bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation-driven nonequilibrium exciton site transition in a WSe2/WS2 moiré supercell
Authors: Kim Jinjae , Park Jiwon , Choi Hyojin , Kim Taeho , Cha Soonyoung , Lee Yewon , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Kim Jonghwan , Jo Moon-Ho , Choi Hyunyong
Published: April 2024

Moiré superlattices of transition metal dichalcogenides offer a unique platform to explore correlated exciton physics with optical spectroscopy. Whereas the spatially modulated potentials evoke that the exciton resonances are distinct depending on a site in a moiré supercell, there have been no clear demonstration how the moiré excitons trapped in different sites dynamically interact with the doped carriers; so far the exciton-electron dynamic interactions were presumed to be site-dependent. Thus, the transient emergence of nonequilibrium correlations are open questions, but existing studies are limited to steady-state optical measurements. Here we report experimental fingerprints of site-dependent exciton correlations under continuous-wave as well as ultrashort optical excitations. In near-zero angle-aligned WSe2/WS2 heterobilayers, we observe intriguing polarization switching and strongly enhanced Pauli blocking near the Mott insulating state, dictating the dominant correlation-driven effects. When the twist angle is near 60°, no such correlations are observed, suggesting the strong dependence of atomic registry in moiré supercell configuration. Our studies open the door to largely unexplored nonequilibrium correlations of excitons in moiré superlattices.
Stereoretentive enantioconvergent reactions
Authors: Bennett Steven H. , Bestwick Jacob S. , Demertzidou Vera P. , Jones David J. , Jones Helen E. , Richard François , Homer Joshua A. , Street-Jeakings Rosie , Tiberia Andrew F. , Lawrence Andrew L.
Published: April 2024

Enantioconvergent reactions are pre-eminent in contemporary asymmetric synthesis as they convert both enantiomers of a racemic starting material into a single enantioenriched product, thus avoiding the maximum 50% yield associated with resolutions. All currently known enantioconvergent processes necessitate the loss or partial loss of the racemic substrate’s stereochemical information, thus limiting the potential substrate scope to molecules that contain labile stereogenic units. Here we present an alternative approach to enantioconvergent reactions that can proceed with full retention of the racemic substrate’s configuration. This uniquely stereo-economic approach is possible if the two enantiomers of a racemic starting material are joined together to form one enantiomer of a non-meso product. Experimental validation of this concept is presented using two distinct strategies: (1) a direct asymmetric coupling approach, and (2) a multicomponent approach, which exhibits statistical amplification of enantiopurity. Thus, the established dogma that enantioconvergent reactions require substrates that contain labile stereogenic units is shown to be incorrect.
CryoEM structures reveal how the bacterial flagellum rotates and switches direction
Authors: Singh Prashant K. , Sharma Pankaj , Afanzar Oshri , Goldfarb Margo H. , Maklashina Elena , Eisenbach Michael , Cecchini Gary , Iverson T. M.
Published: April 2024

Bacterial chemotaxis requires bidirectional flagellar rotation at different rates. Rotation is driven by a flagellar motor, which is a supercomplex containing multiple rings. Architectural uncertainty regarding the cytoplasmic C-ring, or ‘switch’, limits our understanding of how the motor transmits torque and direction to the flagellar rod. Here we report cryogenic electron microscopy structures for Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium inner membrane MS-ring and C-ring in a counterclockwise pose (4.0 Å) and isolated C-ring in a clockwise pose alone (4.6 Å) and bound to a regulator (5.9 Å). Conformational differences between rotational poses include a 180° shift in FliF/FliG domains that rotates the outward-facing MotA/B binding site to inward facing. The regulator has specificity for the clockwise pose by bridging elements unique to this conformation. We used these structures to propose how the switch reverses rotation and transmits torque to the flagellum, which advances the understanding of bacterial chemotaxis and bidirectional motor rotation.
Random-access wide-field mesoscopy for centimetre-scale imaging of biodynamics with subcellular resolution
Authors: Shi Ruheng , Chen Xinyue , Deng Junhao , Liang Junhao , Fan Kuikui , Zhou Feifan , Tang Peifu , Zhang Licheng , Kong Lingjie
Published: April 2024

