bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accurate integration of single-cell DNA and RNA for analyzing intratumor heterogeneity using MaCroDNA
Authors: Edrisi Mohammadamin , Huang Xiru , Ogilvie Huw A. , Nakhleh Luay
Published: December 2023

Cancers develop and progress as mutations accumulate, and with the advent of single-cell DNA and RNA sequencing, researchers can observe these mutations and their transcriptomic effects and predict proteomic changes with remarkable temporal and spatial precision. However, to connect genomic mutations with their transcriptomic and proteomic consequences, cells with either only DNA data or only RNA data must be mapped to a common domain. For this purpose, we present MaCroDNA, a method that uses maximum weighted bipartite matching of per-gene read counts from single-cell DNA and RNA-seq data. Using ground truth information from colorectal cancer data, we demonstrate the advantage of MaCroDNA over existing methods in accuracy and speed. Exemplifying the utility of single-cell data integration in cancer research, we suggest, based on results derived using MaCroDNA, that genomic mutations of large effect size increasingly contribute to differential expression between cells as Barrett’s esophagus progresses to esophageal cancer, reaffirming the findings of the previous studies.
Structural variants involved in high-altitude adaptation detected using single-molecule long-read sequencing
Authors: Shi Jinlong , Jia Zhilong , Sun Jinxiu , Wang Xiaoreng , Zhao Xiaojing , Zhao Chenghui , Liang Fan , Song Xinyu , Guan Jiawei , Jia Xue , Yang Jing , Chen Qi , Yu Kang , Jia Qian , Wu Jing , Wang Depeng , Xiao Yuhui , Xu Xiaoman , Liu Yinzhe , Wu Shijing , Zhong Qin , Wu Jue , Cui Saijia , Bo Xiaochen , Wu Zhenzhou , Park Minsung , Kellis Manolis , He Kunlun
Published: December 2023

Structural variants (SVs), accounting for a larger fraction of the genome than SNPs/InDels, are an important pool of genetic variation, enabling environmental adaptations. Here, we perform long-read sequencing data of 320 Tibetan and Han samples and show that SVs are highly involved in high-altitude adaptation. We expand the landscape of global SVs, apply robust models of selection and population differentiation combining SVs, SNPs and InDels, and use epigenomic analyses to predict enhancers, target genes and biological functions. We reveal diverse Tibetan-specific SVs affecting the regulatory circuitry of biological functions, including the hypoxia response, energy metabolism and pulmonary function. We find a Tibetan-specific deletion disrupts a super-enhancer and downregulatesEPAS1using enhancer reporter, cellular knock-out and DNA pull-down assays. Our study expands the global SV landscape, reveals the role of gene-regulatory circuitry rewiring in human adaptation, and illustrates the diverse functional roles of SVs in human biology.
Cell geometry regulates tissue fracture
Authors: Bidhendi Amir J. , Lampron Olivier , Gosselin Frédérick P. , Geitmann Anja
Published: December 2023

In vascular plants, the epidermal surfaces of leaves and flower petals often display cells with wavy geometries forming intricate jigsaw puzzle patterns. The prevalence and diversity of these complex epidermal patterns, originating from simple polyhedral progenitor cells, suggest adaptive significance. However, despite multiple efforts to explain the evolutionary drivers behind these geometrical features, compelling validation remains elusive. Employing a multidisciplinary approach that integrates microscopic and macroscopic fracture experiments with computational fracture mechanics, we demonstrate that wavy epidermal cells toughen the plants’ protective skin. Through a multi-scale framework, we demonstrate that this energy-efficient patterning mechanism is universally applicable for toughening biological and synthetic materials. Our findings reveal a tunable structural-mechanical strategy employed in the microscale design of plants to protect them from deleterious surface fissures while facilitating and strategically directing beneficial ones. These findings hold implications for targeted plant breeding aimed at enhancing resilience in fluctuating environmental conditions. From an engineering perspective, our work highlights the sophisticated design principles the plant kingdom offers to inspire metamaterials.
Decadal oscillation provides skillful multiyear predictions of Antarctic sea ice
Authors: Liu Yusen , Sun Cheng , Li Jianping , Kucharski Fred , Di Lorenzo Emanuele , Abid Muhammad Adnan , Li Xichen
Published: December 2023

Over the satellite era, Antarctic sea ice exhibited an overall long-term increasing trend, contrary to the Arctic reduction under global warming. However, the drastic decline of Antarctic sea ice in 2014–2018 raises questions about its interannual and decadal-scale variabilities, which are poorly understood and predicted. Here, we identify an Antarctic sea ice decadal oscillation, exhibiting a quasi-period of 8–16 years, that is anticorrelated with the Pacific Quasi-Decadal Oscillation (r = −0.90). By combining observations, Coupled Model Intercomparison Project historical simulations, and pacemaker climate model experiments, we find evidence that the synchrony between the sea ice decadal oscillation and Pacific Quasi-Decadal Oscillation is linked to atmospheric poleward-propagating Rossby wave trains excited by heating in the central tropical Pacific. These waves weaken the Amundsen Sea Low, melting sea ice due to enhanced shortwave radiation and warm advection. A Pacific Quasi-Decadal Oscillation-based regression model shows that this tropical-polar teleconnection carries multi-year predictability.
Evolution of neuronal cell classes and types in the vertebrate retina
Authors: Hahn Joshua , Monavarfeshani Aboozar , Qiao Mu , Kao Allison H. , Kölsch Yvonne , Kumar Ayush , Kunze Vincent P. , Rasys Ashley M. , Richardson Rose , Wekselblatt Joseph B. , Baier Herwig , Lucas Robert J. , Li Wei , Meister Markus , Trachtenberg Joshua T. , Yan Wenjun , Peng Yi-Rong , Sanes Joshua R. , Shekhar Karthik
Published: December 2023

