bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Future land use/land cover and its impacts on ecosystem services: case of Aydın, Turkey
Authors: Ersoy Tonyaloğlu E.
Published: July 2024

This paper aims to reveal the impacts of land use/land cover changes on ecosystem services and to guide sustainable development decisions by modelling the future land use/land cover pattern and its ecosystem services in the case of Aydın province, Turkey. In this context, the study examined land use/land cover changes in Aydın province, predicted future land use/land cover patterns with three scenarios (natural development, ecosystem service-based development, and economy-based development) using the PLUS model, and determined the impact of land use/land cover changes on InVEST generated carbon storage and habitat quality ecosystem services. The key drivers of land use/land cover change in Aydın were agricultural expansion, the transformation of different vegetation types into each other, and, even on a small scale, urbanization. The study revealed that changes in the spatial pattern of land use/land cover types, together with the effect of changing vegetation patterns, have a significant impact on carbon storage and habitat quality. While reductions in shrubland and forests were detrimental, transformations from openspaces to them, particularly at their boundaries, enhanced the capacity of carbon storage and habitat quality. On the other hand, even though the scenarios of ecosystem service-based development and economy-based development were based on the economic value of ecosystem services and the value of products/services obtained from different land use/land cover types, respectively, the ecosystem service-based development scenario was characterized by more effective land use/land cover management in terms of maximizing both the economic and ecological benefits. This highlights the significance and emerging need for prioritizing ecological considerations in urban planning.
Pain, Substance Use Disorder and Suicide: on the Edge
Authors: Cheatle Martin D.
Published: July 2024

Purpose of Review

Chronic pain and substance use disorders (SUDs) are both common conditions worldwide and produce major social, economic, and human costs. Individuals coping with chronic pain and comorbid SUD may experience high rates of stress, isolation, functional decline, and depression, and many have a high risk of suicide. The purpose of this narrative review is to highlight the hidden epidemic of suicide among individuals with pain and concomitant SUD, outline unique risk factors in this patient population, and discuss evidence-based pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions to mitigate suicide risk.

Recent Findings

The prevalence of suicidal ideation among patients with chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) is significant, ranging from 20 to 50%. It has been estimated that 40% of patients seeking treatment for SUDs report a history of suicide attempts. Risk factors for suicide in populations with CNCP pain include pain intensity and type, sleep disturbance, opioid prescribing patterns and opioid tapering. Evidence-based pharmacologic treatments include antidepressant medications, antiepileptic drugs and more novel drugs such as ketamine and buprenorphine. Non-pharmacologic approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance commitment therapy, have shown efficacy in improving mood, sleep and function.

There is a high rate of suicide among individuals with CNCP and SUDs. Identifying unique contributing factors for suicide among this vulnerable patient population can inform effective interventions to reduce the risk of suicide.
Constructed Mott–Schottky Heterostructure Catalyst to Trigger Interface Disturbance and Manipulate Redox Kinetics in Li-O2 Battery
Authors: Xia Yongji , Wang Le , Gao Guiyang , Mao Tianle , Wang Zhenjia , Jin Xuefeng , Hong Zheyu , Han Jiajia , Peng Dong-Liang , Yue Guanghui
Published: July 2024

Lithium-oxygen batteries (LOBs) with high energy density are a promising advanced energy storage technology. However, the slow cathodic redox kinetics during cycling causes the discharge products to fail to decompose in time, resulting in large polarization and battery failure in a short time. Therefore, a self-supporting interconnected nanosheet array network NiCo2O4/MnO2 with a Mott–Schottky heterostructure on titanium paper (TP-NCO/MO) is ingeniously designed as an efficient cathode catalyst material for LOBs. This heterostructure can accelerate electron transfer and influence the charge transfer process during adsorption of intermediate by triggering the interface disturbance at the heterogeneous interface, thus accelerating oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution kinetics and regulating product decomposition, which is expected to solve the above problems. The meticulously designed unique structural advantages enable the TP-NCO/MO cathode catalyst to exhibit an astounding ultra-long cycle life of 800 cycles and an extraordinarily low overpotential of 0.73 V. This study utilizes a simple method to cleverly regulate the morphology of the discharge products by constructing a Mott–Schottky heterostructure, providing important reference for the design of efficient catalysts aimed at optimizing the adsorption of reaction intermediates.
Willingness to Reduce Animal Product Consumption: Exploring the Role of Environmental, Animal, and Health Motivations, Selfishness, and Animal-oriented Empathy
Authors: Dillon-Murray Angela , Ward Aletha , Soar Jeffrey
Published: July 2024

Increasing the willingness to reduce animal product consumption has the potential to contribute to ameliorating the impact of animal agriculture on the environment, as well as foster healthier diets and improve the lives of farmed and wild animals. Reduction of animal product consumption is a prosocial behaviour (PSB), and factors that are considered to influence it are empathy and selfishness. In this research, animal-oriented empathy examined empathy specifically for animals. Animal oriented empathy and three types of selfishness: adaptive, egoistic, and pathological were measured to determine if they could predict willingness to reduce animal product consumption. PSB is also influenced by motivations and motivations can lead to willingness. The three most common motivations to reduce animal product consumption: animal welfare, the environment, and health were examined to determine whether they predict willingness. A sample of 492 Australian adults completed questionnaires via the Zoho survey platform, and the data underwent a hierarchical regression. Higher pathological selfishness predicted a greater willingness to reduce animal product consumption, as did environmental and animal welfare motivations. However, higher health motivation predicted a lower willingness to reduce animal product consumption. Interpretation of the perplexing results in relation to pathological selfishness suggested further research. The practical value of utilising environmental and animal motivations to increase willingness to reduce animal products whilst bringing attention to the health issues was also discussed.
Comparative analysis of two-rowed and six-rowed barley genotypes: impacts of water stress and nitrogen fertilizer on yield and stress responses
Authors: Bardehji Siavash , Mahlooji Mehrdad , Zare Sara , Zeki Kocak Mehmet , Yıldırım Bunyamin
Published: July 2024

