bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Satellite Evidence of HONO/NO2 Increase With Fire Radiative Power
Authors: Fredrickson C. D. , Theys N. , Thornton J. A.
Published: September 2023

Wildfires are important sources of atmospheric reactive nitrogen. The reactive nitrogen species partitioning generally depends on fire characteristics. One reactive nitrogen compound, nitrous acid (HONO), is a source of hydroxyl radicals and nitric oxide, which can impact the oxidizing capacity of the atmosphere and fire plume chemistry and composition. We study the Australian wildfire season of 2019–2020, known as Black Summer, where numerous large and intense wildfires burned throughout the continent. We use HONO and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) from the TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) and fire radiative power (FRP) from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite to investigate HONO and NO2 relationships with fire characteristics. The ratio of HONO to NO2 increases linearly with FRP both in Australia and globally. Both Australian and global fire relationships depend strongly on land cover type. These relationships can be applied to emission inventories to improve wildfire emission representation in models.
An Assessment of Extra‐Tropical Cyclone Precipitation Extremes Over the Southern Hemisphere Using ERA5
Authors: McErlich Cameron , McDonald Adrian , Renwick James , Schuddeboom Alex
Published: September 2023

ERA5 reanalysis is used to examine extreme precipitation using a spatially dependent precipitation threshold applied within a cyclone compositing framework. This is used to account for regional variation in precipitation generating processes within Southern Hemisphere mid‐latitude cyclones across the cyclone lifecycle. The spatial extent of extreme precipitation is limited to a smaller region around the cyclone center compared to non‐extreme precipitation, though extreme precipitation displays a good spatial correlation with non‐extreme precipitation. Extreme precipitation occurs more often during the deepening phase of the cyclone before it reaches peak intensity. Precipitation occurrence at the 90th and 98th percentiles reduces to 46% and 30% of the deepening value across the cyclone lifecycle, averaged over the composite. Precipitation fraction at the 90th and 98th percentile reduces to 80% and 60% of the deepening value. Our methodology provides a quantitative assessment of precipitation extremes both spatially and temporally, within a cyclone compositing framework.
Revisiting the Relationship Between Tropical Cyclone Rapid Intensification and the Distribution of Inner‐Core Precipitation
Authors: Shi Donglei , Chen Guanghua , Xie Xinru
Published: September 2023

The relationship between tropical cyclone (TC) rapid intensification (RI) and the distribution of inner‐core precipitation preceding RI is reexamined using satellite‐based precipitation measurements and best‐track data. TCs experiencing RI (RITCs) are classified into weakly, moderately and highly asymmetric categories according to the 25th and 75th percentiles of an objective asymmetry index. Composite results indicate that weakly‐to‐moderately asymmetric RITCs experience precipitation axisymmetrization before RI, resulting from increased coverage of both light‐to‐moderate (0.5–10 mm hr−1) and intense rainfall (>10 mm hr−1) upshear. Contrarily, the rainfall asymmetry strengthens significantly before RI in highly asymmetric RITCs due to an outbreak of intense convection downshear left, demonstrating climatologically that RI is not necessarily preceded by rainfall axisymmetrization. It is hypothesized that the different rainfall evolution characteristics may be explained by the balanced intensification theory, and the azimuthal‐mean precipitation rate normalized by TC intensity could be a predictor for RI regardless of the rainfall asymmetry.
The Impact of Eastern Pacific Warming on Future North Atlantic Tropical Cyclogenesis
Authors: Karnauskas Kristopher B. , Heede Ulla K. , Zhang Lei
Published: September 2023

Tropical cyclogenesis in the Atlantic is influenced by environmental parameters including vertical wind shear, which is sensitive to forcing from the tropical Pacific. Reliable projections of the response of such parameters to radiative forcing are key to understanding the future of hurricanes and coastal risk. One of the least certain aspects of future climate is the warming of the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Using climate model experiments isolating the warming of the eastern Pacific and controlling for other factors including El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO), changes in Atlantic tropical cyclogenesis potential by the end of this century are ∼20% lower with enhanced eastern Pacific warming. The ENSO signal in Atlantic tropical cyclogenesis potential amplifies with global warming, and that amplification is larger with enhanced eastern Pacific warming. The largest changes and dependencies on eastern Pacific warming are found in the south‐central main development region, attributable to changes in zonal overturning.
Exploring a new mechanism between lactate and VSMC calcification: PARP1/POLG/UCP2 signaling pathway and imbalance of mitochondrial homeostasis
Authors: Zhu Yi , Zhang Jia-li , Yan Xue-jiao , Ji Yuan , Wang Fang-fang
Published: September 2023

