bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving efficiency of parallel inverters operation in island mode microgrids
Authors: Zaki Mohamed , Shahin Ahmed , Eskender Saad , Elsayes Mohamed A.
Published: November 2023

DC/AC inverters play a vital role in microgrids, efficiently converting renewable energy into usable AC power. Parallel operation of inverters presented numerous challenges, including maximizing system efficiency, minimizing circulating current, and maximizing system accuracy. This proposal introduces an analytical optimization technique designed to enhance the efficiency of paralleled inverters in microgrid systems while minimizing circulating current. The system parameter estimation is performed with a rapid recursive least squares (RLS) estimator. An optimized proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller achieves high accuracy and streamlining system construction. The performance of the proposed optimizer is compared to common optimization methods, such as particle swarm optimization (PSO), neural networks, interior search, and interior point optimizers, focusing on system efficiency and eliminating circulating currents. Simulation investigations validated the method's applicability and demonstrated the proposed optimizer's superiority in efficiency, stability, and limiting circulating currents. It also achieved zero execution time, significantly outperforming alternatives like the neural network optimizer, which took 0.693 s. In various scenarios, the proposed optimizer improved system efficiency by 3% compared to the equally shared current system.
Gender differences in empathy, compassion, and prosocial donations, but not theory of mind in a naturalistic social task
Authors: McDonald Brennan , Kanske Philipp
Published: November 2023

Despite broad interest, experimental evidence for gender differences in social abilities remains inconclusive. Two important factors may have limited previous results: (i) a lack of clear distinctions between empathy (sharing another's feelings), compassion (a feeling of concern toward others), and Theory of Mind (ToM; inferring others’ mental states), and (ii) the absence of robust, naturalistic social tasks. Overcoming these limitations, in Study 1 (N = 295) we integrate three independent, previously published datasets, each using a dynamic and situated, video-based paradigm which disentangles ToM, empathy, and compassion, to examine gender differences in social abilities. We observed greater empathy and compassion in women compared to men, but found no evidence that either gender performed better in ToM. In Study 2 (n = 226) we extend this paradigm to allow participants to engage in prosocial donations. Along with replicating the findings of Study 1, we also observed greater prosocial donations in women compared to men. Additionally, we discuss an exploratory, novel finding, namely that ToM performance is positively associated with prosocial donations in women, but not men. Overall, these results emphasize the importance of establishing experimental designs that incorporate dynamic, complex stimuli to better capture the social realities that men and women experience in their daily lives.
Auditory thresholds compatible with optimal speech reception likely evolved before the human-chimpanzee split
Authors: Stoessel Alexander , David Romain , Bornitz Matthias , Ossmann Steffen , Neudert Marcus
Published: November 2023

The anatomy of the auditory region of fossil hominins may shed light on the emergence of human spoken language. Humans differ from other great apes in several features of the external, middle and inner ear (e.g., short external ear canal, small tympanic membrane, large oval window). However, the functional implications of these differences remain poorly understood as comparative audiometric data from great apes are scarce and conflicting. Here, we measure the sound transfer function of the external and middle ears of humans, chimpanzees and bonobos, using laser-Doppler vibrometry and finite element analysis. This sound transfer function affects auditory thresholds, which relate to speech reception thresholds in humans. Unexpectedly we find that external and middle ears of chimpanzees and bonobos transfer sound better than human ones in the frequency range of spoken language. Our results suggest that auditory thresholds of the last common ancestor of Homo and Pan were already compatible with speech reception as observed in humans. Therefore, it seems unlikely that the morphological evolution observed in the bony auditory region of fossil hominins was driven by the emergence of spoken language. Instead, the peculiar human configuration may be a by-product of morpho-functional constraints linked to brain expansion.
The effects of active and passive smoking on selected trace element levels in human milk
Authors: Mansouri Borhan , Azadi Nammam Ali , Sharafi Kiomars , Nakhaee Samaneh
Published: November 2023

Our study aimed to compare levels of six micro-elements and six potentially toxic elements in the breast milk of non-smoking women compared to those found in women who smoke tobacco and women exposed to second-hand smoke during pregnancy and lactation. This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 100 lactating women in western Iran. The studied subjects were in three groups: passive smokers, active smokers, and a control group. Concentrations of selected trace elements in breast milk (essential and non-essential metals) were determined using ICP-MS. Our results indicated that the parameters of education, fruit consumption, and cosmetics usage had a significant difference among the groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, for trace elements, the Kruskal–Wallis test was statistically significant for arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) (p < 0.05). The post hoc Dunn test revealed a significant difference in the levels of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb between non-smoker and passive/active smoker groups (p < 0.05). Our findings illustrate that exposure to cigarette smoke can cause an increase in the level of potentially toxic elements in human milk, which is dangerous for the consumption of premature newborns, but more research is needed to evaluate the potential toxic mechanisms of toxic metals.
A new model to estimate duration of survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma with BCLC intermediate stage
Authors: Ninomiya Masashi , Tsuruoka Mio , Inoue Jun , Hiraoka Atsushi , Iwata Tomoaki , Sano Akitoshi , Sato Kosuke , Onuki Masazumi , Sawahashi Satoko , Kuroda Hidekatsu , Oikawa Takayoshi , Fujita Masashi , Abe Kazumichi , Katsumi Tomohiro , Sato Wataru , Igarashi Go , Iino Chikara , Endo Tetsu , Tanabe Nobukazu , Numao Hiroshi , Iijima Katsunori , Matsumoto Takayuki , Ohira Hiromasa , Ueno Yoshiyuki , Masamune Atsushi
Published: November 2023

