bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eddy activity in the Arctic Ocean projected to surge in a warming world
Authors: Li Xinyue , Wang Qiang , Danilov Sergey , Koldunov Nikolay , Liu Caili , Müller Vasco , Sidorenko Dmitry , Jung Thomas
Published: January 2024

Ocean eddies play a critical role in climate and marine life. In the rapidly warming Arctic, little is known about how ocean eddy activity will change because existing climate models cannot resolve Arctic Ocean mesoscale eddies. Here, by employing a next-generation global sea ice–ocean model with kilometre-scale horizontal resolution in the Arctic, we find a surge of eddy kinetic energy in the upper Arctic Ocean, tripling on average in a four-degree-warmer world. The driving mechanism behind this surge is an increase in eddy generation due to enhanced baroclinic instability. Despite the decline of sea ice, eddy killing (a process in which eddies are dampened by sea ice and winds) will not weaken in its annual mean effect in the considered warming scenario. Our study suggests the importance of adequately representing Arctic eddy activity in climate models for understanding the impacts of its increase on climate and ecosystems.
New approach into human health risk assessment associated with heavy metals in surface water and groundwater using Monte Carlo Method
Authors: Eid Mohamed Hamdy , Eissa Mustafa , Mohamed Essam A. , Ramadan Hatem Saad , Tamás Madarász , Kovács Attila , Szűcs Péter
Published: January 2024

This study assessed the environmental and health risks associated with heavy metals in the water resources of Egypt's northwestern desert. The current approaches included the Spearman correlation matrix, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis to identify pollution sources and quality-controlling factors. Various indices (HPI, MI, HQ, HI, and CR) were applied to evaluate environmental and human health risks. Additionally, the Monte Carlo method was employed for probabilistic carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk assessment via oral and dermal exposure routes in adults and children. Notably, all water resources exhibited high pollution risks with HPI and MI values exceeding permissible limits (HPI > 100 and MI > 6), respectively. Furthermore, HI oral values indicated significant non-carcinogenic risks to both adults and children, while dermal contact posed a high risk to 19.4% of samples for adults and 77.6% of samples for children (HI > 1). Most water samples exhibited CR values exceeding 1 × 10–4 for Cd, Cr, and Pb, suggesting vulnerability to carcinogenic effects in both age groups. Monte Carlo simulations reinforced these findings, indicating a significant carcinogenic impact on children and adults. Consequently, comprehensive water treatment measures are urgently needed to mitigate carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks in Siwa Oasis.
BrainSwarming, blockchain, and bioethics: applying Innovation Enhancing Techniques to healthcare and research
Authors: Vazirani Anuraag A. , McCaffrey Tony , Savulescu Julian , Porsdam Mann Sebastian
Published: January 2024

Innovation in healthcare and biomedicine is in decline, yet there exist no widely-known alternatives to traditional brainstorming that can be employed for innovative idea generation. McCaffrey's Innovation Enhancing Techniques (IETs) were developed to enhance creative problem-solving by helping the solver to overcome common psychological obstacles to generating innovative ideas. These techniques were devised for engineering and design problems, which involve solving practical goals using physical materials. Healthcare and science problems however often involve solving abstract goals using intangible resources. Here we adapt two of McCaffrey’s IETs, BrainSwarming and the Generic Parts Technique, to effectively enhance idea generation for such problems. To demonstrate their potential, we apply these techniques to a case study involving the use of blockchain technologies to facilitate ethical goals in biomedicine, and successfully identify 100 potential solutions to this problem. Being simple to understand and easy to implement, these and other IETs have significant potential to improve innovation and idea generation in healthcare, scientific, and technological contexts. By catalysing idea generation in problem-solving, these techniques may be used to target the innovative stagnation currently facing the scientific world.
Short-term effects of community-based marine reserves on green abalone, as revealed by population studies
Authors: Bauer Jeremie , Segovia-Rendón Jaime , Lorda Julio , Abadía-Cardoso Alicia , Malpica-Cruz Luis , Alvarado-Graef Patricia , Searcy-Bernal Ricardo , Vázquez-Vera Leonardo , Beas-Luna Rodrigo
Published: January 2024

Marine reserves (MRs) are implemented worldwide to protect, restore, and manage marine ecosystems and species. However, it is important to document the positive effects those marine reserves have on slow-growth, temperate invertebrates such as abalone. Abalone, Haliotis spp., are marine gastropods of high economic value extracted worldwide for decades, which has led to fisheries-driven population decreases. In this work, we focused on a case study and assessed the short-term (1–2 years) effects of marine reserves established and managed by a local fishing cooperative at Guadalupe Island, Mexico. We evaluated the population status of green abalone, H. fulgens, by conducting (1) an assessment of the green abalone population around Guadalupe Island through subtidal monitoring and (2) an evaluation of the effect of two recently established marine reserves on population parameters such as the increase in density (individuals·m2), biomass, number of aggregated abalone, egg production, and proportion of individuals bigger than 150 mm (minimum harvest size) compared to fished areas. To assess the population around Guadalupe Island, we surveyed 11,160 m2 during 2020 and 2021. We recorded 2327 green abalones with a mean ± SE shell length of 135.978 ± 0.83 mm and a mean density of 0.21 ± 0.02 individuals·m2. All variables were statistically higher at the MRs except for shell length in 2021. In this work, we report for the first time the green abalone population status at Guadalupe Island and a positive short-term biological response to community-based marine reserves. This study suggests that a network of MRs combined with good management could help abalone populations in the short term in Guadalupe Island, potentially leading to more sustainable fishing practices and social-ecological resilience.
Effects of grassland controlled burning on symbiotic skin microbes in Neotropical amphibians
Authors: Schuck Laura K. , Neely Wesley J. , Buttimer Shannon M. , Moser Camila F. , Barth Priscila C. , Liskoski Paulo E. , Caberlon Carolina de A. , Valiati Victor Hugo , Tozetti Alexandro M. , Becker C. Guilherme
Published: January 2024

