bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine learning prediction of methane, ethane, and propane solubility in pure water and electrolyte solutions: Implications for stray gas migration modeling
Authors: Kooti Ghazal , Taherdangkoo Reza , Chen Chaofan , Sergeev Nikita , Doulati Ardejani Faramarz , Meng Tao , Butscher Christoph
Published: March 2024

Hydraulic fracturing is an effective technology for hydrocarbon extraction from unconventional shale and tight gas reservoirs. A potential risk of hydraulic fracturing is the upward migration of stray gas from the deep subsurface to shallow aquifers. The stray gas can dissolve in groundwater leading to chemical and biological reactions, which could negatively affect groundwater quality and contribute to atmospheric emissions. The knowledge of light hydrocarbon solubility in the aqueous environment is essential for the numerical modelling of flow and transport in the subsurface. Herein, we compiled a database containing 2129 experimental data of methane, ethane, and propane solubility in pure water and various electrolyte solutions over wide ranges of operating temperature and pressure. Two machine learning algorithms, namely regression tree (RT) and boosted regression tree (BRT) tuned with a Bayesian optimization algorithm (BO) were employed to determine the solubility of gases. The predictions were compared with the experimental data as well as four well-established thermodynamic models. Our analysis shows that the BRT-BO is sufficiently accurate, and the predicted values agree well with those obtained from the thermodynamic models. The coefficient of determination (R2) between experimental and predicted values is 0.99 and the mean squared error (MSE) is 9.97 × 10−8. The leverage statistical approach further confirmed the validity of the model developed.
Scientific and technological innovations of wastewater treatment in China
Authors: Huang Hui , Ma Rui , Ren Hongqiang
Published: March 2024

The “dual-carbon” strategy promotes the development of the wastewater treatment sector and is an important tool for leading science and technology innovations. Based on the global climate change and the new policies introduced by China, this paper described the new needs for the development of wastewater treatment science and technology. It offered a retrospective analysis of the historical trajectory of scientific and technological advancements in this field. Utilizing bibliometrics, it delineated the research hotspots within wastewater treatment, notably highlighting materials genomics, artificial intelligence, and synthetic biology. Furthermore, it posited that, in the future, the field of wastewater treatment should follow the paths of technological innovations with multi-dimensional needs, such as carbon reduction, pollution reduction, health, standardisation, and intellectualisation. The purpose of this paper was to provide references and suggestions for scientific and technological innovations in the field of wastewater treatment, and to contribute to the common endeavor of moving toward a Pollution-Free Planet.
Voacanga madureirae (Apocynaceae), a new species from Atlantic Central Africa
Authors: Lachenaud Olivier , Paiva Jorge , Covelo Filipe , Cheek Martin , Onana Jean Michel
Published: March 2024

A new species of Apocynaceae from Atlantic Central Africa, Voacanga madureirae Paiva, O.Lachenaud & Covelo, is mapped, described and illustrated. It occurs on the Gulf of Guinea islands of Príncipe (São Tomé and Príncipe) and Bioko (Equatorial Guinea) and in the highlands of western Cameroon. The new species differs from other African Voacanga by its calyx distinctly exceeding the corolla (vs shorter or at most equalling it). It is further separated from V. chalotiana Pierre ex Stapf by the presence of a row of colleters in the upper half of the calyx (not near the base) and from other Central African species by its syncarpous fruits and almost straight (not strongly twisted) corolla tube. It is assessed as Near Threatened according to IUCN criteria.
Aspergillus-associated diseases from an infectious diseases and allergological perspective
Authors: Stemler Jannik , Nacov Julia A. , Sprute Rosanne , Cornely Oliver A. , Joest Marcus , Becker Sven , Klimek Ludger
Published: March 2024

Aspergillus-associated diseases are rare and pose challenges for practitioners. Diagnosis is complex and requires rational, targeted, and multidisciplinary collaboration, as well as a high degree of expertise and an individualized approach. For the infectious diseases physician, the focus is on the question of infection or colonization. In severely immunocompromised patients, invasive aspergillosis occurs, which most frequently affects the lungs (IPA) and is characterized by invasive, destructive growth. This acute clinical picture is associated with a high mortality rate. Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) develops on the basis of pre-existing changes in lung structure caused by other pulmonary diseases and often requires surgical treatment. Another chronic form is allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). It is often associated with bronchiectasis in patients with bronchial asthma or cystic fibrosis. Sinus mycoses are divided into non-invasive and invasive forms, which can occur in immunocompromised patients and most commonly affect the maxillary sinus. Here, local surgical measures are an obligatory part of treatment, whereas the non-invasive form usually has an allergic component. In addition, drug-based antifungal and/or anti-inflammatory therapy is used for all entities.
CO2 capture by modified clinoptilolite and its regeneration performance
Authors: Jiang Bo , Zhang Bo , Duan Xuqin , Xing Yi
Published: March 2024

