bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attosecond electron microscopy by free-electron homodyne detection
Authors: Gaida John H. , Lourenço-Martins Hugo , Sivis Murat , Rittmann Thomas , Feist Armin , García de Abajo F. Javier , Ropers Claus
Published: February 2024

Time-resolved electron microscopy aims to track nanoscale excitations and dynamic states of matter at a temporal resolution ultimately reaching the attosecond regime. Periodically time-varying fields in an illuminated specimen cause free-electron inelastic scattering, which enables the spectroscopic imaging of near-field intensities. However, access to the evolution of nanoscale fields and structures within the cycle of light requires sensitivity to the optical phase. Here we introduce free-electron homodyne detection as a universally applicable approach to electron microscopy of phase-resolved optical responses at high spatiotemporal resolution. In this scheme, a phase-controlled reference interaction serves as the local oscillator to extract arbitrary sample-induced modulations of a free-electron wavefunction. We demonstrate this principle through the phase-resolved imaging of plasmonic fields with few-nanometre spatial and sub-cycle temporal resolutions. Due to its sensitivity to both phase- and amplitude-modulated electron beams, free-electron homodyne detection measurements will be able to detect and amplify weak signals stemming from a wide variety of microscopic origins, including linear and nonlinear optical polarizations, atomic and molecular resonances, and attosecond-modulated structure factors.
Nearshore wave buoy data from southeastern Australia for coastal research and management
Authors: Kinsela Michael A. , Morris Bradley D. , Ingleton Timothy C. , Doyle Thomas B. , Sutherland Michael D. , Doszpot Neil E. , Miller Jeff J. , Holtznagel Stephen F. , Harley Mitchell D. , Hanslow David J.
Published: February 2024

Wind wave observations in shallow coastal waters are essential for calibrating, validating, and improving numerical wave models to predict sediment transport, shoreline change, and coastal hazards such as beach erosion and oceanic inundation. Although ocean buoys and satellites provide near-global coverage of deep-water wave conditions, shallow-water wave observations remain sparse and often inaccessible. Nearshore wave conditions may vary considerably alongshore due to coastline orientation and shape, bathymetry and islands. We present a growing dataset of in-situ wave buoy observations from shallow waters (<35 m) in southeast Australia that comprises over 7,000 days of measurements at 20 locations. The moored buoys measured wave conditions continuously for several months to multiple years, capturing ambient and storm conditions in diverse settings, including coastal hazard risk sites. The dataset includes tabulated time series of spectral and time-domain parameters describing wave height, period and direction at half-hourly temporal resolution. Buoy displacement and wave spectra data are also available for advanced applications. Summary plots and tables describing wave conditions measured at each location are provided.
QUIN 2.0 - new release of the QUaternary fault strain INdicators database from the Southern Apennines of Italy
Authors: Lavecchia Giusy , Bello Simone , Andrenacci Carlo , Cirillo Daniele , Pietrolungo Federico , Talone Donato , Ferrarini Federica , de Nardis Rita , Galli Paolo , Faure Walker Joanna , Sgambato Claudia , Menichetti Marco , Monaco Carmelo , Gambino Salvatore , De Guidi Giorgio , Barreca Giovanni , Carnemolla Francesco , Brighenti Fabio , Giuffrida Salvatore , Pirrotta Claudia , Carboni Filippo , Ferranti Luigi , Valoroso Luisa , Toscani Giovanni , Barchi Massimiliano R. , Roberts Gerald , Brozzetti Francesco
Published: February 2024

QUIN database integrates and organizes structural-geological information from published and unpublished sources to constrain deformation in seismotectonic studies. The initial release, QUIN1.0, comprised 3,339 Fault Striation Pairs, mapped on 445 sites exposed along the Quaternary faults of central Italy. The present Data Descriptor introduces the QUIN 2.0 release, which includes 4,297 Fault Striation Pairs on 738 Structural Sites from southern Italy. The newly investigated faults span ~500 km along the Apennines chain, with strikes transitioning from ~SE to ~SW and comprehensively details Fault Striation Pairs’ location, attitude, kinematics, and deformation axes. Additionally, it offers a shapefile of the fault traces hosting the data. The QUIN 2.0 release offers a significant geographic extension to the QUIN 1.0, with comprehensive description of local geometric-kinematic complexities of the regional pattern. The QUIN data may be especially relevant for constraining intra-Apennine potential seismogenic deformation patterns, where earthquake data only offer scattered or incomplete information. QUIN’s data will support studies aimed at enhancing geological understanding, hazard assessment and comprehension of fault rupture propagation and barriers.
Thermodynamic and kinetic analysis of the response surface method for phenol removal from aqueous solution using graphene oxide-polyacrylonitrile nanofiber mats
Authors: Eweida Basant Yousri , Abd El-Aziz Asmaa M. , El-Maghraby Azza , Serag Eman
Published: February 2024

