bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enantioselective Synthesis of Sterically Hindered α‐Allyl‐α‐Aryl Lactams via Palladium‐Catalysed Decarboxylative Asymmetric Allylic Alkylation
Authors: Galvin Declan J. , Guiry Patrick J.
Published: April 2024

The Pd‐catalysed decarboxylative asymmetric allylic alkylation (DAAA) of sterically hindered α‐aryl,β‐amido allyl ester lactams has been developed. The key step in the synthesis of a range of α‐aryl lactam substrates for catalysis was a Pb‐mediated α‐arylation of a β‐amido allyl ester affording 14 novel examples of α‐aryl‐β‐amido allyl ester lactams in good yields (up to 80 %). The Pd‐catalysed DAAA was optimised with the 2,4,6‐trimethoxyphenyl‐containing substrate. Using (S,S)‐DACH‐phenyl Trost as the optimal chiral ligand, enantioselectivities of up to 82 % ee were obtained. A substrate scope of 11 examples of α‐aryl‐β‐amido allyl ester lactams showed that products containing the di‐ortho‐methoxy‐substituted phenyls and naphthyl groups gave rise to the highest ees, whereas products not bearing this substitution pattern showed lower enantioselectivities (<60 % ee). Transition states to rationalise the observed stereochemical outcome are proposed.
Iridium‐Catalyzed Electrooxidative Annulation of Naphthol with Acrylate via C−H Bond Activation for the Synthesis of Naphtho[1,8‐bc]furan
Authors: Patil Nilam , Das Debarati , Bhanage Bhalchandra M.
Published: April 2024

Iridium catalyzed electrochemical coupling of naphthols with acrylates for the syntheses of naphtho[1,8‐bc]furan derivatives are herein reported. Ir‐catalyzed electrochemical C−H annulation is accomplished within a supportive catalysis manifold, paving the way for electrooxidative C−H acrylation via weak O‐coordination. The merge of iridium catalysts and electric current not only minimizes the need for a stoichiometric amount of chemical oxidants but also confirms broad reaction compatibility with a variety of electronically and sterically diverse substrates. This utility provides a valuable method for producing a wide range of naphtho[1,8‐bc]furan derivatives in good to moderate yields.
A life span perspective on competencies for a healthy, physically active lifestyle: Findings of a data pooling initiative with over 7000 individuals
Authors: Carl Johannes , Blaschke Simon , Sudeck Gorden , Schmid Julia , Eckert Katharina , Geidl Wolfgang , Jaunig Johannes , Köppel Maximilian , Wiskemann Joachim , Liphardt Anna‐Maria , Pfeifer Klaus
Published: April 2024

Individuals are recommended to lead active lifestyles throughout the life course. The model of physical activity‐related health competence (PAHCO) adopts a competence approach by integrating physical, cognitive, and motivational determinants for health‐enhancing PA (movement competence, control competence, self‐regulation competence). Drawing on a comprehensive dataset pooling, the goal of the present study was to model the idiosyncratic courses of 10 PAHCO indicators over the life span. We identified studies that empirically operationalized PAHCO, combining data of 7134 individuals (age range: 15–97 years; 61% female) from 18 different populations (prevention and rehabilitation sectors). We applied a stepwise multilevel analysis approach with disjunct sub‐samples (n = 48) to examine linear and quadratic associations between age and PAHCO. Indicators of movement competence (i.e., manageability of endurance, strength, and balance demands; task‐specific self‐efficacy) congruently showed negative associations with age (0.054 ≤  ≤ 0.211). However, parameters of control competence remained stable across the life span (−0.066 ≤ β ≤ 0.028). The three indicators of self‐regulation competence revealed an inconsistent relationship with age, though uncovering positive associations for self‐control (β = 0.106) and emotional attitude toward PA (β = 0.088). The associations of some indicators varied significantly across sub‐samples. The results suggest differential analyses for associations between PAHCO and age. While the physically determined PAHCO indicators (movement competence) probably decline across the life span, the ability to ensure regularity of PA (self‐regulation competence) or align PAs with an individual's health (control competence) appear to remain constant or improve with increasing age. The findings reinforce a de‐stigmatizing approach for PA promotion practices with considerable space for aligning activities with health also in the elderly.
Responsive photoactive probe based photoelectrochemical sensor for sulfur dioxide
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Hao Yuanqiang , Peng Ying , Wang Xiaobing , Zhou Yanli , Chen Shu , Xu Maotian
Published: April 2024

This study introduces a novel photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor for the highly selective detection of sulfur dioxide (SO2) using an organic photoactive molecule probe (OPM). OPM is synthesized through a one‐step coupling reaction, featuring a typical photosensitizer D‐π‐A structure. By covalently bonding OPM with a TiO2 substrate, a PEC sensor is constructed, exhibiting a significant photocurrent response under visible light excitation. The specific addition reaction between SO2 and OPM disrupts its conjugated structure, reducing the photocurrent response and achieving highly selective detection of SO2. The sensor demonstrates excellent performance in real water samples, emphasizing its practical applications.
Integrated metabolome, proteome, and transcriptome analysis explored the molecular mechanism of phosphoglycerate kinase 1 and pyruvate kinase M2 characterizing the postmortem meat quality
Authors: Huang Caiyan , Xiang Can , Wang Fangzhou , Blecker Christophe , Wang Zhenyu , Chen Li , Zhang Dequan
Published: April 2024

Phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) and pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) have been identified as the postmortem meat quality biomarkers. However, the precise molecular mechanism through which they affect and regulate the development of meat quality remains unclear. In this work, the high‐ and low‐activity groups (n = 10) were selected from 60 lamb muscles at 24 h postmortem based on the activity levels of PGK1 and PKM2. The metabolomic, proteomic, and transcriptomic analyses combined with deeply integrated multi‐omics analysis were used to elucidate the mechanisms by which PGK1 and PKM2 characterize meat quality. The results indicated that glycolysis played a crucial role in regulating PGK1 and PKM2 activity at the metabolome, proteome, and transcriptome levels. In glycolysis pathway, we identified several key components closely related to PGK1 and PKM2 activity, including differential metabolites (adenosine triphosphate, adenosine diphosphate, glucose‐6‐phosphate, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, fructose‐6‐phosphate, dihydroxyacetone phosphate, 3‐phosphoglycerate, NAD+ nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, lactate, and pyruvate), different abundance proteins (lactate dehydrogenase B and fructose bisphosphate aldolase B), and differentially expressed genes (hexokinase and fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphatase 1). It was concluded that PGK1 and PKM2 may affect the formation of meat quality by regulating these critical substrates. Additionally, PGK1 and PKM2 could also affect the tricarboxylic acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, and muscle contraction in postmortem and then influence meat quality. This integrative omics study offers valuable insight into unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying postmortem meat quality development.
Astrocytic uptake of posttranslationally modified amyloid‐β leads to endolysosomal system disruption and induction of pro‐inflammatory signaling
Authors: Wirth Sarah , Schlößer Annika , Beiersdorfer Antonia , Schweizer Michaela , Woo Marcel S. , Friese Manuel A. , Lohr Christian , Grochowska Katarzyna M.
Published: April 2024

The disruption of astrocytic catabolic processes contributes to the impairment of amyloid‐β (Aβ) clearance, neuroinflammatory signaling, and the loss of synaptic contacts in late‐onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). While it is known that the posttranslational modifications of Aβ have significant implications on biophysical properties of the peptides, their consequences for clearance impairment are not well understood. It was previously shown that N‐terminally pyroglutamylated Aβ3(pE)‐42, a significant constituent of amyloid plaques, is efficiently taken up by astrocytes, leading to the release of pro‐inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor α and synapse loss. Here we report that Aβ3(pE)‐42, but not Aβ1‐42, gradually accumulates within the astrocytic endolysosomal system, disrupting this catabolic pathway and inducing the formation of heteromorphous vacuoles. This accumulation alters lysosomal kinetics, lysosome‐dependent calcium signaling, and upregulates the lysosomal stress response. These changes correlate with the upregulation of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and increased activity of nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB). Treatment with a lysosomal protease inhibitor, E‐64, rescues GFAP upregulation, NF‐κB activation, and synapse loss, indicating that abnormal lysosomal protease activity is upstream of pro‐inflammatory signaling and related synapse loss. Collectively, our data suggest that Aβ3(pE)‐42‐induced disruption of the astrocytic endolysosomal system leads to cytoplasmic leakage of lysosomal proteases, promoting pro‐inflammatory signaling and synapse loss, hallmarks of AD‐pathology.
ELAPOR1 induces the classical/progenitor subtype and contributes to reduced disease aggressiveness through metabolic reprogramming in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Ohara Yuuki , Liu Huaitian , Craig Amanda J. , Yang Shouhui , Moreno Paloma , Dorsey Tiffany H. , Cawley Helen , Azizian Azadeh , Gaedcke Jochen , Ghadimi Michael , Hanna Nader , Ambs Stefan , Hussain S. Perwez
Published: April 2024

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a heterogeneous disease with distinct molecular subtypes described as classical/progenitor and basal‐like/squamous PDAC. We hypothesized that integrative transcriptome and metabolome approaches can identify candidate genes whose inactivation contributes to the development of the aggressive basal‐like/squamous subtype. Using our integrated approach, we identified endosome–lysosome associated apoptosis and autophagy regulator 1 (ELAPOR1/KIAA1324) as a candidate tumor suppressor in both our NCI‐UMD‐German cohort and additional validation cohorts. Diminished ELAPOR1 expression was linked to high histological grade, advanced disease stage, the basal‐like/squamous subtype, and reduced patient survival in PDAC. In vitro experiments demonstrated that ELAPOR1 transgene expression not only inhibited the migration and invasion of PDAC cells but also induced gene expression characteristics associated with the classical/progenitor subtype. Metabolome analysis of patient tumors and PDAC cells revealed a metabolic program associated with both upregulated ELAPOR1 and the classical/progenitor subtype, encompassing upregulated lipogenesis and downregulated amino acid metabolism. 1‐Methylnicotinamide, a known oncometabolite derived from S‐adenosylmethionine, was inversely associated with ELAPOR1 expression and promoted migration and invasion of PDAC cells in vitro. Taken together, our data suggest that enhanced ELAPOR1 expression promotes transcriptome and metabolome characteristics that are indicative of the classical/progenitor subtype, whereas its reduction associates with basal‐like/squamous tumors with increased disease aggressiveness in PDAC patients. These findings position ELAPOR1 as a promising candidate for diagnostic and therapeutic targeting in PDAC.
Gray level fuzzy deep neural networks for enhancing performance in lung disease detection: A comparative study with fuzzy logic methods
Authors: Muthukumar B. , Prasad B. V. V. Siva , Raju Yeligeti , Lautre Hitendra Kumar
Published: April 2024