This study focuses on CO2 capture by pressure swing adsorption (PSA), with modified clinoptilolite as the adsorbent. Natural clinoptilolite is modified by roasting, by acid pickling, by a combination of acid pickling and roasting, and by ion exchange. Modification by acid pickling–roasting and by ion exchange are found to give the highest CO2 adsorption capacities, of 730 mL/g and 876.7 mL/g, respectively. It is found that regeneration of clinoptilolite by a combination of vacuum desorption and heating enables recovery of as much as 89% of its previous CO2 adsorption capacity. To examine the CO2 adsorption capacity of clinoptilolite when applied to mixed gas, a simulated coking exhaust containing 12% CO2 and 4% O2 is used, and it is found that ion exchange modified clinoptilolite achieves a CO2 removal efficiency of 92.5%. A BET test reveals that acid pickling–roasting and Na+ modification enhance the porosity of clinoptilolite, thereby improving its adsorption capacity. This work demonstrates the feasibility of applying modified clinoptilolite as an effective adsorbent for CO2 capture, providing a promising tool for dealing with greenhouse gases.
Multi-step modeling of well logging data combining unsupervised and deep learning algorithms for enhanced characterization of the Quaternary aquifer system in Debrecen area, Hungary
Authors: Mohammed Musaab A. A. , Szabó Norbert P. , Szűcs Péter
Published: March 2024

In this research, a multi-step modeling approach is followed using unsupervised and deep learning algorithms to interpret the geophysical well-logging data for improved characterization of the Quaternary aquifer system in the Debrecen area, Hungary. The Most Frequent Value-Assisted Cluster Analysis (MFV-CA) is used to map lithological variations within the aquifer system. Additionally, the Csókás method is used to discern both vertical and horizontal fluctuations in hydraulic conductivity. MFV-CA is introduced to cope with the limitation of the conventional Euclidean distance-based k-means clustering known for its low resistance to outlying values, resulting in deformed cluster formation. However, the computational time and demands of MFV-CA are evident, making them costly and time-consuming. As a result, Deep Learning (DL) methods are suggested to provide fast characterization of the groundwater aquifers. These methods include Multi-Layer Perceptron Neural Networks (MLPNN), Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN), and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), which are implemented for classification and regression. The classification categorized the inputs into three distinct lithologies trained initially by the results of MFV-CA. At the same time, the regression model offered a continuous estimations of hydraulic conductivity trained by the results of the Csókás model. The results demonstrated significant compatibility between the outcomes derived from the clustering and Csókás approaches and DL algorithms. Accordingly, the lithofacies and hydraulic conductivity variations across the main hydrostratigraphical units are mapped. This integration enhanced the understanding of the groundwater system, offering promising inputs for groundwater and development and management.
Reading for Pleasure: A Review of Current Research
Authors: Vogrinčič Čepič Ana , Mascia Tiziana , Aerila Juli-Anna
Published: March 2024

The narrative review examines the current state of research on reading for pleasure and its relevance in education and personal development. By analysing 22 studies published over the past several years (2014–2022), the authors have sought to identify the key trends and areas of focus within this field. The selected articles have been coded and analysed, and the results have been used to, among others, examine the type of research on reading for pleasure, the subject areas covered, the research methods used, the variables analysed, and the target groups involved. A particular attention has been paid to possible conceptualisations of reading for pleasure and reading for pleasure pedagogy, to the type of reading and the texts reading for pleasure may predominantly be associated with, as well as to its social dimension and relationship to the digital literary environment. The literature review shows that the studies on reading for pleasure highlight the importance of personalisation in reading for pleasure pedagogy and acknowledge the role of the material and social dimension of reading. Further, there are signs of a broader definition of reading materials, like comics, also in the educational context. The findings of the present review indicate the gaps in the research of reading for pleasure and highlight the need for a more profound understanding of the title concept and its benefits, thus contributing to the development of its future research and promotion.
Assessment of lake-level variations to decipher geological controlling factors and depositional architecture of Lake Fuxian, Yunnan Plateau: preliminary insights from geophysical data
Authors: Ashraf Umar , Zhang Hucai , Anees Aqsa , Zhang Xiaonan , Duan Lizeng
Published: March 2024

Lake Fuxian is one of the deepest tectonic plateau freshwater lakes in the southeastern Tibetan Plateau, China. However, questions such as how old the lake is, how deep the total sedimentary thickness sequences are, and what landscape of the lake basin settings and geological structures are unknown. Here, based on fifteen seismic reflection profiles, we applied seismic facies and seismic sequence stratigraphic analyses to interpret the lake sequences. The results of the seismic response reveal that the maximum thickness of the sedimentation is ca. 1238 m and lies toward the NNE region of the lake basin on the L10-2 survey line. Lake sediments can be categorized into five seismic sequences and six seismic horizons. The oldest clinoforms in the deepest sequence (Sq-5) show that the depositional center was shifted to ~ 19 km from the NNE region to the SSW modern location and was ~ 930 m lower than the current lake floor. Multiple and complex tectonic activities strongly impacted on the lake basin, and a series of normal faults created an overall crustal extensional regime, resulting in the formation of many horst and graben structures.
The “Schwarze Mander” of the Court Church in Innsbruck, Austria: Manufacture and Production of Monumental Brass Statues in the Renaissance
Authors: Mödlinger Marianne , Asmus Bastian , Ghiara Giorgia
Published: March 2024

