bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neither alpha-synuclein fibril strain nor host murine genotype influences seeding efficacy
Authors: Walton Sara , Fenyi Alexis , Tittle Tyler , Sidransky Ellen , Pal Gian , Choi Solji , Melki Ronald , Killinger Bryan A. , Kordower Jeffrey H.
Published: May 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive motor symptoms and alpha-synuclein (αsyn) aggregation in the nervous system. For unclear reasons, PD patients with certain GBA1 mutations (GBA-PD) have a more aggressive clinical progression. Two testable hypotheses that can potentially account for this phenomenon are that GBA1 mutations promote αsyn spread or drive the generation of highly pathogenic αsyn polymorphs (i.e., strains). We tested these hypotheses by treating homozygous GBA1 D409V knockin (KI) mice with human α-syn-preformed fibrils (PFFs) and treating wild-type mice (WT) with several αsyn-PFF polymorphs amplified from brain autopsy samples collected from patients with idiopathic PD and GBA-PD patients with either homozygous or heterozygous GBA1 mutations. Robust phosphorylated-αsyn (PSER129) positive pathology was observed at the injection site (i.e., the olfactory bulb granule cell layer) and throughout the brain six months following PFF injection. The PFF seeding efficiency and degree of spread were similar regardless of the mouse genotype or PFF polymorphs. We found that PFFs amplified from the human brain, regardless of patient genotype, were generally more effective seeders than wholly synthetic PFFs (i.e., non-amplified); however, PFF concentration differed between these two studies, which might also account for the observed differences. To investigate whether the molecular composition of pathology differed between different seeding conditions, we performed Biotinylation by Antibody Recognition on PSER129 (BAR-PSER129). We found that for BAR-PSER129, the endogenous PSER129 pool dominated identified interactions, and thus, very few potential interactions were explicitly identified for seeded pathology. However, we found Dynactin Subunit 2 (Dctn2) interaction was shared across all PFF conditions, and NCK Associated Protein 1 (Nckap1) and Adaptor Related Protein Complex 3 Subunit Beta 2 (Ap3b2) were unique to PFFs amplified from GBA-PD brains of heterozygous mutation carriers. In conclusion, both the genotype and αsyn strain had little effect on overall seeding efficacy and global PSER129-interactions.
Meta-analysis of shotgun sequencing of gut microbiota in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Nishiwaki Hiroshi , Ueyama Jun , Ito Mikako , Hamaguchi Tomonari , Takimoto Keiichi , Maeda Tetsuya , Kashihara Kenichi , Tsuboi Yoshio , Mori Hiroshi , Kurokawa Ken , Katsuno Masahisa , Hirayama Masaaki , Ohno Kinji
Published: May 2024

We aimed to identify gut microbial features in Parkinson’s disease (PD) across countries by meta-analyzing our fecal shotgun sequencing dataset of 94 PD patients and 73 controls in Japan with five previously reported datasets from USA, Germany, China1, China2, and Taiwan. GC-MS and LC-MS/MS assays were established to quantify fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and fecal polyamines, respectively. α-Diversity was increased in PD across six datasets. Taxonomic analysis showed that species Akkermansia muciniphila was increased in PD, while species Roseburia intestinalis and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii were decreased in PD. Pathway analysis showed that genes in the biosyntheses of riboflavin and biotin were markedly decreased in PD after adjusting for confounding factors. Five out of six categories in carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) were decreased in PD. Metabolomic analysis of our fecal samples revealed that fecal SCFAs and polyamines were significantly decreased in PD. Genes in the riboflavin and biotin biosyntheses were positively correlated with the fecal concentrations of SCFAs and polyamines. Bacteria that accounted for the decreased riboflavin biosynthesis in Japan, the USA, and Germany were different from those in China1, China2, and Taiwan. Similarly, different bacteria accounted for decreased biotin biosynthesis in the two country groups. We postulate that decreased SCFAs and polyamines reduce the intestinal mucus layer, which subsequently facilitates the formation of abnormal α-synuclein fibrils in the intestinal neural plexus in PD, and also cause neuroinflammation in PD.
Multi-decadal climate services help farmers assess and manage future risks
Authors: Malakar Yuwan , Snow Stephen , Fleming Aysha , Fielke Simon , Jakku Emma , Tozer Carly , Darbyshire Rebecca
Published: May 2024

Climate services can support on-farm decisions, yet this potential is currently not fully realized. Here, using a participatory qualitative risk analysis framework, we introduced 24 Australian farmers to My Climate View, an Australian online, multi-decadal climate service, and asked them to identify, assess and discuss management of long-term risks in light of its projections. We found that multi-decadal projections can help farmers to better understand future climate risks, potentially reducing the psychological distance of climate change. The use of long-term climate projections, however, can be impeded by lack of confidence in data, so leveraging the expertise of trusted service providers may help boost farmers’ confidence. Finally, though climate services providing multi-decadal projections can help farmers to identify future climate risks, they require interactive and recurring engagement to turn awareness into action.
A dataset of ambient sensors in a meeting room for activity recognition
Authors: Kim Hyunju , Kim Geon , Lee Taehoon , Kim Kisoo , Lee Dongman
Published: May 2024

