bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WADEM Position Statement: Disaster Medicine Education in Health Care Profession Training
Authors: Shanes Andrew , Shecter Ilana , Davis Morgan
Published: February 2025

Disaster Medicine is a critical and often neglected component of health care. The World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine (WADEM) Board of Directors, as well as the WADEM Student and Young Professional Special Interest Group, recognize the importance of introducing Disaster Medicine concepts early in health care education and have put forth a position statement emphasizing this importance. As leaders in Disaster Medicine, we aim to highlight the need for the integration of Disaster Medicine education into health care profession training. By acknowledging this educational need and by providing recommendations to appropriate stakeholders, we anticipate that this investment in Disaster Medicine education will assist in developing well-prepared health care professionals who will improve prehospital and emergency medicine, public health, and day-to-day health care throughout local and global communities.
Manifesting a Shift in the “Overton Window”: The Threat of Project 2025 on the LGBTQ+ Community in Higher Education
Authors: King Athena M. , Sanatkar Sara
Published: February 2025

Since the first Trump administration, historically marginalized groups in the United States have been subjected to greater instances of bigotry and discrimination due to conservative influence on sociopolitical institutions. These actions suggest a shift in the “Overton Window,” whereby policy preferences previously deemed “unacceptable” are given consideration in the mainstream, especially by conservative policy actors. “Project 2025” is a comprehensive plan to restructure the federal government according to conservative dictates in the second Trump administration. This article is an examination of how higher education may be impacted by this plan, especially as it relates to LGBTQ+1 faculty, administration, staff, and students.
Food hygiene practice and associated factors among food handlers working in food establishments in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Atalay Yibeltal Assefa , Gebeyehu Natnael Atnafu , Gelaw Kelemu Abebe
Published: February 2025

Introduction:

Food hygiene practices are crucial to avoid foodborne illness and improve human well-being. Millions of people get sick, and many of them pass away due to eating unhealthy food. Foodborne diseases are still a public health problem in developing countries.

Objective:

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with food hygiene practices among food handlers in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods:

An extensive search was conducted using various databases including PubMed, Science Direct, African Journal Online, and Google Scholar. The search results were then extracted using Microsoft Excel. The data analysis was conducted using STATA version 14. Publication bias was checked by funnel plot, and more objectively through Begg and Egger regression test, with P < 0.05 considered to indicate potential publication bias. A random effect model was used to calculate the pooled prevalence of hygienic food handling practices. Sub-group analysis was done by country and study site.

Results:

To estimate the pooled prevalence of food hygiene practices in sub-Saharan Africa, 42 reviewed studies and 12,367 study participants were included. The pooled prevalence of food hygiene practices among food handlers in sub-Saharan Africa was found to be 50.68% (95% CI: 45.35, 56.02) in this study. Factors associated with food hygiene practices included lack of food safety training (OR = 2.14 95% CI: 0.68, 6.76), negative attitude (OR: 2.36, 95% CI: 1.36, 4.09), and lack of regular medical checkups (OR: 2.66, 95% CI: 1.52, 4.65) among food handlers.

Conclusion:

This research found that only half of sub-Saharan Africa’s food handlers had good food hygiene practices. Lack of food safety training, a lack of regular medical checkups, and unfavorable attitudes toward food hygiene practices were factors contributing to food hygiene practices. Thus, the authors recommended that food workers receive food safety training about food hygiene and safety procedures.
Family caregivers’ role in dignity: A qualitative study can we change the title to : Dignity in Serious Illness: A Qualitative Exploration of Family Caregivers’ Contributions in low middle-income country
Authors: Sailian Silva Dakessian , Salifu Yakubu , Preston Nancy
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Dignity is perceived as being valued and respected. Maintaining dignity throughout illness is a fundamental principle of palliative care. Dignity can be influenced through family caregiver’s communication, support, and acts of empathy or indifference among other factors. The perception of dignity and the practices adopted by family caregivers to preserve the dignity of their ill relative with serious illness in Lebanon are explored in this paper.

Methods

This is a part of a larger study that explored the understanding of dignity from patients’ and family caregivers’ perspectives in a palliative care context. Data collection involved in-depth interviews with 15 family caregivers. Interviews were analyzed using reflective thematic analysis.

Results

Four main themes, that explained how family caregivers understand, and uphold their relative’s dignity during illness, were developed:

(a) Familial duty expressed through presence and compassion;

(b) Holistic care and financial stability;

(c) Social connection and family roles;

(d) Compassionate services and communication.

Family caregivers maintained the dignity of their ill relatives through being there, compassionate communication, supporting the personal and medical needs of the patient, and helping them preserve their family role. Family caregiving was often underpinned by religious values and a sense of duty. Compassionate services and effective communication were essential to preserve dignity of the ill relative during hospitalizations.