Phenolic compound even at low concentrations, are considered to be priority pollutants due to their significant toxicity. Electrospinning was used to create a polyacrylonitril (PAN) nanofiber, which was then impregnated with graphene oxide (GO). After a preliminary investigation into the electrospinning parameters (e.g., using various voltages and polymer concentrations), the electrospun nanofibres were tuned, this study evaluated the effectiveness of these materials in removing phenolic compounds from wastewater through adsorption. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to analyze the synthesized nanofiber mats. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that the structure of nanofiber mats was altered by the addition of graphene oxide (GO) in different ratios. Specifically, the surface of the fibres exhibited increased roughness, and the diameter of the fibres also experienced an increase. The average diameter of the fibres was measured to be (134.9 ± 21.43 nm) for the PAN/2.5% GO composite and (198 ± 33.94 nm) for the PAN/5% GO composite. FTIR spectra of the PAN/GO nanocomposites nanofiber displayed distinct peaks associated with graphene oxide (GO). These included a wide peak at 3400 cm−1, related to the presence of hydroxyl (O–H) groups, as well as peaks on 1600 as well as 1000 cm−1, which indicated the existence of epoxy groups. In this study response surface methodology (RSM) was implemented. To enhance the efficiency of removing substances, it is necessary to optimise parameters such as pH, contact time, and dosage of the adsorbent. The optimum pH for removing phenol via all nanofiber mats was determined to be 7, while at a dose of 2 mg dose adsorbents maximum removals for pure PAN, PAN/2.5 GO, and PAN/5 GO were 61.3941, 77.2118, and 92.76139%, respectively. All the adsorbents obey Langmuir isotherm model, and the empirical adsorption findings were fitted with the second-order model kinetically, also non-linear Elovich model. The maximal monolayer adsorption capacities for PAN, PAN/2.5 GO, and PAN/5 GO were found to be 57.4, 66.18, and 69.7 mg/g, respectively. Thermodynamic studies discovered that the adsorption of phenol on all adsorbents nanofiber mats was exothermic, the adsorption of phenol on nanofiber mats decreases as the temperature increases. All the adsorbents exhibit negative enthalpy and entropy. The PAN/GO composite's superior phenol removal suggested that it could be used as a latent adsorbent for efficient phenol removal from water and wastewater streams.
Magnetodynamic properties of ultrathin films of Fe$$_{\textbf{3}}$$Sn$$_{\textbf{2}}$$-a topological kagome ferromagnet
Authors: Khan Kacho Imtiyaz Ali , Kumar Akash , Gupta Pankhuri , Yadav Ram Singh , Åkerman Johan , Muduli Pranaba Kishor
Published: February 2024

Fe$$_3$$

3

Sn$$_{2}$$

2

is a topological kagome ferromagnet that possesses numerous Weyl points close to the Fermi energy, which can manifest various unique transport phenomena such as chiral anomaly, anomalous Hall effect, and giant magnetoresistance. However, the magnetodynamic properties of Fe$$_3$$

3

Sn$$_{2}$$

2

have not yet been explored. Here, we report, for the first time, the measurements of the intrinsic Gilbert damping constant ($$\alpha _\text{int}$$

α
int

), and the effective spin mixing conductance (g$$_\text{eff}^{\uparrow \downarrow }$$

eff

↑
↓

) of Pt/Fe$$_3$$

3

Sn$$_2$$

2

bilayers for Fe$$_3$$

3

Sn$$_{2}$$

2

thicknesses down to 2 nm, for which $$\alpha _\text{int}$$

α
int

is $$(3.8 \pm 0.2) \times 10^{-2}$$

(
3.8
±
0.2
)

×

10

-
2

, and g$$_\text{eff}^{\uparrow \downarrow }$$

eff

↑
↓

is $$(11.7 \pm 0.6)~\text{nm}^{-2}$$

(
11.7
±
0.6
)

nm

-
2

. The films have a high saturation magnetization, $$M_\text{S}=620~\mathrm{emu~cm^{-3}}$$

M
S

=
620

emu

cm

-
3

, and large anomalous Hall coefficient, $$R_\text{S}=4.6\times 10^{-10}~{\Omega ~\rm cm~G^{-1}}$$

R
S

=
4.6
×

10

-
10

Ω

cm

G

-
1

. The large values of g$$_\text{eff}^{\uparrow \downarrow }$$

eff

↑
↓

, together with the topological properties of Fe$$_3$$

3

Sn$$_2$$

2

, make Fe$$_3$$

3

Sn$$_2$$

2

/Pt bilayers useful heterostructures for the study of topological spintronic devices.
No additional stress of sublethal gas supersaturation in a landlocked population of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) exposed to environmental acidification
Authors: Höglund Erik , Loland Lifen Zhou , Høgberget Rolf , Skov Peter Vilhelm , Velle Gaute
Published: February 2024

The landlocked Atlantic salmon population “bleke” faces extinction due to environmental acidification (EA) and hydropower expansion in the Norwegian river Otra. Despite of restoration, unexpected mortality has been reported for this population, possibly due to gas bubble trauma (GBT) from gas supersaturation (GSS) downstream of hydroelectric plants, or EA induced aluminum toxicity. In this study, we applied the allostasis concept to investigate interactions between EA and GBT. This concept comprises additive effects of stressors, which can lead to allostatic overload. Stress coping mechanisms become maladaptive in such situations, which can be indicated by an inability to mount a proper cortisol response in fish. Fish were exposed to sublethal levels of simulated EA (SEA), GSS (a total gas pressure; TGP; of 110%) or a combination of these stressors for six days. Effects on allostatic load were subsequently investigated by assessing the cortisol response to an acute stress test. SEA increased cortisol responsiveness and GSS induced clinical signs of GBT, but no interacting effects between GSS and SEA were observed. This suggests that that 110% TGP did not have an additive effect on the allostatic load imposed by SEA.
Effective prime factorization via quantum annealing by modular locally-structured embedding
Authors: Ding Jingwen , Spallitta Giuseppe , Sebastiani Roberto
Published: February 2024

