bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low frequency oscillations reflect neurovascular coupling and disappear after cerebral death
Authors: Schulthess Sven , Friedl Susanne , Narula Gagan , Brandi Giovanna , Willms Jan Folkard , Keller Emanuela , Bicciato Giulio
Published: May 2024

Spectrum power analysis in the low frequency oscillations (LFO) region of functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a promising method to deliver information about brain activation and therefore might be used for prognostication in patients with disorders of consciousness in the neurocritical care unit alongside with established methods. In this study, we measure the cortical hemodynamic response measured by fNIRS in the LFO region following auditory and somatosensory stimulation in healthy subjects. The significant hemodynamic reaction in the contralateral hemisphere correlation with the physiologic electric response suggests neurovascular coupling. In addition, we investigate power spectrum changes in steady state measurements of cerebral death patients and healthy subjects in the LFO region, the frequency of the heartbeat and respiration. The spectral power within the LFO region was lower in the patients with cerebral death compared to the healthy subjects, whereas there were no differences in spectral power for physiological activities such as heartbeat and respiration rate. This finding indicates the cerebral origin of our low frequency measurements. Therefore, LFO measurements are a potential method to detect brain activation in patients with disorders of consciousness and cerebral death. However, further studies in patients are needed to investigate its potential clinical use.
Comparison of HIIT and MICT and further detraining on metabolic syndrome and asprosin signaling pathway in metabolic syndrome model of rats
Authors: Rahim Hiwa Ahmed , Damirchi Arsalan , Babaei Parvin
Published: May 2024

Physical activity promotes various metabolic benefits by balancing pro and anti-inflammatory adipokines. Recent studies suggest that asprosin might be involved in progression of metabolic syndrome (MetS), however, the underlying mechanisms have not been understood yet. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT), and further detraining on MetS indices, insulin resistance, serum and the liver levels of asprosin, and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway in menopause-induced MetS model of rats. A total of 64 Wistar rats were used in this study and divided into eight groups: Sham1, OVX1 (ovariectomized), Sham2, OVX2, OVX + HIIT, OVX + MICT, OVX + HIIT + Det (detraining), and OVX + MICT + Det. Animals performed the protocols, and then serum concentrations of asprosin, TNF-α, insulin, fasting blood glucose, and lipid profiles (TC, LDL, TG, and HDL) were assessed. Additionally, the liver expression of asprosin, AMPK, and P-AMPK was measured by western blotting. Both HIIT and MICT caused a significant decrease in weight, waist circumference, BMI (P = 0.001), and serum levels of glucose, insulin, asprosin (P = 0.001), triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and TNF-α (P = 0.001), but an increase in the liver AMPK, P-AMPK, and P-AMPK/AMPK (P = 0.001), compared with OVX2 noexercised group. MICT was superior to HIIT in reducing serum asprosin, TNF-a, TG, LDL (P = 0.001), insulin, fasting blood glucose, HOMA-IR, and QUEKI index (P = 0.001), but an increase in the liver AMPK, and p-AMPK (P = 0.001). Although after two months of de-training almost all indices returned to the pre exercise values (P < 0.05). The findings suggest that MICT effectively alleviates MetS induced by menopause, at least partly through the activation of liver signaling of P-AMPK and the reduction of asprosin and TNF-α. These results have practical implications for the development of exercise interventions targeting MetS in menopausal individuals, emphasizing the potential benefits of MICT in mitigating MetS-related complications.
Effects of plyometric training on health-related physical fitness in untrained participants: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Deng Nuannuan , Soh Kim Geok , Abdullah Borhannudin Bin , Huang Dandan , Xu Fan , Bashir Marrium , Zhang Dong
Published: May 2024

Plyometric training (PT) is an effective training method for improving physical fitness among trained individuals; however, its impact on health-related physical fitness in untrained participants remains ambiguous. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of PT on health-related physical fitness among untrained participants. Six electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL Plus, MEDLINE Complete, Web of Science Core Collection, SCOPUS, and SPORTDiscus) were systematically searched until March 2024. We included controlled trials that examined the effects of PT on health-related physical fitness indices in untrained participants. Twenty-one studies were eligible, including a total of 1263 participants. Our analyses revealed small to moderate effects of PT on body mass index, muscular strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and flexibility (ES = 0.27–0.61; all p > 0.05). However, no significant effects were detected for body fat percentage and lean mass (ES = 0.21–0.41; all p > 0.05). In conclusion, the findings suggest that PT may be potentially effective in improving health-related physical fitness indices (i.e., body mass index, muscular strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and flexibility) in untrained participants. However, the results should be interpreted cautiously due to data limitations in some fitness variables.
Heterogeneous impacts of ocean thermal forcing on ice discharge from Greenland's peripheral tidewater glaciers over 2000–2021
Authors: Möller Marco , Recinos Beatriz , Rastner Philipp , Marzeion Ben
Published: May 2024

