bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring foliar mineral concentrations by X-ray fluorescence requires crop-specific partial regression models
Authors: Sperling Or , Rapaport Tal , Alchanatis Victor , Schmilovitch Ze'ev , Yermiyahu Uri
Published: July 2023

Generalized multivariate regression for XRF spectra quantifies leaf minerals in multiple crops, but crop-specific spectral models yield superior results.
Coconut-husk derived graphene for supercapacitor applications: comparative analysis of polymer gel and aqueous electrolytes
Authors: Tatrari Gaurav , Tewari Chetna , Pathak Mayank , Bhatt Diksha , Solanki Manisha , Shah Faiz Ullah , Sahoo Nanda Gopal
Published: July 2023

Synthesis of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) using coconut husk as a green and natural resource for supercapacitor (SC) applications.
ZnO-based nanomaterials approach for photocatalytic and sensing applications: recent progress and trends
Authors: Güell Frank , Galdámez-Martínez Andrés , Martínez-Alanis Paulina R. , Catto Ariadne C. , da Silva Luís F. , Mastelaro Valmor R. , Santana Guillermo , Dutt Ateet
Published: July 2023

Nowadays, there is a rising urge to develop and implement cheaper, abundant, and environmentally friendly semiconducting materials into practical devices.
Fluorescent nano- and microparticles for sensing cellular microenvironment: past, present and future applications
Authors: Grasso Giuliana , Colella Francesco , Forciniti Stefania , Onesto Valentina , Iuele Helena , Siciliano Anna Chiara , Carnevali Federica , Chandra Anil , Gigli Giuseppe , del Mercato Loretta L.
Published: July 2023

Summary of advances in synthesis and application of optical ratiometric nano- and microparticle sensors for in vitro and in vivo detection of pH, oxygen, ROS, ions, and biomarkers in cell microenvironment.
Mechanism of porosity development and defect engineering in chemically activated woven carbon fibres
Authors: Laghaei Milad , Liu Chao , Li Quanxiang , Naebe Minoo , Kong Lingxue
Published: July 2023

The pore deepening and defect-engineering of carbon fibres by introducing the chemical activation agent, KOH etchant.
Ultrasensitive electrochemical detection of uric acid based on cobalt-embedded nitrogen-doped carbon
Authors: Huang Lingting , Ren Yuqing , Yang Zhen , Zeng Ruijin , Tang Dianping
Published: July 2023

An electrochemical sensing platform based on cobalt-embedded nitrogen-doped carbon is designed for the quantitative detection of uric acid with differential pulse voltammetry.
Searching for silicate nonlinear optical materials by combining calculation and experiment
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Wei Ruqing , Yang Daqing , Wang Ying , Zhang Bingbing
Published: July 2023

Silicates are fully studied as nonlinear optical (NLO) materials by combining first-principles high-throughput screening (FHSP) and experiment.
Recent advances in the application of magnetic nanocatalysts in multicomponent reactions
Authors: Veisi Hojat , Pirhayati Mozhgan , Mohammadi Pourya , Tamoradi Taiebeh , Hemmati Saba , Karmakar Bikash
Published: July 2023

A comprehensive review on the preparation of diverse functionalized magnetic nanomaterials and their specific applications on multicomponent reactions.
Room temperature processed protective layer for printed silver electrodes
Authors: Kim Chungil , Park Jin Ho , Ko Jaehwan , Lee Suwoon , Kwon Ri Gyeong , Lee Subin , Lee Hangil , Kim Jun Young , Song Hyung-Jun
Published: July 2023

Room temperature processed CYTOP layer can effectively protect underlying printed silver electrodes from various kinds of chemicals, contributing to improved reliability of silver electrode.
Recycled high-density polyethylene plastic reinforced with ilmenite as a sustainable radiation shielding material
Authors: Abdel Maksoud M. I. A. , Kassem Said M. , Ashour A. H. , Awed A. S.
Published: July 2023

In this work, recycled high-density polyethylene plastic (r-HDPE) reinforced with ilmenite mineral (Ilm) (0, 15, 30, and 45 wt%) as a sustainable and flexible radiation shielding material was manufactured using the melt blending method.
Enhanced thermal conductivity and photothermal conversion efficiency of MXene-doped sugar alcohol nanocapsules for medium-temperature solar utilization
Authors: Li Yuanhong , Mo Songping , Chen Junhao , Xiao Bo , Jia Lisi , Chen Ying
Published: July 2023

Enhancing the thermal conductivity and photothermal conversion efficiency of nanocapsulated sugar alcohol through MXene-doping for medium-temperature solar utilization.
Bacterial-mediated selenium nanoparticles as highly selective antimicrobial agents with anticancer properties
Authors: Medina-Cruz David , Truong Linh B. , Sotelo Eduardo , Martínez Lidia , González María Ujué , Huttel Yves , Webster Thomas J. , García-Martín José Miguel , Cholula-Díaz Jorge L.
Published: July 2023

This work has the objective to produce Se nanoparticles using bacterial isolates as natural biofactories.
Porous bipolar polymers as organic cathodes for sustainable sodium/potassium-ion batteries
Authors: Mohammadiroudbari Motahareh , Huang Jinghao , Kim Eric Youngsam , Yang Zhenzhen , Chen Fu , Luo Chao
Published: July 2023

