bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3,5‐difluoro‐2,4,6‐trinitrophenol: A high‐energy compound born under the “NO2FNO2” construction strategy
Authors: Zhu Jin , Li Cong , Jing Suming , Yang Lei , Liu Yucun , Zhang Wei , Zhang Jun
Published: December 2023

3,5‐Difluoro‐2,4,6‐trinitrophenol (DFTNP) was designed as energetic compounds, based on the “NO2FNO2” strategy. Its structure was fully characterized by IR, NMR, elemental analysis, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Physico‐chemical characterization of this compound was investigated based on several theoretical techniques. The result indicated that DFTNP is less sensitive to external stimuli, with a thermal sensitivity of 213 °C, impact and friction sensitivity of 15 J and 240 N. It also shows particularly high density (ρ=1.949 g cm−3) and detonation performance (D=8440 m s−1, P=32.60 GPa), which far exceeds the performance of picric acid. Its crystal packing and the intermolecular interaction of DFTNP play an important role inreducing localized heating. In addition, this compound also has great potential for building ionic salts, and its ammonium salt performance exhibits better performance. Good performance not only highlight this compound as a suitable replacement for picric acid, but also suggests that “NO2FNO2” may be a good choice in designing energetic compounds.
Identification and characterization of the metabolites of sinomenine using liquid chromatography combined with benchtop Orbitrap mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Fang Ke , Ren Shaoyu , Zhang Qian
Published: December 2023

Rationale

Sinomenine, a major bioactive compound isolated from Sinomenium acutum, has been used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other cardio‐cerebrovacular diseases. However, the metabolism of this drug has not been fully investigated. The current work was carried out to investigate the in vitro metabolism of sinomenine in liver microsomes.

Methods

The metabolites were generated by incubating sinomenine (3 μM) with the liver microsomes in the presence of NADPH at 37°C. The structure of the metabolites was characterized using liquid chromatography coupled to high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Two major metabolites synthesized and their structures were further confirmed using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Results

Under the current conditions, 12 metabolites were found and structurally identified using high resolution MS and MS2 spectra. Among these metabolites, M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M6, M7, M9, M11, and M12 were first reported. The metabolites M8 and M10 were synthesized and unambiguously identified as N‐desmethyl‐sinomenine and sinomenine N‐oxide, respectively. The phenotyping study revealed that the formation of M8 was catalyzed by CYP2C8, 2C19, 2D6, and 3A4, whereas the formation of M3, M6, and M10 were exclusively catalyzed by CYP3A4. The metabolic pathways of sinomenine include N‐demethylation, O‐demethylation, dehydrogenation, oxygenation, and N‐oxygenation.

Conclusions

N‐Demethylation and N‐oxygenation were the primary metabolic pathways of sinomenine. This study provides new insight into the in vitro metabolism of sinomenine, which would help prospects of sinomenine disposition and safety assessments.
Successful Treatment of Ulceration in Hidradenitis Suppurativa with Topical Bucladesine: A Case Report
Authors: Kurokawa Ichiro , Kita Kanako , Hashimoto Takashi
Published: December 2023

We report a case of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) with skin ulceration in a 19-year-old man. He was successfully treated with topical bucladesine ointment treatment, resulting in a hypertrophic scar 2 months after the treatment. Bucladesine can be an alternative treatment option for ulceration in HS.
Synergy of Front‐Surface Energy‐Level Gradient and Lattice Anchoring Effect for Enhancing Perovskite Solar Cell Performance
Authors: Guo Mingxuan , Pang Huimin , Chen Xingtong , Wan Peng , Xia Xueqing , Chen Song
Published: December 2023

A front surface gradient of the absorber valence band can effectively reduce the open‐circuit voltage (VOC) loss of perovskite solar cells by suppressing the minority carrier concentration near the front surface. However, the existing method is limited to the one‐step fabrication process, resulting in underachieved photon harvesting and power conversion efficiency (PCE). To solve the problem, ZnCd‐based alloy quantum dots (QDs) are utilized to create a valence‐band‐maximum gradient at the front surface of a two‐step processed FAPbI3 absorber. This design significantly enhances VOC without requiring surface passivation. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that reducing the QD‐perovskite lattice mismatch while maintaining QD's energy levels mitigates nonradiative recombination without compromising the front surface gradient effect. As a result, normal‐structured perovskite solar cells achieve a VOC equivalent to 93% of the Schockley–Queisser limit and a PCE of 24.37%.
Regulation of Glucose Metabolism for Cell Energy Supply In Situ via High‐Energy Intermediate Fructose Hydrogels
Authors: Lu Bolun , Zhao Qiuyu , Cai Zhengwei , Qian Shutong , Mao Jiayi , Zhang Liucheng , Mao Xiyuan , Sun Xiaoming , Cui Wenguo , Zhang Yuguang
Published: December 2023

