bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A drug prescription recommendation system based on novel DIAKID ontology and extensive semantic rules
Authors: Göğebakan Kadime , Ulu Ramazan , Abiyev Rahib , Şah Melike
Published: March 2024

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) data from 2000 to 2019, the number of people living with Diabetes Mellitus and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is increasing rapidly. It is observed that Diabetes Mellitus increased by 70% and ranked in the top 10 among all causes of death, while the rate of those who died from CKD increased by 63% and rose from the 13th place to the 10th place. In this work, we combined the drug dose prediction model, drug-drug interaction warnings and drugs that potassium raising (K-raising) warnings to create a novel and effective ontology-based assistive prescription recommendation system for patients having both Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and CKD. Although there are several computational solutions that use ontology-based systems for treatment plans for these type of diseases, none of them combine information analysis and treatment plans prediction for T2DM and CKD. The proposed method is novel: (1) We develop a new drug-drug interaction model and drug dose ontology called DIAKID (for drugs of T2DM and CKD). (2) Using comprehensive Semantic Web Rule Language (SWRL) rules, we automatically extract the correct drug dose, K-raising drugs, and drug-drug interaction warnings based on the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) value of T2DM and CKD patients. The proposed work achieves very competitive results, and this is the first time such a study conducted on both diseases. The proposed system will guide clinicians in preparing prescriptions by giving necessary warnings about drug-drug interactions and doses.
Factorizing formal contexts from closures of necessity operators
Authors: Aragón Roberto G. , Medina Jesús , Ramírez-Poussa Eloísa
Published: March 2024

Factorizing datasets is an interesting process in a multitude of approaches, but many times it is not possible or efficient the computation of a factorization of the dataset. A method to obtain independent subcontexts of a formal context with Boolean data was proposed in Dubois and Prade based on the operators used in possibility theory. In this paper, we will analyze this method and study different properties related to the pairs of sets from which a factorization of a formal context arises. We also inspect how the properties given in the classical case can be extended to the fuzzy framework, which is essential to obtain a mechanism that allows the computation of independent subcontexts of a fuzzy context.
The role of echocardiography in pulmonary embolism for the prediction of in-hospital mortality: a retrospective study
Authors: Spampinato Michele Domenico , Portoraro Andrea , Sofia Soccorsa M. , Luppi Francesco , Benedetto Marcello , D’Angelo Luca , Galizia Giorgio , Fabbri Irma Sofia , Pagano Teresa , Perna Benedetta , Guarino Matteo , Passarini Giulia , Pavasini Rita , Passaro Angelina , De Giorgio Roberto
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Pulmonary Embolism (PE) is the third leading cause of cardiovascular death, following myocardial infarction and stroke. The latest European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines on PE recommend short-term prognostic stratification based on right ventricular (RV) overload detected by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) or contrast-enhanced chest CT. The aim of the study is to find out which of the signs of right ventricular dysfunction best predicts in-hospital mortality (IHM).

Methods

This is a monocentric, retrospective study including adult patients admitted from the emergency department with a c-e cCT confirmed diagnosis of PE between January 2018 and December 2022 who underwent a TTE within 48 h.

Results

509 patients (median age 76 years [IQR 67–84]) were included, with 7.1% IHM. At univariate analysis, RV/LV ratio > 1 (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.1–4.5), TAPSE < 17 mm (OR 4.73, 95% CI 2.3–9.8), the D-shape (OR 3.73, 95% CI 1.71–8.14), and LVEF < 35% (OR 5.78, 95% CI 1.72–19.47) resulted significantly correlated with IHM. However, at multivariate analysis including also haemodynamic instability, PESI class > II, and abnormal hs-cTnI levels, only LVEF < 35% (OR 5.46, 95% CI 1.32–22.61) resulted an independent predictor of IHM.

Conclusion

Despite the recognised role of TTE in the early management of patients with circulatory shock and suspected PE, signs of RV dysfunction have been shown to be poor predictors of IHM, whereas severely reduced LVEF is an independent risk factor for in-hospital death.
The Mediterranean diet: a historical perspective
Authors: Capurso Antonio
Published: March 2024

The Mediterranean diet, which was born in the Mediterranean basin, was initially quite poor and simple, essentially based on the products that grew almost spontaneously along the shores of the Mediterranean, i.e., olives, grapes, and wheat, which were long cultivated in the Mediterranean region. The invasions of the Roman Empire by barbarian populations, between 400 and 800 AD, made the diet enriched with products from wild uncultivated areas, meat from game and pigs, and vegetables. With the arrival of the Arabs in southern Italy in the ninth century, the focus of the diet shifted to carbohydrates, particularly to dried pasta and to other new ingredients. The Arabs primarily brought a new imaginative spirit to the kitchen by introducing and using an infinity of condiments and seasonings. The discovery of the Americas and the arrival of new ingredients from the New World brought the final adjustments to the Mediterranean diet: new meat (turkey), new vegetables (potatoes, broad beans, corn, tomatoes,) new fruits (strawberries, pineapples, coconuts, peanuts), chocolate, coffee and sugar completed the list of components of the Mediterranean diet as we know it today.
Longitudinal trajectories of disability among Chinese adults: the role of cardiometabolic multimorbidity
Authors: He Huihui , Tu Raoping , Chen Huahua , Wang Chao , Wu Shengjuan , Wang Suhang
Published: March 2024

Background

Cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CM) has been found to be associated with higher mortality and functional limitations. However, few studies have investigated the longitudinal association between CM and disability in the Chinese population and whether these associations vary by smoking status.

