bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Menopausal status induces vaginal dysbiosis in women with human papillomavirus infection
Authors: So Kyeong A , Hur Soo Young , Cho Chi Heum , Lee Jae Kwan , Seong Seok Ju , Jeong Dae Hoon , Ki Moran , Kim Tae Jin
Published: March 2024

In this study, we examined the difference in the vaginal microbiota of women infected with human papillomavirus (HPV), according to menopausal status. A total of 75 cervicovaginal swab samples from 38 pre- and 37 postmenopausal women with HPV infection were obtained from the Korean HPV cohort. Vaginal microbiota analysis, including microbial diversity and specific bacterial abundances, was performed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The mean age of the pre- and postmenopausal women were 29.5 and 55.8 years, respectively (p < 0.0001). Lactobacillus spp. were predominant in both groups; however, a marked decrease was observed in postmenopausal women compared to premenopausal women (44.3% vs. 74.2%). Various anaerobic bacteria also showed a relatively high abundance in the postmenopausal group; Atopobium vagina and Gardnerella vaginalis significantly increased in postmenopausal women. Interestingly, no significant differences in bacterial richness were observed between the two groups. However, significant differences in beta-diversity were observed using the Bray–Curtis (p = 0.001), Generalized UniFrac (p = 0.002), Jensen-Shannon (p = 0.001), and UniFrac algorithms (p = 0.002). Theres results indicate that postmenopausal women with HPV infection exhibited a higher degree of vaginal dysbiosis than premenopausal women. Further, HPV-infected postmenopausal women had increased vaginal microbial diversity, characterized by an increase in anaerobic bacteria and concomitant depletion of Lactobacillus spp.
Surface potential-adjusted surface states in 3D topological photonic crystals
Authors: Park Haedong , Oh Sang Soon , Lee Seungwoo
Published: March 2024

Surface potential in a topological matter could unprecedentedly localize the waves. However, this surface potential is yet to be exploited in topological photonic systems. Here, we demonstrate that photonic surface states can be induced and controlled by the surface potential in a dielectric double gyroid (DG) photonic crystal. The basis translation in a unit cell enables tuning of the surface potential, which in turn regulates the degree of wave localization. The gradual modulation of DG photonic crystals enables the generation of a pseudomagnetic field. Overall, this study shows the interplay between surface potential and pseudomagnetic field regarding the surface states. The physical consequences outlined herein not only widen the scope of surface states in 3D photonic crystals but also highlight the importance of surface treatments in a photonic system.
Predictive value of clinical risk factors for bladder dysfunction in Syrian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Khadour Younes A. , Ebrahem Bashar M. , ALHATEM Weaam , Yanne Engo Ovone , Khadour Fater A.
Published: March 2024

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a prevalent disorder that affects the endocrine and metabolic systems. Among the various complications associated with DM, diabetic bladder dysfunction (DBD) is the most frequently occurring genitourinary complication. The presence of DBD can lead to complications that affect the upper urinary tract, significantly impacting the quality of life for individuals with DM. Therefore, it is crucial to identify early risk factors for DBD and predict its onset. Given the absence of studies involving bladder dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Syria, this study aims to examine the risk factors associated with bladder dysfunction in T2DM patients and develop a predictive model to identify DBD early. Patients diagnosed with T2DM were enrolled in six endocrinology centers spread across four Syrian provinces between January 2018 and December 2023. Factors that showed an association with DBD in the bivariate analysis, with a significance level of p < 0.05, were included in a multiple logistic regression analysis. The logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors and develop a prediction model. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the predictive performance of the identified risk factors and the prediction model for DBD. One hundred and eighty-four patients were included in this study, and they were divided into the DBD group (n = 88) and the non‐DBD group (n = 96). Seven variables showed significance in the bivariate analysis. Furthermore, the multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that age (OR [95% CI]: 0.981 [0.614 − 1.337]), p < 0.007; diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) (OR [95% CI]: 1.421 [1.027 − 3.308]), p = 0.03; glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (OR [95% CI]: 0.942 [0.821 − 1.141]), p = 0.042; and percentage of monocyte (Mono%) (OR [95% CI]: 1.109 [0.812 − 1.258]), p = 0.031 were independent risk factors for DBD. Analysis of the ROC curve revealed that the area under the curve (AUC) for age, DPN, HbA1c, and Mono were 0.703, 0.541, 0.613, and 0.836, respectively. Age, DPN, HbA1c, and Mono% were risk factors for DBD. The prediction model constructed based on the four risk factors had a good predictive value for predicting the occurrence of DBD.
Visual modulation of auditory evoked potentials in the cat
Authors: Bao Xiaohan , Lomber Stephen G.
Published: March 2024

Visual modulation of the auditory system is not only a neural substrate for multisensory processing, but also serves as a backup input underlying cross-modal plasticity in deaf individuals. Event-related potential (ERP) studies in humans have provided evidence of a multiple-stage audiovisual interactions, ranging from tens to hundreds of milliseconds after the presentation of stimuli. However, it is still unknown if the temporal course of visual modulation in the auditory ERPs can be characterized in animal models. EEG signals were recorded in sedated cats from subdermal needle electrodes. The auditory stimuli (clicks) and visual stimuli (flashes) were timed by two independent Poison processes and were presented either simultaneously or alone. The visual-only ERPs were subtracted from audiovisual ERPs before being compared to the auditory-only ERPs. N1 amplitude showed a trend of transiting from suppression-to-facilitation with a disruption at ~ 100-ms flash-to-click delay. We concluded that visual modulation as a function of SOA with extended range is more complex than previously characterized with short SOAs and its periodic pattern can be interpreted with “phase resetting” hypothesis.
Highlighting the effects of high-intensity interval training on the changes associated with hypertrophy, apoptosis, and histological proteins of the heart of old rats with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Rami Mohammad , Ahmadi Hekmatikar Amirhossein , Rahdar Samaneh , Marashi Sayed Shafa , Daud D. Maryama Awang
Published: March 2024

