bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultraflat Cu(111) foils by surface acoustic wave-assisted annealing
Authors: Tian Bo , Li Junzhu , Wang Qingxiao , Samad Abdus , Yuan Yue , Hedhili Mohamed Nejib , Jangir Arun , Gruenewald Marco , Lanza Mario , Schwingenschlögl Udo , Fritz Torsten , Zhang Xixiang , Liu Zheng 
Published: November 2024

AbstractUltraflat metal foils are essential for semiconductor nanoelectronics applications and nanomaterial epitaxial growth. Numerous efforts have been devoted to metal surface engineering studies in the past decades. However, various challenges persist, including size limitations, polishing non-uniformities, and undesired contaminants. Thus, further exploration of advanced metal surface treatment techniques is essential. Here, we report a physical strategy that utilizes surface acoustic wave assisted annealing to flatten metal foils by eliminating the surface steps, eventually transforming commercial rough metal foils into ultraflat substrates. Large-area, high-quality, smooth 2D materials, including graphene and hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), were successfully grown on the resulting flat metal substrates. Further investigation into the oxidation of 2D-material-coated metal foils, both rough and flat, revealed that the hBN-coated flat metal foil exhibits enhanced anti-corrosion properties. Molecular dynamics simulations and density functional theory validate our experimental observations.
Single-molecule imaging and molecular dynamics simulations reveal early activation of the MET receptor in cells
Authors: Li Yunqing , Arghittu Serena M. , Dietz Marina S. , Hella Gabriel J. , Haße Daniel , Ferraris Davide M. , Freund Petra , Barth Hans-Dieter , Iamele Luisa , de Jonge Hugo , Niemann Hartmut H. , Covino Roberto , Heilemann Mike 
Published: November 2024

