bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling of the Variability of D‐Region Ionospheric Electron Density During Solar Cycle‐24
Authors: Chakraborty Sayak , Palit Sourav , Deb Semontee , Basak Tamal
Published: October 2024

Solar cycle variation of earth's atmosphere, particularly the ionosphere is of particular interest in the field of space science and space weather studies. In this article, we present the outcome of our detailed quantitative study on solar cycle variation of lower ionospheric properties using numerical investigation. First, we seek to model and compare the collective D‐region ionization rates (’s) due to the individual contributions from the ionizing sources, namely, (a) solar extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation including the Lyman‐ irradiation and (b) solar X‐ray irradiation throughout the solar cycle (C24). Then, we compute the electron density profiles using the ionization rates. We report significant solar cycle variation in ionization rate and electron density profiles for the entire span of C24. We use the sunspot number (SPN) profile to substantiate the finer details of profile during C24. For the segments of the D‐region above two different geographic coordinates, we report that profiles show a consistent “dual peak” nature. It is very similar to the SPN profile during C24. As a next‐order validation, we compare our modeled profiles with their IRI‐2020 counterpart (s). Their overall trends are found to be in agreement. Finally, we discuss the response of the D‐region in terms of due to C24. The work lays the foundation for our upcoming studies on D‐region response to solar cycle variation with Very Low Frequency (VLF) observation.
Diurnal and Seasonal Variations of Meteor Speed and Arrival Angle Observed by Mengcheng Meteor Radar
Authors: Wu Koutian , Yi Wen , Xue Xianghui , Reid Iain Murray , Lu Maolin
Published: October 2024

Meteor speed is crucial in identifying key astronomical aspects of the meteoroid environment, including the influx of meteoric material and the distribution of meteoric radiants. This study investigates diurnal and seasonal variations of meteor speed from April 2014 to December 2023 observed by the Mengcheng meteor radar (MCMR; 33.4°N, 116.3°E). In addition to the expected diurnal variation of meteor speed, azimuth peak, zenith peak, and the azimuthal direction of maximum meteor speed due to the Earth's rotation, where the meteor speed peaks northward in the local morning and shifts clockwise, we find that the meteor speed distribution resembles a superposition of two Gaussian distributions, with the lower (higher) distribution mainly ranging from 20 to 40 (45–65) km/s. The two speed peaks are estimated using a double‐Gaussian fitting approach. In terms of seasonal variation, we find that (a) the low‐speed peak indicates a semi‐annual variation cycle, with maxima in June–July and December–January, and minima in February and August; (b) the high‐speed peak indicates an annual variation cycle, with maxima in September–December and minima in March. There is also a correlation between the seasonal variations in the meteor speed peaks and the occurrence of meteor showers. Statistical analysis provides a map of seasonal variations in the intensity, duration, and timing of meteor shower activities, which is supplemental to previous shorter‐duration studies using backscatter meteor radar observations. We also find notable shower events where the meteor counts exceed 45%–97% of the background count on corresponding event dates and speeds.
Attribution of Excess Methane Emissions Over Marine Environments of the Mediterranean and Arabian Peninsula
Authors: Bourtsoukidis E. , Germain‐Piaulenne E. , Gros V. , Quéhé P.‐Y. , Pikridas M. , Byron J. , Williams J. , Gliddon D. , Mohamed R. , Ekaabi R. , Lelieveld J. , Sciare J. , Teixidó O. , Paris J.‐D.
Published: October 2024

To accurately assess the current atmospheric methane budget and its future trends, it is essential to apportion and quantify the anthropogenic methane emissions to specific sources. This poses a significant challenge in the under‐sampled Middle East, where estimates predominantly depend on remote sensing observations and bottom‐up reporting of national emissions. Here, we present in situ shipborne observations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and non‐methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs) collected along a >10,000‐km route from Vigo, Spain, to Abu Dhabi, UAE. By comparing our observations with Lagrangian dispersion model simulations, coupled with two methane emission inventories, we identify periods of considerable mismatch and apportion the responsible sources. Employing interspecies relationships with NMHCs has enabled the characterization of methane emissions from oil and gas (O&G) operations, urban centers, Red Sea deep water, enteric fermentation, and agriculture across diverse atmospheric environments. Our analysis reveals that the Suez area is a regional emission hotspot, where simulations consistently underestimate the methane emission sources. Importantly, the Middle Eastern O&G sector has been identified as an additional source of considerable uncertainty. Here, methane emissions were alternately underestimated and overestimated by the two inventories, exposing significant gaps in our understanding of fuel exploitation‐related emissions in the Middle East. This underscores the need for further targeted field campaigns and long‐term observations to improve the accuracy of emission data in the inventories.
Managing Induced Seismicity Risks From Enhanced Geothermal Systems: A Good Practice Guideline
Authors: Zhou Wen , Lanza Federica , Grigoratos Iason , Schultz Ryan , Cousse Julia , Trutnevyte Evelina , Muntendam‐Bos Annemarie , Wiemer Stefan
Published: October 2024