Water stress is a critical abiotic stress factor with profound implications for agricultural productivity and global food security. This research explores the complex relationships between water stress and the application of nitrogen fertilizer in two-row and six-row barley genotypes with the aim of comprehending their performance and mechanisms for responding to stress. The study was performed over two years, employing a randomized complete block design with varying irrigation levels, nitrogen treatments, and barley genotypes. The results showed significant differences in various agro-morphological, physiological and biochemical traits between the two-row and six-row barley genotypes under different conditions. Water stress led to significant decreases in grain yield, shoot dry weight, leaf area index, and relative water content across all genotypes. It also caused an increase in electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde content, and hydrogen peroxide levels, indicative of cellular membrane damage and oxidative stress. However, antioxidant enzyme activities such as glutathione peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, and catalase, along with DPPH radical scavenging activity, escalated as a defense response. Furthermore, nitrogen fertilizer application generally enhanced grain yield and shoot dry weight while decreasing oxidative stress indicators. However, under water stress conditions, nitrogen application exacerbated the negative effects of water stress, leading to reduced crop yield and stress resistance. As a result, this study emphasizes the critical role of genotype selection and proper use of nitrogen fertilizer application in optimizing the performance of two-row and six-row barley crops under different humidity conditions.
Community structure and carbon metabolism functions of bacterioplankton in the Guangdong coastal zone
Authors: Peng Ziqi , Wang Pandeng , Luo Xiaoqing , Deng Qiqi , Yang Ziwen , Wu Jiaxue , Xian Wendong , Yan Weicong , Mou Xiaozhen , Yuan Yang , Li Wenjun , Li Jialing
Published: July 2024

Coastal ecosystems are an important region for biogeochemical cycling, are a hotspot of anthropogenic disturbance and play a crucial role in global carbon cycling through the metabolic activities of bacterioplankton. Bacterioplankton can be broadly classified into two lifestyles: free-living (FL) and particle-attached (PA). However, how coastal bacterioplankton the community structure, co-occurrence networks and carbon metabolic functions with different lifestyles are differentiated is still largely unknown. Understanding these processes is necessary to better determine the contributions of coastal bacterioplankton to carbon cycling. Here, the characteristics of community structure and carbon metabolism function of bacterioplankton with two lifestyles in the coastal areas of Guangdong Province were investigated using amplicon sequencing, metagenomic, and metatranscriptomic techniques. The results show that the main bacterioplankton responsible for carbon metabolism were the Pseudomonadota, Bacteroidota, and Actinomycetota. The microbial community structure, carbon metabolic function, and environmental preferences differ between different lifestyles. FL and PA bacteria exhibited higher carbon fixation and degradation potentials, respectively. A range of environmental factors, such as dissolved oxygen, pH, and temperature, were associated with the community structure and carbon metabolic functions of the bacterioplankton. Human activities, such as nutrient discharge, may affect the distribution of functional genes and enhance the carbon degradation functions of bacterioplankton. In conclusion, this study increased the understanding of the role of microorganisms in regulating carbon export in coastal ecosystems with intense human activity.
An approach to sociotechnical transparency of social media algorithms using agent-based modelling
Authors: Gausen Anna , Guo Ce , Luk Wayne
Published: July 2024

The recommendation algorithms on social media platforms are hugely impactful, they shape information flow and human connection on an unprecedented scale. Despite growing criticism of the social impact of these algorithms, they are still opaque and transparency is an ongoing challenge. This paper has three contributions: (1) We introduce the concept of sociotechnical transparency. This can be defined as transparency approaches that consider both the technical system, and how it interacts with users and the environment in which it is deployed. We propose sociotechnical approaches will improve the understanding of social media algorithms for policy-makers and the public. (2) We present an approach to sociotechnical transparency using agent-based modelling, which overcomes a number of challenges with existing approaches. This is a novel application of agent-based modelling to provide transparency into how the recommendation algorithm prioritises different curation signals for a topic. (3) This agent-based model has a novel implementation of a multi-objective recommendation algorithm that is calibrated and empirically validated with data collected from X, previously Twitter. We show that agent-based modelling can provide useful insights into how the recommendation algorithm prioritises different curation signals. We can begin to explore whether the priorities of the recommendation algorithm align with what platforms say it is doing and whether they align with what the public want.
One-pot hydrothermal synthesis of transition metal sulfides-decorated CuS microflower-like structures for electrochemical CO2 reduction to CO
Authors: Guo Yafei , Gao Yuxuan , Guo Benshuai , Luo Yangna , Zhao Guoyang , Sun Jian , Li Weiling , Wang Ruilin , Zhao Chuanwen
Published: July 2024

