bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integration of multiple flexible electrodes for real-time detection of barrier formation with spatial resolution in a gut-on-chip system
Authors: Lucchetti Mara , Werr Gabriel , Johansson Sofia , Barbe Laurent , Grandmougin Léa , Wilmes Paul , Tenje Maria
Published: January 2024

In healthy individuals, the intestinal epithelium forms a tight barrier to prevent gut bacteria from reaching blood circulation. To study the effect of probiotics, dietary compounds and drugs on gut barrier formation and disruption, human gut epithelial and bacterial cells can be cocultured in an in vitro model called the human microbial crosstalk (HuMiX) gut-on-a-chip system. Here, we present the design, fabrication and integration of thin-film electrodes into the HuMiX platform to measure transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) as a direct readout on barrier tightness in real-time. As various aspects of the HuMiX platform have already been set in their design, such as multiple compressible layers, uneven surfaces and nontransparent materials, a novel fabrication method was developed whereby thin-film metal electrodes were first deposited on flexible substrates and sequentially integrated with the HuMiX system via a transfer-tape approach. Moreover, to measure localized TEER along the cell culture chamber, we integrated multiple electrodes that were connected to an impedance analyzer via a multiplexer. We further developed a dynamic normalization method because the active measurement area depends on the measured TEER levels. The fabrication process and system setup can be applicable to other barrier-on-chip systems. As a proof-of-concept, we measured the barrier formation of a cancerous Caco-2 cell line in real-time, which was mapped at four spatially separated positions along the HuMiX culture area.
ERCC1 abundance is an indicator of DNA repair-apoptosis decision upon DNA damage
Authors: Erdemir Sayan Sule , Sreekumar Rahul , Bhome Rahul , Mirnezami Alex , Yagci Tamer , Sayan A. Emre
Published: January 2024

DNA repair is essential for successful propagation of genetic material and fidelity of transcription. Nucleotide excision repair (NER) is one of the earliest DNA repair mechanisms, functionally conserved from bacteria to human. The fact that number of NER genes vary significantly between prokaryotes and metazoans gives the insight that NER proteins have evolved to acquire additional functions to combat challenges associated with a diploid genome, including being involved in the decision between DNA repair and apoptosis. However, no direct association between apoptosis and NER proteins has been shown to date. In this study, we induced apoptosis with a variety of agents, including oxaliplatin, doxorubicin and TRAIL, and observed changes in the abundance and molecular weight of NER complex proteins. Our results showed that XPA, XPC and ERCC1 protein levels change during DNA damage-induced apoptosis. Among these, ERCC1 decrease was observed as a pre-mitochondria depolarisation event which marks the “point of no return” in apoptosis signalling. ERCC1 decrease was due to proteasomal degradation upon lethal doses of oxaliplatin exposure. When ERCC1 protein was stabilised using proteasome inhibitors, the pro-apoptotic activity of oxaliplatin was attenuated. These results explain why clinical trials using proteasome inhibitors and platinum derivatives showed limited efficacy in carcinoma treatment and also the importance of how deep understanding of DNA repair mechanisms can improve cancer therapy.
The roles and regulatory mechanisms of TGF-β and BMP signaling in bone and cartilage development, homeostasis and disease
Authors: Wu Mengrui , Wu Shali , Chen Wei , Li Yi-Ping
Published: January 2024

Transforming growth factor-βs (TGF-βs) and bone morphometric proteins (BMPs) belong to the TGF-β superfamily and perform essential functions during osteoblast and chondrocyte lineage commitment and differentiation, skeletal development, and homeostasis. TGF-βs and BMPs transduce signals through SMAD-dependent and -independent pathways; specifically, they recruit different receptor heterotetramers and R-Smad complexes, resulting in unique biological readouts. BMPs promote osteogenesis, osteoclastogenesis, and chondrogenesis at all differentiation stages, while TGF-βs play different roles in a stage-dependent manner. BMPs and TGF-β have opposite functions in articular cartilage homeostasis. Moreover, TGF-β has a specific role in maintaining the osteocyte network. The precise activation of BMP and TGF-β signaling requires regulatory machinery at multiple levels, including latency control in the matrix, extracellular antagonists, ubiquitination and phosphorylation in the cytoplasm, nucleus-cytoplasm transportation, and transcriptional co-regulation in the nuclei. This review weaves the background information with the latest advances in the signaling facilitated by TGF-βs and BMPs, and the advanced understanding of their diverse physiological functions and regulations. This review also summarizes the human diseases and mouse models associated with disordered TGF-β and BMP signaling. A more precise understanding of the BMP and TGF-β signaling could facilitate the development of bona fide clinical applications in treating bone and cartilage disorders.
Revealing the hidden carbon in forested wetland soils
Authors: Stewart Anthony J. , Halabisky Meghan , Babcock Chad , Butman David E. , D’Amore David V. , Moskal L. Monika
Published: January 2024