Significance of results

Family caregivers assume multiple roles in fostering the dignity of relatives with serious illnesses. It is crucial that family caregivers are supported by policies, healthcare systems, and community initiatives as patients cannot thrive nor sustain dignity without their support.
Sterbewünsche im hohen Alter
Authors: Werner Marlene , Pleschberger Sabine , Heimerl Katharina
Published: February 2025

Zusammenfassung: Hintergrund: Alte Menschen entwickeln am Lebensende häufig einen Sterbewunsch. Dieser kann in vielen Abstufungen und Ausprägungen auftreten und ist Ausdruck von unterschiedlichen Bedürfnissen. Assistierter Suizid ist in Österreich als eine Möglichkeit, den eigenen Tod mit Hilfe Dritter herbeizuführen, seit Kurzem unter bestimmten Voraussetzungen legal möglich. Dies weist auf neue gesamtgesellschaftliche Entwicklungen hin, die auch den Pflegeberuf betreffen. Ziel: Die vorliegende Studie setzte sich zum Ziel, die Perspektive von Pflegenden auf Sterbewünsche älterer Menschen zu erforschen und mit welchen Schwierigkeiten sie konfrontiert sind, insbesondere vor dem Hintergrund des assistierten Suizids in Österreich. Methoden: Es wurde ein qualitativer Forschungsansatz gewählt. Die Datenerhebung erfolgte durch problemzentrierte Interviews mit zehn Pflegepersonen in stationären Langzeitpflegeeinrichtungen. Die Daten wurden mittels thematischer Analyse ausgewertet. Ergebnisse: Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass Pflegende im Umgang mit Sterbewünschen klare berufliche Rollen und Aufgaben erkennen. Beim assistierten Suizid jedoch geraten sie oft in Widersprüche und Unsicherheiten. Drei Hauptthemen wurden identifiziert: (1) der Blick auf die Betroffenen, (2) Kommunikation als Ressource und Hindernis, und (3) die Rolle der Pflege. Schlussfolgerung: Die Studie weist auf die Notwendigkeit von Unterstützungsangeboten seitens der Trägerorganisationen hin, um Pflegende im Umgang mit Sterbewünschen generell und dem assistierten Suizid im Besonderen zu unterstützen.
Reprogramming of fatty acid metabolism: a hidden force regulating the occurrence and progression of cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Jinglei , Ruan Kaiyi , Chu Zhuohuan , Wang Xiang , Gu Ye , Jin Hangbin , Zhang Xiaofeng , Liu Qiang , Yang Jianfeng
Published: February 2025

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a malignant tumor that originates from the bile duct epithelium and with a poor outcome due to lack of effective early diagnostic methods. Surgical resection is the preferred method for cure, but treatment options are limited for advanced diseases, such as distant metastatic or locally progressive tumors. Therefore, it is urgent to explore other new treatment methods. As modern living standards rise, the acceptance of high-fat, high-protein, and high-carbohydrate diets is growing among the public, and the resulting metabolic abnormalities are intimately linked to the initiation and spread of tumors. Metabolic reprogramming is a key mechanism in the process of tumor development and progression and is closely related to cancer cell proliferation, metastasis and drug resistance. Fatty acid (FA) metabolism, an integral component of cancer cell metabolism, can provide an energy source for cancer cells and participate in cell signaling, the regulation of the immune response and the maintenance of homeostasis of the internal environment, which are closely linked to the development and progression of CCA. Therefore, a better understanding of FA metabolism may provide promising strategies for early diagnosis, prognostic assessment and targeted therapy for CCA patients. In this paper, we review the effects of FA metabolism on CCA development and progression, summarize related mechanisms and the existing clinical applications of targeted lipid metabolism in CCA, and explore new targets for CCA metabolic therapy.
Targeted temperature management alleviates post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction by inhibiting ferroptosis
Authors: Zhang Yingying , Du Weiwei , Kong Ting , Hua Tianfeng , Ma Honghao , Hu Yan , Pan Sinong , Ling Bingrui , Yang Min , Cheng Cheng
Published: February 2025

Targeted temperature management (TTM) is a vital intervention for cardiac arrest survivors to mitigate post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction (PRMD). However, the optimal temperature for TTM remains a topic of debate. This study investigates the effects of TTM at different temperatures and explores the underlying mechanisms using in vivo and in vitro models of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury following cardiac arrest (CA) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). We found that TTM at 33 °C significantly improved post-resuscitation hemodynamics and myocardial function, reducing both myocardial and mitochondrial damage in the rat model of CA/CPR. Additionally, Deferoxamin (DFO), as an iron chelating agent, also demonstrated protective effects against PRMD. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that hypothermia at 33 °C and DFO mitigated mitochondrial damage, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and iron overload, while suppressing ferritinophagy and ferroptosis. Furthermore, TTM at 33 °C and DFO facilitated the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), with Nrf2 activation leading to inhibited ferritinophagy and enhanced iron export. Our findings indicate that TTM at 33° C, as opposed to 36° C, significantly alleviates PRMD and reduced myocardial damage by inhibiting ferroptosis. Theses protective effects are associated with Nrf2 activation and modulation of iron homeostasis. Moreover, DFO not only suppressed ferroptosis through its iron chelation properties but also by activating the Nrf2 axis.
Engineering anisotropic electrodynamics at the graphene/CrSBr interface
Authors: Rizzo Daniel J. , Seewald Eric , Zhao Fangzhou , Cox Jordan , Xie Kaichen , Vitalone Rocco A. , Ruta Francesco L. , Chica Daniel G. , Shao Yinming , Shabani Sara , Telford Evan J. , Strasbourg Matthew C. , Darlington Thomas P. , Xu Suheng , Qiu Siyuan , Devarakonda Aravind , Taniguchi Takashi , Watanabe Kenji , Zhu Xiaoyang , Schuck P. James , Dean Cory R. , Roy Xavier , Millis Andrew J. , Cao Ting , Rubio Angel , Pasupathy Abhay N. , Basov D. N.
Published: February 2025

