bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hail events across the Greater Metropolitan Severe Thunderstorm Warning Area
Authors: Rasuly A. A. , Cheung K. K. W. , McBurney B.
Published: May 2015

Abstract. This study addresses the recent climatology of hail occurrence in the Greater Metropolitan Severe Thunderstorm Warning Area (GMSTWA) of New South Wales (NSW). The study area is a sprawling suburban area with a population of nearly 4.7 million and one of Australia's largest metropoles. The main objective is to highlight the recent temporal–spatial fluctuations of hail event frequencies and magnitudes (sizes) for each of recognized and vastly inhabited local government areas (LGAs). The relevant hail event data from 1989 to 2013 were initially derived from the severe storm archive of the Australian Bureau of Meteorology. A climatologically oriented GIS technique was then applied in the examining and mapping procedure of all hail events and hail days reported throughout the study area. By applying a specific criterion, severe hail (defined as 2 cm or more in diameter) was cautiously selected for relevant analysis. The database includes 357 hail events with sizes 2–11 cm which occurred in 169 hail days (a day in which a hail event at least more than 2 cm reported) across the region during the past 25 years. The hail distribution patterns are neither temporally nor spatially uniform in magnitude throughout the study area. Temporal analysis indicated that most of hail events occur predominately in the afternoons with peak time of 1–5 p.m. Australian eastern standard time (EST). They are particularly common in spring and summer, reaching maximum frequency in November and December. There is an average of 14.3 events per year, but a significant decreasing trend in hail frequency and associated magnitude in the recent years has been identified. In turn, spatial analyses also established three main distribution patterns over the study area which include the Sydney metropolitan, the coastal and the most pronounced topographic effects. Based on the understanding of the favorable factors for thunderstorm development in the GMSTWA, the potential impacts from climate variability and future climate change have been briefly discussed.
SILICA-REINFORCED EPOXIDIZED NATURAL RUBBER TIRE TREADS — PERFORMANCE AND DURABILITY
Authors: Martin Pamela J. , Brown Paul , Chapman Andrew V. , Cook Stuart
Published: May 2015

Concerns regarding climate change and public health have compelled governments to reduce the environmental impact of transport. Many countries are introducing tire labeling and legislation targeting rolling resistance, wet grip, and noise. The proposed U.S. tire label also includes wear performance. Implementation of tire labeling is enabling buyers to choose better tires. The tire industry is responding to these demands and is developing the next generation of green tires. Current passenger tire tread technology is primarily petroleum based; however, the long-term availability of fossil-fuel supplies is limited. Thus a further step to minimize the environmental impact and carbon footprint of tires over their life cycle is to use sustainable materials not derived from fossil-fuels. Sumitomo Rubber Industries used epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) reinforced with silica in their route to a greener fossil-fuel free tire (the ENASAVE 100). At 25 mol% epoxidation, ENR has a glass transition temperature (Tg) most suitable for tread applications. Silica-filled ENR-25 tread compounds deliver lower rolling resistance, hence reduced fuel consumption, and enhanced wet and ice traction compared with benchmark premium passenger or truck treads. Optimization of wear performance to extend product durability is a current focus of research. However, correlation between laboratory abrasion and on-the-road tire wear is notoriously poor. The Tun Abdul Razak Research Centre (TARRC) have used light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to ascertain a mechanistic insight into tread wear, using results from wear studies on-the-road and laboratory abrasion. The results indicate that the mechanism of on-the-road tire wear differs from that of in-laboratory Akron abrasion tests.
Fascination, Musical Tourism, and the Loss of the Balkan Village (Notes on Bulgaria’s Koprivshtitsa Festival)
Authors: MacMillen Ian
Published: May 2015

For American Balkan music tourists, it is disillusioning to reconcile the Balkan village (a long-imagined source of fascination) with the urbanity they encounter in Bulgaria. The Koprivshtitsa festival, however, does offer visitors images of the "folk." Based on fieldwork and surveys conducted with tourists, the article examines the varied expectations that festival attendees hold for Koprivshtitsa as timeless village, cultural center, and contemporary town, and calls for an ethnomusicological consideration of the nature and role of fascination within musical tourism. It concludes by relating "meaningful blindness" (integral to these tourists’ fascination) to their imaginings, arguing that sonic encounter in situ brings fascination not to an end but rather to a more self-aware stage of subject-to-object relationship, through the reciprocal witnessing of Selves and Others.
Terrains of Bollywood Dance: (Neoliberal) Capitalism and the Transformation of Cultural Economies
Authors: Morcom Anna
Published: May 2015

This article explores ways of theorizing cultural change in contexts of liberalization and rapid economic growth. I focus on post-1990s India, looking on the one hand at the emergence of a Bollywood dance craze within middle class (transnational) India, and, on the other hand, at the rise of dance bars, where girls danced seductively for a male audience, a phenomenon that was subject to a vigorous moral campaign and a ban. I explore capitalism in its ability to (indiscriminately) fuel, scale, and feed phenomena as well as its production of class and disparity. I also look at lavish expenditure and ostentatious show in contexts of music and dance, exploring the connections yet contradictions of the vast surpluses of capitalism, the use of performing arts as a medium to display this money-power as status, and ideologies of productivity and industriousness and, on the other hand, of waste. I further analyze the unevenness, unintended consequences, and powerfully moral dimensions of (neoliberal) capitalism through contextualizing it as a form of liberalism. Thus I examine the ways in which we can understand the sheer pervasiveness of capitalism and its transformational power, yet also its unevenness and unpredictability, its dystopias as well as utopias.
La nuit trouve enfin la clarté: Captivity and Life Writing in the Poetry of Charles d’Orléans and Théophile de Viau
Authors: Zim Rivkah
Published: May 2015

