bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Oxygen Evolution Reaction Performance in Prussian Blue Analogues: Triple‐Play of Metal Exsolution, Hollow Interiors, and Anionic Regulation
Authors: Wang Shiqi , Huo Wenyi , Feng Hanchen , Xie Zonghan , Shang Jian Ku , Formo Eric V. , Camargo Pedro H. C. , Fang Feng , Jiang Jianqing
Published: July 2023

Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) are promising catalysts for green hydrogen production. However, the rational design of high‐performing PBAs is challenging, which requires an in‐depth understanding of the catalytic mechanism. Here FeMn@CoNi core–shell PBAs are employed as precursors, together with Se powders, in low‐temperature pyrolysis in an argon atmosphere. This synthesis method enables the partial dissociation of inner FeMn PBAs that results in hollow interiors, Ni nanoparticles (NPs) exsolution to the surface, and Se incorporation onto the PBA shell. The resulting material presents ultralow oxygen evolution reaction (OER) overpotential (184 mV at 10 mA cm−2) and low Tafel slope (43.4 mV dec−1), outperforming leading‐edge PBA‐based electrocatalysts. The mechanism responsible for such a high OER activity is revealed, assisted by density functional theory (DFT) calculations and the surface examination before and after the OER process. The exsolved Ni NPs are found to help turn the PBAs into Se‐doped core–shell metal oxyhydroxides during the OER, in which the heterojunction with Ni and the Se incorporation are combined to improve the OER kinetics. This work shows that efficient OER catalysts could be developed by using a novel synthesis method backed up by a sound understanding and control of the catalytic pathway.
Aggregation‐induced narrowband isomeric fluorophores for ultraviolet nondoped OLEDs by engineering multiple nonbonding interactions
Authors: Huo Yumiao , Qi Haoyuan , He Shuyao , Li Jie , Song Shuping , Lv Jichen , Liu Yuchao , Peng Ling , Ying Shian , Yan Shouke
Published: July 2023

Traditional donor‐acceptor type organic luminescent materials usually suffer from unfavorable spectral broadening and fluorescence quenching problems arising from strong inter/intra‐chromophore interactions in aggregation state. Here, two ultraviolet carbazole‐pyrimidine isomers (named o‐DCz‐Pm and m‐DCz‐Pm) with novel aggregation‐induced narrowband phenomenon are constructed and systematic investigated by experiments and theoretical simulations. Benefitting from strengthened steric hindrance and multiple noncovalent interactions, the nonradiative decay, vibrational motion, and structural relaxation of singlet state can be effectively suppressed in aggregation state. Consequently, the electroluminescence peak of 397 nm, full width at half maximum of 21 nm and external quantum efficiency of 3.4% are achieved simultaneously in nondoped o‐DCz‐Pm‐based device. This work paves an avenue toward the development of high‐performance narrowband nondoped ultraviolet materials and organic light‐emitting diodes.
Fluorine‐Rich Supramolecular Nano‐Container Crosslinked Hydrogel for Lithium Extraction with Super‐High Capacity and Extreme Selectivity
Authors: Yang Liming , Tu Yunyun , Li Hongyu , Zhan Wanli , Hu Huiqin , Wei Yun , Chen Changli , Liu Ketao , Shao Penghui , Li Min , Yang Guang , Luo Xubiao
Published: July 2023

Extraction and recovery of lithium from reserves play a critical role in the sustainable development of energy due to the explosive growth of the lithium‐battery market. However, the low efficiency of extraction and recovery seriously threatens the sustainability of lithium supply. In this contribution, we fabricate a novel mechanically robust fluorine‐rich hydrogel, showing highly efficient Li+ extraction from Li‐containing solutions. The hydrogel was facilely fabricated by simple one‐pot polymerization of supramolecular nanosheets of fluorinated monomers, acrylic acid and a small amount of chemical crosslinkers. The hydrogel exhibits a remarkable lithium adsorption capacity (Qm Li+=122.3 mg g−1) and can be reused. Moreover, it can exclusively extract lithium ions from multiple co‐existing metal ions. Notably, the separation of Li+/Na+ in actual wastewater is achieved with a surprising separation factor of 153.72. The detailed characterizations as well as calculation showed that the specific coordination of Li−F plays a central role for both of the striking recovery capability and selectivity for Li+. Furthermore, an artificial device was constructed, displaying high efficiency of extracting lithium in various complex actual lithium‐containing wastewater. This work provides a new and promising avenue for the efficient extraction and recovery of lithium resource from complex lithium‐containing solutions.
Mapping the Progress in Surface Plasmon Resonance Analysis of Phytogenic Silver Nanoparticles with Colorimetric Sensing Applications
Authors: Paul Tamal Krishna , Jalil Mohammad Abdul , Repon Md. Reazuddin , Alim Md. Abdul , Islam Tarekul , Rahman Sheikh Tamjidur , Paul Ayon , Rhaman Mukitur
Published: July 2023