The Greenland Ice Sheet is losing mass at increasing rates. Substantial amounts of this mass loss occur by ice discharge which is influenced by ocean thermal forcing. The ice sheet is surrounded by thousands of peripheral, dynamically decoupled glaciers. The mass loss from these glaciers is disproportionately high considering their negligible share in Greenland’ overall ice mass. We study the relevance of ocean thermal forcing for ice discharge evolution in the context of this contrasting behaviour. Our estimate of ice discharge from the peripheral tidewater glaciers yields a rather stable Greenland-wide mean of 5.40 ± 3.54 Gt a−1 over 2000–2021. The evolutions of ice discharge and ocean thermal forcing are heterogeneous around Greenland. We observe a significant sector-wide increase of ice discharge in the East and a significant sector-wide decrease in the Northeast. Ocean thermal forcing shows significant increases along the northern/eastern coast, while otherwise unchanged conditions or decreases prevail. For East Greenland, this implies a clear influence of ocean thermal forcing on ice discharge. Similarly, we find clear influences at peripheral tidewater glaciers with thick termini that are similar to ice sheet outlet glaciers. At the peripheral glaciers in Northeast Greenland ice discharge evolution opposes ocean thermal forcing for unknown reasons.
Short-term effects of irrigation and nitrogen management on paddy soil carbon pools under deep placement of basal fertilizer nitrogen
Authors: Song Jian , Wang Jiaqi , Hou Quanying , Xing Zhenxiang , Zhang Zhongxue , Du Sicheng , Liu Mingyang
Published: May 2024

Active soil organic carbon (SOC) fractions are major driving factors of soil fertility. Understanding the effects of water and fertilizer management on changes in active SOC fractions helps improve soil quality and maintain high agricultural productivity. We conducted a 3-year field experiment in Northeast China. In this experiment, natural soil (CKT) was used as a blank, and two irrigation regimes were established: conventional flooded irrigation (FI) and controlled irrigation (CI). Four nitrogen application levels were set for both irrigation regimes under deep placement of basal fertilizer N: Nd0 (0 kg ha–1), Nd (110 kg ha–1), Nd1 (99 kg ha–1), and Nd2 (88 kg ha–1). After 3 years, at similar N fertilizer application rate, the rice yield, total organic carbon (TOC), and active SOC fraction content of CI were higher under CI than FI. The growth rate of rice yield was 3.8% − 8.63% under CI than FI. Under CI, the rice yield, active SOC fractions contents and carbon pool management index (CPMI) did not decrease with decreasing N application rate but instead reached the highest level in the CNd1 treatment. Overall, CI with Nd1 treatment appears to be the best practice for improving soil fertility and crop productivity in Northeast China.
Dual FDG/PSMA PET imaging to predict lesion-based progression of mCRPC during PSMA-RLT
Authors: Rosar Florian , Burgard Caroline , David Scott , Marlowe Robert J. , Bartholomä Mark , Maus Stephan , Petto Sven , Khreish Fadi , Schaefer-Schuler Andrea , Ezziddin Samer
Published: May 2024

Candidates for prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted radioligand therapy (RLT) of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) frequently have “mismatch” lesions with pronounced 18-fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) but attenuated PSMA ligand uptake on positron emission tomography (PET). However, no quantitative criteria yet exist to identify mismatch lesions and predict their response to RLT. To define such criteria, we retrospectively analyzed 267 randomly-selected glucometabolic mCRPC metastases from 22 patients. On baseline PET, we determined [18F]FDG and [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), and calculated the [18F]FDG SUVmax/[68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 SUVmax quotient (FPQ). From follow-up [18F]FDG PET after two lutetium-177-PSMA-617 RLT cycles, we evaluated the treatment response and categorized the lesions into three subgroups (partial remission, stable disease, progression) based on change in [18F]FDG SUVmax. Lastly, we compared the baseline PET variables in progressing versus non-progressing lesions. Variables differing significantly, and a score incorporating them, were assessed via receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, regarding ability to predict lesional progression, with area under the curve (AUC) as metric. Cut-offs with optimal sensitivity and specificity were determined using the maximum value of Youden's index. Fifty-one of 267 lesions (19.1%) progressed, 102/267 (38.2%) manifested stable disease, and 114/267 (42.7%) partially responded after two RLT cycles. At baseline, median [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 SUVmax was significantly lower (p < 0.001), median FPQ significantly higher (p < 0.001), and median [18F]FDG SUVmax similar in progressing versus non-progressing lesions. [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 SUVmax and FPQ showed predictive power regarding progression (AUCs: 0.89, 0.90). An introduced clinical score combining both further improved predictive performance (AUC: 0.94). Optimal cut-offs to foretell progression were: [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 SUVmax < 11.09 (88.2% sensitivity, 81.9% specificity), FPQ ≥ 0.92 (90.2% sensitivity, 78.7% specificity), clinical score ≥ 6/9 points (88.2% sensitivity, 87.5% specificity). At baseline, a low [68 Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 SUVmax and a high FPQ predict early lesional progression under RLT; [18F]FDG SUVmax does not. A score combining [68 Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 SUVmax and FPQ predicts early lesional progression even more effectively and might therefore be useful to quantitatively identify mismatch lesions.
Assessment of trace and macroelement accumulation in cyprinid juveniles as bioindicators of aquatic pollution: effects of diets and habitat preferences
Authors: Nyeste Krisztián , Zulkipli Nurfatin , Uzochukwu Ifeanyi Emmanuel , Somogyi Dóra , Nagy László , Czeglédi István , Harangi Sándor , Baranyai Edina , Simon Edina , Nagy Sándor Alex , Velcheva Iliana , Yancheva Vesela , Antal László
Published: May 2024