Geothermal energy is a green source of power that could play an important role in climate‐conscious energy portfolios; enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) have the potential to scale up exploitation of thermal resources. During hydraulic fracturing, fluids injected under high‐pressure cause the rock mass to fail, stimulating fractures that improve fluid connectivity. However, this increase of pore fluid pressure can also reactivate pre‐existing fault systems, potentially inducing earthquakes of significant size. Induced earthquakes are a significant concern for EGS operations. In some cases, ground shaking nuisance, building damages, or injuries have spurred the early termination of projects (e.g., Basel, Pohang). On the other hand, EGS operations at Soultz‐sous‐Forêts (France), Helsinki (Finland), Blue Mountain (Nevada, USA), and Utah FORGE (USA) have adequately managed induced earthquake risks. The success of an EGS operation depends on economical reservoir enhancements, while maintaining acceptable seismic risk levels. This requires state‐of‐the‐art seismic risk management. This article reviews domains of seismology, earthquake engineering, risk management, and communication. We then synthesize “good practice” recommendations for evaluating, mitigating, and communicating the risk of induced seismicity. We advocate for a modular approach. Recommendations are provided for key technical aspects including (a) a seismic risk management framework, (b) seismic risk pre‐screening, (c) comprehensive seismic hazard and risk evaluation, (d) traffic light protocol designs, (e) seismic monitoring implementation, and (f) step‐by‐step communication plans. Our recommendations adhere to regulatory best practices, to ensure their general applicability. Our guidelines provide a template for effective earthquake risk management and future research directions.
Silencing of SIRPα enhances the antitumor efficacy of CAR-M in solid tumors
Authors: Zhang Han , Huo Yi , Zheng Wenjing , Li Peng , Li Hui , Zhang Lingling , Sa Longqi , He Yang , Zhao Zihao , Shi Changhong , Shan Lequn , Yang Angang , Wang Tao
Published: October 2024

The potential of macrophage-mediated phagocytosis as a cancer treatment is promising. Blocking the CD47–SIRPα interaction with a CD47-specific antibody significantly enhances macrophage phagocytosis. However, concerns regarding their toxicity to nontumor cells remain substantial. Here, we engineered chimeric antigen receptor macrophages (CAR-Ms) by fusing a humanized single-chain variable fragment with FcγRIIa and integrating short hairpin RNA to silence SIRPα, thereby disrupting the CD47–SIRPα signaling pathway. These modified CAR-shSIRPα-M cells exhibited an M1-like phenotype, superior phagocytic function, substantial cytotoxic effects on HER2-positive tumor cells, and the ability to eliminate patient-derived organoids. In vivo, CAR-M cells significantly inhibited tumor growth and prolonged survival in tumor-bearing mice. Notably, CAR-shSIRPα-M cells enhanced cytotoxic T-cell infiltration into tumors, thereby enhancing the antitumor response in both the humanized immune system mouse model and immunocompetent mice. Mechanistically, SIRPα inhibition activated inflammatory pathways and the cGAS-STING signaling cascade in CAR-M cells, leading to increased production of proinflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species, and nitric oxide, thereby enhancing their antitumor effects. These findings underscore the potential of SIRPα inhibition as a novel strategy to increase the antitumor efficacy of CAR-M cells in cancer immunotherapy, particularly against solid tumors.
Structure of a Rhs effector clade domain provides mechanistic insights into type VI secretion system toxin delivery
Authors: Hayes Brooke K. , Harper Marina , Venugopal Hariprasad , Lewis Jessica M. , Wright Amy , Lee Han-Chung , Steele Joel R. , Steer David L. , Schittenhelm Ralf B. , Boyce John D. , McGowan Sheena
Published: October 2024

The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a molecular machine utilised by many Gram-negative bacteria to deliver antibacterial toxins into adjacent cells. Here we present the structure of Tse15, a T6SS Rhs effector from the nosocomial pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii. Tse15 forms a triple layered β-cocoon Rhs domain with an N-terminal α-helical clade domain and an unfolded C-terminal toxin domain inside the Rhs cage. Tse15 is cleaved into three domains, through independent auto-cleavage events involving aspartyl protease activity for toxin self-cleavage and a nucleophilic glutamic acid for N-terminal clade cleavage. Proteomic analyses identified that significantly more peptides from the N-terminal clade and toxin domains were secreted than from the Rhs cage, suggesting toxin delivery often occurs without the cage. We propose the clade domain acts as an internal chaperone to mediate toxin tethering to the T6SS machinery. Conservation of the clade domain in other Gram-negative bacteria suggests this may be a common mechanism for delivery.
Lowering of the singlet-triplet energy gap via intramolecular exciton-exciton coupling
Authors: Schäfer Clara , Ringström Rasmus , Hanrieder Jörg , Rahm Martin , Albinsson Bo , Börjesson Karl
Published: October 2024

Organic dyes typically have electronically excited states of both singlet and triplet multiplicity. Controlling the energy difference between these states is a key factor for making efficient organic light emitting diodes and triplet sensitizers, which fulfill essential functions in chemistry, physics, and medicine. Here, we propose a strategy to shift the singlet excited state of a known sensitizer to lower energies without shifting the energy of the triplet state, thus without compromising the ability of the sensitizer to do work. We covalently connect two to four sensitizers in such a way that their transition dipole moments are aligned in a head-to-tail fashion, but, through steric encumbrance, the delocalization is minimized between each moiety. Exciton coupling between the singlet excited states considerably lowers the first excited singlet state energy. However, the energy of the lowest triplet excited state is unperturbed because the exciton coupling strength depends on the magnitude of the transition dipole moments, which for triplets are very small. We expect that the presented strategy of designed intramolecular exciton coupling will be a useful concept in the design of both photosensitizers and emitters for organic light emitting diodes as both benefits from a small singlet-triplet energy gap.
Discerning the impact of ctDNA detection on patient decision-making in early-stage breast cancer
Authors: Ballinger Tarah J. , Smith Mary Lou , Railey Elda , Zimet Greg , Schneider Bryan P.
Published: October 2024