Benefitting from the advantages of high imaging throughput and low cost, wide-field microscopy has become indispensable in biomedical studies. However, it remains challenging to record biodynamics with a large field of view and high spatiotemporal resolution due to the limited space–bandwidth product. Here we propose random-access wide-field (RA-WiFi) mesoscopy for the imaging of in vivo biodynamics over a 163.84 mm2 area with a spatial resolution of ~2.18 μm. We extend the field of view beyond the nominal value of the objective by enlarging the object distance, which leads to a lower field angle, followed by the correction of optical aberrations. We also implement random-access scanning with structured illumination, which enables optical-sectioning capability and high imaging contrast. The multi-plane imaging capability also makes the technique suitable for curved-surface samples. We demonstrate RA-WiFi mesoscopy in multi-modal imaging, including bright-field, dark-field and multi-colour fluorescence imaging. Specifically, we apply RA-WiFi mesoscopy to calcium imaging of cortex-wide neural network activities in awake mice in vivo, under both physiological and pathological conditions. We also show its unique capability in the three-dimensional random access of irregular regions of interest via the biodynamic imaging of mouse spinal cords in vivo. As a compact, low-cost mesoscope with optical-sectioning capability, RA-WiFi mesoscopy will enable broad applications in the biodynamic study of biological systems.
Environmental drivers of increased ecosystem respiration in a warming tundra
Authors: Maes S. L. , Dietrich J. , Midolo G. , Schwieger S. , Kummu M. , Vandvik V. , Aerts R. , Althuizen I. H. J. , Biasi C. , Björk R. G. , Böhner H. , Carbognani M. , Chiari G. , Christiansen C. T. , Clemmensen K. E. , Cooper E. J. , Cornelissen J. H. C. , Elberling B. , Faubert P. , Fetcher N. , Forte T. G. W. , Gaudard J. , Gavazov K. , Guan Z. , Guðmundsson J. , Gya R. , Hallin S. , Hansen B. B. , Haugum S. V. , He J.-S. , Hicks Pries C. , Hovenden M. J. , Jalava M. , Jónsdóttir I. S. , Juhanson J. , Jung J. Y. , Kaarlejärvi E. , Kwon M. J. , Lamprecht R. E. , Le Moullec M. , Lee H. , Marushchak M. E. , Michelsen A. , Munir T. M. , Myrsky E. M. , Nielsen C. S. , Nyberg M. , Olofsson J. , Óskarsson H. , Parker T. C. , Pedersen E. P. , Petit Bon M. , Petraglia A. , Raundrup K. , Ravn N. M. R. , Rinnan R. , Rodenhizer H. , Ryde I. , Schmidt N. M. , Schuur E. A. G. , Sjögersten S. , Stark S. , Strack M. , Tang J. , Tolvanen A. , Töpper J. P. , Väisänen M. K. , van Logtestijn R. S. P. , Voigt C. , Walz J. , Weedon J. T. , Yang Y. , Ylänne H. , Björkman M. P. , Sarneel J. M. , Dorrepaal E.
Published: April 2024

Arctic and alpine tundra ecosystems are large reservoirs of organic carbon1,2. Climate warming may stimulate ecosystem respiration and release carbon into the atmosphere3,4. The magnitude and persistency of this stimulation and the environmental mechanisms that drive its variation remain uncertain5–7. This hampers the accuracy of global land carbon–climate feedback projections7,8. Here we synthesize 136 datasets from 56 open-top chamber in situ warming experiments located at 28 arctic and alpine tundra sites which have been running for less than 1 year up to 25 years. We show that a mean rise of 1.4 °C [confidence interval (CI) 0.9–2.0 °C] in air and 0.4 °C [CI 0.2–0.7 °C] in soil temperature results in an increase in growing season ecosystem respiration by 30% [CI 22–38%] (n = 136). Our findings indicate that the stimulation of ecosystem respiration was due to increases in both plant-related and microbial respiration (n = 9) and continued for at least 25 years (n = 136). The magnitude of the warming effects on respiration was driven by variation in warming-induced changes in local soil conditions, that is, changes in total nitrogen concentration and pH and by context-dependent spatial variation in these conditions, in particular total nitrogen concentration and the carbon:nitrogen ratio. Tundra sites with stronger nitrogen limitations and sites in which warming had stimulated plant and microbial nutrient turnover seemed particularly sensitive in their respiration response to warming. The results highlight the importance of local soil conditions and warming-induced changes therein for future climatic impacts on respiration.
Network-level encoding of local neurotransmitters in cortical astrocytes
Authors: Cahill Michelle K. , Collard Max , Tse Vincent , Reitman Michael E. , Etchenique Roberto , Kirst Christoph , Poskanzer Kira E.
Published: April 2024

Astrocytes, the most abundant non-neuronal cell type in the mammalian brain, are crucial circuit components that respond to and modulate neuronal activity through calcium (Ca2+) signalling1–7. Astrocyte Ca2+ activity is highly heterogeneous and occurs across multiple spatiotemporal scales—from fast, subcellular activity3,4 to slow, synchronized activity across connected astrocyte networks8–10—to influence many processes5,7,11. However, the inputs that drive astrocyte network dynamics remain unclear. Here we used ex vivo and in vivo two-photon astrocyte imaging while mimicking neuronal neurotransmitter inputs at multiple spatiotemporal scales. We find that brief, subcellular inputs of GABA and glutamate lead to widespread, long-lasting astrocyte Ca2+ responses beyond an individual stimulated cell. Further, we find that a key subset of Ca2+ activity—propagative activity—differentiates astrocyte network responses to these two main neurotransmitters, and may influence responses to future inputs. Together, our results demonstrate that local, transient neurotransmitter inputs are encoded by broad cortical astrocyte networks over a minutes-long time course, contributing to accumulating evidence that substantial astrocyte–neuron communication occurs across slow, network-level spatiotemporal scales12–14. These findings will enable future studies to investigate the link between specific astrocyte Ca2+ activity and specific functional outputs, which could build a consistent framework for astrocytic modulation of neuronal activity.
Refining the impact of genetic evidence on clinical success
Authors: Minikel Eric Vallabh , Painter Jeffery L. , Dong Coco Chengliang , Nelson Matthew R.
Published: April 2024

The cost of drug discovery and development is driven primarily by failure1, with only about 10% of clinical programmes eventually receiving approval2–4. We previously estimated that human genetic evidence doubles the success rate from clinical development to approval5. In this study we leverage the growth in genetic evidence over the past decade to better understand the characteristics that distinguish clinical success and failure. We estimate the probability of success for drug mechanisms with genetic support is 2.6 times greater than those without. This relative success varies among therapy areas and development phases, and improves with increasing confidence in the causal gene, but is largely unaffected by genetic effect size, minor allele frequency or year of discovery. These results indicate we are far from reaching peak genetic insights to aid the discovery of targets for more effective drugs.
Introducing IOS11 as an extended interactive version of the ‘Inclusion of Other in the Self’ scale to estimate relationship closeness
Authors: Baader Malte , Starmer Chris , Tufano Fabio , Gächter Simon
Published: April 2024