Methods

The study included 16,754 participants from four waves (2011, 2013, 2015, and 2018) of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) (mean age: 59, female: 51%). CM was assesed at baseline and defined as having two or more of diabetes, stroke, or heart disease. Disability was repeatedly measured by summing the number of impaired activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) during the 7-year follow-up. Linear mixed-effects model was used to determine the association of CM and trajectories of disability and to assess the modification effect of smoking status in these associations.

Results

Participants with CM at baseline had a faster progression of disability compared to those without CM (CM: β = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.21). Current smokers with CM developed disability faster than their counterparts (Pinteraction for smoking=0.011). In addition, there was a significant association between CM and the annual change of disability in current smokers (β = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.50) while no such association was observed in current non-smokers (β = 0.08, 95% CI: -0.02 to 0.17).

Conclusion

CM was associated with more a rapid disability progression. Notably, being current smokers may amplify the adverse effects of CM on disability progression.
On the fatigue behavior of a tool steel manufactured by powder bed based additive manufacturing—a comparison between electron- and laserbeam processed AISI H13
Authors: Kahlert M. , Vollmer M. , Wegener T. , Niendorf T.
Published: March 2024

In recent years, additive manufacturing (AM) techniques have gained increased attention. The most common AM technologies to realize complex parts are powder bed-based fusion processes, especially electron beam powder bed fusion of metals (PBF-EB/M) and laser-based powder bed fusion of metals (PBF-LB/M). Focusing on industrial applications, cyclic loading scenarios and fatigue properties of components produced by such techniques came into focus of research. The present work deals with a comparison between microstructure, hardness, density and fatigue properties of a high-alloy tool steel AISI H13 (1.2344, X40CrMoV5-1) manufactured by PBF-EB/M and PBF-LB/M. The investigated specimens are characterized by a complex phase composition containing ferrite, perlite, bainite and martensite, eventually resulting in different hardness values depending on the used AM technology. Fatigue data for PBF-EB/M AISI H13 are reported for the first time in open literature. It is shown that the fatigue behavior is significantly influenced by the specimen density. Accordingly, parts with a high density are characterized by superior fatigue strength.
GNSS jamming detection using attention-based mutual information feature selection
Authors: Reda Ali , Mekkawy Tamer
Published: March 2024

Global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) are extensively utilized for military and civilian applications. Unfortunately, because of the signal weakness, GNSS is susceptible to interference, fading, and jamming, which reduces the position accuracy. Therefore, it would be beneficial to have a simple and highly accurate model for detecting the jamming signals to improve the GNSS receiver accuracy. In this paper, we propose a hybrid deep learning (DL) model for predicting jamming signals. Initially, we utilize a feature selection algorithm that combines mutual information (MI) with the minimal redundancy maximum relevance (mRMR) technique to identify the most crucial features. Subsequently, the model undergoes training using a soft attention-double-layer bidirectional long short-term memory (A-DBiLSTM) model. This particular model has shown outstanding performance in comparison to other DL models when applied to datasets collected from both kinematic and static jamming scenarios. To assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed MI feature selection algorithm, we evaluate its performance through the calculation of confusion matrices and conducting numerical simulations. The simulation results of the A-DBiLSTM model demonstrate higher accuracy, precision, recall, and $$\mathrm {F1_{Score}}$$

F

1
Score

of $$98.82\%$$

98.82
%

, $$98.4\%$$

98.4
%

, $$98.68\%$$

98.68
%

, and $$98.36\%$$

98.36
%

, respectively. By employing the MI feature selection algorithm, dimensionality reduction is achieved. Moreover, the MI feature selection algorithm reduces $$19\%$$

19
%

of the learning time with almost the same accuracy.
Exploring a novel approach for the synthesis of MIL-53(Fe)/reduced graphene oxide composites with preserved structural integrity for high performance for electromagnetic wave shielding
Authors: Elmowafy Mohamed E. , Abuzalat Osama , Baraka Ahmad , Elsayed Mohamed A. , Hagag Mohamed F. , Sadek Ramy , Tantawy Hesham
Published: March 2024

Efficient electromagnetic waves absorbing materials while preserving structural integrity based on MIL-53(Fe)/reduced graphene oxide composites remains a challenging task. Most reported preparation techniques compromise structural integrity which limits its practical applications. This study reports innovative method by carefully controlling pyrolysis in a tubular furnace to produce Pyrolyzed MIL-53(Fe)/reduced graphene oxide (P-MIL-53(Fe)/RGO) composites to safeguard structural integrity while preserving RGO’s structure and achieving high EMI shielding efficiency. Various mass ratios of reduced graphene oxide were investigated (15%, 20%, and 30%) to indicate the impact of calcination in changing the degree of graphitization and its effect on the shielding performance. P-MIL-53(Fe)/RGO30 stands out, achieving notable total shielding effectiveness (SET) of 46.5 dB and absorption shielding efficiency (SEA) of 40.3 dB with 2 g of reduced graphene oxide (5 mm thick). The study offers a simple strategy to produce the desired composite with preserved reduced graphene oxide’s structural integrity which has a potential EMI shielding performance. These insights hold promise for diverse applications demanding robust, high-performance electromagnetic wave shielding materials.
Silver doped anatase nanocomposite: a novel photocatalyst with advanced activity under visible light for waste-water treatment
Authors: Elbasuney Sherif , El-Khawaga Ahmed M. , Elsayed Mohamed A. , Correa-Duarte Miguel A.
Published: March 2024