It is difficult to determine whether an individual therapy contributes to the elongation of survival because of the difficulty of organizing clinical research in patients who receive multiple treatments in HCC. We aimed to establish a new model of survival prediction in patients with intermediate stage HCC to establish standards in the recent and coming multi-MTA era. This analysis was prepared using a data set of 753 patients diagnosed HCC prior to 2017. Multiple regression analysis showed age, naïve or recurrence, the size of the largest tumor nodule, the number of nodules, total bilirubin, albumin and α-fetoprotein as independent predictors of survival. A Weibull model had the best fit and, based on these predictors, we established a new predicted survival model. The survival duration can be predicted the proposed model; EXP (4.02580 + (− 0.0086253) × age + (− 0.34667) × (naïve/recurrence) + (− 0.034962) × (number of nodules) + (− 0.079447) × (the size of the largest nodule) + (− 0.21696) × (total bilirubin) + 0.27912 × (albumin) + (− 0.00014741) × (α-fetoprotein)) × (− natural logarithm(0.5))^0.67250. This model is useful for the planning and evaluating the efficacy of recent sequential therapies in multi-MTA era.
Phylogenetic, population structure, and population demographic analyses reveal that Vicia sepium in Japan is native and not introduced
Authors: Tamaki Ichiro , Mizuno Mizuo , Ohtsuki Tatsuo , Shutoh Kohtaroh , Tabata Ryoichi , Tsunamoto Yoshihiro , Suyama Yoshihisa , Nakajima Yusuke , Kubo Naoki , Ito Takeru , Noma Naohiko , Harada Emiko
Published: November 2023

Vicia sepium (bush vetch) is a perennial legume widely distributed throughout the Eurasian continent. However, its distribution in Japan is limited to Mt. Ibuki and small parts of central and southern Hokkaido. Therefore, each Japanese V. sepium lineage has been considered to have been introduced separately from Europe. Here, we examined whether the species was introduced or not on the basis of cpDNA sequences and genome-wide SNPs from Japanese and overseas samples. Both the cpDNA haplotype network and the nuclear DNA phylogenetic tree showed that Japanese V. sepium is monophyletic. Furthermore, although the nuclear DNA phylogenetic tree also showed that each lineage is clearly monophyletic, genetic admixture of the genetic cluster dominated in the Hokkaido lineage was also detected in the Mt. Ibuki lineage. Population divergence analysis showed that the two lineages diverged during the last glacial period. The Mt. Ibuki lineage showed a sudden population decline 300–400 years ago, indicating that some anthropogenic activity might be involved, while the Hokkaido lineage showed a gradual population decline from 5000 years ago. Consequently, these two lineages show low current genetic diversity compared with overseas lineages. These results show that the Japanese V. sepium is not introduced but is native.
Classification of precipitation types in Poland using machine learning and threshold temperature methods
Authors: Pham Quoc Bao , Łupikasza Ewa , Łukasz Małarzewski
Published: November 2023

The phase in which precipitation falls—rainfall, snowfall, or sleet—has a considerable impact on hydrology and surface runoff. However, many weather stations only provide information on the total amount of precipitation, at other stations series are short or incomplete. To address this issue, data from 40 meteorological stations in Poland spanning the years 1966–2020 were utilized in this study to classify precipitation. Three methods were used to differentiate between rainfall and snowfall: machine learning (i.e., Random Forest), daily mean threshold air temperature, and daily wet bulb threshold temperature. The key findings of this study are: (i) the Random Forest (RF) method demonstrated the highest accuracy in rainfall/snowfall classification among the used approaches, which spanned from 0.90 to 1.00 across all stations and months; (ii) the classification accuracy provided by the mean wet bulb temperature and daily mean threshold air temperature approaches were quite similar, which spanned from 0.86 to 1.00 across all stations and months; (iii) Values of optimized mean threshold temperature and optimized wet bulb threshold temperature were determined for each of the 40 meteorological stations; (iv) the inclusion of water vapor pressure has a noteworthy impact on the RF classification model, and the removal of mean wet bulb temperature from the input data set leads to an improvement in the classification accuracy of the RF model. Future research should be conducted to explore the variations in the effectiveness of precipitation classification for each station.
Impact of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide on emergency dialysis and prognosis in end-stage renal disease patients with type 4 cardiorenal syndrome
Authors: Zhou Yue , Wang Xiaojian , Yuan Hongbo , Wu Linke , Zhang Bin , Chen Xiaoxia , Zhang Yafeng
Published: November 2023

Recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide (rhBNP) effects on type 4 cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) and adverse events such as heart failure rehospitalization and all-cause mortality have not been assessed in large-scale research. This study evaluated the impact of rhBNP on emergency dialysis and prognosis in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with type 4 CRS, and the risk factors of emergency dialysis. This retrospective cohort study included patients with type 4 CRS and ESRD admitted for decompensated heart failure between January 2016 and December 2021. Patients were divided into the rhBNP and non-rhBNP cohorts, according to whether they were prescribed rhBNP. The primary outcomes were emergency dialysis at first admission and cardiovascular events within a month after discharge. A total of 77 patients were included in the rhBNP cohort (49 males and 28 females, median age 67) and 79 in the non-rhBNP cohort (47 males and 32 females, median age 68). After adjusting for age, residual renal function, and primary diseases, Cox regression analysis showed that rhBNP was associated with emergency dialysis (HR = 0.633, 95% CI 0.420–0.953) and cardiovascular events (HR = 0.410, 95% CI 0.159–0.958). In addition, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (OR = 0.782, 95% CI 0.667–0.917, P = 0.002) and procalcitonin (PCT) levels (OR = 1.788, 95% CI 1.193–2.680, P = 0.005) at the first visit were independent risk factors for emergency dialysis while using rhBNP was a protective factor for emergency dialysis (OR = 0.195, 95% CI 0.084–0.451, P < 0.001). This study suggests that RhBNP can improve cardiac function and reduce the occurrence of emergency dialysis and cardiovascular events in ESRD patients with type 4 CRS.
Usage of computational method for hemodynamic analysis of intracranial aneurysm rupture risk in different geometrical aspects
Authors: Fattahi Mehdi , Abdollahi Seyyed Amirreza , Alibak Ali Hosin , Hosseini Saleh , Dang Phuyen
Published: November 2023

The importance of the parent vessel geometrical feature on the risk of cerebral aneurysm rupture is unavoidable. This study presents inclusive details on the hemodynamics of Internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms with different parent vessel mean diameters. Different aspects of blood hemodynamics are compared to find a reasonable connection between parent vessel mean diameter and significant hemodynamic factors of wall shear stress (WSS), oscillatory shear index (OSI), and pressure distribution. To access hemodynamic data, computational fluid dynamics is used to model the blood stream inside the cerebral aneurysms. A hemodynamic comparison of the selected cerebral aneurysm shows that the minimum WSS is reduced by about 71% as the parent vessel’s mean diameter is increased from 3.18 to 4.48 mm.
Mechanism of Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma–Salidroside in the treatment of premature ventricular beats based on network pharmacology and molecular docking
Authors: Shuyuan Liu , Haoyu Chen
Published: November 2023

To analyse the mechanism of Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma–Salidroside in the treatment of Premature Ventricular Brats by using network pharmacology and molecular docking and to provide the basis for developing the use of experimental and clinical traditional Chinese medicine. The chemical compositions of Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma and Salidroside were determined, and their related targets were predicted. The disease-related targets were obtained by searching the common disease databases Genecards, OMIM, Drugbank and DisGeNET, and the intersection between the predicted targets and the disease targets was determined. Then using the STRING database to set up the protein‒protein interactions (PPIs) network between Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma–Salidroside and the common targets of PVB. An “herb-ingredient-target” network was constructed and analyzed by Cytoscape3.7.2 software. Using the metascape database to analysis the predicted therapeutic targets based on the GO and KEGG. Finally, molecular docking technology was used toconfirm the capacity of the primary active ingredients of the 2 herbs to bind to central targets using the online CB-Dock2 database. 41 active components of Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma–Salidroside were detected, with 420 potential targets of action, with a total of 1688 PVB targets, and the top 10 core targets of herb-disease degree values were AKT1, TNF, GAPDH, SRC, PPARG, EGFR, PTGS2, ESR1, MMP9, and STAT3. KEGG analysis indicated that its mechanism may be related to the calcium signalling pathway, cancer signalling pathway, AGE-RAGE signalling pathway and other pathways. Molecular docking suggested that main of the active ingredients of the Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma–Salidroside pairs were well bound to the core targets. Based on novel network pharmacology and molecular docking validation research methods, we revealed for the first time the potential mechanism of Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma–Salidroside in PVB therapy.
The role of sea surface temperature in shaping the characteristics of future convective afternoon rainfall in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Wan-Ru , Chien Yu-Tang , Cheng Chao-Tzuen , Hsu Huang-Hsiung , Koralegedara Suranjith Bandara
Published: November 2023

Convective afternoon rainfall (CAR) is a significant summer rainfall feature in Taiwan. This study investigates the projected uncertainties in summer CAR in Taiwan, using a dynamical downscaling approach with the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) and the High-Resolution Atmospheric Model (HiRAM). The projections were driven by four different sea surface temperature (SST) categories derived from CMIP5 model simulations under the RCP8.5 scenario. All projections indicate a reduced frequency but increased intensity of CAR over Taiwan by the end of the 21st century. However, notable differences in the degree of CAR changes were observed among simulations with varying degrees of Pacific SST warming. These variations in potential future changes in CAR frequency and intensity can be attributed to the variations in daytime thermal instability, local inland wind convergence, and moisture flux convergence over Taiwan. Furthermore, this study explored the linkage between local thermodynamic conditions and projected large-scale circulation patterns.
IL-1β-mediated adaptive reprogramming of endogenous human cardiac fibroblasts to cells with immune features during fibrotic remodeling
Authors: Siamwala Jamila H. , Pagano Francesco S. , Dubielecka Patrycja M. , Ivey Malina J. , Guirao-Abad Jose Pedro , Zhao Alexander , Chen Sonja , Granston Haley , Jeong Jae Yun , Rounds Sharon , Kanisicak Onur , Sadayappan Sakthivel , Gilbert Richard J.
Published: November 2023

