bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flower trade‐wind clouds are shallow mesoscale convective systems
Authors: Dauhut Thibaut , Couvreux Fleur , Bouniol Dominique , Beucher Florent , Volkmer Lea , Pörtge Veronika , Schäfer Michael , Ayet Alex , Brilouet Pierre‐Etienne , Jacob Marek , Wirth Martin
Published: November 2022

Flower clouds are trade‐wind shallow cumuli, with tops reaching 3 km altitude, organised into 100‐km wide clusters. They are widespread over the subtropics and associated with the strongest cloud radiative effect among trade‐wind cumuli mesoscale organisations. In the context of large uncertainty in climate projections due to the representation of shallow clouds, major knowledge gaps remain about the global impact of mesoscale organisations and the local processes driving them. Here, the processes governing the flower organisation are investigated based on the case study of February 2, 2020 from the Elucidate the Couplings Between Clouds, Convection, and Circulation (EURECA) campaign, east of Barbados. One flower cloud is simulated with a large‐eddy simulation (LES), using the Meso‐NH model at 100‐m horizontal grid spacing, and validated extensively with high‐resolution observations from the High Altitude and Long‐range Research Aircraft (HALO), dropsondes, and satellite measurements. The cloud‐top altitudes exhibit a trimodal distribution. The processes shaping flower clouds are wide cold pools and cloudy updrafts organised in one large arc at the western edge. These updrafts are responsible for the highest cloud tops and drive most of the vertical turbulent fluxes of sensible heat, humidity, and momentum. A mesoscale circulation takes place at the scale of the flower clouds and makes them very similar to deep mesoscale convective systems.
Convergence of forecast distributions in a 100,000‐member idealised convective‐scale ensemble
Authors: Tempest Kirsten I. , Craig George C. , Brehmer Jonas R.
Published: November 2022

Many operational weather services use ensembles of forecasts to generate probabilistic predictions. Computational costs generally limit the size of the ensemble to fewer than 100 members, although the large number of degrees of freedom in the forecast model would suggest that a vastly larger ensemble would be required to represent the forecast probability distribution accurately. In this study, we use a computationally efficient idealised model that replicates key properties of the dynamics and statistics of cumulus convection to identify how the sampling uncertainty of statistical quantities converges with ensemble size. Convergence is quantified by computing the width of the 95% confidence interval of the sampling distribution of random variables, using bootstrapping on the ensemble distributions at individual time and grid points. Using ensemble sizes of up to 100,000 members, it was found that for all computed distribution properties, including mean, variance, skew, kurtosis, and several quantiles, the sampling uncertainty scaled as for sufficiently large ensemble size . This behaviour is expected from the Central Limit Theorem, which further predicts that the magnitude of the uncertainty depends on the distribution shape, with a large uncertainty for statistics that depend on rare events. This prediction was also confirmed, with the additional observation that such statistics also required larger ensemble sizes before entering the asymptotic regime. By considering two methods for evaluating asymptotic behaviour in small ensembles, we show that the large‐ theory can be applied usefully for some forecast quantities even for the ensemble sizes in operational use today.
Delusional Infestation in Healthcare Professionals: Outcomes from a Multi-Centre Case Series
Authors: Frewen John , Lepping Peter , Goulding Jonathan M. R. , Walker Stephen , Bewley Anthony
Published: November 2022

Delusional infestation (DI) describes an unwavering fixed belief of infestation with pathogens, despite a lack of medical evidence supporting this. Effective management of DI with antipsychotics is made challenging by the fixed belief that the condition is an infestation or infection rather than a mental illness. A case series of individuals diagnosed with DI included 11% who were healthcare professionals (HCPs). We sought to characterise a cohort of HCPs who presented with DI in the UK. The case notes of HCPs diagnosed with DI at specialist clinics between 2015 and 2019 were reviewed. Demographic and clinical data were obtained. Twelve HCPs were identified out of a total of 381 individuals diagnosed with DI. Median age was 52.5 (IQR = 14.5) years. 75% (n = 9) were women. Ten individuals had primary DI, whilst two had secondary DI (one to recreational drug use, one to depression). Four individuals (33%) engaged with antipsychotic treatment. Two responded well, both had secondary DI. Of the two individuals with primary DI who engaged, one did not respond to antipsychotic medication and the other was unable to tolerate two antipsychotic drugs. In Primary DI (n = 10), the rate of adherence was lower at 20% (n = 2). In DI, high engagement and adherence rates to treatment have been reported in specialist centres. Improvement has been reported as high as 70%–75%. This indicates that a large proportion of individuals who adhere to treatment appear to derive benefit. In this series, engagement with treatment by HCPs with primary DI was low at 20%, and improvement was only achieved in individuals with secondary DI. Mental illness-related stigma, feelings of distress and difficulty forming therapeutic relationships with a professional peer are significant challenges. Developing rapport is key to treatment success in DI. In HCPs this may be suboptimal due to these negative feelings, resulting in lower engagement. A diagnosis of DI in a HCP may raise concerns regarding fitness to practise. An assessment of the impact of DI and the potential to interfere with professional duties warrants consideration. We highlight the occurrence of DI in HCPs, and the apparent lower engagement with treatment in this cohort.
Solid Phase Synthesis of DNA Nanostructures in Heavy Liquid
Authors: Smyrlaki Ioanna , Shaw Alan , Yang Yunshi , Shen Boxuan , Högberg Björn
Published: November 2022