Climate change has led to an alarming increase in the frequency and severity of wildfires worldwide. While it is known that amphibians have physiological characteristics that make them highly susceptible to fire, the specific impacts of wildfires on their symbiotic skin bacterial communities (i.e., bacteriomes) and infection by the deadly chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, remain poorly understood. Here, we address this research gap by evaluating the effects of fire on the amphibian skin bacteriome and the subsequent risk of chytridiomycosis. We sampled the skin bacteriome of the Neotropical species Scinax squalirostris and Boana leptolineata in fire and control plots before and after experimental burnings. Fire was linked with a marked increase in bacteriome beta dispersion, a proxy for skin microbial dysbiosis, alongside a trend of increased pathogen loads. By shedding light on the effects of fire on amphibian skin bacteriomes, this study contributes to our broader understanding of the impacts of wildfires on vulnerable vertebrate species.
Perceived functional resilience in schools according to key stakeholders
Authors: Kaim Arielle , Siman-Tov Maya , Lev-Ari Shahar , Adini Bruria
Published: January 2024

Amid the COVID-19 outbreak, Israel and numerous other governments closed schools as a precaution, leading to a sudden shift to online learning. The aim of the current study is to provide foundational insight into the perceived readiness of the school system to withstand future adversities, based on the challenges, complexities, as well as successes in adaptation faced by stakeholders during COVID-19. In this cross-sectional study, we assess the perceived levels of functional resilience of the school system among the key stakeholders of the Israeli education system-high school students, parents, teachers, and principals, as well as a composite functional resilience scale. The composite functional resilience consists of 10 main indexes: communication during distance learning (DL) and frontal learning (FL); Perceived stress scale-4 (PSS); psychosocial aspects during distance learning (DL) and frontal learning (FL); digital literacy; pedagogic support; resources; infrastructure; and distance versus frontal learning. The study findings demonstrate differences according to the stakeholders with regard to the perceived functional resilience and the composite functional resilience scores (e.g., students with respect to both of these scores exhibit the lowest results, while teachers display the highest scores). Furthermore, no one variable was significant across the board for all stakeholders in predicting the perceived functional resilience, with the most common predictors among the stakeholders being digital literacy, pedagogic support, PSS, as well as communication during distance and frontal learning. The findings of this study reveal areas for recommended priority actions to be conducted among school system stakeholders.
Multifunctional metallic nanocomposite for overcoming the strength–ductility trade-off
Authors: Lanba Asheesh R. , Hamilton Reginald F. , Melanson Adrien N. , Perry Emma S. , Gordon Richard F.
Published: January 2024

The actualization of high strength and ductility in alloys, in addition to providing strong, formable materials, can lead to reduced weights in practical applications. However, increasing strength typically comes at the cost of lowering the ductility and vice-versa, referred to as the strength–ductility trade-off. In this work, we investigate the thermo-mechanical response of a 3-element multifunctional NiTi–Nb nanocomposite material that overcomes this trade-off, as it exhibits a high strength of 980 MPa and an ultrahigh ductility of 58% at fracture. The remarkable properties are attributed to the underlying microstructure of Nb nanofibers dispersed in an NiTi matrix. Deformation is accommodated via the shape memory transformation of the active NiTi matrix in concert with elastoplastic deformation of Nb nanofibers embedded within the matrix. Consequently, the material exhibits multifunctionality and recovers deformation during heating via the reversion of the stress-induced martensitic transformation in the NiTi matrix. The high strength and high ductility of this 3-element nanocomposite material puts it amongst the best performing high-entropy alloys (HEAs) that are typically made up of five or more elements.
Strong selection signatures for Aleutian disease tolerance acting on novel candidate genes linked to immune and cellular responses in American mink (Neogale vison)
Authors: Vahedi Seyed Milad , Salek Ardestani Siavash , Banabazi Mohammad Hossein , Clark K. Fraser
Published: January 2024