The basic plan of the retina is conserved across vertebrates, yet species differ profoundly in their visual needs1. Retinal cell types may have evolved to accommodate these varied needs, but this has not been systematically studied. Here we generated and integrated single-cell transcriptomic atlases of the retina from 17 species: humans, two non-human primates, four rodents, three ungulates, opossum, ferret, tree shrew, a bird, a reptile, a teleost fish and a lamprey. We found high molecular conservation of the six retinal cell classes (photoreceptors, horizontal cells, bipolar cells, amacrine cells, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and Müller glia), with transcriptomic variation across species related to evolutionary distance. Major subclasses were also conserved, whereas variation among cell types within classes or subclasses was more pronounced. However, an integrative analysis revealed that numerous cell types are shared across species, based on conserved gene expression programmes that are likely to trace back to an early ancestral vertebrate. The degree of variation among cell types increased from the outer retina (photoreceptors) to the inner retina (RGCs), suggesting that evolution acts preferentially to shape the retinal output. Finally, we identified rodent orthologues of midget RGCs, which comprise more than 80% of RGCs in the human retina, subserve high-acuity vision, and were previously believed to be restricted to primates2. By contrast, the mouse orthologues have large receptive fields and comprise around 2% of mouse RGCs. Projections of both primate and mouse orthologous types are overrepresented in the thalamus, which supplies the primary visual cortex. We suggest that midget RGCs are not primate innovations, but are descendants of evolutionarily ancient types that decreased in size and increased in number as primates evolved, thereby facilitating high visual acuity and increased cortical processing of visual information.
Brain-wide correspondence of neuronal epigenomics and distant projections
Authors: Zhou Jingtian , Zhang Zhuzhu , Wu May , Liu Hanqing , Pang Yan , Bartlett Anna , Peng Zihao , Ding Wubin , Rivkin Angeline , Lagos Will N. , Williams Elora , Lee Cheng-Ta , Miyazaki Paula Assakura , Aldridge Andrew , Zeng Qiurui , Salinda J. L. Angelo , Claffey Naomi , Liem Michelle , Fitzpatrick Conor , Boggeman Lara , Yao Zizhen , Smith Kimberly A. , Tasic Bosiljka , Altshul Jordan , Kenworthy Mia A. , Valadon Cynthia , Nery Joseph R. , Castanon Rosa G. , Patne Neelakshi S. , Vu Minh , Rashid Mohammad , Jacobs Matthew , Ito Tony , Osteen Julia , Emerson Nora , Lee Jasper , Cho Silvia , Rink Jon , Huang Hsiang-Hsuan , Pinto-Duartec António , Dominguez Bertha , Smith Jared B. , O’Connor Carolyn , Zeng Hongkui , Chen Shengbo , Lee Kuo-Fen , Mukamel Eran A. , Jin Xin , Margarita Behrens M. , Ecker Joseph R. , Callaway Edward M.
Published: December 2023

Single-cell analyses parse the brain’s billions of neurons into thousands of ‘cell-type’ clusters residing in different brain structures1. Many cell types mediate their functions through targeted long-distance projections allowing interactions between specific cell types. Here we used epi-retro-seq2 to link single-cell epigenomes and cell types to long-distance projections for 33,034 neurons dissected from 32 different regions projecting to 24 different targets (225 source-to-target combinations) across the whole mouse brain. We highlight uses of these data for interrogating principles relating projection types to transcriptomics and epigenomics, and for addressing hypotheses about cell types and connections related to genetics. We provide an overall synthesis with 926 statistical comparisons of discriminability of neurons projecting to each target for every source. We integrate this dataset into the larger BRAIN Initiative Cell Census Network atlas, composed of millions of neurons, to link projection cell types to consensus clusters. Integration with spatial transcriptomics further assigns projection-enriched clusters to smaller source regions than the original dissections. We exemplify this by presenting in-depth analyses of projection neurons from the hypothalamus, thalamus, hindbrain, amygdala and midbrain to provide insights into properties of those cell types, including differentially expressed genes, their associated cis-regulatory elements and transcription-factor-binding motifs, and neurotransmitter use.
Indigenous Australian genomes show deep structure and rich novel variation
Authors: Silcocks Matthew , Farlow Ashley , Hermes Azure , Tsambos Georgia , Patel Hardip R. , Huebner Sharon , Baynam Gareth , Jenkins Misty R. , Vukcevic Damjan , Easteal Simon , Leslie Stephen ,   The National Centre for Indigenous Genomics, Farlow Ashley , Hermes Azure , Patel Hardip R. , Huebner Sharon , Baynam Gareth , Jenkins Misty R. , Easteal Simon , Leslie Stephen
Published: December 2023