Nanotechnology is gaining enormous attention as the most dynamic research area in science and technology. It involves the synthesis and applications of nanomaterials in diverse fields including medical, agriculture, textiles, food technology, cosmetics, aerospace, electronics, etc. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been extensively used in such applications due to their excellent physicochemical, antibacterial, and biological properties. The use of plant extract as a biological reactor is one of the most promising solutions for the synthesis of AgNPs because this process overcomes the drawbacks of physical and chemical methods. This review article summarizes the plant‐mediated synthesis process, the probable reaction mechanism, and the colorimetric sensing applications of AgNPs. Plant‐mediated synthesis parameters largely affect the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) characteristic due to the changes in the size and shape of AgNPs. These changes in the size and shape of plant‐mediated AgNPs are elaborately discussed here by analyzing the surface plasmon resonance characteristics. Furthermore, this article also highlights the promising applications of plant‐mediated AgNPs in sensing applications regarding the detection of mercury, hydrogen peroxide, lead, and glucose. Finally, it describes the future perspective of plant‐mediated AgNPs for the development of green chemistry.
Antifouling Brominated Diterpenoids from Japanese Marine Red Alga Laurencia venusta Yamada
Authors: Fukada Ryosuke , Yamagishi Yukimasa , Nagasaka Misaki , Osada Daiki , Nimura Kazumi , Oshima Iori , Tsujimoto Kazuki , Kirihara Masayuki , Takizawa Shinobu , Kikuchi Norio , Ishii Takahiro , Kamada Takashi
Published: July 2023

The marine red algal genus Laurencia has abundant halogenated secondary metabolites, which exhibit novel structural types and possess various unique biological potentials, including antifouling activity. In this study, we report the isolation, structure elucidation, and antifouling activities of two novel brominated diterpenoids, aplysin‐20 aldehyde (1), 13‐dehydroxyisoaplysin‐20 (2), and its congeners. We screened marine red alga Laurencia venusta Yamada for their antifouling activity against the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Ethyl acetate extracts of L. venusta from Hiroshima and Chiba, Japan, were isolated and purified, and the compound structures were identified using 1D and 2D NMR, HR‐APCI‐MS, IR, and chemical synthesis. Seven secondary metabolites were identified, and their antifouling activities were evaluated. Compounds 1, 2, and aplysin‐20 (3) exhibited strong activities against M. galloprovincialis. Therefore, these compounds can be explored as natural antifouling drugs.
Dynamics of a Polymer Solution Droplet on a High‐Temperature Surface
Authors: Masuda Hayato , Wada Koki , Okumura Shinichiro , Iyota Hiroyuki
Published: July 2023

Droplets on a surface with a sufficiently high temperature, exceeding the boiling point of the fluid, are suitable for chemical reactions because they provide a high‐temperature and well‐mixed field. The dynamics of a droplet containing a polymer (xanthan gum) on a high‐temperature surface was investigated. The boiling pattern was successfully classified based on the Ohnesorge number. The viscosity increase caused by polymer addition suppressed deformation during the spreading process after impact. However, at the highest polymer concentration, the central axis of the droplet was inclined, resulting in droplet rotation during bouncing. Consequently, the bouncing height was decreased by a loss in kinetic energy as the energy was partially converted to rotational energy.
Visible Light‐Mediated Cobalt and Photoredox Dual‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Reductive Coupling for Axially Chiral Secondary Alcohols†
Authors: Liang Tianlong , Wu Yingtao , Sun Jiaqiong , Li Mingrui , Zhao Huaqiu , Zhang Jingjing , Zheng Guangfan , Zhang Qian
Published: July 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Secondary alcohols bearing both axial and central chirality comprise attractive biological activity and exhibit excellent chiral induction in asymmetric reactions. However, only very limited asymmetric catalytic approaches were developed for their synthesis. We herein describe visible light‐mediated cobalt‐catalyzed asymmetric reductive Grignard‐type addition of aryl iodides with axially prochiral biaryl dialdehydes leading to the direct construction of axially chiral secondary alcohols. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate that efficient kinetic recognition of diastereomers might occur for axially prochiral dialdehydes to improve the stereoselectivity, which might open a new avenue for the challenging cascade construction of multiple chiral elements. This protocol features excellent enantio‐ and diastereoselectivity, green and mild conditions, simple operation, and broad substrate scope, providing a modular platform for the synthesis of secondary axially chiral alcohols.
The GPR84 molecule is a mediator of a subpopulation of retinal microglia that promote TNF/IL‐1α expression via the rho‐ROCK pathway after optic nerve injury
Authors: Sato Kota , Ohno‐Oishi Michiko , Yoshida Masaaki , Sato Taimu , Aizawa Takaharu , Sasaki Yuto , Maekawa Shigeto , Ishikawa Makoto , Omodaka Kazuko , Kawano Chihiro , Ohue‐Kitano Ryuji , Kimura Ikuo , Nakazawa Toru
Published: July 2023

Resident microglia are important to maintain homeostasis in the central nervous system, which includes the retina. The retinal microglia become activated in numerous pathological conditions, but the molecular signatures of these changes are poorly understood. Here, using an approach based on FACS and RNA‐seq, we show that microglial gene expression patterns gradually change during RGC degeneration induced by optic nerve injury. Most importantly, we found that the microglial cells strongly expressed Tnf and Il1α, both of which are known to induce neurotoxic reactive astrocytes, and were characterized by Gpr84high‐expressing cells in a particular subpopulation. Moreover, ripasudil, a Rho kinase inhibitor, significantly blunted Gpr84 expression and cytokine induction in vitro and in vivo. Finally, GPR84‐deficient mice prevented RGC loss in optic nerve‐injured retina. These results reveal that Rho kinase‐mediated GPR84 alteration strongly contribute to microglial activation and promote neurotoxicity, suggesting that Rho‐ROCK and GPR84 signaling may be potential therapeutic targets to prevent the neurotoxic microglial phenotype induced by optic nerve damage, such as occurs in traumatic optic neuropathy and glaucoma.
#BookTok's appeal on ninth‐grade students: An inquiry into students' responses on a social media revelation
Authors: Dera Jeroen , Brouwer Susanne , Welling Anna
Published: July 2023