Aleutian disease (AD) is a multi-systemic infectious disease in American mink (Neogale vison) caused by Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV). This study aimed to identify candidate regions and genes underlying selection for response against AMDV using whole-genome sequence (WGS) data. Three case–control selection signatures studies were conducted between animals (N = 85) producing high versus low antibody levels against AMDV, grouped by counter immunoelectrophoresis (CIEP) test and two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Within each study, selection signals were detected using fixation index (FST) and nucleotide diversity (θπ ratios), and validated by cross-population extended haplotype homozygosity (XP-EHH) test. Within- and between-studies overlapping results were then evaluated. Within-studies overlapping results indicated novel candidate genes related to immune and cellular responses (e.g.,TAP2,RAB32), respiratory system function (e.g.,SPEF2,R3HCC1L), and reproduction system function (e.g.,HSF2,CFAP206) in other species. Between-studies overlapping results identified three large segments under strong selection pressure, including two on chromosome 1 (chr1:88,770–98,281 kb and chr1:114,133–120,473) and one on chromosome 6 (chr6:37,953–44,279 kb). Within regions with strong signals, we found novel candidate genes involved in immune and cellular responses (e.g., homologous MHC class II genes,ITPR3,VPS52) in other species. Our study brings new insights into candidate regions and genes controlling AD response.
Effects of foot reflexology massage on pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies
Authors: Yang Jia-ming , Li Ze-qin , Ye Hua , Wu Yan-lin , Long Yi , Zhong Yan-biao , Luo Yun , Wang Mao-yuan
Published: January 2024

To explore the effects of foot reflexology massage on anxiety, pain, duration of labor, labor satisfaction, blood pressure, pulse rate and respiratory rate in pregnant women. We systematically searched eight databases for randomized controlled studies on the effects of foot reflexology massage on pregnant women. The inclusion criteria were as follow: participants were pregnant woman; the intervention is foot reflexology or foot massage; the control intervention is placebo, usual care, or no intervention; outcome indicators included pain, anxiety, birth satisfaction, duration of labor, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration; and study type was randomized controlled study. Studies that did not meet the above requirements were excluded. We assessed the quality of the included studies using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale, the risk of bias using the Risk of Bias 2.0 tool, and the level of evidence for the outcomes using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation. We used Review Manager 5.3 for data analysis and generated funnel plots to assess publication bias. In addition, sensitivity analysis was used to test the stability of the results. A total of 13 randomized controlled studies with 1189 participants were included in this study. Compared to the control group, foot reflexology massage reduced anxiety and pain in pregnant women, shortened the three stages of labor, and increased birth satisfaction. In addition, it also reduced the pulse rate and respiratory rate of pregnant women, but not for blood pressure. Foot reflexology massage can significantly reduce anxiety and pain, shorten the duration of labor, increase birth satisfaction, and stabilize vital signs in pregnant women. It is a safe and non-invasive form of complementary therapy.

PROSPERO registered number: CRD42022359641. URL: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=359641.
Determining hotspots of gaseous criteria air pollutants in Delhi airshed and its association with stubble burning
Authors: Nirwan Nirwan , Siddiqui Asfa , Kannemadugu Hareef baba shaeb , Chauhan Prakash , Singh R. P.
Published: January 2024

Transboundary pollutant transport is considered as one of the primary factors causing the seasonal air quality deterioration in Delhi, India’s capital. The highest standard deviations exceeding days in winter for NO2 (7.14–9.63%) and SO2 (4.04–7.42%) in 2019–2022 underscore the role of meteorological conditions in Delhi's pollution. In contrast, the post-monsoon season shows the highest pollutant exceedance days (4.52–8.00%) for CO due to stubble burning (SB) in Punjab (68,902 fires/year). Despite the government’s assertions of decreasing SB events (14.68%), the city’s CO exceedance days persistently rose by 6.36%. CAMS data is used for assessing contribution hotspots through back-trajectory analysis at multiple heights. An overlap hotspot of 111 sq. km area is identified in the Southeast parts of Punjab that have a higher contribution to the CO levels in Delhi during the post-monsoon season of 2019. Similarly, hotspots are also observed for SO2 over industrial areas of Punjab during the post-monsoon and pre-monsoon seasons. The same seasons show similar contributing patterns for NO2 highlighting the influence of consistent emission patterns and meteorological conditions. The clear delineation of hotspots using the receptor model at multiple heights coupled with source apportionment studies will assist decision-makers in addressing the pollution sources outside Delhi.
A retrospective longitudinal assessment of artificial intelligence-assisted radiographic prediction of lower third molar eruption
Authors: Chopra Shivi , Vranckx Myrthel , Ockerman Anna , Östgren Peter , Krüger-Weiner Carina , Benchimol Daniel , Shujaat Sohaib , Jacobs Reinhilde
Published: January 2024

Prediction of lower third molar eruption is crucial for its timely extraction. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to investigate the prediction of lower third molar eruption and its uprighting with the assistance of an artificial intelligence (AI) tool. The secondary aim was identifying the incidence of fully erupted lower third molars with hygienic cleansability. In total, 771 patients having two panoramic radiographs were recruited, where the first radiograph was acquired at 8–15 years of age (T1) and the second acquisition was between 16 and 23 years (T2). The predictive model for third molar eruption could not be obtained as few teeth reached full eruption. However, uprighting model at T2 showed that in cases with sufficient retromolar space, an initial angulation of < 32° predicted uprighting. Full eruption was observed for 13.9% of the teeth, and only 1.7% showed hygienic cleansability. The predictions model of third molar uprighting could act as a valuable aid for guiding a clinician with the decision-making process of extracting third molars which fail to erupt in an upright fashion. In addition, a low incidence of fully erupted molars with hygienic cleansability suggest that a clinician might opt for prophylactic extraction.
In vitro co-expression chromatin assembly and remodeling platform for plant histone variants
Authors: Banko Petra , Okimune Kei-ichi , Nagy Szilvia K. , Hamasaki Akinori , Morishita Ryo , Onouchi Hitoshi , Takasuka Taichi E.
Published: January 2024

