bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiscale in-situ characterization of static recrystallization using dark-field X-ray microscopy and high-resolution X-ray diffraction
Authors: Lee Sangwon , Berman Tracy D. , Yildirim Can , Detlefs Carsten , Allison John E. , Bucsek Ashley
Published: March 2024

Dark-field X-ray microscopy (DFXM) is a high-resolution, X-ray-based diffraction microstructure imaging technique that uses an objective lens aligned with the diffracted beam to magnify a single Bragg reflection. DFXM can be used to spatially resolve local variations in elastic strain and orientation inside embedded crystals with high spatial (~ 60 nm) and angular (~ 0.001°) resolution. However, as with many high-resolution imaging techniques, there is a trade-off between resolution and field of view, and it is often desirable to enrich DFXM observations by combining it with a larger field-of-view technique. Here, we combine DFXM with high-resolution X-ray diffraction (HR-XRD) applied to an in-situ investigation of static recrystallization in an 80% hot-compressed Mg–3.2Zn–0.1Ca wt.% (ZX30) alloy. Using HR-XRD, we track the relative grain volume of > 8000 sub-surface grains during annealing in situ. Then, at several points during the annealing process, we “zoom in” to individual grains using DFXM. This combination of HR-XRD and DFXM enables multiscale characterization, used here to study why particular grains grow to consume a large volume fraction of the annealed microstructure. This technique pairing is particularly useful for small and/or highly deformed grains that are often difficult to resolve using more standard diffraction microstructure imaging techniques.
Genome-wide analysis of the C2H2-ZFP gene family in Stevia rebaudiana reveals involvement in abiotic stress response
Authors: Nikraftar Shahla , Ebrahimzadegan Rahman , Majdi Mohammad , Mirzaghaderi Ghader
Published: March 2024

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) is a natural sweetener plant that accumulates highly sweet steviol glycosides (SGs) especially in leaves. Stevia is native to humid areas and does not have a high tolerance to drought which is the most serious abiotic stress restricting its production worldwide. C2H2 zinc finger proteins (C2H2-ZFPs) are a group of well-known transcription factors that involves in various developmental, physiological and biochemical activities as well as in response to abiotic stresses. Here we analyzed C2H2-ZFP gene family in stevia and identified a total of 185 putative SrC2H2-ZF proteins from the genome sequence of S. rebaudiana. We further characterized the identified C2H2-ZF domains and their organization, additional domains and motifs and analyzed their physicochemical properties, localization and gene expression patterns. The cis-element analysis suggested multiple roles of SrC2H2-ZFPs in response to light, phytohormone, and abiotic stresses. In silico analysis revealed that the stevia C2H2-ZFP genes are interactively expressed in different tissues and developmental stages and some C2H2-ZFP genes are involved in response to drought stress. This study provides a background for future exploration of the functional, and regulatory aspects of the C2H2-ZFP gene family in S. rebaudiana.
Fish oil ameliorates ethanol-induced gastric injury in rat by modulating gene related to apoptosis
Authors: Parham Nikoo , Rahimi Kaveh , Ghotbeddin Zohreh , Tabandeh Mohammad Reza
Published: March 2024

Gastric ulcers are a type of digestive disease that can severely affect a person's quality of life. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of fish oil on ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats, with the purpose of providing more comprehensive information on the topic. The study looked at various factors such as gastric ulcer index, and nitric oxide (NO) levels in stomach tissue. To investigate apoptosis, the mRNA levels of Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase 3 were analyzed. The results showed that fish oil can reduce gastric acidity and the gastric ulcer index in cases of ethanol-induced gastric ulcers. It was found that fish oil can increase NO levels and improve the anti-apoptotic system by increasing the expression of Bcl-2 while decreasing the expression of Bax and Caspase 3. In general, the study demonstrates that fish oil can protect the stomach from ethanol-induced damage by reducing the apoptosis pathway via nitric oxide.
Distribution of H2S in the 10103 excavation working face of the Baozigou coal mine
Authors: Jia Niujun , Jia Baoshan , Yan Jingxue , Zhang Jinyi
Published: March 2024

Based on the production conditions of the 10103 excavation working face of the Baozigou coal mine, this paper analyzes the potential sources of H2S and the expected emission concentrations of H2S in the working face. Considering the previous engineering practice for controlling H2S disasters in coal mine working faces, numerical simulations were conducted to investigate air flow and H2S migration and diffusion in the tunnel in the excavation working face. The migration and distribution of H2S in the coal seam mining face were studied, and the effects of outlet wind speed, duct location, and duct diameter on the H2S concentration distribution were explored. The higher the outlet wind speed, the more conducive to the emission of H2S gas, but too high a wind speed will be detrimental to the concentrated extraction and purification absorption of H2S; the closer the outlet position of the air duct is to the end of the working surface, the lower the H2S concentration in the vortex area at the corner; the air duct If the diameter is too small, the harmful gases released from hard-to-break coal cannot be entrained and taken away. When the diameter of the air duct is too large, the entrainment volume during the jet process will be expanded. To verify the field distribution of H2S concentration at the bottom, middle, and top of the boring machine, a CD4-type portable H2S instrument was used to analyze the distribution of H2S near the excavation working face.
Deprescribing potential of commonly used medications among community-dwelling older adults: insights from a pharmacist’s geriatric assessment
Authors: Bužančić Iva , Držaić Margita , Kummer Ingrid , Ortner Hadžiabdić Maja , Brkić Jovana , Fialová Daniela
Published: March 2024

