bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying Major Hydrologic Change Drivers in a Highly Managed Transboundary Endorheic Basin: Integrating Hydro‐Ecological Models and Time Series Data Mining Techniques
Authors: Acero Triana Juan S. , Ajami Hoori
Published: August 2022

The fragile balance of endorheic lakes in highly managed semiarid basins with transboundary water issues has been altered by the intertwined effects of global warming and long‐term water mismanagement to support agricultural and industrial demand. The alarming rate of global endorheic lakes' depletion in recent decades necessitates formulating mitigation strategies for ecosystem restoration. However, detecting and quantifying the relative contribution of causal factors (climate variability and anthropogenic stressors) is challenging. This study developed a diagnostic multivariate framework to identify major hydrologic drivers of lake depletion in a highly managed endorheic basin with a complex water distribution system. The framework integrates the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) simulations with time series decomposition and clustering methods to identify the major drivers of change. This diagnostic framework was applied to the Salton Sea Transboundary Basin (SSTB), the host of the world's most impaired inland lake. The results showed signs of depletion across the SSTB since late 1998 with no significant changes in climate conditions. The time series data mining of the SSTB water balance components indicated that decreases in lake tributary inflows (−16.4 Mm3 yr−2) in response to decline in Colorado River inflows, associated with state water transfer agreements, are causing the Salton Sea to shrink, not changes in the irrigation operation as commonly believed. The developed multivariate detection and attribution framework is useful for identifying major drivers of change in coupled natural human systems.
Determining drug dose in the era of targeted therapies: playing it (un)safe?
Authors: Skånland Sigrid S. , Tjønnfjord Geir E.
Published: August 2022

Targeted therapies against phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK), and B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) are approved for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Since approval of the first-in-class drugs, next-generation agents have become available and are continuously under development. While these therapies act on well-characterized molecular targets, this knowledge is only to some extent taken into consideration when determining their dose in phase I trials. For example, BTK occupancy has been assessed in dose-finding studies of various BTK inhibitors, but the minimum doses that result in full BTK occupancy were not determined. Although targeted agents have a different dose–response relationship than cytotoxic agents, which are more effective near the maximum tolerated dose, the traditional 3 + 3 toxicity-driven trial design remains heavily used in the era of targeted therapies. If pharmacodynamic biomarkers were more stringently used to guide dose selection, the recommended phase II dose would likely be lower as compared to the toxicity-driven selection. Reduced drug doses may lower toxicity, which in some cases is severe for these agents, and are supported by retrospective studies demonstrating non-inferior outcomes for patients with clinically indicated dose reductions. Here, we review strategies that were used for dose selection in phase I studies of currently approved and select investigational targeted therapies in CLL, and discuss how our initial clinical experience with targeted therapies have pointed to dose reductions, intermittent dosing, and drug combinations as strategies to overcome treatment intolerance and resistance.
Spontaneous formation of a self-healing carbon nanoskin at the liquid–liquid interface
Authors: Bomal Enzo , Grandgeorge Paul , Yeo Reuben J. , Candau Nicolas , Reis Pedro M. , Frauenrath Holger
Published: August 2022

Biological membranes exhibit the ability to self-repair and dynamically change their shape while remaining impermeable. Yet, these defining features are difficult to reconcile with mechanical robustness. Here, we report on the spontaneous formation of a carbon nanoskin at the oil–water interface that uniquely combines self-healing attributes with high stiffness. Upon the diffusion-controlled self-assembly of a reactive molecular surfactant at the interface, a solid elastic membrane forms within seconds and evolves into a continuous carbon monolayer with a thickness of a few nanometers. This nanoskin has a stiffness typical for a 2D carbon material with an elastic modulus in bending of more than 40–100 GPa; while brittle, it shows the ability to self-heal upon rupture, can be reversibly reshaped, and sustains complex shapes. We anticipate such an unusual 2D carbon nanomaterial to inspire novel approaches towards the formation of synthetic cells with rigid shells, additive manufacturing of composites, and compartmentalization in industrial catalysis.
scRNA-seq of gastric tumor shows complex intercellular interaction with an alternative T cell exhaustion trajectory
Authors: Sun Keyong , Xu Runda , Ma Fuhai , Yang Naixue , Li Yang , Sun Xiaofeng , Jin Peng , Kang Wenzhe , Jia Lemei , Xiong Jianping , Hu Haitao , Tian Yantao , Lan Xun
Published: August 2022

The tumor microenvironment (TME) in gastric cancer (GC) has been shown to be important for tumor control but the specific characteristics for GC are not fully appreciated. We generated an atlas of 166,533 cells from 10 GC patients with matched paratumor tissues and blood. Our results show tumor-associated stromal cells (TASCs) have upregulated activity of Wnt signaling and angiogenesis, and are negatively correlated with survival. Tumor-associated macrophages andLAMP3+DCs are involved in mediating T cell activity and form intercellular interaction hubs with TASCs. Clonotype and trajectory analysis demonstrates that Tc17 (IL-17+CD8+T cells) originate from tissue-resident memory T cells and can subsequently differentiate into exhausted T cells, suggesting an alternative pathway for T cell exhaustion. Our results indicate thatIL17+cells may promote tumor progression throughIL17,IL22, andIL26signaling, highlighting the possibility of targetingIL17+cells and associated signaling pathways as a therapeutic strategy to treat GC.
Multifunctional nanoparticle potentiates the in situ vaccination effect of radiation therapy and enhances response to immune checkpoint blockade
Authors: Zhang Ying , Sriramaneni Raghava N. , Clark Paul A. , Jagodinsky Justin C. , Ye Mingzhou , Jin Wonjong , Wang Yuyuan , Bates Amber , Kerr Caroline P. , Le Trang , Allawi Raad , Wang Xiuxiu , Xie Ruosen , Havighurst Thomas C. , Chakravarty Ishan , Rakhmilevich Alexander L. , O’Leary Kathleen A. , Schuler Linda A. , Sondel Paul M. , Kim Kyungmann , Gong Shaoqin , Morris Zachary S.
Published: August 2022