Anatase is a universal semiconductor photocatalyst; however, its wide band-gap energy limits its entire solar spectrum absorption to only 5%. Anatase could be activated in the visible region via nobel metal deposition. This study reports on the facile synthesis of colloidal mono-dispersed anatase nanoparticles of 5 nm particle size via hydrothermal synthesis. Nobel metals (Silver, Nickel) were deposited on colloidal anatase surface. The photocatalytic activities of Ag–TiO2, and Ni–TiO2 were investigated for the degradation of basic fuchsin dye. Ag–TiO2 nanocomposite demonstrated enhanced adsorption activity in dark, as well as superior photocatalytic. Ag–TiO2 nanocomposite demonstrated enhanced removal efficiency by 70.8% under visible irradiation to virgin anatase. Ag–TiO2 nanocomposite demonstrated enhanced oxygen-lattice with low binding energy using XPS analysis. Ag–TiO2 experienced band gap energy of 2.35 eV compared with 3.2 eV for virgin anatase; this feature could secure enhanced solar absorption. Ag–TiO2 demonstrated excellent photo-degradation efficiency of 88% with 0.3% H2O2 under visible light. Deposited silver could catalyze H2O2 decomposition and could promote free radical generation; Ag–TiO2 nanocomposite is a promising photocatalyst for wastewater treatment applications.
Strong Agricultural Resilience to 2022 Southern China Drought
Authors: Cao Yijing , Zhang Yongqiang , Tian Jing , Li Xiaojie , Tang Zixuan , Yang Xuening , Zhang Xuanze , Ma Ning
Published: March 2024

Meteorological drought, especially when influenced by human activities, significantly impacts agriculture. We assessed the Yangtze River Basin (YRB)’s crop ecosystem resilience during the 2022 southern China drought. Using the elasticity framework, we quantified crop Leaf Area Index (LAI) changes with meteorological factors and human activities (irrigation) in the YRB. Our study covered maize, wheat, early and late‐season rice, evaluating model accuracy with and without irrigation. Results indicate high accuracy (R2 > 0.8, p < 0.05) in simulating LAI changes, notably improved with irrigation. Irrigation emerged as the primary driver of LAI changes in the past two decades, except for solar radiation’s impact on maize. In 2022, irrigation crucially influenced LAI changes, particularly in rice varieties. Early‐season rice and late‐season rice saw over 40% contribution from irrigation, while maize and wheat responded mainly to precipitation and radiation. Overall, 2022 yields remained stable, with late‐season rice showing an apparent increase. Drought timing correlated with maize, wheat, and early‐season rice yields, consistent with natural patterns. Conversely, late‐season rice exhibited the opposite pattern due to artificial irrigation, impacting 58% of the growing areas in 2022. The study offers insights into investigating farmland ecosystems responding to extreme droughts.
Midlatitude Oceanic Fronts Strengthen the Hydrological Cycle Between Cyclones and Anticyclones
Authors: Okajima S. , Nakamura H. , Spengler T.
Published: March 2024

The Kuroshio‐Oyashio Extension and Gulf Stream oceanic frontal zones are characterized by enhanced activity of synoptic‐scale cyclones and anticyclones and vigorous air‐sea heat and moisture exchange in the cold season. However, the time‐mean air‐sea exchange attributed separately to cyclones and anticyclones has not been assessed. Here we quantify cyclonic and anticyclonic contributions around the frontal zones to surface turbulent heat fluxes, precipitation, and the associated hydrological cycle using atmospheric general circulation model experiments with observed and artificially smoothed sea‐surface temperature gradients. The evaluation reveals that precipitation exceeds evaporation climatologically within cyclonic domains while evaporation dominates within anticyclonic domains. These features as well as the net moisture transport from anticyclonic to cyclonic domains are all enhanced by the sharpness of the frontal zones. Oceanic frontal zones thus climatologically act to strengthen the hydrological cycle. These findings aid our understanding of the relationship between midlatitude air‐sea interactions on synoptic‐ and longer‐time scales.
The Indo‐Pacific Rim at Risk: How Rossby Waves Contribute to Extreme Precipitation Clustering
Authors: Song Yurong , Lu Mengqian , Wang Bin
Published: March 2024

Clustering extreme weather events are concurrent or consecutive occurrences of disastrous weather in multiple regions, resulting in cumulative impacts. Here we discovered a significant increasing trend in clustering extreme precipitation events over the Indo‐Pacific rim over the past four decades. This trend can be largely attributable to the increasing frequency of the Rossby wave response, including the circum‐Pacific and cross‐Pacific patterns due to Rossby wave activity propagation, and the Pacific anticyclone pattern due to Rossby wave breaking. The three patterns show remarkable disparity in seasonality, persistence, and hydrological impacts. They can increase the occurrences of most severe precipitation by up to 5, 8, and 25 times, respectively. The Indian Summer Monsoon heat sources and La Niña are identified as key drivers, and the mid‐latitude jet streams are modulators contributing to the events. Our findings suggest that specific Rossby wave patterns may influence the potential evolution of future clustering extremes.
Solar Cycle Variation of Radiated Electric Field and Ionospheric Reflection Height Over NWC Transmitter During 2005–2009: DEMETER Spacecraft Observations and Simulations
Authors: Zhao Shufan , Liao Li , Shen Xuhui , Lu Hengxin
Published: March 2024

