bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decoding the metastatic potential and optimal postoperative adjuvant therapy of melanoma based on metastasis score
Authors: Shen Kangjie , Song Wenyu , Wang Hongye , Wang Lu , Yang Yang , Hu Qianrong , Ren Min , Gao Zixu , Wang Qiangcheng , Zheng Shaoluan , Zhu Ming , Yang Yanwen , Zhang Yong , Wei Chuanyuan , Gu Jianying
Published: October 2023

Metastasis is a formidable challenge in the prognosis of melanoma. Accurately predicting the metastatic potential of non-metastatic melanoma (NMM) and determining effective postoperative adjuvant treatments for inhibiting metastasis remain uncertain. In this study, we conducted comprehensive analyses of melanoma metastases using bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing data, enabling the construction of a metastasis score (MET score) through diverse machine-learning algorithms. The reliability and robustness of the MET score were validated using various in vitro assays and in vivo models. Our findings revealed a distinct molecular landscape in metastatic melanoma characterized by the enrichment of metastasis-related pathways, intricate cell–cell communication, and heightened infiltration of pro-angiogenic tumor-associated macrophages compared to NMM. Importantly, patients in the high MET score group exhibited poorer prognoses and an immunosuppressive microenvironment, featuring increased infiltration of regulatory T cells and decreased infiltration of CD8+ T cells, compared to the low MET score patient group. Expression of PD-1 was markedly higher in patients with low MET scores. Anti-PD-1 (aPD-1) therapy profoundly affected antitumor immunity activation and metastasis inhibition in these patients. In summary, our study demonstrates the effectiveness of the MET score in predicting melanoma metastatic potential. For patients with low MET scores, aPD-1 therapy may be a potential treatment strategy to inhibit metastasis. Patients with high MET scores may benefit from combination therapies.
The monosialoganglioside GM1a protects against complement attack
Authors: Wedekind Henri , Beimdiek Julia , Rossdam Charlotte , Kats Elina , Wittek Vanessa , Schumann Lisa , Sörensen-Zender Inga , Fenske Arno , Weinhold Birgit , Schmitt Roland , Tiede Andreas , Büttner Falk F. R. , Münster-Kühnel Anja , Abeln Markus
Published: October 2023

The complement system is a part of the innate immune system in the fluid phase and efficiently eliminates pathogens. However, its activation requires tight regulation on the host cell surface in order not to compromise cellular viability. Previously, we showed that loss of placental cell surface sialylation in mice in vivo leads to a maternal complement attack at the fetal-maternal interface, ultimately resulting in loss of pregnancy. To gain insight into the regulatory function of sialylation in complement activation, we here generated trophoblast stem cells (TSC) devoid of sialylation, which also revealed complement sensitivity and cell death in vitro. Glycolipid-analysis by multiplexed capillary gel electrophoresis coupled to laser-induced fluorescence detection (xCGE-LIF) allowed us to identify the monosialoganglioside GM1a as a key element of cell surface complement regulation. Exogenously administered GM1a integrated into the plasma membrane of trophoblasts, substantially increased binding of complement factor H (FH) and was sufficient to protect the cells from complement attack and cell death. GM1a treatment also rescued human endothelial cells and erythrocytes from complement attack in a concentration dependent manner. Furthermore, GM1a significantly reduced complement mediated hemolysis of erythrocytes from a patient with Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). This study demonstrates the complement regulatory potential of exogenously administered gangliosides and paves the way for sialoglycotherapeutics as a novel substance class for membrane-targeted complement regulators.
PADAPT 1.0 – the Pannonian Dataset of Plant Traits
Authors: Sonkoly Judit , Tóth Edina , Balogh Nóra , Balogh Lajos , Bartha Dénes , Csendesné Bata Kinga , Bátori Zoltán , Békefi Nóra , Botta-Dukát Zoltán , Bölöni János , Csecserits Anikó , Csiky János , Csontos Péter , Dancza István , Deák Balázs , Dobolyi Zoltán Konstantin , E-Vojtkó Anna , Gyulai Ferenc , Hábenczyus Alida Anna , Henn Tamás , Horváth Ferenc , Höhn Mária , Jakab Gusztáv , Kelemen András , Király Gergely , Kis Szabolcs , Kovacsics-Vári Gergely , Kun András , Lehoczky Éva , Lengyel Attila , Lhotsky Barbara , Löki Viktor , Lukács Balázs András , Matus Gábor , McIntosh-Buday Andrea , Mesterházy Attila , Miglécz Tamás , Molnár V Attila , Molnár Zsolt , Morschhauser Tamás , Papp László , Pósa Patrícia , Rédei Tamás , Schmidt Dávid , Szmorad Ferenc , Takács Attila , Tamás Júlia , Tiborcz Viktor , Tölgyesi Csaba , Tóth Katalin , Tóthmérész Béla , Valkó Orsolya , Virók Viktor , Wirth Tamás , Török Péter
Published: October 2023