AbstractEmbedding of cell-surface receptors into a membrane defines their dynamics but also complicates experimental characterization of their signaling complexes. The hepatocyte growth factor receptor MET is a receptor tyrosine kinase involved in cellular processes such as proliferation, migration, and survival. It is also targeted by the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes, whose invasion protein, internalin B (InlB), binds to MET, forming a signaling dimer that triggers pathogen internalization. Here we use an integrative structural biology approach, combining molecular dynamics simulations and single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) in cells, to investigate the early stages of MET activation. Our simulations show that InlB binding stabilizes MET in a conformation that promotes dimer formation. smFRET reveals that the in situ dimer structure closely resembles one of two previously published crystal structures, though with key differences. This study refines our understanding of MET activation and provides a methodological framework for studying other plasma membrane receptors.
Subthalamic stimulation causally modulates human voluntary decision-making to stay or go
Authors: Wang Yichen , Wang Linbin , Manssuer Luis , Zhao Yi-jie , Ding Qiong , Pan Yixin , Huang Peng , Li Dianyou , Voon Valerie 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe voluntary nature of decision-making is fundamental to human behavior. The subthalamic nucleus is important in reactive decision-making, but its role in voluntary decision-making remains unclear. We recorded from deep brain stimulation subthalamic electrodes time-locked with acute stimulation using a Go/Nogo task to assess voluntary action and inaction. Beta oscillations during voluntary decision-making were temporally dissociated from motor function. Parkinson’s patients showed an inaction bias with high beta and intermediate physiological states. Stimulation reversed the inaction bias highlighting its causal nature, and shifting physiology closer to reactive choices. Depression was associated with higher alpha during Voluntary-Nogo characterized by inaction or inertial status quo maintenance whereas apathy had higher beta-gamma during voluntary action or impaired effortful initiation of action. Our findings suggest the human subthalamic nucleus causally contributes to voluntary decision-making, possibly through threshold gating or toggling mechanisms, with stimulation shifting towards voluntary action and suggest biomarkers as potential clinical predictors.
Stability and bifurcation analysis of a 2DOF dynamical system with piezoelectric device and feedback control
Authors: Bahnasy Taher A. , Amer T. S. , Abohamer M. K. , Abosheiaha H. F. , Elameer A. S. , Almahalawy A. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis study aims to demonstrate the behaviors of a two degree-of-freedom (DOF) dynamical system consisting of attached mass to a nonlinear damped harmonic spring pendulum with a piezoelectric device. Such a system is influenced by a parametric excitation force on the direction of the spring’s elongation and an operating moment at the supported point. A negative-velocity-feedback (NVF) controller is inserted into the main system to reduce the undesired vibrations that affect the system’s efficiency, especially at the resonance state. The equations of motion (EOM) are derived by using Lagrangian equations. Through the use of the multiple-scales-strategy (MSS), approximate solutions (AS) are investigated up to the third order. The accuracy of the AS is verified by comparing them to the obtained numerical solutions (NS) through the fourth-order Runge-Kutta Method (RK-4). The study delves into resonance cases and solvability conditions to provide the modulation equations (ME). Graphical representations showing the time histories of the obtained solutions and frequency responses are presented utilizing Wolfram Mathematica 13.2 in addition to MATLAB software. Additionally, discusses the bifurcation diagrams, Poincaré maps, and Lyapunov exponent spectrums to show the various behavior patterns of the system. To convert vibrating motion into electrical power, a piezoelectric sensor is connected to the dynamical model, which is just one of the energy harvesting (EH) technologies with extensive applications in the commercial, industrial, aerospace, automotive, and medical industries. Moreover, the time histories of the obtained solutions with and without control are analyzed graphically. Finally, resonance curves are used to discuss stability analysis and steady-state solutions.
Enhanced antimicrobial efficacy of hydroxyapatite-based composites for healthcare applications