Histone variants play a central role in shaping the chromatin landscape in plants, yet, how their distinct combinations affect nucleosome properties and dynamics is still largely elusive. To address this, we developed a novel chromatin assembly platform for Arabidopsis thaliana, using wheat germ cell-free protein expression. Four canonical histones and five reported histone variants were used to assemble twelve A. thaliana nucleosome combinations. Seven combinations were successfully reconstituted and confirmed by supercoiling and micrococcal nuclease (MNase) assays. The effect of the remodeling function of the CHR11-DDR4 complex on these seven combinations was evaluated based on the nucleosome repeat length and nucleosome spacing index obtained from the MNase ladders. Overall, the current study provides a novel method to elucidate the formation and function of a diverse range of nucleosomes in plants.
Generation of infrared photon pairs by spontaneous four-wave mixing in a CS2-filled microstructured optical fiber
Authors: Afsharnia Mina , Junaid Saher , Saravi Sina , Chemnitz Mario , Wondraczek Katrin , Pertsch Thomas , Schmidt Markus A. , Setzpfandt Frank
Published: January 2024

We experimentally demonstrate frequency non-degenerate photon-pair generation via spontaneous four-wave mixing from a novel CS2-filled microstructured optical fiber. CS2 has high nonlinearity, narrow Raman lines, a broad transmission spectrum, and also has a large index contrast with the microstructured silica fiber. We can achieve phase matching over a large spectral range by tuning the pump wavelength, allowing the generation of idler photons in the infrared region, which is suitable for applications in quantum spectroscopy. Moreover, we demonstrate a coincidence-to-accidental ratio of larger than 90 and a pair generation efficiency of about $$10^{-2}$$

10

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2

per pump pulse, which shows the viability of this fiber-based platform as a photon-pair source for quantum technology applications.
A fresh perspective on infrared spectroscopy as a prescreening method for molecular and stable isotopes analyses on ancient human bones
Authors: Scaggion Cinzia , Marinato Maurizio , Dal Sasso Gregorio , Nodari Luca , Saupe Tina , Aneli Serena , Pagani Luca , Scheib Christiana L. , Rigo Manuel , Artioli Gilberto
Published: January 2024

Following the development of modern genome sequencing technologies, the investigation of museum osteological finds is increasingly informative and popular. Viable protocols to help preserve these collections from exceedingly invasive analyses, would allow greater access to the specimens for scientific research. The main aim of this work is to survey skeletal tissues, specifically petrous bones and roots of teeth, using infrared spectroscopy as a prescreening method to assess the bone quality for molecular analyses. This approach could overcome the major problem of identifying useful genetic material in archaeological bone collections without resorting to demanding, time consuming and expensive laboratory studies. A minimally invasive sampling of archaeological bones was developed and bone structural and compositional changes were examined, linking isotopic and genetic data to infrared spectra. The predictive model based on Infrared parameters is effective in determining the occurrence of ancient DNA (aDNA); however, the quality/quantity of aDNA cannot be determined because of the influence of environmental and local factors experienced by the examined bones during the burial period.
Inter and intradevice assessment of microperimetry testing in aging eyes
Authors: Coulibaly Leonard M. , Mohamed Hamza , Fuchs Philipp , Schmidt-Erfurth Ursula , Reiter Gregor S.
Published: January 2024

Microperimetry (MP) is a psychometric examination combining retinal imaging and functional sensitivity testing with an increasing importance due to its potential use as clinical study outcome. We investigated the repeatability of pointwise retinal sensitivity (PWS) on the most advanced commercially available MP devices under their standard setting in a healthy aging population. Two successive MP examinations on both MP-3 (NIDEK CO., Ltd., Gamagori, Japan) and MAIA (CenterVue S.p.A. (iCare), Padova, Italy) were performed on healthy aging subjects in a randomized order. PWS repeatability was analysed for different macular regions and age groups using Bland-Altmann coefficients of repeatability (CoR). A total of 3600 stimuli from 20 healthy individuals with a mean age of 70 (11) years were included. Mean CoR in dB were ±4.61 for MAIA and ±4.55 for MP-3 examinations. A lower repeatability (p=0.005) was detected in the central millimetre on MAIA examinations. Higher subject age was associated with a lower repeatability of PWS on both devices (both p=0.003). Intra-device correlation was good (MAIA: 0.79 [0.76–0.81]; MP-3: 0.72 [0.68–0.76]) whereas a moderate mean inter-device correlation (0.6 [0.55–0.65]) could be detected. In conclusion, older subjects and the foveal region are associated with a worse pointwise repeatability.
Red blood cell alloimmunization in blood transfusion-dependent β thalassemia major patients in Sana’a City-Yemen
Authors: Almorish Mohammed A. W. , Al-absi Boshra , Elkhalifa Ahmed M. E. , Alhamidi Abdulaziz H. , Abdelrahman Mohammad
Published: January 2024