The existing plant trait databases’ applicability is limited for studies dealing with the flora and vegetation of the eastern and central part of Europe and for large-scale comparisons across regions, mostly because their geographical data coverage is limited and they incorporate records from several different sources, often from regions with markedly different climatic conditions. These problems motivated the compilation of a regional dataset for the flora of the Pannonian region (Eastern Central Europe). PADAPT, the Pannonian Dataset of Plant Traits relies on regional data sources and collates data on 54 traits and attributes of the plant species of the Pannonian region. The current version covers approximately 90% of the species of the region and consists of 126,337 records on 2745 taxa. By including species of the eastern part of Europe not covered by other databases, PADAPT can facilitate studying the flora and vegetation of the eastern part of the continent. Although data coverage is far from complete, PADAPT meets the longstanding need for a regional database of the Pannonian flora.
How are exclusively data journals indexed in major scholarly databases? An examination of four databases
Authors: Jiao Chenyue , Li Kai , Fang Zhichao
Published: October 2023

The data paper is becoming a popular way for researchers to publish their research data. The growing numbers of data papers and journals hosting them have made them an important data source for understanding how research data is published and reused. One barrier to this research agenda is a lack of knowledge as to how data journals and their publications are indexed in the scholarly databases used for quantitative analysis. To address this gap, this study examines how a list of 18 exclusively data journals (i.e., journals that primarily accept data papers) are indexed in four popular scholarly databases: the Web of Science, Scopus, Dimensions, and OpenAlex. We investigate how comprehensively these databases cover the selected data journals and, in particular, how they present the document type information of data papers. We find that the coverage of data papers, as well as their document type information, is highly inconsistent across databases, which creates major challenges for future efforts to study them quantitatively, which should be addressed in the future.
LESO: A ten-year ensemble of satellite-derived intercontinental hourly surface ozone concentrations
Authors: Zhu Songyan , Xu Jian , Zeng Jingya , Yu Chao , Wang Yapeng , Wang Haolin , Shi Jiancheng
Published: October 2023

This study presents a novel ensemble of surface ozone (O3) generated by the LEarning Surface Ozone (LESO) framework. The aim of this study is to investigate the spatial and temporal variation of surface O3. The LESO ensemble provides unique and accurate hourly (daily/monthly/yearly as needed) O3 surface concentrations on a fine spatial resolution of 0.1◦ × 0.1◦ across China, Europe, and the United States over a period of 10 years (2012–2021). The LESO ensemble was generated by establishing the relationship between surface O3 and satellite-derived O3 total columns together with high-resolution meteorological reanalysis data. This breakthrough overcomes the challenge of retrieving O3 in the lower atmosphere from satellite signals. A comprehensive validation indicated that the LESO datasets explained approximately 80% of the hourly variability of O3, with a root mean squared error of 19.63 μg/m3. The datasets convincingly captured the diurnal cycles, weekend effects, seasonality, and interannual variability, which can be valuable for research and applications related to atmospheric and climate sciences.
The prey of the Harpy Eagle in its last reproductive refuges in the Atlantic Forest
Authors: Kaizer Mylena , Fabres Brener , Aguiar-Silva Francisca Helena , Sanaiotti Tânia Margarete , Dias Alexandro Ribeiro , Banhos Aureo
Published: October 2023

The Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) is threatened with extinction throughout its distribution in the neotropical forests. In the Atlantic Forest, deforestation has reduced the number of suitable habitats, with only a few remnant forest fragments hosting active nests; currently, the only known nests in this region are in the Central Atlantic Forest Ecological Corridor (CAFEC), in Brazil. Little is known about Harpy Eagle diets in this region, despite this information being essential for developing effective conservation strategies. We classified the composition, frequency, richness, ecological attributes, and conservation status of the species that make up the Harpy Eagle’s diet in its last refuges in the CAFEC. Between 2017 and 2021, we collected and analyzed 152 prey remains and 285 camera trap photographs from seven active nests. We identified at least 16 mammal species (96.7%), one parrot and other bird remains (3.3%). The Harpy Eagle’s diet consisted mainly of medium-sized arboreal, folivorous, frugivorous, and diurnal mammals. Five prey species are currently threatened with extinction at global, six at national and seven at regional levels. The majority of the diet consists of Sapajus robustus, which is threatened, and Bradypus variegatus, which is not threatened. In addition to the effects of habitat loss and hunting, the Harpy Eagle may also suffer from the decline in the populations of their prey in the Atlantic Forest.
Health risks for children exercising in an air-polluted environment can be reduced by monitoring air quality with low-cost particle sensors
Authors: Nieckarz Zenon , Pawlak Krzysztof , Zoladz Jerzy A.
Published: October 2023

A child’s body is highly sensitive to air quality, especially regarding the concentration of particulate matter (PM). Nevertheless, due to the high cost of precision instruments, measurements of PM concentrations are rarely carried out in school areas where children spend most of their daily time. This paper presents the results of PM measurements made by a validated, low-cost university air pollution measurement system operating in a rural area near schools. An assessment of children’s exposure to PM during school hours (8 a.m.–6 p.m.) at different times of the year was carried out. We show that PM10 concentrations in the air, particularly in winter, often exceeded the alert values of 50 µg m−3, posing a health risk to children, especially when children exercise outside the school building. We also calculated the rate and total PM10 deposition in the respiratory tract during various physical activities performed in clean and polluted air. Monitoring actual PM10 concentrations as presented in this paper, using a low cost sensors, offer school authorities and teachers an opportunity to reduce health risks for children. This can be achieved by adjusting the duration and exercise intensity of children’s outdoor physical activities according to the measured air quality.
Measurement of vitreous humor pressure in vivo using an optic fiber pressure sensor
Authors: Mimura Masashi , Akagi Tadamichi , Kohmoto Ryosuke , Fujita Yasushi , Sato Yohei , Ikeda Tsunehiko
Published: October 2023

