bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vesicle protrusion induced by antimicrobial peptides suggests common carpet mechanism for short antimicrobial peptides
Authors: Park Peter , Matsubara Danilo K. , Barzotto Domenico R. , Lima Filipe S. , Chaimovich Hernan , Marrink Siewert J. , Cuccovia Iolanda M.
Published: April 2024

Short-cationic alpha-helical antimicrobial peptides (SCHAMPs) are promising candidates to combat the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance. They are short-sequenced, selective against bacteria, and have rapid action by destroying membranes. A full understanding of their mechanism of action will provide key information to design more potent and selective SCHAMPs. Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations are invaluable tools that provide detailed insights into the peptide-membrane interaction at the atomic- and meso-scale level. We use atomistic and coarse-grained MD to look into the exact steps that four promising SCHAMPs—BP100, Decoralin, Neurokinin-1, and Temporin L—take when they interact with membranes. Following experimental set-ups, we explored the effects of SCHAMPs on anionic membranes and vesicles at multiple peptide concentrations. Our results showed all four peptides shared similar binding steps, initially binding to the membrane through electrostatic interactions and then flipping on their axes, dehydrating, and inserting their hydrophobic moieties into the membrane core. At higher concentrations, fully alpha-helical peptides induced membrane budding and protrusions. Our results suggest the carpet mode of action is fit for the description of SCHAMPs lysis activity and discuss the importance of large hydrophobic residues in SCHAMPs design and activity.
Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for patients with refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a propensity score matching, observational study
Authors: Shih Hong-Mo , Lin Wei-Jun , Lin You-Cian , Chang Shih-Sheng , Chang Kuan-Cheng , Yu Shao-Hua
Published: April 2024

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is increasingly performed as an adjunct to conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CCPR) for refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). However, the specific benefits of ECPR concerning survival with favorable neurological outcomes remain uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the potential advantages of ECPR in the management of refractory OHCA. We conducted a retrospective cohort study involved OHCA patients between January 2016 and May 2021. Patients were categorized into ECPR or CCPR groups. The primary endpoint assessed was survival with favorable neurological outcomes, and the secondary outcome was survival rate. Multivariate logistic regression analyses, with and without 1:2 propensity score matching, were employed to assess ECPR’s effect. In total, 1193 patients were included: 85underwent ECPR, and 1108 received CCPR. Compared to the CCPR group, the ECPR group exhibited notably higher survival rate (29.4% vs. 2.4%; p < 0.001). The ECPR group also exhibited a higher proportion of survival with favorable neurological outcome than CCPR group (17.6% vs. 0.7%; p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that ECPR correlated with increased odds of survival with favorable neurological outcome (adjusted odds ratio: 13.57; 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.60–40.06). Following propensity score matching, the ECPR group showed significantly elevated odds of survival with favorable neurological outcomes (adjusted odds ratio: 13.31; 95% CI 1.61–109.9). This study demonstrated that in comparison to CCPR, ECPR may provide survival benefit and increase the odds of favorable neurological outcomes in selected OHCA patients.
Exploring mosquito abundance and Plasmodium infection through nested-PCR: implications for disease surveillance and control
Authors: Abbas Haider , Sajid Muhammad S. , Rizwan Hafiz M. , Tahir Urfa B. , Farooqi Shahid H. , Iqbal Zeeshan , Malik Muhammad A. , Yaseen Kashaf , Maqbool Mahvish , Raza Faiz A. , Raza Mohsin , Fouad Dalia , Ataya Farid S.
Published: April 2024

The Plasmodium is responsible for malaria which poses a major health threat, globally. This study is based on the estimation of the relative abundance of mosquitoes, and finding out the correlations of meteorological parameters (temperature, humidity and rainfall) with the abundance of mosquitoes. In addition, this study also focused on the use of nested PCR (species-specific nucleotide sequences of 18S rRNA genes) to explore the Plasmodium spp. in female Anopheles. In the current study, the percentage relative abundance of Culex mosquitoes was 57.65% and Anopheles 42.34% among the study areas. In addition, the highest number of mosquitoes was found in March in district Mandi Bahauddin at 21 °C (Tmax = 27, Tmin = 15) average temperature, 69% average relative humidity and 131 mm rainfall, and these climatic factors were found to affect the abundance of the mosquitoes, directly or indirectly. Molecular analysis showed that overall, 41.3% of the female Anopheles pools were positive for genus Plasmodium. Among species, the prevalence of Plasmodium (P.) vivax (78.1%) was significantly higher than P. falciparum (21.9%). This study will be helpful in the estimation of future risk of mosquito-borne diseases along with population dynamic of mosquitoes to enhance the effectiveness of vector surveillance and control programs.
All-optical 3D blue phase photonic crystal switch with photosensitive dopants
Authors: Oton Eva , Cigl Martin , Morawiak Przemysław , Mironov Sergei , Bubnov Alexej , Piecek Wiktor
Published: April 2024

