bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deepfakes and Democracy (Theory): How Synthetic Audio-Visual Media for Disinformation and Hate Speech Threaten Core Democratic Functions
Authors: Pawelec Maria
Published: September 2022

Observers fear that deepfakes will shake the very foundations of democracy. Notwithstanding, in-depth scholarly analyses of deepfakes’ political impact are rare, and do not consider theories of democracy. This contribution helps close this research gap, drawing on Warren’s problem-oriented democracy theory, as well as theories of deliberative democracy and contributions on the role of trust in democracies. I identify three core functions of democratic systems and their normative foundations, namely empowered inclusion, collective agenda and will formation (supported by deliberation), and collective decision-making. Based on a literature and media analysis, I systematize different types of deepfakes serving either disinformation or hate speech and outline how they weaken core democratic functions and norms: Deepfakes impede citizens’ empowered inclusion in debates and decisions that affect them, e.g. by hampering efforts to hold political representatives accountable or further marginalizing certain societal groups such as women or ethnic minorities. Deepfakes also undermine collective agenda and will formation by threatening the epistemic quality of deliberation as well as citizens’ mutual empathy and respect. This culminates in a decreased legitimacy of collective decisions taken, which is additionally threatened by pervasive (but mostly speculative) fears of deepfake election manipulation. My analysis has implications for (future) governance efforts addressing deepfakes. Such efforts are increasing, e.g. on the part of social media platforms, but also (supra-)national regulatory bodies.
Sequence-Based Functional Metagenomics Reveals Novel Natural Diversity of Functional CopA in Environmental Microbiomes
Authors: Li Wenjun , Wang Likun , Li Xiaofang , Zheng Xin , Cohen Michael F. , Liu Yong-Xin
Published: September 2022

Exploring the natural diversity of functional genes/proteins from environmental DNA in high throughput remains challenging. In this study, we developed a sequence-based functional metagenomics procedure for mining the diversity of copper (Cu) resistance gene copA in global microbiomes, by combining the metagenomic assembly technology, local BLAST, evolutionary trace analysis (ETA), chemical synthesis, and conventional functional genomics. In total, 87 metagenomes were collected from a public database and subjected to copA detection, resulting in 93,899 hits. Manual curation of 1214 hits of high confidence led to the retrieval of 517 unique CopA candidates, which were further subjected to ETA. Eventually, 175 novel copA sequences of high quality were discovered. Phylogenetic analysis showed that almost all these putative CopA proteins were distantly related to known CopA proteins, with 55 sequences from totally unknown species. Ten novel and three known copA genes were chemically synthesized for further functional genomic tests using the Cu-sensitive Escherichia coli (ΔcopA). The growth test and Cu uptake determination showed that five novel clones had positive effects on host Cu resistance and uptake. One recombinant harboring copA-like 15 (copAL15) successfully restored Cu resistance of the host with a substantially enhanced Cu uptake. Two novel copA genes were fused with the gfp gene and expressed in E. coli for microscopic observation. Imaging results showed that they were successfully expressed and their proteins were localized to the membrane. The results here greatly expand the diversity of known CopA proteins, and the sequence-based procedure developed overcomes biases in length, screening methods, and abundance of conventional functional metagenomics.
Foundations of Molecular Quantum Electrodynamics
Authors: Woolley R. Guy
Published: September 2022

This book presents a comprehensive account of molecular quantum electrodynamics from the perspectives of physics and theoretical chemistry. The first part of the book establishes the essential concepts underlying classical electrodynamics, using the tools of Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics. The second part focuses on the fundamentals of quantum mechanics, particularly how they relate to, and influence, chemical and molecular processes. The special case of the Coulomb Hamiltonian (including the celebrated Born-Oppenheimer approximation) is given a modern treatment. The final part of the book is devoted to non-relativistic quantum electrodynamics and describes in detail its impact upon our understanding of atoms and molecules, and their interaction with light. Particular attention is paid to the Power-Zienau-Woolley (PZW) representations, and both perturbative and non-perturbative approaches to QED calculation are discussed. This book is ideal for graduate students and researchers in chemical and molecular physics, quantum chemistry, and theoretical chemistry.
Screw Theory and Its Application to Spatial Robot Manipulators
Authors: Crane, III Carl D. , Griffis Michael , Duffy Joseph
Published: September 2022

Discover a fresh take on classical screw theory and understand the geometry embedded within robots and mechanisms with this essential text. The book begins with a geometrical study of points, lines, and planes and slowly takes the reader toward a mastery of screw theory with some cutting-edge results, all while using only basic linear algebra and ordinary vectors. It features a discussion of the geometry of parallel and serial robot manipulators, in addition to the reciprocity of screws and a singularity study. All 41 essential screw systems are unveiled, establishing the possible freedom twists and constraint wrenches for a kinematic joint. Familiarizing the reader with screw geometry in order to study the statics and kinematics of robots and mechanisms, this is a perfect resource for engineers and graduate students.
Does breastfeeding support at work help mothers, children, and employers at the same time?
Authors: Del Bono Emilia , Pronzato Chiara Daniela
Published: September 2022

This paper investigates whether the availability of breastfeeding facilities at the workplace helps to reconcile breastfeeding and work commitments, and whether it has beneficial effects for the health of the child. Using data from the UK Infant Feeding Survey, we find that the availability of breastfeeding facilities at work is associated with longer breastfeeding durations for all women and shorter maternity leave spells for higher educated women. We also find that children born to mothers whose employer offers breastfeeding facilities experience significantly fewer sickness in the first 6 months of life.
The Assouad dimension of self-affine measures on sponges
Authors: FRASER JONATHAN M. , KOLOSSVÁRY ISTVÁN
Published: September 2022