We conducted a study to assess the pressure difference between the aqueous and vitreous humors in rabbit eyes using a direct intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement method. A micro-optic-fiber pressure sensor was utilized for this purpose. Preliminary experiments with enucleated porcine eyes confirmed the sensor's accuracy in measuring both aqueous and vitreous humor pressure. The main study involved six healthy albino rabbits, where the sensor measured the pressure in the anterior chamber (aIOP) and posterior vitreous-cavity (pIOP). These measurements were compared to aIOP values obtained through rebound tonometry. Additionally, pre- and postoperative pressure comparisons were made after performing a vitrectomy. Results revealed a significant disparity between aqueous and vitreous humor pressures. Prior to vitrectomy, pIOP was 22.8 mmHg, over twice as high as aIOP (11.0 mmHg), but decreased to a similar level following the procedure. Comparison between the sensor measurements and rebound tonometry showed agreement in aIOP values. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that vitreous humor pressure is consistently higher than aqueous humor pressure, reaching the upper limit of normal IOP. Furthermore, vitrectomy effectively reduces pIOP, aligning it with aIOP. These findings contribute valuable insights into intraocular pressure dynamics and have implications for clinical interventions targeting ocular pressure regulation.
Early-stage chronic venous disorder as a cause of leg pain overlooked for lumbar spinal disease
Authors: Yang Dong-Hoon , Kim Mansu , Yang Joong Won , Cho Jae Man , Park Sang Jin , Kwon Heum Dai
Published: October 2023

Leg pain can be caused by both lumbar spinal disease and chronic venous disorder (CVD) of leg veins, but their clinical differences have not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to determine the incidence of CVD among patients visiting a spine center for leg pain. A total of 196 cases underwent ultrasound examination with a diagnosis rate were 85.7% (168 cases). CVD-diagnosed cases were divided into two groups based on the severity of lumbar spinal disease. The Clinical grades, symptom areas, and symptom types were compared. The differences in symptom improvements with vasoactive medication were also assessed. The most common symptom area was calf then the foot in CVD, while calf then thigh in lumbar spinal disease. Tingling-paresthesia was the most common symptom type for both, with pain and cramping similarly common in CVD and pain more common than cramping in lumbar spinal disease. Considering that the majority of CVD cases (78.6%) had minor cutaneous changes and almost half of cases (41.7%) had refluxes only in tributaries, significant differences in symptom improvement in CVD-dominant group suggested that early-stage venous reflux is a symptomatic disease and a possible cause of leg pain and other symptoms.
Robust degradation of tetracycline antibiotic through recyclable Fe3S4/Ti3C2MXene composites
Authors: Sanga Pascaline , Chen Jia , Xiao Jing , Liu Bei , Saad Al-mashriqi Haitham , Qiu Hongdeng
Published: October 2023

Fe3S4/Ti3C2MXene shows over 90% TC degradation via Fenton activity, driven by the generation of reactive oxygen species. It exhibits remarkable reusability and stability over multiple cycles, promising sustainable TC removal from wastewater.
Real roles of FeOCl nanosheets in Fenton process
Authors: Chen Haohao , Wen Na , Huang Yingping , Peng Qintian , Zhou Houle , Zhu Yuqing , Tian Hailin , Kong Xin Ying , Zhu Huaiyong , Ye Liqun
Published: October 2023

Most researchers believe that the high catalytic activity of FeOCl originates from its unique structure. In this study, we show that dissolved iron contributes significantly to the catalytic activity of FeOCl in the Fenton and photo-Fenton processes.
Zero-dimensional luminescent carbon dots as fascinating analytical tools for the treatment of pharmaceutical based contaminants in aqueous media
Authors: Rasheed Tahir , Anwar Muhammad Tuoqeer , Ferry Darim Badur , Ali Amjad , Imran Muhammad
Published: October 2023

A review of the most recent research on the environmental implications of pharmaceutical contaminants, conventional treatment techniques, and the application of CDs for the extraction and degradation of pharmaceutics in wastewater.
Theoretical insights into the compatibility of template-monomer-crosslinker-solvent for cortisol molecularly imprinted polymer pre-polymerization
Authors: Adeleke Victoria T. , Ebenezer Oluwakemi , Lasich Madison , Mugo Samuel M.
Published: October 2023

A network of three-dimensional cortisol molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) with trapped cortisol as the template molecule following a quantum and molecular simulation in designing cortisol MIP receptors.
Anti-freezing multifunctional conductive hydrogels: from structure design to flexible electronic devices
Authors: Xu Chao , Yang Kexin , Zhu Guoyin , Ou Changjin , Jiang Jing , Zhuravlev Evgeny , Zhang Yizhou
Published: October 2023

In this review, we systematically provide an overview of anti-freezing multifunctional conductive hydrogel-based flexible electronics and summarize the design strategies, properties, applications and perspectives.
Integration of online deep reinforcement learning and federated learning: A dynamic energy management strategy for industrial applications
Authors: Tang Yunzhou , Du GuoXu , Long Jinzhong , Zhao Yongxin
Published: October 2023