As IoT technology advances, using machine learning to detect user activities emerges as a promising strategy for delivering a variety of smart services. It is essential to have access to high-quality data that also respects privacy concerns and data streams from ambient sensors in the surrounding environment meet this requirement. However, despite growing interest in research, there is a noticeable lack of datasets from ambient sensors designed for public spaces, as opposed to those for private settings. To bridge this gap, we design the DOO-RE dataset within an actual meeting room environment, equipped with three types of ambient sensors: those triggered by actuators, users, and the environment itself. This dataset is compiled from the activities of over twenty students throughout a period of four months. DOO-RE provides reliable and purpose-oriented activity data in a public setting, with activity labels verified by multiple annotators through a process of cross-validation to guarantee data integrity. DOO-RE categorizes nine different types of activities and facilitates the study of both single and group activities. We are optimistic that DOO-RE will play a significant role in advancing human activity recognition technologies, enhancing smart automation systems, and enabling the rapid setup of smart spaces through ambient sensors.
Synthesis and characterization of nitrogen-doped-MWCNT@cobalt oxide for nerve agent simulant detection
Authors: Lama Sanjeeb , Choi Hyeong-Seon , Ramesh Sivalingam , Lee Young Jun , Kim Joo Hyung
Published: May 2024

Organophosphorus nerve agents are toxic compounds that disrupt neuromuscular transmission by inhibiting the neurotransmitter enzyme, acetylcholinesterase, leading to rapid death. A hybrid composite was synthesized using a hydrothermal process for the early detection of dimethyl methyl phosphonate (DMMP), a simulant of the G-series nerve agent, sarin. Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors were used as detectors. Nitrogen-doped multiwalled carbon nanotubes (N-MWCNTs), cobalt oxide (Co3O4), and N-MWCNT@Co3O4 were compared to detect DMMP concentrations of 25–150 ppm. At 25 ppm, the differential frequencies (Δf) of the N-MWCNT, Co3O4, and N-MWCNT@Co3O4 sensors were 5.8, 2.3, and 99.5 Hz, respectively. The selectivity results revealed a preference for the DMMP rather than potential interference. The coefficients of determination (R2) of the N-MWCNT, Co3O4, and N-MWCNT@Co3O4 sensors for detecting 25–150 ppm DMMP were 0.983, 0.986, and 0.999, respectively. The response times of the N-MWCNT, Co3O4, and N-MWCNT@Co3O4 sensors for detecting 100 ppm DMMP were 25, 27, and 34 s, respectively, while the corresponding recovery times were 85, 105, and 181 s. The repeatability results revealed the reversible adsorption and desorption phenomena for the fixed DMMP concentration of 100 ppm. These unique findings show that synthesized materials can be used to detect organophosphorus nerve agents.
Mitochondrial metagenomics reveal the independent colonization of the world’s coasts by intertidal oribatid mites (Acari, Oribatida, Ameronothroidea)
Authors: Pfingstl Tobias , Hiruta Shimpei F. , Shimano Satoshi
Published: May 2024

Oribatid mites are an ancient group that already roamed terrestrial ecosystems in the early and middle Devonian. The superfamily of Ameronothroidea, a supposedly monophyletic lineage, represents the only group of oribatid mites that has successfully invaded the marine coastal environment. By using mitogenome data and nucleic ribosomal RNA genes (18S, 5.8S, 28S), we show that Ameronothroidea are a paraphyletic assemblage and that the land-to-sea transition happened three times independently. Common ancestors of the tropical Fortuyniidae and Selenoribatidae were the first to colonize the coasts and molecular calibration of our phylogeny dates this event to a period in the Triassic and Jurassic era (225–146 mya), whereas present-day distribution indicates that this event might have happened early in this period during the Triassic, when the supercontinent Pangaea still existed. The cold temperate northern hemispheric Ameronothridae colonized the marine littoral later in the late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous and had an ancient distribution on Laurasian coasts. The third and final land-to-sea transition happened in the same geological period, but approx. 30 my later when ancestors of Podacaridae invaded coastal marine environments of the Gondwanan landmasses.
Svetlana a supervised segmentation classifier for Napari
Authors: Cazorla Clément , Morin Renaud , Weiss Pierre
Published: May 2024

We present Svetlana (SuperVised sEgmenTation cLAssifier for NapAri), an open-source Napari plugin dedicated to the manual or automatic classification of segmentation results. A few recent software tools have made it possible to automatically segment complex 2D and 3D objects such as cells in biology with unrivaled performance. However, the subsequent analysis of the results is oftentimes inaccessible to non-specialists. The Svetlana plugin aims at going one step further, by allowing end-users to label the segmented objects and to pick, train and run arbitrary neural network classifiers. The resulting network can then be used for the quantitative analysis of biophysical phenoma. We showcase its performance through challenging problems in 2D and 3D and provide a comprehensive discussion on its strengths and limits.
Social signals predict contemporary art prices better than visual features, particularly in emerging markets
Authors: Lee Kangsan , Park Jaehyuk , Goree Sam , Crandall David , Ahn Yong-Yeol
Published: May 2024