Introduction of the solid phase method to synthesize biopolymers has revolutionized the field of biological research by enabling efficient production of peptides and oligonucleotides. One of the advantages of this method is the ease of removal of excess production materials from the desired product, as it is immobilized on solid substrate. The DNA origami method utilizes the nature of nucleotide base‐pairing to construct well‐defined objects at the nanoscale, and has become a potent tool for manipulating matter in the fields of chemistry, physics, and biology. Here, the development of an approach to synthesize DNA nanostructures directly on magnetic beads, where the reaction is performed in heavy liquid to maintain the beads in suspension is reported. It is demonstrated that the method can achieve high folding yields of up to 90% for various DNA shapes, comparable to standard folding. At the same time, this establishes an easy, fast, and efficient way to further functionalize the DNA origami in one‐pot, as well as providing a built‐in purification method for easy removal of excess by‐products such as non‐integrated DNA strands and residual functionalization molecules.
End Group Effect of Asymmetric Benzodithiophene‐Based Donor with Liquid‐Crystal State for Small‐Molecule Binary Solar Cell
Authors: Zhao Yong , Huang Ziwei , Kang Xiao , Yu Jifa , Ding Minggeng , Liu Deyu , Lu Guanghao , Bao Xichang , Yu Liangmin , Sun Mingliang
Published: November 2022

Liquid‐crystal small molecule donor (LC‐SMD) is a new type organic semiconductor, which is attractive not only for the easy synthesis and purification, well‐defined chemical structures, etc., but also for the LC state that makes the crystallinity and aggregation state of molecules adjustable. Here, one new LC‐SMD (a‐BTR‐H4) is synthesized with 1D alkoxyl and 2D thiophene‐alkylthiol side‐chained benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene core, trithiophene π‐bridge, and 3‐(2‐ethylhexyl) rhodanine end group. a‐BTR‐H4 shows low LC transition temperature, 117 °C, however, counterpart material (a‐BTR‐H5) with the same main structure but 3‐ethyl rhodanine terminal group does not show LC properties. Although a‐BTR‐H4/H5 show similar Ultraviolet–visible absorption spectrum and energy levels, a‐BTR‐H4 affords relatively high photovoltaic performances due to favorable blend morphology produced by the consistent annealing temperature of Y6‐based accepters and liquid crystal temperature of donors. Preliminary results indicate that a‐BTR‐H4 gains a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 11.36% for Y6‐based devices, which is ascribed to better light harvest as well as balanced carrier generation and transport, while a‐BTR‐H5 obtains 7.57% PCE. Therefore, some materials with unique nematic LC phase have great application potential in organic electronics, and further work to utilize a‐BTR‐H4 for high‐performance device is underway.
A Through‐Thickness Arrayed Carbon Fibers Elastomer with Horizontal Segregated Magnetic Network for Highly Efficient Thermal Management and Electromagnetic Wave Absorption
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Wang Jianda , Shang Jian , Xu Yadong , Wan Yan‐Jun , Lin Zhiqiang , Sun Rong , Hu Yougen
Published: November 2022

Multifunctional thermal management materials with highly efficient electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption performance are urgently required to tackle the heat dissipation and electromagnetic interference issues of high integrated electronics. However, the high thermal conductivity (λ) and outstanding EMW absorption performance are often incompatible with each other in a single material. Herein, a through‐thickness arrayed NiCo2O4/graphene oxide/carbon fibers (NiCO@CFs) elastomer with integrated functionalities of high thermal conductivity, highly efficient EMW absorption, and excellent compressibility is reported. The NiCO@CFs elastomer realizes a high out‐of‐plane thermal conductivity of 15.55 W m−1 K−1, due to the through‐thickness vertically aligned CFs framework. Moreover, the unique horizontal segregated magnetic network effectively reduces the electrical contact between the CFs, which significantly enhances impedance matching of NiCO@CFs elastomer. As a result, the vertically arrayed NiCO@CFs elastomer synchronously exhibits ultrabroad effective absorption bandwidth of 8.25 GHz (9.75–18 GHz) at a thickness of 2.4 mm, good impedance matching, and a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −55.15 dB. Given these outstanding findings, the multifunctional arrayed NiCO@CFs elastomer opens an avenue for applications in EMW absorption and thermal management. This strategy of constructing thermal/electrical/mechanical pathways provides a promising way for the high‐performance multifunctional materials in electronic devices.
Rational Design of Covalent Bond Engineered Encapsulation Structure toward Efficient, Long‐Lived Multicolored Phosphorescent Carbon Dots
Authors: Zhang Yongqiang , Li Manyu , Lu Siyu
Published: November 2022