T2DM is known to cause disturbances in glucose homeostasis and negative changes in the heart muscle, while aging and diabetes are recognized risk factors for CVD. Given this, our study aims to investigate a method for controlling and managing CVDs induced by T2DM in elderly populations. To achieve this, we categorized 40 rats into 5 groups, including HAD (n = 8), HA (n = 8), AD (n = 8), AHT (n = 8), and ADT (n = 8). The exercise protocol consisted of eight weeks of HIIT (three sessions per week) performed at 90–95% of maximal speed. Following cardiac tissue extraction, we assessed the levels of IGF-1, PI3K, and AKT proteins using Western blot technique, and analyzed the histopathological variations of the heart tissue using H&E, Sudan Black, and Masson’s trichrome tissue staining. The histological findings from our study demonstrated that T2DM had a significant impact on the development of pathological hypertrophy and fibrosis in the heart tissue of elderly individuals. However, HIIT not only effectively controlled pathological hypertrophy and fibrosis, but also induced physiological hypertrophy in the AHT and ADT groups compared to the HA and AD groups. Results from Sudan Black staining indicated that there was an increase in lipid droplet accumulation in the cytoplasm of cardiomyocytes and their nuclei in the HA and AD groups, while the accumulation of lipid droplets decreased significantly in the AHT and ADT groups. In both the AHT group and the ADT group, a single HIIT session led to a reduction in collagen fiber accumulation and fibrotic frameworks. Our research also revealed that diabetes caused a significant elevation in the levels of IGF-1, PI3K, and AKT proteins, but after eight weeks of HIIT, the levels of these proteins decreased significantly in the training groups. Overall, our findings suggest that HIIT may be a suitable non-pharmacological approach for improving histological and physiological changes in elderly individuals with T2DM. However, we recommend further research to examine the impact of HIIT training on both healthy and diseased elderly populations.
Inter-coat protein loading of active ingredients into Tobacco mild green mosaic virus through partial dissociation and reassembly of the virion
Authors: González-Gamboa Ivonne , Caparco Adam A. , McCaskill Justin , Fuenlabrada-Velázquez Paulina , Hays Samuel S. , Jin Zhicheng , Jokerst Jesse V. , Pokorski Jonathan K. , Steinmetz Nicole F.
Published: March 2024

Chemical pesticide delivery is a fundamental aspect of agriculture. However, the extensive use of pesticides severely endangers the ecosystem because they accumulate on crops, in soil, as well as in drinking and groundwater. New frontiers in nano-engineering have opened the door for precision agriculture. We introduced Tobacco mild green mosaic virus (TMGMV) as a viable delivery platform with a high aspect ratio and favorable soil mobility. In this work, we assess the use of TMGMV as a chemical nanocarrier for agriculturally relevant cargo. While plant viruses are usually portrayed as rigid/solid structures, these are “dynamic materials,” and they “breathe” in solution in response to careful adjustment of pH or bathing media [e.g., addition of solvent such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)]. Through this process, coat proteins (CPs) partially dissociate leading to swelling of the nucleoprotein complexes—allowing for the infusion of active ingredients (AI), such as pesticides [e.g., fluopyram (FLP), clothianidin (CTD), rifampicin (RIF), and ivermectin (IVM)] into the macromolecular structure. We developed a “breathing” method that facilitates inter-coat protein cargo loading, resulting in up to  ~ 1000 AIs per virion. This is of significance since in the agricultural setting, there is a need to develop nanoparticle delivery strategies where the AI is not chemically altered, consequently avoiding the need for regulatory and registration processes of new compounds. This work highlights the potential of TMGMV as a pesticide nanocarrier in precision farming applications; the developed methods likely would be applicable to other protein-based nanoparticle systems.
GOA-optimized deep learning for soybean yield estimation using multi-source remote sensing data
Authors: Lu Jian , Fu Hongkun , Tang Xuhui , Liu Zhao , Huang Jujian , Zou Wenlong , Chen Hui , Sun Yue , Ning Xiangyu , Li Jian
Published: March 2024

Accurately estimating large-area crop yields, especially for soybeans, is essential for addressing global food security challenges. This study introduces a deep learning framework that focuses on precise county-level soybean yield estimation in the United States. It utilizes a wide range of multi-variable remote sensing data. The model used in this study is a state-of-the-art CNN-BiGRU model, which is enhanced by the GOA and a novel attention mechanism (GCBA). This model excels in handling intricate time series and diverse remote sensing datasets. Compared to five leading machine learning and deep learning models, our GCBA model demonstrates superior performance, particularly in the 2019 and 2020 evaluations, achieving remarkable R2, RMSE, MAE and MAPE values. This sets a new benchmark in yield estimation accuracy. Importantly, the study highlights the significance of integrating multi-source remote sensing data. It reveals that synthesizing information from various sensors and incorporating photosynthesis-related parameters significantly enhances yield estimation precision. These advancements not only provide transformative insights for precision agricultural management but also establish a solid scientific foundation for informed decision-making in global agricultural production and food security.
Construction of active-inert core–shell structured nanocrystals for broad range multicolor upconversion luminescence
Authors: Zhu Mengyao , Li Zhenhua , Li Xuecheng , Zhang Xueru , Wang Yuxiao , Hao Haoyue , Li Liang
Published: March 2024