Bipolar porous polymers bearing carbonyl and amine groups were designed and synthesized as cathode materials in Na-ion and K-ion batteries, demonstrating great promise for high-performance and sustainable batteries.
Ion exchange to construct a high-performance core–shell MnFe-PB@CuFe-PB cathode material for sodium ion batteries
Authors: Cheng Hongyu , Liu Yi-Nuo , Yu Zhuo-Er , Song Yingying , Qin Yinping , Zhang Maomao , Chen Riming , Zhou Jingjing , Liu Yang , Guo Bingkun
Published: July 2023

A CuFe-PB coating film is formed via ion exchange on MnFe-PB, which effectively improves the structural stability and electrochemical performance of the sodium ion battery cathode material and inhibits Mn dissolution caused by the Jahn–Teller effect.
Composite biomaterial for mimetic electric skin generated by conductive polymer/anion synergistic effect
Authors: Li Xiao , Zhu Yaping , Zhang Siqi , Zhang Xuehui , Liu Yang , Wu Xiaogang , Xue Yanru , Qin Yi-Xian , Wang Yanqin , Chen Weiyi
Published: July 2023

A versatile bionic E-skin sensor was fabricated based on an electronic/ionic-conductive hydrogel, which could perceive tiny and large strain signals in a wide sensing range.
Enhanced photoluminescence of a HF free novel NIR phosphor of K2ZnF4:Cr3+by lithium ion doping
Authors: Zhu Yiwen , Yang Yifan , Zhu Yongqi , Chen Yifan , Liu Zhenyu , Lei Fengmeng , Yu Hua , Mao Qinan , Zhong Jiasong , Wang Jing
Published: July 2023

Using Li+co-doping for charge compensation, the broadband NIR luminescence intensity was enhanced. Compared with K2ZnF4:Cr3+, the emission intensity of K2ZnF4:Cr3+,Li+increased 2.58 times. A high-power NIR LED device was realized.
A near-infrared photoelectrochromic device with indoor thermal management for self-powered smart windows
Authors: Chang Ching-Cheng , Chang Ling-Yu , Cheng Yao-Sheng , Chang Yu-Hsin , Lai Tsung-Hsin , Septiani Ni Luh Wulan , Yuliarto Brian , Yeh Min-Hsin
Published: July 2023

A near-infrared photoelectrochromic device (NIR-PECD) is a combination of a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) and an electrochromic device (ECD) that directly generates transmittance contrast in IR region from solar radiation without an additional power source.
Power system stability assessment method based on GAN and GRU‐Attention using incomplete voltage data
Authors: Deng Xuan , Hu Yufan , Jia Yiyang , Peng Mao
Published: July 2023

The social economy is growing rapidly, and the power grid load demand is increasing. To maintain the stability of the power grid, it is crucial to achieve accurate and rapid power system stability assessment. In the actual operation of the power network, data loss is an unavoidable situation. However, most of the data‐driven models currently used assume that the input data is complete, which has obvious limitations in real‐world applications. This paper suggests an IVS‐GAN model to assess power system stability using incomplete phasor measurement unit measurement data with random loss. The proposed method combines the super‐resolution perception technology based on generative adversarial network (GAN) with a time‐series signal classification model. The generator adopts a 1D U‐Net network and uses convolutional layers to complete and recover missing data. The discriminator adopts a new gated recurrent unit–attention architecture proposed here to better extract voltage temporal variation features on key buses. The result of this paper is that the stability evaluation method outperforms other algorithms in high voltage data loss rates on the New England 10‐machine 39‐bus system.
The Chironomidae (Diptera) diversity in the Balkan Peninsula spring systems and other small water bodies
Authors: Płóciennik Mateusz , Berlajolli Violeta , Dmitrović Dejan , Gligorović Bogić , Pešić Vladimir , Gadawski Piotr
Published: July 2023

Chironomidae are known to occur in small, even astatic water bodies like seepages, rheocrens, pools and wells. The Balkan Peninsula reveals a high variability of small water bodies, with springs (rheocrens, limnocrens and helocrens) being the most widely distributed. In this review, we give a brief presentation of the Chironomidae communities in valley and mountain small water bodies, and in Lake Skadar (Shkodra) spring system. River valleys offer a large variety of small freshwater habitats. Their presence strongly increases of midge (Chironomidae) diversity, providing a habitat for the cold-stenotherms and semiterrestrial taxa that do not occur in rivers and lakes. The species richness in small water bodies strongly depends on their hydrological conditions (i.e.perennialvs.astatic water bodies), size and microhabitat complexity. Mountain spring communities depend on precipitation and exhibit altitudinal zonation. The higher mountain zones (1400–1500 m a.s.l.) have the most diverse midge assemblages, due to their stable perennial hydrological conditions. Human activity may alter species composition in riparian springs, favouring taxa that are not typical to the local fauna. By studying these small aquatic habitats, the significance of their Chironomidae fauna is being recognised, thereby filling a gap in the knowledge of freshwater insects biodiversity in the Balkan region.
Acute and Chronic Effects of Strength Training on Plasma Levels of
Adipokines in Man
Authors: Barroso Lucélia Scarabeli Silva , Faria Marcelo Henrique Salviano , Souza-Gomes Antonio Felipe , Barros João Luís Vieira Monteiro , Kakehasi Adriana Maria , Vieira Erica Leandro Marciano , Simões e Silva Ana Cristina , Nunes-Silva Albená
Published: July 2023