Electrochemical CO2 reduction (ECR) to value-added products is regarded as a sustainable strategy to mitigate global warming and energy crisis, and designing highly efficient and robust catalysts is essential. In this work, transition metal sulfides (TMS)-decorated CuS microflower-like structures were prepared via the one-pot hydrothermal synthesis method for ECR to CO, and the influence of TMS doping on ECR performance was demonstrated. Characterization of the catalysts was performed using XRD, FESEM-EDS, N2 physisorption, and XPS, revealing the successful loading of TMS, the formation of microflower-like architectures and the generation of sulfur vacancies. Electrochemical tests demonstrated that doping ZnS, Bi2S3, CdS and MoS2 improved the intrinsic CO2 reduction activity of the CuS catalyst. Particularly, the MoS2-CuS composite catalyst with imperfect petal-like structure showed uniform distribution of edge Mo sites, which worked synergistically with the formed grain boundaries (GBs) and undercoordinated S vacancy sites in promoting CO2 activation, stabilizing *COOH adsorption, facilitating *CO desorption, and lowering the energy barrier of the potential-limiting step for improved CO selectivity. The MoS2-CuS catalyst achieved a maximum CO selectivity of 83.2% at –0.6 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and a high CO cathodic energetic efficiency of 100%. At this potential, the catalyst maintained stable catalytic activity and CO selectivity during a 333-min electrolysis process. The findings will offer a promising avenue for the development of efficient and stable catalysts for CO production from ECR.
Acetic acid: a cheap but chief metabolic regulator for abiotic stress tolerance in plants
Authors: Rahman Md. Mezanur , Keya Sanjida Sultana , Sahu Abira , Gupta Aarti , Dhingra Anuradha , Tran Lam-Son Phan , Mostofa Mohammad Golam
Published: July 2024

As sessile organisms, plants constantly face a variety of abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity, and metal/metalloid toxicity, all of which possess significant threats to plant growth and yield potential. Improving plant resilience to such abiotic stresses bears paramount importance in practicing sustainable agriculture worldwide. Acetic acid/acetate has been recognized as an important metabolite with multifaceted roles in regulating plant adaptation to diverse abiotic stresses. Recent studies have elucidated that acetic acid can potentiate plants’ inherent mechanisms to withstand the adverse effects of abiotic stresses through the regulation of lipid metabolism, hormone signaling, epigenetic changes, and physiological defense mechanisms. Numerous studies also underpin the potential use of acetic acid in boosting crop production under unfavorable environmental conditions. This review provides a comprehensive update on the understanding of how acetic acid regulates plant photosynthesis, acts as an antitranspirant, detoxifies reactive oxygen species to alleviate oxidative stress, interacts with phytohormones to regulate physiological processes, and improves soil fertility and microbial diversity, with a specific focus on drought, salinity, and metal toxicity. We also highlight the eco-friendly and economic potential of acetic acid that may attract farmers from developing countries to harness the benefits of acetic acid application for boosting abiotic stress resistance in crops. Given that acetic acid is a widely accessible, inexpensive, and eco-friendly compound, the revelation of acetic acid-mediated regulatory pathways and its crosstalk with other signaling molecules will have significant importance in developing a sustainable strategy for mitigating abiotic stresses in crops.
Microlayer in nucleate boiling seen as Landau–Levich film with dewetting and evaporation
Authors: Tecchio Cassiano , Zhang (张晓龙) Xiaolong , Cariteau Benjamin , Zalczer Gilbert , Roca i Cabarrocas Pere , Bulkin Pavel , Charliac Jérôme , Vassant Simon , Nikolayev Vadim S.
Published: July 2024

Both experimental and theoretical studies of fast and microscale physical phenomena occurring during the growth of vapour bubbles in nucleate pool boiling are reported. The focus is on the liquid film of micrometric thickness (a ‘microlayer’) that can form between the heater and the liquid–vapour interface of a bubble. The microlayer strongly affects the macroscale heat transfer and is thus important to be understood. The microlayer appears as a result of the inertial forces that cause the hemispherical bubble shape. It is shown that the microlayer can be seen as the Landau–Levich film deposited by the bubble foot edge during its receding. Paradoxically, the deposition is controlled by viscosity and surface tension. The microlayer profile measured with white-light interferometry, the temperature distribution over the heater, and the bubble shape are observed with synchronised high-speed cameras. According to the numerical simulations, the microlayer consists of two regions: a dewetting ridge near the contact line, and a longer and flatter bumped part. It is shown that the ridge cannot be measured by interferometry because of its intrinsic limitation on the interface slope. The ridge growth is linked to the contact line receding. The simulated dynamics of both the bumped part and the contact line agrees with the experiment. The physical origin of the bump in the flatter part of microlayer is explained.
Variability of convection velocities and structure inclination angles in wall-bounded turbulence
Authors: Cui G. , Jacobi I.
Published: July 2024

