bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mesophotic coral bleaching associated with changes in thermocline depth
Authors: Diaz Clara , Foster Nicola L. , Attrill Martin J. , Bolton Adam , Ganderton Peter , Howell Kerry L. , Robinson Edward , Hosegood Phil
Published: October 2023

As global temperatures continue to rise, shallow coral reef bleaching has become more intense and widespread. Mesophotic coral ecosystems reside in deeper (30–150 m), cooler water and were thought to offer a refuge to shallow-water reefs. Studies now show that mesophotic coral ecosystems instead have limited connectivity with shallow corals but host diverse endemic communities. Given their extensive distribution and high biodiversity, understanding their susceptibility to warming oceans is imperative. In this multidisciplinary study of an atoll in the Chagos Archipelago in the central Indian Ocean, we show evidence of coral bleaching at 90 m, despite the absence of shallow-water bleaching. We also show that the bleaching was associated with sustained thermocline deepening driven by the Indian Ocean Dipole, which might be further enhanced by internal waves whose influence varied at a sub-atoll scale. Our results demonstrate the potential vulnerability of mesophotic coral ecosystems to thermal stress and highlight the need for oceanographic knowledge to predict bleaching susceptibility and heterogeneity.
Plastid-localized xanthorhodopsin increases diatom biomass and ecosystem productivity in iron-limited surface oceans
Authors: Strauss Jan , Deng Longji , Gao Shiqiang , Toseland Andrew , Bachy Charles , Zhang Chong , Kirkham Amy , Hopes Amanda , Utting Robert , Joest Eike F. , Tagliabue Alessandro , Löw Christian , Worden Alexandra Z. , Nagel Georg , Mock Thomas
Published: October 2023

Microbial rhodopsins are photoreceptor proteins that convert light into biological signals or energy. Proteins of the xanthorhodopsin family are common in eukaryotic photosynthetic plankton including diatoms. However, their biological role in these organisms remains elusive. Here we report on a xanthorhodopsin variant (FcR1) isolated from the polar diatom Fragilariopsis cylindrus. Applying a combination of biophysical, biochemical and reverse genetics approaches, we demonstrate that FcR1 is a plastid-localized proton pump which binds the chromophore retinal and is activated by green light. Enhanced growth of a Thalassiora pseudonana gain-of-function mutant expressing FcR1 under iron limitation shows that the xanthorhodopsin proton pump supports growth when chlorophyll-based photosynthesis is iron-limited. The abundance of xanthorhodopsin transcripts in natural diatom communities of the surface oceans is anticorrelated with the availability of dissolved iron. Thus, we propose that these proton pumps convey a fitness advantage in regions where phytoplankton growth is limited by the availability of dissolved iron.
Cascaded hard X-ray self-seeded free-electron laser at megahertz repetition rate
Authors: Liu Shan , Grech Christian , Guetg Marc , Karabekyan Suren , Kocharyan Vitali , Kujala Naresh , Lechner Christoph , Long Tianyun , Mirian Najmeh , Qin Weilun , Serkez Svitozar , Tomin Sergey , Yan Jiawei , Abeghyan Suren , Anton Jayson , Blank Vladimir , Boesenberg Ulrike , Brinker Frank , Chen Ye , Decking Winfried , Dong Xiaohao , Kearney Steve , La Civita Daniele , Madsen Anders , Maltezopoulos Theophilos , Rodriguez-Fernandez Angel , Saldin Evgeni , Samoylova Liubov , Scholz Matthias , Sinn Harald , Sleziona Vivien , Shu Deming , Tanikawa Takanori , Terentiev Sergey , Trebushinin Andrei , Tschentscher Thomas , Vannoni Maurizio , Wohlenberg Torsten , Yakopov Mikhail , Geloni Gianluca
Published: October 2023

High-resolution X-ray spectroscopy in the sub-nanosecond to femtosecond time range requires ultrashort X-ray pulses and a spectral X-ray flux considerably larger than that presently available. X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) radiation from hard X-ray self-seeding (HXRSS) setups has been demonstrated in the past and offers the necessary peak flux properties. So far, these systems could not provide high repetition rates enabling a high average flux. We report the results for a cascaded HXRSS system installed at the European XFEL, currently the only operating high-repetition-rate hard X-ray XFEL facility worldwide. A high repetition rate, combined with HXRSS, allows the generation of millijoule-level pulses in the photon energy range of 6–14 keV with a bandwidth of around 1 eV (corresponding to about 1 mJ eV–1 peak spectral density) at the rate of ten trains per second, each train including hundreds of pulses arriving at a megahertz repetition rate. At 2.25 MHz repetition rate and photon energies in the 6–7 keV range, we observed and characterized the heat-load effects on the HXRSS crystals, substantially altering the spectra of subsequent X-ray pulses. We demonstrated that our cascaded self-seeding scheme reduces this detrimental effect to below the detection level. This opens up exciting new possibilities in a wide range of scientific fields employing ultrafast X-ray spectroscopy, scattering and imaging techniques.
Spatial transcriptomics reveals the distinct organization of mouse prefrontal cortex and neuronal subtypes regulating chronic pain
Authors: Bhattacherjee Aritra , Zhang Chao , Watson Brianna R. , Djekidel Mohamed Nadhir , Moffitt Jeffrey R. , Zhang Yi
Published: October 2023