Adipose tissue is specialized cells that produce and release adipokines. Exercise
may modulate adipokine production in adipocytes. The aim of this longitudinal
study was to evaluate the acute and chronic effects of strength training (ST) on
plasma levels of adiponectin, leptin, and resistin. Twelve untrained young male
participants (23.42±2.67 years) were selected. The training protocol
consisted of 3 exercises, with 3 sets of 65% of 1RM (one-repetition
maximum) with pause of 90 s between sets with duration of
5 s/repetition (2 s conc/3 s ecc), 3
times a week for 10 weeks. Blood was collected at four time points: before and
after the first ST session and before and after the last ST session. The
comparisons between adipokine levels before and after the same training session
showed acute changes, while the comparisons between levels before or after the
first session versus before or after the last session revealed chronic
alterations. ST increased adiponectin levels after the first exercise session in
comparison to levels before this session [50 952 (46 568–51 894)
pg/mL vs. 52 981 (49 901–54 467) pg/mL,
p=0.019]. Similar differences were observed for resistin levels, which
were higher after the last session compared to before [4 214.4 (±829)
pg/mL vs. pre-S30 2 251.3 (±462.2) pg/mL,
p=0.0008] and in the comparison between after the last and after the
first ST sessions [4 214.4 (±829.0) pg/mL vs. 1 563.7
(±284.8) pg/mL, p=0.004]. Leptin levels acutely changed
in the last training session. ST produced acute and chronic changes in plasma
adipokines.
Reconstruction of Upper and Lower Limb Defects with Medial Sural Artery Perforator Flaps: Is Aesthetics Worth the Effort? A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Alharbi Ziyad , Qari Sarah , Almarzouqi Faris , Khatib Khalid , Tsolakidis Savas , Fathuldeen Anas , Grieb Gerrit , Rennekampff Hans-Oliver
Published: July 2023

Background One of the most essential goals in managing complex limb defects is obtaining adequate soft tissue coverage with excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes. Free perforator skin flaps represent an optimal option for such defects. Therefore, our intention was to reconstruct these kinds of defects with thin fasciocutaneous flaps without the need for debulking. Herein, we define the legitimate use of the medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flaps for small-moderate size defect coverage of the hand and foot.

Patients and Methods Seven patients received MSAP flaps for reconstruction of different hand and foot defects, of which the majority were males (4/7). Age, sex, flap size, location, number of perforators, recipient vessel, type of anastomosis, technique of donor site closure, and postoperative morbidity were recorded. Patients' age ranged from 48 to 84 years.

Results Single-stage debridement followed by reconstruction was performed. Flap sizes ranged from 6 to 18 cm in length and 4 to 10 cm in width. The pedicles of 6 flaps were anastomosed to the tibial artery system (three posterior tibial artery, three dorsalis pedis artery) and one to the ulnar artery.

Conclusion MSAP flap can be a versatile option for single-stage reconstruction of small-moderate size defects of the extremities, where thin, soft tissue envelope is required. This flap has lower donor site morbidity, more tedious elevation process, and has a good reconstructive and aesthetic result without the need for debulking in the future.
Imaging of Small Bowel Tumors and Mimics
Authors: Gupta Pankaj , Lamichane Saurav , Bhatia Harsimran , Singhal Manphool , Sharma Vishal , Singh Harjeet , Kumar Rajender , Sandhu Manavjit Singh
Published: July 2023

Small bowel tumors are rare with nonspecific and protean clinical presentation. Early diagnosis of small bowel tumors is desirable as they can be associated with significant morbidity. In malignant small bowel tumors, delayed diagnosis may result in dissemination and metastasis leading to poor clinical outcomes. Imaging evaluation of small bowel can be challenging due to unpredictable luminal distension, peristalsis, and motion. In addition, the lack of distinction between the intraluminal lesions and intraluminal contents can be difficult at times. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) enterography are the most common imaging techniques for the evaluation of small bowel tumors. While these techniques may not be able to detect small tumors, they provide comprehensive evaluation of lumen, wall, and extramural structures in tumors more than 2 cm. Acquaintance of imaging appearance of common benign and malignant small bowel tumors may allow improved detection during evaluation of CT and MR enterography studies. In this review, we discuss the imaging appearances, approach, and differential diagnosis of small bowel tumors on cross-sectional imaging studies.
Effectiveness Evaluation of Preventive Embolization of the Internal Iliac Artery in Preventing Type II Endoleaks
Authors: Zemlyanskiy Viktor , Zemlyanskaya Natalya , Sultanaliev Tokan , Dautov Tairkhan , Kozhahmetov Saken , Openko Vladimir
Published: July 2023

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method of preventive embolization of the internal iliac arteries using a liquid tantalum-containing ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer.

Methods In this nonrandomized clinical study with a retrospective control group, 55 patients with aneurysmal lesions of the infrarenal abdominal aorta participated. In the course of this study, we developed and implemented a method of preventive embolization of the ostia of the internal iliac artery using a liquid tantalum containing ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer having viscosity of 34 centipoise. The method was applied in 27 cases in patients with aneurysmal lesions of the infrarenal abdominal aorta with unilateral involvement of the common iliac artery. The maximum follow-up period at the stage of publication of the results was 24 months.

Results The proposed method of embolization of the internal iliac artery is accompanied by an absolute risk of developing type II endoleak 0.393 (95% confidence interval: 0.2120–0.5738, p = 0.029); therefore, when using the new technique, there is a decrease in the absolute risk of developing type II endoleak by 39.3%.