The source and roles of fibroblasts and T-cells during maladaptive remodeling and myocardial fibrosis in the setting of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) have been long debated. We demonstrate, using single-cell mass cytometry, a subpopulation of endogenous human cardiac fibroblasts expressing increased levels of CD4, a helper T-cell marker, in addition to myofibroblast markers distributed in human fibrotic RV tissue, interstitial and perivascular lesions in SUGEN/Hypoxia (SuHx) rats, and fibroblasts labeled with pdgfrα CreERt2/+ in R26R-tdTomato mice. Recombinant IL-1β increases IL-1R, CCR2 receptor expression, modifies the secretome, and differentiates cardiac fibroblasts to form CD68-positive cell clusters. IL-1β also activates stemness markers, such as NANOG and SOX2, and genes involved in dedifferentiation, lymphoid cell function and metabolic reprogramming. IL-1β induction of lineage traced primary mouse cardiac fibroblasts causes these cells to lose their fibroblast identity and acquire an immune phenotype. Our results identify IL-1β induced immune-competency in human cardiac fibroblasts and suggest that fibroblast secretome modulation may constitute a therapeutic approach to PAH and other diseases typified by inflammation and fibrotic remodeling.
Biologically derived epicardial patch induces macrophage mediated pathophysiologic repair in chronically infarcted swine hearts
Authors: Lancaster J. J. , Grijalva A. , Fink J. , Ref J. , Daugherty S. , Whitman S. , Fox K. , Gorman G. , Lancaster L. D. , Avery R. , Acharya T. , McArthur A. , Strom J. , Pierce M. K. , Moukabary T. , Borgstrom M. , Benson D. , Mangiola M. , Pandey A. C. , Zile M. R. , Bradshaw A. , Koevary J. W. , Goldman S.
Published: November 2023

There are nearly 65 million people with chronic heart failure (CHF) globally, with no treatment directed at the pathologic cause of the disease, the loss of functioning cardiomyocytes. We have an allogeneic cardiac patch comprised of cardiomyocytes and human fibroblasts on a bioresorbable matrix. This patch increases blood flow to the damaged heart and improves left ventricular (LV) function in an immune competent rat model of ischemic CHF. After 6 months of treatment in an immune competent Yucatan mini swine ischemic CHF model, this patch restores LV contractility without constrictive physiology, partially reversing maladaptive LV and right ventricular remodeling, increases exercise tolerance, without inducing any cardiac arrhythmias or a change in myocardial oxygen consumption. Digital spatial profiling in mice with patch placement 3 weeks after a myocardial infarction shows that the patch induces a CD45pos immune cell response that results in an infiltration of dendritic cells and macrophages with high expression of macrophages polarization to the anti-inflammatory reparative M2 phenotype. Leveraging the host native immune system allows for the potential use of immunomodulatory therapies for treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases not limited to ischemic CHF.
ACO2 deficiency increases vulnerability to Parkinson’s disease via dysregulating mitochondrial function and histone acetylation-mediated transcription of autophagy genes
Authors: Zhu Junge , Xu Fanxi , Lai Hong , Yuan Huiyao , Li Xu-Ying , Hu Junya , Li Wei , Liu Lei , Wang Chaodong
Published: November 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by α-synuclein aggregation in dopaminergic (DA) neurons, which are sensitive to oxidative stress. Mitochondria aconitase 2 (ACO2) is an essential enzyme in the tricarboxylic acid cycle that orchestrates mitochondrial and autophagic functions to energy metabolism. Though widely linked to diseases, its relation to PD has not been fully clarified. Here we revealed that the peripheral ACO2 activity was significantly decreased in PD patients and associated with their onset age and disease durations. The knock-in mouse and Drosophila models with the A252T variant displayed aggravated motor deficits and DA neuron degeneration after 6-OHDA and rotenone-induction, and the ACO2 knockdown or blockade cells showed features of mitochondrial and autophagic dysfunction. Moreover, the transcription of autophagy-related genes LC3 and Atg5 was significantly downregulated via inhibited histone acetylation at the H3K9 and H4K5 sites. These data provided multi-dimensional evidences supporting the essential roles of ACO2, and as a potential early biomarker to be used in clinical trials for assessing the effects of antioxidants in PD. Moreover, ameliorating energy metabolism by targeting ACO2 could be considered as a potential therapeutic strategy for PD and other neurodegenerative disorders.
An immortal porcine preadipocyte cell strain for efficient production of cell-cultured fat
Authors: Cheng Yun-Mou , Hong Peng-Cheng , Song Ming-Mei , Zhu Hai-Ning , Qin Jing , Zhang Zeng-Di , Chen Hao , Ma Xing-Zhou , Tian Meng-Yuan , Zhu Wei-Yun , Huang Zan
Published: November 2023

Adding adipose cells to cell-cultured meat can provide a distinctive aroma and juicy texture similar to real meat. However, a significant challenge still exists in obtaining seed cells that can be propagated for long periods, maintain their adipogenic potential, and reduce production costs. In this study, we present a cell strain derived from immortalized porcine preadipocytes that can be subculture for over 40 passages without losing differentiation capacity. This cell strain can be differentiated within 3D bioscaffolds to generate cell-cultured fat using fewer chemicals and less serum. Additionally, it can be expanded and differentiated on microcarriers with upscaled culture to reduce costs and labor. Moreover, it can co-differentiate with muscle precursor cells, producing a pattern similar to real meat. Therefore, our cell strain provides an exceptional model for studying and producing cell-cultured fat.
VirB, a transcriptional activator of virulence in Shigella flexneri, uses CTP as a cofactor
Authors: Antar Hammam , Gruber Stephan
Published: November 2023