Authors: Hassanain Maher , Abdel-Ghafar Hamdy Maamoun , Hamouda Hamed I. , El-Hosiny Fouad I. , Ewais Emad M. M. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractHydroxyapatite (HAp) and hydroxyapatite-based materials show promising potential in the healthcare sector due to their distinctive properties such as biocompatibility, antimicrobial efficacy, non-toxicity, and robust mechanical characteristics. This makes HAp materials play an important role in hindering infection spreading in healthcare provider institutions. This study assesses the antimicrobial efficacy of the developed hydroxyapatite-based composites incorporating copper, zinc, and silver nanoparticles. The synthesized HAp and its modified composite variants (Cu/HAp, Zn/HAp, and Ag/HAp) with varying ratios ranging from 0 to 15% (wt) were characterized using XRD, XPS, SEM, and TEM analyses. Furthermore, the antibacterial and antifungal properties of the synthesized HAp and HAp-based composites were evaluated. The antibacterial effectiveness of the HAp and its composites was evaluated using a modified disc diffusion test, where the resulting inhibition zones on the agar surface were observed. All the HAp and HAp-based composites (HAp, Cu/HAp, Zn/HAp, and Ag/HAp materials) elicited in the formation of inhibitory zones. The most substantial inhibition values were observed for the 5% Ag/HAp formulation, with values of 19.7 and 13.8, against E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. The 5% Ag/HAp concentration may strike an ideal balance, providing high antimicrobial activity without adverse effects on biocompatibility or material stability. These findings underscore the recommendation of the proposed HAp-based composites for infection control measures through their application on medical instruments, textiles, healthcare personnel attire, and patient garments.
An analysis of the textural properties of activated carbons obtained from biomass via the LBET, NLDFT and QSDFT methods
Authors: Kwiatkowski Mirosław 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis article presents the unique research results of the comprehensive analysis of the porous structure of activated carbons obtained from biomass waste materials from the wood industry during activation in an air atmosphere. The porous structure was analysed on the basis of nitrogen and argon adsorption isotherms via complementary multi-method analysis, i.e. the new numerical clustering-based adsorption analysis, the non-local density functional theory and the quenched solid density functional theory methods. The analytical results for the prepared activated carbons were compared with analogous results obtained for commercial activated carbon. On the basis of the conducted studies it has been determined that the new numerical clustering-based adsorption analysis method gives credible and valuable information on the textural properties of activated carbons which are in strict correlation and mutually complement with the results of the analysis with the use of the quenched solid density functional theory method. The research results obtained in this paper, it has also been shown that from waste materials of the wood industry, in a relatively cheap and cleaner production process, it is possible not only to obtain carbonaceous materials almost comparable to commercial activated carbon, but also to manage the waste in accordance with the principles of a closed-loop economy and sustainable development. The paper pays also attention to the often overlooked economic and ecological aspects, which should nevertheless be taken into account when comparing different adsorbents, rather than their textural properties alone.
Examining prestructured β-actin peptides as substrates of histidine methyltransferase SETD3
Authors: Maas Marijn N. , Bilgin Nurgül , Moesgaard Laust , Hintzen Jordi C. J. , Drozak Anna , Drozak Jakub , Kongsted Jacob , Mecinović Jasmin 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe Nτ-His73 methylation of β-actin by histidine methyltransferase SETD3 is required for the integrity of the cellular cytoskeleton. Modulation of SETD3 activity in human cells facilitates cancer-like changes to the cell phenotype. SETD3 binds β-actin in an extended conformation, with a conserved bend-like motif surrounding His73. Here, we report on the catalytic specificity of SETD3 towards i, i + 3 stapled β-actin peptides possessing a limited conformational freedom surrounding the His73 substrate residue via positions Glu72 and Ile75. Stapled β-actin peptides were observed to be methylated less efficiently than the linear β-actin peptide. None of the stapled β-actin peptides efficiently inhibited the SETD3-catalyzed Nτ-His73 methylation reaction. Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated that the unbound and SETD3-bound β-actin peptides display different backbone flexibility and bend-like conformations, highlighting their important role in substrate binding and catalysis. Overall, these findings suggest that reduced backbone flexibility of β-actin prevents the formation of optimal protein-peptide interactions between the enzyme and substrate, highlighting that the backbone flexibility needs to be considered when designing β-actin-based probes and inhibitors of biomedically important SETD3.
Development of a method for estimating asari clam distribution by combining three-dimensional acoustic coring system and deep neural network
Authors: Kadoi Tokimu , Mizuno Katsunori , Ishida Shoichi , Onozato Shogo , Washiyama Hirofumi , Uehara Yohei , Saito Yoshimoto , Okamoto Kazutoshi , Sakamoto Shingo , Sugimoto Yusuke , Terayama Kei 
Published: November 2024