The 28 "Schwarze Mander" (Black Men) are undoubtedly amongst the most magnificent monumental brass statues of the Renaissance. Commissioned by the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I for his funeral monument at the beginning of the 16th century, they were completed more than 30 years after the Emperor's death and are now part of his cenotaph in the Hofkirche in Innsbruck. Revising the original manuscripts and letters exchanged between Maximilian I and the various artists sheds light on the manufacturing process and the challenges the artists encountered whilst producing the statues. Moreover, the alloys used in the manufacture of the statues, now all blackened due to patination processes, were identified through non-invasive chemical analysis of all the statues.
A preliminary study on multi-material fused filament fabrication of an embedded strain gauge for low-cost real-time monitoring of part strain
Authors: Minetola Paolo , Giubilini Alberto
Published: March 2024

Unlike other manufacturing techniques, additive manufacturing enables part consolidation through the production of multi-material parts with enhanced functionality. With reference to the functionality of monitoring the structural integrity of a product during its use, conductive filaments can be used in additive manufacturing. This work aims to investigate the applications of multi-material fused filament fabrication to produce embedded strain gauges for real-time monitoring of part deformations. In layer-by-layer fabrication, conductive filaments can be used to produce strain-sensitive elements inside products at a low cost. This preliminary study demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed approach using tensile samples fabricated through additive manufacturing. The samples were produced using a polyethylene terephthalate glycol filament and an acrylonitrile styrene acrylate filament, while electrically conductive polylactic acid was used for the strain gauge. The characterization and testing activities were conducted by comparing the results of the tensile testing with data acquired through an experimental system set up with an Arduino board, aligning with the resistance-based strain gauge theory. The findings show that the co-fabricated strain gauge successfully traces part deformation, enabling real-time monitoring of strain in the elastic field. Nevertheless, further optimization of the proposed approach is imperative to enhance the reliability and accuracy of the methodology.
Blockchain Use Cases in the Sports Industry: A Systematic Review
Authors: Berkani Ahmed-Sami , Moumen Hamouma , Benharzallah Saber , Yahiaoui Said , Bounceur Ahcène
Published: March 2024

Since its inception, Blockchain Technology, the underlying technology of Bitcoin has gained a lot of popularity and interest in various industries, varying from the healthcare industry, Internet-of-Things, smart grid, and supply chain management. Sports is one industry where blockchain can have significant breakthroughs where it can reshape the way the sports industry works by providing reliable athlete data management, secure mechanisms for data sharing, reforming the event management practices, collectibles traceability, and many more, but so far its impact is overshadowed by the hype surrounding the use of fan tokens and Non-Fungible-Tokens (NFT) collectibles. This paper aims to provide a systematic review of the ongoing research on the application of blockchain in the sports industry. this work shows that many studies have proposed different use cases for the application of blockchain in the sports industry on and off the field and targeting different stakeholders. However, we inferred a lack of adequate prototype implementations to evaluate the effectiveness of these proposed use cases. We further highlighted the technical details of the implementation of these blockchain-based applications, their limitations, and challenges, and proposed some solutions to support the integration of blockchain in this domain. The findings of this work will be beneficial for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in the sports industry.
Microeconomics for Managers
Authors: McKenzie Richard B. , Schansberg D. Eric , Lee Dwight R.
Published: March 2024

This fully updated fourth edition explores microeconomic concepts, with a distinctive emphasis on 'the economic way of thinking' and its applicability to sharp managerial thinking, productivity, and good decision-making. It stands apart due to its strong focus on practical and applied knowledge from the business context and its unique structure (Part I of each chapter develops key economic principles; Part II draws on those principles to discuss organizational and incentive issues in management, focusing on solving the 'principal-agent' problem to maximize the profitability of the firm). There are plentiful real-life scenarios and provocative examples in each chapter. Accessible to MBA students, other graduate students and undergraduates, it is ideal as a core text for courses in Managerial Economics. Requiring an understanding of only basic algebra, this new edition is more concise with a wealth of online resources, including additional online chapters and an online appendix with more advanced mathematical applications.
Recruitment strategies and retention rates for five National Dental PBRN studies
Authors: Mungia Rahma , Funkhouser Ellen , Cochran David L. , Cunha-Cruz Joana , Gordan Valeria V. , Rindal Donald B. , Meyerowitz Cyril , Allareddy Veerasathpurush , Fellows Jeffrey L. , Gilbert Gregg H. ,   National Dental PBRN Collaborative Group
Published: March 2024

Background:

We describe a retrospective assessment of practitioner and patient recruitment strategies, patient retention strategies, and rates for five clinical studies conducted in the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network between 2012 and 2019, and practitioner and patient characteristics associated with retention.

Methods:

Similar recruitment strategies were adopted in the studies. The characteristics of the practitioners and patients are described. The proportion of patients who either attended a follow-up (FU) assessment or completed an online assessment was calculated. For studies with multiple FU visits or questionnaire assessments, rates for completing each FU were calculated, as were the rates for completing any and for completing all FU assessments. The associations of practitioner and patient characteristics with all clinic FU visits, and with the completion of all assessments for a study were ascertained.