Graphene is a privileged 2D platform for hosting confined light-matter excitations known as surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs), as it possesses low intrinsic losses and a high degree of optical confinement. However, the isotropic nature of graphene limits its ability to guide and focus SPPs, making it less suitable than anisotropic elliptical and hyperbolic materials for polaritonic lensing and canalization. Here, we present graphene/CrSBr as an engineered 2D interface that hosts highly anisotropic SPP propagation across mid-infrared and terahertz energies. Using scanning tunneling microscopy, scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy, and first-principles calculations, we demonstrate mutual doping in excess of 1013 cm–2 holes/electrons between the interfacial layers of graphene/CrSBr. SPPs in graphene activated by charge transfer interact with charge-induced electronic anisotropy in the interfacial doped CrSBr, leading to preferential SPP propagation along the quasi-1D chains that compose each CrSBr layer. This multifaceted proximity effect both creates SPPs and endows them with anisotropic propagation lengths that differ by an order-of-magnitude between the in-plane crystallographic axes of CrSBr.
A global dataset of fossil fungi records from the Cenozoic
Authors: Hodgson Emily , McCoy Jessica , Webber Kerry , Nuñez Otaño Noelia , O’Keefe Jennifer , Pound Matthew
Published: February 2025

There is a substantial geologic record of microfossils belonging to the fungal kingdom, however there is a need for a curation of these fossil fungi records which is up-to-date, convenient, and manipulable. Here we present MyCeno (Mycology of the Cenozoic) 2.0: a dataset containing more than 3,000 records of fossil fungi from the Cenozoic era (66 million years ago to present) and from more than 200 locations around the world. These records represent a variety of fungal body parts, but most frequently fungal spores and spore-bearing structures. Detailed information about the locations, age estimations, geology, nomenclature, and taxonomy has been collected for every record. This dataset is an access point for people wanting to utilise fossil fungal records from the Cenozoic. It can be used for understanding fungal evolution, reconstructing past environments, and studying the impacts of climate change on biodiversity during the Cenozoic.
Time-dependent RNA transcriptional profiling of abomasal mucosa in cattle infected with Ostertagia ostertagi
Authors: Boschiero Clarissa , Beshah Ethiopia , Bakshi Mariam , Thompson Peter , Zhu Xiaoping , Liu George E. , Tuo Wenbin
Published: February 2025

In this study, we infected Holstein calves with Ostertagia ostertagi stage 3 larvae (L3) and determined gene expression profiles of abomasal fundic and pyloric mucosa by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) at 3–5, 7–9, 10, and 21 days post-infection (dpi), which represent late L3 and early L4 (between 3–5 dpi), mid to late L4 (between 7–9 and 10 dpi) and adult stages (21 dpi) of the parasitic stage. Bioinformatics analyses were performed to profile the transcriptomic changes over time as well as between cattle abomasal tissues. The results will help understand the gastric responses of the host, especially the immune responses, at different phases of early nematode infection. Such an undertaking is crucial for an in-depth comprehension of host responses, where immunologic reagents for cattle are highly limited. The RNA-seq datasets generated in this study provide a vital data resource, allowing for future comparative analyses to similar data resources or using more advanced analytical technologies in mechanisms of host-parasite interactions.
Retrospective detection and whole genome sequencing identify the first local case of Pigeon Rotavirus A infection in Taiwan from 2018
Authors: Silva Benji Brayan Ilagan , Urzo Michael Louie R. , Montecillo Andrew D. , Encabo Jaymee R. , Chuang Jen-Pin , Chuang Kuo-Pin
Published: February 2025

In 2018, pigeon Rotavirus A G18P[17] was identified in Australia as the causative agent of a disease outbreak presenting as vomiting and diarrhea, reminiscent of the young pigeon disease syndrome. This virus has subsequently been detected in several other countries, including Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, Poland, and the United States. This study was conducted to determine the presence of pigeon Rotavirus A among archived samples collected in Taiwan, and to subsequently characterize the whole genome of a local isolate. Two hundred twenty-five pigeon liver samples collected from 2018 to 2023 were tested for the presence of pigeon rotavirus A RNA using PCR. A sample from 2018 tested positive, and the successful rescue of infective virions was achieved. The first coding-complete genome of this virus from Taiwan was successfully sequenced, revealing that isolate NPUST-001 belongs to genotype G18P[17]-I4-R4-C4-M4-A4-T4-N4-E19-H4. To date, this is the earliest known rotavirus A isolate with this exact genotype constellation recovered from a domestic pigeon sample in the Asian region. Phylogenetic analysis of the VP6 segment showed that isolate NPUST-001 belongs to a distinct lineage of pigeon Rotavirus A which comprises of several other strains reported from mainland China and the USA. Although no recent cases were detected, active surveillance for rotaviral infection among suspected cases is recommended to gather more information on the epidemiology of this virus locally.
Low-frequency tremor-like episodes before the 2023 MW 7.8 Türkiye earthquake linked to cement quarrying
Authors: Zali Zahra , Martínez-Garzón Patricia , Kwiatek Grzegorz , Núñez-Jara Sebastián , Beroza Gregory C. , Cotton Fabrice , Bohnhoff Marco
Published: February 2025