The study of relationship closeness has a long history in psychology and is currently expanding across the social sciences, including economics. Estimating relationship closeness requires appropriate tools. Here, we introduce and test a tool for estimating relationship closeness: ‘IOS11’. The IOS11 scale has an 11-point response scale and is a refinement of the widely used Inclusion-of-Other-in-the-Self scale. Our tool has three key features. First, the IOS11 scale is easy to understand and administer. Second, we provide a portable, interactive interface for the IOS11 scale, which can be used in lab and online studies. Third, and crucially, based on within-participant correlations of 751 individuals, we demonstrate strong validity of the IOS11 scale in terms of representing features of relationships captured by a range of more complex survey instruments. Based on these correlations we find that the IOS11 scale outperforms the IOS scale and performs as well as the related Oneness scale.
Molecular detection of exosomal miRNAs of blood serum for prognosis of colorectal cancer
Authors: Bakhsh Tahani , Alhazmi Safiah , Farsi Ali , Yusuf Abdulaziz S. , Alharthi Amani , Qahl Safa H. , Alghamdi Maha Ali , Alzahrani Faisal A. , Elgaddar Ola H. , Ibrahim Mohanad A. , Bahieldin Ahmed
Published: April 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer affecting people. The discovery of new, non-invasive, specific, and sensitive molecular biomarkers for CRC may assist in the diagnosis and support therapeutic decision making. Exosomal miRNAs have been demonstrated in carcinogenesis and CRC development, which makes these miRNAs strong biomarkers for CRC. Deep sequencing allows a robust high-throughput informatics investigation of the types and abundance of exosomal miRNAs. Thus, exosomal miRNAs can be efficiently examined as diagnostic biomarkers for disease screening. In the present study, a number of 660 mature miRNAs were detected in patients diagnosed with CRC at different stages. Of which, 29 miRNAs were differentially expressed in CRC patients compared with healthy controls. Twenty-nine miRNAs with high abundance levels were further selected for subsequent analysis. These miRNAs were either highly up-regulated (e.g., let-7a-5p, let-7c-5p, let-7f-5p, let-7d-3p, miR-423-5p, miR-3184-5p, and miR-584) or down-regulated (e.g., miR-30a-5p, miR-99-5p, miR-150-5p, miR-26-5p and miR-204-5p). These miRNAs influence critical genes in CRC, leading to either tumor growth or suppression. Most of the reported diagnostic exosomal miRNAs were shown to be circulating in blood serum. The latter is a novel miRNA that was found in exosomal profile of blood serum. Some of the predicted target genes of highly expressed miRNAs participate in several cancer pathways, including CRC pathway. These target genes include tumor suppressor genes, oncogenes and DNA repair genes. Main focus was given to multiple critical signaling cross-talking pathways including transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling pathways that are directly linked to CRC. In conclusion, we recommend further analysis in order to experimentally confirm exact relationships between selected differentially expressed miRNAs and their predicted target genes and downstream functional consequences.
Research on the effect of water-cooling steel pipe on preventing spontaneous combustion of coal pile and its thermal migration behavior
Authors: Ai Chunming , Xue Shuang , Zhang Li , Zhou Qinyuan
Published: April 2024

During the storage and transportation process after mining, coal piles are placed in open environments, making them prone to self-heating and spontaneous combustion due to the nature of coal and factors like natural wind flow. In recent years, there have been frequent spontaneous combustion incidents involving coal piles, posing significant safety risks. To effectively prevent and control spontaneous combustion disasters in open-air coal storage piles, we propose a method involving the arrangement of water-cooling steel pipes within the coal piles. This method applies theories of coal spontaneous combustion mechanisms, porous media heat transfer, and non-isothermal pipeline heat transfer. The multi-physics coupling model of COMSOL numerical simulation software is used to analyze the spontaneous ignition process and prevention effect of open pit coal pile. In the model, the thin material transfer of porous media is taken as the oxygen concentration field, the heat transfer of porous media is taken as the temperature field, and the free and porous media flow is taken as the air seepage velocity field. The simulation results of the spontaneous combustion process in the coal pile indicate that the high-temperature zone of spontaneous combustion is situated within the range of 0.5 ~ 1.5 m inside the wind-facing surface and extends 0.5 m above the ground level. These findings serve as a basis for determining the optimal placement of water-cooling steel pipes within the coal pile. The simulation results of a single water-cooling steel pipe demonstrate a positive correlation between the cooling effect on the coal pile and the water cool flow, and a negative correlation with the water cool temperature. Additionally, the cooling radius of the water-cooling steel pipe is determined by the circumference of the pipe and remains unaffected by the water cool flow. Finally, simulations were conducted to evaluate the cooling effect of multiple rows of steel pipes, and optimal arrangement parameters were determined: a center distance between steel pipes of 1 m and a water cool flow rate of 1500 L/min. As a result, the onset of the self-heating period in the coal pile was delayed by 11 days, and the spontaneous combustion period was extended by 56 days. The arrangement of water-cooling steel pipes in the coal pile has demonstrated significant efficacy in preventing and controlling spontaneous combustion.
Enhanced read resolution in reconfigurable memristive synapses for Spiking Neural Networks
Authors: Das Hritom , Schuman Catherine , Chakraborty Nishith N. , Rose Garrett S.
Published: April 2024