Blue phase (BP) liquid crystals (LC) have lately become the focus of extensive research due to their peculiar properties and structure. BPs exhibit a highly organized 3D structure with a lattice period in the hundreds of nm. Owing to such structure, BPs are regarded as 3D photonic crystals. The unique properties of this complex LC phase are achieved by the self-assembly of the LC molecules into periodic cubic structures, producing bright selective Bragg reflections. Novel applications involving 3D photonic crystals would certainly benefit from enhanced ground-breaking functionalities. However, the use of BPs as 3D has been traditionally curtailed by the BP crystals trend to grow as random polycrystals, making it difficult to develop practical BP-based photonic devices. The possibility of generating mm-sized BP monocrystals was recently demonstrated. However, besides increasing the scarce number of 3D photonic structural materials, their applications as 3D photonic crystals do not show apparent advantages over other solid materials or metamaterials. Having a tunable BP monocrystal, where crystals could be switched, modulating simultaneously some of their properties as 3D photonic crystals, they would constitute a new family of materials with superior performance to other existing materials, opening up a plethora of new applications. In this work, an all-optical switchable 3D photonic crystal based on BPs doped with tailored photoactive molecules is demonstrated. Two switching modes have been achieved, one where the BP reversibly transitions between two BP phases, BPI and BPII, (two different cubic crystal systems) while maintaining the monocrystallinity of the whole system. The second mode, again reversible, switches between BPI and isotropic state. None of these modes are related to the regular thermal transitions between LC phases; switching is triggered by light pulses of different wavelengths. This all-optical approach allows for a seamless fast remotely controlled optical switch between two 3D photonic crystals in different cubic crystal systems and between a photonic crystal and an isotropic matrix. Applications of switchable BPs for adaptive optics systems or photonic integrated circuits would make great advances using 3D photonic crystal switches. All-optical photonic systems such as these hold great promise for the development of tunable and efficient photonic devices such as dynamic optical filters and sensors, as they enable light-driven modulation and sensing applications with unprecedented versatility.
Development of a novel high-throughput culture system for hypoxic 3D hydrogel cell culture
Authors: Egger Dominik , Baier Luisa , Moldaschl Julia , Taschner Manfred , Lorber Volker , Kasper Cornelia
Published: April 2024

Animal models lack physiologic relevance to the human system which results in low clinical translation of results derived from animal testing. Besides spheroids or organoids, hydrogel-based 3D in vitro models are used to mimic the in vivo situation increasing the relevance while reducing animal testing. However, to establish hydrogel-based 3D models in applications such as drug development or personalized medicine, high-throughput culture systems are required. Furthermore, the integration of oxygen-reduced (hypoxic) conditions has become increasingly important to establish more physiologic culture models. Therefore, we developed a platform technology for the high-throughput generation of miniaturized hydrogels for 3D cell culture. The Oli-Up system is based on the shape of a well-plate and allows for the parallel culture of 48 hydrogel samples, each with a volume of 15 µl. As a proof-of-concept, we established a 3D culture of gelatin-methacryloyl (GelMA)-encapsulated mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs). We used a hypoxia reporter cell line to establish a defined oxygen-reduced environment to precisely trigger cellular responses characteristic of hypoxia in MSCs. In detail, the expression of hypoxia response element (HRE) increased dependent on the oxygen concentration and cell density. Furthermore, MSCs displayed an altered glucose metabolism and increased VEGF secretion upon oxygen-reduction. In conclusion, the Oli-Up system is a platform technology for the high-throughput culture of hydrogel-based 3D models in a defined oxygen environment. As it is amenable for automation, it holds the potential for high-throughput screening applications such as drug development and testing in more physiologic 3D in vitro tissue models.
Structural characteristics of alpha-fetoprotein, including N-glycosylation, metal ion and fatty acid binding sites
Authors: Liu Kun , Wu Cang , Zhu Mingyue , Xu Junnv , Lin Bo , Lin Haifeng , Liu Zhongmin , Li Mengsen
Published: April 2024

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), a serum glycoprotein, is expressed during embryonic development and the pathogenesis of liver cancer. It serves as a clinical tumor marker, function as a carcinogen, immune suppressor, and transport vehicle; but the detailed AFP structural information has not yet been reported. In this study, we used single-particle cryo-electron microscopy(cryo-EM) to analyze the structure of the recombinant AFP obtained a 3.31 Å cryo-EM structure and built an atomic model of AFP. We observed and identified certain structural features of AFP, including N-glycosylation at Asn251, four natural fatty acids bound to distinct domains, and the coordination of metal ions by residues His22, His264, His268, and Asp280. Furthermore, we compared the structural similarities and differences between AFP and human serum albumin. The elucidation of AFP’s structural characteristics not only contributes to a deeper understanding of its functional mechanisms, but also provides a structural basis for developing AFP-based drug vehicles.
Direct esterification of amides by the dimethylsulfate-mediated activation of amide C–N bonds
Authors: Qin Hongjian , Han Zijian , Bonku Emmanuel Mintah , Sun Haiguo , Odilov Abdullajon , Zhu Fuqiang , Abduahadi Safomuddin , Zhu Weiliang , Shen Jingshan , Aisa Haji A.
Published: April 2024

Amides are important intermediates in organic chemistry and the pharmaceutical industry, but their low reactivity requires catalysts and/or severe reaction conditions for esterification. Here, a novel approach was devised to convert amides into esters without the use of transition metals. The method effectively overcomes the inherent low reactivity of amides by employing dimethylsulfate-mediated reaction to activate the C-N bonds. To confirm the proposed reaction mechanism, control experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations were conducted. The method demonstrates a wide array of substrates, including amides with typical H/alkyl/aryl substitutions, N,N-disubstituted amides, amides derived from alkyl, aryl, or vinyl carboxylic acids, and even amino acid substrates with stereocentres. Furthermore, we have shown the effectiveness of dimethylsulfate in removing acyl protective groups in amino derivatives. This study presents a method that offers efficiency and cost-effectiveness in broadening the esterification capabilities of amides, thereby facilitating their increased utilization as synthetic compounds in diverse transformations.
Physicochemical, antibacterial and aromatic qualities of herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora pall) tea with different varieties
Authors: Wang Xiaoxiao , Sun Kairong , Liao Xueping , Zhang Yanli , Ban Yuqian , Zhang Xiuxin , Song Zihan
Published: April 2024

