bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring Coping Strategies Among Ukrainian Refugee Adolescents
Authors: Chabursky Sophia , Walper Sabine
Published: December 2024

Abstract: Theoretical Background: The war in Ukraine has led to the displacement of countless families, subjecting children and adolescents to significant stressors such as trauma from the conflict, loss, and the challenges of adapting to a new culture upon resettlement. To deal with these stressors, they develop and employ a variety of coping strategies. Aim: This study aimed to identify and explore the innate coping strategies employed by Ukrainian refugee adolescents as they adapt to life in Germany after displacement in order to better understand how to support them during such a difficult time of crisis. Method: We conducted 25 semi-structured interviews with Ukrainian refugees aged 12 – 18 years, covering topics from their escape from Ukraine to their everyday life in Germany. The data were holistically analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis method. The themes identified, representing the coping strategies employed by the refugees, were examined in light of Lazarus and Folkman’s psychological stress and coping theory, which distinguishes between emotion-focused and problem-focused coping. Results: The analysis revealed a multifaceted approach to coping, encompassing both emotion-focused and problem-focused strategies. Many participants prioritized educational pursuits and future planning, adopting a proactive approach to their new challenges. Maintaining familiar routines from their life in Ukraine provided a sense of continuity and stability amid change. Emotional regulation, facilitated by creative activities and social support, emerged as a critical coping theme. Building and maintaining social connections were key for emotional support and integration. Some adolescents coped by distancing themselves from distressing aspects of their past or present, while others engaged in reflecting on past experiences, sometimes finding solace and at other times experiencing sorrow. Notably, despite facing adversities, a sense of optimism was observed in some adolescents, indicating an adaptive and resilient mindset. Discussion and Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of holistic support for refugee children and adolescents that acknowledges and works with their innate coping strategies. It highlights the complexity of the refugee experience, where growth and struggle coexist, and the need for tailored interventions to support young refugees in not only immediate challenges but also in long-term mental health.
Past and Future Climate‐Driven Changes of Agricultural Land in Central Europe
Authors: Torbenson M. C. A. , Esper J. , Brázdil R. , Büntgen U. , Olesen J. E. , Semarádová D. , Vlach M. , Urban O. , Balek J. , Kolář T. , Rybníček M. , Pernicová N. , Reinig F. , Martinez del Castillo E. , Jones P. D. , Trnka M.
Published: December 2024

Europe is expected to experience major climatic shifts during the 21st century but the impact on agricultural productivity from such changes is uncertain. Here, we combine proxy, instrumental, and model data to assess interannual to multi‐centennial changes in central European agroclimate over the past 2,000 years and projections into the near future. Whereas early 21st century conditions are rare but not fully unprecedented, more than half of the area that was considered highly productive throughout the Common Era in central Europe currently falls outside of that definition. This trend will likely continue as even the most conservative climate projections push central Europe outside the range of past natural variability of changes to agroclimatic zones. Reconstructed extremes prior to the instrumental record align well with contemporary documentary records of societal upheaval. Forecasted changes to the main agroclimatic drivers require substantial adaptation in land use and agricultural management strategies of considerable costs.
Adiabatic and Non‐Adiabatic Electron Heating at Quasi‐Perpendicular Collisionless Shocks
Authors: Lalti A. , Khotyaintsev Yu. V. , Graham D. B.
Published: December 2024

The relative contribution of adiabatic and non‐adiabatic processes to electron heating across collisionless shocks remains an open question. We analyze the evolution of suprathermal electrons across 310 quasi‐perpendicular shocks with Alfvénic Mach numbers in the normal‐incidence frame ranging from 1.7 to 48, using in situ measurements of Earth's bow shock by the Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) spacecraft. We introduce a novel non‐adiabaticity measure derived from the electron distribution function and based on Liouville's theorem. Our results reveal, for the first time, that the electron heating mechanism is governed by the Alfvénic Mach number in the de Hoffman‐Teller frame , with a transition from predominantly adiabatic to non‐adiabatic heating occurring at . Furthermore, by examining the spectral index of the suprathermal electron distribution, we find that for shocks exhibiting dominant non‐adiabatic electron dynamics, the observed electron heating is consistent with the predictions of the stochastic shock drift acceleration (SSDA) mechanism.
Mars Nightside Ionospheric Response During the Disappearing Solar Wind Event: First Results
Authors: Ram L. , Rout D. , Sarkhel S.
Published: December 2024

We investigated, for the first time, the impact of the disappearing solar wind (DSW) event [26–28 December 2022] on the deep nightside ionospheric species using MAVEN data sets. An enhanced plasma density has been observed in the Martian nightside ionosphere during extreme low solar wind density and pressure periods. At a given altitude, the electron density surged by ∼2.5 times, while for ions (NO+, O2+, CO2+, C+, N+, O+, and OH+), it enhanced by > 10 times, respectively, compared to their typical average quiet‐time periods. This investigation suggests that an upward ionospheric expansion likely took place in a direct consequence to the contrasting low dynamic/magnetic pressure and relatively higher nightside ionospheric pressure (by 1–2 orders) causing an increased ionospheric density. Moreover, the day‐to‐night plasma transport may also be a contributing factor to the increased plasma density. Thus, this study offers a new insight about planetary atmosphere/ionosphere during extreme quiescent solar wind periods.
Experimental Evidence for Reaction‐Induced Weakening of (Carbonated) Serpentinite Fault Gouges
Authors: Eberhard L. , Niemeijer A. R. , Plümper O.
Published: December 2024