The cellular functions, such as tissue‐rebuilding ability, can be directly affected by the metabolism of cells. Moreover, the glucose metabolism is one of the most important processes of the metabolism. However, glucose cannot be efficiently converted into energy in cells under ischemia hypoxia conditions. In this study, a high‐energy intermediate fructose hydrogel (HIFH) is developed by the dynamic coordination between sulfhydryl‐functionalized bovine serum albumin (BSA‐SH), the high‐energy intermediate in glucose metabolism (fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphate, FBP), and copper ion (Cu2+). This hydrogel system is injectable, self–healing, and biocompatible, which can intracellularly convert energy with high efficacy by regulating the glucose metabolism in situ. Additionally, the HIFH can greatly boost cell antioxidant capacity and increase adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the ischemia anoxic milieu by roughly 1.3 times, improving cell survival, proliferation and physiological functions in vitro. Furthermore, the ischemic skin tissue model is established in rats. The HIFH can speed up the healing of damaged tissue by promoting angiogenesis, lowering reactive oxygen species (ROS), and eventually expanding the healing area of the damaged tissue by roughly 1.4 times in vivo. Therefore, the HIFH can provide an impressive perspective on efficient in situ cell energy supply of damaged tissue.
Supramolecular Ionogels for Use in Locating Damage to Underwater Infrastructure
Authors: Jia Liangying , Xiao Jing , Tan Yu , Zhang Kaiqiang , Liu Yaqing , Wang Xu
Published: December 2023

The capacity to self‐detect and locate damage to underwater infrastructure in emergencies is vital, as materials and technologies that securely facilitate energy and information transmission are crucial in several fields. Herein, the development of a multifunctional supramolecular ionogel (SIG) and SIG‐based devices for use in detecting and locating damage to underwater infrastructure is reported. The SIG is fabricated via the single‐step photoinitiated copolymerization of hydroxy and fluorinated monomers in a fluorinated ionic liquid. Hydrogen‐bond/ion‐dipole‐interaction synergy ensures that the SIG is highly ionically conductive and extremely mechanically strong, with underwater self‐healing and adhesion properties. It can be used as an underwater ionic cable to provide reporting signals via changes in strain; furthermore, SIG‐based devices can be fixed to underwater infrastructure to locate damage via resistance monitoring. The SIG can also be attached to the human body for use in underwater communication, thereby safeguarding maintenance personnel while repairing underwater infrastructure. This study provides a novel pathway for developing supramolecular materials and devices.
Myco‐remediation of selenium contaminated environment and future prospects: An overview
Authors: Siddharthan Seema , Thangaraj Sheela , Paulraj Sobanadevi , RajaMohmed Beemashafreen , Rakkamuthu KrishnaPriya , Dharmaraj Vithya , Renganathan Madura , Umadevi Pongiya
Published: December 2023

Selenium is a trace element which is an essential micronutrient for all organisms. Though it is essential, if taken in excess leads to toxicity. Hence have a detrimental effect on the health. Selenium exists in various oxidation states out of which selenite and selenate are toxic and forms the major part of the pollutant in the ecosystem. Therefore, there is an urgent need to address this issue in an eco‐friendly, efficient, and substantial way to protect the environment from further deterioration. In this regard, fungi have developed unique metabolic pathways to nullify the toxic effects of these pollutants and the process is known as mycoremediation. Mycoremediation is a cost‐effective, environmentally friendly, and efficient approach of environmental remediation that addresses organic, inorganic, and developing toxins (such as antibiotics and pharmaceuticals) by using fungus or their components. An alternative, environmentally friendly method for cleaning up contaminants in environmental matrices is provided by mycoremediation. This is due to the fact that most organic toxins are broken down rather than removed, which lowers the possibility of pollutants entering the food chain through bioaccumulation. Fungi possess robust morphology and various catabolic enzymes capable of using pollutant as a growth substrate. They transform the toxic selenium species via a series of biochemical reaction such as oxidation, reduction, methylation, and demethylation into nontoxic elemental selenium and selenium nanoparticles. Mycoremediation is a process subset that employs to fungi to degrade and restore contaminated Eco‐System. For this reason, a potential framework of “mycoremediation” was proposed to make it easier for this promising to report global environmental issues.
A superconvergent CDG finite element for the Poisson equation on polytopal meshes
Authors: Ye Xiu , Zhang Shangyou
Published: December 2023

A conforming discontinuous Galerkin (CDG) finite element is constructed for solving second order elliptic equations on polygonal and polyhedral meshes. The numerical trace on the edge between two elements is no longer the average of two discontinuous Pk functions on the two sides, but a lifted function from four Pk functions. When the numerical gradient space is the subspace of piecewise polynomials on subtriangles/subtehrahedra of a polygon/polyhedron which have a one‐piece polynomial divergence on , this CDG method has a superconvergence of order two above the optimal order. Due to the superconvergence, we define a post‐process which lifts a Pk CDG solution to a quasi‐optimal solution on each element. Numerical examples in 2D and 3D are computed and the results confirm the theory.
Extraction and Visually Driven Analysis of VGI for Understanding People’s Behavior in Relation to Multifaceted Context
Authors: Burghardt Dirk , Dunkel Alexander , Hauthal Eva , Shirato Gota , Andrienko Natalia , Andrienko Gennady , Hartmann Maximilian , Purves Ross
Published: December 2023

Volunteered Geographic Information in the form of actively and passively generated spatial content offers great potential to study people’s activities, emotional perceptions, and mobility behavior. Realizing this potential requires methods which take into account the specific properties of such data, for example, its heterogeneity, subjectivity, and spatial resolution but also temporal relevance and bias.