Inland wetlands are critical carbon reservoirs storing 30% of global soil organic carbon (SOC) within 6% of the land surface. However, forested regions contain SOC-rich wetlands that are not included in current maps, which we refer to as ‘cryptic carbon’. Here, to demonstrate the magnitude and distribution of cryptic carbon, we measure and map SOC stocks as a function of a continuous, upland-to-wetland gradient across the Hoh River Watershed (HRW) in the Pacific Northwest of the U.S., comprising 68,145 ha. Total catchment SOC at 30 cm depth (5.0 TgC) is between estimates from global SOC maps (GSOC: 3.9 TgC; SoilGrids: 7.8 TgC). For wetland SOC, our 1 m stock estimates are substantially higher (Mean: 259 MgC ha−1; Total: 1.7 TgC) compared to current wetland-specific SOC maps derived from a combination of U.S. national datasets (Mean: 184 MgC ha−1; Total: 0.3 TgC). We show that total unmapped or cryptic carbon is 1.5 TgC and when added to current estimates, increases the estimated wetland SOC stock to 1.8 TgC or by 482%, which highlights the vast stores of SOC that are not mapped and contained in unprotected and vulnerable wetlands.
An extended substrate screening strategy enabling a low lattice mismatch for highly reversible zinc anodes
Authors: Zheng Zhiyang , Zhong Xiongwei , Zhang Qi , Zhang Mengtian , Dai Lixin , Xiao Xiao , Xu Jiahe , Jiao Miaolun , Wang Boran , Li Hong , Jia Yeyang , Mao Rui , Zhou Guangmin
Published: January 2024

Aqueous zinc batteries possess intrinsic safety and cost-effectiveness, but dendrite growth and side reactions of zinc anodes hinder their practical application. Here, we propose the extended substrate screening strategy for stabilizing zinc anodes and verify its availability (dsubstrate: dZn(002) = 1: 1→dsubstrate: dZn(002)=n:1, n = 1, 2). From a series of calculated phyllosilicates satisfying dsubstrate ≈ 2dZn(002), we select vermiculite, which has the lowest lattice mismatch (0.38%) reported so far, as the model to confirm the effectiveness of “2dZn(002)” substrates for zinc anodes protection. Then, we develop a monolayer porous vermiculite through a large-scale and green preparation as a functional coating for zinc electrodes. Unique “planting Zn(002) seeds” mechanism for “2dZn(002)” substrates is revealed to induce the oriented growth of zinc deposits. Additionally, the coating effectively inhibits side reactions and promotes zinc ion transport. Consequently, the modified symmetric cells operate stably for over 300 h at a high current density of 50 mA cm−2. This work extends the substrate screening strategy and advances the understanding of zinc nucleation mechanism, paving the way for realizing high-rate and stable zinc-metal batteries.
Interplay between ATRX and IDH1 mutations governs innate immune responses in diffuse gliomas
Authors: Hariharan Seethalakshmi , Whitfield Benjamin T. , Pirozzi Christopher J. , Waitkus Matthew S. , Brown Michael C. , Bowie Michelle L. , Irvin David M. , Roso Kristen , Fuller Rebecca , Hostettler Janell , Dharmaiah Sharvari , Gibson Emiley A. , Briley Aaron , Mangoli Avani , Fraley Casey , Shobande Mariah , Stevenson Kevin , Zhang Gao , Malgulwar Prit Benny , Roberts Hannah , Roskoski Martin , Spasojevic Ivan , Keir Stephen T. , He Yiping , Castro Maria G. , Huse Jason T. , Ashley David M.
Published: January 2024

Stimulating the innate immune system has been explored as a therapeutic option for the treatment of gliomas. Inactivating mutations in ATRX, defining molecular alterations in IDH-mutant astrocytomas, have been implicated in dysfunctional immune signaling. However, little is known about the interplay between ATRX loss and IDH mutation on innate immunity. To explore this, we generated ATRX-deficient glioma models in the presence and absence of the IDH1R132H mutation. ATRX-deficient glioma cells are sensitive to dsRNA-based innate immune agonism and exhibit impaired lethality and increased T-cell infiltration in vivo. However, the presence of IDH1R132H dampens baseline expression of key innate immune genes and cytokines in a manner restored by genetic and pharmacological IDH1R132H inhibition. IDH1R132H co-expression does not interfere with the ATRX deficiency-mediated sensitivity to dsRNA. Thus, ATRX loss primes cells for recognition of dsRNA, while IDH1R132H reversibly masks this priming. This work reveals innate immunity as a therapeutic vulnerability of astrocytomas.
C-SuFEx linkage of sulfonimidoyl fluorides and organotrifluoroborates
Authors: Zhao Suqin , Zeng Daming , Wang Ming , Jiang Xuefeng
Published: January 2024

Sulfur(VI) fluoride exchange, a new type of linkage reaction, has excellent potential for application in functional molecule linkage to prepare pharmaceuticals, biomolecules, and polymers. Herein, a C-SuFEx reaction is established to achieve fast (in minutes) linkage between sulfonimidoyl fluorides and aryl/alkyl organotrifluoroborates. Potassium organotrifluoroborates are instantaneously activated via a substoichiometric amount of trimethylsilyl triflate to afford organodifluoroboranes, releasing BF3 as an activating reagent in situ. This sulfur(VI) fluoride exchange technique is capable of forming S(VI)-C(alkyl), S(VI)-C(alkenyl) and S(VI)-C(aryl) bonds, demonstrating its broad scope. Natural products and pharmaceuticals with sensitive functional groups, such as valdecoxib, celecoxib and diacetonefructose, are compatible with this protocol, allowing the formation of diverse sulfoximines.
Three-dimensional magnetic resonance tomography with sub-10 nanometer resolution
Authors: T. Amawi Mohammad , Trelin Andrii , Huang You , Weinbrenner Paul , Poggiali Francesco , Leibold Joachim , Schalk Martin , Reinhard Friedemann
Published: January 2024

