bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How to Quantify Heavy Mineral Fertility From Point‐Counting Data
Authors: Stutenbecker L. , Krieg D. , Djahansouzi A. , Glotzbach C. , Falkowski S. , Adolffs T. , Sindern S. , Hinderer M. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractHeavy minerals (HM) are widely used in provenance studies, for example, for reconstructing source areas and quantifying sediment budgets. Source rock mineral fertility influences the composition and concentration of HM in sediments. The resulting bias is of particular interest when interpreting single‐grain data such as detrital age distributions. However, the quantification of fertility is complex and there are no robust data for most HM, which prevents the routine implementation of fertility in many studies. In this study, we test whether mineral fertility can be assessed by quantifying mineral concentrations in detrital samples through point counting and quantitative evaluation of minerals by scanning electron microscopy (QEMSCAN). The challenge is to transform the resulting area percentage into mass percentage, which is a prerequisite for comparing those data with grain size or geochemical data. We suggest overcoming this problem by recording grain‐size and shape metrics of minerals using image analysis, and applying several transformation steps. We test our method by (a) using a series of detrital grain mixtures of known density and mass, and (b) applying it to a natural sediment from the European Alps. Our results agree with existing methods developed for apatite and zircon, that is, the quantification of fertility through geochemistry (with P2O5 and Zr concentrations as proxies for apatite and zircon) and the separation of pure apatite and zircon concentrates using additional separation steps. The advantage of our method is its applicability to all HM (not only apatite and zircon) and the redundancy of additional separation steps, which might create bias.
Large Igneous Province Control on Ocean Anoxia and Eutrophication in the North Sea at the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum
Authors: Mariani Erica , Kender Sev , Hesselbo Stephen P. , Bogus Kara , Littler Kate , Riding James B. , Leng Melanie J. , Kemp Simon J. , Dybkjær Karen , Pedersen Gunver K. , Wagner Thomas , Dickson Alexander J. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) was a global hyperthermal event ∼56 Ma characterized by massive input of carbon into the ocean–atmosphere system and global warming. A leading hypothesis for its trigger is the emplacement of the North Atlantic Igneous Province (NAIP), with extensive extrusion/intrusion of igneous material into nearby sedimentary basins, forcing local uplift and warming‐inducing carbon emissions. It remains unclear if oceanographic changes in the North Sea–Norwegian Sea–Arctic basins, such as anoxia and productivity, were causally linked to local NAIP uplift/activity, and at what time scales these perturbations occurred. To test mechanisms and time scales, we present geochemical proxies (XRF analysis, clay mineralogy, molybdenum isotopes, and pyrite framboid size distribution) in undisrupted marine sediment core E−8X located in the central North Sea. We find evidence for a rapid onset of anoxia/euxinia at the negative carbon isotope excursion from redox proxies, followed by a gradual drawdown of molybdenum/total organic carbon (Mo/TOC) during the PETM main phase indicative of tectonically‐restricted basin likely from NAIP uplift. A short‐lived increase in Mo, pyrite and TOC occurred during a precursor event associated with a sedimentary mercury pulse indicative of volcanic activity. We suggest thermal uplift and flood basalt volcanism tectonically restricted the North Sea and tipped it into an euxinic state via volcanic emission–oceanographic feedbacks inducing eutrophication. This fine temporal separation of tectonic versus climatic geochemical proxies, combined with pulsed NAIP volcanism, demonstrates that Large Igneous Province emplacements can, at least locally, result in ocean biogeochemical feedbacks operating on relatively short timescales.
Effects of a Vertical Cloud Condensation Nuclei Concentration Explosion in an Idealized Hailstorm Simulation
Authors: Ma Rongjun , Li Xiaofei 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDetermination of the key vertical level for cloud condensation nuclei concentration (CCNC) explosions has been a long‐term issue in CCN‐cloud interaction studies. An idealized hailstorm is simulated with 37 sensitivity runs, including an initial CCNC grouping vertically from the ground to the cloud top, increasing from 100 to 3,000 mg−1. The results reveal a key zone from 750 to 800 hPa near the median boundary layer, where an explosion of CCNC plays a dominant role in the nonmonotonic response of the hail precipitation rate. The explosion of CCNC in this zone could initially result in the condensation of more water vapor into the clouds, which could be transported to a greater vertical extent to significantly affect the riming collection efficiency. However, the dominant zone for the total precipitation rate is wider at heights of 700–800 hPa due to the lower sensitivity of the riming collection efficiency.