Rare earth doped up-conversion luminescent nano-materials exhibit abundant emission colors under suitable excitation condition. In this work, NaYF4:Er/Ho@NaYF4 and NaYbF4:Tm@NaYF4 nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation method. The pure red emission can be realized by the designed NaYF4:Er/Ho@NaYF4 nanocrystals and the R/Gs reach 23.3 and 25 under excitations of 980 and 1550 nm lasers, respectively. The R/G declines as the power increasing with the emission color changing from red to yellow, which is due to the quick saturation of the energy levels, radiating red emissions. Meanwhile, the emission intensity of NaYbF4:Tm@NaYF4 nanocrystals increases by 58.3 folds after encasing the inert shell NaYF4 and the CIE color coordinate reaches (0.1646, 0.0602) under 980 nm laser excitation. Furthermore, broad range multicolor from blue to red and yellow up-conversion emissions is achieved by mixing NaYF4:Er/Ho@NaYF4 and NaYbF4:Tm@NaYF4 nanocrystals, which could be applied to colorful displaying, security anti-counterfeiting and information coding.
A new ground level neutron monitor for space weather assessment
Authors: Aspinall Michael D. , Alton Tilly L. , Binnersley Cory L. , Bradnam Steven C. , Croft Stephen , Joyce Malcolm J. , Mashao Dakalo , Packer Lee W. , Turner Tony , Wild James A.
Published: March 2024

We report on a new ground-level neutron monitor design for studying cosmic rays and fluxes of solar energetic particles at the Earth’s surface. The first-of-its-kind instrument, named the NM-2023 after the year it was standardised and following convention, will be installed at a United Kingdom Meteorological Office observatory (expected completion mid 2024) and will reintroduce such monitoring in the UK for the first time since ca. 1984. Monte Carlo radiation transport code is used for the development and application of parameterised models to investigate alternative neutron detectors, their location and bulk material geometry in a realistic cosmic ray neutron field. Benchmarked against a model of the current and most widespread design standardised in 1964 (the NM-64), two main parameterisation studies are conducted; a simplified standard model and a concept slab parameterisation. We show that the NM-64 standard is well optimised for the intended large-diameter boron trifluoride (BF$$_3$$3) proportional counters but not for multiple smaller diameter counters. The new design (based on a novel slab arrangement) produces comparable counting efficiencies to an NM-64 with six BF$$_3$$3counters and has the added advantage of being more compact, lower cost and avoids the use of highly toxic BF$$_3$$3.
Longitudinal long term follow up investigation on the carcinogenic impact of polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate in rat models
Authors: Jeong Sang Hoon , Lee Hong , Nam Yoon Jeong , Kang Ja Young , Lee Hyejin , Choi Jin Young , Lee Yu-Seon , Kim Jaeyoung , Park Yoon Hee , Park Su A. , Choi Hangseok , Park Eun-Kee , Baek Yong-Wook , Lim Jungyun , Kim Suejin , Kim Cherry , Lee Ju-Han
Published: March 2024

Polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate (PHMG-p) is a major component in humidifier disinfectants, which cause life-threatening lung injuries. However, to our knowledge, no published studies have investigated associations between PHMG-p dose and lung damage severity with long-term follow-up. Therefore, we evaluated longitudinal dose-dependent changes in lung injuries using repeated chest computed tomography (CT). Rats were exposed to low (0.2 mg/kg, n = 10), intermediate (1.0 mg/kg, n = 10), and high (5.0 mg/kg, n = 10) doses of PHMG-p. All rats underwent repeated CT scans after 10 and 40 weeks following the first exposure. All CT images were quantitatively analyzed using commercial software. Inflammation/fibrosis and tumor counts underwent histopathological evaluation. In both radiological and histopathologic results, the lung damage severity increased as the PHMG-p dose increased. Moreover, the number, size, and malignancy of the lung tumors increased as the dose increased. Bronchiolar–alveolar hyperplasia developed in all groups. During follow-up, there was intergroup variation in bronchiolar–alveolar hyperplasia progression, although bronchiolar–alveolar adenomas or carcinomas usually increase in size over time. Thirty-three carcinomas were detected in the high-dose group in two rats. Overall, lung damage from PHMG-p and the number and malignancy of lung tumors were shown to be dose-dependent in a rat model using repeated chest CT scans during a long-term follow-up.
The direction, timing and demography of Popillia japonica (Coleoptera) invasion reconstructed using complete mitochondrial genomes
Authors: Nardi Francesco , Boschi Sara , Funari Rebecca , Cucini Claudio , Cardaioli Elena , Potter Daniel , Asano Shin-Ichiro , Toubarro Duarte , Meier Michela , Paoli Francesco , Carapelli Antonio , Frati Francesco
Published: March 2024