What determines the price of an artwork? This article leverages a comprehensive and novel dataset on art auctions of contemporary artists to examine the impact of social and visual features on the valuation of artworks across global markets. Our findings indicate that social signals allow us to predict the price of artwork exceptionally well, even approaching the professionals’ prediction accuracy, while the visual features play a marginal role. This pattern is especially pronounced in emerging markets, supporting the idea that social signals become more critical when it is more difficult to assess the quality. These results strongly support that the value of artwork is largely shaped by social factors, particularly in emerging markets where a stronger preference for “buying an artist” than “buying an artwork.” Additionally, our study shows that it is possible to boost experts’ performance, highlighting the potential benefits of human-machine models in uncertain or rapidly changing markets, where expert knowledge is limited.
Highly reproducible and CMOS-compatible VO2-based oscillators for brain-inspired computing
Authors: Maher Olivier , Bernini Roy , Harnack Nele , Gotsmann Bernd , Sousa Marilyne , Bragaglia Valeria , Karg Siegfried
Published: May 2024

With remarkable electrical and optical switching properties induced at low power and near room temperature (68 °C), vanadium dioxide (VO2) has sparked rising interest in unconventional computing among the phase-change materials research community. The scalability and the potential to compute beyond the von Neumann model make VO2 especially appealing for implementation in oscillating neural networks for artificial intelligence applications, to solve constraint satisfaction problems, and for pattern recognition. Its integration into large networks of oscillators on a Silicon platform still poses challenges associated with the stabilization in the correct oxidation state and the ability to fabricate a structure with predictable electrical behavior showing very low variability. In this work, the role played by the different annealing parameters applied by three methods (slow thermal annealing, flash annealing, and rapid thermal annealing), following the vanadium oxide atomic layer deposition, on the formation of VO2 grains is studied and an optimal substrate stack configuration that minimizes variability between devices is proposed. Material and electrical characterizations are performed on the different films and a step-by-step recipe to build reproducible VO2-based oscillators is presented, which is argued to be made possible thanks to the introduction of a hafnium oxide (HfO2) layer between the silicon substrate and the vanadium oxide layer. Up to seven nearly identical VO2-based devices are contacted simultaneously to create a network of oscillators, paving the way for large-scale implementation of VO2 oscillating neural networks.
A nationwide study of the impact of social quality factors on life satisfaction among older adults in rural China
Authors: Xia Yanfang , Wang Guoyong , Yang Fan
Published: May 2024

In rural China, the aging population faces unique challenges that affect their life satisfaction. These challenges are compounded by disparities in access to resources compared to urban areas, making it crucial to address these issues to ensure a dignified and fulfilling later life. Understanding and improving life satisfaction for this demographic is essential, not only for the well-being of the elderly but also for the overall social stability and economic sustainability of these communities. Using a rural sample from the Chinese Social Survey (CSS), this study investigates the interplay between social quality factors and life satisfaction among older adults in rural China. It focuses on the roles of socioeconomic security, social cohesion, social inclusion, and social empowerment in shaping the well-being of this demographic. It was found that the four conditional factors of social quality—socioeconomic security, social cohesion, social inclusion, and social empowerment—have different influences on life satisfaction among older adults in rural areas. The statistical model shows that the influence of absolute family income on social and economic security does not have statistical significance. In contrast, housing, pension insurance participation, and public safety perception positively affect life satisfaction among older adults in rural areas. Among the social cohesion factors, higher social morality, legal system evaluation, social identity, grassroots government, and interpersonal trust contribute to the life satisfaction of older adults in rural areas. Regarding social inclusion factors, good social tolerance, social equity, and perception of government public services can significantly improve life satisfaction among older adults in rural areas. For social empowerment factors, social participation helps expand the social support network of older adults in rural areas, enhancing their life satisfaction. Paths to improving the quality of rural society should be explored to improve relative poverty in rural areas. They should continue to be pursued to strengthen the old-age security system for older adults in rural areas. Further, the National Medium- and Long-Term Plan for Actively Responding to Population Aging should be the base for forming an elderly-friendly society. A good atmosphere promotes the participation of people, families, and society; supports social cohesion; enhances inclusion; and promotes social participation, improving life satisfaction.
Evaluation of data representation techniques for vibration based road surface condition classification
Authors: Raslan E. , Alrahmawy Mohammed F․ , Mohammed Y. A. , Tolba A. S․
Published: May 2024

The accurate classification of road surface conditions plays a vital role in ensuring road safety and effective maintenance. Vibration-based techniques have shown promise in this domain, leveraging the unique vibration signatures generated by vehicles to identify different road conditions. In this study, we focus on utilizing vehicle-mounted vibration sensors to collect road surface vibrations and comparing various data representation techniques for classifying road surface conditions into four classes: normal road surface, potholes, bad road surface, and speedbumps. Our experimental results reveal that the combination of multiple data representation techniques results in higher performance, with an average accuracy of 93.4%. This suggests that the integration of deep neural networks and signal processing techniques can produce a high-level representation better suited for challenging multivariate time series classification issues.
Detection and identification of Bogia coconut syndrome phytoplasma from seed-associated tissues and seedlings of coconut (Cocos nucifera) and betel nut (Areca catechu)
Authors: Lu Hengyu , Wilson Bree , Zhang Hanfang , Woruba Sharon B. , Feng Bowen , Johnson Anne C. , Komolong Birte , Kuniata Lastus , Yang Guang , Gurr Geoff M.
Published: May 2024