The Indigenous peoples of Australia have a rich linguistic and cultural history. How this relates to genetic diversity remains largely unknown because of their limited engagement with genomic studies. Here we analyse the genomes of 159 individuals from four remote Indigenous communities, including people who speak a language (Tiwi) not from the most widespread family (Pama–Nyungan). This large collection of Indigenous Australian genomes was made possible by careful community engagement and consultation. We observe exceptionally strong population structure across Australia, driven by divergence times between communities of 26,000–35,000 years ago and long-term low but stable effective population sizes. This demographic history, including early divergence from Papua New Guinean (47,000 years ago) and Eurasian groups1, has generated the highest proportion of previously undescribed genetic variation seen outside Africa and the most extended homozygosity compared with global samples. A substantial proportion of this variation is not observed in global reference panels or clinical datasets, and variation with predicted functional consequence is more likely to be homozygous than in other populations, with consequent implications for medical genomics2. Our results show that Indigenous Australians are not a single homogeneous genetic group and their genetic relationship with the peoples of New Guinea is not uniform. These patterns imply that the full breadth of Indigenous Australian genetic diversity remains uncharacterized, potentially limiting genomic medicine and equitable healthcare for Indigenous Australians.
Inhibition of the KCa2 potassium channel in atrial fibrillation: a randomized phase 2 trial
Authors: Holst Anders G. , Tomcsányi János , Vestbjerg Birgitte , Grunnet Morten , Sørensen Ulrik S. , Diness Jonas G. , Bentzen Bo H. , Edvardsson Nils , Hohnloser Stefan H. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Dorian Paul
Published: December 2023

Existing antiarrhythmic drugs to treat atrial fibrillation (AF) have incomplete efficacy, contraindications and adverse effects, including proarrhythmia. AP30663, an inhibitor of the KCa2 channel, has demonstrated AF efficacy in animals; however, its efficacy in humans with AF is unknown. Here we conducted a phase 2 trial in which patients with a current episode of AF lasting for 7 days or less were randomized to receive an intravenous infusion of 3 or 5 mg kg−1 AP30663 or placebo. The trial was prematurely discontinued because of slow enrollment during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. The primary endpoint of the trial was cardioversion from AF to sinus rhythm within 90 min from the start of the infusion, analyzed with Bayesian statistics. Among 59 patients randomized and included in the efficacy analyses, the primary endpoint occurred in 42% (5 of 12), 55% (12 of 22) and 0% (0 of 25) of patients treated with 3 mg kg−1 AP30663, 5 mg kg−1 AP30663 or placebo, respectively. Both doses demonstrated more than 99.9% probability of superiority over placebo, surpassing the prespecified 95% threshold. The mean time to cardioversion, a secondary endpoint, was 47 (s.d. = 23) and 41 (s.d. = 24) minutes for 3 mg kg−1 and 5 mg kg−1 AP30663, respectively. AP30663 caused a transient increase in the QTcF interval, with a maximum mean effect of 37.7 ms for the 5 mg kg−1 dose. For both dose groups, no ventricular arrhythmias occurred and adverse event rates were comparable to the placebo group. AP30663 demonstrated AF cardioversion efficacy in patients with recent-onset AF episodes. KCa2 channel inhibition may be an attractive mechanism for rhythm control of AF that should be studied further in randomized trials. ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT04571385.
KTt-45, a T-type calcium channel blocker, acts as an anticancer agent by inducing apoptosis on HeLa cervical cancer cell line
Authors: Du Nguyen Huy , Ngoc Truong Thi Bich , Cang Huynh Qui , Luyen Nguyen Thi Thuy , Thuoc Tran Linh , Le Quan Tran , Thao Dang Thi Phuong
Published: December 2023

The abnormal expression in the T-type calcium channels is involved in various cancer types, thus inhibiting T-type calcium channels is one of approaches in cancer treatment. The fact that KTt-45 acted as a T-type calcium channel inhibitor as well as a pain-relief agent prompts us to address if KTt-45 plays any role against cancer cells. The results showed that KTt-45 caused cytotoxic effects towards HeLa cervical, Raji lymphoma, MCF-7 breast cancer, and A549 lung cancer cell lines with IC50 values less than 100 μM, in which highly selective toxicity was against HeLa cells (IC50 = 37.4 μM, SI > 3.2). Strikingly, the KTt-45 induced an accumulation of cytoplasmic vacuoles after 48 h treatment and mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis activation as evidenced by morphological features, chromatin condensation, nuclear fragmentation, and significant activation of caspase-9 as well as caspase-3. In conclusion, KTt-45 could inhibit cell growth and trigger mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis in HeLa cervical cancer cells. The results, taken together, strongly demonstrated that KTt-45 is a potential agent for further study on anticancer drug development which not only targets cancer cells but also helps to relieve neuropathic pain in cancer patients.
Absence of COVID-19 associated mucormycosis in a tertiary intensive care unit in the Netherlands
Authors: Schippers J. R. , Verweij P. E. , Heunks L. M. A. , van Dijk K. ,   the ArtDECO consortium, Nossent Esther J. , Duitman JanWillem , Saris Anno , De Vries Heder , Meijboom Lilian J. , Bos Lieuwe D. J. , Blok Siebe G. , Schuurman Alex R. , Reijnders Tom D. Y. , Vallejo Juan J. Garcia , Bontkes Hetty , Vlaar Alexander P. J. , Wiersinga W. Joost , Lutter René , van der Poll Tom , Bogaard Harm Jan , Heunks Leo , Zhang Shiqi , Kullberg Robert F. J. , de Brabander Justin , Boers Leonoor S.
Published: December 2023