VirB is a transcriptional activator of virulence in the gram-negative bacterium Shigella flexneri encoded by the large invasion plasmid, pINV. It counteracts the transcriptional silencing by the nucleoid structuring protein, H-NS. Mutations in virB lead to loss of virulence. Studies suggested that VirB binds to specific DNA sequences, remodels the H-NS nucleoprotein complexes, and changes DNA supercoiling. VirB belongs to the superfamily of ParB proteins which are involved in plasmid and chromosome partitioning often as part of a ParABS system. Like ParB, VirB forms discrete foci in Shigella flexneri cells harbouring pINV. Our results reveal that purified preparations of VirB specifically bind the ribonucleotide CTP and slowly but detectably hydrolyse it with mild stimulation by the virS targeting sequences found on pINV. We show that formation of VirB foci in cells requires a virS site and CTP binding residues in VirB. Curiously, DNA stimulation of clamp closure appears efficient even without a virS sequence in vitro. Specificity for entrapment of virS DNA is however evident at elevated salt concentrations. These findings suggest that VirB acts as a CTP-dependent DNA clamp and indicate that the cellular microenvironment contributes to the accumulation of VirB specifically at virS sites.
Bone collagen from subtropical Australia is preserved for more than 50,000 years
Authors: Peters Carli , Wang Yiming , Vakil Vikram , Cramb Jonathan , Dortch Joe , Hocknull Scott , Lawrence Rochelle , Manne Tiina , Monks Carly , Rössner Gertrud E. , Ryan Helen , Siversson Mikael , Ziegler Tim , Louys Julien , Price Gilbert J. , Boivin Nicole , Collins Matthew J.
Published: November 2023

Ancient protein studies have demonstrated their utility for looking at a wide range of evolutionary and historical questions. The majority of palaeoproteomics studies to date have been restricted to high latitudes with relatively temperate environments. A better understanding of protein preservation at lower latitudes is critical for disentangling the mechanisms involved in the deep-time survival of ancient proteins, and for broadening the geographical applicability of palaeoproteomics. In this study, we aim to assess the level of collagen preservation in the Australian fossil record. Collagen preservation was systematically examined using a combination of thermal age estimates, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry, and protein deamidation calculations. We reveal unexpected subtropical survival of collagen in bones more than 50 thousand years old, showing that protein preservation can exceed chemical predictions of collagen survival in bone. These findings challenge preconceptions concerning the suitability of palaeoproteomics in subtropical Pleistocene environments. We explore potential causes of this unexpected result to identify the underlying mechanisms leading to this exceptional preservation. This study serves as a starting point for the analysis of ancient proteins in other (sub)tropical contexts, and at deeper timescales.
Identification of the first selective bioluminescent probe for real-time monitoring of carboxylesterase 2 in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Chen Yuhao , Zhao Tiantian , Miao Zhuang , Huang Tianguang , Chen Meiyuan , Zhao Yi , Hai Ao , Qi Qingrong , Feng Ping , Li Minyong , Ke Bowen
Published: November 2023

This study identified the first selective bioluminescent probe (CBP 1) for CES2 monitoring. CBP 1 exhibited good capability for real-time detection of CES2 and its dynamic fluctuations with high sensitivity, high specificity and rapid reactivity.
Exploration of the origin of the excellent charge-carrier dynamics in Ruddlesden–Popper oxysulfide perovskite Y2Ti2O5S2
Authors: Yao Yisen , Li Qiaoqiao , Chu Weibin , Ding Yi-min , Yan Luo , Gao Yang , Neogi Arup , Govorov Alexander , Zhou Liujiang , Wang Zhiming
Published: November 2023

We have demonstrated, the advantages of separate transport of electrons and holes in Y2Ti2O5S2 and explained the reasons for the origin of this carrier transport property from the aspects of dielectric layers and atomic vibration.
The light-dependent pseudo-capacitive charging of conjugated polymer nanoparticles coupled with the depolarization of the neuronal membrane
Authors: Chiaravalli Greta , Ravasenga Tiziana , Colombo Elisabetta , Jasnoor  , Francia Simona , Di Marco Stefano , Sacco Riccardo , Pertile Grazia , Benfenati Fabio , Lanzani Guglielmo
Published: November 2023

We introduce the mechanism underlying visual restoration in blind animal models of retinitis pigmentosa using semiconductive polymeric nanoparticles. The role of the interface of the nanoparticle with the cell membrane is highlighted.
HER catalytic activity and regulation of a transition metal atom-anchored BC3 monolayer: a first-principles study
Authors: Pan Liying , Kang Xuxin , Gao Shan , Duan Xiangmei
Published: November 2023

Au@BC3, O-Zn@BC3 and Ti/Cu/Mo@BC3/NbB2(0001) are excellent HER catalysts due to the Gibbs free energy changes close to zero. The catalytic activity of the adsorption site is highly related to the degree of charge transfer between the adsorbate and substrate.
DFT insights into crystal plane effects of molybdenum phosphide (MoP) on the catalytic performance in deoxygenation of palmitic acid
Authors: Kamchompoo Suparada , Wongnongwa Yutthana , Watcharapasorn Anucha , Kunaseth Manaschai , Jungsuttiwong Siriporn
Published: November 2023