Juveniles of three cyprinids with various diets and habitat preferences were collected from the Szamos River (Hungary) during a period of pollution in November 2013: the herbivorous, benthic nase (Chondrostoma nasus), the benthivorous, benthic barbel (Barbus barbus), and the omnivorous, pelagic chub (Squalius cephalus). Our study aimed to assess the accumulation of these elements across species with varying diets and habitat preferences, as well as their potential role in biomonitoring efforts. The Ca, K, Mg, Na, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Sr, and Zn concentration was analyzed in muscle, gills, and liver using MP-AES. The muscle and gill concentrations of Cr, Cu, Fe, and Zn increased with trophic level. At the same time, several differences were found among the trace element patterns related to habitat preferences. The trace elements, including Cd, Pb, and Zn, which exceeded threshold concentrations in the water, exhibited higher accumulations mainly in the muscle and gills of the pelagic chub. Furthermore, the elevated concentrations of trace elements in sediments (Cr, Cu, Mn) demonstrated higher accumulation in the benthic nase and barbel. Our findings show habitat preference as a key factor in juvenile bioindicator capability, advocating for the simultaneous use of pelagic and benthic juveniles to assess water and sediment pollution status.
Aqueous humor perturbations in chronic smokers: a proteomic study
Authors: Amer Radgonde , Koriat Adi
Published: May 2024

The detrimental effects of smoking are multisystemic and its effects on the eye health are significant. Smoking is a strong risk factor for age-related nuclear cataract, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, delayed corneal epithelial healing and increased risk of cystoid macular edema in patients with intermediate uveitis among others. We aimed to characterize the aqueous humor (AH) proteome in chronic smokers to gain insight into its perturbations and to identify potential biomarkers for smoking-associated ocular pathologies. Compared to the control group, chronic smokers displayed 67 (37 upregulated, 30 downregulated) differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Analysis of DEPs from the biological point of view revealed that they were proteins involved in complement activation, lymphocyte mediated immunity, innate immune response, cellular oxidant detoxification, bicarbonate transport and platelet degranulation. From the molecular function point of view, DEPs were involved in oxygen binding, oxygen carrier activity, hemoglobin binding, peptidase/endopeptidase/cysteine-type endopeptidase inhibitory activity. Several of the upregulated proteins were acute phase reactant proteins such as clusterin, alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein, fibrinogen, alpha-1-antitrypsin, C4b-binding protein and serum amyloid A-2. Further research should confirm if these proteins might serve as biomarkers or therapeutic target for smoking-associated ocular diseases.
Multivariate statistical analysis of bioavailability of heavy metals and mineral characterization in selected species of coastal flora
Authors: Chudasama Tarla , Dangar Kiran , Gadhvi Kamlesh , Vyas Suhas , Dudhagara Dushyant
Published: May 2024

This study presents a thorough investigation into the concentration of heavy metals and mineral composition within four distinct coastal flora species: Cyperus conglomeratus, Halopyrum mucronatum, Sericostem pauciflorum, and Salvadora persica. Employing rigorous statistical methodologies such as Pearson coefficient correlation, principal component analysis (PCA), analysis of variance (ANOVA), and interclass correlation (ICC), we aimed to elucidate the bioavailability of heavy metals, minerals, and relevant physical characteristics. The analysis focused on essential elements including copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), magnesium (Mg2+), calcium (Ca2+), sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), and chloride (Cl–), all of which are known to play pivotal roles in the ecological dynamics of coastal ecosystems. Through PCA, we discerned distinctive patterns within PC1 to PC4, collectively explaining an impressive 99.65% of the variance observed in heavy metal composition across the studied flora species. These results underscore the profound influence of environmental factors on the mineral composition of coastal flora, offering critical insights into the ecological processes shaping these vital ecosystems. Furthermore, significant correlations among mineral contents in H. mucronatum; K+ with content of Na+ (r = 0.989) and Mg2+ (r = 0.984); as revealed by ICC analyses, contributed to a nuanced understanding of variations in electrical conductivity (EC), pH levels, and ash content among the diverse coastal flora species. By shedding light on heavy metal and mineral dynamics in coastal flora, this study not only advances our scientific understanding but also provides a foundation for the development of targeted environmental monitoring and management strategies aimed at promoting the ecological sustainability and resilience of coastal ecosystems in the face of ongoing environmental challenges.
Study on the gut symbiotic microbiota in long- and short-winged brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål)
Authors: Zhao Jingjing , Guan Guangxiang , Li Danting , Yu Xiaoping , Shentu Xuping
Published: May 2024

The brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), is one of the most important rice pests in Asia rice regions. BPH has monophagy, migration, rapid reproduction and strong environmental adaptability, and its control is a major problem in pest management. Adult BPH exhibit wing dimorphism, and the symbiotic microbiota enriched in the gut can provide energy for wing flight muscles as a source of nutrition. In order to study the diversity of symbiotic microbiota in different winged BPHs, this paper takes female BPH as the research object. It was found that the number of symbiotic microbiota of different winged BPHs would change at different development stages. Then, based on the 16S rRNA and ITS sequences, a metagenomic library was constructed, combined with fluorescent quantitative PCR and high-throughput sequencing, the dominant symbiotic microbiota flora in the gut of different winged BPHs was found, and the community structure and composition of symbiotic microbiota in different winged BPHs were further determined. Together, our results preliminarily revealed that symbiotic microbiota in the gut of BPHs have certain effects on wing morphology, and understanding the mechanisms underlying wing morph differentiation will clarify how nutritional factors or environmental cues alter or regulate physiological and metabolic pathways. These findings also establish a theoretical basis for subsequent explorations into BPH-symbiont interplay.
Extracellular vesicles in glioblastoma: a challenge and an opportunity
Authors: Indira Chandran Vineesh , Gopala Srinivas , Venkat Easwer Hariharan , Kjolby Mads , Nejsum Peter
Published: May 2024