The Japanese beetle Popillia japonica is a pest insect that feeds on hundreds of species of wild and cultivated plants including important fruit, vegetable, and field crops. Native to Japan, the pest has invaded large areas of the USA, Canada, the Azores (Portugal), Italy, and Ticino (Switzerland), and it is considered a priority for control in the European Union. We determined the complete mitochondrial genome sequence in 86 individuals covering the entire distribution of the species. Phylogenetic analysis supports a major division between South Japan and Central/North Japan, with invasive samples coming from the latter. The origin of invasive USA samples is incompatible, in terms of the timing of the event, with a single introduction, with multiple Japanese lineages having been introduced and one accounting for most of the population expansion locally. The origin of the two invasive European populations is compatible with two different invasions followed by minimal differentiation locally. Population analyses provide the possibility to estimate the rate of sequence change from the data and to date major invasion events. Demographic analysis identifies a population expansion followed by a period of contraction prior to the invasion. The present study adds a time and demographic dimension to available reconstructions.
Comparison of attribute-based encryption schemes in securing healthcare systems
Authors: Walid Redwan , Joshi Karuna Pande , Choi Seung Geol
Published: March 2024

E-health has become a top priority for healthcare organizations focused on advancing healthcare services. Thus, medical organizations have been widely adopting cloud services, resulting in the effective storage of sensitive data. To prevent privacy and security issues associated with the data, attribute-based encryption (ABE) has been a popular choice for encrypting private data. Likewise, the attribute-based access control (ABAC) technique has been widely adopted for controlling data access. Researchers have proposed electronic health record (EHR) systems using ABE techniques like ciphertext policy attribute-based encryption (CP-ABE), key policy attribute-based encryption (KP-ABE), and multi authority attribute-based encryption (MA-ABE). However, there is a lack of rigorous comparison among the various ABE schemes used in healthcare systems. To better understand the usability of ABE techniques in medical systems, we performed a comprehensive review and evaluation of the three popular ABE techniques by developing EHR systems using knowledge graphs with the same data but different encryption mechanisms. We have used the MIMIC-III dataset with varying record sizes for this study. This paper can help healthcare organizations or researchers using ABE in their systems to comprehend the correct usage scenario and the prospect of ABE deployment in the most recent technological evolution.
206 MHz fully stabilized all-PM dispersion-managed figure-9 fiber laser comb
Authors: Kitajima Shotaro , Jung Kwangyn , Nishizawa Norihiko
Published: March 2024

High-repetition-rate optical frequency combs are useful for precision spectroscopy because of their high power per comb mode, but conventional high-repetition-rate lasers do not have a broad enough spectrum. In this study, a fully stabilized polarization-maintaining figure-9 mode-locked fiber laser with a high repetition rate of 206 MHz and a broad spectrum was demonstrated by employing simultaneous control of cavity dispersion and length. The laser exhibited a 3 dB spectral bandwidth of 88 nm and a compressed pulse width of 66 fs. Additionally,fCEOandfrepphase locking were implemented, resulting in low (0.21 rad) in-loop carrier-envelope-offset frequency phase noise. To the best of our knowledge, this is the widest spectrum bandwidth and shortest pulse duration directly obtained from an all-PM figure-9 fiber laser oscillator to date. The combination of high repetition rate and broad spectral range makes this system very useful for a wide range of applications, especially in the field of precision spectroscopy.
Multi-criteria decision analysis framework for engaging stakeholders in river pollution risk management
Authors: Ngubane Zesizwe , Bergion Viktor , Dzwairo Bloodless , Stenström Thor Axel , Sokolova Ekaterina
Published: March 2024

Water pollution presents a substantial environmental challenge with extensive implications for water resources, ecosystem sustainability, and human health. Using a South African catchment, this study aimed to provide watershed managers with a framework for selecting best management practices (BMPs) to reduce pollution and the related risk to river users, while also including the perspectives of key catchment stakeholders. The framework encompassed the identification of and consultation with key stakeholders within the catchment. A Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) methodology using the Simple Multi-Attribute Rating Technique for Enhanced Stakeholder Take-up (SMARTEST) was used to identify and prioritise suitable BMPs in a case study. Decision alternatives and assessment criteria as well as their weights were derived based on stakeholder responses to a two-stage survey. Stakeholders included those utilising the river for domestic and recreational purposes, municipal representatives, scientists, NGOs, and engineers. The assessment of decision alternatives considered environmental, economic, and social criteria. The aggregated scores for decision alternatives highlighted the significance of involving stakeholders throughout the decision process. This study recommends the pairing of structural and non-structural BMPs. The findings provide valuable insights for catchment managers, policymakers, and environmental stakeholders seeking inclusive and effective pollution mitigation strategies in a catchment.
Examining the factors contributing to a reduction in hardship financing among inpatient households in India
Authors: Thomas Arya Rachel , Muhammad T. , Sahu Santosh Kumar , Dash Umakant
Published: March 2024

In India, the rising double burden of diseases and the low fiscal capacity of the government forces people to resort to hardship financing. This study aimed to examine the factors contributing to the reduction in hardship financing among inpatient households in India. The study relies on two rounds of National Sample Surveys with a sample of 34,478 households from the 71st round (2014) and 56,681 households from the 75th round (2018). We employed multivariable logistic regression and multivariate decomposition analyses to explore the factors associated with hardship financing in Indian households with hospitalized member(s) and assess the contributing factors to the reduction in hardship financing between 2014 and 2018. Notably, though hardship financing for inpatient households has decreased between 2014 and 2018, households with catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) had higher odds of hardship financing than those without CHE. While factors such as CHE, prolonged hospitalization, and private hospitals had impoverishing effects on hardship financing in 2014 and 2018, the decomposition model showed the potential of CHE (32%), length of hospitalization (32%), and private hospitals (24%) to slow down this negative impact over time. The findings showed the potential for further improvements in financial health protection for inpatient care over time, and underscore the need for continuing efforts to strengthen the implementation of public programs and schemes in India such as Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY).
Synergistic oxidation of toluene through bimetal/cordierite monolithic catalysts with ozone
Authors: Wang Xiaojian , Peng Xiaomin , Zhao Quanzhong , Mi Jinxing , Jiang Huating , Li Shengli , Hu Hui , Huang Hao
Published: March 2024

