bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frequency multiplexing enables parallel multi-sample EPR
Authors: Lee Chun Him , Korvink Jan G. , Jouda Mazin
Published: May 2024

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy stands out as a powerful analytical technique with extensive applications in the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, and material sciences. It proves invaluable for investigating the molecular structure and reaction mechanisms of substances containing unpaired electrons, such as metal complexes, organic and inorganic radicals, and intermediate states in chemical reactions. However, despite their remarkable capabilities, EPR systems face significant limitations in terms of sample throughput, as current commercial systems only target the analysis of one sample at a time. Here we introduce a novel scheme for conducting ultra-high frequency continuous-wave EPR (CW EPR) targeting the EPR spectroscopy of multiple microliter volume samples in parallel. Our proof-of-principle prototype involves two decoupled detection cells equipped with high qualty factor $$Q=104$$

Q
=
104

solenoidal coils tuned to 488 and 589 MHz, ensuring a significant frequency gap for effective radio frequency (RF) decoupling between the channels. To further enhance electromagnetic decoupling, an orthogonal alignment of the coils was adopted. The paper further presents an innovative radiofrequency circuit concept that utilizes a single physical RF channel to simultaneously conduct parallel EPR on up to eight cells. Parallel EPR experiments on two BDPA samples, each with a sample volume of 18.3 μL, registered signal-to-noise ratios of 255 and 252 for the two EPR measurement cells, with no observable coupling. The showcased prototype, built using cost-effective commercially available fabrication technology, is readily scalable and represents an initial step with promising potential for advancing sample screening with high-throughput parallel EPR.
Uncovering the characteristics of the gut microbiota in patients with ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke
Authors: Chen Yu-Zhu , Huang Zhao-Yong , Zhou Wei-Wen , Li Zhong-You , Li Xiao-Peng , Chen Shi-Shi , Ma Jin-Kui
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to explore the gut microbiota characteristics of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients. A case–control study was conducted, and high-throughput sequencing of the V4–V5 region of 16S rRNA was used to analyze the differences in gut microbiota. The results showed that Proteobacteria was significantly increased in the ischemic stroke group compared with the healthy control group, while Fusobacteria was significantly increased in the hemorrhagic stroke group. In the ischemic stroke group, Butyricimonas, Alloprevotella, and Escherichia were significantly more abundant than in the healthy control group. In the hemorrhagic stroke group, Atopobium, Hungatella, Eisenbergiella, Butyricimonas, Odonbacter, Lachnociostridium, Alistipes, Parabacteroides, and Fusobacterium were significantly more abundant than in the healthy control group. Additionally, Alloprevotella, Ruminococcus, and Prevotella were significantly more abundant in the ischemic stroke group than in the hemorrhagic stroke group. The gut microbiota of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients has significant diversity characteristics. These results provide new theoretical basis for exploring the prevention and treatment of different types of stroke through gut microbiota research.
Multimodal preoperative imaging for transcatheter mitral valve replacement in the domestic sheep model
Authors: Carney John P. , Bianco Richard W.
Published: May 2024

Preclinical in vivo evaluation is an essential step in the progression of new cardiac devices into patient use, with studies predominantly performed in the domestic sheep model. A growing area of interest in cardiac device development is transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR). Clinically, multimodal imaging, or computed tomography (CT) and echocardiography (echo) are used extensively to preoperatively determine mitral valve morphology prior to an intervention, but there is no description on how these modalities can be implemented to support preclinical studies. The purpose of this study is to apply clinically relevant CT and echo acquisition and assessment techniques to a large group of naive research sheep in order to analyze and report modality-related effects on mitral valve dimensional reference intervals in the sheep model. To this end, fifty-five adult domestic sheep underwent preoperative CT and echo exams and resultant images were analyzed using a landmark-based multiplanar measurement protocol and compiled into a master dataset for statistical analysis. We found moderate agreement between CT and echo-derived measurements of the mitral valve in sheep and propose the first clinically-relevant dimensional indices for the sheep’s naive mitral valve which can be used to guide future studies evaluating novel TMVR devices. This study is the first of its kind in proposing a reproducible method for detailed examination of the mitral valve in the sheep model using clinically-relevant multimodal imaging. As in patients, CT and echo can reveal accurate native mitral valve dimensions in the sheep prior to preclinical TMVR studies.
Genome-wide identification and analysis of epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related RNA-binding proteins and alternative splicing in a human breast cancer cell line
Authors: Mi Yin , Dong Meilian , Zuo Xiaoxiao , Cao Qinchen , Gu Xiaobin , Mi Hailong , Xiao Fankai
Published: May 2024

