bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multilayer redox-based HfOx/Al2O3/TiO2 memristive structures for neuromorphic computing
Authors: Park Seongae , Spetzler Benjamin , Ivanov Tzvetan , Ziegler Martin 
Published: October 2022

AbstractRedox-based memristive devices have shown great potential for application in neuromorphic computing systems. However, the demands on the device characteristics depend on the implemented computational scheme and unifying the desired properties in one stable device is still challenging. Understanding how and to what extend the device characteristics can be tuned and stabilized is crucial for developing application specific designs. Here, we present memristive devices with a functional trilayer of HfOx/Al2O3/TiO2tailored by the stoichiometry of HfOx(x = 1.8, 2) and the operating conditions. The device properties are experimentally analyzed, and a physics-based device model is developed to provide a microscopic interpretation and explain the role of the Al2O3layer for a stable performance. Our results demonstrate that the resistive switching mechanism can be tuned from area type to filament type in the same device, which is well explained by the model: the Al2O3layer stabilizes the area-type switching mechanism by controlling the formation of oxygen vacancies at the Al2O3/HfOxinterface with an estimated formation energy of ≈ 1.65 ± 0.05 eV. Such stabilized area-type devices combine multi-level analog switching, linear resistance change, and long retention times (≈ 107–108 s) without external current compliance and initial electroforming cycles. This combination is a significant improvement compared to previous bilayer devices and makes the devices potentially interesting for future integration into memristive circuits for neuromorphic applications.
Seasonal methane emission from municipal solid waste disposal sites in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Riman H. S. , Adie G. U. , Anake W. U. , Ana G. R. E. E. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Sector is a major source of Methane (CH4) emission, a Greenhouse Gas (GHG) that contributes to Climate Change. However, governments of developing countries have not been able to address the challenges posed by this sector due to inadequate funding and technical requirement. The objective of this study was to determine how seasonal variation influences the CH4 gas emission. The First Order Decay (FOD) Tier 1 Model was used to estimate CH4 emission from four Solid Waste Disposal Sites (SWDS) in Lagos namely: Ewu-Elepe (Ewu), Abule-Egba (A/E), Soluos (Sol), and Olushosun (Olu) covering the dry and wet seasons, respectively for the inventory year 2020. A known weight of the wet waste deposited was characterized. The study revealed that the Degradable Organic Carbon (DOC) for the dry season was 12.897 GgC/kgWaste while that of the wet season was 12.547 GgC/kgWaste. But, the methane gas generated during the wet season was 0.331 Gg higher than that of the dry season which was 0.134 Gg for the study period. This is an appreciable quantity of methane that can contribute to the global Climate Change impact if not addressed. Therefore, these waste types should be segregated from other recyclables and processed into compost or energy resource.
Effect of resilient architecture in an ancient windmill in the Sistan region on natural ventilation enhancement
Authors: Mohammadi Elham , Jarkeh Mohammadreza , Zolfaghari Seyed Alireza , Arbabi Vahid 
Published: October 2022

AbstractOver centuries different elements have been developed in architectures for ensuring adequate natural ventilation in residential units. This study assesses the different components of an ancient windmill in Sistan, Iran, on the structure's indoor air quality (IAQ) enhancement. Several climatic scenarios have been defined by the wind analysis of Sistan meteorological data and analyzed by CFD. The site measurements confirm the accuracy of the simulation results. In the windmill, two deflectors facing the prevailing wind are the significant elements which, in addition to directing wind toward the entrance, could form vortices near the east and west openings leading to suction ventilation. Alteration of the wind speed and angle from 10 to 15 m/s and 30° to 17° would increase the air change per hour (ACH) by 150% and 110%, respectively. Meanwhile, the ACHs were higher than the ASHRAE desired level (ACH > 0.35).