Over the last years, the hashtag #BookTok has been viewed more than 100 billion times on TikTok. Hence, both scholars and practitioners have plead for integrating #BookTok in the literacy classroom, expressing the hope that this digital subculture might flip adolescents' conceptions of reading and improve their reading motivation. This article presents the first empirical inquiry into students' evaluations of #BookTok in an educational context. Reporting a survey study among 142 ninth‐grade students in the Netherlands, who were introduced to #BookTok through a compilation video featuring the most popular Dutch #BookTokers, the article shows that the phenomenon especially appeals to students who already read for pleasure frequently. Evaluations by book avoiders, on the other hand, were overwhelmingly negative. Promisingly, though, students who can be described as “book doubters,” who do not read often despite a relatively positive reading attitude, frequently reported an intention to use #BookTok, both in leisurely and educational settings. Hence, the article argues that integrating #BookTok in literacy education might especially serve students fitting the book doubter persona. At the same time, the results underline the importance of differentiation in the literacy classroom, also regarding the use of #BookTok.
A novel heterozygous variant of FOXJ1 in a Chinese female with primary ciliary dyskinesia and hydrocephalus: A case report and literature review
Authors: Gao Shiyang , Zhang Qianwen , Feng Biyun , Gu Shili , Li Zhiying , Sun Lianping , Yao Ru‐en , Yu Tingting , Ding Yu , Wang Xiumin
Published: July 2023

Background

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a type of ciliary dyskinesia that is usually caused by autosomal recessive inheritance and can manifest as recurrent respiratory infections, bronchiectasis, infertility, laterality defects, and chronic otolaryngological disease. Although ependymal cilia, which affect the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the central nervous system, have much in common with respiratory cilia in terms of structure and function, hydrocephalus is rarely associated with PCD. Recently, variants of Forkhead box J1 (FOXJ1) have been found to cause PCD combined with hydrocephalus in a de novo, autosomal dominant inheritance pattern.

Methods

We performed DNA extraction, whole‐exome sequencing (WES) analysis, and mutation analysis of FOXJ1 and analyzed the patient's clinical and genetic data.

Results

The patient was a 4‐year‐old female exhibiting normal growth and development. At 3 years and 2 months of age, the patient experienced hand shaking and weakness in the lower limbs. Cardiac ultrasonography showed a right‐sided heart, and cranial magnetic resonance imaging showed obstructive hydrocephalus. The nasal nitric oxide level was 54 nL/min. WES indicated a de novo, heterozygous variant of FOXJ1, c.734–735 ins20. This variant was novel, not included in the Human Gene Mutation and Genome Aggregation Database, and likely pathogenic according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, causing earlier termination of amino acid translation. The patient underwent a neuroendoscopic third ventriculostomy after the diagnosis of obstructive hydrocephalus. Six months after the operation, the patient's motor deficits had improved.

Conclusion

This is the first report of a de novo, autosomal dominant pattern of FOXJ1 causing PCD combined with hydrocephalus in China. The patient's clinical symptoms were similar to those previously reported. WES confirmed that a novel variant of FOXJ1 was the cause of the PCD combined with hydrocephalus, expanding the spectrum of the genotypes associated with this condition. Physicians should be aware of the correlation of hydrocephalus and PCD and test for FOXJ1 variants.
A novel transformer‐based ECG dimensionality reduction stacked auto‐encoders for arrhythmia beat detection
Authors: Ding Chun , Wang Shenglun , Jin Xiaopeng , Wang Zhaoze , Wang Junsong
Published: July 2023

Background

Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a powerful tool for studying cardiac activity and diagnosing various cardiovascular diseases, including arrhythmia. While machine learning and deep learning algorithms have been applied to ECG interpretation, there is still room for improvement. For instance, the commonly used Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), reply on its previous state to update and is therefore ineffective for parallel computing. RNN also struggles to efficiently address the issue of long‐distance reliance.

Purpose

To reduce computational complexity by dimensionality reduction of ECG signals we constructed a Stacked Auto‐encoders model using Transformer for ECG‐based arrhythmia detection. And overcome the challenges of long‐term dependencies and limited parallelizability in traditional RNNs when applied to ECG signal processing.

Methods

In this paper, a Transformer‐Based ECG Dimensionality Reduction Stacked Auto‐encoders model is proposed for ECG‐based arrhythmia detection. The transformer is used to encode ECG signals into a feature matrix, which is then dimensionally reduced using unsupervised greedy training through the four linear layers. This resulted in a low‐dimensional representation of ECG features, which are subsequently classified using support vector machines (SVM) to minimize overfitting.

Results

The proposed method is benchmarked on the MIT‐BIH Arrhythmia database. In the 10‐fold cross validation of beat‐based arrhythmia detection, the average accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and F1 score of the proposed method are 99.83%, 98.84%, 99.84% and 99.13%, respectively, for the record‐based arrhythmia detection which refers to the approach where the training and testing sets use ECG data from independent recorded patients are 88.10%, 49.79%, 91.56% and 39.95%, respectively.