Exploring the mechanism of breast cancer metastasis and searching for new drug therapeutic targets are still the focuses of current research. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) may affect breast cancer metastasis by regulating alternative splicing (AS) during epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We hypothesised that during EMT development in breast cancer cells, the expression level of RBPs and the gene AS pattern in the cell were significantly changed on a genome-wide scale. Using GEO database, this study identified differentially expressed RBPs and differential AS events at different stages of EMT in breast cancer cells. By establishing the correlation network of differential RBPs and differential AS events, we found that RBM47, PCBP3, FRG1, SRP72, RBMS3 and other RBPs may regulate the AS of ITGA6, ADGRE5, TNC, COL6A3 and other cell adhesion genes. By further analysing above EMT-related RBPs and AS in breast cancer tissues in TCGA, it was found that the expression levels of ADAT2, C2orf15, SRP72, PAICS, RBMS3, APOBEC3G, NOA1, ACO1 and the AS of TNC and COL6A3 were significantly correlated with the prognosis of breast cancer patients. The expression levels of all 8 RBPs were significantly different in breast cancer tissues without metastasis compared with normal breast tissues. Conclusively, eight RBPs such as RBMS3 and AS of TNC and COL6A3 could be used as predictors of breast cancer prognosis. These findings need to be further explored as possible targets for breast cancer treatment.
The tardigrade-derived mitochondrial abundant heat soluble protein improves adipose-derived stem cell survival against representative stressors
Authors: Rolsma Jordan L. , Darch William , Higgins Nicholas C. , Morgan Joshua T.
Published: May 2024

Human adipose-derived stem cell (ASC) grafts have emerged as a powerful tool in regenerative medicine. However, ASC therapeutic potential is hindered by stressors throughout their use. Here we demonstrate the transgenic expression of the tardigrade-derived mitochondrial abundant heat soluble (MAHS) protein for improved ASC resistance to metabolic, mitochondrial, and injection shear stress. In vitro, MAHS-expressing ASCs demonstrate up to 61% increased cell survival following 72 h of incubation in phosphate buffered saline containing 20% media. Following up to 3.5% DMSO exposure for up to 72 h, a 14–49% increase in MAHS-expressing ASC survival was observed. Further, MAHS expression in ASCs is associated with up to 39% improved cell viability following injection through clinically relevant 27-, 32-, and 34-gauge needles. Our results reveal that MAHS expression in ASCs supports survival in response to a variety of common stressors associated with regenerative therapies, thereby motivating further investigation into MAHS as an agent for stem cell stress resistance. However, differentiation capacity in MAHS-expressing ASCs appears to be skewed in favor of osteogenesis over adipogenesis. Specifically, activity of the early bone formation marker alkaline phosphatase is increased by 74% in MAHS-expressing ASCs following 14 days in osteogenic media. Conversely, positive area of the neutral lipid droplet marker BODIPY is decreased by up to 10% in MAHS-transgenic ASCs following 14 days in adipogenic media. Interestingly, media supplementation with up to 40 mM glucose is sufficient to restore adipogenic differentiation within 14 days, prompting further analysis of mechanisms underlying interference between MAHS and differentiation processes.
Navigating narcolepsy: exploring coping strategies and their association with quality of life in patients with narcolepsy type 1
Authors: Varallo Giorgia , Franceschini Christian , Rapelli Giada , Zenesini Corrado , Baldini Valentina , Baccari Flavia , Antelmi Elena , Pizza Fabio , Vignatelli Luca , Biscarini Francesco , Ingravallo Francesca , Plazzi Giuseppe
Published: May 2024

Narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by symptoms such as excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden sleep episodes, disrupted nocturnal sleep, cataplexy, sleep paralysis, and hypnagogic hallucinations, which significantly impact the overall well-being and quality of life of individuals. While psychological factors have gained attention, there is limited research on the coping strategies employed by patients with NT1 and their association with quality of life. This study aimed to compare coping strategies in patients with NT1 and controls, as well as assess the relationship between coping strategies and quality of life in patients with NT1. A total of 122 individuals diagnosed with NT1 and 138 controls were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Participants completed questionnaires assessing coping strategies and health-related quality of life. A Mann–Whitney U test was conducted to compare the use of different coping strategies by patients with NT1 and controls. Spearman's rho correlation was performed to examine the association between coping strategies and quality of life in the NT1 group. Results showed that patients with NT1 exhibited differences in the use of coping strategies compared to controls. They reported lower use of active coping, planning, instrumental, and emotional social support, and higher use of behavioral and mental disengagement. Denial and behavioral disengagement were significantly and negatively associated with quality of life. Identifying coping strategies and their association with quality of life may aid in the development of tailored interventions aimed at improving the adoption of effective coping strategies and reducing the use of maladaptive coping strategies.
Exploring the potential applications of lead-free organic–inorganic perovskite type [NH3(CH2)nNH3]MCl4 (n = 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; M = Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, and Cd) crystals
Authors: Lim Ae Ran
Published: May 2024

The organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite compounds have been extensively studied since the dawn of a new era in the field of photovoltaic applications. Up to now, perovskites have proven to be the most promising in terms of power conversion efficiency; however, their main disadvantages for use in solar cells are toxicity and chemical instability. Therefore, it is essential to develop a hybrid perovskite that can be replaced with lead-free materials. This review focuses on the possibility of applying lead-free organic–inorganic perovskite types [NH3(CH2)nNH3]MCl4 (n = 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; M = Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, and Cd) crystals. We are seeking organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite materials with very high temperature stability or without phase transition temperature, and thermal stability. Thus, by considering the characteristics according to the methylene lengths and the various transition metals, we aim to identify improved materials meeting the criteria mentioned above. Consequently, the physicochemical properties of organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite [NH3(CH2)nNH3]MCl4 regarding the effects of various transition metal ions of the anion and the methylene lengths of the cation are expected to promote the development and application of lead-free hybrid perovskite solar cells.
The vomeronasal organ and incisive duct of harbor seals are modified to secrete acidic mucus into the nasal cavity
Authors: Kondoh Daisuke , Tonomori Wataru , Iwasaki Ryota , Tomiyasu Jumpei , Kaneoya Yuka , Kawai Yusuke K. , Ikuta Shun , Kobayashi Hayao , Kobayashi Mari
Published: May 2024