Radiation therapy (RT) activates an in situ vaccine effect when combined with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), yet this effect may be limited because RT does not fully optimize tumor antigen presentation or fully overcome suppressive mechanisms in the tumor-immune microenvironment. To overcome this, we develop a multifunctional nanoparticle composed of polylysine, iron oxide, and CpG (PIC) to increase tumor antigen presentation, increase the ratio of M1:M2 tumor-associated macrophages, and enhance stimulation of a type I interferon response in conjunction with RT. In syngeneic immunologically “cold” murine tumor models, the combination of RT, PIC, and ICB significantly improves tumor response and overall survival resulting in cure of many mice and consistent activation of tumor-specific immune memory. Combining RT with PIC to elicit a robust in situ vaccine effect presents a simple and readily translatable strategy to potentiate adaptive anti-tumor immunity and augment response to ICB or potentially other immunotherapies.
Nanoscale 3D spatial addressing and valence control of quantum dots using wireframe DNA origami
Authors: Chen Chi , Wei Xingfei , Parsons Molly F. , Guo Jiajia , Banal James L. , Zhao Yinong , Scott Madelyn N. , Schlau-Cohen Gabriela S. , Hernandez Rigoberto , Bathe Mark
Published: August 2022

Control over the copy number and nanoscale positioning of quantum dots (QDs) is critical to their application to functional nanomaterials design. However, the multiple non-specific binding sites intrinsic to the surface of QDs have prevented their fabrication into multi-QD assemblies with programmed spatial positions. To overcome this challenge, we developed a general synthetic framework to selectively attach spatially addressable QDs on 3D wireframe DNA origami scaffolds using interfacial control of the QD surface. Using optical spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulation, we investigated the fabrication of monovalent QDs of different sizes using chimeric single-stranded DNA to control QD surface chemistry. By understanding the relationship between chimeric single-stranded DNA length and QD size, we integrated single QDs into wireframe DNA origami objects and visualized the resulting QD-DNA assemblies using electron microscopy. Using these advances, we demonstrated the ability to program arbitrary 3D spatial relationships between QDs and dyes on DNA origami objects by fabricating energy-transfer circuits and colloidal molecules. Our design and fabrication approach enables the geometric control and spatial addressing of QDs together with the integration of other materials including dyes to fabricate hybrid materials for functional nanoscale photonic devices.
Tribological performance of IL/(GO-MWCNT) coatings in high-vacuum and irradiation environments
Authors: Zhang Lili , Zhang Zhengrui , Amini Pishro Ahad , Matlan Siti Jahara
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we investigated the effect of space irradiation on the lubricating properties of IL/(GO-MWCNT) solid–liquid lubricating coatings. The solid–liquid lubricating coatings consist of ionic liquids (IL), graphene oxide (GO), and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). Irradiation experiments were carried out using ground simulation equipment. Atomic oxygen (AO), ultraviolet (UV), proton (Pr), and electron (El) irradiation alter the composition, structure, morphology, and tribological properties of solid–liquid lubricating coatings. The experimental results show the composition changes induced by irradiation, including the decomposition of ILs lubricants. The damage to the lubricating material was the most serious by Pr irradiation and the least by UV irradiation.
Scalable diversification options delivers sustainable and nutritious food in Indo-Gangetic plains
Authors: Gora M. K. , Kumar Satish , Jat H. S. , Kakraliya S. K. , Choudhary Madhu , Dhaka A. K. , Jat R. D. , Kakraliya Manish , Sharma P. C. , Jat M. L.
Published: August 2022

Indo-Gangetic plains (IGP) of South Asia have supported bulk of human and bovine population in the region since ages, and a spectacular progress has been made in food production. However, malnutrition, diminishing total factor productivity, and natural resource degradation continue to plague this cereal-dominated region, which is also vulnerable to climate change. Addressing these challenges would require a transition towards diversifying cereal rotations with agroecological cropping systems. A study was, therefore, conducted at the experimental farm of ICAR-CSSRI, Karnal on crop diversification and sustainable intensification options using agro-ecological approaches such as Conservation Agriculture (CA) and diversified cropping systems to ensure food and nutritional security while sustaining the natural resources. On 2 years mean basis, CA-based cropping system management scenarios (mean of Sc2–Sc7) using diversified crop rotations; increased the system yield by 15.4%, net return by 28.7%, protein yield by 29.7%, while using 53.0% less irrigation water compared to conventional tillage (CT)-based rice–wheat system (Sc1). Maize-mustard-mungbean on permanent beds (PBs) (Sc4) recorded the highest productivity (+ 40.7%), profitability (+ 60.1%), and saved 81.8% irrigation water compared to Sc1 (11.8 Mg ha−1; 2190 USD ha−1; 2514 mm ha−1). Similarly, Sc5 (maize-wheat-mungbean on PBs) improved productivity (+ 32.2%), profitability (+ 57.4%) and saved irrigation water (75.5%) compared to Sc1. In terms of nutritional value, Sc5 was more balanced than other scenarios, and produced 43.8, 27.5 and 259.8% higher protein, carbohydrate and fat yields, respectively, compared to Sc1 (0.93, 8.55 and 0.14 Mg ha−1). Scenario 5 was able to meet the nutrient demand of 19, 23 and 32 additional persons ha−1 year−1 with respect to protein, carbohydrate and fat, respectively, compared to Sc1. The highest protein water productivity (~ 0.31 kg protein m−3 water) was recorded with CA-based soybean-wheat-mungbean (Sc6) system followed by maize-mustard-mungbean on PBs (Sc4) system (~ 0.29 kg protein m−3) and lowest under Sc1. Integration of short duration legume (mungbean) improved the system productivity by 17.2% and profitability by 32.1%, while triple gains in irrigation water productivity compared to CT-based systems. In western IGP, maize-wheat-mungbean on PBs was found most productive, profitable and nutritionally rich and efficient system compared to other systems. Therefore, diversification of water intensive cereal rotations with inclusion of legumes and CA-based management optimization can be potential option to ensure nutritious food for the dwelling communities and sustainability of natural resources in the region.
Pentadecanoylcarnitine is a newly discovered endocannabinoid with pleiotropic activities relevant to supporting physical and mental health
Authors: Venn-Watson Stephanie , Reiner John , Jensen Eric D.
Published: August 2022