Evidence for seed transmission of phytoplasmas has grown in several pathosystems including coconut (Cocos nucifera). Bogia coconut syndrome (BCS) is a disease associated with the lethal yellowing syndrome associated with the presence of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma noviguineense’ that affects coconut, betel nut (Areca catechu) and bananas (Musa spp.) in Papua New Guinea. Coconut and betel nut drupes were sampled from BCS-infected areas in Papua New Guinea, dissected, the extracted nucleic acid was used in polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) used to check for presence of phytoplasma DNA. In a second study, drupes of both plant species were collected from multiple field sites and grown in insect-proof cages. Leaf samples taken at 6 months were also tested with PCR and LAMP. The studies of dissected coconut drupes detected phytoplasma DNA in several tissues including the embryo. Drupes from betel nut tested negative. Among the seedlings, evidence of possible seed transmission was found in both plant species. The results demonstrate the presence of ‘Ca. P. noviguineense’ in coconut drupes and seedlings, and in seedlings of betel nut; factors that need to be considered in ongoing management and containment efforts.
High-throughput investigation of stability and Li diffusion of doped solid electrolytes via neural network potential without configurational knowledge
Authors: Sawada Ryohto , Nakago Kosuke , Shinagawa Chikashi , Takamoto So
Published: May 2024

Solid electrolytes hold substantial promise as vital components of all-solid-state batteries. Enhancing their performance necessitates simultaneous improvements in their stability and lithium conductivity. These properties can be calculated using first-principles simulations, provided that the crystal structure of the material and the diffusion pathway through the material are known. However, solid electrolytes typically incorporate dopants to enhance their properties, necessitating the optimization of the dopant configuration for the simulations. Yet, performing such calculations via the first-principles approach is so costly that existing approaches usually rely on predetermined dopant configurations informed by existing knowledge or are limited to systems doped with only a few atoms. The proposed method enables the optimization of the dopant configuration with the support of neural network potential (NNP). Our approach entails the use of molecular dynamics to analyze the diffusion after the optimization of the dopant configuration. The application of our approach to Li$$_{10}$$

10

MP$$_{2}$$

2

S$$_{12-x}$$

12
-
x

O$$_{x}$$

x

(M = Ge, Si, or Sn) reproduce the experimental results well. Furthermore, analysis of the lithium diffusion pathways suggests that the activation energy of diffusion undergoes a percolation transition. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of NNPs in the systematic exploration of solid electrolytes.
Holocene surface-rupturing paleo-earthquakes along the Kachchh Mainland Fault: shaping the seismic landscape of Kachchh, Western India
Authors: Malik Javed N. , Srivastava Eshaan , Gadhavi Mahendrasinh S. , Livio Franz , Sharma Nayan , Arora Shreya , Parrino Nicolò , Burrato Pierfrancesco , Sulli Attilio
Published: May 2024

This study explores the seismotectonics of Kachchh in western India, a region with a low-to-moderate strain rate and a history of significant earthquakes, notably the 1819, Mw 7.8 Allah Bund, and the 2001, Mw 7.6 Bhuj. Despite its substantial seismic risk, comprehensive studies on Kachchh’s seismogenic sources are scarce. This is attributed to the concealed nature of active structures, hindering definitive age constraints in paleoseismological research. Our research comprises a detailed paleoseismic analysis of the north-verging, reverse Jhura Fault underlying the Jhura anticline, a segment of the Kachchh Mainland Fault. This fault segment shows evidence of surface-rupturing earthquakes in the area south of the Great Rann of Kachchh. The investigation reveals three paleoseismic events: Event I before 9.72 ka B.P., Event II between 8.63–8.20 ka B.P., and Event III between 6.20–6.09 ka B.P. The elapsed time since the last event on this fault is > 8000 years, suggesting that the area is exposed to a significant earthquake hazard. This highlights the need for more precise characterization of individual seismogenic sources for future earthquake preparedness.
Coherently excited superresolution using intensity product of phase-controlled quantum erasers via polarization-basis projection measurements
Authors: Ham Byoung S.
Published: May 2024

Recently, the delayed-choice quantum eraser has been applied for coherently excited superresolution using phase-controlled projection measurements of laser light to overcome the diffraction limit in classical physics as well as to solve the limited order N of the N00N state in quantum physics. Here, a general scheme of the phase-controlled quantum eraser-based superresolution is proposed for quantum sensing satisfying the Heisenberg limit, and its general solution is derived for an arbitrary Nth-order intensity correlation. Furthermore, phase quantization of the proposed superresolution is discussed to better understand the wave nature of quantum mechanics. Unlike other methods of superresolution in quantum sensing, the proposed method is for the intensity products between phase-controlled quantum erasers and thus is compatible with most conventional sensing metrologies.
Development and characterization of a dedicated dose monitor for ultrahigh-dose-rate scanned carbon-ion beams
Authors: Yagi Masashi , Shimizu Shinichi , Hamatani Noriaki , Miyoshi Takuto , Nomura Takuya , Toyoda Takashi , Nakatani Mahoro , Tsubouchi Toshiro , Shimizu Masaki , Kuwana Yoshiaki , Umezawa Masumi , Takashina Masaaki , Nishio Teiji , Koizumi Masahiko , Ogawa Kazuhiko , Kanai Tatsuaki
Published: May 2024