Lung cancer is a deadly disease, and its early detection is crucial for effective treatment. In this context, accurate classification of lung cancers from computed tomography imaging is a vital research area. Irregularly detected gray matter in these images can affect classification outcomes, making accurate lung cancer detection difficult. To address this issue, researchers have developed a new approach that combines fuzzy logic and deep neural networks (DNNs) for extracting the hidden characteristic features of lung diseases from the images, and thereby, ensuring that only relevant features are used for classification. The proposed gray‐level fuzzy approach on DNNs (GL‐FDNN) is designed to accurately classify four distinguished lung cancer classes namely, Large cell carcinoma, Adenocarcinoma, Normal lung computed tomography, and Squamous cell carcinoma. After identifying the area of interest, its pixel intensity ratio is used to derive the fuzzy logic, which is then used to extract the most obscure gray matter features. Then, ResNet‐18 sorts the obscure features into categories and picks only relevant features to improve classification accuracy. The gray‐level fuzzy approach on DNNs technique was tested alongside some of the renowned, existing techniques for their relative performances. Experimental analysis was carried out on standard Kaggle datasets and the outcomes reveal that the proposed technique offers the highest level of lung disease classification accuracy (99.2%). It also improves the recall and precision factors. Thus, it can serve as a valuable diagnosis tool that can enhance the detection of lung cancer and the effectiveness of its treatment to save lives.
Intelligent decision‐making for fertigation treatment of tomatoes cultivated in greenhouse: An experimental study
Authors: Li Yonglin , Hu Yaqi , Li Ziming , Wu Wenyong , Ma Meng , Guo Aike
Published: April 2024

To verify the effectiveness of the intelligent decision method for fertigation, an automatic control system for fertigation in greenhouses was designed, and three intelligent decision methods based on evapotranspiration (T1), soil moisture (T2) and accumulated temperature (T3) were tested. Intelligent decisions included monitoring meteorological information, automatically monitoring soil moisture, utilizing fertigation application systems and using automated control modules. The system was stable and accurately controlled according to the decision scheme. The results showed that the average errors of the automated control system for decision‐making and irrigation were 1.1 and 0.8%, respectively. The study findings serve as a reference for the integration of intelligent irrigation decision‐making and control systems and for further improving the efficiency of water and fertilizer utilized. Compared with those of the control, the three intelligent decision‐making methods increased the tomato yield by 8, 12 and 7%, respectively. In addition, the irrigation water and fertilizer levels decreased significantly compared with those in the control treatment. Although the accuracy of the soil water content (SWC) estimated based on ET and temperature in irrigation decision‐making is low, the general trend is consistent with practice. In addition, the irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) and partial factor productivity of fertilizer (PFP) were significantly improved. Similarly, the IWUE in T1 was the highest (60 kg m⁻3), and the PFP in T3 was the highest (669 kg kg⁻¹).
Experiences of predictive genetic testing in inherited motor neuron disease: Findings from a qualitative interview study
Authors: Howard Jade , Forrest Keenan Karen , Mazanderani Fadhila , Turner Martin R. , Locock Louise
Published: April 2024

Predictive genetic testing is increasingly available for individuals with a heightened risk of motor neuron disease (MND). However, little is known about how they decide whether or not to get tested, and how they experience this process. This paper reports findings from a constructivist grounded theory‐informed interview study with 24 family members of people with identified or suspected inherited MND (iMND). Fourteen did not know their genetic status, and nine had decided to have predictive testing, of whom six tested positive for the pathogenic gene variant identified in their family and three tested negative. One additional person was identified as negative through a parent's negative result. This paper explores the diverse ways people approached testing, and the many factors and motivations involved, based on personal attitudes and goals, experiences of living with genetic risk, and wider family considerations and circumstances. Results were met with a range of emotions; whatever the outcome, the news disrupted each person's view of the future, and they adapted in their own way and time. Support after results was variable and a perceived lack of support impacted coping and the ability to move forwards. This paper situates findings against literature on other genetic conditions, highlighting experiences as grounded in the unique characteristics of iMND. Thus, it emphasizes the need for disease‐specific guidelines and support structures around predictive genetic testing in this context. Understanding people's experiences and responding to these needs is particularly timely given the uptake of testing amongst this group is anticipated to rise with increasing access to genetic testing for people with MND, and gene‐specific clinical trials.
Fentanyl's potential impact on public health in India and China: A comparative review
Authors: Lassi Nicholas
Published: April 2024