We identified the MoP (101) plane's superior catalytic ability in deoxygenating palmitic acid by using DFT. This finding highlights its potential in optimizing bio-oil upgrading and advancing biofuel production.
Creating covalent bonds between Cu and C at the interface of metal/open-ended carbon nanotubes
Authors: Nawarathne Chaminda P. , Aranda Diego Galvez , Hoque Abdul , Dangel Gabrielle R. , Seminario Jorge M. , Alvarez Noe T.
Published: November 2023

Anchoring vertically oriented carbon nanotubes to copper using linker molecules. Theoretical calculations show linkers form bridge like covalent bonds with two adjacent Cu atoms on (100) and (110) and linear bonds on (111).
The dual nature of biomimetic melanin
Authors: Mavridi-Printezi Alexandra , Giordani Stefano , Menichetti Arianna , Mordini Dario , Zattoni Andrea , Roda Barbara , Ferrazzano Lucia , Reschiglian Pierluigi , Marassi Valentina , Montalti Marco
Published: November 2023

Biomimetic melanin (polydopamine, PDA) is formed simultaneously as nanoparticles (NP) and polymers (P) upon atmospheric oxidation of dopamine (DA). The two species show very different chemical, physical, optical and electronic properties.
Hexylsilane-mediated direct amidation of amino acids with a catalytic amount of 1,2,4-triazole
Authors: Nobuta Tomoya , Tsuchiya Nozomi , Suto Yutaka , Yamagiwa Noriyuki
Published: November 2023

α-Amino amides were synthesized by direct amidation using hexylsilane as a coupling reagent.
Boosting the photoelectrochemical water splitting of Fe2O3 by surface-state regulation
Authors: Jiang Shanshan , Zhang Xinxin , Nawaz Madiha , Fan Xiaoxing , Tao Ran
Published: November 2023

By loading MoO3, the surface state of the Fe2O3 photoanode was changed, resulting in an improvement in the photoelectrochemical properties of Fe2O3 and promotion of its water splitting performance.
Photoinduced cerium-catalyzed C–H acylation of unactivated alkanes
Authors: Cao Jing , Zhu Joshua L. , Scheidt Karl A.
Published: November 2023

Ketones are ubiquitous motifs in the realm of pharmaceuticals and natural products.
Enhanced mechanical and electrical properties of starch-based hydrogels incorporating polyacrylic acid and MXene for advanced wearable sensors in sign language recognition
Authors: Liang Jionghong , Ma Ke , Gao Wenshuo , Xin Yue , Chen Shousen , Qiu Weicheng , Shen Gengzhe , He Xin
Published: November 2023

A PAA/Starch/MXene organohydrogel was developed for strain sensors with remarkable sensitivity, offering potential for widespread applications in wearable electronics.
Slip of a liquid crystal droplet rotator in viscous fluids
Authors: Saito Keita , Kimura Yasuyuki
Published: November 2023

The boundary conditions at the droplet surface depend on the surrounding solution. In glycerol solutions, slip occurs at the droplet surface and is enhanced as glycerol concentration increases.
Atomic Sn sites on nitrogen-doped carbon as a zincophilic and hydrophobic protection layer for stable Zn anodes
Authors: Wang Yijie , Tan Yan , Cheng Chuanwei
Published: November 2023

A 3D coating of atomic zincophilic Sn sites anchored on NC supports on Zn anodes are designed to simultaneously guide Zn nucleation, boost Zn2+ diffusion, regulate electric field distribution, inhibit dendrite growth, and prevent side reactions.
Partial IDS decoding based on the base graph of protograph LDPC codes
Authors: Liang Shuo , Liu Xingcheng , Xie Suipeng
Published: November 2023

The residual belief propagation (RBP) algorithm, which is the most classic informed dynamic scheduling strategy, achieves outstanding performance in error correction and can drastically accelerate convergence speed. However, the greedy algorithmic property of this iterative decoding will inevitably cause loss of decoding performance. To address this, a novel algorithm called the partial average bundle residual belief propagation (PABRBP) is proposed in this paper. According to the construction characteristics of a base matrix of protograph‐LDPC codes, informed dynamic scheduling (IDS) strategies are applied to an edge bundle of base matrices for the first time. This edge bundle of the base matrix can be applied to a corresponding cyclic permutation matrix. Furthermore, the update level of each bundle is determined by the value of the Partially Average Bundle Residual (PABR). Therefore, the edge message with the maximum residual in each bundle is updated in order, and the process of iterative decoding is less likely to become trapped in a local optimum. Additionally, the generation of silent nodes is reduced as much as possible. To further improve the PABRBP decoding performance for medium and long codes over the fading channel, the adjusted compensation term is periodically introduced. Analysis and simulation results show that PABRBP demonstrates a notable convergence quality and decoding performance improvement over the fading channels compared to existing state‐of‐art IDS algorithms.
Distributed cooperative control of mechatronic system driving multiple electrohydraulic actuators with uncertain nonlinearity and communication delay
Authors: Zhang Jiyu , Gao Wei , Guo Qing , Ren Xing , Wang Chen , Shi Yan
Published: November 2023

