-based understanding of tipping points, their interactions, and potential tipping cascades. Such fine-resolution sensing can support climate tipping point risk management across scales.
Mechanism of anion exchange and small-molecule inhibition of pendrin
Authors: Wang Lie , Hoang Anthony , Gil-Iturbe Eva , Laganowsky Arthur , Quick Matthias , Zhou Ming
Published: January 2024

Pendrin (SLC26A4) is an anion exchanger that mediates bicarbonate (HCO3−) exchange for chloride (Cl−) and is crucial for maintaining pH and salt homeostasis in the kidney, lung, and cochlea. Pendrin also exports iodide (I−) in the thyroid gland. Pendrin mutations in humans lead to Pendred syndrome, causing hearing loss and goiter. Inhibition of pendrin is a validated approach for attenuating airway hyperresponsiveness in asthma and for treating hypertension. However, the mechanism of anion exchange and its inhibition by drugs remains poorly understood. We applied cryo-electron microscopy to determine structures of pendrin from Sus scrofa in the presence of either Cl−, I−, HCO3− or in the apo-state. The structures reveal two anion-binding sites in each protomer, and functional analyses show both sites are involved in anion exchange. The structures also show interactions between the Sulfate Transporter and Anti-Sigma factor antagonist (STAS) and transmembrane domains, and mutational studies suggest a regulatory role. We also determine the structure of pendrin in a complex with niflumic acid (NFA), which uncovers a mechanism of inhibition by competing with anion binding and impeding the structural changes necessary for anion exchange. These results reveal directions for understanding the mechanisms of anion selectivity and exchange and their regulations by the STAS domain. This work also establishes a foundation for analyzing the pathophysiology of mutations associated with Pendred syndrome.
Unfamiliarity generates costly aggression in interspecific avian dominance hierarchies
Authors: Leighton Gavin M. , Drury Jonathan P. , Small Jay , Miller Eliot T.
Published: January 2024

Dominance hierarchies often form between species, especially at common feeding locations. Yet, relative to work focused on the factors that maintain stable dominance hierarchies within species, large-scale analyses of interspecific dominance hierarchies have been comparatively rare. Given that interspecific behavioral interference mediates access to resources, these dominance hierarchies likely play an important and understudied role in community assembly and behavioral evolution. To test alternative hypotheses about the formation and maintenance of interspecific dominance hierarchies, we employ an large, participatory science generated dataset of displacements observed at feeders in North America in the non-breeding season. Consistent with the hypothesis that agonistic interference can be an adaptive response to exploitative competition, we find that species with similar niches are more likely to engage in costly aggression over resources. Among interacting species, we find broad support for the hypothesis that familiarity (measured as fine-scale habitat overlap) predicts adherence to the structure of the dominance hierarchy and reduces aggression between species. Our findings suggest that the previously documented agonistic hierarchy in North American birds emerges from species-level adaptations and learned behaviors that result in the avoidance of costly aggression.
Targeted therapies of inflammatory diseases with intracellularly gelated macrophages in mice and rats
Authors: Gao Cheng , Wang Qingfu , Ding Yuanfu , Kwong Cheryl H. T. , Liu Jinwei , Xie Beibei , Wei Jianwen , Lee Simon M. Y. , Mok Greta S. P. , Wang Ruibing
Published: January 2024

