bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil erosion and hydroclimatic hazards in major African port cities: the case study of Tangier
Authors: Salhi Adil , El Hasnaoui Yassin , Pérez Cutillas Pedro , Heggy Essam
Published: August 2023

Land degradation and soil erosion are becoming increasingly problematic in Africa's rapidly developing urban areas, particularly in Major Port Cities. Uncontrolled expansion and human pressures are hindering planning, adaptation, and conservation efforts. To understand the extent of these issues, this study combined morphometric analysis, soil loss calculation, field monitoring, and remote sensing and GIS tools to assess soil erosion in the Metropolis of Tangier (Morocco) located at the confluence of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean at the Strait of Gibraltar. The study relied on data from 13 rain gauge stations, official reports, and remote sensing acquisitions, as well as field observations. Results showed an average soil erosion rate of 24.2 t/ha/year, equivalent to an annual soil loss of 588,051 t/year. This high rate was largely due to areas with a high erosion risk (99.8%), covering only 8.3% of the territory, which were characterized by recently burned topsoil, fallow land, and steep slopes. These areas included both uncontrolled neighbourhoods and areas for planned urban and industrial expansion, posing a threat to the landscape's sustainability and socio-economic prospects. The morphometric analysis revealed its high vulnerability to erosion and degradation, with the highest soil loss rates observed in the eastern and western regions. The study also found that flash floods caused by hydroclimatic hazards can lead to significant damage to infrastructure and equipment, particularly in western sub-basins and mountainous regions. In conclusion, the use of remote sensing and GIS technologies provided valuable insights into the physical characteristics and vulnerability of the Tangier Metropolis to land degradation and soil erosion. These findings emphasize the need for effective land management practices and conservation measures to mitigate the impacts of land degradation and soil erosion in the face of climate change. This information is crucial for decision-makers and stakeholders to develop strategies to address these pressing issues.
Face mask reduces gaze-cueing effect
Authors: Jia Han , Wang Qi , Feng Xinghe , Hu Zhonghua
Published: August 2023

Recent studies have found that face masks affect social cognition and behaviour in the context of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The eyes, the only part of the face not covered by face masks, are an important spatial attention cue that can trigger social attention orienting. Here, we adopted a spatial gaze-cueing task to investigate whether face masks affect social attention orienting triggered by eye gaze cues. In Experiment 1, participants were asked to determine the orientation of a target line under two types of cues—masked and non-masked faces—and two stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA) conditions (300 ms and 1000 ms). The results showed that masked faces induced a smaller gaze-cueing effect (GCE) compared to non-masked faces at 300 ms SOA, while two face types induced similar GCEs at 1000 ms SOA. Experiment 2 used mouth-obscured faces and non-masked faces as cues and found that no significant difference in GCE between the two types at either 300 ms or 1000 ms SOA, indicating that the reduction of GCE caused by the masked face was due to the social meaning expressed by the mask rather than a physical effect of masking. The present study extends previous findings to support the idea that high-level social information affects the processing of eye gaze direction and provides evidence that face masks affect social cognition and behaviour in the context of COVID-19.
Hydrogen mini-Factory for domestic purposes (wind version)
Authors: Azig Dany
Published: August 2023

The combination of wind energy as a source of production and hydrogen as a carrier and reservoir of energy has been a successful partnership. The unstable nature of wind and the long-term storage capability of hydrogen make them a prosperous pair. Many researches have been done in this field. In most of these researches, the focus has been on the production at the scale of wind farms or on the wind potential of the region. But in this project, the goal was to answer this question: is it possible to meet the energy needs of a household using the combination of wind energy and hydrogen? This project has created a step-by-step algorithm to answer this question. This algorithm starts by modeling the wind speed and finally ends by determining the overall dimensions of the system, including the active surface of the electrolyzer and the surface covered by the turbine. In this way, various components of the mini-Factory, such as electrolyzer, wind turbine, generator, and converter, have been investigated. Finally, an effort was made to select the most optimal operating conditions as well as the appropriate type for each of these components to achieve the expected output.
Inhibitory control and mood in relation to psychological resilience: an ecological momentary assessment study
Authors: Nahum Mor , Sinvani Rachel-Tzofia , Afek Anat , Ben Avraham Rina , Jordan Joshua T. , Ben Shachar Mattan S. , Ben Yehuda Ariel , Berezin Cohen Noa , Davidov Alex , Gilboa Yafit
Published: August 2023

Psychological resilience, the ability to adapt to adversity, is theorized to rely on intact inhibitory control (IC) mechanisms, which underlie one’s ability to maintain goal-directed behavior by inhibiting prepotent responses. However, no study to date has explored daily fluctuations of IC performance in relation to resilience. Here, we examined the association between IC and mood measured daily in relation to psychological resilience in young adults in a stressful situation. Baseline resilience was obtained from 144 female and male soldiers during their basic combat training. Then, participants completed an ecological momentary assessment protocol, in which they reported their momentary mood and completed a short IC assessment twice/day for 2 weeks. A hierarchical linear modeling analysis revealed that psychological resilience moderated the relationship between momentary IC and momentary mood, such that better IC was associated with better mood only for those with higher, but not lower, self-reported psychological resilience at baseline. These results show that psychological resilience is manifested in the everyday association between IC and mood. Furthermore, they lend important support to cognitive models of resilience and may have significant contribution to our understanding of resilient behavior in real life.

