bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlating metasurface spectra with a generation-elimination framework
Authors: Chen Jieting , Qian Chao , Zhang Jie , Jia Yuetian , Chen Hongsheng
Published: August 2023

Inferring optical response from other correlated optical response is highly demanded for vast applications such as biological imaging, material analysis, and optical characterization. This is distinguished from widely-studied forward and inverse designs, as it is boiled down to another different category, namely, spectra-to-spectra design. Whereas forward and inverse designs have been substantially explored across various physical scenarios, the spectra-to-spectra design remains elusive and challenging as it involves intractable many-to-many correspondences. Here, we first dabble in this uncharted area and propose a generation-elimination framework that can self-orient to the best output candidate. Such a framework has a strong built-in stochastically sampling capability that automatically generate diverse nominations and eliminate inferior nominations. As an example, we study terahertz metasurfaces to correlate the reflection spectra from low to high frequencies, where the inaccessible spectra are precisely forecasted without consulting structural information, reaching an accuracy of 98.77%. Moreover, an innovative dimensionality reduction approach is executed to visualize the distribution of the abstract correlated spectra data encoded in latent spaces. These results provide explicable perspectives for deep learning to parse complex physical processes, rather than “brute-force” black box, and facilitate versatile applications involving cross-wavelength information correlation.
Electrode array probe designed for visualising and monitoring multiple localised corrosion processes and mechanisms simultaneously occurring on marine structures
Authors: Laleh Majid , Huo Ying , Melchers Robert E. , Tan Mike Yongjun
Published: August 2023

An electrode array probe has been specially designed and demonstrated for in situ monitoring and visualising multiple localised corrosion processes and mechanisms, including crevice, weldment and pitting corrosion, occurring simultaneously on marine steel structures. It enabled the probing of time-dependent development of multiple localised corrosion processes, mechanisms and kinetics, thereby facilitating more in-depth understanding of the initiation, propagation and kinetics of localised corrosion of steel marine structures.
Amplitude response and singularity behavior of circadian clock to external stimuli
Authors: Zhang Tao , Liu Yu , Yang Ling
Published: August 2023

Amplitude changes caused by environmental cues are universal in the circadian clock and associated with various diseases. Singularity behavior, characterized by the disruption of circadian rhythms due to critical stimuli, has been observed across various species. Several mathematical models of the circadian clock have replicated this phenomenon. A comprehensive understanding of the amplitude response remains elusive due to experimental limitations. In this study, we address this question by utilizing a simple normal form model that accurately fits previous experimental data, thereby presenting a general mechanism. We employ a geometric framework to illustrate the dynamics in different stimuli of light-induced transcription (LIT) and light-induced degradation (LID), highlighting the core role of invisible instability in amplitude response. Our model systematically elucidates how stimulus mode, phase, and strength determine amplitude responses. The results show that external stimuli induce alterations in both the amplitudes of individual oscillators and the synchronization among oscillators, collectively influencing the overall amplitude response. While experimental methods impose constraints resulting in limited outcomes under specific conditions, our model provides a comprehensive and three-dimensional mechanistic explanation. A comparison with existing experimental findings demonstrates the consistency of our proposed mechanism. Considering the response direction, the framework enables the identification of phases that lead to increased circadian amplitude. Based on this mechanism derived from the framework, stimulus strategies for resetting circadian rhythms with reduced side effects could be designed. Our results demonstrate that the framework has great potential for understanding and applying stimulus responses in the circadian clock and other limit cycle oscillations.
Modified influenza M158–66 peptide vaccination induces non-relevant T-cells and may enhance pathology after challenge
Authors: Lanfermeijer Josien , van de Ven Koen , van Dijken Harry , Hendriks Marion , Talavera Ormeño Cami M. P. , de Heij Femke , Roholl Paul , Borghans José A. M. , van Baarle Debbie , de Jonge Jørgen
Published: August 2023

CD8 + T cells are promising targets for vaccination against influenza A virus (IAV) infection. Their induction via peptide vaccination is not trivial, because peptides are weakly immunogenic. One strategy to overcome this is by vaccination with chemically enhanced altered peptide ligands (CPLs), which have improved MHC-binding and immunogenicity. It remains unknown how peptide-modification affects the resulting immune response. We studied the effect of CPLs derived from the influenza M158–66 epitope (GILGFVFTL) on the T-cell response. In HLA-A2*0201 transgenic mice, CPL-vaccination led to higher T-cell frequencies, but only a small percentage of the induced T cells recognized the GILG-wildtype (WT) peptide. CPL-vaccination resulted in a lower richness of the GILG-WT-specific T-cell repertoire and no improved protection against IAV-infection compared to GILG-WT peptide-vaccination. One CPL even appeared to enhance pathology after IAV-challenge. CPL-vaccination thus induces T cells not targeting the original peptide, which may lead to potential unwanted side effects.
The need for a clinical case definition in test-negative design studies estimating vaccine effectiveness
Authors: Sullivan Sheena G. , Khvorov Arseniy , Huang Xiaotong , Wang Can , Ainslie Kylie E. C. , Nealon Joshua , Yang Bingyi , Cowling Benjamin J. , Tsang Tim K.
Published: August 2023