Membrane-camouflaged nanomedicines often suffer from reduced efficacy caused by membrane protein disintegration and spatial disorder caused by separation and reassembly of membrane fragments during the coating process. Here we show that intracellularly gelated macrophages (GMs) preserve cell membrane structures, including protein content, integration and fluidity, as well as the membrane lipid order. Consequently, in our testing GMs act as cellular sponges to efficiently neutralize various inflammatory cytokines via receptor-ligand interactions, and serve as immune cell-like carriers to selectively bind inflammatory cells in culture medium, even under a flow condition. In a rat model of collagen-induced arthritis, GMs alleviate the joint injury, and suppress the overall arthritis severity. Upon intravenous injection, GMs efficiently accumulate in the inflammatory lungs of acute pneumonia mice for anti-inflammatory therapy. Conveniently, GMs are amenable to lyophilization and can be stored at ambient temperatures for at least 1 month without loss of integrity and bio-activity. This intracellular gelation technology provides a universal platform for targeted inflammation neutralization treatment.
Blood DNA methylation profiling identifies cathepsin Z dysregulation in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Ulrich Anna , Wu Yukyee , Draisma Harmen , Wharton John , Swietlik Emilia M. , Cebola Inês , Vasilaki Eleni , Balkhiyarova Zhanna , Jarvelin Marjo-Riitta , Auvinen Juha , Herzig Karl-Heinz , Coghlan J. Gerry , Lordan James , Church Colin , Howard Luke S. , Pepke-Zaba Joanna , Toshner Mark , Wort Stephen J. , Kiely David G. , Condliffe Robin , Lawrie Allan , Gräf Stefan , Morrell Nicholas W. , Wilkins Martin R. , Prokopenko Inga , Rhodes Christopher J.
Published: January 2024

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterised by pulmonary vascular remodelling causing premature death from right heart failure. Established DNA variants influence PAH risk, but susceptibility from epigenetic changes is unknown. We addressed this through epigenome-wide association study (EWAS), testing 865,848 CpG sites for association with PAH in 429 individuals with PAH and 1226 controls. Three loci, at Cathepsin Z (CTSZ, cg04917472), Conserved oligomeric Golgi complex 6 (COG6, cg27396197), and Zinc Finger Protein 678 (ZNF678, cg03144189), reached epigenome-wide significance (p < 10−7) and are hypermethylated in PAH, including in individuals with PAH at 1-year follow-up. Of 16 established PAH genes, only cg10976975 in BMP10 shows hypermethylation in PAH. Hypermethylation at CTSZ is associated with decreased blood cathepsin Z mRNA levels. Knockdown of CTSZ expression in human pulmonary artery endothelial cells increases caspase-3/7 activity (p < 10−4). DNA methylation profiles are altered in PAH, exemplified by the pulmonary endothelial function modifier CTSZ, encoding protease cathepsin Z.
Donor-acceptor pairs in wide-bandgap semiconductors for quantum technology applications
Authors: Bilgin Anil , Hammock Ian N. , Estes Jeremy , Jin Yu , Bernien Hannes , High Alexander A. , Galli Giulia
Published: January 2024

We propose a quantum science platform utilizing the dipole-dipole coupling between donor-acceptor pairs (DAPs) in wide bandgap semiconductors to realize optically controllable, long-range interactions between defects in the solid state. We carry out calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) to investigate the electronic structure and interactions of DAPs formed by various substitutional point-defects in diamond and silicon carbide (SiC). We determine the most stable charge states and evaluate zero phonon lines using constrained DFT and compare our results with those of simple donor-acceptor pair (DAP) models. We show that polarization differences between ground and excited states lead to unusually large electric dipole moments for several DAPs in diamond and SiC. We predict photoluminescence spectra for selected substitutional atoms and show that while B-N pairs in diamond are challenging to control due to their large electron-phonon coupling, DAPs in SiC, especially Al-N pairs, are suitable candidates to realize long-range optically controllable interactions.
A skin-conformal and breathable humidity sensor for emotional mode recognition and non-contact human-machine interface
Authors: Li Tongkuai , Zhao Tingting , Zhang Hao , Yuan Li , Cheng Congcong , Dai Junshuai , Xue Longwei , Zhou Jixing , Liu Hai , Yin Luqiao , Zhang Jianhua
Published: January 2024

Noncontact humidity sensor overcomes the limitations of its contact sensing counterparts, including mechanical wear and cross infection, which becomes a promising candidate in healthcare and human-machine interface application. However, current humidity sensors still suffer the ubiquitous issue of uncomfortable wear and skin irritation hindering the long-term use. In this study, we report a skin-conformal and breathable humidity sensor assembled by anchoring MXenes-based composite into electrospun elastomer nanofibers coated with a patterned electrode. This composite is highly sensitive to the water molecules due to its large specific surface area and abundant water-absorbing hydroxyl groups, while the elastomeric nanofibers provide an ultrathin, highly flexible, and permeable substrate to support the functional materials and electrodes. This sensor presents not only excellent air permeability (0.078 g cm−2 d−1), high sensitivity (S = 704), and fast response/recovery (0.9 s/0.9 s), but also high skin conformability and biocompatibility. Furthermore, this humidity sensor is confirmed to realize the recognition of motional states and emotional modes, which provides a way for the advanced noncontact human-machine interface.
Molybdenum effects on the stability of passive films unraveled at the nanometer and atomic scales
Authors: Maurice Vincent , Marcus Philippe
Published: January 2024

