bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resistance and the delivery of healthcare in Australian immigration detention centres
Authors: Essex Ryan , Dudley Michael
Published: October 2023

There are few issues that have been as vexing for the Australian healthcare community as the Australian governments policy of mandatory, indefinite, immigration detention. While many concepts have been used to begin to describe the many dilemmas faced by healthcare professionals and their resolution, they are limited, perhaps most fundamentally by the fact that immigration detention is antithetical to health and wellbeing. Furthermore, and while most advice recognises that the abolition of detention is the only option in overcoming these issues, it provides little guidance on how action within detention could contribute to this. Drawing on the work of political theorists and the broader sociological literature, we will introduce and apply a form of action that has not yet been considered for healthcare workers within detention, resistance. We will draw on several examples from the literature to show how everyday resistance could be enacted in healthcare and immigration detention settings. We argue that the concept of resistance has several conceptual and practical advantages over much existing guidance for healthcare workers in these environments, namely that it politicises care and has synergies with other efforts aimed at the abolition of detention. We also offer some reflections on the justifiability of such action, arguing that it is largely consistent with the existing guidance produced by all major healthcare bodies in Australia.
Body weight variation is not an independent factor in the determination of functional hypothalamic amenorrhea in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Cacciatore C. , Cangiano B. , Carbone E. , Spagnoli S. , Cid Ramirez M. P. , Polli N. , Bonomi M. , Persani L.
Published: October 2023

Objective

Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) is one of the foremost manifestations in anorexia nervosa (AN), but a subset of patients have menses despite marked weight loss and underweight. The aim of our study was to investigate parameters potentially influencing FHA in AN.

Design and methods

In this observational retrospective study, we selected 114 female patients with AN who completed a 12 months semi-residential rehabilitation program and a subsequent 12 months outpatient follow-up. We divided our sample into three groups: “Group 0” patients who experienced FHA and recovered their menses, “Group 1” persistent FHA, “Group 2” never experienced FHA, and looked for clinical and hormonal correlations.

Results

At the enrollment, the BMI was higher in Group 2 than in Group 1 (p = 0.0202), but the last follow-up weight was higher in Group 1 (p < 0.0001) despite persistent amenorrhea. At logistic regression, the higher BMI at which patients experienced amenorrhea was the main prediction factor for persistent FHA. Notwithstanding comparable leptin levels at admission, they improved significantly at discharge only in Groups 0 and 2 (p = 0.0054 and p = 0.0104, respectively). FT3 at admission was significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 0 (p = 0.0249).

Conclusions

FHA does not correlate strictly with body weight variations in AN patients, indicating a multifactorial origin, likely including an individual predisposition. Higher FT3 levels identify patients who continue having menses at extremely low BMI. AN patients with persistent FHA constitute a subgroup in whom estroprogestins should be considered after significant weight recovery to prevent prolonged tissue hypoestrogenism.
Assist-as-needed control with a soft robotic glove based on human-object contact estimation
Authors: Sun Chi , Wang Xianhe , Teng Long , Zhang Zhijun , Tang Chak Yin
Published: October 2023

Assist-as-needed control with a soft robotic hand glove for active rehabilitation is studied in this work. There are two resources of the grasping force, the robotic glove and the subject. Compared with traditional passive rehabilitation where the grasping force is merely provided by a robotic hand rehabilitation device (such as hand exoskeleton, robotic glove), assist-as-needed control accounts for the user contribute to performing grasping tasks collaboratively. In this control method, the human muscle strength for grasping is estimated through the myoelectrical signals of the human forearm collected by the MYO armband. A neural network is used for the recognition of human-object contact estimation. The assist-as-needed control is finally implemented to assist humans in grasping tasks. Experiment results on a soft robotic glove show the effectiveness of the proposed assistive control method.
Optimizing pharmacotherapy and deprescribing strategies in older adults living with multimorbidity and polypharmacy: EuGMS SIG on pharmacology position paper
Authors: van Poelgeest Eveline , Seppala Lotta , Bahat Gülistan , Ilhan Birkan , Mair Alpana , van Marum Rob , Onder Graziano , Ryg Jesper , Fernandes Marília Andreia , Cherubini Antonio , Denkinger Michael , Eidam Annette , Egberts Angelique , Gudmundsson Aðalsteinn , Koçak Fatma Özge Kayhan , Soulis George , Tournoy Jos , Masud Tahir , Wehling Martin , van der Velde Nathalie ,   the EuGMS SIG Pharmacology
Published: October 2023

Inappropriate polypharmacy is highly prevalent among older adults and presents a significant healthcare concern. Conducting medication reviews and implementing deprescribing strategies in multimorbid older adults with polypharmacy are an inherently complex and challenging task. Recognizing this, the Special Interest Group on Pharmacology of the European Geriatric Medicine Society has compiled evidence on medication review and deprescribing in older adults and has formulated recommendations to enhance appropriate prescribing practices. The current evidence supports the need for a comprehensive and widespread transformation in education, guidelines, research, advocacy, and policy to improve the management of polypharmacy in older individuals. Furthermore, incorporating deprescribing as a routine aspect of care for the ageing population is crucial. We emphasize the importance of involving geriatricians and experts in geriatric pharmacology in driving, and actively participating in this transformative process. By doing so, we can work towards achieving optimal medication use and enhancing the well-being of older adults in the generations to come.
Idealist Panpsychism and Spacetime Structure
Authors: ALEKSIEV DAMIAN
Published: October 2023