Glioblastoma is a highly heterogeneous tumor whose pathophysiological complexities dictate both the diagnosis of disease severity as well as response to therapy. Conventional diagnostic tools and standard treatment regimens have only managed to achieve limited success in the management of patients suspected of glioblastoma. Extracellular vesicles are an emerging liquid biopsy tool that has shown great promise in resolving the limitations presented by the heterogeneous nature of glioblastoma. Here we discuss the contrasting yet interdependent dual role of extracellular vesicles as communication agents that contribute to the progression of glioblastoma by creating a heterogeneous microenvironment and as a liquid biopsy tool providing an opportunity to accurately identify the disease severity and progression.
An operational guide to translational clinical machine learning in academic medical centers
Authors: Poddar Mukund , Marwaha Jayson S. , Yuan William , Romero-Brufau Santiago , Brat Gabriel A.
Published: May 2024

Few published data science tools are ever translated from academia to real-world clinical settings for which they were intended. One dimension of this problem is the software engineering task of turning published academic projects into tools that are usable at the bedside. Given the complexity of the data ecosystem in large health systems, this task often represents a significant barrier to the real-world deployment of data science tools for prospective piloting and evaluation. Many information technology companies have created Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) teams to help with such tasks at scale, but the low penetration of home-grown data science tools in regular clinical practice precludes the formation of such teams in healthcare organizations. Based on experiences deploying data science tools at two large academic medical centers (Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA; Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN), we propose a strategy to facilitate this transition from academic product to operational tool, defining the responsibilities of the principal investigator, data scientist, machine learning engineer, health system IT administrator, and clinician end-user throughout the process. We first enumerate the technical resources and stakeholders needed to prepare for model deployment. We then propose an approach to planning how the final product will work from data extraction and analysis to visualization of model outputs. Finally, we describe how the team should execute on this plan. We hope to guide health systems aiming to deploy minimum viable data science tools and realize their value in clinical practice.
StrokeClassifier: ischemic stroke etiology classification by ensemble consensus modeling using electronic health records
Authors: Lee Ho-Joon , Schwamm Lee H. , Sansing Lauren H. , Kamel Hooman , de Havenon Adam , Turner Ashby C. , Sheth Kevin N. , Krishnaswamy Smita , Brandt Cynthia , Zhao Hongyu , Krumholz Harlan , Sharma Richa
Published: May 2024

Determining acute ischemic stroke (AIS) etiology is fundamental to secondary stroke prevention efforts but can be diagnostically challenging. We trained and validated an automated classification tool,StrokeClassifier, using electronic health record (EHR) text from 2039 non-cryptogenic AIS patients at 2 academic hospitals to predict the 4-level outcome of stroke etiology adjudicated by agreement of at least 2 board-certified vascular neurologists’ review of the EHR.StrokeClassifieris an ensemble consensus meta-model of 9 machine learning classifiers applied to features extracted from discharge summary texts by natural language processing.StrokeClassifierwas externally validated in 406 discharge summaries from the MIMIC-III dataset reviewed by a vascular neurologist to ascertain stroke etiology. Compared with vascular neurologists’ diagnoses,StrokeClassifierachieved the mean cross-validated accuracy of 0.74 and weighted F1 of 0.74 for multi-class classification. In MIMIC-III, its accuracy and weighted F1 were 0.70 and 0.71, respectively. In binary classification, the two metrics ranged from 0.77 to 0.96. The top 5 features contributing to stroke etiology prediction were atrial fibrillation, age, middle cerebral artery occlusion, internal carotid artery occlusion, and frontal stroke location. We designed a certainty heuristic to grade the confidence ofStrokeClassifier’sdiagnosis as non-cryptogenic by the degree of consensus among the 9 classifiers and applied it to 788 cryptogenic patients, reducing cryptogenic diagnoses from 25.2% to 7.2%.StrokeClassifieris a validated artificial intelligence tool that rivals the performance of vascular neurologists in classifying ischemic stroke etiology. With further training,StrokeClassifiermay have downstream applications including its use as a clinical decision support system.
The pluripotency factor NANOG contributes to mesenchymal plasticity and is predictive for outcome in esophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: van der Zalm Amber P. , Dings Mark P. G. , Manoukian Paul , Boersma Hannah , Janssen Reimer , Bailey Peter , Koster Jan , Zwijnenburg Danny , Volckmann Richard , Bootsma Sanne , Waasdorp Cynthia , van Mourik Monique , Blangé Dionne , van den Ende Tom , Oyarce César I. , Derks Sarah , Creemers Aafke , Ebbing Eva A. , Hooijer Gerrit K. , Meijer Sybren L. , van Berge Henegouwen Mark I. , Medema Jan Paul , van Laarhoven Hanneke W. M. , Bijlsma Maarten F.
Published: May 2024

Background

Despite the advent of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT), overall survival rates of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) remain low. A readily induced mesenchymal transition of EAC cells contributes to resistance to CRT.