The impact of knowledge of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) status on patient decisions in high-risk triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) weighing benefit and toxicity is unknown. Here, 286 women with a history of non-metastatic breast cancer who had received chemotherapy completed a survey mimicking scenarios of residual TNBC after chemotherapy and unknown, negative, or positive ctDNA status to determine the shift in the decision to receive adjuvant therapy. Participants were then presented scenarios mimicking possible post-neoadjuvant therapies and rated acceptability. A general linear model with repeated measures determined contributions of risk reduction and toxicity. When the hypothetical risk of recurrence mimicked ctDNA negativity, significantly less participants were accepting of adjuvant capecitabine versus no therapy. When presented with ctDNA positivity and increased recurrence risk, the degree of benefit impacted acceptability more than the toxicity profile. As genomic technology advances and ctDNA assays become commercially available, it is imperative to understand the impact on patient decision-making.
Sustained effect of prasinezumab on Parkinson’s disease motor progression in the open-label extension of the PASADENA trial
Authors: Pagano Gennaro , Monnet Annabelle , Reyes Adriana , Ribba Benjamin , Svoboda Hanno , Kustermann Thomas , Simuni Tanya , Postuma Ronald B. , Pavese Nicola , Stocchi Fabrizio , Brockmann Kathrin , Smigorski Krzysztof , Gerbaldo Valentina , Fontoura Paulo , Doody Rachelle , Kerchner Geoffrey A. , Brundin Patrik , Marek Kenneth , Bonni Azad , Nikolcheva Tania ,   PASADENA Investigators,   Prasinezumab Study Group
Published: October 2024

The Phase II trial of Anti-alpha-Synuclein Antibody in Early Parkinson’s Disease (PASADENA) is an ongoing double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of prasinezumab in early-stage Parkinson’s disease (PD). During the double-blind period, prasinezumab-treated individuals showed less progression of motor signs (Movement Disorders Society-sponsored revision of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS–UPDRS) Part III) than placebo-treated individuals. We evaluated whether the effect of prasinezumab on motor progression, assessed as a change in MDS–UPDRS Part III score in the OFF and ON states, and MDS–UPDRS Part II score, was sustained for 4 years from the start of the trial. We compared participants enrolled in the PASADENA open-label extension study with those enrolled in an external comparator arm derived from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative observational study. The PASADENA delayed-start (n = 94) and early-start (n = 177) groups showed a slower decline (a smaller increase in score) in MDS–UPDRS Part III scores in the OFF state (delayed start, −51%; early start, −65%), ON state (delayed start, −94%; early start, −118%) and MDS–UPDRS Part II (delayed start, −48%; early start, −40%) than did the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative external comparator (n = 303). This exploratory analysis, which requires confirmation in future studies, suggested that the effect of prasinezumab in slowing motor progression in PD may be sustained long term. PASADENA ClinicalTrials.gov no. NCT03100149.
Named entity recognition of pharmacokinetic parameters in the scientific literature
Authors: Gonzalez Hernandez Ferran , Nguyen Quang , Smith Victoria C. , Cordero José Antonio , Ballester Maria Rosa , Duran Màrius , Solé Albert , Chotsiri Palang , Wattanakul Thanaporn , Mundin Gill , Lilaonitkul Watjana , Standing Joseph F. , Kloprogge Frank
Published: October 2024

The development of accurate predictions for a new drug’s absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion profiles in the early stages of drug development is crucial due to high candidate failure rates. The absence of comprehensive, standardised, and updated pharmacokinetic (PK) repositories limits pre-clinical predictions and often requires searching through the scientific literature for PK parameter estimates from similar compounds. While text mining offers promising advancements in automatic PK parameter extraction, accurate Named Entity Recognition (NER) of PK terms remains a bottleneck due to limited resources. This work addresses this gap by introducing novel corpora and language models specifically designed for effective NER of PK parameters. Leveraging active learning approaches, we developed an annotated corpus containing over 4000 entity mentions found across the PK literature on PubMed. To identify the most effective model for PK NER, we fine-tuned and evaluated different NER architectures on our corpus. Fine-tuning BioBERT exhibited the best results, achieving a strict $$F_{1}$$

F
1

score of 90.37% in recognising PK parameter mentions, significantly outperforming heuristic approaches and models trained on existing corpora. To accelerate the development of end-to-end PK information extraction pipelines and improve pre-clinical PK predictions, the PK NER models and the labelled corpus were released open source at https://github.com/PKPDAI/PKNER.
Experimental study under thermal shock environment to investigate effect of welding width on properties of ultrasonically welded joints of multiple copper cables
Authors: Zhang Yongqi , Abbas Zeshan , Zhao Lun , Shen Zhonghua , Li Liya , Su Jianxiong , Khan Saad Saleem , Larkin Stephen
Published: October 2024

Based on the ultrasonic welding technology, this study uses three different welding widths to weld copper cables with different specifications. The influence of welding width on the mechanical properties and microstructure of each group of welded joints was systematically studied for the first time. The thermal shock test was carried out for each group of welded joints under optimum welding width to simulate the influence of severe temperature change environment on joint performance. It is found that the cross-sectional area of joint is 20 mm2 and optimal welding width of joint composed of two and three cables is 7 mm. The optimal welding temperature of the joint composed of four cables is 5 mm. Under the optimal welding width, the average shear strength of two-cable joint reaches 309.4 N. The four-cable joint is only 232.2 N. Moreover, the welding strength weakens significantly as the number of cables and the peak temperature decreases. The high temperature of bonding interface is the key factor to form a good weld. The peak temperature during welding is negatively correlated with the porosity of joint and positively correlated with peeling strength of joint. In addition, the morphology of ultrasonically welded joints has changed obviously after thermal shock test. With the participation of oxygen, the surface of welded joint is gray and bright brass, while the interior of joint is purple due to lack of oxygen. Moreover, the phenomenon of atomic diffusion and thermal expansion generates joints which were initially in a mechanically interlocked form and welding interface of the metallurgical bond under the action of high temperature. So the maximum joint peel strength is slightly improved.
Collisionless cooling of perpendicular electron temperature in the thermal quench of a magnetized plasma
Authors: Zhang Yanzeng , Li Jun , Tang Xian-Zhu
Published: October 2024