We derive upper and lower bounds for the Assouad and lower dimensions of self-affine measures in
$\mathbb {R}^d$
generated by diagonal matrices and satisfying suitable separation conditions. The upper and lower bounds always coincide for
$d=2,3$
, yielding precise explicit formulae for those dimensions. Moreover, there are easy-to-check conditions guaranteeing that the bounds coincide for
$d \geqslant 4$
. An interesting consequence of our results is that there can be a ‘dimension gap’ for such self-affine constructions, even in the plane. That is, we show that for some self-affine carpets of ‘Barański type’ the Assouad dimension of all associated self-affine measures strictly exceeds the Assouad dimension of the carpet by some fixed
$\delta>0$
depending only on the carpet. We also provide examples of self-affine carpets of ‘Barański type’ where there is no dimension gap and in fact the Assouad dimension of the carpet is equal to the Assouad dimension of a carefully chosen self-affine measure.
First documented observation of the Portuguese man-of-war, Physalia physalis (Linnaeus, 1758) (Physaliidae) on the west coast of Algeria
Authors: Boughamou Naïma , Ladoul Sara
Published: September 2022

The pleustonic siphonophore Physalia physalis (Linnaeus, 1758) reported in the present study were collected in May 2018 on the north-western coast of Algeria. Two specimens of P. physalis have been observed, photographed and measured for the first time on the Al-Wardania beach, in Aïn Temouchent city. Their size is between 34.8 and 42 cm total length (TL). Morphometrics, meristics and diagnostic characteristics of the species are presented.
Socio-economic inequalities in the consumption of fruits and vegetables in Peru between 2014 and 2019
Authors: Hernández-Vásquez Akram , Visconti Lopez Fabriccio J , Vargas-Fernández Rodrigo
Published: September 2022

Objective:

To estimate the prevalence and socio-economic inequalities in adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables in Peru between 2014 and 2019.

Design:

Analytical cross-sectional study. The outcome variable was adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables, defined as the consumption of five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per d (yes/no). We used concentration curves and Erreygers concentration index to describe socio-economic inequalities and a microeconometric approach to determine the contribution of each variable to inequality.

Setting:

Peru.

Participants:

Data from Peruvians aged 18 years or older collected by the Demographic and Family Health Survey.

Results:

The prevalence of adequate fruit and vegetable consumption did not change between 2014 (10·7 %; 95 % CI (10·0, 11·4)) and 2019 (11 %; 95 % CI (10·4, 11·7)). We found socio-economic inequalities in the adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables, with wealthier individuals having a higher prevalence of adequate consumption compared to poorer individuals in 2014 (19·2 %v. 3·5 %) and 2019 (18·6 %v. 4·7 %). The decomposition analysis found that education, urban areas and being wealthy were the main factors associated with socio-economic inequality in adequate fruit and vegetable consumption, being structural problems of society.

Conclusion:

Despite the current regulations on healthy eating in Peru, adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables remains low, and there are socio-economic inequalities between the poorest and wealthiest individuals. Our findings suggest that more efforts are needed to increase the intake and assess the disparities in adequate fruit and vegetable consumption.
Analysis of Interpretable Data Representations for 4D-STEM Using Unsupervised Learning
Authors: Bruefach Alexandra , Ophus Colin , Scott Mary C
Published: September 2022

Understanding the structure of materials is crucial for engineering devices and materials with enhanced performance. Four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM) is capable of mapping nanometer-scale local crystallographic structure over micron-scale field of views. However, 4D-STEM datasets can contain tens of thousands of images from a wide variety of material structures, making it difficult to automate detection and classification of structures. Traditional automated analysis pipelines for 4D-STEM focus on supervised approaches, which require prior knowledge of the material structure and cannot describe anomalous or deviant structures. In this article, a pipeline for engineering 4D-STEM feature representations for unsupervised clustering using non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) is introduced. Each feature is evaluated using NMF and results are presented for both simulated and experimental data. It is shown that some data representations more reliably identify overlapping grains. Additionally, real space refinement is applied to identify spatially distinct sample regions, allowing for size and shape analysis to be performed. This work lays the foundation for improved analysis of nanoscale structural features in materials that deviate from expected crystallographic arrangement using 4D-STEM.
On the adapting function of social institutions
Authors: Lascaux Alexander
Published: September 2022

In this paper, I introduce an important dynamic function performed by social institutions, which consists in helping individual actors to adapt to significant changes taking place in their environment. This adapting function is juxtaposed against the statically-oriented properties of institutions, which comprise their enabling, constraining, and orienting functions. I explicate the three major adapting roles of social institutions, which correspond to the cognitive, normative, and regulatory institutional elements, and explore the nine principal mechanisms by which social institutions can accelerate the adaptation processes. I examine the main outcomes of the adaptation processes supported by social institutions, as well as the key enablers and barriers to successful adaptation. I present a co-evolutionary model of adaptive dynamics involving individuals, institutions, and the broader external environment, and discuss the major implications of the proposed framework.
42nd JACT Latin Summer School – 2022 Director's Report
Authors: Stephenson David
Published: September 2022