Test negative studies have been used extensively for the estimation of COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (VE). Such studies are able to estimate VE against medically-attended illness under certain assumptions. Selection bias may be present if the probability of participation is associated with vaccination or COVID-19, but this can be mitigated through use of a clinical case definition to screen patients for eligibility, which increases the likelihood that cases and non-cases come from the same source population. We examined the extent to which this type of bias could harm COVID-19 VE through systematic review and simulation. A systematic review of test-negative studies was re-analysed to identify studies ignoring the need for clinical criteria. Studies using a clinical case definition had a lower pooled VE estimate compared with studies that did not. Simulations varied the probability of selection by case and vaccination status. Positive bias away from the null (i.e., inflated VE consistent with the systematic review) was observed when there was a higher proportion of healthy, vaccinated non-cases, which may occur if a dataset contains many results from asymptomatic screening in settings where vaccination coverage is high. We provide an html tool for researchers to explore site-specific sources of selection bias in their own studies. We recommend all groups consider the potential for selection bias in their vaccine effectiveness studies, particularly when using administrative data.
Infection pre-Ad26.COV2.S-vaccination primes greater class switching and reduced CXCR5 expression by SARS-CoV-2-specific memory B cells
Authors: Krause Robert G. E. , Moyo-Gwete Thandeka , Richardson Simone I. , Makhado Zanele , Manamela Nelia P. , Hermanus Tandile , Mkhize Nonhlanhla N. , Keeton Roanne , Benede Ntombi , Mennen Mathilda , Skelem Sango , Karim Farina , Khan Khadija , Riou Catherine , Ntusi Ntobeko A. B. , Goga Ameena , Gray Glenda , Hanekom Willem , Garrett Nigel , Bekker Linda-Gail , Groll Andreas , Sigal Alex , Moore Penny L. , Burgers Wendy A. , Leslie Alasdair
Published: August 2023

Neutralizing antibodies strongly correlate with protection for COVID-19 vaccines, but the corresponding memory B cells that form to protect against future infection are relatively understudied. Here we examine the effect of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection on the magnitude and phenotype of the memory B cell response to single dose Johnson and Johnson (Ad26.COV2.S) vaccination in South African health care workers. Participants were either naïve to SARS-CoV-2 or had been infected before vaccination. SARS-CoV-2-specific memory B-cells expand in response to Ad26.COV2.S and are maintained for the study duration (84 days) in all individuals. However, prior infection is associated with a greater frequency of these cells, a significant reduction in expression of the germinal center chemokine receptor CXCR5, and increased class switching. These B cell features correlated with neutralization and antibody-dependent cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity, and with the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 specific circulating T follicular helper cells (cTfh). Vaccination-induced effective neutralization of the D614G variant in both infected and naïve participants but boosted neutralizing antibodies against the Beta and Omicron variants only in participants with prior infection. In addition, the SARS-CoV-2 specific CD8+ T cell response correlated with increased memory B cell expression of the lung-homing receptor CXCR3, which was sustained in the previously infected group. Finally, although vaccination achieved equivalent B cell activation regardless of infection history, it was negatively impacted by age. These data show that phenotyping the response to vaccination can provide insight into the impact of prior infection on memory B cell homing, CSM, cTfh, and neutralization activity. These data can provide early signals to inform studies of vaccine boosting, durability, and co-morbidities.
Eco-friendly remediation of tetracycline antibiotic from polluted water using waste-derived surface re-engineered silica sand
Authors: Al-Hashimi Osamah , Hashim Khalid , Loffill Edward , Nakouti Ismini , Faisal Ayad A. H. , Čebašek Tina Marolt
Published: August 2023

A new green reactive adsorbent (calcium ferric oxide silica sand (CFO-SS)) made from wastepaper sludge ash and ferric ions was synthesised and shown to remove tetracycline antibiotics (TC) from contaminated water effectively. The synthesised sand was dried at 95 °C, and a series of batch and fixed bed experiments were performed to determine the optimum operating conditions. Results showed that the adsorption capacity of the CFO-SS increases with the concentration gradient between the solid and liquid phases. 0.3 g of the new adsorbent was proven sufficient to remove more than 90% of the TC at a pollutant dose of 50 mg/L in 50 mL of simulated groundwater with an agitation speed of 200 rpm for 3 h. The adsorption isotherm followed the Langmuir isotherm model, with a loading capacity of 21.96 mg/g at pH 7, while the Pseudo second-order model best described the absorption kinetics. The adsorption mechanisms proposed included electrostatic interaction, intraparticle diffusion, hydrogen bonding, and cation-π interactions. Characterisation investigations revealed that the newly precipitated oxides on silica sand play an essential role in TC adsorption support. In fixed-bed experiments, it was discovered that reducing the flow rate and inflow concentration of TC and increasing the sorbent mass significantly extended the lifetime of the produced sorbent in the packed column. The measured breakthrough curves were best fit with the Adams-Bohart and the Clark models, as they provided the highest square root number (R2) values. Finally, considering the efficacy of CFO-SS in TC adsorption performance, it can be noted that the novel synthesised reactive material is an efficient and environmentally friendly material for TC removal, and it presents a potential solution to resolving the challenge of TC-rich groundwater.
Using AI and Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MR imaging to assess liver function, comparing the MELIF score with the ALBI score
Authors: Río Bártulos Carolina , Senk Karin , Bade Ragnar , Schumacher Mona , Kaiser Nico , Plath Jan , Planert Mathis , Stroszczynski Christian , Woetzel Jan , Wiggermann Philipp
Published: August 2023