Mucormycosis is a severe complication in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Throughout the pandemic, a notable prevalence of mucormycosis has been observed in the Indian population, whereas lower occurrences have been reported in Europe. However, limited data exist regarding its prevalence in Europe, which is potentially underestimated due to the low sensitivity of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cultures. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of mucormycosis in a high-risk critically ill COVID-19 population in the Netherlands, and to evaluate the potential benefit of adding Mucor PCR to BAL as part of routine follow-up. In this study, we included 1035 critically ill COVID-19 patients admitted to either one of the two ICUs at AmsterdamUMC between March 2020 and May 2022; of these, 374 had undergone at least one bronchoscopy. Following the AmsterdamUMC protocols, bronchoscopies were conducted weekly until clinical improvement was achieved. We cultured BAL fluid for fungi and used PCR and galactomannan testing to detect Aspergillus spp. Additionally, we retrospectively performed qPCR targeting Mucorales DNA in the BAL of 89 deceased patients. All cultures were negative for Mucorales, whereas 42 (11%) cultures were positive for Aspergillus. Furthermore, qPCR targeting Mucorales was negative in all 89 deceased patients. This study showed that pulmonary mucormycosis was not present in critically ill COVID-19 patients in two tertiary care ICUs. These results indicate routine Mucorales qPCR screening is not clinically necessary in a high-standard-of-care tertiary ICU in a low-endemic area.
Potential determinants of parental hesitancy to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 infection: a cross-sectional investigation
Authors: Rehman Shazia , Rehman Nadia , Li Zexuan , Zhang Yan
Published: December 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination hesitancy has emerged as a substantial concern among the adult population globally. However, limited evidence is available about parental hesitancy to vaccinate their children against COVID-19 within the Pakistani context. Thus, the present investigation aimed to assess parental attitudes, perceptions, and willingness regarding vaccination hesitancy and associated predictors of getting their children vaccinated against COVID-19. We conducted a cross-sectional population-based, self-administered online questionnaire in Punjab, Pakistan, on randomly selected parents between October 2022 and February 2023. The data were collected based on socio-demographics, attitudes, perceptions, and willingness of parents regarding COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy for their children. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were estimated to identify the predictors of vaccine hesitancy. The findings demonstrated that among 1,478 participants, a total of 40% believed that the COVID-19 vaccine may pose a greater risk to children than adults, while 38% exhibited no concerns. Around 13% of children were not vaccinated in our study sample. More than half expressed hesitancy toward vaccination, and only 35.25% were inclined to get their children vaccinated in our study sample. In addition, only 16% of the parents believed that the COVID-19 vaccination may cause an alteration in their children’s DNA. A similar proportion of parents were aware of the significance of getting their children vaccinated and expressed their willingness to vaccinate their children to prevent the COVID-19 infection. However, a higher odds ratio was observed in females with a higher educational background and those in the healthcare profession. In conclusion, healthcare awareness-supporting programs for educating parents should be designed and implemented. These insights might aid in the development of strategies to eradicate barriers in existing coronavirus vaccination programs and may vaccinate a larger child population to reduce the adverse consequences of the pandemic.
Multiple invasive species affect germination, growth, and photosynthesis of native weeds and crops in experiments
Authors: Lenda Magdalena , Steudel Bastian , Skórka Piotr , Zagrodzka Zuzanna B. , Moroń Dawid , Bączek-Kwinta Renata , Janowiak Franciszek , Baran Agnieszka , Possingham Hugh P. , Knops Johannes M. H.
Published: December 2023

Alien plant species regularly and simultaneously invade agricultural landscapes and ecosystems; however, the effects of co-invasion on crop production and native biodiversity have rarely been studied. Secondary metabolites produced by alien plants may be allelopathic; if they enter the soil, they may be transported by agricultural activities, negatively affecting crop yield and biodiversity. It is unknown whether substances from different alien species in combination have a greater impact on crops and wild plants than if they are from only one of the alien species. In this study, we used a set of common garden experiments to test the hypothesis that mixed extracts from two common invasive species have synergistic effects on crops and weeds (defined as all non-crop plants) in European agricultural fields compared to single-species extracts. We found that both the combined and individual extracts had detrimental effects on the seed germination, seedling growth, biomass, and photosynthetic performance of both crops and weeds. We found that the negative effect of mixed extracts was not additive and that crop plants were more strongly affected by invasive species extracts than the weeds. Our results are important for managing invasive species in unique ecosystems on agricultural land and preventing economic losses in yield production.
The influence of interoceptive accuracy on the verbalization of emotions
Authors: Suzuki Naho , Yamamoto Tetsuya
Published: December 2023

Interoception, which pertains to the physiological state of the body, is associated with subjective emotional experiences. In particular, the accuracy of perceiving interoceptive signals (interoceptive accuracy [IAcc]) is linked to the intensity of emotional arousal, known as arousal focus (AF). IAcc is believed to influence the granularity of emotional experiences. Here, we examined the relationship between IAcc and assessment and verbalisation of one's own or others' emotions. Study I demonstrated that individuals with higher IAcc exhibited significantly greater AF when evaluating their own positive emotions. Furthermore, although no correlation between IAcc and AF was found in free descriptions of emotions, a significant positive correlation was found between IAcc and the number of emotion-related words. Study II showed that individuals with higher IAcc displayed significantly higher AF when assessing the positive emotions of characters in videos. Additionally, in free descriptions of these characters, a significant positive correlation was observed between predicted verbal IQ and the number of emotion-related words. These findings support the notion that interoception is associated with AF during assessment of one's own or others' positive emotions as well as the abundance of emotion-related words. This study demonstrates the relationship between bodily sensations and social aspects of human embodiment.
Surface defect detection of industrial components based on vision
Authors: Chen Zhendong , Feng Xuefeng , Liu Li , Jia Zhenhong
Published: December 2023