The development of erythrocyte alloantibodies complicates transfusion therapy in β thalassemia major patients. These antibodies increase the need for blood and intensify transfusion complications. Data on erythrocyte alloimmunization is scarce in Yemeni thalassemia patients. We studied the frequency of alloimmunization in multitransfused β-thalassemia major patients and investigated risk factors that affect antibody formation. Blood samples were taken from 100 β thalassemia major patients who received multitransfused leukodepleted packed red-blood cells. Antibody screening and identification were performed by indirect antiglobulin test using the gel column technique. All patients were tested for autoantibodies using autocontrol and direct antiglobulin test. No adsorption test was done as no autoantibodies were detected in any patient. In our study of 100 β-thalassemia patients, 50 were male and 50 were female with ages ranging from 1 to 30 years. Alloantibodies were present in 6% of patients, while no autoantibodies were detected. Of the 17 alloantibodies identified, the majority were directed against Kell (41.2%) and Rh (29.4%) blood groups. Alloimmunization was significantly associated with age group and sex (p = 0.013, p = 0.030), respectively in β thalassemia major patients. The development of alloantibodies was not significantly associated with duration, total number of transfusions and splenectomy (P = 0.445, P = 0.125, P = 0.647). No autoantibodies found in patients with β thalassemia major. The study found low rates of erythrocyte alloimmunization in multitransfused β-thalassemia major patients, but significant alloantibodies were produced primarily from Kell and Rh blood groups, suggesting the need for providing phenotypically matched cells for selective antigens to improve transfusion efficiency.
Modeling based on machine learning to investigate flue gas desulfurization performance by calcium silicate absorbent in a sand bed reactor
Authors: Naderi Kamyar , Kalami Yazdi Mohammad Sadegh , Jafarabadi Hanieh , Bahmanzadegan Fatemeh , Ghaemi Ahad , Mosavi Mohammad Reza
Published: January 2024

Flue gas desulfurization (FGD) is a critical process for reducing sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from industrial sources, particularly power plants. This research uses calcium silicate absorbent in combination with machine learning (ML) to predict SO2 concentration within an FGD process. The collected dataset encompasses four input parameters, specifically relative humidity, absorbent weight, temperature, and time, and incorporates one output parameter, which pertains to the concentration of SO2. Six ML models were developed to estimate the output parameters. Statistical metrics such as the coefficient of determination (R2) and mean squared error (MSE) were employed to identify the most suitable model and assess its fitting effectiveness. The random forest (RF) model emerged as the top-performing model, boasting an R2 of 0.9902 and an MSE of 0.0008. The model's predictions aligned closely with experimental results, confirming its high accuracy. The most suitable hyperparameter values for RF model were found to be 74 for n_estimators, 41 for max_depth, false for bootstrap, sqrt for max_features, 1 for min_samples_leaf, absolute_error for criterion, and 3 for min_samples_split. Three-dimensional surface plots were generated to explore the impact of input variables on SO2 concentration. Global sensitivity analysis (GSA) revealed absorbent weight and time significantly influence SO2 concentration. The integration of ML into FGD modeling offers a novel approach to optimizing the efficiency and effectiveness of this environmentally crucial process.
Metal-polyphenol networks-modified tantalum plate for craniomaxillofacial reconstruction
Authors: Wei Zhengyu , Shen Zhisen , Deng Hongxia , Kuang Tairong , Wang Jinggang , Gu Zhipeng
Published: January 2024

Using three-dimensional (3D) printing technology to make the porous tantalum plate and modify its surface. The physicochemical properties, cytocompatibility, antioxidant capacity, and histocompatibility of the modified materials were evaluated to prepare for the repair of craniomaxillofacial bone defects. The porous tantalum plates were 3D printed by selective laser melting technology. Tantalum plates were surface modified with a metal polyphenol network. The surface-modified plates were analyzed for cytocompatibility using thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide and live/dead cell staining. The antioxidant capacity of the surface-modified plates was assessed by measuring the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde. The histocompatibility of the plates was evaluated by animal experiments. The results obtained that the tantalum plates with uniform small pores exhibited a high mechanical strength. The surface-modified plates had much better hydrophilicity. In vitro cell experiments showed that the surface-modified plates had higher cytocompatibility and antioxidant capacity than blank tantalum plates. Through subcutaneous implantation in rabbits, the surface-modified plates demonstrated good histocompatibility. Hence, surface-modified tantalum plates had the potential to be used as an implant material for the treatment of craniomaxillofacial bone defects.
Demographic and clinical characteristics associated with screening practices for hydroxychloroquine retinopathy
Authors: Kim Jiyeong , Jeong Hyo Chan , Kwon Hyeon Yoon , Kim Young Hwan , Ahn Seong Joon
Published: January 2024