In the context of federated learning, this paper focuses on managing inherent dynamics and uncertainties, and optimizing energy management for devices in real‐world industrial environments. The problem is formulated by proposing an online deep reinforcement learning algorithm that optimizes model iteration updates between clients and servers, and an energy harvesting strategy that enhances device performance and extends lifespan. Through these innovative methods, solutions are provided for the dynamics and uncertainties in federated learning and a new approach is devised for energy usage optimization and task scheduling. Numerical results demonstrate the efficiency of the approach in transitioning federated learning from theory to practical application, and offering diversified application scenarios. In summary, this research contributes to the development of federated learning by providing novel insights and methodologies, and highlights the challenges and opportunities for future studies in the field.
A peak time shifting phenomenon in transformer axial short‐circuit electromagnetic force due to the coupling of electromagnetic‐axial vibration
Authors: Zhao Yi , Jin Mingkai , Wen Tao , Guo Penghong , Chen Weijiang
Published: October 2023

Accurately calculating axial electromagnetic force is essential to analyse transformer winding axial stability. Prior research has mainly focused on the effect of winding structure on static axial electromagnetic force and studying vibration by substituting the static force in a time‐varying function. However, the coupling effect between axial electromagnetic force and winding vibration has not been addressed, and no calculation method for the axial electromagnetic force that considers both winding meso‐structures and vibration coupling effects has been proposed. Previously the authors presented an electromagnetic force calculation model that considers winding structure characteristics, and an iterative algorithm for magnetic‐structure coupling calculation. Currently, the winding vibration model was first proposed and the dynamic calculation method was formulated. By applying the method to a typical 110kV transformer, the spatial‐temporal distribution of winding axial short‐circuit electromagnetic force was obtained. It was found that the peak value of the axial short‐circuit electromagnetic force of some windings appears at the second or third peak moment of the short‐circuit current, which is called as peak time shift phenomenon. Further stress analysis indicates that existing evaluation methods may overestimate the short‐circuit resistance of windings by only considering short‐circuit electromagnetic force under maximum peak of short‐circuit current.
The computation of the air conditioning loads life loss and its application to demand response
Authors: Li Zhiwei , Hu Wenhao , Cong Zhihan , Zhao Shuqiang
Published: October 2023

Air conditioning loads (ACLs) represent an increasing proportion of power system loads, offering significant potential for optimised scheduling and active participation in demand response (DR) programs. While many studies have focused on ON/OFF control schemes that satisfy system requirements, few have addressed quantifying the life loss of ACLs from the user perspective. To address this gap, a quantitative model of ACL life loss is established and an optimal scheduling model is developed for ACLs participating in DR that incorporates the cost of life loss. The relationship between life loss and refrigeration power is a complex non‐linear high‐order fractional function that cannot be solved by commercial solvers. Therefore, a bi‐objective multi‐weight optimisation algorithm is proposed with a complex non‐linear fraction based on the Dinkelbach algorithm and its feasibility through mathematical examples is verified. Finally, a numerical example based on the IEEE 39‐bus test system is provided to demonstrate the feasibility of the model and the effectiveness of the proposed solution method.
On the chronological understanding of the homogeneous dielectric barrier discharge
Authors: Lu Xinpei , Fang Zhi , Dai Dong , Shao Tao , Liu Feng , Zhang Cheng , Liu Dawei , Nie Lanlan , Jiang Chunqi
Published: October 2023

Dielectric barrier discharges (DBD) are widely utilised non‐equilibrium atmospheric pressure plasmas with a diverse range of applications, such as material processing, surface treatment, light sources, pollution control, and medicine. Over the course of several decades, extensive research has been dedicated to the generation of homogeneous DBD (H‐DBD), focussing on understanding the transition from H‐DBD to filamentary DBD and exploring strategies to create and sustain H‐DBD. This paper first discusses the influence of various parameters on DBD, including gas flow, dielectric material, surface conductivity, and mesh electrode. Secondly, a chronological literature review is presented, highlighting the development of H‐DBD and the associated understanding of its underlying mechanisms. This encompasses the generation of H‐DBD in helium, nitrogen, and air. Lastly, the paper provides a brief overview of multiple‐current‐pulse (MCP) behaviours in H‐DBD. The objective of this article is to provide a chronological understanding of homogeneous dielectric barrier discharge (DBD). This understanding will aid in the design of new experiments aimed at better comprehending the mechanisms behind H‐DBD generation and ultimately assist in achieving large‐volume H‐DBD in an air environment.
HQ‐I2IT: Redesign the optimization scheme to improve image quality in CycleGAN‐based image translation systems
Authors: Zhang Yipeng , Hu Bingliang , Huang Yingying , Gao Chi , Yin Jianfu , Wang Quang
Published: October 2023