The scale-dependent variability of convective velocities and structure inclination angles in wall-bounded turbulence was studied experimentally via space–time energy spectrum measurements. We found that the variability of convection velocities for large-scale motions (LSMs) decreased inversely with streamwise wavenumbers, and that the variability trend was not fully explained by earlier applications of Kraichnan's ‘random-sweeping’ model of turbulence that assumed perfect scale separation. By analytically extending the random-sweeping model to allow for a dominant large scale in the random-sweeping signal that can interact with other LSMs, we showed how scale interactions can explain the variability trend in convection velocities for LSMs. The variability in convection velocities was also shown to correlate with the scale-dependent inclination angles of coherent structures that were obtained via cross-spectral analysis. Large-scale motions tended to exhibit shallower inclination to the wall with increasing convection velocity, while small-scale motions and those far from the wall exhibited the reverse behaviour. We proposed that these two opposite relationships between inclination angle and convection velocity can be explained in terms of a balance between opposing effects of the mean shear and the coherent structure geometry. Descriptions and models of convection velocity variability effects are useful both for modelling turbulence spectra and explaining the geometry of coherent structures.
Reciprocal interactions between lncRNAs and MYC in colorectal cancer: partners in crime
Authors: Lei Zhen , Zhu Zhipu , Yao Zhihui , Dai Xiangyu , Dong Yi , Chen Bing , Wang Songyu , Wang Siyue , Bentum-Ennin Lutterodt , Jin Lei , Gu Hao , Hu Wanglai
Published: July 2024

Proto-oncogenic MYC is frequently dysregulated in colorectal cancer (CRC). In the past decades, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as important regulators in cancers, acting as scaffolds, molecular decoys, post-transcriptional regulators, and others. Interestingly, lncRNAs are able to control MYC expression both at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. It is suggested that the reciprocal interaction of MYC and lncRNAs often occurs in CRC. MYC can affect the cell fate by promoting or inhibiting the transcription of some lncRNAs. At the same time, some lncRNAs can also affect MYC expression or transcriptional activity, and in turn decide the cell fate. In this review we summarized the current knowledge about the MYC and lncRNA axis, focusing on its mutual regulation, roles in CRC, and proposed potential therapeutic prospects for CRC treatment.
Century-old chromatin architecture revealed in formalin-fixed vertebrates
Authors: Hahn Erin E. , Stiller Jiri , Alexander Marina R. , Grealy Alicia , Taylor Jennifer M. , Jackson Nicola , Frere Celine H. , Holleley Clare E.
Published: July 2024

Gene expression is regulated by changes in chromatin architecture intrinsic to cellular differentiation and as an active response to environmental stimuli. Chromatin dynamics are a major driver of phenotypic diversity, regulation of development, and manifestation of disease. Remarkably, we know little about the evolutionary dynamics of chromatin reorganisation through time, data essential to characterise the impact of environmental stress during the ongoing biodiversity extinction crisis (20th–21st century). Linking the disparate fields of chromatin biology and museum science through their common use of the preservative formaldehyde (a constituent of formalin), we have generated historical chromatin profiles in museum specimens up to 117 years old. Historical chromatin profiles are reproducible, tissue-specific, sex-specific, and environmental condition-dependent in vertebrate specimens. Additionally, we show that over-fixation modulates differential chromatin accessibility to enable semi-quantitative estimates of relative gene expression in vertebrates and a yeast model. Our approach transforms formalin-fixed biological collections into an accurate, comprehensive, and global record of environmental impact on gene expression and phenotype.
Structural basis of tRNA recognition by the widespread OB fold
Authors: Umuhire Juru Aline , Ghirlando Rodolfo , Zhang Jinwei
Published: July 2024

The widespread oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide-binding (OB)-fold recognizes diverse substrates from sugars to nucleic acids and proteins, and plays key roles in genome maintenance, transcription, translation, and tRNA metabolism. OB-containing bacterial Trbp and yeast Arc1p proteins are thought to recognize the tRNA elbow or anticodon regions. Here we report a 2.6 Å co-crystal structure of Aquifex aeolicus Trbp111 bound to tRNAIle, which reveals that Trbp recognizes tRNAs solely by capturing their 3′ ends. Structural, mutational, and biophysical analyses show that the Trbp/EMAPII-like OB fold precisely recognizes the single-stranded structure, 3′ terminal location, and specific sequence of the 3′ CA dinucleotide — a universal feature of mature tRNAs. Arc1p supplements its OB – tRNA 3′ end interaction with additional contacts that involve an adjacent basic region and the tRNA body. This study uncovers a previously unrecognized mode of tRNA recognition by an ancient protein fold, and provides insights into protein-mediated tRNA aminoacylation, folding, localization, trafficking, and piracy.
Electrochemotherapy with intravenous, intratumoral, or combined administration of bleomycin in the treatment of colorectal hepatic metastases in a rat model
Authors: Spiliotis Antonios E. , Holländer Sebastian , Wagenpfeil Gudrun , Eisele Robert , Nika Spyridon , Mallis Kyriakides Orestis , Laschke Matthias W. , Menger Michael D. , Glanemann Matthias , Gäbelein Gereon
Published: July 2024

Electrochemotherapy (ECT) combines the reversible electroporation (rEP) with intravenous (i.v.) or intratumoral (i.t.) administration of chemotherapeutic drugs. We conducted this study to compare the efficacy of i.v., i.t., and i.v. + i.t. injection of bleomycin (BLM) in ECT treatment of colorectal hepatic metastases in a rat model. WAG/Rij rats were randomized into three groups and underwent ECT with i.v., i.t., or i.v. + i.t. injection of BLM. Tumor volumes and oxygenation were measured by means of ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging. Moreover, liver and tumor tissue were analyzed by histology and immunohistochemistry. The i.v. and i.v. + i.t. groups exhibited a 44.0% and 46.6% reduction in oxygen saturation of the tumor tissue when compared to pretreatment values, whereas the i.t. group only showed a reduction of 35.2%. The extent of tumor tissue necrosis did not statistically differ between the groups. However, the i.t. group showed a tendency towards a lower necrosis rate. Cell proliferation, apoptotic cell death, vascularization, and immune cell infiltration were comparable in the treated tumors of the three groups. ECT with i.v. administration of BLM should be preferred in clinical practice, as the combined i.v. + i.t. therapy did not show superior oncological outcomes in the present study.
Kidney outcomes are altered by preconception weight modulation in rodent mothers with obesity
Authors: Rodrigo Natassia , Chen Hui , Pollock Carol A. , Glastras Sarah J.
Published: July 2024