Lactate leads to the imbalance of mitochondria homeostasis, which then promotes vascular calcification. PARP1 can upregulate osteogenic genes and accelerate vascular calcification. However, the relationship among lactate, PARP1, and mitochondrial homeostasis is unclear. The present study aimed to explore the new molecular mechanism of lactate to promote VSMC calcification by evaluating PARP1 as a breakthrough molecule. A coculture model of VECs and VSMCs was established, and the model revealed that the glycolysis ability and lactate production of VECs were significantly enhanced after incubation in DOM. Osteogenic marker expression, calcium deposition, and apoptosis in VSMCs were decreased after lactate dehydrogenase A knockdown in VECs. Mechanistically, exogenous lactate increased the overall level of PARP and PARylation in VSMCs. PARP1 knockdown inhibited Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission and partially restored PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy, thereby reducing mitochondrial oxidative stress. Moreover, lactate induced the translocation of PARP1 from the nucleus to the mitochondria, which then combined with POLG and inhibited POLG-mediated mitochondrial DNA synthesis. This process led to the downregulation of mitochondria-encoded genes, disturbance of mitochondrial respiration, and inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation. The knockdown of PARP1 could partially reverse the damage of mitochondrial gene expression and function caused by lactate. Furthermore, UCP2 was upregulated by the PARP1/POLG signal, and UCP2 knockdown inhibited Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission and partially recovered PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy. Finally, UCP2 knockdown in VSMCs alleviated DOM-caused VSMC calcification in the coculture model. The study results thus suggest that upregulated PARP1 is involved in the mechanism through which lactate accelerates VSMC calcification partly via POLG/UCP2-caused unbalanced mitochondrial homeostasis.
A twelve-electron conversion iodine cathode enabled by interhalogen chemistry in aqueous solution
Authors: Ma Wenjiao , Liu Tingting , Xu Chen , Lei Chengjun , Jiang Pengjie , He Xin , Liang Xiao
Published: September 2023

The battery chemistry aiming for high energy density calls for the redox couples that embrace multi-electron transfer with high redox potential. Here we report a twelve-electron transfer iodine electrode based on the conversion between iodide and iodate in aqueous electrolyte, which is six times than that of the conventional iodide/iodine redox couple. This is enabled by interhalogen chemistry between iodine (in the electrode) and bromide (in the acidic electrolyte), which provides an electrochemical-chemical loop (the bromide-iodate loop) that accelerates the kinetics and reversibility of the iodide/iodate electrode reaction. In the deliberately designed aqueous electrolyte, the twelve-electron iodine electrode delivers a high specific capacity of 1200 mAh g−1 with good reversibility, corresponding to a high energy density of 1357 Wh kg−1. The proposed iodine electrode is substantially promising for the design of future high energy density aqueous batteries, as validated by the zinc-iodine full battery and the acid-alkaline decoupling battery.
Quaternization-spiro design of chlorine-resistant and high-permeance lithium separation membranes
Authors: Peng Huawen , Yu Kaicheng , Liu Xufei , Li Jiapeng , Hu Xiangguo , Zhao Qiang
Published: September 2023

Current polyamide lithium extraction nanofiltration membranes are susceptible to chlorine degradation and/or low permeance, two problems that are hard to reconcile. Here we simultaneously circumvented these problems by designing a quaternized-spiro piperazine monomer and translating its beneficial properties into large-area membranes (1 × 2 m2) via interfacial polymerization with trimesoyl chloride. The quaternary ammonium and spiral conformation of the monomer confer more positive charge and free volume to the membrane, leading to one of the highest permeance (~22 L m−2 h−1 bar−1) compared to the state-of-the-art Mg2+/Li+ nanofiltration membranes. Meanwhile, membrane structures are chlorine resistant as the amine–acyl bonding contains no sensitive N-H group. Thus the high performance of membrane is stable versus 400-h immersion in sodium hypochlorite, while control membranes degraded readily. Molecular simulations show that the high permeance and chlorine resistance, which were reproducible at the membrane module level, arise from the spiral conformation and secondary amine structures of the monomer.
Molecular architecture and electron transfer pathway of the Stn family transhydrogenase
Authors: Kumar Anuj , Kremp Florian , Roth Jennifer , Freibert Sven A. , Müller Volker , Schuller Jan M.
Published: September 2023

The challenge of endergonic reduction of NADP+ using NADH is overcome by ferredoxin-dependent transhydrogenases that employ electron bifurcation for electron carrier adjustments in the ancient Wood-Ljungdahl pathway. Recently, an electron-bifurcating transhydrogenase with subunit compositions distinct from the well-characterized Nfn-type transhydrogenase was described: the Stn complex. Here, we present the single-particle cryo-EM structure of the Stn family transhydrogenase from the acetogenic bacterium Sporomusa ovata and functionally dissect its electron transfer pathway. Stn forms a tetramer consisting of functional heterotrimeric StnABC complexes. Our findings demonstrate that the StnAB subunits assume the structural and functional role of a bifurcating module, homologous to the HydBC core of the electron-bifurcating HydABC complex. Moreover, StnC contains a NuoG-like domain and a GltD-like NADPH binding domain that resembles the NfnB subunit of the NfnAB complex. However, in contrast to NfnB, StnC lost the ability to bifurcate electrons. Structural comparison allows us to describe how the same fold on one hand evolved bifurcation activity on its own while on the other hand combined with an associated bifurcating module, exemplifying modular evolution in anaerobic metabolism to produce activities critical for survival at the thermodynamic limit of life.
Highly sensitive and broadband meta-mechanoreceptor via mechanical frequency-division multiplexing
Authors: Li Chong , Liao Xinxin , Peng Zhi-Ke , Meng Guang , He Qingbo
Published: September 2023