The aim of the chapter is to show how insights into human behavior can be gained from location-based social media and movement data using visual analysis methods. A conceptual behavioral model is introduced that summarizes people’s reactions under the influence of one or more events. In addition, influencing factors are described using a context model, which makes it possible to analyze visitation and mobility patterns with regard to spatial, temporal, and thematic-attribute changes. Selected generic methods are presented, such as extended time curves and the co-bridge metaphor to perform comparative analysis along time axes. Furthermore, it is shown that emojis can be used as contextual indicants to analyze sentiment and emotions in relation to events and locations.

Application-oriented workflows are presented for activity analysis in the field of urban and landscape planning. It is shown how location-based social media can be used to obtain information about landscape objects that are collectively perceived as valuable and worth preserving. The mobility behavior of people is analyzed using the example of multivariate time series from football data. Therefore, topic modeling and pattern analyzes were utilized to identify average positions and area of movements of the football teams.
Digital Volunteers in Disaster Management
Authors: Fathi Ramian , Fiedrich Frank
Published: December 2023

During disaster situations, social media is used extensively by the affected population for communication and collaboration, but there is also increased public sharing of important disaster-related information about the current situation. With the goal of utilizing this data and Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) for disaster management, digital volunteers organized themselves into so-called Volunteer and Technical Communities (V&TC). In addition, professionalized digital volunteers have institutionalized Virtual Operations Support Teams (VOST) in established Emergency Management Agencies (EMA). While technical issues have dominated research in this area in recent years, questions about the motivation, organization, and impact of the analytical work of these volunteers have remained unanswered. In this chapter, we present five studies that address questions about the motivation of digital volunteers, organization, and collaboration requirements, the analytical impact of VOST, data biases in Crisis Information Management (CIM), and privacy-related topics. Overall, it could be shown that digital volunteers make a significant contribution during disaster management, in which they effectively process their analytical results and VGI for the management of disaster situations. However, human limitations and privacy-related methods need to receive greater attention in the future, both in research and in practice.
Effects of Landmark Position and Design in VGI-Based Maps on Visual Attention and Cognitive Processing
Authors: Keil Julian , Dickmann Frank , Kuchinke Lars
Published: December 2023

Landmarks play a crucial role in map reading and in the formation of mental spatial models. Especially when following a route to get to a fixed destination, landmarks are crucial orientation aids. Which objects from the multitude of spatial objects in an environment are suitable as landmarks and, for example, can be automatically displayed in navigation systems has hardly been clarified. The analysis of Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) offers the possibility of no longer having to separate methodologically between active and passive salience of landmarks in order to gain insights into the effect of landmarks on orientation ability or memory performance. Since the users (groups) involved are map producers and map users at the same time, an analysis of the user behavior of user-generated maps provides in-depth insights into cognitive processes and enables the direct derivation of basic methodological principles for map design. The landmarks determined on the basis of the VGI and entered as signs in maps can provide indications of the required choice, number, and position of landmarks that users need in order to orientate themselves in space with the help of maps. The results of several empirical studies show which landmark pictograms from OpenStreetMap (OSM) maps are cognitively processed quickly by users and which spatial position they must have in order to be able to increase memory performance, for example, during route learning.
Addressing Landmark Uncertainty in VGI-Based Maps: Approaches to Improve Orientation and Navigation Performance
Authors: Keil Julian , Dickmann Frank , Kuchinke Lars
Published: December 2023

Landmarks, salient spatial objects, play an important role in orientation and navigation. They provide a spatial reference frame that helps to make sense of complex environments. Landmark representations in maps support map matching and orientation, because matching landmarks to their map representations provides information about spatial directions and distances. However, effective landmark-based map matching demands sufficiently accurate georeferencing of the landmarks represented in a map, because spatial inaccuracies of landmark representations cause distortions of the spatial reference frame and derived directions and distances. The requirement of accurate landmark georeferencing imposes difficulties on the use of maps based on Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) for map matching. Differences of the motivation, competence, and available apparatus of volunteers can cause great variations of the data quality in VGI-based maps, including spatial accuracy of landmark representations. In a series of experiments, we investigated and quantified to what extent spatial inaccuracies of landmark representations in VGI-based maps affect map matching. Based on the findings, we were able to identify critical thresholds for spatial landmark inaccuracies. Furthermore, we explored potential ways to sustain successful map matching at higher degrees of spatial landmark inaccuracies. Through visual communication of spatial uncertainties, we were able to make map users more resilient to potential inaccuracies and sustain successful map matching.
Hybrid renormalization for quasi distribution amplitudes of a light baryon
Authors: Han Chao , Su Yushan , Wang Wei , Zhang Jia-Lu
Published: December 2023