The image‐to‐image translation (I2IT) task aims to transform images from the source domain into the specified target domain. State‐of‐the‐art CycleGAN‐based translation algorithms typically use cycle consistency loss and latent regression loss to constrain translation. In this work, it is demonstrated that the model parameters constrained by the cycle consistency loss and the latent regression loss are equivalent to optimizing the medians of the data distribution and the generative distribution. In addition, there is a style bias in the translation. This bias interacts between the generator and the style encoder and visually exhibits translation errors, e.g. the style of the generated image is not equal to the style of the reference image. To address these issues, a new I2IT model termed high‐quality‐I2IT (HQ‐I2IT) is proposed. The optimization scheme is redesigned to prevent the model from optimizing the median of the data distribution. In addition, by separating the optimization of the generator and the latent code estimator, the redesigned model avoids error interactions and gradually corrects errors during training, thereby avoiding learning the median of the generated distribution. The experimental results demonstrate that the visual quality of the images produced by HQ‐I2IT is significantly improved without changing the generator structure, especially when guided by the reference images. Specifically, the Fréchet inception distance on the AFHQ and CelebA‐HQ datasets are reduced from 19.8 to 10.2 and from 23.8 to 17.0, respectively.
ACT-DR5 Sunyaev-Zel’dovich clusters: Weak lensing mass calibration with KiDS
Authors: Robertson Naomi Clare , Sifón Cristóbal , Asgari Marika , Battaglia Nicholas , Bilicki Maciej , Richard Bond John , Devlin Mark J. , Dunkley Jo , Giblin Benjamin , Heymans Catherine , Hildebrandt Hendrik , Hilton Matt , Hoekstra Henk , Hughes John P. , Kuijken Konrad , Louis Thibaut , Mallaby-Kay Maya , Page Lyman , Partridge Bruce , Radovich Mario , Schneider Peter , Shan HuanYuan , Spergel David N. , Tröster Tilman , Wollack Edward J. , Vargas Cristian , Wright Angus H.
Published: October 2023

We present Weak Gravitational Lensing measurements of a sample of 157 clusters within the Kilo Degree Survey (KiDS), detected with a > 5σ thermal Sunyaev-Zel’dovich (SZ) signal by the Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT). Using a halo-model approach, we constrained the average total cluster mass, MWL, accounting for the ACT cluster selection function of the full sample. We find that the SZ cluster mass estimate MSZ, which was calibrated using X-ray observations, is biased with MSZ/MWL = (1 − bSZ) = 0.65 ± 0.05. Separating the sample into six mass bins, we find no evidence of a strong mass dependency for the mass bias, (1 − bSZ). Adopting this ACT-KiDS SZ mass calibration would bring the Planck SZ cluster count into agreement with the counts expected from the Planck cosmic microwave background ΛCDM cosmological model, although it should be noted that the cluster sample considered in this work has a lower average mass MSZ, uncor = 3.64 × 1014 M⊙ compared to the Planck cluster sample which has an average mass in the range MSZ, uncor = (5.5 − 8.5)×1014 M⊙, depending on the sub-sample used.
Non-volatile materials for programmable photonics
Authors: Fang Zhuoran , Chen Rui , Tossoun Bassem , Cheung Stanley , Liang Di , Majumdar Arka
Published: October 2023

Programmable photonics play a crucial role in many emerging applications, from optical accelerators for machine learning to quantum information technologies. Conventionally, photonic systems are tuned by mechanisms such as the thermo-optic effect, free carrier dispersion, the electro-optic effect, or micro-mechanical movement. Although these physical effects allow either fast (>100 GHz) or large contrast (>60 dB) switching, their high static power consumption is not optimal for programmability, which requires only infrequent switching and has a long static time. Non-volatile materials, such as phase-change materials, ferroelectrics, vanadium dioxide, and memristive metal oxide materials, can offer an ideal solution thanks to their reversible switching and non-volatile behavior, enabling a truly “set-and-forget” programmable unit with no static power consumption. In recent years, we have indeed witnessed the fast adoption of non-volatile materials in programmable photonic systems, including photonic integrated circuits and free-space meta-optics. Here, we review the recent progress in the field of programmable photonics, based on non-volatile materials. We first discuss the material’s properties, operating mechanisms, and then their potential applications in programmable photonics. Finally, we provide an outlook for future research directions. The review serves as a reference for choosing the ideal material system to realize non-volatile operation for various photonic applications.
Structure evolution of the interfacial layer of BaTiO3 thin films during annealing process and related good resistive switching behaviors
Authors: Sun Zixiong , Huang Sizhao , Zhu Wenxuan , Birkhölzer Yorick A. , Gao Xing , Avila Romar Angelo , Huang Houbing , Lou Xiaojie , Houwman Evert P. , Nguyen Minh D. , Koster Gertjan , Rijnders Guus
Published: October 2023

BaTiO3 thin films with different annealing times were grown on LSMO/STO (001) substrates by pulsed laser deposition. An interesting phenomenon of loss-and-reappearance of the interfacial layer in BaTiO3 was detected in the x-ray diffraction results, and the ordered–unordered–ordered lattice transformation caused by oxygen vacancies’ filling was thought to be the reason. The ferroelectric domain was also confirmed to form during such an annealing process according to the piezoresponse force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and phase-field simulation. A Ti-displacement-rotation region considered an intermediate structure during the domain formation was observed at the interfacial layer of the 5.5-min-annealing film. Because of the oxygen deficiency and the effect of ferroelectric domain modulation of the built-in barrier height, a good memristive behavior with a resistive switching ratio of 1916 was obtained in the 10-min-annealing BaTiO3 (BTO) film, offering an avenue toward the application of oxygen-deficient BTO in neural network applications.
Continuous data assimilation of large eddy simulation by lattice Boltzmann method and local ensemble transform Kalman filter (LBM-LETKF)
Authors: Hasegawa Yuta , Onodera Naoyuki , Asahi Yuuichi , Ina Takuya , Imamura Toshiyuki , Idomura Yasuhiro
Published: October 2023