Multicolored phosphorescent materials based on carbon dots (CDs) constructed using the same or similar precursors with long lifetimes are conducive to their wide range of practical applications due to the developed compatibility. Herein, a universal method is developed to prepare long‐lived multicolored phosphorescent CD‐based composites for which heavy‐metal doping is not required. The multicolored CDs are encapsulated in silica via silane hydrolysis, which forms many covalent SiOC and SiC bonds; hence, the vibrations and rotations of the luminescent centers on the CD surfaces are hindered. The transformation of SiOC to a more rigid SiC moiety occurs during high‐temperature calcination. Furthermore, during calcination, the silica collapses, resulting in more tightly encapsulated CDs. The synergistic effect of these two calcination phenomena produces blue, green, yellow, and red phosphorescence, at wavelengths spanning 465 to 680 nm and with lifetimes of up to 2.11 s. Taking advantage of their superior phosphorescence performances, the CD‐based composites are successfully applied to 3D multichannel information storage and encryption.
Multiphase Molybdenum Carbide Doped Carbon Hollow Sphere Engineering: The Superiority of Unique Double‐Shell Structure in Microwave Absorption
Authors: Zhao Tianbao , Jia Zirui , Zhang Yan , Wu Guanglei
Published: November 2022

In order to achieve excellent electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption properties, the microstructure design and component control of the absorber are critical. In this study, three different structures made of Mo2C/C hollow spheres are prepared and their microwave absorption behavior is investigated. The Mo2C/C double‐shell hollow spheres consisting of an outer thin shell and an inner rough thick shell with multiple EMW loss mechanisms exhibit good microwave absorption properties. In order to further improve the microwave absorption properties, MoC1‐x/C double‐shell hollow spheres with different crystalline phases of molybdenum carbide are prepared to further optimize the EMW loss capability of the materials. Finally, MoC1‐x/C double‐shell hollow spheres with α‐phase molybdenum carbide have the best microwave absorption properties. When the filling is 20 wt.%, the minimum reflection loss at 1.8 mm is −50.55 dB and the effective absorption bandwidth at 2 mm is 5.36 GHz, which is expected to be a microwave absorber with the characteristics of “thin, light, wide, and strong”.
Cathodes Coating Layer with Li‐Ion Diffusion Selectivity Employing Interactive Network of Metal‐Organic Polyhedras for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Kim You Jin , Ko So Yeon , Kim Suji , Choi Kyung Min , Ryu Won‐Hee
Published: November 2022

Surface modification of cathodes using Ni‐rich coating layers prevents bulk and surface degradation for the stable operation of Li–ion batteries at high voltages. However, insulating and dense inorganic coating layers often impede charge transfer and ion diffusion kinetics. In this study, the fabrication of dual functional coating materials using metal–organic polyhedra (MOP) with 3D networks within microporous units of Li–ion batteries for surface stabilization and facile ion diffusion is proposed. Zr‐based MOP is modified by introducing acyl groups as a chemical linkage (MOPAC), and MOPAC layers are homogenously coated by simple spray coating on the cathode. The coating allow the smooth transport of electrons and ions. MOPAC effectively suppress side reactions between the cathode and electrolyte and protect active materials against aggressive fluoride ions by forming a Li–ion selective passivation film. The MOPAC‐coated Ni‐rich layered cathode exhibited better cycle retention and enhanced kinetic properties than pristine and MOP‐coated cathodes. Reduction of undesirable gas evolution on the cathode by MOPAC is also verified. Microporous MOPAC coating can simultaneously stabilize both the bulk and surface of the Ni‐rich layered cathode and maintain good electrochemical reaction kinetics for high‐performance Li–ion batteries.
A Cascade Nanoreactor of Metal‐Protein‐Polyphenol Capsule for Oxygen‐Mediated Synergistic Tumor Starvation and Chemodynamic Therapy
Authors: Yu Qiao , Zhou Jie , Song Juan , Zhou Hong , Kang Bin , Chen Hong‐Yuan , Xu Jing‐Juan
Published: November 2022

Starvation therapy kills tumor cells via consuming glucose to cut off their energy supply. However, since glucose oxidase (GOx)‐mediated glycolysis is oxygen‐dependent, the cascade reaction based on GOx faces the challenge of a hypoxic tumor microenvironment. By decomposition of glycolysis production of H2O2 into O2, starvation therapy can be enhanced, but chemodynamic therapy is limited. Here, a close‐loop strategy for on demand H2O2 and O2 delivery, release, and recycling is proposed. The nanoreactor (metal‐protein‐polyphenol capsule) is designed by incorporating two native proteins, GOx and hemoglobin (Hb), in polyphenol networks with zeolitic imidazolate framework as sacrificial templates. Glycolysis occurs in the presence of GOx with O2 consumption and the produced H2O2 reacts with Hb to produce highly cytotoxic hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and methemoglobin (MHb) (Fenton reaction). Benefiting from the different oxygen carrying capacities of Hb and MHb, oxygen on Hb is rapidly released to supplement its consumption during glycolysis. Glycolysis and Fenton reactions are mutually reinforced by oxygen supply, consuming more glucose and producing more hydroxyl radicals and ultimately enhancing both starvation therapy and chemodynamic therapy. This cascade nanoreactor exhibits high efficiency for tumor suppression and provides an effective strategy for oxygen‐mediated synergistic starvation therapy and chemodynamic therapy.
CO2 Photoactivation Study of Adenine Nucleobase: Role of Hydrogen‐Bonding Traction
Authors: Li Ning , Yao Su‐Juan , Wei Mei‐Jie , He Jun , Chi Weijie , Lan Ya‐Qian
Published: November 2022