This paper investigates novel techniques to solve prime factorization by quantum annealing (QA). First, we present a very-compact modular encoding of a multiplier circuit into the architecture of current D-Wave QA devices. The key contribution is a compact encoding of a controlled full-adder into an 8-qubit module in the Pegasus topology, which we synthesized using Optimization Modulo Theories. This allows us to encode up to a 21 × 12-bit multiplier (and a 22 × 8-bit one) into the Pegasus 5760-qubit topology of current annealers. To the best of our knowledge, these are the largest factorization problems ever encoded into a quantum annealer. Second, we investigated the problem of actually solving encoded PF problems by running an extensive experimental evaluation on a D-Wave Advantage 4.1 quantum annealer. In the experiments we introduced different approaches to initialize the multiplier qubits and adopted several performance enhancement techniques. Overall, 8,219,999 = 32,749 × 251 was the highest prime product we were able to factorize within the limits of our QPU resources. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest number which was ever factorized by means of a quantum annealer; also, this is the largest number which was ever factorized by means of any quantum device without relying on external search or preprocessing procedures run on classical computers.
Enhancing SiGeSn nanocrystals SWIR photosensing by high passivation in nanocrystalline HfO2 matrix
Authors: Dascalescu Ioana , Palade Catalin , Slav Adrian , Stavarache Ionel , Cojocaru Ovidiu , Teodorescu Valentin Serban , Maraloiu Valentin-Adrian , Lepadatu Ana-Maria , Ciurea Magdalena Lidia , Stoica Toma
Published: February 2024

SiGeSn nanocrystals (NCs) in oxides are of considerable interest for photo-effect applications due to the fine-tuning of the optical bandgap by quantum confinement in NCs. We present a detailed study regarding the silicon germanium tin (SiGeSn) NCs embedded in a nanocrystalline hafnium oxide (HfO2) matrix fabricated by using magnetron co-sputtering deposition at room temperature and rapid thermal annealing (RTA). The NCs were formed at temperatures in the range of 500–800 °C. RTA was performed to obtain SiGeSn NCs with surfaces passivated by the embedding HfO2 matrix. The formation of NCs and β-Sn segregation were discussed in relation to the deposition and processing conditions by employing HRTEM, XRD and Raman spectroscopy studies. The spectral photosensitivity exhibited up to 2000 nm in short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) depending on the Sn composition was obtained. Comparing to similar results on GeSn NCs in SiO2 matrix, the addition of Si offers a better thermal stability of SiGeSn NCs, while the use of HfO2 matrix results in better passivation of NCs increasing the SWIR photosensitivity at room temperature. These results suggest that SiGeSn NCs embedded in an HfO2 matrix are a promising material for SWIR optoelectronic devices.
The causal effects of genetically predicted alcohol consumption on endometrial cancer risk from a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Yang Jie , Qu Xiang , Zheng An-jie , Jiang Fan , Chang Hui , zhang Jin-ru , Yan Li-juan , Ning Peng
Published: February 2024

Endometrial cancer (EC) is a common gynecological tumor in females with an increasing incidence over the past few decades. Alcohol consumption has been linked to the occurrence of various cancers; However, epidemiological studies have shown inconsistent associations between alcohol consumption and EC risk. In order to avoid the influence of potential confounding factors and reverse causality in traditional epidemiological studies, we used a method based on genetic principles-Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to test whether there is a causal relationship between alcohol consumption and EC. MR analysis was conducted using publicly available summary-level data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Fifty-seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were extracted as instrumental variables for alcohol exposure from the GWAS and Sequencing Consortium of Alcohol and Nicotine GWAS summary data involving 941,287 participants of European ancestry. SNPs for EC were obtained from the Endometrial Cancer Association Consortium, the Endometrial Cancer Epidemiology Consortium, and the UK Biobank, involving 121,885 European participants. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the primary method to estimate the causal effect, and the MR-Egger regression and weighted median method were used as supplementary methods. Sensitivity analyses were conducted using the Mendelian Randomization Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier global test, MR-Egger intercept test, and leave-one-out analysis to evaluate the impact of pleiotropy on causal estimates. An increase of 1 standard deviation of genetically predicted log-transformed alcoholic drinks per day was associated with a 43% reduction in EC risk [odds ratio (OR) = 0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.41–0.79, P < 0.001]. Subgroup analysis of EC revealed that alcohol consumption was a protective factor for endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC) (OR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.38–0.83, P = 0.004) but not for non-endometrioid endometrial cancer (NEC) (OR = 1.36, 95% CI 0.40–4.66, P = 0.626). The MR-Egger regression and weighted median method yielded consistent causal effects with the IVW method. The consistent results of sensitivity analyses indicated the reliability of our causal estimates. Additionally, alcohol consumption was associated with decreased human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) levels. This MR study suggests that genetically predicted alcohol consumption is a protective factor for EC, particularly for EEC, and this protective effect may be mediated through the reduction of HCG and IGF1.
Adaptation and validation of a quantitative vanA/vanB DNA screening assay on a high-throughput PCR system
Authors: Giersch Katja , Tanida Konstantin , Both Anna , Nörz Dominik , Heim Denise , Rohde Holger , Aepfelbacher Martin , Lütgehetmann Marc
Published: February 2024

Vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) are a leading cause of ICU-acquired bloodstream infections in Europe. The bacterial load in enteral colonization may be associated with a higher probability of transmission. Here, we aimed to establish a quantitative vanA/vanB DNA real-time PCR assay on a high-throughput system. Limits of detection (LOD), linear range and precision were determined using serial bacterial dilutions. LOD was 46.9 digital copies (dcp)/ml for vanA and 60.8 dcp/ml for vanB. The assay showed excellent linearity between 4.7 × 101 and 3.5 × 105 dcp/ml (vanA) and 6.7 × 102 and 6.7 × 105 dcp/ml (vanB). Sensitivity was 100% for vanA and vanB, with high positive predictive value (PPV) for vanA (100%), but lower PPV for vanB (34.6%) likely due to the presence of vanB DNA positive anerobic bacteria in rectal swabs. Using the assay on enriched VRE broth vanB PPV increased to 87.2%. Quantification revealed median 2.0 × 104 dcp/ml in PCR positive but VRE culture negative samples and median 9.1 × 104 dcp/ml in VRE culture positive patients (maximum: 107 dcp/ml). The automated vanA/B_UTC assay can be used for vanA/vanB detection and quantification in different diagnostic settings and may support future clinical studies assessing the impact of bacterial load on risk of infection and transmission.
Healthy eating index-2015 and its association with the prevalence of stroke among US adults
Authors: Wu Xiao-Fei , Yin Fei , Wang Gui-Jie , Lu Ye , Jin Rong-Fei , Jin Dong-Lin
Published: February 2024

This study aims to investigate the relationship between the healthy eating index (HEI) and the prevalence of stroke within a diverse United States population. Employing a cross-sectional design, we utilized data sourced from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Dietary information was collected from participants and HEI scores were computed. NHANES employed stratified multistage probability sampling, with subsequent weighted analysis following NHANES analytical guidelines. Thorough comparisons were made regarding the baseline characteristics of individuals with and without stroke. Weighted multivariable logistic regression analysis and restricted cubic spline (RCS) methods were employed to ascertain the association between stroke risk and HEI, with LASSO regression utilized to identify dietary factors most closely linked to stroke risk. Additionally, we constructed a nomogram model incorporating key dietary factors and assessed its discriminatory capability using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Our study encompassed 43,978 participants, representing an estimated 201 million U.S. residents. Participants with a history of stroke exhibited lower HEI scores than their non-stroke counterparts. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated a robust association between lower HEI scores and stroke, even after adjusting for confounding variables. RCS analysis indicated a nonlinear negative correlation between HEI and stroke risk. Furthermore, detailed subgroup analysis revealed a significant gender-based disparity in the impact of dietary quality on stroke risk, with females potentially benefiting more from dietary quality improvements. Sensitivity analysis using unweighted logistic regression yielded results consistent with our primary analysis. The nomogram model, based on key dietary factors identified through LASSO regression, demonstrated favorable discriminatory power, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 79.3% (95% CI 78.4–81.2%). Our findings suggest that higher HEI scores are inversely related to the risk of stroke, with potential greater benefits for women through dietary quality enhancement. These results underscore the importance of improving dietary quality for enhanced stroke prevention and treatment.
Strontium isotope proxy of sedimentological records reveals uplift and erosion in the Southeastern Neo-Tethys ocean during the late Cretaceous
Authors: Navidtalab Amin , Mehrabi Hamzeh , Shafaii Moghadam Hadi , Rahimpour-Bonab Hossain
Published: February 2024

The mutual interplays between plate tectonic processes, orogenesis and continental uplift, high-flux magmatism, and high sedimentation rates can affect the geochemical signatures and composition of marine sediments. Here, we examine two major disconformities, the Cenomanian–Turonian boundary (CT-ES) and the middle Turonian (mT-ES) exposure surfaces, from the Upper Cretaceous sedimentary successions of the southeastern Neo-Tethys Ocean in the Zagros Basin (Iran). The disconformities are expressed as distinct positive peaks in rubidium (Rb) contents and 87Sr/86Sr isotopic ratios of carbonates. The 87Sr/86Sr values of samples bracketing the disconformities in seven well cores give average age ranges of 94.4–93.6 Ma for the CT-ES and 91–86 Ma for the mT-ES. These ages fall in the timespan of forearc/ophiolite formation through subduction initiation in the Neo-Tethys realm (southern margin of Eurasia), high convergence velocities between Arabia and Eurasia, and blueschist exhumation. All these processes involved buckling of the Neo-Tethyan lithosphere, initiating the Neo-Tethys closure and a high erosion rate on the Eurasian margin. The first two mechanisms exerted considerable compressional forces on the adjacent carbonate platforms, reactivated basement faults, and led to the uplift and erosion of the Arabian Plate, which provided the high contents of Rb and the high 87Sr/86Sr ratios in the carbonates.
Prevalence and correlates of internalizing and externalizing mental health problems among in-school adolescents in eastern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hunduma Gari , Dessie Yadeta , Geda Biftu , Yadeta Tesfaye Assebe , Deyessa Negussie
Published: February 2024

