bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Area‐Selective Chemical Vapor Deposition of Gold by Electron Beam Seeding
Authors: Tsarapkin Aleksei , Maćkosz Krzysztof , Jureddy Chinmai Sai , Utke Ivo , Höflich Katja
Published: March 2024

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is an established method for producing high‐purity thin films, but it typically necessitates the pre‐ and post‐processing using a mask to produce structures. This study presents a novel maskless patterning technique that enables area‐selective CVD of gold. A focused electron beam is used to decompose the metal–organic precursor Au(acac)Me2 locally, thereby creating an autocatalytically active seed layer for subsequent CVD with the same precursor. The procedure can be included in the same CVD process without the need for clean room lithographic processing. Moreover, it operates at low temperatures of 80 °C, over 200 K lower than standard CVD temperatures for this precursor, reducing thermal load on the specimen. Given that electron beam seeding operates on any even moderately conductive surface, the process does not constrain device design. This is demonstrated by the example of vertical nanostructures with high aspect ratios of ≈40:1 and more. Written using a focused electron beam and the same precursor, these nanopillars exhibit catalytically active nuclei on their surface. Furthermore, by using the onset of the autocatalytic CVD growth, for the first time the local temperature increase caused by the writing of nanostructures with an electron beam can be precisely determined.
Optimising Low Temperature Pyrolysis of Mesoporous Alginate‐Derived Starbon® for Selective Heavy Metal Adsorption
Authors: Garland Nicholas , Gordon Ross , McElroy Con Robert , Parkin Alison , MacQuarrie Duncan
Published: March 2024

In response to the ever increasing need to develop more efficient and sustainable methods for removing heavy metal contaminants from aqueous systems, the following article reports on the design of highly mesoporous alginate‐derived materials (Starbon®) and their application to the adsorption of heavy metals. Using the Starbon® process to expand, dry and pyrolyse an inherently porous polysaccharide precursor, it was possible to produce mesoporous materials (BJH mesopore volumes 0.81–0.94 cm3 g−1) with large surface areas (157–297 m2 g−1) across a range of low pyrolysis temperatures (200–300 °C). The mechanisms of thermal decomposition were explored in terms of chemical and structural changes using N2‐sorption porosimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, titration, FT‐IR spectroscopy and 13C NMR spectroscopy. It was found that, as a result of intermolecular dehydration and crosslinking, sufficient chemical stability is obtained by the intermediate temperature of 250 °C, with limited improvement seen at higher temperatures. In addition, the materials retained large metal adsorption capacities (0.70–1.72 mmol g−1) as well as strong selectivity for Cu2+ ions (over Co2+ and Ni2+), as compared to commercial petrochemical‐derived cation exchange resin Amberlite™ Mac 3H. Thus, highlighting the potential of Starbon® materials as a sustainable answer to the widespread problem of heavy metal‐contaminated wastewaters.
Reversal Effect of Phosphorus on Catalytic Performances of Supported Nickel Catalysts in Reductive Amination of 1,6‐Hexanediol
Authors: Zhang Liyan , Su Xinluona , Zhou Leilei , Li Jingrong , Xiao Tingting , Li Jian , Zhao Fengyu , Cheng Haiyang
Published: March 2024

The reductive amination of 1,6‐hexanediol with ammonia is one of the most promising green routes for synthesis of 1,6‐hexanediamine. Herein, we developed a phosphorous modified Ni catalyst of Ni−P/Al2O3. It presented satisfactory improved selectivity to 1,6‐hexanediamine in the reductive amination of 1,6‐hexanediol compared to the Ni/Al2O3 catalyst. The phosphorous tended to interact with Al2O3 to form AlPOx species, induced Ni nanoparticle to be flatter, and the decrease of strong acid sites, the new‐formed Ni−AlPOx−Al2O3 interface and the flatter Ni nanoparticle were the key to switch the dominating product from hexamethyleneimine to 1,6‐hexanediamine. This work develops an efficient catalyst for production of 1,6‐hexanediamine from the reductive amination of 1,6‐hexanediol, and provides a point of view about designing selective non‐noble metal catalysts for producing primary diamines via reductive amination of diols.
Investigation on the thermal maturity, organic matter sources and depositional environment of lacustrine source rocks in the Dongying Formation of the Bozhong Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, China
Authors: Li Guoxiong , Liu Chenglin , Chen Zhangxing , Awan Rizwan Sarwar , Wang Feilong , Wang Guangyuan , Yang Hong , Zeng Xiaoxiang , Wu Yuping , Feng Dehao , Yang Taozheng , Ding Zhen‐gang
Published: March 2024

