bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How citizens engage with the social media presence of climate authorities: the case of five Brazilian cities
Authors: Ponciano Lesandro
Published: December 2023

Citizen-government communication is essential in preparedness and adaptation to climate events. Local-level government authorities have sought to communicate via social media, but little is known about their communication strategies and citizens’ participation in replying to their publications. This study draws on conceptual frameworks for Social Media Presence and Human Engagement to establish behavioural modelling and topic modelling approaches for assessing citizen-authority communication from a long-term perspective. Empirical analyses focus on official government authorities for the Brazilian cities of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Porto Alegre and Belém, which cover over 25 million people and 500 thousand followers on the X platform (former Twitter). Analyses are based on 10.2 thousand authorities’ publications and their 5.5 thousand received replies from 2.6 thousand people over one year. Findings show that authorities use periodic passive posting, providing meteorological, hydrological, and geological alerts, forecasts, and momentary weather updates. Citizen engagement is short-term, providing corrections, additions, and updates but not connecting weather events with climate change. Practice-oriented implications concern the adequacy of social media for providing citizens awareness, keeping them updated, and building their trust in authorities over climate event developments.
Two-way free-space optics-based interface between fibre and 5G communication employing polarisation-orthogonal modulation
Authors: Lu Hai-Han , Huang Xu-Hong , Li Chung-Yi , Xu Yan-Zhen , Jin Jia-Lian , Chen Wei-Xiang , Lin Chih-Hong , Wu Tsai-Man
Published: December 2023

Fifth-generation (5G) communication provides a substantial increase in data transmission capacity because of more available bandwidth and advanced communication techniques. It opens the door to a range of new applications, such as 4K/8K video streaming, Internet of Things, autonomous vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and more. However, atmospheric attenuation poses a technical challenge for 5G communication, especially at higher frequencies. Free-space optics (FSO)-based interface between fibre and 5G communication integrates fibre optics, FSO and 5G communications, achieving high-speed and long-distance transmission and providing an alternative for 5G signal transport. Here we report a two-way fibre-FSO-5G wireless communication employing polarisation-orthogonal modulation. After 25-km single-mode fibre, 1-km FSO, and 20-m (millimetre-wave)/10-m (sub-6 GHz) radio-frequency wireless transport, satisfactorily low bit error rates and error vector magnitudes are acquired, meeting the demands of 5G emerging applications.
Approximating complex 3D curves using origami spring structures
Authors: Liu Zuolin , Zhang Zian , Fang Hongbin
Published: December 2023

Origami provides a versatile platform for creating intricate three-dimensional (3D) reconfigurable structures through folding techniques. However, the applications of origami patterns are restricted due to limited deformation modes and complex actuation. Here we explore origami spring structures as a solution to address these limitations by approximating complex 3D curves with an underactuated scheme. By doing so, we showcase the reconfigurability and versatility of origami springs while tackling control complexity. Through the introduction of virtual creases, we simplify non-rigid deformations and enable accurate descriptions of their 3D configurations. Furthermore, we develop inverse kinematics optimization algorithms to determine optimal configurations closely approximating given 3D curves with full actuation and underactuated situations. Experimental realization of various 3D curves demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of our proposed approach. This research could find practical utility in soft robotics, flexible mechanisms, and deployable structures.
Hyper-Raman spectroscopy of biomolecules
Authors: Marble Christopher B. , Marble Kassie S. , Keene Ethan B. , Petrov Georgi I. , Yakovlev Vladislav V.
Published: December 2023

Hyper-Raman scattering spectra of d-glucose, l-alanine, l-arabinose, and l-tartaric acid were measured in aqueous solutions using a picosecond laser at 532 nm operating at MHz repetition rates.
Ultrathin PdPtP nanodendrites as high-activity electrocatalysts toward alcohol oxidation
Authors: Zhang Yan , Hao Qiaoqiao , Zheng Jinyu , Guo Ke , Xu Dongdong
Published: December 2023

Highly branched and ultrathin PdPtP nanodendrites showed remarkable electrocatalytic activity and stability toward ethanol oxidation.
First-principles study of the discharge electrochemical and catalytic performance of the sulfur cathode host Fe0.875M0.125S2 (M = Ti, V)
Authors: Wei Cheng-Dong , Xue Hong-Tao , Hu Yu-Xia , Zhao Qing-Shan , Tang Fu-Ling
Published: December 2023

The voltage, theoretical capacity, electrical conductivity, Li+ diffusion, catalytic performance and Li2S oxidation decomposition during Fe0.875M0.125S2 (M = Ti, V) discharge process are investigated to select an excellent sulfur host material.
Theoretical investigations into the bonding and separation properties of non-rigid, partially rigid, and rigid ligands derived from Et-Tol-PTA with trivalent lanthanides and actinides
Authors: Wu Shouqiang , Li An Yong
Published: December 2023

The separation of trivalent actinide elements from lanthanide elements represents one of the most formidable challenges within the context of nuclear waste partitioning and transmutation (P&T) processes.
Adsorption and dehydrogenation of ammonia on Ru55, Cu55and Ru@Cu54nanoclusters: role of single atom alloy catalyst
Authors: Chattaraj D. , Majumder C.
Published: December 2023

Potential-energy diagram of NH3dehydrogenation on Ru@Cu54nanocluster (energy values are in eV).
Understanding the “Berg limit”: the 65° contact angle as the universal adhesion threshold of biomatter
Authors: Kanduč Matej , Schneck Emanuel , Netz Roland R.
Published: December 2023