The discovery and in‐depth study of non‐biocatalytic applications of active biomolecules are essential for the development of biomimicry. Here, the effect of intermolecular hydrogen‐bonding traction on the CO2 photoactivation performance of adenine nucleobase by means of an adenine‐containing model system (AMOF‐1−4) is uncovered. Remarkably, the hydrogen‐bonding schemes around adenines are regularly altered with the increase in the alkyl (methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, and tert‐butyl) electron‐donating capacity of the coordinated aliphatic carboxylic acids, and thus, lead to a stepwise improvement in CO2 photoreduction activity. Density functional theory calculations demonstrate that strong intermolecular hydrogen‐bonding traction surrounding adenine can obviously increase the adenine‐CO2 interaction energy and, therefore, result in a smoother CO2 activation process. Significantly, this work also provides new inspiration for expanding the application of adenine to more small‐molecule catalytic reactions.
Unravelling Disorder Effects on Thermoelectric Properties of Semicrystalline Polymers in a Wide Range of Doping Levels
Authors: Choi Woojin , Kim Soohyun , Lee Soonyong , Jung Changhwa , Tripathi Ayushi , Lee Yoonjoo , Woo Han Young , Lee Hyunjung
Published: November 2022

Thermoelectric (TE) performance of a specific semicrystalline polymer is studied experimentally only in a limited range of doping levels with molecular doping methods. The doping level is finely controlled via in situ electrochemical doping in a wide range of carrier concentrations with an electrolyte ([PMIM]+[TFSI]−)‐gated organic electrochemical transistor system. Then, the charge generation/transport and TE properties of four p‐type semicrystalline polymers are analyzed and their dynamic changes of crystalline morphologies and local density of states (DOS) during electrochemical doping are compared. These polymers are synthesized based on poly[(2,5‐bis(2‐alkyloxy)phenylene)‐alt‐(5,6‐difluoro‐4,7‐di(thiophene‐2‐yl)benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole)] by varying side chains: With oligoethylene glycol (OEG) substituents, facile p‐doping is achieved because of easy penetration of TFSI− ions into the polymer matrix. However, the charge transport is hindered with longer OEG chains length because of the enhanced insulation. Therefore, with the shortest OEG substituents the electrical conductivity (30.1 S cm−1) and power factor (2.88 µW m−1 K−2) are optimized. It is observed that all polymers exhibit p‐ to n‐type transition in Seebeck coefficients in heavily doped states, which can be achieved by electrochemical doping. These TE behaviors are interpreted based on the relation between the localized DOS band structure and molecular packing structure during electrochemical doping.
A high‐strength concrete resistant to elevated temperatures using steel slag aggregates
Authors: Hajiaghamemar Mohammadreza , Mostofinejad Davood , Bahmani Hadi
Published: November 2022

This paper investigates high‐strength concrete (HSC) exposed to high temperatures using the full replacement of natural aggregates with steel slag. Polypropylene (PP) and steel fibers are used as reinforcements, and the effects of calcium aluminate cement and ordinary cement on the mechanical properties of this concrete are compared. A total of 81 cylindrical specimens of 100 × 200 mm and 81 prism specimens of 100 × 100 × 350 mm were made using different amounts of cementitious materials (cement and silica fume) of 450, 500, and 550 kg/m3, with constant water‐to‐cementitious materials ratio of 0.28. The present results revealed that the HSC made with steel slag aggregates and calcium aluminate cement reinforced with steel fibers, had the greatest compressive strength of 84 and 50 MPa at temperatures of 20°C and 800°C, respectively; and flexural strength of 7.9 and 4.5 MPa, respectively, at the same temperatures. Similar HSC specimens constructed with ordinary cement, on the other hand, performed better at 400°C. Moreover, the flexural strength of the samples placed at temperatures of 400°C and 800°C decreased by 28% and 48%, respectively, compared to the specimens at 20°C. Compared to specimens comprised of polypropylene fibers, the fracture energy and displacement of HSC with steel slag reinforced with steel fibers subjected to high temperatures were increased by approximately 100% and 60%, respectively.
Markers of cell death predict therapy response in patients with cirrhosis and hepatorenal syndrome
Authors: Heinrich Sophia , Austgen Thomas , Castven Darko , Hess Moritz , Labenz Christian , Kirstein Martha , Zimpel Carolin , Stockhoff Lena , Maasoumy Benjamin , Heinrich Bernd , Wedemeyer Hans Heinrich , Galle Peter Robert , Binder Harald , Nguyen‐Tat Marc , Marquardt Jens Uwe
Published: November 2022

Background and aims

Hepatorenal syndrome is a major complication in patients with cirrhosis and associated with high mortality. Predictive biomarkers for therapy response are largely missing. Cytokeratin18‐based cell death markers are significantly elevated in patients with complications of chronic liver disease, but the role of these markers in patients with HRS treated with vasoconstrictors and albumin is unknown.

Methods

We prospectively analyzed a total of 138 patients with HRS, liver cirrhosis without HRS and acute kidney injury treated at the University Medical Center Mainz between April 2013 and July 2018. Serum levels of M30 and M65 were analyzed by ELISA and clinical data were collected. Predictive ability was assessed by Kaplan‐Meier curves, logistic regression and c‐statistic. Primary endpoint was response to therapy.