This paper presents a novel argument against one theoretically attractive form of panpsychism. I argue that ‘idealist panpsychism’ is false because it cannot account for spacetime's structure. Idealist panpsychists posit that fundamental reality is purely experiential. Moreover, they posit that consciousness at the fundamental level metaphysically grounds and explains both the facts of physics and the facts of human consciousness. I argue that if idealist panpsychism is true, human consciousness and consciousness at the fundamental level will have the same metrical structure. However, as I demonstrate, human consciousness does not exhibit the same metrical structure as spacetime. Consequently, the idealist panpsychist faces an explanatory gap between the fundamental consciousness she posits and spacetime. Idealist panpsychism is incompatible with the existence of such an explanatory gap. Thus, idealist panpsychists must either close this explanatory gap (which I argue they lack the resources to do), or idealist panpsychism is false.
The speedup of Pine Island Ice Shelf between 2017 and 2020: revaluating the importance of ice damage
Authors: Sun Sainan , Gudmundsson G. Hilmar
Published: October 2023

From 2017 to 2020, three significant calving events took place on Pine Island Glacier, West Antarctica. Ice-shelf velocities changed over this period and the calving events have been suggested as possible drivers. However, satellite observations also show significant changes in the areal extent of fracture zones, especially in the marginal areas responsible for providing lateral support to the ice shelf. Here, we conduct a model study to identify and quantify drivers of recent ice-flow changes of the Pine Island Ice Shelf. In agreement with recent studies, we find that the calving events caused significant velocity changes over the ice shelf. However, calving alone cannot explain observed velocity changes. Changes in the structural rigidity, i.e. ice damage, further significantly impacted ice flow. We suggest that ice damage evolution of the ice-shelf margins may have influenced recent calving events, and these two processes are linked.
Segregation and the Spatial Externalities of Inequality: A Theory of Interdependence and Public Goods in Cities
Authors: XU ALICE Z.
Published: October 2023

Conventional wisdom claims that racial diversity undermines public goods provision. I show that class-based differences, instead, incentivize cooperation for public goods. Class-based segregation reduces spatial externalities of inequality (e.g., sewage pollution and crime) spilling over from impoverished areas (e.g., slums) to the middle class. Conversely, I argue that in integrated (de-segregated) cities, the scale of such externalities undermines the efficacy of private services (e.g., private security), thereby inducing middle-class preferences for externalities-correcting public goods. Thus, while segregation polarizes preferences, integration aligns the middle class with the poor in coalitions that support public goods over private alternatives. I illustrate the theory using focus groups, a proposed quasi-experimental strategy, and an original face-to-face survey of 4,208 households across 420 neighborhoods in São Paulo, Brazil. The analysis introduces self-interest in reducing intergroup externalities as a mechanism for cooperation for public goods even in diverse societies. Using mechanism vignettes, I distinguish the mechanism from the affective attitudes—racial tolerance, social affinity—of intergroup contact.
Representation from Below: How Women’s Grassroots Party Activism Promotes Equal Political Participation
Authors: GOYAL TANUSHREE
Published: October 2023

Extensive research investigates the impact of descriptive representation on women’s political participation; yet, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This article develops a novel theory of descriptive representation, arguing that women politicians mobilize women’s political participation by recruiting women as grassroots party activists. Evidence from a citizen survey and the natural experiment of gender quotas in India confirm that women politicians are more likely to recruit women party activists, and citizens report greater contact with them in reserved constituencies during elections. Furthermore, with women party activists at the helm, electoral campaigns are more likely to contact women, and activist contact is positively associated with political knowledge and participation. Evidence from representative surveys of politicians and party activists and fieldwork in campaigns, further support the theory. The findings highlight the pivotal role of women’s party activism in shaping women’s political behavior, especially in contexts with pervasive clientelism and persistent gender unequal norms.
Racial Capitalism Decoupled: A Rejoinder and Reformulation
Authors: Wacquant Loïc
Published: October 2023

I respond to the reactions of Gurminder Bhambra, John Holmwood, and Sanjay Subrahmanyam to my dissection of the concept of “racial capitalism.” I reiterate my critique of the latter on grounds of semantics, logics, and heuristics. I warn that racial capitalism erases historical variations, interludes, and contingencies to replace them with monolithic depiction and mechanical necessity. We cannot assume that racial division, colonial or metropolitan, is functional to capitalism across all lands and epochs. We need to recognize and theorize the varieties of regimes of racial domination, anchored by the ideal-typical distinction between “genuine race-divided societies” and “societies with race,” much as comparative political economists have taught us to dig into the varieties of capitalism. Combining these two dimensions serves us well to decouple capitalism and race analytically so that their historical conjunction may be studied empirically.
A NOTE ON NORMALISED GROUND STATES FOR THE TWO-DIMENSIONAL CUBIC-QUINTIC NONLINEAR SCHRÖDINGER EQUATION
Authors: LI DEKE , WANG QINGXUAN
Published: October 2023