Surface phenomena in aqueous environments such as long-range hydrophobic attraction, macromolecular adhesion, and even biofouling are predominantly influenced by a fundamental parameter—the water contact angle.
Theoretical investigation on the ligands constructed from phenanthroline and five-membered N-heterocyclic rings for bonding and separation properties of Am(iii) and Eu(iii)
Authors: Wu Shouqiang , Li An Yong
Published: December 2023

The ligands, derived from the combination of phenanthroline and various five-membered N-heterocyclic rings, were subject to a comprehensive investigation for their potential in the extraction and separation of actinides and lanthanides.
Negative linear compressibility and strong enhancement of emission in Eu[Ag(CN)2]3·3H2O under pressure
Authors: Liu Yu , Fu Boyang , Wu Min , He Weilong , Liu Donghua , Liu Fuyang , Wang Luhong , Liu Haozhe , Wang Kai , Cai Weizhao
Published: December 2023

The flexible framework material Eu[Ag(CN)2]3·3H2O exhibits unusual negative linear compressibility behaviour and large emission enhancement under high pressure.
Electrochemical reduction of nitrite to ammonia on amorphous MoO3 nanosheets
Authors: Wu Tingting , Zhang Fengyu , Wang Jingxuan , Liu Xiaoxu , Tian Ye , Chu Ke
Published: December 2023

Amorphous MoO3 is demonstrated to be an efficient catalyst for electrocatalytic NO2− reduction to NH3, arising from the amorphization-induced O-vacancies to promote the NO2−-to-NH3 reaction energetics.
Water-based solar cells over 10% efficiency: designing soft nanoparticles for improved processability
Authors: Holmes Alexandre , Laval Hugo , Guizzardi Michele , Maruzzo Valentina , Folpini Giulia , Barbero Nadia , Deniau Elise , Schmutz Marc , Blanc Sylvie , Petrozza Annamaria , Paternò Giuseppe Maria , Wantz Guillaume , Chambon Sylvain , Lartigau-Dagron Christine , Bousquet Antoine
Published: December 2023

‘Soft’ nanoparticles for low temperature processes and highly efficient water-processed organic solar cells.
Phosphate functionalized nonisocyanate polyurethanes with bio-origin, water solubility and biodegradability
Authors: Tam Eric Kwok Wai , Chong Ning Xi , Choong Ping Sen , Sana Barindra , Seayad Abdul Majeed , Jana Satyasankar , Seayad Jayasree
Published: December 2023

Water-soluble/dispersible, bio-derived, non-toxic and biodegradable nonisocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) phosphate monoesters were synthesized by applying green chemistry principles. Potential applications include personal care and cosmetic products.
Microfluidics-aided fabrication of 3D micro-nano hierarchical SERS substrate for rapid detection of dual hepatocellular carcinoma biomarkers
Authors: Zhan Changbiao , Guan Zihao , Yu Liandong , Jing Tongmei , Jia Huakun , Chen Xiaozhe , Gao Rongke
Published: December 2023

A novel microfluidics-aided fabrication strategy of SERS-active hydrogel microparticles (SAHMs) was proposed for the simultaneous detection of AFP and AFU on a microfluidic chip.
Non-enzymatic amperometric glucose sensing by novel Cu-MOF synthesized at room temperature
Authors: Guesmi Sondes , Moulaee Kaveh , Bressi Viviana , Kahri Hamza , Khaskhoussi Amani , Espro Claudia , Barhoumi Houcine , Neri Giovanni
Published: December 2023

Cu-metal–organic framework (Cu-MOF) derived from 1,2,4,5-benzene tetracarboxylic acid (H4BTC) has been synthesized through a quick and soft-template synthesis at room temperature.
Ginger-derived hierarchical porous carbon as an anode material for potassium-ion batteries and capacitors
Authors: Bongu Chandra Sekhar , Sharma Chandra Shekhar
Published: December 2023

Carbonaceous materials are ideal as an anode for potassium-ion batteries (KIBs) because of their low cost, tunable physiochemical properties, and excellent reversible intercalation of potassium-ions (K+).
Rational design of antimicrobial peptides: an optimization approach
Authors: Sadasivam Danush , Nambiar Pranav , Dutta Arnab , Mitra Debirupa
Published: December 2023

Discovery of new antimicrobial peptide sequences using a computer-aided inverse design framework.
Controllable proton-reservoir ordered gel towards reversible switching and reliable electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Wang Yan-Qin , Cao Min , Liu Bo-Wen , Zeng Fu-Rong , Fu Qiang , Zhao Hai-Bo , Wang Yu-Zhong
Published: December 2023

A novel ordered gel composed of polyaniline and sodium alginate demonstrates the capability to precisely tune the on/off switching of electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness through solvent responsiveness.
Solid-state, liquid-free ion-conducting elastomers: rising-star platforms for flexible intelligent devices
Authors: Li Hao-Nan , Zhang Chao , Yang Hao-Cheng , Liang Hong-Qing , Wang Zuankai , Xu Zhi-Kang
Published: December 2023

Solid-state, liquid-free ion-conducting elastomers, a rising-star class of soft ionic conductors, are presented from the perspectives of fundamental design principles, advanced manufacturing and promising applications.
A fluorescent electrophile for CLIPS: self indicating TrkB binders
Authors: Thompson Tye , Pewklang Thitima , Piyanuch Pornthip , Wanichacheva Nantanit , Kamkaew Anyanee , Burgess Kevin
Published: December 2023