Results:

Overall, 591 practitioners and 12,159 patients were included. FU rates by patients for any assessment varied from 91% to 96.5%, and rates for participating in all assessments ranged from 68% to 87%. The mean total number of patients each practitioner recruited was 21 (sd = 15); the mean number per study was 13 (sd = 7). For practitioners, practice type and patient enrollment were associated with greater clinic retention, while only race was associated with their patients completing post-visit online assessments. For patients, age was associated with clinic retention, while female gender, age, race, and education were all associated with greater completion of post-visit online assessments.

Conclusion:

The Network efficiently recruited practitioners and patients and achieved high patient retention rates for the five studies.
Minimal monoids generating varieties with complex subvariety lattices
Authors: Gusev Sergey V.
Published: March 2024

A variety is finitely universal if its lattice of subvarieties contains an isomorphic copy of every finite lattice. We show that the 6-element Brandt monoid generates a finitely universal variety of monoids and, by the previous results, it is the smallest generator for a monoid variety with this property. It is also deduced that the join of two Cross varieties of monoids can be finitely universal. In particular, we exhibit a finitely universal variety of monoids with uncountably many subvarieties which is the join of two Cross varieties of monoids whose lattices of subvarieties are the 6-element and the 7-element chains, respectively.
Diagnostik und Didaktik für den Handschriftunterricht in heterogenen Grundschulklassen
Authors: Wyss Judith Sägesser , Maurer Michelle N. , Schwery Joséphine , Eckhart Michael
Published: March 2024

Zusammenfassung: Hintergrund: Mit der Ratifizierung der UNO-Behindertenrechtskonvention stehen viele Schulen vor der Herausforderung, inklusive Unterrichtsformen zu entwickeln. Die Vielfalt in Klassen wird durch die Inklusion gefördert, was von Lehrkräften vorab als Herausforderung wahrgenommen wird. In diesem Artikel wird erörtert, wie durch den vermehrten Einbezug der Fachkräfte aus der Sonderpädagogik und hier spezifisch aus der Psychomotorik (Psychomotoriktherapie ist in der Schweiz ein sonderpädagogisches Angebot), Fachwissen zur Unterstützung von Kindern mit grafomotorischen Schwierigkeiten mit dem fachdidaktischen Wissen der Lehrkräfte verbunden und so der Unterricht weiterentwickelt werden kann. Die Fachkraft für Psychomotorik bringt beispielsweise diagnostische Kompetenzen in die Zusammenarbeit ein, was für die Ermittlung des Förderbedarfs einzelner Kinder zentral ist. Daraus resultierende variantenreiche Lerngelegenheiten unterstützen die grafomotorische Entwicklung aller Kinder. Diskussion: Um den Einbezug des Fachwissens unterschiedlicher Professionen zu ermöglichen, braucht es entsprechende Voraussetzungen, welche sich in spezifischen Strukturen zeigen. Dies hängt insbesondere von (lokal-)politischen Entscheidungen ab. Ferner müssen spezifische Wirkungen unterschiedlicher Formen multiprofessioneller Zusammenarbeit im Handschriftunterricht noch erforscht werden.
Ignoring Plant Physiological Responses to Elevated CO2 Will Overestimate Terrestrial Vertebrate Biodiversity Loss Under Global Climate Change
Authors: Sun Chuanlian , Feng Xiaoming
Published: March 2024

Rising CO2 is accelerating Earth warming and drying by altering the radiation budget (CO2 radiative effect), and it is commonly thought that future biodiversity will be greatly threatened. However, elevated CO2 also modifies plant physiology including photosynthesis rate and water use efficiency (CO2 physiological effect), the impacts of which have been usually ignored. By coupling machine learning techniques and Earth system models, this study considered both of the two effects and simulated terrestrial vertebrate biodiversity changes under moderate CO2 emission pathway. Our results show that the CO2 radiative effect positively impacts terrestrial vertebrate biodiversity at high latitudes but has a negative impact at low latitudes, whereas the physiological effect generally has a positive impact that peaks near the equator. Between 45°N and 45°S, 15% of areas with diminishing terrestrial vertebrate biodiversity due to radiative effect experience a reversal in trend when physiological effect is also considered; species migration pressure is also mitigated. Additionally, the protection priority rankings of 36 biodiversity hotspots need to be readjusted with the consideration of CO2 physiological effect, for which the impacts on terrestrial vertebrate biodiversity are important and varied greatly over space. Overall, our findings highlight the critical impacts of vegetation physiology on terrestrial vertebrate biodiversity in response to elevated atmospheric CO2, which can provide a reference for resource allocation and biodiversity conservation policymaking.
Electromagnetic Landau Resonance: MMS Observations
Authors: Liu Z.‐Y. , Zong Q.‐G. , Wang Y.‐F. , Zhou X.‐Z. , Wang S. , Li J.‐H.
Published: March 2024