Thermal quench of a nearly collisionless plasma against an isolated cooling boundary or region is an undesirable off-normal event in magnetic fusion experiments, but an ubiquitous process of cosmological importance in astrophysical plasmas. Parallel transport theory of ambipolar-constrained tail electron loss is known to predict rapid cooling of the parallel electron temperature $$T_{e\parallel },$$ although $$T_{e\parallel }$$ is difficult to diagnose in actual experiments. Instead direct experimental measurements can readily track the perpendicular electron temperature $$T_{e\perp }$$ via electron cyclotron emission. The physics underlying the observed fast drop in $$T_{e\perp }$$ requires a resolution. Here two collisionless mechanisms, dilutional cooling by infalling cold electrons and wave-particle interaction by two families of whistler instabilities, are shown to enable fast $$T_{e\perp }$$ cooling that closely tracks the mostly collisionless crash of $$T_{e\parallel }.$$ These findings motivate both experimental validation and reexamination of a broad class of plasma cooling problems in laboratory, space, and astrophysical settings.
Tapeworm infection affects sleep-like behavior in three-spined sticklebacks
Authors: Bauhus Marc B. , Mews Sina , Kurtz Joachim , Brinker Alexander , Peuß Robert , Anaya-Rojas Jaime M.
Published: October 2024

Sleep is a complex and conserved biological process that affects several body functions and behaviors. Evidence suggests that there is a reciprocal interaction between sleep and immunity. For instance, fragmented sleep can increase the probability of parasitic infections and reduce the ability to fight infections. Moreover, viral and bacterial infections alter the sleep patterns of infected individuals. However, the effects of macro-parasitic infections on sleep remain largely unknown, and measuring sleep in non-model organisms remains challenging. In this study, we investigated whether macro-parasite infections could alter sleep-like behavior of their hosts. We experimentally infected three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus), a freshwater fish, with the tapeworm Schistocephalus solidus and used a hidden Markov model to characterize sleep-like behavior in sticklebacks. One to four days after parasite exposure, infected fish showed no difference in sleep-like behavior compared with non-exposed fish, and fish that were exposed-but-not-infected only showed a slight reduction in sleep-like behavior during daytime. Twenty-nine to 32 days after exposure, infected fish showed more sleep-like behavior than control fish, while exposed-but-not-infected fish showed overall less sleep-like behavior. Using brain transcriptomics, we identified immune- and sleep-associated genes that potentially underlie the observed behavioral changes. These results provide insights into the complex association between macro-parasite infection, immunity, and sleep in fish and may thus contribute to a better understanding of reciprocal interactions between sleep and immunity.
Left ventricular systolic function after inhalation of beta-2 agonists in healthy athletes
Authors: Persch H. , Bizjak D. A. , Takabayashi K. , Schober F. , Winkert K. , Dreyhaupt J. , Harps L. C. , Diel P. , Parr M. K. , Zügel M. , Steinacker J. M.
Published: October 2024

Inhaled beta-2 adrenoceptor agonists (iβ2A) are routinely used as bronchodilators in the treatment of asthma. However, their cardiac effects in athletes are scarcely examined. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of iβ2A on left ventricular (LV) systolic function (SF) by echocardiography in healthy, non-asthmatic female and male endurance athletes. A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, balanced, 4-way complete block cross-over study was conducted. Twenty-four healthy athletes (12f/12m: 22.9 ± 2.7/24.4 ± 4.6 years) randomly completed 4 study arms (placebo; salbutamol; formoterol; formoterol + salbutamol). After inhalation of the study medication, the participants performed a 10-min time trial (TT) on a bicycle ergometer. After each TT an echocardiography was performed to determine LVSF. Blood samples were collected pre, post, 3 h and 24 h post TT. In females, total serum concentrations for salbutamol and formoterol were higher. LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and LV global longitudinal strain (LVendoGLS) showed a treatment effect for the whole study group (p < 0.0001) and a sex effect on LVEF (p = 0.0085). In women, there was a significant treatment effect for all medication arms (at least p ≤ 0.01) both on LVEF and LVendoGLS. In men only formoterol and formoterol + salbutamol displayed a treatment effect on LVEF (p = 0.0427, p = 0.0330; respectively), whereas on LVendoGLS only formoterol + salbutamol was significant (p = 0.0473). The iβ2A significantly influenced LVSF after an acute bout of exercise in healthy endurance athletes. These effects were even more pronounced when combining both iβ2A that supports a dose-dependent effect on cardiac function. Moreover, female athletes had higher serum concentrations of β2 agonists and stronger effects on LVSF compared to male athletes. This is mainly explained by differences in body weight and related plasma volume and may indicate a potential risk when increasing dose above the tested concentrations.