The current monochromatic beam mode (i.e., uHDR irradiation mode) of the scanned carbon-ion beam lacks a dedicated dose monitor, making the beam control challenging. We developed and characterized a dedicated dose monitor for uHDR-scanned carbon-ion beams. Furthermore, a simple measurable dose rate (dose rate per spot (DRspot)) was suggested by using the developed dose monitor and experimentally validating quantities relevant to the uHDR scanned carbon-ion beam. A large plane-parallel ionization chamber (IC) with a smaller electrode spacing was used to reduce uHDR recombination effects, and a dedicated operational amplifier was manufactured for the uHDR-scanned carbon-ion beam. The dose linearity of the IC was within ± 1% in the range of 1.8–12.3 Gy. The spatial inhomogeneity of the dose response of the IC was ± 0.38% inside the ± 40-mm detector area, and a systematic deviation of approximately 2% was measured at the edge of the detector. uHDR irradiation with beam scanning was tested and verified for different doses at the corresponding dose rates (in terms of both the average dose rate and DRspot). We confirmed that the dose monitor can highlight the characteristics (i.e., dose, dose rate, and dose profile) of uHDR-scanned carbon-ion beams at several dose levels in the monochromatic beam mode.
In silico functional, structural and pathogenicity analysis of missense single nucleotide polymorphisms in human MCM6 gene
Authors: Kamal Md. Mostafa , Mia Md. Sohel , Faruque Md. Omar , Rabby Md. Golam , Islam Md. Numan , Talukder Md. Enamul Kabir , Wani Tanveer A. , Rahman M. Atikur , Hasan Md. Mahmudul
Published: May 2024

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are one of the most common determinants and potential biomarkers of human disease pathogenesis. SNPs could alter amino acid residues, leading to the loss of structural and functional integrity of the encoded protein. In humans, members of the minichromosome maintenance (MCM) family play a vital role in cell proliferation and have a significant impact on tumorigenesis. Among the MCM members, the molecular mechanism of how missense SNPs of minichromosome maintenance complex component 6 (MCM6) contribute to DNA replication and tumor pathogenesis is underexplored and needs to be elucidated. Hence, a series of sequence and structure-based computational tools were utilized to determine how mutations affect the corresponding MCM6 protein. From the dbSNP database, among 15,009 SNPs in the MCM6 gene, 642 missense SNPs (4.28%), 291 synonymous SNPs (1.94%), and 12,500 intron SNPs (83.28%) were observed. Out of the 642 missense SNPs, 33 were found to be deleterious during the SIFT analysis. Among these, 11 missense SNPs (I123S, R207C, R222C, L449F, V456M, D463G, H556Y, R602H, R633W, R658C, and P815T) were found as deleterious, probably damaging, affective and disease-associated. Then, I123S, R207C, R222C, V456M, D463G, R602H, R633W, and R658C missense SNPs were found to be highly harmful. Six missense SNPs (I123S, R207C, V456M, D463G, R602H, and R633W) had the potential to destabilize the corresponding protein as predicted by DynaMut2. Interestingly, five high-risk mutations (I123S, V456M, D463G, R602H, and R633W) were distributed in two domains (PF00493 and PF14551). During molecular dynamics simulations analysis, consistent fluctuation in RMSD and RMSF values, high Rg and hydrogen bonds in mutant proteins compared to wild-type revealed that these mutations might alter the protein structure and stability of the corresponding protein. Hence, the results from the analyses guide the exploration of the mechanism by which these missense SNPs of the MCM6 gene alter the structural integrity and functional properties of the protein, which could guide the identification of ways to minimize the harmful effects of these mutations in humans.
Soliton structures for the (3 + 1)-dimensional Painlevé integrable equation in fluid mediums
Authors: Liu Jian-Guo
Published: May 2024

The (3 + 1)-dimensional Painlevé integrable equation are a class of nonlinear differential equations with special properties, which play an important role in nonlinear science and are of great significance in solving various practical problems, such as many important models in fields such as quantum mechanics, statistical physics, nonlinear optics, and celestial mechanics. In this work, we utilize the Hirota bilinear form and Mathematica software to formally obtain the interaction solution among lump wave, solitary wave and periodic wave, which has not yet appeared in other literature. Additionally, using the $$(G'/G)$$

(

G
′

/
G
)

-expansion method, we provide a rich set of exact solutions for the (3 + 1)-dimensional Painlevé integrable equation, which includes two functions with arbitrary values. This method is the first to be applied to the (3 + 1)-dimensional Painlevé integrable equation. By giving some 3D graphics and density maps, the dynamic properties are analyzed and demonstrated, which is beneficial for promoting understanding and application of the (3 + 1)-dimensional Painlevé integrable equation.
PVDF-HFP-based polymer inclusion membrane functionalized with D2EHPA for the selective extraction of bismuth(III) from sulfate media
Authors: Kazemi Davood , Yaftian Mohammad Reza
Published: May 2024