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is a complex brain region that regulates diverse functions ranging from cognition, emotion and executive action to even pain processing. To decode the cellular and circuit organization of such diverse functions, we employed spatially resolved single-cell transcriptome profiling of the adult mouse PFC. Results revealed that PFC has distinct cell-type composition and gene-expression patterns relative to neighboring cortical areas—with neuronal excitability-regulating genes differently expressed. These cellular and molecular features are further segregated within PFC subregions, alluding to the subregion-specificity of several PFC functions. PFC projects to major subcortical targets through combinations of neuronal subtypes, which emerge in a target-intrinsic fashion. Finally, based on these features, we identified distinct cell types and circuits in PFC underlying chronic pain, an escalating healthcare challenge with limited molecular understanding. Collectively, this comprehensive map will facilitate decoding of discrete molecular, cellular and circuit mechanisms underlying specific PFC functions in health and disease.
Identification of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus eggs based on image processing and elliptic fourier analysis
Authors: Gunara Nikko Prayudi , Joelianto Endra , Ahmad Intan
Published: October 2023

Dengue hemorrhagic fever is a worldwide epidemic caused by dengue virus and spread by infected female mosquitoes. The two main mosquito species vectors of the dengue virus are Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Conventionally, the identification of these two species’ egg is time-consuming which makes vector control more difficult. However, although attempts on efficiency improvements by providing automatic identification have been conducted, the earliest stage is at the larval stage. In addition, there are currently no studies on classifying to distinguish the two vectors during the egg stage based on their digital image. A total of 140 egg images of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus were collected and validated by rearing them individually to become adult mosquitoes. Image processing and elliptic Fourier analysis were carried out to extract and describe the shape difference of the two vectors’ eggs. Machine learning algorithms were then used to classify the shape signatures. Morphometrically, the two species’ eggs were significantly different, which Aedes albopictus were smaller in size. Egg-shape contour reconstructions of principal components and Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) revealed that there is a significant difference (p value $$< 0.000$$

<
0.000

) in shape between two species’ eggs at the posterior end. Based on Wilk’s lambda of the MANOVA results, the classification could be done using only the first 3 principal components. Classification of the test data yielded an accuracy of 85.00% and F1 score 84.21% with Linear Discriminant Analysis applying default hyperparameter. Alternatively, k-Nearest Neighbors with optimal hyperparameter yielded a higher classification result with 87.50% and 87.18% of accuracy and F1 score, respectively. These results demonstrate that the proposed method can be used to classify Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus eggs based on their digital image. This method provides a foundation for improving the identification and surveillance of the two vectors and decision making in developing vector control strategies.
Inhibition of the norA gene expression and the NorA efflux pump by the tannic acid
Authors: Tintino Saulo Relison , Wilairatana Polrat , de Souza Veruska Cintia Alexandrino , da Silva Julia Mariana Assis , Pereira Pedro Silvino , de Morais Oliveira-Tintino Cícera Datiane , de Matos Yedda Maria Lobo Soares , Júnior João Tavares Calixto , de Queiroz Balbino Valdir , Siqueira-Junior José P. , Menezes Irwin Rose Alencar , Siyadatpanah Abolghasem , Coutinho Henrique Douglas Melo , Balbino Tereza Cristina Leal
Published: October 2023

The NorA efflux pump of Staphylococcus aureus is known to play a major role in the development of resistance against quinolone drugs by reducing their concentration inside target pathogens. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of tannic acid to inhibit the gene expression of the NorA efflux pump in Staphylococcus aureus and to evaluate the in silico effect on the pump. Efflux pump inhibition was evaluated by fluorimetry. The checkerboard method evaluates the effect of the test substance in combination with an antimicrobial at different concentrations. To gene expression evaluation NorA the assay was performed using: a sub-inhibitory concentration preparation (MIC/4) of the antibiotic; a sub-inhibitory concentration preparation (MIC/4) of the antibiotic associated with tannic acid at a sub-inhibitory concentration (MIC/4). In this study, docking simulations were performed by the SWISSDOCK webserver. The ability of tannic acid to inhibit the NorA efflux pump can be related to both the ability to inhibit the gene expression of this protein, acting on signaling pathways involving the ArlRS membrane sensor. As well as acting directly through direct interaction with the NorA protein, as seen in the approach and in silico and in vitro per checkerboard method and fluorimetry of bromide accumulated in the cell.
Prognostic value of the combined effect of nutritional status and body water component in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Liu Yining , Liu Xiangliang , Duan Linnan , Zhao Yixin , He Yuwei , Li Wei , Cui Jiuwei
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study was to explore the impact of Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and body water component (BWC) on the survival of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and whether the combined effect had a potential prognostic and predictive efficacy. We evaluated the accuracy of GNRI for malnutrition and estimated the predictive capacity of BWC for survival. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and cox regression analyses were used to examine the prognostic effects. A nutrition-water score (NWS) model was developed and evaluated the survival predictive power. GNRI and extracellular water-to-intracellular water ratio (ECW/ICW) were integrated, with the cut-off values of 103.5 and 63.7%. Lower GNRI and higher ECW/ICW were independent risk factors for poor prognosis in CRC patients. The combination of the two into the NWS model demonstrated a higher risk of death for patients with NWS ≥ 1 compared to those with NWS of 0. NWS showed a better predictive capability compared to GNRI and ECW/ICW, with the concordance index of 0.681. Our study demonstrates GNRI and ECW/ICW’s prognostic utility in CRC, with their combination improving survival prediction to help guide patient-centered treatment.
Screening of the antileishmanial and antiplasmodial potential of synthetic 2-arylquinoline analogs
Authors: Espinosa-Saez Roger , Robledo Sara M. , Pineda Tatiana , Murillo Javier , Zúñiga César , Yañez Osvaldo , Cantero-López Plinio , Saez-Vega Alex , Guzmán-Teran Camilo
Published: October 2023