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of five varieties on the quality of herbaceous peony tea.
Oxygen surface exchange kinetics of La1−xSrxCoO3–δ thin-films decorated with binary oxides: links between acidity, strontium doping, and reaction kinetics
Authors: Merieau Alexandre , Siebenhofer Matthäus , Böhme Christin , Kubicek Markus , Joubert Olivier , Fleig Juergen , Nicollet Clément
Published: April 2024

Recent study shows the enhancement of oxygen exchange kinetics of oxygen electrodes using oxides selected using Smith acidity. However, what are the limits to this approach?
High thermoelectric performance in p-type ZnSb upon increasing Zn vacancies: an experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Palraj Jothilal , Sajjad Muhammad , Moorthy Manojkumar , Saminathan Madhuvathani , Srinivasan Bhuvanesh , Singh Nirpendra , Parasuraman Rajasekar , Patole Shashikant P. , Mangalampalli Kiran , Perumal Suresh
Published: April 2024

Zn-vacancy driven high power factor and strong coupling of acoustic and optical modes enhance the zT in p-type ZnSb.
Barium-induced lattice expansion of Ni(OH)2: enhancing catalytic urea oxidation activity for energy-saving H2 production
Authors: Du Cengceng , Wang Zhenyu , Wang Yiming , Xu Wenjuan , Huo Yuqiu , Sun Hongbin , Xu Guangwen
Published: April 2024

By introducing Ba2+, lattice expansion of Ni(OH)2 is triggered, leading to the creation of an efficient catalyst (Ba–Ni/NF) for the UOR that achieves a current density of 100 mA cm−2 at only 1.316 V.
In vivo evaluations of Lactobacillus-fermented Eucheuma spinosum polysaccharides on alleviating food allergy activity
Authors: Zhang Jun , Liu Qingmei , Gu Fudie , Li Yan , Chen Huiying , Liu Meng , Zhou Yu , Liu Hong , Wei Xiaofeng , Liu Guangming
Published: April 2024

F1-ESP-3 exerts anti allergic activity in vivo.
Inverse design of Bézier curve-based mechanical metamaterials with programmable negative thermal expansion and negative Poisson's ratio via a data augmented deep autoencoder
Authors: Cho Min Woo , Ko Keon , Mohammadhosseinzadeh Majid , Kim Ji Hoon , Park Dong Yong , Shin Da Seul , Park Sang Min
Published: April 2024

We introduce a novel deep learning-based inverse design framework with data augmentation for chiral mechanical metamaterials with a Bézier curve-shaped bi-material rib realizing a wide range of negative thermal expansion and negative Poisson's ratio.
Solid solution-type Sm–Pr–O supported nickel-based catalysts for auto-thermal reforming of acetic acid: the role of Pr in solid solution
Authors: Liu Jinbo , Huang Jia , Ding Chenyu , Liao Fuxia , Shu Chenghong , Huang Lihong
Published: April 2024

Hydrogen, as a promising energy carrier, can be extracted from renewable biomass derived acetic acid (HAc).
Trimetallic Fe3O4@Au/MOF nanopolyhedrons with peroxidase-like catalytic activity for the electrochemical detection of tert-butyl hydroquinone as a pollutant in edible oil
Authors: Guan Huanan , Du Shiqin , Zhang Yue , Tang Sheng
Published: April 2024

To ensure edible oil quality and safety, herein, superior hybrid magnetic nanocomposites with an enhanced peroxidase-like activity were demonstrated, which exhibited electrochemical detection of TBHQ in edible oil.
Gate-defined quantum point contacts in a germanium quantum well
Authors: Gao Han , Kong Zhen-Zhen , Zhang Po , Luo Yi , Su Haitian , Liu Xiao-Fei , Wang Gui-Lei , Wang Ji-Yin , Xu H. Q.
Published: April 2024

Quantum point contacts made in a strained Ge/SiGe heterostructure show ballistic charge transport characteristics, featuring quantized conductance plateaus and magnetic field-induced Zeeman splitting of the subbands.
Origin of 17O NMR chemical shifts based on molecular orbital theory: paramagnetic terms of the pre-α, α and β effects from orbital-to-orbital transitions, along with the effects from vinyl, carbonyl and carboxyl groups
Authors: Matsuzaki Keigo , Hayashi Satoko , Nakanishi Waro
Published: April 2024

The plain rules founded in theory, other than the empirical rules, were established for the origin of δ(O) to understand the mechanisms to arise 17O NMR chemical shifts, based on the MO theory, where the pre-α, α and β effects were employed for the purpose, which were analyzed mainly by σp(O).
Enhanced thermal desorption of chlorinated hydrocarbons by nanoscale zero-valent iron: the effect of in situ dechlorination
Authors: Zhu Yi , Ren Xinlei , Xiang Minghui
Published: April 2024

The thermal desorption of CHs in contaminated soil was enhanced by the in situ dechlorination effect brought by the addition of nZVI.
A sodium ion conducting gel polymer electrolyte with counterbalance between 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate and tetra ethylene glycol dimethyl ether for electrochemical applications
Authors: Patel Maitri , Mishra Kuldeep , Chaudhary N. A. , Madhani Vaishali , Chaudhari J. J. , Kumar Deepak
Published: April 2024