Theoretical analysis has revealed a specific resonance that shares the same condition as Landau resonance, but instead involves wave electromagnetic fields rather than traditionally electrostatic fields. While this resonance, referred to as electromagnetic Landau resonance due to its properties, is considered significant for magnetospheric dynamics, rare reports or evaluations based on observations have been made thus far. Here, we present an event detected by the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission near the dayside magnetopause. During this event, ∼748‐eV protons are observed to be in resonance with a wave. Detailed data analysis demonstrates the resonant velocity closely matches the wave's parallel phase speed, which, combined with the significant work done by wave perpendicular electric field, confirms this interaction as electromagnetic Landau resonance. Further investigation indicates these protons are being secularly accelerated within this resonance. Consequently, our observations provide the first empirical evidence supporting the previously suggested theoretical importance of the electromagnetic Landau resonance.
Major Role of Marine Heatwave and Anthropogenic Climate Change on a Giant Hail Event in Spain
Authors: Martín M. L. , Calvo‐Sancho C. , Taszarek M. , González‐Alemán J. J. , Montoro‐Mendoza A. , Díaz‐Fernández J. , Bolgiani P. , Sastre M. , Martín Y.
Published: March 2024

A severe hailstorm that occurred in Spain on 30 August 2022, caused material and human damage, including one fatality due to giant hailstones up to 12 cm in diameter. By applying a pseudo‐global warming approach, here we evaluate how a simultaneous marine heatwave (and anthropogenic climate change) affected a unique environment conductive to such giant hailstones. The main results show that the supercell development was influenced by an unprecedented amount of convective available energy, with significant contributions from thermodynamic factors. Numerical simulations where the marine heatwave is not present show a notable reduction in the hail‐favorable environments, related mainly to modifications in thermodynamic environment. Our simulations also indicate that the environment in a preindustrial‐like climate would be less favorable for convective hazards and thus the hailstorm event would likely not have been as severe as the observed one, being possible to perform a novel attribution of such kind.
Exploring the Formation of High Levels of Hydroxyl Dicarboxylic Acids at an Urban Background Site in South China
Authors: Huo Yunxi , Lyu Xiaopu , Yao Dawen , Zhou Beining , Yuan Qi , Lee Shun‐cheng , Guo Hai
Published: March 2024

Hydroxyl dicarboxylic acids (OHDCA) are ubiquitous in the atmosphere as an important constituent of secondary organic aerosol, yet the formation mechanisms remain unclear. At an urban background site on the coast of South China, we observed notable levels of OHDCA, with the highest concentration of malic acid (a typical OHDCA species) reaching 533 ng m−3. In the coastal air, the correlation between OHDCA and sulfate was better (R2 = 0.48) in the period when the relative humidity was higher and the sulfate size distribution was in a droplet mode, fitting the features of aqueous formation. In the short‐range continental air, a significant rise in OHDCA levels from morning through early afternoon (588 ng m−3) was observed under marked daytime increment of ozone that was corrected for titration loss (O3_corr, sum of ozone and nitrogen dioxide). In addition, good correlation between OHDCA and O3_corr was identified in this period, illuminating the role for gas‐phase photochemistry in regulating OHDCA formation. Therefore, the elevated OHDCA was likely attributed to aqueous photooxidation, and the dominant factors varied under different atmospheric conditions. The precursors of OHDCA could be derived from biogenic emissions, as indicated by the correlations of OHDCA with 2‐methylglyceric acid (bihourly data) and isoprene and monoterpenes (daily average data). However, anthropogenic aromatics might also be involved in OHDCA formation, especially in the short‐range continental air. The formation mechanisms probed through observational evidence will be an important reference for rectifying simulations of OHDCA and its impact on air quality and climate.
Persistence of peripheral CD8 + CD28− T cells indicates a favourable outcome and tumour immunity in first-line HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Liu Xiaoran , Cheng Xiangming , Xie Feng , Li Kun , Shi Yongcan , Shao Bin , Liang Xu , Wan Fengling , Jia Shidong , Zhang Yue , Liu Yiqiang , Li Huiping
Published: March 2024

Background

The contradictory role of CD8 + CD28− T cells in tumour immunity has been reported, while their biological and clinical significance in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is still unknown.

Methods

HER2-positive MBC patients with no prior therapy in the metastatic setting were retrospectively recruited at two medical centres. Peripheral CD8 + CD28− T cells (pTCD8+CD28-) were detected at baseline and following therapeutic intervals. Progression-free survival (PFS) was compared according to pTCD8+CD28− levels. The molecular features of pTCD8+CD28− and its correlation with tumour immunity were also investigated.

Results

A total of 252 patients were enrolled, and the median follow-up time was 29.6 months. pTCD8+CD28− high at baseline has prolonged PFS compared to pTCD8+CD28− low (P = 0.001). Patients who maintained pTCD8+CD28− high had a longer PFS than those who kept pTCD8+CD28− low (P < 0.001). The enhanced pTCD8+CD28− level also indicates a longer PFS compared to pTCD8+CD28− low (P = 0.025). Here, pTCD8+CD28- was demonstrated as an antigen-experienced effector T cell. Higher IL-2 level (P = 0.034) and lower TGF-β level (P = 0.016) in the serum and highly infiltrated CD8 + CD28− T cells (P = 0.037) were also connected to pTCD8+CD28− high.