Toluene treatment has received extensive attention, and ozone synergistic catalytic oxidation was thought to be a potential method to degrade VOCs (violate organic compounds) due to its low reaction temperature and high catalytic efficiency. A series of bimetal/Cord monolithic catalysts were prepared by impregnation with cordierite, including MnxCu5−x/Cord, MnxCo5−x/Cord and CuxCo5−x/Cord (x = 1, 2, 3, 4). Analysis of textural properties, structures and morphology characteristics on the prepared catalysts were conducted to evaluate their performance on toluene conversion. Effects of active component ratio, ozone addition and space velocity on the catalytic oxidation of toluene were investigated. Results showed that MnxCo5−x/Cord was the best among the three bimetal catalysts, and toluene conversion and mineralization rates reached 100 and 96% under the condition of Mn2Co3/Cord with 3.0 g/m3 O3 at the space velocity of 12,000 h−1. Ozone addition in the catalytic oxidation of toluene by MnxCo5−x/Cord could efficiently avoid the 40% reduction of the specific surface area of catalysts, because it could lower the optimal temperature from 300 to 100 °C. (Co/Mn)(Co/Mn)2O4 diffraction peaks in XRD spectra indicated all the four MnxCo1−x/Cord catalysts had a spinel structure, and diffraction peak intensity of spinel reached the largest at the ratio of Mn:Co = 2:3. Toluene conversion rate increased with rising ozone concentration because intermediate products generated by toluene degradation might react with excess ozone to generate free radicals like ·OH, which would improve the toluene mineralization rate of Mn2Co3/Cord catalyst. This study would provide a theoretical support for its industrial application.
Winter precipitation predictability in Central Southwest Asia and its representation in seasonal forecast systems
Authors: Horan Matthew F. , Kucharski Fred , Johnson Nathaniel , Ashfaq Moetasim
Published: March 2024

In Central Southwest Asia (CSWA; 22°N to 40°N and 30°E to 70°E), winter (November to February) precipitation contributes up to 70% of the annual mean, but substantial interannual variations exist. Dynamical models exhibit subpar predictability in this region, but the limits of their skills are not well established. Here, we identify the tropical and extratropical forcings that explain ~75% of area-averaged seasonal variability in CSWA winter precipitation. Tropical forcing comes from the indirect El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) pathway, the leading mode of tropical Indian Ocean precipitation variability. This mode is coupled with ENSO-related Pacific Ocean sea surface temperature variability. A direct ENSO influence on CSWA does not extend beyond its Indian Ocean connection. Extratropical forcing comes from a large-scale mode of internal atmospheric variability. The spatial structure, variability of tropical forcing, and teleconnection with CSWA winter precipitation are skillfully depicted in two seasonal forecasting systems: the fifth-generation seasonal forecasting system (SEAS5) and Seamless System for Prediction and Earth System Research (SPEAR). Extratropical forcing’s spatial structure is also produced skillfully in the two modelling systems; however, the representation of its interannual variability and teleconnection requires improvement. While SEAS5 displays skill in representing extratropical forcing influence on CSWA winter precipitation and marginal skill in reproducing interannual variability, SPEAR has negligible ability in both areas. Consequently, these models have limited predictive skills over CSWA in winter. While improvements in representing extratropical forcing may be inherently limited as it arises from internal atmospheric variability, further research is needed to establish its predictability limits fully.
Anti- and pro-fibrillatory effects of pulmonary vein isolation gaps in human atrial fibrillation digital twins
Authors: Jin Ze , Hwang Taehyun , Kim Daehoon , Lim Byounghyun , Kwon Oh-Seok , Kim Sangbin , Kim Moon-Hyun , Park Je-Wook , Yu Hee Tae , Kim Tae-Hoon , Uhm Jae-Sun , Joung Boyoung , Lee Moon-Hyoung , Pak Hui-Nam
Published: March 2024

Although pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) gaps and extrapulmonary vein triggers contribute to recurrence after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, their precise mechanisms remain unproven. Our study assessed the impact of PVI gaps on rhythm outcomes using a human AF digital twin. We included 50 patients (76.0% with persistent AF) who underwent catheter ablation with a realistic AF digital twin by integrating computed tomography and electroanatomical mapping. We evaluated the final rhythm status, including AF and atrial tachycardia (AT), across 600 AF episodes, considering factors including PVI level, PVI gap number, and pacing locations. Our findings revealed that antral PVI had a significantly lower ratio of AF at the final rhythm (28% vs. 56%, p = 0.002) than ostial PVI. Increasing PVI gap numbers correlated with an increased ratio of AF at the final rhythm (p < 0.001). Extra-PV induction yielded a higher ratio of AF at the final rhythm than internal PV induction (77.5% vs. 59.0%, p < 0.001). In conclusion, our human AF digital twin model helped assess AF maintenance mechanisms. Clinical trial registration: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02138695.
The clinician-AI interface: intended use and explainability in FDA-cleared AI devices for medical image interpretation
Authors: McNamara Stephanie L. , Yi Paul H. , Lotter William
Published: March 2024