Trial registration: At the European Union Drug Regulating Authorities Clinical Trials (Eudra CT) with the number 201,500,559,819 (registered prospectively on 09/12/2015) and at the German register for clinical studies (DRKS number 00010574 registered retrospectively on 16/11/2021).
Unraveling the dynamics of ChatGPT adoption and utilization through Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Parveen Khalida , Phuc Tran Quang Bao , Alghamdi Abdulelah A. , Hajjej Fahima , Obidallah Waeal J. , Alduraywish Yousef A. , Shafiq Muhammad
Published: October 2024

ChatGPT, an advanced Artificial Intelligence tool, is getting considerable attention in higher education. ChatGPT significantly changes the student learning experience through its AI-aided support, personalized study assistance and effective educational experiences, and it has become an object of particular interest in this context. This research aimed to build a technology acceptance and usage model that encapsulates the elements influencing students’ adoption and utilization of ChatGPT, drawing on constructs from the ‘Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology’ and ‘Flow Theory’. The proposed model was found valid and prolific, with the credibility of the results relying on the self-reported surveys of 505 students from three universities in Pakistan. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to analyze data that confirmed the robustness and validity of the proposed model of the study. The study findings supported nine out of the ten proposed hypotheses. Perceived playfulness was declared the paramount predictor of behavioral intention, while perceived values and performance expectancy were the next-level predictors. Additionally, behavioral attention was a high and inspiring determinant of ChatGPT usage behavior, followed by attention focus. This analysis demonstrates a need for a thorough investigation of AI tools like ChatGPT in higher education.
Influence of flexoelectricity on coupled electromechanical response of 2D MXene/graphene-based hybrid piezocomposites
Authors: Shingare Kishor Balasaheb , Ambade Rohan B. , Chodankar Nilesh Rajaram , Rokhade Mandar , Al Ghaferi Amal , Schiffer Andreas , Liao Kin
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the influence of flexoelectricity on the coupled electromechanical behavior of MXene/graphene-based hybrid piezocomposite (MGHPC) plates. We developed an analytical model based on Navier’s solution and Kirchhoff’s plate theory, as well as an approximate model based on the Ritz method for validation purposes. A three-phase micromechanical modeling is developed for determining the effective properties of MGHPC composed of 2D MXene and graphene nano-reinforcements embedded in an epoxy matrix. These micromechanical models were implemented to predict the static and dynamic electromechanical response of MGHPC plates subject to various edge support and loading conditions. Both the analytical and approximate solutions provided unequivocal evidence of the profound impact of the flexoelectric effect on the bending and modal analysis of MGHPC nanoplates. The flexoelectric effect enhanced the stiffness of the nanoplate, irrespective of the support condition. This implies that MGHPC plates can be tailored for precise resonance frequencies and static deflection within nanoelectromechanical systems. This can be achieved by manipulating parameters such as boundary conditions and geometric attributes, including plate thickness/aspect ratio and graphene/MXene nano-reinforcements volume fractions.
Josephson coupling across magnetic topological insulator MnBi2Te4
Authors: Jansen Thies , Kochetkova Ekaterina , Isaeva Anna , Brinkman Alexander , Li Chuan
Published: October 2024

Topological superconductors hosting Majorana zero modes are of great interest for both fundamental physics and potential quantum computing applications. In this work, we investigate the transport properties of the intrinsic magnetic topological insulator MnBi2Te4 (MBT). In normal transport measurements, we observe the presence of chiral edge channels, though with deviations from perfect quantization due to factors such as non-uniform thickness, domain structures, and the presence of quasi-helical edge states. Subsequently, we fabricate superconducting junctions using niobium leads on MBT exfoliated flakes, which show an onset of supercurrent with clear Josephson coupling. The interference patterns in the superconducting junctions reveal interesting asymmetries, suggesting changes in the magnetic ordering of the MBT flakes under small applied magnetic fields. Moreover, the modulation of the critical current by magnetic field reveals a SQUID-like pattern, suggesting the presence of supercurrent through the quasi-helical edge states.
Manifold increase in the spatial extent of heatwaves in the terrestrial Arctic
Authors: Rantanen Mika , Kämäräinen Matti , Luoto Miska , Aalto Juha
Published: October 2024

It is widely acknowledged that the intensity, frequency and duration of heatwaves are increasing worldwide, including the Arctic. However, less attention has been paid to the land area affected by heatwaves. Here, using atmospheric reanalysis and global climate models, we show that the area covered by heatwaves is substantially expanding in the terrestrial Arctic. Compared to the mid-20th century, the total land area affected by severe heatwaves in the Arctic has doubled, the area of extreme heatwaves has tripled, and the area of very extreme heatwaves has quadrupled. Furthermore, climate model projections suggest that the extent of heatwaves will continue to increase in the 21st century, but with large regional differences in heatwave magnitudes due to summer intraseasonal temperature variability. Our findings underscore the growing vulnerability of the Arctic region to extreme heat, potentially leading to severe impacts on both ecosystems and societies.
Direct-drive photovoltaic electrodialysis via flow-commanded current control
Authors: Bessette Jonathan Tae-Yoon , Pratt Shane Richard , Winter V Amos G.
Published: October 2024

Renewable powered, brackish groundwater desalination is an underutilized resource in the developing world, where there are unreliable energy sources and reliance on increasingly saline groundwater. Traditional renewable desalination technologies require sizable energy storage for sufficient water production, leading to increased cost, maintenance and complexity. We theorize and demonstrate a simple control strategy—flow-commanded current control—using photovoltaic electrodialysis (PV-ED) to enable direct-drive (little to no energy storage), optimally controlled desalination at high production rates. This control scheme was implemented on a fully autonomous, community-scale (2–5 m3 d−1) PV-ED prototype system and operated for 6 months in New Mexico on real brackish groundwater. The prototype fully harnessed 94% of the extracted PV energy despite featuring an energy storage to water productivity ratio of over 99% less than the median PV desalination systems in literature. Flow-commanded current control PV-ED provides a simple strategy to desalinate water for resource-constrained communities and has implications for decarbonizing larger, energy-intensive desalination industries.
Tumour reoxygenation after intratumoural hydrogen peroxide (KORTUC) injection: a novel approach to enhance radiosensitivity
Authors: Nimalasena Samantha , Anbalagan Selvakumar , Box Carol , Yu Sheng , Boult Jessica K. R. , Bush Nigel , Howell Louise , Sinnett Victoria , Murphy William , Yarnold John , Robinson Simon P. , Somaiah Navita
Published: October 2024

Background

KORTUC (0.5% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in 1% sodium-hyaluronate) releases cytotoxic levels of H2O2 in tissues after intratumoural injection. High levels of tumour control after radiotherapy plus KORTUC are reported in breast cancer patients. Here, we use human xenograft models to test the hypothesis that oxygen microbubbles released post-KORTUC are effective in modifying the hypoxic tumour microenvironment.