For sodium batteries, the development of gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) with remarkable electrochemical properties is in its early stage and persists to be a challenge.
Synergetic enhancement of CsPbI3 nanorod-based high-performance photodetectors via PbSe quantum dot interface engineering
Authors: Sulaman Muhammad , Yang Shengyi , Guo Honglian , Li Chuanbo , Imran Ali , Bukhtiar Arfan , Qasim Muhammad , Ge Zhenhua , Song Yong , Jiang Yurong , Zou Bingsuo
Published: April 2024

The article explores the enhanced performance of photodetectors based on nanocomposites of CsPbI3 nanorods and PbSe QDs by studying their impact on charge carrier dynamics and optoelectronic properties, thus to understand the underlain mechanism.
Supramolecular chemistry of liquid–liquid extraction
Authors: Pramanik Sourav , Islam Abu S. M. , Ghosh Iti , Ghosh Pradyut
Published: April 2024

In this perspective we have summarized the current understanding of supramolecular interaction-based liquid–liquid extraction.
KBa3M2F14Cl (M = Zr, Hf): novel short-wavelength mixed metal halides with the largest second-harmonic generation responses contributed by mixed functional moieties
Authors: Yan Mei , Hu Chun-Li , Tang Ru-Ling , Yao Wen-Dong , Liu Wenlong , Guo Sheng-Ping
Published: April 2024

First phase-matchable metal mixed halides with deep-ultraviolet transmittance, KBa3M2F14Cl (M = Zr, Hf), show largest SHG effects coming from isolated MF7units, Ba2+and Cl−cations. And the optimally aligning MF7units work for large birefringence.
Multiplexed aptasensor for detection of acute myocardial infraction (AMI) biomarkers
Authors: Beduk Duygu , Beduk Tutku , Ait Lahcen Abdellatif , Mani Veerappan , Guler Celik Emine , Iskenderoglu Gamze , Demirci Ferhat , Turhan Soysal , Ozdogan Oner , Ozgur Su , Goksel Tuncay , Turhan Kutsal , Salama Khaled Nabil , Timur Suna
Published: April 2024

Schematic illustration of the developed aptasensor for multiplex detection of AMI biomarkers.
A modified DC Hebb–Wagner polarization method for determining the partial protonic electrical conductivity in mixed-conducting BaGd0.3La0.7Co2O6−δ
Authors: Miruszewski Tadeusz , Strandbakke Ragnar , Dzierzgowski Kacper , Szpunar Iga , Mielewczyk-Gryń Aleksandra , Wachowski Sebastian , Gazda Maria
Published: April 2024

The modified DC Hebb–Wagner polarization method with an electron and oxygen-ion blocking electrode was for the first time applied to study partial protonic conductivity in triple-conducting oxides: BaZr0.7Ce0.2Y0.1O3−δ and BaGd0.3La0.7Co2O6−δ.
One-pot preparation of crosslinked network membranes via knitting strategy for application in high-temperature proton-exchange membrane fuel cells
Authors: Huang Lei , Wang Qian , Wang Zimo , Sun Xi , Guan Jiayu , Zheng Jifu , Li Shenghai , Zhang Suobo
Published: April 2024

Balancing phosphoric acid (PA) uptake with the dimensional stability of PA-doped membranes is a major challenge in the field of high-temperature proton-exchange membranes.
Inducing hollow and porous hematite nanorod photoanodes by rare earth and transition metal doping for enhanced solar water splitting
Authors: Xu Chenyang , Wang Hongxin , Liang Ke , Zhang Yuanming , Li Weicong , Zhang Hemin
Published: April 2024

A hollow and porous Eu,Nb : Fe2O3 nanorod photoanode was fabricated by hybrid microwave annealing (HMA) induced conversion of shell Eu- and core Nb-doped FeOOH nanorods, simultaneously enhancing photocurrent density and reducing turn-on voltage.
Substrate-dependent catalytic activity of single-atom Pt for CO oxidation
Authors: Huang Yuyao , Wang Lu , Li Youyong
Published: April 2024

The catalytic activity of single-atom Pt for CO oxidation could be efficiently regulated by using different supports.
Advancing low-dimensional flexible energy devices for wearable technology
Authors: Huang Tao , Yang Xu , Xiao Jun , Gao Hong , Wang Yong , Liu Hao , Wang Guoxiu
Published: April 2024

This perspective article discusses the research, issues, and prospects of flexible batteries and supercapacitors in terms of one- and two-dimensions, as well as their stretchable, bendable, and twistable properties.
Substrate effects on structural and optoelectronic properties of quasi-2D perovskite films
Authors: Hu Chenyu , He Zhenmei , Wang Shuochen , Kan Lixuan , Lei Sanfeng , Zhu Xixiang , Li Jinpeng , Wang Kai , Yu Haomiao
Published: April 2024

This work presents a comprehensive investigation into the impact of different substrates—both rigid (glass and single-crystal silicon) and flexible (PEN and PDMS)—on the structural and optoelectronic behavior of quasi-2D perovskite films.
Safety control strategy of spinal lamina cutting based on force and cutting depth signals
Authors: Zhang Jian , Zhang Yonghong , Liu Shanshan , Ji Xuquan , Liu Sizhuo , Li Zhuofu , Geng Baoduo , Li Weishi , Wang Tianmiao
Published: April 2024