Most terrestrial mammals have a vomeronasal system to detect specific chemicals. The peripheral organ of this system is a vomeronasal organ (VNO) opening to the incisive duct, and its primary integrative center is an accessory olfactory bulb (AOB). The VNO in seals is thought to be degenerated like whales and manatees, unlike otariids, because of the absence of the AOB. However, olfaction plays pivotal roles in seals, and thus we conducted a detailed morphological evaluation of the vomeronasal system of three harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). The VNO lumen was not found, and the incisive duct did not open into the oral cavity but was recognized as a fossa on the anteroventral side of the nasal cavity. This fossa is rich in mucous glands that secrete acidic mucopolysaccharides, which might originate from the vomeronasal glands. The olfactory bulb consisted only of a main olfactory bulb that received projections from the olfactory mucosa, but an AOB region was not evident. These findings clarified that harbor seals do not have a VNO to detect some chemicals, but the corresponding region is a specialized secretory organ.
Exploring the association between cardiovascular health and bowel health
Authors: Yu Ziqing , Guo Mingyue , Bai Xiaoyin , Ruan Gechong , Sun Yinghao , Han Wei , Yang Hong
Published: May 2024

Chronic constipation, diarrhea, and fecal incontinence have high incidence, potential disability, and socioeconomic impact, imposing a heavy burden on the quality of life. We aim to explore the association between cardiovascular health (CVH) and bowel health from National Health and Nutrition Survey 2005–2010. CVH is assessed using Life’s Essential 8 (LE8). Chronic constipation, chronic diarrhea, and fecal incontinence are assessed based on Bristol Stool Form Scale classification, bowel movements, and bowel leakage. Better health behaviors (odds ratio [OR]: 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.53–0.94, p = 0.02) and worse health factors (OR: 1.45, CI 1.03–2.04, p = 0.04) were associated with less chronic constipation. Less chronic diarrhea is correlated with better CVH (OR: 0.53, 95% CI 0.35–0.79, p = 0.003) and health factors (OR: 0.61, CI 0.46–0.81, p = 0.001). Meanwhile, the proportion of chronic diarrhea significantly decreases when the health behaviors score exceeds 59.42. Lower fecal incontinence was associated with better health behaviors (OR: 0.63, CI 0.44–0.90, p = 0.01) CVH. Better CVH and health behaviors are both linked to lower all-cause mortality in participants with chronic constipation and chronic diarrhea. A higher health behaviors score is also associated with less all-cause mortality in patients with fecal incontinence. Maintaining CVH at the population level contributes to intestinal health, achieving the dual management of both while saving on healthcare costs. However, further prospective research is needed to confirm these associations.
Mechanical performance degradation investigation on FRP reinforced concrete based on neural network design method
Authors: Xu Wenyuan , Li Wei , Wang Dayang , Ji Yongcheng
Published: May 2024

To predict the effect of chemical-freezing coupling erosion on the properties of four kinds of FRP-reinforced concrete. Rapid freeze–thaw tests were conducted. The mass loss rate, relative dynamic elastic modulus, compressive strength, and flexural capacity were tested to investigate the Mechanical Performance of specimens. The compression specimens are cylindrical specimens wrapped with FRP, and the flexural specimens are pasted with FRP prismatic specimens on the pre-cracked side. A database was built based on 45 groups of experimental test results, and the prediction effect of the BP neural network and CNN model on compressive strength and flexural capacity was compared, respectively. The results showed that CNN did a better job. Finally, the maximum number of freeze–thaw cycles of different FRP-reinforced specimens was predicted based on the CNN model with mass loss rate and relative dynamic modulus as the evaluation criteria. This method can provide a new perspective for predicting the durability of FRP-reinforced concrete.
Socioeconomic disparity in transcatheter and surgical aortic valve replacement: a population study of National Inpatient Sample from 2015 to 2020
Authors: Li Renxi , Prastein Deyanira J. , Choi Brian G.
Published: May 2024

There is limited data on the effect of socioeconomic status (SES) on transcatheter (TAVR) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) outcomes for aortic stenosis (AS). This study conducted a population-based analysis to assess the influence of SES on valve replacement outcomes. Patients with AS undergoing TAVR or SAVR were identified in National Inpatient Sample from Q4 2015–2020. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to compare in-hospital outcomes between patients living in neighborhoods of income at the lowest and highest quartiles. Of 613,785 AS patients, 9.77% underwent TAVR and 10.13% had SAVR. These rates decline with lower neighborhood income levels, with TAVR/SAVR ratio also declining in lower-income areas. Excluding concomitant procedures, 58,064 patients received isolated TAVR (12,355 low-income and 15,212 high-income) and 43,694 underwent isolated SAVR (10,029 low-income and 10,811 high-income). Low-income patients, in both TAVR and SAVR, were younger but had more comorbid burden. For isolated TAVR, outcomes were similar across income groups. However, for isolated SAVR, low-income patients experienced higher in-hospital mortality (aOR = 1.44, p < 0.01), pulmonary (aOR = 1.13, p = 0.01), and renal complications (aOR = 1.14, p < 0.01). They also had more transfers, longer waits for operations, and extended hospital stays. Lower-income communities had reduced access to TAVR and SAVR, with TAVR accessibility being particularly limited. When given access to TAVR, patients from lower-income neighborhoods had mostly comparable outcomes. However, patients from low-income communities faced worse outcomes in SAVR, possibly due to delays in treatment. Ensuring equitable specialized healthcare resources including expanding TAVR access in economically disadvantaged communities is crucial.
The influence of boreal summer intraseasonal oscillations on precipitation extremes and their characteristics in Southeast Asia
Authors: Xavier Prince , Diong Jeong Yik , Bin Abdullah Muhammad Firdaus Ammar , Permana Donaldi , Pura Alvin , Lam Hoang
Published: May 2024