Besides the significant effects of a variety of naturally occurring magnetospheric waves on the electron dynamics in the magnetosphere, the important contribution of ground‐based very‐low‐frequency (VLF) transmitter waves also has been gradually discovered. The VLF transmitter's wave penetrating into the topside ionosphere is its energy source injected into the magnetosphere and has been extensively investigated. In the VLF wave trans‐ionospheric propagation, the main energy attenuation occurs in the lower ionosphere which is controlled by solar short‐wave radiation. However, the investigation on the variation of the VLF transmitters' energy in the topside ionosphere and ionospheric reflection height with solar activity is lacking. We use 4 years electric field measurements performed by DEMETER satellite and full‐wave simulations to address these concerns. The results show the electric field radiated from NWC was relatively similar from May 1 to July 31 in 2006, 2008, and 2009 in daytime and nighttime, stronger than that in 2005, because the solar activity was similar and extremely low in these years compared with that in 2005. The nighttime and daytime ionospheric reflection heights are also relatively similar in these 3 years, with about 6 km higher than that in 2005. The difference in the simulated electric field based on the electron density profile from the IRI‐2016 model between 2005 and 2009 is lower compared with the observation results. However, considering 6 km added in ionospheric reflection height in 2009, the simulation results are much more consistent with the observation results both in daytime and nighttime.
Kinetic and Thermodynamic Transition Pathways of Silica by Machine Learning: Implication for Meteorite Impacts
Authors: Cao Xuyan , Han Songsong , Li Junwei , Zhu Sheng‐Cai , Hu Qingyang
Published: March 2024

Rocks falling to Earth from space may generate pressure and temperature approaching Earth's deep mantle, but such meteorite impact only persists for a very short period. Under these extreme conditions, kinetical factors largely control mineral phase transitions, in which the resultant phase may deviate from those at thermal equilibrium. Here, we focus on the phase transitions of silica during meteorite impact, and have elucidated multiple pathways from low‐coordinated silica to seifertite, the densest known silica found in meteorite samples. Utilizing a high‐dimensional neuro‐network potential specifically designed for silica, we exhaustively map the potential energy landscape through stochastic surface walking and uncover low‐barrier transition pathways toward seifertite at pressures far away from thermal equilibrium. These kinetic‐driven transitions are then characterized by first‐principles simulations, revealing narrow transition windows of pressure, with seifertite becoming more kinetically favored over stishovite at pressures in the vicinity of 10 and 25 GPa. Our results suggest that meteorite impacts should have reached such target pressures to overcome the thermodynamic limit of forming seifertite. The presence of seifertite may provide key information in constraining the relevant dynamic compression conditions.
Selective sorting of hexane isomers by anion-functionalized metal-organic frameworks with optimal energy regulation
Authors: Wang Qingju , Yang Lifeng , Ke Tian , Hu Jianbo , Suo Xian , Cui Xili , Xing Huabin
Published: March 2024

Extensive efforts have been made to improve the separation selectivity of hydrocarbon isomers with nearly distinguishable boiling points; however, how to balance the high regeneration energy consumption remains a daunting challenge. Here we describe the efficient separation of hexane isomers by constructing and exploiting the rotational freedom of organic linkers and inorganic SnF62− anions within adaptive frameworks, and reveal the nature of flexible host-guest interactions to maximize the gas-framework interactions while achieving potential energy storage. This approach enables the discrimination of hexane isomers according to the degree of branching along with high capacity and record mono-/di-branched selectivity (6.97), di-branched isomers selectivity (22.16), and upgrades the gasoline to a maximum RON (Research Octane Number) of 105. Benefitting from the energy regulation of the flexible pore space, the material can be easily regenerated only through a simple vacuum treatment for 15 minutes at 25 °C with no temperature fluctuation, saving almost 45% energy compared to the commercialized zeolite 5 A. This approach could potentially revolutionize the whole scenario of alkane isomer separation processes.
The genetic architecture of multimodal human brain age
Authors: Wen Junhao , Zhao Bingxin , Yang Zhijian , Erus Guray , Skampardoni Ioanna , Mamourian Elizabeth , Cui Yuhan , Hwang Gyujoon , Bao Jingxuan , Boquet-Pujadas Aleix , Zhou Zhen , Veturi Yogasudha , Ritchie Marylyn D. , Shou Haochang , Thompson Paul M. , Shen Li , Toga Arthur W. , Davatzikos Christos
Published: March 2024