The seismic potential of faults depends on the local mineralogy and can change upon mineral reactions. We conducted friction experiments on serpentinite, carbonate and carbonated serpentinite fault gouges at temperatures from 400°C to 630°C, under 100 MPa effective normal stress and fluid saturated conditions. Pure serpentinite fault gouges exhibited unstable slip with significant strain‐hardening. Carbonate‐bearing serpentinite fault gouges showed stable sliding at temperatures <500°C, but displayed unstable stick‐slip behavior and strong strain weakening at temperatures ≥500°C. Microstructural analyses revealed localization and the formation of olivine and pyroxene from devolatilization reactions at temperatures ≥500°C. The degree of devolatilization increased near major slip planes and was enhanced by higher temperature and carbonate content, as shown by three‐dimensional micro‐computer tomography analyses. Nano‐scale transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed the absence of hydrous and carbonate phases along major slip planes. We attribute the strong weakening and unstable slip behavior in carbonated serpentinite fault gouges to the formation of nano‐sized anhydrous phases of olivine and pyroxene along the slip plane. Our results indicate that serpentinized fault zones may experience seismic event nucleation at temperatures approaching the thermodynamic stability limit of serpentine. This suggests that the absence of seismic events cannot exclusively be attributed to serpentinization. The formation of carbonates, through replacive and additive carbonation, can explain aseismic deformation in transform faults, but at elevated temperatures, devolatilization reactions in carbonated serpentinites cause strong localization and strain weakening, accompanied by laboratory seismicity.
Surface Wave Development and Ambient Sound in the Ocean
Authors: Thomson Jim , Yang Jie , Taylor Robert , Rainville E. J. , Zeiden Kristin , Rainville Luc , Brenner Samuel , Ballard Megan , Cronin Meghan F.
Published: December 2024

Wind, wave, and acoustic observations are used to test a scaling for ambient sound levels in the ocean that is based on wind speed and the degree of surface wave development (at a given wind speed). The focus of this study is acoustic frequencies in the range 1–20 kHz, for which sound is generated by the bubbles injected during surface wave breaking. Traditionally, ambient sound spectra in this frequency range are scaled by wind speed alone. In this study, we investigate a secondary dependence on surface wave development. For any given wind‐speed, ambient sound levels are separated into conditions in which waves are 1) actively developing or 2) fully developed. Wave development is quantified using the non‐dimensional wave height, a metric commonly used to analyze fetch or duration limitations in wave growth. This simple metric is applicable in both coastal and open ocean environments. Use of the wave development metric to scale sound spectra is first motivated with observations from a brief case study near the island of Jan Mayen (Norwegian Sea), then robustly tested with long time‐series observations of winds and waves at Ocean Station Papa (North Pacific Ocean). When waves are actively developing, ambient sound levels are elevated 2–3 dB across the 1–20 kHz frequency range. This result is discussed in the context of sound generation during wave breaking and sound attenuation by persistent bubble layers.
Enhancing Short‐Term Wind Speed Prediction Capability of Numerical Weather Prediction Through Machine Learning Methods
Authors: Zeng Zhaoliang , Wu Honglei , Liu Zhaohua , Zhao Linna , Liang Zhaoming , Liang Zhehao , Wang Yaqiang
Published: December 2024

Accurate forecasting of wind speed is essential for daily life and social production. While numerical weather prediction products are widely used, they rely on global data and mathematical models to solve atmospheric dynamics' equations, often failing to capture localized micrometeorological phenomena accurately. Factors such as surface conditions, land‐sea differences, and topography, particularly in coastal areas, further impact the accuracy of wind speed forecasts. This study presents a new method to enhance short‐term wind speed forecasting along China's coast by incorporating local and neighborhood spatiotemporal information. The approach integrates meteorological data from adjacent grid points as new inputs in the LightGBM, CatBoost, and XGBoost algorithms. Stacking ensemble technique is then employed to effectively combine with the aforementioned foundational models. Two sets of experiments are conducted: Experiments 1 exclude surrounding information, while Experiments 2 include it. Each set consists of five experiment groups: annual, spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Within each group, four models are tested: XGBoost, LightGBM, CatBoost, and stacking. Results show that incorporating surrounding site information improves forecast accuracy. In all five groups with added surrounding site information, the stacking model performs best. Compared to ECMWF forecast data, the stacking model improves wind speed forecast accuracy from 53.3%, 50.9%, 55.2%, 53.0%, and 54.0% to 77.2%, 73.1%, 76.7%, 78.2%, and 77.1%, respectively. These findings demonstrate the potential effectiveness of the proposed method for improving short‐term wind speed forecasts in China's coastal areas.
Spatially and Temporally Detailed Water and Carbon Footprints of U.S. Electricity Generation and Use
Authors: Siddik Md Abu Bakar , Shehabi Arman , Rao Prakash , Marston Landon T.
Published: December 2024