SRY-Box transcription factor 9 triggers YAP nuclear entry via direct interaction in tumors
Authors: Qian Hui , Ding Chen-Hong , Liu Fang , Chen Shi-Jie , Huang Chen-Kai , Xiao Meng-Chao , Hong Xia-Lu , Wang Ming-Chen , Yan Fang-Zhi , Ding Kai , Cui Ya-Lu , Zheng Bai-Nan , Ding Jin , Luo Cheng , Zhang Xin , Xie Wei-Fen 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe translocation of YAP from the cytoplasm to the nucleus is critical for its activation and plays a key role in tumor progression. However, the precise molecular mechanisms governing the nuclear import of YAP are not fully understood. In this study, we have uncovered a crucial role of SOX9 in the activation of YAP. SOX9 promotes the nuclear translocation of YAP by direct interaction. Importantly, we have identified that the binding between Asp-125 of SOX9 and Arg-124 of YAP is essential for SOX9-YAP interaction and subsequent nuclear entry of YAP. Additionally, we have discovered a novel asymmetrical dimethylation of YAP at Arg-124 (YAP-R124me2a) catalyzed by PRMT1. YAP-R124me2a enhances the interaction between YAP and SOX9 and is associated with poor prognosis in multiple cancers. Furthermore, we disrupted the interaction between SOX9 and YAP using a competitive peptide, S-A1, which mimics an α-helix of SOX9 containing Asp-125. S-A1 significantly inhibits YAP nuclear translocation and effectively suppresses tumor growth. This study provides the first evidence of SOX9 as a pivotal regulator driving YAP nuclear translocation and presents a potential therapeutic strategy for YAP-driven human cancers by targeting SOX9-YAP interaction.
Gene replacement therapy in Bietti crystalline corneoretinal dystrophy: an open-label, single-arm, exploratory trial
Authors: Wang Jinyuan , Zhang Jinlu , Yu Shicheng , Li Hongyan , Chen Shaohong , Luo Jingting , Wang Haibo , Guan Yuxia , Zhang Haihan , Yin Shiyi , Wang Huili , Li Heping , Liu Junle , Zhu Jingyuan , Yang Qiong , Sha Ying , Zhang Chuan , Yang Yuhang , Yang Xuan , Zhang Xifang , Zhao Xiuli , Wang Likun , Yang Liping , Wei Wenbin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBietti crystalline corneoretinal dystrophy is an inherited retinal disease caused by mutations in CYP4V2, which results in blindness in the working-age population, and there is currently no available treatment. Here, we report the results of the first-in-human clinical trial (NCT04722107) of gene therapy for Bietti crystalline corneoretinal dystrophy, including 12 participants who were followed up for 180–365 days. This open-label, single-arm exploratory trial aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of a recombinant adeno-associated-virus-serotype-2/8 vector encoding the human CYP4V2 protein (rAAV2/8-hCYP4V2). Participants received a single unilateral subretinal injection of 7.5 × 1010 vector genomes of rAAV2/8-hCYP4V2. Overall, 73 treatment-emergent adverse events were reported, with the majority (98.6%) being of mild or moderate intensity and considered to be procedure- or corticosteroid-related; no treatment-related serious adverse events or local/systemic immune toxicities were observed. Compared with that measured at baseline, 77.8% of the treated eyes showed improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) on day 180, with a mean ± standard deviation increase of 9.0 ± 10.8 letters in the 9 eyes analyzed (p = 0.021). By day 365, 80% of the treated eyes showed an increase in BCVA, with a mean increase of 11.0 ± 10.6 letters in the 5 eyes assessed (p = 0.125). Importantly, the patients’ improvement observed using multifocal electroretinogram, microperimetry, and Visual Function Questionnaire-25 further supported the beneficial effects of the treatment. We conclude that the favorable safety profile and visual improvements identified in this trial encourage the continued development of rAAV2/8-hCYP4V2 (named ZVS101e).
