bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Centrum Fotowoltaiki AGH jako element systemu wspierającego rozwój odnawialnych źródeł energii
Authors: Marszałek Konstanty , Dyndał Katarzyna , Lewińska Gabriela
Published: August 2023

Gwałtowny rozwój fotowoltaiki i innych odnawialnych źródeł energii spowodował wzrost popytu na prace badawcze i rozwojowe w tych obszarach oraz zapotrzebowania na kadry inżynierskie o takim profilu. Szereg uczelni, w tym Akademia Górniczo- -Hutnicza, uruchomiło nowe kierunki studiów lub nowe specjalizacje związane z obszarem odnawialnych źródeł. Przykładem takiej działalności było powołanie przez Senat AGH Centrum Fotowoltaiki. Prezentowany artykuł opisuje powstałe w Centrum laboratoria oraz ich możliwości badawcze i pomiarowe.
Evolutionary druggability for low-dimensional fitness landscapes toward new metrics for antimicrobial applications
Authors: Guerrero Rafael F , Dorji Tandin , Harris Ra'Mal M , Shoulders Matthew D , Ogbunugafor C Brandon
Published: August 2023

The term ‘druggability’ describes the molecular properties of drugs or targets in pharmacological interventions and is commonly used in work involving drug development for clinical applications. There are no current analogues for this notion that quantify the drug-target interaction with respect to a given target variant’s sensitivity across a breadth of drugs in a panel, or a given drug’s range of effectiveness across alleles of a target protein. Using data from low-dimensional empirical fitness landscapes composed of 16 β-lactamase alleles and 7 β-lactam drugs, we introduce two metrics that capture (i) the average susceptibility of an allelic variant of a drug target to any available drug in a given panel (‘variant vulnerability’), and (ii) the average applicability of a drug (or mixture) across allelic variants of a drug target (‘drug applicability’). Finally, we (iii) disentangle the quality and magnitude of interactions between loci in the drug target and the seven drug environments in terms of their mutation by mutation by environment (G x G x E) interactions, offering mechanistic insight into the variant variability and drug applicability metrics. Summarizing, we propose that our framework can be applied to other datasets and pathogen-drug systems to understand which pathogen variants in a clinical setting are the most concerning (low variant vulnerability), and which drugs in a panel are most likely to be effective in an infection defined by standing genetic variation in the pathogen drug target (high drug applicability).
Negative cell cycle regulation by calcineurin is necessary for proper beta cell regeneration in zebrafish
Authors: Massoz Laura , Bergemann David , Lavergne Arnaud , Reynders Célia , Désiront Caroline , Goossens Chiara , Flasse Lydie , Peers Bernard , Voz Marianne M , Manfroid Isabelle
Published: August 2023

Stimulation of pancreatic beta cell regeneration could be a therapeutic lead to treat diabetes. Unlike humans, the zebrafish can efficiently regenerate beta cells, notably from ductal pancreatic progenitors. To gain insight into the molecular pathways involved in this process, we established the transcriptomic profile of the ductal cells after beta cell ablation in the adult zebrafish. These data highlighted the protein phosphatase calcineurin (CaN) as a new potential modulator of beta cell regeneration. We showed that CaN overexpression abolished the regenerative response, leading to glycemia dysregulation. On the opposite, CaN inhibition increased ductal cell proliferation and subsequent beta cell regeneration. Interestingly, the enhanced proliferation of the progenitors was paradoxically coupled with their exhaustion. This suggests that the proliferating progenitors are next entering in differentiation. CaN appears as a guardian which prevents an excessive progenitor proliferation to preserve the pool of progenitors. Altogether, our findings reveal CaN as a key player in the balance between proliferation and differentiation to enable a proper beta cell regeneration.
Spontaneous human CD8 T cell and autoimmune encephalomyelitis-induced CD4/CD8 T cell lesions in the brain and spinal cord of HLA-DRB1*15-positive multiple sclerosis humanized immune system mice
Authors: Papazian Irini , Kourouvani Maria , Dagkonaki Anastasia , Gouzouasis Vasileios , Dimitrakopoulou Lila , Markoglou Nikolaos , Badounas Fotis , Tselios Theodore , Anagnostouli Maria , Probert Lesley
Published: August 2023

Autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) such as multiple sclerosis (MS) are only partially represented in current experimental models and the development of humanized immune mice is crucial for better understanding of immunopathogenesis and testing of therapeutics. We describe a humanized mouse model with several key features of MS. Severely immunodeficient B2m-NOG mice were transplanted with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from HLA-DRB1-typed MS and healthy (HI) donors and showed rapid engraftment by human T and B lymphocytes. Mice receiving cells from MS patients with recent/ongoing Epstein–Barr virus reactivation showed high B cell engraftment capacity. Both HLA-DRB1*15 (DR15) MS and DR15 HI mice, not HLA-DRB1*13 MS mice, developed human T cell infiltration of CNS borders and parenchyma. DR15 MS mice uniquely developed inflammatory lesions in brain and spinal cord gray matter, with spontaneous, hCD8 T cell lesions, and mixed hCD8/hCD4 T cell lesions in EAE immunized mice, with variation in localization and severity between different patient donors. Main limitations of this model for further development are poor monocyte engraftment and lack of demyelination, lymph node organization, and IgG responses. These results show that PBMC humanized mice represent promising research tools for investigating MS immunopathology in a patient-specific approach.
Paradoxical imbalance between activated lymphocyte protein synthesis capacity and rapid division rate
Authors: Seedhom Mina O , Dersh Devin , Holly Jaroslav , Pavon-Eternod Mariana , Wei Jiajie , Angel Matthew , Shores Lucas , David Alexandre , Santos Jefferson , Hickman Heather , Yewdell Jonathan W
Published: August 2023