Conclusion The proposed method of preventive embolization allows to perform reliable occlusion of the internal iliac artery as proximally as possible, which makes it possible to maintain distal blood flow in the internal iliac artery and minimizes the risks of ischemic events.
Metacognitive reading strategies and its relationship with Filipino high school students’ reading proficiency: insights from the PISA 2018 data
Authors: Bernardo Allan B. I. , Mante-Estacio Ma. Joahna
Published: July 2023

Learners’ metacognitive reading strategies support their attempts to draw meaning from texts and to overcome comprehension difficulties. For second language readers, such strategies may compensate for lack of language proficiency while reading. Taking a sample from a country that ranked last in the PISA 2018 reading assessment, this study aims to investigate potential discrepancies in how students evaluate the usefulness of specific reading strategies and how these conceptions are associated with related to the students’ reading proficiency. We explored the association between metacognitive reading strategies with reading proficiency by analysing data from a nationally representative sample of 15-year-old students who participated in the PISA 2018 (N = 6591). Awareness of different reading strategies was compared using repeated measures ANOVA; relationships with reading proficiency were examined using regression analysis. Self-reports on metacognitive reading strategies accounted for a significant portion of the variation in Filipino students’ English reading proficiency, after controlling for SES, sex, and number of books at home. The reading strategies perceived as most useful were not the most strongly associated with reading proficiency, suggesting that students may not be aware of which reading strategies are helpful in learning to read in English. The results indicate variations in the students’ awareness of which strategies aid in their reading comprehension and point to the need to better understand how effective reading strategy instruction is taught to and is engaged by Filipino students in their reading classes.
The influence of psychological capital and social capital on women entrepreneurs’ intentions: the mediating role of attitude
Authors: Jalil Muhammad Farhan , Ali Azlan , Kamarulzaman Rashidah
Published: July 2023

Intention plays a critical role in enhancing entrepreneurial activity among women entrepreneurs. Although several studies have revealed that psychological capital influences intention formation, few have explored this relationship when dealing with social capital and entrepreneurial attitudes. This research designed a structural model to construct women entrepreneurs’ intentions, including the interaction of psychological capital, social capital, and entrepreneurial attitudes. Based on self-administered or online questionnaires filled out by 479 Malaysian women entrepreneurs, data was collected using stratified random sampling. Structural equation modeling (AMOS 21.0) was used to analyze the data and test hypotheses. Bootstrap confidence intervals were calculated to determine the mediating effect. The findings show that social capital, psychological capital, and entrepreneurial attitudes interact to encourage women entrepreneurs’ intentions to expand their businesses. Social capital and women entrepreneurs’ intentions were partially mediated by entrepreneurial attitudes. Lastly, entrepreneurial attitudes were also discovered to partially mediate the influential relationship between psychological capital and women entrepreneurs’ intentions. This research sheds new light on women entrepreneurs’ intentions to expand their entrepreneurial activities, which has policy implications. Moreover, future research directions and theoretical insights are discussed.
The role of charge-exchange processes in probing hydrogen plasma with a heavy ion beam
Authors: Tolstikhina Inga Yu , Shevelko V. P.
Published: July 2023

Charge-changing processes of low-charged ions, used in hydrogen plasma probing by the heavy ion beam probe method, are considered. Along with the ionization of beam ions by plasma electrons and protons, the charge-exchange processes of ions on H atoms and protons are also studied. It is shown that charge exchange of beam ions on plasma protons and H atoms, which is rarely taken into account, plays an important role in beam–plasma interaction. New data on the cross sections and rates of ionization and charge-exchange processes are presented for Tl+ and Tl2+ ions, which are frequently used for plasma diagnostics. Calculations are performed for hydrogen plasma temperatures Te = 1 eV–10 keV and densities Ne = 1012–1014 cm−3 at relatively low and high ion-beam velocities vb = 0.2 and 1.0 a.u., respectively. Special attention is paid to the determination of the electron temperatures at which the charge-exchange processes on H atoms and protons are important. Multiple ionization of beam ions by plasma electrons and protons is briefly discussed.
An archaeological example of Aboriginal management of a hydro-ecological system in the Murray River valley, South Australia
Authors: Westell Craig , Roberts Amy , McCullough Daniel
Published: July 2023

Context A rare archaeological example of Aboriginal water management in a Murray River floodplain upstream of Renmark is described and contextualised. Aims Historical accounts, archaeological descriptions and hydrological modelling are used to propose a likely function of the site. Methods The site was documented through archaeological field recording, a digital elevation model (DEM) developed through a real-time kinematic (RTK) survey and flood inundation modelling (FIM), and is interpreted through a review of archival and documentary sources. Key results The site represents one of only a few extant physical examples of Aboriginal water management in the Riverland and greater Murray–Darling Basin. Conclusions Our assessment indicates that Aboriginal people had excavated an artifical channel within the Calperum floodplain in order to manipulate natural water connectivity, most likely as part of a fish trap or weir structure. Implications The site builds an appreciation of the complexity of Aboriginal land practices and supports the impression gained though historical accounts of a curated and managed riverscape.
Metallacage-based enhanced PDT strategy for bacterial elimination via inhibiting endogenous NO production
Authors: Huang Kai , Wang Jinbing , Zhuang Ai , Liu Qian , Li Fupeng , Yuan Kai , Yang Yiqi , Liu Yihao , Chang Haishuang , Liang Yakun , Sun Yan , Yan Xuzhou , Tang Tingting , Stang Peter J. , Yang Shengbing
Published: July 2023