Photo-crosslinked lignin/PAN electrospun separator for safe lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Yerkinbekova Yerkezhan , Kalybekkyzy Sandugash , Tolganbek Nurbol , Kahraman Memet Vezir , Bakenov Zhumabay , Mentbayeva Almagul 
Published: October 2022

AbstractA novel crosslinked electrospun nanofibrous membrane with maleated lignin (ML) and poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN) is presented as a separator for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Alkali lignin was treated with an esterification agent of maleic anhydride, resulting in a substantial hydroxyl group conversion to enhance the reactivity and mechanical properties of the final nanofiber membranes. The maleated lignin (ML) was subsequently mixed with UV-curable formulations (up to 30% wt) containing polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA), hydrolyzed 3-(Trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (HMEMO) as crosslinkers, and poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN) as a precursor polymer. UV-electrospinning was used to fabricate PAN/ML/HMEMO/PEGDA (PMHP) crosslinked membranes. PMHP membranes made of electrospun nanofibers feature a three-dimensional (3D) porous structure with interconnected voids between the fibers. The mechanical strength of PMHP membranes with a thickness of 25 µm was enhanced by the variation of the cross-linkable formulations. The cell assembled with PMHP2 membrane (20 wt% of ML) showed the maximum ionic conductivity value of 2.79*10−3 S cm−1, which is significantly higher than that of the same cell with the liquid electrolyte and commercial Celgard 2400 (6.5*10−4 S cm−1). The enhanced LIB efficiency with PMHP2 membrane can be attributed to its high porosity, which allows better electrolyte uptake and demonstrates higher ionic conductivity. As a result, the cell assembled with LiFePO4 cathode, Li metal anode, and PMHP2 membrane had a high initial discharge specific capacity of 147 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and exhibited outstanding rate performance. Also, it effectively limits the formation of Li dendrites over 1000 h. PMHP separators have improved chemical and physical properties, including porosity, thermal, mechanical, and electrochemical characteristics, compared with the commercial ones.
The role of age, sex, and multimorbidity in 7-year change in prevalence of limitations in adults 60–94 years
Authors: Landré Benjamin , Gil-Salcedo Andres , Jacob Louis , Schnitzler Alexis , Dugravot Aline , Sabia Séverine , Singh-Manoux Archana 
Published: October 2022

AbstractRecent data suggest a temporal trend in decline in functional limitations in older adults but whether this trend extends to the period after the 8th decade of life remains unclear. We examined change in prevalence of limitations in activities and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL and IADL) between 2008 and 2015 among adults of 60–94 years and the role of age, sex, multimorbidity; we also examined changes in severity of limitations. Data were drawn from two nationally representative surveys in 2008 (n = 13,593) and 2015 (n = 13,267). The 6-item scales of ADL and IADL were each categorized first as ≥ 1 limitations, and then to examine severity as 0, 1–2, and ≥ 3 limitations. Weighted logistic and multinomial regressions were used to estimate prevalence of limitations; the difference between surveys were extracted every 5 years between 60 and 90 years. The prevalence of ≥ 1 ADL declined between 2008 and 2015, from age 75 (− 1.2%; 95%CI = − 2.0, − 0.4%) to age 90 (− 8.8%; 95%CI = − 12.7, − 5.0%). This decline was more pronounced in men than women (p-value for interaction = 0.05) and observed primarily in those with multimorbidity (p-value for interaction = 0.06). Up to 2 ADL limitations declined from age 75 (− 1.0; 95%CI = − 1.7, − 0.3) to 90 (− 6.7; 95%CI = − 9.9, − 3.6) and from age 80 (− 0.6; 95%CI = − 1.1, 0.1) to 85 (− 1.2; 95%CI = − 2.2, − 0.1) for ≥ 3 ADL limitations. There was no substantial change in IADL limitations. These data from a high-income country with universal health care show improvement in ADL even after the 8th decade of life despite increase in multimorbidity.