Early and effective surface defect detection in industrial components can avoid the occurrence of serious safety hazards. Since most industrial component surfaces have tiny defects with high similarity to the detection background, there are often issues of missed or false detections when defects are detected, leading to low detection accuracy. To deal with the aforementioned issue, this essay suggests a high-precision detection model for surface defects in industrial components based on the YOLOv5 algorithm. First, the original spatial pyramid pooling (SPPF) is innovated by proposing the SPPFKCSPC module, which improves the network's capacity for feature extraction from targets at different scales and fuses multiscale features better. Then, C3 is combined with SPPFKCSPC and replaces the C3 module of the backbone network, which improves feature expression and enhances the receptive field of the network. Finally, the coordinate attention mechanism (CA) has been embedded into the YOLOv5 neck network, and the bounding box regression loss function of the algorithm is improved to EIOU, not only improving the precision of the target localization and recognition model but also enhancing the overall network performance. Based on the public datasets NEU-DET and PV-Multi-Defect, multiple sets of experiments were conducted using innovative algorithms. On the NEU-DET dataset, we got a mean average accuracy (mAP) of 88.3%, which is 7.2% greater than the original approach. On the PV-Multi-Defect dataset, the mAP value reached 97.5%, an improvement of 1.5%. As shown by the experimental data, the detection results significantly improved.
Lower product of magnesium × potassium is associated with higher mortality in chronic hemodialysis patients: a cohort study
Authors: Chen Jui-Yi , Jiang Ming-Yan , Huang Yun-Ting , Hwang Jyh-Chang
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to investigate the Mg × K product on the mortality risk of hemodialysis patients with concomitant hypokalemia and lower magnesium levels. This was a prospective observational study of patients in a HD center in southern Taiwan. A total of 444 HD patients were divided into 5 groups by the Mg × K product: group 1, bottom quintile, median Mg × K: 7.87, IQR: 7.03–8.12 (n = 89, age: 64 ± 13 years old); group 2, median Mg × K: 9.37, IQR: 8.97–9.86 (n = 89, age:62 ± 13 years old); group 3, median Mg × K: 10.95, IQR: 10.50–11.26 (n = 89, age:64 ± 13 years old); group 4, median Mg × K: 12.30, IQR: 11.87–12.82 (n = 89, 61 ± 12 years old); and group 5, top quintile, median Mg × K: 14.92, IQR:14.07–16.23 (n = 88, 62 ± 11 years old). The patients were followed up for 2 years to determine the risk of all-cause mortality. Patients with a lower Mg × K product had more comorbidities, malnutrition-inflammation status, and a higher mortality risk. Using multivariable Cox regression analysis, a higher Mg × K [HR, 0.89; 95%CI (0.81–0.98)] was found to be an independent predictor of better survival. HD patients with a lower Mg × K product had more comorbidities, a marked malnutrition-inflammation status, and were associated with long-term mortality. A higher Mg × K value is a favorable survival factor.
Sex-dependent relationship of polymorphisms in CLOCK and REV-ERBα genes with body mass index and lipid levels in children
Authors: Vales-Villamarín Claudia , de Dios Olaya , Mahíllo-Fernández Ignacio , Perales Macarena , Pérez-Nadador Iris , Gavela-Pérez Teresa , Soriano-Guillén Leandro , Garcés Carmen
Published: December 2023

Circadian rhythms, which are governed by a circadian clock, regulate important biological processes associated with obesity. SNPs in circadian clock genes have been linked to energy and lipid homeostasis. The aim of our study was to evaluate the associations of CLOCK and REV-ERBα SNPs with BMI and plasma lipid levels in pre-pubertal boys and girls. The study sample population comprised 1268 children aged 6–8 years. Information regarding anthropometric parameters and plasma lipid concentrations was available. Genotyping of CLOCK SNPs rs1801260, rs4580704, rs3749474, rs3736544 and rs4864548 and REV-ERBα SNPs rs2017427, rs20711570 and rs2314339 was performed by RT-PCR. The CLOCK SNPs rs3749474 and rs4864548 were significantly associated with BMI in girls but no in boys. Female carriers of the minor alleles for these SNPs presented lower BMI compared to non-carriers. A significant association of the REV-ERBα SNP rs2071570 with plasma total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and Apo B in males was also observed. Male AA carriers showed lower plasma levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and Apo B levels as compared with carriers of the C allele. No significant associations between any of the studied REV-ERBα SNPs and plasma lipid levels were observed in females. In summary, CLOCK and REV-ERBα SNPs were associated with BMI and plasma lipid levels respectively in a sex-dependent manner. Our findings suggest that sex-related factors may interact with Clock genes SNPs conditioning the effects of these polymorphisms on circadian alterations.
Robust pose estimation which guarantees positive depths
Authors: Li Chun , McInroy John E.
Published: December 2023