We consider the two-dimensional minimisation problem for
$\inf \{ E_a(\varphi ):\varphi \in H^1(\mathbb {R}^2)\ \text {and}\ \|\varphi \|_2^2=1\}$
, where the energy functional
$ E_a(\varphi )$
is a cubic-quintic Schrödinger functional defined by
$E_a(\varphi ):=\tfrac 12\int _{\mathbb {R}^2}|\nabla \varphi |^2\,dx-\tfrac 14a\int _{\mathbb {R}^2}|\varphi |^4\,dx+\tfrac 16a^2\int _{\mathbb {R}^2}|\varphi |^6\,dx$
. We study the existence and asymptotic behaviour of the ground state. The ground state
$\varphi _{a}$
exists if and only if the
$L^2$
mass a satisfies
$a>a_*={\lVert Q\rVert }^2_2$
, where Q is the unique positive radial solution of
$-\Delta u+ u-u^3=0$
in
$\mathbb {R}^2$
. We show the optimal vanishing rate
$\int _{\mathbb {R}^2}|\nabla \varphi _{a}|^2\,dx\sim (a-a_*)$
as
$a\searrow a_*$
and obtain the limit profile.
SOME COUNTING QUESTIONS FOR MATRIX PRODUCTS
Authors: AFIFURRAHMAN MUHAMMAD
Published: October 2023

Given a set X of
$n\times n$
matrices and a positive integer m, we consider the problem of estimating the cardinalities of the product sets
$A_1 \cdots A_m$
, where
$A_i\in X$
. When
$X={\mathcal M}_n(\mathbb {Z};H)$
, the set of
$n\times n$
matrices with integer elements of size at most H, we give several bounds on the cardinalities of the product sets and solution sets of related equations such as
$A_1 \cdots A_m=C$
and
$A_1 \cdots A_m=B_1 \cdots B_m$
. We also consider the case where X is the subset of matrices in
${\mathcal M}_n(\mathbb {F})$
, where
$\mathbb {F}$
is a field with bounded rank
$k\leq n$
. In this case, we completely classify the related product set.
The Expertise Paradox: How Policy Expertise Can Hinder Responsiveness
Authors: Pereira Miguel M. , Öhberg Patrik
Published: October 2023

We argue that policy expertise constrains the ability of politicians to act on voter preferences. Representatives with more knowledge and experience in a given domain have more confidence in their own issue-specific positions. Enhanced confidence, in turn, may lead politicians to discount opinions they disagree with, producing a distorted image of the electorate. Two experiments with Swedish politicians support this argument. First, officials are more likely to dismiss appeals from voters in their areas of expertise and less likely to accept that opposing views may represent the majority opinion. Consistent with the proposed mechanism, in a second experiment we show that inducing perceptions of expertise increases self-confidence. The results suggest that representatives with more specialized knowledge in a given area may be less capable of acting as delegates in that domain. The study provides a novel explanation for variations in policy responsiveness.
Pectoral angle: a glance at a traditional phenotypic trait in chickens from a new perspective
Authors: Vakhrameev Anatoly B. , Narushin Valeriy G. , Larkina Tatyana A. , Barkova Olga Y. , Peglivanyan Grigoriy K. , Dysin Artem P. , Dementieva Natalia V. , Shcherbakov Yuri S. , Pozovnikova Marina V. , Griffin Darren K. , Romanov Michael N.
Published: October 2023

In meat-type poultry breeding, pectoral angle (PA) is a conventional anatomical indicator for changes in body conformation and meat traits; its correlation to egg performance is however deemed controversial. In this context, we revisited, assessed and put forward evidence for the usefulness of this classic phenotypic variable and its specific integrative index of pectoral angle-to-body weight ratio (PA/BW). Specifically, we identified respective correlations and used them for distinguishing the major categories (production types) of diverse chicken breeds under the traditional classification model (TCM) and genotypic clustering models of the global chicken gene pool subdivision. Also, the usefulness of the supplementary integrative egg mass yield index (EMY) for this objective was demonstrated. Because of estimating the total mass of eggs laid (i.e. egg number times egg weight), EMY can serve as an indicator of egg production. Direct approximation of EMY values by PA and BW values did not lead to significant correlation dependences between these indicators in each of the four breed utility types according to TCM. However, using the ratio of PA to BW, instead of PA and BW alone, resulted in significant correlation of EMY with PA/BW, allowing for distinction between egg-type and non-productive breeds. The validity of the proposed correlation-based models was supported by PCA and Neighbor Joining clustering analyses. Collectively, we suggested that PA can be a potentially correlated trait for selecting hens and roosters in breeding flocks to boost egg yield. These results can also be applied to chicken breeding as well as conservation- and phenome-related research.
Targeted knockout of a conserved plant mitochondrial gene by genome editing
Authors: Forner Joachim , Kleinschmidt Dennis , Meyer Etienne H. , Gremmels Jürgen , Morbitzer Robert , Lahaye Thomas , Schöttler Mark A. , Bock Ralph
Published: October 2023