Obesity increases the risk of chronic kidney disease. We have previously demonstrated the benefits of preconception maternal weight loss on fertility and pregnancy outcomes in a mouse model of maternal obesity. Here, we elucidate if preconception weight loss, either by diet modification or the glucose-like peptide 1 agonist liraglutide, used in the treatment of diabetes and obesity, improves maternal kidney outcomes in late gestation. C57BL/6 female mice were fed either a high-fat-diet (HFD) or a chow (control) diet for 8 weeks. To induce pre-pregnancy weight loss, HFD-fed dams were switched to chow diet (HFD-C) or administered liraglutide (0.3 mg/kg subcutaneous) whilst continuing on HFD (HFD-L). Liraglutide was discontinued one week prior to mating. HFD-V mice continued on HFD, with saline injections. A group of HFD-fed dams were ‘diet switched’ to chow after conception (post-conception, HFD-PC). Maternal body weight and glucose tolerance were measured: (1) preconception and (2) during late gestation followed by blood, urine and kidney collection. Serum creatinine, urinary creatinine and albumin, kidney tissue gene expression and protein were measured. In the preconception period, HFD-L and HFD-C mothers have lower urine albumin:creatinine ratios (UACR) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) protein expression (P < 0.005 vs. HFD-V). At late gestation, kidneys of HFD-V and HFD-PC dams have increased gene expression of insulin receptor and FAS (P < 0.05) and higher UACR compared to controls (P < 0.01). In the HFD-PC group, kidneys show increased mRNA and protein expression of metabolic and oxidative stress markers (FAS, 8-OHdG vs. control, P < 0.05, P < 0.0001 respectively). The preconception intervention groups with liraglutide, or diet change show reduced oxidative stress (protein expression of 8-OHdG, P < 0.05 vs. HFD), mRNA and protein expression of FAS (P < 0.05 vs. HFD), protein expression of fibrosis markers (collagen IV, fibronectin vs. HFD, P < 0.05), and UACR (P < 0.05 vs. HFD). This study suggests that preconception weight loss benefits maternal kidney health during pregnancy, superior to diet intervention once already pregnant.
Dosimetric impact of stopping power for human bone porosity with dual-energy computed tomography in scanned carbon-ion therapy treatment planning
Authors: Yagi Masashi , Wakisaka Yushi , Takeno Jun , Kanada Shintaro , Tsubouchi Toshiro , Hamatani Noriaki , Maruo Hiroyasu , Takashina Masaaki , Ishii Takayoshi , Kanai Tatsuaki , Shimizu Shinichi , Ogawa Kazuhiko
Published: July 2024

Few reports have documented how the accuracy of stopping power ratio (SPR) prediction for porous bone tissue affects the dose distribution of scanned carbon-ion beam therapy. The estimated SPR based on single-energy computed tomography (SECT) and dual-energy CT (DECT) were compared for the femur of a Rando phantom which simulates the porosity of human bone, NEOBONE which is the hydroxyapatite synthetic bone substitute, and soft tissue samples. Dose differences between SECT and DECT were evaluated for a scanned carbon-ion therapy treatment plan for the Rando phantom. The difference in the water equivalent length was measured to extract the SPR of the examined samples. The differences for SPR estimated from the DECT-SPR conversion were small with − 1.8% and − 3.3% for the Rando phantom femur and NEOBONE, respectively, whereas the differences for SECT-SPR were between 7.6 and 70.7%, illustrating a 1.5-mm shift of the range and a dose difference of 13.3% at maximum point in the evaluation of the dose distribution. This study demonstrated that the DECT-SPR conversion method better estimated the SPR of the porosity of bone tissues than SECT-SPR followed by the accurate range of the carbon-ion beams on carbon-ion dose calculations.
Non-invasive ventral cervical magnetoneurography as a proxy of in vivo lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation
Authors: Bu Yifeng , Burks Jamison , Yang Kun , Prince Jacob , Borna Amir , Coe Christopher L. , Simmons Alan , Tu Xin M. , Baker Dewleen , Kimball Donald , Rao Ramesh , Shah Vishal , Huang Mingxiong , Schwindt Peter , Coleman Todd P. , Lerman Imanuel
Published: July 2024