In the area of 3D computer vision, the ability to estimate pose between two cameras under high noise levels while maintaining small reprojection errors reflects the robustness of such pose estimation algorithms. Moreover, maintaining positive depth constraint is another challenging task. Unfortunately, current pose estimation algorithms are often sensitive to noise/outliers and do not always guarantee positive depths. As a standalone task, these algorithms perform a positive sign check and simply discard the points with negative depths after the algorithms are executed. These algorithms do not integrate positive depth constraints into the algorithms themselves. Instead, they do it afterwards. Here, from a comprehensive mathematical derivation, we propose a novel pose estimation algorithm that integrates positive depth constraint into the algorithm itself by estimating the depths directly. The algorithm was competitive in producing small reprojection errors when compared to the state-of-the-art algorithms under both synthetic and real-world tests, while most importantly guaranteeing positive depths.
π-Conjugated oligofuran macrocycles
Authors: Dishi Or , Rahav Yuval , Gidron Ori
Published: December 2023

This Feature Article overviews a new class of π-conjugated materials – macrocyclic furans.
Recent progress in iodine capture by macrocycles and cages
Authors: Zhou Weinan , Lavendomme Roy , Zhang Dawei
Published: December 2023

Advances of macrocycle and cage-based materials for iodine capture, with an emphasis on the structure of hosts, complexation mechanism and adsorption efficiency, have been summarized.
Structural analysis of anti-retroviral drug raltegravir and its potential impurity C: investigation of solubility and stability
Authors: Fayaz T. K. S. , Chanduluru Hemanth Kumar , Lal Puja , Ghosh Animesh , Chernyshev Vladimir , Sanphui Palash
Published: December 2023

An anhydrous form of raltegravir and two crystalline phases of its impurity C were obtained during solid form screening and their crystal structures are reported with variable conformations.
Multifunctional aqueous polyurethanes with high strength and self-healing efficiency based on silver nanowires for flexible strain sensors
Authors: Niu Haibin , Li Jiaqi , Song Xin , Zhao Kaiyang , Liu Li , Zhou Chao , Wu Guangfeng
Published: December 2023

The physical crosslinking network of multiple hydrogen bonds and aromatic disulfide bonds can make the waterborne polyurethane self-healing while reversible with good mechanical properties.
Mechanistic study of Eu single atoms occupying four vacancy centers as potential electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Fu Qiming , Wang Daomiao , Liu Chao
Published: December 2023

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on the oxygen electrode plays a critical role in rechargeable metal–air batteries, and the development of electrochemical energy storage and conversion technologies for the ORR is of great significance.
How does theory compare to experiment for oscillator strengths in electronic spectra? Proposing range-separated hybrids with reliable accountability
Authors: Soltani Nejad Mahdi , Alipour Mojtaba
Published: December 2023

The optimally tuned range-separated hybrids are developed and validated for reliable description of oscillator strengths.
Modifying the electronic and magnetic properties of the scandium nitride semiconductor monolayer via vacancies and doping
Authors: Van On Vo , Guerrero-Sanchez J. , Hoat D. M.
Published: December 2023

In this work, d0 magnetism engineering in the stable hexagonal ScN monolayer is investigated.
First-principles prediction of superconducting properties of monolayer 1T′-WS2 under biaxial tensile strain
Authors: Liu Guo-Hua , Qiao Shu-Xiang , Wang Qiu-Hao , Wang Hao , Liu Hao-Dong , Yin Xin-Zhu , Tan Jin-Han , Jiao Na , Lu Hong-Yan , Zhang Ping
Published: December 2023

The superconducting properties of monolayer 1T′-WS2 under biaxial tensile strain were studied. With the increase of strain, the Tc firstly increases and then decreases, with the highest Tc of 7.25 K under the biaxial tensile strain of 3%.
Mutual neutralization in collisions of Li+ with CN−
Authors: Larson Åsa , Orel Ann E.
Published: December 2023

The mutual neutralization reaction in collisions of Li+ with CN− is a promising candidate for rigorous multi-dimensional ab initio studies of atom-molecule charge transfer processes.
Regulating the electrochemical reduction kinetics by the steric hindrance effect for a robust Zn metal anode
Authors: Yang Shuo , Chen Ao , Tang Zijie , Wu Zhuoxi , Li Pei , Wang Yanbo , Wang Xiaoqi , Jin Xu , Bai Shengchi , Zhi Chunyi
Published: December 2023

Regulating the Zn2+ solvation structure with steric hindrance can result in larger electron transfer reorganization energy, which helps to moderate the electrochemical kinetics and facilitates compact zinc deposition.
Selective CO2 electroreduction to multicarbon products exceeding 2 A cm−2 in strong acids via a hollow-fiber Cu penetration electrode
Authors: Zhu Chang , Wu Gangfeng , Chen Aohui , Feng Guanghui , Dong Xiao , Li Guihua , Li Shoujie , Song Yanfang , Wei Wei , Chen Wei
Published: December 2023

Sufficient CO2 feeding induced by the hollow-fiber penetration configuration greatly improved CO2 coverage on Cu active sites in strong acids, favoring CO2 activation, *CHO and *CO formation, and their couplings to C2+ products.
A highly active and chemoselective homobimetallic ruthenium catalyst for one-pot reductive amination in water
Authors: Deshmukh Gopal , Rana Thakur Rochak Kumar , Yadav Nikita , Rajaraman Gopalan , Murugavel Ramaswamy
Published: December 2023