Fusion proteins derived from transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) have emerged as genome editing tools for mitochondria. TALE nucleases (TALENs) have been applied to delete chimaeric reading frames and duplicated (redundant) genes but produced complex genomic rearrangements due to the absence of non-homologous end-joining. Here we report the targeted deletion of a conserved mitochondrial gene, nad9, encoding a subunit of respiratory complex I. By generating a large number of TALEN-mediated mitochondrial deletion lines, we isolated, in addition to mutants with rearranged genomes, homochondriomic mutants harbouring clean nad9 deletions. Characterization of the knockout plants revealed impaired complex I biogenesis, male sterility and defects in leaf and flower development. We show that these defects can be restored by expressing a functional Nad9 protein from the nuclear genome, thus creating a synthetic cytoplasmic male sterility system. Our data (1) demonstrate the feasibility of using genome editing to study mitochondrial gene functions by reverse genetics, (2) highlight the role of complex I in plant development and (3) provide proof-of-concept for the construction of synthetic cytoplasmic male sterility systems for hybrid breeding by genome editing.
Digestive exophagy of biofilms by intestinal amoeba and its impact on stress tolerance and cytotoxicity
Authors: Zanditenas Eva , Trebicz-Geffen Meirav , Kolli Divya , Domínguez-García Laura , Farhi Einan , Linde Liat , Romero Diego , Chapman Matthew , Kolodkin-Gal Ilana , Ankri Serge
Published: October 2023

The human protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica is responsible for amebiasis, a disease endemic to developing countries. E. histolytica trophozoites colonize the large intestine, primarily feeding on bacteria. However, in the gastrointestinal tract, bacterial cells form aggregates or structured communities called biofilms too large for phagocytosis. Remarkably, trophozoites are still able to invade and degrade established biofilms, utilizing a mechanism that mimics digestive exophagy. Digestive exophagy refers to the secretion of digestive enzymes that promote the digestion of objects too large for direct phagocytosis by phagocytes. E. histolytica cysteine proteinases (CPs) play a crucial role in the degradation process of Bacillus subtilis biofilm. These proteinases target TasA, a major component of the B. subtilis biofilm matrix, also contributing to the adhesion of the parasite to the biofilm. In addition, they are also involved in the degradation of biofilms formed by Gram-negative and Gram-positive enteric pathogens. Furthermore, biofilms also play an important role in protecting trophozoites against oxidative stress. This specific mechanism suggests that the amoeba has adapted to prey on biofilms, potentially serving as an untapped reservoir for novel therapeutic approaches to treat biofilms. Consistently, products derived from the amoeba have been shown to restore antibiotic sensitivity to biofilm cells. In addition, our findings reveal that probiotic biofilms can act as a protective shield for mammalian cells, hindering the progression of the parasite towards them.
A multi-cubic-kilometre neutrino telescope in the western Pacific Ocean
Authors: Ye Z. P. , Hu F. , Tian W. , Chang Q. C. , Chang Y. L. , Cheng Z. S. , Gao J. , Ge T. , Gong G. H. , Guo J. , Guo X. X. , He X. G. , Huang J. T. , Jiang K. , Jiang P. K. , Jing Y. P. , Li H. L. , Li J. L. , Li L. , Li W. L. , Li Z. , Liao N. Y. , Lin Q. , Lin J. , Liu F. , Liu J. L. , Liu X. H. , Miao P. , Mo C. , Morton-Blake I. , Peng T. , Sun Z. Y. , Tang J. N. , Tang Z. B. , Tao C. H. , Tian X. L. , Wang M. X. , Wang Y. , Wang Y. , Wei H. D. , Wei Z. Y. , Wu W. H. , Xian S. S. , Xiang D. , Xu D. L. , Xue Q. , Yang J. H. , Yang J. M. , Yu W. B. , Zeng C. , Zhang F. Y. D. , Zhang T. , Zhang X. T. , Zhang Y. Y. , Zhi W. , Zhong Y. S. , Zhou M. , Zhu X. H. , Zhuang G. J.
Published: October 2023

Next-generation neutrino telescopes with substantially improved sensitivity are required to pinpoint the sources of the diffuse astrophysical neutrino flux detected by IceCube and uncover the century-old puzzle of cosmic-ray origins. A detector near the Equator will provide a unique viewpoint of the neutrino sky, complementing IceCube and other neutrino telescopes in the Northern Hemisphere. Here we present results from an expedition to the northeastern region of the South China Sea, in the western Pacific Ocean. A favourable neutrino telescope site was found on an abyssal plain at a depth of ~3.5 km. At depths below 3 km, the sea current speed, water absorption and scattering lengths for Cherenkov light were measured to be vc < 10 cm s−1, λabs ≈ 27 m and λsca ≈ 63 m, respectively. Accounting for these measurements, we present the design and expected performance of a next-generation neutrino telescope, Tropical Deep-sea Neutrino Telescope (TRIDENT). With its advanced photon-detection technology and large dimensions, TRIDENT expects to observe the IceCube steady source candidate NGC 1068 with 5σ significance within 1 year of operation. This level of sensitivity will open a new arena for diagnosing the origin of cosmic rays and probing fundamental physics over astronomical baselines.
A global dataset for the production and usage of cereal residues in the period 1997–2021
Authors: Smerald Andrew , Rahimi Jaber , Scheer Clemens
Published: October 2023

Crop residue management plays an important role in determining agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and related changes in soil carbon stocks. However, no publicly-available global dataset currently exists for how crop residues are managed. Here we present such a dataset, covering the period 1997–2021, on a 0.5° resolution grid. For each grid cell we estimate the total production of residues from cereal crops, and determine the fraction of residues (i) used for livestock feed/bedding, (ii) burnt on the field, (iii) used for other off-field purposes (e.g. domestic fuel, construction or industry), and (iv) left on the field. This dataset is the first of its kind, and can be used for multiple purposes, such as global crop modelling, including the calculation of greenhouse gas inventories, estimating crop-residue availability for biofuel production or modelling livestock feed availability.
In-situ experiment reveals CO2 enriched fluid migration in faulted caprock
Authors: Weber Ulrich Wolfgang , Rinaldi Antonio Pio , Roques Clément , Wenning Quinn C. , Bernasconi Stefano M. , Brennwald Matthias S. , Jaggi Madalina , Nussbaum Christophe , Schefer Senecio , Mazzotti Marco , Wiemer Stefan , Giardini Domenico , Zappone Alba , Kipfer Rolf
Published: October 2023