Electricity generation in the United States entails significant water usage and greenhouse gas emissions. However, accurately estimating these impacts is complex due to the intricate nature of the electric grid and the dynamic electricity mix. Existing methods to estimate the environmental consequences of electricity use often generalize across large regions, neglecting spatial and temporal variations in water usage and emissions. Consequently, electric grid dynamics, such as temporal fluctuations in renewable energy resources, are often overlooked in efforts to mitigate environmental impacts. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has initiated the development of resilient energyshed management systems, requiring detailed information on the local electricity mix and its environmental impacts. This study supports DOE's goal by incorporating geographic and temporal variations in the electricity mix of the local electric grid to better understand the environmental impacts of electricity end users. We offer hourly estimates of the U.S. electricity mix, detailing fuel types, water withdrawal intensity, and water consumption intensity for each grid balancing authority through our publicly accessible tool, the Water Integrated Mapping of Power and Carbon Tracker (Water IMPACT). While our primary focus is on evaluating water intensity factors, our dataset and programming scripts for historical and real‐time analysis also include evaluations of carbon dioxide (equivalence) intensity within the same modeling framework. This integrated approach offers a comprehensive understanding of the environmental footprint associated with electricity generation and use, enabling informed decision‐making to effectively reduce Scope 2 water usage and emissions.
Sphk1/S1P pathway promotes blood-brain barrier breakdown after intracerebral hemorrhage through inducing Nlrp3-mediated endothelial cell pyroptosis
Authors: Feng Mengzhao , An Yuan , Qin Qi , Fong Iat-Hang , Zhang Kaiyuan , Wang Fang , Song Dengpan , Li Mengyuan , Yu Min , Yeh Chi-Tai , Chang Junlei , Guo Fuyou
Published: December 2024

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a severe stroke subtype with high mortality and limited therapeutic options. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown post-ICH exacerbates secondary brain injury, highlighting the need for targeted therapies to preserve the BBB integrity. We aim to investigate the role of the Sphk1/S1P pathway in BBB breakdown following ICH and to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Sphk1 inhibition in mitigating this breakdown. Using a combination of human patient samples, mouse models of ICH, and in vitro cellular assays, we assessed the expression levels of Sphk1/S1P after ICH and changes of the BBB after ICH. The Sphk1 inhibitor PF543 and siRNAs were utilized to explore the pathway’s impact on BBB integrity and the underlying mechanisms. The results indicate significant upregulation of Sphk1/S1P in the peri-hematomal brain tissue after ICH, which correlates with increased BBB leakage. Pharmacological inhibition of Sphk1 with PF543 attenuates BBB leakage, reduces hematoma volume, and improves neurological outcomes in mice. At the molecular and ultrastructural level, Sphk1 inhibition protects the BBB integrity by preserving tight junction proteins and suppressing endothelial transcytosis. Furthermore, mechanistic studies reveal that Sphk1 promotes Nlrp3-mediated pyroptosis of brain endothelial cells through the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Taken together, the Sphk1/S1P pathway plays a critical role in ICH-induced BBB breakdown, and its inhibition represents a promising therapeutic strategy for ICH management.
CARM1-mediated OGT arginine methylation promotes non-small cell lung cancer glycolysis by stabilizing OGT
Authors: Lin Luyao , Yuan Qingxia , Gu Jiayi , Bai Guangyu , Cong Xianling , Hu Qianying , Hou Jingyao , Jin Xin , Liu Xiangxiang , Huang Baiqu , Zhang Yu , Lu Jun
Published: December 2024

O-GlcNAcylation catalyzed by O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) plays an important role in the regulation of tumor glycolysis. However, the mechanism underlying OGT regulation remains largely unknown. Here, we showed that coactivator associated arginine methyltransferase 1 (CARM1) sensed changes of extracellular glucose levels in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Increased glucose upregulated CARM1 and OGT. CARM1 methylated OGT at arginine 348, promoting its stability through binding of the deubiquitinase USP9X. The arginine methylation of OGT increased global O-GlcNAcylation levels, thereby promoting glycolysis in NSCLC cells. OGT arginine methylation also upregulated c-Myc expression and promoted the proliferation of NSCLC cells in vitro and in vivo. Consistently, OGT expression was positively correlated with CARM1 in human NSCLC samples. The present findings shed light on the mechanism underlying the stabilization of OGT by arginine methylation in response to changes of glucose concentration. The study also clarified the role of the CARM1-USP9X-OGT axis in glycolysis in NSCLC, providing a potential new target or therapeutic strategy in NSCLC.
Chromosome architecture and low cohesion bias acrocentric chromosomes towards aneuploidy during mammalian meiosis
Authors: Bellou Eirini , Zielinska Agata P. , Mönnich Eike Urs , Schweizer Nina , Politi Antonio Z. , Wellecke Antonina , Sibold Claus , Tandler-Schneider Andreas , Schuh Melina
Published: December 2024

Aneuploidy in eggs is a leading cause of miscarriages or viable developmental syndromes. Aneuploidy rates differ between individual chromosomes. For instance, chromosome 21 frequently missegregates, resulting in Down Syndrome. What causes chromosome-specific aneuploidy in meiosis is unclear. Chromosome 21 belongs to the class of acrocentric chromosomes, whose centromeres are located close to the chromosome end, resulting in one long and one short chromosome arm. We demonstrate that acrocentric chromosomes are generally more often aneuploid than metacentric chromosomes in porcine eggs. Kinetochores of acrocentric chromosomes are often partially covered by the short chromosome arm during meiosis I in human and porcine oocytes and orient less efficiently toward the spindle poles. These partially covered kinetochores are more likely to be incorrectly attached to the spindle. Additionally, sister chromatids of acrocentric chromosomes are held together by lower levels of cohesin, making them more vulnerable to age-dependent cohesin loss. Chromosome architecture and low cohesion therefore bias acrocentric chromosomes toward aneuploidy during mammalian meiosis.
VLDLR mediates Semliki Forest virus neuroinvasion through the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier
Authors: Martikainen Miika , Lugano Roberta , Pietilä Ilkka , Brosch Sofie , Cabrolier Camille , Sivaramakrishnan Aishwarya , Ramachandran Mohanraj , Yu Di , Dimberg Anna , Essand Magnus
Published: December 2024