This is a review of the activities and successes of the 42nd residential JACT Latin Summer School, run in July 2022. Specifically, it covers our typical teaching arrangement, lectures, trips and events and acknowledges the generosity of our sponsors.
Structural basis of a two-antibody cocktail exhibiting highly potent and broadly neutralizing activities against SARS-CoV-2 variants including diverse Omicron sublineages
Authors: Li Xiaoman , Pan Yongbing , Yin Qiangling , Wang Zejun , Shan Sisi , Zhang Laixing , Yu Jinfang , Qu Yuanyuan , Sun Lina , Gui Fang , Lu Jia , Jing Zhaofei , Wu Wei , Huang Tao , Shi Xuanling , Li Jiandong , Li Xinguo , Li Dexin , Wang Shiwen , Yang Maojun , Zhang Linqi , Duan Kai , Liang Mifang , Yang Xiaoming , Wang Xinquan
Published: September 2022

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOCs), especially the latest Omicron, have exhibited severe antibody evasion. Broadly neutralizing antibodies with high potency against Omicron are urgently needed for understanding the working mechanisms and developing therapeutic agents. In this study, we characterized the previously reported F61, which was isolated from convalescent patients infected with prototype SARS-CoV-2, as a broadly neutralizing antibody against all VOCs including Omicron BA.1, BA.1.1, BA.2, BA.3 and BA.4 sublineages by utilizing antigen binding and cell infection assays. We also identified and characterized another broadly neutralizing antibody D2 with epitope distinct from that of F61. More importantly, we showed that a combination of F61 with D2 exhibited synergy in neutralization and protecting mice from SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron BA.1 variants. Cryo-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM) structures of the spike-F61 and spike-D2 binary complexes revealed the distinct epitopes of F61 and D2 at atomic level and the structural basis for neutralization. Cryo-EM structure of the Omicron-spike-F61-D2 ternary complex provides further structural insights into the synergy between F61 and D2. These results collectively indicated F61 and F61-D2 cocktail as promising therapeutic antibodies for combating SARS-CoV-2 variants including diverse Omicron sublineages.
Fluorescence-based thermal sensing with elastic organic crystals
Authors: Di Qi , Li Liang , Miao Xiaodan , Lan Linfeng , Yu Xu , Liu Bin , Yi Yuanping , Naumov Panče , Zhang Hongyu
Published: September 2022

Operation of temperature sensors over extended temperature ranges, and particularly in extreme conditions, poses challenges with both the mechanical integrity of the sensing material and the operational range of the sensor. With an emissive bendable organic crystalline material, here we propose that organic crystals can be used as mechanically robust and compliant fluorescence-based thermal sensors with wide range of temperature coverage and complete retention of mechanical elasticity. The exemplary material described remains elastically bendable and shows highly linear correlation with the emission wavelength and intensity between 77 K to 277 K, while it also transduces its own fluorescence in active waveguiding mode. This universal new approach expands the materials available for optical thermal sensing to a vast number of organic crystals as a new class of engineering materials and opens opportunities for the design of lightweight, organic fluorescence-based thermal sensors that can operate under extreme temperature conditions such as are the ones that will be encountered in future space exploration missions.
Electrocatalytic hydrogenation of quinolines with water over a fluorine-modified cobalt catalyst
Authors: Guo Shuoshuo , Wu Yongmeng , Wang Changhong , Gao Ying , Li Mengyang , Zhang Bin , Liu Cuibo
Published: September 2022

Room temperature and selective hydrogenation of quinolines to 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolines using a safe and clean hydrogen donor catalyzed by cost-effective materials is significant yet challenging because of the difficult activation of quinolines and H2. Here, a fluorine-modified cobalt catalyst is synthesized via electroreduction of a Co(OH)F precursor that exhibits high activity for electrocatalytic hydrogenation of quinolines by using H2O as the hydrogen source to produce 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolines with up to 99% selectivity and 94% isolated yield under ambient conditions. Fluorine surface-sites are shown to enhance the adsorption of quinolines and promote water activation to produce active atomic hydrogen (H*) by forming F−-K+(H2O)7 networks. A 1,4/2,3-addition pathway involving H* is proposed through combining experimental and theoretical results. Wide substrate scopes, scalable synthesis of bioactive precursors, facile preparation of deuterated analogues, and the paired synthesis of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline and industrially important adiponitrile at a low voltage highlight the promising applications of this methodology.
Structural basis for gating mechanism of the human sodium-potassium pump
Authors: Nguyen Phong T. , Deisl Christine , Fine Michael , Tippetts Trevor S. , Uchikawa Emiko , Bai Xiao-chen , Levine Beth
Published: September 2022

P2-type ATPase sodium-potassium pumps (Na+/K+-ATPases) are ion-transporting enzymes that use ATP to transport Na+ and K+ on opposite sides of the lipid bilayer against their electrochemical gradients to maintain ion concentration gradients across the membranes in all animal cells. Despite the available molecular architecture of the Na+/K+-ATPases, a complete molecular mechanism by which the Na+ and K+ ions access into and are released from the pump remains unknown. Here we report five cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of the human alpha3 Na+/K+-ATPase in its cytoplasmic side-open (E1), ATP-bound cytoplasmic side-open (E1•ATP), ADP-AlF4− trapped Na+-occluded (E1•P-ADP), BeF3− trapped exoplasmic side-open (E2P) and MgF42− trapped K+-occluded (E2•Pi) states. Our work reveals the atomically resolved structural detail of the cytoplasmic gating mechanism of the Na+/K+-ATPase.
A biomarker of aging, p16, predicts peripheral neuropathy in women receiving adjuvant taxanes for breast cancer
Authors: Mitin Natalia , Nyrop Kirsten A. , Strum Susan L. , Knecht Anne , Carey Lisa A. , Reeder-Hayes Katherine E. , Claire Dees E. , Jolly Trevor A. , Kimmick Gretchen G. , Karuturi Meghan S. , Reinbolt Raquel E. , Speca JoEllen C. , O’Hare Erin A. , Muss Hyman B.
Published: September 2022