Results

M30 and M65 were significantly increased in patients with HRS compared to non‐HRS controls (M30: p < 0.0001; M65: p < 0.0001). Both serum markers showed predictive ability for dialysis‐ and LTX‐free survival but not overall survival. Logistic regression confirmed M30 and M65 as independent prognostic factors for response to therapy. A novel predictive score comprising bilirubin and M65 showed highest predictive ability to predict therapy response.

Conclusions

Serum levels of M30 and M65 can robustly discriminate patients into responders and non‐responders to terlipressin therapy with a good predictive ability for dialysis‐ and LTX‐free survival in cirrhotic patients. Cell death parameters might possess clinical relevance in patients with liver cirrhosis and HRS.
Agent‐based modeling to integrate elements from different disciplines for ambitious climate policy
Authors: Savin Ivan , Creutzig Felix , Filatova Tatiana , Foramitti Joël , Konc Théo , Niamir Leila , Safarzynska Karolina , van den Bergh Jeroen
Published: November 2022

Ambitious climate mitigation policies face social and political resistance. One reason is that existing policies insufficiently capture the diversity of relevant insights from the social sciences about potential policy outcomes. We argue that agent‐based models can serve as a powerful tool for integration of elements from different disciplines. Having such a common platform will enable a more complete assessment of climate policies, in terms of criteria like effectiveness, equity and public support.

This article is categorized under:

Climate Models and Modeling > Knowledge Generation with Models

The Carbon Economy and Climate Mitigation > Policies, Instruments, Lifestyles, Behavior

Policy and Governance > Multilevel and Transnational Climate Change Governance
Applying transcranial magnetic stimulation to rehabilitation of poststroke lower extremity function and an improvement: Individual‐target TMS
Authors: Qi Shun , Tian Meng , Rao Yang , Sun Chuanzhu , Li Xiang , Qiao Jin , Huang Zi‐Gang
Published: November 2022

Stroke is the leading cause of disability globally in need of novel and effective methods of rehabilitation. Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) has been adopted as a Level B recommendation for lower limb spasticity in guidelines on the therapeutic use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). Nonetheless, the methodological differences and deficits of existing work bring about heterogenous results and therefore limit the universal clinical use of rTMS in lower extremity (LE) rehabilitation. The variation of stimulated targets across motor cortex contributes mainly to these heterogeneities. This narrative review includes studies of rTMS on LE motor function rehabilitation in patients after stroke until now. Some analyses of brain imaging and electromagnetic simulation and quantification through computational modeling were also performed. rTMS appears capable of fostering LE motor rehabilitation after stroke, but the actually stimulated targets are considerably bias making it difficult to confirm effectiveness. The main reason for this phenomenon is probably inaccurate targeting of motor cortical leg representation. An underlying updated method is proposed as Individual‐Target TMS (IT‐TMS) combined with brain imaging. rTMS is a promising validated method for LE function regaining. Future studies should systematically compare the effects of IT‐TMS with traditional rTMS using large samples in random clinical trials.

This article is categorized under:

Neuroscience > Clinical Neuroscience
Innovative approaches in transforming microRNAs into therapeutic tools
Authors: Samad Abdul Fatah A. , Kamaroddin Mohd Farizal
Published: November 2022

MicroRNA (miRNA) is regarded as a prominent genetic regulator, as it can fine‐tune an entire biological pathway by targeting multiple target genes. This characteristic makes miRNAs promising therapeutic tools to reinstate cell functions that are disrupted as a consequence of diseases. Currently, miRNA replacement by miRNA mimics and miRNA inhibition by anti‐miRNA oligonucleotides are the main approaches to utilizing miRNA molecules for therapeutic purposes. Nevertheless, miRNA‐based therapeutics are hampered by major issues such as off‐target effects, immunogenicity, and uncertain delivery platforms. Over the past few decades, several innovative approaches have been established to minimize off‐target effects, reduce immunostimulation, and provide efficient transfer to the target cells in which these molecules exert their function. Recent achievements have led to the testing of miRNA‐based drugs in clinical trials, and these molecules may become next‐generation therapeutics for medical intervention. Despite the achievement of exciting milestones, the dosage of miRNA administration remains unclear, and ways to address this issue are proposed. Elucidating the current status of the main factors of therapeutic miRNA would allow further developments and innovations to achieve safe therapeutic tools.