This article seeks to broaden literary and historical approaches to poetry written by Charles d’Orléans (circa 1433–1440) and Théophile de Viau (1623–1626) by focussing on their respective achievements as prison poets in dialogue with the outside world; it examines the precise impact of each writer’s verse epistles in terms of rhetorical strategies associated with the figure of the prisoner for targeted and pragmatic purposes; it defines and analyzes each writer’s affective means of rhetorical persuasion in evoking the consolations of memory and friendship to mitigate suffering and, most importantly, in addressing specific recipients and readers of his verse. In these ways both poets insist on an underlying truth to life in one of the most artificial, yet neglected, forms of life writing: verse epistles read as instrumental forms of political lobbying and self defence. The artistic quality of their work has ensured that both poets are still known and read. What has not so far been made apparent is how both poets secured their freedom by appealing as prisoners to specific readers of their verse epistles. Their choice of genre and the external evidence of the earliest witnesses to their texts make these prisoners’ poems invaluable case studies for life writing.
Moonscapes and Mallee Scrub: Remembering Remembering
Authors: Miller Andrew
Published: May 2015

Many 'life writers' in the twenty-first century are turning to digital platforms to tell their stories. Some life writers are combining 'prose' and 'visual elements' to expand their meaning-making capabilities beyond traditional narrative.In Moonscapes and Mallee Scrub I have turned to the visual to tell the story of my mother's mysterious death in 1974. This text draws upon multimodal elements and a range of different texts to form a 'graphic-memoir-bricolage' designed for online viewing. The resulting 'visual-verbal' text explores both the events that took place and the difficulties of depicting reflections on earlier reflections in the telling of that story. What results is a complex multimodal text that raises as many questions as it offers answers. But this, in the end, is the nature of memory and memoir - at least for this author!
Raspberry and Strawberry Addition Improves Probiotic Viability in Yogurt and Possess Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Gunenc Aynur , Fang Susanna , Hosseinian Farah
Published: May 2015

This study aimed to i) investigate probiotic potentials of raspberry and strawberry addition in yogurts, ii) explore antioxidant activity of berries extracted by microwave using oxygen radical absorbance (ORAC), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl radical (DPPH) as well as iii) determine the total phenolic content (TPC) of the berries. The probiotic potentials of those berry additions into yogurts containing different probiotics were determined by subsequent viable microorganism counts in each yogurt trial using selective media, pH and total titratable acidity (TTA) during 28 days of cold storage at 4ºC. Viable microbial counts in yogurt trials containing probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus and raspberry increased (P<0.05) for 21 consecutive days of cold storage. The pH levels decreased (P<0.05) as the TTA increased over 28 days of cold storage in all yogurts containing the berries. ORAC results showed that raspberry had higher antioxidant activity (505.72 µmol TE/100g of fruit) than strawberry (495 µmol TE/100g of fruit). Also, DPPH scavenging activity results showed that raspberry (86.11%) had higher antioxidant activity than strawberry (85.69%). There was not a significant (P<0.05) difference in TPC values of raspberry (0.20 g GAE/kg) and strawberry (0.18 g GAE/kg). This study suggests that both berries have potential as a source of prebiotics with antioxidant activity for future functional foods and nutraceutical applications.
Familiares de crianças e adolescentes com autismo: percepções do contexto escolar
Authors: Minatel Martha Morais , Matsukura Thelma Simões
Published: May 2015

Leis e diretrizes respaldam ações direcionadas à inclusão de pessoas com deficiência na rede regular de ensino. Objetivou-se identificar, sob a ótica de famílias de crianças e adolescentes com autismo, as experiências no contexto escolar vivenciadas pelos mesmos junto a escolas regulares e especiais. Foram participantes do estudo 20 famílias de indivíduos com autismo. Instrumentos utilizados: Questionário de Identificação e entrevista semiestruturada. Dados obtidos por meio do Questionário de Identificação foram analisados descritivamente e a análise qualitativa foi feita por meio da técnica do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo. Dentre os resultados identificou-se que das 20 crianças/adolescentes com autismo, 15 já estiveram na escola regular e somente 5 permaneceram. As percepções familiares das experiências no contexto educacional revelaram dificuldades e desafios, como a busca por uma escola que respondesse às expectativas parentais, a garantia da vaga e a garantia da inclusão e respeito aos direitos do filho enquanto pessoa em desenvolvimento e com necessidades a serem consideradas. Observou-se que as preocupações das famílias voltam-se para questões do cuidado, aceitação e respeito a seus filhos. Considera-se que as famílias vivenciaram um cotidiano marcado por dificuldades e preocupações no processo de inclusão escolar, no que diz respeito aos direitos, ao cuidado e ao preparo da escola em receber essa população; destacou-se a vivência do preconceito e da discriminação. Acredita-se que este artigo traz contribuições para a ampliação do conhecimento da realidade vivida por famílias de pessoas com autismo.
Educação de surdos: relato de uma experiência inclusiva para o ensino de ciências e biologia
Authors: Rocha Luiz Renato Martins , Moretti Alexandra Renata , Costa Priscila Caroza Frasson , Costa Fabiano Gonçalves
Published: May 2015