As an emerging dietary essential fatty acid, pentadecanoic acid (C15:0) is expected to have bioactive metabolites with broad health benefits. Here, we evaluated pentadecanoylcarnitine, an endogenous C15:0 metabolite, for dose dependent cell-based activities, including measurement of its effects on 148 clinically relevant biomarkers across twelve primary human cell systems mimicking various disease states. Mechanisms of action for pentadecanoylcarnitine were also assessed across 78 cell-based target assays. Pentadecanoylcarnitine had dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activities, including lower IL-1α, ITAC, MCP-1, and IP-10, across five cell systems relevant to treating cardiovascular, immune, neoplastic, pulmonary, and skin diseases. Targeted assays showed pentadecanoylcarnitine as a full-acting cannabinoid 1 and 2 receptor agonist (EC50 3.7 and 3.2 µM, 111% and 106% maximum activity compared to the positive control, respectively). Pentadecanoylcarnitine also had 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptor agonist and histamine H1 and H2 receptor antagonist activities. In summary, pentadecanoylcarnitine, a second discovered full-acting endocannabinoid, had broad pleiotropic activities relevant to regulating inflammation, pain, mood, and sleep. This study’s findings further the need to evaluate the potential health impacts of C15:0 nutritional deficiencies caused by population-wide avoidance of all dietary saturated fats, including C15:0.
Mental imagery of whole-body motion along the sagittal-anteroposterior axis
Authors: Patel K. , Beaver D. , Gruber N. , Printezis G. , Giannopulu I.
Published: August 2022

Whole-body motor imagery is conceptualised as a mental symbolisation directly and indirectly associated with neural oscillations similar to whole-body motor execution. Motor and somatosensory activity, including vestibular activity, is a typical corticocortical substrate of body motion. Yet, it is not clear how this neural substrate is organised when participants are instructed to imagine moving their body forward or backward along the sagittal-anteroposterior axis. It is the aim of the current study to identify the fingerprint of the neural substrate by recording the cortical activity of 39 participants via a 32 electroencephalography (EEG) device. The participants were instructed to imagine moving their body forward or backward from a first-person perspective. Principal Component Analysis (i.e. PCA) applied to the neural activity of whole-body motor imagery revealed neural interconnections mirroring between forward and backward conditions: beta pre-motor and motor oscillations in the left and right hemisphere overshadowed beta parietal oscillations in forward condition, and beta parietal oscillations in the left and right hemisphere overshadowed beta pre-motor and motor oscillations in backward condition. Although functional significance needs to be discerned, beta pre-motor, motor and somatosensory oscillations might represent specific settings within the corticocortical network and provide meaningful information regarding the neural dynamics of continuous whole-body motion. It was concluded that the evoked multimodal fronto-parietal neural activity would correspond to the neural activity that could be expected if the participants were physically enacting movement of the whole-body in sagittal-anteroposterior plane as they would in their everyday environment.
Choosing for others changes dissociable computational mechanisms underpinning risky decision-making
Authors: Fareri Dominic S. , Stasiak Joanne E. , Sokol-Hessner Peter
Published: August 2022

Choices under risk often have consequences for ourselves and others. Yet, it is unclear how the other’s identity (stranger, close friend, etc.) influences risky choices made on their behalf. In a mixed within and between subjects design, two participant groups made three series of risky economic decisions: for themselves, another person, or for both themselves and another person (i.e., shared outcomes). One group made choices involving a same-sex stranger (n = 29), the other made choices involving a same-sex close friend (n = 28). Hierarchical Bayesian estimation of computations underlying risky decision-making revealed that relative to choosing for themselves, people were more risk averse, loss averse, and consistent when choices involved another person. Partner identity was additionally crucial: people became risk neutral and more consistent when choosing for friends relative to strangers. These findings establish that the complexity of the social world is mirrored in its nuanced consequences for our choices.
Tungsten oxide/fullerene-based nanocomposites as electrocatalysts and parasitic reactions inhibitors for VO2+/VO2+ in mixed-acids
Authors: El Diwany Farah A. , Al Najjar Taher , Allam Nageh K. , El Sawy Ehab N.
Published: August 2022