We investigate the applicability of the data assimilation (DA) to large eddy simulations based on the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). We carry out the observing system simulation experiment of a two-dimensional (2D) forced isotropic turbulence, and examine the DA accuracy of the nudging and the local ensemble transform Kalman filter (LETKF) with spatially sparse and noisy observation data of flow fields. The advantage of the LETKF is that it does not require computing spatial interpolation and/or an inverse problem between the macroscopic variables (the density and the pressure) and the velocity distribution function of the LBM, while the nudging introduces additional models for them. The numerical experiments with

256
×
256

grids and 10% observation noise in the velocity showed that the root mean square error of the velocity in the LETKF with

8
×
8

observation points (

∼

0.1
%

of the total grids) and 64 ensemble members becomes smaller than the observation noise, while the nudging requires an order of magnitude larger number of observation points to achieve the same accuracy. Another advantage of the LETKF is that it well keeps the amplitude of the energy spectrum, while only the phase error becomes larger with more sparse observation. We also see that a lack of observation data in the LETKF produces a spurious energy injection in high wavenumber regimes, leading to numerical instability. Such numerical instability is known as the catastrophic filter divergence problem, which can be suppressed by increasing the number of ensemble members. From these results, it was shown that the LETKF enables robust and accurate DA for the 2D LBM with sparse and noisy observation data.
Analysis of the fluorescent properties of vaginal fluid upon ageing
Authors: de Vos Judith , Otto Rosa E , Achetib Nihad , Gasser Anas , Aalders Maurice C G , van Dam Annemieke
Published: October 2023

Detection and identification of body fluids are crucial aspects of forensic investigations, aiding in crime scene reconstructions and providing important leads. Although many methods have been developed for these purposes, no method is currently in use in the forensic field that allows rapid, non-contact detection and identification of vaginal fluids directly at the crime scene. The development of such technique is mainly challenged by the complex chemistry of the constituents, which can differ between donors and exhibits changes based on woman’s menstrual cycle. The use of fluorescence spectroscopy has shown promise in this area for other biological fluids. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify specific fluorescent signatures of vaginal fluid with fluorescence spectroscopy to allow on-site identification. Additionally, the fluorescent properties were monitored over time to gain insight in the temporal changes of the fluorescent spectra of vaginal fluid. The samples were excited at wavelengths ranging from 200 to 600 nm and the induced fluorescence emission was measured from 220 to 700 nm. Excitation and emission maps (EEMs) were constructed for eight donors at seven time points after donation. Four distinctive fluorescence peaks could be identified in the EEMs, indicating the presence of proteins, fluorescent oxidation products (FOX), and an unidentified component as the dominant contributors to the fluorescence. To further asses the fluorescence characteristics of vaginal fluid, the fluorescent signatures of protein and FOX were used to monitor protein and lipid oxidation reactions over time. The results of this study provide insights into the intrinsic fluorescent properties of vaginal fluid over time which could be used for the development of a detection and identification method for vaginal fluids. Furthermore, the observed changes in fluorescence signatures over time could be utilized to establish an accurate ageing model.
Effect of residual platelets in frozen-thawed plasma on results of dilute Russell’s viper venom time assay for lupus anticoagulant testing
Authors: Nelson Strande Brenda J , Sridharan Meera , Leger Rachel R , Stuart Melissa S , Tange Julie I , Navitska Serena D , Heikal Nahla , Ashrani Aneel A , Chen Dong , Seheult Jansen N , Pruthi Rajiv K
Published: October 2023

Objectives

To determine the impact of residual platelets on dilute Russell’s viper venom time (DRVVT) assay in frozen-thawed plasma submitted for lupus anticoagulant (LAC) testing.

Methods

We measured platelet counts in frozen-thawed samples submitted for LAC testing and evaluated the association between platelet count and the DRVVT screening time and ratios. We also spiked platelets into a LAC-positive sample to observe the effect on the DRVVT.

Results

Progressive increase in platelet count resulted in a statistically significant shortening of the DRVVT assay results on plasma after 1 freeze-thaw cycle. A similar effect was noted on the LAC-positive sample.

Conclusions

Residual platelets in plasma samples result in shortening of DRVVT assay after 1 freeze-thaw cycle. This may result in a false-negative LAC test result.
A pharmacist-driven deprescribing protocol for negative urine and sexually transmitted infection cultures in the emergency department increases antibiotic-free days
Authors: Wang Yifan , Knobloch Karlie , Lovett Shannon , Lyons Neal , Rech Megan A
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Emergency department (ED) pharmacists commonly perform positive culture follow-ups that result in optimized antibiotic prescribing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential positive impact on the outcome of antibiotic-free days through an ED pharmacist–driven protocol to contact patients with negative urine cultures and sexually transmitted infection (STI) test results who were discharged with antibiotics.

Methods

This was a single-center, prospective, observational, pre-post intervention study to determine antibiotic use in patients with negative urine cultures who were discharged from the Loyola Medical University Center ED with antibiotics prescribed. Patients were identified through daily positive culture reports. The primary outcome was days free of antibiotics, defined as the number of calendar days within 28 days after urine culture or STI test collection on which the patient did not receive any antibiotic treatments.