We demonstrate three-dimensional magnetic resonance tomography with a resolution down to 5.9 ± 0.1 nm. Our measurements use lithographically fabricated microwires as a source of three-dimensional magnetic field gradients, which we use to image NV centers in a densely doped diamond by Fourier-accelerated magnetic resonance tomography. We also demonstrate a compressed sensing scheme, which allows for direct visual interpretation without numerical optimization and implements an effective zoom into a spatially localized volume of interest, such as a localized cluster of NV centers. It is based on aliasing induced by equidistant undersampling of k-space. The resolution achieved in our work is comparable to the best existing schemes of super-resolution microscopy and approaches the positioning accuracy of site-directed spin labeling, paving the way to three-dimensional structure analysis by magnetic-gradient based tomography.
Ten-electron count rule for the binding of adsorbates on single-atom alloy catalysts
Authors: Schumann Julia , Stamatakis Michail , Michaelides Angelos , Réocreux Romain
Published: January 2024

Single-atom alloys have recently emerged as highly active and selective alloy catalysts. Unlike pure metals, single-atom alloys escape the well-established conceptual framework developed nearly three decades ago for predicting catalytic performance. Although this offers the opportunity to explore so far unattainable chemistries, this leaves us without a simple guide for the design of single-atom alloys able to catalyse targeted reactions. Here, based on thousands of density functional theory calculations, we reveal a 10-electron count rule for the binding of adsorbates on the dopant atoms, usually the active sites, of single-atom alloy surfaces. A simple molecular orbital approach rationalizes this rule and the nature of the adsorbate–dopant interaction. In addition, our intuitive model can accelerate the rational design of single-atom alloy catalysts. Indeed, we illustrate how the unique insights provided by the electron count rule help identify the most promising dopant for an industrially relevant hydrogenation reaction, thereby reducing the number of potential materials by more than one order of magnitude.
A 31-year (1990–2020) global gridded population dataset generated by cluster analysis and statistical learning
Authors: Liu Luling , Cao Xin , Li Shijie , Jie Na
Published: January 2024

Continuously monitoring global population spatial dynamics is crucial for implementing effective policies related to sustainable development, including epidemiology, urban planning, and global inequality. However, existing global gridded population data products lack consistent population estimates, making them unsuitable for time-series analysis. To address this issue, this study designed a data fusion framework based on cluster analysis and statistical learning approaches, which led to the generation of a continuous global gridded population dataset (GlobPOP). The GlobPOP dataset was evaluated through two-tier spatial and temporal validation to demonstrate its accuracy and applicability. The spatial validation results show that the GlobPOP dataset is highly accurate. The temporal validation results also reveal that the GlobPOP dataset performs consistently well across eight representative countries and cities despite their unique population dynamics. With the availability of GlobPOP datasets in both population count and population density formats, researchers and policymakers can leverage the new dataset to conduct time-series analysis of the population and explore the spatial patterns of population development at global, national, and city levels.
A neuromorphic dataset for tabletop object segmentation in indoor cluttered environment
Authors: Huang Xiaoqian , Kachole Sanket , Ayyad Abdulla , Naeini Fariborz Baghaei , Makris Dimitrios , Zweiri Yahya
Published: January 2024

Event-based cameras are commonly leveraged to mitigate issues such as motion blur, low dynamic range, and limited time sampling, which plague conventional cameras. However, a lack of dedicated event-based datasets for benchmarking segmentation algorithms, especially those offering critical depth information for occluded scenes, has been observed. In response, this paper introduces a novel Event-based Segmentation Dataset (ESD), a high-quality event 3D spatial-temporal dataset designed for indoor object segmentation within cluttered environments. ESD encompasses 145 sequences featuring 14,166 manually annotated RGB frames, along with a substantial event count of 21.88 million and 20.80 million events from two stereo-configured event-based cameras. Notably, this densely annotated 3D spatial-temporal event-based segmentation benchmark for tabletop objects represents a pioneering initiative, providing event-wise depth, and annotated instance labels, in addition to corresponding RGBD frames. By releasing ESD, our aim is to offer the research community a challenging segmentation benchmark of exceptional quality.
A North Atlantic synthetic tropical cyclone track, intensity, and rainfall dataset
Authors: Xu Wenwei , Balaguru Karthik , Judi David R. , Rice Julian , Leung L. Ruby , Lipari Serena
Published: January 2024

Tropical Cyclones (TCs) cause significant socio-economic damages to the US and Caribbean coastal regions annually, making it important to understand TC risk at the local-to-regional scales. However, the short length of the observed record and the substantial computational expense associated with high-resolution climate models make it difficult to assess TC risk using either approach. To overcome these challenges, we developed a database of synthetic TCs using the Risk Analysis Framework for Tropical Cyclones (RAFT). The database includes 40,000 synthetic TC tracks, along-track intensities and storm-induced precipitation. TC tracks generated in RAFT are in reasonable agreement with the observed spatial distribution of TC tracks and basin-scale TC statistics. Specifically along the coast, spatial variations in TC crossing probability and extreme winds upon landfall are well-reproduced by RAFT with R-squared values of 0.81 and 0.73, respectively. In summary, the synthetic TC database constructed with RAFT provides a reasonable pathway for the robust assessment of North Atlantic TC wind and rainfall risks.
Chromosome-level genome of spider Pardosa pseudoannulata and cuticle protein genes in environmental stresses
Authors: Yu Na , Li Jingjing , Bao Haibo , Zhang Yixi , Yang Zhiming , Li Fangfang , Wang Jingting , Liu Zewen
Published: January 2024