The unclear understanding of the source rock characteristics for the Paleogene Dongying Formation in the Bozhong Sag leads to the lack of cognition in oil and gas exploration. This research systematically evaluated the discrepancy in geochemical characteristics of source rock intervals in the Dongying Formation based on detailed analysis using Rock‐Eval pyrolysis, total organic carbon (TOC), vitrinite reflectance (Ro), maceral components, stable carbon isotopes and biomarker parameters. It discusses the organic matter sources, depositional environment, thermal maturity and hydrocarbon generation potential in the source rock intervals of the Dongying Formation. The organic matter abundance in the third member (E3d3) and lower sub‐member of the second member (E3d2L) of the Dongying Formation is higher, with an average TOC of 2.08% and 1.03%, respectively, indicating that these source rock intervals could have good and excellent quality. The source rocks of the Dongying Formation predominately contain exinite maceral group and type II1 and II2 kerogen. The thermal evolution is mainly in the low‐mature and mature stages. The organic matter sources in the Dongying Formation are mainly dominated by mixed origin (the carbon isotope reversal of aromatics also provides a potential explanation). However, the values of 1,2,5−/1,3,6‐trimethylnaphthalene, (1,2,5,6 + 1,2,3,5)‐tetramethylnaphthalene/tetramethylnaphthalenes, methyldibenzofuran/methylphenanthrene (MDBF/MP) and dibenzofuran/phenanthrene (DBF/PHEN) parameters in the E3d3 and some samples in E3d2L decipher relatively smaller values than other source rock intervals, proving the enhancement of the contribution of lower organisms. Moreover, the terrestrial input in the bottom‐up deposition process of the Dongying Formation gradually increases. The depositional environment reveals the Dongying Formation source rocks mainly developed freshwater sulphur‐poor lacustrine facies and shallow lake‐fluvial delta facies in an open clay‐rich sedimentary environment with poor water column stratification, belonging to the typical weak oxidation–reduction depositional conditions. The comprehensive geochemical evaluation concludes that the favourable supply of lower organisms and stable clay‐rich depositional environment in the E3d3 interval of the Dongying Formation are potential explanations for the formation of lacustrine source rocks with high organic matter abundance, intermediate thermal evolution and excellent hydrocarbon generation potential, providing a good foundation for the exploration and development prospects of hydrocarbons.
Repression of LSD1/KDM1A activity improves the response of liver cancer cells to the lenvatinib
Authors: Zong Yi , Tao Zhigang , Jiang Siyi , Wang Minyuan , Yu Weihua
Published: March 2024

Background/Aim

Lenvatinib, a multikinase inhibitor, has become a second-line treatment option for unresectable liver cancer, while its monotherapy response rate is limited. Hence, we aim to investigate whether one of the epigenetic inhibitors will be synthetic lethal with Lenvatinib in liver cancer cells.

Materials and Methods

We performed high-throughput drug screening in combination with Lenvatinib. And we employed CCK-8-based Bliss Synergy Score analysis, colony formation and western blotting to confirm our screening results in both HepG2 and HCCC9810 cells.

Results

We identified that LSD1 inhibitor Pulrodemstat in combination with Lenvatinib dramatically suppressed the PI3K-AKT signaling and induced a more significant activation of Caspase3 compared to Lenvatinib monotherapy.

Conclusion

Pulrodemstat synergized with Lenvatinib based on suppression of PI3K-AKT signaling and activation of apoptotic signaling.
»Ganz Deutschland beschäftigte sich mit dem Buche«
Authors: Dewenter Bastian
Published: March 2024

Der Beitrag widmet sich Gabriele Reuters Erfolgsroman Aus guter Familie. Leidensgeschichte eines Mädchens (1896). Anhand von zwei zeitgenössischen Rezensionen wird gezeigt, dass der populäre Roman auf der einen Seite als gesellschaftskritische Anklageliteratur und auf der anderen Seite als autonomes, literarisches Kunstwerk gelesen und positiv bewertet wurde. Die Depopularisierung des Romans nach dreißig Jahren steht im Zusammenhang mit der Durchsetzung der gesellschaftskritischen Lesart, die dazu führt, dass der Roman als Beitrag zur erfolgreichen Emanzipation der Frauen historisch gewürdigt und zugleich von der Literaturgeschichtsschreibung als »Frauenliteratur« ästhetisch abgewertet wird.
Flood Impacts on Agriculture under Climate Change: The case of the Awanui Catchment, New Zealand
Authors: Djanibekov Utkur , Polyakov Maksym , Craig Heather , Paulik Ryan
Published: March 2024

We assess the economic and environmental impacts on agriculture of flooding under projected climate change, including land-use change as an adaption response to floods. Our case study area is the Awanui catchment located in the far north of New Zealand, where flooding is a significant hazard. The study uses an integrated approach and combines spatial information on agricultural exposure and damage from flooding, economic land-use modelling, and valuation approaches. We analyse direct tangible and direct intangible flood impacts under various extents, frequencies, and water depth levels. Our results show areas with flood exposure and damage costs increase with projected climate change. As an adaptation measure to reduce flood damage costs, pastoral farms convert to other land uses, mainly to unfarmed land. Flooding reduces the net revenue for the catchment, while it can result in some reduction of environmental pollution. When the probability of all possible flood events are considered, the value of the changes in greenhouse gas emissions are equivalent to approximately 18% of the change in total net revenue, while the value of changes in other environmental outputs is equivalent to less than 1% of the change in total net revenue. Based on this study, the assessment of various flood impacts and adaptation responses to them can help to develop resilience strategies for the agricultural sector to future climate-induced flooding.
Schulisches Wohlbefinden von Schüler*innen der Sekundarstufe I in inklusiven Lerngruppen – Analysen zum Entwicklungsverlauf an der Laborschule Bielefeld
Authors: Marker Rabea , Kullmann Harry , Zentarra Dominik , Geist Sabine , Lütje-Klose Birgit
Published: March 2024