The relatively high cost of all-vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) limits their widespread deployment. Enhancing the kinetics of the electrochemical reactions is needed to increase the power density and energy efficiency of the VRFB, and hence decrease the kWh cost of VRFBs. In this work, hydrothermally synthesized hydrated tungsten oxide (HWO) nanoparticles, C76, and C76/HWO were deposited on carbon cloth electrodes and tested as electrocatalysts for the VO2+/VO2+ redox reactions. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM,), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and contact angle measurements were used to characterize the electrodes’ material. The addition of the C76 fullerene to HWO was found to boost the electrode kinetics towards the VO2+/VO2+ redox reaction, by enhancing the conductivity and providing oxygenated functional groups at its surface. A composite of HWO/C76 (50 wt% C76) was found to be the optimum for the VO2+/VO2+ reaction, showing a ΔEp of 176 mV, compared to 365 mV in the case of untreated carbon cloth (UCC). Besides, HWO/C76 composites showed a significant inhibition effect for the parasitic chlorine evolution reaction due to the W-OH functional groups.
Highly electromagnetic transparent ceramic composite made of boron nitride nanotubes and silicon oxynitride via perhydropolysilazane infiltration method
Authors: Yang Ni , Xu Shaofan , Xu Chengying
Published: August 2022

With the rapid development of electromagnetic (EM) wave circuit devices, high-performance wave-transparent materials with various functions have attracted great attention. Ceramic material is a promising candidate to be applied in harsh environments because of its chemical and corrosion resistance. In this work, a polymer-derived route was adopted to synthesize ceramic composite at room temperature. The composite is made of perhydropolysilazane-derived SiON ceramic and reinforced with boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) sheets. With the addition of SiON ceramic materials, the resultant sample showed an excellent hydrophobicity with a contact angle of 135–146.9°. More importantly, superior thermal stability at 1600 °C in the oxygen-containing atmosphere was observed for the fabricated SiON/BNNTs sample, without any shape change. The electromagnetic transparency of the SiON/BNNTs was studied through the waveguide method. The prepared SiON/BNNTs sample has an average real permittivity between 1.52 and 1.55 and an average loss tangent value in the range of 0.0074–0.0266, at the frequency range of 26.5–40 GHz. The effect of thickness on the wave transparency of SiON/BNNTs samples is also discussed. To summarize the aforementioned superior characterization and measurement results, the presented SiON/BNNTs material system has a great potential to be used as EM transparent materials in harsh conditions.
Pollution and risk assessment of heavy metals in rivers in the antimony capital of Xikuangshan
Authors: Xie Qing , Ren Bozhi
Published: August 2022

Xikuangshan (XKS) is the world's largest antimony mining region, and its exploitation for hundreds of years has also resulted in serious soil erosion, fragile ecology, contaminated water, and shortage water. Through systematic and scientific collection samples from the rivers in XKS, the Nemerow index (NI), modified heavy metal pollution index (m-HPI), ecological risk index, and health risk indexeswere used to evaluate and analyze the water quality, pollution levels and risks of heavy metals (Sb, As, Mn, Pb, Zn, Hg, Cd) to ecology and humans in XKS. The results showed that the average concentrations of TN, TP, Sb, As and Hg in surface water were 0.48 mg/L (0–4.34 mg/L), 2.58 mg/L (0–4.34 mg/L), 1.05 mg/L (0.0009–5.33 mg/L), 1.06 mg/L (BDL–19.60 mg/L) and 0.00084 mg/L (LDBL–0.0036 mg/L), respectively, exceeding the limits of the Chinese surface water quality standards. Based on the m-HPI method, only 8.57% of the sampling points are classified as the worst water quality. However, according to the NI method, about 7.14% and 87.16% of the sampling points in the study area are moderately and severely polluted, respectively. The results of heavy metal pollution based on the NI evaluation is were more serious than that on the m-HPI method. The values of ecological risk assessment varied from 22.69 to 7351.20, revealed that heavy metals pose a very serious risk to the surface water ecosystem at more than 50% of the sampling sites, and Sb and As are the main pollutants, followed by Hg. The total non-carcinogenic risk index (TCR) for adults and children were 47.70 and 90.10 respectively, Sb and As is the main non-carcinogenic risk factor. For adults and children, the average carcinogenic risk (CR) of As was 6.49 × 10–3 and 1.05 × 10–2, respectively, and exceeded the threshold of 1 × 10–4, indicating a high carcinogenic risk.
Health burden and economic loss attributable to ambient PM2.5 in Iran based on the ground and satellite data
Authors: Faridi Sasan , Bayat Reza , Cohen Aaron J. , Sharafkhani Ensieh , Brook Jeffrey R. , Niazi Sadegh , Shamsipour Mansour , Amini Heresh , Naddafi Kazem , Hassanvand Mohammad Sadegh
Published: August 2022