AbstractDeveloping non-contact, non-destructive monitoring methods for marine life is crucial for sustainable resource management. Recent monitoring technologies and machine learning analysis advancements have enhanced underwater image and acoustic data acquisition. Systems to obtain 3D acoustic data from beneath the seafloor are being developed; however, manual analysis of large 3D datasets is challenging. Therefore, an automatic method for analyzing benthic resource distribution is needed. This study developed a system to estimate benthic resource distribution non-destructively by combining high-precision habitat data acquisition using high-frequency ultrasonic waves and prediction models based on a 3D convolutional neural network (3D-CNN). The system estimated the distribution of asari clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) in Lake Hamana, Japan. Clam presence and count were successfully estimated in a voxel with an ROC-AUC of 0.9 and a macro-average ROC-AUC of 0.8, respectively. This system visualized clam distribution and estimated numbers, demonstrating its effectiveness for quantifying marine resources beneath the seafloor.
Driver mutations associated with signatures of platinum sensitivity in germ cell tumors
Authors: Sawa Yun Cheng , Jia Liwei , Krause Harris , Meagher Margaret , Millard Frederick , Elliott Andrew , Lafin John T. , Jamieson Christina , Antonarakis Emmanuel S. , D’Souza Anishka , Giannikou Krinio , Amatruda James F. , Daneshmand Siamak , McKay Rana R. , Oberley Matthew , Nabhan Chadi , Bagrodia Aditya 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWe sought to evaluate the genomic and transcriptomic landscapes in primary and metastatic germ cell tumors (GCTs; N = 138) to uncover factors that drive cisplatin resistance. Prevalence was calculated for platinum-resistant alterations (PRAs; KRAS, TP53, and KIT mutations, and MDM2 amplification) and high copy number amplifications (CNA ≥ 6 copies). Tumors were designated as chemo-naïve (PreC, N = 66) or post-chemotherapy (PostC, N = 17). A transcriptomic signature associated with platinum sensitivity (PSS, high suggests increased sensitivity) was applied. KIT mutations were observed in 14.5% of primary versus 1.8% of met and 0% of lymph. TP53 mutations were identified in 10% of primary GCTs versus 17% of met and 16.7% of lymph. MDM2 CNAs were similar between sites. PRA-positive PreC GCTs had significantly lower average PSS scores compared to PRA-negative tumors. Lower PSS scores in chemo-naïve tumors were associated with PRAs, suggesting a potential mechanism for platinum resistance.
Reduced penetrance BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic variants in clinical germline genetic testing
Authors: Pal Tuya , Mundt Erin , Richardson Marcy E. , Chao Elizabeth , Pesaran Tina , Slavin Thomas P. , Couch Fergus J. , Monteiro Alvaro N. A. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPrior studies have suggested the existence of reduced penetrance pathogenic variants (RPPVs) in BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA) which pose challenges for patient counseling and care. Here, we sought to establish RPPVs as a new category of variants. Candidate BRCA RPPVs provided by two large clinical diagnostic laboratories were compiled to identify those with the highest likelihood of being a RPPV, based on concordant interpretations. Sixteen concordant candidate BRCA RPPVs across both laboratories were systematically assessed. RPPVs included missense, splice site, and frameshift variants. Our study establishes RPPVs as a new class of variants imparting a moderately increased risk of breast cancer, which impacts risk-informed cancer prevention strategies, and provides a framework to standardize interpretation and reporting of BRCA RPPVs. Further work to define clinically meaningful risk thresholds and categories for reporting BRCA RPPVs is needed to personalize cancer risks in conjunction with other risk factors.
Predicting deterioration in dengue using a low cost wearable for continuous clinical monitoring
Authors: Ming Damien Keng , Daniels John , Chanh Ho Quang , Karolcik Stefan , Hernandez Bernard , Manginas Vasileios , Nguyen Van Hao , Nguyen Quang Huy , Phan Tu Qui , Luong Thi Hue Tai , Trieu Huynh Trung , Holmes Alison Helen , Phan Vinh Tho , Georgiou Pantelis , Yacoub Sophie ,   On behalf of the VITAL consortium
Published: November 2024