Das schulische Wohlbefinden ist ein grundlegendes, sozio-emotionales Bedürfnis aller Schüler*innen und daher ein zentraler Qualitätsindikator inklusiver Schulen. Wenig ist bislang jedoch über die Entwicklung des schulischen Wohlbefindens in inklusiven Klassen der Sekundarstufe I bekannt. Im Rahmen eines internen Evaluationsprozesses an der Laborschule Bielefeld, der inklusiven Versuchsschule des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen, hat ein interdisziplinäres Team im Forschungs- und Entwicklungsprojekt „Wohlbefinden und Inklusion an der Laborschule – eine Selbstreflexion“ die Selbsteinschätzungen der Schüler*innen hinsichtlich ihres schulischen Wohlbefindens untersucht. Hierzu wurden alle Schüler*innen der Jahrgangstufen 6 bis 10 zwischen 2013 und 2018 jährlich zu einer Befragung eingeladen. Auf der Grundlage des zugehörigen, mit vielen Messzeitpunkten und hoher Beteiligungsquote ausgestatteten längsschnittlichen Datensatzes, wurden für den vorliegenden Beitrag lineare und quadratische Verläufe des schulischen Wohlbefindens von Schüler*innen aus inklusiven Lerngruppen der Sekundarstufe I vergleichend analysiert.

Unter Berücksichtigung von insgesamt sechs Komponenten des schulischen Wohlbefindens zeigt sich für zwei Komponenten eine lineare Entwicklung: Die Affinität zur Stammgruppe (bzw. zur eigenen Klasse) nimmt über die Sekundarstufe I leicht ab, ebenso die wahrgenommenen sozialen Probleme in der Schule. Die Verläufe der drei Komponenten Einstellungen und Emotionen gegenüber der Schule, schulischer Selbstwert und Sorgen wegen der Schule werden hingegen signifikant besser durch eine quadratische Modellierung abgebildet. Für diese zeigt sich mit zunehmender Jahrgangsstufe eine weniger ausgeprägte Abnahme (Einstellungen und Emotionen gegenüber der Schule, Abwesenheit von Sorgen wegen der Schule), der teilweise eine Zunahme in höheren Jahrgangsstufen folgt (schulischer Selbstwert). Das Ausmaß körperlicher Beschwerden verändert sich nicht signifikant in Abhängigkeit von der Jahrgangsstufe. Schulpädagogische Implikationen werden im Beitrag ebenso diskutiert wie die Perspektiven für künftige Forschung.
Eigenfrequencies of a Three-Dimensional Arbitrarily-Curved Beam
Authors: Sakman Lutfi Emir , Ozer Hasan Omur , Sezgin Aziz , Durak Birkan , Kapkin Sule
Published: March 2024

Research Problem

The eigenvalue problem for the vibrations of an arbitrarily-curved three-dimensional beam with circular cross-section is solved by a series expansion method under various boundary conditions.

Methodology

The governing differential equations of motion are derived based on Euler-Bernoulli beam theory using the Hamilton’s principle. The general equations are given for any space curved beam with variable curvature and torsion, and solved for a specific example using the method of power series.

Results and Conclusions

The eigenfrequencies of a specific 3D beam were computed and compared with the eigenfrequencies of straight, circular, and helical beams, all having the same length. It was found that the eigenfrequencies of the 3D beam tend to increase slower compared to the other cases as the mode number increases. The main contribution of this study is the computation of the eigenfrequencies of a truly three-dimensional beam: torsion and curvature change continously along the beam length. In constrast, the most studied 3D case, helical beam, has constant curvature and torsion.
Evolution and correlation of the physiochemical properties of bamboo char under successive pyrolysis process
Authors: Wang Jiajun , Li Zhenrui , Li Yujun , Wang Zhihui , Liu Xing’e , Liu Zhenzhen , Ma Jianfeng
Published: March 2024

This study investigated the effects of bamboo age, bamboo parts, and pyrolysis temperatures on the physiochemical properties of bamboo char throughout a series of pyrolysis processes spanning from 150 °C to 1000 °C. The results indicated that as the pyrolysis temperature increased from 150 °C to 500 °C, the yield of bamboo char experienced a rapid decline, settling at a maximum of 69%, with no significant impact from bamboo age and parts. Subsequently, as the pyrolysis temperature continued to rise from 500 °C to 1000 °C, the yield stabilized at 25.74–32.64%. Besides, fixed carbon (FC), volatile matter (VM), and ash content were temperature-dependent, while the H/C, O/C, (N + O)/C, and aromatic index kept constant after reaching 500 °C. Notably, 800 °C was confirmed to be a crucial turning point for physiochemical properties, at which the graphitic structural changes occurred, pore collapsed, and potassium salts released. Bamboo age was proved to enhance the stability. Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) analysis revealed that the pyrolysis temperature was positively correlated (p < 0.01) with ash (0.76), FC (0.97), AI (0.81), R50 (0.77), and C–C/C = C/C–H (0.87). Conversely, negative correlations (p < 0.01) were observed with VM (−0.91), O/C (0.88), H/C (−0.95), (N + O)/C (−0.87), C loss (−0.79), and labile organic-C (−0.78). Additionally, bamboo age was negatively correlated (p < 0.01) with C loss (−0.40), volatile organic-C (−0.63), labile organic-C (−0.45), and recalcitrant organic-C (−0.40), but positively associated with R50 (0.54), refractory organic-C (0.42), and inorganic-C (0.52). Bamboo parts did not exhibit significant correlations with char properties.