In this study, six analogs of 2-arylquinoline were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro and in vivo antiplasmodial and leishmanicidal activity. At a later stage, hemolytic activity and druggability were tested in vitro and in silico, respectively, observing as a result: firstly, compounds showed half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) values between 3.6 and 19.3 µM. Likewise, a treatment using the compounds 4a–f caused improvement in most of the treated hamsters and cured some of them. Regarding the antiplasmodial activity, the compounds showed moderate to high activity, although they did not show hemolytic activity. Furthermore, 4e and 4f compounds were not able to control P. berghei infection when administered to animal models. Molecular dynamic simulations, molecular docking and ligand binding affinity indicate good characteristics of the studied compounds, which are expected to be active. And lastly, the compounds are absorbable at the hematoencephalic barrier but not in the gastrointestinal tract. In summary, ADMET properties suggest that these molecules may be used as a safe treatment against Leishmania.
Experimental investigation on the effect of nano-silica on reinforced concrete Beam-column connection subjected to Cyclic Loading
Authors: Shyamala G. , Hemalatha B. , Devarajan Yuvarajan , Lakshmi Chairma , Munuswamy Dinesh Babu , Kaliappan Nandagopal
Published: October 2023

Beam-column joints are crucial load transmission zones because they face concentrated forces from both the beams and the columns. High shear and axial stresses caused by these concentrated forces in the area of the joint may result in decreased joint strength. This article proposes a new beam-to-column connection developed for precast concrete-resisting frames. Concrete mixtures are enhanced mechanically by adding nano silica as it increases compressive strength, flexural strength, and abrasion resistance. Within the concrete, it creates a solid, gel-like matrix that fills voids and strengthens the whole construction. In this study, three reinforced concrete beam-column joint specimens were cast with fly ash, the other three with nano-silica and fly ash, and one sample with nano-silica and a control mix without admixtures was cast. Specimen cast using fly ash and nano-silica is subjected to cyclic loading after 28 days of curing. A load capacity of 100 kN was imposed on the column during testing. It was observed that a gradual increase in fly ash decreased the compressive and flexural strength of the beam-column joints. This decrease in strength was addressed by adding 2.5% nano-silica. Nano silica acts as a nucleus to bond tightly with cement particles during hydration. The results showed that the flexural strength equivalent to that of a controlled specimen can be achieved by adding nano-silica at 2.5% and fly ash at 60%. The highest loading of 38.1 kN can be applied to the specimen with nano-silica without fly ash. Although a higher axial compression ratio can improve the bearing capacity and initial stiffness, it can also reduce deformation capacity and flexibility.
A comprehensive study on the efficacy of a wearable sleep aid device featuring closed-loop real-time acoustic stimulation
Authors: Nguyen Anh , Pogoncheff Galen , Dong Ban Xuan , Bui Nam , Truong Hoang , Pham Nhat , Nguyen Linh , Nguyen-Huu Hoang , Bui-Diem Khue , Vu-Tran-Thien Quan , Duong-Quy Sy , Ha Sangtae , Vu Tam
Published: October 2023

Difficulty falling asleep is one of the typical insomnia symptoms. However, intervention therapies available nowadays, ranging from pharmaceutical to hi-tech tailored solutions, remain ineffective due to their lack of precise real-time sleep tracking, in-time feedback on the therapies, and an ability to keep people asleep during the night. This paper aims to enhance the efficacy of such an intervention by proposing a novel sleep aid system that can sense multiple physiological signals continuously and simultaneously control auditory stimulation to evoke appropriate brain responses for fast sleep promotion. The system, a lightweight, comfortable, and user-friendly headband, employs a comprehensive set of algorithms and dedicated own-designed audio stimuli. Compared to the gold-standard device in 883 sleep studies on 377 subjects, the proposed system achieves (1) a strong correlation (0.89 ± 0.03) between the physiological signals acquired by ours and those from the gold-standard PSG, (2) an 87.8% agreement on automatic sleep scoring with the consensus scored by sleep technicians, and (3) a successful non-pharmacological real-time stimulation to shorten the duration of sleep falling by 24.1 min. Conclusively, our solution exceeds existing ones in promoting fast falling asleep, tracking sleep state accurately, and achieving high social acceptance through a reliable large-scale evaluation.
Effect of silicon carbide on kerf convergence and irregularity of the surface during abrasive water jet machining of fiber-metal hybrid composites
Authors: Selvam R. , Subramanian M. , Diviya M. , Khan T. M. Yunus , Baig Rahmath Ulla , Ahamad Tansir , Kalam Md. Abul , Razak Abdul , Monish N. , Wodajo Anteneh Wogasso
Published: October 2023