This article is categorized under:

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > RNAi: Mechanisms of Action
Power Grid Mapping in West Africa
Authors: Charles Tommy G. D.
Published: November 2022

YouthMappers helps to map fundamental features of rural communities across the countryside of Sierra Leone as an innovative model for how to bring power to villages across West Africa. Charting location of buildings, tracing streets, and pinpointing where utility poles dot the landscape inform efforts to design and install mini-grids in places without power or with insufficient service. By understanding settlement patterns, road connectivity, and the layout of current low-voltage distribution networks, the team speeds up and scales up design for rural electrification, contributing directly to SDG 7 to bring affordable and clean energy to communities and to SDG 9 to build resilient infrastructure in ways that foster innovation for mapping and beyond.
Youth Engagement and Participation in Mitigating Perennial Flooding in Kampala, Uganda Using Open Geospatial Data
Authors: Kintu Ingrid M. , Bulley Henry N. N.
Published: November 2022

Ingraining spatial thinking for problem-solving is critical for future decision makers and leaders. We argue that the use of open geospatial data and technology makes it easier to understand the interconnections between places and many socioecological issues facing communities. This facilitates openness to adopt the methods and strategies needed to make our communities and the world at large a better place as envisaged by UN-SDG 11. This case of two informal human settlements Uganda features low-lying areas with mostly slum conditions and urban poor migrants who settled there from rural communities in search of better livelihoods. YouthMappers documented conditions of drainage systems that impact flood vulnerability. We highlight important lessons in collaborating with local humanitarian organizations to spatially conceptualize development-related activities for underprivileged communities in a context that resonates with local people.
Collaborative Cartography Making Riparian Communities Visible in Tefé, Amazonas, Brazil
Authors: Teixeira Ana Luisa , Ventorini Silvia Elena , Pôssa Évelyn Márcia , Rabelo Francisco Davy Braz , Rocha Leonardo Cristian , do Amaral Figueiredo Mucio , dos Santos Silva Paula
Published: November 2022

The authors explore the invisibility of riparian communities along the river channels of the Amazon basin and the utility of collaborative mapping as a methodology for increasing their visibility on publicly available maps with the objective of contributing to the recording of their history and presenting a collaborative cartographic product that can be useful for guaranteeing territorial rights and support the creation of public policies more suited to the riverside realities. These efforts carried out by the YouthMappers chapter at the Universidade Federal de São João del Rei and Centro de Estudos Superiores de Tefé - Universidade do Estado do Amazonas support SDG 15 – Life on Land and SDG 16 – Peace and Justice and Strong Institutions.
Open Mapping with Official Cartographies in the Americas
Authors: Arriaga Vivian , Birkenes Adele , Council Daniel , Jones Mason , Lay Soler Enith K. , McCarley John Sawyer , Wulf Emily , Zhang Calvin , Wintemute Jean Parcher , Aguirre Nancy , Solís Patricia
Published: November 2022

Governments need data to be effective and accountable to the SDGs. Spatial data are key to meeting these goals, and youth open mapping represents one way to support official cartographies, especially to advance SDG 16. We explored how youth could add value by integrating OSM data into public agency maps while offering education opportunities (SDG 4).
Volcanic Geoheritage in the Light of Volcano Geology
Authors: Németh Károly
Published: November 2022

Volcanic geoheritage relates to the geological features of a region that are associated with the formation of a volcanic terrain in diverse geoenvironmental conditions. These features include the volcanic processes, volcanic landforms and/or the eruptive products of volcanism that form the geological architecture of that region. Volcanic geoheritage is expressed through the landscape and how it forms and evolves through volcanic processes on various spatio-temporal scales. In this sense it is directly linked to the processes of how magma released, transported to the surface and fragmented, the styles of eruption and accumulation of the eruptive products. Volcanic geoheritage is directly linked to the natural processes that generated them. Geocultural aspects are treated separately through volcanic geosite identification and their valorization stages. Identification of volcanic geosites, based on various valorization techniques, have been applied successfully in the past decades to many geological heritage elements. Volcanism directly impacts societal, cultural, and traditional development of communities, hence the “living with volcanoes” concept and indigenous aspects and knowledge about volcanism can and should play important roles in these valorization methods through co-development, transdisciplinary approaches by including interconnected scientists in discussions with local communities. Elements of volcanism and volcanic geoheritage benefit of the geoculture of society so volcanic geoheritage sites are ideal locations for community geoeducation where resilience toward volcanic hazard could be explored and applied more effectively than it is done today. Geoparks within volcanic terrains or volcanism-influenced regions should be the flagship conservation, education and tourism sites for this message. Volcanism can be an integral part of processes operating in sedimentary basins. Here volcanic eruptive products and volcanic processes contribute to the sediment fill and geological features that characterize the geoheritage of that region.
Geoheritage Inventory of the El Hierro UNESCO Global Geopark
Authors: Casillas Ruiz Ramón , Pérez Candelario Yurena , Ferro Fernández Cristina
Published: November 2022

In 2014 the Island of El Hierro (Canary Islands) was declared a Geopark of the Unesco network, thus becoming the first UNESCO geopark of the Canary Islands. The geological history of the Island of El Hierro can be understood through the visit of 61 geosites, which are representative of the growth and destruction of an oceanic Island in an intraplate environment. The geological heritage represented by these geosites has as foremost exponents those related to the formation of mega-landslides and the formation of extensive fields of pahoehoe lava-flows related to the historical or prehistoric fissure volcanism concerning the activity of its three rifts. This chapter describes the methodology used in establishing the geosite inventory carried out in 2019, as well as the description of the established geosites.
Geomorphosites of El Hierro UNESCO Global Geopark (Canary Islands, Spain): Promotion of Georoutes for Volcanic Tourism
Authors: Dóniz-Páez Javier , Becerra-Ramírez Rafael
Published: November 2022