Rapid lymphocyte cell division places enormous demands on the protein synthesis machinery. Flow cytometric measurement of puromycylated ribosome-associated nascent chains after treating cells or mice with translation initiation inhibitors reveals that ribosomes in resting lymphocytes in vitro and in vivo elongate at typical rates for mammalian cells. Intriguingly, elongation rates can be increased up to 30% by activation in vivo or fever temperature in vitro. Resting and activated lymphocytes possess abundant monosome populations, most of which actively translate in vivo, while in vitro, nearly all can be stalled prior to activation. Quantitating lymphocyte protein mass and ribosome count reveals a paradoxically high ratio of cellular protein to ribosomes insufficient to support their rapid in vivo division, suggesting that the activated lymphocyte proteome in vivo may be generated in an unusual manner. Our findings demonstrate the importance of a global understanding of protein synthesis in lymphocytes and other rapidly dividing immune cells.
Reconstructed SqueezeNext with C-CBAM for offline handwritten Chinese character recognition
Authors: Wu Ruiqi , Zhou Feng , Li Nan , Liu Xian , Wang Rugang
Published: August 2023

Background

Handwritten Chinese character recognition (HCCR) is a difficult problem in character recognition. Chinese characters are diverse and many of them are very similar. The HCCR model consumes a large number of computational resources during runtime, making it difficult to deploy to resource-limited development platforms.

Methods

In order to reduce the computational consumption and improve the operational efficiency of such models, an improved lightweight HCCR model is proposed in this article. We reconstructed the basic modules of the SqueezeNext network so that the model would be compatible with the introduced attention module and model compression techniques. The proposed Cross-stage Convolutional Block Attention Module (C-CBAM) redeploys the Spatial Attention Module (SAM) and the Channel Attention Module (CAM) according to the feature map characteristics of the deep and shallow layers of the model, targeting enhanced information interaction between the deep and shallow layers. The reformulated intra-stage convolutional kernel importance assessment criterion integrates the normalization nature of the weights and allows for structured pruning in equal proportions for each stage of the model. The quantization aware training is able to map the 32-bit floating-point weights in the pruned model to 8-bit fixed-point weights with minor loss.

Results

Pruning with the new convolutional kernel importance evaluation criterion proposed in this article can achieve a pruning rate of 50.79% with little impact on the accuracy rate. The various optimization methods can compress the model to 1.06 MB and achieve an accuracy of 97.36% on the CASIA-HWDB dataset. Compared with the initial model, the volume is reduced by 87.15%, and the accuracy is improved by 1.71%. The model proposed in this article greatly reduces the running time and storage requirements of the model while maintaining accuracy.
Antibiotics and Antifungal Resistance Patterns of Microbial Isolates from Dish Washing Sponges in the University of Port-Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: O. N. Akomah-Abadaike, , E. A. Chumu,
Published: August 2023

This study examined the presence or contamination of bacteria in dishwashing sponges as well as the impact of various disinfectants on sponges. The total number of pathogenic organisms present in 120 sponges was determined using the nutritional agar (NA), MacConkey agar (MAC), Mannitol-Salt agar (MSA), Eosin-Methylene Blue agar (EMB), and Salmonella-Shigella agar (SSA) techniques. The efficacy of various disinfectants was evaluated using bleach, sanitizer, liquid soap, and boiled water for 30 minutes, while the remaining one served as a control sample. The result showed that household sponges had the lowest bacteria load across the five media with a mean bacteria count of 6.98 log CFU/g, followed by restaurant sponges with a mean count of 7.31 log CFU/g, and the highest bacteria load of 7.43 log CFU/g was obtained from hostel sponges. E. coli (40%), Klebsiella sp. (20%), Shigella sp. (15%), Staphylococcus sp. (20%), and Salmonella sp. (5) were the bacteria isolated and identified, whereas Aspergillus niger (65.6%) Penicillium oxalicum (9.4%), and Candida albicans (25%) were the fungi responsible for the contamination. Tarivid 25%, Reflacine 50%, Ciproflox 0%, Augmentin 50%, Gentamycin 0%, Streptomycin 0%, Ceporex 50%, Nalidixic acid 75%, Septrin 25%, and Amplicin 75% are the antibiotic resistant strains that have been identified. Griseofluvin eliminates both fungi at all concentrations that have been tested. Dishwashing sponges can be extremely contaminated, especially those used in the hostels on the University of Port Harcourt's Abuja campus. However, by applying basic and routine disinfection processes, the microbial contamination can be greatly reduced.
Block Wise Trend Analysis and Extreme Events in Raipur District, India
Authors: S. Gowtham , Das Gopi Krishna
Published: August 2023