The synapse is a key element circuit in any memristor-based neuromorphic computing system. A memristor is a two-terminal analog memory device. Memristive synapses suffer from various challenges including high voltage,SETorRESETfailure, andREADmargin issues that can degrade the distinguishability of stored weights. EnhancingREADresolution is very important to improving the reliability of memristive synapses. Usually, theREADresolution is very small for a memristive synapse with a 4-bit data precision. This work considers a step-by-step analysis to enhance theREADcurrent resolution or the read current difference between two resistance levels for a current-controlled memristor-based synapse. An empirical model is used to characterize the$${\hbox {HfO}}_{2}$$HfO2based memristive device.$$1\textrm{st}$$1stand$$2\textrm{nd}$$2ndstage device of our proposed synapse design can be scaled to enhance theREADcurrent margin up to$$\sim$$∼4.3$$\times$$×and$$\sim$$∼21%, respectively. Moreover,READcurrent resolution can be enhanced with run-time adaptation techniques such asREADvoltage scaling and body biasing. TheREADvoltage scaling and body biasing can improve theREADcurrent resolution by about 46% and 15%, respectively. TENNLab’s neuromorphic computing framework is leveraged to evaluate the effect ofREADcurrent resolution on classification, control, and reservoir computing applications. HigherREADcurrent resolution shows better accuracy than lower resolution even when facing different levels of read noise.
Tumor promoting effect of spheroids in an orthotopic prostate cancer mouse model
Authors: Bastian Julius Lars Daniel , Zeuschner Philip , Stöckle Michael , Junker Kerstin , Linxweiler Johannes
Published: April 2024

In this study, we aimed to establish a technique for intraprostatic implantation of prostate cancer (PCa) spheroids and to identify the impact of three-dimensional organization of PCa cells on tumor progression and metastasis in a representative in vivo model. 40,000 LNCaP cells were implanted into the prostate of immunodeficient SCID mice either as single cells (n = 8) or as preformed 3D spheroids (n = 8). For a follow up of 20 weeks, tumor growth was monitored by serum PSA and high-resolution 3D ultrasonography. Eventually, animals were sacrificed and autopsied. The organ dissects were analyzed for the presence of metastases by histology (H&E) and immunohistochemistry (AMACR, AR, Ki-67, CK5, CK8, E-Cadherin, Vimentin). Solid intraprostatic tumors developed in 50% of mice after spheroid implantation and in 50% of mice after implantation of a single cells. Primary tumors of LNCaP spheroids evolved earlier, exhibiting a shorter tumor doubling time whilst developing larger tumor volumes, which was reflected by a higher immunohistochemical expression of Ki-67 and AR, too. Spheroid tumors established lung and lymph node metastases in 75% of mice, in contrast to 50% of mice after single cell implantation. Our technique enables a variety of studies regarding the influence of the tumor microenvironment on PCa progression.
Clinical performance of AI-integrated risk assessment pooling reveals cost savings even at high prevalence of COVID-19
Authors: Kamari Farzin , Eller Esben , Bøgebjerg Mathias Emil , Capella Ignacio Martínez , Galende Borja Arroyo , Korim Tomas , Øland Pernille , Borup Martin Lysbjerg , Frederiksen Anja Rådberg , Ranjouriheravi Amir , Al-Jwadi Ahmed Faris , Mansour Mostafa , Hansen Sara , Diethelm Isabella , Burek Marta , Alvarez Federico , Buch Anders Glent , Mojtahedi Nima , Röttger Richard , Segtnan Eivind Antonsen
Published: April 2024

Individual testing of samples is time- and cost-intensive, particularly during an ongoing pandemic. Better practical alternatives to individual testing can significantly decrease the burden of disease on the healthcare system. Herein, we presented the clinical validation of Segtnan™ on 3929 patients. Segtnan™ is available as a mobile application entailing an AI-integrated personalized risk assessment approach with a novel data-driven equation for pooling of biological samples. The AI was selected from a comparison between 15 machine learning classifiers (highest accuracy = 80.14%) and a feed-forward neural network with an accuracy of 81.38% in predicting the rRT-PCR test results based on a designed survey with minimal clinical questions. Furthermore, we derived a novel pool-size equation from the pooling data of 54 published original studies. The results demonstrated testing capacity increase of 750%, 60%, and 5% at prevalence rates of 0.05%, 22%, and 50%, respectively. Compared to Dorfman’s method, our novel equation saved more tests significantly at high prevalence, i.e., 28% (p = 0.006), 40% (p = 0.00001), and 66% (p = 0.02). Lastly, we illustrated the feasibility of the Segtnan™ usage in clinically complex settings like emergency and psychiatric departments.
Sarcopenia and adipose tissue evaluation by artificial intelligence predicts the overall survival after TAVI
Authors: Pekař Matej , Jiravský Otakar , Novák Jan , Branny Piotr , Balušík Jakub , Daniš Daniel , Hečko Jan , Kantor Marek , Prosecky Robert , Blaha Lubomir , Neuwirth Radek
Published: April 2024