Monitoring disease progression is particularly important for determining the optimal treatment strategy in patients with liver disease. Especially for patients with diseases that have a reversible course, there is a lack of suitable tools for monitoring liver function. The development and establishment of such tools is very important, especially in view of the expected increase in such diseases in the future. Image-based liver function parameters, such as the T1 relaxometry-based MELIF score, are ideally suited for this purpose. The determination of this new liver function score is fully automated by software developed with AI technology. In this study, the MELIF score is compared with the widely used ALBI score. The ALBI score was used as a benchmark, as it has been shown to better capture the progression of less severe liver disease than the MELD and Child‒Pugh scores. In this study, we retrospectively determined the ALBI and MELIF scores for 150 patients, compared these scores with the corresponding MELD and Child‒Pugh scores (Pearson correlation), and examined the ability of these scores to discriminate between good and impaired liver function (AUC: MELIF 0.8; ALBI 0.77) and to distinguish between patients with and without cirrhosis (AUC: MELIF 0.83, ALBI 0.79). The MELIF score performed more favourably than the ALBI score and may also be suitable for monitoring mild disease progression. Thus, the MELIF score is promising for closing the gap in the available early-stage liver disease monitoring tools (i.e., identification of liver disease at a potentially reversible stage before chronic liver disease develops).
Spike protein mutations and structural insights of pangolin lineage B.1.1.25 with implications for viral pathogenicity and ACE2 binding affinity
Authors: Akter Shahina , Oliveira Jonas Ivan Nobre , Barton Carl , Sarkar Murshed Hasan , Shahab Muhammad , Banu Tanjina Akhtar , Goswami Barna , Osman Eshrar , Uzzaman Mohammad Samir , Nafisa Tasnim , Molla Maruf Ahmed , Yeasmin Mahmuda , Farzana Maisha , Habib Ahashan , Shaikh Aftab Ali , Khan Salim
Published: August 2023

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of COVID -19, is constantly evolving, requiring continuous genomic surveillance. In this study, we used whole-genome sequencing to investigate the genetic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in Bangladesh, with particular emphasis on identifying dominant variants and associated mutations. We used high-throughput next-generation sequencing (NGS) to obtain DNA sequences from COVID-19 patient samples and compared these sequences to the Wuhan SARS-CoV-2 reference genome using the Global Initiative for Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID). Our phylogenetic and mutational analyzes revealed that the majority (88%) of the samples belonged to the pangolin lineage B.1.1.25, whereas the remaining 11% were assigned to the parental lineage B.1.1. Two main mutations, D614G and P681R, were identified in the spike protein sequences of the samples. The D614G mutation, which is the most common, decreases S1 domain flexibility, whereas the P681R mutation may increase the severity of viral infections by increasing the binding affinity between the spike protein and the ACE2 receptor. We employed molecular modeling techniques, including protein modeling, molecular docking, and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) geometry optimization, to build and validate three-dimensional models of the S_D614G-ACE2 and S_P681R-ACE2 complexes from the predominant strains. The description of the binding mode and intermolecular contacts of the referenced systems suggests that the P681R mutation may be associated with increased viral pathogenicity in Bangladeshi patients due to enhanced electrostatic interactions between the mutant spike protein and the human ACE2 receptor, underscoring the importance of continuous genomic surveillance in the fight against COVID -19. Finally, the binding profile of the S_D614G-ACE2 and S_P681R-ACE2 complexes offer valuable insights to deeply understand the binding site characteristics that could help to develop antiviral therapeutics that inhibit protein–protein interactions between SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and human ACE2 receptor.
Harmonization service and global library of models to support country-driven global information on salt-affected soils
Authors: Omuto C. T. , Scherstjanoi M. , Kader M. A. , Musana B. , Barman A. , Fantappiè M. , Jiménez L. S. , Jimenez W. A. , Figueredo H. , Balta R. , Santander K. , Malatji A. , Nahar A. , Kairat A. , Ahmadzai H. , Morisson J. , Stone S. , Roopnarine R. , Eudoxie G. , Khat P. , Phy C. , Seng V. , Janjirawuttikul N. , Tina M. , Farradas M. , Alferihat M. , Desire K. , Jayeoba O. J. , Loum M. , Ahmad W. , Al Rasbi A. S. , Matolo N.
Published: August 2023

Global distribution of salt-affected soils (SAS) has remained at about 1 billion hectares in the literature over the years despite changes in climate, sea levels, and land use patterns which influence the distribution. Lack of periodic update of input soil data, data gaps, and inconsistency are part of the reasons for constant SAS distribution in the literature. This paper proposes harmonization as a suitable alternative for managing inconsistent data and minimizing data gaps. It developed a new harmonization service for supporting country-driven global SAS information update. The service contains a global library of harmonization models for harmonizing inconsistent soil data. It also contains models for identifying gaps in SAS database and for showing global distribution where harmonization of available data is needed. The service can be used by countries to develop national SAS information and update global SAS distribution. Its data availability index is useful in identifying countries without SAS data in the global database, which is a convenient way to identify countries to mobilize when updating global SAS information. Its application in 27 countries showed that the countries have more SAS data than they currently share with the global databases and that most of their data require SAS harmonization.
Depth and direction effects in the prediction of static and shifted reaching goals from kinematics
Authors: Bosco A. , Filippini M. , Borra D. , Kirchner E. A. , Fattori P.
Published: August 2023