Trial Registration: MOH_2018-0-13_002451.
Optical diffractometry by rough phase steps
Authors: Siavashani Morteza Jafari , Nasimdoust Elyas , Elahi Parviz , Tavassoly Mohammad Taghi , Moradi Ali-Reza
Published: August 2023

Optical diffractometry (OD) using a phase step is an alternative for interferometry, further, has least sensitivity to environmental vibrations. Therefore, OD has found numerous interesting metrological and technological applications. OD utilizes a phase step to detect the influence of objects under measurement by the changes in the Fresnel diffraction pattern. Recently, we showed that such measurements do not require infinitively sharp phase steps, although fabrication of such sharp elements is also impossible. Here, we address the issue of smoothness of the phase step surfaces. So far, in all of the OD applications the surfaces of the incorporated phase steps are considered to be optically smooth and flat. However, practically, some amount of roughness and unflatness is unavoidable even in precise and careful fabrication process. We show that preserving the OD-diffraction-pattern characteristics of a phase step depends on the level of roughness in the surfaces of the phase step. We define number of detectable fringes and autocorrelation functions of the diffraction patterns as the measures for evaluating the similarity of the rough phase step diffractions to the ideal case. We derive the theoretical description and confirm the results with simulations and experiments.
Downregulation of DNA methylation enhances differentiation of THP-1 cells and induces M1 polarization of differentiated macrophages
Authors: Park Junyoung , Luo Yongyang , Park Jin Woo , Kim Song Hyun , Hong Ye Joo , Lim Younghyun , Seo Young-Jin , Bae Jeehyeon , Seo Sang Beom
Published: August 2023

DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification that regulates gene expression and plays an essential role in hematopoiesis. UHRF1 and DNMT1 are both crucial for regulating genome-wide maintenance of DNA methylation. Specifically, it is well known that hypermethylation is crucial characteristic of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the mechanism underlying how DNA methylation regulates the differentiation of AML cells, including THP-1 is not fully elucidated. In this study, we report that UHRF1 or DNMT1 depletion enhances the phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-induced differentiation of THP-1 cells. Transcriptome analysis and genome-wide methylation array results showed that depleting UHRF1 or DNMT1 induced changes that made THP-1 cells highly sensitive to PMA. Furthermore, knockdown of UHRF1 or DNMT1 impeded solid tumor formation in xenograft mouse model. These findings suggest that UHRF1 and DNMT1 play a pivotal role in regulating differentiation and proliferation of THP-1 cells and targeting these proteins may improve the efficiency of differentiation therapy in AML patients.
Investigation of volatile sulfur compound level and halitosis in patients with gingivitis and periodontitis
Authors: Lee Yeon-Hee , Shin Seung-Il , Hong Ji-Youn
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to measure the levels of volatile sulfur compounds and investigate the occurrence of halitosis in patients with gingivitis and periodontitis. Additionally, the incidence rates of gingivitis and periodontitis in patients with halitosis were investigated. Through various statistical analyses, we attempted to determine the relationship between periodontal disease and halitosis. One-hundred-and-four participants (52 females and 52 males, mean age: 46.49 ± 16.03 years) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study, comprising 33 healthy controls, 43 patients with gingivitis, and 28 patients with periodontitis. Gas chromatography was used to measure hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and methyl mercaptan (CH3SH), which are representative VSCs. The VSC cut-off values for diagnosing halitosis were 65.79 ppb for women and 79.94 ppb for men. Total VSC level was significantly higher in the gingivitis than the healthy control group (186.72 ± 374.83 ppb vs. 19.80 ± 40.19 ppb, p = 0.035). There was no significant difference between the gingivitis and periodontitis (153.79 ± 278.51 ppb) groups. H2S level was significantly higher in the gingivitis (100.51 ± 183.69 ppb) and periodontitis (91.57 ± 132.06 ppb) groups than in healthy controls (14.97 ± 31.22 ppb), and CH3SH level was significantly higher in gingivitis group (29.31 ± 59.16 ppb) than in the healthy control (5.73 ± 14.10 ppb) (all p < 0.05). Halitosis was found in 3% of healthy controls and 39.5% and 42.9% of patients with gingivitis and periodontitis patients, respectively, making it significantly higher in the gingivitis and periodontitis groups than the healthy controls (p = 0.005). Conversely, among participants with halitosis, 53.1% had gingivitis, 37.5% had periodontitis, and 90.6 incidence had periodontal disease. Multivariate logistic regression analysis to predict the presence of halitosis, found periodontal disease was a significant predictor of halitosis (OR = 3.607, 95% CI 1.023–12.718, p = 0.046). Considering area under curve value for halitosis, the cut-off value of healthy control (H2S:61.5 ppb, CH3SH:3.5 ppb), gingivitis (H2S:50.0 ppb, CH3SH:6 ppb), and periodontitis (H2S:62.0 ppb, CH3SH:3.5 ppb) were (all p < 0.05). Our results emphasize the close and strong relationship between periodontal disease and halitosis through human clinical evidence based on the high co-occurrence rate of mutual diseases. Additionally, the presence of periodontal disease increased the probability of halitosis by 3.607 times. These results suggest that H2S can be used as a biomarker of halitosis in patients with periodontal disease.
Physics-informed deep learning to forecast $${\widehat{{\varvec{M}}}}_{{\varvec{m}}{\varvec{a}}{\varvec{x}}}$$ during hydraulic fracturing
Authors: Li Ziyan , Eaton David W. , Davidsen Jörn
Published: August 2023