Identifying patients at higher risk of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a major unmet need given its high incidence, persistence, and detrimental effect on quality of life. We determined if the expression of p16, a biomarker of aging and cellular senescence, predicts CIPN in a prospective, multi-center study of 152 participants enrolled between 2014 and 2018. Any women with newly diagnosed Stage I–III breast cancer scheduled to receive taxane-containing chemotherapy was eligible. The primary outcome was development of grade 2 or higher CIPN during chemotherapy graded by the clinician before each chemotherapy cycle (NCI-CTCAE v5 criteria). We measured p16 expression in peripheral blood T cells by qPCR before and at the end of chemotherapy. A multivariate model identified risk factors for CIPN and included taxane regimen type, p16Age Gap, a measure of discordance between chronological age and p16 expression, and p16 expression before chemotherapy. Participants with higher p16Age Gap—higher chronological age but lower p16 expression prior to chemotherapy - were at the highest risk. In addition, higher levels of p16 before treatment, regardless of patient age, conferred an increased risk of CIPN. Incidence of CIPN positively correlated with chemotherapy-induced increase in p16 expression, with the largest increase seen in participants with the lowest p16 expression before treatment. We have shown that p16 expression levels before treatment can identify patients at high risk for taxane-induced CIPN. If confirmed, p16 might help guide chemotherapy selection in early breast cancer.
Specific behavior of transition metal chloride complexes for achieving giant ionic thermoelectric properties
Authors: Chen Bin , Feng Jiansong , Chen Qianling , Xiao Songhua , Yang Jing , Zhang Xu , Li Zhibin , Wang Taihong
Published: September 2022

When people are keen to exploring the thermoelectric properties of polymer composite inorganic electrolyte aqueous flexible electronic devices, the complicated chemical configuration of transition metal chloride anion has not been paid attention and reported. Here, we demonstrate a hydrated polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-cellulosic membrane that relies on the thermal gradient diffusion of transition metal and chloride complexe [CuCl4]2− enhanced by copper-coordinated carboxylated cellulose. The PVA-cellulosic membrane exhibits a thermopower of −26.25 mV·K−1, rendering it among the best n-type ionic thermoelectric materials under the same conditions. We attribute the enhanced thermally generated voltage to the highly-coordinated configuration of Cu2+ - Cl−, which converts the independent thermal motion of Cu2+ and Cl− to the higher ion transport heat of [CuCl4]2− anion via carboxylated cellulose, while this phenomenon do not occur in the other transition metal chlorides. This specific heat transport behavior of [CuCl4]2− has important implications in designing high-quality ionic thermoelectric materials.
Highly pixelated, untethered tactile interfaces for an ultra-flexible on-skin telehaptic system
Authors: Jin Hanbit , Kim Yunjeong , Youm Wooseup , Min Yulim , Seo Saerom , Lim Chaehyun , Hong Chan-Hwa , Kwon Seyoung , Park Gyeongseok , Park Steve , Kim Hye Jin
Published: September 2022

Realizing highly immersive tactile interactions requires a skin-integrated, untethered, high-definition tactile transducer devices that can record and generate tactile stimuli. However, the rigid and bulky form factor, and insufficient resolution of existing actuators are hindering the reproduction of sophisticated tactile sensations and immersive user experiences. Here, we demonstrate an ultra-flexible tactile interface with high spatial resolution of 1.8 mm for telehaptic communication on human skin. Dual mechanism sensors and sub-mm scale piezoceramic actuators are designed to record and generate the static and dynamic pressures in a wide frequency range (1 Hz to 1 kHz). Moreover, actuators are integrated on ultra-flexible substrate with chessboard pattern to minimize stress during mechanical deformations. Finally, remote transmissions of various tactile stimuli, such as shapes, textures, and vibration patterns were demonstrated by the telehaptic system with low latency (<1.55 ms) and high fidelity as proven by the short-time Fourier-transform analysis.
Pyridinic N anchored Ag and Au hybrids for detoxification of organic pollutants
Authors: Bogireddy Naveen Kumar Reddy , El Hachimi Abdel Ghafour , Mejia Yetzin Rodriguez , Kesarla Mohan Kumar , Varma Rajender S. , Becerra Raul Herrera , Agarwal Vivechana
Published: September 2022