Bio-mechanoreceptors capable of micro-motion sensing have inspired mechanics-guided designs of micro-motion sensors in various fields. However, it remains a major challenge for mechanics-guided designs to simultaneously achieve high sensitivity and broadband sensing due to the nature of resonance effect. By mimicking rat vibrissae, here we report a metamaterial mechanoreceptor (MMR) comprised of piezoelectric resonators with distributed zero effective masses featuring a broad range of local resonances, leading to near-infinite sensitivity for micro-motion sensing within a broad bandwidth. We developed a mechanical frequency-division multiplexing mechanism for MMR, in which the measured micro-motion signal is mechanically modulated in non-overlapping frequency bands and reconstructed by a computational multi-channel demodulation approach. The maximum sensitivity of MMR is improved by two orders of magnitude compared to conventional mechanics-guided mechanoreceptors, and its bandwidth with high sensitivity is extendable towards both low-frequency and high-frequency ranges in 0–12 kHz through tuning the local resonance of each individual sensing cell. The MMR is a promising candidate for highly sensitive and broadband micro-motion sensing that was previously inaccessible for mechanics-guided mechanoreceptors, opening pathways towards spatio-temporal sensing, remote-vibration monitoring and smart-driving assistance.
Heterogeneity in M. tuberculosis β-lactamase inhibition by Sulbactam
Authors: Malla Tek Narsingh , Zielinski Kara , Aldama Luis , Bajt Sasa , Feliz Denisse , Hayes Brendon , Hunter Mark , Kupitz Christopher , Lisova Stella , Knoska Juraj , Martin-Garcia Jose Manuel , Mariani Valerio , Pandey Suraj , Poudyal Ishwor , Sierra Raymond G. , Tolstikova Alexandra , Yefanov Oleksandr , Yoon Chung Hong , Ourmazd Abbas , Fromme Petra , Schwander Peter , Barty Anton , Chapman Henry N. , Stojkovic Emina A. , Batyuk Alexander , Boutet Sébastien , Phillips George N. , Pollack Lois , Schmidt Marius
Published: September 2023

For decades, researchers have elucidated essential enzymatic functions on the atomic length scale by tracing atomic positions in real-time. Our work builds on possibilities unleashed by mix-and-inject serial crystallography (MISC) at X-ray free electron laser facilities. In this approach, enzymatic reactions are triggered by mixing substrate or ligand solutions with enzyme microcrystals. Here, we report in atomic detail (between 2.2 and 2.7 Å resolution) by room-temperature, time-resolved crystallography with millisecond time-resolution (with timepoints between 3 ms and 700 ms) how the Mycobacterium tuberculosis enzyme BlaC is inhibited by sulbactam (SUB). Our results reveal ligand binding heterogeneity, ligand gating, cooperativity, induced fit, and conformational selection all from the same set of MISC data, detailing how SUB approaches the catalytic clefts and binds to the enzyme noncovalently before reacting to a trans-enamine. This was made possible in part by the application of singular value decomposition to the MISC data using a program that remains functional even if unit cell parameters change up to 3 Å during the reaction.
Genomes of cultivated and wild Capsicum species provide insights into pepper domestication and population differentiation
Authors: Liu Feng , Zhao Jiantao , Sun Honghe , Xiong Cheng , Sun Xuepeng , Wang Xin , Wang Zhongyi , Jarret Robert , Wang Jin , Tang Bingqian , Xu Hao , Hu Bowen , Suo Huan , Yang Bozhi , Ou Lijun , Li Xuefeng , Zhou Shudong , Yang Sha , Liu Zhoubing , Yuan Fang , Pei Zhenming , Ma Yanqing , Dai Xiongze , Wu Shan , Fei Zhangjun , Zou Xuexiao
Published: September 2023

Pepper (Capsicum spp.) is one of the earliest cultivated crops and includes five domesticated species, C. annuum var. annuum, C. chinense, C. frutescens, C. baccatum var. pendulum and C. pubescens. Here, we report a pepper graph pan-genome and a genome variation map of 500 accessions from the five domesticated Capsicum species and close wild relatives. We identify highly differentiated genomic regions among the domesticated peppers that underlie their natural variations in flowering time, characteristic flavors, and unique resistances to biotic and abiotic stresses. Domestication sweeps detected in C. annuum var. annuum and C. baccatum var. pendulum are mostly different, and the common domestication traits, including fruit size, shape and pungency, are achieved mainly through the selection of distinct genomic regions between these two cultivated species. Introgressions from C. baccatum into C. chinense and C. frutescens are detected, including those providing genetic sources for various biotic and abiotic stress tolerances.
The master energy homeostasis regulator PGC-1α exhibits an mRNA nuclear export function
Authors: Mihaylov Simeon R. , Castelli Lydia M. , Lin Ya-Hui , Gül Aytac , Soni Nikita , Hastings Christopher , Flynn Helen R. , Păun Oana , Dickman Mark J. , Snijders Ambrosius P. , Goldstone Robert , Bandmann Oliver , Shelkovnikova Tatyana A. , Mortiboys Heather , Ultanir Sila K. , Hautbergue Guillaume M.
Published: September 2023

PGC-1α plays a central role in maintaining mitochondrial and energy metabolism homeostasis, linking external stimuli to transcriptional co-activation of genes involved in adaptive and age-related pathways. The carboxyl-terminus encodes a serine/arginine-rich (RS) region and an RNA recognition motif, however the RNA-processing function(s) were poorly investigated over the past 20 years. Here, we show that the RS domain of human PGC-1α directly interacts with RNA and the nuclear RNA export receptor NXF1. Inducible depletion of PGC-1α and expression of RNAi-resistant RS-deleted PGC-1α further demonstrate that its RNA/NXF1-binding activity is required for the nuclear export of some canonical mitochondrial-related mRNAs and mitochondrial homeostasis. Genome-wide investigations reveal that the nuclear export function is not strictly linked to promoter-binding, identifying in turn novel regulatory targets of PGC-1α in non-homologous end-joining and nucleocytoplasmic transport. These findings provide new directions to further elucidate the roles of PGC-1α in gene expression, metabolic disorders, aging and neurodegeneration.
Machine learning-based anomaly detection of groundwater microdynamics: case study of Chengdu, China
Authors: Shi Haoxin , Guo Jian , Deng Yuandong , Qin Zixuan
Published: September 2023