Abstract

We develop a hybrid scheme to renormalize quasi distribution amplitudes of a light baryon on the lattice, which combines the self-renormalization and ratio scheme. By employing self-renormalization, the UV divergences and linear divergence at large spatial separations in quasi distribution amplitudes are removed without introducing extra nonperturbative effects, while making a ratio with respect to the zero-momentum matrix element can properly remove the UV divergences in small spatial separations. As a specific application, distribution amplitudes of the Λ baryon made of uds are investigated, and the requisite equal-time correlators, which define quasi distribution amplitudes in coordinate space, are perturbatively calculated up to the next-to-leading order in strong coupling constant αs. These perturbative equal-time correlators are used to convert lattice QCD matrix elements to the continuum space during the renormalization process. Subsequently, quasi distribution amplitudes are matched onto lightcone distribution amplitudes by integrating out hard modes and the corresponding hard kernels are derived up to next-to-leading order in αs including the hybrid counterterms. These results are valuable in the lattice-based investigation of the lightcone distribution amplitudes of a light baryon from the first principles of QCD.
CAT(0) spaces of higher rank II
Authors: Stadler Stephan
Published: December 2023

This belongs to a series of papers motivated by Ballmann’s Higher Rank Rigidity Conjecture. We prove the following. Let $X$
X
be a CAT(0) space with a geometric group action $\Gamma \curvearrowright X$
Γ
↷
X
. Suppose that every geodesic in $X$
X
lies in an $n$
n
-flat, $n\geq 2$
n
≥
2
. If $X$
X
contains a periodic $n$
n
-flat which does not bound a flat $(n+1)$
(
n
+
1
)
-half-space, then $X$
X
is a Riemannian symmetric space, a Euclidean building or non-trivially splits as a metric product. This generalizes the Higher Rank Rigidity Theorem for Hadamard manifolds with geometric group actions.
Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR): the benefit of the double stitch in the largest single-center experience
Authors: Haveliwala Zeni , Eaton Simon , Sivaraj Jayaram , Thakkar Hemanshoo , Omar Sara , Giuliani Stefano , Blackburn Simon , Mullassery Dhanya , Curry Joe , Cross Kate , De Coppi Paolo
Published: December 2023

Aim

To review our experience of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR) regarding complication rates, the practice of closing the asymptomatic patent processes vaginalis (PPV), and comparison of complication rates between pre-term (< 37 week gestation) and term infants.

Methods

Retrospective review of LIHR performed between 2009 and 2021. Repair was performed by intracorporal single or double purse string/purse string + Z-stitch using a non-absorbable suture. Data were analyzed using Chi-squared/Mann–Whitney and are quoted as median (range).

Results

1855 inguinal rings were closed in 1195 patients (943 (79%) male). 1378 rings (74%) were symptomatic. 492 (41%) patients were pre-term. Corrected gestational age at surgery was 55 weeks (31 weeks–14.6 years) and weight 5.9 kg (1–65.5). Closure of contralateral PPV was higher in the premature group (210/397 [53%] vs. 265/613 [43%] p = 0.003). There were 23 recurrences in 20 patients, of whom 10 had been born prematurely. The only factor significantly associated with a lower recurrence was use of a second stitch (p = 0.011).

Conclusion

This is the largest single-center reported series of LIHR. LIHR is safe at any age, the risk of recurrence is low, and can be corrected by re-laparoscopy. Use of a Z-stitch or second purse string is associated with a significantly lower rate of recurrence.
State-independent inhibition of the oncogenic Kv10.1 channel by desethylamiodarone, a comparison with amiodarone
Authors: Gomez-Lagunas F. , Barriga-Montoya C. , Pardo J. P.
Published: December 2023

Kv10.1 is a voltage-dependent K channel whose ectopic expression is associated with several human cancers. Additionally, Kv10.1 has structure–function properties which are not yet well understood. We are using drugs of clinical importance in an attempt to gain insight on the relationship between pharmacology and characteristic functional properties of this channel. Herein, we report the interaction of desethylamiodarone (desAd), the active metabolic product of the antiarrhythmic amiodarone with Kv10.1: desAd binds to both closed and open channels, with most inhibition taking place from the open state, with affinity ~ 5 times smaller than that of amiodarone. Current inhibition by desAd and amiodarone is not synergistic. Upon repolarization desAd becomes trapped in Kv10.1 and thereafter dissociates slowly from closed-and-blocked channels. The addition of the Cole-Moore shift plus desAd open-pore-block time courses yields an increasing phase on the steady-state inhibition curve (H∞) at hyperpolarized holding potentials. In contrast to amiodarone, desAd does not inhibit the Kv10.1 Cole-Moore shift, suggesting that a relevant hydrophobic interaction between amiodarone and Kv10.1 participates in the inhibition of the Cole-Moore shift, which is lost with desAd.
Somebody is watching me? Analyzing privacy preferences in using visual AAL technology considering human-, technology-, and context-related factors
Authors: Offermann Julia , Maidhof Caterina , Ziefle Martina
Published: December 2023