Antibiotics are among the most used weapons in fighting microbial infections and have greatly improved the quality of human life. However, bacteria can eventually evolve to exhibit antibiotic resistance to almost all prescribed antibiotic drugs. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) develops little antibiotic resistance and has become a promising strategy in fighting bacterial infection. To augment the killing effect of PDT, the conventional strategy is introducing excess ROS in various ways, such as applying high light doses, high photosensitizer concentrations, and exogenous oxygen. In this study, we report a metallacage-based PDT strategy that minimizes the use of ROS by jointly using gallium-metal organic framework rods to inhibit the production of bacterial endogenous NO, amplify ROS stress, and enhance the killing effect. The augmented bactericidal effect was demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. This proposed enhanced PDT strategy will provide a new option for bacterial ablation.
Decoupling of catalysis and transition state analog binding from mutations throughout a phosphatase revealed by high-throughput enzymology
Authors: Markin Craig J. , Mokhtari Daniel A. , Du Siyuan , Doukov Tzanko , Sunden Fanny , Cook Jordan A. , Fordyce Polly M. , Herschlag Daniel
Published: July 2023

Using high-throughput microfluidic enzyme kinetics (HT-MEK), we measured over 9,000 inhibition curves detailing impacts of 1,004 single-site mutations throughout the alkaline phosphatase PafA on binding affinity for two transition state analogs (TSAs), vanadate and tungstate. As predicted by catalytic models invoking transition state complementary, mutations to active site and active-site-contacting residues had highly similar impacts on catalysis and TSA binding. Unexpectedly, most mutations to more distal residues that reduced catalysis had little or no impact on TSA binding and many even increased tungstate affinity. These disparate effects can be accounted for by a model in which distal mutations alter the enzyme’s conformational landscape, increasing the occupancy of microstates that are catalytically less effective but better able to accommodate larger transition state analogs. In support of this ensemble model, glycine substitutions (rather than valine) were more likely to increase tungstate affinity (but not more likely to impact catalysis), presumably due to increased conformational flexibility that allows previously disfavored microstates to increase in occupancy. These results indicate that residues throughout an enzyme provide specificity for the transition state and discriminate against analogs that are larger only by tenths of an Ångström. Thus, engineering enzymes that rival the most powerful natural enzymes will likely require consideration of distal residues that shape the enzyme’s conformational landscape and fine-tune active-site residues. Biologically, the evolution of extensive communication between the active site and remote residues to aid catalysis may have provided the foundation for allostery to make it a highly evolvable trait.
Dual effector population modification gene-drive strains of the African malaria mosquitoes,
Anopheles gambiae
and
Anopheles coluzzii
Authors: Carballar-Lejarazú Rebeca , Dong Yuemei , Pham Thai Binh , Tushar Taylor , Corder Rodrigo M. , Mondal Agastya , Sánchez C. Héctor M. , Lee Hsu-Feng , Marshall John M. , Dimopoulos George , James Anthony A.
Published: July 2023

Proposed genetic approaches for reducing human malaria include population modification, which introduces genes into vector mosquitoes to reduce or prevent parasite transmission. We demonstrate the potential of Cas9/guide RNA (gRNA)–based gene-drive systems linked to dual antiparasite effector genes to spread rapidly through mosquito populations. Two strains have an autonomous gene-drive system coupled to dual anti-
Plasmodium falciparum
effector genes comprising single-chain variable fragment monoclonal antibodies targeting parasite ookinetes and sporozoites in the African malaria mosquitoes
Anopheles gambiae
(AgTP13) and
Anopheles coluzzii
(AcTP13). The gene-drive systems achieved full introduction within 3 to 6 mo after release in small cage trials. Life-table analyses revealed no fitness loads affecting AcTP13 gene-drive dynamics but AgTP13 males were less competitive than wild types. The effector molecules reduced significantly both parasite prevalence and infection intensities. These data supported transmission modeling of conceptual field releases in an island setting that shows meaningful epidemiological impacts at different sporozoite threshold levels (2.5 to 10 k) for human infection by reducing malaria incidence in optimal simulations by 50 to 90% within as few as 1 to 2 mo after a series of releases, and by ≥90% within 3 mo. Modeling outcomes for low sporozoite thresholds are sensitive to gene-drive system fitness loads, gametocytemia infection intensities during parasite challenges, and the formation of potentially drive-resistant genome target sites, extending the predicted times to achieve reduced incidence. TP13-based strains could be effective for malaria control strategies following validation of sporozoite transmission threshold numbers and testing field-derived parasite strains. These or similar strains are viable candidates for future field trials in a malaria-endemic region.
Identification of a second glycoform of the clinically prevalent O1 antigen from
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Kelly Steven D. , Ovchinnikova Olga G. , Müller Fabian , Steffen Michael , Braun Martin , Sweeney Ryan P. , Kowarik Michael , Follador Rainer , Lowary Todd L. , Serventi Fabio , Whitfield Chris
Published: July 2023