Methods and materials

Pimonidazole and Image-iT™ Red (live hypoxia marker) were utilised to assess dose-dependent changes in hypoxia post-H2O2 in HCT116 and LICR-LON-HN5 spheroids. Using a dual 2-nitroimidazole-marker technique and phospho-ATM we evaluated changes in hypoxia and reactive oxygen species (ROS) respectively, in HCT116 and LICR-LON-HN5 xenografts following intratumoural KORTUC.

Results

A significant reduction in Image-iT™ Red fluorescence was observed in spheroids 1 h post-H2O2 at ≥1.2 mM, maintained at 24 h. Ultrasound demonstrated sustained release of oxygen microbubbles within tumours, 1 h post-KORTUC. Hypoxia markers demonstrated significant tissue reoxygenation in both models post-KORTUC and significantly increased phospho-ATM foci reflecting increased ROS production.

Conclusion

Intratumoural KORTUC represents a novel oxygen delivery method, which can be exploited to enhance radiation response. If efficacy is confirmed in the ongoing phase 2 breast trial it could improve treatment of several tumour types where hypoxia is known to affect radiotherapy outcomes.
A water compatible magnetic molecularly imprinted nanocomposite for the class-selective enrichment of quinoxaline-1,4-dioxides in environmental water
Authors: Zhang Mengmeng , Zhou Wei , Wang Qingqing , Wang Ning , Wang Xin , Liu Youping , Di Xin
Published: October 2024

Coupling a novel water compatible magnetic molecularly imprinted nanocomposite based MSPE with HPLC-MS/MS to detect trace levels of QdNOs in environmental water.
Hyaluronic acid-functionalized nanoparticles for ulcerative colitis-targeted therapy: a comparative study of oral administration and intravenous injection
Authors: Liu Jinhua , Yang Chunhua , Merlin Didier , Xiao Bo
Published: October 2024

Targeted delivery of anti-inflammatory drugs to macrophages has attracted great attention for selectively alleviating the symptoms of ulcerative colitis (UC), while minimizing adverse effects.
Bioactive additives from the dorsal dermis of mice for enhanced vascularization in 3D bioprinting
Authors: Feng Yu , Hou Linhao , Zhang Chao , Liang Liting , Liu Qinghua , Li Zhao , Song Wei , Kong Yi , Tan Yaxin , Huang Yuyan , Guo Xu , Zhang Mengde , Wang Yuzhen , Du Jinpeng , Huang Sha
Published: October 2024

Our study presents a pioneering approach utilizing dorsal dermis tissues (DD) as an angiogenic bioink additive, focusing on exploring the pro-angiogenic and inflammatory response mechanisms.
Predicting nanocarrier permeation across the human intestine in vitro: model matters
Authors: Jung Nathalie , Schreiner Jonas , Baur Florentin , Vogel-Kindgen Sarah , Windbergs Maike
Published: October 2024

This study is the first to systematically compare the impact of diverse intestinal in vitro models on nanocarrier permeation, revealing critical factors influencing drug delivery.
Ultrasensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering sensing of Cr(vi) with a Au@Ag nano-sea urchin paper-tip substrate
Authors: Xu Ronghui , Tan Lu , Xu Wei , Xiao Li , Zheng Yingping , Li Ying , Lou Yongbing
Published: October 2024

An ultrasensitive paper-tip sensing platform of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) based on Au@Ag nano sea urchins (Au@Ag NSUs) functionalized with methimazole was developed for the detection of hexavalent chromium (Cr(vi)).
Selected ion flow tube studies of the reactions of H3O+, NO+, O2+˙ and O−˙ ions with alkanes in He and N2 carrier gases at different temperatures
Authors: Omezzine Gnioua Maroua , Swift Stefan J. , Španěl Patrik
Published: October 2024

H3O+ ions react with alkane molecules differently than expected; instead of transferring a proton, they associate and fragment to [M–H]+. NO+ ions react via hydride ion transfer, and O2+˙ react via charge transfer followed by fragmentation.
Fluoranthene imide dimers with strong isomeric effects on the charge transport properties
Authors: Wang Ting-Yu , Liu Huangcheng , Liu Miao , Shih Yen-Han , Yu Xinyu , Li Zhong’an , Chueh Chu-Chen
Published: October 2024

Two cyano-substituted fluoranthene imide-based dimers for small-molecule n-type organic semiconductors are reported. The substituents at different positions lead to different film morphologies and very distinct thermal aggregation behaviors.
Fluorescence and absorption of rhodamine 6G solutions as pressure standards for a diamond-anvil cell
Authors: Moszczyńska Ida , Golczak Anna , Sikorski Marek , Katrusiak Andrzej
Published: October 2024