Pharmacist’s geriatric assessment can provide valuable insights into potential deprescribing targets, while including important information on various health-related domains. Data collected from a geriatric assessment questionnaire, for 388 patients, from the Croatian cohort of the EuroAgeism H2020 ESR 7 international project, along with guideline-based deprescribing criteria, were used to analyse potentially inappropriate prescribing of four medication groups (benzodiazepines (BZN), proton pump inhibitors (PPI), opioids, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID)), and to assess the deprescribing potential. Binary logistic regression was used to explore the effects of age, gender, number of medicines and diagnoses, self-reported health, frailty score, and healthcare utilization on the likelihood of needing deprescribing. More than half of participants (n = 216, 55.2%) are candidates for deprescribing, with 31.1% of PPI, 74.8% of NSAID, 75% of opioid, and 96.1% of BZN users meeting at least one criterion. Most common criteria for deprescribing were inappropriately long use and safety concerns. Women (aOR = 2.58; p < 0.001), those reporting poor self-reported health (aOR = 5.14; p < 0.001), and those exposed to polypharmacy (aOR = 1.29; p < 0.001) had higher odds of needing to have medicines deprescribed. The high rate of deprescribing potential warrants prompt action to increase patient safety and decrease polypharmacy. Pharmacist’s geriatric assessment and deprescribing-focused medication review could be used to lead a personalised approach.
Gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia as the risk factors of preeclampsia
Authors: Aziz Farah , Khan Mohammad Fareed , Moiz Amna
Published: March 2024

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a known risk factor for gestational hypertension which further progress toward conditions like proteinuria, dyslipidemia, thrombocytopenia, pulmonary edema leading to Preeclampsia (PE). Pregnancy can be a challenging time for many women, especially those diagnosed with GDM and PE. Thus, the current prospective study investigates the association of OGTT glucose levels with systolic and diastolic blood pressure and lipid profile parameters in pregnant women diagnosed with GDM and PE. A total of 140 pregnant women were stratified into GDM (n = 50), PE (n = 40) and controls (n = 50). Two hour 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed for screening GDM. Biochemical parameters analysis of OGTT, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (Tg), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), urinary albumin and creatinine were tested to find urinary albumin creatinine ratio (uACR). Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA followed by post hoc test and regression analysis. Among the studied groups, GDM and PE groups showed no significant difference in age and increased BMI. Increased 2 h OGTT & TC in GDM group; elevated uACR, systolic/diastolic blood pressure, Tg, HDL-C, LDL-C in PE group was observed and differ significantly (p < 0.0001) with other groups. A significant positive effect of 2 h OGTT was observed on blood pressure (R2: GDM = 0.85, PE = 0.71) and lipid profile determinants (R2: GDM = 0.85, PE = 0.33) at p < 0.0001. The current study concludes that glucose intolerance during the later weeks of pregnancy is associated with gestational hypertension and hyperlipidemia as a risk factor for PE. Further research is needed for a detailed assessment of maternal glucose metabolism at various pregnancy stages, including the use of more sensitive markers such as C-peptide and their relation to pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders.
Ultra-high throughput-based screening for the discovery of antiplatelet drugs affecting receptor dependent calcium signaling dynamics
Authors: Fernández Delia I. , Troitiño Sara , Sobota Vladimír , Tullemans Bibian M. E. , Zou Jinmi , van den Hurk Helma , García Ángel , Honarnejad Saman , Kuijpers Marijke J. E. , Heemskerk Johan W. M.
Published: March 2024

Distinct platelet activation patterns are elicited by the tyrosine kinase-linked collagen receptor glycoprotein VI (GPVI) and the G-protein coupled protease-activated receptors (PAR1/4) for thrombin. This is reflected in the different platelet Ca2+ responses induced by the GPVI agonist collagen-related peptide (CRP) and the PAR1/4 agonist thrombin. Using a 96 well-plate assay with human Calcium-6-loaded platelets and a panel of 22 pharmacological inhibitors, we assessed the cytosolic Ca2+ signaling domains of these receptors and developed an automated Ca2+ curve algorithm. The algorithm was used to evaluate an ultra-high throughput (UHT) based screening of 16,635 chemically diverse small molecules with orally active physicochemical properties for effects on platelets stimulated with CRP or thrombin. Stringent agonist-specific selection criteria resulted in the identification of 151 drug-like molecules, of which three hit compounds were further characterized. The dibenzyl formamide derivative ANO61 selectively modulated thrombin-induced Ca2+ responses, whereas the aromatic sulfonyl imidazole AF299 and the phenothiazine ethopropazine affected CRP-induced responses. Platelet functional assays confirmed selectivity of these hits. Ethopropazine retained its inhibitory potential in the presence of plasma, and suppressed collagen-dependent thrombus buildup at arterial shear rate. In conclusion, targeting of platelet Ca2+ signaling dynamics in a screening campaign has the potential of identifying novel platelet-inhibiting molecules.
Enhancing pediatric pneumonia diagnosis through masked autoencoders
Authors: Yoon Taeyoung , Kang Daesung
Published: March 2024