In this nationwide population-based cohort study, we investigated the demographic and clinical characteristics associated with hydroxychloroquine retinopathy screening using the National Health Insurance Review and Assessment database in South Korea. This study included a total of 32,732 at-risk patients, identified based on having been prescribed hydroxychloroquine for at least 6 months, and 15,477 long-term (> 5 years) users between January 2010 and December 2020. Participants were categorized based on the performance of baseline examinations (within 1 year of hydroxychloroquine use) and monitoring examinations (after 5 years of hydroxychloroquine use). Demographic and clinical factors, including hospitals and medical specialties prescribing hydroxychloroquine, indications for hydroxychloroquine use, and prescription details, were compared between groups. Significant differences were found in sex, residence, departments and hospitals (primary vs. referral centers) where hydroxychloroquine was prescribed, diagnosis for hydroxychloroquine therapy, and mean daily dose between patients who did and did not undergo baseline or monitoring examinations (all P < 0.01). Patients who received hydroxychloroquine prescriptions from referral hospitals were more likely to undergo baseline and monitoring examinations compared to those from primary clinics (both P < 0.001). Additionally, patients who received hydroxychloroquine prescriptions from the rheumatology department and had systemic lupus erythematosus were more likely to undergo baseline and monitoring examinations compared to other patients (all P < 0.001). There were notable differences in the number of modalities used for retinopathy screening between primary and referral centers (P < 0.001). Our findings suggest that several clinical factors related to hydroxychloroquine prescription and screening centers are associated with retinopathy screening practices.
Effectiveness of adjuvant systemic therapy following complete cytoreductive surgery in patients with recurrent granulosa cell tumours of the ovary
Authors: Yumru Celiksoy Harika , Dickie Catriona , Seckl Michael J. , Aydın Esra , Sozen Hamdullah , Topuz Samet , Fotopoulou Christina
Published: January 2024

Aim of the present analysis is to compare the impact of antihormonal therapy versus cytotoxic chemotherapy versus a watch a wait approach on disease-free survival (DFS) in the adjuvant setting of patients who underwent complete cytoreductive surgery(CRS) for recurrent adult type granulosa cell tumours of the ovary (GCT). Moreover, we wished to identify prognostic risk factors for recurrence. We included recurrent GCT-patients who underwent CRS resulting in total macroscopic tumour clearance, treated in two gynaecological cancer centres over a 20-year period (2000–2020). CRS was performed for 51 recurrences in 26 GCT-patients. Adjuvant systemic treatments were as follows: chemotherapy in 21 cases, hormonotherapy in 10 cases, no systemic treatment in 20 cases. There were no statistically significant differences in DFS between chemotherapy, hormonotherapy and no systemic treatment: median DFS was 57, 36 and 57 months, respectively (p = 0.616). Extra-pelvic and/or multifocal tumour dissemination were found to be independent predictive factors for subsequent recurrences. In the cases with both lower and upper abdominal involvement (n = 18), patients who received chemotherapy (n = 9) had longer DFS than those who had hormonotherapy (n = 2) or no adjuvant therapy (n = 7) at all: median DFS was 36, 13 and 15 months, respectively (p = 0.9). Our findings do not encourage the administration of adjuvant therapy following complete CRS for GCT-relapse. Selected high-risk patients with disseminated disease may derive clinical benefit from additional chemotherapy, larger-scale multicentre studies are warranted to define treatment algorithms for this rare disease.
Profiling the heterogeneity of colorectal cancer consensus molecular subtypes using spatial transcriptomics
Authors: Valdeolivas Alberto , Amberg Bettina , Giroud Nicolas , Richardson Marion , Gálvez Eric J. C. , Badillo Solveig , Julien-Laferrière Alice , Túrós Demeter , Voith von Voithenberg Lena , Wells Isabelle , Pesti Benedek , Lo Amy A. , Yángüez Emilio , Das Thakur Meghna , Bscheider Michael , Sultan Marc , Kumpesa Nadine , Jacobsen Björn , Bergauer Tobias , Saez-Rodriguez Julio , Rottenberg Sven , Schwalie Petra C. , Hahn Kerstin
Published: January 2024

The consensus molecular subtypes (CMS) of colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most widely-used gene expression-based classification and has contributed to a better understanding of disease heterogeneity and prognosis. Nevertheless, CMS intratumoral heterogeneity restricts its clinical application, stressing the necessity of further characterizing the composition and architecture of CRC. Here, we used Spatial Transcriptomics (ST) in combination with single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to decipher the spatially resolved cellular and molecular composition of CRC. In addition to mapping the intratumoral heterogeneity of CMS and their microenvironment, we identified cell communication events in the tumor-stroma interface of CMS2 carcinomas. This includes tumor growth-inhibiting as well as -activating signals, such as the potential regulation of the ETV4 transcriptional activity by DCN or the PLAU-PLAUR ligand-receptor interaction. Our study illustrates the potential of ST to resolve CRC molecular heterogeneity and thereby help advance personalized therapy.
Architecture of the subthalamic nucleus
Authors: Prasad Asheeta A. , Wallén-Mackenzie Åsa
Published: January 2024