Laminectomy is one of the most common posterior spinal operations. Since the lamina is adjacent to important tissues such as nerves, once damaged, it can cause serious complications and even lead to paralysis. In order to prevent the above injuries and complications, ultrasonic bone scalpel and surgical robots have been introduced into spinal laminectomy, and many scholars have studied the recognition method of the bone tissue status. Currently, almost all methods to achieve recognition of bone tissue are based on sensor signals collected by high‐precision sensors installed at the end of surgical robots. However, the previous methods could not accurately identify the state of spinal bone tissue. Innovatively, the identification of bone tissue status was regarded as a time series classification task, and the classification algorithm LSTM‐FCN was used to process fusion signals composed of force and cutting depth signals, thus achieving an accurate classification of the lamina bone tissue status. In addition, it was verified that the accuracy of the proposed method could reach 98.85% in identifying the state of porcine spinal laminectomy. And the maximum penetration distance can be controlled within 0.6 mm, which is safe and can be used in practice.
Optimal coordinated energy management in active distribution networks considering battery energy storage and price‐responsive demand
Authors: Thokar Rayees Ahmad , Gupta Nikhil , Niazi K. R. , Swarnkar Anil , Meena Nand K. , Yang Jin
Published: April 2024

Contemporary distribution networks can be seen with diverse dispatchable and non‐dispatchable energy resources. The coordinated scheduling of these dispatchable resources with non‐dispatchable resources can provide several techno‐economic and social benefits. Since battery energy storage systems (BESSs) and microturbine units are capital intensive. A thorough investigation of their coordinated scheduling on a purely economic basis will be an interesting and challenging task while considering dynamic electricity price and uncertainty of renewable power generation and load demand. This paper proposes a new methodology for optimal coordinated scheduling of BESSs and microturbine units considering existing renewable energy resources and dynamic electricity price to maximize daily profit function of the utility. In this study, a recently explored modified African buffalo optimization algorithm is employed. The key attributes of the proposed methodology are comprised of mean price‐based adaptive scheduling embedded within a decision mechanism system to maximize arbitrage benefits. Decision mechanism system keeps a track of system states as a‐priori thus guides the artificial intelligence‐based solution technique for sequential optimization. This may also reduce the computational burden of complex real‐life engineering optimization problems. Further, a novel concept of fictitious charges in coordination with BESS management algorithm is proposed to restrict the counterproductive operational management of BESSs. The application results investigated and compared on a benchmark 33‐bus test distribution system highlights the importance of the proposed methodology.
Using conditional Invertible Neural Networks to perform mid‐term peak load forecasting
Authors: Heidrich Benedikt , Hertel Matthias , Neumann Oliver , Hagenmeyer Veit , Mikut Ralf
Published: April 2024

Measures for balancing the electrical grid, such as peak shaving, require accurate peak forecasts for lower aggregation levels of electrical loads. Thus, the Big Data Energy Analytics Laboratory (BigDEAL) challenge—organised by the BigDEAL—focused on forecasting three different daily peak characteristics in low aggregated load time series. In particular, participants of the challenge were asked to provide long‐term forecasts with horizons of up to 1 year in the qualification. The authors present the approach of the KIT‐IAI team from the Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. The approach to the challenge is based on a hybrid generative model. In particular, the authors use a conditional Invertible Neural Network (cINN). The cINN gets the forecast of a sliding mean as representative of the trend, different weather features, and calendar information as conditioning input. By this, the proposed hybrid method achieved second place overall and won two out of three tracks of the BigDEAL challenge.
Application of nowcasting to reduce the impact of irradiance ramps on PV power plants
Authors: Schaible Jonas , Nouri Bijan , Höpken Lars , Kotzab Tim , Loevenich Matthias , Blum Niklas , Hammer Annette , Stührenberg Jonas , Jäger Klaus , Becker Christiane , Wilbert Stefan
Published: April 2024

Short-term fluctuations in photovoltaic power plants, known as ramps and caused by clouds, challenge grid stability and efficient energy use. These issues are traditionally managed with battery energy storage systems, which, while effective, are expensive. We propose an alternative solution: the use of short-term irradiance forecasts, or nowcasts. Using a photovoltaic power plant in Germany and its simulated model, we demonstrated that nowcasts could cut ramp rate violations by 81%. This led to a reduction in required battery capacity by 71% and the required maximum battery power provided by 48%, at the cost of a 13% curtailment loss, i.e. loss through reduction of power. Our data set of 18 chosen days from 2020 with high variability conditions was scaled up to a year for the economic analysis. From an economic standpoint, nowcasts could lower the Levelized Cost of Electricity by 5.5% from 4.74 to 4.48 EUR cents, and even by 35% to 3.09 EUR cents with ideal forecasting, showing its potential. While nowcasts cannot completely replace batteries, they substantially reduce the need for such storage solutions. This results in cost savings and adherence to grid stability requirements, making nowcasts a complement or partial alternative to battery systems for mitigating power fluctuations in photovoltaic power plants.
Diffusion model of multi-agent collaborative behavior in public crisis governance network based on complex network evolutionary game
Authors: Shan Shao-Nan , Zhang Zi-Cheng , Wang Chun-Juan , Han Guo-Qiang
Published: April 2024