The complex biological mechanisms underlying human brain aging remain incompletely understood. This study investigated the genetic architecture of three brain age gaps (BAG) derived from gray matter volume (GM-BAG), white matter microstructure (WM-BAG), and functional connectivity (FC-BAG). We identified sixteen genomic loci that reached genome-wide significance (P-value < 5×10−8). A gene-drug-disease network highlighted genes linked to GM-BAG for treating neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders and WM-BAG genes for cancer therapy. GM-BAG displayed the most pronounced heritability enrichment in genetic variants within conserved regions. Oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, but not neurons, exhibited notable heritability enrichment in WM and FC-BAG, respectively. Mendelian randomization identified potential causal effects of several chronic diseases on brain aging, such as type 2 diabetes on GM-BAG and AD on WM-BAG. Our results provide insights into the genetics of human brain aging, with clinical implications for potential lifestyle and therapeutic interventions. All results are publicly available at https://labs.loni.usc.edu/medicine.
Ion mobility-tandem mass spectrometry of mucin-type O-glycans
Authors: Bechtella Leïla , Chunsheng Jin , Fentker Kerstin , Ertürk Güney R. , Safferthal Marc , Polewski Łukasz , Götze Michael , Graeber Simon Y. , Vos Gaël M. , Struwe Weston B. , Mall Marcus A. , Mertins Philipp , Karlsson Niclas G. , Pagel Kevin
Published: March 2024

The dense O-glycosylation of mucins plays an important role in the defensive properties of the mucus hydrogel. Aberrant glycosylation is often correlated with inflammation and pathology such as COPD, cancer, and Crohn’s disease. The inherent complexity of glycans and the diversity in the O-core structure constitute fundamental challenges for the analysis of mucin-type O-glycans. Due to coexistence of multiple isomers, multidimensional workflows such as LC-MS are required. To separate the highly polar carbohydrates, porous graphitized carbon is often used as a stationary phase. However, LC-MS workflows are time-consuming and lack reproducibility. Here we present a rapid alternative for separating and identifying O-glycans released from mucins based on trapped ion mobility mass spectrometry. Compared to established LC-MS, the acquisition time is reduced from an hour to two minutes. To test the validity, the developed workflow was applied to sputum samples from cystic fibrosis patients to map O-glycosylation features associated with disease.
Plasma p-tau212 antemortem diagnostic performance and prediction of autopsy verification of Alzheimer’s disease neuropathology
Authors: Kac Przemysław R. , González-Ortiz Fernando , Emeršič Andreja , Dulewicz Maciej , Koutarapu Srinivas , Turton Michael , An Yang , Smirnov Denis , Kulczyńska-Przybik Agnieszka , Varma Vijay R. , Ashton Nicholas J. , Montoliu-Gaya Laia , Camporesi Elena , Winkel Izabela , Paradowski Bogusław , Moghekar Abhay , Troncoso Juan C. , Lashley Tammaryn , Brinkmalm Gunnar , Resnick Susan M. , Mroczko Barbara , Kvartsberg Hlin , Gregorič Kramberger Milica , Hanrieder Jörg , Čučnik Saša , Harrison Peter , Zetterberg Henrik , Lewczuk Piotr , Thambisetty Madhav , Rot Uroš , Galasko Douglas , Blennow Kaj , Karikari Thomas K.
Published: March 2024

Blood phosphorylated tau (p-tau) biomarkers, including p-tau217, show high associations with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) neuropathologic change and clinical stage. Certain plasma p-tau217 assays recognize tau forms phosphorylated additionally at threonine-212, but the contribution of p-tau212 alone to AD is unknown. We developed a blood-based immunoassay that is specific to p-tau212 without cross-reactivity to p-tau217. Here, we examined the diagnostic utility of plasma p-tau212. In five cohorts (n = 388 participants), plasma p-tau212 showed high performances for AD diagnosis and for the detection of both amyloid and tau pathology, including at autopsy as well as in memory clinic populations. The diagnostic accuracy and fold changes of plasma p-tau212 were similar to those for p-tau217 but higher than p-tau181 and p-tau231. Immunofluorescent staining of brain tissue slices showed prominent p-tau212 reactivity in neurofibrillary tangles that co-localized with p-tau217 and p-tau202/205. These findings support plasma p-tau212 as a peripherally accessible biomarker of AD pathophysiology.
Amber rainbow ribbon effect in broadband optical metamaterials
Authors: Zhao Jing , Wu Xianfeng , Zhang Doudou , Xu Xiaoting , Wang Xiaonong , Zhao Xiaopeng
Published: March 2024

Using the trapped rainbow effect to slow down or even stop light has been widely studied. However, high loss and energy leakage severely limited the development of rainbow devices. Here, we observed the negative Goos-Hänchen effect in film samples across the entire visible spectrum. We also discovered an amber rainbow ribbon and an optical black hole due to perfect back reflection in optical waveguides, where little light leaks out. Not only does the amber rainbow ribbon effect show an automatic frequency selection response, as predicted by single frequency theoretical models and confirmed by experiments, it also shows spatial periodic regulation, resulting from broadband omnidirectional visible metamaterials prepared by disordered assembly systems. This broadband light trapping system could play a crucial role in the fields of optical storage and information processing when being used to construct ultra-compact modulators and other tunable devices.
Induced dipole moments in amorphous ZnCdS catalysts facilitate photocatalytic H2 evolution
Authors: Wang Xin , Liu Boyan , Ma Siqing , Zhang Yingjuan , Wang Lianzhou , Zhu Gangqiang , Huang Wei , Wang Songcan
Published: March 2024

