bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nano metal oxide-intercalated MXene in-situ prepared by irradiation as effective electromagnetic wave absorbents
Authors: Chen Yu , Hu Feiyue , Cui Xianghao , Zhang Peigen , Zhang Haiqian , Chang Shuquan , Hu Xiaodan , Zhang Xiaohong 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
With the rapid development of electronic communication technology, electromagnetic pollution has become increasingly severe, leading to a growing need for absorption materials with excellent absorption performance. Herein, nano-sized oxide-intercalated Ti3C2T
x
MXene composites were synthesized via γ-radiation in an aqueous system. The synthesis was conducted in a reducing environment at room temperature, which effectively prevented the oxidation of MXene. Nano-oxides (Fe2O3 and Cu2O) were formed in situ between the MXene layers, forming a homogeneous oxide-intercalated structure. Compared with the original MXene, the intercalated structure significantly enhanced the electromagnetic wave absorption (EMA) performance of the MXene/Fe2O3 composite in the frequency range of 2–18 GHz, with smaller reflection loss (RL) (−58.7 dB), thinner thickness (2.35 mm). The RLmin value of the MXene/Cu2O composite was −50.9 dB (2.55 mm) and the effective frequency width was 4.88 GHz at a thickness of 1.3 mm. Compared with ordinary chemical methods, the γ-radiation is a facile and ‘green’ method that is suitable for large-scale preparation. The absorption mechanism was attributed to conductive loss, polarization loss, and magnetic loss, which contributed to efficient EMA. This work demonstrates that γ-radiation is a promising method for preparing nano metal oxide-intercalated MXene with enhanced EMA performance.
Photo-assisted spin transport in double quantum dots with spin–orbit interaction
Authors: Fernández-Fernández David , Picó-Cortés Jordi , Vela Liñán Sergio , Platero Gloria 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
We investigate the effect of spin–orbit interaction on the intra- and interdot particle dynamics of a double quantum dot (QD) under ac electric fields. The former is modeled as an effective ac magnetic field that produces electric-dipole spin resonance transitions, while the latter is introduced via spin-flip tunneling amplitudes. We observe the appearance of non-trivial spin-polarized dark states (DSs), arising from an ac-induced interference between photo-assisted spin-conserving and spin-flip tunneling processes. These DSs can be employed to precisely measure the spin–orbit coupling in QD systems. Furthermore, we show that the interplay between photo-assisted transitions and spin-flip tunneling enables the system to operate as a highly tunable spin filter. Finally, we investigate the operation of the system as a resonant flopping-mode qubit for arbitrary ac voltage amplitudes, allowing for high tunability and enhanced qubit control possibilities.
Statistical inference for models driven by 𝑛-th order fractional Brownian motion
Authors: Chaouch Hicham , Maroufy Hamid , Omari Mohamed 
Published: May 2023

We consider the following stochastic integral equation

X
(
t
)
=
μ
t
+
σ

∫
0
t

φ
(
s
)
d

B
H
n

(
s
)

X(t)=\mu t + \sigma \int _0^t \varphi (s) dB_H^n(s)

,

t
≥
0

t\geq 0

, where

φ
\varphi

is a known function and

B
H
n

B^n_H

is the

n
n

-th order fractional Brownian motion. We provide explicit maximum likelihood estimators for both

μ
\mu

and

σ
2

\sigma ^2

, then we formulate explicitly a least squares estimator for

μ
\mu

and an estimator for

σ
2

\sigma ^2

by using power variations method. The consistency and asymptotic normality are established for those estimators when the number of observations or the time horizon is sufficiently large.
Development of artificial intelligence tools for invasive Doppler-based coronary microvascular assessment
Authors: Seligman Henry , Patel Sapna B , Alloula Anissa , Howard James P , Cook Christopher M , Ahmad Yousif , de Waard Guus A , Pinto Mauro Echavarría , van de Hoef Tim P , Rahman Haseeb , Kelshiker Mihir A , Rajkumar Christopher A , Foley Michael , Nowbar Alexandra N , Mehta Samay , Toulemonde Mathieu , Tang Meng-Xing , Al-Lamee Rasha , Sen Sayan , Cole Graham , Nijjer Sukhjinder , Escaned Javier , Van Royen Niels , Francis Darrel P , Shun-Shin Matthew J , Petraco Ricardo 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Aims
Coronary flow reserve (CFR) assessment has proven clinical utility, but Doppler-based methods are sensitive to noise and operator bias, limiting their clinical applicability. The objective of the study is to expand the adoption of invasive Doppler CFR, through the development of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to automatically quantify coronary Doppler quality and track flow velocity.