The regional characteristics of the boreal summer intraseasonal oscillations (BSISO) over southeast Asia are presented. The northeastward transition of the BSISO is characterised by 4 phases, such that convection is enhanced over the Philippines and Indochina in phase 1 and suppressed over Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo and Java. The opposite is true in phase 3. The role of BSISO in modulating extreme precipitation is highlighted, showcasing how its phases impact both the frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation events across the region. Using a method to detect and characterise precipitation features in terms of precipitating areas and their associated object properties, this study shows distinct shifts in precipitation regimes during different phases of the BSISO. Phase 1 exhibits increased large-scale convective activity, particularly affecting regions like the South China Sea and northern Philippines, linked to increased tropical storm frequency but reduced localised extreme precipitation events. In contrast, Phase 3, with active convection over Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo and Sumatra, shows intensified extreme precipitation from smaller to medium-sized areas. BSISO phases also modify the distribution of small and large precipitation objects over land, ocean, and coastal regions. This classification of precipitation regimes provides detailed insights into how the BSISO’s large-scale envelope modifies regional precipitation extremes through various precipitation properties. This information could benefit probabilistic predictions of regional extreme precipitation events at subseasonal time scales.
Deep learning for dual detection of microsatellite instability and POLE mutations in colorectal cancer histopathology
Authors: Gustav Marco , Reitsam Nic Gabriel , Carrero Zunamys I. , Loeffler Chiara M. L. , van Treeck Marko , Yuan Tanwei , West Nicholas P. , Quirke Philip , Brinker Titus J. , Brenner Hermann , Favre Loëtitia , Märkl Bruno , Stenzinger Albrecht , Brobeil Alexander , Hoffmeister Michael , Calderaro Julien , Pujals Anaïs , Kather Jakob Nikolas
Published: May 2024

In the spectrum of colorectal tumors, microsatellite-stable (MSS) tumors with DNA polymerase ε (POLE) mutations exhibit a hypermutated profile, holding the potential to respond to immunotherapy similarly to their microsatellite-instable (MSI) counterparts. Yet, due to their rarity and the associated testing costs, systematic screening for these mutations is not commonly pursued. Notably, the histopathological phenotype resulting from POLE mutations is theorized to resemble that of MSI. This resemblance not only could facilitate their detection by a transformer-based Deep Learning (DL) system trained on MSI pathology slides, but also indicates the possibility for MSS patients with POLE mutations to access enhanced treatment options, which might otherwise be overlooked. To harness this potential, we trained a Deep Learning classifier on a large dataset with the ground truth for microsatellite status and subsequently validated its capabilities for MSI and POLE detection across three external cohorts. Our model accurately identified MSI status in both the internal and external resection cohorts using pathology images alone. Notably, with a classification threshold of 0.5, over 75% of POLE driver mutant patients in the external resection cohorts were flagged as “positive” by a DL system trained on MSI status. In a clinical setting, deploying this DL model as a preliminary screening tool could facilitate the efficient identification of clinically relevant MSI and POLE mutations in colorectal tumors, in one go.
Machine learning-based health environmental-clinical risk scores in European children
Authors: Guimbaud Jean-Baptiste , Siskos Alexandros P. , Sakhi Amrit Kaur , Heude Barbara , Sabidó Eduard , Borràs Eva , Keun Hector , Wright John , Julvez Jordi , Urquiza Jose , Gützkow Kristine Bjerve , Chatzi Leda , Casas Maribel , Bustamante Mariona , Nieuwenhuijsen Mark , Vrijheid Martine , López-Vicente Mónica , de Castro Pascual Montserrat , Stratakis Nikos , Robinson Oliver , Grazuleviciene Regina , Slama Remy , Alemany Silvia , Basagaña Xavier , Plantevit Marc , Cazabet Rémy , Maitre Léa
Published: May 2024

Background

Early life environmental stressors play an important role in the development of multiple chronic disorders. Previous studies that used environmental risk scores (ERS) to assess the cumulative impact of environmental exposures on health are limited by the diversity of exposures included, especially for early life determinants. We used machine learning methods to build early life exposome risk scores for three health outcomes using environmental, molecular, and clinical data.

Methods

In this study, we analyzed data from 1622 mother-child pairs from the HELIX European birth cohorts, using over 300 environmental, 100 child peripheral, and 18 mother-child clinical markers to compute environmental-clinical risk scores (ECRS) for child behavioral difficulties, metabolic syndrome, and lung function. ECRS were computed using LASSO, Random Forest and XGBoost. XGBoost ECRS were selected to extract local feature contributions using Shapley values and derive feature importance and interactions.