Detection of subsurface hydrodynamic anomalies plays a significant role in groundwater resource management and environmental monitoring. In this paper, based on data from the groundwater level, atmospheric pressure, and precipitation in the Chengdu area of China, a method for detecting outliers considering the factors affecting groundwater levels is proposed. By analyzing the factors affecting groundwater levels in the monitoring site and eliminating them, simplified groundwater data is obtained. Applying sl-Pauta (self-learning-based Pauta), iForest (Isolated Forest), OCSVM (One-Class SVM), and KNN to synthetic data with known outliers, testing and evaluating the effectiveness of 4 technologies. Finally, the four methods are applied to the detection of outliers in simplified groundwater levels. The results show that in the detection of outliers in synthesized data, the OCSVM method has the best detection performance, with a precision rate of 88.89%, a recall rate of 91.43%, an F1 score of 90.14%, and an AUC value of 95.66%. In the detection of outliers in simplified groundwater levels, a qualitative analysis of the displacement data within the field of view indicates that the outlier detection performance of iForest and OCSVM is better than that of KNN. The proposed method for considering the factors affecting groundwater levels can improve the efficiency and accuracy of detecting outliers in groundwater level data.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the SIRT1 response to exercise
Authors: Juan Ciara Gallardo , Matchett Kyle B. , Davison Gareth W.
Published: September 2023

Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is a key physiological regulator of metabolism and a target of therapeutic interventions for cardiometabolic and ageing-related disorders. Determining the factors and possible mechanisms of acute and adaptive SIRT1 response to exercise is essential for optimising exercise interventions aligned to the prevention and onset of disease. Exercise-induced SIRT1 upregulation has been reported in animals, but, to date, data in humans have been inconsistent. This exploratory systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess various exercise interventions measuring SIRT1 in healthy participants. A total of 34 studies were included in the meta-analysis (13 single bout exercise, 21 training interventions). Studies were grouped according to tissue sample type (blood, muscle), biomarkers (gene expression, protein content, enzyme level, enzyme activity), and exercise protocols. A single bout of high-intensity or fasted exercise per se increases skeletal muscle SIRT1 gene expression as measured by qPCR or RT-PCR, while repeated resistance training alone increases blood SIRT1 levels measured by ELISA. A limited number of studies also show a propensity for an increase in muscle SIRT1 activity as measured by fluorometric or sirtuin activity assay. In conclusion, exercise acutely upregulates muscle SIRT1 gene expression and chronically increases SIRT1 blood enzyme levels.
Spontaneous degradation of methylene blue adsorbed on magnetic biochars
Authors: Zubrik Anton , Jáger Dávid , Mačingová Eva , Matik Marek , Hredzák Slavomír
Published: September 2023

Methylene blue (MB) is one of the most widely studied organic molecules in the treatment of wastewater. Sorption, biodegradation, photodegradation, electrochemical oxidation, ozonation, and other advanced oxidative processes are frequently used to remove this dye from water solutions. The unexpected degradation of MB adsorbed on magnetic biochar from aqueous solution was observed. We found that the conditions of handling, such as drying temperature and storage period, substantially influenced the stability of the dye fixed on the (magnetic) carbon adsorbents. Twelve substances were identified by mass spectrometry as products of decomposition, mostly demethylated, oxidated, and hydroxylated substances. The decomposition of MB was further investigated using non-magnetic carbon biochars and aluminosilicate mineral zeolite. Our findings of the spontaneous decomposition of MB and the identification of the species of degradation offer a new approach to evaluate the mechanism of adsorption, the process of regeneration, and the toxicity of treated solutions.
Integrated system architecture with mixed-reality user interface for virtual-physical hybrid swarm simulations
Authors: Zheng Chuanqi , Jarecki Annalisa , Lee Kiju
Published: September 2023

This paper introduces a hybrid robotic swarm system architecture that combines virtual and physical components and enables human–swarm interaction through mixed reality (MR) devices. The system comprises three main modules: (1) the virtual module, which simulates robotic agents, (2) the physical module, consisting of real robotic agents, and (3) the user interface (UI) module. To facilitate communication between the modules, the UI module connects with the virtual module using Photon Network and with the physical module through the Robot Operating System (ROS) bridge. Additionally, the virtual and physical modules communicate via the ROS bridge. The virtual and physical agents form a hybrid swarm by integrating these three modules. The human–swarm interface based on MR technology enables one or multiple human users to interact with the swarm in various ways. Users can create and assign tasks, monitor real-time swarm status and activities, or control and interact with specific robotic agents. To validate the system-level integration and embedded swarm functions, two experimental demonstrations were conducted: (a) two users playing planner and observer roles, assigning five tasks for the swarm to allocate the tasks autonomously and execute them, and (b) a single user interacting with the hybrid swarm consisting of two physical agents and 170 virtual agents by creating and assigning a task list and then controlling one of the physical robots to complete a target identification mission.
Fabrication and errors in the bibliographic citations generated by ChatGPT
Authors: Walters William H. , Wilder Esther Isabelle
Published: September 2023