The study was conducted in four blocks viz. Abhanpur, Arang, Raipur, and Tilda of Raipur district, using IMD gridded rainfall and maximum (Tx) and minimum (Tn) temperature data from 1951 to 2019. Trend analysis was performed with three non-parametric methods (Mann Kendall, Spearman's Rho, and Innovative Trend Analysis (ITA)) and one parametric test (Linear Regression analysis) for annual and seasonal rainfall and temperature. Extreme weather events were studied using Weather Cock and RClimdex software, calculating sixteen climatic indices. The data was divided into 1951-1986 and 1987-2019. The results demonstrated a significant decreasing trend (p<0.01) in rainfall by 10 to 15%. Maximum temperature had a significant increasing trend and minimum temperature significantly decreased (p<0.01) as per ITA. Other methods indicated non-significant decreasing trends for minimum temperature. ITA proved more effective in trend detection. The value of all indices differed before and after 1986, indicating noticeable climate changes. Increasing Warmer days, colder nights, and an expanding diurnal temperature range were observed, accompanied by increased heat wave incidence. Moderate drought episodes and all severe drought occurrences increased after 1986. The values of maximum and minimum temperatures reached new peaks. These findings highlight significant climate changes in the study area, emphasizing the need for sustainable climate management and adaptation strategies.
Iteration and Identification of the Appropriate ARIMA Models for Forecasting Groundnut Area, Production, and Yield in Telangana and India
Authors: Archana P. , Vijayakumari R. , Baba Md. Ali , Radhika P. , Chary D. Srinivasa
Published: August 2023

Groundnut cultivation plays a crucial role in India's agricultural landscape, but there has been a declining trend in acreage in the past two decades. At the state level, despite groundnut productivity in Telangana being higher than the national average, it was not among the major groundnut-producing states for its only rabi cultivation and low acreage. Under such conditions, forecasting area, production and yield beforehand the prices is necessary to address dynamics at the supply end. This study aims to forecast groundnut cultivation, production, and yield in India and Telangana using ARIMA modelling. The annual time series data were sourced from the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Government of India from 1990-91 to 2021-22. ARIMA. SPSS software was employed for the analysis and modelling tasks. By analysing the model fit and residual statistics ARIMA (2,1,3) ARIMA (0,0,0), and ARIMA (3,1,3) were performed as the best-fit models for groundnut area, production, and yield forecasts in India. For Telangana, ARIMA (0,1,0) ARIMA (1,1,6), and ARIMA (14,1,14) were found better. The forecasts of groundnut at the country level indicated stagnation in production, declination in area and inclination in yield, which was found fluctuating. Proactive planning is necessary to address these challenges and ensure sustainable production at the country level. In Telangana, there is a positive trend in groundnut production and the increasing trend in cultivation but may decline in the long run, if proper planning and marketing strategies are not followed consistently. Accurate forecasting of groundnut metrics is crucial for stakeholders to make informed decisions, bridge supply-demand gaps, and promote a resilient groundnut industry.
Advancing Intelligence: Unveiling the Power of Advanced Machine Learning Algorithms for Real-World Applications
Authors: Aslam Farhan
Published: August 2023

This research paper explores advanced machine learning algorithms and their applications across various industries. It discusses different types of algorithms, such as classification analysis, regression, data clustering, feature engineering, association rule learning, reinforcement learning, and deep learning. The paper highlights their advantages and limitations, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right algorithm for specific use cases. Additionally, challenges in applying machine learning algorithms and potential solutions are discussed. The paper also provides insights into optimizing these algorithms for specific problems and best practices for their development and deployment in software applications.
Educational actions as a possibility in the empowerment of adolescents about depression / Ações educativas como possibilidade no empoderamento de adolescentes acerca da depressão
Authors: Alves Bruna , Barbalho Isabela , Gonçalves Rolim Alwsca Layane , Bezerra Izabel Patrício , Rodrigues de Souza Joyce Wadna , Costa Fernandes Marcelo
Published: August 2023

Objetivo: compreender como propostas de educação em saúde podem contribuir para o conhecimento e atitudes dos adolescentes frente a depressão. Método: trata-se do recorte de um trabalho de conclusão de curso de graduação em enfermagem da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, realizado no ano de 2018, fundamentado no método da pesquisa-ação e analisado por meio do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo. Resultados: após realização do diagnóstico situacional foi possível realizar o planejamento e execução de três encontros para realização de ações educativas com uso de dinâmicas e metodologias que proporcionaram a participação dos jovens, bem como o diálogo do grupo e a construção de conhecimentos relacionados a depressão. Considerações finais: os atos educativos apresentaram-se positivos como oportunidade para a autonomia de adolescentes acerca da depressão, mostrando o quão significativo pode ser o uso deste tipo de metodologia para a transformação de realidade e resolubilidade de problemas sociais.
Association of Neighborhood-Level Environmental Injustice With Health Status in the US
Authors: Patel Vishal R. , Jella Tarun , Gupta Arjun , Nassel Ariann , Ibrahim Andrew , Hussaini S.M. Qasim
Published: August 2023

This cross-sectional study uses the Environmental Justice Index to assess the association between environmental injustice and health status at the neighborhood level.
Use of GPT-4 to Analyze Medical Records of Patients With Extensive Investigations and Delayed Diagnosis
Authors: Shea Yat-Fung , Lee Cynthia Min Yao , Ip Whitney Chin Tung , Luk Dik Wai Anderson , Wong Stephanie Sze Wing
Published: August 2023

This case series investigates whether analysis of clinical history via a language model system improves diagnostic accuracy in patients with complex and delayed diagnoses.
Lifestyle Factors in the Association of Shift Work and Depression and Anxiety
Authors: Xu Minzhi , Yin Xiaoxv , Gong Yanhong
Published: August 2023

IMPORTANCE

Shift work may lead to adverse health outcomes. Whether shift work is associated with depression and anxiety, and to what extent lifestyle mediates the associations, remains unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the associations of shift work, its type, frequency, and working years with anxiety and depression and to examine the potential mediating role of lifestyles.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study included 175 543 employed or self-employed workers who participated in the UK Biobank baseline survey (2006-2010). Data analysis was conducted from November 2022 to January 2023.