This study reviewed and compared fentanyl's potential impact on public health in India and China, two nations linked to its production and distribution. A comparison of China and India's governance structures, historical experiences with opioids, ideologies, and drug policies on the potential for domestic fentanyl use showed that fentanyl will likely become a more significant threat to Indian society. India's relatively weak governance, historical acceptance of opium, and permissive drug culture facilitate an environment conducive to the production and use of fentanyl. In contrast, China's strong central government, the Opium Wars, the historical effects of opium addiction, and adherence to conservative Confucian ethics will likely contribute to opposition to fentanyl use. Understanding these disparities is paramount for policymakers and public health officials in both nations to develop and customise strategies to confront the challenges posed by fentanyl.
Normal transferrin glycosylation does not rule out severe ALG1 deficiency
Authors: Bosnyak Inez , Sadek Mustafa , Ranatunga Wasantha , Kozicz Tamas , Morava Eva
Published: April 2024

ALG1‐CDG is a rare, clinically variable metabolic disease, caused by the defect of adding the first mannose (Man) to N‐acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc2)‐pyrophosphate (PP)‐dolichol to the growing oligosaccharide chain, resulting in impaired N‐glycosylation of proteins. N‐glycosylation has a key role in functionality, stability, and half‐life of most proteins. Therefore, congenital defects of glycosylation typically are multisystem disorders. Here we report a 3‐year‐old patient with severe neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal symptoms. ALG1‐CDG was suggested based on exome sequencing and Western blot analysis. Despite her severe clinical manifestations and genetic diagnosis, serum transferrin glycoform analysis was normal. Western blot analysis of highly glycosylated proteins in fibroblasts revealed decreased intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1), but normal lysosomal associated membrane protein 1 and 2 (LAMP1 and LAMP2) expression levels. Glycoproteomics in fibroblasts showed the presence of the abnormal tetrasacharide. Reviewing the literature, we found 86 reported ALG1‐CDG patients, but only one with normal transferrin analysis. Based on our results we would like to highlight the importance of multiple approaches in diagnosing ALG1‐CDG, as normal serum transferrin glycosylation or other biomarkers with normal expression levels can occur.
Performance‐based evaluation of NMME and C3S models in forecasting the June–August Central African rainfall under the influence of the South Atlantic Ocean Dipole
Authors: Nana Hermann N. , Tamoffo Alain T. , Kaissassou Samuel , Djiotang Tchotchou Lucie A. , Tanessong Roméo S. , Kamsu‐Tamo Pierre H. , Kenfack Kevin , Vondou Derbetini A.
Published: April 2024

In this study, hindcasts from eight Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) and three North American Multi‐Model Ensemble (NMME) operational seasonal forecast systems, based on dynamical climate models, are employed to investigate the influence of the South Atlantic Ocean Dipole (SAOD) on the predictive skill of Central Africa (CA) rainfall. The focus is primarily on the June–July–August season for 1993–2016. The findings reveal that, when regionally averaged, all models exhibit positive skill in predicting CA rainfall, except for the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL‐SPEAR) model. Notably, there are significant spatial variations in skill across different regions. Model performance is particularly low (high) in the Central African Republic and Congo Basin (Gabon and Chad) and tends to deteriorate with increasing lead‐time. Models that demonstrate a strong connection between SAOD and CA rainfall tend to exhibit better predictive skills in forecasting rainfall, in contrast to models with weaker connections. This leads to a significant in‐phase relationship between the predictive skills of rainfall and the strength of the SAOD–rainfall connection among the models. Furthermore, the atmospheric circulation responding to SST forcing associated with the El Niño–Southern Oscillation exerts a significant influence on the robust atmospheric circulation associated with the climatological mean of SST over the SAO. This suggests that mean state bias in the SAO/equatorial Pacific region plays a role in modulating the strength of the simulated SAOD–CA rainfall connection and, consequently, the prediction skill of CA rainfall. In general, both NMME and C3S models appear to be valuable tools capable of providing essential seasonal information several months in advance. These insights can aid decision‐makers in the region in making informed decisions regarding adaptation and mitigation measures.
Spatiotemporal variability of the rainy season in the Yucatan Peninsula
Authors: Romero David , Alfaro Eric J.
Published: April 2024