Geotourism is a relatively recent concept and a novel kind of tourism, which has acquired a significant boom in the last decades, associated with the creation and consolidation of the UNESCO global geoparks network. There are two approaches to geotourism, one geological and the other geographical, much more global and inclusive of the elements of the natural and cultural heritage. In this chapter, we have chosen to use the geographical approach of geotourism, to apply it to the El Hierro global geopark and diversify the island's tourism, traditionally focused on diving and hiking, through geoforms (volcanic and non-volcanic), and its link with cultural heritage. For this, the most representative, preserved and accessible geomorphosites in the geopark have been identified, inventoried and selected, which can be visited through volcano tourism georoutes. To do this, a route is proposed in the El Faro-Orchilla geozone (GZH-07) of the geopark, since it is one of the best examples of recent monogenetic basaltic volcanism in the Canary Islands. This geozone has a high geodiversity and richness in its natural and cultural heritage, it is easily accessible and different geoforms and views of the island landscape can be seen along a 9.5 km route and 8 stops.
Social Cognition Development and Socioaffective Dysfunction in Childhood and Adolescence
Authors: de Mello Claudia Berlim , da Silva Gusmão Cardoso Thiago , Alves Marcus Vinicius C.
Published: November 2022

Social cognition refers to a wide range of cognitive abilities that allow individuals to understand themselves and others and also communicate in social interaction contexts (Adolphs, Curr Opin Neurobiol 11(2):231–239, 2001). According to Adolphs (Annu Rev Psychol 60(1):693–716, 2009), social cognition deals with psychological processes that allow us to make inferences about what is happening inside other people—their intentions, feelings, and thoughts. Although the term can be defined in many ways, it is clear that it must be safeguarded for the mental operations underlying social interactions. The most investigated cognitive processes of social cognition are emotion recognition and theory of mind (ToM), given that a whole range of socio-affective and interpersonal skills, such as empathy, derive from them (Mitchell RL, Phillips LH, Neuropsychologia, 70:1–10, 2015). Theory of mind is an intuitive ability to attribute thoughts and feelings to other people, and this ability usually matures in children in preschool age (Wellman HM, The child’s theory of mind. Bradford Books/MIT, 1990), whereas emotional recognition refers to an individual’s ability to identify others’ emotions and affective states, usually based on their facial or vocal expressions, it is a critical skill that develops early and supports the development of other social skills (Mitchell RL, Phillips LH, Neuropsychologia, 70:1–10, 2015).
fMRI and fNIRS Methods for Social Brain Studies: Hyperscanning Possibilities
Authors: Bazán Paulo Rodrigo , Amaro Edson
Published: November 2022

Recently, the “social brain” (i.e., how the brain works in social context and the mechanisms for our social behavior) has gained focus in neuroscience literature – largely due to the fact that recently developed techniques allow studying different aspects of human social cognition and its brain correlates. In this context, hyperscanning techniques (Montague et al., Neuroimage 16(4):1159–1164, 2002) open the horizon for human interaction studies, allowing for the evaluation of interbrain connectivity. These techniques represent methods for simultaneously recording signals from different brains when subjects are interacting. In this chapter, we will explore the potentials of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), which are techniques based on blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) signal. We will start with a brief explanation of the BOLD response basic principles and the mechanisms involved in fMRI and fNIRS measurements related to brain function. We will then discuss the foundation of the social brain, based on the first studies, with one subject per data acquisition, to allow for understanding the new possibilities that hyperscanning techniques offer. Finally, we will focus on the scientific literature reporting fMRI and fNIRShyperscanning contribution to understand the social brain.
Modulating the Social and Affective Brain with Transcranial Stimulation Techniques
Authors: Rego Gabriel , Marques Lucas Murrins , da Silveira Coêlho Marília Lira , Boggio Paulo Sérgio
Published: November 2022

Transcranial brain stimulation (TBS) is a term that denotes different noninvasive techniques which aim to modulate brain cortical activity through an external source, usually an electric or magnetic one. Currently, there are several techniques categorized as TBS. However, two are more used for scientific research, the transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and the transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), which stimulate brain areas with a high-intensity magnetic field or a weak electric current on the scalp, respectively. They represent an enormous contribution to behavioral, cognitive, and social neuroscience since they reveal how delimited brain cortical areas contribute to some behavior or cognition. They have also been proposed as a feasible tool in the clinical setting since they can modulate abnormal cognition or behavior due to brain activity modulation. This chapter will present the standard methods of transcranial stimulation, their contributions to social and affective neuroscience through a few main topics, and the studies that adopted those techniques, also summing their findings.
Facial EMG – Investigating the Interplay of Facial Muscles and Emotions
Authors: Wingenbach Tanja S. H.
Published: November 2022

This chapter provides information about facial electromyography (EMG) as a method of investigating emotions and affect, including examples of application and methods for analysis. This chapter begins with a short introduction to emotion theory followed by an operationalisation of facial emotional expressions as an underlying requirement for their study using facial EMG. This chapter ends by providing practical information on the use of facial EMG.
The Neurocognitive Mechanisms of Unconscious Emotional Responses
Authors: Sato Wataru
Published: November 2022