EXPOSURES

Employment and shift work status information was obtained from baseline. Lifestyles included smoking, physical activity, alcohol consumption, dietary characteristics, sleep duration, sedentary time, and body mass index (BMI).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Depression and anxiety were identified based on electronic health records. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to calculate the association of shift work with anxiety and depression, and cause mediation analyses we used to test the mediating role of lifestyle factors in this association.

RESULTS

Of the 175 543 included participants (mean [SD] age, 52.6 [7.1] years; 88 290 men [50.3%]; 167 495 White participants [95.4%]), 27 637 participants (16.2%) reported shift work. During a median (IQR) follow-up of 9.06 (8.35-9.75) years, 3956 workers (2.3%) developed depression and 2838 (1.7%) developed anxiety. In the fully adjusted model, individuals who reported engaging in shift work, or shift workers, had a higher risk of depression (HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.12-1.33; P < .001) and anxiety (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.04-1.28; P < .001), and the risk was positively associated with shift frequency. Among shift workers, there was no significant difference between night shifts and nonnight shifts. In the dose-association analyses, years of shift work were negatively associated with the risk of depression and anxiety. Smoking, sedentary time, BMI, and sleep duration were identified as the main potentially modifiable mediators. These mediators together explained 31.3% of the association between shift work and depression and 21.2% of the association between shift work and anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this cohort study, shift work was significantly associated with a higher risk of depression and anxiety, and lifestyle factors partially mediated the associations. These findings not only support that shift work should be considered an occupational hazard, but also provide evidence for the urgent need for the development of public health interventions that promote healthy lifestyles aimed at improving the mental health of shift workers.
Proton Pump Inhibitor Use and Risk of Serious Infections in Young Children
Authors: Lassalle Marion , Zureik Mahmoud , Dray-Spira Rosemary
Published: August 2023

Importance

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use may lead to infections through alteration of the microbiota or direct action on the immune system. However, only a few studies were conducted in children, with conflicting results.

Objective

To assess the associations between PPI use and serious infections in children, overall and by infection site and pathogen.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This nationwide cohort study was based on the Mother-Child EPI-MERES Register built from the French Health Data System (SNDS). We included all children born between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2018, who received a treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease or other gastric acid–related disorders, namely PPIs, histamine 2 receptor antagonists, or antacids/alginate. The index date was defined as the first date any of these medications was dispensed. Children were followed up until admission to the hospital for serious infection, loss of follow-up, death, or December 31, 2019.

Exposure

PPI exposure over time.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Associations between serious infections and PPI use were estimated by adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% CIs using Cox models. PPI use was introduced as time-varying. A 30-day lag was applied to minimize reverse causality. Models were adjusted for sociodemographic data, pregnancy characteristics, child comorbidities, and health care utilization.

Results

The study population comprised 1 262 424 children (median [IQR] follow-up, 3.8 [1.8-6.2] years), including 606 645 who received PPI (323 852 male [53.4%]; median [IQR] age at index date, 88 [44-282] days) and 655 779 who did not receive PPI (342 454 male [52.2%]; median [IQR] age, 82 [44-172] days). PPI exposure was associated with an increased risk of serious infections overall (aHR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.32-1.36). Increased risks were also observed for infections in the digestive tract (aHR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.48-1.55); ear, nose, and throat sphere (aHR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.41-1.52); lower respiratory tract (aHR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.19-1.25); kidneys or urinary tract (aHR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.15-1.25); and nervous system (aHR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.11-1.54) and for both bacterial (aHR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.50-1.63) and viral infections (aHR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.28-1.33).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, PPI use was associated with increased risks of serious infections in young children. Proton pump inhibitors should not be used without a clear indication in this population.
Overexpression of polyphosphate polymerases and deletion of polyphosphate phosphatases shorten the replicative lifespan in yeast
Authors: Umeda Chiharu , Nakajima Toshio , Maruhashi Tsubasa , Tanigawa Mirai , Maeda Tatsuya , Mukai Yukio
Published: August 2023

We previously found that overexpression of phosphate starvation‐responsive genes by disrupting PHO80 led to a shortened replicative lifespan in yeast. To identify lifespan‐related genes, we screened upregulated genes in the pho80Δ mutant and focused on the VTC genes, which encode the vacuolar polyphosphate (polyP) polymerase complex. VTC1/VTC2/VTC4 deletion restored the lifespan and intracellular polyP levels in pho80Δ. In the wild type, overexpression of VTC5 or a combination of the other VTCs caused high polyP accumulation and shortened lifespan. Similar phenotypes were caused by the deletion of polyP phosphatase genes—vacuolar PPN1 and cytosolic PPX1. The polyP‐accumulating strains exhibited stress sensitivities. Thus, we demonstrated that polyP metabolic enzymes participate in replicative lifespan, and extreme polyP accumulation shortens the lifespan.
The formation of “form” and the “decoration” of space in Charlotte Perriand, Part 2: Creation of “forme utile (useful form)” as a space
Authors: Sendai Shoichiro , Sugiyama Mao , Tadokoro Sinnosuke
Published: August 2023