Sarcopenia is a serious systemic disease that reduces overall survival. TAVI is selectively performed in patients with severe aortic stenosis who are not indicated for open cardiac surgery due to severe polymorbidity. Artificial intelligence-assisted body composition assessment from available CT scans appears to be a simple tool to stratify these patients into low and high risk based on future estimates of all-cause mortality. Within our study, the segmentation of preprocedural CT scans at the level of the lumbar third vertebra in patients undergoing TAVI was performed using a neural network (AutoMATiCA). The obtained parameters (area and density of skeletal muscles and intramuscular, visceral, and subcutaneous adipose tissue) were analyzed using Cox univariate and multivariable models for continuous and categorical variables to assess the relation of selected variables with all-cause mortality. 866 patients were included (median(interquartile range)): age 79.7 (74.9–83.3) years; BMI 28.9 (25.9–32.6) kg/m2. Survival analysis was performed on all automatically obtained parameters of muscle and fat density and area. Skeletal muscle index (SMI in cm2/m2), visceral (VAT in HU) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT in HU) density predicted the all-cause mortality in patients after TAVI expressed as hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI): SMI HR 0.986, 95% CI (0.975–0.996); VAT 1.015 (1.002–1.028) and SAT 1.014 (1.004–1.023), all p < 0.05. Automatic body composition assessment can estimate higher all-cause mortality risk in patients after TAVI, which may be useful in preoperative clinical reasoning and stratification of patients.
Towards quantifying the communication aspect of resilience in disaster-prone communities
Authors: Okeukwu-Ogbonnaya Adaeze , Amariucai George , Natarajan Balasubramaniam , Kim Hyung Jin
Published: April 2024

In this study, we investigate the communication networks of urban, suburban, and rural communities from three US Midwest counties through a stochastic model that simulates the diffusion of information over time in disaster and in normal situations. To understand information diffusion in communities, we investigate the interplay of information that individuals get from online social networks, local news, government sources, mainstream media, and print media. We utilize survey data collected from target communities and create graphs of each community to quantify node-to-node and source-to-node interactions, as well as trust patterns. Monte Carlo simulation results show the average time it takes for information to propagate to 90% of the population for each community. We conclude that rural, suburban, and urban communities have different inherent properties promoting the varied flow of information. Also, information sources affect information spread differently, causing degradation of information speed if any source becomes unavailable. Finally, we provide insights on the optimal investments to improve disaster communication based on community features and contexts.
Study on the combination of virtual machine tools and wearable vibration devices for operators experiencing cutting forces in the milling process
Authors: Liu Shang-Hsien , Luo Bo-Cheng , Kao Yung-Chou , Feng Guo-Hua
Published: April 2024

The primary goal of this study is to develop a wearable system for providing CNC machine operators with visual and tactile perception of triaxial cutting forces, thereby assisting operators in industrial environments to enhance work efficiency and prevent mechanical failures. To achieve this goal, we successfully integrated a virtual machining tool simulator with the remote-control wearable system (RCWS). Using the ‘King Path’ milling parameters, we employed the simulation software developed by the AIM-HI team to calculate static and dynamic cutting forces, converting this data into vibrational commands for the RCWS to generate corresponding tactile feedback. Furthermore, we conducted extensive experiments, testing various data conversion methods, including three sampling techniques and two data compression strategies, aiming to provide accurate tactile feedback related to cutting forces under different operating conditions.
Theoretical and mathematical codynamics of nonlinear tuberculosis and COVID-19 model pertaining to fractional calculus and probabilistic approach
Authors: Rashid Saima , Hamidi Sher Zaman , Akram Saima , Raza Muhammad Aon , Elagan S. K. , Alsubei Beida Mohsen Tami
Published: April 2024

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel virus known as coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that affects the pulmonary structure and results in the coronavirus illness 2019 (COVID-19). Tuberculosis (TB) and COVID-19 codynamics have been documented in numerous nations. Understanding the complexities of codynamics is now critically necessary as a consequence. The aim of this research is to construct a co-infection model of TB and COVID-19 in the context of fractional calculus operators, white noise and probability density functions, employing a rigorous biological investigation. By exhibiting that the system possesses non-negative and bounded global outcomes, it is shown that the approach is both mathematically and biologically practicable. The required conditions are derived, guaranteeing the eradication of the infection. Sensitivity analysis and bifurcation of the submodel are also investigated with system parameters. Furthermore, existence and uniqueness results are established, and the configuration is tested for the existence of an ergodic stationary distribution. For discovering the system’s long-term behavior, a deterministic-probabilistic technique for modeling is designed and operated in MATLAB. By employing an extensive review, we hope that the previously mentioned approach improves and leads to mitigating the two diseases and their co-infections by examining a variety of behavioral trends, such as transitions to unpredictable procedures. In addition, the piecewise differential strategies are being outlined as having promising potential for scholars in a range of contexts because they empower them to include particular characteristics across multiple time frame phases. Such formulas can be strengthened via classical technique, power-law, exponential decay, generalized Mittag–Leffler kernels, probability density functions and random procedures. Furthermore, we get an accurate description of the probability density function encircling a quasi-equilibrium point if the effect of TB and COVID-19 minimizes the propagation of the codynamics. Consequently, scholars can obtain better outcomes when analyzing facts using random perturbations by implementing these strategies for challenging issues. Random perturbations in TB and COVID-19 co-infection are crucial in controlling the spread of an epidemic whenever the suggested circulation is steady and the amount of infection eliminated is closely correlated with the random perturbation level.
Assessment of mechanical behavior of sprayed concrete reinforced with waste tire textile fibers
Authors: Khosh Behzad , Atapour Hadi
Published: April 2024