Effect of polymer concentration on molecular alignment behavior during scanning wave photopolymerization
Authors: Ishiyama Takuto , Kobayashi Yoshiaki , Nakamura Hirona , Aizawa Miho , Hisano Kyohei , Kubo Shoichi , Shishido Atsushi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMolecularly aligned liquid-crystalline (LC) polymer films hold great promise for next-generation high-performance photonics, electronics, robotics, and medical devices. Photoalignment methods capable of achieving precise molecular alignment in a noncontact manner have been actively studied. Recently, we proposed the concept of using spatiotemporal photopolymerization to induce molecular diffusion and the resulting alignment, termed scanning wave photopolymerization (SWaP). The spatial gradient of the polymer concentration is the dominant factor in inducing the molecular diffusion and alignment of LCs. However, the effect of polymer concentration on molecular alignment behavior remains unclear. In this study, we performed SWaP at different exposure energies to modulate the polymer concentration during polymerization. We found that a certain polymer concentration was required to initiate the alignment. Furthermore, the phase diagram of the polymer/monomer mixtures and real-time observations during SWaP revealed that phase emergence and unidirectional molecular alignment occurred simultaneously when the polymer concentration exceeded 50%. Since SWaP achieves molecular alignment coincident with photopolymerization, it has the potential to revolutionize material fabrication by consolidating the multiple-step processes required to create functional materials in a single step.
Giant piezoelectricity driven by Thouless pump in conjugated polymers
Authors: Villani Stefano Paolo , Campetella Marco , Barone Paolo , Mauri Francesco 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPiezoelectricity of organic polymers has attracted increasing interest because of several advantages they exhibit over traditional inorganic ceramics. While most organic piezoelectrics rely on the presence of intrinsic local dipoles, a highly nonlocal electronic polarisation can be foreseen in conjugated polymers, characterised by delocalised and highly responsive π-electrons. These 1D systems represent a physical realisation of a Thouless pump, a mechanism of adiabatic charge transport of a topological nature which results, as shown in this work, in anomalously large dynamical effective charges, inversely proportional to the bandgap energy. A structural (ferroelectric) phase transition further contributes to an enhancement of the piezoelectric response reminiscent of that observed in piezoelectric perovskites close to morphotropic phase boundaries. First-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations performed in two representative conjugated polymers using hybrid functionals, show that state-of-the-art organic piezoelectric are outperformed by piezoelectric conjugated polymers, mostly thanks to strongly anomalous effective charges of carbon, larger than 5e—ordinary values being of the order of 1e—and reaching the giant value of 30e for band gaps of the order of 1 eV.
A relational approach to characterizing householder perceptions of disruption in heat transitions
Authors: Thomas Gareth Hugh , Flower Jack , Gross Rob , Henwood Karen , Shirani Fiona , Speirs Jamie , Pidgeon Nick 
Published: April 2024

AbstractHeat decarbonization threatens substantial disruptions in temperate countries. However, the concept of disruption carries diverse meanings, potentially relating to cost, material space and everyday heating practices. Here, using interpretive risk theory, this article elucidates a relational understanding of how disruption is experienced and takes on meaning in everyday life. We deploy this framework to examine perceptions of four low-carbon heating technologies—heat pumps, hydrogen, hybrid heating and heat networks—alongside associated upgrades to distribution network infrastructure. Drawing on data from six, 1-day workshops representing a diversity of geographic and housing contexts across the United Kingdom, we address how existing relationships shape hopes, fears and expectations for heat decarbonization. Our findings help clarify the role of affective relationships, feelings of precarity, security and pressure in distinguishing material inconveniences from more fundamental disruptions to valued ways of life, and may be particularly relevant in other gas-dependent countries and regions.