Pneumonia, an inflammatory lung condition primarily triggered by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, presents distinctive challenges in pediatric cases due to the unique characteristics of the respiratory system and the potential for rapid deterioration. Timely diagnosis is crucial, particularly in children under 5, who have immature immune systems, making them more susceptible to pneumonia. While chest X-rays are indispensable for diagnosis, challenges arise from subtle radiographic findings, varied clinical presentations, and the subjectivity of interpretations, especially in pediatric cases. Deep learning, particularly transfer learning, has shown promise in improving pneumonia diagnosis by leveraging large labeled datasets. However, the scarcity of labeled data for pediatric chest X-rays presents a hurdle in effective model training. To address this challenge, we explore the potential of self-supervised learning, focusing on the Masked Autoencoder (MAE). By pretraining the MAE model on adult chest X-ray images and fine-tuning the pretrained model on a pediatric pneumonia chest X-ray dataset, we aim to overcome data scarcity issues and enhance diagnostic accuracy for pediatric pneumonia. The proposed approach demonstrated competitive performance an AUC of 0.996 and an accuracy of 95.89% in distinguishing between normal and pneumonia. Additionally, the approach exhibited high AUC values (normal: 0.997, bacterial pneumonia: 0.983, viral pneumonia: 0.956) and an accuracy of 93.86% in classifying normal, bacterial pneumonia, and viral pneumonia. This study also investigated the impact of different masking ratios during pretraining and explored the labeled data efficiency of the MAE model, presenting enhanced diagnostic capabilities for pediatric pneumonia.
In platelet single donor apheresis, platelet factor 4 levels correlated with donor’s age and decreased during storage
Authors: Duchez Anne Claire , Heestermans Marco , Arthaud Charles-Antoine , Eyraud Marie-Ange , Portier Mailys , Prier Amélie , Hamzeh-Cognasse Hind , Cognasse Fabrice
Published: March 2024

The human population is ageing worldwide. The World Health Organization estimated that the world’s population of people aged 60 years and older will increase to at least 30%, coinciding with a growing frequency of cognitive and cardiovascular disease. Recently, in preclinical studies platelet Factor 4 (PF4) was presented as a pro-cognitive factor. This molecule is released by platelets in the circulation and could be present in blood products destined for transfusion. We wondered if PF4 levels are correlated to the age of the blood donor or to the storage time of platelet concentrates (PCs) intended for transfusion? We observed higher levels of PF4 in PCs from elderly donors compared to younger donors, while PC storage time did not determine PF4 levels expression.
High-performance prediction of epilepsy surgical outcomes based on the genetic neural networks and hybrid iEEG marker
Authors: Sun Lipeng , Feng Chen , Zhang En , Chen Huan , Jin Weifeng , Zhu Junming , Yu Li
Published: March 2024

Accurately identification of the seizure onset zone (SOZ) is pivotal for successful surgery in patients with medically refractory epilepsy. The purpose of this study is to improve the performance of model predicting the epilepsy surgery outcomes using genetic neural network (GNN) model based on a hybrid intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) marker. We extracted 21 SOZ related markers based on iEEG data from 79 epilepsy patients. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was employed to integrated seven markers, selected after testing in pairs with all 21 biomarkers and 7 machine learning models, into a hybrid marker. Based on the hybrid marker, we devised a GNN model and compared its predictive performance for surgical outcomes with six other mainstream machine-learning models. Compared to the mainstream models, underpinning the GNN with the hybrid iEEG marker resulted in a better prediction of surgical outcomes, showing a significant increase of the prediction accuracy from approximately 87% to 94.3% (P = 0.0412). This study suggests that the hybrid iEEG marker can improve the performance of model predicting the epilepsy surgical outcomes, and validates the effectiveness of the GNN in characterizing and analyzing complex relationships between clinical data variables.
Switching between different cognitive strategies induces switch costs as evidenced by switches between manual and mental object rotation
Authors: Weis Patrick P. , Kunde Wilfried
Published: March 2024

Switching between tasks entails costs when compared to repeating the same task. It is unclear whether switch costs also occur when repeating the same task but switching the underlying cognitive strategy (CS). Here, we investigated whether CS switch costs exist despite overlap in mental processing between CSs and a lack of abstract goal (always “solve task X”) or answer key binding switches. Specifically, we asked participants to judge the identity of two misaligned objects by either mental or manual computer-mediated object rotation. In each trial of Block 1, to measure switch costs without choice-related cognitive processes, a cue indicated which CS (mental/manual) to use. In Block 2, the CS was freely chosen. Participants exhibited considerable CS switch costs for both cued and freely chosen switches. Moreover, Block 1 switch costs moderately predicted Block 2 switch frequency, while an overall tendency for CS repetition was observed. In sum, we found that switch costs are not confined to situations in which tasks are switched but generalize to situations in which the task stays identical and the CS is switched instead. The results have implications for modern computerized cognitive environments in which a multitude of cognitive strategies is available for the same task.
The potential of facial nevi in personal identification
Authors: Cappella Annalisa , Solazzo Riccardo , Mazzarelli Debora , Gibelli Daniele , Dolci Claudia , Sforza Chiarella , Cattaneo Cristina
Published: March 2024