Graphical Abstract
‘Hypernudging’: a threat to moral autonomy?
Authors: Richards Isabel
Published: March 2024

It is well-recognised that cognitive irrationalities can be exploited to influence behaviour. ‘Hypernudging’ was coined by Karen Yeung to describe a powerful version of this phenomenon seen in digital systems that use large quantities of user data and machine learning to guide decision-making in highly personalised ways. Authors have worried about the societal impacts of the use of these capabilities at scale in commercial systems but have only begun to articulate them concretely. In this paper I look to elucidate one concern of this sort by focusing specifically on the employment of these techniques within social media and considering how it threatens our autonomy in forming moral judgments. By moral judgments I mean our judgments of someone’s actions or character as good versus bad. A threat to our autonomy in forming these is of real concern because moral judgments and their associated beliefs provide a critical backdrop for what is deemed acceptable in society, both individually and collectively and therefore what futures are possible and probable.

In the first two sections I introduce a psychological model that describes how humans reach moral judgments and the conditions under which it can and cannot be considered autonomous. In the third section I describe how hypernudging within a social media context creates the relevant problematic conditions so as to constitute a threat to our autonomy in forming moral judgments. In the fourth section I explore some practical measures that could be taken to protect moral autonomy. I conclude with some indicative evidence that this threat is not experienced uniformly across all societies, pointing to interesting future areas of research.
Beyond house size: Alternative estimates of wealth inequality in the ancient Maya Lowlands
Authors: Munson Jessica , Scholnick Jonathan , Mejía Ramón Andrés G. , Paiz Aragon Lorena
Published: March 2024

House size provides a comparative measure of household wealth that enables archaeologists to track global trends in inequality across a range of sedentary societies. Such approaches hold particular promise for Maya archaeology given its long history of settlement pattern research and recent applications of LiDAR to map large areas surrounding ancient Maya cities. Estimating dwelling size, however, is not a trivial exercise. This article addresses potential confounds associated with geometric-based estimates (volume and area) and compares traditional house size-based measures of wealth with other estimates of house size and quality of life indicators. Settlement pattern data from the Upper Usumacinta Confluence Zone, recently collected by the Proyecto Arqueológico Altar de Sacrificios, combined with previously published excavation data provide a robust dataset to evaluate alternative measures of wealth beyond house size.
Residential size and volume differentiation across urban zones at El Perú-Waka', Peten, Guatemala
Authors: Marken Damien B.
Published: March 2024

Located at the western edge of the Classic Maya heartland, El Peru-Waka' was one of the most densely aggregated urban cores in the Lowlands. With households packed next to each other, it can be difficult to define where one ends and another begins. Nevertheless, survey and excavation data suggest that differences in household provisioning and generational cycling created considerable variation in household wealth across the city. This paper employs household area (m2) and volume (m3) to calculate Gini coefficients for the El Peru-Waka' urban core and immediate hinterlands to quantify household differentiation across the urban landscape. Comparison of the coefficients for the total study area with those for individual urban zones (core, periurban, hinterland) demonstrate that while El Perú-Waka' exhibits high overall household differentiation, this differentiation is considerably muted within a given urban zone. This demonstrates the impact of settlement location on differences in household size and architectural investment.
Inequality on the southwest Maya frontier: House size variations in three polities of the Rosario Valley, Chiapas
Authors: Shaw-Müller Kyle , Walden John P.
Published: March 2024

Being a form of labor investment, house size is frequently analyzed as an index of socioeconomic inequality. However, datasets that lack wide-ranging residential stratigraphic information are not reliable sources of labor investment estimates. This is the case for Late Classic domestic architecture data from three polities in the Rosario Valley (modern-day Chiapas) on the southwest Maya frontier: Rosario, Ojo de Agua, and Los Encuentros. Although the sample's house size inequality generally cannot index period-specific labor investment, it may signify prestige differentiation. For each polity we generated Lorenz curves and calculated Gini coefficients for five variables representing house size (area and volume). Results resemble inequality data from lowland Classic Maya centers. We also demonstrate that the smallest, shortest-lived polity had more equal house size values, likely due to the modesty of its apical elite architecture. In contrast, the two larger, older polities were more unequal because they had substantial palaces.
Steuerungsgruppenarbeit als Instrument der Schulentwicklung
Authors: Schwarzer Gabriele
Published: March 2024

Zusammenfassung: Im Projekt „Kompetenzorientiert und Generalistisch Lernen (KuGeL)“ erarbeiteten drei Berufsfachschulen für Pflege gemeinsam ein Curriculum. Um diesen Prozess zu koordinieren, wurde eine Steuerungsgruppe initiiert. In diesem Artikel sollen Gelingensbedingungen aber auch Herausforderungen der Steuerungsgruppenarbeit als Instrument der Schulentwicklung dargelegt werden.
Dwarf Planets Show Evidence of Recent Geologic Activity
Authors: Benningfield Damond
Published: March 2024

Large bodies in the Kuiper Belt and beyond could have hosted subsurface oceans.
Temporal trend of microenvironmental time-activity patterns of the Seoul population from 2004 to 2022 and its potential impact on exposure assessment
Authors: Kim Donghyun , Guak Sooyoung , Lee Kiyoung
Published: March 2024

Background

Time-activity pattern (TAP) is an important parameter for determining personal exposure to environmental pollutants. Changes in TAPs could have significant implications for the alterations in outcomes of exposure assessments.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the Seoul population’s long-term change in TAPs, along with variations by sociodemographic group.