Maintenance of autonomic homeostasis is continuously calibrated by sensory fibers of the vagus nerve and sympathetic chain that convey compound action potentials (CAPs) to the central nervous system. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intravenous challenge reliably elicits a robust inflammatory response that can resemble systemic inflammation and acute endotoxemia. Here, we administered LPS intravenously in nine healthy subjects while recording ventral cervical magnetoneurography (vcMNG)-derived CAPs at the rostral Right Nodose Ganglion (RNG) and the caudal Right Carotid Artery (RCA) with optically pumped magnetometers (OPM). We observed vcMNG RNG and RCA neural firing rates that tracked changes in TNF-α levels in the systemic circulation. Further, endotype subgroups based on high and low IL-6 responders segregate RNG CAP frequency (at 30-120 min) and based on high and low IL-10 response discriminate RCA CAP frequency (at 0-30 min). These vcMNG tools may enhance understanding and management of the neuroimmune axis that can guide personalized treatment based on an individual’s distinct endophenotype.
Gold nanoparticle-enhanced D-shaped optical fiber sensor for mercury ion detection
Authors: Wu Bing , Sun Xiaoyu , Shao Zeman , Liu Sen , Yang Zhongmei , Zhang Qiuyang , Wei Yanchun
Published: July 2024

A novel mercury ion detection method. Based on the Au/S–Hg2+–S/AuNP structure to specifically capture Hg2+ and enhance surface plasmon resonance effect, an optical fiber sensor with high selectivity and sensitivity for Hg2+ detection is designed.
Peptide dendrimers transfecting CRISPR/Cas9 plasmid DNA: optimization and mechanism
Authors: Zamolo Susanna , Zakharova Elena , Boursinhac Lise , Hollfelder Florian , Darbre Tamis , Reymond Jean-Louis
Published: July 2024

We optimize a peptide dendrimer transfection reagent to deliver a large CRISPR/Cas9 plasmid DNA into cells, elucidate its delivery mechanism, and demonstrate its gene editing efficiency.
Exploring the use of quince seed mucilage as novel coating material for enhancing quality and shelf-life of fresh apples during refrigerated storage
Authors: Yousuf Sabreena , Maktedar Shrikant S.
Published: July 2024

Valorisation of quince seeds was performed for the extraction of mucilage.
Development of naphthalimide hydrazide derivatives as potent antibacterial agents against carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii
Authors: Rana Preeti , Maitra Rahul , Saxena Deepanshi , Akhir Abdul , Vadakattu Manasa , Kalam Abdul , Joshi Swanand Vinayak , Parupalli Ramulu , Bhandari Vasundhra , Madhavi Y. V. , Dasgupta Arunava , Chopra Sidharth , Nanduri Srinivas
Published: July 2024

Novel naphthalimide hydrazide derivatives were synthesised and evaluated against carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii.
An ordered mesoporous carbon–silica hybrid for the detection of the antiviral drug ribavirin in clinical samples
Authors: Ali Naghian Amir Hosein , Hashemi Zahra , Chekin Fereshteh , Saleh Na'il
Published: July 2024

Ribavirin (RIB) is widely used for the treatment of viral diseases such as herpes, hepatitis C, and Lassa fever.
Highly stable two-dimensional Ruddlesden–Popper perovskite-based resistive switching memory devices
Authors: Kundar Milon , Gayen Koushik , Ray Rajeev , Kushavah Dushyant , Pal Suman Kalyan
Published: July 2024

Two-dimensional Ruddlesden–Popper perovskites (TEA)2PbBr4- and (TEA)2PbI4-based resistive switching random-access memory devices exhibit high ON/OFF ratio, excellent data retention, and good endurance along with remarkable environmental stability.
Fluorinated polymer zwitterions on gold nanoparticles: patterned catalyst surfaces guide interfacial transport and electrochemical CO2 reduction
Authors: Luo Qiang , Tapia Joseph , Zhou Le , Liu Chung-Hao , Liaqat Maham , Duan Hanyi , Yang Zhefei , Nieh Mu-Ping , Emrick Todd , Bai Peng , He Jie
Published: July 2024

We report the use of fluorinated polymer zwitterions to build hybrid systems for efficient CO2 electroreduction.
Aminotriazine derived N-doped mesoporous carbon with a tunable nitrogen content and their improved oxygen reduction reaction performance
Authors: Davidraj Jefrin M. , Sathish C. I. , Selvarajan Premkumar , Fawaz Mohammed , Perumalsamy Vibin , Yu Xiaojiang , Breese Mark B. H. , Yi Jiabao , Vinu Ajayan
Published: July 2024

Mesoporous N-doped carbon with a tunable nitrogen content showed excellent performance for oxygen reduction due to the pyridinic/graphitic nitrogen and structural defects, offering a promising strategy for designing electrocatalysts.
Non-benzenoid N-aryl oxalamide: synthesis of troponyl-oxalamide peptides by Pd(ii)-catalyzed C(sp3)–H functionalization of glycinamides
Authors: Jena Chinmay K. , Sharma Nagendra K.
Published: July 2024

Synthesis of novel N-troponyl oxalamides by Pd(ii)-catalyzed C(sp3)–H functionalization of N-troponyl glycinates via β-hydride elimination at the Pd-complex. These oxalamides form distinctive β-sheet type structures owing to the troponyl carbonyl.
A facile approach to fabricate a stabilized slippery lubricant-infused porous surface with dynamic omniphobicity for self-cleaning
Authors: Huang Yingfen
Published: July 2024

A slippery lubricant-infused porous surface (SLIPS), which exhibited excellent dynamic omniphobicity, stability, self-cleaning, and self-repairing performances, was successfully fabricated utilizing biocompatible materials and a facile approach.
Magnetically nanorized seaweed residue for the adsorption of methylene blue in aqueous solutions
Authors: Yang Xinyi , Liu Jingjing , Huang Xuejin , Cui Hemin , Wei Ligang , Shao Guolin , Fu Xu , Liu Na , An Qingda , Zhai Shangru
Published: July 2024