Although chatbots such as ChatGPT can facilitate cost-effective text generation and editing, factually incorrect responses (hallucinations) limit their utility. This study evaluates one particular type of hallucination: fabricated bibliographic citations that do not represent actual scholarly works. We used ChatGPT-3.5 and ChatGPT-4 to produce short literature reviews on 42 multidisciplinary topics, compiling data on the 636 bibliographic citations (references) found in the 84 papers. We then searched multiple databases and websites to determine the prevalence of fabricated citations, to identify errors in the citations to non-fabricated papers, and to evaluate adherence to APA citation format. Within this set of documents, 55% of the GPT-3.5 citations but just 18% of the GPT-4 citations are fabricated. Likewise, 43% of the real (non-fabricated) GPT-3.5 citations but just 24% of the real GPT-4 citations include substantive citation errors. Although GPT-4 is a major improvement over GPT-3.5, problems remain.
Feasibility of aquaculture cultivation of elkhorn sea moss (Kappaphycus alvarezii) in a horizontal long line in the Tropical Eastern Pacific
Authors: Montúfar-Romero Milton , Rincones-León Raúl E. , Cáceres-Farias Lorena Belén , Espinoza-Vera María Mercedes , Avendaño Ulises , Cruz-Jaime Teodoro , Cubillos Luis , Ruiz Walter , Revelo Willan , Lodeiros César , Alfaro-Núñez Alonzo , Cáceres-Farias Lenin
Published: September 2023

Seaweed aquaculture has become a profitable and an attractive alternative of cultivation thanks to its quick biomass production for food, feed, and other non-food applications. In addition, the ecosystem services generated by seaweed cultivation towards carbon fixation represents a more sustainable solution to the ocean’s acidification. The growth of elkhorn sea moss (Kappaphycus alvarezii) was evaluated in three plots with 200 propagules during a period of 70 days in a floating raft system covered by a fishing net underneath. Initial weight of propagules was 159.3 ± 12.74 g in wet biomass and 15.3 ± 1.43 g in dry biomass and were sampled up to 19 days (in the lag growth phase; period I), up to 33 days (in the exponential growth phase; period II) and up to 70 days (in the stationarity growth phase; period III). The variations of sea surface water temperature, salinity, turbidity (Secchi depth), total ammonium, nitrites, nitrates, and phosphate were determined. The growth increase was more evident in the exponential phase II when a dry biomass of 28.0 ± 2.48 (1153.3 ± 6.25 g in wet mass) was reached, more than 7 times the biomass of propagules with an average daily growth rate of 15.2% g.day–1. The carrying capacity of the zone was estimated at 86.2% in the area where 53 cultivation units would be projected. The economic analysis presented a financial feasibility with a net profit of 19% over the projected income and an IRR of 16.5%, recovering the investment in an estimated period of 4.3 years. We recommend to continue with larger-scale studies to optimize the cultivation of K. alvarezii in the study area.
Sperm motility assessed by deep convolutional neural networks into WHO categories
Authors: Haugen Trine B. , Witczak Oliwia , Hicks Steven A. , Björndahl Lars , Andersen Jorunn M. , Riegler Michael A.
Published: September 2023

Semen analysis is central in infertility investigation. Manual assessment of sperm motility according to the WHO recommendations is the golden standard, and extensive training is a requirement for accurate and reproducible results. Deep convolutional neural networks (DCNN) are especially suitable for image classification. In this study, we evaluated the performance of the DCNN ResNet-50 in predicting the proportion of sperm in the WHO motility categories. Two models were evaluated using tenfold cross-validation with 65 video recordings of wet semen preparations from an external quality assessment programme for semen analysis. The corresponding manually assessed data was obtained from several of the reference laboratories, and the mean values were used for training of the DCNN models. One model was trained to predict the three categories progressive motility, non-progressive motility, and immotile spermatozoa. Another model was used in predicting four categories, where progressive motility was differentiated into rapid and slow. The resulting average mean absolute error (MAE) was 0.05 and 0.07, and the average ZeroR baseline was 0.09 and 0.10 for the three-category and the four-category model, respectively. Manual and DCNN-predicted motility was compared by Pearson’s correlation coefficient and by difference plots. The strongest correlation between the mean manually assessed values and DCNN-predicted motility was observed for % progressively motile spermatozoa (Pearson’s r = 0.88, p < 0.001) and % immotile spermatozoa (r = 0.89, p < 0.001). For rapid progressive motility, the correlation was moderate (Pearson’s r = 0.673, p < 0.001). The median difference between manual and predicted progressive motility was 0 and 2 for immotile spermatozoa. The largest bias was observed at high and low percentages of progressive and immotile spermatozoa. The DCNN-predicted value was within the range of the interlaboratory variation of the results for most of the samples. In conclusion, DCNN models were able to predict the proportion of spermatozoa into the WHO motility categories with significantly lower error than the baseline. The best correlation between the manual and the DCNN-predicted motility values was found for the categories progressive and immotile. Of note, there was considerable variation between the mean motility values obtained for each category by the reference laboratories, especially for rapid progressive motility, which impacts the training of the DCNN models.
Development and in-vivo validation of a portable phosphorescence lifetime-based fiber-optic oxygen sensor
Authors: Witthauer Lilian , Roussakis Emmanuel , Cascales Juan Pedro , Goss Avery , Li Xiaolei , Cralley Alexis , Yoeli Dor , Moore Hunter B. , Wang Zhaohui , Wang Yong , Li Bing , Huang Christene A. , Moore Ernest E. , Evans Conor L.
Published: September 2023

Oxygenation is a crucial indicator of tissue viability and function. Oxygen tension ($$\hbox {pO}_2$$

pO
2

), i.e. the amount of molecular oxygen present in the tissue is a direct result of supply (perfusion) and consumption. Thus, measurement of $$\hbox {pO}_{{2}}$$

pO
2

is an effective method to monitor tissue viability. However, tissue oximetry sensors commonly used in clinical practice instead rely on measuring oxygen saturation ($$\hbox {StO}_2$$