Elucidating the gut microbiome alterations of tribal community of Arunachal Pradesh: perspectives on their lifestyle or food habits
Authors: Hazarika Parijat , Chattopadhyay Indranil , Umpo Mika , Choudhury Yashmin , Sharma Indu 
Published: October 2022

AbstractGut microbiota studies of ethnic populations reveal gut microbial biomarkers for therapeutic options and detection of the disease state. The present study aimed to analyze the gut microbiome signatures in thirty individuals from the Adi, Apatani and Nyshi tribes of Arunachal Pradesh (ten in each cohort) by sequencing the V3 and V4 regions of 16S rRNA on the Illumina MiSeq Platform. The gut microbiome was highly predominated by Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidates in the three studied tribal groups. At the genus level, significant abundance of Bifidobacterium, Collinsella, Bacteroides, Prevotella, Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Clostridium, Coprococcus, Dorea, Lachnospira, Roseburia, Ruminococcus, Faecalibacterium, Catenibacterium, Eubacterium, Citrobacter and Enterobacter were observed amongst the three tribes. The tribal communities residing in remote areas and following traditional lifestyle had higher gut microbiome diversity with a high prevalence of Prevotella and Collinsella in the Adi and Nyshi tribes, and Bifidobacterium and Catenibacterium in the Apatani tribe. Elucidating the gut microbiome of the tribal community of Arunachal Pradesh will add to the knowledge on relationships between microbial communities, dietary food factors, and the overall state of health of humans worldwide.
Value of computed tomography Hounsfield units in predicting pedicle screw loosening in the thoracic spine
Authors: Lee Minsu , Lee Eugene , Lee Joon Woo 
Published: October 2022

AbstractWe evaluated the feasibility of using the Hounsfield unit (HU) value of the vertebral body to predict screw loosening in the thoracic spine. Consecutive patients who underwent thoracic spinal fusion surgery (from 2014 to 2020) were retrospectively identified. Patients with pedicle screw loosening in the upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) on postoperative computed tomography were included in the “loosening” group. The control group comprised an equal number of age-, sex-, and UIV-matched patients without screw loosening. Preoperative HU values at the UIV and lumbar T-scores were compared between the groups; receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed for HU values and T-scores to predict screw loosening, and the best cutoff values were determined. The same statistical analyses were performed for each subgroup, i.e., upper (T1–T4) and lower (T9–T12) thoracic levels. Forty-six patients each were included in the loosening and control groups. A significant between-group difference of HU values was noted for the lower thoracic UIV (loosening = 99.3, control = 126.3; p = 0.02) but not for the upper thoracic UIV (loosening = 171.8, control = 146.0, p = 0.70). T-scores did not differ between the groups for the lower (p = 0.14) and upper (p = 0.56) thoracic UIV. For the lower thoracic UIV, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.660 for HUs (p = 0.01; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.541–0.766) and 0.601 (p = 0.13; 95% CI 0.480–0.713) for T-scores. The optimal cutoff value for HUs was 126.3. Using this cutoff, HU values showed a better positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy compared to T-scores in predicting screw loosening.
Posterior transforaminal debridement and interbody fusion with instrumentation for multi-segment thoracic spinal tuberculosis: a midterm follow-up study
Authors: Xu Zhenchao , Zhang Zhen , Wu Yunqi , Wang Xiyang 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThis retrospective study aimed to evaluate midterm outcomes of surgical management of multi-segment thoracic spinal tuberculosis by single-stage posterior transforaminal debridement and interbody fusion with instrumentation. From January 2007 to October 2015, 42 adult patients with thoracic spinal tuberculosis involving three or more levels underwent single-stage posterior transforaminal debridement, interbody fusion and instrumentation At a mean follow-up of 73.5 ± 9.6 months, all patients were eligible for final evaluation. All displayed improved biochemical markers and pain scores at 3 months and improved physiologic levels at the end of treatment. Visual analogue and 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey scores were significantly improved compared with preoperative values. All 30 patients with preoperative neurological deficits experienced neurologic improvement. Thoracic kyphosis angle decreased significantly from 34.4° ± 4.5° to 22.0° ± 2.6°. A mean kyphotic angle loss of 1.7° ± 1.1° was recorded at the final follow-up, and bone fusion was observed at a mean of 10.6 ± 2.1 months, with no instrumentation failures. One patient experienced delayed incisional healing and five patients suffered postoperative intercostal neuralgia that were cured by conservative treatment. There were no graft failures or implant breakages. This study showed the utility of a single-staged procedure combining posterior transforaminal debridement and interbody fusion with instrumentation, and demonstrated promising results.