Conclusions

Compared to other existing ECG‐based arrhythmia detection methods, our proposed approach exhibits improved detection accuracy and stronger generalization for arrhythmia beats. Additionally, the use of the record‐based data division method makes our approach more suitable for clinical practice.
Macrophage Membrane‐Reversibly Cloaked Nanotherapeutics for the Anti‐Inflammatory and Antioxidant Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Shan Bingchen , Zhou Yang , Yin Mengyuan , Deng Yekun , Ge Chenglong , Liu Zhongmin , Zhou Renxiang , Dong Qirong , Zhou Xiaozhong , Yin Lichen
Published: July 2023

During rheumatoid arthritis (RA) development, over‐produced proinflammatory cytokines represented by tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) represented by H2O2 form a self‐promoted cycle to exacerbate the synovial inflammation and tissue damage. Herein, biomimetic nanocomplexes (NCs) reversibly cloaked with macrophage membrane (RM) are developed for effective RA management via dual scavenging of TNF‐α and ROS. To construct the NCs, membrane‐penetrating, helical polypeptide first condenses TNF‐α siRNA (siTNF‐α) and forms the cationic inner core, which further adsorbs catalase (CAT) via electrostatic interaction followed by surface coating with RM. The membrane‐coated NCs enable prolonged blood circulation and active joint accumulation after systemic administration in Zymosan A‐induced arthritis mice. In the oxidative microenvironment of joints, CAT degrades H2O2 to produce O2 bubbles, which shed off the outer membrane layer to expose the positively charged inner core, thus facilitating effective intracellular delivery into macrophages. siRNA‐mediated TNF‐α silencing and CAT‐mediated H2O2 scavenging then cooperate to inhibit inflammation and alleviate oxidative stress, remodeling the osteomicroenvironment and fostering tissue repair. This study provides an enlightened strategy to resolve the blood circulation/cell internalization dilemma of cell membrane‐coated nanosystems, and it renders a promising modality for RA treatment.
Emergence of Decapod iridescent virus 1 in cultured shrimp from Taiwan in 2020
Authors: Yiping Lu , Chien Tu , Chiehhao Wu , Iwen Chen , Mingchu Cheng
Published: July 2023

Objectives

This study was to identify and characterize Decapod iridescent virus 1 (DIV1) in the outbreaks reported in two whiteleg shrimp farms and one black tiger shrimp farm located in northern Taiwan in 2020.

Methods

The histopathology, electron microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) specific for the DIV1 were used to identify the virus, and the phylogenetic analysis was performed by comparing the major capsid protein gene fragment of DIV1s from Taiwan with reference sequences of the family Iridoviridae.

Results

DIV1 was identified by diagnostic PCR and caused mild mortality (20%) in cultured Penaeus monodon and high mortality (100%) in cultured whiteleg shrimp. Cultured P. monodon was first found to be infected with DIV1 through natural route of infection. Histopathological examination showed dark‐eosinophilic cytoplasmic inclusions in the degenerative cells of targeted hematopoietic tissues. For electron microscopy, a non‐enveloped virus particle was observed from homogenates of mixed target organs through negative staining with a diameter of 112±2 nm. Nucleotide sequences of DIV1 isolates from the Taiwanese outbreak are 100% identical to those from the PRC.

Conclusions

Based on the clinical evidence, mortality rates, histopathology, electron microscopy examinations and phylogenetic analysis, it is believed that DIV1 is the causative agent of the outbreak. This is the first report of DIV1 in cultured shrimp in Taiwan. The emergence of DIV1 signals a warning to shrimp aquaculture farmers worldwide.
Ultrasound vector flow imaging during veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in a thoracic aorta model
Authors: Yambe Kenichiro , Ishii Takuro , Yiu Billy Y. S. , Yu Alfred C. H. , Endo Tomoyuki , Saijo Yoshifumi
Published: July 2023

In veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) treatment, the mixing zone is a key hemodynamic factor that determines the efficacy of the treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of a novel ultrasound technique called vector flow imaging (VFI) for visualizing complex flow patterns in an aorta phantom under VA-ECMO settings. VFI experiments were performed to image aortic hemodynamics under VA-ECMO treatment simulated in an anthropomorphic thoracic aorta phantom using a pulsatile pump (cardiac output: 2.7 L/min) and an ECMO pump with two different flow rates, 0.35 L/min and 1.0 L/min. The cardiac cycle of hemodynamics in the ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending aorta was visualized, and the spatio-temporal dynamics of flow vectors were analyzed. VFI successfully visualized dynamic flow patterns in the aorta phantom. When the flow rate of the ECMO pump increased, ECMO flow was more dominant than cardiac output in the diastole phase, and the speed of cardiac output was suppressed in the systole phase. Vortex flow patterns were also detected in the ascending aorta and the arch under both ECMO flow rate conditions. The VFI technique may provide new insights into aortic hemodynamics and facilitates effective and safe VA-ECMO treatment.
Green frontrunner or indebted culprit? Assessing Denmark’s climate targets in light of fair contributions under the Paris Agreement
Authors: Tilsted Joachim Peter , Bjørn Anders
Published: July 2023