Changing age structures, increasing demands for care, and personnel shortages require innovative approaches to enable support for older and frail people in their everyday life enhancing their well-being, safety, and independence. Visual Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) technologies represent a promising approach to tackle these challenges by detecting emergency situations, such as falls, abnormal behavior, and helplessness. Beyond this potential and possible advantages, the use of visual AAL technology is closely connected with concerns regarding privacy and data security. So far, privacy perceptions and requirements have neither been specifically nor quantitatively investigated regarding the usage of visual AAL technology. Therefore, this study (N = 139) applied an online survey and aimed at an investigation of (1) potential differences between human and technological invasions of privacy based on affective evaluations and perceived concerns, (2) activities being (not) allowed to be visually recorded in different contexts, and (3) selections of specific visual AAL technologies in different contexts. The results identified significant differences in the affective evaluation of human and technological privacy invasions as well as specifically perceived privacy concerns. Beyond that, the acceptance of visual recordings of activities depends on the context as well as on the sensitivity of the daily activities. The context also impacted the selection of specific visual AAL technology distinctly. The study enabled a first quantification of specific privacy perceptions, concerns, and requirements when visual AAL technology is used. The results are used to derive specific design and communication recommendations to address future users’ privacy needs in the conceptualization, development, and design of visual AAL technology.
Exploring diverse food system actor perspectives on gene editing: a systematic review of socio-cultural factors influencing acceptability
Authors: Henderson Katie , Lang Bodo , Kemper Joya , Conroy Denise
Published: December 2023

Despite the promise of new gene editing technologies (GETs) (e.g., CRISPR) in accelerating sustainable agri-food production, the social acceptability of these technologies remains unclear. Prior literature has primarily addressed the regulatory and economic issues impacting GETs ongoing acceptability, while little work has examined socio-cultural impacts despite evolving food policies and product commercialisation demanding input from various actors in the food system. Our systematic review across four databases addresses this gap by synthesising recent research on food system actors’ perspectives to identify the key socio-cultural factors influencing GET acceptability. This review extends prior literature by including views from a more diverse range of actors (e.g., farmers and NGOs) and provides a better understanding of their perceived social benefits and concerns. We find food system actors perceive positive and negative impacts of using GETs in agriculture. These perspectives are often entangled in broader debates regarding sustainability and food systems issues (e.g., social justice). We discuss practical recommendations for policymakers, agri-food industry managers, and scientists to better align gene edited foods (GEFs) with food system actors’ values. GEF policy, development, and commercialisation must reflect social values such as collective wellbeing and transparency to improve actors’ acceptability. More research is required among marginalised food actors such as Indigenous and smallholder farmers.
The assessment of marine bioinvasion diversity and history
Authors: Carlton James T. , Schwindt Evangelina
Published: December 2023

A significant challenge in comparing and contrasting regional reviews of non-native marine species diversity is that evaluation methods vary widely, resulting in highly inconsistent taxonomic, habitat and historical coverage even in ostensibly well-studied regions. It is thus difficult to interpret whether strikingly different numbers of non-native species in different regions reflect differential invasion patterns or different assessment criteria and capabilities. We provide a comprehensive guide to the methods and techniques to assess the diversity and timing history of non-native and cryptogenic marine species. We emphasize the need to broaden taxonomic and habitat breadth when documenting invasions, to use a broader and deeper search term menu (including using older terms), to thoroughly access global systematic and invasion literature for local, regional records, and to delve deeper into invasion timing to avoid the use of dates-of-publication to assess invasion tempo and rates. Fundamental in all invasions work is the reassessment of the status of ostensibly native species which in fact may have been introduced decades or centuries earlier. We expand to 14 categories the criteria for the recognition of non-native species. Without thorough and vetted modern and historical assessments of the scale of invasions across temperate, subtropical, and tropical marine ecosystems, our ability to look deep into marine community ecology, evolution, and biogeography is strikingly compromised, as is our ability to frame robust invasion policy and management plans.
The Arctic Fjord Breeze: Characteristics of a Combined Sea Breeze and Valley Wind in a Svalbard Fjord Valley
Authors: Henkies Matthias , Høyland Knut Vilhelm , Shestov Aleksey , Duscha Christiane , Sjöblom Anna
Published: December 2023

Thermally-driven circulations are a frequent meteorological phenomenon in complex Arctic terrain, but the Arctic fjord breeze, a combined sea-breeze and up-valley wind, has received little attention. A field campaign was conducted in the valley Adventdalen in Svalbard in summer 2022 using a Scanning Doppler Lidar and automatic weather stations. It is shown that a local up-valley circulation occurred frequently in this valley, and that it was driven by the temperature and pressure gradient between valley and fjord, i.e., a fjord breeze. The fjord breeze existed in both large-scale up-valley and down-valley winds. Its strength, extent and depth varied due to the diurnal cycle of solar irradiation as well as the interaction with large-scale winds. In contrast to typical lower-latitude breezes, the Arctic fjord breeze could persist over several days. The breeze was found to be relatively strong even under small horizontal temperature contrasts and opposing large-scale winds, possibly due to an increase in the thermal pressure gradient by the surrounding topography.
Colchicine Attenuates Microvascular Obstruction after Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Inhibiting the Proliferation of Neutrophil in Bone Marrow
Authors: Tan Ying , Bao Xue , Li Yuyu , Song Guo , Lu He , Sun Xuan , Gu Rong , Kang Lina , Xu Biao
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Complete and rapid recanalization of blood flow by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the most effective intervention for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury leads to microvascular obstruction (MVO), limiting its efficacy. Colchicine can reduce myocardial I/R injury, but its effect on MVO is unclear. Hence, this study aimed to assess the role and mechanism of colchicine on MVO.