Carbapenemase and extended β-lactamase-producing
Klebsiella pneumoniae
isolates represent a major health threat, stimulating increasing interest in immunotherapeutic approaches for combating
Klebsiella
infections. Lipopolysaccharide O antigen polysaccharides offer viable targets for immunotherapeutic development, and several studies have described protection with O-specific antibodies in animal models of infection. O1 antigen is produced by almost half of clinical
Klebsiella
isolates. The O1 polysaccharide backbone structure is known, but monoclonal antibodies raised against the O1 antigen showed varying reactivity against different isolates that could not be explained by the known structure. Reinvestigation of the structure by NMR spectroscopy revealed the presence of the reported polysaccharide backbone (glycoform O1a), as well as a previously unknown O1b glycoform composed of the O1a backbone modified with a terminal pyruvate group. The activity of the responsible pyruvyltransferase (WbbZ) was confirmed by western immunoblotting and in vitro chemoenzymatic synthesis of the O1b terminus. Bioinformatic data indicate that almost all O1 isolates possess genes required to produce both glycoforms. We describe the presence of O1ab-biosynthesis genes in other bacterial species and report a functional O1 locus on a bacteriophage genome. Homologs of
wbbZ
are widespread in genetic loci for the assembly of unrelated glycostructures in bacteria and yeast. In
K. pneumoniae
, simultaneous production of both O1 glycoforms is enabled by the lack of specificity of the ABC transporter that exports the nascent glycan, and the data reported here provide mechanistic understanding of the capacity for evolution of antigenic diversity within an important class of biomolecules produced by many bacteria.
The perception of silence
Authors: Goh Rui Zhe , Phillips Ian B. , Firestone Chaz
Published: July 2023

Auditory perception is traditionally conceived as the perception of sounds—a friend’s voice, a clap of thunder, a minor chord. However, daily life also seems to present us with experiences characterized by the absence of sound—a moment of silence, a gap between thunderclaps, the hush after a musical performance. In these cases, do we positively
hear
silence? Or do we just
fail to hear
, and merely judge or infer that it is silent? This longstanding question remains controversial in both the philosophy and science of perception, with prominent theories holding that sounds are the only objects of auditory experience and thus that our encounter with silence is cognitive, not perceptual. However, this debate has largely remained theoretical, without a key empirical test. Here, we introduce an empirical approach to this theoretical dispute, presenting experimental evidence that silence can be genuinely perceived (not just cognitively inferred). We ask whether silences can “substitute” for sounds in event-based auditory illusions—empirical signatures of auditory event representation in which auditory events distort perceived duration. Seven experiments introduce three “silence illusions”—the one-silence-is-more illusion, silence-based warping, and the oddball-silence illusion—each adapted from a prominent perceptual illusion previously thought to arise only from sounds. Subjects were immersed in ambient noise interrupted by silences structurally identical to the sounds in the original illusions. In all cases, silences elicited temporal distortions perfectly analogous to the illusions produced by sounds. Our results suggest that silence is truly heard, not merely inferred, introducing a general approach for studying the perception of absence.
ToxR activates the
Vibrio cholerae
virulence genes by tethering DNA to the membrane through versatile binding to multiple sites
Authors: Canals Albert , Pieretti Simone , Muriel-Masanes Mireia , El Yaman Nour , Plecha Sarah C. , Thomson Joshua J. , Fàbrega-Ferrer Montserrat , Pérez-Luque Rosa , Krukonis Eric S. , Coll Miquel
Published: July 2023

ToxR, a
Vibrio cholerae
transmembrane one-component signal transduction factor, lies within a regulatory cascade that results in the expression of ToxT, toxin coregulated pilus, and cholera toxin. While ToxR has been extensively studied for its ability to activate or repress various genes in
V. cholerae
, here we present the crystal structures of the ToxR cytoplasmic domain bound to DNA at the
toxT
and
ompU
promoters. The structures confirm some predicted interactions, yet reveal other unexpected promoter interactions with implications for other potential regulatory roles for ToxR. We show that ToxR is a versatile virulence regulator that recognizes diverse and extensive, eukaryotic-like regulatory DNA sequences, that relies more on DNA structural elements than specific sequences for binding. Using this topological DNA recognition mechanism, ToxR can bind both in tandem and in a twofold inverted-repeat-driven manner. Its regulatory action is based on coordinated multiple binding to promoter regions near the transcription start site, which can remove the repressing H-NS proteins and prepares the DNA for optimal interaction with the RNA polymerase.
Failing to replicate predicts citation declines in psychology
Authors: Clark Cory J. , Connor Paul , Isch Calvin
Published: July 2023

With a sample of 228 psychology papers that failed to replicate, we tested whether the trajectory of citation patterns changes following the publication of a failure to replicate. Across models, we found consistent evidence that failing to replicate predicted lower future citations and that the size of this reduction increased over time. In a 14-y postpublication period, we estimated that the publication of a failed replication was associated with an average citation decline of 14% for original papers. These findings suggest that the publication of failed replications may contribute to a self-correcting science by decreasing scholars’ reliance on unreplicable original findings.
Single-atom Mo–Co catalyst with low biotoxicity for sustainable degradation of high-ionization-potential organic pollutants
Authors: Chen Zhuan , An Faliang , Zhang Yayun , Liang Zhiyan , Liu Wenyuan , Xing Mingyang
Published: July 2023