The development of a highly reusable, non-toxic catalyst for the effective removal of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) from marine water is a key challenge due to its diverse effects on living organisms. Herein, in situ green fabricated pyridinic N anchored Ag2O/Au decorated porous silica (CG-Ag2O/Au-SiO2) using spent coffee grounds (CG) powder is introduced as a reusable catalyst to mitigate 4-NP, Methylene blue (MB), Rhodamine 6G (R6G) and their mixture in the spiked deionized, river and marine water samples. Exceptionally high structural activity and excellent reusability of catalysts up to 15 cycles have been demonstrated due to the accessibility of a large number of active sites from pyridinic N-anchored Ag2O and Au particle surfaces. CG-Ag2O/Au-SiO2 with the lower Ag and Au contents of 0.59 and 0.11 wt% (ICP-MS) of active catalytic sites exhibit a superior activity parameter of 6000 s−1 g−1 (4-NP), 6357 s−1 g−1 (MB), and 2892 s−1 g−1 (R6G) than chemically synthesized and reported, bare and hybrid structures. Furthermore, the CG-Ag2O/Au-SiO2 shows excellent stability in marine water with promising reusability performance (≈93% after 15 successive cycles). Density functional theory (DFT) studies reveal that the observed high catalytic efficiency originates from the pyridinic N presence on the Ag2O/Au structures.
Converting non-neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 antibodies into broad-spectrum inhibitors
Authors: Weidenbacher Payton A.-B. , Waltari Eric , de los Rios Kobara Izumi , Bell Benjamin N. , Morris Mary Kate , Cheng Ya-Chen , Hanson Carl , Pak John E. , Kim Peter S.
Published: September 2022

Omicron and its subvariants have rendered most authorized monoclonal antibody-based treatments for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) ineffective, highlighting the need for biologics capable of overcoming SARS-CoV-2 evolution. These mostly ineffective antibodies target variable epitopes. Here we describe broad-spectrum SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors developed by tethering the SARS-CoV-2 receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), to known non-neutralizing antibodies that target highly conserved epitopes in the viral spike protein. These inhibitors, called receptor-blocking conserved non-neutralizing antibodies (ReconnAbs), potently neutralize all SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs), including Omicron. Neutralization potency is lost when the linker joining the binding and inhibitory ReconnAb components is severed. In addition, a bi-functional ReconnAb, made by linking ACE2 to a bi-specific antibody targeting two non-overlapping conserved epitopes, defined here, shows sub-nanomolar neutralizing activity against all VOCs, including Omicron and BA.2. Given their conserved targets and modular nature, ReconnAbs have the potential to act as broad-spectrum therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 and other emerging pandemic diseases.
Datasets of in vitro clonogenic assays showing low dose hyper-radiosensitivity and induced radioresistance
Authors: Polgár Szabolcs , Schofield Paul N. , Madas Balázs G.
Published: September 2022

Low dose hyper-radiosensitivity and induced radioresistance are primarily observed in surviving fractions of cell populations exposed to ionizing radiation, plotted as the function of absorbed dose. Several biophysical models have been developed to quantitatively describe these phenomena. However, there is a lack of raw, openly available experimental data to support the development and validation of quantitative models. The aim of this study was to set up a database of experimental data from the public literature. Using Google Scholar search, 46 publications with 101 datasets on the dose-dependence of surviving fractions, with clear evidence of low dose hyper-radiosensitivity, were identified. Surviving fractions, their uncertainties, and the corresponding absorbed doses were digitized from graphs of the publications. The characteristics of the cell line and the irradiation were also recorded, along with the parameters of the linear-quadratic model and/or the induced repair model if they were provided. The database is available in STOREDB, and can be used for meta-analysis, for comparison with new experiments, and for development and validation of biophysical models.
CatLC: Catalonia Multiresolution Land Cover Dataset
Authors: García Carlos , Mora Oscar , Pérez-Aragüés Fernando , Vitrià Jordi
Published: September 2022

The availability of large annotated image datasets represented one of the tipping points in the progress of object recognition in the realm of natural images, but other important visual spaces are still lacking this asset. In the case of remote sensing, only a few richly annotated datasets covering small areas are available. In this paper, we present the Catalonia Multiresolution Land Cover Dataset (CatLC), a remote sensing dataset corresponding to a mid-size geographical area which has been carefully annotated with a large variety of land cover classes. The dataset includes pre-processed images from the Cartographic and Geological Institute of Catalonia (ICGC) (https://www.icgc.cat/en/Downloads) and the European Space Agency (ESA) (https://scihub.copernicus.eu) catalogs, captured from both aircraft and satellites. Detailed topographic layers inferred from other sensors are also included. CatLC is a multiresolution, multimodal, multitemporal dataset, that can be readily used by the machine learning community to explore new classification techniques for land cover mapping in different scenarios such as area estimation in forest inventories, hydrologic studies involving microclimatic variables or geologic hazards identification and assessment. Moreover, remote sensing data present some specific characteristics that are not shared by natural images and that have been seldom explored. In this vein, CatLC dataset aims to engage with computer vision experts interested in remote sensing and also stimulate new research and development in the field of machine learning.
Validation of a behavior observation form for geese reared in agroforestry systems
Authors: Cartoni Mancinelli Alice , Mattioli Simona , Menchetti Laura , Dal Bosco Alessandro , Chiattelli Diletta , Angelucci Elisa , Castellini Cesare
Published: September 2022

Agroforestry systems, which are based on the integration of trees and animals, represent a useful practice for implementing the “One Welfare” concept. Geese could adapt well to these systems due to their kinetic and grazing abilities. However, the lack of specific ethograms and animal-based measures have not yet allowed a deep assessment of their welfare and behavior. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a protocol to evaluate the behavior of geese reared in two agroforestry systems (i.e., apple orchard and vineyard). Thus, a behavior observation form (BOF) including a specific ethogram was proposed, and its interobserver reliability, content, criterion and construct validity were determined. Moreover, the influence of the time of day and type of agroforestry system on geese's behavior was also investigated. Agreement and principal component analyses, as well as the comparison between data collected through direct observation by the BOF and indirect observation by a computerized system, supported the reliability and validity of the proposed protocol. While the BOF also highlighted differences in the behavior expressed by the geese according to the time of day and the environmental context, both the vineyard and apple orchard systems seem to meet their biological and behavioral needs.
Effects of foliar application of selenium and potassium-humate on oat growth in Baloza, North Sinai, Egypt
Authors: Hegab Rehab H. , Eissa Doaa , Abou-Shady Ahmed
Published: September 2022