Spiders are representative arthropods of adaptive radiation. The high-quality genomes have only been reported in several web weaver spider species, leaving the wandering spiders’ genomic information scarce. The pond wolf spider, Pardosa pseudoannulata, is a representative species in the retrolateral titial apophysis (RTA) clade. We present a chromosome-level P. pseusoannulata genome assembly of 2.42 Gb in size with a scaffold N50 of 169.99 Mb. Hi-C scaffolding assigns 94.83% of the bases to 15 pseudo-chromosomes. The repeats account for 52.79% of the assembly. The assembly includes 96.2% of the complete arthropod universal single-copy orthologs. Gene annotation predicted 24,530 protein-coding genes with a BUSCO score of 95.8% complete. We identified duplicate clusters of Hox genes and an expanded cuticle protein gene family with 243 genes. The expression patterns of CPR genes change in response to environmental stresses such as coldness and insecticide exposure. The high-quality P. pseudoannulata genome provides valuable information for functional and comparative studies in spiders.
DNA methylome, R-loop and clinical exome profiling of patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Feró Orsolya , Varga Dóra , Nagy Éva , Karányi Zsolt , Sipos Éva , Engelhardt József , Török Nóra , Balogh István , Vető Borbála , Likó István , Fóthi Ábel , Szabó Zoltán , Halmos Gábor , Vécsei László , Arányi Tamás , Székvölgyi Lóránt
Published: January 2024

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the death of motor neurons, the aetiology of which is essentially unknown. Here, we present an integrative epigenomic study in blood samples from seven clinically characterised sporadic ALS patients to elucidate molecular factors associated with the disease. We used clinical exome sequencing (CES) to study DNA variants, DNA-RNA hybrid immunoprecipitation sequencing (DRIP-seq) to assess R-loop distribution, and reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) to examine DNA methylation changes. The above datasets were combined to create a comprehensive repository of genetic and epigenetic changes associated with the ALS cases studied. This repository is well-suited to unveil new correlations within individual patients and across the entire patient cohort. The molecular attributes described here are expected to guide further mechanistic studies on ALS, shedding light on the underlying genetic causes and facilitating the development of new epigenetic therapies to combat this life-threatening disease.
Defining the roles of local precipitation and anthropogenic water sources in driving the abundance of Aedes aegypti, an emerging disease vector in urban, arid landscapes
Authors: Newman Erica A. , Feng Xiao , Onland Jesse D. , Walker Kathleen R. , Young Steven , Smith Kirk , Townsend John , Damian Dan , Ernst Kacey
Published: January 2024

Understanding drivers of disease vectors’ population dynamics is a pressing challenge. For short-lived organisms like mosquitoes, landscape-scale models must account for their highly local and rapid life cycles.Aedes aegypti, a vector of multiple emerging diseases, has become abundant in desert population centers where water from precipitation could be a limiting factor. To explain this apparent paradox, we examinedAe. aegyptiabundances at > 660 trapping locations per year for 3 years in the urbanized Maricopa County (metropolitan Phoenix), Arizona, USA. We created daily precipitation layers from weather station data using a kriging algorithm, and connected localized daily precipitation to numbers of mosquitoes trapped at each location on subsequent days. Precipitation events occurring in either of two critical developmental periods for mosquitoes were correlated to suppressed subsequent adult female presence and abundance. LASSO models supported these analyses for female presence but not abundance. Precipitation may explain 72% ofAe. aegyptipresence and 90% of abundance, with anthropogenic water sources supporting mosquitoes during long, precipitation-free periods. The method of using kriging and weather station data may be generally applicable to the study of various ecological processes and patterns, and lead to insights into microclimates associated with a variety of organisms’ life cycles.
A machine learning system to identify progress level of dry rot disease in potato tuber based on digital thermal image processing
Authors: Farokhzad Saeid , Modaress Motlagh Asad , Ahmadi Moghaddam Parviz , Jalali Honarmand Saeid , Kheiralipour Kamran
Published: January 2024

This study proposed a quick and reliable thermography-based method for detection of healthy potato tubers from those with dry rot disease and also determination of the level of disease development. The dry rot development inside potato tubers was classified based on the Wiersema Criteria, grade 0 to 3. The tubers were heated at 60 and 90 °C, and then thermal images were taken 10, 25, 40, and 70 s after heating. The surface temperature of the tubers was measured to select the best treatment for thermography, and the treatment with the highest thermal difference in each class was selected. The results of variance analysis of tuber surface temperature showed that tuber surface temperature was significantly different due to the severity of disease development inside the tuber. Total of 25 thermal images were prepared for each class, and then Otsu’s threshold method was employed to remove the background. Their histograms were extracted from the red, green, and blue surfaces, and, finally, six features were extracted from each histogram. Moreover, the co-occurrence matrix was extracted at four angles from the gray level images and five features were extracted from each co-occurrence matrix. Totally, each thermograph was described by 38 features. These features were used to implement the artificial neural networks and the support vector machine in order to classify and diagnose the severity of the disease. The results showed that the sensitivity of the models in the diagnosis of healthy tubers was 96 and 100%, respectively. The overall accuracy of the models in detecting the severity of tuber tissue destruction was 93 and 97%, respectively. The proposed methodology as an accurate, nondestructive, fast, and applicable system reduces the potato loss by rapid detection of the disease of the tubers.
Qualitative analysis and chaotic behavior of respiratory syncytial virus infection in human with fractional operator
Authors: Jamil Saba , Bariq Abdul , Farman Muhammad , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Akgül Ali , Saleem Muhammad Umer
Published: January 2024