Data recently obtained on model FeCrNi(Mo), 316 L stainless steel, and FeCrNiCo(Mo) passivated surfaces by advanced surface analysis and density functional theory modeling are comprehensively discussed to unravel the multiple effects that molybdenum might have at the nanometer and atomic scales to enhance the stability of passive films. The key role played on corrosion protection by the compositional and structural nanoscale defects of the passive film that originate from the pre-passivation mechanisms of the surface is considered. It is shown how Mo, enriched together with Cr in the nanometer-thick passive film, can combine several effects to enhance the resistance to Cl--induced passivity breakdown. Enriched as Mo(VI) species in the outer exchange layer of the passive film, Mo impedes the deep penetration of Cl- ions and limits their access to the inner barrier layer. Dispersed as Mo(IV) at the interface with the inner layer, Mo protects against the entry of Cl- ions into the defect sites of the Cr(III) oxide barrier. Present as Mo(IV + δ) in the Fe-rich compositional nanoscale defects self-generated by the local failure of Cr supply upon initial formation of the barrier layer, Mo enhances the selective dissolution of iron and its replacement by chromium and molybdenum. By impeding the formation of O vacancies, Mo also increases the resistance against chloride entry in the oxide matrix, thereby curing these the Fe-rich weak sites against Cl--induced passivity breakdown.
High frequency magnetometry with an ensemble of spin qubits in hexagonal boron nitride
Authors: Patrickson Charlie J. , Baber Simon , Gaál Blanka B. , Ramsay Andrew J. , Luxmoore Isaac J.
Published: January 2024

Sensors based on spin qubits in 2D crystals offer the prospect of nanoscale proximities between sensor and source, which could provide access to otherwise inaccessible signals. For AC magnetometry, the sensitivity and frequency range are typically limited by the noise spectrum, which determines the qubit coherence time. We address this using phase modulated continuous concatenated dynamic decoupling, which extends the coherence time towards the T1 limit at room temperature and enables tuneable narrowband AC magnetometry. Using an ensemble of negatively charged boron vacancies in hexagonal boron nitride, we detect out-of-plane AC fields in the range of ~ 10 − 150 MHz, and in-plane fields within ± 150 MHz of the electron spin resonance. We measure an AC magnetic field sensitivity of $$\sim 1\,\mu {{{\rm{T}}}}/\sqrt{{{{\rm{Hz}}}}}$$

~
1

μ
T
/

Hz

at ~ 2.5 GHz, for a sensor volume of ~ 0.1 μm3. This work establishes the viability of spin defects in 2D materials for high frequency magnetometry, with wide-ranging applications across science and technology.
Classical shadows with Pauli-invariant unitary ensembles
Authors: Bu Kaifeng , Koh Dax Enshan , Garcia Roy J. , Jaffe Arthur
Published: January 2024

Classical shadows provide a noise-resilient and sample-efficient method for learning quantum system properties, relying on a user-specified unitary ensemble. What is the weakest assumption on this ensemble that can still yield meaningful results? To address this, we focus on Pauli-invariant unitary ensembles—those invariant under multiplication by Pauli operators. For these ensembles, we present explicit formulas for the reconstruction map and sample complexity bounds and extend our results to the case when noise impacts the protocol implementation. Two applications are explored: one for locally scrambled unitary ensembles, where we present formulas for the reconstruction map and sample complexity bounds that circumvent the need to solve an exponential-sized linear system, and another for the classical shadows of quantum channels. Our results establish a unified framework for classical shadows with Pauli-invariant unitary ensembles, applicable to both noisy and noiseless scenarios for states and channels and primed for implementation on near-term quantum devices.