This paper aims to clarify the process of the formation of Perriand's concept of “form” toward the “forme utile (useful form),” by tracing her production of furniture chronologically. In other words, by analyzing the intersection of the “Mingei (folk‐craft)” tradition experienced in Japan and the Western modernism of “forme utile,” this paper examines how the “new decoration” of steel pipe furniture as “form” led to her particular “decoration” of interior spaces. In Perriand's concept of “form,” touching the material itself was the primary issue. However, it was also synonymous with the main intent of the leader of Mingei movement Muneyoshi Yanagi, criticized her “forme libre (free form).” Furthermore, Perriand, who referred the aesthetician Kakuzo Okakura's “vacuum,” came to understand “form” as the correlation between human beings and the space that surrounds them.
Social‐distancing memories and well‐being in the cultural context
Authors: Wang Qi , Suo Tong
Published: August 2023

This study examined among diverse ethnic groups in the U.S. individuals' memories about social distancing at the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic and how that was related to psychological well‐being. Participants recalled specific personal events related to social distancing in a memory fluency task and completed a battery of well‐being measures. Consistent with their respective cultural attitudes towards social distancing, Asian Americans remembered about social distancing in a more positive light than did European Americans, and positive social‐distancing memories predicted better psychological well‐being among Asians but not European Americans or other ethnic groups. These original findings shed new light on the role of culture in shaping autobiographical memory and mental health and have important implications for policies and targeted interventions.
Oxygen Vacancies Modified TiO2/O‐Terminated Ti3C2 Composites: Unravelling the Dual Effects between Oxygen Vacancy and High‐Work‐Function Titanium Carbide
Authors: Zhou Shaoyu , Jiang Longbo , Wang Hui , Yang Jinjuan , Yuan Xingzhong , Wang Hou , Liang Jie , Li Xiaodong , Li Hui , Bu Yuanqing
Published: August 2023

The rational design of Ti3C2Tx MXene‐derived TiO2‐based photocatalysts with broad light absorption and efficient charge separation has recently attracted considerable attention for antibiotic degradation. However, the complementary effects of each component, especially oxygen vacancies (OVs) and high work function O‐terminated Ti3C2 (O‐Ti3C2), in affecting light absorption and photocatalytic activity remain controversial. In this study, Ti3C2Tx‐derived TiO2/Ti3C2Tx photocatalysts are regulated by alkalization in the controlled KOH solution and calcination in different heating atmospheres to reveal the contribution of OVs, Ti3+, carbon species, and high work function titanium carbide. Carbon species and rich OVs co‐exist in TiO2/O‐Ti3C2 (OV/C‐TT‐1K(N2)) which exhibit superior photocatalytic performance in tetracycline hydrochloride degradation with a kinetic constant of 0.0217 min−1. Combined with experimental and DFT computational results, the broadened visible light response and desirable redox properties are caused by OVs and carbon dopants, as well as decreased Schottky barrier height and enhanced electronic conductivity caused by high work function O‐Ti3C2.
Mechanically Gated Transistor
Authors: Huang Boyuan , Yu Ye , Zhang Fengyuan , Liang Yuhang , Su Shengyao , Zhang Mei , Zhang Yuan , Li Changjian , Xie Shuhong , Li Jiangyu
Published: August 2023

Silicon‐based field effect transistors have underpinned the information revolution in the last 60 years, and there is a strong desire for new materials, devices, and architectures that can help sustain the computing power in the age of big data and artificial intelligence. Inspired by the Piezo channels, a mechanically gated transistor abandoning electric gating altogether, achieving an ON/OFF ratio over three orders of magnitude under a mechanical force of hundreds of nN is developed. The two‐terminal device utilizes flexoelectric polarization induced by strain gradient, which modulates the carrier concentration in a Van der Waals structure significantly, and it mimics Piezo channels for artificial tactile perception. This simple device concept can be easily adapted to a wide range of semiconducting materials, helping promote the fusion between mechanics and electronics in a similar way as mechanobiology.
Regulated Zn Plating and Stripping by a Multifunctional Polymer‐Alloy Interphase Layer for Stable Zn Metal Anode
Authors: Duan Junwen , Dong Jiaming , Cao Ruirui , Yang Hao , Fang Kangkang , Liu Ying , Shen Zhitao , Li Fumin , Liu Rong , Li Huilin , Chen Chong
Published: August 2023