The kinematic parameters of reach-to-grasp movements are modulated by action intentions. However, when an unexpected change in visual target goal during reaching execution occurs, it is still unknown whether the action intention changes with target goal modification and which is the temporal structure of the target goal prediction. We recorded the kinematics of the pointing finger and wrist during the execution of reaching movements in 23 naïve volunteers where the targets could be located at different directions and depths with respect to the body. During the movement execution, the targets could remain static for the entire duration of movement or shifted, with different timings, to another position. We performed temporal decoding of the final goals and of the intermediate trajectory from the past kinematics exploiting a recurrent neural network. We observed a progressive increase of the classification performance from the onset to the end of movement in both horizontal and sagittal dimensions, as well as in decoding shifted targets. The classification accuracy in decoding horizontal targets was higher than the classification accuracy of sagittal targets. These results are useful for establishing how human and artificial agents could take advantage from the observed kinematics to optimize their cooperation in three-dimensional space.
An artificial intelligence method using FDG PET to predict treatment outcome in diffuse large B cell lymphoma patients
Authors: Ferrández Maria C. , Golla Sandeep S. V. , Eertink Jakoba J. , de Vries Bart M. , Lugtenburg Pieternella J. , Wiegers Sanne E. , Zwezerijnen Gerben J. C. , Pieplenbosch Simone , Kurch Lars , Hüttmann Andreas , Hanoun Christine , Dührsen Ulrich , de Vet Henrica C. W. ,   PETRA, Hoekstra Otto S. , Burggraaff Coreline N. , Bes Annelies , Heymans Martijn W. , Jauw Yvonne W. S. , Chamuleau Martine E. D. , Barrington Sally F. , Mikhaeel George , Zucca Emanuele , Ceriani Luca , Carr Robert , Györke Tamás , Czibor Sándor , Fanti Stefano , Kostakoglu Lale , Loft Annika , Hutchings Martin , Lee Sze Ting , Zijlstra Josée M. , Boellaard Ronald
Published: August 2023

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) may improve response prediction in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of a CNN using maximum intensity projection (MIP) images from 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) baseline scans to predict the probability of time-to-progression (TTP) within 2 years and compare it with the International Prognostic Index (IPI), i.e. a clinically used score. 296 DLBCL 18F-FDG PET/CT baseline scans collected from a prospective clinical trial (HOVON-84) were analysed. Cross-validation was performed using coronal and sagittal MIPs. An external dataset (340 DLBCL patients) was used to validate the model. Association between the probabilities, metabolic tumour volume and Dmaxbulk was assessed. Probabilities for PET scans with synthetically removed tumors were also assessed. The CNN provided a 2-year TTP prediction with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.74, outperforming the IPI-based model (AUC = 0.68). Furthermore, high probabilities (> 0.6) of the original MIPs were considerably decreased after removing the tumours (< 0.4, generally). These findings suggest that MIP-based CNNs are able to predict treatment outcome in DLBCL.
Nanoporous carbons based on coordinate organic polymers as an efficient and eco-friendly nano-sorbent for adsorption of phenol from wastewater
Authors: Sharafinia Soheila , Rashidi Alimorad , Babaei Behnam , Orooji Yasin
Published: August 2023

The major part of water pollutants includes of organic such as phenolic pollutant, thus there are every hazardous to environment. Present work is a comparative onto surface chemistry and adsorptive characteristics of coordinate organic polymer (Cop-150) and nanoporous carbon (NPC) prepared using solvothermal method. New NPC was successfully synthesized to remove of phenol. FT-IR, XRD, XPS, SEM, TGA, and BET techniques have been used to characterization and confirm physicochemical variation during preparing Cop-150 and NPC. Box–Behnken response surface methodology (BBRSM) was used to optimize four important factors of the pH (2–10), contact time (1–40 min), temperature (25–60 °C), and initial concentration of phenol (5–50 mg L−1). To analyze the data obtained from the adsorption of phenol by synthesized adsorbents, four linear, 2FI, quadratic and cubic models were examined, which the quadratic model was recognized as the best model. To the NPC the equal adsorption capacity 500 mg g−1 is achieved at the initial concentration of phenol = 49.252 mg L−1, contact time = 15.738 min, temperature = 28.3 °C, and pH 7.042. On the other hand, the adsorption capacity for Cop-150 in pH 4.638, the contact time = 19.695 min, the temperature = 56.8 °C, and the initial concentration of phenol = 6.902 mg L−1 was equal to 50 mg g−1. The experimental data at different conditions were investigated by some famous kinetic and isotherm models, which among them, were corresponded to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm. Moreover, based to result of thermodynamics to the both Cop-150 and NPC, the adsorption process is exothermic and spontaneous. According to results the Cop-150 and NPC could be used for up to four and five cycles without significantly reducing their performance, respectively.
Towards data-driven biopsychosocial classification of non-specific chronic low back pain: a pilot study
Authors: Tagliaferri Scott D. , Owen Patrick J. , Miller Clint T. , Angelova Maia , Fitzgibbon Bernadette M. , Wilkin Tim , Masse-Alarie Hugo , Van Oosterwijck Jessica , Trudel Guy , Connell David , Taylor Anna , Belavy Daniel L.
Published: August 2023