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo principal apresentar a eficácia de recursos didáticos diferenciados aplicados nas aulas de ciências e biologia para o ensino de alunos surdos. Para a realização deste trabalho, houve a influência da disciplina de LIBRAS (Língua Brasileira de Sinais) inserida na grade curricular semestral do curso de Ciências Biológicas, na qual despertou o interesse pela pesquisa. Para tanto, tem-se como questão norteadora da pesquisa, a seguinte: É possível o ensino dos conteúdos de citologia e histologia para alunos surdos inclusos na rede regular? A coleta e análise dos dados realizaram-se por meio das aulas ministradas com diversos recursos didáticos, a alunos com surdez de uma escola pública, situada no município de Bandeirantes-PR, com a utilização de questionários prévios e posteriores às aulas. Considerando os objetivos inicialmente traçados para este trabalho, adotamos como metodologia a pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa, do tipo exploratória e estudo de campo, por meio da análise dos sujeitos surdos. Os resultados foram positivos, demonstrando as vantagens de se utilizar os recursos didáticos diferenciados aplicados nos conteúdos de citologia e histologia para o ensino de alunos surdos. Além disso, este estudo realça a importância de um intérprete de Libras em sala de aula e a capacitação de professores para atuar com estes alunos.
A química orgânica acessibilizada por meio de kits de modelo molecular adaptados
Authors: Razuck Renata Cardoso de Sá Ribeiro , Oliveira Neto Washington De
Published: May 2015

De acordo com o censo escolar 2013, havia cerca de 360 alunos com deficiência visual matriculados em instituições públicas de ensino apenas na capital do país. Considerando que esta estatística referia-se a apenas uma única unidade da federação, vemos que há uma crescente demanda para o Ensino de Química acessibilizado – termo que, embora não conste no dicionário, é perfeito para representar a ponte que pode ligar a falta de visão ao farto conhecimento químico. A Química, com seus vários modelos utilizados para facilitar a compreensão dos que vêem, deve também ser decifrada para os que não vêem. Esse trabalho propõe a elaboração de kits de modelos moleculares texturizados visando estimular o aprendizado de todos (videntes, baixa visão e cegos). Os modelos moleculares texturizados criados foram testados com o auxílio de um grupo de alunos deficientes visuais, os quais participaram efetivamente da melhoria dos mesmos.
Perception of Climate Change and Farmers’ Adaptation: A Case Study of Poor and Non-Poor Farmers in Northern Central Coast of Vietnam
Authors: Son Tran Van  , William Boyd  , Peter Slavich  , Trinh Mai Van
Published: May 2015

Successful implementation of national climate change agriculture adaptation policy in Vietnam requires rural communities to be able to respond to government programs. Critical players in ensuring this include provincial government officials and local farmers. Program success depends on strong uptake by farmers, which in turn depends on strong understanding of climate change and its agricultural and environmental impacts. Small-scale farming is dominant in Vietnam, and therefore the perceptions of such farmers regarding climate change and variability, necessary farming practice adjustment, and barriers to adaptation are important. However, there has been very little research devoted to understanding the factors that may influence farmers’ responses to climate change in Vietnam. The objectives of this paper are, therefore, to: (i) identify the of understanding and awareness of climate change among small-scale farmers in Vietnam, as it may affect their continuing practice as farmers; (ii) evaluate farmers’ understanding of adaptation to climate change; and (iii) record small-scale farmers’ responses to climate change adaptation, and therefore the capacity for rural communities to respond meaningfully to government climate change adaptation programs. Drawing on interviews of 172 small-scale farmers and six agricultural officers, we find that the majority of the farmers are, indeed, aware of local climate change. Both poor and non-poor farmers hold similar perceptions of changes in local climatic conditions. Importantly, however, these two groups differ significantly in terms of their perceptions and understandings of adaptation measures, barriers to adaptation, and factors influencing decisions. These differences reflect differences in income, financial capacity and education. Adaptation measures taken by poor farmers typically comprise relatively simple and minimal collective actions, and are typically low cost options. These are likely to have relatively low impacts in terms of their efficacy in responding to climate change. Non-poor farmers, on the other hand, tend to adopt more sophisticated responses, which require greater knowledge, skills and investment costs. These farmers are more likely to be able to respond to climate change with greater efficacy.
Metabolic Imbalance Associated Mitophagy in Tumor Cells: Genesis and Implications
Authors: Madhuri Chaurasia  , Shashank Misra  , Anant N. Bhatt  , Asmita Das  , Bilikere Dwarakanath  , Kulbhushan Sharma
Published: May 2015