We estimated mortality and economic loss attributable to PM2·5 air pollution exposure in 429 counties of Iran in 2018. Ambient PM2.5-related deaths were estimated using the Global Exposure Mortality Model (GEMM). According to the ground-monitored and satellite-based PM2.5 data, the annual mean population-weighted PM2·5 concentrations for Iran were 30.1 and 38.6 μg m−3, respectively. We estimated that long-term exposure to ambient PM2.5 contributed to 49,303 (95% confidence interval (CI) 40,914–57,379) deaths in adults ≥ 25 yr. from all-natural causes based on ground monitored data and 58,873 (95% CI 49,024–68,287) deaths using satellite-based models for PM2.5. The crude death rate and the age-standardized death rate per 100,000 population for age group ≥ 25 year due to ground-monitored PM2.5 data versus satellite-based exposure estimates was 97 (95% CI 81–113) versus 116 (95% CI 97–135) and 125 (95% CI 104–145) versus 149 (95% CI 124–173), respectively. For ground-monitored and satellite-based PM2.5 data, the economic loss attributable to ambient PM2.5-total mortality was approximately 10,713 (95% CI 8890–12,467) and 12,792.1 (95% CI 10,652.0–14,837.6) million USD, equivalent to nearly 3.7% (95% CI 3.06–4.29) and 4.3% (95% CI 3.6–4.5.0) of the total gross domestic product in Iran in 2018.
The regular pattern of metabolite changes in mushroom Inonotus hispidus in different growth periods and exploration of their indicator compounds
Authors: Li Zhijun , Bao Haiying , Han Chen , Song Mingjie
Published: August 2022

Inonotus hispidus is a valuable and rare edible and medicinal mushroom with extremely high nutritional and medicinal value. However, there is no holistic insight to elucidate the molecular basis of the differentiated usage and accurate annotation of physiological maturity to fluctuating yields and quality. This study aimed to figure out the fruiting bodies' metabolites change regulation and potential maturating indicators to distinguish different quality I. hispidus. We applied non-targeted ultra-high performance liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry combined and with multivariate analysis and analyzed cultivated and wild mushroom I. hispidus in different growth periods (budding, mature and aging). With the fruiting bodies maturating, 1358 metabolites were annotated, 822 and 833 metabolites abundances changed greater than or equal to 1 time from the budding period to the aging period in abundance in cultivated and wild, the total polysaccharides, crude fat, total flavonoids, and total terpenes increased at first and then decreased. Total amino acids, crude protein, and total polyphenols decreased, while the total steroids increased linearly. The change of metabolites showed certain regularity. Metabolic pathways enrichment analysis showed that these metabolites are involved in glycolysis, biosynthesis of amino acids, organic acid metabolism, glycine-serine-and-threonine metabolism, tricarboxylic acid cycle, purine metabolism, and pyrimidine metabolism. In addition, ergosterol peroxide and (22E)-ergosta-4,6,8(14),22-tetraen-3-one can be used as indicator compounds, and their contents increase linearly with the fruiting bodies of I. hispidus’ physiological maturation. This comprehensive analysis will help to evaluate the edible values and facilitate exploitation in mushroom I. hispidus.
Design, preparation and application of the semicarbazide-pyridoyl-sulfonic acid-based nanocatalyst for the synthesis of pyranopyrazoles
Authors: Beiranvand Masoumeh , Habibi Davood
Published: August 2022

A novel, efficient, and recoverable nanomagnetic catalyst bearing the semicarbazide linkers, namely, Fe3O4@SiO2@OSi(CH2)3-N(3-pyridoyl sulfonic acid)semicarbazide (FSiPSS) was designed, synthesized and characterized by the use of various techniques such as FT‐IR, EDX, elemental mapping analysis, XRD, SEM, TEM, TGA/DTA, BET, and VSM. Then, the catalytic capability of the novel prepared nanomagnetic FSiPSS catalyst was successfully investigated in the synthesis of diverse pyranopyrazoles through a one-pot four-component condensation reaction of ethyl acetoacetate, hydrazine hydrate, aromatic aldehydes, and malononitrile or ethyl cyano-acetate by the help of ultrasonication in very short reaction time, good to high yields and easy work-up (Fig. 1).
The interplay of grandparental investment according to the survival status of other grandparent types
Authors: Helle Samuli , Tanskanen Antti O. , Pettay Jenni E. , Danielsbacka Mirkka
Published: August 2022

Inclusive fitness theory predicts that grandparental investment in grandchildren aims to maximise their inclusive fitness. Owing to an increasing overlap between successive generations in modern affluent populations, the importance of grandparental investment remains high. Despite the growing literature, there is limited knowledge regarding how the survival status of different grandparent types influences each other’s investment in grandchildren. This question was studied by using the Involved Grandparenting and Child Well-Being Survey, which provided nationally representative data of English and Welsh adolescents aged 11–16-years. We applied Bayesian structural equation modeling (BSEM) where grandparental investment in grandchildren was modelled using multi-indicator unobserved latent variable. Our results showed that maternal grandmothers’ investment was increased by having a living maternal grandfather but not vice versa. Having a living maternal grandmother was also associated with decreased investment of paternal grandparents while the opposite was not found. These findings indicate that the association between the survival status of other grandparents and the focal grandparents’ investment varies between grandparent types.
Animal–substrate interactions preserved in ancient lagoonal chalk
Authors: Valencia Fernando L. , Mángano M. Gabriela , Buatois Luis A. , Laya Juan Carlos
Published: August 2022