Short-term forecasting of estimated maximum magnitude ($${\widehat{M}}_{max}$$

M
^

max

) is crucial to mitigate risks of induced seismicity during fluid stimulation. Most previous methods require real-time injection data, which are not always available. This study proposes two deep learning (DL) approaches, along with two data-partitioning methods, that rely solely on preceding patterns of seismicity. The first approach forecasts $${\widehat{M}}_{max}$$

M
^

max

directly using DL; the second incorporates physical constraints by using DL to forecast seismicity rate, which is then used to estimate $${\widehat{M}}_{max}$$

M
^

max

. These approaches are tested using a hydraulic-fracture monitoring dataset from western Canada. We find that direct DL learns from previous seismicity patterns to provide an accurate forecast, albeit with a time lag that limits its practical utility. The physics-informed approach accurately forecasts changes in seismicity rate, but sometimes under- (or over-) estimates $${\widehat{M}}_{max}$$

M
^

max

. We propose that significant exceedance of $${\widehat{M}}_{max}$$

M
^

max

may herald the onset of runaway fault rupture.
Effects of Ni/Co doping on structural and electronic properties of 122 and 112 families of Eu based iron pnictides
Authors: Stępień Joanna , Rybicki Damian , Sikora Marcin , Bukowski Zbigniew , Babij Michał , Gondek Łukasz , Kapusta Czesław , Strączek Tomasz , Goc Kamil , Oliveira De Souza Danilo
Published: August 2023

Superconductivity in high-temperature superconductors such as cuprates or iron pnictides is typically achieved by hole or electron doping and it is of great interest to understand how doping affects their properties leading to superconductivity. To study it we conducted Fe and As K edge x-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements on several electron doped compounds from the 112 and 122 family of Eu-based iron pnictides. XANES and EXAFS results confirm that dopants are located at expected sites. For both families we found an electron charge redistribution between As and Fe occurring with doping. The changes it caused are stronger in the 112 family and they are bigger at As sites, which indicates that doped charges are predominantly localized on the dopant site. However, the results obtained do not provide clues why Ni doping in 122 family does not lead to occurrence of superconductivity.
Landscape configuration modulates the presence of leaf-cutting ants in eucalypt plantations
Authors: Cavigliasso Pablo , González Ezequiel , Scherf Abel , Villacide José
Published: August 2023

Pest responses to landscape complexity show variable patterns globally, primarily related to species traits and specific managed habitats. Leaf-cutting ants (LCAs) are native insects and important pests of plantation forests in South America. We evaluated the responses of LCA nests in young Eucalyptus plantations to different spatial contexts: land uses, interfaces (adjacent land use pairs), agroecosystems, and landscapes. We selected 30 sites in the littoral region of Argentina representing three types of land uses neighboring Eucalyptus plantations: adult eucalypt plantations, citrus plantations, and semi-natural habitats. At each site, we quantified and identified LCA nests and characterized landscape composition and configuration in circles of 250 m radius. LCA nest abundance and presence were similar across different land uses, interfaces, and agroecosystems. Nest presence decreased in landscapes with increasing mean perimeter/area ratio and citrus coverage, whereas LCA abundance showed a similar trend. This indicates that heterogeneous landscapes and those with greater citrus plantation coverage were less likely to have LCA nests. Our findings suggest that landscape configuration was the main predictor of the LCA presence. Understanding the dynamics of LCAs populations and their complex associations with landscape components will contribute to developing successful environmental pest management strategies for plantation forests.
Evaluation of secondary sexual dimorphism of the dioecious Amaranthus palmeri under abiotic stress
Authors: Korres Nicholas E. , Norsworthy Jason K. , FitzSimons Toby , Roberts Trenton L. , Oosterhuis Derrick M. , Govindjee Govindjee
Published: August 2023

The evolution of secondary sex-specific traits of dioecious species under abiotic stress conditions has received limited research, especially in the case ofAmaranthus palmeri, a fast adapting and highly competing plant. Here, we have examined the interactive effects of abiotic stress on mineral accumulation, chlorophyllaandbcontent, and the operating capacity of Photosystem II (PSII) in both male and femaleA. palmeriplants grown under three different intensities of white light, and under N, K or P deficiency. Mineral profiling of the leaves and stems (with inflorescence) highlighted intra- and intersexual differences in their accumulation pattern and mineral associations. Chlorophyllaand chlorophyllbwere different between the male and the female plants, being slightly lower in the latter, at high light intensity towards maturity, or under K or P deficiency. Further, slight, although statistically significant differences were recorded in the chlorophylla/bratio, which was lower at the higher light intensity in the female, over that in the male, plants towards maturity. Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, i.e., steady state and maximum fluorescence increased under high light intensity, whereas the PSII operating efficiency decreased in the female plants, indicating reduced PSII capacity. Sex-specific differences inA. palmerishowed a differential response to stressful conditions because of differences in their ontogeny and physiology, and possibly due to the cost of reproduction. We suggest that the breeding system of dioecious species has weaknesses that can be used for the ecological management of dioecious weeds without relying on the use of herbicides.
Seasonal and long-term dynamics in forest microclimate effects: global pattern and mechanism
Authors: Zhang Chaoqun , Su Yongxian , Liu Liyang , Wu Jianping , Huang Guangqing , Li Xueyan , Bi Chongyuan , Yan Wenting , Lafortezza Raffaele
Published: August 2023