Adolescent’s mental health issues are a major social burden and a significant public health issue, but they have not received enough attention in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of internalizing and externalizing mental health problems among in-school adolescents in the Harari region, eastern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 3227 in-school adolescents. Multistage sampling was used to select schools and eligible students to participate in the study. A guided, self-administered strength and difficulty questionnaire measured mental health problems. Data were double-entered, validated, and cleaned using EpiData 3.1 and analyzed using STATA version 17. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the adjusted odds ratio between mental health problems and their correlates. Statistical significance was set at p-value < 0.05. The magnitudes of mental health problems among in-school adolescents by subscale was 24.17% (95% CI 22.72; 25.67) for internalizing and 11.93% (95% CI 10.85; 13.09) for externalizing problems. A high internalizing problem score was associated with females, rural residents, alcohol users, attending public schools, those bullied at school, and those in the lowest wealth index. Likewise, the likelihood of a high externalizing problem score was high among alcohol users, adolescents whose fathers are uneducated, rural, and bullied at school. The study suggests that mental health problems are prevalent among in-school adolescents in Ethiopia, especially internalizing problems. The study also identifies several risk factors associated with internalizing and externalizing problems, such as wealth index, school types, alcohol use, bullying, and rural residence. These factors may indicate the need for more mental health awareness and support programs for adolescents in Ethiopia. This highlights that schools and communities should prioritize mental health awareness and support programs for adolescents. These programs should be tailored to address the specific needs of the population, such as rural residents, those in the lowest wealth index, and those who have experienced bullying.
Association of perinatal factors with neurodevelopmental referrals in a population-based cohort study in Japan
Authors: Kyono Yuki , Nishiyama Masahiro , Kawamura Aoi , Oikawa Shizuka , Tokumoto Shoichi , Yamaguchi Hiroshi , Tomioka Kazumi , Nozu Kandai , Mishina Hiroki , Nagase Hiroaki
Published: February 2024

Although the causes of neurodevelopmental disorders remain unknown, several environmental risk factors have attracted considerable attention. We conducted a retrospective, longitudinal, population-based cohort study using data from infant health examinations of children born to mothers with pregnancies between April 1, 2014 and March 31, 2016 in Kobe City to identify the perinatal factors associated with neurodevelopmental referrals in 3-year-old children. There were 15,223 and 1283 children in the normal and referral groups, respectively. Neurodevelopmental referrals at the health checkup for 3-year-old children were significantly associated with the lack of social support during pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.99, 99% CI 1.14–3.45, p = 0.001), history of psychiatric consultation (aOR 1.56, 99% CI 1.10–2.22, p = 0.001), no social assistance post-delivery (aOR 1.49, 99% CI 1.03–2.16, p = 0.006), Edinburgh Post-natal Depression Scale (EPDS) score ≥ 9 (aOR 1.36, 99% CI 1.01–1.84, p = 0.008), infant gender (male) (aOR 2.51, 99% CI 2.05–3.06, p < 0.001), and cesarean delivery (aOR 1.39, 99% CI 1.11–1.75, p < 0.001). In conclusion, this exploratory study in the general Japanese population identified six perinatal factors associated with neurodevelopmental referrals in 3-year-old children: infant gender (male), cesarean section, maternal history of psychiatric consultation, EPDS score ≥ 9, lack of social support during pregnancy, and no social assistance post-delivery.
Pan-cancer analysis reveals potential immunological and prognostic roles of METTL7A in human cancers
Authors: Wang Bin , Jiang Jingjing , Luo Danju , Wang Xiong
Published: February 2024

Methyltransferase-like protein 7A (METTL7A) is an m6A RNA methyltransferase that has been linked to cancer prognosis and drug resistance. However, a comprehensive analysis of METTL7A is lacking. The expression of METTL7A, prognostic performance, correlation with microsatellite instability (MSI), tumor mutational burden (TMB), and immune infiltration was investigated in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Immunohistochemistry staining was applied to detect METTL7A in 6 tumors. METTL7A was significantly decreased in 19 cancers in TCGA including LUAD. Alterations of METTL7A include amplification and mutation, and epigenetic alterations revealed increased promoter methylation may result in down-regulation of METTL7A in LUAD. We also found that METTL7A was linked to both TMB and MSI in LUAD. METTL7A was increasingly correlated with invasive immune cells, while being negatively associated with Macrophages M0, Mast cells activated, activated memory CD4 T cells, CD8 T cells, and follicular helper T cells in several tumors. Additionally, METTL7A showed similar correlation with immune therapy-related genes across cancers. Our biological validation found that the protein levels of METTL7A were down-regulated in breast cancer (BRCA), endometrioid cancer (UCEC), colon cancer (COAD), prostate cancer (PRAD), and kidney clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), as detected by immunohistochemistry staining. Overall, our work indicates that METTL7A may serve as promising diagnostic and prognostic indicator of LUAD, and our work sheds light on the potential immunological and prognostic roles of METTL7A in human cancers.
Novel nomograms based on microvascular invasion grade for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma after curative hepatectomy
Authors: Chen Hengkai , Ye Honghao , Ye Linfang , Lin Fangzhou , Shi Yingjun , Zhong Aoxue , Guan Guoxian , Zhuang Jinfu
Published: February 2024

Microvascular invasion (MVI) is a critical risk factor for postoperative recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to firstly develop and validate nomograms based on MVI grade for predicting recurrence, especially early recurrence, and overall survival in patients with early-stage HCC after curative resection. We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients with early-stage HCC who underwent curative hepatectomy in the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University (FHFU) and Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University (MHH). Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to analyse disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Nomogram models were constructed on the datasets from the 70% samples of and FHFU, which were validated using bootstrap resampling with 30% samples as internal validation and data of patients from MHH as external validation. A total of 703 patients with early-stage HCC were included to create a nomogram for predicting recurrence or metastasis (DFS nomogram) and a nomogram for predicting survival (OS nomogram). The concordance indexes and calibration curves in the training and validation cohorts showed optimal agreement between the predicted and observed DFS and OS rates. The predictive accuracy was significantly better than that of the classic HCC staging systems.
A label-free activatable biosensor for in situ detection of exosomal microRNAs based on DNA-AgNCs and hairpin type nucleic acid probes
Authors: Li Duo , Li Qian-Wen , Xiang Hui , Yuan Shi-Shan , Yang Xiao-Ping
Published: February 2024