Metallic zinc electrode with a high theoretical capacity of 820 mAh g−1 is highly considered as a promising candidate for next‐generation rechargeable batteries. However, the unavoidable hydrogen evolution, uncontrolled dendrite growth, and severe passivation reaction badly hinder its practical implementations. Herein, a robust polymer‐alloy artificial protective layer is designed to realize dendrite‐free Zn metal anode by the integration of zincophilic SnSb nanoparticles with Nafion. In comparison to the bare Zn electrode, the Nafion‐SnSb coated Zn (NFSS@Zn) electrode exhibits lower nucleation energy barrier, more uniform electric field distribution and stronger anti‐corrosion capability, thus availably suppressing the Zn dendrite growth and interfacial side reactions. As a consequence, the NFSS@Zn electrode exhibits a long cycle life over 1500 h at 1 mA cm−2 with an ultra‐low voltage hysteresis (25 mV). Meanwhile, when paired with a MnO2 cathode, the as‐prepared full cell also demonstrates stable performance for 1000 cycles at 3 A g−1. This work provides an inspired approach to boost the performance of Zn anodes.
Dextran: A Multifunctional and Universal Electrolyte Additive for Aqueous Zn Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Jing , Guo Zhongyuan , Wu Jiacheng , Zheng Zhi , Yu Zixun , She Fangxin , Lai Leo , Li Hao , Chen Yuan , Wei Li
Published: August 2023

The aqueous Zn ion battery (ZIB) is a potentially sustainable energy storage device. However, its performance is still far from satisfactory. Herein, it is demonstrated that a branched sugar, dextran, widely used in eyedrop products to relieve irritated eyes, is a multifunctional and universal electrolyte additive to enable high‐performance ZIBs. Experimental and theoretical results reveal that dextran has four functions: forming a surface protective layer to minimize side reactions, facilitating stepwise [Zn(H2O)6]2+ desolvation, preferably adsorbing on Zn(0002) planes to supply desolvated Zn2+ and homogenizing electric field. These functions are universally observed in Zn(CF3SO3)2, ZnSO4, Zn(ClO4)2, and ZnCl2 aqueous electrolytes. As demonstrations for practical applications, Zn anodes deliver Coulombic efficiency of 99.97% after 3400 cycles in an electrolyte with 50 mg mL‒1 of dextran and cumulative plating capacity of 3400 mAh cm‒2 at 5 mA cm‒2. Zn//V2O5 full cells with a low negative/positive electrode capacity ratio of 2.18 can be stably cycled over 138 cycles at 1 A g‒1. Pouch full cells can work under mechanical bending conditions. Zn//polyaniline full cells can cycle steadily for 3000 cycles at 0.5 A g‒1 at −10 °C. Dextran shows excellent potential as a low‐cost and non‐toxic electrolyte additive to enable safe and reliable ZIBs.
Visible Light‐Driven Photocatalytic Transformation of Thiols to Disulfides in Water Catalyzed by Bi2S3
Authors: Su Fengyun , Yang Chunxia , Wang Zhishuai , Zhao Wei , Xie Haiquan , Zhang Sheng , Jin Xiaoli , Huang Qunzeng , Ye Liqun
Published: August 2023

Selective coupling of thiols to produce disulfides is one very important and classic type of coupling reactions. Herein, an environmentally friendly and practical photocatalytic system for oxidative coupling of thiols to disulfides is developed. With no sacrificial agent, no additional additive, just sole water as solvent, performed in air at room temperature, excellent conversions of thiols and excellent selectivities of disulfides are obtained using a cheap and simple semiconductor material of bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) under blue LED illumination. Excellent conversions and selectivities for coupling of thiols to produce disulfides are obtained, and the system is reusable. The as‐prepared photocatalyst is adequately characterized and the mechanism of photocatalytic reaction is discussed deeply.
An incidental finding in prenatal exome sequencing—A case study and review of the clinical and ethical considerations
Authors: Rudd Ignatius , Gill Gulvir , Buckley Michael , Downie Lilian
Published: August 2023

The introduction of genomic testing into prenatal care has come at a rapid pace and has been met with significant clinical and ethical challenges, specifically when dealing with incidental findings. We present the case of a couple in their first pregnancy who were referred to our institution with isolated fetal cataracts on morphology scan. After an unremarkable infectious disease workup and microarray on an amniocentesis sample, the couple opted for fetal whole‐exome sequencing to investigate the cataracts further. This investigation did not find any cause for the cataracts but yielded an incidental finding of a de novo pathogenic variant in the SCN1A gene unrelated to the cataracts. Pathogenic variants in the SCN1A gene are strongly associated with severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy, or Dravet syndrome. After extensive genetic counseling, the couple decided to terminate the pregnancy at 28 weeks' gestation based on this finding. This case highlights some of the important clinical and ethical considerations in prenatal genetic diagnosis, particularly in the group of patients in which there is no phenotypic evidence in‐utero of the incidental finding. The case demonstrates the value of frameworks and guidelines to guide management decisions for both clinicians and patients.
Mechanoaktivierte Selbstauflösung von Hydrogelen mittels eines Signalverstärkungsmechanismus
Authors: Lupfer Claudius , Seitel Sebastian , Skarsetz Oliver , Walther Andreas
Published: August 2023