Although the biophysical effects of afforestation or deforestation on local climate are recognized, the biophysical consequences of seasonal and long-term dynamics in forests on understory microclimate, which creates microrefugia for forest organisms under global warming, remain less well understood. To fill this research gap, we combined a three-layered (i.e., canopy, forest air space and understory soil) land surface energy balance model and Intrinsic Biophysical Mechanism Model and quantify seasonal (warm minus cool seasons) and long-term changes (later minus former periods) in the biophysical effects of forest dynamics on understory air temperature (ΔTa) and soil surface temperature (ΔTs). We found that high latitudes forests show strongest negative seasonal variations in both ΔTa and ΔTs, followed by moderate latitudes forests. In contrast, low latitudes forests exhibit positive seasonal variations in ΔTa and weak negative seasonal variations in ΔTs. For the long-term variations, ΔTs increases systematically at all three latitudes. However, the situation differs greatly for ΔTs, with a weak increase at low and moderate latitudes, but a slight decrease at high latitudes. Overall, changes in sensible and latent heat fluxes induced by forest dynamics (such as leaf area index), by altering the aerodynamic resistances of canopy and soil surface layers, are the main factors driving changes in forest microclimate effects. In addition, this study also develops an aerodynamic resistance coefficient $${f}_{{\rm{r}}}^{1}$$

f

r

1

to combine the air temperature effects and surface soil temperature effects and proposes an indicator – ΔTSu, that is, $$\Delta {T}_{{\rm{Su}}}=\Delta {T}_{{\rm{s}}}+(\frac{1}{{f}_{{\rm{r}}}^{1}}-1)\Delta {T}_{{\rm{a}}}$$

Δ

T

Su

=
Δ

T

s

+

(

1

f

r

1

−
1

)

Δ

T

a

, as a possible benchmark for evaluating the total biophysical effects of forests on temperatures.
Impact of primary to secondary care data sharing on care quality in NHS England hospitals
Authors: Zhang Joe , Ashrafian Hutan , Delaney Brendan , Darzi Ara
Published: August 2023

Health information exchange (HIE) is seen as a key component of effective care but remains poorly evidenced at a health system level. In the UK National Health Service (NHS), the ability to share primary care data with secondary care clinicians is a focus of continued digital investment. In this study, we report the evolution of interoperable technology across a period of rapid digital transformation in NHS England from 2015 to 2019, and test association of primary to secondary care data-sharing capabilities with clinical care quality indicators across all acute secondary care providers (n = 135 NHS Trusts). In multivariable analyses, data-sharing capabilities are associated with reduction in patients breaching an Accident & Emergency (A&E) 4-h decision time threshold, and better patient-reported experience of acute hospital care quality. Using synthetic control analyses, we estimate mean 2.271% (STD+/−3.371) absolute reduction in A&E 4-h decision time breach, 12 months following introduction of data-sharing capabilities. Our findings support current digital transformation programmes for developing regional HIE networks but highlight the need to focus on implementation factors in addition to technological procurement.
Task-residual effective connectivity of motor network in transient ischemic attack
Authors: Chu Truc , Lee Seonjin , Jung Il-Young , Song Youngkyu , Kim Hyun-Ah , Shin Jong Wook , Tak Sungho
Published: August 2023

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a temporary episode of neurological dysfunction that results from focal brain ischemia. Although TIA symptoms are quickly resolved, patients with TIA have a high risk of stroke and persistent impairments in multiple domains of cognitive and motor functions. In this study, using spectral dynamic causal modeling, we investigate the changes in task-residual effective connectivity of patients with TIA during fist-closing movements. 28 healthy participants and 15 age-matched patients with TIA undergo functional magnetic resonance imaging at 7T. Here we show that during visually cued motor movement, patients with TIA have significantly higher effective connectivity toward the ipsilateral primary motor cortex and lower connectivity to the supplementary motor area than healthy controls. Our results imply that TIA patients have aberrant connections among motor regions, and these changes may reflect the decreased efficiency of primary motor function and disrupted control of voluntary movement in patients with TIA.
Methylome evolution suggests lineage-dependent selection in the gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Ailloud Florent , Gottschall Wilhelm , Suerbaum Sebastian
Published: August 2023