Methods and results
A neural network was trained on images extracted from coronary Doppler flow recordings to score signal quality and derive values for coronary flow velocity and CFR. The outputs were independently validated against expert consensus. Artificial intelligence successfully quantified Doppler signal quality, with high agreement with expert consensus (Spearman’s rho: 0.94), and within individual experts. Artificial intelligence automatically tracked flow velocity with superior numerical agreement against experts, when compared with the current console algorithm [AI flow vs. expert flow bias −1.68 cm/s, 95% confidence interval (CI) −2.13 to −1.23 cm/s, P &lt; 0.001 with limits of agreement (LOA) −4.03 to 0.68 cm/s; console flow vs. expert flow bias −2.63 cm/s, 95% CI −3.74 to −1.52, P &lt; 0.001, 95% LOA −8.45 to −3.19 cm/s]. Artificial intelligence yielded more precise CFR values [median absolute difference (MAD) against expert CFR: 4.0% for AI and 7.4% for console]. Artificial intelligence tracked lower-quality Doppler signals with lower variability (MAD against expert CFR 8.3% for AI and 16.7% for console).

Conclusion
An AI-based system, trained by experts and independently validated, could assign a quality score to Doppler traces and derive coronary flow velocity and CFR. By making Doppler CFR more automated, precise, and operator-independent, AI could expand the clinical applicability of coronary microvascular assessment.
Urbanization shapes phenotypic selection of fruit traits in a seed-dispersal mutualism
Authors: Palacio Facundo X , Ordano Mariano 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Urbanization is currently one of the trademarks of the Anthropocene, accelerating evolutionary processes and reshaping ecological interactions over short time scales. Species interactions represent a fundamental pillar of diversity that is being altered globally by anthropogenic change. Urban environments, despite their potential impact, have seldom been studied in relation to how they shape natural selection of phenotypic traits in multispecies interactions. Using a seed-dispersal mutualism as a study system, we estimated the regime and magnitude of phenotypic selection exerted by frugivores on fruit and seed traits across three plant populations with different degrees of urbanization (urban, semiurban, and rural). Urbanization weakened phenotypic selection via an indirect positive impact on fruit production and fitness and, to a lesser extent, through a direct positive effect on species visitation rates. Our results show that urban ecosystems may affect multifarious selection of traits in the short term and highlight the role of humans in shaping eco-evolutionary dynamics of multispecies interactions.
Ralstonia solanacearum type III effector RipAS associates with potato type one protein phosphatase StTOPP6 to promote bacterial wilt
Authors: Wang Bingsen , He Wenfeng , Huang Mengshu , Feng Jiachen , Li Yanping , Yu Liu , Wang Yuqi , Zhou Dan , Meng Chengzhen , Cheng Dong , Tang Ning , Song Botao , Chen Huilan 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The bacterial pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum (R. solanacearum) delivered type III secretion effectors to inhibit the immune system and cause bacterial wilt on potato. Protein phosphatases are key regulators in plant immunity, which pathogens can manipulate to alter host processes. Here, we show that a type III effector RipAS can reduce the nucleolar accumulation of a type one protein phosphatase (PP1) StTOPP6 to promote bacterial wilt. StTOPP6 was used as bait in the Yeast two-Hybrid (Y2H) assay and acquired an effector RipAS that interacts with it. RipAS was characterized as a virulence effector to contribute to R. solanacearum infection, and stable expression of RipAS in potato impaired plant resistance against R. solanacearum. Overexpression of StTOPP6 showed enhanced disease symptoms when inoculated with wild strain UW551 but not the ripAS deletion mutant, indicating that the expression of StTOPP6 facilitates the virulence of RipAS. RipAS reduced the nucleolar accumulation of StTOPP6, which occurred during R. solanacearum infection. Moreover, the association also widely existed between other PP1s and RipAS. We argue that RipAS is a virulence effector associated with PP1s to promote bacterial wilt.
Knowledge, power and the failure of US peacemaking in Afghanistan 2018–21