Results

One hundred ninety-two patients were screened. Sixty-three and twenty-six patients met the inclusion criteria in the pre- and postintervention groups, respectively. The study identified 163/465 (35.1%) antibiotic free days for the preintervention group, compared to 150.5/187 (80.5%) antibiotic-free days for the postintervention group. A majority of the patients did not have urinary tract infection as the chief complaint. The most common urinary and STI symptoms upon ED admission in the pre- and postintervention groups were dysuria (19.2% vs 28.1%) and unusual discharge (30.8% vs 28.6%), respectively.

Conclusion

This study showed that a pharmacist-driven protocol increased the number of antibiotic-free days for patients prescribed empiric antibiotic therapy and discharged from the ED with subsequent negative urine cultures and STI results. We propose taking a novel approach in discontinuation of antibiotics by implementing an expansion of ED culture programs to include negative cultures that promote antimicrobial stewardship.
Subjective Successful Aging Predicts Probability of Mortality Over 9 Years Among Adults Aged 50–74
Authors: Pruchno Rachel , Sands Laura P , Cartwright Francine P , Rose Miriam , Zhu Xiaofan
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives

Although the relationship between mortality and objective successful aging (health, functional ability, social engagement) is clear, the relationship between subjective successful aging (SSA) and mortality is inconclusive. Building on the broader literature regarding psychological well-being, these analyses examine the relationship between SSA and mortality, adjusting for demographic, health, and lifestyle characteristics with known mortality risks.

Research Design and Methods

We analyzed self-report data collected between 2006 and 2008 from 5,483 people. In addition to demographic, health, and lifestyle variables, we measured SSA using a valid, reliable measure. Over the course of 3,285 days, 695 people died. We computed 4 sequential Cox proportional hazard models to examine the association between SSA and time to death. The first model included only SSA; Model 2 added demographic characteristics; Model 3 added health characteristics; Model 4 added lifestyle characteristics.

Results

We found that SSA had a significant association with mortality, accounting for known mortality risk factors. Each 1-point rise in SSA decreased the risk of mortality by 3% (0.97; 95% confidence interval = 0.95–0.99; p < .05). The probability of death within 9 years for persons with SSA scores from 0 to 5 was 45%; for persons with SSA scores from 25 to 30, risk of mortality was less than 10%.

Discussion and Implications

Findings provide evidence that lower SSA scores reveal greater risk for mortality beyond demographic, health, and lifestyle variables. A brief assessment of SSA can provide unique clinical information and be used to identify people who might benefit from interventions to reduce mortality risk.
The haplotype-resolved autotetraploid genome assembly provides insights into the genomic evolution and fruit divergence in wax apple (Syzygium samarangense (Blume) Merr. and Perry)
Authors: Wei Xiuqing , Chen Min , Zhang Xijuan , Wang Yinghao , Li Liang , Xu Ling , Wang Huanhuan , Jiang Mengwei , Wang Caihui , Zeng Lihui , Xu Jiahui
Published: October 2023

Wax apple (Syzygium samarangense) is an economically important fruit crop with great potential value to human health because of its richness in antioxidant substances. Here, we present a haplotype-resolved autotetraploid genome assembly of the wax apple with a size of 1.59 Gb. Comparative genomic analysis revealed three rounds of whole-genome duplication (WGD) events, including two independent WGDs after WGT-γ. Resequencing analysis of 35 accessions partitioned these individuals into two distinct groups, including 28 landraces and seven cultivated species, and several genes subject to selective sweeps possibly contributed to fruit growth, including the KRP1-like, IAA17-like, GME-like, and FLACCA-like genes. Transcriptome analysis of three different varieties during flower and fruit development identified key genes related to fruit size, sugar content, and male sterility. We found that AP2 also affected fruit size by regulating sepal development in wax apples. The expression of sugar transport-related genes (SWEETs and SUTs) was high in ‘ZY’, likely contributing to its high sugar content. Male sterility in ‘Tub’ was associated with tapetal abnormalities due to the decreased expression of DYT1, TDF1, and AMS, which affected early tapetum development. The chromosome-scale genome and large-scale transcriptome data presented in this study offer new valuable resources for biological research on S. samarangense and shed new light on fruit size control, sugar metabolism, and male sterility regulatory metabolism in wax apple.
Addressing class imbalance in deep learning for acoustic target classification
Authors: Pala Ahmet , Oleynik Anna , Utseth Ingrid , Handegard Nils Olav
Published: October 2023

Acoustic surveys provide important data for fisheries management. During the surveys, ship-mounted echo sounders send acoustic signals into the water and measure the strength of the reflection, so-called backscatter. Acoustic target classification (ATC) aims to identify backscatter signals by categorizing them into specific groups, e.g. sandeel, mackerel, and background (as bottom and plankton). Convolutional neural networks typically perform well for ATC but fail in cases where the background class is similar to the foreground class. In this study, we discuss how to address the challenge of class imbalance in the sampling of training and validation data for deep convolutional neural networks. The proposed strategy seeks to equally sample areas containing all different classes while prioritizing background data that have similar characteristics to the foreground class. We investigate the performance of the proposed sampling methodology for ATC using a previously published deep convolutional neural network architecture on sandeel data. Our results demonstrate that utilizing this approach enables accurate target classification even when dealing with imbalanced data. This is particularly relevant for pixel-wise semantic segmentation tasks conducted on extensive datasets. The proposed methodology utilizes state-of-the-art deep learning techniques and ensures a systematic approach to data balancing, avoiding ad hoc methods.
SGMM: Stochastic Approximation to Generalized Method of Moments
Authors: Chen Xiaohong , Lee Sokbae , Liao Yuan , Seo Myung Hwan , Shin Youngki , Song Myunghyun
Published: October 2023