Forensic anthropologists dealing with personal identification (PI) of human remains have recently stressed the need to explore the potential of “secondary identifiers” for identifying victims who died in particular events for whom images often represent the main antemortem data available. Being the face the part most exposed in images, characteristics as pigmented skin lesions (PSLs), can be crucial if combined with other input. Since no data is available on frequencies and distribution of facial PSLs in the general population, this study aims at systematically collecting such data to verify their potential in PI and to open a debate on the aid that “secondary identifiers”, regardless of their specific nature, can give to the identification of the deceased in specific forensic contexts. A retrospective analysis on three-dimensional facial models of 1039 Italian subjects (from 4 to 84 years old) was conducted to examine the incidence of PSLs discriminated according to size and position in well-defined facial areas. From the collected data we developed a probabilistic approach providing the likelihood ratio (LR) for two settings: (1) the relative frequencies of nevi in the various facial areas, providing the deriving compound probability of owning a certain facial PSLs pattern; and (2) codes describing the facial nevi pattern of each individual of our population, thus testing their uniqueness and so their potential in PI. The calculated LRs mostly proved high identifying strength, particularly when provided by the compound probability-based approach. Data on incidence and position of facial nevi, their generated codes, and the probabilistic approach here presented, all constitute a starting point for advancing secondary identifiers. Nonetheless, although this preliminary study proved facial PSLs as valuable and potentially useful for identification, their significance and validity should be interpreted with caution as we are still at the first theoretical step clearly based on ideal conditions, and thus further investigations are due on the limitations of their use in practical identifying settings. Therefore, being this systematic study only a preliminary one in its nature, it is recommended not to use this kind of approach until further studies will test its validity in several practical conditions.
Defining Porphyromonas gingivalis strains associated with periodontal disease
Authors: Murugaiyan Vijaya , Utreja Simran , Hovey Kathleen M. , Sun Yijun , LaMonte Michael J. , Wactawski‑Wende Jean , Diaz Patricia I. , Buck Michael J.
Published: March 2024

Porphyromonas gingivalis, a Gram-negative anaerobic bacterium commonly found in human subgingival plaque, is a major etiologic agent for periodontitis and has been associated with multiple systemic pathologies. Many P. gingivalis strains have been identified and different strains possess different virulence factors. Current oral microbiome approaches (16S or shotgun) have been unable to differentiate P. gingivalis strains. This study presents a new approach that aims to improve the accuracy of strain identification, using a detection method based on sequencing of the intergenic spacer region (ISR) which is variable between P. gingivalis strains. Our approach uses two-step PCR to amplify only the P. gingivalis ISR region. Samples are then sequenced with an Illumina sequencer and mapped to specific strains. Our approach was validated by examining subgingival plaque from 153 participants with and without periodontal disease. We identified the avirulent strain ATCC33277/381 as the most abundant strain across all sample types. The W83/W50 strain was significantly enriched in periodontitis, with 13% of participants harboring that strain. Overall, this approach can have significant implications not only for the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease but also for other diseases where P. gingivalis or its toxins have been implicated, such as Alzheimer's disease.
Monitoring and predicting corn grain quality on the transport and post-harvest operations in storage units using sensors and machine learning models
Authors: Rodrigues Dágila Melo , Coradi Paulo Carteri , Teodoro Larissa Pereira Ribeiro , Teodoro Paulo Eduardo , Moraes Rosana dos Santos , Leal Marisa Menezes
Published: March 2024

Monitoring the intergranular variables of corn grain mass during the transportation, drying, and storage stages it possible to predict and avoid potential grain quality losses. For monitoring the grain mass along the transport, a probe system with temperature, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide sensors was developed to determine the equilibrium moisture content and the respiration of the grain mass. These same variables were monitored during storage. At drying process, the drying air and grain mass temperatures, as well as the relative humidity, were monitored. For the prediction of the physical and physical–chemical quality of the grains, the results obtained from the monitoring were used as input data for the multiple linear regression, artificial neural networks, decision tree, and random forest models. A Pearson correlation was applied to verify the relationship between the monitored and predicted variables. From the results obtained, we verified that the intergranular relative humidity altered the equilibrium moisture content of the grains, contributing to the increased respiration and hence dry matter losses along the transport. At this stage, the artificial neural network model was the most indicated to predict the electrical conductivity, apparent specific mass, and germination. The random forest model satisfactorily estimated the dry matter loss. During drying, the air temperature caused volumetric contraction and thermal damage to the grains, increasing the electric conductivity index. Artificial neural network and random forest models were the most suitable for predicting the quality of dry grains. During storage, the environmental conditions altered the moisture contents causing a reduction in the apparent specific mass, germination, and crude protein, crude fiber, and fat contents. Artificial neural network and random forest were the best predictors of moisture content and germination. However, the random forest model was the best predictor of apparent specific mass, electrical conductivity, and starch content of stored grains.
Gestational testosterone excess early to mid-pregnancy disrupts maternal lipid homeostasis and activates biosynthesis of phosphoinositides and phosphatidylethanolamines in sheep
Authors: Saadat Nadia , Pallas Brooke , Ciarelli Joseph , Vyas Arpita Kalla , Padmanabhan Vasantha
Published: March 2024