Results

ECRS captured 13%, 50% and 4% of the variance in mental, cardiometabolic, and respiratory health, respectively. We observed no significant differences in predictive performances between the above-mentioned methods.The most important predictive features were maternal stress, noise, and lifestyle exposures for mental health; proteome (mainly IL1B) and metabolome features for cardiometabolic health; child BMI and urine metabolites for respiratory health.

Conclusions

Besides their usefulness for epidemiological research, our risk scores show great potential to capture holistic individual level non-hereditary risk associations that can inform practitioners about actionable factors of high-risk children. As in the post-genetic era personalized prevention medicine will focus more and more on modifiable factors, we believe that such integrative approaches will be instrumental in shaping future healthcare paradigms.
Combined use of Donepezil and Memantine increases the probability of five-year survival of Alzheimer’s disease patients
Authors: Yaghmaei Ehsan , Lu Hongxia , Ehwerhemuepha Louis , Zheng Jianwei , Danioko Sidy , Rezaie Ahmad , Sajjadi Seyed Ahmad , Rakovski Cyril
Published: May 2024

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease. Studying the effects of drug treatments on multiple health outcomes related to AD could be beneficial in demonstrating which drugs reduce the disease burden and increase survival.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive causal inference study implementing doubly robust estimators and using one of the largest high-quality medical databases, the Oracle Electronic Health Records (EHR) Real-World Data. Our work was focused on the estimation of the effects of the two common Alzheimer’s disease drugs, Donepezil and Memantine, and their combined use on the five-year survival since initial diagnosis of AD patients. Also, we formally tested for the presence of interaction between these drugs.

Results

Here, we show that the combined use of Donepezil and Memantine significantly elevates the probability of five-year survival. In particular, their combined use increases the probability of five-year survival by 0.050 (0.021, 0.078) (6.4%), 0.049 (0.012, 0.085), (6.3%), 0.065 (0.035, 0.095) (8.3%) compared to no drug treatment, the Memantine monotherapy, and the Donepezil monotherapy respectively. We also identify a significant beneficial additive drug-drug interaction effect between Donepezil and Memantine of 0.064 (0.030, 0.098).

Conclusions

Based on our findings, adopting combined treatment of Memantine and Donepezil could extend the lives of approximately 303,000 people with AD living in the USA to be beyond five-years from diagnosis. If these patients instead have no drug treatment, Memantine monotherapy or Donepezil monotherapy they would be expected to die within five years.
Declining groundwater storage expected to amplify mountain streamflow reductions in a warmer world
Authors: Carroll Rosemary W. H. , Niswonger Richard G. , Ulrich Craig , Varadharajan Charuleka , Siirila-Woodburn Erica R. , Williams Kenneth H.
Published: May 2024

Groundwater interactions with mountain streams are often simplified in model projections, potentially leading to inaccurate estimates of streamflow response to climate change. Here, using a high-resolution, integrated hydrological model extending 400 m into the subsurface, we find groundwater an important and stable source of historical streamflow in a mountainous watershed of the Colorado River. In a warmer climate, increased forest water use is predicted to reduce groundwater recharge resulting in groundwater storage loss. Losses are expected to be most severe during dry years and cannot recover to historical levels even during simulated wet periods. Groundwater depletion substantially reduces annual streamflow with intermittent conditions predicted when precipitation is low. Expanding results across the region suggests groundwater declines will be highest in the Colorado Headwater and Gunnison basins. Our research highlights the tight coupling of vegetation and groundwater dynamics and that excluding explicit groundwater response to warming may underestimate future reductions in mountain streamflow.
Question-based computational language approach outperforms rating scales in quantifying emotional states
Authors: Sikström Sverker , Valavičiūtė Ieva , Kuusela Inari , Evors Nicole
Published: May 2024

Psychological constructs are commonly quantified with closed-ended rating scales. However, recent advancements in natural language processing (NLP) enable the quantification of open-ended language responses. Here we demonstrate that descriptive word responses analyzed using NLP show higher accuracy in categorizing emotional states compared to traditional rating scales. One group of participants (N = 297) generated narratives related to depression, anxiety, satisfaction, or harmony, summarized them with five descriptive words, and rated them using rating scales. Another group (N = 434) evaluated these narratives (with descriptive words and rating scales) from the author’s perspective. The descriptive words were quantified using NLP, and machine learning was used to categorize the responses into the corresponding emotional states. The results showed a significantly higher number of accurate categorizations of the narratives based on descriptive words (64%) than on rating scales (44%), questioning the notion that rating scales are more precise in measuring emotional states than language-based measures.
Flavan-3-ol monomers intake is associated with osteoarthritis risk in Americans over 40 years of age: results from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey database
Authors: Zhao Donghui , Shen Shasha , Guo Yi , Wang Yu , Gu Chonghao , Guo Bingqing , Jiang Tao
Published: May 2024

There is a non-linear relationship between the daily intake of flavan-3-ols and osteoarthritis risk in a sample of Americans over 40 years of age.
Nanoparticle-mediated diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of breast cancer
Authors: Leena Panigrahi Lipsa , Samal Pallavi , Ranjan Sahoo Sameer , Sahoo Banishree , Pradhan Arun Kumar , Mahanta Sailendra , Rath Sandip Kumar , Arakha Manoranjan
Published: May 2024