The sealing characteristics of the geological formation located above a CO2 storage reservoir, the so-called caprock, are essential to ensure efficient geological carbon storage. If CO2 were to leak through the caprock, temporal changes in fluid geochemistry can reveal fundamental information on migration mechanisms and induced fluid–rock interactions. Here, we present the results from a unique in-situ injection experiment, where CO2-enriched fluid was continuously injected in a faulted caprock analogue. Our results show that the CO2 migration follows complex pathways within the fault structure. The joint analysis of noble gases, ion concentrations and carbon isotopes allow us to quantify mixing between injected CO2-enriched fluid and resident formation water and to describe the temporal evolution of water–rock interaction processes. The results presented here are a crucial complement to the geophysical monitoring at the fracture scale highlighting a unique migration of CO2 in fault zones.
Small Island Developing States under threat by rising seas even in a 1.5 °C warming world
Authors: Vousdoukas Michalis I. , Athanasiou Panagiotis , Giardino Alessio , Mentaschi Lorenzo , Stocchino Alessandro , Kopp Robert E. , Menéndez Pelayo , Beck Michael W. , Ranasinghe Roshanka , Feyen Luc
Published: October 2023

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) have long been recognized as some of the planet’s most vulnerable areas to climate change, notably to rising sea levels and coastal extremes. They have been crucial in raising ambitions to keep global warming below 1.5 °C and in advancing the difficult debate on loss and damage. Still, quantitative estimates of loss and damage for SIDS under different mitigation targets are lacking. Here we carry out an assessment of future flood risk from slow-onset sea-level rise and episodic sea-level extremes along the coastlines of SIDS worldwide. We show that by the end of this century, without adaptation, climate change would amplify present direct economic damages from coastal flooding by more than 14 times under high-emissions scenarios. Keeping global warming below 1.5 °C could avoid almost half of unmitigated damage, depending on the region. Achieving this climate target, however, would still not prevent several SIDS from suffering economic losses that correspond to considerable shares of their GDP, probably leading to forced migration from low-lying coastal zones. Our results underline that investments in adaptation and sustainable development in SIDS are urgently needed, as well as dedicated support to assisting developing countries in responding to loss and damage due to climate change.
Utilization of lignocellulosic hydrolysates for photomixotrophic chemical production in Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942
Authors: Gonzales Jake N. , Treece Tanner R. , Mayfield Stephen P. , Simkovsky Ryan , Atsumi Shota
Published: October 2023

To meet the need for environmentally friendly commodity chemicals, feedstocks for biological chemical production must be diversified. Lignocellulosic biomass are an carbon source with the potential for effective use in a large scale and cost-effective production systems. Although the use of lignocellulosic biomass lysates for heterotrophic chemical production has been advancing, there are challenges to overcome. Here we aim to investigate the obligate photoautotroph cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 as a chassis organism for lignocellulosic chemical production. When modified to import monosaccharides, this cyanobacterium is an excellent candidate for lysates-based chemical production as it grows well at high lysate concentrations and can fix CO2 to enhance carbon efficiency. This study is an important step forward in enabling the simultaneous use of two sugars as well as lignocellulosic lysate. Incremental genetic modifications enable catabolism of both sugars concurrently without experiencing carbon catabolite repression. Production of 2,3-butanediol is demonstrated to characterize chemical production from the sugars in lignocellulosic hydrolysates. The engineered strain achieves a titer of 13.5 g L−1 of 2,3-butanediol over 12 days under shake-flask conditions. This study can be used as a foundation for industrial scale production of commodity chemicals from a combination of sunlight, CO2, and lignocellulosic sugars.
Exploring the complex spectrum of dominance and recessiveness in genetic cardiomyopathies
Authors: Lipov Alex , Jurgens Sean J. , Mazzarotto Francesco , Allouba Mona , Pirruccello James P. , Aguib Yasmine , Gennarelli Massimo , Yacoub Magdi H. , Ellinor Patrick T. , Bezzina Connie R. , Walsh Roddy
Published: October 2023

Discrete categorization of Mendelian disease genes into dominant and recessive models often oversimplifies their underlying genetic architecture. Cardiomyopathies (CMs) are genetic diseases with complex etiologies for which an increasing number of recessive associations have recently been proposed. Here, we comprehensively analyze all published evidence pertaining to biallelic variation associated with CM phenotypes to identify high-confidence recessive genes and explore the spectrum of monoallelic and biallelic variant effects in established recessive and dominant disease genes. We classify 18 genes with robust recessive association with CMs, largely characterized by dilated phenotypes, early disease onset and severe outcomes. Several of these genes have monoallelic association with disease outcomes and cardiac traits in the UK Biobank, including LMOD2 and ALPK3 with dilated and hypertrophic CM, respectively. Our data provide insights into the complex spectrum of dominance and recessiveness in genetic heart disease and demonstrate how such approaches enable the discovery of unexplored genetic associations.
Crop switching for water sustainability in India’s food bowl yields co-benefits for food security and farmers’ profits
Authors: Chakraborti Ruparati , Davis Kyle Frankel , DeFries Ruth , Rao Narasimha D. , Joseph Jisha , Ghosh Subimal
Published: October 2023