Trace-fossil assemblages reflect the response of the benthos to sets of paleoenvironmental conditions during and immediately after sedimentation. Trace fossils have been widely studied in pelagic shelf and deep-sea chalk deposits from around the globe but never documented from ancient lagoonal chalk successions. Here we report the first detailed ichnologic analysis of a lagoonal chalk unit, using as an example the Upper Cretaceous Buda Formation from the Texas Gulf Coast Basin. In this unit, variable interconnection with the open ocean, accompanied by marked fluctuations in physicochemical parameters inherent to lagoonal circulation (e.g., salinity, hydrodynamic energy, bottom-water oxygenation), highly influenced the resultant trace-fossil content of the chalk. These lagoonal chalk deposits contain twenty ichnotaxa, displaying a clear dominance ofThalassinoidesisp. andChondritesisp., which are present in most of the bioturbated strata. The dominance ofThalassinoidesisp., both in softgrounds as an element of theCruzianaIchnofacies and in firmgrounds as a component of theGlossifungitesIchnofacies, highlights similarities with trace-fossil assemblages from shallow-water shelf-sea chalks. In contrast to both (open) shallow-water shelf-sea chalks and deep-sea chalks, the Buda Formation chalk exhibits more diverse assemblages and sharp fluctuations in ichnodiversity and ichnodisparity during relatively short periods of time. The increased ichnodiversity and ichnodisparity in this lagoonal chalk (in comparison with its open ocean counterparts) may reflect a complex interplay of taphonomic (i.e., incomplete bioturbation allowing preservation of shallow-tier trace fossils and ecologic (i.e., increased spatial environmental heterogeneity in the carbonate lagoonal setting) factors.
Relationships between transmission of malaria in Africa and climate factors
Authors: Mafwele Biseko Juma , Lee Jae Woo
Published: August 2022

The spread of malaria is related to climate change because temperature and rainfall are key parameters of climate change. Fluctuations in temperature affect the spread of malaria by lowering or speeding up its rate of transmission. The amount of rainfall also affects the transmission of malaria by offering a lot of sites suitable for mosquitoes to breed in. However, a high amount of rainfall does not have a great effect. Because of the high malaria incidence and the death rates in African regions, by using malaria incidence data, temperature data and rainfall data collected in 1901–2015, we construct and analyze climate networks to show how climate relates to the transmission of malaria in African countries. Malaria networks show a positive correlation with temperature and rainfall networks, except for the 1981–2015 period, in which the malaria network shows a negative correlation with rainfall.
A game theoretic approach identifies conditions that foster vaccine-rich to vaccine-poor country donation of surplus vaccines
Authors: Lampert Adam , Sulitzeanu-Kenan Raanan , Vanhuysse Pieter , Tepe Markus
Published: August 2022

Background

Scarcity in supply of COVID-19 vaccines and severe international inequality in their allocation present formidable challenges. These circumstances stress the importance of identifying the conditions under which self-interested vaccine-rich countries will voluntarily donate their surplus vaccines to vaccine-poor countries.

Methods

We develop a game-theoretical approach to identify the vaccine donation strategy that is optimal for the vaccine-rich countries as a whole; and to determine whether the optimal strategy is stable (Nash equilibrium or self-enforcing agreement). We examine how the results depend on the following parameters: the fraction of the global unvaccinated population potentially covered if all vaccine-rich countries donate their entire surpluses; the expected emergence rate of variants of concern (VOC); and the relative cost of a new VOC outbreak that is unavoidable despite having surplus doses.

Results

We show that full or partial donations of the surplus stock are optimal in certain parameter ranges. Notably, full surplus donation is optimal if the global amount of surplus vaccines is sufficiently large. Within a more restrictive parameter region, these optimal strategies are also stable.

Conclusions

Our results imply that, under certain conditions, coordination between vaccine-rich countries can lead to significant surplus donations even by strictly self-interested countries. However, if the global amount that countries can donate is small, we expect no contribution from self-interested countries. The results provide guidance to policy makers in identifying the circumstances in which coordination efforts for vaccine donation are likely to be most effective.
Actinidin diversity: discovery of common and selective substrates for actinidin isoforms and Actinidia cultivars
Authors: Martin Harry , Simpson Robert M. , Seal Alan , Chen Ronan , Hedderley Duncan
Published: August 2022

The actinidin proteinase family has a striking sequence diversity at the active site.
Extending the in vivo persistence of synthetic glycoconjugates using a serum-protein binder
Authors: Daskhan Gour Chand , Motyka Bruce , Bascom Roger , Tran Hanh Thuc , Tao Kesheng , West Lori J. , Cairo Christopher W.
Published: August 2022

A strategy for augmenting multivalent glycoconjugates with a serum-protein recognition element extends half-life in vivo and maintains engagement with lectin receptors.
Atomically dispersed Ag on δ-MnO2viacation vacancy trapping for toluene catalytic oxidation
Authors: Yang Wenhao , Zhao Xiaoguang , Wang Ya , Wang Xiyang , Liu Hao , Yang Weinan , Zhou Hua , Wu Yimin A. , Sun Chengjun , Peng Yue , Li Junhua
Published: August 2022

Atomic dispersion of Ag on δ-MnO2was achievedviaH2O2-induced Mn vacancy trapping. Single-atom Ag could activate adjacent lattice oxygen, facilitating methyl oxidation and benzene ring cleavage to improve toluene oxidation activity.
Inorganic material-based Janus nanosheets: asymmetrically functionalized 2D-inorganic nanomaterials
Authors: Suzuki Ryoko , Yamauchi Yusuke , Sugahara Yoshiyuki
Published: August 2022

Inorganic material-based Janus nanosheets are classified based on their base materials, and their preparation methods and applications are summarized.
A cationic porous polymer as a robust and recyclable adsorbent for the removal of harmful dyes from aqueous contaminants
Authors: Chandra Bijan Krishna , Majee Adinath , Bhaumik Asim
Published: August 2022

A new cationic porous organic polymer (VBT-POP) has been synthesized and it showed excellent selective and quantitative adsorptive removal of anionic dyes RB (1252 mg g−1) and XO (735 mg g−1).
Novel pterostilbene-loaded pro-phytomicelles: preclinical pharmacokinetics, distribution, and treatment efficacy against acetaminophen-induced liver injury
Authors: Liu Lu , Zhou Liping , Wang Cuicui , Yuan Zhixin , Cao Qilong , Li Mengshuang , Wu Xianggen
Published: August 2022