Gestational hyperandrogenism is a risk factor for adverse maternal and offspring outcomes with effects likely mediated in part via disruptions in maternal lipid homeostasis. Using a translationally relevant sheep model of gestational testosterone (T) excess that manifests maternal hyperinsulinemia, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and adverse offspring cardiometabolic outcomes, we tested if gestational T excess disrupts maternal lipidome. Dimensionality reduction models following shotgun lipidomics of gestational day 127.1 ± 5.3 (term 147 days) plasma revealed clear differences between control and T-treated sheep. Lipid signatures of gestational T-treated sheep included higher phosphoinositides (PI 36:2, 39:4) and lower acylcarnitines (CAR 16:0, 18:0, 18:1), phosphatidylcholines (PC 38:4, 40:5) and fatty acids (linoleic, arachidonic, Oleic). Gestational T excess activated phosphatidylethanolamines (PE) and PI biosynthesis. The reduction in key fatty acids may underlie IUGR and activated PI for the maternal hyperinsulinemia evidenced in this model. Maternal circulatory lipids contributing to adverse cardiometabolic outcomes are modifiable by dietary interventions.
Altered gut microbiota in Taiwanese A97S predominant transthyretin amyloidosis with polyneuropathy
Authors: Chen Chieh-Chang , Tseng Ping-Huei , Hsueh Hsueh-Wen , Chiang Ming-Chang , Tzeng Shiou-Ru , Chiang Tsung Hsien , Wu Ming-Shiang , Hsieh Sung-Tsang , Chao Chi-Chao
Published: March 2024

Increasing evidence suggests that gut microbiota alterations are related to development and phenotypes of many neuropsychiatric diseases. Here, we evaluated the fecal microbiota and its clinical correlates in patients with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) and polyneuropathy. Fecal microbiota from 38 ATTRv patients and 39 age-matched controls was analyzed by sequencing 16S V3–V4 ribosomal RNA, and its relationships with clinical characteristics of polyneuropathy and cardiomyopathy were explored. The familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy stage was stage I, II, and III in 13, 18, and 7 patients. 99mTc-PYP SPECT showed a visual score of 2 in 15 and 3 in 21 patients. The gut microbiota of ATTRv patients showed higher alpha diversity (ASV richness and Shannon effective numbers) and dissimilar beta diversity compared to controls. Relative abundance of microbiota was dominated by Firmicutes and decreased in Bacteroidetes in ATTRv patients than in controls. Patients with more myocardial amyloid deposition were associated with increased alpha diversity, and the abundance of Clostridia was significantly correlated with pathophysiology of polyneuropathy in ATTRv patients. These findings demonstrated alterations in the gut microbiota, especially Firmicutes, in ATTRv. The association between altered microbiota and phenotypes of cardiomyopathy and polyneuropathy might suggest potential contributions of gut microbiota to ATTRv pathogenesis.
Climate change unevenly affects the dependence of multiple climate-related hazards in China
Authors: Zong Xuezheng , Yin Yunhe , Yin Mijia
Published: March 2024

Due to the complex natural environment and large regional differentiation in China, the dependence of multiple climate-related hazards on compound events (CEs) and their response to climate change are still unclear. Using daily meteorological observations (1961–2020) and climate simulations from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6, statistically strong dependences among hot, dry, and high fire risk are revealed in China. The average temperature from 1991 to 2020 was 1 °C higher than that from 1961 to 1990, and the probabilities of CEs exhibiting extreme hot-dry, dry-high fire risk, and extreme hot-dry-high fire risk increased significantly by 74.8%, 60.5%, and 26.8%, respectively. Although most CEs occur more frequently in China at the end of the 21st century, the increase rates in low emissions are lower. These findings have implications for developing climate adaptation and mitigation strategies to cope with increased CEs in critical geographical regions.
Bio-inspired “Self-denoising” capability of 2D materials incorporated optoelectronic synaptic array
Authors: Islam Molla Manjurul , Rahman Md Sazzadur , Heldmyer Haley , Han Sang Sub , Jung Yeonwoong , Roy Tania
Published: March 2024

In in-sensor image preprocessing, the sensed image undergoes low level processing like denoising at the sensor end, similar to the retina of human eye. Optoelectronic synapse devices are potential contenders for this purpose, and subsequent applications in artificial neural networks (ANNs). The optoelectronic synapses can offer image pre-processing functionalities at the pixel itself—termed as in-pixel computing. Denoising is an important problem in image preprocessing and several approaches have been used to denoise the input images. While most of those approaches require external circuitry, others are efficient only when the noisy pixels have significantly lower intensity compared to the actual pattern pixels. In this work, we present the innate ability of an optoelectronic synapse array to perform denoising at the pixel itself once it is trained to memorize an image. The synapses consist of phototransistors with bilayer MoS2 channel and p-Si/PtTe2 buried gate electrode. Our 7 × 7 array shows excellent robustness to noise due to the interplay between long-term potentiation and short-term potentiation. This bio-inspired strategy enables denoising of noise with higher intensity than the memorized pattern, without the use of any external circuitry. Specifically, due to the ability of these synapses to respond distinctively to wavelengths from 300 nm in ultraviolet to 2 µm in infrared, the pixel array also denoises mixed-color interferences. The “self-denoising” capability of such an artificial visual array has the capacity to eliminate the need for raw data transmission and thus, reduce subsequent image processing steps for supervised learning.
One-pot method for preparing DNA, RNA, and protein for multiomics analysis
Authors: Biedka Stephanie , Alkam Duah , Washam Charity L. , Yablonska Svitlana , Storey Aaron , Byrum Stephanie D. , Minden Jonathan S.
Published: March 2024