This study is the first application of a PVDF-HFP-based polymer inclusion membrane incorporating the poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) and di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) as the base polymer and extractant for the extraction of bismuth(III), respectively. It is demonstrated that the PIM comprised of 60 wt% PVDF-HFP and 40 wt% D2EHPA is the most effective in the extraction of bismuth(III) from feed solution containing 20 mg L−1 bismuth(III) and 0.2 mol L−1 sulfate adjusted to pH 1.4. The extracted bismuth(III) ions are back-extracted quantitatively to the receiving solution containing 1 mol L−1 sulfuric acid. The stoichiometry experiments reveal that the Bi: D2EHPA ratio in the bismuth(III) extracted complex is 1:6, and D2EHPA is dimer. Moreover, it is shown that the studied PIM has high selectivity in the extraction of bismuth(III) over other interfering ions such as Mo(VI), Cr(III), Al(III), Fe(III), Ni(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), Co(II), Cu(II), and Mn(II). The interference of Fe(III) is also eliminated by masking with fluoride, leading finally to a nearly pure extraction of bismuth(III).
Transmission of quantum-secured images
Authors: Johnson Steven , Rarity John , Padgett Miles
Published: May 2024

The secure transmission of an image can be accomplished by encoding the image information, securely communicating this information, and subsequently reconstructing the image. Alternatively, here we show how the image itself can be directly transmitted while ensuring that the presence of any eavesdropper is revealed in a way akin to quantum key distribution (QKD). We achieve this transmission using a photon-pair source with the deliberate addition of a thermal light source as background noise. One photon of the pair illuminates the object, which is masked from an eavesdropper by adding indistinguishable thermal photons, the other photon of the pair acts as a time reference with which the intended recipient can preferentially filter the image carrying photons from the background. These reference photons are themselves made sensitive to the presence of an eavesdropper by traditional polarisation-based QKD encoding. Interestingly the security verification is performed in the two-dimensional polarisation-basis, but the image information is encoded in a much higher-dimensional, hence information-rich, pixel basis. In our example implementation, our image comprises of 152 independent pixels. Beyond the secure transmission of images, our approach to the distribution of secure high-dimensional information may offer new high-bandwidth approaches to QKD.
Uracil as a biomarker for spatial pyrimidine metabolism in the development of gingivobuccal oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Shaikh Soni , Basu Sangramjit , Bag Swarnendu , Chatterjee Ankita , Datta Sourav , Banerjee Devmalya , Manikantan Kapila , Arun Indu , Arun Pattatheyil , Biswas Nidhan K. , Maitra Arindam , Mishra Deepak Kumar , Majumder Partha P. , Dhar Harsh , Mukherjee Geetashree
Published: May 2024

No biomarker has yet been identified that allows accurate diagnosis and prognosis of oral cancers. In this study, we investigated the presence of key metabolites in oral cancer using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to identify metabolic biomarkers of gingivobuccal oral squamous cell carcinoma (GB-OSCC). NMR spectroscopy revealed that uracil was expressed in 83.09% of tumor tissues and pyrimidine metabolism was active in GB-OSCC; these results correlated well with immunohistochemistry (IHC) and RNA sequencing data. Based on further gene and protein analyses, we proposed a pathway for the production of uracil in GB-OSCC tissues. Uridinetriphosphate (UTP) is hydrolyzed to uridine diphosphate (UDP) by CD39 in the tumor microenvironment (TME). We hypothesized that UDP enters the cell with the help of the UDP-specific P2Y6 receptor for further processing by ENTPD4/5 to produce uracil. As the ATP reserves diminish, the weakened immune cells in the TME utilize pyrimidine metabolism as fuel for antitumor activity, and the same mechanism is hijacked by the tumor cells to promote their survival. Correspondingly, the differential expression of ENTPD4 and ENTPD5 in immune and tumor cells, respectively, indicatedtheir involvement in disease progression. Furthermore, higher uracil levels were detected in patients with lymph node metastasis, indicating that metastatic potential is increased in the presence of uracil. The presence of uracil and/or expression patterns of intermediate molecules in purine and pyrimidine pathways, such asCD39, CD73, and P2Y6 receptors together with ENTPD4 and ENTPD5, hold promise as biomarker(s) for oral cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
Interfacial tension and wettability alteration during hydrogen and carbon dioxide storage in depleted gas reservoirs
Authors: Dehghani Mohammad Rasool , Ghazi Seyede Fatemeh , Kazemzadeh Yousef
Published: May 2024

The storage of CO2 and hydrogen within depleted gas and oil reservoirs holds immense potential for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and advancing renewable energy initiatives. However, achieving effective storage necessitates a thorough comprehension of the dynamic interplay between interfacial tension and wettability alteration under varying conditions. This comprehensive review investigates the multifaceted influence of several critical parameters on the alterations of IFT and wettability during the injection and storage of CO2 and hydrogen. Through a meticulous analysis of pressure, temperature, treatment duration, pH levels, the presence of nanoparticles, organic acids, anionic surfactants, and rock characteristics, this review elucidates the intricate mechanisms governing the changes in IFT and wettability within reservoir environments. By synthesizing recent experimental and theoretical advancements, this review aims to provide a holistic understanding of the processes underlying IFT and wettability alteration, thereby facilitating the optimization of storage efficiency and the long-term viability of depleted reservoirs as carbon capture and storage or hydrogen storage solutions. The insights gleaned from this analysis offer invaluable guidance for researchers, engineers, and policymakers engaged in harnessing the potential of depleted reservoirs for sustainable energy solutions and environmental conservation. This synthesis of knowledge serves as a foundational resource for future research endeavors aimed at enhancing the efficacy and reliability of CO2 and hydrogen storage in depleted reservoirs.
Enhanced multi-class pathology lesion detection in gastric neoplasms using deep learning-based approach and validation
Authors: Kim Byeong Soo , Kim Bokyung , Cho Minwoo , Chung Hyunsoo , Ryu Ji Kon , Kim Sungwan
Published: May 2024