Recent advances in artificial intelligence have enhanced the detection and identification of transient low-amplitude signals across the entire frequency spectrum, shedding light on deformation processes preceding natural hazards. This study investigates low-frequency, low-amplitude signals preceding the 2023 MW 7.8 Kahramanmaraş earthquake in Türkiye. Using a deep neural network, we extract key features from the spectrograms of continuous seismic signals and employ unsupervised clustering to reveal distinct transient patterns. We identify an increased occurrence of low-frequency tremor-like signals during the six months preceding the mainshock. However, the location of these signals suggests that their origin is not tectonic, but rather related to anthropogenic activities at cement plants along the Narlı Fault, where the MW 7.8 mainshock nucleated. Such findings highlight the importance of understanding the origin of patterns detected by machine-learning methods and the large variety of seismic signals due to anthropogenic activities. Furthermore, the search for the origin of the tremor-like signals motivated an investigation into the local seismicity around the Narlı Fault. The resulting extended seismicity catalog suggests that seismicity in this area arises from a combination of tectonic and anthropogenic processes.
Modelling the effects of climate change on the interaction between bacteria and phages with a temperature-dependent lifecycle switch
Authors: Morozov Andrew , Ageel Areej , Bates Anna , Galyov Edouard
Published: February 2025

Ongoing climate change and human activities alter the population dynamics of pathogenic bacteria in natural environments, increasing the risk of disease transmission. Among the key mechanisms of amplification of bacteria in the environment is the alteration of the natural control by their enemies, bacteriophages. Using mathematical modelling, we explore how climate change and implementation of certain agricultural practices affect interactions of bacteria with phage exhibiting condition-dependent lysogeny, where the type of phage infection lifecycle is determined by the ambient temperature. As a case study, we model alteration to the control of the pathogenic bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei by its dominant phage. B. pseudomallei causes melioidosis, which is among the deadliest infections in Southeast Asia and across the tropics. We use historical records for UV radiation and temperature in Thailand covering the period 2009–2023 to assess the density of the phage-free pathogen, capable of causing infection. We also predict phage-pathogen dynamics for the period 2024–2044. We apply both non-spatial and spatial models to mimic B. pseudomallei population dynamics in the surface water of rice fields and in soil. Our models predict a drastic increase in pathogen density due to less efficient control by the phage which is caused by global warming. We also find that some of the current agricultural practices would enhance the risk of acquisition of melioidosis by altering densities of the pathogen in the environment.
Gully erosion is a serious obstacle in India’s land degradation neutrality mission
Authors: Majhi Anindya , Bhattacharjee Pritha , Harris Angela , Evans Martin , Shuttleworth Emma
Published: February 2025

India is famous for her badlands. These vast, intensely degraded landscapes occur extensively across Central and Western India, wherein they have had several adverse effects on both environment and society. However, accurate information on their current spatial extents, as well as the spatial distribution and severity of gully erosion elsewhere in the country was hitherto lacking. Considering that India has planned to effectively halt land degradation by 2030 in line with the agenda of the United Nations, and as precise spatial data is indispensable in planning and implementing land management interventions, we have created an exhaustive spatial inventory of gully erosion features in India by recording their location, extents and current management status from high-resolution satellite imagery available on Google Earth Pro. Through this first of its kind mapping endeavour and attendant spatial analysis, we have recorded the presence of gully landforms in 19 of India’s 28 states and the National Capital Region of Delhi and have estimated the total gullied area in the country between 7,451 and 8,157 km2. According to our results, states occupying 38% of Indian territory (viz., Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh) are affected by 92% of the total gullied area of the country. We have noted a clear east-west divide in terms of the relative dominance of the mapped gully erosion features, with badlands being common in Western India and gully systems being the dominant gully feature in the east. A similar observation has interestingly also been made as regards gully management, with the major proportion of unmanaged gully erosion features occurring in Eastern India. Ultimately, we have identified 77 districts across India where urgent rehabilitative intervention is required, more than 70% of which are in Eastern and Southern India where unmanaged (active) gullies are common. That contemporary gully erosion in Eastern India poses a more serious land management challenge than that of the vast badlands of Central and Western India is a truly unexpected finding of our analysis. Our mapped data and analytical results shall be integral to efforts aiming to ameliorate the land degradation caused by gully erosion across India by supporting policymaking and planning at the governmental level and serving as useful guidance for land managers and practitioners on the ground.
Evolution and vulnerability analysis of global photovoltaic industry chain trade pattern
Authors: Ding Chao , Ren Xiaobei
Published: February 2025

As global energy demand increases, photovoltaic power generation has become the solution to the energy conundrum. Based on global photovoltaic product trade data from 2000 to 2023, this paper examines the development of photovoltaic industry chain trade pattern and impact of PageRank centrality top 10% node failures on network vulnerability. It accomplishes this by employing hypothetical assault strategies and intricate networks. Research has shown that: ① The trade pattern of PV industry chain has undergone profound changes. The trend of multipolarization is becoming more and more obvious. China’s position in each link of the industry chain is increasingly prominent. ② The vulnerability of the PV industry chain network shows a weakening trend. The vulnerability of upstream and midstream networks is more stable. The destruction resistance of the downstream network has been improved. Fluctuation of the node impact on the network structure has weakened. ③ There is a distinct gradient of susceptibility in PV industrial chain. The vulnerability of the downstream is relatively low, followed by the midstream. The vulnerability of the upstream is relatively high.
Social support in a large general population sample over the course of six years
Authors: Hinz Andreas , Esser Peter , Richter Diana , Schönfelder Antje , Glaesmer Heide , Lehmann-Laue Antje , Heyne Svenja , Leuteritz Katja , Sender Annekathrin , Springer Franziska , Götze Heide , Mehnert-Theuerkauf Anja
Published: February 2025