Absorbance and fluorescence of rhodamine 6G solutions provide two independent methods of convenient and accurate high-pressure calibration, hardly temperature-biased and adjustable to different experimental requirements.
Copper binding alters the core structure of amyloid fibrils formed by Y145Stop human prion protein
Authors: Sridharan Vidhyalakshmi , George Tara , Conroy Daniel W. , Shaffer Zach , Surewicz Witold K. , Jaroniec Christopher P.
Published: October 2024

Binding of copper(ii) to Y145Stop human prion protein leads to formation of an amyloid structural strain that is distinct from that obtained for amyloid fibrils of the same protein formed in the absence of bound copper(ii).
N-Heterocyclic carbene-functionalized metal nanoparticles and nanoclusters for nanocatalysis
Authors: Wang Siyi , Yu Xianli , Wang Yedong , Zhou Bingsong , Shen Fan , Cao Hai
Published: October 2024

Surface functionalization of metal materials with N-heterocyclic carbenes has emerged as an efficient avenue to prepare new and better nanocatalysts.
Hydro-coupling of isocyanates promoted by 1,2-bis(arylimino)acenaphthene aluminum hydrides
Authors: Koptseva Tatyana S. , Skatova Alexandra A. , Moskalev Mikhail V. , Rumyantcev Roman V. , Fedushkin Igor L.
Published: October 2024

This work demonstrates unusual hydro-coupling of isocyanates using paramagnetic acenaphthene-1,2-diimine aluminum hydrides.
Evaluating emissions and meteorological contributions to air quality trends in northern China based on measurements at a regional background station
Authors: Pu Weiwei , Li Yingruo , Zhu Xiaowan , Liu Xiangxue , He Di , Dong Fan , Guo Heng , Zhao Guijie , Zhou Liyan , Ge Shuangshuang , Ma Zhiqiang
Published: October 2024

The contributions of meteorology and emissions to air pollutant trends are critical for air quality management, but they have not been fully analyzed, especially in the background area of northern China.
Iron/photoredox dual-catalyzed redox-neutral double decarboxylative C(sp3)–C(sp3) cross-coupling
Authors: Zhang Qi , Wu Shanghui , Wu Xuesong
Published: October 2024

An efficient iron porphyrin/photoredox dual catalytic system for the double decarboxylative radical C(sp3)–C(sp3) cross-coupling under redox-neutral and mild conditions.
Coal fly ash-ZIF composites for enhanced and stable carbon capture—an in-depth study
Authors: Aniruddha Ramadurgam , Singh Satyapaul A , Reddy Benjaram M , Venugopal Akula , Sreedhar Inkollu
Published: October 2024

Synthesis and performance overview of CFA-ZIF composites in carbon capture.
Diffusion of individual nanoparticles in cylindrical diatom frustule
Authors: Tomioka Naoki , Abe Yusaku , Matsuda Yu
Published: October 2024

We investigated nanoparticle motions inside diatom frustules, which offer a promising alternative to conventional porous particles in micro-/nano-engineering, using the single particle tracking method.
Synthesis of novel insensitive heat-resistant explosives based on a fused-tricyclic skeleton
Authors: Jin Gan , Lei Caijin , Cheng Guangbin , Yang Hongwei
Published: October 2024

Development of energetic materials with enhanced thermostability and diminished sensitivity is one of the main objectives of current research.
Machine learning-guided discovery of gas evolving electrode bubble inactivation
Authors: Lake Jack R. , Rufer Simon , James Jim , Pruyne Nathan , Scourtas Aristana , Schwarting Marcus , Ambadkar Aadit , Foster Ian , Blaiszik Ben , Varanasi Kripa K.
Published: October 2024

Experimental interrogation unveils that as much as 75% of the area underneath bubbles is electrochemically active. A simple method for estimating the degree of electrode inactivation due to bubbles is demonstrated.
DMTSF-mediated electrophilic cyclization for the synthesis of 3-thiomethyl-substituted benzo[b]furan derivatives
Authors: McGurk Declan T. , Knighten Langley E. , Peña Bú Maria J. , Christofferson Faith I. , Rich Sierra D. , Masih Prerna J. , Kesharwani Tanay
Published: October 2024

A protocol for synthesizing 3-thiomethyl substituted benzofuran derivatives via cyclization of 2-alkynyl anisole using DMTSF as the electrophile was developed.
Photoredox-catalysed radical difluoromethylation/cyclization of N-acryloyl-2-arylbenzimidazole to access CF2H-substituted benzimidazo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-ones
Authors: Yuan Jinwei , Qu Hongzhao , Jia Wenfeng , Li Jinling , Yang Liangru , Xiao Yongmei , Yin Yanli , Qu Lingbo
Published: October 2024

A convenient visible-light-promoted difluoromethylation/cyclization reaction to access various difluoromethylated benzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-6(5H)-ones was developed using [Ph3PCF2H]+Br− as a difluoromethylated reagent.
Technoeconomic analysis of fine chemical electrosynthesis: a case study using electrooxidation of 2-methylnaphthelene to vitamin K3
Authors: Yang Qifeng , Liang Liping , Xu Ning , Li Yang , Wang Zhihui , Shen Dadong , Mo Yiming
Published: October 2024

A cerium-mediated electrooxidation method was developed for synthesizing vitamin K3 in a green and efficient manner. A systematic technoeconomic analysis was provided to understand its potential for practical implementation.
Active learning of alchemical adsorption simulations; towards a universal adsorption model
Authors: Osaro Etinosa , Fajardo-Rojas Fernando , Cooper Gregory M. , Gómez-Gualdrón Diego , Colón Yamil J.
Published: October 2024