Social evaluations of scientific occupations
Authors: Gligorić Vukašin , van Kleef Gerben A. , Rutjens Bastiaan T. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractScience and scientists are among the key drivers of societal progress and technological developments. While research has demonstrated that science is perceived as heterogeneous, work on perceptions of scientists usually considers “scientists” as members of a homogeneous group. In the present research, we went beyond this general categorization by investigating differences in social evaluations of different types of scientists. Across four studies conducted in the UK and the US (total N = 1441), we discovered that members of the most frequently mentioned scientific occupations (35 and 36 respectively in each country) are seen as highly competent, relatively moral, but only moderately sociable. We also found that individuals perceive differences between scientific occupations across social dimensions, which were captured in clusters of scientific occupations. Chemists, biologists, and physicists represented the most mentioned and highly prototypical scientific occupations. Perceived prototypicality was primarily associated with competence ratings, meaning that, in the public’s view, to be a scientist means to be competent. Perceptions of morality and sociability varied notably across clusters. Overall, we demonstrate that focusing only on “scientists” leads to overgeneralization, and that distinguishing between different types of scientists provides a much-needed nuanced picture of social evaluations of scientists across occupations.
Prediction of drug–target interactions through multi-task learning
Authors: Moon Chaeyoung , Kim Dongsup 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIdentifying the binding between the target proteins and molecules is essential in drug discovery. The multi-task learning method has been introduced to facilitate knowledge sharing among tasks when the amount of information for each task is small. However, multi-task learning sometimes worsens the overall performance or generates a trade-off between individual task’s performance. In this study, we propose a general multi-task learning scheme that not only increases the average performance but also minimizes individual performance degradation, through group selection and knowledge distillation. The groups are selected on the basis of chemical similarity between ligand sets of targets, and the similar targets in the same groups are trained together. During training, we apply knowledge distillation with teacher annealing. The multi-task learning models are guided by the predictions of the single-task learning models. This method results in higher average performance than that from single-task learning and classic multi-task learning. Further analysis reveals that multi-task learning is particularly effective for low performance tasks, and knowledge distillation helps the model avoid the degradation in individual task performance in multi-task learning.
EZH2 regulates oncomiR-200c and EMT markers in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Nourmohammadi Fatemeh , Forghanifard Mohammad Mahdi , Abbaszadegan Mohammad Reza , Zarrinpour Vajiheh 
Published: October 2022

AbstractEZH2, as a histone methyltransferase, has been associated with cancer development and metastasis possibly through the regulation of microRNAs and cellular pathways such as EMT. In this study, the effect of EZH2 expression on miR-200c and important genes of the EMT pathway was investigated in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Comparative qRT-PCR was used to examine EZH2 expression in ESCC lines (YM-1 and KYSE‐30) following the separately transfected silencing and ectopic expressional EZH2 vectors in ESCC. Subsequently, expression of miR-200c and EMT markers was also assessed using qRT-PCR, western blotting and immunocytochemistry. Underexpression of Mir200c was detected in YM-1 and KYSE-30 cells after EZH2 silencing, while its overexpression was observed after EZH2 induced expression. Following EZH2 silencing, downregulation of mesenchymal markers and upregulation of epithelial markers were detected in the ESCCs. Our results demonstrate that EZH2 regulates the expression of miR-200c and critical EMT genes, implying that overexpression of Zeb2, Fibronectin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin lead to a mesenchymal phenotype and morphology while underexpression of epithelial genes, enhance cell migration after enforced expression of EZH2 in ESCCs. EZH2 gene can be a beneficial treatment marker for patients with esophageal cancer through decrease invasiveness of the disease and efficient response to neoadjuvant therapy.
Honey compositional convergence and the parallel domestication of social bees
Authors: Noiset Pierre , Cabirol Nathalie , Rojas-Oropeza Marcelo , Warrit Natapot , Nkoba Kiatoko , Vereecken Nicolas J. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractHoney collection evolved from simple honey hunting to the parallel and independent domestication of different species of bees in various parts of the world. In this study, we investigate the extent to which the composition of Apis and stingless bee honeys has been a driver in the selection of different bee species for domestication in Mesoamerica (Mexico) and Asia (Thailand) using a sampling design that combines peak honey profiling by H1 NMR spectroscopy with the collection of honeys from domesticated and undomesticated bee species. Our results show that, independently of the region of the world considered, domesticated stingless bees produce honey whose compositional profiles differ from those of the non-domesticated species and exhibit more similarities towards honeys produced by the domesticated Apis species. Our results provide evidence for the first time that the search for natural sweeteners in the environment by our ancestors led to the parallel and independent domestication of social bees producing honeys with similar compositional profiles.