Combination of cysteine-containing peptides with a fluorescent electrophile gives intrinsically fluorescentcyclo-organopeptides.
Mol-Zero-GAN: zero-shot adaptation of molecular generative adversarial network for specific protein targets
Authors: Aphikulvanich Ravipas , Pornputtapong Natapol , Wichadakul Duangdao
Published: December 2023

A framework that optimizes the drug generative adversarial network (GAN) to produce drugs targeting specific proteins, while preserving drug-likeness using Bayesian optimization and singular value decomposition (SVD).
Improving thermo-tolerance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae by precise regulation of the expression of small HSP
Authors: Zhang Mei-ling , Zhang Hui , He Ya-xin , Wu Zhao-hui , Xu Ke
Published: December 2023

The level of heat resistance in microbial cells is an important factor in determining the energy consumption and product synthesis efficiency of fermentation processes.
Recent advances on the methods developed for the identification and detection of emerging contaminant microplastics: a review
Authors: Murugan Preethika , Sivaperumal Pitchiah , Balu Surendar , Arya Sandeep , Atchudan Raji , Sundramoorthy Ashok K.
Published: December 2023

This review highlights the range of spectroscopic techniques, methods and tools developed for microplastics separation, analysis and their accumulation in various edible species and implications on our food chain.
Lead-free organic–inorganic azetidinium alternating metal cation bromide: [(CH2)3NH2]2AgBiBr6, a perovskite-related absorber
Authors: Jin Young Un , Marler Bernd , Karabanov Andrei D. , Winkler Kristina , Yap Ian Chang Jie , Dubey Astita , Spee Leon , Escobar Castillo Marianela , Muckel Franziska , Salak Andrei N. , Benson Niels , Lupascu Doru C.
Published: December 2023

A new metal bromide perovskite derivative, azetidinium silver bismuth bromide is synthesized as a light-absorbing material.
Elucidating arsenic-bound proteins in the protein data bank: data mining and amino acid cross-validation through Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Nayek Upendra , Acharya Sudarshan , Abdul Salam Abdul Ajees
Published: December 2023

Decoding arsenic's impact: data mining protein structures in the protein data bank through amino acid mapping.
A graphene oxide/polyaniline nanocomposite biosensor: synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical detection of bilirubin
Authors: Ahmed Noor sabah , Hsu Chou-Yi , Mahmoud Zaid H. , Sayadi Hamidreza , kianfar Ehsan
Published: December 2023

The level of free bilirubin is a considerable index for the characterization of jaundice-related diseases.
Fabrication and characterization of a NiO–ZnO/PANI-CNTs composite for sensing of methanol in an aqueous environment
Authors: Nam Pham Thi , Thom Nguyen Thi , Kieu Anh Vo Thi , Le Thanh Nguyen Huynh , Thu Trang Nguyen Thi , Hoang Nguyen Thai , Vân-Anh Nguyen , Anh Nguyen Tuan , Hai Le Viet , Lam Tran Dai
Published: December 2023

In this study, we fabricated a composite of NiO–ZnO/PANI-CNTs on a fluorine tin oxide (FTO) electrode and examined the electrochemical sensing behavior of the modified electrode to detect methanol in aqueous solution.
Investigation of in vitro bioactivity, and osteoblast and angiogenic activity of spray-dried boron-doped 58S bioactive glass microspheres
Authors: Vietanti Frizka , Lee Tzu-An , Tseng Hsiu-Yang , Chou Yu-Jen
Published: December 2023

Bioactive glass is a potential biomaterial for bone reconstruction owing to its superior bioactivity and non-toxicity. In this study, spray-dried B-doped bioactive glass microspheres were fabricated, and enhanced in vitro bioactivity, osteoblast activity, and angiogenic activity were demonstrated.
Liquid polybutadiene reinforced inverse vulcanised polymers
Authors: Hanna Veronica , Graysmark Michael , Willcock Helen , Hasell Tom
Published: December 2023

Adding liquid polybutadiene to inverse vulcanised polymers is shown to increase their flexural strength, modulus, and impact strength, while maintaining recyclability.
Porous core–shell structured MoO2–Mo2C@C electrocatalysts for pH-universal hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Zhang Xinglong , Chen Tingxi , Lu Ning , Jian Feiyu , Zhu Bin , Zhang Yanning , He Liang , Tang Hui
Published: December 2023

We have synthesized an ultra-highly active and stable hydrogen evolution catalyst, MoO2–Mo2C@C, with a porous core–shell structure which can be used under both acidic and alkaline conditions.
Oxygen defect regulation, catalytic mechanism, and modification of HfO2 as a novel catalyst for lithium–oxygen batteries
Authors: Su Liwei , Zhang Lei , Zhan Xingyi , Zhang Yifan , Wang Lianbang , Wang Yuanhao
Published: December 2023

HfO2 shows an obvious activation behavior and excellent performance, accompanied by reversible oxygen defect regulation.
Improving the Performance of CPA Attacks for Ciphers Using Parallel Implementation of S‐Boxes
Authors: Yao Fu , Wei Yongzhuang , Chen Hua , Pasalic Enes
Published: December 2023