Semliki Forest virus (SFV) is a neuropathogenic alphavirus which is of interest both as a model neurotropic alphavirus and as an oncolytic virus with proven potency in preclinical cancer models. In laboratory mice, peripherally administered SFV infiltrates the central nervous system (CNS) and causes encephalitis of varying severity. The route of SFV CNS entrance is poorly understood but has been considered to occur through the blood-brain barrier. Here we show that neuroinvasion of intravenously administered SFV is strictly dependent on very-low-density-lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) which acts as an entry receptor for SFV. Moreover, SFV primarily enters the CNS through the blood-cerebrospinal fluid (B-CSF) barrier via infecting choroid plexus epithelial cells which show distinctly high expression of VLDLR. This is the first indication of neurotropic alphavirus utilizing choroid plexus for CNS entry, and VLDLR playing a specific and crucial role for mediating SFV entry through this pathway.
Stable isotope evidence for pre-colonial maize agriculture and animal management in the Bolivian Amazon
Authors: Hermenegildo Tiago , Prümers Heiko , Jaimes Betancourt Carla , Roberts Patrick , O’Connell Tamsin C.
Published: December 2024

Over the past decade, multidisciplinary research has seen the Amazon Basin go from a context perceived as unfavourable for food production and large-scale human societies to one of ‘garden cities’, domestication, and anthropogenically influenced forests and soils. Nevertheless, direct insights into human interactions with particular crops and especially animals remain scarce across this vast area. Here we present new stable carbon and nitrogen isotope data from 86 human and 68 animal remains dating between ce ~700 and 1400 from the Llanos de Mojos, Bolivia. We show evidence of human reliance on maize agriculture in the earliest phases before a reduction in the dietary importance of this crop between ce 1100 and 1400. We also provide evidence that muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata), the only known domesticated vertebrate in the South American lowlands, had substantial maize intake suggesting intentional feeding, or even their domestication, from as early as ce 800. Our data provide insights into human interactions with Amazonian ecosystems, including direct evidence for human management of animals in pre-colonial contexts, further enriching our understanding of human history in what was once considered a ‘counterfeit paradise’.
Behaviour-based dependency networks between places shape urban economic resilience
Authors: Yabe Takahiro , García Bulle Bueno Bernardo , Frank Morgan R. , Pentland Alex , Moro Esteban
Published: December 2024

Disruptions, such as closures of businesses during pandemics, not only affect businesses and amenities directly but also influence how people move, spreading the impact to other businesses and increasing the overall economic shock. However, it is unclear how much businesses depend on each other during disruptions. Leveraging human mobility data and same-day visits in five US cities, we quantify dependencies between points of interest encompassing businesses, stores and amenities. We find that dependency networks computed from human mobility exhibit significantly higher rates of long-distance connections and biases towards specific pairs of point-of-interest categories. We show that using behaviour-based dependency relationships improves the predictability of business resilience during shocks by around 40% compared with distance-based models, and that neglecting behaviour-based dependencies can lead to underestimation of the spatial cascades of disruptions. Our findings underscore the importance of measuring complex relationships in patterns of human mobility to foster urban economic resilience to shocks.
New local magnitude scales for Egypt
Authors: Elhady Sherif M. , Ezzelarab Mohamed , Soliman M. Sami , Abdullah Hussein S. , Abu El Nader Iman F. , Adly Ashraf , Abd-Elhafeez Tharwat H.
Published: December 2024

Local magnitude (ML) scales have been developed for Egypt based on 14,453 normalized Wood–Anderson amplitudes from 1670 earthquakes. These events were recorded by at least four seismic stations, with hypocentral depths of less than 40 km and earthquake magnitudes ranging from 0.1 to 6.5 ML. The dataset was processed using recordings from the two horizontal components. Egypt was divided into four sub-tectonic regions: South Egypt, North Egypt, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean Sea. The decay of amplitudes with distance was examined across the entire dataset, providing attenuation characteristics segmented into three sections, with transition distances at 90 km and 175 km. Within each sub-tectonic region, the coefficients of the distance correction term (− log A0) and the station correction term (S) were determined using a trilinear geometrical scattering model and singular value decomposition, respectively. The newly derived relationship for Egypt has resulted in unbiased ML magnitude estimates over a substantial distance range (10–1000 km), thus ensuring consistent magnitude estimates from the ENSN network.
Biological relevance and methodological implications of unexpected hearing thresholds in a diving bird
Authors: Rößler Helen , May Anne , Dähne Michael
Published: December 2024