Conclusions

High pTCD8+CD28− level is associated with a favourable tumour immunity and a better PFS of HER2-targeting therapy in MBC patients.
Nanocomposite magnetic hydrogel with dual anisotropic properties induces osteogenesis through the NOTCH-dependent pathways
Authors: Tang Shijia , Yan Yue , Lu Xiaoli , Wang Peng , Xu Xueqin , Hu Ke , Yan Sen , Guo Zhaobin , Han Xiao , Zhang Feimin , Gu Ning
Published: March 2024

Physical factors in the cellular microenvironment have critical effects on stem cell differentiation. The utilization of physical factors to promote the osteogenic differentiation of stem cells has been established as a new strategy for developing bone tissue engineering scaffolds. In this context, scaffolds with multiscale anisotropy are considered to possess biomimetic properties, which are advantageous for their biological performance. In the present study, a novel magnetic anisotropic hydrogel (MAH) with magnetic and topographic anisotropy was designed by combining static magnetic field-induced magnetic nanomaterials and a hydrogel. In in vitro studies, the MAH exhibited excellent biocompatibility and osteogenic bioactivity. The alkaline phosphatase activity and the expression of osteogenic-related genes and proteins induced by the MAH were greater than those induced by the pure PEGDA–GelMA hydrogel (PGH) and the magnetic isotropic hydrogel (MIH). In addition, the present study revealed that the dual anisotropic properties of the MAH activated the NOTCH1/2 pathway by upregulating SNHG5 and downstream SIRT6, which modulates the level of NOTCH1/2 by antagonizing DNMT1 protein stability, ultimately inducing the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Furthermore, the MAH, MIH, and PGH were tested for in vivo bone regeneration in rabbits with femur defects, and the results demonstrated that the MAH effectively stimulated bone regeneration. Taken together, these findings suggest that this magnetically and topographically anisotropic biomimetic hydrogel might be a promising candidate for application in the field of bone tissue regeneration.
Molecular basis promoting centriole triplet microtubule assembly
Authors: Takeda Yutaka , Chinen Takumi , Honda Shunnosuke , Takatori Sho , Okuda Shotaro , Yamamoto Shohei , Fukuyama Masamitsu , Takeuchi Koh , Tomita Taisuke , Hata Shoji , Kitagawa Daiju
Published: March 2024

The triplet microtubule, a core structure of centrioles crucial for the organization of centrosomes, cilia, and flagella, consists of unclosed incomplete microtubules. The mechanisms of its assembly represent a fundamental open question in biology. Here, we discover that the ciliopathy protein HYLS1 and the β-tubulin isotype TUBB promote centriole triplet microtubule assembly. HYLS1 or a C-terminal tail truncated version of TUBB generates tubulin-based superstructures composed of centriole-like incomplete microtubule chains when overexpressed in human cells. AlphaFold-based structural models and mutagenesis analyses further suggest that the ciliopathy-related residue D211 of HYLS1 physically traps the wobbling C-terminal tail of TUBB, thereby suppressing its inhibitory role in the initiation of the incomplete microtubule assembly. Overall, our findings provide molecular insights into the biogenesis of atypical microtubule architectures conserved for over a billion years.
Single-atom platinum with asymmetric coordination environment on fully conjugated covalent organic framework for efficient electrocatalysis
Authors: Zhang Ziqi , Zhang Zhe , Chen Cailing , Wang Rui , Xie Minggang , Wan Sheng , Zhang Ruige , Cong Linchuan , Lu Haiyan , Han Yu , Xing Wei , Shi Zhan , Feng Shouhua
Published: March 2024

Two-dimensional (2D) covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and their derivatives have been widely applied as electrocatalysts owing to their unique nanoscale pore configurations, stable periodic structures, abundant coordination sites and high surface area. This work aims to construct a non-thermodynamically stable Pt-N2 coordination active site by electrochemically modifying platinum (Pt) single atoms into a fully conjugated 2D COF as conductive agent-free and pyrolysis-free electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In addition to maximizing atomic utilization, single-atom catalysts with definite structures can be used to investigate catalytic mechanisms and structure-activity relationships. In this work, in-situ characterizations and theoretical calculations reveal that a nitrogen-rich graphene analogue COF not only exhibits a favorable metal-support effect for Pt, adjusting the binding energy between Pt sites to H* intermediates by forming unique Pt-N2 instead of the typical Pt-N4 coordination environment, but also enhances electron transport ability and structural stability, showing both conductivity and stability in acidic environments.
Multiscale reconfiguration induced highly saturated poling in lead-free piezoceramics for giant energy conversion
Authors: Lin Jinfeng , Qian Jin , Ge Guanglong , Yang Yuxuan , Li Jiangfan , Wu Xiao , Li Guohui , Wang Simin , Liu Yingchun , Zhang Jialiang , Zhai Jiwei , Shi Xiaoming , Wu Haijun
Published: March 2024

The development of high-performance lead-free K0.5Na0.5NbO3-based piezoceramics for replacing commercial lead-containing counterparts is crucial for achieving environmentally sustainable society. Although the proposed new phase boundaries (NPB) can effectively improve the piezoelectricity of KNN-based ceramics, the difficulty of achieving saturated poling and the underlying multiscale structures resolution of their complex microstructures are urgent issues. Here, we employ a medium entropy strategy to design NPB and utilize texture engineering to induce crystal orientation. The developed K0.5Na0.5NbO3-based ceramics enjoys both prominent piezoelectric performance and satisfactory Curie temperature, thus exhibiting an ultrahigh energy harvesting performance as well as excellent transducer performance, which is highly competitive in both lead-free and lead-based piezoceramics. Comprehensive structural analysis have ascertained that the field-induced efficient multiscale polarization configurations irreversible transitions greatly encourages high saturated poling. This study demonstrates a strategy for designing high-performance piezoceramics and establishes a close correlation between the piezoelectricty and the underlying multiscale structures.
The aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 rs671 variant enhances amyloid β pathology
Authors: Wang Xia , Wang Jiayu , Chen Yashuang , Qian Xiaojing , Luo Shiqi , Wang Xue , Ma Chao , Ge Wei
Published: March 2024