The classification of non-specific chronic low back pain (CLBP) according to multidimensional data could guide clinical management; yet recent systematic reviews show this has not been attempted. This was a prospective cross-sectional study of participants with CLBP (n = 21) and age-, sex- and height-matched pain-free controls (n = 21). Nervous system, lumbar spinal tissue and psychosocial factors were collected. Dimensionality reduction was followed by fuzzy c-means clustering to determine sub-groups. Machine learning models (Support Vector Machine, k-Nearest Neighbour, Naïve Bayes and Random Forest) were used to determine the accuracy of classification to sub-groups. The primary analysis showed that four factors (cognitive function, depressive symptoms, general self-efficacy and anxiety symptoms) and two clusters (normal versus impaired psychosocial profiles) optimally classified participants. The error rates in classification models ranged from 4.2 to 14.2% when only CLBP patients were considered and increased to 24.2 to 37.5% when pain-free controls were added. This data-driven pilot study classified participants with CLBP into sub-groups, primarily based on psychosocial factors. This contributes to the literature as it was the first study to evaluate data-driven machine learning CLBP classification based on nervous system, lumbar spinal tissue and psychosocial factors. Future studies with larger sample sizes should validate these findings.
Potential immunosuppressive clonal hematopoietic mutations in tumor infiltrating immune cells in breast invasive carcinoma
Authors: Anandakrishnan Ramu , Zyvoloski Ian J. , Zyvoloski Lucas R. , Opoku Nana K. , Dai Andrew , Antony Veneeth
Published: August 2023

A hallmark of cancer is a tumor cell’s ability to evade immune destruction. Somatic mutations in tumor cells that prevent immune destruction have been extensively studied. However, somatic mutations in tumor infiltrating immune (TII) cells, to our knowledge, have not been previously studied. Understandably so since normal hematopoiesis prevents the accumulation of somatic mutations in immune cells. However, clonal hematopoiesis does result in the accumulation of somatic mutations in immune cells. These mutations cannot “drive” tumor growth, however, they may “facilitate” it by inhibiting an effective anti-tumor immune response. To identify potential immunosuppressive clonal hematopoietic (CH) mutations in TII cells, we analyzed exome and RNA sequencing data from matched tumor and normal blood samples, and single-cell RNA sequencing data, from breast cancer patients. We selected mutations that were somatic, present in TII cells, clonally expanded, potentially pathogenic, expressed in TII cells, unlikely to be a passenger mutation, and in immune response associated genes. We identified eight potential immunosuppressive CH mutations in TII cells. This work is a first step towards determining if immunosuppressive CH mutations in TII cells can affect the progression of solid tumors. Subsequent experimental confirmation could represent a new paradigm in the etiology of cancer.
The healing capacity and osteogenesis pattern of demineralized dentin matrix (DDM)-fibrin glue (FG) compound
Authors: Bao Jibo , Fu Xunan , Wu Yirong , Yang Shengyin , Ren Xiaobin , Fang Xingchen , Yuan Quan , Xie Zhigang , Seriwatanachai Dutmanee
Published: August 2023

Demineralized dentin matrix (DDM) is an osteoconductive and osteoinductive material that has been successfully used in sinus floor augmentation and alveolar ridge augmentation in clinical applications. It releases bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and other growth factors, making DDM a suitable grafting material. However, the granular particle of DDM makes it difficult to anchor into the bone defect area. The aim of this study was to investigate the biological effects and osteoinductivity of the combination of DDM and Fibrin Glue (FG) at an optimal ratio on bone healing from a critical bone defect in an animal model. The mouse osteoblastic cell line (MC3T3-E1) was co-cultured with various ratios of DDM and FG to examine their effects on osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, as indicated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, osteocalcin (OC) production and mineralized nodules formation. The optimal ratio was then chosen for further study with a rabbit calvarial defective model, in which they were implanted with DDM or DDM-FG1 (1 g: 0.1 ml) and DDM-FG2 (1 g: 0.5 ml) compounds, or left blank for 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks to investigate soft tissue and new bone regeneration. Micro-CT and histology analysis were used to evaluate the total grafting properties according to the different healing periods. The result from in vitro studies demonstrated that the ratio of 1:0.1 induced more ALP activity and mineralized nodules, while the ratio of 1: 0.5 (DDM-FG combined) induced more osteocalcin (OC) at specific time points. In the animal model, the 3D new bone volume in all DDM-FG treatment groups was significantly greater than that in the blank group at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Furthermore, the new bone volume was greater in DDM-FG2 when compared to the other groups during the early weeks of the healing period. In histological analysis, clusters of osteoblasts were formed adjacent to the DDM particles, and newly formed bone was observed in all groups, suggesting an osteoinductive property of DDM. Moreover, the greater new collagen synthesis observed at 4 weeks suggested that early bone healing was induced in the DDM-FG2 group. This study demonstrated that at an optimal ratio, the DDM-FG compound enhances osteogenic activities and bone regeneration.
A novel polysaccharide/zein conjugate as an alternative green plastic
Authors: Tallawi Marwa , Amrein Danial , Gemmecker Gerd , Aifantis Katerina E. , Drechsler Klaus
Published: August 2023