The primary objective of this research is to assess the mechanical properties of shotcrete or sprayed concrete reinforced with waste tire textile fibers (WTTFs). Shotcrete is extensively employed in civil and mining engineering projects for support systems. This study examines the physical and mechanical characteristics of shotcrete samples, both without fibers and reinforced with WTTFs, including density, water absorption, volume of permeable voids, ultrasonic pulse velocity, uniaxial compressive strength, and splitting tensile strength. The reinforced samples consist of WTTF fibers at 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% concentrations. Test results demonstrate that the inclusion of waste tire textile fibers enhances the mechanical properties of shotcrete, particularly its deformability and energy absorption capacity. Based on the test outcomes, a 1% fiber concentration is recommended as the most suitable ratio for utilizing waste tire textile fibers in shotcrete. Furthermore, these flexible fibers do not impede shotcrete pumping or spraying capabilities.
Distinct learning, retention, and generalization patterns in de novo learning versus motor adaptation
Authors: Gastrock Raphael Q. , ’t Hart Bernard Marius , Henriques Denise Y. P.
Published: April 2024

People correct for movement errors when acquiring new motor skills (de novo learning) or adapting well-known movements (motor adaptation). While de novo learning establishes new control policies, adaptation modifies existing ones, and previous work have distinguished behavioral and underlying brain mechanisms for each motor learning type. However, it is still unclear whether learning in each type interferes with the other. In study 1, we use a within-subjects design where participants train with both 30° visuomotor rotation and mirror reversal perturbations, to compare adaptation and de novo learning respectively. We find no perturbation order effects, and find no evidence for differences in learning rates and asymptotes for both perturbations. Explicit instructions also provide an advantage during early learning in both perturbations. However, mirror reversal learning shows larger inter-participant variability and slower movement initiation. Furthermore, we only observe reach aftereffects following rotation training. In study 2, we incorporate the mirror reversal in a browser-based task, to investigate under-studied de novo learning mechanisms like retention and generalization. Learning persists across three or more days, substantially transfers to the untrained hand, and to targets on both sides of the mirror axis. Our results extend insights for distinguishing motor skill acquisition from adapting well-known movements.
Multifractal characteristics of soil particle size distribution of abandoned homestead reclamation under different forest management modes
Authors: Meng Tingting , Han Jichang , Zhang Yang , Sun Yingying , Liu Zhe , Zhang Ruiqing
Published: April 2024

In this study, fast-growing poplar reclaimed from abandoned homestead in Xixian New District, Xi’an City, Shaanxi Province, was used as the research object to explore the multi-fractal characteristics of soil particle size distribution under different management modes of abandoned land (control), irrigation, fertilizer irrigation and mixed fertilizer irrigation. The results showed that the mean values of soil clay, silt and sand in abandoned land were 14.58%, 81.21% and 4.22% respectively, 14.08%, 79.92% and 5.99% under irrigation, 15.17%, 81.19% and 3.64% under fertilizer irrigation, and 16.75%, 80.20% and 3.05% in mixed fertilizer treatment. From 40 cm, with increasing soil depth, soil clay particles increase under irrigation, fertilizer irrigation, and mixed fertilizer irrigation modes. The single fractal dimension of soil particle size distribution (D) in each treatment ranges from 2.721 to 2.808. At 60–100 cm, D shows fertilizer irrigation > mixed fertilizer irrigation > irrigation > abandoned land, indicating that fertilization and irrigation can increase the fine-grained matter of deep soil particles and reduce soil roughness. Compared with abandoned land, under irrigation, fertilizer irrigation and mixed fertilizer modes the capacity dimension (D0), entropy dimension (D1), correlation dimension(D2), shape characteristics of the multifractal spectrum (Δf) and overall inhomogeneity of the soil particle size distribution (D0–D10) indicate an uneven distribution of soil particle size; fractal structure characteristics of soil (D−10–D0) indicate a simplified soil structure, and degree of dispersion of soil particle size distribution (D1/D0) indicates that soil particle size is distributed in dense areas. Pearson correlation analysis showed that D was significantly correlated with clay, sand, D0–D10, soil organic matter (SOM) and soil available phosphorus (SAP) (P < 0.05). Stepwise regression analysis showed that clay was the main controlling factor of D and D0–D10 changes. The research results can provide some potential indicators for the quality evaluation of abandoned homestead reclamation.
The role of leaf superoxide dismutase and proline on intra-specific photosynthesis recovery of Schima superba following drought
Authors: Duan Honglang , Shao Changchang , Zhao Nan , Wang Defu , Resco de Dios Víctor , Tissue David T.
Published: April 2024

Understanding the physiological and biochemical responses of tree seedlings under extreme drought stress, along with recovery during rewatering, and potential intra-species differences, will allow us to more accurately predict forest responses under future climate change. Here, we selected seedlings from four provenances (AH (Anhui), JX (Jiangxi), HN (Hunan) and GX (Guangxi)) of Schima superba and carried out a simulated drought-rewatering experiment in a field-based rain-out shelter. Seedlings were progressively dried until they reached 50% and 88% loss of xylem hydraulic conductivity (PLC) (i.e. P50 and P88), respectively, before they were rehydrated and maintained at field capacity for 30 days. Leaf photosynthesis (Asat), water status, activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and proline (Pro) concentration were monitored and their associations were determined. Increasing drought significantly reduced Asat, relative water content (RWC) and SOD activity in all provenances, and Pro concentration was increased to improve water retention; all four provenances exhibited similar response patterns, associated with similar leaf ultrastructure at pre-drought. Upon rewatering, physiological and biochemical traits were restored to well-watered control values in P50-stressed seedlings. In P88-stressed seedlings, Pro was restored to control values, while SOD was not fully recovered. The recovery pattern differed partially among provenances. There was a progression of recovery following watering, with RWC firstly recovered, followed by SOD and Pro, and then Asat, but with significant associations among these traits. Collectively, the intra-specific differences of S. superba seedlings in recovery of physiology and biochemistry following rewatering highlight the need to consider variations within a given tree species coping with future more frequent drought stress.
High temperature and humidity in the environment disrupt bile acid metabolism, the gut microbiome, and GLP-1 secretion in mice
Authors: Chen Song , Hu Zongren , Tang Jianbang , Zhu Haipeng , Zheng Yuhua , Xiao Jiedong , Xu Youhua , Wang Yao , Luo Yi , Mo Xiaoying , Wu Yalan , Guo Jianwen , Zhang Yongliang , Luo Huanhuan
Published: April 2024