The bacterial pathogen Helicobacter pylori, the leading cause of gastric cancer, is genetically highly diverse and harbours a large and variable portfolio of restriction-modification systems. Our understanding of the evolution and function of DNA methylation in bacteria is limited. Here, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the methylome diversity in H. pylori, using a dataset of 541 genomes that included all known phylogeographic populations. The frequency of 96 methyltransferases and the abundance of their cognate recognition sequences were strongly influenced by phylogeographic structure and were inter-correlated, positively or negatively, for 20% of type II methyltransferases. Low density motifs were more likely to be affected by natural selection, as reflected by higher genomic instability and compositional bias. Importantly, direct correlation implied that methylation patterns can be actively enriched by positive selection and suggests that specific sites have important functions in methylation-dependent phenotypes. Finally, we identified lineage-specific selective pressures modulating the contraction and expansion of the motif ACGT, revealing that the genetic load of methylation could be dependent on local ecological factors. Taken together, natural selection may shape both the abundance and distribution of methyltransferases and their specific recognition sequences, likely permitting a fine-tuning of genome-encoded functions not achievable by genetic variation alone.
A catch bond mechanism with looped adhesive tethers for self-strengthening materials
Authors: Dansuk Kerim C. , Pal Subhadeep , Keten Sinan
Published: August 2023

The lifetime of chemical bonds shortens exponentially with force. Oddly, some protein-ligand complexes called catch bonds exhibit a sharp increase in lifetime when pulled with greater force. Inventing catch bond interfaces in synthetic materials would enable force-enhanced kinetics or self-strengthening under mechanical stress. Here, we present a molecular design that recapitulates catch bond behavior between nanoparticles tethered with macromolecules, consisting of one looped and one straight tether linking particles with weak adhesion. We calibrate the loop stiffness such that it opens around a target force to enable load-sharing among tethers, which facilitates a sequential to coordinated failure transition that reproduces experimental catch bond force-lifetime curve characteristics. We derive an analytical relation validated by molecular simulations to prove that loop and adhesion interactions can be tailored to achieve a spectrum of catch bond lifetime curves with this simple design. Our predictions break new ground towards designing tunable, catch-bond inspired self-strengthening materials.
Mesophotic foraminiferal-algal nodules play a role in the Red Sea carbonate budget
Authors: Bracchi Valentina Alice , Purkis Sam J. , Marchese Fabio , Nolan Megan K. B. , Terraneo Tullia Isotta , Vimercati Silvia , Chimienti Giovanni , Rodrigue Mattie , Eweida Ameer , Benzoni Francesca
Published: August 2023

During two scientific expeditions between 2020 and 2022, direct surveys led to the discovery of free-living mesophotic foraminiferal-algal nodules along the coast of the NEOM region (northern Saudi Arabian Red Sea) where they form an unexpected benthic ecosystem in mesophotic water depths on the continental shelf. Being mostly spheroidal, the nodules are transported en masse down slope, into the deep water of the basin, where they stop accreting. Radiometric dating informs that these nodules can be more than two thousand years old and that they collectively contribute up to 66 g m−2 year−1 to the mesophotic benthic carbonate budget and account for at least 980 megatons of calcium carbonate, a substantial contribution considering the depauperate production of carbonate by other means in this light-limited environment. Our findings advance the knowledge of mesophotic biodiversity and carbonate production, and provide data that will inform conservation policies in the Saudi Arabian Red Sea.
Levelling foods for priority micronutrient value can provide more meaningful environmental footprint comparisons
Authors: Katz-Rosene Ryan , Ortenzi Flaminia , McAuliffe Graham A. , Beal Ty
Published: August 2023

A growing literature in Life Cycle Assessment seeks to better inform consumers, food policymakers, food supply chain actors, and other relevant stakeholders about how individual foods contribute to sustainable diets. One major challenge involves accurately capturing potential trade-offs between nutritional provision and environmental impacts associated with food production. In response, food system sustainability literature has turned increasingly to nutritional Life Cycle Assessment, which assesses the environmental footprints of different foods while accounting for nutritional value. Here we provide examples that show how environmental footprints based on a priority micronutrient-focused functional unit can provide nutritionally meaningful insights about the complexities involved in sustainable food systems. We reinforce the idea that there are limitations in using single-value nutrition-environment scores to inform food guidance, as they do not adequately capture the complex multi-dimensionality and variation involved in healthy and sustainable food systems. In our discussion we highlight the need for future agri-food sustainability assessments to pay attention to regional nutritional and environmental variation within and between commodities, and to better interpret trade-offs involved in food substitutions.
Tubular lysosome induction couples animal starvation to healthy aging
Authors: Villalobos Tatiana V. , Ghosh Bhaswati , DeLeo Kathryn R. , Alam Sanaa , Ricaurte-Perez Cristian , Wang Andrew , Mercola Brennan M. , Butsch Tyler J. , Ramos Cara D. , Das Suman , Eymard Eric D. , Bohnert K. Adam , Johnson Alyssa E.
Published: August 2023

Dietary restriction promotes longevity in several species via autophagy activation. However, changes to lysosomes underlying this effect remain unclear. Here using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, we show that the induction of autophagic tubular lysosomes (TLs), which occurs upon dietary restriction or mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibition, is a critical event linking reduced food intake to lifespan extension. We find that starvation induces TLs not only in affected individuals but also in well-fed descendants, and the presence of gut TLs in well-fed progeny is predictive of enhanced lifespan. Furthermore, we demonstrate that expression of Drosophila small VCP-interacting protein, a TL activator in flies, artificially induces TLs in well-fed worms and improves C. elegans health in old age. These findings identify TLs as a new class of lysosomes that couples starvation to healthy aging.
Increase in the community circulation of ciprofloxacin-resistant Escherichia coli despite reduction in antibiotic prescriptions
Authors: Tchesnokova Veronika , Larson Lydia , Basova Irina , Sledneva Yulia , Choudhury Debarati , Solyanik Thalia , Heng Jennifer , Bonilla Teresa Christina , Pham Sophia , Schartz Ellen M. , Madziwa Lawrence T. , Holden Erika , Weissman Scott J. , Ralston James D. , Sokurenko Evgeni V.
Published: August 2023