Social support is an important resource that is assumed to buffer the effect of stressful events on health. The aims of this study were to test psychometric properties of the ENRICHD Social Support Instrument (ESSI), to investigate the impact of several sociodemographic and behavioral variables on social support, and to analyze changes in social support over a 6-year period. A sample of 9,681 people from the general population was examined at baseline, 4,987 of whom were surveyed at a follow-up examination six years later using the ESSI and several other questionnaires. The psychometric properties of the ESSI were good (Cronbach’s α = 0.91) and measurement invariance across gender and age could be established. High socioeconomic status, sharing a household with others, and employment resulted in high levels of social support. Tobacco smokers and alcohol drinkers reported having less social support than nonsmokers and non-drinkers. During the 6-year period, the mean level of social support remained nearly unchanged (d = 0.01). The data provide a framework for the interpretation and comparison of social support with other clinical and nonclinical populations. Public health initiatives should aim to prevent social isolation to improve public health.
Synthesis of graphitic biocarbons from lignin fostered by concentrated solar energy
Authors: Rigollet Salomé , Béguerie Théotime , Weiss-Hortala Elsa , Flamant Gilles , Nzihou Ange
Published: February 2025

The approach aiming at replacing fossil-based carbons by graphitic biocarbon has gained momentum in applications from environmental remediation to battery electrodes and supercapacitors, reducing their environmental impact. To address biocarbon high production temperature and energy consumption, this work uses lignin, a renewable feedstock, and concentrated solar as a sustainable energy source. New insights into lignin’s graphitization mechanism using solar energy are provided. Graphene layers stacking appears as early as 1000 °C in solar carbonization. The structuration and reduction of amorphous carbon was further highlighted at 1400 °C and 1800 °C. At 2000 °C, high graphitic (L

a(XRD)
 ≈ 9.1 nm, d
002 = 0.3386 nm, 110 stacked layers) and turbostratic (d
002 = 0.3593 nm, 5.5 stacked layers) phases are obtained, showing the structural heterogeneity of solar biocarbon. Contrariwise, conventional biocarbon from electrical heating was homogeneous with limited carbonization at 1800 °C (L

a(XRD)
 ≈ 3.8 nm, d
002 = 0.3600 nm, 4.4 stacked layers). Textural analysis of solar biocarbons showed aligned graphene layers whereas only random texture was observed on conventional samples. This work established that solar carbonization triggers and enhances graphene layers stacking and growth at lower temperatures whereas conventional carbonization allows the progressive apparition of short graphene layers before stacking and growth.
Flash optimization of drug combinations for Acinetobacter baumannii with IDentif.AI-AMR
Authors: You Kui , Binte Mohamed Yazid Nurhidayah , Chong Li Ming , Hooi Lissa , Wang Peter , Zhuang Isaiah , Chua Stephen , Lim Ethan , Kok Alrick Zi Xin , Marimuthu Kalisvar , Vasoo Shawn , Ng Oon Tek , Chan Conrad E. Z. , Chow Edward Kai-Hua , Ho Dean
Published: February 2025

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an emerging threat to global public health. Specifically, Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii), one of the main pathogens driving the rise of nosocomial infections, is a Gram-negative bacillus that displays intrinsic resistance mechanisms and can also develop resistance by acquiring AMR genes from other bacteria. More importantly, it is resistant to nearly 90% of standard of care (SOC) antimicrobial treatments, resulting in unsatisfactory clinical outcomes and a high infection-associated mortality rate of over 30%. Currently, there is a growing challenge to sustainably develop novel antimicrobials in this ever-expanding arms race against AMR. Therefore, a sustainable workflow that properly manages healthcare resources to ultra-rapidly design optimal drug combinations for effective treatment is needed. In this study, the IDentif.AI-AMR platform was harnessed to pinpoint effective regimens against four A. baumannii clinical isolates from a pool of nine US FDA-approved drugs. Notably, IDentif.AI-pinpointed ampicillin-sulbactam/cefiderocol and cefiderocol/polymyxin B/rifampicin combinations were able to achieve 93.89 ± 5.95% and 92.23 ± 11.89% inhibition against the bacteria, respectively, and they may diversify the reservoir of treatment options for the indication. In addition, polymyxin B in combination with rifampicin exhibited broadly applicable efficacy and strong synergy across all tested clinical isolates, representing a potential treatment strategy for A. baumannii. IDentif.AI-pinpointed combinations may potentially serve as alternative treatment strategies for A. baumannii.
Reversal of metformin’s anti-proliferative effect in fission yeast efr3 and dnm1 (DRP1) mutants with elongated mitochondria
Authors: Gillespie Ari , Mehdorn Anne-Sophie , Lim Tiffany Q. , Wang Tingting , Mooney Bridget A. , Ovens Ashley J. , Orang Ayla , Oakhill Jonathan S. , Michael Michael Z. , Petersen Janni
Published: February 2025