Methods

In this study, we aimed to chart the heterogeneity in cell state transition after CRT and to identify its underpinnings. A panel of 12 esophageal cultures were treated with CRT and ranked by their relative epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity. RNA-sequencing was performed on 100 pre-treatment biopsies. After RNA-sequencing, Ridge regression analysis was applied to correlate gene expression to ranked plasticity, and models were developed to predict mesenchymal transitions in patients. Plasticity score predictions of the three highest significant predictive models were projected on the pre-treatment biopsies and related to clinical outcome data. Motif enrichment analysis of the genes associated with all three models was performed.

Results

This study reveals NANOG as the key associated transcription factor predicting mesenchymal plasticity in EAC. Expression of NANOG in pre-treatment biopsies is highly associated with poor response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation, the occurrence of recurrences, and median overall survival difference in EAC patients (>48 months). Perturbation of NANOG reduces plasticity and resensitizes cell lines, organoid cultures, and patient-derived in vivo grafts.

Conclusions

In conclusion, NANOG is a key transcription factor in mesenchymal plasticity in EAC and a promising predictive marker for outcome.
3D printed sub-terahertz photonic crystal for wireless passive biosensing
Authors: Zhao Yixiong , Abbas Ali Alhaj , Sakaki Masoud , Bramlage Gero , Delaittre Guillaume , Benson Niels , Kaiser Thomas , Balzer Jan C.
Published: May 2024

Monitoring pathogens has become a major challenge for society and research in recent years. Of great interest are refractive index sensors, which are based on the interaction between analytes and electromagnetic waves and allow label-free and fast detection. In addition, the electromagnetic waves can be exploited for wireless communication. However, current refractive index biosensors can only be read from a few centimeters. Here, we demonstrate an innovative concept of a passive wireless sensor based on a sub-terahertz photonic crystal resonator. The fabricated sensors have a reading range of up to 0.9 m and elevation and azimuth acceptance angles of around 90°. We demonstrate the stand-off detection of sub-µm thin-film proteins as test analytes. The proposed wireless sensor opens the door to a non-electronic, compact, and low-cost solution and can be extended to a wireless sensor network monitoring airborne pathogen, which may provide a pre-infection detection to prevent their spread efficiently.
Proficient Engineering of NiO/Cu2S/rGO heterojunction photocatalysts: fabrication, dye degradation, and mechanism pathways towards environmental remediation
Authors: Parasuraman Balaji , Shanmugam Paramasivam , Sangaraju Sambasivam , Rangaraju Hariprasath , Alphonse Dhayal Raj , Husain Mohammed Nawaz , Thangavelu Pazhanivel
Published: May 2024

General schematic representation of the photocatalytic degradation of mixed dyes.
ProtAgents: protein discovery via large language model multi-agent collaborations combining physics and machine learning
Authors: Ghafarollahi Alireza , Buehler Markus J.
Published: May 2024

ProtAgents is a de novo protein design platform based on multimodal LLMs, where distinct AI agents with expertise in knowledge retrieval, protein structure analysis, physics-based simulations, and results analysis tackle tasks in a dynamic setting.
Synthesis and theoretical study of a mixed-ligand indium(iii) complex for fabrication of β-In2S3 thin films via chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Amadi Chijioke Kingsley , Karimpour Touraj , Jafari Maziar , Peng Zhiyuan , Van Gerven David , Brune Veronika , Hartl Fabian , Siaj Mohamed , Mathur Sanjay
Published: May 2024

The synergistic interplay of ligands within a mixed-ligand indium(iii) complex facilitates the fabrication of β-In2S3 thin films through chemical vapor deposition.
Iron oxide nanoparticles as enhancers of growth-promoting bacteria: a step towards developing nano-biofertilizers
Authors: Benedetti Tatiana , Tamagno Wagner Antonio , Sordi Elisangela , Bortoluzzi Edson Campanhola
Published: May 2024

Co-inoculation of IONPs and PGPB in the soybean seed treatment improves the seedling development of soybean and shows a viable alternative for use as a nano-biofertilizer or for improving the potential control of plant diseases in crops.
Potassium-based nanomaterials significantly enhance nutrient utilization efficiency and promote high crop yields
Authors: Wang Qibin , Liao Ying , Zhao Weichen , Yi Tianjing , Jiang Yaqi , Zhu Guikai , Sun Yi , Wang Quanlong , Huang Lili , Chen Fangwu , Zhang Peng , Rui Yukui
Published: May 2024

Using potassium-based nanomaterials to save potassium resources and studying their effects and mechanisms on soybean growth.
MOF-based sensors for the detection of airborne α-pinene
Authors: Conti P. Pires , Iacomi P. , Brântuas P. F. , Nicolas M. , Anton R. , Moularat S. , Dasgupta S. , Steunou N. , Maurin G. , Devautour-Vinot S.
Published: May 2024

Two metal–organic frameworks, DUT-4(Al) and MIL-100(Fe), were explored as sensitive layers deposited at the surface of QCM transducers for the detection of α-pinene, a terpenic volatile organic compound encountered in indoor air at a trace level.
A novel layered Cu-based perovskite metal–organic framework with 1,2-diaminoethane cations: synthesis, crystal structure, and thermal and magnetic properties
Authors: Ben Abdelhadi Asmae , Ouarsal Rachid , Poupon Morgane , Dusek Michal , González Juan Pedro Andrés , Lezama Luis , El Bali Brahim , Lachkar Mohammed , Douhal Abderrazzak
Published: May 2024