Background

Community circulating gut microbiota is the main reservoir for uropathogenic Escherichia coli, including those resistant to antibiotics. Ciprofloxacin had been the primary antibiotic prescribed for urinary tract infections, but its broad use has been discouraged and steadily declined since 2015. How this change in prescriptions affected the community circulation of ciprofloxacin-resistant E. coli is unknown.

Methods

We determined the frequency of isolation and other characteristics of E. coli resistant to ciprofloxacin in 515 and 1604 E. coli-positive fecal samples collected in 2015 and 2021, respectively. The samples were obtained from non-antibiotic-taking women of age 50+ receiving care in the Kaiser Permanente Washington healthcare system.

Results

Here we show that despite a nearly three-fold drop in the prescription of ciprofloxacin between 2015 and 2021, the rates of gut carriage of ciprofloxacin-resistant E. coli increased from 14.2 % to 19.8% (P = .004). This is driven by a significant increase of isolates from the pandemic multi-drug resistant clonal group ST1193 (1.7% to 4.2%; P = .009) and isolates with relatively few ciprofloxacin-resistance determining chromosomal mutations (2.3% to 7.4%; P = .00003). Though prevalence of isolates with the plasmid-associated ciprofloxacin resistance dropped (59.0% to 30.9%; P = 2.7E-06), the isolates co-resistance to third generation cephalosporins has increased from 14.1% to 31.5% (P = .002).

Conclusions

Despite reduction in ciprofloxacin prescriptions, community circulation of the resistant uropathogenic E. coli increased with a rise of co-resistance to third generation cephalosporins. Thus, to reduce the rates of urinary tract infections refractory to antibiotic treatment, greater focus should be on controlling the resistant bacteria in gut microbiota.
Casting liquid PDMS on self-assembled bilayer polystyrene nanospheres to prepare a SERS substrate with two layers of nanopits for detection of p-nitrophenol
Authors: Ke Xiurui , Chen Jinran , Chang Lin , Zhou Zhou , Zhang Wei
Published: August 2023

p-Nitrophenol (PNP) is widely used in pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and dyestuffs.
Trapping and diffusion of hydrogen in iron-doped Y2O3
Authors: Liu Zhenjie , Feng Zhe , Guo Chunsheng , Ni Yuxiang , Wang Hongyan , Xu Yuhong , Tang Changjian
Published: August 2023

The migration energy profiles of HO (the H substitution of O) diffusion in Fe doped and undoped Y2O3 bulk, respectively.
Dicationic copper(i) complexes bearing ENE (E = S, Se) pincer ligands; catalytic applications in regioselective cyclization of 1,6-diynes
Authors: Das Bhagyashree , Sahoo Amiya Kumar , Banjare Shyam Kumar , Panda Subhra Jyoti , Purohit Chandra Shekhar , Doddi Adinarayana
Published: August 2023

Two novel dicationic binuclear Cu(i) complexes of the type [{(BPPP)E2}Cu]2[BF4]2 (E = S (3a); Se (3b)) bearing (BPPP)E2 (BPPP = bis(diphenylphosphino)pyridine) pincer systems were isolated, and structurally characterized.
Linker engineering toward near-infrared-I emissive metal–organic frameworks for amine detection
Authors: Xia Hai-Lun , Zhou Kang , Wang Lei , Zhang Jian , Liu Xiao-Yuan
Published: August 2023

Linker engineering of donor–acceptor–donor type linkers can be used as a useful strategy to construct near-infrared-I emissive MOFs.
Induction heating: an efficient methodology for the synthesis of functional core–shell nanoparticles
Authors: Raya-Barón Álvaro , Ghosh Sourav , Mazarío Jaime , Varela-Izquierdo Víctor , Fazzini Pier-Francesco , Tricard Simon , Esvan Jerome , Chaudret Bruno
Published: August 2023

While magnetic induction heating has found uses in hyperthermia, metallurgy, and catalysis, its potential in material synthesis remains largely unexplored. This study unveils its promising role in crafting core-shell nanoparticles from magnetic cores.
Correction: Flavin-adenine-dinucleotide gold complex nanoparticles: chemical modeling design, physico-chemical assessment and perspectives in nanomedicine
Authors: Arib Celia , Bouchemal Nadia , Barile Maria , Paleni Didier , Djaker Nadia , Dupont Nathalie , Spadavecchia Jolanda
Published: August 2023

Correction for ‘Flavin-adenine-dinucleotide gold complex nanoparticles: chemical modeling design, physico-chemical assessment and perspectives in nanomedicine’ by Celia Arib et al., Nanoscale Adv., 2021, 3, 6144–6156, https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NA00444A.
Titanium(iv) enolates of cyclic ketones – stereoselective addition of cyclododecanone to aromatic aldehydes
Authors: Cież Dariusz , Pałasz Aleksandra , Kozieł Krzysztof , Lutsan Antonii , Kalinowska-Tłuścik Justyna
Published: August 2023