This paper contributes to academic and policy debates about climate leadership by illustrating an approach to examining national emission reduction targets focusing on Denmark. Widely recognized as a climate leader, Denmark is cherished for both its historical track record and its current climate targets. With a target of 70% emissions reduction by 2030 compared to 1990 stipulated in national law, central actors in Danish policymaking claim that domestic climate policy is aligned with the Paris temperature goals and present Denmark as a ‘green frontrunner.’ We examine the pledges and targets enshrined in the Danish Climate Act in reference to a 1.5 °C global greenhouse gas budget using five different approaches to burden sharing. For all five approaches, we find that the Danish climate target is inadequate given the 1.5 °C goal. Moreover, when only looking at equity approaches for distributive climate justice globally, the Danish target appears drastically insufficient. Denmark is, in this sense, not a green frontrunner but rather an indebted culprit, challenging the dominant narrative in Danish climate policy. Our results thus call into question the premise of the claim of Danish climate leadership, which works to legitimize existing policy and obscure the many dimensions of climate change.
Evaluation of the earthquake monitoring network in Taiwan
Authors: Scudero Salvatore , D’Alessandro Antonino , Figlioli Anna
Published: July 2023

In this work, we perform an evaluation of the coverage of the earthquake monitoring network of Taiwan. The capability of a general network is a function of an adequate number of optimally distributed nodes. For this case study, the evaluation is performed with a statistical approach which includes descriptive spatial statistics in combination with point pattern techniques. The spatial distribution of the nodes of the earthquake monitoring network is analyzed in comparison with the distribution of seismicity, completeness magnitude, active seismogenic sources, seismic hazard, and population distribution. All these data can be put in relationship with the objectives of an earthquake monitoring network; therefore, they can be used, in turn, to retrieve information about the consistency of the network itself. In particular, we investigate the “Real-time Seismic Monitoring Network” and the “Strong-Motion Earthquake Observation Network,” each one characterized by its own objectives, and therefore respectively compared with external information related to their purposes such as seismicity, seismogenic sources, seismic hazard, and population distribution. This simple and reliable approach reveals the high quality of the networks established in Taiwan. In general, it is able to provide quantitative information on the coverage of any type of network, identifying possible critical areas and addressing their future development.
Phosphorus fertilisation differentially influences growth, morpho-physiological adaptations and nutrient uptake of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)
Authors: Islam Mohammad Moinul , Rengel Zed , Storer Paul , Siddique Kadambot H. M. , Solaiman Zakaria M.
Published: July 2023

Background and Aims

Phosphorus (P) is a restricting nutrient for crop productivity worldwide. P deficiency can lead to stunted growth and development, eventually affecting crop yield. But less is documented about the impact of P fertility on industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) production in the low-P soils of south-western Australia. We aimed to investigate the effect of P rates on growth, physiology, rhizosphere carboxylate exudation, nutrient uptake and P-use efficiency in hemp.

Methods

The study was conducted in a randomised complete block design with four P rates (0, 40, 80 and 120 mg P kg–1 dry soil) and three hemp varieties (Morpeth, Han FNQ and Fedora 17). Plants were grown and raised in a controlled-environment phytotron until harvested 35 days after sowing at vegetative growth stage (3rd to nth leaf pair).

Results

Our results revealed a strong influence of treatment (P rate) on hemp growth, physiology, biomass, nutrient uptake and P-use efficiency compared to variety and the variety × treatment interaction. Hemp roots predominantly released citrate in P-deficient conditions and gradually shifted to malate exudation with increasing P supply. The N:P ratio, leaf chlorophyll, and gas exchange data coupled with shoot and root length data suggest that Morpeth and Fedora 17 differ in morpho-physiological adaptations for optimum photosynthesis and growth, with high leaf chlorophyll and coarse root length achieved by Morpeth and high intercellular CO2 concentration and shoot length by Fedora 17.

Conclusions

Morpeth and Fedora 17 had high shoot biomass, root length, root surface area and agronomic P-use and P-utilisation efficiencies in response to increasing soil P, while Han FNQ had moderate shoot yield, root growth, high citrate exudation, tissue P concentration and P-uptake efficiency.
Root predominant overexpression of iaaM and CKX genes promotes root initiation and biomass production in citrus
Authors: Tang Dan , Li Yanjun , Zhai Longmei , Li Wei , Kumar Rahul , Yer Huseyin , Duan Hui , Cheng Baoping , Deng Ziniu , Li Yi
Published: July 2023

Promoting initiation and biomass production of roots is significant for plant-based industries including using roots as bioreactors. Two citrus genotypes, Carrizo and US-897, were used as model plants to test the effects of root-predominantly overexpressed the iaaM (indoleacetic acid-tryptophan monooxygenase) gene and a CKX (a cytokinin oxidase/dehydrogenase) gene. The iaaM transgenic lines exhibited markedly faster root initiation, more root numbers, and higher root biomass compared to their wild-type counterparts. The transgenic iaaM + CKX plants also exhibited similar phenotypes, albeit to a lesser extent than the iaaM plants. Molecular analysis revealed an auxin-responsive CsGH3.1 gene was up-regulated in the iaaM roots and iaaM + CKX roots, and a cytokinin-responsive gene CsARR5 gene was down-regulated in the iaaM + CKX roots. Our results demonstrate that root predominant overexpression of the iaaM or both the iaaM and CKX genes drastically enhances the initiation, growth and biomass production of roots. These results provide additional support that manipulation of auxin and cytokinin levels in roots via transgenic or gene-editing technologies may benefit production of high-value secondary metabolites using roots as bioreactors and also improve rooting of recalcitrant plant species.
Verification of a global weather forecasting system for decision-making in farming over Africa
Authors: Kartsios Stergios , Pytharoulis Ioannis , Karacostas Theodore , Pavlidis Vasileios , Katragkou Eleni
Published: July 2023