Many animals alternate between different media, such as air and water, thanks to specific adaptations. Among birds, penguins (Sphenisciformes) have the most extreme morphological, physiological, and behavioural adaptations to their amphibious lifestyle. Their auditory perception of sound, potentially matching different impedances in air and under water, is largely unknown particularly in terms of whether their underwater adaptations may have affected their in-air hearing capacity. In this context, we investigated the hearing ability of four captive Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) in air using psychophysical hearing tests. The 50% hit rate was found to be below 76 dB rms re 20 µPa between 0.250 kHz and 10 kHz, with most sensitive hearing at 2 kHz (mean threshold of 15.3 dB rms re 20 µPa). The four penguins showed large inter-individual variation in sensitivity at a given frequency but within a common audiogram shape. Despite the variability, penguins detected 0.250 kHz at comparably low sound levels (mean = 36.8 dB rms re 20 µPa) after a rapid decline of sensitivity at 0.500 kHz (mean = 64.1 dB rms re 20 µPa). This finding was unexpected, and it is therefore difficult to interpret whether it is an artefact of the methods or a biologically relevant finding. An extensive discussion is presented and suggests that this finding may be biologically relevant but would need further investigation to reveal the underlying mechanisms.
A neurocognitive mechanism for increased cooperation during group formation
Authors: Zajkowski Wojciech , Badman Ryan P. , Haruno Masahiko , Akaishi Rei
Published: December 2024

How do group size changes influence cooperation within groups? To examine this question, we performed a dynamic, network-based prisoner’s dilemma experiment with fMRI. Across 83 human participants, we observed increased cooperation as group size increased. However, our computational modeling analysis of behavior and fMRI revealed that groups size itself did not increase cooperation. Rather, interaction between (1) participants’ stable prosocial tendencies, and (2) dynamic reciprocal strategy weighed by memory confidence, underlies the group size-modulated increase in cooperation because the balance between them shifts towards the prosocial tendency with higher memory demands in larger groups. We found that memory confidence was encoded in fusiform gyrus and precuneus, whereas its integration with prosocial tendencies was reflected in the left DLPFC and dACC. Therefore, interaction between recall uncertainty during reciprocal interaction (i.e., forgetting) and one’s individual prosocial preference is a core pillar of emergent cooperation in more naturalistic and dynamic group formation.
Non-toxic core–shell nanowires for in vitro extracellular vesicle scavenging
Authors: Paisrisarn Piyawan , Chattrairat Kunanon , Nakamura Yuta , Nagashima Kazuki , Yanagida Takeshi , Baba Yoshinobu , Yasui Takao
Published: December 2024

We developed a nanowire-based device to eliminate cancer cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) from biofluids, inhibiting abnormal cell growth and offering a new therapeutic strategy without toxicity to normal cells.
Organocatalytic CS2 insertion into epoxides in neat conditions: a straightforward approach for the efficient synthesis of Di- and tri-thiocarbonates
Authors: López-Aguilar Marcos , Ríos-Lombardía Nicolás , Gallegos Miguel , Barrena-Espés Daniel , García-Álvarez Joaquín , Concellón Carmen , del Amo Vicente
Published: December 2024

We reported the use of quaternary ammonium salts as organocatalysts for efficient di- and tri-thiocarbonate synthesis under neat conditions. Mechanistic studies highlight the role of hydrogen-bond interactions in this sustainable methodology.
A two-dimensional amorphous iridium–cobalt oxide for an acidic oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Liu Da , Wang Yue , Zhu Jiarui , Gu Xuewei , Yang Hao , Xiong Yutian , Shao Mingwang , Shao Qi
Published: December 2024

A two-dimensional amorphous iridium–cobalt oxide (Am-IrCo5Ox) was prepared, which exhibits a low overpotential of 230 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in 0.5 M H2SO4. DFT calculations show that the unsaturated Ir on the surface acts as an active site.
Recent advances in molecular mechanisms of gas hydrate growth
Authors: Zhao Yue , He Min , Du Yitong , Zhang Zhengcai
Published: December 2024

This highlight provides an overview of recent advances in molecular mechanisms of gas hydrate growth, and presents the challenges and opportunities currently encountered.
Optimization of nonlinear properties of C6O6Li6-doped alkalides via group I/III doping for unprecedented charge transfer and advancements in optoelectronics
Authors: Kosar Naveen , Ayub Khurshid , Al-Saadi Abdulaziz A. , Imran Muhammad , Mahmood Tariq
Published: December 2024

The design and synthesis of nonlinear optical (NLO) materials are rapidly growing fields in optoelectronics. This work explores AM@C6O6Li6 complexes doped with Group-IIIA elements (B, Al, Ga) to enhance NLO response.
MgxCo1−x(OH)2@C as an electrode for supercapacitors: effect of doping level on energy storage capability
Authors: Yang Beina , Cheng Bei , Li Huijuan , Wang Tielin , Xie Mingjiang
Published: December 2024

Incorporating non-electrochemically active elements (such as Zn and Mg) into the framework of active components can enhance structural stability, leading to improved cycling performance.
Hydrogen isotope separation at exceptionally high temperature using an unsaturated organometallic complex
Authors: Kitayama Taku , Yamauchi Tamon , Uchida Kaiji , Tanaka Shunya , Toyoda Ryojun , Iguchi Hiroaki , Sakamoto Ryota , Xue Hao , Kishimoto Naoki , Yoshida Takefumi , Uruga Tomoya , Noro Shin-ichiro , Takaishi Shinya
Published: December 2024

A new approach for hydrogen isotope separation that allows H2/D2 separation above room temperature is proposed.
FLASH radiotherapy: mechanisms, nanotherapeutic strategy and future development
Authors: Wang Yan , Wang Huifang , Hu Jiawei , Chai Jingjing , Luan Jiajie , Li Jie , Xu Qingwen
Published: December 2024