Amorphous semiconductors without perfect crystalline lattice structures are usually considered to be unfavorable for photocatalysis due to the presence of enriched trap states and defects. Here we demonstrate that breaking long-range atomic order in an amorphous ZnCdS photocatalyst can induce dipole moments and generate strong electric fields within the particles which facilitates charge separation and transfer. Loading 1 wt.% of low-cost Co-MoSx cocatalysts to the ZnCdS material increases the H2 evolution rate to 70.13 mmol g−1 h−1, which is over 5 times higher than its crystalline counterpart and is stable over the long-term up to 160 h. A flexible 20 cm × 20 cm Co-MoSx/ZnCdS film is prepared by a facile blade-coating technique and can generate numerous observable H2 bubbles under natural sunlight, exhibiting potential for scale-up solar H2 production.
A genetic screen identifies a role for oprF in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm stimulation by subinhibitory antibiotics
Authors: Yaeger Luke N. , Ranieri Michael R. M. , Chee Jessica , Karabelas-Pittman Sawyer , Rudolph Madeleine , Giovannoni Alessio M. , Harvey Hanjeong , Burrows Lori L.
Published: March 2024

Biofilms are surface-associated communities of bacteria that grow in a self-produced matrix of polysaccharides, proteins, and extracellular DNA (eDNA). Sub-minimal inhibitory concentrations (sub-MIC) of antibiotics induce biofilm formation, potentially as a defensive response to antibiotic stress. However, the mechanisms behind sub-MIC antibiotic-induced biofilm formation are unclear. We show that treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa with multiple classes of sub-MIC antibiotics with distinct targets induces biofilm formation. Further, addition of exogenous eDNA or cell lysate failed to increase biofilm formation to the same extent as antibiotics, suggesting that the release of cellular contents by antibiotic-driven bacteriolysis is insufficient. Using a genetic screen for stimulation-deficient mutants, we identified the outer membrane porin OprF and the ECF sigma factor SigX as important. Similarly, loss of OmpA – the Escherichia coli OprF homolog – prevented sub-MIC antibiotic stimulation of E. coli biofilms. Our screen also identified the periplasmic disulfide bond-forming enzyme DsbA and a predicted cyclic-di-GMP phosphodiesterase encoded by PA2200 as essential for biofilm stimulation. The phosphodiesterase activity of PA2200 is likely controlled by a disulfide bond in its regulatory domain, and folding of OprF is influenced by disulfide bond formation, connecting the mutant phenotypes. Addition of reducing agent dithiothreitol prevented sub-MIC antibiotic biofilm stimulation. Finally, activation of a c-di-GMP-responsive promoter follows treatment with sub-MIC antibiotics in the wild-type but not an oprF mutant. Together, these results show that antibiotic-induced biofilm formation is likely driven by a signaling pathway that translates changes in periplasmic redox state into elevated biofilm formation through increases in c-di-GMP.
A multi-site study on sex differences in cortical thickness in non-demented Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Oltra Javier , Segura Barbara , Strafella Antonio P. , van Eimeren Thilo , Ibarretxe-Bilbao Naroa , Diez-Cirarda Maria , Eggers Carsten , Lucas-Jiménez Olaia , Monté-Rubio Gemma C. , Ojeda Natalia , Peña Javier , Ruppert Marina C. , Sala-Llonch Roser , Theis Hendrik , Uribe Carme , Junque Carme
Published: March 2024

Clinical, cognitive, and atrophy characteristics depending on sex have been previously reported in Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, though sex differences in cortical gray matter measures in early drug naïve patients have been described, little is known about differences in cortical thickness (CTh) as the disease advances. Our multi-site sample comprised 211 non-demented PD patients (64.45% males; mean age 65.58 ± 8.44 years old; mean disease duration 6.42 ± 5.11 years) and 86 healthy controls (50% males; mean age 65.49 ± 9.33 years old) with available T1-weighted 3 T MRI data from four international research centers. Sex differences in regional mean CTh estimations were analyzed using generalized linear models. The relation of CTh in regions showing sex differences with age, disease duration, and age of onset was examined through multiple linear regression. PD males showed thinner cortex than PD females in six frontal (bilateral caudal middle frontal, bilateral superior frontal, left precentral and right pars orbitalis), three parietal (bilateral inferior parietal and left supramarginal), and one limbic region (right posterior cingulate). In PD males, lower CTh values in nine out of ten regions were associated with longer disease duration and older age, whereas in PD females, lower CTh was associated with older age but with longer disease duration only in one region. Overall, male patients show a more widespread pattern of reduced CTh compared with female patients. Disease duration seems more relevant to explain reduced CTh in male patients, suggesting worse prognostic over time. Further studies should explore sex-specific cortical atrophy trajectories using large longitudinal multi-site data.
A chromosome-level genome assembly of the pig-nosed turtle (Carettochelys insculpta)
Authors: Li Ye , Liu Yuxuan , Zheng Jiangmin , Wu Baosheng , Cui Xinxin , Xu Wenjie , Zhu Chenglong , Qiu Qiang , Wang Kun
Published: March 2024

The pig-nosed turtle (Carettochelys insculpta) represents the only extant species within the Carettochelyidae family, is a unique Trionychia member fully adapted to aquatic life and currently facing endangerment. To enhance our understanding of this species and contribute to its conservation efforts, we employed high-fidelity (HiFi) and Hi-C sequencing technology to generate its genome assembly at the chromosome level. The assembly result spans 2.18 Gb, with a contig N50 of 126 Mb, encompassing 34 chromosomes that account for 99.6% of the genome. The assembly has a BUSCO score above 95% with different databases and strong collinearity with Yangtze giant softshell turtles (Rafetus swinhoei), indicating its completeness and continuity. A total of 19,175 genes and 46.86% repetitive sequences were annotated. The availability of this chromosome-scale genome represents a valuable resource for the pig-nosed turtle, providing insights into its aquatic adaptation and serving as a foundation for future turtle research.
Mechatronic automatic control system of electropneumatic manipulator
Authors: Nazarova Olena , Osadchyy Volodymyr , Hutsol Taras , Glowacki Szymon , Nurek Tomasz , Hulevskyi Vadym , Horetska Iryna
Published: March 2024