In order to explore the phenomenon of diffusion of group decision making formed by the emergence of decision-making behaviors of governance agents in public crisis governance systems, this research uses a complex network evolutionary game approach, considers BA scale-free networks as network vectors of public crisis governance systems, and develops a diffusion model of collaborative governance decision making behaviors. Simulation experiments are also conducted to show the macro-level impact of micro-subjects’ decision-making behavior on group “Emergence-Diffusion”. The results of this study show that the cost of collaborative governance has the most significant effect on the depth and breadth of the spread of collaborative behavior in governance networks. The size of the network determines the speed of network diffusion. The smaller the network size, the more sensitive it is to the spillover benefits of collaborative governance, and the larger the network size, the more sensitive it is to the penalties of non-compliance. The findings of the study have implications for the collaborative behavior of multiple agents in public crisis governance. The main findings are that (1) in order to ensure the stability of the collaborative governance system, decision making options should be selected according to the size of the network. (2) A reasonable penalty mechanism for breach of contract should be set up to avoid the phenomenon of “free-riding” in collaborative governance. (3) Reasonable allocation of collaboration benefits and maintenance of cooperative relationships between nodes in the neighborhood. (4) External regulators should ensure that information in the network is disseminated without barriers and reduce the phenomenon of information asymmetry.
Type III Vasa Previa Associated with Resolution of a Low-Lying Placenta: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Kim Joanna J. , Bonhomme Katherine , Oppenheimer Lawrence W. , Gaudet Laura
Published: April 2024

Vasa previa occurs when fetal vessels lie above the cervical os. A novel type of vasa previa, known as type III, is characterized by an abnormal branching of fetal vessels from the placenta in the absence of velamentous cord insertion (as seen in type I) or multilobed placenta (as seen in type II). Here, we present a case of a type III vasa previa after a resolution of a low-lying placenta. The presence of any known risk factors of vasa previa, including low-lying placenta, should prompt screening for vasa previa in the third trimester. Accurate and timely diagnosis of vasa previa will confer significant survival benefit for the neonate.
Stepping Up Recovery: Integrating Patient-reported Outcome Measures and Wearable Technology for Rehabilitation Following Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Pasqualini Ignacio , Huffman Nickelas , Klika Alison , Kamath Atul F. , Higuera-Rueda Carlos A. , Deren Matthew E. , Murray Trevor G. , Piuzzi Nicolas S.
Published: April 2024

Improvement after knee arthroplasty (KA) is often measured using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). However, PROMs are limited due to their subjectivity. Therefore, wearable technology is becoming commonly utilized to objectively assess physical activity and function. We assessed the correlation between PROMs and step/stair flight counts in total (TKA) and partial knee arthroplasty (PKA) patients.

Analysis of a multicenter, prospective, longitudinal cohort study investigating the collection of average daily step and stair flight counts, was performed. Subjects (N = 1,844 TKA patients and N = 489 PKA patients) completed the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement (KOOS JR) and provided numerical rating scale pain scores pre- and postoperatively. Only patients who reported living in a multilevel home environment (N = 896 TKA patients and N = 258 PKA patients) were included in analysis of stair flight counts. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to determine correlations between variables.

Among TKA patients, pain scores demonstrated a negative correlation to mean step counts at preoperative (r = −0.14, p < 0.0001) and 1-month follow-up (r = −0.14, p < 0.0001). Similar negative correlations were true for pain and stair flight counts at preoperative (r = −0.16, p < 0.0001) and 1-month follow-up (r = −0.11, p = 0.006). KOOS JR scores demonstrated weak positive correlations with mean step counts at preoperative (r = 0.19, p < 0.0001) and 1-month postoperative (r = 0.17, p < 0.0001). Similar positive correlations were true for KOOS JR scores and stair flight counts preoperatively (r = 0.13, p = 0.0002) and at 1-month postoperatively (r = 0.10, p = 0.0048). For PKA patients, correlations between pain and KOOS JR with step/stair counts demonstrated similar directionality.

Given the correlation between wearable-generated data and PROMs, wearable technology may be beneficial in evaluating patient outcomes following KA. By combining subjective feedback with the objective data, health care providers can gain a holistic view of patients' progress and tailor treatment plans accordingly.
Preconditioning Local Injection of Activated Platelet-Rich Plasma Increases Angiogenesis, VEGF Levels, and Viability of Modified McFarlane Flap in Diabetes-Induced Rats
Authors: Kamayana Jenisa Amanda Sandiarini , Hamid Agus Roy Rusly Hariantana , Mahadewa Tjokorda Gde Bagus , Sanjaya I. Gusti Putu Hendra , Darmajaya I. Made , Dewi I. Gusti Ayu Sri Mahendra
Published: April 2024

Background The risk of flap necrosis in tissue reconstruction surgery is elevated in patients with vascular disorders, such as diabetes mellitus. Chronic hyperglycemia causes endothelial cell dysfunction and increases inflammatory process, causing vascular insufficiency. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains high levels of platelets, growth factors, and fibrinogens. Its regenerative properties spark interest in supporting flap survival in relation to diabetic complications.

Methods Thirty Wistar rats were divided into three groups. The first group included diabetic rats without PRP injection, which underwent flap procedure. The second group included diabetes-induced rats receiving PRP subcutaneous injection 1 day prior to flap procedure. The third group included nondiabetic rats receiving PRP injection 1 day prior to flap procedure. Flap tissue samples were taken on the seventh day to measure vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method; angiogenesis and collagen density were measured from histopathology examination, and flap viability was analyzed using digital measurements.