Emerging knowledge supports the notion that metabolic reprogramming facilitates the progression of many cancers and in some it could be initiated by mutations in genes related to mitochondrial function. While dysfunctional mitochondria plays a pivotal role in driving metabolic reprogramming, mitophagy that recycles damaged mitochondria by selective and organized degradation appears to be vital for sustaining carcinogenesis. Although the potential of targeting mitophagy as a therapeutic strategy has still remained elusive, poor prognosis and therapeutic resistance of highly glycolytic tumors suggest that inhibitors of mitophagy could be potential adjuvant in radio- and chemotherapy of tumors. We briefly review the current status of knowledge on the interrelationship between mitophagy and metabolic reprogramming during carcinogenesis and examine mitophagy as a potential target for developing anticancer therapeutics and adjuvant.
Cooperative base pair melting by helicase and polymerase positioned one nucleotide from each other
Authors: Nandakumar Divya , Pandey Manjula , Patel Smita S
Published: May 2015

Leading strand DNA synthesis requires functional coupling between replicative helicase and DNA polymerase (DNAP) enzymes, but the structural and mechanistic basis of coupling is poorly understood. This study defines the precise positions of T7 helicase and T7 DNAP at the replication fork junction with single-base resolution to create a structural model that explains the mutual stimulation of activities. Our 2-aminopurine studies show that helicase and polymerase both participate in DNA melting, but each enzyme melts the junction base pair partially. When combined, the junction base pair is melted cooperatively provided the helicase is located one nucleotide ahead of the primer-end. The synergistic shift in equilibrium of junction base pair melting by combined enzymes explains the cooperativity, wherein helicase stimulates the polymerase by promoting dNTP binding (decreasing dNTP Km), polymerase stimulates the helicase by increasing the unwinding rate-constant (kcat), consequently the combined enzymes unwind DNA with kinetic parameters resembling enzymes translocating on single-stranded DNA.
Synaptic activity regulates AMPA receptor trafficking through different recycling pathways
Authors: Zheng Ning , Jeyifous Okunola , Munro Charlotte , Montgomery Johanna M , Green William N
Published: May 2015

Changes in glutamatergic synaptic strength in brain are dependent on AMPA-type glutamate receptor (AMPAR) recycling, which is assumed to occur through a single local pathway. In this study, we present evidence that AMPAR recycling occurs through different pathways regulated by synaptic activity. Without synaptic stimulation, most AMPARs recycled in dynamin-independent endosomes containing the GTPase, Arf6. Few AMPARs recycled in dynamin-dependent endosomes labeled by transferrin receptors (TfRs). AMPAR recycling was blocked by alterations in the GTPase, TC10, which co-localized with Arf6 endosomes. TC10 mutants that reduced AMPAR recycling had no effect on increased AMPAR levels with long-term potentiation (LTP) and little effect on decreased AMPAR levels with long-term depression. However, internalized AMPAR levels in TfR-containing recycling endosomes increased after LTP, indicating increased AMPAR recycling through the dynamin-dependent pathway with synaptic plasticity. LTP-induced AMPAR endocytosis is inconsistent with local recycling as a source of increased surface receptors, suggesting AMPARs are trafficked from other sites.
Social communication of predator-induced changes in Drosophila behavior and germ line physiology
Authors: Kacsoh Balint Z , Bozler Julianna , Ramaswami Mani , Bosco Giovanni
Published: May 2015

Behavioral adaptation to environmental threats and subsequent social transmission of adaptive behavior has evolutionary implications. In Drosophila, exposure to parasitoid wasps leads to a sharp decline in oviposition. We show that exposure to predator elicits both an acute and learned oviposition depression, mediated through the visual system. However, long-term persistence of oviposition depression after predator removal requires neuronal signaling functions, a functional mushroom body, and neurally driven apoptosis of oocytes through effector caspases. Strikingly, wasp-exposed flies (teachers) can transmit egg-retention behavior and trigger ovarian apoptosis in naive, unexposed flies (students). Acquisition and behavioral execution of this socially learned behavior by naive flies requires all of the factors needed for primary learning. The ability to teach does not require ovarian apoptosis. This work provides new insight into genetic and physiological mechanisms that underlie an ecologically relevant form of learning and mechanisms for its social transmission.
Coupon Redemption in a National Sample of Individuals Who Use Tobacco and Nicotine Products
Authors: Talbot Eugene M. , Delnevo Cristine D. , Bover Manderski Michelle T. , Schroth Kevin R. J. , Ganz Ollie
Published: August 2024

This cross-sectional study investigates coupon redemption in a national sample of US adults who used tobacco and nicotine in the past 30 days.
Family History of Arthritis, Osteoporosis, and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Risk of These Conditions Among US Adults
Authors: Rasooly Danielle , Moonesinghe Ramal , Fallon Elizabeth , Barbour Kamil E. , Khoury Muin J.
Published: August 2024

Objective

The aim was to estimate odds ratios (ORs) of associations between family history of arthritis, osteoporosis, and carpal tunnel syndrome and prevalence in a real‐world population, uncovering family histories of related conditions that may increase risk because of shared heritability, condition pathophysiology, or social/environmental factors.

Methods

Using data from 156,307 participants in the All of Us (AoU) Research Program, we examined associations between self‐reported first‐degree family history of five common types of arthritis (fibromyalgia, gout, osteoarthritis [OA], rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE]), osteoporosis, and carpal tunnel syndrome and prevalence. We evaluate associations across seven conditions and performed stratified analyses by race and ethnicity, sex, socioeconomic differences, body mass index, and type of affected relative.