Methods

In 2004, 2009, 2014, and 2019, the Time Use Survey of Statistics Korea collected the TAP information of 4036, 2610, 3337, and 2793 Seoul residents, respectively. In 2022, the TAP information of 4401 Seoul residents was collected for Korean Air Pollutant Exposure (KAPEX) research. The microenvironmental TAP changes in the Seoul population from 2004 to 2022 were assessed based on age, gender, work status, and day type.

Results

From 2004 to 2022, Seoul people increasingly spent more time in indoor residences (from 14.8 ± 5.1 h to 15.8 ± 4.5 h) and less time in other indoors (from 7.2 ± 4.5 h to 5.9 ± 4.2 h). Their transit time constantly decreased from 2004 (1.4 ± 1.8 h) to 2022 (1.2 ± 1.3 h), whereas the outdoor time fluctuated throughout the years. From 2004 to 2022, the time of the day spent by Seoul people in residential indoor shifted to later in the morning (2004: 8:30 am; 2022: 9:00 am) and earlier in the evening (2004: 9:30 pm; 2022: 7:00 pm); however, the opposite was true for other indoors (2004: from 8:30 am to 9:30 pm; 2022: from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm) and transits (2004: 7:30–9:30 am and 3:00–8:00 pm; 2022: 7:30–9:00 pm and 5:00–9:00). The time of the day spent in outdoors increased from 2004 to 2019, with a distinct peak observed in 2022 (12:00 pm–2:00 pm). The microenvironmental time trends of adolescents and late-adulthoods differed from those of the other age groups, while those of males differed from females. Also, the microenvironmental time trends of the employed differed from those of the unemployed, and those during weekdays differed from those during weekends.

Impact statement

Microenvironmental TAP should be essentially considered to estimate the actual exposure to pollutants. This study demonstrates the Seoul population’s long-term changes in TAP throughout the 18 years as the significant parameter in exposure assessment. Notably, the microenvironmental TAPs of Seoul people shifted, with variations across different sociodemographic groups. Previous studies in Korea did not consider the TAP shifts in exposure assessment; this study highlights the importance of aligning TAP data with concurrent environmental pollutant data and emphasizes the need for refined data collection in future exposure assessments.
The burden of mental disorders in Asian countries, 1990–2019: an analysis for the global burden of disease study 2019
Authors: Chen Qi , Huang Shu , Xu Huan , Peng Jieyu , Wang Ping , Li Shiqi , Zhao Jinxi , Shi Xiaomin , Zhang Wei , Shi Lei , Peng Yan , Tang Xiaowei
Published: March 2024

Mental disorders are the leading contributors to the globally nonfatal burden of disease. This study was aimed to estimate the burden of mental disorders in Asian countries. Based on GBD 2019, the prevalence and disability-adjusted life of years (DALYs) rates with 95% uncertainty intervals (UI) were estimated in Asian countries. Predictions for the future burden of 8 selected countries, ranks of the burden of mental disorders and correlations with Sociodemographic Index (SDI) were also estimated. During the past 3 decades, while the number of DALYs of mental disorders increased from 43.9 million (95% UI: 32.5–57.2) to 69.0 million (95% UI: 51.0–89.7), the age-standardized rates of DALYs of mental disorders remained largely consistent from 1452.2 (95% UI: 1080.16–1888.53) per 100,000 population in 1990 to 1434.82 (95% UI: 1065.02–1867.27) per 100,000 population in 2019, ranked as the eighth most significant disease burden in Asia in 2019. Depressive disorders (37.2%) were the leading contributors to the age-standardized DALY rates of mental disorders in Asia, followed by anxiety disorders (21.5%). The age-standardized DALY rates in females were higher than their male counterparts, both peaked at 30-34 years. The age-standardized DALY rates were predicted to remain stable, with the number of DALYs presented an upward trend in the future. There was no significant correlation between the burden of mental disorders and SDI. All mental disorders ranked higher in 2019, compared in 1990. To reduce this burden, urgent measures for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation for mental disorders need to be taken by Asian governments.
Ventriculosubgaleal shunt placement for hydrocephalus in osteogenesis imperfecta with novel compound heterozygous CRTAP variants
Authors: Nakamura Shintaro , Ibi Kyosuke , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Takami Hirokazu , Okada Keita , Takasugi Nao , Kato Motohiro , Takahashi Naoto , Inoue Takanobu
Published: March 2024

Osteogenesis imperfecta is characterized by frequent fractures, bone deformities, and other systemic symptoms. Severe osteogenesis imperfecta may progress to hydrocephalus; however, treatment strategies for this complication remain unclear. Here, we describe severe osteogenesis imperfecta in an infant with symptomatic hydrocephalus treated with ventriculosubgaleal shunt placement. Targeted next-generation sequencing revealed novel compound heterozygous CRTAP variants, i.e., NM_006371.5, c.241 G > T, p.(Glu81*) and NM_006371.5, c.923-2_932del. We suggest that ventriculosubgaleal shunt placement is an effective and safe treatment for hydrocephalus in patients with severe osteogenesis imperfecta.
Genome-scale community modelling reveals conserved metabolic cross-feedings in epipelagic bacterioplankton communities
Authors: Giordano Nils , Gaudin Marinna , Trottier Camille , Delage Erwan , Nef Charlotte , Bowler Chris , Chaffron Samuel
Published: March 2024