Results Analysis showed that flap viability, angiogenesis, and VEGF levels were significantly higher in the PRP-injected diabetic rats compared with diabetic rats that did not receive PRP. The levels of VEGF, angiogenesis, and viability of flaps in diabetic rats given PRP did not differ significantly compared with nondiabetic rats that received PRP.

Conclusion Flap preconditioning through local injection of activated PRP enhances flap viability, VEGF levels and angiogenesis, in random skin flaps in diabetic rats, to the level where it does not differ significantly to nondiabetic rats that were given PRP.
Osbert of Clare and the reforging of Westminster Abbey’s past
Authors: England Jennie M.
Published: April 2024

Twelfth-century Westminster Abbey was a centre of forgery production: its scriptorium not only produced charters claiming rights and privileges for its own house but also contributed to the production of spurious documents for other English monasteries. Among these forgeries, the distinctive draftsmanship of one monk—Osbert of Clare—has been traced in some of Westminster’s longer and more elaborate creations. But Osbert was more than a forger, he also wrote hagiographical Lives of saints, including that of Edward the Confessor, whose cult he fiercely championed. Osbert’s different identities have long been recognised, but never reconciled. This essay investigates both Osbert’s forgeries and hagiography, and in doing so reveals that it is only by considering these different genres of writing together that Osbert’s (and his abbey’s) ambitions can be fully recognised. In particular, it appears that Osbert’s forgeries sought to claim prestige for Westminster not only through their contents, but also through the memories they invoked and invented.
Dermonecrosis caused by a spitting cobra snakebite results from toxin potentiation and is prevented by the repurposed drug varespladib
Authors: Bartlett Keirah E. , Hall Steven R. , Rasmussen Sean A. , Crittenden Edouard , Dawson Charlotte A. , Albulescu Laura-Oana , Laprade William , Harrison Robert A. , Saviola Anthony J. , Modahl Cassandra M. , Jenkins Timothy P. , Wilkinson Mark C. , Gutiérrez José María , Casewell Nicholas R.
Published: April 2024

Snakebite envenoming is a neglected tropical disease that causes substantial mortality and morbidity globally. The venom of African spitting cobras often causes permanent injury via tissue-destructive dermonecrosis at the bite site, which is ineffectively treated by current antivenoms. To address this therapeutic gap, we identified the etiological venom toxins in
Naja nigricollis
venom responsible for causing local dermonecrosis. While cytotoxic three-finger toxins were primarily responsible for causing spitting cobra cytotoxicity in cultured keratinocytes, their potentiation by phospholipases A
2
toxins was essential to cause dermonecrosis in vivo. This evidence of probable toxin synergism suggests that a single toxin-family inhibiting drug could prevent local envenoming. We show that local injection with the repurposed phospholipase A
2
-inhibiting drug varespladib significantly prevents local tissue damage caused by several spitting cobra venoms in murine models of envenoming. Our findings therefore provide a therapeutic strategy that may effectively prevent life-changing morbidity caused by snakebite in rural Africa.
Tailored UPRE2 variants for dynamic gene regulation in yeast
Authors: Xiao Chufan , Liu Xiufang , Pan Yuyang , Li Yanling , Qin Ling , Yan Zhibo , Feng Yunzi , Zhao Mouming , Huang Mingtao
Published: April 2024

Genetic elements are foundational in synthetic biology serving as vital building blocks. They enable programming host cells for efficient production of valuable chemicals and recombinant proteins. The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a stress pathway in which the transcription factor Hac1 interacts with the upstream unfolded protein response element (UPRE) of the promoter to restore endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis. Here, we created a UPRE2 mutant (UPRE2m) library. Several rounds of screening identified many elements with enhanced responsiveness and a wider dynamic range. The most active element m84 displayed a response activity 3.72 times higher than the native UPRE2. These potent elements are versatile and compatible with various promoters. Overexpression of
HAC1
enhanced stress signal transduction, expanding the signal output range of UPRE2m. Through molecular modeling and site-directed mutagenesis, we pinpointed the DNA-binding residue Lys60 in Hac1(Hac1-K60). We also confirmed that UPRE2m exhibited a higher binding affinity to Hac1. This shed light on the mechanism underlying the Hac1-UPRE2m interaction. Importantly, applying UPRE2m for target gene regulation effectively increased both recombinant protein production and natural product synthesis. These genetic elements provide valuable tools for dynamically regulating gene expression in yeast cell factories.
Tailoring atomic chemistry to refine reaction pathway for the most enhancement by magnetization in water oxidation
Authors: Wu Tianze , Ge Jingjie , Wu Qian , Ren Xiao , Meng Fanxu , Wang Jiarui , Xi Shibo , Wang Xin , Elouarzaki Kamal , Fisher Adrian , Xu Zhichuan J.
Published: April 2024

Water oxidation on magnetic catalysts has generated significant interest due to the spin-polarization effect. Recent studies have revealed that the disappearance of magnetic domain wall upon magnetization is responsible for the observed oxygen evolution reaction (OER) enhancement. However, an atomic picture of the reaction pathway remains unclear, i.e., which reaction pathway benefits most from spin-polarization, the adsorbent evolution mechanism, the intermolecular mechanism (I2M), the lattice oxygen-mediated one, or more? Here, using three model catalysts with distinguished atomic chemistries of active sites, we are able to reveal the atomic-level mechanism. We found that spin-polarized OER mainly occurs at interconnected active sites, which favors direct coupling of neighboring ligand oxygens (I2M). Furthermore, our study reveals the crucial role of lattice oxygen participation in spin-polarized OER, significantly facilitating the coupling kinetics of neighboring oxygen radicals at active sites.
Putting gender upfront in One Health AMR research and implementation strategies
Authors: Westwood Erica , Baraké Evelyn , Joshi Jyoti
Published: April 2024