The traditional way to machine hybrid composites is hard because they tend to break, have a high retraction, have a high service temperature, and have an uneven surface irregularity. For high-strength fiber/metal composite constructions, alternative machining methods have drawn interest as a solution to these problems. Current research focuses on enhancing the Abrasive Water Jet Machining process by optimizing its variables using a composite material of epoxy reinforced with silicon carbide, stainless steel wire mesh, and Kevlar. The variables assessed are the Nozzle-to-substrate gap (S), the Abrasive discharge molding and different percentages of silicon carbide (SiC) filler (0%, 3%, and 6% by weight), three different types of hybrid laminates (H1, H2, and H3) were produced. The response surface method (RSM) was utilized in this learning, specifically on a central composite design, to calculate and optimize machining variables based on the Kerf convergence ratio (Kt) and Surface irregularity (Ra) as responses. According to the results, the traverse feed velocity, Abrasive discharge proportion, and Nozzle-to-substrate gap are the critical factors in determining Surface irregularity and Kerf convergence width (H1 laminate) for a fiber/metal laminate with 0%, 3% and 6% weight fraction. In the case of a 3% weight fraction H2 laminate, the traverse feed velocity was identified as the primary factor affecting the Kerf convergence ratio. In contrast, traverse feed velocity and Nozzle-to-substrate gap had the most significant influence on Surface irregularity. The findings also indicated that S, followed by Abrasive discharge proportion and traverse feed velocity, are the variables that have the most significant influence when cutting 6 wt% SiC filler particle fiber/metal laminate (H3 laminate). For Surface irregularity, the combination of traverse feed velocity and Nozzle-to-substrate gap had the most significant impact. To validate the optimization results, confirmatory tests was conducted, and the findings were very similar to the experimental values, indicating the accuracy and effectiveness of the optimization process. To better understand the manufacturing processes, a scanning electron microscope was used to examine the morphological features of the machined surfaces, such as delamination, fibre breakage, and fibre pull-out.
Potential of carboxymethyl cellulose solution to increase the shale stability
Authors: Alam AKM Badrul , Fujii Yoshiaki , Dipu Nahid Hasan , Chakma Torin , Neogi Prodeepta , Ullah ASM Woobaid , Abdullah Rini Asnida
Published: October 2023

Slope failures in Bangladesh's Chittagong division are a growing concern, with fatalities increasing from 19 in 2000 to 162 in 2017 and projected to rise further. This study aims to identify the most vulnerable rock formation and assess Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) as a solution for enhancing shale strength and mitigating slope failures. The research began by evaluating weathering susceptibility and stability of different rock layers, revealing the high instability of shale in the Bhuban Formation. Slake durability tests measured cation concentration to understand shale instability mechanisms. Laboratory experiments, including immersion tests and grained-and-molded shale specimens, examined CMC's potential to improve shale stability. Results indicated that the shale of the Bhuban Formation had the highest hammer value variations, indicating increased weathering susceptibility. Shale instability was attributed to illite layer dissolution, releasing K+. Intact shale specimens treated with CMC showed enhanced penetration resistance, shear strength, and deformation behavior, suggesting CMC's potential in increasing shale stability. Grained-and-molded shale specimens treated with CMC demonstrated increased shear strength, critical shear displacement, and contraction deformational behavior. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed the formation of cross-links between shale grains, contributing to improved shale stability. Further research is needed to explore the application of CMC for enhancing in situ rock slope stability. This study emphasizes the importance of addressing slope failures in the Chittagong division and provides insights into mitigating the risks through CMC-based interventions.
Construction of diverse water wave structures for coupled nonlinear fractional Drinfel’d-Sokolov-Wilson model with Beta derivative and its modulus instability
Authors: Shakeel Muhammad , AlQahtani Salman A. , Rehman Muhammad Junaid U , Kudra Grzegorz , Awrejcewicz Jan , Alawwad Abdulaziz M. , Alotaibi Abdullilah A. , Safran Mejdl
Published: October 2023

This paper aims to analyze the coupled nonlinear fractional Drinfel’d-Sokolov-Wilson (FDSW) model with beta derivative. The nonlinear FDSW equation plays an important role in describing dispersive water wave structures in mathematical physics and engineering, which is used to describe nonlinear surface gravity waves propagating over horizontal sea bed. We have applied the travelling wave transformation that converts the FDSW model to nonlinear ordinary differential equations. After that, we applied the generalized rational exponential function method (GERFM). Diverse types of soliton solution structures in the form of singular bright, periodic, dark, bell-shaped and trigonometric functions are attained via the proposed method. By selecting a suitable parametric value, the 3D, 2D and contour plots for some solutions are also displayed to visualize their nature in a better way. The modulation instability for the model is also discussed. The results show that the presented method is simple and powerful to get a novel soliton solution for nonlinear PDEs.
Parameter variation effects on millimeter wave dosimetry based on precise skin thickness in real rats
Authors: Li Kun , Hikage Takashi , Masuda Hiroshi , Ijima Etsuko , Nagai Akiko , Taguchi Kenji
Published: October 2023

This study presents a parametric analysis of the steady-state temperature elevation in rat skin models due to millimeter wave exposure at frequencies from 6–100 GHz. The statistical data of the thickness of skin layers, namely epidermis, dermis, dermal white adipose tissue, and panniculus carnosus, were measured for the first time using the excised tissues of real male Sprague–Dawley rats. Based on the precise structure obtained from the histological analysis of rat skin, we solve the bioheat transfer equation to investigate the effects of changes in parameters, such as body parts and thermal constants, on the absorbed power density and temperature elevation of biological tissues. Owing to the notably thin dermal white adipose tissue layer, the surface temperature elevation in the rat head and dorsal skin at 6–100 GHz is 52.6–32.3% and 83.3–58.8% of the average values of different human skin models, respectively. Our results also reveal that the surface temperature elevation of rat skin may correlate with the tissue thickness and deep blood perfusion rates.
A multi-stage neural network approach for coronary 3D reconstruction from uncalibrated X-ray angiography images
Authors: Iyer Kritika , Nallamothu Brahmajee K. , Figueroa C. Alberto , Nadakuditi Raj R.
Published: October 2023