Results

More than 38% of AoU participants reported a family history of any arthritis, osteoporosis, or carpal tunnel syndrome. Adults with a family history of any arthritis, osteoporosis, and carpal tunnel syndrome exhibited 3.68 to 7.59 (4.90, on average) odds of having the same condition and 0.70 to 2.10 (1.24, on average) odds of having a different condition. The strongest associations observed were between family history of OA and prevalence of OA (OR 7.59; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 7.32–7.88) and family history of SLE and prevalence of SLE (OR 6.34; 95% CI 5.17–7.74). We additionally uncover race and ethnicity and sex disparities in family history associations.

Conclusion

Family history of several related conditions was associated with increased risk for arthritis, osteoporosis, and carpal tunnel syndrome, underscoring the importance of family history of related conditions for primary prevention.

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Association of Limited Health Literacy With Clinical and Patient‐Reported Outcomes in Individuals With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Maheswaranathan Mithu , Boan Andrea D. , Ramakrishnan Viswanathan , Johnson Hetlena , Rose Jillian , Dismuke‐Greer Clara L. , Oates Jim C. , Egede Leonard E. , Williams Edith
Published: August 2024

Objective

Health literacy is an important social determinant of health, with limited health literacy associated with worse health outcomes. This study examined the associations between limited health literacy with patient‐reported outcomes and disease activity/damage among 267 Black women with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) enrolled in the Peer Approaches to Lupus Self‐Management (PALS) program.

Methods

The three‐item Chew Health Literacy Screening was used to dichotomize those reporting in the “limited” range on any item with outcomes compared via generalized linear models. Baseline surveys and assessments obtained at study entry as part of the PALS study were used. Primary outcomes included disease activity and lupus damage; other secondary outcomes included patient activation, self‐efficacy, physician/patient communication, and quality of life.

Results

The study included 267 Black women with SLE. In covariate‐adjusted analyses, participants with limited health literacy (88 [33%]) were more likely to have lower patient activation (Patient Activation Measure P < 0.0001), lower self‐efficacy (Lupus Self‐Efficacy P < 0.0001), higher lupus damage (self‐administered Brief Index of Lupus Damage P = .016), higher disease activity (Systemic Lupus Activity Questionnaire symptom severity P = 0.006), and worse physician/patient communication (patient‐centered care P < 0.0001) compared to those with adequate health literacy. Those with limited health literacy also reported worse lupus quality of life (P = 0.0004) and greater levels of stress (Perceived Stress Scale‐4 P < 0.0001) and were 2.4 times more likely to have probable major depression (Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Scale‐8 of ≥10 P = 0.004) and probable anxiety disorder (General Anxiety Disorder‐7 of ≥10 P = 0.007) compared to those with adequate health literacy.

Conclusion

Black women with SLE and limited health literacy have worse clinical outcomes and represent a particularly vulnerable population with significantly disparate health outcomes. These findings suggest health literacy and complexities of managing SLE may impair clinical care in multiple domains, ultimately contributing to higher disease activity and death/damage, and are important to address in clinical care and future interventions in patients with SLE.
Spin Charge of Co Nanoparticles Loaded on the Carbon Substrate Enabling Rate‐Capable Lithium Storage at High Mass‐Loadings
Authors: Wang Bin , Teng Xiaoling , Li Xiangkun , Fielding Alistair J. , Wang Wanli , Liu Hengjun , Zhao Zhiqiang , Li Yuqi , Iamprasertkun Pawin , Yang Lijun , Ruiz Nuria Tapia , Li Qiang , Wu Mingbo , Hu Han
Published: August 2024

Developing high mass‐loading electrodes is crucial for enhancing the energy density of current batteries, yet challenges such as poor rate performance and cycling instability must be addressed. Spin charge storage on transition metal nanoparticle surfaces, characterized by rapid charging and the absence of phase transitions, offers an ideal storage behavior for high mass‐loading electrodes. In this study, electrospinning is utilized to fabricate free‐standing carbon nanofibers incorporating Co nanoparticles for high‐mass loading and high‐performance anodes. The resulting anode, with a maximum mass loading of 6.8 mg cm−2, exhibits remarkable cycle stability and high‐rate performance of 2 A g−1 at a capacity over 3 mAh cm−2, superior than reported results. Magnetometry and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy are employed to monitor the charge storage mechanism of the Co@CNFs, involving both the reversible formation of a spin capacitance and the growth of radical anions in the solid electrolyte interface. Additionally, in situ X‐ray diffraction and optical microscopy provide direct evidence of the absence of mechanical stress‐induced phenomena within the spin charge process, attributed to high‐rate capable lithium storage under high mass loading. The strategic approach presented herein offers a reliable methodology for engineering high‐energy‐density lithium‐ion batteries.
Streamlined Synthesis of Silver Nanowires Using Multi‐Objective Optimization for Electrically Conductive Composite Filaments
Authors: Wang Luyao , Kong Yuying , Zhang Zihuan , Luo Guihua , Hou Xiaojing , Su An , Yang Xuan , Wu Ke‐Jun
Published: August 2024