Ultra-high dose-rate (FLASH) radiotherapy serves as an ideal procedure to treat tumors efficiently without harming normal tissues and has demonstrated satisfactory antitumor effects in multiple animal tumor models.
Unravelling the potential of a hybrid borocarbonitride biphenylene 2D network for thermoelectric applications: a first principles study
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Senapati Parbati , Parida Prakash
Published: December 2024

The crystal structure and electronic band spectrum of the biphenylene 2D network of hybrid borocarbonitride, along with its thermoelectric efficiency in terms of power factor and figure of merit.
Optimizing washing conditions for smart fabrics: a comprehensive study
Authors: Lee Suhyun , Park Sohyun
Published: December 2024

This study evaluated washing and drying methods for silver-coated conductive fabrics in smart clothing. It found that high temperature, neutral detergents, and machine drying damage the silver layer, affecting fabric properties and comfort.
Polyacrylamide-based hydrogel electrolyte for modulating water activity in aqueous hybrid batteries
Authors: Rakhman Damira , Batyrbekuly Dauren , Myrzakhmetov Bauyrzhan , Zhumagali Karina , Issabek Kuralay , Sultan-Akhmetov Orazaly , Umirov Nurzhan , Konarov Aishuak , Bakenov Zhumabay
Published: December 2024

The hydrogel ensures electrochemical stability by minimizing water decomposition, enabling reliable performance. The battery system is highly flexible, maintaining full functionality even when the pouch cell is bent at 90 degrees or folded.
Repurposing of Indomethacin and Naproxen as anticancer agents: progress from 2017 to present
Authors: Kassab Asmaa E. , Gedawy Ehab M.
Published: December 2024

To aid in potential future repositioning of NSAIDs for cancer treatment, we summarize work from 2017–2024 on the antiproliferative activity of derivatives of indomethacin and naproxen, their mechanism of action and structure–activity relationships.
Beryllium carbonate: a model compound for highest capacity carbon sequestration chemistry
Authors: Licht Gad , Hofstetter Kyle , Licht Stuart
Published: December 2024

Beryllium carbonate is introduced as a model compound, establishing a baseline among the highest CO2 capture capacities. The stepwise mechanism of beryllium carbonate's CO2 release is determined.
Molecular engineering of supramolecular polymer adhesive with confined water and a single crown ether
Authors: Xu Qiangqiang , Szymoniak Paulina , Kolmangadi Mohamed Aejaz , Yang Zerui , Wang Shixian , Gao Yurui , Shang Jie , Hunger Johannes , Kaisha Aitkazy , Aldiyarov Abdurakhman , Schönhals Andreas , Ge Yan , Qi Zhenhui
Published: December 2024

We report a water-induced supramolecular polymer adhesive formed from confined water and an intrinsically amphiphilic macrocyclic self-assembly in a nanophase-separated structure.
Size-controlled antimicrobial peptide drug delivery vehicles through complex coacervation
Authors: Vogelaar Thomas Daniel , Torjusen Henrik , Lund Reidar
Published: December 2024

We investigate the binary and ternary complex coacervation of the antimicrobial peptide colistin with PEO-b-PMAA polymers into stable micelles. SAXS analysis reveals size-tunable micelles with promising potential for drug delivery applications.
Deep-learning-enhanced modeling of electrosprayed particle assembly on non-spherical droplet surfaces
Authors: Amiri Nasir , Prisaznuk Joseph M. , Huang Peter , Chiarot Paul R. , Yong Xin
Published: December 2024

Combining Brownian dynamics, artificial neural networks, and Bayesian optimization, this study elucidates the effects of electrostatic interactions and thermal motion on electrosprayed particle assembly on triangular droplet surfaces.
Utilizing waste lithium-ion batteries for the production of graphite-carbon nanotube composites as oxygen electrocatalysts in zinc–air batteries
Authors: Praats Reio , Sainio Jani , Vikberg Milla , Klemettinen Lassi , Wilson Benjamin P. , Lundström Mari , Kruusenberg Ivar , Liivand Kerli
Published: December 2024

This study presents a new method to transform Li-ion battery recycling residue into a high-performance oxygen electrocatalyst for zinc–air batteries.
Pre-sodiation strategies for constructing high-performance sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Hu Jiawen , Xu Li , Li Xinwei , Liang Qianqian , Ding Changsheng , Li Yongfeng , Liu Yu , Gao Yanfeng
Published: December 2024

This review comprehensively summarizes the pre-sodiation strategies for constructing high-performance sodium-ion batteries, highlighting the anode pre-sodiation and cathode pre-sodiation techniques.
Incorporation of sulfur vacancies in the ZnIn2S4 photoanode for highly efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting and urea oxidation
Authors: Hu Peiyue , Ruan Chuanyi , Quan Jingjing , Li Chenglong , Ning Xingming , Chen Pei , An Zhongwei , Chen Xinbing
Published: December 2024

We report a “one stone, two birds” strategy for highly efficient photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance by introducing sulfur vacancies (Sv) in a ZnIn2S4 (ZIS) photoanode, which exhibits a superior photocurrent density of 2.18 mA cm−2.
Exfoliated two-dimensional bimetallic Ni0.6Co0.4-metal organic framework nanosheets with mixed ligands for enhanced acid electrocatalytic water oxidation
Authors: Liu Wen-Sheng , Hu Xinke , Zeng Kaiqiang , Ji Chen-Hui , Feng Hui , Zhou Yi-Ge , Cai Qing-Yun
Published: December 2024