A novel pro-phytomicelle formulation with small molecule phytochemicals as nanomaterials was developed for the oral delivery of pterostilbene (PTE).
High-frequency and rapid response tungsten sulfide nano onion-based electrochemical actuators
Authors: Ji Liang , Zhang Gongxi , Li Zhaoqi , Cao Hongyu , Shen Shengping
Published: August 2022

WS3 assisted WS2 nano onions are synthesized. Electrochemical irreversibility is introduced for realizing an asymmetric redox reaction and inducing rapid response, high-frequency and long life electrochemical actuations of tungsten sulfide.
Designing optimal core–shell MOFs for direct air capture
Authors: Boone Paul , He Yiwen , Lieber Austin R. , Steckel Janice A. , Rosi Nathaniel L. , Hornbostel Katherine M. , Wilmer Christopher E.
Published: August 2022

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) can selectively adsorb CO2, but are often ineffective in the presence of H2O, which binds more strongly. By selecting MOF ‘shells’ to keep water out of MOF ‘cores’ this limitation may be overcome.
A generic dual d-band model for interlayer ferromagnetic coupling in a transition-metal doped MnBi2Te4 family of materials
Authors: Zhang Huisheng , Zhang Jingjing , Zhang Yaling , Yang Wenjia , Wang Yingying , Xu Xiaohong , Liu Feng
Published: August 2022

A generic dual d-band model is proposed to elucidate the energy difference between the AFM and FM coupling in TM-doped MnBi2Te4 family of materials. And high-temperature quantum anomalous Hall effect can be realized in V-doped Mn2Bi2Te5.
Nanoscale layers of precise ion-containing polyamides with lithiated phenyl sulfonate in the polymer backbone
Authors: Park Jinseok , Easterling Charles P. , Armstrong Christopher C. , Huber Dale L. , Bowman Jared I. , Sumerlin Brent S. , Winey Karen I. , Taylor Mercedes K.
Published: August 2022

Precise polyamide ionomer produces well-defined nanoscale layers.
Enhancing the thermoelectric performance of n-type Bi2Te2.7Se0.3 through the incorporation of Ag9AlSe6 inclusions
Authors: Chen Tao , Ming Hongwei , Qin Xiaoying , Zhu Chen , Chen Yong , Ai Li , Li Di , Zhang Yongsheng , Xin Hongxing , Zhang Jian
Published: August 2022

Herein, ZTmax = ∼1.2 at 423 K and high average ZTave ∼ 1.1 (300 K–473 K) are reached for the BTS-0.35 vol% Ag9AlSe6 sample, which is around 38% and 33% higher, respectively, than those values for a pristine BTS sample.
Thiophene/selenophene-based windmill-shaped triple [6]helicenes
Authors: Xu Wan , Wei Jichang , Tang Kun , Ma Zhiying , Shi Jianwu , Li Chunli , Wang Hua
Published: August 2022

The construction of four windmill-shaped triple [6]helicenes with the substitution from S to Se in the molecular skeletons are studied. The properties of their crystal structures, spectroscopic behaviors and chirality are investigated.
High thermoelectric performance in metal phosphides MP2 (M = Co, Rh and Ir): a theoretical prediction from first-principles calculations
Authors: Kang Chung-Jin , Jong Un-Gi , Kye Yun-Hyok , Yu Chol-Jun
Published: August 2022

We investigated the thermoelectric performance of metal phosphides MP2 (M = Co, Rh and Ir), such as Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, and lattice and electron thermal conductivity, using the density functional theory calculations.
Enzymatic synthesis of vitexin glycosides and their activity
Authors: Xu Tingting , Fan Ziyun , Lou Junqiao , Du Qi , Kong Yue , Lu Yujia , Wu Xueming
Published: August 2022

Efficient enzymatic glycosylation of vitexin in hydrophobic organic and the novel vitexin glycosides showed higher anti-tumor activities.
An excipient-free “sugar-coated bullet” for the targeted treatment of orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Feiyang , Liu Lingyan , Liu Dongya , Wei Peng , Feng Wei , Yi Tao
Published: August 2022

An excipient-free nanoformulation is prepared by a reactive oxygen species-responsive prodrug. These sugar-coated bullets selectively target tumor cells, resulting in high in vivo therapeutic efficacy in an orthotopic HCC mouse model.
Amino acid containing amphiphilic hydrogelators with antibacterial and antiparasitic activities
Authors: Mondal Biplab , Gupta Vivek Kumar , Hansda Biswanath , Bhoumik Arpita , Mondal Tanushree , Majumder Hemanta K. , Edwards-Gayle Charlotte J. C. , Hamley Ian W. , Jaisankar Parasuraman , Banerjee Arindam
Published: August 2022

Nanoscale self-assembly of peptide constructs represents a promising means to present bioactive motifs to develop new functional materials.
Surface stability of ionic-liquid-passivated mixed-cation perovskite probed within situphotoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Maniyarasu Suresh , Spencer Ben F. , Mo Hongbo , Walton Alex S. , Thomas Andrew G. , Flavell Wendy R.
Published: August 2022

A passivation treatment is proposed that improves perovskite photovoltaic device performance and stability to annealing in dry environments. A rationale is presented for the observed loss of stability on heating in wet environments.
Manipulation of n → π* electronic transitionsviaimplanting thiophene rings into two-dimensional carbon nitride nanosheets for efficient photocatalytic water purification
Authors: He Fengting , Liu Xiaoming , Zhao Xiaoli , Zhang Jinqiang , Dong Pei , Zhang Yang , Zhao Chaocheng , Sun Hongqi , Duan Xiaoguang , Wang Shaobin , Wang Shuaijun
Published: August 2022