Composite filaments are of considerable interest in research due to their exceptional performance characteristics and broad applicability. In this study, highly electrically conductive composite filaments comprising cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) and silver nanowires (AgNWs) are carefully prepared, accompanied by the proposition of an integrated microwave‐microfluidic synthesis method for AgNWs. The proposed reaction system exhibits a remarkable capability for swift AgNW synthesis, with a space‐time yield of 1.2 × 104 g (h·m3)−1, approximately five times superior to that achievable through conventional batch reactor methodologies. The microwave‐assisted microfluidic synthesis of AgNWs introduces a novel aspect to the extensive research on 1D nanomaterials. The design of experiments and multi‐objective Bayesian optimization are integrated iteratively to converge toward the global optimum, aiming to enhance screening efficiency and achieve a balanced outcome by maximizing aspect ratio and minimizing size for AgNWs. The AgNWs synthesized under optimal conditions has a diameter of ≈50.4 nm and an aspect ratio of ≈555. Subsequently, they are integrated into composite filaments with CNF, resulting in electrical conductivity and tensile strength of the composite filaments at values of 8.35 × 105 S m−1 and 186 MPa, respectively, surpassing those reported in existing literature for other analogous materials.
Triggering Overall Crystal Polarization by Octahedron Elongation Distortion for Highly Boosted and Selective Aerobic Photo‐Oxidation
Authors: Li Shuguan , Chen Fang , An Qi , Tang Ruofei , Huang Hongwei
Published: August 2024

High carrier recombination causes a huge waste of photogenic charge, which severely restrains the photocatalytic efficiency. Creating polarization electric field by polar photocatalytic materials proves effective to promote charge separation, while developing efficient polarization strategy is challenging and the related micromechanism remains obscure. Here, overall polarization is achieved in Bi2MoO6 single crystal photocatalyst by lateral growth of the nanoplate along {010} facets. Gradual elongation of equatorial Mo─O bonds along the MoO6 octahedral layer occurs, while the length of apical Mo─O bonds basically remains unchanged, thus allowing the large asymmetric distortion of MoO6 octahedron for producing the microscopic polarization. Meanwhile, the lateral growth of Bi2MoO6 nanoplates enables the accumulation of distorted polar units, further increasing the polarization intensities. The inside‐out crystal polarization significantly promotes the separation and migration of photogenerated charge carriers. The finely polarized Bi2MoO6 nanoplates exhibit an exceptional photocatalytic selective oxidation rate of benzyl alcohol (BA) to benzaldehyde (BAD) under visible light irradiation (Conversion (Con.) ≈100% within 30 min, Selectivity (Sel.) ≥95%), over 70.7 times that of original Bi2MoO6 nanosheets, on the condition of comparable O2 adsorption capability. This study advances atomic‐level mechanistic insight into polarized materials toward precise design of high‐performance photocatalysts.
Se Vacancy Activated Bi2Se3 Nanodots Encapsulated in Porous Carbon Nanofibers for Aqueous Zinc and Ammonium Ion Batteries
Authors: Long Bei , Ma Xinyang , Chen Lijuan , Song Ting , Pei Yong , Wang Xianyou , Wu Xiongwei
Published: August 2024

Bismuth‐based materials show great potential in aqueous batteries. But it is difficult to design a bifunctional bismuth‐based material for zinc and ammonium ion batteries (ZIBs and AIBs). Herein, a electrospinning method followed by a selenization strategy is used to design Bi2Se3 nanodots embedded in porous carbon nanofibers. Experimental studies coupled with theoretical calculations prove that the designs of nanodot and Se vacancy improve the transfer and storage of Zn2+ and NH4+. Bi2Se3 nanodots are restricted to porous carbon nanofibers during cyclic test. An insertion‐type mechanism is revealed by ex situ characterizations. As a result, this well‐designed electrode (6 mg cm−2) offers high reversible capacities of 270 mA h g−1 in ZIBs and 192 mA h g−1 in AIBs at 0.05 A g−1 and long‐term cycle life (60% capacity retention at 10 A g−1 after 20 K cycles for ZIBs, 78% capacity retention at 2 A g−1 after 9 K cycles for AIBs). Remarkably, it still displays satisfactory performances even at an ultrahigh mass loading of 18 mg cm−2. Furthermore, Zn2+ and NH4+ full cells offer high reversible capacities of 120 and 90 mA h g−1 at 0.05 A g−1 respectively. This work provides a reference for designing a bifunctional electrode.
Ultrasmall Nanodots with Dual Anti‐Ferropototic Effect for Acute Kidney Injury Therapy
Authors: Zeng Fantian , Qin Yatong , Nijiati Sureya , Liu Yangtengyu , Ye Jinmin , Shen Huaxiang , Cai Jiayuan , Xiong Hehe , Shi Changrong , Tang Longguang , Yu Chunyang , Zhou Zijian
Published: August 2024

Ferroptosis is known to mediate the pathogenesis of chemotherapeutic drug‐induced acute kidney injury (AKI); however, leveraging the benefits of ferroptosis‐based treatments for nephroprotection remains challenging. Here, ultrasmall nanodots, denoted as FerroD, comprising the amphiphilic conjugate (tetraphenylethylene‐L‐serine‐deferoxamine, TPE‐lys‐Ser‐DFO (TSD)) and entrapped ferrostatin‐1 are designed. After being internalized through kidney injury molecule‐1‐mediated endocytosis, FerroD can simultaneously remove the overloaded iron ions and eliminate the overproduction of lipid peroxides by the coordination‐disassembly mechanisms, which collectively confer prominent inhibition efficiency of ferroptosis. In cisplatin (CDDP)‐induced AKI mice, FerroD equipped with dual anti‐ferroptotic ability can provide long‐term nephroprotective effects. This study may shed new light on the design and clinical translation of therapeutics targeting ferroptosis for various ferroptosis‐related kidney diseases.
Real‐Space Imaging of Intrinsic Symmetry‐Breaking Spin Textures in a Kagome Lattice
Authors: Xie Caihong , Deng Yongcheng , Zhang Dong , Li Junbo , Xiong Yimin , Ma Mangyuan , Ma Fusheng , Tong Wei , Wang Jihao , Meng Wenjie , Hou Yubin , Han Yuyan , Feng Qiyuan , Lu Qingyou
Published: August 2024