Nanoscale materials offer prospects of targeted treatment, precise delivery of therapeutic agents, stimuli-responsive mechanisms, and reduced toxicity in breast cancer patients.
A method for the quantitative analysis of polar anionic pesticides in milk/infant formula, cereals and fruit and vegetables using ion chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Garvey Jim , Margalit Anatte , Kelly Michael , Geoghegan Eoin , Burrell Stephen
Published: May 2024

Polar pesticides such as anionic or ionisable compounds have always provided a challenge for analytical chemists.
Sulfur resistance mechanism of PdSx catalysts in catalytic oxidation of toluene
Authors: Liu Huadong , Bian Jiawei , Sun Zhaofei , Ling Hao , Ju Feng
Published: May 2024

A series of catalysts were prepared by gas-phase sulfidation. The mechanism of catalytic oxidation of VOCs is the MVK mechanism.
Investigating the reliability and interpretability of machine learning frameworks for chemical retrosynthesis
Authors: Hastedt Friedrich , Bailey Rowan M. , Hellgardt Klaus , Yaliraki Sophia N. , del Rio Chanona Ehecatl Antonio , Zhang Dongda
Published: May 2024

EvalRetro: Unifying the evaluation of machine learning frameworks to enhance understanding and transparency for retrosynthesis.
Multiscale correlative imaging reveals sequential and heterogeneous degradations in fast-charging batteries
Authors: Meng Dechao , Xue Zhichen , Chen Guokang , Zhou Dengke , He Yu-Shi , Ma Zi-Feng , Liu Yijin , Li Linsen
Published: May 2024

In this work, we developed lengthscale-bridging, multimodal SEM-Raman-NanoSIMs techniques to understand the complex chemical–structural–mechanical interplays within fast-charging batteries and revealed sequential and heterogeneous degradations.
Influence of consumption of the food additive carrageenan on the gut microbiota and the intestinal homeostasis of mice
Authors: Bellanco Alicia , Félix Judith , Díaz Del Cerro Estefanía , Martínez Cuesta M. Carmen , De la Fuente Mónica , Requena Teresa
Published: May 2024

The risks associated with carrageenan intake through its hydrolysis by the gut microbiome is studied.
MoS2 quantum dot-modified MXene nanoflowers for efficient electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Raj Savan K. , Sharma Vartika , Mishra Shubham , Kulshrestha Vaibhav
Published: May 2024

Electrochemical water splitting clutches abundant capacity as it produces molecular hydrogen as an efficient energy carrier.
Bio-catalytic nanoparticle shaping for preparing mesoscopic assemblies of semiconductor quantum dots and organic molecules
Authors: Akter Rumana , Kirkwood Nicholas , Zaman Samantha , Lu Bang , Wang Tinci , Takakusagi Satoru , Mulvaney Paul , Biju Vasudevanpillai , Takano Yuta
Published: May 2024

Mesoscopic particles are promising materials in various fields owing to the combined or synergistic nature of quantum and bulk effects. We present a new approach for preparing a variety of dispersible mesoscopic particles using bio-enzymes.
Fatigue behavior of freestanding nickel–molybdenum–tungsten thin films with high-density planar faults
Authors: Park JungHun , Park Yuhyun , Choi Sunkun , Lee Zhuo Feng , Sim Gi-Dong
Published: May 2024

Ni–Mo–W thin films with atomic-scale planar faults possess an unprecedented fatigue strength exceeding 2 GPa beyond 106 cycles.
Enhancing the electronic structure of Ni-based electrocatalysts through N element substitution for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Yang Yibin , Jin Xin , Zhan Fangyang , Yang Yang
Published: May 2024

The notion of orbital-regulated electronic levels on Ni sites introduces a distinctive methodology for the systematic development of catalysts used in hydrogen evolution and other applications.
Cyclic thioanhydride/episulfide copolymerizations catalyzed by bipyridine-bisphenolate aluminum/onium pair: approach to structurally and functionally diverse poly(thioester)s
Authors: Han Kaixiang , Wang Mingqian , Ding Zhiqiang , Zhou Zijing , Wang Bin , Li Yuesheng
Published: May 2024

Structurally and functionally diverse poly(thioester)s were readily synthesized via ring-opening copolymerization of cyclic thioanhydrides and episulfides catalyzed by a bipyridine-bisphenolate aluminum/onium pair.
Constructing a magnesium fluoride-rich solid electrolyte interface for high-performance lithium metal anodes
Authors: Zhang Wen-Wei , Tian Ya-Wen , Gao Qian-Yu , Zeng Zhuo-Hang , Mohamed Hemdan S. H. , Chen Li-Hua , Li Yu , Su Bao-Lian
Published: May 2024

The solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer plays a crucial role in the cycling process of lithium (Li) metal batteries, especially in the process of Li stripping and plating at high current densities.
·YlideFluor-CF2Cl: a shelf-stable, versatile electrophilic or radical chlorodifluoromethylating reagent
Authors: Zhang Tian , Zhang Yuhan , Li Zimeng , Wu Botao , Shen Qilong
Published: May 2024

An easily available chlorodifluoromethylating reagent YlideFluor-CF2Cl based on the sulfonium ylide skeleton was developed.
Evolution and final fate of massive post-common-envelope binaries
Authors: Wei Dandan , Schneider Fabian R. N. , Podsiadlowski Philipp , Laplace Eva , Röpke Friedrich K. , Vetter Marco
Published: May 2024