Authors: Theros Marika 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The power of narrative and norm entrepreneurship in shaping policy and practice is increasingly appreciated in the study of international relations but rarely investigated in the context of international peacemaking and mediation. Applying constructivist analyses and drawing on empirical evidence from US diplomacy in Afghanistan between 2018 and 2021, this article demonstrates how emergent western policy discourses, knowledge production, and the mediator's ideas and practices interacted in a dynamic context to induce a significant shift in US policy, legitimate it, and fundamentally reshape the conflict and peacemaking landscape. Approaching the reality of conflict and peacemaking as socially constructed and drawing on documentary analysis, in-depth interviews and insights from first-hand participation in the Afghan ‘peace’ process, I argue that these new narratives influenced and sanctioned a coercive US peacemaking approach that reshaped the interests and behaviors of Afghan stakeholders, with violent material consequences on the ground. In doing so, the article highlights the potential of constructivist analyses of peacemaking to provide a more holistic, multi-dimensional understanding of these processes and their outcomes in ways that purely rationalist or structurally-based accounts can not.
ASEAN, Chinese and US legitimation strategies over the Indo-Pacific security architecture
Authors: Ng Joel 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
As growing Sino-US tensions have led to increasingly contested architecture in the Asia–Pacific, rival actors have become more vocal in legitimizing their preferred structures. Yet supplanting existing, accepted structures requires legitimation, and raises questions this article seeks to address: how do competing actors legitimize their preferred architectures and what influences their legitimation strategies? This article looks at US-, China- and ASEAN-led legitimation strategies through Lenz and Söderbaum's three analytical perspectives (agent-, audience-, or environment-based approaches). The article argues that legitimation strategies will correlate with relative power in that established, rising and weak powers will source their strategies from agent, audience and environment bases respectively. The empirical basis is explored through three questions concerning the regional security architecture: the dispute over regional demarcation (‘Indo-Pacific’), the relevant structures of security provision and the idea of a ‘rules-based order.’ Assessing these issues against domestic sources of influence, adjustment for international audience demands and attempts to reconcile other actors' preferences, the article finds that actors' legitimation strategies correlate with their relational power: the US relied on agent-based legitimation, China usually pursued audience-based strategies and ASEAN used environment-based legitimation. These present distinct policy constraints for their respective goals.
Mitral and tricuspid valve repair using interannular bridging in children
Authors: Ishidou Motonori , Ito Hiroki , Hirose Keiichi , Ikai Akio , Sakamoto Kisaburo 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
In children, it is difficult to control mitral valve (MV) or tricuspid valve (TV) regurgitation with conventional procedures alone because complex factors hamper easy improvement of valve coaptation. We investigated interannular bridging in children with MV/TV regurgitation.

METHODS
The subjects were 9 patients who underwent interannular bridging to control TV or MV regurgitation between January 2014 and December 2021. We analysed reintervention for the valve, progression of stenosis/regurgitation and valve growth.

RESULTS
The TV and MV groups included 4 and 5 patients, respectively. At operation, the median age was 5.8 (1.4–14) years in TV and 3.6 (0.3–7.0) years in MV. The median weight was 13.0 (8.4–41.2) kg in TV and 11.0 (4.8–18.3) kg in MV. The median follow-up periods were 78 (11–94) months for TV and 30 (4–34) months for MV. None of the patients in either group underwent reintervention. Moderate or greater regurgitation recurred in 1 TV patient but subsequently improved to mild regurgitation. Valve stenosis (mean diastolic pressure gradient &gt;10 mmHg) was not detected. The median valve diameter (Z-score) ranged from −1.17 (−3.7 to 0.85) at discharge to −0.59 (−1.2 to 2.01) at the latest follow-up in TV patients. In MV patients, valve diameter changed from 1.14 (−1.68 to 1.46) to 0.72 (−0.23 to 1.36). After bridging, the coaptation height was maintained at the same value over time.