We present a multi-stage neural network approach for 3D reconstruction of coronary artery trees from uncalibrated 2D X-ray angiography images. This method uses several binarized images from different angles to reconstruct a 3D coronary tree without any knowledge of image acquisition parameters. The method consists of a single backbone network and separate stages for vessel centerline and radius reconstruction. The output is an analytical matrix representation of the coronary tree suitable for downstream applications such as hemodynamic modeling of local vessel narrowing (i.e., stenosis). The network was trained using a dataset of synthetic coronary trees from a vessel generator informed by both clinical image data and literature values on coronary anatomy. Our multi-stage network achieved sub-pixel accuracy in reconstructing vessel radius (RMSE = 0.16 ± 0.07 mm) and stenosis radius (MAE = 0.27 ± 0.18 mm), the most important feature used to inform diagnostic decisions. The network also led to 52% and 38% reduction in vessel centerline reconstruction errors compared to a single-stage network and projective geometry-based methods, respectively. Our method demonstrated robustness to overcome challenges such as vessel foreshortening or overlap in the input images. This work is an important step towards automated analysis of anatomic and functional disease severity in the coronary arteries.
Low-frequency magnetic fields potentiate plasma-modified magneto-electric nanoparticle drug loading for anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Mahdikia Hamed , Saadati Fariba , Alizadeh Ali Mohammad , Khalighfard Solmaz , Bekeschus Sander , Shokri Babak
Published: October 2023

A multiferroic nanostructure of manganese ferrite barium-titanate called magneto-electric nanoparticles (MENs) was synthesized by a co-precipitation method. FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, TEM, and X-ray diffraction confirmed the presence of spinel core and perovskite shell phases with average crystallite sizes of 70–90 nm. Magnetic, optical, and magnetoelectrical properties of MENs were investigated using VSM, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, DLS, and EIS spectroscopy techniques. After pre-activation by low-pressure argon (Ar) plasma, the MENs were functionalized by a highly hydrophilic acrylic acid and Oxygen (AAc+O2) mixture to produce COOH and C=O-rich surfaces. The loading and release of doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) on MENs were investigated using UV-vis and fluorescence spectrophotometry under alternating low-frequency magnetic fields. Plasma treatment enabled drug-loading control by changing the particles’ roughness as physical adsorption and creating functional groups for chemical absorption. This led to reduced metabolic activity and cell adherences associated with elevated expression of pro-apoptotic genes (BCL-2, caspase 3) in 4T1 breast cancer cells in vitro exposed to alternating current magnetic field (ACMF) compared to MENs-DOX without field exposure. ACMF-potentiated anticancer effects of MENs were validated in vivo in tumor-bearing Balb/C mice. Altogether, our results suggest potentiated drug loading of MENs showing superior anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo when combined with ACMF.
Detection and classification of adult epilepsy using hybrid deep learning approach
Authors: Srinivasan Saravanan , Dayalane Sundaranarayana , Mathivanan Sandeep kumar , Rajadurai Hariharan , Jayagopal Prabhu , Dalu Gemmachis Teshite
Published: October 2023

The electroencephalogram (EEG) has emerged over the past few decades as one of the key tools used by clinicians to detect seizures and other neurological abnormalities of the human brain. The proper diagnosis of epilepsy is crucial due to its distinctive nature and the subsequent negative effects of epileptic seizures on patients. The classification of minimally pre-processed, raw multichannel EEG signal recordings is the foundation of this article’s unique method for identifying seizures in pre-adult patients. The new method makes use of the automatic feature learning capabilities of a three-dimensional deep convolution auto-encoder (3D-DCAE) associated with a neural network-based classifier to build an integrated framework that endures training in a supervised manner to attain the highest level of classification precision among brain state signals, both ictal and interictal. A pair of models were created and evaluated for testing and assessing our method, utilizing three distinct EEG data section lengths, and a tenfold cross-validation procedure. Based on five evaluation criteria, the labelled hybrid convolutional auto-encoder (LHCAE) model, which utilizes a classifier based on bidirectional long short-term memory (Bi-LSTM) and an EEG segment length of 4 s, had the best efficiency. This proposed model has 99.08 ± 0.54% accuracy, 99.21 ± 0.50% sensitivity, 99.11 ± 0.57% specificity, 99.09 ± 0.55% precision, and an F1-score of 99.16 ± 0.58%, according to the publicly available Children’s Hospital Boston (CHB) dataset. Based on the obtained outcomes, the proposed seizure classification model outperforms the other state-of-the-art method’s performance in the same dataset.
Experimental and modeling of solubility of sitagliptin phosphate, in supercritical carbon dioxide: proposing a new association model
Authors: Ardestani Nedasadat Saadati , Sajadian Seyed Ali , Esfandiari Nadia , Rojas Adrián , Garlapati Chandrasekhar
Published: October 2023

The solubility of an anti-hyperglycemic agent drug, (R)-4-oxo-4-[3-(trifluoromethyl)-5,6-dihydro [1,2,4] triazolo[4,3-a] pyrazin-7(8H)-yl]-1-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl) butan-2-amine (also known as Sitagliptin phosphate) in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) was determined by ananalytical and dynamic technique at different temperatures (308, 318, 328 and 338 K) and pressure (12–30 MPa) values. The measured solubilities were in the range of 3.02 × 10–5 to 5.17 × 10–5, 2.71 × 10–5 to 5.83 × 10–5, 2.39 × 10–5 to 6.51 × 10–5 and 2.07 × 10–5 to 6.98 × 10−5 in mole fraction at (308, 318, 328 and 338) K, respectively. The solubility data were correlated with existing density models and with a new association model.
A recognition test in monkeys to differentiate recollection from familiarity memory
Authors: Neiworth Julie J. , Thall Madeline E. , Liu Shannon , Leon-Moffly Ellie , Rankin Moira , LoRusso Madeline A. , Thandi Suhani , Garay-Hernandez John
Published: October 2023