A novel two-dimensional bimetallic Ni0.6Co0.4-MOF nanosheet was obtained by improved ultrasonic exfoliation, which can be integrated with carbon black and applied to water splitting. It provides a potential material for improving water oxidation.
Compositional flexibility in irreducible antifluorite electrolytes for next-generation battery anodes
Authors: Landgraf Victor , Tu Mengfu , Cheng Zhu , Vasileiadis Alexandros , Wagemaker Marnix , Famprikis Theodosios
Published: December 2024

Antifluorite-like solid solutions in the LiCl–LiBr–Li2S–Li3N phase space combine high ionic conductivity with stability against reduction versus lithium metal, opening a promising avenue towards solid-state batteries with next-generation anodes.
Ultra-thin and thin CrSi films on Si(111): I. Formation and crystal structure
Authors: Galkin Nikolay G. , Galkin Konstantin N. , Kropachev Oleg V. , Dotsenko Sergey A. , Goroshko Dmitrii L. , Migas Dmitri B. , Filonov Andrew B. , Skorodumova Natalia V. , Gerasimenko Andrey V. , Gutakovskii Anton K.
Published: December 2024

In this paper we present the results of ab initio calculations on the ground state of the CrSi bulk and experimental studies on the structure and morphology of thin and ultrathin CrSi films grown on Si(111) substrates.
A facile neoteric technique to achieve [SrF2:Eu3+@SiO2]//[SrF2:Tb3+@SiO2] Janus yolk–shell nanofibers with ideal white-light emission via triple-inhibiting energy transfer between Tb3+ and Eu3+ ions
Authors: Li Ning , Shao Hong , Liu Xiaohan , Qi Haina , Li Dan , Yu Wensheng , Liu Guixia , Dong Xiangting , Zhang Xuejian
Published: December 2024

[SrF2:Eu3+@SiO2]//[SrF2:Tb3+@SiO2] Janus yolk–shell nanofibers (JYSNFs) are innovatively designed and conveniently constructed to fully avoid energy transfer between Tb3+ and Eu3+.
Vanillin-grafted organosilicon backbone polyimide resins with low dielectric, reprocessing and monomer recovery properties
Authors: Yuan Guoming , Yang Hui , Liu Zhijun , Zhang Yuemiao , Tao Yanhan , Yang Bo , Wu Kun , Shi Jun , Yang Li
Published: December 2024

In this work, a series of V-Si@PI-x was prepared with low dielectric properties and recyclable characteristics that can satisfy the microelectronics industry and sustainable development strategies.
Unanswered questions in ageing: an interview with Dr Joris Deelen
Authors: Deelen Joris
Published: December 2024

Joris Deelen obtained his PhD at the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) in 2014. In 2016 he joined the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing as a postdoctoral researcher and was promoted to independent Research Group Leader in 2020. From 2025 he will be back at the LUMC as an associate professor.
From DNA’s dark corners: fresh clues about depression
Authors: Issler Orna
Published: December 2024

Depression is a significant global health issue, affecting millions of people worldwide, and is recognized as a leading cause of disability. Researchers are exploring how genetic and environmental factors contribute to depression, noting that about 30% of the risk is genetic, and the rest is chronic stress exposure. Recent studies highlight the importance of noncoding RNA genes—previously dismissed as “junk” DNA—in regulating brain function and influencing depression. There is a whole kingdom of RNA molecules that are not templates for protein; that, as a result, are called noncoding RNA. Here, I discuss evidence showing how noncoding RNAs play an important role in the brain in depression. Such RNA levels are also altered in depression in body fluids, including within miniature compartments called extracellular vesicles. Researchers are now investigating which noncoding RNAs contribute to the development of depression in the brain and if RNA found in body fluids can be used as a diagnostic biomarker. After the COVID-19 pandemic, which gave RNA therapeutics and diagnostics a boost, the hope for future RNA-based clinical tools for depression and other mental health conditions is higher than ever.
Electron transfer in multicentre redox proteins: from fundamentals to extracellular electron transfer
Authors: Bayar Büşra , Soares Ricardo , Nalakath Haris , Alves Alexandra , Paquete Catarina M. , Louro Ricardo O.
Published: December 2024

Multicentre redox proteins participate in diverse metabolic processes, such as redox shuttling, multielectron catalysis, or long-distance electron conduction. The detail in which these processes can be analysed depends on the capacity of experimental methods to discriminate the multiple microstates that can be populated while the protein changes from the fully reduced to the fully oxidized state. The population of each state depends on the redox potential of the individual centres and on the magnitude of the interactions between the individual redox centres and their neighbours. It also depends on the interactions with binding sites for other ligands, such as protons, giving origin to the redox-Bohr effect. Modelling strategies that match the capacity of experimental methods to discriminate the contributions of individual centres are presented. These models provide thermodynamic and kinetic characterization of multicentre redox proteins. The current state of the art in the characterization of multicentre redox proteins is illustrated using the case of multiheme cytochromes involved in the process of extracellular electron transfer. In this new frontier of biological electron transfer, which can extend over distances that exceed the size of the individual multicentre redox proteins by orders of magnitude, current experimental data are still unable, in most cases, to provide discrimination between incoherent conduction by heme orbitals and coherent band conduction.
Supercharging engineering biology with automation
Authors: Lambertucci Sébastien , Deakin Faye
Published: December 2024