A novel layered Cu-based perovskite formate framework was prepared by a slow diffusion process and characterized by different techniques. It exhibits 2D Heisenberg antiferromagnetic behavior and weak ferromagnetism arising from spin canting.
LCST ion gels fabricating “all-in-one” smart windows: thermotropic, electrochromic and power-generating
Authors: Ma Yue , Wang Yunbo , Zhou Junyu , Lan Yueyang , Jiang Sheng , Ge Yifan , Tan Shuai , Zhang Shiguo , Wang Caihong , Wu Yong
Published: May 2024

The LCST ion gel assembled smart windows are thermotropic and electrochromic with reliable adjustment of light transparency as well as power-generating, which satisfy on-demand light modulation and high energy-efficiency.
Ultrabright fluorescent particles via physical encapsulation of fluorescent dyes in mesoporous silica: a mini-review
Authors: Sokolov Igor
Published: May 2024

Harnessing the power of mesoporous silica to encapsulate organic fluorescent dyes has led to the creation of an extraordinary class of nanocomposite photonic materials.
Self-powered humidity sensors based on zero-dimensional perovskite-like structures with fast response and high stability
Authors: Sharma Sumit Kumar , Tiwari Abinash , Arjumand Mir , Yella Aswani
Published: May 2024

Self powered humidity sensor was demonstrated using zero-dimensional hybrid perovskites with high selectivity and responsivity.
Hand-crafted potent hydroxyl-rich husk succoured Fe3O4 @ Cu, Mn, Ni, Co – tetra-metallic heterogenous nanocomposite as a catalytic accelerant
Authors: Ravichandran Ramya , Annamalai Arun , Annamalai Kumaresan , Jeevarathinam Anandhavalli , Ranganathan Suresh , Elumalai Sundaravadivel
Published: May 2024

Recoverable ternary nanocomposite (NC) made of Fe3O4 supported on Oryza sativa Husk (OSH) and ornamented with 3d tetra-metals (M = Mn, Co, Ni, Cu) is proposed using a manual grinding method.
Two-step synthesis of vicinal trifluoromethyl primary amines from α-(trifluoromethyl)styrenes and phthalimide
Authors: Liu Ying , Huang Jiaqi , Sun Zhudi , Deng Yupian , Qian Yuhao , Huang Qingchun , Cao Song
Published: May 2024

A two-step synthesis of β-CF3 primary amines from a-CF3-styrenes and phthalimide is developed. The first step involves hydroamination of a-CF3-styrenes with phthalimide. Next, hydrazinolysis of the hydroamination products affords the β-CF3 amines.
Acid- and base-resistant antimicrobial hydrogels based on polyoxometalates and chitosan
Authors: McWilliams Callum , Franco-Castillo Isabel , Seral Ascaso Andrés , García-Embid Sonia , Malefioudaki Mariella , Meier Johann G. , Martín-Rapún Rafael , Mitchell Scott G.
Published: May 2024

There is an urgent need to develop safe and effective antifungal compounds, drugs, and vaccines. The antimicrobial properties of hybrid hydrogels formed from molecular metal-oxides and chitosan are enhanced by adding naturally occurring biocides.
Enhancing the durability of Prussian white based sodium batteries through the lithium salt-mediated electrode interface
Authors: Li Zhenfeng , Zheng Yiwei , Wang Mengfan , Wang Yiwen , Huan Yunfei , Liu Jie , Guo Rui , Zhou Xi , Shen Xiaowei , Qian Tao , Yan Chenglin
Published: May 2024

LiDFOB mitigates dendritic growth in Na||PW batteries and forms a low impedance LiF and B–O rich interface at the cathode, combating electrolyte erosion, metal ion dissolution, and irreversible phase transitions.
Silacarboxylic acid-mediated photoredox Z-stereoselective fluoroalkylation of alkynes
Authors: Yang Chunhui , Ma Zhifeng , Zhao Hengyuan , Li Zhi , Li Guokai , Chen Jingchao , Fan Baomin
Published: May 2024

The photoredox-catalyzed fluoroalkylation of alkynes has been developed with silacarboxylic acid as an easily accessible, safe, and highly stable novel halogen-atom transfer mediator.
Influence of benzothiophene acceptor moieties on the non-linear optical properties of pyreno-based chromophores: first-principles DFT framework
Authors: Shafiq Iqra , Haq Saadia , Javed Tayyaba , Bullo Saifullah , Ahmed Sarfraz , Alhokbany Norah , Ahamad Tansir
Published: May 2024

Herein, a series of heterocyclic organic compounds (PYFD1–PYFD7) are designed with different acceptor moieties at the terminal position of a reference compound (PYFR) for nonlinear optical (NLO) active materials.
A first-principles prediction of the structural, electronic, transport and photocatalytic properties of GaGeX3 (X = S, Se, Te) monolayers
Authors: Trung Pham D. , Tong Hien D.
Published: May 2024

The GaGeSe3 monolayer: a promising 2D material for photocatalysts and electronics with high solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency and electron mobility.
Graphene quantum dots for biosensing and bioimaging
Authors: Rasheed P. Abdul , Ankitha Menon , Pillai Vijayamohanan K. , Alwarappan Subbiah
Published: May 2024

This review covers recent advancements in the synthesis of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and their properties. It highlights GQDs' applications in bioimaging for tumor visualization and MRI, as well as in various biosensing technologies.
Development of phenyllactic acid ionic liquids and evaluation of cytotoxicity to human cervical epithelial cells
Authors: Crossley Phoebe , Sutar Yogesh , Tsoy Irina , Mukkirwar Srushti , Łaniewski Paweł , Herbst-Kralovetz Melissa M. , Date Abhijit A.
Published: May 2024