Methods

Clinical data on STEMI patients with PCI were collected and risk factors related to MVO were analyzed. The rat myocardial I/R model was established to evaluate the MVO by thioflavin S staining. The myocardial I/R model of mice was treated with PBS or colchicine at the reperfusion. The effect of colchicine on cardiomyocyte apoptosis after I/R was evaluated by TUNEL and expression of cleaved caspase-3. ROS levels were detected in H9c2 cells to evaluate the colchicine effect on myocardial oxidative stress. Moreover, the mechanism through which colchicine attenuated MVO was examined using flow cytometry, WB, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, bioinformatics analysis, and immunofluorescence.

Results

Multivariate analysis showed that elevated neutrophils were associated with extensive MVO. Colchicine could attenuate MVO and reduce neutrophil recruitment and NETs formation after myocardial I/R. In addition, colchicine inhibited cardiomyocyte apoptosis in vivo and ROS levels in vitro. Furthermore, colchicine inhibited neutrophil proliferation in the bone marrow (BM) by inhibiting the S100A8/A9 inflammatory signaling pathway.

Conclusions

Colchicine attenuated MVO after myocardial I/R injury by inhibiting the proliferation of neutrophils in BM through the neutrophil-derived S100A8/A9 inflammatory signaling pathway.
Dissecting the tumor microenvironment in response to immune checkpoint inhibitors via single-cell and spatial transcriptomics
Authors: Liu Wendi , Puri Anusha , Fu Doris , Chen Lee , Wang Cassia , Kellis Manolis , Yang Jiekun
Published: December 2023

Cancer is a disease that undergoes selective pressure to evolve during its progression, becoming increasingly heterogeneous. Tumoral heterogeneity can dictate therapeutic response. Transcriptomics can be used to uncover complexities in cancer and reveal phenotypic heterogeneity that affects disease response. This is especially pertinent in the immune microenvironment, which contains diverse populations of immune cells, and whose dynamic properties influence disease response. The recent development of immunotherapies has revolutionized cancer therapy, with response rates of up to 50% within certain cancers. However, despite advances in immune checkpoint blockade specifically, there remains a significant population of non-responders to these treatments. Transcriptomics can be used to profile immune and other cell populations following immune-checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment, generate predictive biomarkers of resistance or response, assess immune effector function, and identify potential immune checkpoints. Single-cell RNA sequencing has offered insight into mRNA expression within the complex and heterogeneous tumor microenvironment at single-cell resolution. Spatial transcriptomics has enabled measurement of mRNA expression while adding locational context. Here, we review single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomic research investigating ICI response within a variety of cancer microenvironments.
Inequalities in Resources for Preschool-Age Children by Parental Education: Evidence from Six Advanced Industrialized Countries
Authors: Waldfogel Jane , Kwon Sarah Jiyoon , Wang Yi , Washbrook Liz , Casoni Valentina Perinetti , Olczyk Melanie , Schneider Thorsten , Panico Lidia , Solaz Anne , Weinert Sabine , Volodina Anna , de la Rie Sanneke , Keizer Renske , Nozaki Kayo , Yamashita Jun , Kameyama Yuriko , Akabayashi Hideo
Published: December 2023

This paper provides new evidence on inequalities in resources for children age 3–4 by parental education using harmonized data from six advanced industrialized countries—United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Netherlands, and Japan—that represent different social welfare regime types. We analyze inequalities in two types of resources for young children—family income, and center-based child care—applying two alternative measures of parental education—highest parental education, and maternal education. We hypothesize that inequalities in resources by parental education will be less pronounced in countries where social policies are designed to be more equalizing. The results provide partial support for this hypothesis: the influence of parental education on resources for children does vary by the social policy context, although not in all cases. We also find that the measurement of parental education matters: income disparities are smaller under a maternal-only definition whereas child care disparities are larger. Moreover, the degree of divergence between the two sets of estimates differs across countries. We provide some of the first systematic evidence about how resources for young children vary depending on parents’ education and the extent to which such inequalities are buffered by social policies. We find that while early inequalities are a fact of life in all six countries, the extent of those inequalities varies considerably. Moreover, the results suggest that social policy plays a role in moderating the influence of parental education on resources for children.
Inherited BRCA1 and RNF43 pathogenic variants in a familial colorectal cancer type X family
Authors: Chan James M. , Clendenning Mark , Joseland Sharelle , Georgeson Peter , Mahmood Khalid , Joo Jihoon E. , Walker Romy , Como Julia , Preston Susan , Chai Shuyi Marci , Chu Yen Lin , Meyers Aaron L. , Pope Bernard J. , Duggan David , Fink J. Lynn , Macrae Finlay A. , Rosty Christophe , Winship Ingrid M. , Jenkins Mark A. , Buchanan Daniel D.
Published: December 2023