Mergers of neutron stars (NSs) and black holes (BHs) are nowadays observed routinely thanks to gravitational-wave (GW) astronomy. In the isolated binary-evolution channel, a common-envelope (CE) phase of a red supergiant (RSG) and a compact object is crucial to sufficiently shrink the orbit and thereby enable a merger via GW emission. Here, we use the outcomes of two three-dimensional (3D) magneto-hydrodynamic CE simulations of an initially 10.0 solar-mass RSG with a 5.0 solar-mass BH and a 1.4 solar-mass NS, respectively, to explore the further evolution and final fate of the remnant binaries (post-CE binaries). Notably, the 3D simulations reveal that the post-CE binaries are likely surrounded by circumbinary disks (CBDs), which contain substantial mass and angular momentum to influence the subsequent evolution. The binary systems in MESA modelling undergo another phase of mass transfer and we find that most donor stars do not explode in ultra-stripped supernovae (SNe), but rather in Type Ib/c SNe. Without NS kicks, the final orbital configurations of our models with the BH companion are too wide to allow for a compact object merger within a Hubble time. NS kicks are actually required to sufficiently perturb the orbit and thus facilitate a merger via GW emission. Moreover, we explore the influence of CBDs observed in 3D CE simulations on the evolution and final fate of the post-CE binaries. We find that mass accretion from the disk widens the binary orbit, while resonant interactions between the CBD and the binary can shrink the separation and increase the eccentricity of the binary depending on the disk mass and lifetime. Efficient resonant contractions may even enable a BH or NS to merge with the remnant He stars before a second SN explosion, which may be observed as gamma-ray burst-like transients, luminous fast blue optical transients, and Thorne-Żytkow objects. For the surviving post-CE binaries, the CBD-binary interactions may significantly increase the GW-induced double compact merger fraction. We conclude that accounting for CBD may be crucial to better understand observed GW mergers.
Structure and dynamics of the Hermean magnetosphere revealed by electron observations from the Mercury electron analyzer after the first three Mercury flybys of BepiColombo
Authors: Rojo M. , André N. , Aizawa S. , Sauvaud J.-A. , Saito Y. , Harada Y. , Fedorov A. , Penou E. , Barthe A. , Persson M. , Yokota S. , Mazelle C. , Hadid L. Z. , Delcourt D. , Fontaine D. , Fränz M. , Katra B. , Krupp N. , Murakami G.
Published: May 2024

Context. The Mercury electron analyzer (MEA) obtained new electron observations during the first three Mercury flybys by BepiColombo on October 1, 2021 (MFB1), June 23 , 2022 (MFB2), and June 19, 2023 (MFB3). BepiColombo entered the dusk side magnetotail from the flank magnetosheath in the northern hemisphere, crossed the Mercury solar orbital equator around midnight in the magnetotail, traveled from midnight to dawn in the southern hemisphere near the closest approach, and exited from the post-dawn magnetosphere into the dayside magnetosheath.

Aims. We aim to identify the magnetospheric boundaries and describe the structure and dynamics of the electron populations observed in the various regions explored along the flyby trajectories.

Methods. We derive 4s time resolution electron densities and temperatures from MEA observations. We compare and contrast our new BepiColombo electron observations with those obtained from the Mariner 10 scanning electron spectrometer (SES) 49 yr ago.

Results. A comparison to the averaged magnetospheric boundary crossings of MESSENGER indicates that the magnetosphere of Mercury was compressed during MFB1, close to its average state during MFB2, and highly compressed during MFB3. Our new MEA observations reveal the presence of a wake effect very close behind Mercury when BepiColombo entered the shadow region, a significant dusk-dawn asymmetry in electron fluxes in the nightside magnetosphere, and strongly fluctuating electrons with energies above 100s eV in the dawnside magnetosphere. Magnetospheric electron densities and temperatures are in the range of 10–30 cm−3 and above a few 100s eV in the pre-midnight-sector, and in the range of 1–100 cm−3 and well below 100 eV in the post-midnight sector, respectively.

Conclusions. The MEA electron observations of different solar wind properties encountered during the first three Mercury flybys reveal the highly dynamic response and variability of the solar wind-magnetosphere interactions at Mercury. A good match is found between the electron plasma parameters derived by MEA in the various regions of the Hermean environment and similar ones derived in a few cases from other instruments on board BepiColombo.
Thermonuclear 28P(p, γ)29S reaction rate and astrophysical implication in ONe nova explosion
Authors: Liu J. B. , José J. , Hou S. Q. , Pignatari M. , Trueman T. C. L. , Longland R. , Li J. G. , Bertulani C. A. , Xu X. X.
Published: May 2024

Context. An accurate 28P(p, γ)29S reaction rate is crucial to defining the nucleosynthesis products of explosive hydrogen burning in ONe novae. Using the recently released nuclear mass of 29S, together with a shell model and a direct capture calculation, we reanalyzed the 28P(p, γ)29S thermonuclear reaction rate and its astrophysical implication.

Aims. We focus on improving the astrophysical rate for 28P(p, γ)29S based on the newest nuclear mass data. Our goal is to explore the impact of the new rate and associated uncertainties on the nova nucleosynthesis.

Methods. We evaluated this reaction rate via the sum of the isolated resonance contribution instead of the previously used Hauser-Feshbach statistical model. The corresponding rate uncertainty at different energies was derived using a Monte Carlo method. Nova nucleosynthesis is computed with the 1D hydrodynamic code SHIVA.