Thiophene ring implanted two-dimensional carbon nitride nanosheets (2D Thing-CNNS) with dramatically double elevated n → π* electronic transitions were synthesized. 2D Thing-CNNS exhibited efficient photocatalytic bisphenol-A degradation.
Tailoring the selectivity and activity of oxygen reduction by regulating the coordination environments of carbon-supported atomically dispersed metal sites
Authors: Zhu Pan , Song Pengyu , Feng Wuyi , Zhao Di , Liu Ting , Zhang Jiatao , Chen Chen
Published: August 2022

This review discloses the controllable ORR selectivity and activity based on the coordination environment regulation of the carbon supported atomically dispersed metal sites (C-ADMSs).
A MoS2/CuO-based hybrid p–n junction for high-performance self-powered photodetection
Authors: Lal Kumawat Kishan , Augustine Pius , Kumar Singh Deependra , Baba Krupanidhi Saluru , Kar Nanda Karuna
Published: August 2022

Energy efficient MoS2/CuO p–n heterostructure broadband photodetector device.
Panoramic view of microRNAs in regulating cancer stem cells
Authors: Zhao Yongzhi , Wei Danduo , Zhang Yitong , Ji Junfang
Published: August 2022

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subgroup of tumor cells, possessing the abilities of self-renewal and generation of heterogeneous tumor cell lineages. They are believed to be responsible for tumor initiation, metastasis, as well as chemoresistance in human malignancies. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that play essential roles in various cellular activities including CSC initiation and CSC-related properties. Mature miRNAs with ∼22 nucleotides in length are generated from primary miRNAs via its precursors by miRNA-processing machinery. Extensive studies have demonstrated that mature miRNAs modulate CSC initiation and stemness features by regulating multiple pathways and targeting stemness-related factors. Meanwhile, both miRNA precursors and miRNA-processing machinery can also affect CSC properties, unveiling a new insight into miRNA function. The present review summarizes the roles of mature miRNAs, miRNA precursors, and miRNA-processing machinery in regulating CSC properties with a specific focus on the related molecular mechanisms, and also outlines the potential application of miRNAs in cancer diagnosis, predicting prognosis, as well as clinical therapy.
A Cross-Sectional Age Group Study of Coarticulatory Resistance: The Case of Late-Acquired Voiceless Fricatives in English
Authors: Howson Phil J. , Redford Melissa A.
Published: August 2022

Purpose:

As a class, fricatives are more “resistant” to consonant–vowel coarticulation than other English sounds. This study investigates the relative coarticulatory resistance of /θ, s, ʃ/ in child and adult speech to better understand the acquisition of individuated speech sounds.

Method:

Ten 5-year-old children, seven 8-year-old children, and nine college-age adults produced [əFV] sequences in carrier phrases, where F was /θ/, /s/, or /ʃ/ and V was /æ/, /i/, or /u/. In Experiment 1, coarticulation was perceptually indexed: 65 adults predicted the target stressed vowel based on forward-gated audiovisual speech samples for a subset of four speakers from each age group. In Experiment 2, dynamic spectral measures of the /əFV/ sequences were analyzed using smoothing spline analysis of variance to again test for vowel effects on fricative articulation across age groups.

Results:

The perceptual results indicated that fricatives blocked vowel–vowel coarticulation across speaker age groups. Contrary to expectation, vowels were most accurately predicted when F was /s/ and not when it was /ʃ/ or /θ/ across age groups. Acoustic results indicated the expected biomechanically motivated /ʃ/ > /s/ > /θ/ coarticulatory resistance hierarchy in adults' speech. By contrast, /ʃ/ > /s/ were similarly influenced by context in 8-year-olds' speech, and the results from 5-year-olds' speech suggested an influence of order of acquisition in that /θ/ was surprisingly resistant to coarticulation.

Conclusion:

The study results are taken to suggest that a temporal constraint on fricative articulation interacts with biomechanical constraints during development to influence patterns of coarticulation in school-age children's speech.
Comfort Levels of Providers Serving Children Who Are Deaf/Hard of Hearing: Discrepancies and Opportunities
Authors: Blaiser Kristina M. , Mahshie James
Published: August 2022

Purpose:

More than 80% of children who are deaf/hard of hearing (DHH) receive services in mainstream school settings. This means they are often served as part of a broader caseload rather than by someone who has specific training in serving this population. While best practice outlines specific skills and expertise from highly qualified providers, in reality, many lack confidence related to hearing technology and resources related to serving children who are DHH.

Method:

This study surveyed 459 professionals within the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association who serve children who are DHH with the intent of comparing differences in confidence, training, and resource use between providers who have self-selected interest in working with children who are DHH (i.e., membership in Special Interest Group [SIG] 9, Pediatric Hearing and Hearing Disorders) and those who serve children who are DHH but are not part of the pediatric hearing–related SIG.

Results:

Results indicated that many providers, particularly those not in SIG 9, did not have confidence in serving young children who are DHH (particularly in early intervention or preschool). Graduate experiences (classes and practicum) played little role in providers' confidence working with children who are DHH.

Conclusions:

While most children who are DHH are enrolled in school settings, there is limited provider confidence in working with this population. Graduate training programs should explore opportunities to provide more intensive, comprehensive experiences to prepare providers in this area.