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) are a promising area in environmental catalysis. We report on a bimetallic Co–Mo SAC that shows excellent performance in activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for sustainable degradation of organic pollutants with high ionization potential (IP > 8.5 eV). Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations and experimental tests demonstrate that the Mo sites in Mo
–
Co SACs play a critical role in conducting electrons from organic pollutants to Co sites, leading to a 19.4-fold increase in the degradation rate of phenol compared to the CoCl
2
–
PMS group. The bimetallic SACs exhibit excellent catalytic performance even under extreme conditions and show long-term activation in 10-d experiments, efficiently degrading 600 mg/L of phenol. Moreover, the catalyst has negligible toxicity toward MDA-MB-231, Hela, and MCF-7 cells, making it an environmentally friendly option for sustainable water treatment. Our findings have important implications for the design of efficient SACs for environmental remediation and other applications in biology and medicine.
Transformation of Hexagonal Lu to Cubic LuH2+x
Single-Crystalline Films
Authors: Li Peiyi , Bi Jiachang , Zhang Shunda , Cai Rui , Su Guanhua , Qi Fugang , Zhang Ruyi , Wei Zhiyang , Cao Yanwei
Published: July 2023

With the recent report of near ambient superconductivity at room temperature in the N-doped lutetium hydride (Lu–H–N) system, the understanding of cubic Lu–H compounds has attracted worldwide attention. Generally, compared to polycrystals with non-negligible impurities, the single-crystalline form of materials with high purity can provide an opportunity to show their hidden properties. However, the experimental synthesis of single-crystalline cubic Lu–H compounds has not been reported so far. Here, we develop an easy way to synthesize highly pure LuH2+x
single-crystalline films by the post-annealing of Lu single-crystalline films (purity of 99.99%) in H2 atmosphere. The crystal and electronic structures of films were characterized by x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and electrical transport. Interestingly, Lu films are silver-white and metallic, whereas their transformed LuH2+x
films become purple-red and insulating, indicating the possible formation of an unreported electronic state of Lu–H compounds. Our work provides a novel route to synthesize and explore more single-crystalline Lu–H compounds.
Complex dynamics, released energy, and multistability in a single-layered graphene sheet under periodic loads
Authors: Njitacke Zeric Tabekoueng , Awrejcewicz Jan , Tsafack Nestor , Kudra Grzegorz , Kengne Jacques
Published: July 2023

Graphene was found in 2004. It’s a carbon allotrope built around a single layer of atoms organized in a two-dimensional (2D) honeycomb lattice nanostructure. In the contribution, the complex behavior of a graphene sheet under periodic loads is investigated using the usual nonlinear analysis tools. From the dynamic states and the material’s symmetry investigations, it is found that the graphene model considered in this work can exhibit the simultaneous existence of up to six different patterns by varying initial conditions for fixed parameters. The Helmholtz theorem is also used to calculate the Hamilton energy of excited graphene. As a result, when the damping coefficient

ε

and the nonlocal parameter

μ

were close to zero, the system’s energy was null. This supports the fact that when graphene is in its resting state, vibrations are null inside the material. In contrast, when the damping coefficient

ε

and the nonlocal parameter

μ

were simultaneously increased, the energy of the graphene sheet increased until it reached a peak value, justifying the oscillations observed in the material. The dependency of the material on the initial condition is also used to support the coexistence of the energy found.
Image encryption algorithm based on 2D hyper-chaotic system and central dogma of molecular biology
Authors: Wang Quanyv , Zhang Xiaoqiang , Zhao Xiaohu
Published: July 2023

With the widespread use of images, image security has received much attention. Image security can be guaranteed by encrypting the plain image and transmitting the corresponding cipher image. This paper proposes an image encryption algorithm based on the novel two-dimensional (2D) hyper-chaotic system, bidirectional diagonal crossover transformations (BDCTs) and central dogma of molecular biology. Firstly, six chaotic sequences are generated using the proposed hyper-chaotic system, which are used in the permutation and diffusion processes. Secondly, the 5th–8th bit-planes of plain image are permuted using the designed BDCTs. Thirdly, the permuted image is dynamically encoded into a quaternary DNA sequence, and then the quaternary DNA sequence is transcribed into a quaternary RNA sequence. After that, the quaternary RNA sequence is diffused using quaternary RNA operations. Finally, the diffused RNA sequence is translated into a codon sequence, and then the designed codon-level multipoint crossover scheme is used to further improve the diffusion effect. Experiment results and security analyses demonstrate that our algorithm has high security and efficiency. In other words, our algorithm is quite suitable for real-time image cryptosystems.
Applications of soft biomaterials based on organic and hybrid thin films deposited from the vapor phase
Authors: Marcelja Sophie , Demelius Lisanne , Ali Taher Abu , Aghito Margherita , Muralter Fabian , Rodriguez Gabriel Hernandez , Kräuter Marianne , Unger Katrin , Wolfsberger Lukas , Coclite Anna Maria
Published: July 2023

Soft biomaterials are a crucial component in several application fields. They are used, for example, in biomedical implants, biosensors, drug delivery systems as well as in tissue engineering. In parallel to extensive ongoing efforts to synthesize new materials, the development of means to tailor the materials’ surface properties and thus their interaction with the environment is an important field of research. This has led to the emergence of several surface modification techniques that enable the exploitation of biomaterials in a broader range of technologies. In particular, the use of functional thin films can enable a plethora of biomedical applications by combining advantageous bulk properties of the substrate (e.g. flexibility, lightweight, structural strength) with tailored surface properties of the thin film (e.g. enhancing/prevention of cell proliferation, controlled drug release). For some biomedical applications, thin films can also be the main functional components, e.g. in biosensors. The present review focuses on recent developments in the applications of soft biomaterials based on thin films deposited from the vapor phase. In the field of soft biomaterials, the possibility of depositing from the vapor phase—without the need for any solvents—offers the unprecedented benefit that no toxic leachables are included in the biomaterial. Further, due to the complete lack of solvents and chemicals overall being used in small quantities only, depositing thin films from the vapor phase can be a more sustainable choice than other techniques that are commonly used.
Neurosymbolic artificial intelligence (NSAI) based algorithm for predicting the impact strength of additive manufactured polylactic acid (PLA) specimens
Authors: Mishra Akshansh , Jatti Vijaykumar S
Published: July 2023