Typical multiomics studies employ separate methods for DNA, RNA, and protein sample preparation, which is labor intensive, costly, and prone to sampling bias. We describe a method for preparing high-quality, sequencing-ready DNA and RNA, and either intact proteins or mass-spectrometry-ready peptides for whole proteome analysis from a single sample. This method utilizes a reversible protein tagging scheme to covalently link all proteins in a lysate to a bead-based matrix and nucleic acid precipitation and selective solubilization to yield separate pools of protein and nucleic acids. We demonstrate the utility of this method to compare the genomes, transcriptomes, and proteomes of four triple-negative breast cancer cell lines with different degrees of malignancy. These data show the involvement of both RNA and associated proteins, and protein-only dependent pathways that distinguish these cell lines. We also demonstrate the utility of this multiomics workflow for tissue analysis using mouse brain, liver, and lung tissue.
Disparity of cycad leaves dispels the living fossil metaphor
Authors: Coiro Mario , Seyfullah Leyla Jean
Published: March 2024

The living fossil metaphor is tightly linked with the cycads. This group of gymnosperms is supposed to be characterised by long-term morphological stasis, particularly after their peak of diversity and disparity in the Jurassic. However, no formal test of this hypothesis exists. Here, we use a recent phylogenetic framework and an improved character matrix to reconstruct the Disparity Through Time for cycad leaves using a Principal Coordinate Analysis and employing Pre-Ordination Ancestral State Reconstruction to test the impact of sampling on the results. Our analysis shows that the cycad leaf morsphospace expanded up to the present, with numerous shifts in its general positioning, independently of sampling biases. Moreover, they also show that Zamiaceae expanded rapidly in the Early Cretaceous and continued to expand up to the present, while now-extinct clades experienced a slow contraction from their peak in the Triassic. We also show that rates of evolution were constantly high up to the Early Cretaceous, and then experienced a slight decrease in the Paleogene, followed by a Neogene acceleration. These results show a much more dynamic history for cycads, and suggest that the ‘living fossil’ metaphor is actually a hindrance to our understanding of their macroevolution.
Integrated preservation of water activity as key to intensified chemoenzymatic synthesis of bio-based styrene derivatives
Authors: Petermeier Philipp , Bittner Jan Philipp , Jonsson Tobias , Domínguez de María Pablo , Byström Emil , Kara Selin
Published: March 2024

The valorization of lignin-derived feedstocks by catalytic means enables their defunctionalization and upgrading to valuable products. However, the development of productive, safe, and low-waste processes remains challenging. This paper explores the industrial potential of a chemoenzymatic reaction performing the decarboxylation of bio-based phenolic acids in wet cyclopentyl methyl ether (CPME) by immobilized phenolic acid decarboxylase from Bacillus subtilis, followed by a base-catalyzed acylation. Key-to-success is the continuous control of water activity, which fluctuates along the reaction progress, particularly at high substrate loadings (triggered by different hydrophilicities of substrate and product). A combination of experimentation, thermodynamic equilibrium calculations, and MD simulations revealed the change in water activity which guided the integration of water reservoirs and allowed process intensification of the previously limiting enzymatic step. With this, the highly concentrated sequential two-step cascade (400 g·L–1) achieves full conversions and affords products in less than 3 h. The chemical step is versatile, accepting different acyl donors, leading to a range of industrially sound products. Importantly, the finding that water activity changes in intensified processes is an academic insight that might explain other deactivations of enzymes when used in non-conventional media.
Shape programming of liquid crystal elastomers
Authors: Rešetič Andraž
Published: March 2024

Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are shape-morphing materials that demonstrate reversible actuation when exposed to external stimuli, such as light or heat. The actuation’s complexity depends heavily on the instilled liquid crystal alignment, programmed into the material using various shape-programming processes. As an unavoidable part of LCE synthesis, these also introduce geometrical and output restrictions that dictate the final applicability. Considering LCE’s future implementation in real-life applications, it is reasonable to explore these limiting factors. This review offers a brief overview of current shape-programming methods in relation to the challenges of employing LCEs as soft, shape-memory components in future devices.
Tunable and inhomogeneous current-induced THz-oscillation dynamics in the ferrimagnetic spin-chain
Authors: Cai Baofang , Zhang Xue , Zhu Zhifeng , Liang Gengchiau
Published: March 2024

Ferrimagnets perform versatile properties, attributed to their antiferromagnetic sublattice coupling and finite net magnetization. Despite extensive research, the inhomogeneous dynamics in ferrimagnets, including domain walls and magnons, remain not fully understood. Therefore, we adopted a multi-spin model by considering the effect of the spin torques and explored the localized phase-dependent and inhomogeneous THz-oscillation dynamics in a ferrimagnetic spin-chain. Our results demonstrate that the exchange oscillation mode, induced by spin transfer torque, exhibits three typical phases, and the oscillation frequency is dominated by a joint effective field derived in the spin-chain. We also found that the localized spin configurations can be used to tune the bandwidth and sensitivity of the frequency response. Furthermore, we propose an anti-parallel exchange length to reveal the inhomogeneity in the ferrimagnetic spin-chain, which could serve as a valuable tool for characterizing the spin dynamics of these systems. Our findings offer understandings beyond uniform spin-dynamics in ferrimagnets.
Thermoelastic effects in Bragg reflectors as a potential bottleneck for XFELs with megahertz repetition rate
Authors: Bahns Immo , Rauer Patrick , Rossbach Jörg , Steinlechner Sebastian , Sinn Harald
Published: March 2024