Carboxylated nanorized-seaweed residue (NSR) produce via OA–water pretreatments. A magnetic NSR–Fe3O4 nanocomposite was synthesized by electrostatic interaction-induced aggregation for dye adsorption.
Structural, optical, magnetic properties and energy-band structure of MFe2O4 (M = Co, Fe, Mn) nanoferrites prepared by co-precipitation technique
Authors: Thanh Tran Dang , Ngoc Nha Tran Thi , Ha Giang Tran Thi , Nam Pham Hong , Toan Dang Ngoc , Khan Dinh Thanh , Manh Do Hung , Phong Pham Thanh
Published: July 2024

Schematic diagram of energy-band structure for MFe2O4 (M = Co, Fe, Mn) nanoparticles.
Conformational modulation and polymerization-induced folding of proteomimetic peptide brush polymers
Authors: Oktawiec Julia , Ebrahim Omar M. , Chen Yu , Su Kaylen , Sharpe Christopher , Rosenmann Nathan D. , Barbut Clara , Weigand Steven J. , Thompson Matthew P. , Byrnes James , Qiao Baofu , Gianneschi Nathan C.
Published: July 2024

Structural analyses into peptide brush polymers show that these systems exhibit tunable globularity in solution and that peptide brushes gain helicity when polymerized.
Unlocking comprehensive molecular design across all scenarios with large language model and unordered chemical language
Authors: Yue Jie , Peng Bingxin , Chen Yu , Jin Jieyu , Zhao Xinda , Shen Chao , Ji Xiangyang , Hsieh Chang-Yu , Song Jianfei , Hou Tingjun , Deng Yafeng , Wang Jike
Published: July 2024

We introduce FU-SMILES and a versatile fragment-based molecular generation model, FragGPT. Leveraging FU-SMILES, FragGPT enables efficient molecular generation across a range of practical applications.
Achieving high volumetric energy density in graphite anodes through polymer coating with improved electrolyte impregnation
Authors: Kim Jueun , Jayasubramaniyan S. , Kim Seokjin , Kim Donghwi , Ko Minseok , Reddy N. S. , Cho Kwon-Koo , Cho Yoon-Gyo , Nam Sang Yong , Cho Woongrae , Sung Jaekyung
Published: July 2024

The increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) has prompted extensive research in the development of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with high volumetric energy density.
Twin boundaries induced by high-temperature shock boost the structural stability of Li-rich layered-oxide
Authors: Liu Zhedong , Zeng Cuihua , Zhang Jingchao , Luo Jiawei , Guo Zhaoxin , Li Zekun , Liu Rui , Liu Wei-Di , Ding Jia , Chen Yanan , Hu Wenbin
Published: July 2024

A non-equilibrium high-temperature shock (HTS) strategy, accompanied with the processes of rapid heating and cooling, is reported to introduce twin boundaries (TBs) into Li1.2Ni0.13Co0.13Mn0.54O2.
Design and characterization of flexible electrode materials
Authors: Zhao Xiu Song (George) , Yang Hui Ying , Li Qiang
Published: July 2024

Xiu Song (George) Zhao, Hui Ying Yang, and Qiang Li introduce the Journal of Materials Chemistry A themed collection on design and characterization of flexible electrode materials.
Quasi square wave operation of modular multilevel converter based dual active bridge DC–DC converter with inductor energy recovery
Authors: Xia Peizhou , Hao Chuantong , Judge Paul , Merlin Michael , Finney Stephen
Published: July 2024

The modular multilevel DC–DC transformer (MMDCT) provides a reliable solution to overcome the challenges of conventional dual‐active‐bridge converters in terms of power semiconductors ratings and dv/dt stress on transformer coupling windings. An alternative modulation method, quasi‐square‐wave, was proposed to reduce the cell capacitance of modular multilevel bridges. However the application of quasi‐square‐wave modulation is found to result in underdamped switching transients and losses when resetting energy stored in arm inductance. This paper presents a detailed transient analysis of MMDCT arm insertion based on an equivalent circuit, which contributes to a more accurate component sizing and gives voltage estimation for individual half‐bridge submodules. Additionally, a revised switching sequence is proposed to recover this inductor energy and lower the oscillation‐related losses. Simulated and experimental results from a scaled test rig of MMDCT are implemented and validate the proposed component sizing and switching sequence, indicating that the converter efficiency can be improved under revised switching sequence. Finally, a silicon carbide based, high‐frequency MMDCT is proposed and simulated.
An effective model for the tidal disruption of satellites undergoing minor mergers with axisymmetric primaries
Authors: Varisco Ludovica , Dotti Massimo , Bonetti Matteo , Bortolas Elisa , Lupi Alessandro
Published: July 2024