A bimetallic Ru(ii) complex efficiently catalyzes reductive amination of diverse substrates in water with the highest reported TONs and TOFs. Experimental and DFT calculations point to a cooperative effect for the increased efficiency at low catalyst loading (0.05 mol%).
Comparison of different mass bias correction procedures for the measurement of mercury species-specific isotopic composition by gas chromatography coupled to multicollector ICP-MS
Authors: Suárez-Criado Laura , Queipo-Abad Silvia , Rodríguez-González Pablo , García Alonso José Ignacio
Published: December 2023

When dealing with transient signals, such as those obtained from the coupling of gas chromatography with MC-ICP-MS, mass bias has a higher impact on isotope ratio accuracy and precision than when working with continuous signals.
3D-printed microfluidic device for high-throughput production of lipid nanoparticles incorporating SARS-CoV-2 spike protein mRNA
Authors: Lin Wan-Zhen Sophie , Bostic William Kristian Vu , Malmstadt Noah
Published: December 2023

3D printed OSEM device for mRNA-LNP synthesis.
A smartphone-based electrochemical POCT for CEA based on signal amplification of Zr6MOFs
Authors: Shi Shan-Shan , Li Xiao-Jian , Ma Rong-Na , Shang Lei , Zhang Wei , Zhao Huai-Qing , Jia Li-Ping , Wang Huai-Sheng
Published: December 2023

A smartphone-based electrochemical point-of-care testing (POCT) platform for the detection of CEA was developed based on a Zr6MOF signal amplification strategy.
The hydrophobic collapse of thermoresponsive polymer poly(N-vinyl caprolactam): a new class of biocompatible solvents
Authors: Rawat Pradeep , Mor Sanjay , Yadav Ritu , Narang Payal , Bisht Meena , Venkatesu Pannuru
Published: December 2023

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) provide a greener approach to reduce the toxicity of ionic liquids (ILs) when altering the behaviour of polymers.
Reaction of tetracyanoethylene with diselenium dichloride: a route to pyrrolo[2,3-c][1,2,6]selenadiazines
Authors: Laurent Cory , Kourtellaris Andreas , Koutentis Panayiotis A.
Published: December 2023

Chromatography free, gram scale conversion of tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) into readily functionalised exotic fused pyrrolo[2,3-c][1,2,6]selenadiazines: A new entry into selenium heterocyclic chemistry.
Harnessing the potential: advances in cyanobacterial natural product research and biotechnology
Authors: Baunach Martin , Guljamow Arthur , Miguel-Gordo María , Dittmann Elke
Published: December 2023

In order to exploit the enormous natural product potential of cyanobacteria, suitable techniques must be tailored to the special characteristics of the phototrophic prokaryotes.
Quantitative in situ synchrotron X-ray analysis of the ALD/MLD growth of transition metal dichalcogenide TiS2 ultrathin films
Authors: Yadav Ashok-Kumar , Ma Weiliang , Abi Younes Petros , Ciatto Gianluca , Gauthier Nicolas , Skopin Evgeniy , Quadrelli Elsje Alessandra , Schneider Nathanaelle , Renevier Hubert
Published: December 2023

We present a quantitative X-ray absorption spectroscopy study performed in situ during the growth of ultrathin TiS2 films by Atomic/Molecular layer deposition, exploiting insights from density functional theory calculations.
Synthesis of geometry-controlled platinum-containing polymers bearing optically active bidentate phosphine ligands
Authors: Horiuchi Takashi , Makino Soya , Sano Natsuhiro , Sogawa Hiromitsu , Sanda Fumio
Published: December 2023

Pt-diyne polymers were synthesized by dehydrochlorination coupling polymerization of a cis-PtCl2 complex with 1,4-diethynylbenzene, and Sonogashira–Hagihara coupling polymerization of a cis-Pt diethynyl complex with 1,3- and 1,4-diiodobenzenes.
Fuzzy decision-making problem for controlling operating modes of technological systems and method for their solution
Authors: Mailybaeva Aiman , Salybek Lazzat , Utenova Balbupe , Kabylkhamit Zhanargul , Dyussembina Elmira , Iskakova Sandugash , Amanbayeva Zhanylsyn
Published: December 2023

Statements of decision-making problems for managing fuzzy technological objects have been formalized and obtained. and methods for solving them are proposed. The object of study is a heating station for a “hot” main oil pipeline. Since such objects are often characterized by multi-criteria and often operate in conditions of unclear initial information, the tasks are formalized in the form of multi-criteria decision-making problems in a fuzzy environment. Based on the modification of various optimality principles, new mathematical formulations of the problems to be solved were obtained and interactive heuristic algorithms for solving them were developed. The novelty of the proposed approaches to solving formalized fuzzy problems from well-known methods for solving fuzzy problems lies in the fact that problems are posed and solved without first converting them to equivalent deterministic options, which does not reduce the loss of original fuzzy information and makes it possible to obtain more adequate and effective solutions. An example is given of the practical application of the proposed approach to solving decision-making problems by implementing one of the developed algorithms when solving the problem of choosing an effective operating mode for the oil heating station of the Uzen-Samara oil pipeline at the Atyrau point.
Factor system and framework approach to measuring the environmental potential of textile enterprises
Authors: Ivashchenko Natalya
Published: December 2023