Active learning facilitated adsorption predictions in porous materials by incorporating “alchemical” molecules, fugacity, and material features (PC1, PC2) using Gaussian process regression.
Multiplexed detection of respiratory pathogens using a portable device combining a CREM strategy
Authors: Gu Xijuan , Pan Anli , Wu Lingwei , Zhang Jing , Xu Zixun , Wen Tao , Wang Miaomiao , Shi Xiuying , Wu Li , Qin Yuling
Published: October 2024

The multiplex and visual detection of respiratory pathogens is facilitated by specifically designed en-crRNA to activate the trans-cleavage activity of Cas12a, along with a homemade portable device.
Exploring hybrid seawater electrolysis with anodic oxidation reactions (AORs): recent progress and prospects
Authors: Singh Baghendra , Goyal Ayusie , Verma Shalini , Singh Labham , Draksharapu Apparao
Published: October 2024

The hybrid seawater electrolysis with various anodic oxidation reactions has been reviewed.
Formation of bijels stabilized by magnetic ellipsoidal particles in external magnetic fields
Authors: Karthikeyan Nikhil , Schiller Ulf D.
Published: October 2024

Lattice Boltzmann simulations of bijels stabilized by ellipsoidal magnetic particles in external magnetic fields demonstrate the potential of magnetic particles for fabrication of emulsion systems with tunable, anisotropic properties.
Boosting solar hydrogen production with polarized MOF-derived ferroelectric In2Se3/In2O3 nanohybrids
Authors: Shi Li , Benetti Daniele , Li Faying , Harnagea Catalin , Wei Qin , Rosei Federico
Published: October 2024

A ferroelectric In2Se3/In2O3 nanocomposite was fabricated using a MOF template for enhanced photoelectrochemical water splitting. The optimized device achieved 1.91 mA cm−2, a 2.4× boost, due to improved charge separation from the heterostructure.
Mechanisms of Li deposition on graphite anodes: surface coverage and cluster growth
Authors: Bhandari Arihant , Dziedzic Jacek , Owen John R. , Kramer Denis , Skylaris Chris-Kriton
Published: October 2024

Mechanisms of Li deposition: (a) uniformly on the surface and (b) in the form of clusters. We find that uniform surface coverage dominates at positive voltages while cluster growth takes over below −12 mV on unlithiated and −29 mV on lithiated graphite.
Highly uniform nitride-rich artificial solid electrolyte interphase enabled by nano-silicon nitride for superior performance in advanced sodium metal batteries
Authors: Damircheli Roya , Hoang Binh , Ferrari Victoria Castagna , Lin Chuan-Fu
Published: October 2024

A highly uniform Na3N-rich SEI layer, formed by nano-sized Si3N4, drastically improves sodium-metal battery performance by enhancing stability, inhibiting dendrite growth, and extending cycling life to over 5.5× (>1100 hours).
A multi-step charging/discharging protocol enables stable cycling for lithium argyrodite-based all-solid-state lithium batteries
Authors: Ren Pengfei , Wang Xiaodong , Deng Yirui , Liu Zijun , Liu Ruiping
Published: October 2024

A multi-step constant-current charging/discharging (MCCCD) protocol was proposed to reduce the damage to the lithium metal anode and further improve the cycle performance of the all-solid-state battery.
Modulating the band gap of a pyrazinoquinoxaline-based metal–organic framework through orbital hybridization for enhanced visible light-driven CN bond construction
Authors: Chen Zitong , Cao Linghui , Liu Aogang , Liu Pengda , Chen Yuan , Yan Juntao , Li Bao
Published: October 2024

An indium-based metal–organic framework bearing a pyrazinoquinoxaline derivative is synthesized to facilitate two methods for the construction of CN bonds, and their mechanisms are investigated through detailed theoretical calculations.
Study on porous coral scaffolds containing a hydroxyapatite layer doped with selenium and their properties
Authors: Bao Tianjing , Ren Jian , Wu Yiyuan , Cao Yang , Pan Haobo , Deng Chunlin
Published: October 2024

This study incorporated Se into coral hydroxyapatite transformed from porous coral scaffolds in the South China Sea to repair bone defects caused by tumors and inhibit osteosarcoma cells.
3D structured capillary cell suspensions aided by aqueous two-phase systems
Authors: Dyab Amro K. F. , Paunov Vesselin N.
Published: October 2024

We report the formation of 3D structured capillary cell suspensions based on aqueous two-phase systems by adding a very small volume fraction of dextran solution to a concentrated cell suspension in polyethylene glycol in media.
Water-dispersible fluorescent COFs disturb lysosomal autophagy to boost cascading enzymatic chemodynamic–starvation therapy
Authors: Liu Hui , Lv Wenxin , Gantulga Darambazar , Wang Yi
Published: October 2024

Water-dispersible fluorescent COFs camouflaged by cell membranes were synthesized, which could target deliver the cascading enzymes into tumor and disturb the lysosomal autophagy to synergistically boost chemodynamic–starvation combined therapies.
Heat capacity and structural transition effect in polycrystalline kesterite
Authors: Bourgès Cédric , Novitskii Andrei , Tachibana Makoto , Sato Naoki , Mori Takao
Published: October 2024

The importance of the heat capacity measurement is reported to estimate and analyse accurately the structural and thermal transport behaviour in kesterite-Cu2ZnSnS4.
Synthesis and luminescence mechanism of 1D organic metal halides with mixed single-stranded and double-stranded chains
Authors: Zhou Jiajing , Tian Dongjie , Song Kunjie , Aihaiti Litipu , Bai Wenhao , Tian Rundong , Xie Rong-Jun
Published: October 2024

The composition of the single- and double-stranded chain mixed structures increases the level of octahedral distortion and alters the band structure, thereby facilitating the recombination of carriers and significantly enhancing the PLQY.