Biocompatible cations can transform phenyllactic acid (PLA), a natural broad-spectrum antimicrobial compound, into ionic liquids (ILs) with greater aqueous solubility.
Impact of self-assembled structure on ionic conductivity of an azobenzene-containing electrolyte
Authors: He Shangming , Fang Zhifan , Liu Dong , Liu Yun , Yang Shichu , Wang Hongfei , Shen Zhihao , Chen Shuangjun , Fan Xing-He
Published: May 2024

The self-assembled structure plays an important role in the ionic conductivity of a non-block copolymer, LC ion conductor.
First-principles evaluation of MnO2 polymorphs as cathode material in lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Sun Wenyu , Orme Christine A. , Worsley Marcus A. , Wan Liwen F.
Published: May 2024

MnO2 polymorphs show distinct advantages and disadvantages when used as cathode material for Li-ion batteries (LIBs).
Electrochemical fabrication of multi-crystalline-amorphous heterogeneous single-atom electrocatalysts for alkaline oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Zhang Qi , Pan Peiyao , Xia Xuewen , Wang Shujuan , Pang Zhongya , Li Guangshi , Ji Li , Yu Xing , Lu Xionggang , Zou Xingli
Published: May 2024

A multi-crystalline-amorphous heterogeneous structure with an in situ optimized coordination environment for dispersing and stabilizing noble metal single atoms is electrochemically constructed for high-performance oxygen evolution reactions.
Demographic Disparities in Drive Times to the Nearest Audiologist in the United States
Authors: Pudrith Charles , Chen Xuwei , Buac Milijana , Billingsly Danica , Hill Elizabeth
Published: May 2024

Purpose:

Audiological services are underused, possibly because patients need to drive long distances to see a provider. In this study, we measured the association of drive times to the nearest audiologist with population density, income, ethnicity, race, and distance to the nearest audiology graduate program.

Method:

Drive times for each census block group to the nearest audiologist were measured using census data, the National Provider Identifier Registry, and a geographic analyzing tool called ArcGIS for all block groups within the United States. The association between drive times and population density, income, ethnicity, race, and audiology program distance was evaluated with a population density–matched case–control study and multiple linear regression analyses.

Results:

Approximately 5.29 million Americans need to drive at least 1 hr to visit their closest audiologist. The 10% most rural-dwelling Americans drive an average of 33.8 min. The population density–matched case–control study demonstrated that percent below poverty, percent identifying as Hispanic, and travel times to the nearest audiology program were all significantly higher in census block groups with high drive times to the nearest audiologist. An average of 7.96% of individuals in census block groups with low drive times identified as Hispanic, but 18.8% identified as Hispanic in high drive time groups. The multiple linear regression showed that the effect of demographics and distance to the nearest audiology program was highest in rural areas. In both analyses, adjusting for poverty did not drastically change the effect of percent identifying as Hispanic on drive times.

Conclusions:

Long drive times restrict access to audiological care for those who live in rural areas. This restriction disproportionately affects those in rural areas who identify as Hispanic or have low income.
Balanced Adversarial Tight Matching for Cross‐Project Defect Prediction
Authors: Jiang Siyu , Zhang Jiapeng , Guo Feng , Ouyang Teng , Li Jing
Published: May 2024

Cross‐project defect prediction (CPDP) is an attractive research area in software testing. It identifies defects in projects with limited labeled data (target projects) by utilizing predictive models from data‐rich projects (source projects). Existing CPDP methods based on transfer learning mainly rely on the assumption of a unimodal distribution and consider the case where the feature distribution has one obvious peak. However, in actual situations, the feature distribution of project samples often exhibits multiple peaks that cannot be ignored. It manifests as a multimodal distribution, making it challenging to align distributions between different projects. To address this issue, we propose a balanced adversarial tight‐matching model for CPDP. Specifically, this method employs multilinear conditioning to obtain the cross‐covariance of both features and classifier predictions, capturing the multimodal distribution of the feature. When reducing the captured multimodal distribution differences, pseudo‐labels are needed, but pseudo‐labels have uncertainty. Therefore, we additionally add an auxiliary classifier and attempt to generate pseudo‐labels using a pseudo‐label strategy with less uncertainty. Finally, the feature generator and two classifiers undergo adversarial training to align the multimodal distributions of different projects. This method outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art CPDP model used on the benchmark dataset.
A blockchain‐based secure framework for data management
Authors: Zorlu Ozan , Ozsoy Adnan
Published: May 2024

Data management is a crucial requirement due to the autonomous and constrained nature of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Internet of Things (IoTs), and the aviation domain. The autonomous and restricted nature of these sectors increases the need for a shared, distributed database, strong access control management, consensus in autonomous decision‐making, and effective communication across diverse protocols and devices. This research presents a comprehensive approach and offers a new viewpoint to the field of blockchain while establishing a fundamental baseline for future improvements in data management systems and addressing the shortcomings of previously proposed existing frameworks in order to fulfill the complex needs of secure data management. This study contributes to the advancement of secure and efficient data management systems by implementing robust data monitoring for error detection, ensuring data integrity, and enabling encrypted or anonymous data sharing based on sensitivity levels. Additionally, the integration of diverse devices, enforcement of immutable regulations compliance, and development of permissioned blockchain systems for identity management further enhance the system's capabilities, offering comprehensive solutions for modern data management challenges. In the tests, the proposed framework showed increased successful transactions in all rate controllers. Besides, effect of the validator number on throughput and latency is tested and analyzed thoroughly.
DAF‐Retinex: Preserve the image detailed features and restore the reflected image
Authors: Huang Shiyu , Gao Zijun , Wang Jue , Li Bo
Published: May 2024