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the cause of lung infection, nose, throat, and breathing issues in a population of constant humans with super-spreading infected dynamics transmission in society. This research emphasizes on examining a sustainable fractional derivative-based approach to the dynamics of this infectious disease. We proposed a fractional order to establish a set of fractional differential equations (FDEs) for the time-fractional order RSV model. The equilibrium analysis confirmed the existence and uniqueness of our proposed model solution. Both sensitivity and qualitative analysis were employed to study the fractional order. We explored the Ulam–Hyres stability of the model through functional analysis theory. To study the influence of the fractional operator and illustrate the societal implications of RSV, we employed a two-step Lagrange polynomial represented in the generalized form of the Power–Law kernel. Also, the fractional order RSV model is demonstrated with chaotic behaviors which shows the trajectory path in a stable region of the compartments. Such a study will aid in the understanding of RSV behavior and the development of prevention strategies for those who are affected. Our numerical simulations show that fractional order dynamic modeling is an excellent and suitable mathematical modeling technique for creating and researching infectious disease models.
Multifunctional leather finishing vs. applications, through the addition of well-dispersed flower-like nanoparticles
Authors: Fierro Francesca , Iuliano Mariagrazia , Cirillo Claudia , Florio Claudia , Maffei Gaetano , Loi Andrea , Batakliev Todor , Adami Renata , Sarno Maria
Published: January 2024

In the present paper, multifunctional flower-like nanoparticles were synthesized to be used in the leather finishing. They are capable of conferring simultaneously and synergistic antimicrobial, self-cleaning, light resistance, hydrophobic, mechanical, thermal, and fluorescent properties due to the presence of Ag, TiO2, and SiO2 NPs. These nanoparticles form a “flower-like” structure in which the “pistil” is made up of TiO2 and the “petals” that surround it of silver nanoparticles and silica nanoparticles, whose dimensions are of the order of ten nanometers. Their surfaces enjoy abundant hydrophilic functionalities to be dispersed within inks commonly used during the leather finishing process. Leathers functionalized with these nanomaterials showed significantly improved self-cleaning properties after 15 h of exposure to UV light, and antibacterial properties 10 times higher than that shown by the untreated samples. Aging tests were performed (ISO 105-B02, ISO 17228, SAEJ 2412). ΔE, color variation decreased by approximately 30%, if compared with samples not refined with flower-like NPs. Furthermore, the results of the mechanical tests (ISO 17076, FCA 50444) evidence amazing properties, e.g. abrasion resistance more than significantly improved, increase in resistance from 1500 cycles for the untreated samples to 3000 cycles for the leathers finished with flower-like NPs. The contact angle analysis, capturing the angle that traces the air–water to water–substrate interface from the origin of the air–water-substrate contact point at the edge, is practically unchanged after 10 s in the case of nanoparticles containing finishing.
Simulational investigation of self-aligned bilayer linear grating enabling highly enhanced responsivity of MWIR InAs/GaSb type-II superlattice (T2SL) photodetector
Authors: Lee Minseok , Ku Zahyun , Jeong Seungjin , Hwang Jehwan , Lee Junghyun , Kim Junoh , Kang Sang-Woo , Urbas Augustine , Bae Hagyoul , Kim Bongjoong
Published: January 2024

Linear gratings polarizers provide remarkable potential to customize the polarization properties and tailor device functionality via dimensional tuning of configurations. Here, we extensively investigate the polarization properties of single- and double-layer linear grating, mainly focusing on self-aligned bilayer linear grating (SABLG), serving as a wire grid polarizer in the mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR) region. Computational analyses revealed the polarization properties of SABLG, highlighting enhancement in TM transmission and reduction in TE transmission compared to single-layer linear gratings (SLG) due to optical cavity effects. As a result, the extinction ratio is enhanced by approximately 2724-fold in wavelength 3–6 μm. Furthermore, integrating the specially designed SABLG with an MWIR InAs/GaSb Type-II Superlattice (T2SL) photodetector yields a significantly enhanced spectral responsivity. The TM-spectral responsivity of SABLG is enhanced by around twofold than the bare device. The simulation methodology and analytical analysis presented herein provide a versatile route for designing optimized polarimetric structures integrated into infrared imaging devices, offering superior capabilities to resolve linear polarization signatures.
Three-dimensional flow velocity determination using laser-induced fluorescence method with asymmetric optical vortex beams
Authors: Terasaka Kenichiro , Yoshimura Shinji , Minagawa Hiroki , Aramaki Mitsutoshi
Published: January 2024

Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) Doppler spectroscopy using an optical vortex beam with an asymmetric intensity distribution, referred to as aOVLIF, is proposed as a new method to measure plasma flow velocity. LIF spectra were calculated numerically using typical laboratory low-temperature plasma parameters, and it was revealed that an ion flow across the beam produces a frequency shift of the spectra. This method also has the capability of temperature measurements. The propagation effects of asymmetric optical vortex beams are discussed assuming an actual experiment, and it is found that the sensitivity to the transverse flow velocity is approximately unchanged. The aOVLIF method, which exploits the inhomogeneous phase structure of optical vortices, can be applied to the determination of three-dimensional velocity vectors and promises to enhance the usefulness of conventional LIF spectroscopy using plane waves.
Unveiling optical soliton solutions and bifurcation analysis in the space–time fractional Fokas–Lenells equation via SSE approach
Authors: Refaie Ali Ahmed , Alam Md. Nur , Parven Mst. Wahida
Published: January 2024