StO
2

), largely due to the lack of reliable, affordable $$\hbox {pO}_2$$

pO
2

sensing solutions. To address this issue we present a proof-of-concept design and validation of a low-cost, lifetime-based oxygen sensing fiber. The sensor consists of readily-available off-the shelf components such as a microcontroller, a light-emitting diode (LED), an avalanche photodiode (APD), a temperature sensor, as well as a bright in-house developed porphyrin molecule. The device was calibrated using a benchtop setup and evaluated in three in vivo animal models. Our findings show that the new device design in combination with the bright porphyrin has the potential to be a useful and accurate tool for measuring $$\hbox {pO}_2$$

pO
2

in tissue, while also highlighting some of the limitations and challenges of oxygen measurements in this context.
Sustainable mining of natural vein graphite via acid-extraction from waste attached to rock pieces of vein banks
Authors: Medagedara Asiri D. T. , Dahanayake Poornima , Pitawala Herath Mudiyanselage T. G. A. , Karunarathne Buddika , De Silva K. Kanishka H. , Yoshimura Masamichi , Walikannage Kosala P. , Bandara Thennakoon Mudiyanselage W. J. , Rajapakse Rajapakse Mudiyanselage G. , Kumara Gamaralalage R. A.
Published: September 2023

A procedure based on acid extraction using a mixture of conc. sulfuric and nitric acids (8:1) to recover graphite attached to rock pieces of the vein contact zones of graphite mines, is developed as a sustainable mining practice. When the extracted graphite is heated at 600 °C for 15 min, it is converted to a highly expanded form resembling worm-like structures. The unique properties of this graphite and expanded graphite are presented by characterizing using FT-IR, Raman, SEM–EDX and XRD. This expanded graphite has the oil absorption capacity of 120 g of oil per 1 g of expanded graphite, making it the material so far known to have the highest oil absorption capacity. For comparison purpose, properties of ball-milled graphite powder which was obtained from the middle of the vein is prepared and characterized. However, the ball-milled graphite does not expand upon heat-treatment at 600 °C for 15 min. The acid-extracted graphite (AEG) has lower purity than that of ball-milled graphite (BMG), but heat-treatment increases the purity of the AEG while BMG shows opposite results. The purity of AEG has increased considerably upon heat-treatment by lowering the O wt% (weight percentage) by 6.07% to half of its original value while increasing C wt% by 8.05%. On the contrary, the C wt% of BMG has decreased by 3.71% and O wt% increased by 3.84%. The increase of purity upon heat treatment of AEG is due to the removal of some carbon and sulfur impurities as their volatile oxides. The ball-milled graphite absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere when heat-treated at 600 °C. As such, the ball-milled graphite powder can be used to extract carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The crystallite size of AEG is 1.25 times larger than that of BMG and it has been increased by 8 and 2.9 times, respectively, upon heat-treatment at 600 °C for 15 min. This is a clear evidence to expanded nature of AEG compared to BMG.
Are sex and gender considered in head and neck cancer clinical studies?
Authors: Gaeta Aurora , Tagliabue Marta , D’Ecclesiis Oriana , Ghiani Lavinia , Maugeri Paolo , De Berardinis Rita , Veneri Camilla , Gaiaschi Camilla , Cacace Marina , D’Andrea Luciano , Ansarin Mohssen , Gandini Sara , Chiocca Susanna
Published: September 2023

We analyzed the inclusion of sex and/or gender (S/G) in Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) clinical studies, through inspecting ClinicalTrials.gov (AACT) and the mention of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) on a specific subgroup, namely oral cavity, larynx and oropharynx. Only 5% of HNC studies mention S/G as a planned analytical variable. Proportionally more observational studies treated S/G as an analytical variable than interventional studies (10% vs 5%, P-value ≤ 0.001), 8% of studies that mentioned S/G involved more than 100 subjects while 4% less than 100 (P-value ≤ 0.001). In randomized protocols, S/G was mentioned more in studies with a planned sample of more than 100 patients and including HPV status (P-value < 0.05). Small controlled studies have lower mention of S/G as an analytical variable than uncontrolled studies (4% and 10%, respectively among studies with less than 100 subjects). Significantly greater mention of S/G as an analytical variable is observed in controlled and randomized studies with a sample size greater than 100 subjects. HPV was mentioned in only 18% of oral cavity-larynx-oropharynx studies. Interventional studies do not regularly account for S/G during HNC study design. Thus, although fundamental, in studies concerning HNC the S/G variable is often not considered. In trials published in scientific journals (P-value = 0.01) and in more recent clinical trials (P-value = 0.002), S/G is taken more into account suggesting an increasing awareness on its importance. However, the need to systematically include S/G in study design clearly emerges, to better highlight sex-related differences in disease incidence and prognosis and best imbue science and medicine with the proper biological and cultural differences.
Principles for transformative ocean governance
Authors: Lombard Amanda T. , Clifford-Holmes Jai , Goodall Victoria , Snow Bernadette , Truter Hannah , Vrancken Patrick , Jones Peter J. S. , Cochrane Kevern , Flannery Wesley , Hicks Christina , Gipperth Lena , Allison Edward H. , Diz Daniela , Peters Kimberley , Erinosho Bolanle , Levin Phillip , Holthus Paul , Szephegyi María Nube , Awad Adnan , Golo Harrison , Morgera Elisa
Published: September 2023