This study developed a new convolutional neural network model to detect and classify gastric lesions as malignant, premalignant, and benign. We used 10,181 white-light endoscopy images from 2606 patients in an 8:1:1 ratio. Lesions were categorized as early gastric cancer (EGC), advanced gastric cancer (AGC), gastric dysplasia, benign gastric ulcer (BGU), benign polyp, and benign erosion. We assessed the lesion detection and classification model using six-class, cancer versus non-cancer, and neoplasm versus non-neoplasm categories, as well as T-stage estimation in cancer lesions (T1, T2-T4). The lesion detection rate was 95.22% (219/230 patients) on a per-patient basis: 100% for EGC, 97.22% for AGC, 96.49% for dysplasia, 75.00% for BGU, 97.22% for benign polyps, and 80.49% for benign erosion. The six-class category exhibited an accuracy of 73.43%, sensitivity of 80.90%, specificity of 83.32%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 73.68%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 88.53%. The sensitivity and NPV were 78.62% and 88.57% for the cancer versus non-cancer category, and 83.26% and 89.80% for the neoplasm versus non-neoplasm category, respectively. The T stage estimation model achieved an accuracy of 85.17%, sensitivity of 88.68%, specificity of 79.81%, PPV of 87.04%, and NPV of 82.18%. The novel CNN-based model remarkably detected and classified malignant, premalignant, and benign gastric lesions and accurately estimated gastric cancer T-stages.
Revealing novel biomarkers for diagnosing chronic kidney disease in pediatric patients
Authors: Benito Sandra , Unceta Nora , Maciejczyk Mateusz , Sánchez-Ortega Alicia , Taranta-Janusz Katarzyna , Szulimowska Julita , Zalewska Anna , Andrade Fernando , Gómez-Caballero Alberto , Dubiela Pawel , Barrio Ramón J.
Published: May 2024

Pediatric chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a clinical condition characterized by progressive renal function deterioration. CKD diagnosis is based on glomerular filtration rate, but its reliability is limited, especially at the early stages. New potential biomarkers (citrulline (CIT), symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), n-butyrylcarnitine (nC4), cis-4-decenoylcarnitine, sphingosine-1-phosphate and bilirubin) in addition to creatinine (CNN) have been proposed for early diagnosis. To verify the clinical value of these biomarkers we performed a comprehensive targeted metabolomics study on a representative cohort of CKD and healthy pediatric patients. Sixty-seven children with CKD and forty-five healthy children have been enrolled in the study. Targeted metabolomics based on liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry has been used for serum and plasma samples analysis. Univariate data analysis showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in the concentration of CNN, CIT, SDMA, and nC4 among healthy and CKD pediatric patients. The predictive ability of the proposed biomarkers was also confirmed through specificity and sensitivity expressed in Receiver Operating Characteristic curves (AUC = 0.909). In the group of early CKD pediatric patients, AUC of 0.831 was obtained, improving the diagnostic reliability of CNN alone. Moreover, the models built on combined CIT, nC4, SDMA, and CNN allowed to distinguish CKD patients from healthy control regardless of blood matrix type (serum or plasma). Our data demonstrate potential biomarkers in the diagnosis of early CKD stages.
Py-CoMFA, docking, and molecular dynamics simulations of Leishmania (L.) amazonensis arginase inhibitors
Authors: Camargo Priscila Goes , dos Santos Carine Ribeiro , Girão Albuquerque Magaly , Rangel Rodrigues Carlos , Lima Camilo Henrique da Silva
Published: May 2024

Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by a protozoan of the genus Leishmania, affecting millions of people, mainly in tropical countries, due to poor social conditions and low economic development. First-line chemotherapeutic agents involve highly toxic pentavalent antimonials, while treatment failure is mainly due to the emergence of drug-resistant strains. Leishmania arginase (ARG) enzyme is vital in pathogenicity and contributes to a higher infection rate, thus representing a potential drug target. This study helps in designing ARG inhibitors for the treatment of leishmaniasis. Py-CoMFA (3D-QSAR) models were constructed using 34 inhibitors from different chemical classes against ARG from L. (L.) amazonensis (LaARG). The 3D-QSAR predictions showed an excellent correlation between experimental and calculated pIC50 values. The molecular docking study identified the favorable hydrophobicity contribution of phenyl and cyclohexyl groups as substituents in the enzyme allosteric site. Molecular dynamics simulations of selected protein–ligand complexes were conducted to understand derivatives’ interaction modes and affinity in both active and allosteric sites. Two cinnamide compounds, 7g and 7k, were identified, with similar structures to the reference 4h allosteric site inhibitor. These compounds can guide the development of more effective arginase inhibitors as potential antileishmanial drugs.
Influence of relatively short-term culture on adult porcine islets for xenotransplantation
Authors: Sakata Naoaki , Yoshimatsu Gumpei , Kawakami Ryo , Kodama Shohta
Published: May 2024