Breakthroughs in engineering biology will solve the challenges facing humanity, by harnessing life itself. Standing in the way of these breakthroughs are the technical challenges of collecting the requisite data. Data variability and reproducibility problems, mean the odds are stacked against emerging biotechs. Automation has long been known to solve both problems; Let a robot do the pipetting and get reproducible data with less hands‐on time. Although transitioning to automation has clear benefits, it can introduce additional complexity if done incorrectly. Analytik Jena UK has focused on supporting this transition to automation. We have found the combining of industry expertise with the biology know‐how at the bench is paramount. Great automation should empower the scientist. Scientists should be trained on how to harness their automation. Through industry‐customer relationships, we have successfully automated platforms for building DNA to antibody development. Through this partnership, we can enable a smooth translation of engineering biology to scalable industrial solutions. In this communication we have highlighted some successful examples where translating engineering biology workflows onto automation has proven beneficial, paving the way to industry ready solutions.
A lightweight social cognitive risk potential field model for path planning with dedicated dynamic and static traffic factors
Authors: Guo Sijing , Zheng Shengwen , Li Ji , Zhou Quan , Xu Hongming
Published: December 2024

Driving risk assessment is crucial for autonomous vehicles to guarantee driving safety and traffic efficiency. Risk field models with insufficient consideration of traffic factors are not reliable enough to provide effective support for automated driving tasks, and those highly complex models with numerous uncertain coefficients also limit the execution of automated driving tasks. Inspired by Coulomb's law, this paper proposes a new lightweight social cognitive driving risk potential field model by leveraging interaction forces between charges to explore the effects of dynamic and static traffic factors on driving risks. Through complexity analysis, the number of coefficients in the proposed model was reduced by 36%–50% compared to other models. With parametric analysis and sensitivity analysis, the model's reliability was demonstrated. A path planner was designed by integrating the proposed driving risk field model into a model predictive controller for validating the efficacy of the proposed risk potential field model. The planned path with the proposed risk field model was also compared with existing risk potential field models. Results indicate that the proposed model can effectively account for both dynamic and static traffic factors, thereby supporting the path planner to generate highly adaptable paths for complex traffic scenarios.
Nomenclature and description of Electro-Luminescence (EL) observations: cell cracks and other observations
Authors: Jaeckel Bengt , Pander Matthias , Schenk Paul , Linsenmeyer Aswin , Kirch Jochen
Published: December 2024

Crystalline silicon solar cells were, are and will continue to dominate the Photovoltaic PV module market. In the past decade, significant efforts have been made to better understand and characterize observations using Electro-Luminescence (EL) to investigate the appearance of c-Si solar cells. While standards have been developed, a clear definition of the nomenclature for observations in EL images is still missing. Within the project PV-Riss, a group comprising manufacturers, advisory experts and research facilities worked on an overview of various observations found in the literature (typically of Al-BSF and PERC cells). The individual observations were categorized into four main categories, namely: 1) single cracks, 2) multi-cracks, 3) anomalies in the electrical circuit and all others into 4) miscellaneous. Each category includes several subcategories to include most relevant observations within EL images. These categories can be applied to all existing and new cell types and are independent on the size (ranging from “old” 4” to new M/G12), shape (full, half, third, x-cut), material (mono, multi), or cell technology (AlBSF, PERC, TOPCON, HJT, IBC, Perovskite on Si), as well as of the PV module design (size, glass/backsheet, glass/glass, internal wiring of the electric circuit). Along with a detailed description of observations in EL images, several important definitions are provided that are essential for general understanding, nomenclature, and the mapping of observations to ensure clear and comprehensive communication and reporting. Following the definition of most relevant observations, key observations will be discussed within a classification proposal. This classification proposal aims to facilitate future discussions and to assess EL observations, combining the risk of power loss that exceeds warranty with the probability of potential electrical safety risk.
Influence du sens de compactage sur les caractéristiques mécaniques d’un limon
Authors: Boutonnier Luc , Bufalo Maurice , Mahmutovic Dino
Published: December 2024

Les mécanismes à l’œuvre dans le compactage des sols fins sont complexes : ils trouvent leurs explications dans la mécanique des sols non saturés ou quasi-saturés. Une planche de compactage composée de deux plots d’essai (un en aller simple, et un autre en aller-retour) a été réalisée sur un limon A2 selon le GTR (SETRA-LCPC, 1992). Une caractérisation complète avec des essais in situ (essais Panda, mesures au gammadensimètre), des essais de laboratoire (essais triaxiaux, compression simple, Proctor, mesures de succion, essais d’identification, …) et une instrumentation (contraintes totales et déformations dans les sens horizontaux et verticaux) permet de comparer les deux protocoles de compactage. Ces résultats suggèrent une meilleure efficacité du compactage par aller simple comparé au compactage classique par aller et retour.
Arylation of Aldehydes with Indoles Using 1,3-Diisopropylimidazolinium Tetrafluoroborate as a Recyclable Catalyst for the Synthesis of Bis(indolyl)methanes in Water
Authors: Xia Xiansong , Wei Yingliang , Hu Chunyan , Li Anxin , Zhang Sen , Xiao Ziyao , Mao Zewei
Published: December 2024

Bis(indolyl)methanes have attracted considerable attention for their interesting biological activities. Green organic-catalytic synthesis has promoted the development of green chemistry, especially in aqueous-phase reaction systems. We have developed a green and efficient catalytic arylation of aldehydes with indoles using low-cost 1,3-diisopropylimidazolinium tetrafluoroborate as a recyclable and reusable catalyst for the synthesis of bis(indolyl)methanes in water.