In this study, the effects of foliar application of selenium (Se) at different concentrations were examined based on changes in several parameters such as nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium (NPK) concentration in soil and oat plant, oat yield, organic matter in the soil (OMS), non-enzymatic antioxidants, and total phenol content. Chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) concentrations were also assessed in oat straw and seeds. The study complies with local and national guideline. Simultaneous application of potassium humate (K-humate) with Se was also investigated in this study. Se application increased the bioavailability of N and P in soil and their total concentration in the straw and seeds of each plant. Se concentrations were proportional to the amount of phosphorous found in soil (P-soil) but not with K concentrations in seed (K-plant). Application of K-humate with Se increased the bioavailable fraction of K-soil; however, it did not increase the bioavailable fraction of K-straw or K-seed. Although the application of Se alone substantially enhanced yield, the simultaneous application of K-humate showed no additional effect. Moreover, responses of seed yield and plant length were not significant after the application of Se with or without K-humate. OMS and total phenol content were proportional to the application rate of Se with and without K-humate. Non-enzymatic antioxidant content was also proportional to Se concentrations but not proportional to K-humate. The total Se concentrations in the soil, plant straw, and seeds increased with the addition of K-humate. Furthermore, the total Cr concentrations were reduced after the application of Se and K-humate. Fe concentration in the straw and seeds varied from one treatment to another, and Mn concentration was reduced in response to the foliar application of Se and K-humate. Zn concentrations in the straw and seeds of plants were reduced with the application of varying concentrations of Se. Increasing the application rate of Se induced a reduction in the Cu concentration in seeds. In contrast, the simultaneous application of Se and K-humate increased the Cu concentration in seeds.
Carotenoids improve the development of cerebral cortical networks in formula-fed infant macaques
Authors: Miranda-Dominguez Oscar , Ramirez Julian S. B. , Mitchell A. J. , Perrone Anders , Earl Eric , Carpenter Sam , Feczko Eric , Graham Alice , Jeon Sookyoung , Cohen Neal J. , Renner Laurie , Neuringer Martha , Kuchan Matthew J. , Erdman John W. , Fair Damien
Published: September 2022

Nutrition during the first years of life has a significant impact on brain development. This study characterized differences in brain maturation from birth to 6 months of life in infant macaques fed formulas differing in content of lutein, β-carotene, and other carotenoids using Magnetic Resonance Imaging to measure functional connectivity. We observed differences in functional connectivity based on the interaction of diet, age and brain networks. Post hoc analysis revealed significant diet-specific differences between insular-opercular and somatomotor networks at 2 months of age, dorsal attention and somatomotor at 4 months of age, and within somatomotor and between somatomotor-visual and auditory-dorsal attention networks at 6 months of age. Overall, we found a larger divergence in connectivity from the breastfeeding group in infant macaques fed formula containing no supplemental carotenoids in comparison to those fed formula supplemented with carotenoids. These findings suggest that carotenoid formula supplementation influences functional brain development.
Amelioration of injury-induced tissue acidosis by a nonsteroidal analgesic attenuates antinociceptive effects of the pH-dependent opioid agonist NFEPP
Authors: Celik Melih Ö. , Negrete Roger , Di Rosso Riccardo , Machelska Halina , Stein Christoph
Published: September 2022

Opioid agonists are powerful drugs for managing pain. However, their central side effects are limiting their use and drugs with similar potency, but a lower risk profile are needed. (±)-N-(3-fluoro-1-phenethylpiperidine-4-yl)-N-phenylpropionamide (NFEPP) is a novel opioid agonist that preferentially activates opioid receptors at acidic extracellular pH. NFEPP was designed to activate peripheral opioid receptors in injured tissue, therefore precluding side effects elicited at normal pH in brain or intestinal wall. Considering the common combination of opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in multimodal analgesia, we investigated the interaction between NFEPP and a widely prescribed prototypical NSAID, diclofenac (DCF), in a rat model of unilateral hindpaw inflammation induced by complete Freund’s adjuvant. We evaluated the effects of systemically applied DCF on the paw tissue pH, on the expression of inflammatory mediators in immune cells from inflamed paws and on the expression of opioid receptors in dorsal root ganglia. Additionally, we investigated the antinociceptive efficacy of NFEPP injected into the inflamed paws after DCF treatment. We found that DCF reduced inflammation-induced nociceptive responses and tissue acidosis, but did not change the mRNA expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-4, NGF, or of mu-, delta-, or kappa-opioid receptors. The treatment with DCF moderately reduced the antinociceptive efficacy of NFEPP, suggesting a correlation between an increase in local tissue pH and the decreased antinociceptive effect of this pH-sensitive opioid agonist.
Spin filtering effect in all-van der Waals heterostructures with WSe2 barriers
Authors: Zheng Yuanhui , Ma Xiaolei , Yan Faguang , Lin Hailong , Zhu Wenkai , Ji Yang , Wang Runsheng , Wang Kaiyou
Published: September 2022