Metformin is a well-tolerated drug frequently prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes. Extended metformin use has been linked to a significant decrease in cancer incidence across both diabetic and non-diabetic populations. Here we investigate the anti-proliferative effects of metformin on fission yeast S. pombe. Our findings demonstrate that metformin’s inhibitory impact on cell proliferation is effective in the absence of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Using an unbiased genetic screen we identified the plasma membrane signalling scaffold Efr3, critical for phosphatidylinositol signalling and the generation of PI4Ps, as a key determinant of resistance to the anti-proliferative effect of metformin. Deletion of efr3 resulted in both AMPK-dependent and AMPK-independent resistance to metformin. We show that Efr3 does not influence cell proliferation by controlling Ras1 activity or its cellular localization in yeast. We observe that dnm1 (DRP1) mutants with elongated mitochondria are also resistant to the anti-proliferative effect of metformin and that metformin treatment promotes mitochondrial fusion. Metabolic measurements after prolonged metformin exposure demonstrated a reduction in respiration in both wild type and the efr3 deletion, however, that reduction is less pronounced in the efr3 deletion, which also contained elongated mitochondria. It is likely that mitochondrial fusion enhances yeast fitness in response to metformin exposure. Together we provide a new perspective on the cellular response to metformin.
A concise, efficient and accurate method for calculating the solid–liquid interfacial free energy
Authors: Wu YongQuan , Cheng Hang , Miao HuaXing , Zhang Kai , You JingLin
Published: February 2025

A stable interface method for the calculation of solid–liquid interfacial free energy.
Crystal structure and ferrimagnetism of AgCo3Cr(MoO4)5 with mixed occupation of the transition metal sites
Authors: Kotova Irina , Spiridonova Tatyana , Savina Alexandra , Khaikina Elena , Solodovnikov Sergey , Solodovnikova Zoya , Koo Hyun-Joo , Whangbo Myung-Hwan , Ovchenkov Yevgeniy , Zakharov Konstantin , Vasilchikova Tatyana , Shvanskaya Larisa , Vasiliev Alexander
Published: February 2025

AgCo3Cr(MoO4)5 with mixed occupation of transition metal M positions and triple splitting of Ag position consists of dimers M2O10 and trimers M3O14 interlinked by MoO4 tetrahedra. At Tferri = 5.5 K, it experiences a ferrimagnetic long-range order.
Unveiling surface reactivity: the crucial role of auxiliary ligands in Gallium amidinate-based precursors for Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Pugliese Eva , Coutancier Damien , PAVARD Paul-Alexis , Hervochon Julien , van der Linden Bram , Casaretto Nicolas , Bourcier Sophie , Pourtois Geoffrey , Bouttemy Murielle , Auffrant Audrey , Schneider Nathanaelle
Published: February 2025

Two novel gallium precursors for Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), LGaMe₂ and LGa(NMe₂)₂ with L = N,N’-di-tertbutylacetamidinato, were successfully synthesised from a carbodiimide and gallium trichloride. The compounds were characterised by...
Co-assembled supramolecular hydrogels: Nano-IR sheds light on tripeptide assemblies
Authors: Alletto Paola , Garcia Ana M. , Piccirilli Federica , Marchesan Silvia
Published: February 2025

Supramolecular hydrogels composed of self-assembling short peptides are gaining momentum for enzyme mimicry. In particular, multicomponent systems that feature similar peptides with a self-assembling motif (e.g., Phe-Phe) and catalytic residues...
Realizing CO2 Emissions Reduction in Lime and Soda Ash Manufacturing through Anion Exchange
Authors: Baral Aniruddha , Galvez Jose-Luis , Hanein Theodore
Published: February 2025

Lime (CaO) and soda ash (Na2CO3) are two foundational chemicals for modern civilisation, and the CO2 emissions from their production process are challenging to reduce. Furthermore, decarbonization of the lime...
Experiment-in-Loop Interactive Optimization of Polymer Composites for "5G-and-Beyond"
Authors: Xu Bin , Sultana Touchy Abeda , Kitai Koki , Guo Jiang , Seki Toyomitsu , Tamura Ryo , Tsuda Koji , Shiomi Junichiro
Published: February 2025

“Fifth generation and beyond” communication technologies have sparked considerable demand for polymer composite materials with low thermal expansion coefficients (CTE) and low dielectric loss under high operation frequency. However, the...
Novel auxetic semiconductors with high carrier mobility: First principles prediction of Janus Ge2XY (X/Y = S, Se, Te) monolayers
Authors: Nha Vo Q. , San Nguyen Q. , Linh Huynh T.T. , Vu Tuan V. , Hien Nguyen Dinh
Published: February 2025

Recently, auxetic materials have attracted attention due to their unusual behavior and multifunctional applications. Negative Poisson's ratio has been found in some two-dimensional (2D) asymmetric layered materials. In this work,...
Charge transition levels and stability of Ni- and Ir-doped β-Ga2O3: a comprehensive hybrid functional study
Authors: Ho Quoc Duy , Vo K. Dien , Thanh Tien Nguyen , Huy Huynh Anh , Hoang Duc-Quang , Nguyen Duy Khanh
Published: February 2025

In this study, the optimized hybrid functional HSE(0.26,0.0) is employed to investigate the incorporation of nickel (Ni) and iridium (Ir) dopants in β-Ga2O3.
Solar-driven dehydrogenation and dehydration of formate to syngas with near-zero CO2 emission
Authors: Yin Hang , Sun Zhehao , Liu Kaili , Li Zhuofeng , Wibowo Ary Anggara , Chen Jiayi , Gu Huimin , Jing Xuechen , Chen Yi-Lun , Macdonald Daniel , Jia Guohua , Hadar Ido , Yin Zongyou
Published: February 2025