The space–time fractional Fokas–Lenells (STFFL) equation serves as a fundamental mathematical model employed in telecommunications and transmission technology, elucidating the intricate dynamics of nonlinear pulse propagation in optical fibers. This study employs the Sardar sub-equation (SSE) approach within the STFFL equation framework to explore uncharted territories, uncovering a myriad of optical soliton solutions (OSSs) and conducting a thorough analysis of their bifurcations. The discovered OSSs encompass a diverse array, including bright-dark, periodic, multiple bright-dark solitons, and various other types, forming a captivating spectrum. These solutions reveal an intricate interplay among bright-dark solitons, complex periodic sequences, rhythmic breathers, coexistence of multiple bright-dark solitons, alongside intriguing phenomena like kinks, anti-kinks, and dark-bell solitons. This exploration, built upon meticulous literature review, unveils previously undiscovered wave patterns within the dynamic framework of the STFFL equation, significantly expanding the theoretical understanding and paving the way for innovative applications. Utilizing 2D, contour, and 3D diagrams, we illustrate the influence of fractional and temporal parameters on these solutions. Furthermore, comprehensive 2D, 3D, contour, and bifurcation analysis diagrams scrutinize the nonlinear effects inherent in the STFFL equation. Employing a Hamiltonian function (HF) enables detailed phase-plane dynamics analysis, complemented by simulations conducted using Python and MAPLE software. The practical implications of the discovered OSS solutions extend to real-world physical events, underlining the efficacy and applicability of the SSE scheme in solving time–space nonlinear fractional differential equations (TSNLFDEs). Hence, it is crucial to acknowledge the SSE technique as a direct, efficient, and reliable numerical tool, illuminating precise outcomes in nonlinear comparisons.
Advanced chemometric methods for simultaneous quantitation of caffeine, codeine, paracetamol, and p-aminophenol in their quaternary mixture
Authors: Kelani Khadiga M. , Fekry Reham A. , Fayez Yasmin M. , Hassan Said A.
Published: January 2024

Two different multivariate techniques have been applied for the quantitative analysis of caffeine, codeine, paracetamol and p-aminophenol (PAP) in quaternary mixture, namely, Partial Least Squares (PLS-1) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). For suitable analysis, a calibration set of 25 mixtures with various ratios of the drugs and PAP impurity were established using a 4-factor 5-level experimental design. The most meaningful wavelengths for the chemometric models were chosen using Genetic Algorithm (GA) as a variable selection technique. By using an independent validation set, the validity of the proposed methods was evaluated. A comparative study was established between the three multivariate models (PLS-1, GA–PLS and GA–ANN). The comparison between the various models revealed that the GA–ANN model was superior at resolving the highly overlapped spectra of this quaternary combination. The drugs were successfully quantified in their pharmaceutical dosage form utilizing the GA–ANN models.
The effect of reward-induced arousal on the success and precision of episodic memory retrieval
Authors: Lloyd Beth , Nieuwenhuis Sander
Published: January 2024

Moment-to-moment fluctuations in arousal can have large effects on learning and memory. For example, when neutral items are predictive of a later reward, they are often remembered better than neutral items without a reward association. This reward anticipation manipulation is thought to induce a heightened state of arousal, resulting in stronger encoding. It is unclear, however, whether these arousal-induced effects on encoding are ‘all-or-none’, or whether encoding precision varies from trial to trial with degree of arousal. Here, we examined whether trial-to-trial variability in reward-related pupil-linked arousal might correspond to variability in participants’ long-term memory encoding precision. We tested this using a location memory paradigm in which half of the to-be-encoded neutral items were linked to later monetary reward, while the other half had no reward association. After the encoding phase, we measured immediate item location memory on a continuous scale, allowing us to assess both memory success and memory precision. We found that pre-item baseline pupil size and pupil size during item encoding were not related to subsequent memory performance. In contrast, the anticipation of instrumental reward increased pupil size, and a smaller anticipatory increase in pupil size was linked to greater subsequent memory success but not memory precision.
Clinical improvements in temporospatial gait variables after a spinal tap test in individuals with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus
Authors: Bovonsunthonchai Sunee , Witthiwej Theerapol , Vachalathiti Roongtiwa , Hengsomboon Pichaya , Thong-On Suthasinee , Sathornsumetee Sith , Ngamsombat Chanon , Chawalparit Orasa , Muangpaisan Weerasak , Richards Jim
Published: January 2024

Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (iNPH) is a neurological condition that often presents gait disturbance in the early stages of the disease and affects other motor activities. This study investigated changes in temporospatial gait variables after cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) removal using a spinal tap test in individuals with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH), and explored if the tap test responders and non-responders could be clinically identified from temporospatial gait variables. Sixty-two individuals with iNPH were recruited from an outpatient clinic, eleven were excluded, leaving a total of 51 who were included in the analysis. Temporospatial gait variables at self-selected speed were recorded at pre- and 24-h post-tap tests which were compared using Paired t-tests, Cohen’s d effect size, and percentage change. A previously defined minimal clinical important change (MCIC) for gait speed was used to determine the changes and to classify tap test responders and non-responders. A mixed model ANOVA was used to determine the within-group, between-group, and interaction effects. Comparisons of the data between pre- and post-tap tests showed significant improvements with small to medium effect sizes for left step length, right step time, stride length and time, cadence, and gait speed. Gait speed showed the largest percentage change among temporospatial gait variables. Within-group and interaction effects were found in some variables but no between-group effect was found. Tap test responders showed significant improvements in right step length and time, stride length and time, cadence, and gait speed while non-responders did not. Some individuals with iNPH showed clinically important improvements in temporospatial gait variables after the tap test, particularly in step/stride length and time, cadence, who could be classified by gait speed. However, gait-related balance variables did not change. Therefore, additional treatments should focus on improving such variables.
Effect of dietary tall oil fatty acids and hydrolysed yeast in SNP2-positive and SNP2-negative piglets challenged with F4 enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Middelkoop Anouschka , Kettunen Hannele , Guan Xiaonan , Vuorenmaa Juhani , Tichelaar Ramon , Gambino Michela , Rydal Martin Peter , Molist Francesc
Published: January 2024

Reduction of post-weaning diarrhoea caused by ETEC is a principal objective in pig farming in terms of welfare benefits. This study determined the effects of genetic susceptibility and dietary strategies targeting inflammation and fimbriae adherence on F4-ETEC shedding and diarrhoea in weaned piglets in an experimental challenge model. A DNA marker test targeting single nucleotide polymorphism 2 (SNP2) identified piglets as heterozygous (SNP2+, susceptible) or homozygous (SNP2-, resistant) to developing F4ac-ETEC diarrhoea. A total of 50 piglets, 25 SNP2+ and 25 SNP2-, were weaned at 30 days of age and equally distributed to different treatments (n = 10): Positive control (PC): piglets fed with a negative control diet and provided with colistin via drinking water; Negative control (NC): piglets fed with a negative control diet; Tall oil fatty acids (TOFA): piglets fed with a negative control diet + 1.0 g TOFA/kg feed; Yeast hydrolysate (YH): piglets fed with a negative control diet + 1.5 g YH/kg feed derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae; and Combination (COM): piglets fed with a negative control diet + 1.0 g TOFA and 1.5 g YH/kg feed. On day 10 post-weaning, all piglets were infected with F4-ETEC by oral administration. Piglets fed with PC, TOFA, YH or COM had a lower faecal shedding of F4-ETEC than NC piglets (P < 0.001), which was also shorter in duration for PC and TOFA piglets than for NC piglets (P < 0.001). Piglets in PC, TOFA, YH and COM had a shorter diarrhoea duration versus NC when classified as SNP2+ (P = 0.02). Furthermore, PC, TOFA and YH piglets grew more than NC and COM piglets in the initial post-inoculation period (P < 0.001). In addition, the level of faecal F4-ETEC shedding and the percentage of pigs that developed F4-ETEC diarrhoea (72 vs. 32%, P < 0.01) following infection were higher, and the duration of F4-ETEC diarrhoea longer (2.6 vs. 0.6 days, P < 0.001), in SNP2+ piglets than in SNP2- piglets, and led to reduced growth performance (P = 0.03). In conclusion, piglets fed with TOFA, YH or their combination, irrespective of their SNP2 status, are more resilient to F4-ETEC infection. Moreover, SNP2+ piglets show a higher level of F4-ETEC shedding and diarrhoea prevalence than SNP2- piglets, confirming an association between SNP2 and F4ac-ETEC susceptibility.
Caffeine supplementation improves the cognitive abilities and shooting performance of elite e-sports players: a crossover trial
Authors: Wu Shih-Hao , Chen Yu-Chun , Chen Che-Hsiu , Liu Hou-Shao , Liu Zhi-Xin , Chiu Chih-Hui
Published: January 2024

We explored the effect of 3 mg/kg of caffeine supplementation on the cognitive ability and shooting performance of elite e-sports players. Nine e-sports players who had received professional training in e-sports and had won at least eighth place in national-level e-sports shooting competitions. After performing three to five familiarization tests, we employed a single blind, randomized crossover design to divide participants into caffeine trial (CAF) and placebo trial (PL). The CAF trial took capsules with 3 mg/kg of caffeine, whereas the PL trial took a placebo capsule. After a one-hour rest, the Stroop task, the visual search ability test, and the shooting ability test were conducted. The CAF trial’s performance in the Stroop task in terms of congruent condition (P = 0.023) and visual search reaction time with 20 items (P = 0.004) was significantly superior to those of the PL trial. In the shooting test, the CAF trial’s kill ratio (P = 0.020) and hit accuracy (P = 0.008) were significantly higher, and the average time to target (P = 0.001) was significantly shorter than those of the PL trial. Caffeine supplementation significantly improves e-sports players’ reaction times and shooting performance.
Microscopic clusters feature the composition of biochemical tetraspanin-assemblies and constitute building-blocks of tetraspanin enriched domains
Authors: Schmidt Sara C. , Massenberg Annika , Homsi Yahya , Sons Dominik , Lang Thorsten
Published: January 2024