In the framework of AfriCultuReS project, operational deterministic weather forecasts provide valuable information on the expected weather conditions over the African continent as a part of federation of services within the project. In this study, we investigate the performance of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Global Forecast System (GFS) over pilot regions in Africa by utilizing available surface observations, satellite and reanalysis data. The verification period covers two consecutive years (June 2018–May 2020). In addition, we assess the ability of the model to provide skillful forecasts through three high-impact precipitation events that occurred during this period. The results show that the model presents both positive and negative biases with respect to its predicted near surface air temperature, underestimates the near surface relative humidity and the mean sea-level pressure, while overestimates the wind speed at 10 m. The neighborhood-based statistical verification of the 24-h accumulated precipitation reveals that the model forecasts the precipitation events more accurately as the verification area is increasing but at higher precipitation thresholds its performance deteriorates. Different variability, errors and correlation between simulated and observed precipitation exist in each forecast lead day and region. A range of model behavior and forecast skill is found with respect to the examined three precipitation events. Skillful forecasts up to four days ahead were provided in the cases of the Tropical Cyclone IDAI and the flash flooding events in northern Tunisia, while the lowest performance was found in the region of the West African Monsoon.
PTEN-related risk classification models for predicting prognosis and immunotherapy response of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Cao Lu , Ma Xiaoqian , Zhang Juan , Yang Cejun , Rong Pengfei , Wang Wei
Published: July 2023

Introduction

PTEN often mutates in tumors, and its manipulation is suggested to be used in the development of preclinical tools in cancer research. This study aims to explore the biological impact of gene expression related to PTEN mutations and to develop a prognostic classification model based on the heterogeneity of PTEN expression, and to explore its sensitivity as an indicator of prognosis and molecular and biologic features in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Material and methods

RNA-seq data and mutation data of the LIHC cohort sample downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The HCC samples were grouped according to the mean expression of PTEN, and the tumor microenvironment (TME) was evaluated by ESTIMATE and ssGSEA. The prognostic classification model related to PTEN were constructed by COX and LASSO regression analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between PTEN-high and -low expressed group.

Results

The expression of PTEN was affected by copy number variation (CNV) and negatively correlated with immune score, IFNγ score and immune cell infiltration. 1281 DEGs were detected between PTEN-high and PTEN-low expressed group, 8 of the DEGs were finally filtered for developing a prognosis classification model. This model showed better prognostic value than other clinicopathological parameters, and the prediction accuracy of prognosis and ICB treatment for immunotherapy cohorts was better than that of TIDE model.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the effect of CNV on PTEN expression and the negative immune correlation of PTEN, and constructed a classification model related to the expression of PTEN, which was of guiding significance for evaluating prognostic results of HCC patients and ICB treatment response of cancer immunotherapy cohorts.
Ecological Complexity
Authors: Elliott-Graves Alkistis
Published: July 2023

Complexity has received substantial attention from scientists and philosophers alike. There are numerous, often conflicting, accounts of how complexity should be defined and how it should be measured. Much less attention has been paid to the epistemic implications of complexity, especially in Ecology. How does the complex nature of ecological systems affect ecologists' ability to study them? This Element argues that ecological systems are complex in a rather special way: they are causally heterogeneous. Not only are they made up of many interacting parts, but their behaviour is variable across space or time. Causal heterogeneity is responsible for many of the epistemic difficulties that ecologists face, especially when making generalisations and predictions. Luckily, ecologists have the tools to overcome these difficulties, though these tools have historically been considered suspect by philosophers of science. The author presents an updated philosophical account with an optimistic outlook of the methods and status of ecological research.
Can Climate Civil Disobedience be Justified?
Authors: Bamford Douglas
Published: July 2023

Some people have engaged in acts of civil disobedience to protest against the climate policies of their governments and corporations. This article argues that these disobedient actions are justified at present since governments fail to do all they reasonably can to respond to this pressing issue.
Distribution and Recurrence of Warming‐Induced Retrogressive Thaw Slumps on the Central Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau
Authors: Yang Dongdong , Qiu Haijun , Ye Bingfeng , Liu Ya , Zhang Juanjuan , Zhu Yaru
Published: July 2023