As applications of AI in medicine continue to expand, there is an increasing focus on integration into clinical practice. An underappreciated aspect of this clinical translation is where the AI fits into the clinical workflow, and in turn, the outputs generated by the AI to facilitate clinician interaction in this workflow. For instance, in the canonical use case of AI for medical image interpretation, the AI could prioritize cases before clinician review or even autonomously interpret the images without clinician review. A related aspect is explainability – does the AI generate outputs to help explain its predictions to clinicians? While many clinical AI workflows and explainability techniques have been proposed, a summative assessment of the current scope in clinical practice is lacking. Here, we evaluate the current state of FDA-cleared AI devices for medical image interpretation assistance in terms of intended clinical use, outputs generated, and types of explainability offered. We create a curated database focused on these aspects of the clinician-AI interface, where we find a high frequency of “triage” devices, notable variability in output characteristics across products, and often limited explainability of AI predictions. Altogether, we aim to increase transparency of the current landscape of the clinician-AI interface and highlight the need to rigorously assess which strategies ultimately lead to the best clinical outcomes.
Palaeoatmosphere facilitates a gliding transition to powered flight in the Eocene bat, Onychonycteris finneyi
Authors: Giannini Norberto P. , Cannell Alan , Amador Lucila I. , Simmons Nancy B.
Published: March 2024

The evolutionary transition to powered flight remains controversial in bats, the only flying mammals. We applied aerodynamic modeling to reconstruct flight in the oldest complete fossil bat, the archaic Onychonycteris finneyi from the early Eocene of North America. Results indicate that Onychonycteris was capable of both gliding and powered flight either in a standard normodense aerial medium or in the hyperdense atmosphere that we estimate for the Eocene from two independent palaeogeochemical proxies. Aerodynamic continuity across a morphological gradient is further demonstrated by modeled intermediate forms with increasing aspect ratio (AR) produced by digital elongation based on chiropteran developmental data. Here a gliding performance gradient emerged of decreasing sink rate with increasing AR that eventually allowed applying available muscle power to achieve level flight using flapping, which is greatly facilitated in hyperdense air. This gradient strongly supports a gliding (trees-down) transition to powered flight in bats.
More than double the fun with two-photon excitation microscopy
Authors: Luu Peter , Fraser Scott E. , Schneider Falk
Published: March 2024

For generations researchers have been observing the dynamic processes of life through the lens of a microscope. This has offered tremendous insights into biological phenomena that span multiple orders of time- and length-scales ranging from the pure magic of molecular reorganization at the membrane of immune cells, to cell migration and differentiation during development or wound healing. Standard fluorescence microscopy techniques offer glimpses at such processes in vitro, however, when applied in intact systems, they are challenged by reduced signal strengths and signal-to-noise ratios that result from deeper imaging. As a remedy, two-photon excitation (TPE) microscopy takes a special place, because it allows us to investigate processes in vivo, in their natural environment, even in a living animal. Here, we review the fundamental principles underlying TPE aimed at basic and advanced microscopy users interested in adopting TPE for intravital imaging. We focus on applications in neurobiology, present current trends towards faster, wider and deeper imaging, discuss the combination with photon counting technologies for metabolic imaging and spectroscopy, as well as highlight outstanding issues and drawbacks in development and application of these methodologies.
Identification of a sugarcane bacilliform virus promoter that is activated by drought stress in plants
Authors: Sun Sheng-Ren , Wu Xiao-Bin , Chen Jian-Sheng , Huang Mei-Ting , Fu Hua-Ying , Wang Qin-Nan , Rott Philippe , Gao San-Ji
Published: March 2024

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is an important sugar and biofuel crop in the world. It is frequently subjected to drought stress, thus causing considerable economic losses. Transgenic technology is an effective breeding approach to improve sugarcane tolerance to drought using drought-inducible promoter(s) to activate drought-resistance gene(s). In this study, six different promoters were cloned from sugarcane bacilliform virus (SCBV) genotypes exhibiting high genetic diversity. In β-glucuronidase (GUS) assays, expression of one of these promoters (PSCBV-YZ2060) is similar to the one driven by the CaMV 35S promoter and >90% higher compared to the other cloned promoters and Ubi1. Three SCBV promoters (PSCBV-YZ2060, PSCBV-TX, and PSCBV-CHN2) function as drought-induced promoters in transgenic Arabidopsis plants. In Arabidopsis, GUS activity driven by promoter PSCBV-YZ2060 is also upregulated by abscisic acid (ABA) and is 2.2–5.5-fold higher when compared to the same activity of two plant native promoters (PScRD29A from sugarcane and PAtRD29A from Arabidopsis). Mutation analysis revealed that a putative promoter region 1 (PPR1) and two ABA response elements (ABREs) are required in promoter PSCBV-YZ2060 to confer drought stress response and ABA induction. Yeast one-hybrid and electrophoretic mobility shift assays uncovered that transcription factors ScbZIP72 from sugarcane and AREB1 from Arabidopsis bind with two ABREs of promoter PSCBV-YZ2060. After ABA treatment or drought stress, the expression levels of endogenous ScbZIP72 and heterologous GUS are significantly increased in PSCBV-YZ2060:GUS transgenic sugarcane plants. Consequently, promoter PSCBV-YZ2060 is a possible alternative promoter for genetic engineering of drought-resistant transgenic crops such as sugarcane.
FliH and FliI help FlhA bring strict order to flagellar protein export in Salmonella
Authors: Kinoshita Miki , Minamino Tohru , Uchihashi Takayuki , Namba Keiichi
Published: March 2024