Marine microorganisms form complex communities of interacting organisms that influence central ecosystem functions in the ocean such as primary production and nutrient cycling. Identifying the mechanisms controlling their assembly and activities is a major challenge in microbial ecology. Here, we integrated Tara Oceans meta-omics data to predict genome-scale community interactions within prokaryotic assemblages in the euphotic ocean. A global genome-resolved co-activity network revealed a significant number of inter-lineage associations across diverse phylogenetic distances. Identified co-active communities include species displaying smaller genomes but encoding a higher potential for quorum sensing, biofilm formation, and secondary metabolism. Community metabolic modelling reveals a higher potential for interaction within co-active communities and points towards conserved metabolic cross-feedings, in particular of specific amino acids and group B vitamins. Our integrated ecological and metabolic modelling approach suggests that genome streamlining and metabolic auxotrophies may act as joint mechanisms shaping bacterioplankton community assembly in the global ocean surface.
Ni-catalyzed enantioconvergent deoxygenative reductive cross-coupling of unactivated alkyl alcohols and aryl bromides
Authors: Zhang Li-Li , Gao Yu-Zhong , Cai Sheng-Han , Yu Hui , Shen Shou-Jie , Ping Qian , Yang Ze-Peng
Published: March 2024

Transition metal-catalyzed enantioconvergent cross-coupling of an alkyl precursor presents a promising method for producing enantioenriched C(sp3) molecules. Because alkyl alcohol is a ubiquitous and abundant family of feedstock in nature, the direct reductive coupling of alkyl alcohol and aryl halide enables efficient access to valuable compounds. Although several strategies have been developed to overcome the high bond dissociation energy of the C − O bond, the asymmetric pattern remains unknown. In this report, we describe the realization of an enantioconvergent deoxygenative reductive cross-coupling of unactivated alkyl alcohol (β-hydroxy ketone) and aryl bromide in the presence of an NHC activating agent. The approach can accommodate substituents of various sizes and functional groups, and its synthetic potency is demonstrated through a gram scale reaction and derivatizations into other compound families. Finally, we apply our convergent method to the efficient asymmetric synthesis of four β-aryl ketones that are natural products or bioactive compounds.
Deep biogeographic barriers explain divergent global vertebrate communities
Authors: Williams Peter J. , Zipkin Elise F. , Brodie Jedediah F.
Published: March 2024

Biogeographic history can lead to variation in biodiversity across regions, but it remains unclear how the degree of biogeographic isolation among communities may lead to differences in biodiversity. Biogeographic analyses generally treat regions as discrete units, but species assemblages differ in how much biogeographic history they share, just as species differ in how much evolutionary history they share. Here, we use a continuous measure of biogeographic distance, phylobetadiversity, to analyze the influence of biogeographic isolation on the taxonomic and functional diversity of global mammal and bird assemblages. On average, biodiversity is better predicted by environment than by isolation, especially for birds. However, mammals in deeply isolated regions are strongly influenced by isolation; mammal assemblages in Australia and Madagascar, for example, are much less diverse than predicted by environment alone and contain unique combinations of functional traits compared to other regions. Neotropical bat assemblages are far more functionally diverse than Paleotropical assemblages, reflecting the different trajectories of bat communities that have developed in isolation over tens of millions of years. Our results elucidate how long-lasting biogeographic barriers can lead to divergent diversity patterns, against the backdrop of environmental determinism that predominantly structures diversity across most of the world.
Bioorthogonal photocatalytic proximity labeling in primary living samples
Authors: Liu Ziqi , Guo Fuhu , Zhu Yufan , Qin Shengnan , Hou Yuchen , Guo Haotian , Lin Feng , Chen Peng R. , Fan Xinyuan
Published: March 2024

In situ profiling of subcellular proteomics in primary living systems, such as native tissues or clinic samples, is crucial for understanding life processes and diseases, yet challenging due to methodological obstacles. Here we report CAT-S, a bioorthogonal photocatalytic chemistry-enabled proximity labeling method, that expands proximity labeling to a wide range of primary living samples for in situ profiling of mitochondrial proteomes. Powered by our thioQM labeling warhead development and targeted bioorthogonal photocatalytic chemistry, CAT-S enables the labeling of mitochondrial proteins in living cells with high efficiency and specificity. We apply CAT-S to diverse cell cultures, dissociated mouse tissues as well as primary T cells from human blood, portraying the native-state mitochondrial proteomic characteristics, and unveiled hidden mitochondrial proteins (PTPN1, SLC35A4 uORF, and TRABD). Furthermore, CAT-S allows quantification of proteomic perturbations on dysfunctional tissues, exampled by diabetic mouse kidneys, revealing the alterations of lipid metabolism that may drive disease progression. Given the advantages of non-genetic operation, generality, and spatiotemporal resolution, CAT-S may open exciting avenues for subcellular proteomic investigations of primary samples that are otherwise inaccessible.
Methyl transfer in psilocybin biosynthesis
Authors: Hudspeth Jesse , Rogge Kai , Dörner Sebastian , Müll Maximilian , Hoffmeister Dirk , Rupp Bernhard , Werten Sebastiaan
Published: March 2024