Episodic memory is memory for experiences within a specific temporal and spatial context. Episodic memories decline early in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Recollection of episodic memories can fail with both AD and aging, but familiarity and recollection memory uniquely fail in AD. Finding a means to differentiate specific memory failures in animal models is critical for translational research. Four cotton top tamarins participated in an object recognition test. They were exposed to two unique objects placed in a consistent context for 5 daily sessions. Next a delay of 1 day or 1 week was imposed. Subjects’ memory of the objects was tested by replacing one of the familiarized objects with a novel one. The tamarins looked longer at the novel object after both delays, an indication of remembering the familiar object. In other tests, the test pair was relocated to a new location or presented at a different time of day. With context changes, tamarins showed greater interest in the novel object after a 1-week delay but not after a 1-day delay. It seems that context changes disrupted their recollection of recent events. But the monkeys showed accurate familiarity memory across context changes with longer delays.
Thermal near-field scattering characteristics for dielectric materials
Authors: Sakuma Ryoko , Lin Kuan-Ting , Kajihara Yusuke
Published: October 2023

In this study, we passively analyzed the near-field characteristics of thermally excited evanescent waves, which are radiation waves generated by the local dynamics of materials, including electron motions and lattice vibrations. The thermally excited evanescent waves on aluminium nitride (AlN) and gallium nitride (GaN) were measured using passive spectroscopic scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM) in the wavelength ranges of 10.5–12.2 μm and 14.0–15.0 μm, which include the surface phonon-polariton (SPhP) wavelength of the studied dielectrics. We determined the unique decay characteristics of AlN and GaN, indicating a ten-fold increase in the probe area contributing to the scattering of waves near the SPhP wavelength compared to that in other wavelength ranges. The extended probe area correlated with the polariton decay lengths, indicating that the non-enhanced polaritons around K ~ ω/c were dominant in the scattered waves near the SPhP wavelength. In addition to the conventional passive detection mechanisms for metals, the proposed detection scheme will be a versatile passive detection model in the near future.
Compost and humic acid amendments are a practicable solution to rehabilitate weak arid soil for higher winter field pea production
Authors: Muhammad Sher , Shaukat Muhammad , Yasin Muhammad , Mahmood Athar , Javaid Muhammad Mansoor , Al-Sadoon Mohammad Khalid , Głowacka Aleksandra , Ahmed Mohamed A. A.
Published: October 2023

Arid soils are often weak, low in fertility, and lack essential plant nutrients. Organic amendments might be a feasible solution to counter the detrimental impact and rehabilitate weak arid soil for the growth of legumes. The study aimed to investigate how organic amendments of compost and humic acid may affect winter field pea productivity in arid soil. Over 2 years of field experiments, a range of treatments were applied, including different amounts of compost and humic acid. The results showed higher microbial carbon (C), and nitrogen (N) biomass, root length, shoot length, grains pod−1, and grain yield of pea, gained from the collective application of 8 Mg ha−1 compost and 15 kg ha−1 humic acid compared to all other treatments. Organic amendments increased soil microbial C density by 67.0 to 83.0% and N biomass by 46.0 to 88.0% compared with the control. The combined application of compost and humic acid increased soil microbial N biomass by 57.0 to 60.0% compared to the sole applications of compost-only and humic acid-only. It was concluded that organic amendments of 8 Mg ha−1 compost and 15 kg ha−1 humic acid in arid soil modulated microbial density, resulting in improved winter field pea productivity. This study suggests organic amendments of compost and humic acid might be a practicable solution to rehabilitate weak arid soil to grow legumes.
IoT platforms assessment methodology for COVID-19 vaccine logistics and transportation: a multi-methods decision making model
Authors: Ali Yasir , Khan Habib Ullah
Published: October 2023

The supply chain management (SCM) of COVID-19 vaccine is the most daunting task for logistics and supply managers due to temperature sensitivity and complex logistics process. Therefore, several technologies have been applied but the complexity of COVID-19 vaccine makes the Internet of Things (IoT) a strong use case due to its multiple features support like excursion notification, data sharing, connectivity management, secure shipping, real-time tracking and monitoring etc. All these features can only feasible through choosing and deploying the right IoT platform. However, selection of right IoT platform is also a major concern due to lack of experience and technical knowledge of supply chain managers and diversified landscape of IoT platforms. Therefore, we introduce a decision making model for evaluation and decision making of IoT platforms that fits for logistics and transportation (L&T) process of COVID-19 vaccine. This study initially identifies the major challenges addressed during the SCM of COVID-19 vaccine and then provides reasonable solution by presenting the assessment model for selection of rational IoT platform. The proposed model applies hybrid Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) approach for evaluation. It also adopts Estimation-Talk-Estimation (ETE) approach for response collection during the survey. As, this is first kind of model so the proposed model is validated and tested by conducting a survey with experts. The results of the proposed decision making model are also verified by Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) technique which indicates higher results accuracy and reliability of the proposed model. Similarly, the proposed model yields the best possible results and it can be judged by the precision, accuracy and recall values i.e. 93%, 93% and 94% respectively. The survey-based testing also suggests that this model can be adopted in practical scenarios to deal with complexities which may arise during the decision making of IoT platform for COVID-19 SCM process.
Peak risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection within 5 s of face-to-face encounters: an observational/retrospective study
Authors: Asai Takeshi , Kurosaki Erina , Kimachi Kaoru , Nakayama Masao , Koido Masaaki , Hong Sungchan
Published: October 2023