Mechatronic systems of electropneumatic automation are one of the main classes of industrial automation systems. A laboratory stand for the study of the mechatronic system of automatic control of the pneumatic manipulator and a computer model for preliminary experiments on the adjustment of the automatic control system were developed. Manual and software control modes are provided for research of indicators of safety and quality of management in both modes. To implement the software control mode, a microcontroller part of the laboratory stand based on ADuC841 was developed, with the help of which it is possible to simulate a part of a certain technological process, to detect and eliminate faults in the automatic control system. A study of automatic control systems using a traditional relay-contactor control system, based on GrafCet technology and using a virtual controller. The combination of computer modeling of technological processes and physical modeling of executive mechanisms is a kind of digital double that displays its state, parameters and behavior in real time. The use of a laboratory stand in combination with an adequate simulation model reduces the complexity of developing control systems for practical applications, and also contributes to the formation of students' creative component, ability to analyze the results, and make decisions in unusual situations, which will increase their theoretical and practical training. The study of mechatronic systems of pneumatic manipulators will allow to increase their efficiency and productivity, to optimize their speed and accuracy for various applications in production. The interaction of mechatronic systems of pneumatic manipulators with other technologies, such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, IoT is the basis for creating more integrated and intelligent systems.
Metabolic responses to the occurrence and chemotherapy of pancreatic cancer: biomarker identification and prognosis prediction
Authors: Teng Tianhong , Shi Han , Fan Yanying , Guo Pengfei , Zhang Jin , Qiu Xinyu , Feng Jianghua , Huang Heguang
Published: March 2024

As the most malignant tumor, the prognosis of pancreatic cancer is not ideal even in the small number of patients who can undergo radical surgery. As a highly heterogeneous tumor, chemotherapy resistance is a major factor leading to decreased efficacy and postoperative recurrence of pancreatic cancer. In this study, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics was applied to identify serum metabolic characteristics of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and screen the potential biomarkers for its diagnosis. Metabolic changes of patients with different CA19-9 levels during postoperative chemotherapy were also monitored and compared to identify the differential metabolites that may affect the efficacy of chemotherapy. Finally, 19 potential serum biomarkers were screened to serve the diagnosis of PDAC, and significant metabolic differences between the two CA19-9 stratifications of PDAC were involved in energy metabolism, lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and citric acid metabolism. Enrichment analysis of metabolic pathways revealed six shared pathways by PDAC and chemotherapy such as alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, glutamine and glutamate metabolism, citrate cycle, pyruvate metabolism, and glycogolysis/gluconeogeneis. The similarity between the metabolic characteristics of PDAC and the metabolic responses to chemotherapy provided a reference for clinical prediction of benefits of postoperative chemotherapy in PDAC patients.
A compact detector system for simultaneous measurements of the light yield non-linearity and timing properties of scintillators
Authors: Sabot Benoit , Dutsov Chavdar , Cassette Philippe , Mitev Krasimir , Hamel Matthieu , Bertrand Guillaume H. V. , Lebbou Kheirreddine , Dujardin Christophe
Published: March 2024

This work presents an outline of a detection system that employs the Compton spectrometer method to assess the non-linearity of scintillator light yield. A novel approach is introduced, leading to more accurate measurements through the separate determination of the intrinsic light output parameters and the non-linearity of the scintillators. Key features of this system include the use of a portable scintillation detector with three photomultiplier tubes for precise measurement of the average number of detected photoelectrons and the incorporation of recent advancements in correction techniques for accidental coincidences. The integration of digital acquisition, offline data analysis, and geometric adaptation reduces the time required to perform a measurement. The developed detector can simultaneously measure different timing properties, as well as the relative intensities following ionization excitation in a scintillator. The system’s performance is demonstrated through measurements of the light yield dependence on the deposited energy for commercially available liquid, plastic, and inorganic scintillators. Such instrumentation serves as a valuable tool in the development of novel scintillating materials, including liquid or solid organic scintillators, inorganic scintillators, and composite scintillators for electron detection, in addition to traditional X-ray or $$\gamma$$
γ
-ray detection.
Association of the fat mass index with hepatic steatosis and fibrosis: evidence from NHANES 2017–2018
Authors: Liu Lihe , Lin Jiaxi , Yin Minyue , Liu Lu , Gao Jingwen , Liu Xiaolin , Zhu Jinzhou , Wu Airong
Published: March 2024