The flax seed cake is a waste product from flax oil extraction. Adding value to this wasted material aligns with the concept of circularity. In this study, we explored zein protein conjugation with flax mucilage for packaging material development. Although both flax mucilage and zein have excellent film-forming properties, they lack the required mechanical properties for industrial processing and are sensitive to high humidity. We present a simple and non-toxic one-pot method for developing the novel flax mucilage/zein conjugate. Where the flax mucilage undergoes oxidation to form aldehyde groups, which then react with zein's amino groups in a glycation process. The conjugates were analyzed using different techniques. The flax mucilage conjugate had a water-holding capacity of 87–62%. Increasing the zein content improved the surface smoothness of the films. On the other hand, higher levels of zein led to a significant decrease in film solubility (p < 0.05). The flax mucilage conjugate exhibited thermoplastic and elastic properties; revealing Young's modulus of 1–3 GPa, glass transition temperature between 49 °C and 103 °C and excellent processability with various industrial techniques. Showing its potential as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics.
Pearl shape classification using deep convolutional neural networks from Tahitian pearl rotation in Pinctada margaritifera
Authors: Edeline Paul-Emmanuel , Leclercq Mickaël , Le Luyer Jérémy , Chabrier Sébastien , Droit Arnaud
Published: August 2023

Tahitian pearls, artificially cultivated from the black-lipped pearl oyster Pinctada margaritifera, are renowned for their unique color and large size, making the pearl industry vital for the French Polynesian economy. Understanding the mechanisms of pearl formation is essential for enabling quality and sustainable production. In this paper, we explore the process of pearl formation by studying pearl rotation. Here we show, using a deep convolutional neural network, a direct link between the rotation of the pearl during its formation in the oyster and its final shape. We propose a new method for non-invasive pearl monitoring and a model for predicting the final shape of the pearl from rotation data with 81.9% accuracy. These novel resources provide a fresh perspective to study and enhance our comprehension of the overall mechanism of pearl formation, with potential long-term applications for improving pearl production and quality control in the industry.
Alteration effects of karstification and hydrothermalism on middle Permian Qixia formation at the Wulong section, South China
Authors: Shang Junxin , Feng Mingyou , Wang Xingzhi , Zhang Benjian , Xu Liang , Liu Xiaohong
Published: August 2023

Middle Permian Qixia Formation in the southwestern region of Sichuan (SW China) has experienced multiphase fluidisation, resulting in an unclear understanding of the reservoir reconstruction effect. In this study, a systematic analysis of the Qi2 member in Wulong Town was carried out by combining field outcrop petrology and geochemistry. The results demonstrated that multiple sets of crystalline dolomite-bioclastic limestone cycles were stacked vertically in the Qi2 member, accompanied by the development of fractures and karst channels. The dolomite was mainly composed of silty-fine dolomite (D1) and recrystallised dolomite (D2). Furthermore, obvious multiphase dolomitic cements (Cd1-Cd2) were present in the fractures and pores. Early karst is known to have lithologic mutation surface development and karst channel development at the top of several secondary cycles. The vadose silt dolomites (Cd1) having karst channels developed dull luminescence under cathode luminescence (CL). Both the geochemical indicators of elements and rare earth element (REE) content indicated dysoxic-oxic environmental conditions. The hydrothermal solution displayed tectonic carniole characteristics in the strata burial stage. Fractures and pores were filled with hydrothermal minerals such as coarse dolomites-saddle dolomites (Cd2, with some caused by recrystallisation of the Cd1 hydrothermal solution) and fluorites. Coarse dolomites-saddle dolomites developed dull-red luminescence with a bright-red rim under CL and their δ18OVPDB values were more negative than those of middle Permian limestone samples. Both the geochemical indicators of elements and REE content indicated the suboxic-anoxic environmental conditions. Karstification had minor constructive impact on the reservoir of the Qi2 member in Baoxing in southwestern Sichuan. Most products of karstification were distributed as fillings in channels. Aside from creating certain networked fractures, the hydrothermal solution was mainly filled with hydrothermal minerals along the fractures, pores and early karst channels. Karst and the hydrothermal solution mainly damaged the middle and upper parts of the middle Permian Qixia Formation in Southwest Sichuan. The impact of episodic fluid on the restoration of the carbonate reservoir was mainly restricted by channels for fluid migration and thickness differences among the reservoir. However, certain thick-layered and massive crystalline dolomite may hold promise for exploration.
Difference in the risk of discrimination on psychological distress experienced by early wave infected and late wave infected COVID-19 survivors in Japan
Authors: Hazumi Megumi , Kataoka Mayumi , Usuda Kentaro , Narita Zui , Okazaki Emi , Nishi Daisuke
Published: August 2023