Retrogressive thaw slumps (RTSs) have become a dominant geomorphic event in permafrost regions due to the modern climate change. However, the roles of topographic, vegetation, and soil factors in influencing the spatial distribution and recurrence of RTSs remain not fully understood. Here, we identified the formation and recurrence of 459 RTSs during 2008–2021 using satellite images of the central Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (Northwest of the Beiluhe Basin, 239 km2). We found that the topographic and environmental attributes of the RTSs exhibited strong correlations with the variation in the RTS density. The RTS‐affected areas had a higher slope, elevation, relative slope position, normalized difference vegetation index, soil water content, and lower soil bulk density than other landscapes. Regarding the influence of topographic and environmental attributes on the activity status of RTSs during 2018–2020, we found that the higher slope, elevation, and soil water content were advantageous for the activity of the RTSs. The RTSs with larger sizes and presenting an elongated shape were more likely to be active. Additionally, we examined the variation of the headwall shape of RTSs based on the fractal dimension and UAV‐based orthophoto. We found that the headwall shape of RTSs becomes more complicated due to the small‐scale thawing of ice‐rich permafrost, which may further induce subsequent thaw slumping. Higher air temperature triggers new RTSs, and increased precipitation may be responsible for the further activity of RTSs. Our findings can enhance our understanding of the development pattern and mechanism of RTSs in permafrost regions.
Tailored Forecasts Can Predict Extreme Climate Informing Proactive Interventions in East Africa
Authors: Funk Chris , Harrison Laura , Segele Zewdu , Rosenstock Todd , Steward Peter , Anderson C. Leigh , Coughlan de Perez Erin , Maxwell Daniel , Endris Hussen Seid , Koch Eunice , Artan Guleid , Teshome Fetene , Aura Stella Maris , Galu Gideon , Korecha Diriba , Anderson Weston , Hoell Andrew , Damerau Kerstin , Williams Emily , Ghosh Aniruddha , Ramirez‐Villegas Julian , Hughes David
Published: July 2023

This commentary discusses new advances in the predictability of east African rains and highlights the potential for improved early warning systems (EWS), humanitarian relief efforts, and agricultural decision‐making. Following an unprecedented sequence of five droughts, 23 million east Africans faced starvation in 2022, requiring >$2 billion in aid. Here, we update climate attribution studies showing that these droughts resulted from an interaction of climate change and La Niña. Then we describe, for the first time, how attribution‐based insights can be combined with the latest dynamical models to predict droughts at 8‐month lead‐times. We then discuss behavioral and social barriers to forecast use, and review literature examining how EWS might (or might not) enhance agro‐pastoral advisories and humanitarian interventions. Finally, in reference to the new World Meteorological Organization “Early Warning for All” Executive Action Plan, we conclude with a set of recommendations supporting actionable and authoritative climate services. Trust, urgency, and accuracy can help overcome barriers created by limited funding, uncertain tradeoffs, and inertia. Understanding how climate change is producing predictable climate extremes now, investing in African‐led EWS, and building better links between EWS and agricultural development efforts can support long‐term adaptation, reducing chronic needs for billions of dollars in reactive assistance. In Africa and beyond, climate change brings increasingly extreme sea surface temperature (SST) gradients. Using climate models, we can often see these extremes coming. Prediction, therefore, offers opportunities for proactive risk management and improved advisory services, if we can create effective societal linkages via cross‐silo collaborations.
Open-3DSIM: an open-source three-dimensional structured illumination microscopy reconstruction platform
Authors: Cao Ruijie , Li Yaning , Chen Xin , Ge Xichuan , Li Meiqi , Guan Meiling , Hou Yiwei , Fu Yunzhe , Xu Xinzhu , Leterrier Christophe , Jiang Shan , Gao Baoxiang , Xi Peng
Published: July 2023

Open-3DSIM is an open-source reconstruction platform for three-dimensional structured illumination microscopy. We demonstrate its superior performance for artifact suppression and high-fidelity reconstruction relative to other algorithms on various specimens and over a range of signal-to-noise levels. Open-3DSIM also offers the capacity to extract dipole orientation, paving a new avenue for interpreting subcellular structures in six dimensions (xyzθλt). The platform is available as MATLAB code, a Fiji plugin and an Exe application to maximize user-friendliness.
Lithospheric structural dynamics and geothermal modeling of the Western Arabian Shield
Authors: Melouah Oualid , Ebong Ebong D. , Abdelrahman Kamal , Eldosouky Ahmed M.
Published: July 2023

Understanding the dynamics of suturing and cratonisation and their implications are vital in estimating the link between the lithospheric mantle architecture and geothermal resources. We propose new interpretations of the Western Arabian Shield’s geodynamic styles and geothermal anomalies. In this work, features of the crust and mantle were interpreted from geophysical modeling to unravel the structural dynamics between the Arabian Shield and the Red Sea rift, as well as the influence of these mechanisms on the uplift of the Cenozoic basalts. Estimates of the lower crust thermal properties were also achieved. Spectral properties of the potential field were used to define the Curie isotherm, heat fluxes, geothermal gradients, radiogenic heat production, Moho configuration, and lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary. Results show new structural styles, micro-sutures, and significant thermal anomalies. The defined geothermal patterns were inferred to be due to localized initiation of tectonic and asthenospheric disequilibrium during the rifting episodes within the Red Sea. Also, magma mixing is initiated by the northward migration of magma from the Afar plume towards the Western Arabian Shield which drives local mantle melts beneath the western Arabia, thereby providing the pressure field required for magma ascent. The ascendant magma flow provides the heating source of geothermal reservoirs within the Western Arabian Shield. However, there are indications that during the episodes of rifting within the Red Sea and/or ancient Pan-African activities, the mixing process may have been altered resulting in crustal thinning and creating pathways of ascendant magma flow along the MMN volcanic line. Integrating geophysical and geothermal models indicated new zones of suturing and extensional tectonics between the amalgamated terranes. The geodynamic interpretation shows a new redistribution of terranes and continuous compressional and transtentional movements within the Arabian Shield.
Significance of melting heat in bioconvection flow of micropolar nanofluid over an oscillating surface
Authors: Alqurashi M. S. , Farooq Umar , Sediqmal Mirwais , Waqas Hassan , Noreen Sobia , Imran Muhammad , Muhammad Taseer
Published: July 2023