Results. The contribution from the capture on the first excited state at 105.64 keV in 28P is taken into account for the first time. We find that the capture rate on the first excited state in28 P is up to more than 12 times larger than the ground-state capture rate in the temperature region of 2.5 × 107 K to 4 × 108 K, resulting in the total 28P(p, γ)29S reaction rate being enhanced by a factor of up to 1.4 at ~1 × 109 K. In addition, the rate uncertainty has been quantified for the first time. It is found that the new rate is smaller than the previous statistical model rates, but it still agrees with them within uncertainties for nova temperatures. The statistical model appears to be roughly valid for the rate estimation of this reaction in the nova nucleosynthesis scenario. Using the 1D hydrodynamic code SHIVA, we performed the nucleosynthesis calculations in a nova explosion to investigate the impact of the new rates of 28P(p, γ)29S. Our calculations show that the nova abundance pattern is only marginally affected if we use our new rates with respect to the same simulations but statistical model rates. Finally, the isotopes whose abundance is most influenced by the present 28P(p, γ)29S uncertainty are 28Si, 33,34S, 35,37Cl, and 36Ar, with relative abundance changes at the level of only 3% to 4%.
Blueberry galaxies up to 200 Mpc and their optical and infrared properties
Authors: Kouroumpatzakis K. , Svoboda J. , Zezas A. , Borkar A. , Kyritsis E. , Boorman P. G. , Daoutis C. , Adamcová B. , Grossová R.
Published: May 2024

Context. Dwarf highly star-forming galaxies (SFGs) dominated the early Universe and are considered the main driver of its reionization. However, direct observations of these distant galaxies are mainly confined to rest-frame ultraviolet and visible light, limiting our understanding of their complete properties. Therefore, it is still paramount to study their local analogs, the green pea (GP) and blueberry (BB) galaxies.

Aims. This work aims to expand our knowledge of BBs by identifying a new sample that is closer and in the southern sky.

Methods. In addition to the already known BBs, this new sample will allow for a statistically significant study of their properties probed by visible and infrared (IR) light. By utilizing the HECATE catalog, which provides optical and IR photometry and characterization of galaxies, along with data from Pan-STARSS and SDSS, this study selects and analyzes a new sample of BBs. We employed spectral energy distribution fitting to derive homogeneous measurements of star-formation rates and stellar masses. Additionally, we measured emission-line fluxes, including He II λ4686, through spectral fitting.

Results. Through this work, we identified 48 BBs, of which 40 were first recognized as such, with the nearest at 19 Mpc. Fourteen of the BBs are in the south sky. The BBs tend to be extremely IR red in both WISE W1 – W2 and W2 – W3 colors, distinguishing them from typical SFGs. Dwarf SFGs with higher specific star-formation rates tend to have redder IR colors.

Conclusions. Blueberry galaxies stand out as the most intensely star-forming sources in the local Universe among dwarf galaxies. They are intrinsically bluer in visible light, redder in the infrared, and less massive. They also have higher specific star-formation rates, equivalent widths, lower metallicities, and the most strongly ionized interstellar medium compared to typical SFGs and GPs.
Low-temperature enhancement in the extraction of phosphorus from metallurgical-grade silicon by simultaneously re-constructing phosphorus-rich phases of Ca3P2 and CaAl2Si2-P
Authors: Liang Jinshan , Zhang Yanzhe , Huang Xinping , Li Juncheng , Zhao Qing , Li Yabo , Li Jingwei
Published: May 2024

A novel method of combined Si-Al solvent refining with CaCl2-CaF2-CaO molten salt treatment for phosphorus removal from metallurgical-grade silicon was investigated. With the mass ratio of salt (45 wt.%CaCl2–45 wt.%CaF2–10 wt.%CaO) to the alloy (phosphorus-doped Al-Si) being 1:1, phosphorus-rich phases of Ca3P2 and CaAl2Si2-P were successfully reconstructed at 1250 °C for 1 h. After acid leaching, phosphorus content decreased from 3 wt.% to 0.24 wt.%, corresponding to a phosphorus removal rate of 91.95%.
Multi-choice conic goal programming model-based network data envelopment analysis
Authors: Deli̇ktaş Derya , Ustun Ozden , Demirtas Ezgi Aktar , Arapoglu Rifat Aykut
Published: May 2024

In multi-stage processes, classical Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) acts like a black box and measures the efficiency of decision-making units (DMUs) without considering the internal structure of the system. Unlike classical DEA, recent studies have shown that the overall system efficiency scores are more meaningful if researched using the Network DEA (NDEA) methodology. NDEA performs simultaneous efficiency evaluations of sub-processes and the entire system. Recently, the composition method integrated with multi-objective programming (MOP) has been preferred by many authors to alleviate the drawbacks of earlier methods such as decomposition, slack-based measure (SBM) and the system-centric approach. This study proposes a novel approach incorporating Multi-Choice Conic Goal Programming into the NDEA (MCCGP-NDEA). It provides a more accurate representation of the Pareto front by revealing potential Pareto optimal solutions which are overlooked by the composition methods. Due to its ability to modify stage weights based on the decision makers’ (DMs) preferences, it is likely to gather more samples from the Pareto surface. Computational results on available benchmark problems confirm that the proposed MCCGP-NDEA is a viable alternative to existing methods.