The flagellar type III secretion system (fT3SS) switches substrate specificity from rod-hook-type to filament-type upon hook completion, terminating hook assembly and initiating filament assembly. The C-terminal cytoplasmic domain of FlhA (FlhAC) forms a homo-nonameric ring and is directly involved in substrate recognition, allowing the fT3SS to coordinate flagellar protein export with assembly. The highly conserved GYXLI motif (residues 368–372) of FlhAC induces dynamic domain motions of FlhAC required for efficient and robust flagellar protein export by the fT3SS, but it remains unknown whether this motif is also important for ordered protein export by the fT3SS. Here we analyzed two GYXLI mutants, flhA(GAAAA) and flhA(GGGGG), and provide evidence suggesting that the GYXLI motif in FlhAC requires the flagellar ATPase complex not only to efficiently remodel the FlhAC ring structure for the substrate specificity switching but also to correct substrate recognition errors that occur during flagellar assembly.
Topological assessment of recoverability in public transport networks
Authors: Massobrio Renzo , Cats Oded
Published: March 2024

Reducing the impact of disruptions is essential to provide reliable and attractive public transport. In this work, we introduce a topological approach for evaluating recoverability, i.e., the ability of public transport networks to return to their original performance level after disruptions, which we model as topological perturbations. We assess recoverability properties in 42 graph representations of metro networks and relate these to various topological indicators. Graphs include infrastructure and service characteristics, accounting for in-vehicle travel time, waiting time, and transfers. Results show a high correlation between recoverability and topological indicators, suggesting that more efficient networks (in terms of the average number of hops and the travel time between nodes) and denser networks can better withstand disruptions. In comparison, larger networks that feature more redundancy can rebound faster to normal performance levels. The proposed methodology offers valuable insights for planners when designing new networks or enhancing the recoverability of existing ones.
The paradox of collective climate action in rural U.S. ecovillages: ethnographic reflections and perspectives
Authors: Schelly Chelsea , Rubin Zach , Lockyer Joshua
Published: March 2024

Are ecovillages suited to the challenge of climate change and radical social transformation? While often framed as social experiments with the potential to support dramatic social change, we argue that ecovillages should be seen as more than that - complicated sites which both enable and constrain social action in the fight to stem the effects of climate change. As ethnographic researchers with a variety of experiences researching ecovillages, we critically examine some of the factors that affect the power of ecovillages to accomplish this mission, including governance modes that support reduced individual consumption patterns and impact; a commons infrastructure with decreased socioeconomic demands on members, and differing geographic locales with varying socio-political limitations. We conclude this piece by discussing how these factors should inform future research on the transformative nature of ecovillages.
A chemiluminescence immunoassay for type IV collagen as a promising marker for liver fibrosis and cirrhosis
Authors: Fu Xiaoling , Zhang Fan , Zhen Fangda , Duan Lian , Zhou Jian , Ma Jianguo
Published: March 2024

Herein, a magnetic bead-based chemiluminescence assay is reported to detect type IV collagen (col-IV) in serum samples.
The unexplored role of alkali and alkaline earth elements (ALAEs) on the structure, processing, and biological effects of bioactive glasses
Authors: Shearer Adam , Molinaro Matthew , Montazerian Maziar , Sly Jessica J. , Miola Marta , Baino Francesco , Mauro John C.
Published: March 2024

Alkali and alkaline earth elements play a crucial role in the structure, processing, and properties of bioactive glasses, widely used in medical applications since their inception in 1969.
Thermal fluctuation-induced selective CO2 uptake of seemingly nonporous N,C-protected dipeptide crystals as elucidated by in situ X-ray crystallographic analysis
Authors: Yamanaka Kazuaki , Oketani Ryusei , Mori Yuya , Sato Takashi , Tsuzuki Seiji , Takahashi Hiroki , Tsue Hirohito
Published: March 2024

A novel N,C-protected dipeptide deposited nonporous but yet CO2-sorbing molecular crystals, of which the CO2 sorption state was disclosed.
Probing the occurrence, sources and cancer risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in PM2.5 in a humid metropolitan city in China
Authors: Liu Decai , Li Xingquan , Liu Jiaxin , Wang Fengwen , Leng Yan , Li Zhenliang , Lu Peili , Rose Neil L.
Published: March 2024

Fifty-two consecutive PM2.5 samples from December 2021 to February 2022 (the whole winter) were collected in the center of Chongqing, a humid metropolitan city in China.
Optimized deep learning models for effluent prediction in wastewater treatment processes
Authors: Yang Canyun , Guo Zhuoyue , Geng Yun , Zhang Fengshan , Wei Wenguang , Liu Hongbin
Published: March 2024

Aiming at prediction of water quality in wastewater treatment systems, an optimized deep learning model with high prediction performance is proposed.
Litchi pulp-derived gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) extract counteracts liver inflammation induced by litchi thaumatin-like protein
Authors: Wang Yao , Wang Dongwei , Wang Kai , Weng Shaoquan , Zheng Rongbo , Liu Xuwei , Zhao Lei , Li Chuyuan , Hu Zhuoyan
Published: March 2024

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the predominant amino acid in litchi pulp, known for its neuroregulatory effects and anti-inflammatory properties.
Recent advances in the design of high-performance cobalt-based catalysts for dry reforming of methane
Authors: Sun Yinghui , Zhang Yanbin , Yin Xifei , Zhang Chenghu , Li Ying , Bai Jie
Published: March 2024