A label-free and activatable strategy was developed for in situ detection of exosomal miRNA in ovarian cancer by combining hairpin-shaped nucleic acid probes with DNA-AgNCs.
Regulating the spherulitic evolution of 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one via controlled supersaturation in cooling crystallization: growth mechanism and morphological consequences
Authors: Miao Shuyue , Jiao Fangbao , Wang Ying , Zhang Qi , Jing Suming , Li Hongzhen , Zhou Xin
Published: February 2024

This study details key factors that impact the spherulitic growth of NTO, linking their formation to NTO's crystal structure and supersaturation levels, and offering insights into physicochemical basics that govern the spherulitic formation.
Cu+-doped lead-free double perovskite quantum dots for enhancing the photovoltaic performance of carbon-based Cs2AgInCl6 perovskite solar cells
Authors: Li Yanting , Li Jiaying , Ye Sidi , Liu Yanting , Meng Lili , Yao Hua , Chen Qian
Published: February 2024

The 0.5% Cu+-based Cs2AgInCl6 PSCs deliver an optimal conversion efficiency of 1.77% due to the decrease of the band-gap.
Insights into ultrafast decay dynamics of electronically excited pyridine-N-oxide
Authors: Feng Baihui , Wu Wenping , Yang Shuaikang , He Zhigang , Fang Benjie , Yang Dongyuan , Wu Guorong , Yang Xueming
Published: February 2024

The excitation wavelength-dependent ultrafast decay dynamics of pyridine-N-oxide is studied using the femtosecond time-resolved photoelectron imaging technique.
Ion transport in nanofluidics under external fields
Authors: Liu Pei , Kong Xiang-Yu , Jiang Lei , Wen Liping
Published: February 2024

This review summarizes the recent progress in ion transport in nanofluidics regulated by external physical/chemical fields and the applications in sensing, ion pumps, energy conversion, and others.
DESignSolvents: an open platform for the search and prediction of the physicochemical properties of deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Odegova Valeria , Lavrinenko Anastasia , Rakhmanov Timur , Sysuev George , Dmitrenko Andrei , Vinogradov Vladimir
Published: February 2024

A web-resource, DESignSolvents, to provide users worldwide with the database of DES properties and the corresponding prediction models.
Capturing of extracellular vesicles derived from single cells of Escherichia coli
Authors: Yokoyama Fumiaki , Kling André , Dittrich Petra S.
Published: February 2024

A microdevice with narrow winding channels is introduced to trap and culture single bacterial cells. It is used to study growth patterns of the cells and to monitor secretion of extracellular vesicles under treatment with an antibiotic drug.
Control of Ge island coalescence for the formation of nanowires on silicon
Authors: Ramanandan Santhanu Panikar , Reñé Sapera Joel , Morelle Alban , Martí-Sánchez Sara , Rudra Alok , Arbiol Jordi , Dubrovskii Vladimir G. , Fontcuberta i Morral Anna
Published: February 2024

Schematics on the influence of Ge islands on the formation of continuous nanowires on silicon. In selective area epitaxy, islands with low density and low aspect ratio merge together to produce a continuous Ge nanowire on a silicon substrate.
The effect of zinc and sodium borate doping on the structural, morphological, optical, electrical and electrochemical properties of PEDOT:PSS thin film electrodes for flexible and transparent supercapacitor applications
Authors: Yağci Özlem , Arvas Melih Beşir , Aydın Yüksel Süreyya
Published: February 2024

In this study, for the first time, we propose new electrode materials for transparent and flexible supercapacitors by doping sodium borate (NaB) and zinc borate (ZnB) to poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS).
Recent progress in the construction of eight-membered nitrogen-heterocycles
Authors: Li Jia , Dong Ziyang , Zhao Changgui
Published: February 2024

This review summarized the progress in synthesizing eight-membered N-heterocycles over the past two decades (1995–2023), inspiring synthetic chemists to develop more efficient strategies for the construction of these skeletons.
A protein-based self-healing hydrogel for prolonged antimicrobial drug delivery with synergistic activity
Authors: Mondal Amarjyoti , Chaudhury Smarak Islam , Lyndem Sona , Rana Subinoy , Nongbri Dasuklang Lyngdoh , Aguan Kripamony , Singha Roy Atanu
Published: February 2024

A greener route for the synthesis of serum albumin-based self-healing, injectable and autofluorescent hydrogels for drug delivery applications and biocompatibility.
Nickel as a modifier of calcium oxalate: an in situ liquid cell TEM investigation of nucleation and growth
Authors: Sorokina Lioudmila V. , Phakatkar Abhijit H. , Rehak Pavel L. , Král Petr , Shokuhfar Tolou , Shahbazian-Yassar Reza
Published: February 2024

The mechanism of nickel as an inhibitor of calcium oxalate crystallization was elucidated via real-time nanoscale liquid cell TEM imaging and confirmed via molecular dynamics simulations. These findings are of significance to kidney stone formation.
A multiscale approach to assess thermomechanical performance and force generation in nanorobotic microgels
Authors: Wang Chen , Harder Philipp , İyisan Nergishan , Li Bolin , Hiendlmeier Lukas , Wolfrum Bernhard , Özkale Berna
Published: February 2024

A multiscale approach for characterizing the thermomechanical performance of photothermally powered, nanorobotic microgels is presented.
Functional design of stimuli-responsive poly(phthalaldehyde)-based adhesives: depolymerization kinetics and mechanical strength management through plasticizer addition
Authors: Damacet Patrick , Yarbrough Hana J. , Blelloch Nicholas D. , Noh Hyuk-Jun , Mirica Katherine A.
Published: February 2024