Groundwater depletion due to agricultural intensification is a major threat to water and food security in the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP), a critical food bowl, home to 400 million people and currently producing 135 million metric tonnes of cereals. Among the solutions proposed to address this unsustainable water consumption, crop switching has received growing attention, yet its potential to produce co-benefits or trade-offs for other dimensions of sustainability (for example, food supply and farmers’ profits) remains largely unquantified. In this study, we developed and applied a crop switching optimization model for cereals in the IGP to maximize calorie production and farmers’ profits and minimize water consumption. We found that switching from rice to millets (pearl millet) and sorghum in the Kharif (monsoon) season and from wheat to sorghum in the Rabi (winter) season could potentially reduce water consumption by 32%, improve calorie production by 39% and increase farmers’ profits by 140%. We also found that switching crops offers a larger reduction in groundwater depletion and energy savings than improving irrigation efficiency (that is, from flood to drip irrigation). Our findings demonstrate the potential for crop switching to address the multidimensional sustainability challenges of the IGP, with possible application to other regions facing similar issues.
Biomemristors as the Next Generation Memory Devices
Authors: Moudgil A. , Mishra N. , Das S. , Mishra P.
Published: October 2023

Biomemristors based on resistive switching are promising candidates for the next generation of memory devices. Resistive switching devices utilize the hysteresis in the resistance of an active material to store information. Traditionally, rigid oxide-based materials and organic polymers are chosen as the active material for these devices. In this chapter, biomolecule-based, biodegradable, flexible, renewable, and biocompatible active materials are discussed. Their most common resistive switching mechanisms are explained. Some examples of memristors based on active biomacromolecules, namely, proteins, saccharides, nucleic acids, and their composites are described. Finally, technical challenges and opportunities for mitigation in the large-scale fabrication of such devices are discussed.
Polymer-based Transistor-type Memory and Artificial Synapses
Authors: Lee W. Y.
Published: October 2023

Polymer-based neuromorphic computing is the technology employing polymer materials to mimic the operation of the neural system of the human brain. Due to their remarkable mechanical properties and tuneable chemical and electrical features, soft polymer materials offer a possibility for biocompatible neuromorphic chips. In neuromorphic computing, memory is the core for all neural behaviors of bio-inspired neuromorphic devices. Therefore, the fundamental understanding of information storage mechanisms in polymer-based devices is essential for high-performance neuromorphic devices. In this chapter, we introduce the operation mechanisms and synaptic features of polymer-based transistor memory devices. The recent progress of polymer-based artificial synapses is also summarized. Through understanding the memory mechanisms and synaptic functions, this chapter provides a possible direction for the future implementation of polymer-based artificial intelligence systems.
Halide Perovskites for Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Vasilopoulou Maria , Davazoglou Konstantinos , Mohd Yusoff Abd Rashid bin , Chai Yang , Noh Yong-Young , Anthopoulos Thomas , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja
Published: October 2023

The next generation of neuromorphic computing, which is related to emulating the neural structure and operation of the human brain, will extend into areas that correspond to human cognition, such as interpretation and autonomous adaptation. Progress in materials and devices is critical to address novel situations and abstraction to automate ordinary human activities. Halide perovskites constitute a family of materials with many superior properties, such as long charge-carrier diffusion length, strong light absorptivity, ambipolar charge transport, ionic conductivity and solution processability. They have been successfully implemented in broad applications such as photovoltaics, light-emitting diodes and photodetectors. Their high mobility renders this class of solution-processed materials appropriate for application in field-effect transistors, whereas their usually present hysteresis, which may originate from ferroelectricity, charge-carrier traps, and migration of ions, has been explored for application in artificial synapses, which require gradual modulation of responses.
Silicon Oxide-based CBRAM Memory and Neuromorphic Properties
Authors: Bousoulas P. , Tsoukalas D.
Published: October 2023

The constant scaling of the conventional field-effect transistors (FETs) over the last half century has permitted the development of memory elements with enhanced density. However, since continuous miniaturization is practically impossible, novel device architectures have been proposed. Among them, resistive switching memories (RRAMs) emerge as quite promising candidates due to their simple structure, which permits aggressive scaling, and inherent stochastic performance, which is leveraged for the implementation of neuromorphic functionalities. Along these lines, a detailed analysis from a material point of view is presented, as far as the fabrication of SiO2-based resistive switching elements is concerned. The incorporation of metal nanoparticles (NPs) with various surface densities, as well as the employment of bilayer configurations, is thoroughly investigated in enhancing the total memory performance. More specifically, low-power operation (∼ 200 mV), enhanced variability (σ/μ < 0.2) and multibit capabilities (4 bits) were demonstrated. Moreover, the manifestation of two switching modes (bipolar and threshold) was leveraged to emulate artificial neuron and synaptic functionalities. As a result, integrate and fire (IF) properties were produced from single memristive cells, whereas enhanced analog synaptic weight modulation was also recorded. Physics-driven device engineering is thus of great importance for attaining reconfigurable memory and neuromorphic properties.
Interaction of water and carbon monoxide with MnO(001) thin films on Au(111)
Authors: Barreto Jade , Nilius Niklas , Tissot Heloise , Shaikhutdinov Shamil , Freund Hans Joachim , Stavale Fernando
Published: October 2023