The link between aerosol dynamics and viral exposure risk is not fully understood, particularly during movement and face-to-face interactions. To investigate this, we employed Particle Trace Velocimetry with a laser sheet and a high-speed camera to measure microparticles from a human mannequin’s mouth. The average peak time in the non-ventilated condition (expiratory volume, 30 L; passing speed, 5 km/h) was 1.33 s (standard deviation = 0.32 s), while that in the ventilated condition was 1.38 s (standard deviation = 0.35 s). Our results showed that the peak of viral exposure risk was within 5 s during face-to-face encounters under both ventilated and non-ventilated conditions. Moreover, the risk of viral exposure greatly decreased in ventilated conditions compared to non-ventilated conditions. Based on these findings, considering a risk mitigation strategy for the duration of 5 s during face-to-face encounters is expected to significantly reduce the risk of virus exposure in airborne transmission.
Microbiome alterations in women with pelvic organ prolapse and after anatomical restorative interventions
Authors: Kim Myungshin , Lee Seungok , Kim Hoon Seok , Kwon Mi Yeon , Yoo Jaeeun , Kim Min Jeong
Published: October 2023

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a benign gynecological disease in which the pelvic organ descends into the vagina and causes voiding, and defecatory dysfunction, mainly occurs in older women. This study aimed to investigate the vaginal microbiome of POP and associated changes after anatomical restorative pessary or reconstructive pelvic operation. We analyzed the vaginal microbiome using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing and compared the results among patient groups with POP, pessary, and postoperation. We also measured 10 inflammation-related cytokines in vaginal swab samples using multiplex immunoassay. In pelvic organ prolapse, vaginal community status type IV was the most prevalent, which showed a low abundance of Lactobacillus with increased diversity and abundance of anaerobic species. The alpha diversity of species richness was highest in the POP group. The beta diversity distance differed significantly between the three groups (p = 0.001). While human intestinal taxa-associated bacteria were reduced after pessary or operation, vaginitis-associated bacterial composition was altered but vaginal microbiome homeostasis was not improved. IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-1β, IL-4 and TNF-α levels increased in the pessary group. Therefore, in addition to anatomical restorative treatment, supplementary treatment focusing on the recovery of the vaginal microbiome may be needed to maintain the health of gynecological organs in old age.
Core clock gene BMAL1 and RNA-binding protein MEX3A collaboratively regulate Lgr5 expression in intestinal crypt cells
Authors: Cheng Li-Tzu , Tan Grace Y. T. , Chang Fang-Pei , Wang Cheng-Kai , Chou Yu-Chi , Hsu Pang-Hung , Hwang-Verslues Wendy W.
Published: October 2023

The intestinal epithelium is highly regenerative. Rapidly proliferating LGR5+ crypt base columnar (CBC) cells are responsible for epithelial turnover needed to maintain intestinal homeostasis. Upon tissue damage, loss of LGR5+ CBCs can be compensated by activation of quiescent +4 intestinal stem cells (ISCs) or early progenitor cells to restore intestinal regeneration. LGR5+ CBC self-renewal and ISC conversion to LGR5+ cells are regulated by external signals originating from the ISC niche. In contrast, little is known about intrinsic regulatory mechanisms critical for maintenance of LGR5+ CBC homeostasis. We found that LGR5 expression in intestinal crypt cells is controlled by the circadian core clock gene BMAL1 and the BMAL1-regulated RNA-binding protein MEX3A. BMAL1 directly activated transcription of Mex3a. MEX3A in turn bound to and stabilized Lgr5 mRNA. Bmal1 depletion reduced Mex3a and Lgr5 expression and led to increased ferroptosis, which consequently decreased LGR5+ CBC numbers and increased the number of crypt cells expressing +4 ISC marker BMI1. Together, these findings reveal a BMAL1-centered intrinsic regulatory pathway that maintains LGR5 expression in the crypt cells and suggest a potential mechanism contributing to ISC homeostasis.
Evaluation of Raman spectroscopy combined with the gated recurrent unit serum detection method in early screening of gastrointestinal cancer
Authors: Liu Kunxiang , Liu Bo , Wang Yu , Zhao Qi , Wu Qinian , Li Bei
Published: October 2023

Raman spectroscopy can reflect the biochemical composition information of serum from patients with gastric and colorectal cancer.
Portable dual-channel blood enzyme analyzer for point-of-care liver function detection
Authors: Sang Jingwei , Cheng Jie , Hu Honghua , Liu Ke , Guo Jiuchuan , Guo Jinhong
Published: October 2023

Because the liver is an important metabolic center in the human body, the reliability and timeliness of chronic liver disease diagnosis are particularly important.
A dense SERS substrate of the AgNPs@GO compound film for detecting homocysteine molecules
Authors: He Song , Yang Li , Xu Tianwen , Peng Xishun , Chen Qixin , Li Xinghua , Yuan Yiheng , Zuo Cheng , Zhang Xin , Bai Zhongchen
Published: October 2023

This study reports the development of a highly-sensitivity surface-enhanced Raman scattering sensor based on AgNPs@GO substrate for detecting homocysteine molecules.
Magnetically controlled cyclic microscale deformation of in vitro cancer invasion models
Authors: Asgeirsson Daphne O. , Mehta Avni , Scheeder Anna , Li Fan , Wang Xiang , Christiansen Michael G. , Hesse Nicolas , Ward Rachel , De Micheli Andrea J. , Ildiz Ece Su , Menghini Stefano , Aceto Nicola , Schuerle Simone
Published: October 2023