Psilocybin, the natural hallucinogen produced by Psilocybe (“magic”) mushrooms, holds great promise for the treatment of depression and several other mental health conditions. The final step in the psilocybin biosynthetic pathway, dimethylation of the tryptophan-derived intermediate norbaeocystin, is catalysed by PsiM. Here we present atomic resolution (0.9 Å) crystal structures of PsiM trapped at various stages of its reaction cycle, providing detailed insight into the SAM-dependent methylation mechanism. Structural and phylogenetic analyses suggest that PsiM derives from epitranscriptomic N6-methyladenosine writers of the METTL16 family, which is further supported by the observation that bound substrates physicochemically mimic RNA. Inherent limitations of the ancestral monomethyltransferase scaffold hamper the efficiency of psilocybin assembly and leave PsiM incapable of catalysing trimethylation to aeruginascin. The results of our study will support bioengineering efforts aiming to create novel variants of psilocybin with improved therapeutic properties.
Charge state-dependent symmetry breaking of atomic defects in transition metal dichalcogenides
Authors: Xiang Feifei , Huberich Lysander , Vargas Preston A. , Torsi Riccardo , Allerbeck Jonas , Tan Anne Marie Z. , Dong Chengye , Ruffieux Pascal , Fasel Roman , Gröning Oliver , Lin Yu-Chuan , Hennig Richard G. , Robinson Joshua A. , Schuler Bruno
Published: March 2024

The functionality of atomic quantum emitters is intrinsically linked to their host lattice coordination. Structural distortions that spontaneously break the lattice symmetry strongly impact their optical emission properties and spin-photon interface. Here we report on the direct imaging of charge state-dependent symmetry breaking of two prototypical atomic quantum emitters in mono- and bilayer MoS2 by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and non-contact atomic force microscopy (nc-AFM). By changing the built-in substrate chemical potential, different charge states of sulfur vacancies (VacS) and substitutional rhenium dopants (ReMo) can be stabilized. $${\mathrm{Vac}}_{{{{{{{{\rm{S}}}}}}}}}^{-1}$$

Vac

S

−
1

as well as $${{\mathrm{Re}}}_{{{{{{{{\rm{Mo}}}}}}}}}^{0}$$

Re

Mo

0

and $${\mathrm{Re}}_{{\rm{Mo}}}^{-1}$$

Re

Mo

−
1

exhibit local lattice distortions and symmetry-broken defect orbitals attributed to a Jahn-Teller effect (JTE) and pseudo-JTE, respectively. By mapping the electronic and geometric structure of single point defects, we disentangle the effects of spatial averaging, charge multistability, configurational dynamics, and external perturbations that often mask the presence of local symmetry breaking.
Condensin-mediated restriction of retrotransposable elements facilitates brain development in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Crawford Bert I. , Talley Mary Jo , Russman Joshua , Riddle James , Torres Sabrina , Williams Troy , Longworth Michelle S.
Published: March 2024

Neural stem and progenitor cell (NSPC) maintenance is essential for ensuring that organisms are born with proper brain volumes and head sizes. Microcephaly is a disorder in which babies are born with significantly smaller head sizes and cortical volumes. Mutations in subunits of the DNA organizing complex condensin have been identified in microcephaly patients. However, the molecular mechanisms by which condensin insufficiency causes microcephaly remain elusive. We previously identified conserved roles for condensins in repression of retrotransposable elements (RTEs). Here, we show that condensin subunit knockdown in NSPCs of the Drosophila larval central brain increases RTE expression and mobility which causes cell death, and significantly decreases adult head sizes and brain volumes. These findings suggest that unrestricted RTE expression and activity may lead to improper brain development in condensin insufficient organisms, and lay the foundation for future exploration of causative roles for RTEs in other microcephaly models.
Black-hole powered quantum coherent amplifier
Authors: Misra Avijit , Chattopadhyay Pritam , Svidzinsky Anatoly , Scully Marlan O. , Kurizki Gershon
Published: March 2024

Atoms falling into a black hole (BH) through a cavity are shown to enable coherent amplification of light quanta powered by the BH-gravitational vacuum energy. This process can harness the BH energy towards useful purposes, such as propelling a spaceship trapped by the BH. The process can occur via transient amplification of a signal field by falling atoms that are partly excited by Hawking radiation reflected by an orbiting mirror. In the steady-state regime of thermally equilibrated atoms that weakly couple to the field, this amplifier constitutes a BH-powered quantum heat engine. The envisaged effects substantiate the thermodynamic approach to BH acceleration radiation.
Evaluating a combination treatment of NK cells and reovirus against bladder cancer cells using an in vitro assay to simulate intravesical therapy
Authors: Lim Yuree , Park Jeehun , Lim Joung Eun , Park Minji , Koh Seung Kwon , Lee Mijeong , Kim Sang-ki , Lee Seung-Hwan , Song Ki-Hoon , Park Dong Guk , Kim Hyun-Young , Jeong Byong Chang , Cho Duck
Published: March 2024

Intravesical treatment using either reovirus or natural killer (NK) cells serves as an efficient strategy for the treatment of bladder cancer cells (BCCs); however, corresponding monotherapies have often shown modest cytotoxicity. The potential of a locoregional combination using high-dose reovirus and NK cell therapy in an intravesical approach has not yet been studied. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of reoviruses and expanded NK cells (eNK) as potential strategies for the treatment of bladder cancer. The anti-tumor effects of mono-treatment with reovirus type 3 Dearing strain (RC402 and RP116) and in combination with interleukin (IL)-18/-21-pretreated eNK cells were investigated on BCC lines (5637, HT-1376, and 253J-BV) using intravesical therapy to simulate in vitro model. RP116 and IL-18/-21-pretreated eNK cells exhibited effective cytotoxicity against grade 1 carcinoma (5637 cells) when used alone, but not against HT-1376 (grade 2 carcinoma) and 253J-BV cells (derived from a metastatic site). Notably, combining RP116 with IL-18/-21-pretreated eNK cells displayed effective cytotoxicity against both HT-1376 and 253J-BV cells. Our findings underscore the potential of a combination therapy using reoviruses and NK cells as a promising strategy for treating bladder cancer.
Vulnerability detection in Java source code using a quantum convolutional neural network with self-attentive pooling, deep sequence, and graph-based hybrid feature extraction
Authors: Hussain Shumaila , Nadeem Muhammad , Baber Junaid , Hamdi Mohammed , Rajab Adel , Al Reshan Mana Saleh , Shaikh Asadullah
Published: March 2024