Pharmaceuticals, biological polymer synthesis, eco-friendly uses, sustainable fuel cell innovations, microbial-enhanced extraction of petroleum, biological sensors, biological technology, and continual mathematical modeling refinement are all examples of how bioconvection is applied. This study examines the bio convectional viscoelastic-micropolar nano liquid flow with non-uniform heat sink/source, motile microorganisms that move across a stretched sheet. Thermal radiation and thermal conductivity are also explored. Brownian and thermophoresis diffusion effects are taken into account. The system of a higher partial differential equation is transformed to ODEs by using the appropriate similarity functions. Such reported equations are implemented with the computational tool MATLAB shooting approach using a bvp4c solver. The variations of numerous flow parameters comprise velocity, temperature, concentration, and motile microorganism profile. Various important, interesting transport numbers are numerically and graphically demonstrated with physical justifications. The bouncy ratio parameter reduces the fluid's velocity profile whereas the material parameter increases it. For increased melting parameters, the micro rotation profile improves, but it deteriorated. For the Prandtl number and temperature ratio parameters, the temperature profile is negative. The melting parameter influences the concentration profile. The microorganism’s profile is decreased bioconvective Lewis numbers and is higher for the magnetic parameter. The current model has many features in the manufacturing industries, engineering works, physics, and applied mathematics.
The prognostic ability of radiotherapy of different colorectal cancer histological subtypes and tumor sites
Authors: Shi Wenzai , Chen Jianfei , Yao Nan , Wu Tiantian , Suo Xiaopeng , Wang Qiang , Liu Jun , Yu Guoyong , Zhang Keming
Published: July 2023

The prognostic significance of radiotherapy (RT) for colorectal cancer (CRC) has shown conflicting results, particularly among different pathological subtypes, including adenocarcinoma (AC), mucinous adenocarcinoma (MC), and signet-ring cell carcinoma (SR). This study analyzed the prognosis of three pathological CRC types and focused on the prognostic significance of RT on three CRC histological subtypes. Patients diagnosed with AC (n = 54,174), MC (n = 3813), and SR (n = 664) in the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (2010–2017) were evaluated. Cox regression models and competitive risk models were built to assess the effect of RT on the risk of CRC-associated death. Potential interactions between RT and stratified variables including age, sex, and tumor location were examined by multiplicative models. Compared with AC patients, SR patients had the worst overall survival (OS) among 3 subtypes of CRC (log-rank test, p < 0.001). Compared with patients who did not receive radiotherapy, RT was associated with a 1.09-fold (HR = 1.09, 95%[CI]: 1.03, 1.15) elevated risk of death among AC patients. In the SR group, RT significantly reduced the risk of death by 39% (HR = 0.61, 95%[CI]: 0.39–0.95). However, RT did not appear to independently influence survival in the MC group (HR = 0.96, 95%[CI]: 0.77, 1.21). In the subgroup analysis, tumor location (colon and rectum) significantly modified the association between RT and the risk of death among the AC and SR patients (p for interaction < 0.05). SR patients exhibited a worse OS (overall survival) than AC patients, and the effect of RT varied according to CRC histological subtypes. This can ultimately lead to more personalized and effective treatment strategies for CRC patients.
Layered lanthanide phosphonates Ln(2-qpH)(SO4)(H2O)2 (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm): polymorphism and magnetic properties
Authors: Ma Xiu-Fang , Zeng Dai , Xu Chang , Bao Song-Song , Zheng Li-Min
Published: July 2023

Polymorphic layered lanthanide compounds α-, β-, γ-Ln(2-qpH)(SO4)(H2O)2 (α-Ln = Sm; β-Ln = Pr, Nd, Sm; γ-Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm) are reported, and distinct magnetic dynamics is found for β-Nd and γ-Nd.
Low-cost transition metal catalysed Negishi coupling: an update
Authors: Rinu Pulluparambil Xavier Thresia , Philip Rose Mary , Anilkumar Gopinathan
Published: July 2023

This review highlights the recent strategies and potential of low-cost transition metal (Fe, Co, Ni and Cu) catalysed Negishi coupling reactions.
Hepatitis Delta Infection: A Clinical Review
Authors: Pearlman Brian
Published: July 2023

First discovered over 40 years ago, the hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a unique RNA virus, requiring hepatitis B virus (HBV) antigens for its assembly, replication, and transmission. HBV and HDV can be acquired at the same time (coinfection) or HDV infection can occur in persons with chronic HBV (superinfection). Screening guidelines for HDV are inconsistent. While some guidelines recommend universal screening for all people with HBV, others recommend risk-based screening. Estimates of the global HDV prevalence range from 4.5 to 14.6% among persons with HBV; thus, there may be up to 72 million individuals with HDV worldwide. HDV is the most severe form of viral hepatitis. Compared to HBV monoinfection, HDV coinfection increases the risk of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatic decompensation, mortality, and necessity for liver transplant. Despite the severity of HDV, there are few treatment options. Pegylated interferon (off-label use) has long been the only available treatment, although bulevirtide is conditionally approved in some European countries. There are many potential treatments in development, but as yet, there are few effective and safe therapies for HDV infection. In conclusion, given the severity of HDV disease and the paucity of treatments, there is a great unmet need for HDV therapies.