Being different from many centralized mechatronic systems, the distributed transmission mechanism has the significant advantage such that realize cooperative task only based on small amount neighbour nodes with low computational complexity. In this study, a distributed cooperative control is proposed for multiple electrohydraulic system (MEHS) to guarantee the follower electrohydraulic node tracking the leader motion, based on the approach of directed spanning tree. Firstly, the MEHS model is constructed as three‐orders isomorphic nonlinear dynamics. Then, a disturbance observer is adopted to estimate uncertain nonlinearities caused by hydraulic parametric uncertainties and unknown external loads in the MEHS. To address unknown communication delays in the network topology of MEHS, a quasi‐synchronous controller is designed via Lyapunov–Krasovskii technique to guarantee that the synchronous errors asymptotically converge to a zero neighbourhood. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed distributed synchronous control is verified by simulation results under uncertain nonlinearities and different communication delays.
Evolutionary game analysis of behaviour strategy for UAV swarm in communication‐constrained environments
Authors: Hu Shiguang , Ru Le , Lv Maolong , Wang Zhenhua , Lu Bo , Wang Wenfei
Published: November 2023

In the process of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) cluster coordination, communication obstruction may cause situational misjudgement and increase the risk of decision‐making errors. Therefore, based on evolutionary game theory, this research aimed to study the behaviour decision‐making selection problem in the process of UAV swarm missions in limited communication networks. First, the evolution process of the UAV swarm confrontation game is analyzed and the decision‐making risks associated with the communication network of the UAV swarm during coordination, which are caused by the complex confrontation environment are identified. Second, the decision‐making risks and mechanisms of UAV swarm communication is discussed and an evolutionary game mathematical model for the cooperative strategy of a UAV swarm under communication constraints is established. Finally, the influence of various key parameters is simulated and analyzed, such as the initial strategy probability of both parties, amount of platform information data, information analysis and utilization ability, and information interaction coefficient, on the evolution of the UAV swarm strategy. This research provides a theoretical basis and feasible reference for the improvement of UAV mission decision response mechanisms and system model construction, which have important theoretical value and practical significance.
A Spatio‐Temporal Enhanced Graph‐Transformer AutoEncoder embedded pose for anomaly detection
Authors: Zhu Honglei , Wei Pengjuan , Xu Zhigang
Published: November 2023

Due to the robustness of skeleton data to human scale, illumination changes, dynamic camera views, and complex backgrounds, great progress has been made in skeleton‐based video anomaly detection in recent years. The spatio‐temporal graph convolutional network has been proven to be effective in modelling the spatio‐temporal dependencies of non‐Euclidean data such as human skeleton graphs, and the autoencoder based on this basic unit is widely used to model sequence features. However, due to the limitations of the convolution kernel, the model cannot capture the correlation between non‐adjacent joints, and it is difficult to deal with long‐term sequences, resulting in an insufficient understanding of behaviour. To address this issue, this paper applies the Transformer to the human skeleton and proposes the Spatio‐Temporal Enhanced Graph‐Transformer AutoEncoder (STEGT‐AE) to improve the capability of modelling. In addition, the multi‐memory model with skip connections is employed to provide different levels of coding features, thereby enhancing the ability of the model to distinguish similar heterogeneous behaviours. Furthermore, the STEGT‐AE has a single encoder‐double decoder architecture, which can improve the detection performance by the combining reconstruction and prediction error. The experimental results show that performances of STEGT‐AE is significantly better than other advanced algorithms on four baseline datasets.
Learning adaptive motion search for fast versatile video coding in visual surveillance systems
Authors: Thanh Huong Bui , Quang Sang Nguyen , Huu Tien Vu , HoangVan Xiem
Published: November 2023

Visual surveillance systems have been playing an important role in monitoring and managing at public areas. However, the computational complexity of video compression in these applications is still a great challenge. To meet practical requirements, the authors propose in this paper a low‐complexity surveillance video coding solution in which the most recent Versatile Video Coding (VVC) standard is improved with a novel learning adaptive motion search algorithm. The proposed algorithm is designed based on the temporal motion and spatial texture characteristics of surveillance videos. First, the authors study and define a list of spatial and temporal features which indicates the motion and texture characteristics of surveillance video. These features are used together with a machine learning algorithm to appropriately assign a search range for the VVC motion search. Second, to reduce search points, the authors propose an adaptive Test Zone (TZ) search in which TZ steps are early terminated following the variation of spatial–temporal features. Performance evaluation conducted for a rich set of surveillance videos and relevant benchmarks have shown the superiority of the proposed method, notably with around 33% of encoding time saving when compared with the state‐of‐the art VVC solution and relevant benchmarks while asking for negligible compression loss.
Siloxane‐containing polyimide films with high heat resistance and low dielectric constant
Authors: Mo Song , Zhai Lei , Liu Yi , Han Gang , Jia Yan , He Min‐Hui , Fan Lin
Published: November 2023