The psychological distress experienced by coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) survivors after recovery from the illness is amplified by discrimination endured because of their infection status. However, the difference in the risk of facing discrimination and risk of experiencing psychological distress in the early and late waves of the COVID-19 pandemic remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether the risk of facing discrimination because of infection status was lower in the early or late waves and whether risk of discrimination on psychological distress was more serious in later, rather than earlier waves. We conducted two online surveys to collect data from survivors divided into two groups. The participants with scores of five or more on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale were identified as having experienced psychological distress. The participants were identified as having experienced discrimination based on infection status if they had endured being blamed, some type of discrimination, or having themselves or their families maligned. The timing of infection was split into infected during early waves of the pandemic for 2021 participants and infected during later waves of the pandemic for 2022 participants. Modified Poisson regression analyses were performed using experiences of discrimination as criteria and timing of infection as predictors. Modified Poisson regression analyses were further performed using the presence of psychological distress as a criteria and experiences of discrimination and timing of infection as the criteria, in addition to interaction effect of these es. The data of 6010 participants who were infected in early waves and 5344 participants who were infected in later waves were analyzed. The risks of being blamed, some forms of discrimination, and participants and their families being maligned were significantly lower in the group who were infected in later waves than those infected in earlier waves. Experiences of discrimination were highly associated with psychological distress in those infected in later waves than those infected in earlier waves, while only being blamed showed a significant association. Risk of discrimination was found to be lower in those infected in later waves, whereas risk of discrimination on psychological distress was shown to be more serious in those infected in later waves. Therefore, we submit that it is more important to support COVID-19 survivors who face discrimination, than it is to attempt to decrease the current discriminatory climate caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
An open carbon–phenolic ablator for scientific exploration
Authors: Poloni Erik , Grigat Felix , Eberhart Martin , Leiser David , Sautière Quentin , Ravichandran Ranjith , Delahaie Sara , Duernhofer Christian , Hoerner Igor , Hufgard Fabian , Loehle Stefan
Published: August 2023

Space exploration missions rely on ablative heat shields for the thermal protection of spacecraft during atmospheric entry flights. While dedicated research is needed for future missions, the scientific community has limited access to ablative materials typically used in aerospace. In this paper, we report the development of the HEFDiG Ablation-Research Laboratory Experiment Material (HARLEM), a carbon–phenolic ablator designed to supply the need for ablative materials in laboratory experiments. HARLEM is manufactured using polyacrylonitrile-based carbon fiber preforms and a simplified processing route for phenolic impregnation. We characterized the thermal protection performance of HARLEM in arcjet experiments conducted in the plasma wind tunnel PWK1 of the Institute of Space Systems at the University of Stuttgart. We assessed the performance of the new material by measuring surface recession rate and temperature using photogrammetry and thermography setups during the experiments, respectively. Our results show that HARLEM’s thermal protection performance is comparable to legacy carbon–phenolic ablators that have been validated in different arcjet facilities or in-flight, as demonstrated by calculations of the effective heat of ablation and scanning electron microscopy of as-produced samples. In-house manufacturing of carbon–phenolic ablators enables the addition of embedded diagnostics to ablators, allowing for the acquisition of data on internal pressure and more sophisticated pyrolysis analysis techniques.
A 3-month survival model after Gamma Knife surgery in patients with brain metastasis from lung cancer with Karnofsky performance status ≤ 70
Authors: Park Hangeul , Chung Hyun-Tai , Kim Jin-Wook , Dho Yun-Sik , Lee Eun Jung
Published: August 2023

Gamma Knife surgery (GKS) for brain metastasis (BM) has been generally advocated for patients with a Karnofsky performance status (KPS) scale of ≥ 70. However, some patients with a poor KPS scale of < 70 are recoverable after GKS and show durable survival. A purpose of this study is to devise a 3-month survival prediction model to screen patients with BM with a KPS of ≤ 70 in whom GKS is needed. A retrospective analysis of 67 patients with a KPS scale of 60–70 undergoing GKS for BM of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) from 2016 to 2020 in our institute was performed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate factors related to survival for more than 3 months after GKS. The probability (P) prediction model was designed by giving a weight corresponding to the odds ratio of the variables. The overall survival was 9.9 ± 12.7 months (range 0.2–53.2), with a 3-month survival rate of 59.7% (n = 40). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, extracranial disease (ECD) control (p = .033), focal neurological deficit (FND) (p = .014), and cumulative tumor volume (∑ TV) (p = .005) were associated with 3-month survival. The prediction model of 3-month survival (Harrell’s C index = 0.767) was devised based on associated factors. In conclusion, GKS for BMs is recommended in selected patients, even if the KPS scale is ≤ 70.
Sex-dependent differences in the genomic profile of lingual sensory neurons in naïve and tongue-tumor bearing mice
Authors: Ibrahim Tarek , Wu Ping , Wang Li-Ju , Fang-Mei Chang , Murillo Josue , Merlo Jaclyn , Shein Sergey S. , Tumanov Alexei V. , Lai Zhao , Weldon Korri , Chen Yidong , Ruparel Shivani
Published: August 2023