Zelluläre Organismen verfügen über komplexe mechanoadaptive Systeme, die es ihnen ermöglichen, Kräfte zu spüren und sie mit (bio)chemischen Regelkreisläufen zur funktionellen Anpassung zu verarbeiten. Inspiriert durch solche Prozesse stellt diese Studie ein Hydrogelsystem vor, das zur mechanisch aktivierten und chemisch amplifizierten Selbstauflösung fähig ist. Die hierzu entwickelten Hydrogele können mechanisch Radikale erzeugen, die in einer sich selbst ausbreitenden radikalischen Entnetzungsreaktion verarbeitet und verstärkt werden, was letztendlich zu einer mechanisch ausgelösten Selbstauflösung führt. Wir setzen dieses System bei der mechanoinduzierten Ablösung und in einem Doppelschichtaktuator ein, bei dem die durch Schwellung verursachte Biegung ausreichend Kraft für den selektiven Abbau einer Schicht erzeugt, was zu einer autonomen Selbstregulierung im Zusammenhang mit der Entbiegung führt. Unsere Arbeit hilft bei der Definition von Designkriterien für molekular kontrollierte adaptive und selbstregulierende Materialien mit integrierter mechanochemischer Informationsverarbeitung und zeigt deren Potenzial für Adhäsive und die Soft Robotik auf.
2D Plasmonische Moleküle durch Wasserstoffbrückenbindungen zwischen polymerbeschichteten Nanopartikeln
Authors: Cai Yingying , Vana Philipp
Published: August 2023

Die Nutzung makromolekularer Gestaltungsmittel zur Regulierung von nicht‐kovalenten Bindungen im Nanoskalenbereich ist eine junge und emporkommende Herstellungsmethode für fortgeschrittene Nanostrukturen. Zum ersten Mal beschreiben wir eine Methode der Selbstorganisation, um eine Serie 2D‐plasmonischer Moleküle (PM) herzustellen, die Wasserstoffbrückenwechselwirkungen zwischen Paaren polymerbeschichteter Goldnanopartikel ausnutzen (Wasserstoff‐brückendonator und ‐akzeptor). Wir fanden heraus, dass aufgrund der Natur von Wasserstoffbrückenwechselwirkungen die Polymerinteraktion und die Solvatisierung während des Selbstorganisationsprozesses miteinander konkurrieren. Dies erwies sich als die wichtigste Bedingung, um die Koordinationszahl der PM zu kontrollieren. Wir führten eine umfassende Studie hinsichtlich des Lösungsmitteleffekts durch, die uns half, eine Serie präziser PM mit hoher Symetrie zu entwerfen und herzustellen.
Mechano‐Activated Self‐Immolation of Hydrogels via Signal Amplification
Authors: Lupfer Claudius , Seitel Sebastian , Skarsetz Oliver , Walther Andreas
Published: August 2023

Cellular organisms possess intricate mechano‐adaptive systems that enable them to sense forces and process them with (bio)chemical circuits for functional adaptation. Inspired by such processes, this study introduces a hydrogel system capable of mechanically activated and chemically transduced self‐destruction. Our judiciously designed hydrogels can mechanically generate radicals that are processed and amplified in a self‐propagating radical de‐crosslinking reaction, ultimately leading to mechanically triggered self‐immolation. We put such systems to work in mechano‐induced debonding, and in a bilayer actuator, where swelling‐induced bending generates sufficient force for selective degradation of one layer, leading to autonomous self‐regulation associated with unbending. Our work helps define design criteria for molecularly controlled adaptive and self‐regulating materials with embodied mechano‐chemical information processing, and showcases their potential for adhesives and soft robotics.
Does the Ice Age legacy end in Central Europe? The shrinking distributions of glacial relict crustaceans in Lithuania
Authors: Audzijonyte Asta , Arbačiauskas Kęstutis , Smith Carl
Published: August 2023

Glacial relict crustaceans are characterized by their affinity for cold and well‐oxygenated waters and their limited dispersal ability. They occur in large, deep lakes of Northern and Central Europe and North America, with their distributions shaped by glaciation events. In many countries and especially along the southern distribution edge, glacial relict populations are declining as a result of eutrophication, global warming, and possible adverse interactions with invasive Ponto‐Caspian crustaceans.

This study assessed the status of three glacial relict malacostracan species (the amphipods Monoporeia affinis and Pallaseopsis quadrispinosa and the mysid Mysis relicta) in Lithuania and modelled their abundance across environmental variables, including the presence of Ponto‐Caspian malacostracans.

The results showed that M. affinis is probably extinct in the country, whereas M. relicta was found in only nine out of 16 locations from which it was previously recorded. The distribution of P. quadrispinosa also seems to be shrinking.

The annual water renewal rate (P. quadrispinosa and M. relicta) and lake depth (P. quadrispinosa) were significantly and positively associated with the relative abundance of relict mysids and amphipods, but no association was found with lake size or with the presence of invasive Ponto‐Caspian crustaceans. Both species were less abundant in samples collected in the 21st century compared with the 20th century.

Given the biogeographical and ecological importance of glacial relict crustaceans, their widespread declines are of concern and point to the deterioration of habitat quality, essential for other species with similar requirements. Urgent action is needed to improve water conditions and safeguard these communities. In cases where water quality improves, the reintroduction of extirpated relict populations should be considered. One example is Lake Drūkšiai, where these crustaceans became extinct during the operation of the Ignalina nuclear power plant but where conditions improved following the closure of the power plant in 2009.
Unravelling the transport of moisture into the Saharan Air Layer using passive tracers and isotopes
Authors: Dahinden Fabienne , Aemisegger Franziska , Wernli Heini , Pfahl Stephan
Published: August 2023