The rainfall regime is a critical factor in the Yucatan Peninsula, as the spatial and multiannual variability of rainfall is a major concern, particularly for crops. Variability in the rainy season was examined considering the onset and demise of the annual rainy season, the total rain volume, the rainfall season duration and the intense precipitation events recorded in meteorological stations (1978–2020). We analysed individual time series and calculated the long‐term trend. Additionally, we explored the relationship between each summer rainfall characteristic and several oceanographic indices using multivariate techniques. We also developed a Trans‐Isthmic Index from the relationship between the El Niño–Southern Oscillation and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation. This index allows for determining the effect of the overall influence of the ocean on climate. The timeseries analysis revealed a high interannual variability and long‐term positive trends concerning the duration of the rainy season with earlier onset and later demise, and the total rainfall volume and also a positive trend for the occurrence of heavy precipitation suggesting a shift in intra‐annual patterns. Spatially, the analysis revealed clusters of stations with a similar variation, probably related to the AMO, NIÑO3.4 or TII indices. The spatial pattern was confirmed by analysing CHIRPS gridded precipitation data. Our results show that wetter conditions are associated with lower temperatures in the equatorial Pacific and warmer conditions in the Atlantic.
Psychological well‐being of children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Vekara Laura , Kantanen Saija , Kolho Kaija‐Leena , Räsänen Kati , Lakka Timo , Huhtala Heini , Piippo‐Savolainen Eija , Arikoski Pekka , Hiltunen Pauliina
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Prior studies on the psychological well‐being in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD) have reported controversial results. Our aim was to compare the psychological well‐being and lifestyle factors in patients with PIBD and their controls and to assess the role of contributing disease characteristics.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 60 PIBD patients aged 6−17 years (26 with Crohn's disease [CD], 34 with ulcerative colitis [UC] or unclassified colitis [IBD‐U]) from two university hospitals in Finland, and their age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. Psychological well‐being was assessed with three measures: a questionnaire on overall psychological well‐being (PSWB) and for adolescents also Beck Depression Inventory (BDI Ia) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). In addition to disease characteristics and pain, we assessed physical activity, sleep, screen time, and social well‐being.

Results

Controls were more likely of stressing more (odds ratio [OR] = 3.67, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 95% CI = 1.02−13.14), but other measures of psychological well‐being did not differ statistically significantly between patients and controls. In CD, a clinically more active disease associated with inferior psychological well‐being in adolescents (BDI [ρ = 0.63, p = 0.021], PSS [ρ = 0.70, p = 0.008], PSWB [ρ = 0.56, p = 0.049]). Longer time from diagnosis correlated with better psychological well‐being on BDI (ρ = −0.39, p = 0.024) and PSS (ρ = −0.38, p = 0.034). Lifestyle was more sedentary in PIBD (less physical activity in children OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.68−0.99 and more screen time in adolescents OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.00−1.40).

Conclusion

Although the clinical features of PIBD are potentially a burden for psychological well‐being, many young patients cope well with their disease. Individual variation in well‐being is remarkable, making supportive measures challenging.
Comparative analysis of sipeimine content, metabolome and chloroplast genome in cultivated and wild varieties of Fritillaria taipaiensis
Authors: Xu Yue , Chen Cun , Cai Jing , Lin Ling , Song Wei , Yang Kexin , Zhao Yiran , Wen Chun , Wei Jiahong , Liu Zhibin
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

The wild variety Fritillaria taipaiensis E.B (EB) is known for its superior therapeutic effects, but its limited production cannot meet demand. As a result, the cultivated variety F. taipaiensis P. Y. Li (PY) has been widely grown. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis comparing EB and PY in terms of external features, sipeimine content, metabolome and chloroplast genome to differentiate these two varieties.

RESULTS

Our research revealed that the petals and pods of EB are green, while those of PY have purple markings. The bulbs of EB contain significantly higher levels of sipeimine compared to those of PY. Metabolomic analysis identified 56 differentially expressed metabolites (DMs), with 23 upregulated and 33 downregulated in EB bulbs. Particularly, 3‐hydroxycinnamic acid and secoxyloganin may serve as distinctive DMs. These DMs were associated with 17 KEGG pathways, including pyrimidine metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, and galactose metabolism. Differences in the length of the chloroplast genome were primarily observed in the large single‐copy (LSC) region, with the largest variation in the trnH‐GUC–psbA region. The placement of the trnH gene and the rps gene in proximity to the LSC/IRb boundary differs between EB and PY.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study provide valuable insights for the introduction and comprehensive development of wild F. taipaiensis from a scientific perspective. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Distinguishing the effects of micro‐ and macro‐habitats on plant‐associated microbiomes in the Qinghai‐Tibetan Qaidam Basin
Authors: Lai Zongrui , Liu Zhen , Deng Ye , Feng Wei , Zhao Yuanyuan , Qin Shugao , Sun Yanfei
Published: April 2024

Although microbiomes associated with plants and the environment are intricately intertwined, it remains unclear how various environmental scales affect these relationships differently. We employed high‐throughput amplicon sequencing to examine the plant‐associated bacterial and fungal communities across three different micro‐habitats (leaf, root, and root zone soil) in 16 shrubs distributed across a >500 km transect of the eastern Qinghai‐Tibetan Qaidam Basin. Among the three microhabitats, the diversity and composition of plant‐associated bacterial and fungal communities differed significantly. Although micro‐habitats play a crucial role in shaping plant‐associated microbial communities, geographic and climatic variables largely influenced the community compositions across the three micro‐habitats. Notably, the microbial communities in all three micro‐habitats showed significant distance‐decay patterns. Furthermore, fungi exhibited less variation across the three microenvironments, and were more sensitive to environmental changes than bacteria. Moreover, microbiome complexity and stochasticity gradually increased from soils to roots and finally to leaves. The microbial communities in soils and epiphytes (leaves and roots) were predominantly shaped by determinism and stochasticity, respectively. These results highlight that plant‐associated microbiomes are primarily shaped by the microenvironments associated with plants; however, their compositions, dynamics, and assembly are further influenced by geographic and climatic factors. Overall, our findings greatly increase our understanding of the intricate dynamics between plant‐associated microbiomes and their surrounding environment in drylands. This knowledge contributes to ongoing research on microbial ecology and provides substantial supports for the precise evaluation of desert ecosystem function. The findings are helpful for biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of desert shrublands.
How does ski infrastructure change soil erosion processes on hillslope?
Authors: Piątek Dawid , Bernatek‐Jakiel Anita
Published: April 2024