Software vulnerabilities pose a significant threat to system security, necessitating effective automatic detection methods. Current techniques face challenges such as dependency issues, language bias, and coarse detection granularity. This study presents a novel deep learning-based vulnerability detection system for Java code. Leveraging hybrid feature extraction through graph and sequence-based techniques enhances semantic and syntactic understanding. The system utilizes control flow graphs (CFG), abstract syntax trees (AST), program dependencies (PD), and greedy longest-match first vectorization for graph representation. A hybrid neural network (GCN-RFEMLP) and the pre-trained CodeBERT model extract features, feeding them into a quantum convolutional neural network with self-attentive pooling. The system addresses issues like long-term information dependency and coarse detection granularity, employing intermediate code representation and inter-procedural slice code. To mitigate language bias, a benchmark software assurance reference dataset is employed. Evaluations demonstrate the system's superiority, achieving 99.2% accuracy in detecting vulnerabilities, outperforming benchmark methods. The proposed approach comprehensively addresses vulnerabilities, including improper input validation, missing authorizations, buffer overflow, cross-site scripting, and SQL injection attacks listed by common weakness enumeration (CWE).
Multimodal fiber probe for simultaneous mid-infrared and Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Novikov Alexander , Perevoschikov Stanislav , Usenov Iskander , Sakharova Tatiana , Artyushenko Viacheslav , Bogomolov Andrey
Published: March 2024

A fiber probe has been developed that enables simultaneous acquisition of mid-infrared (MIR) and Raman spectra in the region of 3100–2600 cm−1. Multimodal measurement is based on a proposed ZrO2 crystal design at the tip of an attenuated total reflection (ATR) probe. Mid-infrared ATR spectra are obtained through a pair of chalcogenide infrared (CIR) fibers mounted at the base of the crystal. The probe enables both excitation and acquisition of a weak Raman signal from a portion of the sample in front of the crystal using an additional pair of silica fibers located in a plane perpendicular to the CIR fibers. The advantages of combining MIR and Raman spectra in a single probe have been discussed.
Sex differences and age-related changes in the mandibular alveolar bone mineral density using a computer-aided measurement system for intraoral radiography
Authors: Ono Ryutaro , Katsumata Akitoshi , Fujikawa Yumi , Takahira Emi , Yamamoto Toshiro , Kanamura Narisato
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to conduct a cross-sectional data analysis of the alveolar bone mineral density (al-BMD) in 225 patients of various ages and different sexes. The al-BMD value in the mandibular incisor region was calculated using a computer-aided measurement system (DentalSCOPE) for intraoral radiography. All participants with intact teeth (101 males and 124 females; age range, 25–89 years) were divided into three age-segregated groups (25–49, 50–74, and > 75 years). Statistical differences were evaluated using the Mann–Whitney U or Kruskal–Wallis test. Males exhibited significantly greater al-BMD than females (p < 0.001). The highest means were observed in the 25–49 age group, regardless of sex (1007.90 mg/cm2 in males, 910.90 mg/cm2 in females). A 9.8% decrease in al-BMD was observed with the increase in age in males (25–49 to 50–74 years; p = 0.004); however, no further changes were seen thereafter. In females, a decreasing trend was seen throughout the lifespan, with values reaching up to 76.0% of the initial peak value (p < 0.001). Similar to other skeletal sites, the alveolar bone exhibits sex differences and undergoes a reduction in BMD via the normal aging process.
Physical and 3D numerical modelling of reinforcements pullout test
Authors: Damians Ivan P. , Moncada Aníbal , Olivella Sebastià , Lloret Antonio , Josa Alejandro
Published: March 2024

This paper reports results of laboratory and 3D numerical modeled pull-out tests with steel ladders and polymeric strip reinforcements. These types of reinforcement are commonly used in reinforced soil walls constructed with concrete facing elements. Laboratory pull-out tests are required to determine accurate and realistic pull-out strength values considering the interaction of specific reinforcement and backfill materials under different confining pressures (i.e., trying to simulate the different reinforcement layer arrangements and load conditions in actual reinforced soil walls). International design Codes for reinforced soil walls provide default values for pull-out strength. However, in many cases, default values are too conservative and/or are not strictly specified for particular reinforcement types. Pull-out tests can be difficult and expensive to perform, thus not being common nor worth for the vast majority of reinforced soil wall projects. Consequently, calibrated numerical models can be useful to predict pull-out response under site-specific conditions, and provide further understanding of the mechanisms involved in the soil-reinforcement interaction. Details of the numerical approach, including relevant aspects of the soil-reinforcement interfaces, are described. Examples of calibrated numerical predictions for pull-out loads, displacements, and soil-dilatancy effects are presented. The influence of reinforcement, soil and interface stiffnesses is shown. Numerical results provide useful insight for future modelling works of the complex interaction between type-specific backfill materials and reinforcement element, relevant for investigation and/or practical design of reinforced soil walls.