Genetic susceptibility to familial colorectal cancer (CRC), including for individuals classified as Familial Colorectal Cancer Type X (FCCTX), remains poorly understood. We describe a multi-generation CRC-affected family segregating pathogenic variants in both BRCA1, a gene associated with breast and ovarian cancer and RNF43, a gene associated with Serrated Polyposis Syndrome (SPS). A single family out of 105 families meeting the criteria for FCCTX (Amsterdam I family history criteria with mismatch repair (MMR)-proficient CRCs) recruited to the Australasian Colorectal Cancer Family Registry (ACCFR; 1998–2008) that underwent whole exome sequencing (WES), was selected for further testing. CRC and polyp tissue from four carriers were molecularly characterized including a single CRC that underwent WES to determine tumor mutational signatures and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) events. Ten carriers of a germline pathogenic variant BRCA1:c.2681_2682delAA p.Lys894ThrfsTer8 and eight carriers of a germline pathogenic variant RNF43:c.988 C > T p.Arg330Ter were identified in this family. Seven members carried both variants, four of which developed CRC. A single carrier of the RNF43 variant met the 2019 World Health Organization (WHO2019) criteria for SPS, developing a BRAF p.V600 wildtype CRC. Loss of the wildtype allele for both BRCA1 and RNF43 variants was observed in three CRC tumors while a LOH event across chromosome 17q encompassing both genes was observed in a CRC. Tumor mutational signature analysis identified the homologous recombination deficiency (HRD)-associated COSMIC signatures SBS3 and ID6 in a CRC for a carrier of both variants. Our findings show digenic inheritance of pathogenic variants in BRCA1 and RNF43 segregating with CRC in a FCCTX family. LOH and evidence of BRCA1-associated HRD supports the importance of both these tumor suppressor genes in CRC tumorigenesis.
Are nitrification inhibitors effective in reducing N2O from farm-scale emission hotspots?
Authors: Marsden Karina A. , dos Santos Camila A. , Friedl Johannes , Rowlings David W. , Chadwick Dave R. , Eckard Richard J.
Published: December 2023

Livestock congregation areas are nitrous oxide (N2O) hot-spots and could be key areas to focus mitigation action. We tested whether combined cattle urine and fertiliser N2O-N emission factors (EFs) would be higher from a farm gateway area compared to a standard pasture under sub-tropical conditions, and whether the nitrification inhibitor, dimethyl pyrazole phosphate (DMPP), would lower N2O EFs from the gateway area. Treatments (n = 3) included: (i) fertiliser applied to a standard pasture (50 kg urea-N ha−1), (ii) fertiliser (50 kg urea-N ha−1) + urine (350 kg N ha−1) applied to a standard pasture, (iii) fertiliser (50 kg urea-N ha−1) + urine (350 kg N ha−1) applied to the gateway area, and (iv) fertiliser (50 kg urea-N ha−1) + urine (350 kg N ha−1) + DMPP (1.5 kg ha−1) applied to the gateway area. Emissions were monitored via an automated static chamber-based system and 15N-labelled urine treatments (n = 4) used to assess N2O + N2 emissions, N2O:N2 and 15N recovery from the pasture. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed for EFs between the fertiliser + urine treatment for the standard pasture (1.10 ± 0.17%) or the gateway area (1.46 ± 0.40%). DMPP did not lower the N2O-N EF from the gateway area (1.50 ± 0.22%), where wet and warm conditions may have accelerated DMPP degradation. In the 15N-labelled urine treatments, significantly (p < 0.05) greater N2O + N2 emissions occurred in the gateway compared to the standard pasture, but disaggregating EFs between the contrasting areas was not warranted.
The role of the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis in human ejaculated sperm damage under a state of scrotal heat stress
Authors: Budzinska Marta , Kamieniczna Marzena , Wojnar Lukasz , Gill Kamil , Piasecka Malgorzata , Kups Michal , Fraczek Monika
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The study aimed to determine the associations among standard sperm characteristics and oxidative/apoptotic markers in ejaculated sperm of men exposed to prolonged scrotal hyperthermia of either environmental or clinical origin.

Methods

The original study design included four research groups: professional drivers (n = 54), infertile men with varicocele (n = 78), infertile men not exposed to prolonged genital heat stress (n = 37), and fertile individuals serving as the control group (n = 29). Standard semen analysis was performed according to the 5th WHO laboratory manual. The following oxidative and apoptotic parameters of sperm were investigated: mitochondrial superoxide anion generation (MitoSOX Red dye), phosphatidylserine externalization (Annexin V binding assay), mitochondrial membrane potential (JC-1 dye), DNA fragmentation (TUNEL/PI assay), and membrane fluidity (merocyanine 540 dye).