Health and environmental consequences of crop residue burning correlated with increasing crop yields midst India’s Green Revolution
Authors: Huang Tao , Ma Jianmin , Song Shijie , Ling Zaili , Macdonald Robie W. , Gao Hong , Tao Shu , Shen Huizhong , Zhao Yuan , Liu Xinrui , Tian Chongguo , Li Yifan , Jia Hongliang , Lian Lulu , Mao Xiaoxuan 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe Green Revolution (GR) enhances crop yields significantly that contributes greatly to the social and economic development of many less developed countries. However, the increasing crop yields might rise crop residue biomass burning, leading to adverse environmental and health consequences. We assess the impact of crop residue burning associated with the GR-induced growing crop yields on benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) pollution, a congener of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with strong carcinogenicity. We find a significant increasing trend of BaP emission and contamination from crop residue biomass burning from the mid-1960s to 2010s in India, coinciding with the growing crop yields occurring during the GR. Our results reveal that agricultural BaP emission driven lifetime lung cancer risk (ILCR) in India increased 2.6 times from the onset of GR in the mid-1960s to 2014 and the 57% population in India was exposed to the BaP level higher than the India national standard (1 ng m−3). We show that the reduction of open crop residue burning during the rice and wheat residue burning period would be a very effective measure to reduce BaP environmental contamination and health risk.
Single-crystalline nanoribbon network field effect transistors from arbitrary two-dimensional materials
Authors: Aslam Muhammad Awais , Tran Tuan Hoang , Supina Antonio , Siri Olivier , Meunier Vincent , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Kralj Marko , Teichert Christian , Sheremet Evgeniya , Rodriguez Raul D. , Matković Aleksandar 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe last decade has seen a flurry of studies related to graphene nanoribbons owing to their potential applications in the quantum realm. However, little experimental work has been reported towards nanoribbons of other 2D materials. Here, we propose a universal approach to synthesize high-quality networks of nanoribbons from arbitrary 2D materials while maintaining high crystallinity, narrow size distribution, and straightforward device integrability. The wide applicability of this technique is demonstrated by fabricating molybednum disulphide, tungsten disulphide, tungsten diselenide, and graphene nanoribbon field effect transistors that inherently do not suffer from interconnection resistance. By relying on self-aligning organic nanostructures as masks, we demonstrate the possibility of controlling the predominant crystallographic direction of the nanoribbon’s edges. Electrical characterization shows record mobilities and very high ON currents despite extreme width scaling. Lastly, we explore decoration of nanoribbon edges with plasmonic particles paving the way for nanoribbon-based opto-electronic devices.
Structural and molecular determinants of Candida glabrata metacaspase maturation and activation by calcium
Authors: Conchou Léa , Doumèche Bastien , Galisson Frédéric , Violot Sébastien , Dugelay Chloé , Diesis Eric , Page Adeline , Bienvenu Anne-Lise , Picot Stéphane , Aghajari Nushin , Ballut Lionel 
Published: October 2022

AbstractMetacaspases are caspase-like homologs which undergo a complex maturation process involving multiple intra-chain cleavages resulting in a composite enzyme made of a p10 and a p20 domain. Their proteolytic activity involving a cysteine-histidine catalytic dyad, show peptide bond cleavage specificity in the C-terminal to lysine and arginine, with both maturation- and catalytic processes being calcium-dependent. Here, we present the structure of a metacaspase from the yeast Candida glabrata, CgMCA-I, in complex with a unique calcium along with a structure in which three magnesium ions are bound. We show that the Ca2+ ion interacts with a loop in the vicinity of the catalytic site. The reorganization of this cation binding loop, by bringing together the two catalytic residues, could be one of the main structural determinants triggering metacaspase activation. Enzymatic exploration of CgMCA-I confirmed that the maturation process implies a trans mechanism with sequential cleavages.