Through a strategic polymer engineering design, this paper shows that self-immolative poly(phthalaldehyde) (PPA) can be employed as a responsive debonding-on-demand adhesive for the detection of fluorides and acids in liquid and solid states.
Directing network degradability using wavelength-selective thiol-acrylate photopolymerization
Authors: Alfarhan Saleh , Nettles Jared , Prabhudesai Parimal , Yu Jen-Chieh , Westover Clarissa , Tang Tengteng , Wang Wenbo , Chen Xiangfan , Seo Soyoung E. , Li Xiangjia , Long Timothy E. , Jin Kailong
Published: February 2024

Thiol-acrylate photoresin containing dynamic disulfide bonds undergoes wavelength-selective photopolymerization under green vs. UV light to produce a degradable step-growth network vs. permanent chain-growth network.
Boosting the high rate and durability of lithium–sulfur batteries using a bidirectional catalyst of a polyoxometalate-cyclodextrin supramolecular compound
Authors: Song Jian , Jiang Yuanyuan , Lu Yizhong , Cao Yundong , Zhang Yuxi , Fan Linlin , Liu Hong , Gao Guanggang
Published: February 2024

PW12 and CD in PW12-CD supramolecular compound synergetically anchor polysulfides. PW12 bidirectionally catalyzes polysulfides conversion, accompanied by reversible transformation between reduction and oxidation states.
Alkylsulfonylation of alkenes involving copper carbene coupling: access to alkyl–alkyl sulfones
Authors: Peng Chuan-Chong , Long Fang , Feng Rui , Zhang Kai-Yi , Liu Jin-Hui , Wu Li-Jun
Published: February 2024

A novel alkyl radical-initiated alkylsulfonylation of alkenes involving copper carbene coupling is developed for the synthesis of various alkyl–alkyl sulfones by employing potassium metabisulphite (K2S2O5) as a connector.
Visible light-induced radical cyclization of o-alkenyl aromatic isocyanides with thioethers: direct synthesis of 2-thioquinolines
Authors: Liang Yong-Xin , Gong Yue , Xu Xue-Cen , Yang Ming , Zhao Yu-Long
Published: February 2024

A novel visible-light-induced regioselective radical cyclization reaction of isocyanides with thioethers has been developed. This reaction provides an efficient method for the construction of highly functionalized quinolines in a single step.
Catalytic hydroboration of aldehydes and ketones with an electron-rich acyclic metallasilylene
Authors: Kapp Leon , Wölper Christoph , Siera Hannah , Haberhauer Gebhard , Schulz Stephan
Published: February 2024

Catalytic hydroboration of aldehydes and ketones is achieved with alkoxysilylene 2. Quantum chemical calculations gave insights into the energetics of its formation and provide possible catalytic reaction mechanism.
Immobilization of carbonic anhydrase on modified PES membranes for artificial lungs
Authors: Wang Yi , Cheng Chong , Li Shuang , Sun Shudong , Zhao Changsheng
Published: February 2024

We graft carbonic anhydrase (CA) efficiently onto modified polyethersulfone (PES) membranes with good blood compatibility and maintain the catalytic activity of CA for HCO3− to CO2 conversion, which is exactly what the membrane of artificial lungs need.
Fabrication of well-structured NiMo hydrodesulfurization catalysts using electropositive Mo-based nanoparticles
Authors: Han Wei , Liu Zhiwei , Zhao Jiamin , Hu Anpeng , Zhang Le
Published: February 2024

Using electropositive Mo-based nanoparticles (Mo-NPs) as precursor could realize the resulting catalyst with more uniform, shorter, higher layered, better Ni-promoted, and stable MoS2 slabs, thus holding excellent HDS performance.
Correction: Design and synthesis of eugenol/isoeugenol glycoconjugates and other analogues as antifungal agents against Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Goswami Lakshmi , Gupta Lovely , Paul Sayantan , Vermani Maansi , Vijayaraghavan Pooja , Bhattacharya Asish K.
Published: February 2024

Correction for ‘Design and synthesis of eugenol/isoeugenol glycoconjugates and other analogues as antifungal agents against Aspergillus fumigatus’ by Lakshmi Goswami et al., RSC Med. Chem., 2022, 13, 955–962, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2MD00138A.
Biomimetic seaweed absorbable membrane for dye adsorption in wastewater treatment
Authors: Yang Chen , Zeng Qinghong , Guo Zhiguang
Published: February 2024

A biomimetic seaweed absorbable membrane was prepared, which has a porous structure and high dye removal rate. This work can provide new research ideas for dye adsorption application fields, making some contributions to wastewater treatment.
Feasible Peer-Mediated Intervention for Autistic Children Using Minimal Speech: A Qualitative Intervention Development Process
Authors: O'Donoghue Michelle , Kennedy Norelee , Forbes John , Murphy Carol-Anne
Published: February 2024

Purpose:

Qualitative engagement with stakeholders in the development of interventions can provide insight into strategies to maximize feasibility in real-life settings. We engaged stakeholders (autistic adults, early childhood educators, early childhood sector leaders and policy influencers, parents of autistic children, and speech-language pathologists) to inform the development of an educator-led peer-mediated intervention (PMI) for autistic preschoolers who use minimal speech that is feasible to implement in inclusive early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings.