The application of the “soft enolization technique” led to the first synthesis of syn aldols from cyclododecanone titanium(iv) enolates and aromatic aldehydes.
Multi-layer core–shell metal oxide/nitride/carbon and its high-rate electroreduction of nitrate to ammonia
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Deng Ping , Xu Mengqiu , Peng Zhenbo , Zhou Yuhu , Jia Gan , Ye Wei , Gao Peng , Wang Wei
Published: August 2023

An anti-perovskite Fe4N-based electrocatalyst (MoO2/Fe4N/C) shows excellent catalytic activity for the NO3RR, such as 11.10 molNH3 gcat.−1 h−1 NH3 yield rate with a superior 99.3% faradaic efficiency and the highest half-cell energy efficiency of 30%.
NIR-II light-response porphyrin-heptazine-based conjugated organic polymers for highly efficient photooxidation
Authors: Yang Lin-Fang , Zhang Cheng-Cheng , Zhu Yi-Zhou , Zheng Jian-Yu
Published: August 2023

NIR-II light-response conjugated carbon-nitride polymers have been facilely achieved via directly-linked porphyrin and s-heptazine, and show highly efficient photooxidation of 1,4-DHP whether under visible light or in darkness.
Highly efficient luminescence from boron β-dialdiminates and their π-conjugated polymers in both solutions and solids: significant impact of the substituent position on luminescence behavior
Authors: Ito Shunichiro , Hashizume Miyako , Taka Hideo , Kita Hiroshi , Tanaka Kazuo , Chujo Yoshiki
Published: August 2023

We report that substituents on imine carbons of β-diiminate have significant impact on the emission efficiency of their boron complexes and polymers.
Electrodeposited copper–nickel nanoparticles as highly efficient electrocatalysts for nitrate reduction to ammonia
Authors: Li Ruizhi , Zhao Donglin , Zhang Longcheng , Dong Kai , Li Quan , Fan Guangyin
Published: August 2023

CuNi NPs on Ti mesh (CuNi/TM) prepared by a one-step electrodeposition method were verified as efficient electrocatalysts for nitrate electroreduction, which can produce large quantities of ammonia in a wide range of concentrations of nitrate-containing electrolytes.
Efficient faradaic supercapacitor energy storage using redox-active pyrene- and benzodithiophene-4,8-dione-tethered conjugated microporous polymers
Authors: Gaber Taher A. , Ahmed Lamiaa Reda , EL-Mahdy Ahmed F. M.
Published: August 2023

Redox-active pyrene- and benzodithiophene-4,8-dione-tethered conjugated microporous polymers have been developed for high-performance faradaic supercapacitor energy storage.
Hydrogen-bonded organic framework-stabilized charge transfer cocrystals for NIR-II photothermal cancer therapy
Authors: Tang Jiakang , Shao Leihou , Liu Ji , Zheng Qizhen , Song Xinyi , Yi Lanhua , Wang Ming
Published: August 2023

Within hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs), the stabilized charge transfer cocrystals, named TQC@PFC-1, exhibit high photothermal conversion efficiency in the NIR II region for photothermal therapy in both in vitro and in vivo settings.
AI-guided electro-decomposition of persistent organic pollutants: a long-awaited vision becoming reality?
Authors: Zhu Lin , Du Lei , Cao Guodong , Cai Zongwei
Published: August 2023

AI-assisted design of high-entropy alloys for electro-degradation of POPs could greatly accelerate and improve the design–synthesis–test cycle, hence providing a practical strategy to solve the challenges we might face during mitigation of POPs.
Deep learning in physical layer communications: Evolution and prospects in 5G and 6G networks
Authors: Mao Chengchen , Mu Zongwen , Liang Qilian , Schizas Ioannis , Pan Chenyun
Published: August 2023

With the rapid development of the communication industry in the fifth generation and the advance towards the intelligent society of the sixth generation wireless networks, traditional methods are unable to meet the ever‐growing demands for higher data rates and improved quality of service. Deep learning (DL) has achieved unprecedented success in various fields such as computer vision, large language model processing, and speech recognition due to its powerful representation capabilities and computational convenience. It has also made significant progress in the communication field in meeting stringent demands and overcoming deficiencies in existing technologies. The main purpose of this article is to uncover the latest advancements in the field of DL‐based algorithm methods in the physical layer of wireless communication, introduce their potential applications in the next generation of communication mechanisms, and finally summarize the open research questions.
Fault‐tolerant DC‐DC converter interconnected with energy storage device for bipolar distribution system: Working modes and optimizing control strategy
Authors: Teng Baichuan , Ma Jianjun , Zhu Miao , Yang Yayu , Cai Xu
Published: August 2023