The neurocognitive mechanism of emotion without conscious awareness has long been a subject of great interest (Pribram KH, Gill MM, Freud’s “project” re-assessed: preface to contemporary cognitive theory and neuropsychology. Basic Books, 1976). Several pervious psychological studies have used subliminal presentations of emotional facial expressions in the context of the affective priming paradigm to investigate unconscious emotional processing (e.g., Murphy ST, Zajonc RB, J Person Soc Psychol 64:723–739, 1993; for a review, see Eastwood JD, Smilek D, Conscious Cognit 14:565–584, 2005). In a typical application of this paradigm, a facial expression depicting a negative or positive emotion is flashed briefly as a prime, then an emotionally neutral target (e.g., an ideograph) is presented. Participants are asked to make emotion-related judgments about the target. The studies reported that evaluations of the target were negatively biased by unconscious negative primes, compared to positive primes. This effect has been interpreted as evidence that unconscious emotion can be elicited and that it affects the evaluation of unrelated targets.
Social and Affective Neuroscience of Embodiment
Authors: da Silveira Coêlho Marília Lira , Wingenbach Tanja S. H. , Boggio Paulo Sérgio
Published: November 2022

Embodiment has been discussed in the context of social, affective, and cognitive psychology, and also in the investigations of neuroscience in order to understand the relationship between biological mechanisms, body and cognitive, and social and affective processes. New theoretical models have been presented by researchers considering not only the sensory–motor interaction and the environment but also biological mechanisms regulating homeostasis and neural processes (Tsakiris M, Q J Exp Psychol 70(4):597–609, 2017). Historically, the body and the mind were comprehended as separate entities. The body was considered to function as a machine, responsible for providing sensory information to the mind and executing its commands. The mind, however, would process information in an isolated way, similar to a computer (Pecher D, Zwaan RA, Grounding cognition: the role of perception and action in memory, language, and thinking. Cambridge University Press, 2005). This mind and body perspective (Marmeleira J, Duarte Santos G, Percept Motor Skills 126, 2019; Marshall PJ, Child Dev Perspect 10(4):245–250, 2016), for many years, was the basis for studies in social and cognitive areas, in neuroscience, and clinical psychology.
Sex Differences in Social Cognition
Authors: Proverbio Alice Mado
Published: November 2022

Several studies have demonstrated sex differences in empathy and social abilities. This chapter reviews studies on sex differences in the brain, with particular reference to how women and men process faces and facial expressions, social interactions, pain of others, infant faces, faces in things (pareidolia), living vs. non-living information, purposeful actions, biological motion, erotic vs. emotional information. Sex differences in oxytocin-based attachment response and emotional memory are also discussed. Overall, the female and male brains show some neuro-functional differences in several aspects of social cognition, with particular regard to emotional coding, face processing and response to baby schema that might be interpreted in the light of evolutionary psychobiology.
Development of Morality and Emotional Processing
Authors: Marques Lucas Murrins , Cabral Patrícia , Comfort William Edgar , Boggio Paulo Sérgio
Published: November 2022

Emotions play a very important role in moral judgments. Hume argues that morality is determined by feelings that make us define whether an attitude is virtuous or criminal. This implies that an individual relies on their past experience to make a moral judgment, so that when the mind contemplates what it knows, it may trigger emotions such as disgust, contempt, affection, admiration, anger, shame, and guilt (Hume D. An enquiry concerning the principles of morals, 1777 ed. Sec. VI, Part I, para, 196, 1777). Thus, even so-called “basic” emotions can be considered as moral emotions. As Haidt (The moral emotions. In: Handbook of affective sciences, vol 11, 852–870, Oxford University Press, 2003) points out, all emotional processing that leads to the establishment and maintenance of the integrity of human social structures can be considered as moral emotion. Consequently, the construct of “morality” is often characterized by a summation of both emotion and cognitive elaboration (Haidt J. Psychol Rev, 108(4):814, 2001).
Trust in Social Interaction: From Dyads to Civilizations
Authors: Christov-Moore Leonardo , Bolis Dimitris , Kaplan Jonas , Schilbach Leonhard , Iacoboni Marco
Published: November 2022

Human trust can be construed as a heuristic wager on the predictability and benevolence of others, within a compatible worldview. A leap of faith across gaps in information. Generally, we posit that trust constitutes a functional bridge between individual and group homeostasis, by helping minimize energy consumed in continuously monitoring the behavior of others and verifying their assertions, thus reducing group complexity and facilitating coordination. Indeed, we argue that trust is crucial to the formation and maintenance of collective entities. However, the wager that trust represents in the face of uncertainty leaves the possibility of misallocated trust, which can result in maladaptive outcomes for both individuals and groups. More specifically, trust can be thought of as a scale-invariant property of minimizing prediction error within ascending levels of social hierarchy ranging from individual brains to dyads, groups and societies, and ultimately civilizations. This framework permits us to examine trust from multiple perspectives at once, relating homeostasis, subjective affect and predictive processing/active inference at the individual level, with complexity and homeostasis at the collective level. We propose trust as a paradigmatic instance of an intrinsically dialectical phenomenon bridging individual and collective levels of organization, one that can be observed in daily experience and empirically studied in the real world. Here, we suggest collective psychophysiology as a promising paradigm for studying the multiscale dynamics of trust. We conclude with discussing how our integrative approach could help shine light on not only the bright but also the dark sides of trust.