In this study, we introduce application of Neurosymbolic Artificial Intelligence (NSAI) for predicting the impact strength of additive manufactured polylactic acid (PLA) components, representing the first-ever use of NSAI in the domain of additive manufacturing. The NSAI model amalgamates the advantages of neural networks and symbolic AI, offering a more robust and accurate prediction than traditional machine learning techniques. Experimental data was collected and synthetically augmented to 1000 data points, enhancing the model’s precision. The Neurosymbolic model was developed using a neural network architecture comprising input, two hidden layers, and an output layer, followed by a decision tree regressor representing the symbolic component. The model’s performance was benchmarked against a Simple Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model by assessing mean squared error (MSE) and R-squared (R2) values for both training and validation datasets. The results reveal that the Neurosymbolic model surpasses the Simple ANN model, attaining lower MSE and higher R2 values for both training and validation sets. This innovative application of the Neurosymbolic approach in estimating the impact strength of additive manufactured PLA components underscores its potential for optimizing the additive manufacturing process. Future research could investigate further refinements to the Neurosymbolic model, extend its application to other materials and additive manufacturing processes, and incorporate real-time monitoring and control for enhanced process optimization.
Demonstrating the most effective interventions to improve classroom air quality. What novel in situ tests of real-world conditions show is still missing in our guidance
Authors: Green Donna , Cooper Nathan , de Silva Charitha , Bahl Prateek , Bhattacharjee Shovon , Mahmoud Mohamed Mahmoud Abdelkareem , Doolan Con , Raina Macintyre C
Published: July 2023

Over 20 years ago a report commissioned by the European Commission identified air quality in schools as a public health priority. Despite this concern, little action was taken in the following two decades. Over the last two years as classrooms were increasingly recognised as hotspots for the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, renewed interest and resources have been made available in response to this issue. Questions remain, however, over how best to achieve safer classroom air. Our analysis assessed a range of in situ interventions to remove particulate matter (PM2.5) and carbon dioxide from inside a populated classroom. Our approach used saline spray and volunteers’ exhalations as our source of PM2.5 and carbon dioxide to explore the ability of high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, natural ventilation and a recirculating A/C unit to remove these air pollutants which collectively provided a novel set of data. For a total window opening of 1.86 m2 for a 181.7 m3 classroom with a HEPA filter with a 703m3/hr clean air delivery rate, our results confirmed that outdoor air was needed to purge the room to reduce carbon dioxide levels that otherwise rose to >1000 ppm in 12 min. Cross and natural ventilation reduced levels of PM2.5 and carbon dioxide very effectively—in under 5 and 10 min respectively during low levels of outside PM2.5. We conclude that natural ventilation supplemented with the use of HEPA filters is the most effective way to reliably improve indoor air quality year-round, balancing the need to have easy to enact approaches to reduce the buildup of PM2.5, airborne viruses and carbon dioxide. These results highlight an important knowledge gap. Without having localised real-time outdoor air pollution sensing, evidence-based decisions cannot be made about how often, and for how long, windows can safely remain open to purge classrooms in times of poor quality outdoor air.
Where has the lymphoma gone? Pericardial effusion adenosine deaminase may play a key role in diagnosing primary effusion lymphoma-like lymphoma: a case report
Authors: Fujimoto Yuhna , Matsumoto Kensuke , Mizutani Yu , Kawasaki Satoru
Published: July 2023

Background

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is a non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is exclusively generated by body cavity effusion. Primary effusion lymphoma develops in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and is associated with the human herpes virus (HHV)-8 infection. However, there are sporadic cases without HHV-8 infections or any history of immunodeficiency, called ‘PEL-like lymphoma’.

Case summary

An 83-year-old man was admitted to our institution because of shortness of breath, fatigue, and facial oedema. Laboratory findings were unremarkable, including negative results for HIV antibodies. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed massive pericardial effusion surrounding the entire heart, which resulted in the early diastolic collapse of the right ventricular free wall, indicating elevated intra-pericardial pressure. He underwent pericardial centesis and 700 mL of pericardial fluid was drained. Adenosine deaminase (ADA) in the pericardial effusion showed an abnormally high value of 221 U/L. Cytological examination revealed a cellular population compatible with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with prominent blastic characteristics and negative for HHV-8 latent nuclear antigens. Thus, the patient was diagnosed with HHV-8 unrelated HIV-negative PEL-like lymphoma. He was followed for more than 10 months in complete remission after a single pericardial drainage without any chemotherapy.

Discussion

Exhaustive drainage of the lymphomatous effusion may induce complete remission in some patients with PEL-like lymphoma. Furthermore, the ADA value in the pericardial effusion may serve as a valuable guide to facilitate the accurate diagnosis of PEL-like lymphoma.