Carbon monoxide adsorption experiments were performed to probe surface atoms on the MnO surface, followed by water adsorption experiments that revealed molecule dissociation occurring at oxygen vacancies mediated by nearby Mn2+ sites.
Unveiling a potential disinfection process in ultraviolet treatment of bromine-containing water: inactivation of P. aeruginosa in a UV/NH2Br system
Authors: Zhu Shumin , Yang Jingxuan , Wu Yangtao , Sheng Da , Bu Lingjun , Zhou Shiqing
Published: October 2023

A UV/NH2Br system existed in the process of treating bromine-containing water using advanced oxidation processes.
Aromatic polypeptide amphiphiles for drug adsorption: a new approach for drug overdose treatment
Authors: Eckhart Karoline E. , Wood Hunter B. , Taoufik Tarik A. , Wolf Michelle E. , Cao Dazhe J. , Sydlik Stefanie A.
Published: October 2023

This work represents a new application of aromatic polypeptide amphiphiles as a gastrointestinal decontamination technology.
Ultra-small platinum-based coordination nanoparticles for radiotherapy
Authors: George Riya , Fétiveau Lucile , Porcel Erika , Savina Farah , Bosson Bapaume Charles , Dragoe Diana , Brisset François , Remita Hynd , Lacombe Sandrine , Catala Laure
Published: October 2023

Two novel nanoparticles based on Pt-containing coordination networks, produced by a green method, reveal important radioenhancement activity on cancerous cells.
The future of metal–organic frameworks and covalent organic frameworks: rational synthesis and customized applications
Authors: Han Xing , Zhang Wenqiang , Chen Zhijie , Liu Yan , Cui Yong
Published: October 2023

Innovations in synthetic methodologies, such as fully automatic synthesis, high throughput screening, and machine learning, are opening new frontiers in the design, synthesis, and application of MOFs and COFs.
Ce–Fe bimetallic oxide catalysts for CO catalytic oxidation at a high concentration of SO2
Authors: Gao Qi , Dong Changqing , Hu Xiaoying , Zhang Junjiao , Zhu Yanjun , Lv Haiyang , Zhao Ying , Xue Junjie , Wang Xiaoqiang
Published: October 2023

The doping of Fe into the CeO2 lattice played a positive role in enhancing the CO oxidation activity and SO2-poisoning resistance of Ce0.7Fe0.3.
Constructing a mesoporous carbon incorporated FeF3 nanocomposite cathode by one-step impregnation route for Li-ion battery applications
Authors: Thangaian Kesavan , Jayamkondan Yuvashri
Published: October 2023

Mesoporous carbon incorporated FeF3 nanocomposite could serve as potential candidate for energy storage cathode material in Li-ion battery applications.
Supporting submicroscopic reasoning in students’ explanations of absorption phenomena using a simulation-based activity
Authors: Spitha Natalia , Zhang Yujian , Pazicni Samuel , Fullington Sarah A. , Morais Carla , Rae Buchberger Amanda , Doolittle Pamela S.
Published: October 2023

The Beer–Lambert law is a fundamental relationship in chemistry that helps connect macroscopic experimental observations (i.e., the amount of light exiting a solution sample) to a symbolic model composed of system-level parameters (e.g., concentration values). Despite the wide use of the Beer–Lambert law in the undergraduate chemistry curriculum and its applicability to analytical techniques, students’ use of the model is not commonly investigated. Specifically, no previous work has explored how students connect the Beer–Lambert law to absorption phenomena using submicroscopic-level reasoning, which is important for understanding light absorption at the particle level. The incorporation of visual-conceptual tools (such as animations and simulations) into instruction has been shown to be effective in conveying key points about particle-level reasoning and facilitating connections among the macroscopic, submicroscopic, and symbolic domains. This study evaluates the extent to which a previously reported simulation-based virtual laboratory activity (BLSim) is associated with students’ use of particle-level models when explaining absorption phenomena. Two groups of analytical chemistry students completed a series of tasks that prompted them to construct explanations of absorption phenomena, with one group having completed the simulation-based activity prior to the assessment tasks. Student responses were coded using Johnstone's triad. When comparing work from the two student groups, chi-square tests revealed statistically significant associations (with approximately medium to large effect sizes) between students using the simulation and employing particle-level reasoning. That said, submicroscopic-level reasoning did not always provide more explanatory power to students’ answers. Additionally, we observed the productive use of a variety of submicroscopic light–matter interaction models. We conjecture that engaging with BLSim provided new submicroscopic-level resources for students to leverage in explanations and predictions of absorption phenomena.
Construction of an autocatalytic reaction cycle in neutral medium for synthesis of life-sustaining sugars
Authors: Tabata Hiro , Chikatani Genta , Nishijima Hiroaki , Harada Takashi , Miyake Rika , Kato Souichiro , Igarashi Kensuke , Mukouyama Yoshiharu , Shirai Soichi , Waki Minoru , Hase Yoko , Nakanishi Shuji
Published: October 2023