Results

All the studied groups presented a strong deterioration in routine sperm parameters and a strongly apoptotic phenotype in sperm, characterized by both decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and enhanced DNA fragmentation, regardless of the thermal insult. Significant induction of mitochondrial superoxide anion generation was noted only in the groups exposed to genital heat stress. A positive correlation between the production of superoxide anion in the mitochondrial chain and the level of DNA fragmentation in drivers was also noted.

Conclusion

Long-term exposure to scrotal hyperthermia in real-life situations is sufficient to reduce sperm quality in humans. The thermal stress directly induces the oxidative stress cascade in ejaculated sperm, affecting the plasma membrane fluidity, mitochondrial homeostasis, and sperm DNA integrity.
Fluorine-free superhydrophobic PDMS-coated silica particles for oil–water separation and liquid marbles
Authors: Hanosh Swithin , Unnikrishnan V. K. , George Sajan D.
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we report the fabrication of fluorine-free hydrophobic particles via grafting fluidic polydimethylsiloxane onto silica particles through a facile wet lab technique at room temperature. A cotton fabric coated with the prepared hydrophobic particles shows potential as a membrane to separate oil and water due to hydrophobic behavior (equilibrium water contact angle ~ 145°) and superoleophilicity. The hydrophobic nature of the fabric is varied only slightly after immersing the fabric in 1 M of acidic and basic solution for seven days and thus ensured the chemical stability of the fabric, whereas the physical stability examined via abrasion test elucidates minimal change in wettability even after 50 cycles of abrasion tests. The oil–water separation efficiency of the membrane made from particle-coated cotton fabric is found to be greater than 95% even after 50 cycles of usage for various oils. Further, these particles are used to cover aqueous droplets to create liquid marbles. The stability of the liquid marble is investigated against solution with different surface tension, pH values, and viscosity. The particles demonstrate the potential to create stable liquid marbles even when the surface tension of liquid is as low as ~ 32 mN m−1. In addition, the liquid marbles are created from aqueous solutions having pH values ranging from 1 to 14 and with liquids having viscosity over a wide range. The substrate temperature-dependent evaporation studies of the liquid marbles unambiguously elucidate the porous nature of the surface and manifest a temperature-dependent liquid marble height decrease in evaporation time scale.

Graphical Abstract
The Moral Entitlements of Future Persons: Expectancies and Prospective Beneficiaries
Authors: Campos Andre Santos
Published: December 2023

This paper develops a future-oriented and person-centred normative argument based on expectancies that is immune to most of the problems identified in the rights of future persons. The argument unfolds in four parts. The first draws on the notion of expectancies present in inheritance law and maintains that it is possible to formulate a rule of prospective beneficiaries that correlates with entitlements and legitimate claims without necessarily acquiring the status of rights. The second extends expectancies to future persons and concludes that the latter can be considered present holders of such currently binding entitlements. The third section raises the question of whether democracies are bound to a principle of fidelity towards expectancies in such a way that outweighs current people’s rights in cases of conflicts. The response does not prove particularly future-beneficial in such cases. However, section four clarifies why expectancies still carry a crucial moral weight in democracies, one that is not sufficiently established by depersonalised forms of future-oriented ethics.
Trends in Sexual Health of Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men, and Transgender Individuals: Apps Driven Testing Program for HIV and Other STIs in Barcelona, Spain (2016–2023)
Authors: Alarcón Gutiérrez Miguel , Palma Díaz David , Forns Cantón Maria Lluïsa , Fernández-López Laura , García de Olalla Patricia , Rius Gibert Cristina
Published: December 2023

Gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) and transgender individuals face heightened risks of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Surveillance within these populations is critical, and community testing services play a pivotal role in preventing and controlling HIV and STIs. This study investigates the trends in HIV, syphilis and hepatitis C (HCV) infections among participants in an apps-driven rapid test program from 2016 to 2023 in Barcelona, Spain, examining associated factors. Trend analysis utilized Wilcoxon-type test and associated factors were determined through multivariate logistic analysis. The prevalence of new HIV diagnosis was 1.81% (CI 1.18–2.64), active syphilis was 3.37% (CI 2.46–4.50) and acute HCV was 0.40% (CI 0.11–1.02). While infection rates showed no significant changes, there was significant increasing in sex work and chemsex and decreasing in condom use. Additionally, a peak in dating apps use for sex and a specific reduction in number of sexual partners were observed in 2020. Factors associated with HIV diagnoses included migrant status (aOR = 11.19; CI 2.58–48.53) and inconsistent condom use during the previous 12 months (aOR = 3.12; CI 1.02–9.51). For syphilis, associated factors were migrant status (aOR = 2.46; CI 1.14–5.29), inconsistent condom use (aOR = 3.38; CI 1.37–8.36), and chemsex practice during the previous 12 months (aOR = 2.80; CI 1.24–6.30). Our findings emphasize the need for tailored interventions, including culturally sensitive outreach for migrants and comprehensive strategies addressing substance use in sexual contexts. Technological innovations and targeted educational initiatives could reduce the burden of HIV and STIs within the GBMSM and transgender communities, providing valuable insights for public health strategies.