Since their introduction in early 2000, CPA (correlation power analysis), as a cryptographic tool, has been widely used in the cryptanalysis of cryptographic algorithms (being applicable to both symmetric key ciphers as well as to public key encryption schemes). An application of the classical CPA method, along with its variants, to cryptographic algorithms that use parallel implementation of its substitution boxes (S‐boxes) commonly requires more power traces to extract the secret key compared to the case when serial implementation of S‐boxes is employed. To reduce the amount of power traces in this scenario, we propose a modification of the standard CPA approaches and demonstrate practically that our method performs better than the existing ones in this respect. To verify the efficiency of our improved CPA method, we apply it to the public databases of DPA Contest V2. In particular, the experimental results show that only 495 power traces are required to recover the secret key of AES. We also compare the performance of our attack to the relevant methods whose parameters are available at DPA Contest V2. The results show that compared to the best nonprofiling side‐channel attack (SCA) attack, our method reduces the number of power traces required to recover the secret key by 6,566. Also, our new method performs almost similarly as the best profiling SCA attack of Benoit Gerard (in terms of the required number of power traces), thus reducing the gap in the performance of profiling and nonprofiling SCA attacks.
Adaptive neural network H∞$H_\infty$ control for offshore platform with input delay and nonlinearity
Authors: Zhang Yun , Ma Hui , Wang Shu‐Qing , Xu Jianliang , Su Hao , Zhang Jing
Published: December 2023

In this work, an adaptive learning robust controller is proposed to suppress the vibration of offshore platforms, which are subject to waves, winds, varying control delays and parametric perturbations. To realize nonlinear uncertainty approximation under the bounded performance, the controller incorporates both an online adaptive part and an offline fixed part. The adaptive part constructed by neural networks adjusts online, while the fixed part is obtained by regulating the performance. Importantly, adaptive updating strategy does not require accurate values or upper bounds for real‐time control delay or uncertainty. Several comparable experiments demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness in vibration‐suppression of the designed adaptive controller in shallow/deep water. This scheme significantly reduces system response variations due to structural and hydrodynamic uncertainty, as well as additional random environmental forces caused by winds.
Medium‐term load forecasting of power system based on BiLSTM and parallel feature extraction network
Authors: Li Fei , Sun Chenjun , Han Wei , Yan Tongyu , Li Gang , Zhao Zhenbing , Sun Yi
Published: December 2023

With the diversification of users’ energy demands, accurate load forecasting is an important prerequisite for optimal scheduling and economic operation of the system, but a single‐load forecasting method cannot effectively predict multi‐energy loads accurately. Therefore, this paper proposes a multi‐energy load forecasting method based on bidirectional long short‐term memory (BiLSTM) and parallel feature extraction networks. Firstly, residual network and convolutional block attention module were used to extract the spatial coupling features of multi‐energy load data. Secondly, BiLSTM is used to capture the temporal features and long‐term dependencies in the load data, and the spatial coupling features are fused to obtain non‐linear prediction results. Finally, the non‐linear prediction results and the linear prediction results obtained by using multi‐energy linear regression were linearly superimposed to obtain the final prediction results. In this paper, IES load data of Tempe Campus of Arizona State University was used to verify and compared with several existing methods, and the results showed that Weighted Mean Absolute Percentage Error decreased by more than 20%.
MEHW‐SVM multi‐kernel approach for improved brain tumour classification
Authors: Dheepak G. , Anita Christaline J. , Vaishali D.
Published: December 2023

The human brain, the primary constituent of the nervous system, exhibits distinctive complexities that present considerable difficulties for healthcare practitioners, specifically in categorizing brain tumours. Magnetic resonance imaging is a widely favoured imaging modality for detecting brain tumours due to its extensive range of image characteristics and utilization of non‐ionizing radiation. The primary objective of the current investigation is to differentiate between three distinct classifications of brain tumours by introducing a novel methodology. The utilization of a combined feature extraction technique that integrates novel global grey level co‐occurrence matrix and local binary patterns is employed, thereby offering a comprehensive representation of the structural and textural information contained within the images. Principal component analysis is used to improve the model's efficiency for effective feature selection and dimensionality reduction. This study presents a novel framework incorporating four separate kernel functions, Minkowski–Gaussian, exponential support vector machine (SVM), histogram intersection SVM, and wavelet kernel, into a SVM classifier. The ensemble kernel employed in this study is specifically designed to classify glioma, meningioma, and pituitary tumours. Its implementation enhances the model's robustness and adaptability, surpassing the performance of conventional single‐kernel SVM approaches. This study substantially contributes to medical image classification by utilizing innovative kernel functions and advanced machine‐learning techniques. The findings demonstrate the potential for enhanced diagnostic accuracy in brain tumour cases. The presented approach shows promise in effectively addressing the intricate challenges associated with classifying brain tumours.
Augmenting the power of time-delay cosmography in lens galaxy clusters by probing their member galaxies
Authors: Acebron A. , Schuldt S. , Grillo C. , Bergamini P. , Granata G. , Meštrić U. , Caminha G. B. , Meneghetti M. , Mercurio A. , Rosati P. , Suyu S. H. , Vanzella E.
Published: December 2023

We present a simple and promising new method to measure the expansion rate and the geometry of the universe that combines observations related to the time delays between the multiple images of time-varying sources, strongly lensed by galaxy clusters, and Type Ia supernovae, exploding in galaxies belonging to the same lens clusters. By means of two different statistical techniques that adopt realistic errors on the relevant quantities, we quantify the accuracy of the inferred cosmological parameter values. We show that the estimate of the Hubble constant is robust and competitive, and depends only mildly on the chosen cosmological model. Remarkably, the two probes separately produce confidence regions on the cosmological parameter planes that are oriented in complementary ways, thus providing in combination valuable information on the values of the other cosmological parameters. We conclude by illustrating the immediate observational feasibility of the proposed joint method in a well-studied lens galaxy cluster, with a relatively small investment of telescope time for monitoring from a 2 to 3 m class ground-based telescope.
Decayless oscillations in 3D coronal loops excited by a power-law driver
Authors: Karampelas Konstantinos , Van Doorsselaere Tom
Published: December 2023

Aims. We studied the manifestation of decayless oscillations in 3D simulations of coronal loops, driven by random motions.