High temperature and humidity in the environment are known to be associated with discomfort and disease, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We observed a decrease in plasma glucagon-like peptide-1 levels in response to high-temperature and humidity conditions. Through 16S rRNA gene sequencing, alterations in the gut microbiota composition were identified following exposure to high temperature and humidity conditions. Notably, changes in the gut microbiota have been implicated in bile acid synthesis. Further analysis revealed a decrease in lithocholic acid levels in high-temperature and humidity conditions. Subsequent in vitro experiments demonstrated that lithocholic acid increases glucagon-like peptide-1 secretion in NCI-H716 cells. Proteomic analysis indicated upregulation of farnesoid X receptor expression in the ileum. In vitro experiments revealed that the combination of lithocholic acid with farnesoid X receptor inhibitors resulted in a significant increase in GLP-1 levels compared to lithocholic acid alone. In this study, we elucidate the mechanism by which reduced lithocholic acid suppresses glucagon-like peptide 1 via farnesoid X receptor activation under high-temperature and humidity condition.
Methane emissions decreased in fossil fuel exploitation and sustainably increased in microbial source sectors during 1990–2020
Authors: Chandra Naveen , Patra Prabir K. , Fujita Ryo , Höglund-Isaksson Lena , Umezawa Taku , Goto Daisuke , Morimoto Shinji , Vaughn Bruce H. , Röckmann Thomas
Published: April 2024

Methane (CH4) emission reduction to limit warming to 1.5 °C can be tracked by analyzing CH4 concentration and its isotopic composition (δ13C, δD) simultaneously. Based on reconstructions of the temporal trends, latitudinal, and vertical gradient of CH4 and δ13C from 1985 to 2020 using an atmospheric chemistry transport model, we show (1) emission reductions from oil and gas exploitation (ONG) since the 1990s stabilized the atmospheric CH4 growth rate in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and (2) emissions from farmed animals, waste management, and coal mining contributed to the increase in CH4 since 2006. Our findings support neither the increasing ONG emissions reported by the EDGARv6 inventory during 1990–2020 nor the large unconventional emissions increase reported by the GAINSv4 inventory since 2006. Total fossil fuel emissions remained stable from 2000 to 2020, most likely because the decrease in ONG emissions in some regions offset the increase in coal mining emissions in China.
Adaptive link dynamics drive online hate networks and their mainstream influence
Authors: Zheng Minzhang , Sear Richard F. , Illari Lucia , Restrepo Nicholas J. , Johnson Neil F.
Published: April 2024

Online hate is dynamic, adaptive— and may soon surge with new AI/GPT tools. Establishing how hate operates at scale is key to overcoming it. We provide insights that challenge existing policies. Rather than large social media platforms being the key drivers, waves of adaptive links across smaller platforms connect the hate user base over time, fortifying hate networks, bypassing mitigations, and extending their direct influence into the massive neighboring mainstream. Data indicates that hundreds of thousands of people globally, including children, have been exposed. We present governing equations derived from first principles and a tipping-point condition predicting future surges in content transmission. Using the U.S. Capitol attack and a 2023 mass shooting as case studies, our findings offer actionable insights and quantitative predictions down to the hourly scale. The efficacy of proposed mitigations can now be predicted using these equations.
Thermodynamically controlled chemical regeneration of spent battery cathodes using recyclable electron donors under ambient conditions
Authors: Ko Sunghyun , Choi Jinkwan , Hong Jihyun , Kim Changsoo , Hwang Uichan , Kwon Minhyung , Lim Gukhyun , Sohn Seok Su , Jang Jinha , Lee Ung , Park Chan Beum , Lee Minah
Published: April 2024

We establish thermodynamically controlled Li-coupled electron transfer from recyclable electron donors to cathodes as a viable route for directly regenerating spent cathodes under ambient conditions.
The mechanical properties of lipid nanoparticles depend on the type of biomacromolecule they are loaded with
Authors: de Chateauneuf-Randon Sixtine , Bresson Bruno , Ripoll Manon , Huille Sylvain , Barthel Etienne , Monteux Cécile
Published: April 2024

For drug delivery systems, the mechanical properties of drug carriers are suspected to play a crucial role in the delivery process.
A thermally reversible injectable adhesive for intestinal tissue repair and anti-postoperative adhesion
Authors: Zhang Wenmo , Zhang Runze , Yang Rong , Sun Yage , Zhang Qian , Feng Xuequan , Cui Chunyan , Liu Wenguang
Published: April 2024