A series of siloxane‐containing polyimide films (PIS) were prepared by copolymerising with rigid aromatic dianhydride, siloxane diamines and six different aromatic diamines. The effects of siloxane structures, fluorine and imide content, rigid or flexible segment on the heat resistance, moisture absorption, dielectric performance, mechanical and bonding properties were systematically studied. The results show that PIS films maintain good heat resistance with Tg between 292 and 420°C and 5% weight loss temperature higher than 500°C. The moisture absorption and dielectric constant can be significantly reduced due to the presence of siloxanes and fluorinated groups, with the absorption rate as low as 1.2% and dielectric constant of 2.85 at 1 MHz. When measured at 10 GHz, the dielectric constant ranges from 3.10 to 3.50, and dielectric loss varies from 0.0059 to 0.0098. The PIS‐6 film has the best comprehensive performance due to the low imide content, introduction of trifluoromethyl and ether bonds. The peeling strength of bonding PIS‐6 film with a copper foil can reach 9.2 N/cm. It is proven that siloxane‐containing PIS films with high heat resistance, low dielectric and outstanding adhesion are achieved, which can be applied for flexible integrated circuit boards, high‐frequency electronics and microelectronics fields.
Optimising smart city evaluation: A people‐oriented analysis method
Authors: Fang Yufei , Shan Zhiguang
Published: November 2023

Smart cities integrate information technology with urban transformation, making it crucial to systematically evaluate their development level and effectiveness. Recent years have seen increased attention towards smart city evaluations worldwide, but there is still research space for theoretical models, technical methods, and practical applications. To address this gap, this study proposes an efficiency evaluation model for smart cities and a smart city user demand analysis model. It answers two research questions: how to configure investments in different aspects of smart city for a better user experience, and how to judge the extent and specific points of public demand in various sectors of a smart city. By analysing evaluation data, this study accurately identifies the development direction and construction focus of smart cities, supports targeted optimisation and improvement strategies, enhances user experience, and provides rationalised suggestions for a dynamic revision of smart city evaluation indicators.
Rapid assessment of dose for large-scale individual: a feasibility study
Authors: Mehrabankhoo Z. , Behmadi M. , Karimi-Shahri K.
Published: November 2023

In certain situations, it is crucial to quickly estimate the dose for radiation workers across different weight percentiles. This study sets out to create weight percentiles above 50 by adding proper adipose and muscle layers around the revised ORNL hermaphrodite phantom torso. Neutron fluence-to-organ absorbed and effective dose conversion coefficients were calculated to different weight percentiles. Simulations were performed in the energy range 10−9 to 20 MeV, under Six different source irradiation geometries: anterior–posterior (AP), posterior–anterior (PA), right-lateral (RLAT), left-lateral (LLAT), Rotation (ROT), and Isotropic (ISO) by MCNPX code. The maximum relative differences observed between the 50th and other percentiles ranged from 11% to 28%. Comparative analysis of the fluence-to-absorbed and effective dose conversion coefficients between the 95th percentile and VIPMAN indicated that approximately 58% and 57% of the data had a relative difference below 15%, respectively overall neutron energies and irradiation geometries. Our finding demonstrate that this straightforward method is reliable, especially when the whole body is irradiated in the energies above 1 MeV.
Reproducibility of Anterior Scalene Stiffness Measurement with Shear Wave Elastography: An Inter-Examiner Reliability Study
Authors: Varol Umut , Sánchez-Jiménez Elena , Valera-Calero Juan Antonio , Plaza-Manzano Gustavo , Fernández-de-las-Peñas César , Navarro-Santana Marcos José , Sanchez-Jorge Sandra , Ortega-Santiago Ricardo
Published: November 2023

Purpose Although previous studies have highlighted the clinical relevance of the anterior scalene muscle (AS) in patients with neck pain or nerve compressive syndromes, evidence reporting the diagnostic accuracy of shear wave elastography (SWE) for assessing the AS stiffness properties is lacking. This study aimed to analyze the SWE inter-examiner reliability for calculating the Young’s modulus and shear wave speed of the AS muscle in asymptomatic subjects.

Materials and Methods Using a linear transducer, ultrasound images of the antero-lateral neck region at the C7 level were acquired in 35 healthy volunteers by one experienced examiner and one novice examiner. After codifying the images to blind the participants’ identity, the trial, and the side, Young’s modulus and shear wave speed were obtained by an independent experienced rater in randomized order. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), minimal detectable changes (MDC), and coefficient of variation (CV%) were calculated.

Results The assessed AS metrics showed no side-to-side differences (p>0.05). Sex differences were found for muscle size (p=0.002), but muscle brightness and stiffness were similar (p>0.05). Inter-examiner reliability was good for determining the AS muscle stiffness (ICC = 0.881 for Young’s modulus and 0.850 for shear wave speed).

Conclusion The obtained results suggest that assessing the AS stiffness properties in asymptomatic subjects is a reliable procedure. Further studies should verify the SWE capacity for discriminating healthy and clinical populations and identify potential factors contributing to the variance of measurement errors.
New Synthesis of 3-Aminohydantoins via Condensation of Hydrazines with Isocyanates Derived from α-Amino Esters
Authors: Ollevier Thierry , Kraïem Jamil , Bouchnak Houda
Published: November 2023

A new, simple, and efficient method for the synthesis of 3-aminohydantoins was reported in two steps, starting from the corresponding
l
-amino esters. Commercially available α-amino esters were converted into the corresponding isocyanate derivatives, which were then subjected to the condensation reaction with hydrazine hydrate and arylhydrazines, in the presence of DMAP and DIPEA. This method provides the corresponding 3-aminohydantoins in moderate and good yields under a simple and practical protocol.