Mechanisms of sex-dependent orofacial pain are widely understudied. A significant gap in knowledge exists about comprehensive regulation of tissue-specific trigeminal sensory neurons in diseased state of both sexes. Using RNA sequencing of FACS sorted retro-labeled sensory neurons innervating tongue tissue, we determined changes in transcriptomic profiles in males and female mice under naïve as well as tongue-tumor bearing conditions Our data revealed the following interesting findings: (1) FACS sorting obtained higher number of neurons from female trigeminal ganglia (TG) compared to males; (2) Naïve female neurons innervating the tongue expressed immune cell markers such as Csf1R, C1qa and others, that weren’t expressed in males. This was validated by Immunohistochemistry. (3) Accordingly, immune cell markers such as Csf1 exclusively sensitized TRPV1 responses in female TG neurons. (4) Male neurons were more tightly regulated than female neurons upon tumor growth and very few differentially expressed genes (DEGs) overlapped between the sexes, (5) Male DEGs contained higher number of transcription factors whereas female DEGs contained higher number of enzymes, cytokines and chemokines. Collectively, this is the first study to characterize the effect of sex as well as of tongue-tumor on global gene expression, pathways and molecular function of tongue-innervating sensory neurons.
Prognostic value of monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio for 90-day all-cause mortality in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Qiu Chuangye , Liu Shizhen , Li Xingai , Li Wenxia , Hu Guoqiang , Liu Fanna
Published: August 2023

The role of inflammation and the correlation between inflammatory markers and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) have been studied. In clinical work, a large number of T2DM patients complicated with CKD, but the cause of CKD was not clear. Our study aimed to evaluate the relationship between monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) and mortality in T2DM patients with CKD. The data from Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III was analyzed. The primary outcome was 90-day all-cause mortality; the secondary outcomes were the length of ICU stay, hospital mortality and 30-day all-cause mortality. Cox regression was used to evaluate the association between MLR and 90-day mortality. We performed subgroup analyses to determine the consistency of this association, and used Kaplan–Meier survival curve to analysis the survival of different levels of MLR. A total of 1830 patients were included in study retrospectively. The length of ICU stay, 30-day all-cause mortality, and 90-day all-cause mortality in the MLR > 0.71 group were significantly higher than those in the MLR < 0.28 and 0.28 ≤ MLR ≤ 0.71 group. In Cox regression analysis, high MLR level was significantly associated with increased greater risk of 90-day all-cause mortality. The adjusted HR (95%CIs) for the model 1, model 2, and model 3 were 2.429 (1.905–3.098), 2.070 (1.619–2.647), and 1.898 (1.478–2.437), respectively. Subgroup analyses also showed the consistency of association between MLR and 90-day all-cause mortality. The Kaplan–Meier survival curve analysis revealed that MLR > 0.71 had worst prognosis. In T2DM patients with CKD in the intensive care unit, high MLR was significantly associated with increased risk 90-day all-cause mortality.
An integrated wet-spinning system for continuous fabrication of high-strength nanocellulose long filaments
Authors: Panicker Pooja S. , Kim Hyun Chan , Kim Jaehwan
Published: August 2023

The continuous production of high-strength nanocellulose long filaments (NCLFs) is critical in natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites. Despite the widespread availability of numerous filament production processes, the cost-effective and continuous fabrication of high-strength NCLFs on a large scale remains an ongoing challenge. Herein, we present an integrated wet-spinning system by incorporating a few previously researched filament production techniques to mass fabricate high-strength continuous NCLFs. The spinning speed is increased to improve NCLF productivity, and the bobbin winder speeds, collector bobbin winder location, and NCLF drying conditions are tuned. At the spinning speed of 510 cm/min, a production rate of 4.99 m/min is achieved, five times higher than the productivity of the former pilot system (0.92 m/min). Moreover, an AC electric field and mechanical stretching are introduced to highlight the versatility of the proposed integrated wet-spinning system, thereby enhancing the mechanical properties of NCLFs.
Enhancing the reliability of particulate matter sensing by multivariate Tobit model using weather and air quality data
Authors: Won Wan-Sik , Noh Jinhong , Oh Rosy , Lee Woojoo , Lee Jong-Won , Su Pei-Chen , Yoon Yong-Jin
Published: August 2023

Low-cost particulate matter (PM) sensors have been widely used following recent sensor-technology advancements; however, inherent limitations of low-cost monitors (LCMs), which operate based on light scattering without an air-conditioning function, still restrict their applicability. We propose a regional calibration of LCMs using a multivariate Tobit model with historical weather and air quality data to improve the accuracy of ambient air monitoring, which is highly dependent on meteorological conditions, local climate, and regional PM properties. Weather observations and PM2.5(fine inhalable particles with diameters ≤ 2.5 μm) concentrations from two regions in Korea, Incheon and Jeju, and one in Singapore were used as training data to build a visibility-based calibration model. To validate the model, field measurements were conducted by an LCM in Jeju and Singapore, where R2and the error after applying the model in Jeju improved (from 0.85 to 0.88) and reduced by 44% (from 8.4 to 4.7 μg m−3), respectively. The results demonstrated that regional calibration involving air temperature, relative humidity, and other local climate parameters can efficiently correct the bias of the sensor. Our findings suggest that the proposed post-processing using the Tobit model with regional weather and air quality data enhances the applicability of LCMs.