Ski tourism's popularity is driving a rise in the number of ski resorts. This study aims to present the impact of ski infrastructure on soil erosion processes in the example from a small catchment in the Gubałowskie Foothills in southern Poland, where landscape changes before (since 1879) and after the construction of the ski station (2007) are presented. The analyses of changes in flow accumulation, slope morphometry, and drainage ditches were conducted in the test area. Quantitative analyses were performed using repeated DEMs derived from aerial LiDAR survey and detailed geodetic measurements, complemented by geomorphological mapping done in the field. The study has revealed that the ski infrastructure has not only directly transformed the hillslope by flattening and constructing escarpments (up to 3 m high) but has also created alternating patterns of erosion and accumulation. In the test area, the drainage ditch was poorly designed. It was filled with materials (0.1–0.5 m), and two new outlets formed. The escarpment of the analyzed ski run has been diminished by 0.5 m. An alluvial fan (0.1–0.22 m thick) has developed on the flattened surface below the escarpment with drainage ditch outlets. This fan is eroded by subsurface flow that creates a piping system. The gully below the alluvial fan has retreated upslope, accelerated by subsurface erosion. This study enables the presentation of hillslope adjustments and processes in response to the new conditions caused by ski infrastructure. Such results may support more effective land management in regions changed by ski infrastructure.
Projecting expected growth period of bivalves in a coastal temperate sea
Authors: Zemunik Selak Petra , Denamiel Cléa , Peharda Melita , Schöne Bernd R. , Thébault Julien , Uvanović Hana , Markulin Krešimir , Vilibić Ivica
Published: April 2024

The impact of climate warming on coastal benthic fauna is already observed, but forecasting their long‐term fate remains challenging. This study uses δ18Oshell data of specimens of five bivalve species collected at six locations and results from kilometer‐scale atmosphere–ocean climate model for the time intervals of 1987–2017 and 2070–2100, to estimate changes in bivalve growth phenology. All species will benefit from climate warming during winter, experiencing a longer growing season than currently. The growth of Aequipecten opercularis, Flexopecten glaber, and Pecten jacobaeus will decrease in summer, resulting in up to 3 months of reduced growth per year. Glycymeris pilosa and Venus verrucosa in the southern Adriatic Sea will be more affected than those in the north, with up to 4 months longer annual growth. These findings can inform adaptation plans for bivalve management in the Adriatic Sea but also in areas where the studied species are present.
Weakening Indian Ocean carbon uptake in 2015: The role of amplified basin‐wide warming and reduced Indonesian throughflow
Authors: Liao Enhui , Lu Wenfang , Xue Liang , Du Yan
Published: April 2024

In 2015, the Indian Ocean exhibits an exceptionally weakened CO2 uptake, highlighting strong interannual variability of ocean carbon sink. By utilizing multiple ocean CO2 partial pressure (pCO2) data and a state‐of‐the‐art ocean biogeochemical model, we show that the 2015 ocean CO2 anomaly is characterized by a basin‐wide amplification of ocean pCO2, differing from ocean pCO2 responses to other Indian Ocean Dipole events (e.g., 1997 and 2019). The distinct ocean pCO2 anomaly is attributed to an amplified warming and an unprecedented weakening Indonesian Throughflow under the influence of co‐occurrence of positive IOD and extreme El Niño in 2015. The amplified warming drives higher ocean pCO2 in the western and central Indian Ocean, while the ITF transports anomalously high ocean pCO2 water from the Pacific Ocean to the southeastern Indian Ocean. This newly identified ocean carbon response provides deeper insights into the Indian Ocean carbon interannual variability.
A White‐Box Digital Twin for Real‐Time Polarization Tracking
Authors: Zhang Xuguang , Pu Guoqing , Wu Yong , Hu Weisheng , Yi Lilin
Published: April 2024

Tracking polarization in real‐time is a long‐term challenge. The conventional heuristic and gradient‐descent‐based algorithms for polarization tracking lack efficiency and interpretability. To resolve the problem, a white‐box digital twin modeling the entire polarization tracking system is derived by calculating with Stokes vectors and Mueller matrices. Moreover, the real‐time polarization tracking enabled by the white‐box digital twin is experimentally demonstrated, which is over 7 times faster than the commonly used stochastic parallel gradient descent (SPGD) on average. The adoption of digital twin allows the algorithm to bypass the loop of perturbation, sampling, and adjusting over the real system, thereby significantly reducing the sample times and recovery time. The proposed white‐box digital‐twin‐based algorithm has strong interpretability and high efficiency, which has substantial potential to become a standard approach to achieve real‐time polarization tracking.
Multidimensional Multiplexing Liquid Crystal Holograms
Authors: Li Peng , Xue Jiamin , Fan Xinhao , Wu Xuanguang , Zhou Liang , Chen Weiqi , Liu Sheng , Wei Bingyan , Gan Xuetao , Zhao Jianlin
Published: April 2024