The realization of sustainable development goals is one of the leading trends of scientific research in recent years. There are quite a lot of publications devoted to the environmental component of sustainable development, which cannot be said about the assessment of the environmental potential of business systems. More often we are talking about strategic environmental assessment of projects, the effectiveness of environmental management, environmental sustainability and responsibility. But if an organization does not have the appropriate capacity, it is hardly possible to solve these issues. The environmental potential of an organization is an effective tool for implementing the goals of responsible production and consumption, as it characterizes the opportunities, resources and conditions for the formation of a business ecosystem that meets the needs of both present and future generations. The mechanism of its assessment is an important tool in the environmental management system and requires a systematic approach to its development. The purpose of the study was to analyze the essence of the concept, methods of measurement and factors that determine the environmental potential. As a result of the study, conclusions were drawn about the need to take into account a number of requirements in the formation of a method of measuring the environmental potential of the organization, which is the subject of this article. The proposed approach is of a framework nature, as the list of indicators of environmental potential can always be expanded and refined taking into account the specifics of industry characteristics and the profile of the organization's activities.
Textile and apparel entreprises sustainable development strategy: International and domestic experience
Authors: Khvorostyanaya Anna
Published: December 2023

Sustainable development of the textile and apparel enterprises is vast global and local trend. Given the negative externalities of the manufactory's impact on the external environment, many industry actors are actively adopting recycled or organic material practises, changing packaging formats and industrial production principles. Social initiatives, outreach and educational practices are not isolated instances of sustainability among strategic industry leaders. The research carried out in this article develops a deeper theoretical and practical understanding of the existence of strategic documents in the sustainability of fashion and light industry enterprises. This article applies the strategy theory and methodology of strategizing developed by Foreign Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Life-time), Dr.Sc. (Econ.) V.L. Kvint and fashion-strategizing process methodology dedicated to textile and apparel enterprises. The scientific novelty of the article is related to the detailed disclosure of the sustainable development strategies implementation practice aimed at achieving strategic priorities. It is newsworthy to note the full set of strategic documents presented in international companies. The generalised results obtained in this article can become the basis for applied research in the field of strategic development of companies in the domestic sector. One of the promising areas for further research may be the economic and social efficiency assessment of sustainable development strategy implementation.
Simulation case study of digitalization efficiency evaluation for sustainable regional economy
Authors: Bekarev Alexander , Golovin Alexander
Published: December 2023

The paper is dedicated to digitalization efficiency evaluation methods in view of regional economy. Existing methods are briefly summarized. A modified digital efficiency evaluation method adopted to aquaculture as one of the key fields in regional economy of the Republic of Karelia as well as Finland, is extensively studied by means of simulation based on the statistics of the sector, and optimal parameters of budget devoted to digitalization for various size enterprises are obtained by means of numerical study.
Development of a “green” economy: World experience
Authors: Rakhmanbaeva Roza , Yekimov Sergey , Šálková Daniela
Published: December 2023

This scientific article examines the world experience in the development of a "green" economy. The transition to a “green” economy in the world community is demand of the time and real reality. Among the main factors determining the extent to which states are involved in this process are the scarcity of resources and the level of their pollution, the presence of political will at the highest level and public support for government initiatives. Keywords: green economy, natural resources, air pollution, environment, pollution index, agricultural land, water resources, energy.
Technological independence and safety of software for automated process control systems: Analysis and recommendations
Authors: Arakelyan E.K. , Kosoy A.A. , Guseva K.P.
Published: December 2023

The current analysis examines two important aspects of SW PCS software: process independence and process safety. Process independence refers to the flexibility and versatility of the system, which allows it to integrate easily with different technologies, devices and software. This allows organisations to choose from a wide range of hardware and software modules and ensures compatibility with other control systems. Technology security includes measures to protect the system from security threats and breaches such as data protection, user identification and authentication, access control, etc. It is recommended to conduct regular security audits and keep track of system updates and vulnerabilities. The analysis highlights the need to pay attention to the criteria of technological independence and technological security in the development and operation of SW PCS and recommends further research and exchange of experience in this area.
Adaptable software tools for searching objects-analogues tasks in NO-CODE concept
Authors: Prozorova G.V.
Published: December 2023

The paper is devoted to the problem of methodological and software support for the search of object analogues, performed when solving the problems of modelling and designing the development of oil and gas fields. The article shows that there is no single generally accepted methodology for searching analogues, existing methodologies differ in applied similarity criteria and search algorithms, are adapted to the search conditions, and are modernised. With the inconsistency of methods computer programs for searching analogues are created at a low level of abstraction, for a limited range of tasks, the existing developments are integrated with corporate databases and in general do not solve the problem of providing analysts with pro-software tools. As a solution we propose the development of programs for searching analogues in the concept of "no-code" (without programming) on the basis of analytical platforms. The "no-code" approach will allow analysts without involving programmers to create software tools for searching analogues, implementing their own variant methods. The article presents the authors' algorithm for express analysis of data at the initial stage of analogue search and the software tool that implements it, created "no code" on the basis of the Russian analytical platform Loginom.
How AI and machine learning can drive sustainable development
Authors: Akavova Aida , Beguyev Suleyman , Zaripova Rimma
Published: December 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have emerged as powerful tools that can revolutionize various sectors, including sustainable development. This article explores the potential contributions of AI and ML to sustainable development, focusing on their applications in areas such as energy, agriculture, healthcare, and transportation. The methodology involves a comprehensive review of existing literature, including research papers, reports, and case studies. The results and discussion highlight the significant impact of AI and ML in promoting sustainability, improving resource efficiency, enhancing decision-making processes, and addressing complex challenges.