Biochemical approaches revealed that tetraspanins are multi-regulatory proteins forming a web, where they act in tetraspanin-enriched-microdomains (TEMs). A microscopic criterion differentiating between web and TEMs is lacking. Using super-resolution microcopy, we identify co-assemblies between the tetraspanins CD9 and CD81 and CD151 and CD81. CD9 assemblies contain as well the CD9/CD81-interaction partner EWI-2. Moreover, CD9 clusters are proximal to clusters of the CD81-interaction partner CD44 and CD81-/EWI-2-interacting ezrin–radixin–moesin proteins. Assemblies scatter unorganized across the cell membrane; yet, upon EWI-2 elevation, they agglomerate into densely packed arranged-crowds in a process independent from actin dynamics. In conclusion, microscopic clusters are equivalent to biochemical tetraspanin-assemblies, defining in their entirety the tetraspanin web. Cluster-agglomeration enriches tetraspanins, which makes agglomerations to a microscopic complement of TEMs. The microscopic classification of tetraspanin assemblies advances our understanding of this enigmatic protein family, whose members play roles in a plethora of cellular functions, diseases, and pathogen infections.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of a GA-repeat in human GPM6B leads to disruption of neural cell differentiation from NT2 cells
Authors: Bayat Hadi , Mirahmadi Maryam , Azarshin Zohreh , Ohadi Hamid , Delbari Ahmad , Ohadi Mina
Published: January 2024

The human neuron-specific gene, GPM6B (Glycoprotein membrane 6B), is considered a key gene in neural cell functionality. This gene contains an exceptionally long and strictly monomorphic short tandem repeat (STR) of 9-repeats, (GA)9. STRs in regulatory regions, may impact on the expression of nearby genes. We used CRISPR-based tool to delete this GA-repeat in NT2 cells, and analyzed the consequence of this deletion on GPM6B expression. Subsequently, the edited cells were induced to differentiate into neural cells, using retinoic acid (RA) treatment. Deletion of the GA-repeat significantly decreased the expression of GPM6B at the RNA (p < 0.05) and protein (40%) levels. Compared to the control cells, the edited cells showed dramatic decrease of the astrocyte and neural cell markers, including GFAP (0.77-fold), TUBB3 (0.57-fold), and MAP2 (0.2-fold). Subsequent sorting of the edited cells showed an increased number of NES (p < 0.01), but a decreased number of GFAP (p < 0.001), TUBB3 (p < 0.05), and MAP2 (p < 0.01), compared to the control cells. In conclusion, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated deletion of a GA-repeat in human GPM6B, led to decreased expression of this gene, which in turn, disrupted differentiation of NT2 cells into neural cells.
The association between glaucoma treatment adherence with disease progression and loss to follow-up
Authors: Oltramari Laura , Mansberger Steven L. , Souza Júlia Mendonça Ponte , de Souza Luciene Barbosa , de Azevedo Sarah Fumian Milward , Abe Ricardo Y.
Published: January 2024

Prospective cohort study from Brazil to evaluate glaucoma treatment adherence using a medication event monitoring system (MEMS) device and correlate with glaucoma progression and loss to follow-up (LTF) after one year of follow up. We included primary open glaucoma (POAG) patients treated with at least one ocular hypotensive eye drop. MEMS devices was used to monitor adherence for 60 days and evaluate the percentage of doses prescribed taken within the 60-day period. We classified patients according to rates of adherence: low adherence (less than 75% from MEMS measurements) and high adherence (more than 75% from MEMS measurements). We applied a questionnaire to investigated self-reported behavior towards treatment behaviors (glaucoma treatment compliance assessment tool, GTCAT). We also correlated rates of treatment adherence with clinical, demographical variables and the occurrence of glaucoma progression or LTF after one year of observation. We included 110 POAG patients and found that 28.18% of them were considered low adherent. We identify several variables associated with poor adherence such as glaucoma progression, LTF, younger age, low educational and income levels, absence of health insurance, years of disease and peak intraocular pressure. Several constructs from the self-reported GTCAT were also correlated with the rates of treatment adherence. To date, this is the first study in Latin America to evaluate glaucoma treatment adherence with MEMS devices and correlate adherence rates with glaucoma progression and LTF. We found a low-adherence rate of 28.18% and several additional risk factors were statistically associated with poor adherence.
Toward chemical recycling of PU foams: study of the main purification options
Authors: Conterosito Eleonora , Monti Marco , Scrivani Maria Teresa , Kociolek Irene , Poncini Ilaria , Ivaldi Chiara , Laus Michele , Gianotti Valentina
Published: January 2024

The recovery of the polyol component, after glycolysis of polyurethane (PU) foams coming from automotive waste, was investigated.
Establishment of reference measurement procedure and reference material for Treponema pallidum
Authors: Lin Yanmin , Yang Jiayi , Wang Xia , Yang Jingya , Dong Lianhua
Published: January 2024

Detection of TP prevents the spread of infectious diseases through stem cell preparations. There is a need to establish reference measurement procedures and reference materials for the detection of TP.
Insights on MOF-derived metal–carbon nanostructures for oxygen evolution
Authors: Chen Junliang , Qian Jinjie
Published: January 2024

This article focuses on elucidating the fabrication and design of metal-organic framework derived metal-carbon nanostructures for oxygen evolution. It is categorized into three following topics: MOF selection, metal introduction and carbon structure.
Laser-induced reduced graphene oxide for high-performance electrochemical sensors of antipyretic drug in real samples
Authors: Hwa Kuo-Yuan , Murugan Ravikumar , Tseng Shih-Feng , Santhan Aravindan , Lin Jhih-Yi
Published: January 2024

Laser-induced graphene (LIG) has gained dominance recently as a very sought after material for fabrication, patterning graphitic structures, and electrodes for various applications in electronics.