Methods. Using the PLUTO code, we ran magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations of a straight gravitationally stratified flux tube, with its footpoints embedded in chromospheric plasma. We consider transverse waves drivers with a horizontally polarised red noise power-law spectrum.

Results. Our broadband drivers lead to the excitation of standing waves with frequencies equal to the fundamental standing kink mode and its harmonics. These standing kink oscillations have non-decaying amplitudes, and spectra that depend on the characteristics of the loops, with the latter amplifying the resonant frequencies from the drivers. We thus report for the first time in 3D simulations the manifestation of decayless oscillations from broadband drivers. The spatial and temporal evolution of our oscillation spectra reveals the manifestation of a half harmonic, which exhibits half the frequency of the identified fundamental mode with a similar spatial profile. Our results suggest that this mode is related to the presence of the transition region in our model and could be interpreted as being the equivalent to the fundamental mode of standing sound waves driven on pipes closed at one end.

Conclusions. The potential existence of this half harmonic has important implications for coronal seismology, since misinterpreting it for the fundamental mode of the system can lead to false estimations of the average kink speed profile along oscillating loops. Finally, its detection could potentially give us a tool for distinguishing between different excitation and driving mechanisms of decayless oscillations in observations.
Genetic difference between two Schistosoma japonicum isolates with contrasting cercarial shedding patterns revealed by whole genome sequencing
Authors: Sun Hui-Ying , Zhang Jie-Ying , Zhang Han-Xiang , Xu Qing , Lu Da-Bing
Published: December 2023

Schistosoma japonicum is one of the major infectious agents of human schistosomiasis, mainly endemic in China and the Philippines. We have previously reported the finding of two schistosome isolates, each with a different cercarial emergence pattern adapted to their different hosts. However, there are currently no whole-genome sequencing studies to investigate the underlining genetics of the adaptive traits. We sampled schistosomes in 2013 and 2020 from a hilly area Shitai (ST) and a marshland area Hexian (HX) of Anhui, China. Ten to 15 male or female adult worms from each site/year were sent for whole genome sequencing. Genetics were analyzed, and selection signals along genomes were detected. Gene enrichment analysis was performed for the genome regions under selection. The results revealed considerable genetic differentiation between the two isolates. The genome “windows” affected by natural selection were fewer in ST (64 windows containing 78 genes) than in HX (318 windows containing 276 genes). Twelve significantly enriched genes were identified in ST, but none in HX. These genes were mainly related to specific DNA binding and intercellular signaling transduction. Some functional region changes identified along the genome of the hilly schistosome may be related to its unique late afternoon cercarial emergence.
Exploration for Asian longhorned beetle parasitoids in Korea using an improved sentinel log trap
Authors: Lee Seunghyun , Park Duk-Young , Wang Xingeng , Duan Jian J. , Gould Juli R. , Kim Il-Kwon , Lee Seunghwan
Published: December 2023

The Asian longhorned beetle (ALB),Anoplophora glabripennis(Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), is a destructive invasive woodboring insect pest, and efforts are being made to find parasitoids for ALB biological control. Through a four-year survey in Korea using a sentinel log trap associated with host chemical cues potentially important for host finding by parasitoids, two parasitoid species were discovered attacking ALB. One species isSpathius ibarakiusBelokobylskij & Maetô, which is known to also parasitize citrus longhorned beetle,Anoplophora chinensis(Forster). The other parasitoid species, whose offspring were dead before imago, could not be morphologically identified at the adult stage. We attempted molecular and morphological identification of the larvae/pupae of the unidentified parasitoid; however, only superfamily-level identification was possible. The parasitism rate recovered in the logs was 0.3% by the unidentified parasitoid in Gapyeong-gun in 2019, while it reached 29.2% byS. ibarakiusin Busan city in 2022. Future efforts for exploring ALB natural enemies in the pest’s native range may focus on parasitoids with high parasitism rates.
Tumorkachexie: die Bedeutung von Ernährung und Bewegung in der Onkologie
Authors: Zopf Yurdagül , Herrmann Hans Joachim , Reljic Dejan , Hardt Luisa Marie
Published: December 2023

Die Tumorkachexie (TK), eine mit Inflammation assoziierte Mangel­ernährung mit dem Hauptmerkmal des Verlusts an Muskelmasse, -kraft und -funktion (= Sarkopenie), ist eine stark prävalente, die Lebensqualität einschränkende sowie prognoserelevante Komorbidität einer Tumorerkrankung. Eine supportive, kombinierte Ernährungs- und Bewegungstherapie, die möglichst früh im Krankheitsverlauf initiiert und individualisiert ausgestaltet wird, kann effektiv dazu beitragen, den Muskelstatus zu erhalten bzw. wiederaufzubauen. Dies kann den Krankheitsverlauf und die Prognose signifikant verbessern. Sie sollte daher immer als integraler Teil eines multimodalen onkologischen Behandlungskonzepts berücksichtigt werden.