In the ALDH2 rs671 variant, a guanine changes to an adenine, resulting in a dramatic decrease in the catalytic activity of the enzyme. Population-based data are contradictory about whether this variant increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. In East Asian populations, the prevalence of the ALDH2 rs671 variant is 30–50%, making the National Human Brain Bank for Development and Function (the largest brain bank in East Asia) an important resource to explore the link between the ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism and Alzheimer’s disease pathology. Here, using 469 postmortem brains, we find that while the ALDH2 rs671 variant is associated with increased plaque deposits and a higher Aβ40/42 ratio, it is not an independent risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. Mechanistically, we show that lower ALDH2 activity leads to 4-HNE accumulation in the brain. The (R)−4-HNE enantiomer adducts to residue Lys53 of C99, favoring Aβ40 generation in the Golgi apparatus. Decreased ALDH2 activity also lowers inflammatory factor secretion, as well as amyloid β phagocytosis and spread in brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. We thus define the relationship between the ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism and amyloid β pathology, and find that ALDH2 rs671 is a key regulator of Aβ40 or Aβ42 generation.
Versatile human cardiac tissues engineered with perfusable heart extracellular microenvironment for biomedical applications
Authors: Min Sungjin , Kim Suran , Sim Woo-Sup , Choi Yi Sun , Joo Hyebin , Park Jae-Hyun , Lee Su-Jin , Kim Hyeok , Lee Mi Jeong , Jeong Inhea , Cui Baofang , Jo Sung-Hyun , Kim Jin-Ju , Hong Seok Beom , Choi Yeon-Jik , Ban Kiwon , Kim Yun-Gon , Park Jang-Ung , Lee Hyang-Ae , Park Hun-Jun , Cho Seung-Woo
Published: March 2024

Engineered human cardiac tissues have been utilized for various biomedical applications, including drug testing, disease modeling, and regenerative medicine. However, the applications of cardiac tissues derived from human pluripotent stem cells are often limited due to their immaturity and lack of functionality. Therefore, in this study, we establish a perfusable culture system based on in vivo-like heart microenvironments to improve human cardiac tissue fabrication. The integrated culture platform of a microfluidic chip and a three-dimensional heart extracellular matrix enhances human cardiac tissue development and their structural and functional maturation. These tissues are comprised of cardiovascular lineage cells, including cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells, as well as vascular endothelial cells. The resultant macroscale human cardiac tissues exhibit improved efficacy in drug testing (small molecules with various levels of arrhythmia risk), disease modeling (Long QT Syndrome and cardiac fibrosis), and regenerative therapy (myocardial infarction treatment). Therefore, our culture system can serve as a highly effective tissue-engineering platform to provide human cardiac tissues for versatile biomedical applications.
Reduction of Li+ within a borate anion
Authors: Li Haokun , Yao Jiachen , Xu Gan , Yiu Shek-Man , Siu Chi-Kit , Wang Zhen , Peng Yung-Kang , Xie Yi , Wang Ying , Lu Zhenpin
Published: March 2024

Group 1 elements exhibit the lowest electronegativity values in the Periodic Table. The chemical reduction of Group 1 metal cations M+ to M(0) is extremely challenging. Common tetraaryl borates demonstrate limited redox properties and are prone to decomposition upon oxidation. In this study, by employing simple yet versatile bipyridines as ligands, we synthesized a series of redox-active borate anions characterized by NMR and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. Notably, the borate anion can realize the reduction of Li+, generating elemental lithium metal and boron radical, thereby demonstrating its potent reducing ability. Furthermore, it can serve as a powerful two-electron-reducing reagent and be readily applied in various reductive homo-coupling reactions and Birch reduction of acridine. Additionally, this borate anion demonstrates its catalytic ability in the selective two-electron reduction of CO2 into CO.
Ab initio theory of the nonequilibrium adsorption energy
Authors: Lee Juho , Yeo Hyeonwoo , Lee Ryong-Gyu , Kim Yong-Hoon
Published: March 2024

While first-principles calculations of electrode-molecule adsorption play an indispensable role in obtaining atomic-level understanding in surface science and electrochemistry, a significant challenge remains because the adsorption energy is well-defined only in equilibrium. Herein, a theory to calculate the electric enthalpy for electrified interfaces is formulated within the multi-space constrained-search density functional theory (MS-DFT), which provides the nonequilibrium total energy of a nanoscale electrode-channel-electrode junction. An additional MS-DFT calculation for the electrode-only counterpart that maintains the same bias voltage allows one to identify the internal energy of the channel as well as the electric field and the channel polarization, which together determine the electric enthalpy and the nonequilibrium adsorption energy. Application of the developed scheme to the water-Au and water-graphene interface models shows that the Au and graphene electrodes induce very different behaviors in terms of the electrode potential-dependent stabilization of water configurations. The theory developed here will be a valuable tool in the ongoing effort to obtain atomic-scale understanding of bias-dependent molecular reorganizations in electrified interfaces.
Complexity of crack front geometry enhances toughness of brittle solids
Authors: Wei Xinyue , Li Chenzhuo , McCarthy Cían , Kolinski John M.
Published: March 2024