As a powerful platform for next‐generation display, planar liquid crystal (LC) optics exhibit attractive properties such as electro‐optical response, high efficiency, and broadband tunability. With planar LC optics applications taking off, multidimensional modulation and multiplexing capability of light wave is becoming crucial. Here, a Pancharatnam‐Berry phase LC hologram is demonstrated that enables the multidimensional modulation of amplitude, phase, and polarization of light, which increases the degree of freedom of multiplexing display to 4 at a single wavelength, realizing the simultaneous decoupling modulation in dual polarization channels in near and far fields. According to the quaternary degeneracy characteristics of the orientation angle of LC molecules implied in Malus' law, the LC holograms are designed using the optimized Gerchberg‐Saxton and annealing algorithms, and it is demonstrated that the spatial and polarization multiplexing of LC holograms have remarkable wavelength‐dependent electrical tunability. This LC hologram paves a promising pathway toward multifunctional LC optics for advanced display and imaging.
High‐Speed Wide‐Angle Sensing and Imaging by WideBand Metasurfaces with Joint Frequency, Polarization, and Spatial Diversities
Authors: Liu Baiyang , Wu Jinyu , Zhang Qingfeng , Wong Hang
Published: April 2024

High‐speed wide‐angle radio detection is crucial for intelligent wireless systems, autonomous vehicles, rescue operations in urgent situations, and security in various fields. This can be achieved through diverse controls of electromagnetic waves. Currently, multidimensional manipulations of electromagnetic waves are determined by dynamic antennas like phased arrays, mechanical beam‐steering radars, and programmable metasurface imagers. However, these methods face challenges in achieving rapid responses and large data collection intervals for high‐speed sensing and imaging, due to limitations in the speedy explication of analog‐to‐digital (AD) converters, electronic switches, phase shifters, and stepped motors for radiation beam reconfigurations. To address these challenges, advanced microwave‐to‐millimeter‐wave metasurfaces are introduced, designed to offer joint frequency, polarization, and spatial diversities. The metasurface with a disordered atom permutation enables wide‐angle sensing for accurate trajectory tracking of moving objects. On the other hand, a dispersion‐engineered atom arrangement allows the metasurfaces to facilitate wide‐angle through‐wall imaging, effective in detecting objects of varied shapes and positions. The experiments reveal that these metasurfaces can reconstruct objects at 100 frames per second (fps) from a single‐shot measurement, allowing 0.3x speed playback for detailed analysis. This demonstrates their potential in high‐speed sensing and imaging. Such a breakthrough is pivotal in unveiling new modalities and expanding possibilities in real‐time radio applications, including smart transportation, all‐condition surveillance, perspective radio, and integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) systems, especially relevant to technologies of 6G and beyond.
Building Uniformly Structured Polymer Memristors via a 2D Conjugation Strategy for Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Li Jinyong , Fan Fei , Fu Xin , Liu Mingxing , Chen Yu , Zhang Bin
Published: April 2024

Polymer memristors represent a highly promising avenue for the advancement of next‐generation computing systems. However, the intrinsic structural heterogeneity characteristic of most polymers often results in organic polymer memristors displaying erratic resistive switching phenomena, which in turn lead to diminished production yields and compromised reliability. In this study, a 2D conjugated polymer, named PBDTT‐BPQTPA, is synthesized by integrating the coplanar bis(thiophene)‐4,8‐dihydrobenzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b]dithiophene (BDTT) as an electron‐donating unit with a quinoxaline derivative serving as an electron‐accepting unit. The incorporation of triphenylamine groups at the quinoxaline termini significantly enhances the polymer's conjugation and planarity, thereby facilitating more efficient charge transport. The fabricated polymer memristor with the structure of Al/PBDTT‐BPQTPA/ITO exhibits typical non‐volatile resistive switching behavior under high voltage conditions, along with history‐dependent memristive properties at lower voltages. The unique memristive behavior of the device enables the simulation of synaptic enhancement/inhibition, learning algorithms, and memory operations. Additionally, the memristor demonstrates its capability for executing logical operations and handling decimal calculations. This study offers a promising and innovative approach for the development of artificial neuromorphic computing systems.
Inertial hybrid algorithm for generalized mixed equilibrium problems, zero problems, and fixed points of some nonlinear mappings in the intermediate sense
Authors: Ahmad Abdulwahab , Kumam Poom , Harbau Murtala Haruna , Sitthithakerngkiet Kanokwan
Published: April 2024