Ein frühzeitiger, individualisierter Ernährungssupport mit Sicherstellung einer adäquaten Energie- und Proteinzufuhr stellt die Grundvoraussetzung für den Erhalt bzw. Wiederaufbau von Muskelmasse dar. Neben der erhöhten Proteinmenge ist zur Überwindung der anabolen Resistenz, wie sie unter TK vorliegt, besonders auch die Proteinqualität, d. h. eine ausreichende Zufuhr unentbehrlicher ­Aminosäuren, zu berücksichtigen. Es gibt Hinweise darauf, dass Omega-3-Fettsäuren bei TK als antiinflammatorische Substrate dazu beitragen können, einen progredienten Muskelabbau zu stoppen und den Wiederaufbau von Muskulatur zu fördern.

Aufgrund ihrer multifaktoriellen Genese lässt sich die Tumorkachexie allein durch konventionelle ernährungstherapeutische Maßnahmen nicht vermeiden bzw. umkehren. Vielmehr wird der frühzeitige Einsatz multimodaler Therapiekonzepte gefordert, um den drohenden Muskelschwund zu verhindern oder zu verzögern. Jede Ernährungsintervention sollte zum Aufbau der Muskelmasse von bewegungstherapeutischen Maßnahmen begleitet werden, um durch die synergistischen Wirkungen maximale Effektivität zu erzielen.

Regelmäßige körperliche Aktivität kann die Muskelmasse und -kraft bei Krebspatient*innen steigern, immunologische Prozesse positiv beeinflussen sowie den funktionellen Status und die Lebensqualität verbessern. Unterschiedliche Trainingsmodalitäten werden diskutiert, darunter konventionelles Krafttraining und progressives Widerstandstraining mit elastischen Bändern, genauso wie innovative Ansätze wie die Ganzkörper-Elektromyostimulation (WB-EMS). Auch sollte die Verbesserung der Leistungsfähigkeit des Herz-Kreislauf-Systems mittels Ausdauertrainings angestrebt werden. Bei der Erstellung des Trainingsplanes sind die individuellen Bedürfnisse, Gesundheitszustände und potenziellen Bewegungseinschränkungen (z. B. durch Knochenmetastasen oder Lymphödeme) der Krebspatient*innen zu berücksichtigen.
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Acute Coronary Syndrome with Mild-to-Moderate Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Ye Yicong , Hao Yongchen , Zhao Xiliang , Liu Jun , Yang Na , Smith Sidney C. , Huo Yong , Fonarow Gregg C. , Ge Junbo , Morgan Louise , Sun Zhaoqing , Hu Danqing , Yang Yiqian , Ma Chang-Sheng , Zhao Dong , Han Yaling , Liu Jing , Zeng Yong
Published: December 2023

Background Baseline thrombocytopenia is commonly observed in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) requiring percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Aim The purpose of this analysis was to investigate safety and effectiveness of PCI in ACS patients with baseline mild-to-moderate thrombocytopenia.

Methods The data were collected from the Improving Care for Cardiovascular Disease in China–Acute Coronary Syndrome project. A total of 50,009 ACS patients were recruited between July 2017 and December 2019. Among them, there were 6,413 patients with mild-to-moderate thrombocytopenia, defined as a platelet count of ≥50 × 109/L and <150 × 109/L on admission. The primary outcome was in-hospital net adverse clinical events (NACE), consisting of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and major bleeding events. The associations between PCI and in-hospital outcomes were analyzed by inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) method.

Results PCI was performed in 4,023 of 6,413 patients (62.7%). The IPTW analysis showed that PCI was significantly associated with a reduced risk of in-hospital MACE (odd ratio [OR]: 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.31–0.67; p < 0.01) and NACE (OR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.42–0.83; p < 0.01). PCI was also associated with an increased risk of any bleeding (OR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.09–2.22; p = 0.01) and minor bleeding (OR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.00–2.30; p = 0.05), but not major bleeding (OR: 1.51; 95% CI: 0.76–2.98; p = 0.24).

Conclusion Compared with medical therapy alone, PCI is associated with better in-hospital outcomes in ACS patients with mild-to-moderate thrombocytopenia. Further studies with long-term prognosis are needed.
Chemoselective Vicinal Dichlorination of Alkenes by Iron Ligand-to-Metal Charge-Transfer Catalysis
Authors: Stahl Jessica , Reiter Thilo , König Burkhard
Published: December 2023

We report the photocatalytic functionalization of terminal alkenes to vicinal dichlorides by using visible light and FeCl3 as a catalyst, LiCl as a chloride source, and air as an oxidant. The transformation is proposed to be initiated by ligand-to-metal charge-transfer bond homolysis of a Fe–Cl bond, giving a highly reactive chloride radical able to initiate the functionalization of olefins. The process shows high chemoselectivity and broad functional-group tolerance with yields of up to 94% under mild conditions.
Safety and efficacy of early versus late removal of LAMS for pancreatic fluid collections
Authors: Willems Philippe , Esmail Eslam , Paquin Sarto , Sahai Anand
Published: December 2023

Background and study aims Optimal timing for removal of
lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) for effective drainage of pancreatic fluid collections
(PFC) while minimizing adverse events (AE) is unknown. Outcomes of early (≤ 4 weeks) or
delayed (> 4 weeks) LAMS removal on both clinical efficacy and the incidence of AE were
assessed.

Patients and methods This was a retrospective analysis of a
prospectively maintained registry of PFC drainage between November 2016 and September 2021.
Clinical success was defined as a 75% decrease in fluid collection volume with no need for
reintervention at 6 months. AE were defined using the American Society for Gastrointestinal
Endoscopy lexicon. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine variables
associated with clinical success and AE.