CONCLUSIONS
Interannular bridging could be a useful approach for complicated TV/MV regurgitation in children.
Prevalence, aetiology, vaccination coverage and spatio-temporal pattern among patients admitted with acute bacterial meningitis to the sentinel hospital surveillance network in Yemen, 2014–20, before and during the civil war
Authors: Al-Samhari Galal A , Al-Mushiki Gaber M , Tamrakar Rashi , Lin Yue-Dong , Al-Shaebi Fadhl , Akroot Mohammed A , Al-Nahari Saddam A , Li Guan-Jie , Tang Xian-Yan 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background
Acute bacterial meningitis (ABM) is a serious health issue in Yemen where civil war, which continues unabated, has crippled the healthcare system. We conducted a nationwide retrospective observational study in Yemeni sentinel hospitals to identify the prevalence, aetiology, vaccination coverage and spatio-temporal pattern of ABM in children aged &lt;5 years before and during the civil war, 2014–20.

Methods
Cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected from hospitalized children and were analysed macroscopically for appearance and microscopically by Gram stain and white blood cell count. Culture and latex agglutination tests were performed. Data on the prevalence of and vaccination coverage for ABM were obtained from the Ministry of Health. Joinpoint regression was used to assess the annual percent change (APC) of ABM prevalence and vaccination coverage. Pearson's correlation was used to evaluate the association between ABM prevalence and vaccination coverage.

Results
In total, 11 339 hospitalized children had suspected cases of ABM (prevalence, 40.07/100 000 of the whole Yemeni population) and 2.6% (293/11 339) of suspected ABM cases were confirmed (prevalence, 1.04/100 000 of the whole Yemeni population). The dominant pathogens were Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). The civil war reduced the Hib and pneumococcal vaccination coverage (APC = –1.92), reaching its lowest (79.5%) in 2018. The prevalence of suspected ABM increased (APC = 3.46), reaching its maximum (6.08/100 000 of the whole Yemeni population) in 2019. The conflict inversely correlated with the ABM prevalence and vaccination coverage (Pearson correlation coefficient (r), –0.69 to –0.53). Ta'izz region, which was severely affected by the civil war, had the highest prevalence of suspected ABM (120.90/100 000 of the whole Yemeni population) and lowest vaccination coverage (60%).

Conclusions
The civil war had a negative impact on vaccination coverage and coincided with increasing prevalence of ABM in Yemen. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the dominant causative pathogen.
Important considerations regarding the widespread use of doxycycline chemoprophylaxis against sexually transmitted infections
Authors: Kong Fabian Yuh Shiong , Kenyon Chris , Unemo Magnus 
Published: May 2023