Bragg reflectors are essential for beam transport in X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) facilities. On interaction with Bragg reflectors, a part of the pulse energy will be absorbed, causing the propagation of displacement waves due to rapid thermal expansion. It is suspected that these waves may cause stability problems for XFELs operating with megahertz repetition rates. Here, we experimentally investigate the displacement of a diamond Bragg reflector induced by an optical ultra-violet laser pulse, simulating XFEL pulses with mJ pulse energy, both at room temperature and cryogenic temperatures. Our experiment shows negligible damping of the displacement waves on µs timescales, which could cause disruption for subsequent XFEL pulses. We compare our measurements to a simulation framework based on the assumptions of local thermodynamic equilibrium and classical mechanics, observing reasonable agreement. Our results show that thermoelastic effects are critical for a reliable stability assessment of Bragg reflectors, but are often overlooked.
Collective motion in a sheet of microswimmers
Authors: Bárdfalvy Dóra , Škultéty Viktor , Nardini Cesare , Morozov Alexander , Stenhammar Joakim
Published: March 2024

Self-propelled particles such as bacteria or algae swimming through a fluid are non-equilibrium systems where particle motility breaks microscopic detailed balance, often resulting in large-scale collective motion. Previous theoretical work has identified long-ranged hydrodynamic interactions as the driver of collective motion in unbounded suspensions of rear-actuated (“pusher”) microswimmers. In contrast, most experimental studies of collective motion in microswimmer suspensions have been carried out in restricted geometries where both the swimmers’ motion and their long-range flow fields become altered due to the proximity of a boundary. Here, we study numerically a minimal model of microswimmers in such a restricted geometry, where the particles move in the midplane between two no-slip walls. For pushers, we demonstrate collective motion with short-ranged order, in contrast with the long-ranged flows observed in unbounded systems. For front-actuated (“puller”) microswimmers, we discover a long-wavelength density instability resulting in the formation of dense microswimmer clusters. Both types of collective motion are fundamentally different from their previously studied counterparts in unbounded domains. Our results show that this difference is dictated by the geometrical restriction of the swimmers’ motion, while hydrodynamic screening due to the presence of a wall is subdominant in determining the suspension’s collective state.
The appeal of cities may not wane due to the COVID-19 pandemic and remote working
Authors: Sharifi Ayyoob , Lee Chui Ying
Published: March 2024

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, speculations on the decline of major cities have surged, with studies noting temporary population decreases across various cities worldwide. However, research scarcely addresses the pandemic’s enduring influence on perceptions of city living. Rather than exploring mid- to long-term impacts, current literature focuses mainly on comparing changes in residential preferences during and before the pandemic. To fill this gap, we conducted a randomized conjoint experiment to scrutinize altered residential preferences and attitudes toward residing in the Tokyo Metropolis due to the pandemic. Scenarios encompassed reminders of potential pandemic re-occurrence and teleworking options. Despite variations depending on the scenarios and socio-demographic characteristics of the survey participants, overall, results show that the COVID-19 pandemic and the surge in remote working did not diminish the allure of Tokyo, implying a low probability of an urban decline. These outcomes advocate for compact urban development to bolster resilience against forthcoming stressors like climate change.
Stratospheric impact on subseasonal forecast uncertainty in the northern extratropics
Authors: Spaeth Jonas , Rupp Philip , Garny Hella , Birner Thomas
Published: March 2024

Extreme states of the polar stratospheric circulation during winter tend to be followed by anomalies in the near-surface circulation for several weeks, especially over the North Atlantic/Eurasia (NAE) sector. Previous research has highlighted an associated robust increase in subseasonal to seasonal (S2S) forecast skill related to forecast ensemble mean anomalies. Here we explore the additional impact of polar stratospheric circulation extremes on ensemble spread, a key measure of forecast uncertainty and the associated predictability. We find that over the Norwegian Sea and around Scandinavia S2S ensemble spread in near-surface geopotential height is significantly reduced following weak polar vortex states (enhanced predictability), whereas it is increased following strong polar vortex states (reduced predictability), with anomaly magnitudes reaching as high as 20%. Notably, modulations of forecast uncertainty are found even over regions of near-zero ensemble mean anomaly. We find decreased forecast uncertainty to be linked to decreased synoptic-scale storm activity and vice versa for increased forecast uncertainty. Our results furthermore suggest that modulation of S2S forecast uncertainty by the stratosphere dominates over NAE, whereas over the North Pacific modulations due to El Niño/ La Niña are more important.
Preserving fairness and diagnostic accuracy in private large-scale AI models for medical imaging
Authors: Tayebi Arasteh Soroosh , Ziller Alexander , Kuhl Christiane , Makowski Marcus , Nebelung Sven , Braren Rickmer , Rueckert Daniel , Truhn Daniel , Kaissis Georgios
Published: March 2024

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI) models are increasingly used in the medical domain. However, as medical data is highly sensitive, special precautions to ensure its protection are required. The gold standard for privacy preservation is the introduction of differential privacy (DP) to model training. Prior work indicates that DP has negative implications on model accuracy and fairness, which are unacceptable in medicine and represent a main barrier to the widespread use of privacy-preserving techniques. In this work, we evaluated the effect of privacy-preserving training of AI models regarding accuracy and fairness compared to non-private training.