Limited population-based studies discuss the association between fat mass index (FMI) and the risk of liver diseases. This investigation utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to examine the linkage between the FMI and liver conditions, specifically steatosis and fibrosis. The study leveraged data from NHANES’s 2017–2018 cross-sectional study, employing an oversampling technique to deal with sample imbalance. Hepatic steatosis and fibrosis were identified by vibration-controlled transient elastography. Receiver operating curve was used to assess the relationship of anthropometric indicators, e.g., the FMI, body mass index (BMI), weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI), percentage of body fat (BF%), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI), with hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. In this study, which included 2260 participants, multivariate logistic regression models, stratified analyses, restricted cubic spline (RCS), and sharp regression discontinuity analyses were utilized. The results indicated that the WHR and the FMI achieved the highest area under the curve for identifying hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, respectively (0.720 and 0.726). Notably, the FMI presented the highest adjusted odds ratio for both hepatic steatosis (6.40 [4.91–8.38], p = 2.34e−42) and fibrosis (6.06 [5.00, 7.37], p = 5.88e−74). Additionally, potential interaction effects were observed between the FMI and variables such as the family income-to-poverty ratio, smoking status, and hypertension, all of which correlated with the presence of liver fibrosis (p for interaction < 0.05). The RCS models further confirmed a significant positive correlation of the FMI with the controlled attenuation parameter and liver stiffness measurements. Overall, the findings underscore the strong link between the FMI and liver conditions, proposing the FMI as a potential straightforward marker for identifying liver diseases.
The impact of mental health on health-related quality of life in patients with NF2-related Schwannomatosis
Authors: Freier Anna , Lawson McLean Anna C. , Loeschner Denise , Rosahl Steffen K. , Kruse Johannes
Published: March 2024

NF2-related schwannomatosis (NF2-SWN) is a rare genetic disorder and is associated with progressive morbidities. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between NF2-SWN disease severity, health-related Quality of Life (QoL), and mental health aspects of patients. Standardised questionnaires assessing mental health problems (symptoms of depression, anxiety, and somatic burden), psychological factors (resilience, loneliness, and personality functioning), and health-related QoL were administered to 97 patients with NF2-SWN. The results of these questionnaires were compared with physician-rated disease severity. Questionnaires were completed by 77 patients. Physician-rated disease severity scores were available for 55 patients. NF2-SWN patients showed a high prevalence of clinically relevant symptoms of depression (30%), anxiety (16%), and somatic burden (32%). Almost all variables showed moderate to high correlations with NF2-SWN-related QoL. NF2-SWN-related QoL was associated with physician-reported disease severity (r = 0.614). In the stepwise hierarchical linear regression analysis, a significant model with four predictors (disease severity type, depression symptoms, personality functioning, and gender) explained 64% of the variance in NF2-SWN-related QoL. Our results showed a strong association between NF2-SWN-related QoL and depression symptoms. Moreover, personality functioning is an important influencing factor, representing a modifiable construct that can be targeted by prevention programs or psychotherapy.
A highly selective mPGES-1 inhibitor to block abdominal aortic aneurysm progression in the angiotensin mouse model
Authors: Weaver Lauren M. , Stewart Madeline J. , Ding Kai , Loftin Charles D. , Zheng Fang , Zhan Chang-Guo
Published: March 2024

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a deadly, permanent ballooning of the aortic artery. Pharmacological and genetic studies have pointed to multiple proteins, including microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1 (mPGES-1), as potentially promising targets. However, it remains unknown whether administration of an mPGES-1 inhibitor can effectively attenuate AAA progression in animal models. There are still no FDA-approved pharmacological treatments for AAA. Current research stresses the importance of both anti-inflammatory drug targets and rigor of translatability. Notably, mPGES-1 is an inducible enzyme responsible for overproduction of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)—a well-known principal pro-inflammatory prostanoid. Here we demonstrate for the first time that a highly selective mPGES-1 inhibitor (UK4b) can completely block further growth of AAA in the ApoE−/− angiotensin (Ang)II mouse model. Our findings show promise for the use of a mPGES-1 inhibitor like UK4b as interventional treatment of AAA and its potential translation into the clinical setting.
Changes in heart rate variability over time from symptom onset of transient global amnesia
Authors: Cho Soomi , Lee Sue Hyun , Lee Hye Jeong , Chu Min Kyung , Kim Won-Joo , Heo Kyoung , Kim Kyung Min
Published: March 2024

Transient global amnesia (TGA) often involves precipitating events associated with changes in autonomic nervous system (ANS), and heart rate variability (HRV) reflects the ANS state. This study aimed to investigate HRV changes after TGA. A retrospective analysis of HRV included patients diagnosed with TGA between January 2015 and May 2020. The time and frequency domains of HRV were compared among three groups: early (< 1 week after TGA, n = 19), late (1–4 weeks after TGA, n = 38), and healthy control (HC, n = 19). The Pearson’s correlation between time and time-domain HRV was also examined. The standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN) (early, 47.2; late, 35.5; HC, 41.5; p = 0.033) and root mean square of successive RR interval differences (RMSSD) (early, 38.5; late, 21.3; HC, 31.0; p = 0.006) differed significantly among the three groups. Post-hoc analysis showed statistically significant differences only in the early and late groups in both SDNN (p = 0.032) and RMSSD (p = 0.006) values. However, the frequency domain with total power, low-frequency and high-frequency powers, and low-frequency/high-frequency ratio did not differ. SDNN (Pearson correlation coefficient =− 0.396, p = 0.002) and RMSSD (Pearson correlation coefficient =− 0.406, p = 0.002) were negatively correlated with time after TGA. Changes in HRV occurred over time after the onset of TGA, with the pattern showing an increase in the first week and then a decrease within 4 weeks.