With a focus on oceans, we collaborated across ecological, social and legal disciplines to respond to the United Nations call for transformation in the ‘2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’. We developed a set of 13 principles that strategically and critically connect transformative ocean research to transformative ocean governance (complementing the UN Decade for Ocean Science). We used a rigorous, iterative and transparent consensus-building approach to define the principles, which can interact in supporting, neutral or sometimes conflicting ways. We recommend that the principles could be applied as a comprehensive set and discuss how to learn from their interactions, particularly those that reveal hidden tensions. The principles can bring and keep together partnerships for innovative ocean action. This action must respond to the many calls to reform current ocean-use practices which are based on economic growth models that have perpetuated inequities and fuelled conflict and environmental decline.
High quality de novo genome assembly of the non-conventional yeast Kazachstania bulderi describes a potential low pH production host for biorefineries
Authors: Balarezo-Cisneros Laura N. , Timouma Soukaina , Hanak Alistair , Currin Andrew , Valle Fernando , Delneri Daniela
Published: September 2023

Kazachstania bulderi is a non-conventional yeast species able to grow efficiently on glucose and δ-gluconolactone at low pH. These unique traits make K. bulderi an ideal candidate for use in sustainable biotechnology processes including low pH fermentations and the production of green chemicals including organic acids. To accelerate strain development with this species, detailed information of its genetics is needed. Here, by employing long read sequencing we report a high-quality phased genome assembly for three strains of K. bulderi species, including the type strain. The sequences were assembled into 12 chromosomes with a total length of 14 Mb, and the genome was fully annotated at structural and functional levels, including allelic and structural variants, ribosomal array and mating type locus. This high-quality reference genome provides a resource to advance our fundamental knowledge of biotechnologically relevant non-conventional yeasts and to support the development of genetic tools for manipulating such strains towards their use as production hosts in biotechnological processes.
Persister cell phenotypes contribute to poor patient outcomes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in PDAC
Authors: Zhou Xu , An Jingyu , Kurilov Roma , Brors Benedikt , Hu Kai , Peccerella Teresa , Roessler Stephanie , Pfütze Katrin , Schulz Angela , Wolf Stephan , Hohmann Nicolas , Theile Dirk , Sauter Max , Burhenne Jürgen , Ei Shigenori , Heger Ulrike , Strobel Oliver , Barry Simon T. , Springfeld Christoph , Tjaden Christine , Bergmann Frank , Büchler Markus , Hackert Thilo , Fortunato Franco , Neoptolemos John P. , Bailey Peter
Published: September 2023

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy can improve the survival of individuals with borderline and unresectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma; however, heterogeneous responses to chemotherapy remain a significant clinical challenge. Here, we performed RNA sequencing (n = 97) and multiplexed immunofluorescence (n = 122) on chemo-naive and postchemotherapy (post-CTX) resected patient samples (chemoradiotherapy excluded) to define the impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Transcriptome analysis combined with high-resolution mapping of whole-tissue sections identified GATA6 (classical), KRT17 (basal-like) and cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) coexpressing cells that were preferentially enriched in post-CTX resected samples. The persistence of GATA6hi and KRT17hi cells post-CTX was significantly associated with poor survival after mFOLFIRINOX (mFFX), but not gemcitabine (GEM), treatment. Analysis of organoid models derived from chemo-naive and post-CTX samples demonstrated that CYP3A expression is a predictor of chemotherapy response and that CYP3A-expressing drug detoxification pathways can metabolize the prodrug irinotecan, a constituent of mFFX. These findings identify CYP3A-expressing drug-tolerant cell phenotypes in residual disease that may ultimately inform adjuvant treatment selection.
The land and sea routes to 2030: a call for greater attention on all small islands in global environmental policy
Authors: Ortiz Andrea Monica D. , Jamero Ma. Laurice , Crespin Silvio Javier , Smith Ramirez Cecilia , Matias Denise Margaret S. , Reyes Jameela Joy , Pauchard Aníbal , La Viña Antonio G. M.
Published: September 2023

Islands have unique vulnerabilities to biodiversity loss and climate change. Current Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement are insufficient to avoid the irreversible loss of critical island ecosystems. Existing research, policies, and finance also do not sufficiently address small islands’ social-environmental challenges. For instance, the new Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) mentions islands in the invasive species management target. This focus is important, as islands are at high risk to biological invasions; however, this is the only GBF target that mentions islands. There are threats of equal or greater urgency to small islands, including coastal hazards and overexploitation. Ecosystems such as coral reefs and mangroves are crucial for biodiversity, coastal protection, and human livelihoods, yet are unaddressed in the GBF. While research and global policy, including targeted financial flows, have a strong focus on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the situation of other small islands has been largely overlooked. Here, through a review of policy developments and examples from islands in the Philippines and Chile, we urge that conservation and climate change policies place greater emphasis on acknowledging the diversity of small islands and their unique governance challenges, extending the focus beyond SIDS. Moving forward, global policy and research should include the recognition of small islands as metacommunities linked by interacting species and social-ecological systems to emphasize their connectivity rather than their isolation. Coalition-building and knowledge-sharing, particularly with local, Indigenous and traditional knowledge-holders from small islands, is needed to meet global goals on biodiversity and sustainable development by 2030.
Phosphating core–shell graphdiyne/CuI/Cu3P S-scheme heterojunction confirmed with in situ XPS characterization for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: He Jie , Miao Xinyu , Wu Youlin , Jin Zhiliang
Published: September 2023