We introduce a new class of algorithms, stochastic generalized method of moments (SGMM), for estimation and inference on (overidentified) moment restriction models. Our SGMM is a novel stochastic approximation alternative to the popular Hansen (1982) (offline) GMM, and offers fast and scalable implementation with the ability to handle streaming datasets in real time. We establish the almost sure convergence, and the (functional) central limit theorem for the inefficient online 2SLS and the efficient SGMM. Moreover, we propose online versions of the Durbin–Wu–Hausman and Sargan–Hansen tests that can be seamlessly integrated within the SGMM framework. Extensive Monte Carlo simulations show that as the sample size increases, the SGMM matches the standard (offline) GMM in terms of estimation accuracy and gains over computational efficiency, indicating its practical value for both large-scale and online datasets. We demonstrate the efficacy of our approach by a proof of concept using two well-known empirical examples with large sample sizes.
Unique multidisciplinary approach in a patient with small bowel obstruction and chronic mesenteric ischemia
Authors: Tan Sally , Maniar Yesha , Pacheco Tulio B S , Spentzouris Georgios , Malhotra Anuj , Kella Venkata
Published: October 2023

Management of small bowel obstruction (SBO) in patients with symptomatic chronic mesenteric ischemia is a phenomenon that has not been previously described in the literature. This is an index case report describing the utilization of a multidisciplinary approach in a patient that suffered from SBO from cecal perforation with history of chronic mesenteric ischemia attributed to superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and celiac trunk stenosis. The patient was a 70-year-old female with recent diagnosis of ischemic colitis and chronic mesenteric ischemia, found to have high-grade SBO with transition point in the right lower quadrant. Computerized tomography angiogram showed occluded SMA, and severe celiac artery stenosis. Interventional radiology revascularized the celiac trunk with stent placement prior to right hemicolectomy for management of her high-grade SBO. Prospective research should ascertain whether revascularization indeed leads to improved post-operative outcomes.
The failure of cut-elimination in cyclic proof for first-order logic with inductive definitions
Authors: Oda Yukihiro , Brotherston James , Tatsuta Makoto
Published: October 2023

A cyclic proof system is a proof system whose proof figure is a tree with cycles. The cut-elimination in a proof system is fundamental. It is conjectured that the cut-elimination in the cyclic proof system for first-order logic with inductive definitions does not hold. This paper shows that the conjecture is correct by giving a sequent not provable without the cut rule but provable in the cyclic proof system.
Spectral properties of GX 339−4 in the intermediate state using AstroSat observation
Authors: Jana Arghajit , Chatterjee Debjit , Chang Hsiang-Kuang , Naik Sachindra , Mondal Santanu
Published: October 2023

We present the results obtained from the spectral studies of black hole X-ray binary GX 339−4 using AstroSat observations during its 2021 outburst. AstroSat observed the source in the intermediate state for ∼600 ks. The combined spectra of SXT and LAXPC in the 0.7−25 keV energy range are studied with phenomenological and physical models. The spectral study reveals a receding disc and a contracting corona during the observation period. The outflow rate is found to be increased though the accretion rates did not vary during the observation period. The X-ray flux decreases as the disc recedes and the spectrum becomes hard. At the same time, the Comptonized flux decreases with increasing fraction of thermal emission. This could be plausible that episodic jet ejection modified the corona and reduced Comptonized flux. An iron emission line at 6.4 keV is observed in the spectra of all the orbits of observation. We find that the equivalent width of the iron emission line correlates with the photon index, indicating a decrease in the reflection strength as the spectrum becomes hard. We observe that the disc flux does not follow FDBB − T4 relation.
New technique to select recent fast-quenching galaxies at z ~ 2 using the optical colours
Authors: Kubo Mariko , Nagao Tohru , Uchiyama Hisakazu , Yamashita Takuji , Toba Yoshiki , Kajisawa Masaru , Yamamoto Yuta
Published: October 2023

Many massive quiescent galaxies have been discovered at z > 2 thanks to multiwavelength deep and wide surveys; however, substantial deep near-infrared spectroscopic observations are needed to constrain their star formation histories statistically. Here, we present a new technique to select quiescent galaxies with a short quenching time-scale (≤0.1 Gyr) at z ∼ 2 photometrically. We focus on a spectral break at ∼1600 Å that appears for such fast-quenching galaxies ∼1 Gyr after quenching when early A-type stars go out, but late A-type stars still live. This spectral break at z ∼ 2 is similar to a Lyman break at z ∼ 4. We construct a set of colour criteria for z ∼ 2 fast-quenching galaxies on g − r versus r − i and i − J versus J − H or $\rm {\it i}-[3.6]$ versus $\rm [3.6]-[4.5]$ colour diagrams, which are available with the existing and/or future wide imaging surveys, by simulating various model galaxy spectra and test their robustnesses using the COSMOS2020 catalogue. Galaxies with photometric and/or spectroscopic redshifts z ∼ 2 and low specific star formation rates are successfully selected using these colours. The number density of these fast-quenching galaxy candidates at z ∼ 2 suggests that massive galaxies not so far above the star formation main sequence at z = 3–4 should be their progenitors.