AbstractClose vital signs monitoring is crucial for the clinical management of patients with dengue. We investigated performance of a non-invasive wearable utilising photoplethysmography (PPG), to provide real-time risk prediction in hospitalised individuals. We performed a prospective observational clinical study in Vietnam between January 2020 and October 2022: 153 patients were included in analyses, providing 1353 h of PPG data. Using a multi-modal transformer approach, 10-min PPG waveform segments and basic clinical data (age, sex, clinical features on admission) were used as features to continuously forecast clinical state 2 h ahead. Prediction of low-risk states (17,939/80,843; 22.1%), defined by NEWS2 and mSOFA < 6, was associated with an area under the precision-recall curve of 0.67 and an area under the receiver operator curve of 0.83. Implementation of such interventions could provide cost-effective triage and clinical care in dengue, offering opportunities for safe ambulatory patient management.
Greening urban areas in line with population density and ecological zone can reduce premature mortality
Authors: Garber Michael D. , Benmarhnia Tarik , Zhou Weiqi , Mudu Pierpaolo , Rojas-Rueda David 
Published: November 2024

AbstractUrban green space and urban compactness are each important principles for designing healthy, climate-resilient cities. The principles can co-exist, but greening may come at density’s expense if not considered deliberately. Existing studies estimating health impacts of greening scenarios have not considered what level of greenness is attainable for different population densities. Here, using the square kilometer as the unit of analysis, we estimate non-accidental mortality that could be prevented among adults older than 30 by greening that small area to a level of greenness assumed to be attainable based on its broader urban area (N = 15,917 globally), population density, and ecological zone. Results suggest a large potential for urban greening even in the most population-dense parts of cities such that on average 54 deaths per 100,000 could be prevented per year in those areas. That estimate may be about 25% higher or lower due to uncertainty in the underlying model.
Higher temperatures exacerbate effects of antibiotics on methanogenesis in freshwater sediment
Authors: Bollinger E. , Schwilden P. , Lai F. Y. , Schulz R. , Bundschuh M. , Filker S. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractMethane (CH4) emissions from natural systems are rising in a concerning manner with an incomplete understanding of its drivers. Recently, chemical stressors such as antibiotics have been suggested as a thus far overlooked factor increasing methanogenesis in freshwaters. Since usage and toxicological impact of antibiotics could increase in a warming climate, we assessed the temperature-dependence of antibiotic effects on methanogenesis. In this light, we conducted anaerobic incubations with freshwater sediment at 10, 15, and 20 °C in presence of a mixture of five antibiotics at field-relevant concentrations. Weekly measurements of CH4 showed a strong temperature dependence of antibiotic effects by changing effect sizes, directions and dynamics. While antibiotics reduced CH4 production at 10 °C, methanogenesis was elevated at 15 °C with the most pronounced increase occurring at 20 °C. Furthermore, antibiotics changed the prokaryotic assemblage at all temperatures and effect patterns of CH4 producing Methanomicrobia strongly followed the patterns observed for methanogenesis. While analyses of compound-specific stable isotopes and the metatranscriptome suggest the acetoclastic pathway as most relevant, linking prokaryotic structure to function remains one of the most significant research challenges. Nevertheless, the evidence provided by this study suggests a positive relationship between temperature and the stimulating effects of antibiotics on CH4 production.
Access to radiotherapy in improving gastric cancer care quality and equality
Authors: Wang Minmin , Huang Kepei , Fan Xiaohan , Wang Jia , Jin Yinzi , Zheng Zhi-Jie 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Quality health services could improve patient outcomes and prognosis. Gastric cancer care was of great disparity across genders. Disparities within radiotherapy units could impact gastric cancer care, potentially exacerbating gender-based inequalities.

Methods
We retrieved the disease burden data from Global Burden of Disease 2019. A quality of care index was constructed by applying principal component analysis techniques. The disparity of gastric cancer care across genders was described, and the association of access to radiotherapy with gastric cancer care as well as gender disparity was explored.

Results
Males receive better quality of gastric cancer care than females, and this gender disparity is widening in middle-low socio-development regions. A positive correlation emerges between the density of radiotherapy facilities and an elevated quality of care, and reduced gender-based disparities.

Conclusions
The association between robust radiotherapy access, improved gastric cancer QCI, and reduced gender-based disparities spotlights the imperative of fortifying radiotherapy infrastructure within areas and populations in greatest need.
A behaviour change strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international scientific conferences and meetings
Authors: Richards David A. , Bellon Filip , Goñi-Fuste Blanca , Grech Joseph , Hollowood Lorna , Mezzalira Elisabetta , Möhler Ralph , Perez de Gracia David , Seckin Muzeyyen , Velonaki Venetia S. , Teixeira-Santos Luísa M. , Deschodt Mieke 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWe estimated the environmental impact and financial cost of two exemplar in-person academic events organised by the European academic society, the European Academy of Nursing Science, identified the main sources of these emissions, and then mapped them against the COM-B behaviour change framework of capability, opportunity, motivation to identify strategies that could be applied by organisers and participants to reduce this impact. These events contributed 41 tonnes and 99 tonnes of CO2e emissions per event, a per-participant mean of either 0.324 (SD 0.173) or 0.724, (SD 0.263) tonnes, representing 2 to 5.5 times the daily per-person European average. Distance from home was the largest contributor to emissions. Costs were similar for both events. Our multi-component behavioural change programme includes environmental change, enablement, education, incentivisation and persuasion, by which organisers provide participants with the opportunity for less-polluting behaviour, and enhance participants capabilities and motivation to act on the opportunities provided.
Phase coded waveforms for integrated sensing and communication systems
Authors: Şahin Sevda , Girici Tolga 
Published: November 2024

AbstractNowadays, especially with the developments in the automotive industry, it has become a highly popular topic for radar and communication systems to operate on the same platform and perform joint tasks to increase situational awareness. Sharing the hardware of the radar and communication systems and using a joint waveform for both functions eliminate interference problems between the systems, increasing the effectiveness of the joint task. In studies where radar signals are utilised for communication functions, continuous wave frequency modulation or intra‐pulse frequency modulation is generally employed to transmit communication signals. There are a few studies in the literature on joint radar and communication waveforms using phase modulation. In these studies, phase modulation is not employed directly for both functions. As a contribution to the literature, this study evaluates the usage of joint radar and communications waveforms, such as Barker sequences and Zadoff–Chu sequences as opposed to linear frequency modulation. We compare these waveforms terms of range‐speed detection and symbol error rate.