Exploiting the spin degree of freedom to store and manipulate information provides a paradigm for future microelectronics. The development of van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures has created a fascinating platform for exploring spintronic properties in the two-dimensional (2D) limit. Transition-metal dichalcogenides such as tungsten diselenide (WSe2) have electronic band structures that are ideal for hosting many exotic spin–orbit phenomena. Here, we report the spin-filtering effect in all-vdW heterostructures with WSe2 barrier. Combining 2D-perpendicular magnetic anisotropy Fe3GeTe2 (FGT) with different thicknesses of WSe2, the FGT/WSe2/FGT spin valve shows distinct charge and spin transport behavior. Moreover, the negative magnetoresistance (−4.3%) could be inverted into positive magnetoresistance (up to +25.8%) with decreasing the WSe2 thickness. Furthermore, we proposed a spin-filtering model based on Δ-symmetry electrons tunneling to explain the crossover from negative to positive MR signal through ab initio calculation. These experimental and theoretical results illustrate the rich potential of the families of TMDC materials to control spin currents in 2D spintronic devices.
Commercialized artemisinin derivatives combined with colistin protect against critical Gram-negative bacterial infection
Authors: Zhou Yonglin , Liu Baichen , Chu Xiuling , Su Jianqing , Xu Lei , Li Li , Deng Xuming , Li Dan , Lv Qianghua , Wang Jianfeng
Published: September 2022

The emergence and spread of themcr-1gene and its mutants has immensely compromised the efficient usage of colistin for the treatment of drug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infection in clinical settings. However, there are currently no clinically available colistin synergis. Here we identify artemisinin derivatives, such as dihydroartemisinin (DHA), that produces a synergistic antibacterial effect with colistin against the majority of Gram-negative bacteria (FIC < 0.5) without induced resistance, particularly those carrying themcr-1gene. Mechanism analysis reveals the direct engagement of DHA with the active center of MCR-1 to inhibit the activity of MCR-1. Meanwhile, the results from transcriptome and electron microscope analysis show that DHA could also simultaneously affect the flagellar assembly and the energy metabolism of bacteria. Moreover, in the mouse infection models of Gram-negative bacteria, combination therapy shows remarkable treatment benefits, as shown by an improved survival rate, reduced morbidity, alleviated pathological injury and decreased bacterial loading. Due to the generally safe profile of specialized malaria medication administration in humans, artemisinin derivatives are a promising class of multi-target inhibitors on bacterial resistance and virulence that can be used to extend the usage life of colistin and to tackle the inevitability of serious bacterial infection with colistin.
Changes in dynamic transitions between integrated and segregated states underlie visual hallucinations in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Zarkali Angeliki , Luppi Andrea I. , Stamatakis Emmanuel A. , Reeves Suzanne , McColgan Peter , Leyland Louise-Ann , Lees Andrew J. , Weil Rimona S.
Published: September 2022

Hallucinations are a core feature of psychosis and common in Parkinson’s. Their transient, unexpected nature suggests a change in dynamic brain states, but underlying causes are unknown. Here, we examine temporal dynamics and underlying structural connectivity in Parkinson’s-hallucinations using a combination of functional and structural MRI, network control theory, neurotransmitter density and genetic analyses. We show that Parkinson’s-hallucinators spent more time in a predominantly Segregated functional state with fewer between-state transitions. The transition from integrated-to-segregated state had lower energy cost in Parkinson’s-hallucinators; and was therefore potentially preferable. The regional energy needed for this transition was correlated with regional neurotransmitter density and gene expression for serotoninergic, GABAergic, noradrenergic and cholinergic, but not dopaminergic, receptors. We show how the combination of neurochemistry and brain structure jointly shape functional brain dynamics leading to hallucinations and highlight potential therapeutic targets by linking these changes to neurotransmitter systems involved in early sensory and complex visual processing.
Multidomain peptide hydrogel adjuvants elicit strong bias towards humoral immunity
Authors: Pogostin Brett H. , Yu Marina H. , Azares Alon R. , Euliano Erin M. , Lai Cheuk Sun Edwin , Saenz Gabriel , Wu Samuel X. , Farsheed Adam C. , Melhorn Sarah M. , Graf Tyler P. , Woodside Darren G. , Hartgerink Jeffrey D. , McHugh Kevin J.
Published: September 2022

Self-assembling multidomain peptide hydrogels direct a nearly exclusive humoral adaptive immune response compared to alum, the most widely used adjuvant in vaccines.
Experimental and theoretical evidence for low-lying excited states in [Cr6E8(PEt3)6] (E = S, Se, Te) cluster molecules
Authors: Bügel Patrick , Krummenacher Ivo , Weigend Florian , Eichhöfer Andreas
Published: September 2022

New investigations on [Cr6E8(PEt3)6] (E = S, Se, Te) cluster molecules reveal strong evidence that low-lying excited states determine their physical properties.
LiSrSbS3: parallel configurations of lone pair electrons inducing a large birefringence
Authors: Yalikun Alimujiang , Zhang Kewang , Han Jian , Yang Zhihua
Published: September 2022

By optimizing the arrangement of [SbS3] trigonal pyramid with stereochemically active lone pair electrons, a new compound with large birefringence was designed.
Influence of the pendant groups on electrochemical water oxidation catalyzed by cobalt(ii) triazolylpyridine complexes
Authors: Luo Bo-Hong , Zhao Si-Yang , Pu Yong-Li , Zhou Xiang-Yu , Xie Jun-Zhou , Chen Long , Wu Min , Zhou Min , Zhang Hua-Xin
Published: September 2022