In this review, many strategies, such as improving metal dispersion, strengthening metal–support interaction, increasing CO2 adsorption and activation, promoting oxygen release/storage capacity, were proposed to improve catalytic performance of DRM.
Nanotechnology-enabled sonodynamic therapy against malignant tumors
Authors: Huang Yunxi , Ouyang Wenhao , Lai Zijia , Qiu Guanhua , Bu Zhaoting , Zhu Xiaoqi , wang Qin , Yu Yunfang , Liu Junjie
Published: March 2024

This review systematically describes and summarizes the application of nanotechnology-enabled sonodynamic therapy in malignant tumors.
Regulating the particle sizes of NaA molecular sieves toward enhanced heavy metal ion adsorption
Authors: Cui WenLi , Tang Ke , Chen Yunqiang , Chen Zhou , Lan Yihong , Hong YuBin , Lan WeiGuang
Published: March 2024

We have developed a novel synthesis method for NaA-type nanomolecular sieves. The study proved that this NaA molecular sieve has considerable adsorption capacity and can be reused, advancing molecular sieves for future commercialization.
Drug delivery via a 3D electro-swellable conjugated polymer hydrogel
Authors: Abdel Aziz Ilaria , Gladisch Johannes , Griggs Sophie , Moser Maximilian , Biesmans Hanne , Beloqui Ana , McCulloch Iain , Berggren Magnus , Stavrinidou Eleni
Published: March 2024

A glycolated polythiophene, p(g3T2), enables controlled drug loading/release of molecules with molecular weight of 800–6000 Da, due to large, reversible volume changes during electrochemical doping.
Competitive coordination assembly of light-degradable gold nanocluster-intercalated metal organic frameworks for photoresponsive drug release
Authors: Wang Ke , Zhai Sicheng , Qin Yuanyuan , Hao Mengke , Su Siqi , Li Shuming , Tang Xuexue
Published: March 2024

A gold nanocluster-intercalated zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (AuNC@ZIF-8) as a luminescent nanocarrier with a high quantum yield (52.96%) and photolysis property is synthesized via coordination assembly for light-triggered drug release in cells.
Industrial biomass waste as an economical, potential adsorbent for removing the Bismarck Brown R dye and zinc metal ions from effluents
Authors: Sivalingam Sivamani , A. Sowmiya
Published: March 2024

This study focuses on utilizing date seed biomass to produce activated carbon (AC) through chemical activation. The resulting AC is then employed for the removal of both rich contaminants of dye and heavy metal ions from wastewater.
Planar-chiral arene ruthenium complexes: synthesis, separation of enantiomers, and application for catalytic C–H activation
Authors: Boym Mikhail A. , Pototskiy Roman A. , Podyacheva Evgeniya S. , Chusov Denis A. , Nelyubina Yulia V. , Perekalin Dmitry S.
Published: March 2024

The enantiomers of an arene ruthenium complex were separated by chromatography using auxiliary chiral phosphine. The resolved planar-chiral complex catalyzed asymmetric C–H activation of N-methoxy-benzamides.
From nano- to macroarchitectures: designing and constructing MOF-derived porous materials for persulfate-based advanced oxidation processes
Authors: Xiao Chengming , Guo Xin , Li Jiansheng
Published: March 2024

This review summarizes in detail the state-of-the-art research on the design, synthesis, regulation, and persulfate-based advanced oxidation process application of MOF-derived porous nano- and macromaterials.
Exploration of anion effects in solvothermal synthesis using in situ X-ray diffraction
Authors: Broge Nils Lau Nyborg , Bertelsen Andreas Dueholm , Nielsen Ida Gjerlevsen , Kløve Magnus , Roelsgaard Martin , Dippel Ann-Christin , Jørgensen Mads Ry Vogel , Iversen Bo Brummerstedt
Published: March 2024

Precursor solutions with different anions are shown to govern the outcome of a range of solvothermal reactions.
Smallest unit of maximal entropy as novel experimental criterion for parametric characterization of middle- and high-entropy materials
Authors: Khort Alexander , Dahlström Alexander , Roslyakov Sergey , Odnevall Inger
Published: March 2024

An experimental limited area approach was developed to study elements distribution in middle- and high-entropy materials. A new entropy-based criterion, defining scale parameter transition from maximal entropy to entropy-depleted state was proposed.
Designing one-compartment H2O2 fuel cell using electroactive phenalenyl-based [Fe2(hnmh-PLY)3] complex as the cathode material
Authors: Kamboj Nisha , Dey Ayan , Birara Sunita , Majumder Moumita , Sengupta Srijan , Metre Ramesh K.
Published: March 2024

The sustainable energy of H2O2 in single-compartment fuel cell can be converted into electric energy, requiring molecular engineering to design suitable cathodes to lower the high overpotential associated with electrochemical H2O2 reduction.
Two-dimensional spin-crossover coordination polymers based on the 1,1,2,2-tetra(pyridin-4-yl)ethene ligand
Authors: Wu Meng-Ling , Chen Yan-Cong , Ruan Ze-Yu , Ni Zhao-Ping , Wu Si-Guo , Tong Ming-Liang
Published: March 2024

Spin-crossover behaviors and guest effects were investigated in three Fe(ii) two-dimensional coordination polymers based on the 1,1,2,2-tetra(pyridin-4-yl)ethene ligand.