Methods

We used two datasets: (1) A large dataset (N = 193,311) of high quality clinical chest radiographs, and (2) a dataset (N = 1625) of 3D abdominal computed tomography (CT) images, with the task of classifying the presence of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Both were retrospectively collected and manually labeled by experienced radiologists. We then compared non-private deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and privacy-preserving (DP) models with respect to privacy-utility trade-offs measured as area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), and privacy-fairness trade-offs, measured as Pearson’s r or Statistical Parity Difference.

Results

We find that, while the privacy-preserving training yields lower accuracy, it largely does not amplify discrimination against age, sex or co-morbidity. However, we find an indication that difficult diagnoses and subgroups suffer stronger performance hits in private training.

Conclusions

Our study shows that – under the challenging realistic circumstances of a real-life clinical dataset – the privacy-preserving training of diagnostic deep learning models is possible with excellent diagnostic accuracy and fairness.
Mixed-anion Compounds
Authors: Kageyama Hiroshi , Ogino Hiraku , Zhu Tong , Hasegawa Tetsuya
Published: March 2024

Compounds with multiple anions provide a new materials platform, bringing a new degree of freedom for designing materials. Mixed anion compounds have seen a recent resurgence in interest owing to their intriguing properties for a wide variety of applications. The purpose of this book is a systematic description of the science of mixed anion compounds with a comprehensive description of synthesis, analysis, applications, and computational science related to mixed anion compounds. The book will be of particular interest to postgraduate students and researchers in inorganic solid-state chemistry, computational science and the synthesis, analysis and application of mixed anion compounds.
Stereoelectronic interactions are too weak to explain the molecular conformation in solid state of cis-2-tert-butyl-5-(tert-butylsulfonyl)-1,3-dioxane
Authors: Soto-Suárez Fátima M. , Rojo-Portillo Tania , Huerta Eduardo H. , Aguilera-Cruz Alejandro , Tapia-Bárcenas Alberto , Contreras-Cruz David Atahualpa , Toscano Rubén A. , Quiróz-García Beatriz , Rojas-Aguilar Aaron , Cortés-Guzmán Fernando , Bacsa John , Ramírez-Gualito Karla , Barquera-Lozada José Enrique , Cuevas Gabriel
Published: March 2024

In the solid state, cis-1 exhibits a high degree of eclipsing in the H–C5–S–C segment. The rigorous study of the experimental electro density allowed to establish that CH⋯OS intermolecular interaction is the main contribution to the observed eclipsing.
Strain-induced topological phase transition in ferromagnetic Janus monolayer MnSbBiS2Te2
Authors: Bhattarai Romakanta , Minch Peter , Liang Yunfan , Zhang Shengbai , Rhone Trevor David
Published: March 2024

Strain-induced topological phase transition in the ferromagnetic Janus monolayer MnSbBiS2Te2 is displayed.
Bovine colostrum as a promising nutraceutical: a systematic review
Authors: Ramani Akshay , Taherabbas Sathiya , Manik Subhadip
Published: March 2024

Sustainable living and nutritional food are paramount in the current era of expanding population. This systematic review explores bovine colostrum-first milk produced by mammals’ post-parturition that shows a unique composition and multifaceted health benefits than mature milk.
Maillard-type glycated collagen with alginate oligosaccharide suppresses inflammation and oxidative stress by attenuating the expression of LPS receptors Tlr4 and Cd14 in macrophages
Authors: Yang Boxue , Li Wenzhao , Saeki Hiroki , Shimizu Yutaka , Joe Ga-Hyun
Published: March 2024

18h AO-glycated collagen (C-AO) reduced LPS receptor expression, enhancing anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects in macrophages. C-AO shows potential in disease prevention and inflammation management.
Galactomannan crosslinking with a green plasticizer malonic acid and its biomedical applications
Authors: Rajput Jyoti , Kumar Vineet , Chauhan Kalpana , Parkash Vipin , Bhattarai Sushil
Published: March 2024

The galactomannan has been crosslinked with malonic acid at 55 °C in aqueous medium to introduce 1,3-propane dioate moieties. The prepared formulation has utility in sustained drug delivery exemplifying conversion of biomass to biomedical products.
Photocatalytic iodosulfonylation of internal alkynes under green conditions
Authors: Abramov Vladimir A. , Topchiy Maxim A. , Rasskazova Maria A. , Drokin Egor A. , Tarasova Ekaterina S. , Shurupova Olga V. , Malysheva Anna S. , Rzhevskiy Sergey A. , Beletskaya Irina P. , Asachenko Andrey F.
Published: March 2024

Photocatalytic iodosulfonylation in ethanol allows the isolation of β-iodovinyl aryl and alkyl sulfones after dilution of the reaction mixture with water and filtration.