Electrocatalytic water oxidation by cobalt(ii) complexes of triazolylpyridines was studied in neutral aqueous solutions. Complexes with methyl ester groups on the ligands showed better catalytic activities.
Achieving enhanced peroxidase-like activity in multimetallic nanorattles
Authors: da Silva Flavia G. , Formo Eric V. , Camargo Pedro H. C.
Published: September 2022

Controlling the nanoparticle morphology enables multimetallic nanorattles to achieve an increase of 152-fold in the peroxidase-like activity relative to Au nanoparticles.
Molecular design of DBA-type five-membered heterocyclic rings to achieve 200% exciton utilization for electroluminescence
Authors: Sun Qi , Wu Yishi , Cui Yuanyuan , Gao Can , Ou Qi , Hu Deping , Wang Lu , Wang Yue , Dong Huanli , Zhao Jianzhang , Zhang Chunfeng , Shuai Zhigang , Fu Hongbing , Peng Qian
Published: September 2022

A facile scenario is proposed to design DBA-type molecules with E(T2) > E(S1) ≥ 2E(T1), promising to realize 200% exciton utilization through a three-step mechanism for organic electroluminescence.
Assembly of trifluoromethylated fused tricyclic pyrazoles via cyclization of β-amino cyclic ketones
Authors: Wang Nana , Qiao Yiming , Du Youlong , Mei Haibo , Han Jianlin
Published: September 2022

An intramolecular cyclization reaction of β-fluoroalkyl β-amino cyclic ketones with t-BuONO and PPh3/CCl4 has been developed, which provides novel access to trifluoromethylated fused tricyclic pyrazole derivatives.
Catalyst-free electrosynthesis of benzothiophenes from 2-alkenylaryl disulfides
Authors: Lee Juyeong , Yu Eunsoo , Park Cheol-Min
Published: September 2022

A novel strategy for the synthesis of benzothiophenes by employing symmetrical 2-alkenylaryl disulfides under oxidant- and metal-free electrolysis was developed.
Impact of β-perfluoroalkyl substitution of proline on the proteolytic stability of its peptide derivatives
Authors: Chernykh Anton V. , Aloshyn Danylo , Kuchkovska Yuliya O. , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Tolmachova Nataliya A. , Kondratov Ivan S. , Zozulya Sergey , Grygorenko Oleksandr O. , Haufe Günter
Published: September 2022

The synthesis of all enantiopure N-Boc-protected β-CF3- and β-C2F5-prolines and the stability of their model dipeptide derivatives towards proteolytic degradation are reported.
An efficient solution-processable non-doped hybridized local and charge-transfer (HLCT) emitter for a simplified organic light-emitting diode
Authors: Loythaworn Thidarat , Petdee Sujinda , Chasing Pongsakorn , Chantanop Nuttapong , Therdkatanyuphong Pattarawadee , Waengdongbung Wijitra , Sudyoadsuk Taweesak , Promarak Vinich
Published: September 2022

A solution-processable HLCT fluorescent molecule realizes a highly efficient non-doped OLED with a high brightness of 30 800 cd m−2, a maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 6.74% and a maximum current efficiency (CEmax) of 14.38 cd A−1.
A dinickel-catalyzed three-component cycloaddition of vinylidenes
Authors: Kalb Annah E. , Liu Mingxin , Bosso Megan I. , Uyeda Christopher
Published: September 2022

A dinickel catalyst promotes reductive [2 + 2 + 1]-cycloaddition reactions using readily available 1,1-dichloroalkenes as vinylidene precursors.
Electronic structure of 2D hybrid perovskites: Rashba spin–orbit coupling and impact of interlayer spacing
Authors: Pazoki Meysam , Imani Roghayeh , Röckert Andreas , Edvinsson Tomas
Published: September 2022

The electronic properties with and without spin–orbit coupling (SOC) are reported. Particular attention is given to Rashba SOC and the impact of the electronic structure as a function of interlayer spacing with successively longer organic cations.
A three-dimensional arched solar evaporator based on hydrophilic photothermal fibers inspired by hair for eliminating salt accumulation with desalination application
Authors: Xu Tao , Wang Yongpeng , Chen Xi , Liu Mengzhu , Liu Jing , Jia Tao , Zhao Xiuhua
Published: September 2022

Inspired by the structure of hair with black colour, a three-dimensional arched solar evaporator based on hydrophilic photothermal fibers is proposed for efficient water evaporation with long-term salt rejection.
A trade-off-free fluorosulfate-based flame-retardant electrolyte additive for high-energy lithium batteries
Authors: Oh Jimin , Lee Ho Seung , Kim Min Pyeong , Lee Young-Gi , Hong Sung You , Kim Kwang Man
Published: September 2022

A synthetic additive bearing fluorosulfate moieties allows a high thermal stability for organocarbonate electrolyte in high-capacity lithium batteries without showing the performance trade-off behavior.
Recent developments in polynorepinephrine: an innovative material for bioinspired coatings and colloids
Authors: Lu Zhenzhen , Teo Boon Mian , Tabor Rico F.
Published: September 2022

The valuable properties of polynorepinephrine have been discovered in recent decades, enabling development of new functional materials including drug delivery vehicles, antifouling coatings, photothermal agents, sensors, angle-dependent colour materials, and more.