The core–shell encapsulated ternary catalyst graphdiyne/CuI/Cu3P was obtained by phosphating the CuI on the outer surface to Cu3P, substantially improving its hydrogen evolution efficiency.
An ultra-low Pt metal nitride electrocatalyst for sustainable seawater hydrogen production
Authors: Hu Huashuai , Zhang Zhaorui , Zhang Yaowen , Thomas Tiju , Du Haiying , Huang Keke , Attfield J. Paul , Yang Minghui
Published: September 2023

An efficient and robust metal nitride electrocatalyst with the best performance to date for high throughput hydrogen production from seawater.
Emerging on-chip microcells in electrocatalysis: functions of window and circuit
Authors: Wang Jinbo , Qiu Mengyi , Jiang Yubin , Xia Hang , An Xiuyun , Wang Shuangyin , He Yongmin
Published: September 2023

We discuss current achievements on two basic functions: window and circuit; the former focuses on the active sites, e.g., site identification and monitoring; the latter highlights circuit characteristics, e.g., electrical-field modulation, contact engineering, and in situ conductance.
Mangiferin alleviates trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO)-induced atherogenesis and modulates gut microbiota in mice
Authors: He Zouyan , Zhu Hanyue , Liu Jianhui , Kwek Erika , Ma Ka Ying , Chen Zhen-Yu
Published: September 2023

Mangiferin effectively alleviated TMAO-induced atherosclerosis through its cholesterol-lowering, anti-inflammatory, and gut microbial modulatory activities in mice on a high-choline diet.
The effects of double-site yttria-doping on the structures and dielectric properties of (Ca,Sr)z(Zr,Ti)O3−δ perovskite ceramics
Authors: Chen Ying , Pang Qingyang , Wang Genshui , Zhang Zhaoquan , Zhu Chenxi , Li Xin , Wu Liangcai , Song Zhitang
Published: September 2023

Double-site yttria-doped (Ca,Sr)z(Zr,Ti)O3−δ (CSZTY) ceramics were synthesized using the solid-state reaction method.
One-pot green bio-assisted synthesis of highly active catalytic palladium nanoparticles in porcine gastric mucin for environmental applications
Authors: Nudelman Roman , Zuarets Shir , Lev Meiron , Gavriely Shira , Meshi Louisa , Zucker Ines , Richter Shachar
Published: September 2023

Palladium nanoparticles were synthesized using one-pot synthesis utilizing porcine gastric mucin glycoproteins as reducing and capping agents. These were further utilized as efficient catalysts.
Atomic-scale study of TiO2-GR nanohybrid formation by ALD: the effect of the gas phase precursor
Authors: Rodríguez-Hueso Jonathan E. , Borbón-Nuñez H. A. , Ponce-Pérez R. , Hoat D. M. , Takeuchi N. , Tiznado H. , Guerrero-Sánchez Jonathan
Published: September 2023

In the present work, we report on a theoretical-computational study of the growth mechanism of the TiO2-Graphene nanohybrid by atomic layer deposition.
Immunochromatographic enhancement strategy for SARS-CoV-2 detection based on nanotechnology
Authors: Sun Qingwen , Ning Qihong , Li Tangan , Jiang Qixia , Feng Shaoqing , Tang Ning , Cui Daxiang , Wang Kan
Published: September 2023

This review summarizes new methods for improving the sensitivity of immunochromatographic SARS-CoV-2 detection based on nanotechnology.
Synthesis and characterization of a ruthenium-containing copolymer for use as a photoredox catalyst
Authors: Huss Steven , Walsh Andrew R. , Griggs Anna , Rodriguez-Acevedo Diego Alejandro , Arias-Rotondo Daniela M. , Elacqua Elizabeth
Published: September 2023

We present a [Ru(bpy)2(dmbpy)]2+- and pyrene-based photocatalytic PMMA that enables photoredox-energy transfer to achieve the C–H arylation of electron deficient aryl bromides.
Preparation of different conjugated polymers characterized by complementary electronic properties from an identical precursor
Authors: Carlotti Marco , Losi Tommaso , De Boni Francesco , Vivaldi Federico Maria , Araya-Hermosilla Esteban , Prato Mirko , Pucci Andrea , Caironi Mario , Mattoli Virgilio
Published: September 2023

A novel class of multipotent precursors is introduced that allows the in situ preparation of different conjugated polymers characterized by complementary electronic characteristics from the same precursor upon different treatments.
Emerging porous materials for carbon dioxide adsorptive capture: progress and challenges
Authors: Pan Hanqian , Yu Cong , Suo Xian , Yang Lifeng , Cui Xili , Xing Huabin
Published: September 2023

The applications of porous adsorbents with tailored pore microenvironment and functionality for CO2 capture under important scenarios such as flue streams, biogas and direct air capture and efficient regeneration technologies are demonstrated.
Fused-ring electron acceptors with a macrocyclic side chain
Authors: Nie Guangan , An Tai , Meng Xianyi , Chen Jiangzhao , Zhang Xiaoliang , Cao Jiamin , Xiao Zuo , Ding Liming
Published: September 2023

Fused-ring electron acceptors featuring a macrocyclic side chain were synthesized and afforded power conversion efficiencies up to 14.68% in organic solar cells.
Engineering of antimicrobial peptide fibrils with feedback degradation of bacterial-secreted enzymes
Authors: Wang Fenghua , Xia Wencheng , Zhang Mingming , Wu Rongrong , Song Xiaolu , Hao Yun , Feng Yonghai , Zhang Liwei , Li Dan , Kang Wenyan , Liu Cong , Liu Lei
Published: September 2023

Peptides can self-assemble into antimicrobial fibrils that can be degraded by the enzyme secreted from bacteria.