The electronic orders in kagome materials have emerged as a fertile platform for studying exotic quantum states, and their intertwining with the unique kagome lattice geometry remains elusive. While various unconventional charge orders with broken symmetry is observed, the influence of kagome symmetry on magnetic order has so far not been directly observed. Here, using a high‐resolution magnetic force microscopy, it is, for the first time, observed a new lattice form of noncollinear spin textures in the kagome ferromagnet in zero magnetic field. Under the influence of the sixfold rotational symmetry of the kagome lattice, the spin textures are hexagonal in shape and can further form a honeycomb lattice structure. Subsequent thermal cycling measurements reveal that these spin textures transform into a non‐uniform in‐plane ferromagnetic ground state at low temperatures and can fully rebuild at elevated temperatures, showing a strong second‐order phase transition feature. Moreover, some out‐of‐plane magnetic moments persist at low temperatures, supporting the Kane–Mele scenario in explaining the emergence of the Dirac gap. The observations establish that the electronic properties, including both charge and spin orders, are strongly coupled with the kagome lattices.
Atomically Engineered Defect‐Rich Palladium Metallene for High‐Performance Alkaline Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysis
Authors: Zhao Yupeng , Chen Zhengfan , Ma Nana , Cheng Weiyi , Zhang Dong , Cao Kecheng , Feng Fan , Gao Dandan , Liu Rongji , Li Shujun , Streb Carsten
Published: August 2024

Defect engineering is a key chemical tool to modulate the electronic structure and reactivity of nanostructured catalysts. Here, it is reported how targeted introduction of defect sites in a 2D palladium metallene nanostructure results in a highly active catalyst for the alkaline oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). A defect‐rich WOx and MoOx modified Pd metallene (denoted: D‐Pd M) is synthesized by a facile and scalable approach. Detailed structural analyses reveal the presence of three distinct atomic‐level defects, that are pores, concave surfaces, and surface‐anchored individual WOx and MoOx sites. Mechanistic studies reveal that these defects result in excellent catalytic ORR activity (half‐wave potential 0.93 V vs. RHE, mass activity 1.3 A mgPd−1 at 0.9 V vs. RHE), outperforming the commercial references Pt/C and Pd/C by factors of ≈7 and ≈4, respectively. The practical usage of the compound is demonstrated by integration into a custom‐built Zn‐air battery. At low D‐Pd M loading (26 µgPd cm−2), the system achieves high specific capacity (809 mAh gZn−1) and shows excellent discharge potential stability. This study therefore provides a blueprint for the molecular design of defect sites in 2D metallene nanostructures for advanced energy technology applications.
Predicting Antigen‐Specificities of Orphan T Cell Receptors from Cancer Patients with TCRpcDist
Authors: Perez Marta A. S. , Chiffelle Johanna , Bobisse Sara , Mayol‐Rullan Francesca , Bugnon Marine , Bragina Maiia E. , Arnaud Marion , Sauvage Christophe , Barras David , Laniti Denarda Dangaj , Huber Florian , Bassani‐Sternberg Michal , Coukos George , Harari Alexandre , Zoete Vincent
Published: August 2024