Brittle solids typically fail by growth and propagation of a crack from a surface flaw. This process is modelled using linear elastic fracture mechanics, which parameterizes the toughness of a material by the critical stress intensity factor, or the prefactor of the singular stress field. This widely used theory applies for cracks that are planar, but cracks typically are not planar, and instead are geometrically complex, violating core tenets of linear elastic fracture mechanics. Here we characterize the crack tip kinematics of complex crack fronts in three dimensions using optical microscopy of several transparent, brittle materials, including hydrogels of four different chemistries and an elastomer. We find that the critical strain energy required to drive the crack is directly proportional to the geodesic length of the crack, which makes the sample effectively tougher. The connection between crack front geometry and toughness has repercussions for the theoretical modelling of three-dimensional cracks, from engineering testing of materials to ab-initio development of novel materials, and highlights an important gap in the current theory for three-dimensional cracks.
Simulation of interfacial debonding in hollow particle reinforced composites with VCFEM
Authors: Wang Zhiyi , Zhang Rui
Published: March 2024

The addition of hollow glass microsphere into composites is a method to improve mechanical properties. However, the interfacial debonding of hollow microsphere inevitably causes a decrease in the mechanical properties of the material, which ultimately leads to the failure of the composites. In the numerical simulation of such hollow particle-reinforced composites, the ordinary displacement finite element requires a large number of meshes, which undoubtedly greatly increases the computational cost. In this paper, a new VCFEM is proposed to solve this problem by establishing a two-dimensional Voronoi cell finite element model, deriving the residual energy generalized function of hollow particle-reinforced composites, and calculating the interface debonding. The simulation results are compared with the commercial software MARC, ABAQUS to verify the effectiveness of this VCFEM. The results show that this VCFEM greatly improves the computational efficiency while ensuring the accuracy. Based on this model, this paper also investigates the effect of the generation of interfacial debonding on the overall structure and the effect of different wall thickness of hollow particles on the damage of element debonding.
Numerical simulation of shoegear-rail coupling vibration under different initial contact forces
Authors: Xing Tong , Peng Peihuo , Pan Like , Yang Caizhi , He Fan
Published: March 2024

As cities have grown, conductor rail power supplies have been widely used in the field of urban rail transit. In order to improve the running performance of trains and reduce the occurrence of accidents, it is necessary to understand the vibration of shoegear-rail system under different initial contact forces and explore the dynamic performance of shoegear-rail system. Therefore, according to the structure of shoegear-rail system, a coupling model of shoegear-rail system is established in this paper. On the basis of the model, the numerical simulation of the shoegear-rail system under different initial contact forces is carried out, and finally the vibration data of the shoegear-rail system under different initial contact forces are obtained. The results show that with the increase of initial contact force in the range of 70–160 N, the vibration amplitude of the electric shoegear and the fluctuation amplitude of the contact force increase, but the maximum absolute shear force value of the conductor rail decreases. It indicates that the lower initial contact force, the better the performance of shoegear-rail system.
Global and regional prevalence of Cronobacter sakazakii in powdered milk and flour
Authors: Ekundayo Temitope C. , Ijabadeniyi Oluwatosin A.
Published: March 2024

Cronobacter sakazakii (Cz) infections linked with powdered milk/flour (PMF) are on the increase in recent times. The current study aimed at assessing worldwide and regional prevalence of Cz in PMF. Cz-PMF-directed data were conscientiously mined in four mega-databases via topic-field driven PRISMA protocol without any restriction. Bivariate analysis of datasets was conducted and then fitted to random-intercept logistic mixed-effects regressions with leave-one-study-out-cross-validation (LOSOCV). Small-study effects were assayed via Egger’s regression tests. Contributing factors to Cz contamination/detection in PMF were determined using 1000-permutation-bootstrapped meta-regressions. A total of 3761 records were found out of which 68 studies were included. Sample-size showed considerable correlation with Cz positivity (r = 0.75, p = 2.5e−17), Milkprod2020 (r = 0.33, p = 1.820e−03), and SuDI (r = − 0.30, p = 4.11e−03). The global prevalence of Cz in PMF was 8.39% (95%CI 6.06–11.51, PI: 0.46–64.35) with LOSOCV value of 7.66% (6.39–9.15; PI: 3.10–17.70). Cz prevalence in PMF varies significantly (p < 0.05) with detection methods, DNA extraction method, across continents, WHO regions, and world bank regions. Nation, detection method, world bank region, WHO region, and sample size explained 53.88%, 19.62%, 19.03%, 15.63%, and 9.22% of the true differences in the Cz prevalence in PMF, respectively. In conclusion, the results indicated that national will power in the monitoring and surveillance of Cz in PMF matched with adequate sample size and appropriate detection methods will go a long way in preventing Cz contamination and infections.