DC short‐circuit fault has become one of the major concerns in bipolar DC system operation under complicated conditions. Compared with conventional two‐port DC‐DC converter, fault‐tolerant DC‐DC converter with multiple external ports is evaluated as a preferential choice for high reliability, availability and flexibility required bipolar DC system due to its capability of fault reconfiguration. This article focuses on a type of fault‐tolerant DC‐DC converter interconnected with DC bus and integrated energy storage devices applied in bipolar DC system and theoretical analyses on transmitted power characteristics under bipolar mode and monopolar mode are also carried out in this article. For bipolar mode, the minimized‐peak‐current control strategy is proposed to reduce current stress on switching devices. As for monopolar mode and source‐port fault mode, the fault reconfiguration method and constant‐transmitted‐power control strategy are designed to eliminate fault impaction and achieve the constant transmitted power of output port connected with critical load, by means of power sharing between input port and normal output port or between the normal output ports. Furthermore, intersection of zero‐voltage‐switching (ZVS) operation area under different working modes is depicted with consideration of two optimizing control. Finally, the performance of the proposed fault reconfiguration method and optimizing control have been tested in PLECS environment and experimental prototype to verify the reliability and flexibility.
Non-modulated pyramid wavefront sensor
Authors: Agapito G. , Pinna E. , Esposito S. , Heritier C. T. , Oberti S.
Published: August 2023

Context.The diffusion of adaptive optics systems in astronomical instrumentation for large ground-based telescopes is rapidly increasing and the pyramid wavefront sensor is replacing the Shack–Hartmann as the standard solution for single conjugate adaptive optics systems. The pyramid wavefront sensor is typically used with a tip-tilt modulation to increase the linearity range of the sensor, but the non-modulated case is interesting because it maximizes the sensor sensitivity. The latter case is generally avoided for the reduced linearity range that prevents robust operation in the presence of atmospheric turbulence.

Aims.We aim to solve part of the issues of the non-modulated pyramid wavefront sensor by reducing the model error in the interaction matrix. We linearize the sensor response in the working conditions without extending the sensor linearity range.

Methods.We developed a new calibration approach to model the response of pyramid wave front sensor in partial correction, whereby the working conditions in the presence of residual turbulence are considered.

Results.We use in simulations to show how the new calibration approach allows for the pyramid wave front sensor without modulation to be used to sense and correct atmospheric turbulence and we discuss when this case is preferable over the modulated case.
A Long-Standing Case of Venous Leg Ulcer Treated with Constitutional Homoeopathic Medicine: A Case Report
Authors: Yadav Ajay Kumar , Rath Prasanta , Das Kapil , Tiwari Anil Kumar , Sharma Monika
Published: August 2023

Venous leg ulcers, also called varicose or stasis ulcers, are a result of damage to the valves in the veins of the legs, which increases venous pressure. Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a well-known factor that contributes to the emergence of venous leg ulcer. Blood reflux, obstruction, or a combination of both mechanisms may result in CVI and lead to macro- and microcirculatory dysfunction. The primary risk factors for venous ulcer development are older age, obesity, previous leg injuries, deep venous thrombosis and phlebitis.

A 57-year-old patient, with a pre-diagnosed case of venous leg ulcer, presented to the outpatient department of National Institute of Homoeopathy, Kolkata, with complaints of swelling and multiple ulcers in both legs. The ulcers were shallow and irregular in shape and presented with itching and persistent sticky discharge. The leg ulcer completely healed within two and half months of duration with Graphites 30/4 doses, which were given as a constitutional homoeopathic medicine. The outcome assessment of this case was done by using the Modified Naranjo Criteria (MONARCH) inventory. This case study suggests homoeopathic treatment as a promising complementary or alternative therapy, emphasising the significance of repertorisation in constitutional homoeopathic prescription for the management of ulcers.
Non-Ossifying Fibroma of Maxilla—A Case Report
Authors: Sharma Harsh , Agarwal S. P. , Dayal D.
Published: August 2023

A rare case of non-ossifying fibroma of the maxilla is being reported alogwith the review of literature.
Mast Cells in Surface Hemangiomas
Authors: Thomas Joseph , Koshy Cherian M. , Nair K. Ramakrishnan
Published: August 2023

Thirty five patients of surface hemangioma within the age group one month to sixty-five years were studied for the presence of mast cells in them by using special stains. It was found that lesions with an increase in the number of mast cells showed a tendency for spontaneous involution.
Corporate social responsibility in the global value chain: A bargaining perspective
Authors: Asmussen Christian Geisler , Fosfuri Andrea , Larsen Marcus Møller , Santangelo Grazia D.
Published: August 2023

Breaches of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in global value chains (GVCs) pose a managerial challenge for multinational enterprises (MNEs) and threaten both their reputations and global sustainability. While an MNE-centric perspective on these issues has dominated existing international business research, we show that a dynamic view of bargaining among actors in the GVC can yield novel insights. We draw on coalitional game theory and develop a model where an MNE collaborates, monitors, and negotiates prices with a supplier whose CSR breaches may be revealed by the MNE, external agents, or remain hidden. Our model illustrates how MNEs may face a hold-up problem when irresponsible actions by suppliers are made public, and the suppliers have the power to engage in opportunistic renegotiation. Interestingly, we show that greater monitoring by MNEs, if not combined with specific strategies, can have negative consequences by weakening the MNE’s bargaining position and, in some cases, even prompting more irresponsible actions by the suppliers. Our model advances international business research on GVC sustainability and has important implications for managers and researchers alike.