The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a major neuromodulation target for the alleviation of neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms using deep brain stimulation (DBS). STN-DBS is today applied as treatment in Parkinson´s disease, dystonia, essential tremor, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). STN-DBS also shows promise as a treatment for refractory Tourette syndrome. However, the internal organization of the STN has remained elusive and challenges researchers and clinicians: How can this small brain structure engage in the multitude of functions that renders it a key hub for therapeutic intervention of a variety of brain disorders ranging from motor to affective to cognitive? Based on recent gene expression studies of the STN, a comprehensive view of the anatomical and cellular organization, including revelations of spatio-molecular heterogeneity, is now possible to outline. In this review, we focus attention to the neurobiological architecture of the STN with specific emphasis on molecular patterns discovered within this complex brain area. Studies from human, non-human primate, and rodent brains now reveal anatomically defined distribution of specific molecular markers. Together their spatial patterns indicate a heterogeneous molecular architecture within the STN. Considering the translational capacity of targeting the STN in severe brain disorders, the addition of molecular profiling of the STN will allow for advancement in precision of clinical STN-based interventions.
A conformational selection mechanism of flavivirus NS5 for species-specific STAT2 inhibition
Authors: Biswal Mahamaya , Yao Wangyuan , Lu Jiuwei , Chen Jianbin , Morrison Juliet , Hai Rong , Song Jikui
Published: January 2024

Flaviviruses, including Zika virus (ZIKV) and Dengue virus (DENV), rely on their non-structural protein 5 (NS5) for both replication of viral genome and suppression of host IFN signaling. DENV and ZIKV NS5s were shown to facilitate proteosome-mediated protein degradation of human STAT2 (hSTAT2). However, how flavivirus NS5s have evolved for species-specific IFN-suppression remains unclear. Here we report structure-function characterization of the DENV serotype 2 (DENV2) NS5−hSTAT2 complex. The MTase and RdRP domains of DENV2 NS5 form an extended conformation to interact with the coiled-coil and N-terminal domains of hSTAT2, thereby promoting hSTAT2 degradation in cells. Disruption of the extended conformation of DENV2/ZIKV NS5, but not the alternative compact state, impaired their hSTAT2 binding. Our comparative structural analysis of flavivirus NS5s further reveals a conserved protein-interaction platform with subtle amino-acid variations likely underpinning diverse IFN-suppression mechanisms. Together, this study uncovers a conformational selection mechanism underlying species-specific hSTAT2 inhibition by flavivirus NS5.
Disorder scattering in classical flat channel transport of particles between twisted magnetic square patterns
Authors: Rossi Anna M. E. B. , Ernst Adrian , Dörfler Magdalena , Fischer Thomas M.
Published: January 2024

We measure the trajectories of macroscopic magnetic particles pulled against gravity between twisted alternating magnetic square patterns in a superposed homogeneous magnetic field normal to both patterns. The two patterns are built from a set of magentic cubes having a distribution of magnetization. The magnetic potential between the patterns is a sum of three contributions: two being periodic on two lattices with different magnitude and orientation, and the third random contribution arising from the distribution of magnetization of the cubes. As one varies the twist angle between the two patterns each time the twist angle coincides with a magic twist angle one of the two periodic lattices becomes a sublattice of the other lattice. Simulations of particles moving through patterns with a precise cube magnetization produce pronounced mobility peaks near magic twist angles that are associated with flat channels. Weak random fluctuations of the cube magnetization in the experiment and the simulations cause enhanced random disorder of the potential and reduce the mobility by scattering particles into the interior of the twisted Wigner Seitz cells. The mobility undergoes an Anderson transition from magic to generic behavior as the magnetization disorder increases beyond half of a percent of the cube magnetization.
Engineered CO2 conversion performance of nanostructured TiO2 photocatalysts via electrochemical hydrogenation
Authors: Lee Jacky Chen-Chin , Omr Hossam A. E. , Lai Po-Wei , Lee Hyeonseok
Published: January 2024

Electrochemically hydrogenated TiO2 nanotubes are demonstrated with precisely controlled optical and electrochemical properties by the introduction of oxygen vacancies for efficient photocatalytic CO2 conversion.
Environmental Science: Atmospheres is four and so much more
Authors: Donahue Neil M.
Published: January 2024

Editor-in-Chief Neil Donahue reflects on the third year of Environmental Science: Atmospheres and looks ahead at the plans for year 4.
Horseradish peroxidase-catalyzed polyacrylamide gels: monitoring their polymerization with BSA-stabilized gold nanoclusters and their functional validation in electrophoresis
Authors: Liao Chang , Li Tao , Chen Fengjiao , Yan Shaoying , Zhu Liying , Tang Hua , Wang Dan
Published: January 2024

Schematic illustration of (A) Acr-Bis polymerization catalyzed by HRP /H2O2/ACAC ternary initiation system and (B) the polymerization of Acr-Bis causes AIE phenomenon of BSA-Au NCs.
Facile synthesis of NiFe2O4-based nanoblocks for low-temperature detection of trace n-butanol
Authors: Qian Xiujuan , Chen Yanping , Tao Yuye , Zhang Jian , Zhang Guangfeng , Xu Haoyang
Published: January 2024

Sensors based on Ni/Fe-2 exhibit excellent performance in detecting n-butanol gas. The enhanced gas sensing performance can be attributed to the rough surface, formation of heterojunctions, and augmentation of oxygen vacancy content.
Liquid–liquid extraction of boron from continental brines by 2-butyl-1-octanol diluted in kerosene
Authors: Kiemde Abdoul Fattah , Marin Jérôme , Flexer Victoria , Chagnes Alexandre
Published: January 2024