The heterojunction of Co3O4–CdS shows dual functions of photocatalytic dehydrogenation and dehydration to simultaneously produce syngas (H2 and CO) from formate, with near zero CO2 emission under alkaline conditions.
Development of amide-based molecular cages for the highly selective and sensitive detection of nicotine
Authors: Bagherifard Mina , Kaur Amrit , Nassar Kamal E. S. , Tariq Neelam , Syrgiannis Zois , Spanopoulos Ioannis
Published: February 2025

A novel amide-based molecular cage was utilized for the highly selective and sensitive fluorescence based detection of nicotine in human urine and cigarette samples.
Polymersome-mediated Cbl-b silencing activates T cells against solid tumors
Authors: Cui Guanhong , Shao Yu , Wang Junyao , Xu Congcong , Zhang Jinping , Zhong Zhiyuan
Published: February 2025

Unleashing T cell function is critical for efficacious cancer immunotherapy.
Metal–organic framework-based catalysts toward the electrosynthesis of urea
Authors: Chattopadhyay Krishna , Bhul Mousumi , Kundu Prajita , Mandal Manas , Maiti Dilip K.
Published: February 2025

Highlighting MOF-based materials for efficient electrocatalytic urea synthesis.
Chemical and electrochemical lithiation of van der Waals oxytelluride V2Te2O
Authors: Kelly Nicola D. , Grievson Heather , Steele Katherine M. , da Silva Ivan , Clarke Simon J.
Published: February 2025

Reversible intercalation of lithium into the layered oxytelluride V2Te2O using both chemical and electrochemical methods is demonstrated.
Electrosynthesis of nitriles from primary alcohols and ammonia on Ni catalyst
Authors: Lim Chia Wei , Gao Lin-Feng , Yan Ning , Xiao Yiying
Published: February 2025

Despite increasing interest on the electrocatalytic refinery to produce value-added chemicals, heterogeneous nitrile electrosynthesis from alcohols is still in the initial stage of investigation. Here, we report the direct electrosynthesis...
Synthesis of dihydrogambirtannine by alkyne [2 + 2 + 2]-cyclotrimerisation
Authors: Seankongsuk Pattarakiat , Sae-Lao Patcharaporn , He Shi , Pereira Veronica , Bates Roderick W.
Published: February 2025

(−)-Dihydrogambirtannine has been synthesized employing an alkyne cyclotrimerisation to construct the E ring.
Error‐Based Virtual Compound Axis With Backstepping Control for Electro‐Optical Tracking System
Authors: Li Zhijun , Li Jiachen , Deng Jiuqiang , Mao Yao
Published: February 2025

In this paper, an innovative error‐based virtual composite‐axis disturbance rejection backstepping control strategy is proposed for electro‐optical tracking systems. Tracking accuracy cannot be improved by conventional composite axis structures where target position, velocity and acceleration are unknown and immeasurable. Our proposed method, however, operates without the need for target trajectory input signals or additional sensors. It solely relies on error information to adeptly simulate the compound axis system's functionality. Notably, its error suppression characteristics amalgamate dual‐axis suppression features, substantially augmenting tracking performance. Moreover, to further optimize trajectory tracking and counteract the disturbances and uncertainties within the virtual composite axis, a backstepping control strategy is integrated with disturbance rejection. Remarkably, this approach achieves a 31.89% leap in tracking accuracy and a 73.87% boost in disturbance rejection performance. The effectiveness and superiority of the method have been thoroughly corroborated via simulations and experiments.
Simulations for the evolution of the chemical clock HC_3N/N_2H^+ in high-mass star-forming regions
Authors: Wang Yao , Du Fujun , Wang Youxin , Wang Hongchi , Zhang Jiangshui
Published: February 2025

From observations, column density ratios or integrated intensity ratios between some species exhibit monotonic increase or decrease along with the evolution of high-mass star-forming regions (HMSFRs). Such ratios are defined as chemical clocks, which can be used to constrain the evolutionary stage. We performed chemical simulations to reproduce the observed column density ratio of HC_3N/N_2H^+ and the abundances of these two species across various evolutionary stages in HMSFRs. Simultaneously, we identified the chemical processes responsible for the observed time-dependent trends in these stages. Our simulations utilized the astrochemical code Nautilus and the existing 1D models of HMSFRs that cover four evolutionary stages, accompanied by variations in density and temperature throughout the entire evolution. In addition, to maintain a steady increase in density and temperature over time as predictions of the global hierarchical collapse scenario, we adjusted parameters such as density, temperature, and time spent in each evolutionary stage. When averaging over large spatial scales, the best model produced successfully matches the observed column density ratio of HC_3N/N_2H^+ and the abundances of the species involved at specific times for each evolutionary stage; that is, the late high-mass starless core stage, the early high-mass protostellar object stage, and the early ultracompact H ii stage. HC_3N is mainly affected by the warm carbon-chain chemistry (WCCC) and its own thermal desorption, while N_2H^+ is primarily influenced by the thermal desorption of N_2, CO, CH_4, NH_3, and H_2O followed by dissociative recombination and ion-molecule reactions. The results obtained from the best-fitting model timescales broadly agree with statistical estimates. However, a continuous increasing ratio of HC_3N/N_2H^+ throughout the entire evolution of HMSFRs is not acquired. Some observed ratios between adjacent stages overlap, which could be induced by observational uncertainties (such as those in deriving column densities and abundances, clump classification, and systematic effects), or indicate that the evolution of HC_3N/N_2H^+ may not strictly monotonically increase throughout the entire evolution. Based on our best-fit model, we further examined other 350 ratios involving 27 species, and 178 ratios exhibit an increasing or decreasing evolutionary trend around the best-fit timescales of HC_3N/N_2H^+. Among them, 157 ratios are observable and could be considered as candidate chemical clocks. Our results indicate that 1D models with abrupt jumps in physical parameters have reached their limits in terms of the insights they can provide, and more sophisticated models need to be adopted.
Ca ii and Hα flaring M dwarfs detected with multi-filter photometry
Authors: Mas-Buitrago P. , Zhang J.-Y. , Solano E. , Martín E. L.
Published: February 2025