Method:

A qualitative iterative intervention design process was utilized. Stakeholders (
N
= 15) attended an online workshop and completed a document review exploring the acceptability and feasibility of the proposed embedded PMI. A two-step analysis procedure using the Theoretical Domains Framework and template analysis was conducted to identify the barriers, enablers, and supports to the implementation of embedded PMI in early childhood settings.

Results:

While embedded PMI was unanimously acceptable to stakeholders, several participants expressed concerns regarding feasibility. Barriers to the successful integration and implementation of PMI in inclusive preschool contexts included access to skills, knowledge, and resources. Participants identified strategies to overcome modifiable barriers and to enhance the existing enablers. These strategies are reflected in the following themes: build on the familiar, build capacity in augmentative and alternative communication, adopt a whole center approach, adapt to meet the needs of the ECEC setting, and engage in proactive implementation.

Conclusion:

To address barriers to the implementation of embedded PMI, action is needed at various levels: macro (national/policy), meso (organization/setting), and micro (individual).

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.25155770
A fast and high‐accurate commutation failure identification method for LCC‐HVDC system
Authors: Feng Jing , Liu Zhijie , Li Kejun , Li Bingkun , Li Jiachen , Li Liangzi
Published: February 2024

Commutation failure (CF) is one of the most common issues in line‐commuted converter‐based high voltage direct current systems (LCC‐HVDC), leading to critical power system security and stability problems. Accurate and rapid identification of CF is crucial to prevent subsequent CF in HVDC systems. However, the existing CF identification methods are lack of the required accuracy and speed. The relationship between bridge arm current, commutation voltage, and trigger pulse based on the commutation progress mechanism after the AC fault is analysed in this paper. A novel CF identification method is presented, which utilises the CF identification factor, enabling fast and high‐accurate identification without relying on the value of the extinction angle. The proposed method offers a simpler and more efficient implementation in engineering practice. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified in both the standard International Council on Large Electric systems HVDC model and the Hardware in Loop test using practical project parameters. The results demonstrate that the proposed method can accurately and fast identify CF.
A novel quantum key distribution resistant against large‐pulse attacks
Authors: Karabo Keaotshepha , Sekga Comfort , Kissack Connor , Mafu Mhlambululi , Petruccione Francesco
Published: February 2024

Quantum key distribution (QKD) offers information‐theoretic security by leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics. This means the security is independent of all future advances in algorithm or computational power. However, due to the non‐availability of single‐photon sources, most traditional QKD protocols are vulnerable to various attacks, such as photon number‐splitting (PNS) attacks. Also, the imperfections in the measuring devices open a loophole for side channels that an eavesdropper may exploit to launch attacks such as large‐pulse attacks. As a result, this compromises the security of transmitted information. To address these challenges, the authors present a QKD protocol that is secure against both large‐pulse attacks and PNS attacks at zero‐error, in which the eavesdropper does not introduce any error, but still, the legitimate users of the system cannot distil a secure key. A notable feature of the proposed protocol is that it promotes greater robustness against both attacks than the Bennett‐Brassard 1984 (BB84) protocol or the Scarani‐Acin‐Ribordy‐Gisin 2004 (SARG04) protocol.
The impact of variation in water flow rate and temperature on reliability analysis of run of the river power plants
Authors: Ghaedi Amir , Sedaghati Reza , Mahmoudian Mehrdad
Published: February 2024

A run‐of‐the‐river power plant is a renewable energy source used for electricity production. Its power output depends on the varying water flow rate over time, which can impact the reliability of the electric network. Previous research has not studied the effects of water flow rate and temperature variations on the hazard rate of the plant's components. This paper addresses this gap by investigating the impact of these variations on the reliability of electric networks with run‐of‐the‐river power plants. The analysis considers the hazard rates of the plant's components, incorporating the relationship between hazard rate and temperature based on the Arrhenius law. Parameters such as power output, current, power loss, operating temperature, and hazard rate are calculated for different water flow rates and ambient temperatures. Numerical simulations on a test system are conducted to examine the influence of water flow rate and temperature on the reliability indices of the electric network. The results demonstrate that water flow rate and temperature significantly affect the hazard rates of run‐of‐the‐river power plants. This highlights the need to consider these factors in the reliability analysis of electric networks incorporating these renewable resources.
Multi‐microgrid bi‐layer economic scheduling strategy considering evolutionary‐stackelberg hybrid game of electric vehicles
Authors: Zhang Qian , Wu Jiaqi , Sun Tao , Huang Yaoyu , Li Chunyan
Published: February 2024

Aiming at the problem that the mobility characteristics of electric vehicles (EVs) lead to the complexity of optimal scheduling among multiple decision‐making subjects, the authors propose a multi‐microgrid bi‐layer economic scheduling strategy considering evolutionary‐stackelberg hybrid game of EVs. Firstly, in order to accurately analyse the influence of interaction among EVs, an electric vehicle aggregator (EVA) selection strategy for EV users based on evolutionary game among microgrids and a reconciliation strategy of EVA service fee are established. Secondly, a two‐layer economic scheduling strategy for microgrids is proposed based on the Stackelberg game. The microgrid operator, as a leader, sets the internal price of microgrid based on the supply‐demand balance; aggregators, as followers, adjust their electricity consumption and EVA choices based on the internal price and the evolutionary game model. Then, a multi‐microgrid electricity‐sharing trading strategy is constructed using the supply‐demand ratio to encourage sub‐microgrids to participate in internal transactions. Finally, the case shows that the proposed strategy can optimise the distribution of EVs among microgrids. Combining the across‐time‐and‐space energy transmission potential of EVs and the flexible complementary capability of multi‐microgrid, it can improve the operating economy of each microgrid.