An injectable bioadhesive with antioxidant, antibacterial and asymmetric adhesion properties can repair perforated intestines of rabbits, meanwhile preventing post-operative adhesion.
A nitrogen-doped carbon nanosheet composited platinum–cobalt single atom alloy catalyst for effective hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Niu Xudong , Geng Huilong , Lv Zhengyu , Wei Jian , Xu Dongyao , Chen Wenxing
Published: April 2024

An electrocatalyst with an ultra-small PtCo single atom alloy species evenly dispersed on nitrogen-doped ultra-thin carbon nanosheets (PtCo SAA/NC) was designed.
Host–guest interaction induced room-temperature phosphorescence enhancement of organic dyes: a computational study
Authors: Luo Xiaoli , Zeng Yi , Wei Haoran , Zheng Xiaoyan
Published: April 2024

Our work employed two organic dyes (PYCl and PYBr) and their four host–guest complexes with CB[6] and CB[7] and explored the mechanism of host–guest interaction induced RTP enhancement using a QM/MM approach.
Electrochemical N(sp2)–H/C(sp3)–H cross-coupling reaction between sulfoximines and alkylarenes
Authors: Zhu Qing-Ru , Zhang Peng-Zhan , Sun Xiang , Gao Hui , Wang Pei-Long , Li Hongji
Published: April 2024

An electrochemical oxidation-induced amination of simple alkylarenes with sulfoximines as a nitrogen source and 5,6-dimethyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazole as a catalyst was developed.
Recent advances and perspectives of practical modifications of vanadium redox flow battery electrodes
Authors: Li Lin , Chen Xingrong , Feng Zemin , Jiang Yingqiao , Dai Lei , Zhu Jing , Liu Yongguang , Wang Ling , He Zhangxing
Published: April 2024

Electrode modification of VRFB with “3Es”.
Relative biomembrane fusogenicities of the tumor-selective liposomes of RGDK- and CGKRK-lipopeptides
Authors: Rahaman Wahida , Chaudhuri Arabinda
Published: April 2024

Both the FRET assay using model biomembranes and cellular uptake studies revealed a higher membrane fusogenic nature of the tumor-targeting liposomes of the RGDK-lipopeptide than that of the tumor-targeting liposomes of the CGKRK-lipopeptide.
Enhanced photocatalytic performance of SnS2 under visible light irradiation: strategies and future perspectives
Authors: Taufik Ardiansyah , Saleh Rosari , Seong Gimyeong
Published: April 2024

The improvement of SnS2 photocatalyst can be conducted through structural modification, morphological manipulation, and heterojunction formation.
Synthesis and characterization of fluorinated poly(aryl ether)s with excellent dielectric properties
Authors: Zheng Hao , Zheng Zejun , Gong Dirong , Tian Chun , Wen You , Wang Zhen , Yan Jingling
Published: April 2024

The rapid development of high-speed communication networks has imposed more stringent requirements on the comprehensive performance of dielectric materials.
Correction: 2-cyanopyridine derivatives enable N-terminal cysteine bioconjugation and peptide bond cleavage of glutathione under aqueous and mild conditions
Authors: Yano Tetsuya , Yamada Takahiro , Ishida Hiroaki , Ohashi Nami , Itoh Toshimasa
Published: April 2024

Correction for ‘2-cyanopyridine derivatives enable N-terminal cysteine bioconjugation and peptide bond cleavage of glutathione under aqueous and mild conditions’ by Tetsuya Yano et al., RSC Adv., 2024, 14, 6542–6547, https://doi.org/10.1039/D4RA00437J.
Inorganic polyphosphate and ion transport across biological membranes
Authors: Akosah Yaw , Yang Jingyi , Pavlov Evgeny
Published: April 2024

Inorganic polyphosphate (polyP) is widely recognized for playing important roles and processes involved in energy and phosphate storage, regulation of gene expression, and calcium signaling. The less well-known role of polyP is as a direct mediator of ion transport across biological membranes. Here, we will briefly summarize current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of how polyP can be involved in membrane ion transport. We discuss three types of mechanisms that might involve polyP: (1) formation of non-protein channel complex that includes calcium, polyP, and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB); (2) modulation of the channel activity of PHBlated protein channels; and (3) direct effects of polyP on the function of the voltage-gated ion channels in the process that do not involve PHB.
Deconstructing cancer with precision genome editing
Authors: Johnson Grace A. , Gould Samuel I. , Sánchez-Rivera Francisco J.
Published: April 2024

Recent advances in genome editing technologies are allowing investigators to engineer and study cancer-associated mutations in their endogenous genetic contexts with high precision and efficiency. Of these, base editing and prime editing are quickly becoming gold-standards in the field due to their versatility and scalability. Here, we review the merits and limitations of these precision genome editing technologies, their application to modern cancer research, and speculate how these could be integrated to address future directions in the field.
Enhanced semantic communication schemes for speech signals
Authors: Yeo Yerin , Kim Junghyun , Song Hong‐Yeop
Published: April 2024

Two new models for semantic communication systems are proposed. The first model incorporates the convolutional block attention module, which considers attention techniques in both the channel and spatial domains. The second model applies the efficient channel attention (ECA) network with reduced complexity. Experimental results demonstrate that the convolutional block attention module‐equipped model improved signal‐to‐distortion ratio performance by at a signal‐to‐noise ratio of while maintaining a similar number of parameters compared to the existing model using squeeze‐and‐excitation network. Meanwhile, the efficient channel attention‐equipped model reduced parameters by approximately without any degradation in performance compared to the existing model.