Understanding and characterising the magnetic activity of M dwarfs is of paramount importance in the search for Earth-like exoplanets orbiting them. Energetic stellar activity phenomena, such as flares or coronal mass ejections, which are common in these stars, are deeply connected with the habitability and atmospheric evolution of the surrounding exoplanets. We present a follow-up of a sample of M dwarfs with strong Hα and Ca ii H and K emission lines identified with J-PLUS photometry in a previous work. We collected low-resolution NOT/ALFOSC and GTC/OSIRIS spectra, measuring the PC3 index for the spectral type determination. We used two-minute-cadence calibrated TESS light curves to identify and characterise multiple flares and to calculate the rotation period of the two active M dwarfs found in our sample. We confirm that the strong emission lines detected in the J-PLUS photometry are caused by transient flaring activity. We find clear evidence of flaring activity and periodic variability for LP 310-34 and LP 259-39, and estimated flare energies in the TESS bandpass between 7.4 and 2.2 for them. We characterised LP 310-34 and LP 259-39 as very rapidly rotating M dwarfs with Ca ii H and K and Hα in emission, and computed a rotation period for LP 259-39 for the first time: P_ rot =1.69±0.02,d. This work advocates the approach of exploiting multi-filter photometric surveys to systematically identify flaring M dwarfs, especially to detect episodes of strong Ca ii H and K line emission, which may have important implications for exoplanetary space weather and habitability studies. Our results reveal that common M dwarfs experience flare events in Ca ii H and K in addition to well known Hα flares.
Mean field type control problems, some Hilbert-space-valued FBSDEs, and related equations
Authors: Bensoussan Alain , Man TAI Ho , Chi Phillip Yam Sheung
Published: February 2025

In this article, we provide a global-in-time analysis of mean field type control problems on Rn with generic cost functions allowing quadratic growth by a novel ``lifting'' approach which is not the same as the traditional lifting. We resolve the control problem in a subspace of L2 random variables, it can be regarded as a tangent space attached at the initial probability measure. The problem is linked to the global solvability of the Hilbert-space-valued forward-backward stochastic differential equation (FBSDE). We rely on the Jacobian flow of the solution to this FBSDE to establish the regularity of the value function, including its linearly functional differentiability, which leads to the classical well-posedness of the Bellman and master equations. Our current approach imposes structural conditions on cost functions. The contributions of adopting this framework are twofold: (i) compared with imposing conditions on Hamiltonian, the structural conditions imposed in this work are less demanding on the cost functions while solving the master equation; and (ii) when the cost functions are not convex in the state variable or there is lack of monotonicity of cost functions, an accurate lifespan can be provided for the local existence, which may not be that small in many cases.
Analysis and Research on the Relationship Between Bird Related Faults in Transmission Lines and Bird Activity Patterns
Authors: Mao Weiyun , Shen Chen , Xiao Rong , Zhang Kefu , Guo KaiZhao , Zhao Wenbin , Wang Ya , Zhang Dongsheng
Published: February 2025

With the implementation of national greening policies, bird related faults in transmission lines have become increasingly serious, and have become the third largest transmission line fault problem after lightning strikes and external damage. In previous studies on electric birds, strong stimuli such as electricity, sound, and light were mostly used for bird prevention, and there was a lack of research on the relationship between bird activity patterns and line fault data. This study is based on public collection of bird watching data and compares the situation of power facility failures in Shanghai. The results show that the high incidence areas of bird related failures coincide with bird activity areas, and bird related failures in transmission lines are closely related to bird habits and bird diversity, both of which are directly affected by the surrounding environment. By analyzing these survey data, the distribution and activity patterns of these birds were studied, providing a basis for bird line symbiosis and achieving a combination of ecological protection and power grid construction.
Study on the Migration Pattern of Organic Carbon in Slope Farmland in the Southeast of Heilongjiang Province
Authors: Wang Hongfeng , Wang Jiuyi , Zhao Jing , Fu Guomeng , Shao Ze , Yu Xingchen
Published: February 2025

This study addresses the issue of soil organic carbon (SOC) migration in slope farmland in the southeastern part of Heilongjiang Province by constructing a machine learning-based predictive model for organic carbon migration. Based on multi-year monitoring data, a three-tier model architecture consisting of a data layer, a computational layer, and an application layer was established, and an improved random forest algorithm was used to dynamically simulate the organic carbon migration process. The model integrates terrain, meteorological, and soil characteristic parameters to achieve accurate predictions of organic carbon fluxes at different spatial and temporal scales. The results indicate that the model exhibits good predictive ability under different slope gradients and rainfall conditions, providing a scientific basis for regional soil and water conservation and farmland quality improvement.