Computational scoring and experimental evaluation of enzymes generated by neural networks
Authors: Johnson Sean R. , Fu Xiaozhi , Viknander Sandra , Goldin Clara , Monaco Sarah , Zelezniak Aleksej , Yang Kevin K. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn recent years, generative protein sequence models have been developed to sample novel sequences. However, predicting whether generated proteins will fold and function remains challenging. We evaluate a set of 20 diverse computational metrics to assess the quality of enzyme sequences produced by three contrasting generative models: ancestral sequence reconstruction, a generative adversarial network and a protein language model. Focusing on two enzyme families, we expressed and purified over 500 natural and generated sequences with 70–90% identity to the most similar natural sequences to benchmark computational metrics for predicting in vitro enzyme activity. Over three rounds of experiments, we developed a computational filter that improved the rate of experimental success by 50–150%. The proposed metrics and models will drive protein engineering research by serving as a benchmark for generative protein sequence models and helping to select active variants for experimental testing.
Chromosome-scale genome assembly of bread wheat’s wild relative Triticum timopheevii
Authors: Grewal Surbhi , Yang Cai-yun , Scholefield Duncan , Ashling Stephen , Ghosh Sreya , Swarbreck David , Collins Joanna , Yao Eric , Sen Taner Z. , Wilson Michael , Yant Levi , King Ian P. , King Julie 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWheat (Triticum aestivum) is one of the most important food crops with an urgent need for increase in its production to feed the growing world. Triticum timopheevii (2n = 4x = 28) is an allotetraploid wheat wild relative species containing the At and G genomes that has been exploited in many pre-breeding programmes for wheat improvement. In this study, we report the generation of a chromosome-scale reference genome assembly of T. timopheevii accession PI 94760 based on PacBio HiFi reads and chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C). The assembly comprised a total size of 9.35 Gb, featuring a contig N50 of 42.4 Mb and included the mitochondrial and plastid genome sequences. Genome annotation predicted 166,325 gene models including 70,365 genes with high confidence. DNA methylation analysis showed that the G genome had on average more methylated bases than the At genome. In summary, the T. timopheevii genome assembly provides a valuable resource for genome-informed discovery of agronomically important genes for food security.
Long-term outcomes of patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source according to subtype
Authors: Lee Il Hyung , Heo JoonNyung , Lee Hyungwoo , Jeong JaeWook , Kim Joonho , Han Minho , Yoo Joonsang , Kim Jinkwon , Baik Minyoul , Park Hyungjong , Jung Jae Wook , Kim Young Dae , Nam Hyo Suk 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe prognosis of patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) may vary according to the underlying cause. Therefore, we aimed to divide ESUS into subtypes and assess the long-term outcomes. Consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent a comprehensive workup, including transesophageal echocardiography and prolonged electrocardiography monitoring, were enrolled. We classified ESUS into minor cardioembolic (CE) ESUS, arteriogenic ESUS, two or more causes ESUS, and no cause ESUS. Arteriogenic ESUS was sub-classified into complex aortic plaque (CAP) ESUS and non-stenotic (< 50%) relevant artery plaque (NAP) ESUS. A total of 775 patients were enrolled. During 1286 ± 748 days follow-up, 116 major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) occurred (4.2 events/100 patient-years). Among the ESUS subtypes, CAP ESUS was associated with the highest MACE frequency (9.7/100 patient-years, p = 0.021). Cox regression analyses showed that CAP ESUS was associated with MACE (hazard ratio 2.466, 95% confidence interval 1.305–4.660) and any stroke recurrence (hazard ratio 2.470, 95% confidence interval, 1.108–5.508). The prognosis of ESUS varies according to the subtype, with CAP ESUS having the worst prognosis. Categorizing ESUS into subtypes could improve patient care and refine clinical trials.