Results A total of 108 consecutive PFCs were included. LAMS
deployment was technically successful in 103 of 108 cases (95.4%). Failure was associated with
collection diameter ≤ 4 cm (odds ratio [OR] 24.0, P = 0.005) and
presence of more than 50% necrotic material (OR 20.1, P = 0.01).
Stents were left in place for a median of 48 days. Patients with early stent removal (< 4
weeks) had clinical success in 70.0% of cases, which was significantly less than in the group
with delayed stent removal (96.4%, P = 0.03). On multiple
regression analysis, clinical failure was associated with early stent removal (OR 25.5, P = 0.003). AEs occurred in 8.7% of cases (9/103). There were no
predictors of AE. Notably, delayed stent removal did not predict the occurrence of AE.

Conclusions Early LAMS removal (< 4 weeks) did not prevent AEs
but did lead to increased clinical failure.
Comparison of diagnostic outcomes, safety, and cost of Franseen-tip 19G versus 22G needles for endoscopic ultrasound-guided liver biopsies
Authors: Dalal Ankit , Kamat Nagesh , Patil Gaurav , Vadgaonkar Amol , Parekh Sanil , Vora Sehajad , Maydeo Amit
Published: December 2023

Background and study aims Favorable outcomes were noted with refinement in newer endoscopic ultrasound-guided liver biopsy (EUS-LB) needle tips. Still, the overall usefulness and benefit are yet to be well explored.

Patients and methods This was a retrospective analysis of
patients with EUS-LB (Franseen-tip 19G versus 22G FNB needle) over 2 years. EUS-LB was
obtained in a one-pass, two-actuation, modified wet suction technique. Diagnostic yield,
fragmentation rate, aggregate specimen length (AL), number of complete portal tracts (CPT),
length of longest intact core (LIC), adverse events (AEs) (early), and cost of the procedure
(1USD = 82 INR) were compared.

Results Fifty-four patients (33 [61.1%], female) successfully
underwent EUS-LB with a median age of 46 years (interquartile range [IQR] 34–54); the majority
32 (59.2%) underwent 19G biopsies. There was a significantly increased median (IQR) AL in the
19G compared with 22G (20 mm [19–21] vs. 15 [14–15], P < 0.001),
respectively. Similarly, significantly lengthier median LIC and CPT were seen, respectively. A
nonsignificant diagnostic yield was noted (100% vs. 90.9%, P =
0.082), respectively. The fragmentation rate was higher in 22G FNB needles (36.4% [95% CI
16–56] vs. 12.5% [95% CI 1–24], respectively; P = 0.038). Seven
patients (12.9%) had mild AEs with no difference between groups. The average procedure cost
with 19G was INR 63000 (768$), and with 22G needle was INR 54500 (664$).

Conclusions The Franseen-tip 19G outperforms 22G with a significantly lower fragmentation rate, longer AL, LIC, and a higher number of CPT with a marginal increase in the procedure cost, without any difference in diagnostic yield and safety.
Revealing Melatonin’s Mysteries: Receptors, Signaling
Pathways, and Therapeutics Applications
Authors: Kulsoom Kulsoom , Ali Wajahat , Saba Zainab , Hussain Shabab , Zahra Samra , Irshad Maria , Ramzan Muhammad Saeed
Published: December 2023

Melatonin (5-methoxy-acetyl tryptamine) is a sleep-inducing hormone, and the
pineal gland produces it in response to the circadian clock of darkness. In the
body, MT1 and MT2 receptors are mostly found, having an orthosteric pocket and
ligand binding determinants. Melatonin acts by binding on melatonin receptors,
intracellular proteins, and orphan nuclear receptors. It inhibits adenyl cyclase
and activates phospholipase C, resulting in gene expression and an intracellular
alteration environment. Melatonin signaling pathways are also associated with
other intracellular signaling pathways, i. e., cAMP/PKA and
MAPK/ERK pathways. Relative expression of different proteins depends on
the coupling profile of G protein, accounting pharmacology of the melatonin
receptor bias system, and mediates action in a Gi-dependent manner. It shows
antioxidant, antitumor, antiproliferative, and neuroprotective activity.
Different types of melatonin agonists have been synthesized for the treatment of
sleeping disorders. Researchers have developed therapeutics that target
melatonin signaling, which could benefit a wide range of medical conditions.
This review focuses on melatonin receptors, pharmacology, and signaling
cascades; it aims to provide basic mechanical aspects of the receptor’s
pharmacology, melatonin’s functions in cancer and neurodegenerative
diseases, and any treatments and drugs designed for these diseases. This will
allow a basic comparison between the receptors in question, highlighting any
parallels and differences that may exist and providing fundamental knowledge
about these receptors to future researchers.
3-/3,5-Styryl-Substituted BODIPY with N-Bridged Annulation: Synthesis and Spectroscopic Properties
Authors: Gai Lizhi , Chang Le , Zhou Shengjie , Kong Xiangduo , Lu Hua
Published: December 2023

The development of organic dyes with high fluorescence quantum yield (FLQY) and tunable emission has significant application potential in biomedicine and material science. The synthesis of four N-bridged annulated BODIPY dyes with styryl units at the 3- and 3,5-positions of the BODIPY core, introduced by Knoevenagel condensation reaction, is reported. These dyes show high FLQY and tunable fluorescence. The intrinsic relationship between structure and properties is comprehensively analyzed through density functional theory (DFT) calculations, which is crucial for the rational design of new BODIPY dyes with desired properties for specific applications.
Primary Sarcomas of the Larynx: A Case Series of Four Different Histopathologic Types
Authors: Abu-Dayeh Ala S. , Murshed Khaled A. , Ammar Adham , Petkar Mahir
Published: December 2023