Porcine islet xenotransplantation is a promising therapy for severe diabetes mellitus. Maintenance of the quality and quantity of porcine islets is important for the success of this treatment. Here, we aimed to elucidate the influence of relatively short-term (14 days) culture on adult porcine islets isolated from three micro-minipigs (P111, P112 and P121). Morphological characteristics of islets changed little after 14 days of culture. The viability of cultured islets was also maintained at a high level (> 80%). Furthermore, cultured islets exhibited similar glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and insulin content at Day 14 were preserved comparing with Day 1, while the expressions of Ins, Gcg and Sst were attenuated at Day 14. Xenotransplantation using diabetic nude mice showed no normalization of blood glucose but increased levels of plasma porcine C-peptide after the transplantation of 14 day cultured porcine islets. Histological assessment revealed that relatively short-term cultured porcine islets were successfully engrafted 56 days following transplantation. These data show that relatively short-term culture did not impair the quality of adult porcine islets in regard to function, morphology, and viability. Prevention of impairment of gene correlated with endocrine hormone is warranted for further improvement.
Escalating tropical cyclone precipitation extremes and landslide hazards in South China under global warming
Authors: Shi Xiaoming , Liu Yang , Chen Jianan , Chen Haoming , Wang Yueya , Lu Zhongming , Wang Ruo-Qian , Fung Jimmy C.-H. , Ng Charles W. W.
Published: May 2024

Tropical cyclones (TCs) are expected to produce more intense precipitation under global warming. However, substantial uncertainties exist in the projection of coarse-resolution global climate models. Here, we use deep learning to aid targeted cloud-resolving simulations of extreme TCs. Contrary to the Clausius-Clapeyron (CC) scaling, which indicates a 7% moisture increase per K warming, our simulations reveal more complex responses of TC rainfall. TCs will not intensify via strengthened updrafts but through the expansion of deep convective cores with suppression of shallow cumulus and congestus. Consequently, while localized hourly rainfall may adhere to the CC scaling, precipitation accumulation over city-sized areas could surge by 18%K-1. This super-CC intensification due to changing TC structure has profound implications for floods and landslides. Estimations using Hong Kong’s slope data confirm this concern and suggest an up to 215% increase in landslide risks with 4-K warming, highlighting amplified threats from compound disasters under climate change.
Extratropical storms induce carbon outgassing over the Southern Ocean
Authors: Carranza Magdalena M. , Long Matthew. C. , Di Luca Alejandro , Fassbender Andrea J. , Johnson Kenneth S. , Takeshita Yui , Mongwe Precious , Turner Katherine E.
Published: May 2024

The strength and variability of the Southern Ocean carbon sink is a significant source of uncertainty in the global carbon budget. One barrier to reconciling observations and models is understanding how synoptic weather patterns modulate air-sea carbon exchange. Here, we identify and track storms using atmospheric sea level pressure fields from reanalysis data to assess the role that storms play in driving air-sea CO2exchange. We examine the main drivers of CO2fluxes under storm forcing and quantify their contribution to Southern Ocean annual air-sea CO2fluxes. Our analysis relies on a forced ocean-ice simulation from the Community Earth System Model, as well as CO2fluxes estimated from Biogeochemical Argo floats. We find that extratropical storms in the Southern Hemisphere induce CO2outgassing, driven by CO2disequilibrium. However, this effect is an order of magnitude larger in observations compared to the model and caused by different reasons. Despite large uncertainties in CO2fluxes and storm statistics, observations suggest a pivotal role of storms in driving Southern Ocean air-sea CO2outgassing that remains to be well represented in climate models, and needs to be further investigated in observations.
Precision immuno-oncology approach for four malignant tumors in siblings with constitutional mismatch repair deficiency syndrome
Authors: Palova Hana , Das Anirban , Pokorna Petra , Bajciova Viera , Pavelka Zdenek , Jezova Marta , Pal Karol , Dimayacyac Jose R. , Negm Logine , Stengs Lucie , Bianchi Vanessa , Vejmelkova Klara , Noskova Kristyna , Jarosova Marie , Mejstrikova Sona , Mudry Peter , Kyr Michal , Merta Tomas , Tinka Pavel , Drabova Klara , Aulicka Stefania , Jugas Robin , Tabori Uri , Slaby Ondrej , Sterba Jaroslav
Published: May 2024

Constitutional mismatch repair deficiency (CMMRD) is a rare syndrome characterized by an increased incidence of cancer. It is caused by biallelic germline mutations in one of the four mismatch repair genes (MMR) genes: MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, or PMS2. Accurate diagnosis accompanied by a proper molecular genetic examination plays a crucial role in cancer management and also has implications for other family members. In this report, we share the impact of the diagnosis and challenges during the clinical management of two brothers with CMMRD from a non-consanguineous family harbouring compound heterozygous variants in the PMS2 gene. Both brothers presented with different phenotypic manifestations and cancer spectrum. Treatment involving immune checkpoint inhibitors significantly contributed to prolonged survival in both patients affected by lethal gliomas. The uniform hypermutation also allowed immune-directed treatment using nivolumab for the B-cell lymphoma, thereby limiting the intensive chemotherapy exposure in this young patient who remains at risk for subsequent malignancies.