In this work, we establish the closedness and convexity of the set of fixed points of equally continuous and asymptotically demicontractive mapping in the intermediate sense. We proposed an inertial hybrid projection technique for determining an approximate common solution to three significant problems. The first is the system of generalized mixed equilibrium problems with relaxed
monotone mappings, the second is the problem of fixed points of a countable family of equally continuous and asymptotically demicontractive mappings in the intermediate sense, and the third is of determining a point in a null space of a countable family of inverse strongly monotone mappings in Hilbert space. Based on these problems, we formulate a theorem and establish its strong convergence to their common solution. Additionally, we studied the applications of our algorithm to variational inequality problems and convex optimization problems. Finally, we numerically demonstrate the efficiency and robustness of our scheme. Several results available in the literature can be obtained as special cases of our result.
Stević–Sharma‐type operators between Bergman spaces induced by doubling weights
Authors: Du Juntao , Li Songxiao , Liu Zuoling
Published: April 2024

Using Khinchin's inequality, Geršgorin's theorem, and the atomic decomposition of Bergman spaces, we estimate the norm and essential norm of Stević–Sharma‐type operators between weighted Bergman spaces
and
and the sum of weighted differentiation composition operators with different symbols from the weighted Bergman spaces
to
. The estimates of those between Bergman spaces remove all the restrictions of a result of Stevic, Sharma, and Bhat. As a by‐product, we also get an interpolation theorem for Bergman spaces induced by doubling weights.
Global existence theorem of a generalized solution for a one‐dimensional thermal explosion model of a compressible micropolar real gas
Authors: Bašić‐Šiško Angela , Dražić Ivan
Published: April 2024

We consider 1‐D thermal explosion of a compressible micropolar real gas, assuming that the initial density and temperature are bounded from below with a positive constant and that the initial data are sufficiently smooth. The starting problem is transformed into the Lagrangian description on the spatial domain
and contains homogeneous boundary conditions. In this work, we prove that our problem has a generalized solution for any time interval
. The proof is based on the local existence theorem and the extension principle.
Novel 6‐GHz/80.8% fractional bandwidth filtering power divider with ultra‐large coupling coefficient using air‐dielectric broadside‐coupled lines
Authors: Wang Qunliang , Jiang Yanfeng , Li Shaomin
Published: April 2024

In the letter, a wideband filtering power divider (FPD) with ultra‐large coupling coefficient using air‐dielectric broadside‐coupled lines is proposed. The broadside‐coupled line and single transmission line are alternately connected to construct three resonators, which can be used for large bandwidth and high selectivity filtering. An improved substrate‐integrated suspended line (SISL) structure with two inner layers is developed. In the structure, the broadside coupling occurs by the air. The overall structure is implemented based on the low‐cost FR4 dielectric material. The designed FPD is simulated and fabricated. The results demonstrate its excellent performance, with center frequency of 6 GHz, a fractional bandwidth (FBW) of 80.8%, a maximum coupling coefficient of 0.84, an insertion loss of less than 0.29 dB, and an out‐of‐band rejection of more than 52 dB.
Dosimetric study for breathing‐induced motion effects in an abdominal pancreas phantom for carbon ion mini‐beam radiotherapy
Authors: Stengl Christina , Muñoz Iván D. , Arbes Eric , Rauth Evelyn , Christensen Jeppe B. , Vedelago José , Runz Armin , Jäkel Oliver , Seco Joao
Published: April 2024

Background

Particle mini‐beam therapy exhibits promise in sparing healthy tissue through spatial fractionation, particularly notable for heavy ions, further enhancing the already favorable differential biological effectiveness at both target and entrance regions. However, breathing‐induced organ motion affects particle mini‐beam irradiation schemes since the organ displacements exceed the mini‐beam structure dimensions, decreasing the advantages of spatial fractionation.

Purpose

In this study, the impact of breathing‐induced organ motion on the dose distribution was examined at the target and organs at risk(OARs) during carbon ion mini‐beam irradiation for pancreatic cancer.

Methods

As a first step, the carbon ion mini‐beam pattern was characterized with Monte Carlo simulations. To analyze the impact of breathing‐induced organ motion on the dose distribution of a virtual pancreas tumor as target and related OARs, the anthropomorphic Pancreas Phantom for Ion beam Therapy (PPIeT) was irradiated with carbon ions. A mini‐beam collimator was used to deliver a spatially fractionated dose distribution. During irradiation, varying breathing motion amplitudes were induced, ranging from 5 to 15 mm. Post‐irradiation, the 2D dose pattern was analyzed, focusing on the full width at half maximum (FWHM), center‐to‐center distance (ctc), and the peak‐to‐valley dose ratio (PVDR).

Results

The mini‐beam pattern was visible within OARs, while in the virtual pancreas tumor a more homogeneous dose distribution was achieved. Applied motion affected the mini‐beam pattern within the kidney, one of the OARs, reducing the PVDR from 3.78  0.12 to 1.478  0.070 for the 15 mm motion amplitude. In the immobile OARs including the spine and the skin at the back, the PVDR did not change within 3.4% comparing reference and motion conditions.

Conclusions

This study provides an initial understanding of how breathing‐induced organ motion affects spatial fractionation during carbon ion irradiation, using an anthropomorphic phantom. A decrease in the PVDR was observed in the right kidney when breathing‐induced motion was applied, potentially increasing the risk of damage to OARs. Therefore, further studies are needed to explore the clinical viability of mini‐beam radiotherapy with carbon ions when irradiating abdominal regions.