Primary laryngeal sarcomas are rare. Their nomenclature and classification are similar to soft tissue counterparts; however, there are notable differences between clinical presentation, behavior, treatment, and follow-up. There is sparse information regarding the clinical features, biologic behavior, and treatment modalities of laryngeal sarcomas. To increase our understanding about these tumors, we describe herein an additional series of four cases of different pathologic types of laryngeal sarcomas, including low-grade chondrosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, well-differentiated liposarcoma, and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma. Our main aim is to upsurge awareness about the morphologic variations of laryngeal sarcomas, to avoid potential pitfalls during histopathologic examination. It is essential to ensure that correct diagnosis, subclassification, and grading are achieved for proper guidance of treatment and clinical follow-up at multidisciplinary team meetings.
The effects of war on Ukrainian research
Authors: de Rassenfosse Gaétan , Murovana Tetiana , Uhlbach Wolf-Hendrik
Published: December 2023

The ongoing war in Ukraine has profoundly impacted the Ukrainian scientific community. Numerous researchers have either emigrated or transitioned to alternate professions. For those who remain in research, the destruction of civil infrastructure and psychological stress may dramatically slow down research progress. There is limited knowledge concerning the war’s influence on Ukrainian research. This study presents the results of a representative survey of over 2500 Ukrainian scientists. The data suggest that by the Fall of 2022, about 18.5% of the population of Ukrainian scientists fled the country. Notably, these emigrant scientists were amongst the most research-active in Ukraine. However, a significant portion of these migrant scientists are under precarious contracts at their host institutions. Of the scientists who stayed in Ukraine, about 15% have left research, and the others experience a marked reduction in research time. A large number of stayers have lost access to critical input for their research (23.5%) or cannot physically access their institution (20.8%). Finally, should the war stop today, it seems that Ukraine has already lost about seven percent of its scientists. These observations bear significant policy implications. In light of the vulnerable position of migrant scientists, the provision of more and longer scholarships emerges as a paramount concern for this group of scientists. Concerning stayers, institutions across Europe and beyond can offer a host of support programs, such as remote visiting programs, access to digital libraries and computing resources, as well as collaborative research grants.
Low-dimensional behavior of a Kuramoto model with inertia and Hebbian learning
Authors: Ruangkriengsin Tachin , Porter Mason A.
Published: December 2023

We study low-dimensional dynamics in a Kuramoto model with inertia and Hebbian learning. In this model, the coupling strength between oscillators depends on the phase differences between the oscillators and changes according to a Hebbian learning rule. We analyze the special case of two coupled oscillators, which yields a five-dimensional dynamical system that decouples into a two-dimensional longitudinal system and a three-dimensional transverse system. We readily write an exact solution of the longitudinal system, and we then focus our attention on the transverse system. We classify the stability of the transverse system’s equilibrium points using linear stability analysis. We show that the transverse system is dissipative and that all of its trajectories are eventually confined to a bounded region. We compute Lyapunov exponents to infer the transverse system’s possible limiting behaviors, and we demarcate the parameter regions of three qualitatively different behaviors. Using insights from our analysis of the low-dimensional dynamics, we examine the original high-dimensional system in a situation in which we draw the intrinsic frequencies of the oscillators from Gaussian distributions with different variances.
Sample heating above 1400 K in a diamond anvil cell
Authors: Cao Min , Jiang Dawei , Han Muyun , Gao Yang , Han Yonghao , Gao Chunxiao
Published: December 2023

In high-pressure experimental methods, sample heating in the pressure chamber of a diamond anvil cell is an important topic, and numerous efforts have been made to improve and develop new technologies. In this paper, we propose a new type of internal resistance heating technique, the composite heating gasket, prepared by integrating an annular heater into the sample chamber for direct heating of the sample. As the effective heating area covers the entire pressure chamber wall, a relatively quasi-uniform temperature field is formed within the sample chamber. At the same time, the integration design reduces the risk of diamond oxidation and enables direct measurement of the spectroscopic properties of samples at high temperatures. The preparation of the composite heating gasket is simple and repeatable, and its heating performance is stable at temperatures above 1400 K. When the sample diameter is 210 μm and no thermal insulation is used, the diameter of the temperature zone in which the temperature difference is less than 10 and 20 K exceeds 120 and 170 μm, respectively. The composite heating gasket represents a significant advancement in providing a uniform temperature field for in situ measurements with diamond anvil cells at high pressure and temperature.
Raman spectroscopy study of pressure-induced phase transitions in single crystal CuInP2S6
Authors: Rao Rahul , Conner Benjamin S. , Jiang Jie , Pachter Ruth , Susner Michael A.
Published: December 2023

Two-dimensional ferroic materials exhibit a variety of functional properties that can be tuned by temperature and pressure. CuInP2S6 is a layered material that is ferrielectric at room temperature and whose properties are a result of the unique structural arrangement of ordered Cu+ and In3+ cations within a (P2S6)4− anion backbone. Here, we investigate the effect of hydrostatic pressure on the structure of CuInP2S6 single crystals through a detailed Raman spectroscopy study. Analysis of the peak frequencies, intensities, and widths reveals four high pressure regimes. At 5 GPa, the material undergoes a monoclinic-trigonal phase transition. At higher pressures (5–12 GPa), we see Raman peak sharpening, indicative of a change in the electronic structure, followed by an incommensurate phase between 12 and 17 GPa. Above 17 GPa, we see evidence for bandgap reduction in material. The original state of the material is fully recovered upon decompression, showing that hydrostatic pressure could be used to tune the electronic and ferrielectric properties of CuInP2S6.