AbstractRates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to rise across the world and interventions are essential to reduce their incidence. Past and recent studies have indicated this may be achieved using doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and this has sparked considerable interest in its use. However, many unanswered questions remain as to its long-term effects and particularly potentially negative impact on human microbiomes and antimicrobial resistance among STIs, other pathogens, and commensals. In this review, we discuss seven areas of concern pertaining to the widespread use of doxycycline PEP.
Human galectin-9 potently enhances SARS-CoV-2 replication and inflammation in airway epithelial cells
Authors: Du Li , Bouzidi Mohamed S , Gala Akshay , Deiter Fred , Billaud Jean-Noël , Yeung Stephen T , Dabral Prerna , Jin Jing , Simmons Graham , Dossani Zain Y , Niki Toshiro , Ndhlovu Lishomwa C , Greenland John R , Pillai Satish K 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has caused a global economic and health crisis. Recently, plasma levels of galectin-9 (Gal-9), a β-galactoside-binding lectin involved in immune regulation and viral immunopathogenesis, were reported to be elevated in the setting of severe COVID-19 disease. However, the impact of Gal-9 on SARS-CoV-2 infection and immunopathology remained to be elucidated. In this study, we demonstrate that Gal-9 treatment potently enhances SARS-CoV-2 replication in human airway epithelial cells (AECs), including immortalized AECs and primary AECs cultured at the air–liquid interface. Gal-9–glycan interactions promote SARS-CoV-2 attachment and entry into AECs in an angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)-dependent manner, enhancing the binding of the viral spike protein to ACE2. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that Gal-9 and SARS-CoV-2 infection synergistically induced the expression of key pro-inflammatory programs in AECs, including the IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, EIF2, and TNFα signaling pathways. Our findings suggest that manipulation of Gal-9 should be explored as a therapeutic strategy for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Enumeration of regular fractional factorial designs with four-level and two-level factors
Authors: Bohyn Alexandre , Schoen Eric D , Goos Peter 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Designs for screening experiments usually include factors with two levels only. Adding a few four-level factors allows for the inclusion of multi-level categorical factors or quantitative factors with possible quadratic or third-order effects. Three examples motivated us to generate a large catalogue of designs with two-level factors as well as four-level factors. To create the catalogue, we considered three methods. In the first method, we select designs using a search table, and in the second method, we use a procedure that selects candidate designs based on the properties of their projections into fewer factors. The third method is actually a benchmark method, in which we use a general orthogonal array enumeration algorithm. We compare the efficiencies of the new methods for generating complete sets of nonisomorphic designs. Finally, we use the most efficient method to generate a catalogue of designs with up to three four-level factors and up to 20 two-level factors for run sizes 16, 32, 64, and 128. In some cases, a complete enumeration was infeasible. For these cases, we used a bounded enumeration strategy instead. We demonstrate the usefulness of the catalogue by revisiting the motivating examples.
Data quantity governance for machine learning in materials science
Authors: Liu Yue , Yang Zhengwei , Zou Xinxin , Ma Shuchang , Liu Dahui , Avdeev Maxim , Shi Siqi 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACTData-driven machine learning (ML) is widely employed in the analysis of materials structure–activity relationships, performance optimization and materials design due to its superior ability to reveal latent data patterns and make accurate prediction. However, because of the laborious process of materials data acquisition, ML models encounter the issue of the mismatch between a high dimension of feature space and a small sample size (for traditional ML models) or the mismatch between model parameters and sample size (for deep-learning models), usually resulting in terrible performance. Here, we review the efforts for tackling this issue via feature reduction, sample augmentation and specific ML approaches, and show that the balance between the number of samples and features or model parameters should attract great attention during data quantity governance. Following this, we propose a synergistic data quantity governance flow with the incorporation of materials domain knowledge. After summarizing the approaches to incorporating materials domain knowledge into the process of ML, we provide examples of incorporating domain knowledge into governance schemes to demonstrate the advantages of the approach and applications. The work paves the way for obtaining the required high-quality data to accelerate materials design and discovery based on ML.
Investigation of Blood Plasma Viral Nucleocapsid Antigen as a Marker of Active Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Omicron Variant Infection
Authors: Damhorst Gregory L , Schoof Nils , Nguyen Phuong-Vi , Verkerke Hans , Wilber Eli , McLendon Kaleb , O’Sick William , Baugh Tyler , Cheedarla Suneethamma , Cheedarla Narayanaiah , Stittleburg Victoria , Fitts Eric C , Neja Margaret A , Babiker Ahmed , Piantadosi Anne , Roback John D , Waggoner Jesse J , Mavigner Maud , Lam Wilbur A 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background
Nasopharyngeal qualitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is the gold standard for diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, but it is not practical or sufficient in every clinical scenario due to its inability to distinguish active from resolved infection. Alternative or adjunct testing may be needed to guide isolation precautions and treatment in patients admitted to the hospital.

Methods
We performed a single-center, retrospective analysis of residual clinical specimens and medical record data to examine blood plasma nucleocapsid antigen as a candidate biomarker of active SARS-CoV-2. Adult patients admitted to the hospital or presenting to the emergency department with SARS-CoV-2 ribonucleic acid (RNA) detected by RT-PCR from a nasopharyngeal swab specimen were included. Both nasopharyngeal swab and a paired whole blood sample were required to be available for analysis.

Results
Fifty-four patients were included. Eight patients had positive nasopharyngeal swab virus cultures, 7 of whom (87.5%) had concurrent antigenemia. Nineteen (79.2%) of 24 patients with detectable subgenomic RNA and 20 (80.0%) of 25 patients with N2 RT-PCR cycle threshold ≤ 33 had antigenemia.

Conclusions
Most individuals with active SARS-CoV-2 infection are likely to have concurrent antigenemia, but there may be some individuals with active infection in whom antigenemia is not detectable. The potential for high sensitivity and convenience of a blood test prompts interest in further investigation as a screening tool to reduce reliance on nasopharyngeal swab sampling and as an adjunct diagnostic test to aid in clinical decision making during the period after acute coronavirus disease 2019.