A flowsheet for direct boron extraction from native brines in lithium production plants was proposed and the associated physicochemistry was discussed.
Lattice engineering through Al-substitution leads to enhanced magneto-optical properties of Tb3(AlxGa1−x)5O12 single crystals
Authors: Xin Xianhui , Hao Yuankai , Yang Xianxian , Zhang Zhen , Fu Xiuwei , Jia Zhitai , Tao Xutang
Published: January 2024

High-quality TAGG75 single crystals are obtained by the Czochralski method for the first time. They exhibit excellent magneto-optical performance beyond TGG.
Crystal-field regulation enables broadband-to-line emission switching in Cr3+-activated pyroxenes
Authors: Ma Yingying , Wen Ting , Liu Ke , Li Chen , Jiang Dequan , Chen En , Pei Tianyao , Lin Chuanlong , Wang Yonggang
Published: January 2024

The realization of pressure-driven dynamic and reversible broadband-to-line emission switching in Cr3+-activated pyroxenes LiScSi2O6 and LiScGe2O6 through crystal field engineering.
Procedural concept for complex risk assessment in a multinational company in Romania
Authors: Moraru Roland Iosif , Bǎbuţ Gabriel Bujor , Popescu - Stelea Mihai , Răcăuţanu Mădălina
Published: January 2024

Globally, the process of assessing the risks to the health and safety of workers is implemented through the use of hundreds of dedicated tools, used in a flexible and complementary way, according to clearly specified criteria. Unfortunately, in the national practice of occupational risk assessment, only one method has become generalized, which is used in a proportion of 90-95%, and the major problem is that often it is not even applied only formally. This paper has an ambitious goal, aiming to offer practitioners in our country a case study on good practice on the procedural structure for achieving and capitalizing on the results of risk assessment, in a manner that is both complex and pragmatic. The concept proposed and successfully implemented at the investigated multinational company, offers a major potential to improve the management of occupational safety and health in economic organizations, regardless of their size, form of ownership or other categories of conditioning.
Behavior-Based Safety, the Right Long-term approach to address Workplace Safety
Authors: Toma Adrian , Ghindescu Negura Florina , Moraru Roland Iosif , Mureşan Florin , Racautanu Madalina
Published: January 2024

Until the present, addressing the behavioral aspects of work-related accidents and occupational diseases in Romania has been very sporadic. Most companies have adopted various programs and initiatives to enhance compliance with Occupational Safety and Health procedures. All these procedures are important for a successful safety process. Done correctly, they contribute to good safety performance. But today, these elements define the average safety effort, representing what everyone else is doing. If a company performs them well, it will achieve an average level of safety for their industry. While the injury rate will be affected by the consistency of these efforts, the result will basically be a normal variation above and below the industry average: some years better than average, some years worse. In this context, the paper presents some tools developed worldwide to improve consistently the safety and health of the employees. The basic objective of this study is to explore the human dynamics of occupational health and safety and to show how these can be managed to significantly improve performance. The principles and practical procedures are not based on common sense or intuition, but rather on reliable scientific investigations. Many recommendations seem different from traditional approaches to occupational safety.
Tools available for methane recovery from mines belonging to C.E.H. Petroşani
Authors: Chiuzan Emeric , Matei Adrian
Published: January 2024

Mine gas is present both in coals and in the surrounding rocks and basically consists of methane (some-times almost 100%) mixed with carbon dioxide (up to 5%) with nitrogen (a few percent) and traces of carbon monoxide. The genesis of mine gas can be related to the biochemical transformation of vegetation during the carbonization process.

The degassing of coal bed has been established as an active method of reducing methane emissions due to the need to ensure the exploitation of the bed with high productivity and in safe conditions.

The methane gas existing in the coal bed is captured through various types of drilling executed for this purpose, being directed through a system of pipes to the surface to the central degassing station from where it can be taken and directed for use for a specific purpose.

From an economic point of view, it has been proven that methane recovery from coal mines is again a profitable activity for both the mining company and a possible investor. The volume of methane from the coal deposits in Jiu Valley is very large and can provide large quantities for the recovery of this gas. At the same time, there was already a market for this product in Jiu Valley made up of industrial and individual consumers.
Fire and Explosion Hazard Aspects for Bucket Elevators
Authors: Popa Cătălin Mihai , Gabor Dan Sorin , Tăzlăuanu Anca Alexandra
Published: January 2024

Technological installations for the vertical transport of cereal products, are affected by the presence of combustible dusts that can be mixed with air, in suspension, or in the form of dust layers of different thicknesses. The presence of these combustible dusts is a constant danger of fires or even explosions.

In combustible dusts are swirled in the air in concentrations in their explosive range and there is also an ignition source, the dusts can burn quickly and even give rise to explosions, in which case the force and pressure developed is considerable.

Since, in most cases, following a fire and especially a combustible dust explosion, the damage caused is quantified by immeasurable material damage and even by recording human losses, special attention must be paid to how they are identified and implemented protection and prevention measures to prevent fires and combustible dust explosions.

In this paper, the principles and main factors that must be considered when quantifying the risk of fire and/or explosion for a bucket elevator used for the vertical transport of cereal products are highlighted. A number of recommendations for the safe use of these lifts are also presented.