According to the hierarchical formation paradigm, galaxies form through mergers of smaller entities and massive black holes (MBHs), if present at their centers, migrate to the nucleus of the newly formed galaxy, where they form binary systems. The formation and evolution of MBH binaries, and in particular their coalescence timescale, is highly relevant for current and future facilities aimed at detecting the gravitational wave signal produced by the MBHs close to coalescence. While most of the studies targeting this process are based on hydrodynamic simulations, the high computational cost makes a complete parameter space exploration prohibitive. Semianalytic approaches represent a valid alternative, but they require ad hoc prescriptions for the mass loss of the merging galaxies in minor mergers due to tidal stripping, which is not commonly considered or is at best modelled assuming very idealised geometries. In this work we propose a novel, effective model for the tidal stripping in axisymmetric potentials, to be implemented in semi-analytic models. We validated our semi-analytic approach against N-body simulations considering different galaxy sizes, inclinations, and eccentricities, finding only a moderate dependence on the orbit eccentricity. In particular, we find that, for almost circular orbits, our model mildly overestimates the mass loss, and this is due to the adjustment of the stellar distribution after the mass is removed. Nonetheless, the model exhibits a very good agreement with simulations in all the considered conditions, and thus represents an extremely powerful addition to semi-analytic calculations.
Atmospheric heating and magnetism driven by 22Ne distillation in isolated white dwarfs
Authors: Lanza A. F. , Rui N. Z. , Farihi J. , Landstreet J. D. , Bagnulo S.
Published: July 2024

The origin of atmospheric heating in the cool, magnetic white dwarf GD 356 remains unsolved nearly 40 years after its discovery. This once idiosyncratic star with Teff ≈ 7500 K, yet Balmer lines in Zeeman-split emission is now part of a growing class of white dwarfs exhibiting similar features, and which are tightly clustered in the HR diagram suggesting an intrinsic power source. This paper proposes that convective motions associated with an internal dynamo can power electric currents along magnetic field lines that heat the atmosphere via Ohmic dissipation. Such currents would require a dynamo driven by core 22Ne distillation, and would further corroborate magnetic field generation in white dwarfs by this process. The model predicts that the heating will be highest near the magnetic poles, and virtually absent toward the equator, in agreement with observations. This picture is also consistent with the absence of X-ray or extreme ultraviolet emission, because the resistivity would decrease by several orders of magnitude at the typical coronal temperatures. The proposed model suggests that i) DAHe stars are mergers with enhanced 22Ne that enables distillation and may result in significant cooling delays; and ii) any mergers that distill neon will generate magnetism and chromospheres. The predicted chromospheric emission is consistent with the two known massive DQe white dwarfs.
Assessment of the near-Sun magnetic field of the 10 March 2022 coronal mass ejection observed by Solar Orbiter
Authors: Koya S. , Patsourakos S. , Georgoulis M. K , Nindos A.
Published: July 2024

Aims. We estimate the near-Sun axial magnetic field of a coronal mass ejection (CME) on 10 March 2022. Solar Orbiter’s in situ measurements, 7.8 degrees east of the Sun-Earth line at 0.43 AU, provided a unique vantage point, along with the WIND measurements at 0.99 AU. We determine a single power-law index from near-Sun to L1, including in situ measurements from both vantage points.

Methods. We tracked the temporal evolution of the instantaneous relative magnetic helicity of the source active region (AR), NOAA AR 12962. By estimating the helicity budget of the pre-and post-eruption AR, we estimated the helicity transported to the CME. Assuming a Lundquist flux-rope model and geometrical parameters obtained through the graduated cylindrical shell (GCS) CME forward modelling, we determined the CME axial magnetic field at a GCS-fitted height. Assuming a power-law variation of the axial magnetic field with heliocentric distance, we extrapolated the estimated near-Sun axial magnetic field to in situ measurements at 0.43 AU and 0.99 AU.

Results. The net helicity difference between the post-and pre-eruption AR is ( − 7.1 ± 1.2)×1041 Mx2, which is assumed to be bodily transported to the CME. The estimated CME axial magnetic field at a near-Sun heliocentric distance of 0.03 AU is 2067 ± 405 nT. From 0.03 AU to L1, a single power-law falloff, including both vantage points at 0.43 AU and 0.99 AU, gives an index −1.23 ± 0.18.

Conclusions. We observed a significant decrease in the pre-eruptive AR helicity budget. Extending previous studies on inner-heliospheric intervals from 0.3 AU to ∼1 AU, referring to estimates from 0.03 AU to measurements at ∼1 AU. Our findings indicate a less steep decline in the magnetic field strength with distance compared to previous studies, but they align with studies that include near-Sun in situ magnetic field measurements, such as from Parker Solar Probe.
Irradiation effect and binary radio pulsars with giant companions
Authors: Lan Shunyi , Meng Xiangcun
Published: July 2024

Context. Pulsars are neutron stars that rotate rapidly. Most of the pulsars in binary systems tend to spin faster than those in isolation. According to binary evolution theory, radio pulsars in binary systems can have various types of companion stars. However, binary radio pulsars with giant stars, helium stars, and black holes as companions are lacking so far.

Aims. We aim to investigate the possible parameter space of binary radio pulsars with giant companions.

Methods. We used the MESA stellar evolution code to consider the effect of irradiation in binary evolution and evolved a series of binary models.

Results. We present the potential physical properties of binary radio pulsars with giant star companions in the framework of the classical recycling scenario and the irradiation model. We found that the parameter space of binary radio pulsars with giant companions can be greatly expanded by the effect of irradiation. Moreover, when irradiation is strong enough, submillisecond pulsars might be accompanied by giant companion stars. We also demonstrate a correlation between the timescale of the binary system as a low-mass X-ray binary and the irradiation efficiency.

Conclusions. The birthrate problem between millisecond pulsars and low-mass X-ray binaries might not be resolved by the irradiation effect. A more detailed binary population synthesis is necessary. Our findings may offer guidance for observers that wish to locate binary radio pulsars with giant companions or submillisecond pulsars.