Hybrid cheetah particle swarm optimization based optimal hierarchical control of multiple microgrids
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed Ahmed Ebrahim , Mahmoud Ahmed Mohamed , Saied Ebtisam Mostafa Mohamed , Hadi Hossam Abdel 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe emergence of microgrids arises from the growing integration of Renewable Energy Resources (RES) and Energy Storage Systems (ESSs) into Distribution Networks (DNs). Effective integration, coordination, and control of Multiple Microgrids (MMGs) whereas navigating the complexities of energy transition within this context poses a significant challenge. The dynamic operation of MMGs is a challenge faced by the traditional distributed hierarchical control techniques. The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques is a promising way to improve the control and dynamic operation of MMGs in future smart DNs. In this paper, an innovative hybrid optimization technique that originates from Cheetah Optimization (CHO) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) techniques is proposed, known as HYCHOPSO. Extensive benchmark testing validates HYCHOPSO’s superiority over CHO and PSO in terms of convergence performance. The objective for this hybridization stems from the complementary strengths of CHO and PSO. CHO demonstrates rapid convergence in local search spaces, while PSO excels in global exploration. By combining these techniques, the aim is to leverage their respective advantages and enhance the algorithm's overall performance in addressing complex optimization problems. The contribution of this paper offering a unique approach to addressing optimization challenges in microgrid systems. Through a comprehensive comparative study, HYCHOPSO is evaluated against various metaheuristic optimization approaches, demonstrating superior performance, particularly in optimizing the design parameters of Proportional-Integral (PI) controllers for hierarchical control systems within microgrids. This contribution expands the repertoire of available optimization methodologies and offers practical solutions to critical challenges in microgrid optimization, enhancing the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of microgrid operations. HYCHOPSO achieves its optimal score within fewer than 50 iterations, unlike CHO, GWO, PSO, Hybrid-GWO-PSO, and SSIA-PSO, which stabilize after around 200 iterations. Across various benchmark functions, HYCHOPSO consistently demonstrates the lowest mean values, attains scores closer to the optimal values of the benchmark functions, underscoring its robust convergence capabilities.the proposed HYCHOPSO algorithm, paired with a PI controller for distributed hierarchical control, minimizes errors and enhances system reliability during dynamic MMG operations. Using HYCHOPSO framework, an accurate power sharing, voltage/frequency stability, seamless grid-to-island transition, and smooth resynchronization are achieved. This enhances the real application's reliability, flexibility, scalability and robustness.
Phage-antibiotic combinations to control Pseudomonas aeruginosa–Candida two-species biofilms
Authors: Manohar Prasanth , Loh Belinda , Nachimuthu Ramesh , Leptihn Sebastian 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPhage-antibiotic combinations to treat bacterial infections are gaining increased attention due to the synergistic effects often observed when applying both components together. Most studies however focus on a single pathogen, although in many clinical cases multiple species are present at the site of infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-biofilm activity of phage-antibiotic/antifungal combinations on single- and dual-species biofilms formed by P. aeruginosa and the fungal pathogen Candida albicans. The Pseudomonas phage Motto in combination with ciprofloxacin had significant anti-biofilm activity. We then compared biofilms formed by P. aeruginosa alone with the dual-species biofilms formed by bacteria and C. albicans. Here, we found that the phage together with the antifungal fluconazole was active against 6-h-old dual-species biofilms but showed only negligible activity against 24-h-old biofilms. This study lays the first foundation for potential therapeutic approaches to treat co-infections caused by bacteria and fungi using phage-antibiotic combinations.
Medical equipment effectiveness evaluation model based on cone-constrained DEA and attention-based bi-LSTM
Authors: Huang Luying , Lv Wenqian , Huang Qingming , Zhang Haikang , Jin Siyuan , Chen Tong , Shen Bing 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study constructs a composite indicator system covering the core dimensions of medical equipment input and output. Based on this system, an innovative cone-constrained data envelopment analysis (DEA) model is designed. The model integrates the advantages of the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) with an improved criterion importance through intercriteria correlation (CRITIC) method to determine subjective and objective weights and employs game theory to obtain the final combined weights, which are further incorporated as constraints to form the cone-constrained DEA model. Finally, a bidirectional long short-term memory (Bi-LSTM) model with an attention mechanism is introduced for integration, aiming to provide a novel and practical model for evaluating the effectiveness of medical equipment. The proposed model has essential reference value for optimizing medical equipment management decision-making and investment strategies.