Despite a gendered approach being increasingly applied across global health challenges, this has been a notable oversight in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) research. Failing to consider the complexity of human behaviours and roles in healthcare, animal production, and environmental settings compromises programmatic effectiveness and sustainability, while risking entrenching or widening existing social disparities. Research demonstrates how gender norms influence health-related behaviours across various sectors, from accessing healthcare to livestock rearing, with strong implications for antimicrobial stewardship and zoonotic disease transmission. The sparse literature connecting and investigating gender, equity and AMR – especially in a One Health context – hampers our ability to comprehensively address this global issue. The responsibility is however shared. This commentary advocates for funders to propel the inclusion of gender and equity-focused perspectives in AMR research and to set expectations in research landscapes, thus fostering a more equitable global health landscape and strengthening strategies against AMR. We outline our rationale and recommendations for other funders to support an ecosystem in AMR that supports gender and equity as a common aspect of AMR research and not an exception.

One Health impact statement

While AMR is increasingly recognised as a One Health challenge encompassing humans, animals, plants and the environment, sector-specific and cross-sectoral solutions needed to address AMR too often lack the multidisciplinary approach needed for a holistic response to this challenge. To date, AMR research has been largely biomedical, with limited social investigation including on gender and its interplay with factors that drive AMR in different settings such as healthcare, community or farm settings. Intentionally integrating gender analysis that informs AMR research design and implementation across sectors, including with supportive research funding opportunities, will help build the evidence base on how research projects and public programs should integrate and address gender disparities in AMR across the One Health spectrum. This is needed to ensure contextually relevant gender-informed solutions with sustainable impact.
Extra-cavity modulation of a chirped Gaussian bisoliton
Authors: Wang Dayu , Li Wenyue , Peng Yangyang , Wang Haoming , Xu Guangyu , Zhang Keyun , Zhou Yan
Published: April 2024

Optical solitons can find important applications in optical fiber communication systems. Here, we simulate extra-cavity modulation of a chirped Gaussian bisoliton in a 1 μm wavelength band. Several different soliton parameters are varied (including the amplitude ratio and time delay of orthogonal components, the projection angle, phase difference, pulse chirps and propagation distances), to effectively change the optical spectra and pulse shapes of the initial input chirped Gaussian bisoliton. For example, when the two branches in the optical fiber modulation system have the same or different fiber lengths, the modulated chirped Gaussian bisoliton will show obviously different properties in the time domain for orthogonally polarized components, while the corresponding optical spectra have no obvious differences. The simulation results reveal the effects of extra-cavity modulation of the chirped Gaussian bisoliton, which further explores the field of soliton shaping out of a fiber laser cavity.
Temporal and Spectral Characteristics of Persistent Emission and Special Bursts of Magnetar SGR J1935+2154 Based on Insight-HXMT
Authors: Lu Xue-Feng , Song Li-Ming , Ge Ming-Yu , Zhang Shuang-Nan , Qu Jin-Lu , Cai Ce , Liu Cong-Zhan , Li Cheng-Kui , Fu Yu-Cong , Xu Ying-Chen
Published: April 2024

In October 2022, the magnetar SGR J1935+2154 entered the active outburst state. During the episode, the Insight-HXMT satellite carried out a long observation that lasted for 20 days. More than 300 bursts were detected, and a certain amount of persistent radiation signals were also accumulated. This paper mainly introduces the results of persistent radiation profile folding and period search based on Insight-HXMT data. At the same time, the burst phase distribution characteristics, spectral lag results of burst, the spectral characteristics of zero-lag bursts and the time-resolved spectral evolution characteristics of high-flux bursts are reported. We found that there is no significant delay feature during different energy bands for the bursts of SGR J1935+2154. The observed zero-lag burst does not have a unique spectrum. The time-resolved spectrum of the individual burst has consistent spectral types and spectral parameters at different time periods of the burst. We also find that the burst number phase distribution and the burst photon phase distribution have the same tendency to concentrate in specific regions of the persistent emission profile.
Study of the interdigital electrode sensor at resonance frequency during water transition
Authors: Ranjan Prem , Dash Dinesh Kumar , Maharana Rashmi Ranjan , Chowdhury Atanu
Published: April 2024

This paper uses the co-planar interdigital electrode (IDE)
sensor to measure water level. The researchers generally
characterize the interdigital electrode sensor as a fringe field
capacitor sensor developed on the printed circuit board and utilize
the capacitor sensor's properties for liquid-level measurement. The
interdigital electrode sensors illustrate more than one resonance at
the higher frequencies, and in this study, the first resonance
frequency fr
-has been utilized for the water level
measurement. Three water types are examined here: distilled, tap,
and river. The study assesses that with the transition of water, the
permittivity between the electrodes is changed and, it leads to a
change in capacitance hence, the change in resonance frequency was
observed. The proposed sensor can be represented by the lumped
element equivalent series RLC circuit. The developed IDE sensor has
good repeatability, small variability, and small hysteresis
error. The maximum standard error for distilled, tap, and river
water are 0.02833, 0.02503, and 0.02618, respectively, and the
hysteresis error is less than 1.903% of full-scale output
variation. The maximum error for the fr
estimation is about
±2 Hz.