Effects of magnetically controlled cyclic deformation on cancer cell invasion.
Facile synthesis of supported CuNi nano-clusters as an electrochemical CO2 reduction catalyst with broad potential range
Authors: Wang Jiale , Li Fan , Li Runhua , Xiang Qian , Zhang Wencong , Song Chengyi , Tao Peng , Shang Wen , Deng Tao , Zhu Hong , Wu Jianbo
Published: October 2023

The CuNi nano-cluster supported on nitrogen-doped porous carbon was synthesized via a facile ZIF-derived and subsequent pyrolytic method, achieving high ECR selectivity (FECO > 90%) within a broad potential range (600 mV).
Photoredox-catalyzed C-heteroaryl glycosylation of biphenyl isocyanides with glycosyl bromides
Authors: Jiao Yi , Shi Xiaoran , Yu Shouyun
Published: October 2023

Reported here is a strategy to access C-heteroaryl glycosides by photoredox catalysis. C6-Glycosylated phenanthridine derivatives are synthesized from biphenyl isocyanides and glycosyl bromides.
ArI(NTf2)2: the boundary of oxidative capacity for ArIL2?
Authors: Barwise Lachlan , Bennetts Jason D. , White Keith F. , Dutton Jason L.
Published: October 2023

NO2–C6H4–I(NTf2)2 is synthesized and crystallographically characterized. Theoretical analysis suggests that ArI(NTf2)2 may be the limit of oxidative capacity for the ArIL2 class of compounds.
Cocrystal formation by anti-solvent slurry
Authors: Li Yi , Li Shun-Yu , Dai Xia-Lin , Lu Tong-Bu , Chen Jia-Mei
Published: October 2023

An anti-solvent slurry method for cocrystal formation is developed and tested in 25 carbamazepine cocrystal systems, which reveals that it is a facile, efficient and reliable method for cocrystal discovery and synthesis.
Chiral resolution methods for racemic pharmaceuticals based on cocrystal formation
Authors: Kaviani Raha , Jouyban Abolghasem , Shayanfar Ali
Published: October 2023

This review outlined the crucial importance of pharmaceutical cocrystals in chiral resolution techniques of racemic compounds.
Theoretical study of the spectroscopy and radiative transition probabilities of Si2 from visible to infrared
Authors: Xiao Lidan , Yang Yun , Li Xinyu , Minaev Boris F. , Yan Bing
Published: October 2023

High level ab initio calculations on the electronic states of a silicon dimer (Si2) have been carried out by employing a multi-reference configuration interaction plus Davidson correction (MRCI + Q) approach with the aug-cc-pVQZ basis set.
Evidence of extremely short hydrogen bond in the homoconjugated ferrocene-1,1′-diyl-bisphosphinic acid anion: sign change of the H/D isotope effect on the 31P NMR chemical shift
Authors: Chakalov E. R. , Shekurov R. P. , Miluykov V. A. , Tolstoy P. M.
Published: October 2023

Strong OHO and OHO(–) hydrogen bonds were studied in solution in CDF3/CDF2Cl medium at 100 K. Delocalization of H and D in a low-barrier potential and vibrational averaging of NMR chemical shifts were evaluated by DFT calculations.
Investigating the oxidation mechanism of facet-dependent pyrite: implications for the environment and sulfur evolution
Authors: Liu Chenrui , Liu Yun , Zeng Shuai , Li Dejian
Published: October 2023

The oxidation behaviors and mechanisms of naturally existing FeS2(100) and FeS2(210) crystals are investigated.
Conductive metal-covalent organic frameworks as novel catalytic platforms for reduction of nitrate to ammonia
Authors: Huang Hao , Wang Kaiying
Published: October 2023

A highly active metal-covalent organic framework is proposed for nitrate reduction to ammonia, which offers a reasonable platform for unveiling the catalytic mechanism of single-metal atoms.
A selective and mild electrochemical defluorinative carboxylation for late-stage C(sp3)–F bond functionalization
Authors: Mondal Subhojit , Sarkar Soumik , Wang Jason W. , Meanwell Michael W.
Published: October 2023

We report a protocol for the electrochemical defluorinative carboxylation of trifluoromethyl groups for accessing their highly valuable α,α-difluorocarboxylic acid analogues.
The influences of ambient humidity on laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Jiacen , Hou Zongyu , Wang Zhe
Published: October 2023

The effect of ambient humidity on the LIBS spectra of copper samples was explored. The Cu I line intensity decreased with humidity at low laser energy and increased with humidity at high energy.
Preparation of tough and stiff ionogels via phase separation
Authors: Xie Jinliang , Li Xiaoqian , He Zhongjie , Fan Ling , Yao Dongdong , Zheng Yaping
Published: October 2023

Poor mechanical properties seriously limit the development and practical application of ionogels. Controlling the cooling rate can adjust the phase separation morphology of PAM-IL ionogels, thereby enhancing their mechanical properties.
Perfect cubic metallo-borospherenes TM8B6 (TM = Ni, Pd, Pt) as superatoms following the 18-electron rule
Authors: Ao Mei-Zhen , Ma Yuan-Yuan , Mu Yue-Wen , Li Si-Dian
Published: October 2023

The smallest transition-metal-doped perfect cubic metallo-borospherenes Oh TM8B6 (TM = Ni, Pd, Pt) with eight vertex TM atoms and six face-capping tetra-coordinate boron atoms are predicted which appear to be spherically aromatic in nature following the 18-electron rule.