Approaches to analyze and cluster T‐cell receptor (TCR) repertoires to reflect antigen specificity are critical for the diagnosis and prognosis of immune‐related diseases and the development of personalized therapies. Sequence‐based approaches showed success but remain restrictive, especially when the amount of experimental data used for the training is scarce. Structure‐based approaches which represent powerful alternatives, notably to optimize TCRs affinity toward specific epitopes, show limitations for large‐scale predictions. To handle these challenges, TCRpcDist is presented, a 3D‐based approach that calculates similarities between TCRs using a metric related to the physico‐chemical properties of the loop residues predicted to interact with the epitope. By exploiting private and public datasets and comparing TCRpcDist with competing approaches, it is demonstrated that TCRpcDist can accurately identify groups of TCRs that are likely to bind the same epitopes. Importantly, the ability of TCRpcDist is experimentally validated to determine antigen specificities (neoantigens and tumor‐associated antigens) of orphan tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in cancer patients. TCRpcDist is thus a promising approach to support TCR repertoire analysis and TCR deorphanization for individualized treatments including cancer immunotherapies.
Automated Diagnosis and Phenotyping of Tuberculosis Using Serum Metabolic Fingerprints
Authors: Liu Yajing , Wang Ruimin , Zhang Chao , Huang Lin , Chen Jifan , Zeng Yiqing , Chen Hongjian , Wang Guowei , Qian Kun , Huang Pintong
Published: August 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) stands as the second most fatal infectious disease after COVID‐19, the effective treatment of which depends on accurate diagnosis and phenotyping. Metabolomics provides valuable insights into the identification of differential metabolites for disease diagnosis and phenotyping. However, TB diagnosis and phenotyping remain great challenges due to the lack of a satisfactory metabolic approach. Here, a metabolomics‐based diagnostic method for rapid TB detection is reported. Serum metabolic fingerprints are examined via an automated nanoparticle‐enhanced laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry platform outstanding by its rapid detection speed (measured in seconds), minimal sample consumption (in nanoliters), and cost‐effectiveness (approximately $3). A panel of 14 m z−1 features is identified as biomarkers for TB diagnosis and a panel of 4 m z−1 features for TB phenotyping. Based on the acquired biomarkers, TB metabolic models are constructed through advanced machine learning algorithms. The robust metabolic model yields a 97.8% (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.964‐0.986) area under the curve (AUC) in TB diagnosis and an 85.7% (95% CI, 0.806‐0.891) AUC in phenotyping. In this study, serum metabolic biomarker panels are revealed and develop an accurate metabolic tool with desirable diagnostic performance for TB diagnosis and phenotyping, which may expedite the effective implementation of the end‐TB strategy.
Zinc Assisted Thermal Etching for Rich Edge‐Located Fe‐N4 Active Sites in Defective Carbon Nanofiber for Activity Enhancement of Oxygen Electroreduction
Authors: Pang Ruoyu , Xia Hongyin , Dong Xieyiming , Zeng Qian , Li Jing , Wang Erkang
Published: August 2024

Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) with edge‐located metal active sites exhibit superior oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance due to their narrower energy gap and higher electron density. However, controllably designing such active sites to fully reveal their advantages remains challenging. Herein, rich edge‐located Fe‐N4 active sites anchored in hierarchically porous carbon nanofibers (denoted as e1‐Fe‐N‐C) are fabricated via an in situ zinc‐assisted thermal etching strategy. The e1‐Fe‐N‐C catalyst demonstrates superior alkaline ORR activity compared to counterparts with fewer edge‐located Fe‐N4 sites and commercial Pt/C. Density functional theory calculations show that the accumulation of more negative charges near the Fe‐N and the formation of partially reduced Fe state in the edge‐located Fe‐N4 sites reduce the energy barrier for the ORR process. Additionally, the unique hierarchically porous structures with mesopores and macropores facilitate full utilization of the active sites and enhance long‐range mass transfer. The zinc–air battery (ZAB) assembled with e1‐Fe‐N‐C has a peak power density of 198.9 mW cm−2, superior to commercial Pt/C (152.3 mW cm−2). The present strategy by facile controlling the amount of the zinc acetate template systematically demonstrates the superiority of edge‐located Fe‐N4 sites, providing a new design avenue for rational defect engineering to achieve high‐performance ORR.
The increasing prevalence of cancer in the elderly: An investigation of epidemiological trends
Authors: Prathap Ramya , Kirubha Sherlin , Rajan Aravindhan Thiyaga , Manoharan Santhosh , Elumalai Karthikeyan
Published: August 2024

Cancer poses a significant health threat to the elderly, accounting for a substantial proportion of cancer patients aged 65 and above. As life expectancy continues to rise and the population ages, the incidence of cancer in the elderly is expected to increase further. Age is a major risk factor for the majority of common cancers, with the incidence and prevalence rising as individuals grow older. Factors such as chemoprevention and environmental carcinogen elimination may influence the process of carcinogenesis. Studies reveal that the incidence and mortality rates of various cancers in the elderly and extremely old individuals are on the rise worldwide, with most types peaking around the age of 75 to 90, followed by a sharp decline. Birth cohort and period effects also play a complex role in the connection between aging and cancer risk. Clinical trials often exclude older individuals, limiting our understanding of cancer treatments' effects on this particular age group. More research is needed to focus on the unique requirements of older adults with cancer.
Analysis of mortality in Parkinson disease in China: Exploration of recent and future trends
Authors: Lan Jinxin , Ren Yifan , Song Ge , Liu Lu , Li Mingyu , Zhang Renmu , Yin Chunyu , Zhou Hua , Zhang Xiangyuan , Lv Bin , Ma Yaqi
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Parkinson disease (PD) is the third leading cause of mortality among middle‐aged and older individuals in China. This study aimed to explore the trends and distribution features of PD mortality in China from 2013 to 2021 and make predictions for the next few decades.

Methods

Relevant data were obtained from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention Disease Surveillance Point system. The joinpoint regression model was used to evaluate trends. The R software was used to predict future trends.

Results

Age‐standardized mortality rate (ASMR) of PD increased from 0.59 per 100,000 individuals to 1.22 per 100,000 individuals from 2013 to 2021, with an average annual percent change (AAPC) of 9.50 (95% CI: 8.24–10.78). The all‐age ASMR of PD were higher in male individuals than in female individuals, and ASMR increased with age. The number of deaths and ASMR increased gradually from west to east and from rural to urban areas. Furthermore, ASMR is expected to increase to 2.66 per 100,000 individuals by 2040.

Conclusions

The heightened focus on the ASMR of PD among male individuals, urban areas, eastern China, and individuals aged ≥85 years has become a key determinant in further decreasing mortality, thereby exhibiting novel challenges to effective strategies for disease prevention and control.