The weak Brønsted base, WO42−, and the Lewis acid, Na+, concertedly formed the autocatalytic reaction cycle for sugar synthesis under neutral conditions. Moreover, the synthesized sugars sustained microbial growth despite their absence in nature.
Fabrication of mesoporous nickel pyrophosphate electrodes and their transformation to nickel hydroxide with decent capacitance in alkaline media
Authors: Ulu Işıl , Ulgut Burak , Dag Ömer
Published: October 2023

A novel synthesis method has been devised to create mesoporous nickel pyrophosphate coated graphite electrodes, which undergo a chemical conversion into nickel hydroxide nanoflakes with a notable charge capacity in alkaline media.
Injectable organo-hydrogels influenced by click chemistry as a paramount stratagem in the conveyor belt of pharmaceutical revolution
Authors: Selvam Abhyavartin , Majood Misba , Chaurasia Radhika , Rupesh  , Singh Akanksha , Dey Tapan , Agrawal Omnarayan , Verma Yogesh Kumar , Mukherjee Monalisa
Published: October 2023

Injectable hydrogels emerging as a significant breakthrough in the myriad of biomedical applications and paving a path towards clinical advancements.
The emission of low pH water from Gulf of Mexico seeps as revealed by δ13C–CO2 and methane oxidation data
Authors: Louden Sydney I. , Kessler John D.
Published: October 2023

During investigations of aerobic methane oxidation, this study found that seafloor seeps emit low pH water alongside methane. This discovery was revealed through isotopic measurement and model experiments.
Surface Electromyography Biofeedback as an Adjuvant to Dysphagia Management: What It Is, What It Is Not, Why You Need It, and How to Get It
Authors: Constantinescu Gabriela , Garcia Renzo
Published: October 2023

Purpose:

Surface electromyography (sEMG) has been used by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) as a biofeedback tool to enhance the benefits of dysphagia rehabilitation since as early as 1976. Despite being noninvasive and user-friendly, sEMG biofeedback is not widely adopted by clinicians, potentially due to challenges such as insufficient knowledge about its appropriate clinical applications and the burden of acquiring this technology for a busy clinician. This article aims to support SLPs in utilizing sEMG as a simple biofeedback tool for dysphagia management by providing an overview of the physiological and technological underpinnings of sEMG as well as practical guidance on interpreting sEMG signal, optimizing signal quality, and documenting findings at the end of a session. Moreover, the article emphasizes the vital role clinicians have in promoting ongoing innovation in their field by advocating for modern solutions. It provides a framework and examples of how to request technologies in the clinic to foster an environment of continuous improvement in the service provided to patients.

Conclusion:

This article aims to equip clinicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to utilize sEMG technology effectively and help their patients achieve optimal outcomes in dysphagia management.
Post-treatment of secondary treated effluent by Electrocoagulation: Nutrients removal and process optimization
Authors: Al Umairi Abdul Rahim , Al Rawahi Wafa , Al Shamsi Yahya , Al Wahibi Buthaina , Al Riyami Bushra , Al Nadabi Sara
Published: October 2023

The leve of nutrients in the treated effluent should be maintained at a low level to mitigate the rapid algal bloom and the associated risks in the receiving water bodies. Electrocoagulation (EC) was proven to be an effective method to remove a broad range of impurities in different water matrices. This study evaluated the EC technique as a polishing step for the treated effluent targeting phosphate, nitrate, and dissolved organic matter (DOM). A factorial design was implemented to evaluate the effects of two factors (voltage, and treatment time) at three levels (high, centre, and low) on the EC process. Two electrode types (Fe and Al) performances were compared. The results revealed that both electrodes were capable of high removal of phosphate (100%) from the treated effluent within 10 minutes for both tested voltages 3 and 5 volts. However, the nitrate showed a high persistence for both electrode types and the removal never exceed 10%. Interestingly, aluminum electrodes achieved higher removal (54.5%) of DOC compared to 25.7% by iron electrodes. The main drawback of using the iron electrode was its contribution to the original turbidity which makes it less favourable compared to the Al electrode. The results of this study revealed that the aluminum-based EC process could achieve the target level of nutrient removal without compromising the water quality.
Determination of adsorption capacities of N2 and CO2 on commercial activated carbon and adsorption isotherm models
Authors: Öztan Hazal , Uysal Duygu
Published: October 2023

In today’s technologies of gas purification systems, adsorption processes offer more advantages than traditional processes (amine absorption and cryogenic distillation). Thanks to advantages such as high efficiency, low energy consumption and ease of operation, the adsorption process plays an important role in today’s natural gas purification and carbon capturing processes. In order to bring natural gas to the usage standards and to ensure carbon capture in the emission sources (coal mines, landfills, agricultural activities, etc.) that emit CO2-CH4 as a result of human activities, it is extremely important to purify impurities such as CO2 and N2, which are highly present in the gas mixture. In the study, the adsorption of N2 and CO2 gases on activated carbon and the effect of pressure and temperature on adsorption were examined. The operating conditions pressure range was 1-6 bar and temperatures below room temperature. Experimental studies were carried out in laboratory scale adsorption cell system. As a result of the studies, it was determined that the adsorption capacity of activated carbon N2 and CO2 increased with pressure. N2 adsorption capacities were determined between 0.4-7.8 mmol/g and CO2 adsorption capacities were determined in the range of 2.7-7.4 mmol/g. In addition, Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were created, model parameters were examined and the adsorption behaviour of activated carbon for CO2 and N2 gases was obtained.