Currently, deep learning methods for low‐light image enhancement tasks mainly focus on the illumination of images, while neglecting the problems of image noise and feature loss. To address this issue, this paper proposes a novel low‐light image enhancement network called DAF‐Retinex, based on the Retinex‐Net. To address the issue of image noise, different from traditional image denoise methods, this paper utilizes a fully convolutional neural network to denoise the reflection component, additionally, a denoising loss function is introduced to suppress noise. For preserving image details and extracting features, this paper creatively introduces self‐calibrated convolutions into low‐light image enhancement tasks, furthermore, a feature augmented attention block consisting of feature‐guided attention (FGA) is designed for feature learning to effectively enhance image illumination and extract image detail features. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm in this paper effectively removes image noise and extracts detailed features, resulting in visually improved outcomes. On public datasets, the average improvement in objective evaluation metrics of image quality such as PSNR, SSIM, and NIQE are 1.13%, 4.12%, and 1.28%, respectively.
Preface
Authors: Uzakov Gulom , Abdullozoda Ramazon , Bovtrikova Elena , Gibadullin Arthur , Toshmamatov Bobir
Published: May 2024

Within the framework of the presented material, the results of the conducted VII International Conference on Actual Problems of the Energy Complex and Environmental Protection (APEC-VII-2024).
Energy complexes based on small hydropower plants of factory readiness
Authors: Tyagunov M.G. , Shuvalov A.D.
Published: May 2024

This article covers the role and potential of small hydroelectric power plants (SHPP’s) of factory readiness as part of the energy complex in the context of sustainable development of energy infrastructure and environmental safety. Attention is paid to the capabilities of the SHPP, as a key element in the strategies of reliable and environmentally friendly energy supply, especially in remote, decentralized and hard-to-reach areas. The SHPP effectiveness study requires an integrated approach covering the analysis of technological and environmental aspects. The article presents the results of the analysis of the SHPP projects implemented, emphasizing their contribution to the development of sustainable energy and highlighting both the advantages and challenges faced by these projects. The conclusion summarizes the results that indicate the importance of the SHPP as a tool for achieving the goals of renewable energy and sustainable development of the electric power industry as a whole.
Vertical temperature gradient of the ocean as perspective source of renewable energy
Authors: Vassel Sergei , Vassel Natalia , Pavlova Irina
Published: May 2024

In our research we studied the efficiency of converting low-grade heat into electrical energy. The studied cycle is based on sulphuric acid solutions separation in temperature gradient and further electricity generation in concentration galvanic cell. In our calculations we used combined method. To calculate obtained electrical energy we used experimental date, because it is rather difficult to predict electrodes overpotential. The heat, consumed in distilling process, was calculated in theory. As the result of calculations it was shown that if temperature difference is 20 K (T1=300K and T2=280 K) the efficiency of the cycle is about 1.5 percent (about 23% of Carnot cycle efficiency). Such temperature difference could be provided, for example, by vertical thermal gradient of the ocean.
Autonomous mode and parallel operation of an asynchronous generator with the electrical network
Authors: Bekishev A.Y. , Norboev A.E. , Khudoynazarov U.A. , Kurbanov N.A. , Yunusov O.A.
Published: May 2024

This article explains that an asynchronous machine, like other electrical machines, can operate as a motor and generator due to the property of reciprocating motion and that an asynchronous generator is not different in design from an induction motor. The work is devoted to the study of a three-phase asynchronous generator, the magnetic excitation flux of which is formed by a three-phase voltage source and moves relative to the rotor. Ideally, induction generators operate best in a stable region between the idle state and the maximum torque region. In addition, an asynchronous generator connected to a capacitor system can generate sufficient reactive power to operate independently.
Study of hydrodynamic processes in a two-phase layer above a submerged perforated sheet
Authors: Melikhov Oleg , Melikhov Vladimir , Tokarev Sergey
Published: May 2024

To study the hydrodynamics of a two-phase flow over a submerged perforated sheet (SPS) and the entrainment of water droplets from the water-air interface, a “Bubbler” installation was built. The main observation tool was video recording of the process followed by data analysis. An SPS with two holes was used. Three experiments were performed with different air flow rates. A general picture of air flow was established: the rise of bubbles in the water volume under the SPS, the formation of an air blanket, air bubbling in the layer of water above the SPS, the formation and jump of water drops upward. For each air flow rate, the size of the bubbles in the two-phase layer and the size of the resulting droplets were determined. It was found that with increasing air flow, these parameters increase.
Analysis of drying methods of oil-oiled power transformers
Authors: Yusupov D.T. , Muminov A.B. , Sa’dullayev A.B. , Norboev A.E. , Babaev O.E.
Published: May 2024

The article describes the influence of power transformers on the energy system, the condition of the insulation system to ensure their reliable operation. The existing methods of cleaning the component parts of power transformers from moisture and mechanical impurities and their advantages and disadvantages are presented. The article provides details on methods of cleaning transformers and their problems.