The subtropical free troposphere plays a critical role in the radiative balance of the Earth. However, the complex interactions controlling moisture in this sensitive region and, in particular, the relative importance of long‐range transport compared to lower‐tropospheric mixing, remain unclear. This study uses the regional COSMO model equipped with stable water isotopes and passive water tracers to quantify the contributions of different evaporative sources to the moisture and its stable isotope signals in the eastern subtropical North Atlantic free troposphere. In summer, this region is characterized by two alternating large‐scale circulation regimes: (i) dry, isotopically depleted air from the upper‐level extratropics, and (ii) humid, enriched air advected from Northern Africa within the Saharan Air Layer (SAL) consisting of a mixture of moisture of diverse origin (tropical and extratropical North Atlantic, Africa, Europe, the Mediterranean). This diversity of moisture sources in regime (ii) arises from the convergent inflow at low levels of air from different neighbouring regions into the Saharan heat low (SHL), where it is mixed and injected by convective plumes into the large‐scale flow aloft, and thereafter expelled to the North Atlantic within the SAL. Remarkably, this regime is associated with a large contribution of moisture that evaporated from the North Atlantic, which makes a detour through the SHL and eventually reaches the 850–550 hPa layer above the Canaries. Moisture transport from Europe via the SHL to the same layer leads to the strongest enrichment in heavy isotopes (δ2H correlates most strongly with this tracer). The vertical profiles over the North Atlantic show increased humidity and δ2H and reduced static stability in the 850–550 hPa layer, and smaller cloud fraction in the boundary layer in regime (ii) compared to regime (i), highlighting the key role of moisture transport through the SHL in modulating the radiative balance in this region.
Making creativity explicit: A workshop to foster creativity in biomedical science education
Authors: Kim Alice M. , Gibbons Jessica A. , Speed Caroline J. , Macaulay Janet O.
Published: August 2023

Previously we identified that biomedical science students commonly misunderstand “creativity,” mistaking it for “freedom.” In the present study, we describe and evaluate a workshop designed to increase students' awareness of creativity as a highly sought‐after employability skill and cognitive process applicable to scientific endeavors. To achieve this, we developed and introduced students to a process called the “Diamond Model,” utilizing a case study to contextualize and signpost the creative processes of divergent and convergent thinking. This model was introduced to students in the first workshop of a 12‐week undergraduate biochemistry unit (subject) within the Bachelor of Biomedical Science at Monash University, Australia. Students completed pre‐ and post‐workshop surveys to gauge the impact of the workshop on their conceptions of creativity and Bloom's taxonomy of learning. In addition, reflective journals were completed by a small subset of students (n = 9) following the workshop. Following the workshop, over 65% of students indicated that their conception of creativity had changed. Thematic analysis of students' survey responses and reflections indicated that this change in the conception of creativity included broadening their definition of creativity, increased awareness of creativity as a skill and science as a creative process, and that creativity can be applied to different areas of life. Students attributed the signposting of creative elements as a contributing factor to their increased awareness. These results indicate the positive impact the workshop and our novel Diamond model had on student conception of creativity, highlighting the importance of explicit communication and signposting in skill development.
Neurobehavioral effects of general anesthesia and cochlear implantation on hearing‐impaired infants: A prospective observational cohort study
Authors: Ma Li , Yu Yue , Zhou Xuhui , Shi Jinya , Le Nanyang , Liang Yudan , Li Jingjie , Jiang Hong
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The potential adverse effects of prolonged exposure to anesthetics in pediatric patients with severe‐to‐profound sensorineural hearing loss remain unclear. This study aimed to examine whether early bilateral cochlear implantation involving long‐duration anesthetic exposure caused greater developmental impairment than that with unilateral cochlear implantation.

Methods

This prospective observational study included normally developing infants with bilateral severe‐to‐profound sensorineural hearing loss aged 6 months to 2 years who were candidates for unilateral/bilateral cochlear implantation surgery. Baseline (T0), 6‐month (T1), and 1‐year (T2) Gesell Scale scores were measured. The outcomes included fine motor, adaptability, gross motor, language, and social skills scale 6 and 12 months postoperatively.

Result

The 90 enrolled children with bilateral severe‐to‐profound sensorineural hearing loss (unilateral n = 43; bilateral n = 47) had a younger bilateral group (11.00 ± 3.66 vs. 15.63 ± 6.99 months, p < .001). Anesthesia duration was longer in the bilateral group (271.57 ± 36.09 vs. 148.81 ± 25.60 min, p < .001). Gross motor, fine motor, adaptability, and language scores improved in both groups, and no significant between‐group differences occurred in the fine motor scale at T1 and T2. Language developmental quotients improved significantly in the bilateral group compared with the unilateral group at T1 (mean differences: 25.07 ± 4.37 vs. 10.88 ± 4.61, p < .001) and T2 (mean differences: 34.98 ± 5.94 vs. 15.28 ± 6.55, p < .001). Stepwise regression revealed that gross motor, adaptability, language, and social skill developmental quotients at T1 were positively correlated with those at T0. Gross motor, fine motor, and social skill developmental quotients at T2 were negatively correlated with age at operation. Language developmental quotients were positively correlated with T0 values (p < .001) and in the bilateral group (p < .001) at T1 and T2.

Conclusions

When evaluating young children with bilateral severe‐to‐profound sensorineural hearing loss, despite longer exposures to general anesthesia, bilateral cochlear implantations were associated with more improvement in language scores and no differences in other skills compared with those with only unilateral implantation.